Many notes, one song

Often, in the busyness of everyday life, I find that I either become too single-focused or too busy to keep track ofall the many different strands of life. Though quite different in their effect, each problem leads to the same core result: an inability to appreciate life fully. Either we are overwhelmed by multiplicity or ground to a halt by reductionism. It can damage our relationships: think of the times when, tired, you begin to obsess over the minute details of a conversation gone wrong, instead of seeing momentary thoughtlessness in the broader context of a rich and satisfying relationship. And it can damage our ideals: once we get caught up in living out our ideals, we can easily lose sight of what we first believed in. Picking at theminute details pulls apart the great fabric that once inspired us.

I have found this to be very true in my studies of the Bible. Many theology students will, I'm sure, testify that it is all too easy to become distracted by academic minutiae (was that particular verse really written by Paul?; why did people believe for so long that Song of Songs was written by Solomon, when it probably wasn't?...) that you lose sight of the (much more important) big picture. The small issues can be important but are rarely as important as we think. Nor are they the make-or-break issues that we turn them into. The adage about not being able to see the wood for the trees carries more truth than we often recognise.

Mercifully, God has made life sufficiently rich that we are forced to look at the big picture, at least from time to time. You can't learn right doctrine from looking at a magnificent mountain or hearing a sweeping orchestral movement, but you can be ripped out of your tunnel-vision into a sense of awe that takes you right out of yourself. We need to remember that the same God who created the Bible also created mountains and symphonies. He also created our minds and hearts to feel awe. It all works together in His plan.

Liberal theology comes from focusing on creation more than the creator. Blinkered theology comes from focusing on theology more than the creator. Neither is particularly healthy. So I for one will guard against my standard "bogged-down" perspective. I'll take a walk. I'll listen to some beautiful music. I'll rejoice in laughter and good friendship. None of these, when held in their right place, will lead me astray, though by themselves they are not enough. But God holds it all together - so I will focus on Him and let His fullness put everything in perspective.