We rely on systems to manage our lives. But do we ever step back and look for the system behind all systems?
That begins to sound like a conspiracy theory or some kind of “deep state.” But if we’re honest, we all have moments when we wonder if the whole thing isn’t rigged against us.
A Downward Spiral
There is a system behind all these systems. And yes, this system has been corrupted. But this is not a system we developed. Rather it’s the system we discovered. In fact, every system we have is a reflection of this system to some degree.
Because this system was not our design, it’s not our problem to fix. Rather, someone else is already fixing it, and we have the opportunity to be part of that work.
I’m speaking of the simple story that God created the world with a specific purpose, it was corrupted when it fell into sin, but God has begun a process of redemption to restore the world to its intended purpose. That redemption was accomplished in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but the effects of that redemption are still being worked out in our world and lives today.
I believe, by faith, this is narrative is true. But how does that apply to the problems we are facing today? There are many excellent resources that will describe and seek to persuade you of the truth of what I’ve described above. But I’m trying to take a different approach.
I want an approach that is practical and hopeful. One that helps us see and feel immediate results, and make plans for the future. To do that, I look for where God is working in these systemic failures that burden us now.
That gives me glimpses into his solution for the brokenness of the world. Then I try to bring that hope into the brokenness of the systems in which I live and work.
The System Behind All Systems
Yes, that means I’m using a system to manage my systems. And based on what we’ve seen, that would only create more problems.
Unless there is a system that God created. That system would be perfect, and all our broken systems are just a poor reflection of it. But even a poor reflection points to the existence of the real thing.
But first, we must look at how God created his system, in the beginning.