What's Logic Got To Do With It?

What is logic?

Logic: 1. Theory of reasoning; 2. System or instance of reasoning; 3. Sensible argument and thought

It seems that I’ve been plopped down in a very interesting position. When I had the realization that all the events of the last several months have been leading me to this moment, it was almost like an A HA moment. But based on what I’ve been reading…

Forgotten God by Francis Chan

180: Stories of People Who Changed Their Lives By Changing Their Minds by The House Studios

The Tangible Kingdom by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay

Seizing Your Divine Moment by Erwin McManus

… anyway, it seems that it’s all been leading up to what I am willing to call a Divine-180-Moment-for-the-Kindgom- of- God-Unforgotten!

Whew… what a process

My story is real, tried and true. I hope I can find ways to better explore my heart and detail my journey, but for now, this is where I am at 12:30am, this very moment:

So much swirling around in my head…

Question: How does logic work as it relates to Jesus?

Maybe I’ve gone at this all wrong. If I try to place Jesus in a logical box, will it work? I really think that when you follow Jesus, sometimes logic isn’t the logical choice. Sometimes the reason isn’t reasonable and the commonsensical makes no sense whatsoever. Here’s the deal: logic, reason and common sense require a human brain. They are human processes.

To use logic, we take facts- the proven. We try to evaluate what is in our hands and figure out what is the best use of said object in hand.

To use reason, we look for explain or justify.

To use common sense, we use practicality based on experiences.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

~Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken (1915)

So I’m curious how many people read the words of Frost and get all puffed up the end and say to “Self, aren’t you glad we took the road less traveled?” Or some folks find themselves saying “Self, I’d sure like to be like the fellow to take the less traveled.”

I’m curious, but I’m kind of thinking that most humans would read Frost and do one of three things:

1.) long for the less traveled

2.) convince your brain that you are on the less traveled

3.) honestly admit the logical choice was to remain on the well traveled path

How many people find themselves at the point where the “next logical step” should be A, but for some odd reason, they choose B? And in making that choice, the perpetrator knows full well that in choosing B, they give up A and their sanity. It’s hard when you know you will be the one that everyone whispers about and gossips about… “Did you hear about Melissa? What was she thinking? Any reasonable person would know better!”

(Okay, let’s get real: I know that people will talk about me whether I’m making a logical decision or not. It’s called being human and for some reason-- un-divine reason--we like to talk about others.)

So in the middle of my Divine-180-Moment-for-the-Kindgom- of- God-Unforgotten, I am ecstatic! The decisions that I’m ready to make and the journey that I am embarking on will not make any sense to anybody. That’s okay with me.

Enter FREEDOM. Sweet, holy freedom!

I have come to believe that when we follow Jesus, accurately follow, He calls us to things that don’t make sense in our human brains. Does God use logic, reason, and common sense? I can’t say that he won’t use it, but does he need it? As God, no, I don’t think he needs them. As humans, I think it’s more than likely that he gave us these human processes and they are processes that He can use within us.

I can see where and when God has allowed me to use common sense—based on experience, I’m not going to reach out to pet the dog that has bitten me twice already. I’ll smile and say “Nice puppy,” but keep my hands to myself-- keep on walking, Mel. I can also see where God has allowed me to use logic—especially when I don’t need emotion or my whimsical side to make the call. And God allows me to use reason—when something needs an explanation or justification.

I’m not saying these aren’t processes that God cannot use or that they aren’t even God given processes. But what if, just what if, we stopped looking for the next logical step. What happens when I stop looking for the logical, reasonable, and sensible? What if Jesus is saying “It isn’t going to make sense, stop trying to make sense of it,”?

I had an interesting conversation tonight with Jeff and Jesus. As I lay in the bed, so very close to drowsing off, Jeff knelt on the other side of the bed asking me to pray with him. We’ve been trying to figure out “what to do”. So I did what I do best. I invited Jesus to sit with us, of course I figured he was already there, but I wanted to make sure. I closed my eyes and invited Jeff to do the same… I sensed Jesus was with us…

There He sat, with his back against the footboard and legs out stretched opposite of mine, crossed at the ankles.

“How can we help?” Jeff asked.

Tears welled up in my eyes and my heart started pounding. His presence is peaceful, but I don’t know what he’s going to say.

“We just want to know what we can do for You,” Jeff reiterated.

Slowly, the tears that were welling poured out of my eyes. There I sat with my husband and my Jesus. It was beautiful!

“It just doesn’t make sense! People already say some crazy stuff about us, if this is what you’re asking us to do, they are going to have a ball with this!” Jeff said and I added a little chuckle.

“Oh believe me, I know what they say and I know it doesn’t make sense to you, but if you want to help, this is it,” Jesus replied.

“Can you give us a sign?” Jeff asked.

Jesus laughed, “What does your heart say to do?”

Long silence.

“Then do it,” Jesus kindly, but firmly said.

I heard him once again say “will you follow me?”

Another silent pause.
“Yes, we’ll follow,” I said.

“Can you tell us where we’re going?” Jeff inquired.

Jesus laughed. ( Jeff possesses the gift of keeping all things light.)

So no, it may not be the next logical step. It may not make sense to anyone or appear to be remotely  reasonable. But I really believe that when I agreed to follow Jesus, He called me to put logic away. It just may not be logical.

He’s so much bigger than logic and reason… it’s almost too much for my little brain to comprehend….