Some Sunday thoughts: A common error is to interpret the confidence of people of faith as self-confidence. This is a remarkable error since people of faith often have a very dim view of human nature—including their own. Actually the behavior interpreted as self-confidence is a manifestation of true human freedom deriving from the abandonment of all forms of idol worship. People are astounded by the quiet assurance of a man of faith often mistaking it for courage when it in fact is simply the result of true freedom and faith. They mistakenly call it self-confidence when in fact it is the quiet conviction in the validity of the life of Jesus and the absolute nature of God as love. With this conviction and confidence at the core of their being they are able to withstand any hurricane thrown at them by the passions of the world. By keeping a holy focus in this sense they are content that all will be well no matter what ensues. They no longer count as important or significant the desperate transcendent quest to gain or maintain official position or station. These things are now viewed as a manifestation of fleshly lusts for power. Ironically, idol worship itself can also give the appearance of self-confidence. The trust placed in idols emboldens one to act with vigor and earnestness. The difference between faith in idols and faith in God is the difference between a “short-term only-the-now-matters” focus contrasted with “now only derives significance as it is given meaning and purpose by the Eternal.” It seems that the world of idols is often the winner—until cut down at the knees by disaster. A historical perspective clearly indicates that holy ground is the solid ground.
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