Pastor Chris Seay continued our recent series, teaching on the vital place of beauty within the church and in our lives. Seeking beauty is one of the core rhythms of Ecclesia; and in seeking, we find that we are surrounded by the beauty of God's love in creation and in all those who bear his image, and are drawn ever closer to the heart of Christ.
Text
Ecclesiastes 3:9-11
Isaiah 53:2
What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors (Adam and Eve) was the idea that they could ‘be like gods’ – could set up their own as if they had created themselves – be their own masters – invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God… The reason why it can never succeed is this. God made us: invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is made to run on petrol, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. That is the key to history.
—C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.
Most people, if they have really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise. The longings which arise in us when we first fall in love, or first think of some foreign country, or first take up some subject that excites us, are longings which no marriage, no travel, no learning, can really satisfy. I am not now speaking of what would be ordinarily called unsuccessful marriages, or holidays, or learned careers.I am speaking of the best possible ones. There was something we have grasped at, in that first moment of longing, which just fades away in the reality. I think everyone knows what I mean. The wife may be a good wife, and the hotels and scenery may have been excellent, and chemistry may be a very interesting job: but something has evaded us.
– C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
I have often affirmed my conviction that the true apology of Christian faith, the most convincing demonstration of its truth…are the saints and the beauty that the faith has generated.
— Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI
Reflection
Beauty is literally all around us, all the time, reminders of God's love and presence. We can't escape it. Think back on your week... What sights, sounds, people, conversations, and experiences have left you in awe?
What circumstances or distractions (Stress & anxiety? Perhaps your phone?) in your life hinder you from truly seeking and seeing the beauty around you?
We get it. It's hard when it's 100 degrees outside, but how will you bask in the beauty of creation this week?
Worship Set
Your Love Is Strong
All The Poor And Powerless
10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)
Gravity Of Love
Let This Heart Not Wander
I Wait