God’s Mouth
Feb 10th, 2008 by Amanda
One of the scriptures used in church today was Revelation 3:16:
So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
I leaned over to my friend and said to her, “We’re in God’s mouth! I wonder if we taste salty to Him?”
Which immediately reminded me of this post.
My friend remarked, “Isn’t it weird how eating salty things make you want more salt? Like a potato chip - you can’t eat just one.”
That’s kind of cool imagery, isn’t it? Not necessarily being all spitty and slobbery in God’s mouth - but that we do have a taste to God and when that taste is what it should be, He wants more.
Quick comment cos I’m short on time.
If this was a good metaphor, wouldn’t you expect particularly holy, “salty” individuals (e.g. mother Theresa) to have a stronger feeling of connection with God? But in practice, these folks seem to exhibit the same characteristic pattern as everyone else: an initial peak followed by a declining rate of religious experiences.
Conversely, I know people who are not particularly pious, not particularly holy, not always particularly moral, yet they still have strong spiritual experiences. Maybe God just prefers the taste of newbie Christians?
Why?
Christianity isn’t based on feelings. At least, it isn’t supposed to be. As humans, we want it to be (look at my struggle over the last few months). But just because you don’t feel something, doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
Fair play. I think I was maybe overinterpreting the original post somewhat.
Although I’m surprised you say that Christianity isn’t based on feelings. If I recall correctly, last time the subject of God’s existence came up, you came out as relying on an instinctive awareness of His existence. A feeling, in fact.
This tallies with pretty much every experience of Christianity that I’ve ever had. The vast majority of Christians I’ve spoken to - often very faithful, genuine people - have suggested that I pray that God will open my heart to Him (or similar sentiment). What is that if not an invitation to be persuaded by a feeling?