A long time ago, Heraclitus stated that it is impossible to step in the same river twice, noting that both the river and the person who steps in it are continuously changing. But Cratylus, a Heraclitus acolyte, though in agreement went a step further and took issue with his master’s premise, quipping: “You can’t even step in the same water once.” Whether once or twice, as one steps in, the water particles are in continual swirling motion, refusing to be pinned down in time. The general idea these thinkers were conveying is unmistakable: change is inescapable and is in fact the only constant we can count on.
What a touching and somewhat heart-rending piece. I recall revisiting my childhood home after many years and being astounded at its smallness and found myself wondering how 5 people could have lived there in the happiness and relative comfort which my memories tell me we did!
But the import of Mr. Quartey’s essay is in the final paragraphs, and introduced in the place where he began in the first paragraph. Change is not only inevitable, it is to be welcomed, in the sense that we should always be looking for greater spiritual insight and understanding…it is not to be feared or castigated as abandoning the fundamentals. In fact, it is precisely what the work of the Holy Spirit is about…giving us a greater revelation of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation.
Conservatism cannot possibly work as it constantly compares what is with that which exists only in our memories.
Progressivism is equally infuriating as it aspires to a perfect home in the dimmest future which will almost certainly be so utterly unfamiliar to us as to be totally unrecognizable as a home to anyone.
So maybe adulthood means accepting here as one’s home and now as the only time available in which to enjoy it…
A very thought -provoking article indeed and as was mentioned above we should indeed be looking for greater spiritual understanding and insight. One of the things I have challenged myself to do, is to re-evaluate most, if not all of what I believe as an SDA without relying on EGW or even standard SDA literature. In other words, I am tryng to review our positions in light of scripture to see whether these views are actually valid and correct. I think this is the Berean approach.
If I remember correctly, some years ago the SDA Adult Study guide created the Inductive study guide method- in which they posed several questions related to the study of any issue/ concept/doctrine etc…:I m not quoting verbatim, but I think the following is an accurate synopsis of that process:
What is the essential message?
Who is the intended audience?
At what period of time was the message given?
What were the specific circumstances in which the message was given?
What was the response/reaction to it?
Does the message have a dual application to us today?
Another important question that may be added to the list is:
What is not stated, suggested or implied in the message?
If we are indeed serious about acquiring a greater revelation of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation, I suspect we will to make several trips home. Chances are that we may have alot to learn and much to unlearn!
I really resonate with what Linda has written. I think we all have had the experience of going back to a place that had us in awe as children only to find it quite different and changed from our memories of it, and often diminished. This eloquently written essay evoked the emotions in me that I had experienced during similar experiences in my own life.
Thank you so much, Matthew, for this thought-provoking piece. I especially appreciate your tying it in with the milk-to-meat of our Christian journey. That transition can make us uncomfortable but that is how spiritual growth occurs.