Saturday, August 7, 2010

A Request for Advice and Help

When I wrote my New Year's Resolution post at the beginning of the year, I had no idea what my life would be like at the beginning of this month - and how difficult it would be to write the introductory post for my resolution this month. I have been incredibly busy this week, and I have had a very hard time organizing my thoughts to begin my focus on "rejoicing less in iniquity and more in truth". Therefore, I am doing something I have not done in the 2 1/2 years I've been pursuing this resolutions path - not writing a post at the beginning of the month and asking instead for input and help in beginning and framing this focus. I simply am at a loss.

So, please consider my resolution this month and give me advice about how you would begin to address the idea that charity "rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth".

6 comments:

Ron said...

Ray,

IMO, our day is seeing lots of "rejoicing in iniquity." Some of that is evident in our common responses to most movies, music, often even the news. It includes "rejoicing" (even if only inwardly) when someone "gets his/her due." (Even if they seem to "deserve" it, can we determine a person's "heart"--intent, motivation--clearly and fully enough to determine what they deserve?)

Such "rejoicing" could include jealousy at someone else's success; the success may or may not be evil or come from evil, but our jealousy surely would be. And if we feel vindicated in our own feelings or attitudes by what happens to someone else, that could well be evil or wicked.

It would include our internal (as well as external) reactions to the outcome of athletic contests; political successes or failures--almost any aspect of our lives.

I wonder if perhaps your quandry about this part of your resolution stems from the fact that you don't seem to have much of a problem with these sorts of issues.

But you're bright enough that your exploring the issues could well help the rest of us explore our own lives.

Michaela Stephens said...

Perhaps part of rejoicing in the truth means to celebrate the good that people do rather than seeking occasion against them.

Anonymous said...

One of the things I appreciate a bout the Apostle Paul is his ability to be explicit about what a 'more excellent way ' looks like.We often need clear descriptions of what good behaviour looks like in order to do differently-many of us would like to do better but do not know what that may look like in effect.

Patty said...

To give this a totally different spin, I think that to not rejoice in iniquity can also mean to not re-hash our past sins in a way that makes them sound glorious or fun. Sometimes people seem almost proud to be able to say "I did this" in order to show that they're "normal" and almost end up bragging about their iniquities. Wouldn't we be a better example if we explain to others that yes, we did some things wrong, but look at what we're doing now and how Heavenly Father has changed our lives? We could rejoice in the truth as it has been applied to our lives, rejoice in those things that bring light, not take away from it.
Or maybe I just have a warped view of things...

Papa D said...

Thanks, everyone. You've given me lots to consider - and I really appreciate the input.

Not to single out anyone's comment as exceptional, which I don't mean to do, but, Patty, that isn't warped at all. I hadn't thought exactly about that perspective, although the general idea had crossed my mind, but I really like it - and there is a particular application I remember that I might use next weekend.

Matthew said...

I think that there are a few different ways to look at this aspect of charity.

There is the search for truth, knowledge and light, that brings us closer to Christ.

Relationships need to be based on truth, and not lies. Too often we seek to preserve face, and aren't as honest with each other as we ought to be. If no one admits that they are mourning, or stand in need of comfort, how then can we fulfill the commandment to mourn with those who mourn, and comfort those who stand in need of comfort? Openness and honesty allows charity to flourish; walls and deceit do not.

And I think that even unpleasant truths can call for rejoicing, because acknowledgement and acceptance are the first steps to healing.

Just some of my rambling thoughts today.