The Messiness of Life

Post by
Michelle Dowell
Co-Contributor

A theology that is missing an acknowledgement of the messiness of life is deficient. I heard a pastor say once "God is a God of order." That is absolutely true, but I am more encouraged to know that God is a God who, in his mercy, allows people in a messy world with a messy nature to still take part in serving him.

This fallen condition of the world and humans is a hard reality, but the fact that we are allowed to participate in God's work of loving and helping people and honoring him in the midst of it all--that is what is encouraging. It's broken, but we're called to work with that brokenness, to help when we can to put pieces back together if it's possible. Let's focus on that, but also not forget the state of everything being tainted by the Fall. It's discouraging to always try to grasp for the impossible of perfection in this life.

It's sad to see so many Christians try so hard to always force a smile. It's as if they feel if they don't appear that everything is perfect and in order in their life and if they aren't happy in that moment, something is missing. They may feel that their smile doesn't look forced, but often it's easy to see if a person is forcing it if a person is really wanting to know.

I'm not saying that Christians should grumpily walk around. Christians should show more genuine emotions. They should trust that it's okay to not feel happy every moment of the day, and to allow others to see that. It may mean not having much of an expression but it's honest and frees others of the pressure to pretend to be what one is not.


It's not one or the other: Not happy or sad all the time. But a variety of emotions at different times. This is life. It is an adventure, a calling, a journey.

Consumerism as Therapy

In the modern world we see a lot of people using consumerism as a "cure" against the stress of life. The modern commercial world strongly tries to encourage this viewpoint.

The reality is the consumption of material goods is at best a poor momentary fix for the problems of life. In reality using consumerism in this way frequently hinders people from obtaining financial stability which often cause them more emotional grief that if fixes.

The reality is that life's struggles were never meant to be solved by purchases of material goods. God has always meant for our struggles to be solved through relationship with himself.

God is the one who heals broken hearts. Much of the brokenness of man is actually found in his alienation from God. God was the only one meant to fill the holes in our broken heart.

Many people with great brokenness in their hearts believe that God will not accept them. The reality is that it is hard to imagine who God will not accept if we are willing to accept our state and ask for his mercy.

A great example of this is the apostle Paul who by his own account was the "chief of sinners," his persecution of the church would certainly make one think that he could not have found peace with God. But the reality is that God calls all men to himself, it is simply if they will accept the offer.