Mystics tend to substitute mystical experience for the Word
of God. While they might seek wisdom, their search tends to exclude the wisdom
of the Word. Sometimes they even reject it.
Thomas Merton, the late contemplative mystic, observed that
many Christians fail to fathom the love of God. However, he attributed this
failure to their adherence to a “sphinx-like arbitrary force,” which he seemed
to associate with the Scriptures. Instead, he proposed that we can know God
through nature, and even life itself:
- How am I to know the will of God?...the very nature of each situation usually bears written into itself some indication of God’s will. (New Seeds of Contemplation)
Merton was correct. God’s creation, including our
conscience, heart, and mind convey His wisdom (Proverbs 1:20-30; Romans
2:14-16). However, apart from having the Spirit and the Scriptures, we
inevitably misinterpret or reject His revelation of nature. Why? Because we
would rather think comforting thoughts about ourselves than correct thoughts! As
Jesus had taught, we prefer the darkness to the light of truth:
- “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” (John 3:19-20 ESV)
Why do we gravitate towards the darkness? Because we can
hide in the darkness and not face the truth about ourselves! Before I was
saved, I too had a conscience, telling me, “You sinned and are condemned.”
However, it was too painful to face this fact and to seek the forgiveness of
the Lord. Instead, I clothed myself in darkness, rationalized my sins, and
convinced myself that my sins were the fault of others. It didn’t matter how
long that my conscience screamed at me, I stubbornly refused to listen,
preferring self-delusion to sincere confession.
I became tormented by my internal struggle, and
peace-of-mind eluded me until the Spirit, working through the Scriptures,
convinced me of my absolute need to confess my sins.
With the internal conflict resolved, my mind is at peace, like
a quiet mountain lake, reflecting the unruffled image of the surrounding trees.
This is part of the freedom that Jesus had promised us (John 8:31-32). It is
the assurance of His steadfast love that enables us to remain in the light of
His scrutiny.
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