What does the word ‘enlightenment’ mean to you? It refers to a period in history and the same term is used by many faith traditions to refer to an increase in spiritual understanding. But the period of history called the enlightenment was based on a rejection of spiritual authority in favor of human reason. Which is more important to you, the things you can figure out on your own, or the things revealed to you? It seems like a stretch to consider the products of your own reasoning as enlightenment. I am the light of the world. Let me enlighten you that you may be able to let your light shine before men. 

Have you been taught that my holiness make me completely different; unlike anything else? Does that leave you with the impression that I am distant and detached, aloof and unknowable? This would be a wrong conclusion. Animists see everything as spiritual, and you reject this. Can you see the distinction that everything you see is made by me, and bears my fingerprints and testifies of me even though it is not me? The heavens declare my glory, as does all of my creation. Do you understand that I am transcendent? Do you also see my immanence? I am near and involved and you can know me. 

Do you accept the doctrine that you are made in my image? Do you also understand that your image of me creates you as well? Consider the story of the talents. The servants who traded with the master’s money were commended. The servant who hid his talent in the earth was asked to account for himself, and he accused the master of being harsh. It was only after this that he was declared to be an unprofitable servant. If you believe that I am harsh and severe, what effect will that have on you? On the other hand, if you see me as being loving, gracious, and merciful what effect will that have on you?

Do you hold your beliefs with humility? Do you consider them to be absolute and eternal truth? Are these concepts in conflict? People whose beliefs differ from yours feel as strongly about theirs as you do about yours, and you have had the unpleasant experience of encountering people who hold different views without humility. If your beliefs really are what you consider them to be, then you do not hold them as much as you are held by them. Blessed are those who know eternal truth, for they did not figure it out on their own, and flesh and blood did not reveal it to them, but my Father in heaven. Therefore you can hold your beliefs with humility because you do not hold them. They hold you.

[I'm leaving town for a few days]