Thought for Today

1 Samuel 1:11 She made this vow: "O LORD of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head." . . . 3:9  Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.  

Luke 1:26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  

“Calvin believed that humans are born with an innate knowledge of God. We know intuitively within ourselves that there is a God who exists and stands behind all things, including us ourselves (1.3-4)” (Coffee with Calvin – Daily Devotion, pg. 2)

Are we? Is our belief in God innate or encultered? That is, are we taught to believe or is our belief instinctive? Nature or nurture? We know that Samuel’s mother Hannah dedicated Samuel before his birth. She promised God that if she had a son, he would dedicate himself to God. We know that Samuel did serve the prophet Eli. But, we also know that God called Samuel. We know that Samuel became a great and influential prophet dutifully serving God. But, were Samuel’s faith, dedication and service innate or encultured? Did Samuel believe and serve because of his innate knowledge or because he heard the voice of God “calling in the night” (from the hymn Here I am Lord).

Luke tells us the story of Jesus’ birth. We know the story of her cousin, Elizabeth. We know about Gabriel’s visit to Mary. Gabriel even greets her with, "1:28 Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." Why was Mary God’s “favored one?” Mary was almost certainly a believer, a Hebrew. We know about Mary’s faithful life as the mother of the Son of God. But, was Mary’s faith and faithfulness innate or encultered? Did the visit of Gabriel or her being overshadowed by “1:35 the power of the Most High” that allowed Mary to raise Jesus and endure all she endured?

The Bible is a bit short on specifics about how the knowledge and belief in God originated. Irrespective of how we understand the stories about Adam and Eve, literally or metaphorically, could they have possibly understood the totality of God, the Creator of Creation? Who specifically set humanity on the path toward our current belief? Or, is that belief innate?

We know Terah believed. We know that it was Terah’s belief and faith that set Abram and Lot on their ultimate journey to Canaan. The Bible also tells us about Melchizedek, the King of Salem who also “Genesis 14:18 was priest of God Most High.” Did Melchizedek believe and worship God because of innate knowledge? Or, did someone teach him?

Looking back on my own life, I can only conclude that the answer to nature or nurture is some combination of both. I was raised in a Christian family. My father taught Sunday School as far back as I remember. My mother was involved in a Women’s Circle, in Sunday School, always made something for every covered dish supper . . . and insisted that her children be ‘properly attired’ and behaving as much as possible for children during church. Faith and belief were ingrained in almost every aspect of my youth and my family life.

I cannot remember any time when I did not believe. Certainly, there have been times in my life when I have walked more closely with God than at other times. Times when the words of the prophet Micah about doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with God sang out in everything I did. Other times when that music was muted.

I have been privileged to know many faithful Christians who guided and influenced me. Sunday School teachers in my youth, Boy Scout leaders who were also members of our church, and a host of clergy who ministered to our congregation.

In seminary I was blessed by the guidance and mentoring of some amazing Christians. My mind has been challenged, amazed and expanded through their tutelage and their example.

Through it all, the Bible has been my constant companion. It has been my refuge and my resource through life. Am I who I am today because of innate knowledge of God or because of the host of faithful Christians who have guided me? Yes to both!!

Stay safe, listen to your innate knowledge and to the Christianity all around you, trust God,

Pastor Ray