When God is Removed

In the last three graduation ceremonies I attended, the school presidents and valedictorians gave empty, forgettable speeches. These were secular school graduations, so I knew God wouldn’t be the foundation of the talks. But what quickly became apparent was how, once God is removed from the narrative, nothing else makes sense.

And that’s how it played out. The primary “inspirational” message at each graduation was some variation of the following: Everything is changing and you should as well. Don’t let anything or anyone get in your way—including past traditions or definitions of right and wrong. In this brave new world, you don’t have to have answers or know where you’re headed. Just explore and push the boundaries as you recreate reality to be whatever feels right to you.

In other words, wholeheartedly embrace this uncertain world with vague positivity and equal uncertainty. Accept everything yet believe in nothing. Forget the past and reject reality while forging a future in your own ever-changing image.

I can’t imagine worse advice. Yet that’s as good as it gets when God is removed from the picture.

Don’t make the same mistake in your creativity. So many believers are watering down their stories and songs and art by infusing them with ambiguity and doubt. The goal is to embrace everything and offend no one. To reimagine life with us at the center of the story. And focus on generic good rather than the living God. Doing so may tickle the ears of the gatekeepers or the culture, but it will rob your art of any eternal spark.

When God is removed, nothing else makes sense.

One last thought. If today’s reading resonated, take a moment now to email or share it with a fellow creative, friend or family member who could use the encouragement.

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