Alexander Pope’s writings are an interesting read in some parts. However, I would like to focus on Belinda and what her story brought to mind. The writer says early on that “the world Belinda inhabits confuses small things with great.” She becomes so consumed with the lock of hair taken from her head. The writer touches on the fact that “we see only parts, not the whole,” I would believe that this was the case for Belinda. She let the fact that her “favorite” lock of hair had been taken from her consume her. The hair could not be re-attached to her head, but she wanted it back none the less. She was obsessed with vanity. But when I thought about it, vanity is all around us. Think about it. We always want to look good. For each person the definition of looking good will vary. To some it is just not having zits on their face and their hair staying nicely in place. For others it is getting dressed up in a nice outfit, fixing their hair, doing their makeup, and looking all put together (guys I know you just love doing all of those things!). But scripture says that all is vanity. Why? Because this life is just passing us by, it is but a vapor. Do not get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with looking good, but when we put looking good above seeking and doing the will of God it is wrong. It is like the Pope says “let an action be never so trivial in itself, they always make it appear of the utmost importance.” We make so many things around us seem important. But here is my question, why would we want what we do to “seem” important when we can do something that really is important? I do not know where all of you stand with Christ, but Jesus Christ is my personal Lord and Savior. Which means the most important thing I can do as a believer is bring Him glory. “What mighty contests rise from trivial things.” I agree. We make contests and spats over things that do not matter. Romans 15 talks about God granting us “to live in such harmony with one another… that together [we] may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I know I am not the only believer in the class, I do believe that many of you have surrendered your life to Christ, so we ought to strive to be biblical brothers and sisters, not living for the things which are vain but for the things which are eternal. However I do warn in the words of the Pope from a scriptural reference, “know, then, unnumbered spirits round thee fly, the light militia of the lower sky.” There is spiritual warfare taking place everyday. We need to pray God’s armor onto ourselves that we might be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. I would urge us as believers to also pray for others salvation. Because just like in the story when “the meeting points the sacred hair dissever from the fair head, forever, and forever!” so it is true for everyone who is not found in Christ. They will be separated from Him forever and forever if they do not know Jesus Christ as Lord. So let’s be intentional with our lives.
“Beauties in vain their pretty eyes may roll; charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul.” ~ Clarissa from The Rape Of The Lock ~
Joy Vigneulle
PS - Comment on Will Drake
Oh Joy. I just love it!
ReplyDeleteOnly you would and could turn this so completely spiritual (:
I loved this question that you asked, "why would we want what we do to “seem” important when we can do something that really is important?"
The conviction within your heart that this text brought to mind is clear, there is a world outside of the one we see around us specifically in the mirror. I enjoyed the link you made from the text into your own life and personal faith (:
I did find it so interesting the care and concern she had towards this lock of hair and the irony at the end as the hair was lost...what futility? it really makes you wonder what am I wasting my time doing?
Microbiology? Maybe....
haha (:
Rach
I completely agree with the elimination of distractions and vanities you speak of, Joy. Our lives deteriorate to the point that our spirits are smothered by the vain materials of the world. I would say, more in response to Rachel, however, that God wants to leave us in the world's environment in order to reach the lost. His goal isn't to quarantine Christians within the church building until death. Ministry, as taught by Neal Ledbetter last night at Truespin, is not strictly within the church. Maybe you were there? To strongly paraphrase a quote by Martin Luther, he states that Satan's greatest work is to trick us into thinking that ministry is only within the church (I hope someone can iron that quote out for me). Continue in your skills and work interests. They're given by God. He can use you to make an impact regardless of your profession or location, and no job or service to the Lord is greater than another . . . even nun-ship ;)
ReplyDeleteRachel, I still laugh about the micro thing! You so have to tell Dr. Parsley, she will love that, because you were so sarcastic about it! :D
ReplyDeleteWill, that is a great quote, I love Martin Luther, even though I can quote very little of him... haha! I did not get to go to true-spin, but I would have to agree with what you are saying, Rachel can tell you we talk about this subject quite a bit. I believe the Lord uses our passions for His glory if we allow Him to. That is why I am going into nursing, He has given me a passion to take care of people and it is a great avenue for me to be able to take His gospel to all the nations! Same thing for Rachel, because believe me we would not take classes like Micro if we were not passionate about the things God has gifted us with (isn't that right Rachel!?! ;)) What??? I thought nun-ship was the best... Rachel, that ruins our plan... ;D lol jk
"What mighty contests arise from trivial things"
ReplyDeleteKinda chilling isn't it? I love that you put that quote in there. I remember back to what Dr. Mitchell said in class the other day that, in all the entirety of history, more wars have been fought over sugar. Sugar, that stuff you put in your coffee and Cheerios (because Cheerios obviously don't taste good by themselves). Can you imagine that someone died so you won't have to drink your coffee black? Is humanity really that advanced, to where we kill each other so we don't have to deal with bland cheerios? Just some rambling thoughts from a disintegrating mind.