On Perspective

As Trey and I discussed our testimonies last night, I realized again how persistently I see the world through my own eyes. I've always started my testimony on a somewhat apologetic note because I don't have any sort of dramatic or exciting or name-the-day-and-hour conversion experience. I can always talk about ways that I've grown or things that God has taught me over the years, but I can't say that I remember a time of not knowing Jesus, even if I have a new understanding of grace or realize the gospel in new ways that seem fundamental to basic salvation. (I know I shouldn't apologize for that, but I always feel a bit sappy anyway.)

Anyway, Trey pointed out that the testimony is not that I always knew Jesus, but that covenantally, God faithfully knew me all those years. Well, okay, then let me feel stupid again for a minute: A Christian's testimony is about God, not about the Christian. What's that catechism question? Isn't this stuff I'm supposed to know? And I do know it, in a way; I just don't always realize it.

So last night's conversation is another instance of my salvation becoming more real to me. But that doesn't mean it wasn't as real before I had new understanding, because (hallelujah!) my salvation isn't even dependent on my own perception.

For all that I know, I don't seem to know much. But isn't it splendiferous to learn!