Thoughts on the previous story

The story of Max really moved me. I had to reflect on why, beyond the fact that it is a tragic story. I think it is back to the issue of authenticity. We humans struggle with the self that we present to our own mind that allows us to live with ourselves and the self that we truly are. Even if things don't result in the physical harm of our loved ones, we often hurt them by keeping up the lie of being someone that we really aren't. Maybe it is that artifical ideal self. The self that still believes that if we do the right things we will gain right results. The self that does not take into consideration the fallen world and the effects of sin. The self that does not acknowledge that our sincere quest for righteousness can be a trap in itself. We do the "right" things, thus we think we are alright. When we acknowlege or sin and our lack of ability to control it, we can acknowledge how God is sovereign. We can then stop doing it on our own and turn to God.

I think this story touched me on another level. There is someone dear to me that once told me that "Maybe I really am a rat." Of course, I denied it. I think I am guilty by encouraging that person to not face that reality. We get so caught up in helping people bolster their self-esteem and ego that we don't allow them to face the reality of their falleness. We are all that way, in denial to a certain extent. But it is when we reach the bottom that we truly see God. yes, this person is a rat, but then so am I. So are we all, but thankfully God's grace lifts us out of our mudhole.

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