When I began to ponder the metaphors that I live out of, my first response was: I don’t really know. Having just read Philip Cushman’s article Why the Self Is Empty, makes me ponder the reasons why I (and likely many others in my circles) am not more consciously introspective? Perhaps we are simply not taught to search our hearts and minds, even though we are taught to ask God to expose the depths of our hearts. Perhaps, then, there are fears that accompany such a proposition- we really do not want to know ourselves because we know that we will not like what we see- and, therefore, ignorance is bliss (or is it?). However, it stands to reason that it is pertinent to understand one’s self if one is to understand others most fully.
In Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, Tripp introduces a metaphor of an ambassador sent out by the King as His representative to proclaim the words of the King, and to act in the name and manner of the same. This metaphor struck home immediately, and is the metaphor that I long to live out of.
If I had to choose a metaphor that I do live out of, I would have to pick that of a scientific explorer who is quite content to run about on his own gathering information of various sorts, largely sticking to himself. The other side to this explorer is the characteristic of one who loves to share his found knowledge with all those who are willing to listen, and those of whom he feels would benefit from his “vast” knowledge and experience. Thus concluded, the metaphor is of a person who independently and (largely) autonomously searches for knowledge and is quick to show off his findings to others in order to substantiate the meaning of his existence.
What an ugly, selfish, and ultimately lonely way to live. I much prefer the ambassadorial calling, but relinquishing my love for autonomy is such a difficult thing to do. I pray that God will help me to live more and more for Him, and not for my own selfish ambitions.
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