The Philosophical Theology of Steven Colborne
I wanted to write a short blog post about fighting battles. When life presents you with a circumstance where you feel you are being treated unfairly, is it wise to put up a fight, or is it better to absorb the frustration, let go, and move on?
Let’s look at one area in particular: money. Money causes friction and is the battleground of capitalist culture; just look at the way lawyers, solicitors, estate agents, and bankers operate. We live in a world where people are constantly trying to acquire wealth, and are willing to take a bite out of each other in order to get the financial ‘security’ they crave.
If you’ve ever watched The Apprentice – well, that’s what I’m talking about.
I’ve noticed that there’s a direct correlation between how rooted I am in my faith in God, and how I respond to situations where I feel someone is trying to take advantage of me. When I’m rooted in the teaching of Scripture, the need to ‘fight back’ evaporates, because my mind is centred on the One who is able to meet all my needs in ways I can’t even imagine.
There is one scripture in particular that speaks volumes on this subject, and it can be found in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians:
“To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?” (1 Corinthians 6:7 ESV)
To most people in capitalist societies this teaching is totally counter-intuitive. Our instinct is to put up a fight. But I believe fighting always shows a lack of faith in our Creator, who we must trust to fight our battles in the spiritual dimension, and who will judge those who have treated us unfairly.
Excellent!
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Separation only causes problems and divisions. Definitely important we try to work together, or if anything, be humble and gentle. Definitely speaks to me 🙂
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I like your thinking, T.R.! Thank you and have a wonderful day 🙏🏻
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Excellent topic, presented very well, Steven.
Our mother is in a Care Home as a self-funder due to her having savings above the £23,500 threshold. My sister and I have to decide what to do with a £3,000 fee for ‘setting up’ her care package. This was not advised to us prior to our acceptance for her to have a room at her present Care Home and they require the monthly fee of about £4,700 in advance. No ‘setting up’ fee was demanded from her previous Care Home and they charged her in arrears!
What should we do as Christians, please? Should we challenge it and if so for how long and how hard to extend the monies in her estate? Are we feeding the greed of her present Care Home by acquiescing or are we thinking of our inheritance when she passes if we challenge them?
Peace and love to all,
Dinos
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Steven, excellent and insightful post. Your statement, “When I’m rooted in the teaching of Scripture, the need to ‘fight back’ evaporates, because my mind is centred on the One who is able to meet all my needs in ways I can’t even imagine” is at the heart of what it means to have a relationship with Christ. I’ll be praying for you in your struggles, and am asking the Lord to saturate you with His peace (Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:6-7).
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Steven, good stuff here! Very practical and applicable to our lives, and heart-felt. Thanks! Sue
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