"A Hole in My Argument"

Romans 3.4 NASU

“May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar.”

If I disagree with God, I am a liar. I do not understand all things. I cannot know the reasons behind the actions of others. I often misunderstand my kids, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even my wife, when she was alive. I try to be agreeable but occasionally engage in arguments. Disagreements and confrontations are distasteful to me, however, differences of opinion persist in playing a too-active role in my life.

Sometimes I’m right. Sometimes I’m wrong but I think I’m right. Sometimes I am partly wrong and know it, but obstinate enough to cling to the shreds of truth in my position. Others may see, more clearly than I, the glaring hole in my argument. Sometimes I see light shining through that hole and find the grace to apologize. Sometimes I have to compromise for the greater good. Sometimes I act stubborn longer than I should.

I have no debate with God. I may try, but He’s right, not me.  If I disagree with Him, I’m wrong. There’s no compromise, no change, no negotiation, no meeting of the minds or middle ground. God is true, right, and just. I am a liar.

In the midst of my passion, when things are not following the course I charted, and the dawning of this realization enlightens my over-determined soul, making it (often painfully) evident that I am (perhaps) wrong, may I clearly hear the distinctive voice of God through the clamor of my contrary pleadings. Against my own limited grasp of the truth, may I receive enough grace to plainly see the hole in my argument. May I go with the grain [1]; that is, cooperate with the obvious course of events over which God alone has absolute control. I want no argument with Him. 

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[1] On his way to Damascus, Saul heard a voice from heaven: "Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me? Why do you insist on going against the grain?", (Acts 26.14 “The Message”).

"The hole in the argument" image was created by John Dalkin. Check out his photography at http://www.flickr.com/photos/59303791@N00/.