History fascinates me.
Not all of history. Some bits of history leave me with the glazed eyes of a man who is effectively forgetting everything that is being presented to him. There are some parts of history that I am very intrigued by.
My interest in history was instigated by the Bible. My Mum did me the huge favour of getting to consider aspects of the Bible as a narrative worth getting excited by. It was a story of things that happened featuring individuals who made certain decisions that had a massive effect on the destiny of entire people groups. That got me really interested in the Bible and got me really fascinated with bits and pieces of history.
It’s odd to think that this century is nearly two decades old. A good dose of my interest in history has to do with the 20th Century, the various developments political, social, cultural, technological and so on. Again, not all of the history just certain parts.
What that reminded me of was how in certain books of the Bible they would be outlining certain aspects of the reigns of the kings. At the end of their report on a particular king, they would state that other things about the king could be found in other volumes. Those volumes are not found in the Bible, so it’s referring to other tomes that were around at the time these records were made. What that also indicates is that the writers in question were not concerned with making a record of all the episodes and incidents of the kings. There were specific episodes they needed noted. It was a case of selective history for a purpose.
It is awfully convenient some of the things that historical narratives note as well as the things that they omit. They too could refer to other volumes that other aspects of that time could refer to. They present what is being presented for a purpose. It is not necessary for us to know every aspect of everything that has ever taken place. Not only that, but there are other questions to consider when we look back and consider things. That is to say how we view life will determine how we look at history both personal and beyond.
What that should then lead us to look at are the motives that determine our perspective on history. How does that help us to selectively consider our take on things? It is not necessary t o have every shred of history. It is good and advisable to have wisdom in establishing the motives that determine what we will remember.
That wisdom can be the difference between looking at hurts and pains as reason for resentment and bitterness, or for prompting grace and forgiveness. That wisdom can help us discard that which would hinder us from growing in grace. That wisdom can help us dwell on what will motivate a focus on that which is true, noble, right, pure, excellent, admirable, lovely and praiseworthy.
That wisdom does not ignore calamity and will not put a distracting spin on wrongdoing. It should help us to choose well what we select from history and see how it can assist us as we take steps forward.
We need the light to see the right way to go about living with selecting history.
(Photo by Natalia Y on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 