Postkiwi

“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are”
Anais Nin (author of avant-garde novels)

Rick Warren asks what image would come to your mind if asked how you picture life. This image is your ‘life metaphor’. He writes about a few life metaphors he’s been shown by people:
Life is a roller coaster (Ronan Keating’s song)
Life is a circus (David Bowie’s song - never officially released - as well as the 1962 movie of the same name, AND, a Charlie Brown movie!)
Life is a minefield (as said by Raoul Felder, divorce lawyer, in his book, Bare Knuckle Negotiation)
Life is a symphony (Frances Murphy’s book)
Life is a journey, Life is a dance, Life is a carousel
Life is a game of cards (Eugene Hare)

And there’s others not listed in Warren’s book:
Life is a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get (Forrest Gump)
Life is a joke
Life is a drama
Life is a dream
Life is a lottery (John Shakespeare on genetics)
and Life is a beach

Rick then goes on to tell us the Bible presents three metaphors that teach us God’s view of life: Life is a test, Life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment.

“Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones.” Luke 16:10a (NLT)

Rick’s question: “What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God?”

Ricks suggests that we will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies. Every time we pass a test God notices and makes plans to reward us in eternity. Rick quotes the letter of James: “Blessed are those that endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

I agree that God is deeply interested in how I respond to the circumstances of my life. At times I grow in maturity. At times I stumble. God is watching, waiting for me to get up each time. That’s why I prefer the metaphor of a race or journey. This is not a pass/fail test that determines my “grade in heaven”. It’s an ongoing marathon of endurance that calls for every bit of ‘up and go’ God can inspire in me.

Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:13 says God will not allow us to be tested beyond our power to remain firm. “At the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.”
I know Paul endured a lot of suffering and came through still a strong believer. However I have seen many people fall out under pressure. Some people lose their sanity. Others lose their faith. I think Jesus was closer to the truth in his story of the sower and the seeds. In some cases growth is choked out by competition (weeds) or pecked out by oppression (birds).

Rick uses the metaphor of trust - telling us that God gives us three rewards of affirmation, promotion and celebration in eternity. This is based on Jesus’ story of the businessman giving responsibilities to three employees.
Rick then invites us to ask ourselves, “What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?”
I would consider those greatest matters of trust to be core relationships - with my wife and kids. Gifts and abilities. Income. Capacity for influence in the church and community. Time.