Oh For Blog's Sake

I don't know if anyone else blogs just for the sake of blogging, but that is what I am doing right now. Most of the time, when I do this sort of thing - usually when I really want to write something...anything - those are the times when I have seemingly nothing to write about. That may generally explain Luminiferous Brilliance...

I've been reading. Pretty simple thing to say. But it's significant. What is reading? It's translation of words into thoughts. Words are a medium for the thoughts of one mind to be transferred to the mind of another - specifically, from the author to the reader. I don't think it is far-fetched to state that the written word is a way of directing the thoughts of another, but only to an extent. Books are really like a guided river-boat ride. All the most fascinating things are highlighted, but the individual on the ride is free to let his gaze wander and free to draw his own conclusions. Nevertheless, he is on the boat and still subject to the perspective bias of the guide himself. No matter how hard the individual tries to be independently observant, the guide will without question catch brief moments of his attention and direct it as he pleases.

In a book we may read with conscious objectivity, but that is no guarantee against external influence of our thoughts. Though we may passionately disagree with the author, he is still the guide. The words of books are his thoughts, and they enter into our minds as we read. They become part of the mind. And if they become part of the mind, then what is to hinder the flesh from following the example of our thoughts? We become what we think. We think what we read. We, therefore, become what we read.

It is little wonder then, that we are taught to read the scriptures. They are the thought and expression of Christ; by reading His words, His thoughts become ours. We then become more like Him. And if, as in the previous example, simply dragging written words through our minds changes our thoughts to some extent, then how much more will the scriptures change our thoughts if we will read with a willing mind, wanting to believe, and having faith in Christ?

It is faith and desire (or hope) that empowers us to go and do. The example of Christ shows us what to do. As we have confidence that our hope will be obtained, and as we fill our minds with a template of righteous options, then we will surely be as Christ. Our mind will be empowered by faith to make our physical reality even as the mind itself is.

So there. I have nothing to say. I just wanted to blog.

Comments

  1. JaclynNovember 16, 2008 at 5:41 PM

    I like the phrase "template of righteous options" - very well said. Hope you're doing well.

    ReplyDelete

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