The One Thing…

When tuning in to 96.5 recently I've often heard “The One Thing” a song by Paul Colman (you can hear also this song on his website).

This song is played on Christian radio stations and as such I initially assumed it was about God, in reflection though I am not so sure – it could easily be referring to someone else. Either way… what is the “one thing” I don’t question? Is there a “one thing” at all?

The answer is yes, but not what you might expect – not the expected “good Christian answer” for God is perhaps what I question most, or at least my theology and view of him. If there is a “one thing” that I don’t question it’s my parents and their love for me, this I do not doubt, but with God I often doubt, or drop I my focus and let other things supersede this relationship, or I become influenced by cynicism, or hurt by the hypocrisy of those claiming to act in His Name.

If Mr Colman is referring to God, while I envy him in some respects, if the option came I would still question, for I think belief is stronger when subjected to inspection.

I think our views of God must be challenged, and subjected to Biblical understanding with loving, empathetic encouragement by other believers. Many might have heard me say “doubts must be questioned, for when they are not, when they are hidden in the dark they putrefy and fester, but when doubts are brought into the light, questioned and understanding sought it is the healthiest thing that can happen – challenging but essential.” As Christians we should encourage debate with open, honest and forthright discussion – doubts aired and vulnerabilities exposed, especially among our Youth.

I think most Christians would agree with me; we have times when we are sure of our faith, and other times when we need to look back at the “North Star” reference moments we've had to remind us that He will be faithful. That’s what faith is – not a blind leap, but future and present trust based upon past experience of faithfulness.

I wonder what the “one thing” is that you don’t question. Is it God? Is it like me the love of those who have proven a rock in your life for many years? Is it your job and the fulfilment you find in it? Is it your health? Or can you be sure of anything? I hope there is at least one thing you can be sure of – and I pray that that “one thing” is worthy of that trust and dependence.

(Digression: this song and my assumption that the subject was God also bring to mind the South Park episode where they made Christian songs by replacing the words Baby, or Love, with Jesus or God… (i.e. “I love you baby” becomes “I love you Jesus”) but we’ll leave that thought for another day…)

and yes - I like do actually like this song!