What is Your Thorn in the Flesh?
As we approach the end of chapter 3 of Ray Vander Laan’s book “Cultures in Conflict,” he highlights the scriptures by Paul which introduce us to the concept of the “thorn in the flesh.” Paul says the thorn was given to keep him from becoming too conceited and to help him learn the all-sufficiency of God’s grace. Vander Laan also noted previously in the book that Paul quoted the well-known poets of the day as a way to better connect with his audience. Last week, I referenced the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling because many people memorized this poem during grade school.
The poem “If” was believed to have been written by Kipling to his son, John, when he was around 13. The poem was popular because it seemed to emphasize confidence, self-reliance, perseverance and compassion.
Kipling became a world-renowned poet when he was relatively young. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907 at the age of 41. Yet, he was no stranger to disappointment, abuse and grief. He endured the deaths of two of his three children. He spent much of his childhood being abused by the fellow students and teachers at a boarding school. As the grandson of Methodist ministers (both his maternal and paternal grandfathers), it is unsurprising that there are references to scriptures and theological concepts in several of his poems. In spite of, or perhaps because of, his experiences, Kipling became an Imperialist and is often labeled a fascist.
Kipling was born in Bombay during a time when it was a British colony. While he lovingly recalls the deep connection he felt to the Portuguese nanny and the Hindu attendant who taught him and his younger sister, Alice, the language and lullabies of India, it is both ironic and tragic that he developed extreme and complex attitudes of domination and cultural value. Perhaps the greatest conflict which tormented him was the death of his son, John, on the battlefield after Kipling had exhausted all favors to get his son admitted to any branch of the armed services. The anguish was expressed in his poem Epitaphs of the Great War when he penned these words “If any question why we died. Tell them, because our fathers lied.”
The irresistible appeal of the gallantry of war can summon the worst of our innermost qualities. Near the close of chapter 3, Vander Laan notes ‘All of us to some degree follow our natural tendency to live like the broken world around us.’ Nonetheless, there is a constant longing to rise and lift the world around us. The invitation to follow Christ that Paul extends at Corinth is continually available that we might live so that all will know of God’s redeeming love.
We are looking forward to seeing you in worship Sunday morning.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
