Advent Day 3, cleverly devised myths

2 Peter 1:12-21

          Part of this passage relates how the Apostles did not follow cleverly devised myths. It reminds me of several of the methods to get people to believe whatever their agenda is. I suppose it's not just religions that do this but political groups as well. I do not think that God created the world so that only people that can create or follow cleverly devised myths can believe.

           In college I took a class in philosophy in which we studied the proofs that God exists. They all seemed quite persuasive if you accepted the premises that were provided. While remaining a believer I could see many flaws and loopholes in what was being conveyed. It's not that I am brilliant, far from it, but someone who was less than bright might run with some of these proofs and rely on them as a basis for their faith. I know of one poor sole, a rather intelligent woman, who when faced with some of these 'proofs'  and saw through them, well, her faith faltered. 

         I also recall a speaker at my church once conveying truths about his pro-life stance. He tried to use logic surrounding the continuity of a person's DNA which is present from conception. This formed the basis of his proof that life exists at conception. I wondered if we dug up good old Abe Lincoln and tested his DNA, would that mean there is life present? Cleverly devised truths are a two edged sword. Most often they are really dull swords. 

         I don't know about you but I find that God's existence, like his love, can be easily seen by everyone and not by some clever treatise or twisted logic. God's love should be and is available to all mankind regardless of their abilities in any particular way. One person may notice a sunrise and see God while another may see the beauty of the naked human form and see God. Others may see the intricacies of science or the smile of a child and see God. In none of these cases is a 'proof required'. 

        All that is required is love. Love is felt and solidly known. There is a far greater impact by a warm voice and a kind gesture than by any proof available. Love is convincing and real. One of my favorite lines is to preach the gospel at all times and to use words if necessary. Perhaps we can spread good holiday cheer, the love of God and the blessedness of the season by 'converting' people with our love and actions. Avoid the cleverly devised myths, treatises and logical formulas.

Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.

So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.