Provocative

I have hopefully begun a new and good journey. I am reading a book called, Provocations. It is a reader of Soren Kierkegaard, the great Christian Danish philosopher. Periodically I hope to shed light on what I am thinking about this book, especially as I am reading this quite slowly.

We begin the book with a discussion about decision. In discussing the lack of decision making Soren says, "There is nothing more harmful for your soul than to hold back and not get moving "(4). What true words! I am reminded of the Proverb, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life" (13:12). Too often the pains of our lives can be solved by the making of a decision. The starting of a path can calm the oceans of unrest and anxiety. When we as people sit in a period of limbo and waiting our souls yearn for something more, something better. There is something existentially important about making decisions.

We find that the need for decision is the archenemy of decision, cowardice. We all seem to have bits of cowardice in us. Ironically, this cowardice is one of the most disdained attributes to be found in anyone. Yet what counteracts cowardice is decision, "The thing that cowardice fears most is decision; for decision always scatters the mists, at least for a moment (5)." Decision seems to clear away the mist. Decision makes unrest restful.

Finally we see that decision is our response to the wickedness inside of us all. Decision is a choice of obedience. Decision is submission. To decide to do right is to side with God. "For God loves obedience more than good intentions or second-best offerings, which are all too often made under the guise of weakness (7)."

Dare to decide to follow the paths of righteousness. Dare to obey.