16^th June 2013

We are engaged in a universe and a wonderful world much bigger than ourselves that surpasses our imagination. In a general way it can be said that there appears to be an intelligent design built into the universe that integrates the natural, moral and spiritual dimensions of life. While it could hardly be said, this is specifically spelt out as an important Biblical theme, never the less there are a number of Biblical passages that illustrate what might be called the DNA of the universe. 

If we proceed with this understanding it is logical to reason that when we morally or culturally ignore or abuse God's given design for life then it is like throwing a hand full of gravel into an intricate machine. We can expect damage, dysfunction or breakdown. What does this mean when it comes to applying specific principles to human experience?

Human integrity.

The important starting place for a Christian approach is found in the knowledge that Creation is not an accident. Our loving Triune God brings light and life and order to the natural world. Genesis 2:7 is decisive in describing the unity and wholeness of human kind. In breathing the breath of life into us, in a wonderful way we are united to God's image and every living person inherits a dignity and the infinite worth of being a person. When we live in accord with what we really are as people, we live with integrity and reflect the very harmony and unity of our Creator, the loving interaction and relationship of the Godhead. In other words, as people and as God's creatures we are essentially hard wired for love and worship of the Creator. Sadly however, in our humanity we go against what we are and we put ourselves in opposition to God and His created, hence the Bible speaks of humanity as being dead. Gen 2:17 Eph 2:1 A kind of civil war rages within which exhausts our life force. We live in disharmony and fear and death are described as coming as a consequence of our sin. Heb 2:14, Rom 5:12-21. What does this mean in practical terms? As a way of illustrating the interconnection between the different dimensions of life, finally we reflect on an area that touches every person.

Human health.

When it comes to our well being and health Dr Ian Murdoch points out that the Greek word for anxiety means to "divide the mind". This means it is not correct to say that anxiety is part of the creational order of things. Murdoch believes all creation was meant to interact in love even at a sub-molecular level. He suggests that the cells of our body not only experience stress but "the primal calling of love is felt within the human cell.  The cell or group of cells choose autonomy (and lead to health breakdown) because the effects of sin in the genetic expression of people over the years has dulled the proper choice of love." Psalm 32 also describes the connection between sin and how the whole body-function groans under this distortion. Murdoch says, "The whole dynamic of healing can only issue from the fact of the atonement applied to the person by the Holy Spirit". The knowledge that God has taken our sin and failure so seriously that in his love He has dealt with it forever through Jesus death becomes the healing balm
The cross not only deals with our personal sin, guilt and death and its adverse affects upon us , but by being released/forgiven, we are drawn into an experience of knowing the love of God poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Murdoch points to gifts of healing within the Christian community and concludes, "Do not underestimate the power of faithful proclamation week by week in the context of the whole church".

Not only is our faith response to the cross central to our own personal well being, but in Christ God was reconciling the whole universe/world to himself.
The pastoral and evangelistic implications of this truth are many. The human and social sciences of our day should certainly inform us but we should not be distracted or apologetic about applying the Christian Gospel, the unique message of God‘s love to our social fabric, to our own lives and the real dysfunctional lives of people around us.
A genuine openness to relate and to love deeply flows from people who know they have been forgiven, restored to a relationship with God and connected to life style values that are consistent with the DNA of the universe. Paul writes to Timothy, "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." 1Tim 1:5

Rev E. A. (Ted) Curnow, June 2013