. . . I believe that I’m quite capable of thinking abstract thoughts, even complex ones. What I have so far demonstrated is my inability to arrive at the intended understanding from what, to me, seems vague and inaccurate wording. I don’t find my failure to understand amusing, just perplexing and an obstacle to more useful debate.
When a difficulty with a type of communication is explained, but the originator persists in using it, then I think it reasonable to conclude that that person either has no desire to communicate clearly, either because it takes more effort to do so, or because they wish to be deliberately obscure, or else because they don’t know clearly what they mean them self. I’m not sure which explanation applies here. . .
It is a lot easier to decipher the meanings of the words when one knows what the other person is talking about.
I’m going to put it to you that you cannot know God outside of a relationship with Him.
The least one can do to grow this relationship is to pray, do good works and contemplate holy scripture.
The problem with trying to understand the nature of reality based on what sees in this world is that everything here is upside down.
Fact is that sin has turned our side of the equation into a negative, so everything is the opposite of what we observe:
- We see a world where the small (Bethlehem, the manger, the baby, the man on the cross) is not appreciated for the greatness it actually possesses.
- We pursue transient pleasures, things and positions, rather than what is eternal.
- We take rather than give, thinking that is how we can actually make it a part of us.
- The servant is not seen as greater than the master.
- It is hard to grasp that in doing God’s will we can move mountains.
- We think we can figure it all out on our own, when it all becomes clear giving our minds to God.
If you don’t know what I am talking about you will assume I’m speaking of what you think the words mean.
So, it ends up sounding concrete and literal. You would be considered a material fundamentalist, spiritually speaking.
What you say here sounds weird because the meaning is so obvious, and I have no idea how it could be asked:
Do you want to have a go at explaining “Your heart is drawn to your treasure”?
If you love sex, you will be drawn to sex.
If you love money, you will try to make more and more.
If you like people speaking (well or otherwise) about you, you will go for fame/honour.
These are all meaningless wastes of time and energy. They will all leave you empty.
There is only One who truly fulfills.
And, the fulfillment is eternal.
Not sure I got your point, but maybe there’s an answer in all this for you.
