Just Fed Up: When the truth is a Lie

I recently read the following in A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene H. Peterson (IVP, 1980):

"A person has to be thoroughly discussed with the way things are to find the motivation to set out on the Christian way.  As long as we think the next election might eliminate crime and establish justice or another scientific breakthrough might save the environment or another pay raise might push us over the edge of anxiety into a life of tranquility, we are not likely to risk the arduous uncertainties of the life of faith.  A person has to get fed up with the ways of the world before he, before she, acquires an appetite for the world of grace" (p 25). 

And a couple pages over he writes, "Christian consciousness begins in the painful realization that what we had assumed was the truth was in fact a lie" (p 27).  Peterson has touched upon a deep truth.  It is not when we place all of our hope in government, or the Bill or Rights, or the next promotion, or any other "it will be better when. . ."; but instead, it is when we finally realize that it will never be better without the grace of God. 

I realize that most of the readers of this blog already know and walk in relationship with Jesus, but I am always happy to chat with you about this should you have any questions.

*I have no material connection to this book.