For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ~ Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
When I was a science teacher, I enjoyed teaching the scientific method. I instructed my students to give the utmost attention to the care and use of instruments when making observations and conducting experiments.
Scientists have been able to make more precise observations, gather accurate data, and conduct previously impossible experiments with the help of instruments. Scientists continue to progress with improvements to current instruments and the development of new instruments.
The invention of the microscope in the 17th century enabled scientists such as Antonie van Leeuwenhoek to discover microorganisms and explore the world of cells and bacteria.
The telescope’s development allowed astronomers such as Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler to make groundbreaking discoveries about the structure of the cosmos and the movements of celestial bodies.
Advancements in medical technology, including X-ray machines, MRI scanners, and DNA sequencers, have revolutionized healthcare and the study of genetics and molecular biology.
The advancement of computer technology, digital tools, and AI has significantly accelerated scientific research.
Instruments made by people have meaningfully expanded the range of observable phenomena and improved the quality of our lives.
Recently, after a conversation with a professed non-believer, I thought, “What if we (our person) are the instrument that allows us to experience God.”
This idea… at first… baffled me.
Yet, the more I had conversations with this “big brain” person. The more I “heard” a theme, “I need to know what God knows so I can assess if His knowledge is above mine.”
What an arrogant way of thinking!
Where have we seen this insatiable desire to know what God knows?
The more I reflected on the “big brains” rationales for their disbelief in God, such as a lack of scientific rationalism, critical skepticism, secular modernity, philosophical questioning, religious pluralism, personal trauma, cultural influences, a desire for autonomy, and critical interpretations of religious texts, the more it seemed that the focus was to bring God down to their level of understanding.
Oh, the arrogance of humans!
Even the “big brain” who do not believe in God seemed to confess that the nature of God is the reason that they do not believe in Him. Make it make sense!
Since we are the instrument used to observe, communicate, and experience God, maybe, just maybe, it is we who are out of focus and need calibrating.
Here are some applicable ways that we may calibrate ourselves to experience the divine:
• Show love to yourself and others.
• Engage in prayer and meditation.
• Participate in worship and community participation.
• Read and reflect on sacred texts.
• Spend time in nature and contemplation.
• Do acts of service and compassion.
• Fast and engage in ascetic practices.
• Engage in artistic expression and appreciation.
• Undertake pilgrimage or sacred journey.
• Seek spiritual direction and mentorship.
We could work on improving ourselves—the instrument— through practices that could bring us closer to God. Then, we may increase our ability to perceive God more vividly and feel His presence more intensely.
God bless. . . I am Wiley’s granddaughter.
