Solve for X

Let's suppose for a second that God exists. I'm willing to play that game. It's, afterall, a fun one. Let's work under the assumption that he,she,it,X exists.

Now that we have that out of the way - it is my firm belief that the only way to know God is not by reveling in His/Hers/Its/X's triumphs. I believe that the only way to know God is to have your heart be broken by the things that break God's heart.

It's a concept attributed to Bob Pierce. I don't agree with a lot of what his organization does, but I do agree with him on the theological level. I've spoken about suffering defining who we are before and questioned why it's given such a premium spot in our development. I think, concerning group dynamics, the answer is simple.

Those that want to be there to celebrate fail to see something those that want to be there to mourn do.

On any team, there are those who wear the bright smiles of success, that seem to appear only for the trophy ceremony or when the cameras turn on for an interview. Are they still around, making pensive faces on the bench when the team is behind? Are they doing the hard work of rebuilding during a tough season? In a group dynamic, suffering matters because it defines character. It's easy to win. It's much, much harder to lose.

And what if the ultimate what as stake?

Do you have the strength of character to not only love your creator, but to empathize with Him? It's odd to think of an omnipotent, omniscient being as needing our empathizing, but I offer an easy illustration.

Intelligence is a curse. You don't even need to look beyond Genesis if you'd like scriptural back up. Ignorance is where it's at. Learning only makes us open our eyes to social injustice, man-made horror, sickness, disease, poverty, famine. When we were younger, everything was Golden. So if increasing knowledge increases sadness, shouldn't a being with complete knowledge have complete sadness?

Plus, God has exhibited other emotions in the past (if we're staying Biblical here) - anger, jealousy, and certainly love.

As a people we pray constantly to God for Him to comfort us. When was the last time you comforted God? Wouldn't it be comforting to Him to see your heart break at the things that break his heart? And to act on it?

How can you cheer God up today?

Alright friends, back to assuming God doesn't exist. That can be a pretty fun game, too.