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Print By Jim McLaughlin We live in a mathematically based world. Author P. Ordeshook
wrote about Nobel prizewinner John F. Nash’s equilibrium theories: “The concept of a Nash equilibrium n-tuple is perhaps
the most important idea in noncooperative game theory. ... Whether we are
analysing candidates' election strategies, the causes of war, agenda
manipulation in legislatures, or the actions of interest groups, predictions
about events reduce to a search for and description of equilibria. Put simply,
equilibrium strategies are the things that we predict about people.” John Nash had the notion that even human and animal behavior
could be eventually predicted through algebraic equations, which are the
simplest form of the system that God has put in place. Physical matter itself can also be reviewed at an atomic
level to be dual in nature. Atoms must be neutral in polarity, which dictates a
need for one negatively charged electron to counter each positively charged
proton. Without this perfect balance, the atom would be unstable. God creates in terms of balance (because, simply put,
the heart of algebra is balancing equations and creating equilibrium). Now, let’s look at how God operates outside of this system.
He exists everywhere in the past and the future simultaneously (omnipresence),
there is nothing beyond His ability (omnipotence), and He knows all
(omniscience). God is the only One who can at any time tip the scales. Without
Evil, Victory Does Not Exist
The new question becomes—why is it that the all-powerful,
all-knowing God of the universe allows evil to infiltrate our lives on a daily
basis? The keyword is victory. In Sun Tzu’s Art of War, two of
the seven conditions that will determine the victor are “with
whom lie the advantages derived from Heaven and Earth” and “in which
army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment” (translated
by Lionel Giles, M.A.). In layman’s terms, the famous warrior recognized that
of the requirements for victory in battle, God’s influence and an
understanding of the accomplishment of victory are essential. What this study of duality seeks to explain can be cumulated
in a single, easy sentence—without evil to oppose, victory does not exist. To
God, the concept of victory and overcoming what looks to be anywhere from
difficult to impossible is the greatest of all experiences.
In the historical past, societies viewed the trials of Christianity as
punishment or neglect for sin; in the more recent past, we’ve theorized that
the Lord is not a punishing God, but offers the idea that trials are spiritual
exercises of sorts. While our current hypothesis is not inaccurate, God’s love
for mankind goes beyond just giving us what we need; He wants us to have what we
desire and provides us access to that trophy through victory and accomplishment. The psalmist tells us to “trust in the Lord, and do
good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight
thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. And
He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the
noonday” (Psalm 37:3-6). Basically, the psalmist was emphasizing that your needs will
be met, so long as you trust God. Then he said that not only would your needs be
provided, but your desires will be fulfilled when you include God in your joy
and celebration. This is your responsibility as a Christian and as a witness to
others—to have a high work ethic through the example of Christ and the Word of
God. We also find a
reference in Colossians that mentions work ethic: “And whatsoever ye do, do
it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23). Remember
– men often will not reward you for your hard work. However, God will, whether
it be a financial blessing, a new opportunity, or the satisfaction and peace of
mind brought forth of a job well done. According to Sun Tzu, the reward ahead
will determine the victor. Sun Tzu’s other afore-mentioned prerequisite to victory is also evident in Colossians 3:23 – God’s will must be a factor in every event of every day. Victors
Every Time
We are set upon this Earth for a specific purpose: victory,
achievement, accomplishment, success. Whether it’s financial success,
self-satisfaction, helping other people, bringing souls to Christ, or just
keeping a peaceful home, our victories come at a price. Victory would not exist
without opposing forces; we need to embrace challenges as they come. As Paul
wrote, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself
because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked
devices to pass” (Colossians 3:7). Challenges arise for the sole purpose of conquering. If we
understand this fact, then we can press on in confidence, and our risk becomes
minimal. God will never give us more than we can bear—and thus we can trust in
the Lord—the victory for Him, and the reward for us. Any man that claims “life is simple” has some serious
updates to make on his Manhood List. The journey of life is definitely not easy,
provided you travel it independently. However, if we can understand and believe
that evil is simply a medium through which we attain victory, then we can have
confidence and be the victors every time, and thus be in the perfect will of our
Lord Jesus Christ, the God of the universe. ninetyandnine.com © 2006, Jim McLaughlin --------- Jim McLaughlin currently resides in Houston,
Texas, but calls Beaumont “home.” He is a ship agent, which means that he
gets to board foreign vessels and eat authentic foreign food. His intrigue
usually lies with how God thinks and how the Word applies to us in the present. |
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