A load of information in this episode! This month, we explore how imperfect humans can become part of a perfect God, as well as how we should approach investment decisions as a Christian.

To check out last episode’s questions click here, and for Jim’s foreword on answering these questions click here.

QUESTION 1.

IN MANY BIBLE VERSES, IT IS SAID THAT HUMANS WILL “BE IN GOD” OR "WILL BE “ONE WITH GOD”. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE FOR IMPERFECT HUMANS TO BECOME PART OF A PERECT BEING? SHOULD THESE VERSES BE TAKEN LITERALLY?

We can take all biblical passages “literally”. But to be fair, we need to apply appropriate literary method for interpretation fitting the context. Again, context is supremely important. “Literally” has often come to mean “simplistically” or “woodenly”, but not all communications are of one type, whether written or verbal. So, rather than hearing the way we are determined to hear, we need to seek to understand both the text and the author’s intent in order to arrive at the meaning.

21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
John 17:21-23 (ESV)

The preposition to be “in” or “with” can mean vastly different things in various different contexts depending on the nature of the object. People can be “in” a box or “in” a relationship with another person, but a pencil probably can’t be in a relationship. The main difference is that people and objects are different, but just as vast is the difference between people and their Maker. We might say that God’s relationship with mankind is condescending, but not have any intent to insult or belittle. God, as a supreme being, has to speak to us on our level, in ways that are common for us to understand; but this does not mean He is equal with us. In the Bible’s redemptive context, Jesus saves us by “hiding” us in His righteousness. He covers our imperfection with His perfection, which is the idea behind “atonement”. Like Noah and the animals in the ark, if we weren’t “in” Jesus, we wouldn’t be spared of God’s judgment. Our “oneness” with Christ is the result of His redemptive mercy.

QUESTION 2.

HAVING RECENTLY BECOME A CHRISTIAN I AM LOST AS TO HOW I SHOULD BE NAVIGATING CERTAIN INVESTING DECISIONS RELATED TO COMPANIES OPERATING IN POTENTIALLY MORALLY PROBLEMATIC INDUSTRIES. ARE THESE INDUSTRIES A COMPLETE NO-GO? IF I ALREADY HAVE FUNDS INVESTED IN THESE INDUSTRIES DO I HAVE TO SELL MY INVESTMENTS?

Very interesting question! I would have a think about the word to “invest” holistically. Etymologically, the word comes from a verb to be “clothed”, or to wear something. In a way it’s to put on a title, a rank or to add to your identity. Of course today, investment is much more about the money and numbers, as in ROI. But it’s not uncommon for investors to be personally involved in the multi-faceted aspects of the company, to make thoughtful selections that uphold their values and vision. After all, profit is only one of the many factors in investing.

Money is a tool, and depending on what you’re really after and the full-scope of your interest, the object of your investment can either support or contradict your vision and value. [Romans 12:1] tells the believers to present their bodies (whole lives) as “as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” So, it makes sense for a believer to be asking what is “holy and acceptable to God” even in your investment choice. Upon creation, we were commissioned to work for the thriving of civilization [Gen.1:28-30] and to propagate life.

28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.
Genesis 1:28-30 (ESV)

After the Fall, the progress of redemption runs parallel to restoration of the original cultural mandate, even though it won’t be perfectly achieved until the glorious return of Christ. For now, we have tremendous freedom in life choices as redeemed people [Rom.14]; but we’re told this liberty is to build-up the Kingdom of God [1Cor.10:23-33]. Lastly, it’s important to protect your own conscience in order to not quench the spirit’s fire. I call it the youth problem when the concern is around “how to avoid getting into trouble” instead of pursuing what is clearly the “best practice”.

(Questions presented on this page have been edited for length and clarity.)

If you have ever wondered about topics such as these, are curious about the how’s and why’s of Christianity or have any other questions in general ask Pastor Jim anything here.