In the midst of an argument, our differences between became clear. He was talking from the point of theory. He did not have to live with his view. He did not have to be accountable for his view. His words were his view.
The insight did not make the disagreement any easier. He passionately believed he was right. His experience confirmed he was correct. He was certain that his foundation was solid.
My view came from a different perspective. I knew I had to live with my beliefs. I understood that I would be held accountable for the outcomes of my belief. When things move into action, things would be real! Theory would morph into reality. When this became a foundation, others would evaluate my standing and pass judgment.
As I look back at our debate, I can still feel the intensity of our convictions. The time of disagreement has passed and I am now living with my compromises. Serious work is underway to fix what I did not do in advance. Whatever I might think, I am now accountable. There is little point in going back and reliving the argument. What was theoretical is now practical.
The only advantage I have going into the next phase of our work is the voice of experience. I can now reference our first round and push forward with stronger conviction.
I find it interesting that there are those across the ages that understand the link between living out one’s beliefs and holding them lightly. In one case, they are real. In the other, they are merely held. When Paul spoke, you could the reality of his belief.
“It’s because I believed it and took it seriously, committed myself heart and soul to what God promised my ancestors—the identical hope, mind you, that the twelve tribes have lived for night and day all these centuries—it’s because I have held on to this tested and tried hope that I’m being called on the carpet by the Jews.” (Acts 26.6)
Today I will set aside the imagined and embrace the real.
