Must I Always Be Certain?
Have you, like me, struggled with a sense that you must be certain about almost everything? If so, I think you’ll appreciate thoughts in today’s post.
One recent Saturday, I saw something I didn’t like on Facebook. Even though at its core, it was accurate, I felt offended by the author’s insensitive “one liner,” which diminished the pain many people have experienced from Christians or the Church.
I felt certain my reaction was correct, and I began mentally composing an appropriate “one liner” comment. Instead, I took a deep breath, said a quick prayer, and refrained from responding.
Later that same day, I read another Facebook post addressing the human struggle for certainty. The writer quoted Søren Kierkegaard, a 19th century Danish theologian, sociologist, and philosopher, with words which felt spot-on:
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
The roots of my desire to be certain run deeply, both in examples from my family of origin, and from religious training in a fundamental faith tradition. During the past few years, however, I am convinced the loving Spirit has shown me better ways to relinquish an unnecessary—even unhealthy—need for certainty in anything other than God alone.
Truly, I believe I am making progress, but as is the case with most learning, it is a process with steps forward and backward. Why, just last week, I argued with my husband on garbage day about my certainty the recycling bin had not been picked up. Ron has for almost the entirety of our 45-year marriage taken charge of garbage-day tasks and knows a whole lot more about them than I do. He chose not to argue, but in the end, I knew certainly he was right!
In our current culture, with its many divisive issues, I believe we would do well to examine the matter of our need for certainty. As Kirkegaard implies, we can look at what has happened before and learn from history. Then, holding loosely to our need for certainty, focus upon the importance of living each moment today as well as we are able with grace, hope, love, and confidence in the Good Shepherd’s leading.
Blessings on your journey,
