CALLING OUT the Paradoxes in My Life

par·a·dox (noun)

/ˈperəˌdäks/

1. a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

“in a paradox, he has discovered that stepping back from his job has increased the rewards he gleans from it”

In life and literature, I have come across some thought-provoking paradoxes which I am almost certain you have heard and read, as well.

• Save money by spending it.
• If I know one thing, it’s that I know nothing.
• This is the beginning of the end.
• Deep down, you’re really shallow.
• I’m a compulsive liar.
• “Men work together whether they work together or apart.” – Robert Frost
• “What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young.” – George Bernard Shaw
• “I can resist anything but temptation.” – Oscar Wilde

For each of these statements or series of statements, at the surface seem illogical, absurd, or self-contradictory but which, upon further scrutiny, may be logical or true or at least contain an element of truth.  At best paradoxes express ironies and attempt to reconcile seemingly opposing ideas, the nature of human affairs, and even of meaning itself.

While I have racked my brain over the most puzzling and humorous of paradoxes, I am almost certain I am not alone in having lived a “paradox-ed” (my new word) life.  And many of us, if we care to admit it, have gained wisdom and perspective.  These insights into the human condition have helped me to achieve professional successes, awareness into my love life, friendships and other tangibles that life throws at me.

For example:

• The best things in life are free.
  • Take away:  Don’t get caught up in chasing material possessions
• The more choices we have, the more paralyzed we become.
  • Take away: Don’t drive yourself crazy with what-ifs. Just do what you think is best.
• The best ideas come when you’re thinking about something else.
  • Take away:  If you’re ever running dry of ideas, try doing something completely unrelated to the task.
• We don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone.
  • Take away:  Consciously keeping track of what you’re grateful for is a great way to stay humble.
• The more you try to control a situation, the less control you have.
  • Take away:  The best way to handle situations is to accept change and adapt to it.
• The best way to handle situations is to accept change and adapt to it.
  • Take away:  Accept yourself and work hard. Change will come naturally.

Yet, there are as many paradoxes, if not more, found in the Bible which keep me completely stumped.  Because I am such a left brain – logical thinker, it is fascinating to attempt to find the truth of these statements when ultimately it requires I resort to faith.  Faith, by definition is believing and firm persuasion or assurance in what we hope for even though we cannot see it.   Admittedly, I am equally frustrated and in awe of all that the Bible offers in providing answers to the paradoxes of my life.   Perhaps it’s because today’s world is driven by immediacy and expectations.  Though my spirit may yearn to be settled at peace with the simplicity of my faith and assurance of who God is, my mind and body are moving quickly and adjusting as society trends to embrace other wild and obscure behaviors and believes. 

I recall my Pastor saying quite often that with God it is not Either-Or it is always Both-And.  We cannot take on the proud posture of our creation – made in the image of God, share His moral likeness yet daily choose autonomy and rebellion over submission and worship.  Another example I came across was that of Moses.  When he stood before the bush that burned and was not consumed, he did two things, drew closer for a better look and then he removed his shoes.  The paradox in this scenario offers both curiosity and humility.  And is this not what God expects from us? 

There are so many paradoxes in the Bible.  In fact, there are Biblical scholars who believe the Scriptures to be one big paradox, in and of itself.  One paradox of the gospel is:  The bad news is God’s very good news.

A few of my favorites I am certain you have heard in Sunday school class:

• In Matthew 23:11 Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be greatest, should be everyone’s servant.”
• In Mark 9:35 Jesus said, “Anyone who wants to be first, must be the very last.”
• In Luke 17:33 Jesus said, “Whoever tries to keep their lives will lose it, and whoever loses their lives will keep it.”
• In 2 Corinthians 12:10 and 13:9 Paul said, “When we are weak we are strong.”
• James 1:2 says, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.”

At first blush, there is no way to ascertain real sense of these paradoxes when looking at it from a world-centric perspective and yet that is what many of us are doing.  For a very long time, I was looking to receive heaven-sent blessings (plural on the blessings) while living a very hell-ish existence.  I was reaching out to God with an earth-bound perspective and intellect, and not that of faith.  One of the many AHA moments for me was during a time of study with this devotional reading – Jesus proclaims, “Whoever wants to be greatest, should be everyone’s servant” (Matthew 23 NLT). He was addressing the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of the time.  The religious leaders were technically responsible for setting the standard for obedience to the law.  They were supposed to be speakers of the law and doers of what the law commanded of them.  Yet, Jesus observed that these religious leaders were doing everything for show and not serving and ministering to their families and communities in need.  Even in 21st century, many of our world and church leaders, are either leading or serving our communities; yet a God-centric approach expects us to do both-and. 

For many Believers, we struggle to reconcile the Both-And concept because we are stuck on the paradox or contradictive nature of the statement.  The God who is at work in the Both-And is the same God at work in the seemingly absurd or self-contradictory proposition.  Even today, while entertaining friends I was drafting elements of this post in my mind and even brought up the topic in conversation.  I admitted to my struggle with reconciling the paradoxes related to family, friendships, career, etc.  After further reflection and lengthy discussion, I concluded that the Christian life is paradoxical and I must embrace it.  Particularly, if I am looking to live a life that both honors and obeys Him.

I promise you the daily choices you make will remind you of your human-ness.  There will be consequences to your actions and freewill.  Most especially because we are human and we are a sinner saved by grace.  In my best days and with my best of intensions, I will be limited by my understanding and capacity.  Blaise Pascal, a 17^th-century mathematician, philosopher and converted Christian wrote in one his famous “fragments” of religious reflection, or Pensees, “It is wretched to know that one is wretched, but there is greatness in knowing one is wretched.”  In simple words, it is one thing admitting we are flawed, it is even better to knowing we are flawed; therefore, fully aware of our limitations and setbacks in our humannes.  We can’t offer to God pledges of consistency and purity and fidelity because these are promises we can never keep.  We will morally fail every time, even though we try willingly otherwise. We are only helped by admitting our need.

Call out the paradoxes in your life.  Admit to the absurdity and lies you tell yourself that you have everything under control.  Take the time to get to “knowing all of your imperfections.”  Then take one step toward the God who lovingly welcomes you with open arms and guides, disciplines and caringly builds you back up again. The next step is yours.

…now what, Linda.