Three primary realities are absolutes. To ignore them without consequence is unavoidable and leads us away from our maximum flourishing i.e., from reaching our greatest potential ¹for the glory of God. If we remain on this path of denial, it ultimately leads us down a path of destruction.
1. Everyone - atheists included - operates by faith.
Because we are finite and do not have infinite knowledge, we can not know with absolute certainty whether our views or conduct are or aren't on the right track. To know and live correctly, we must confide in the Source of infinite knowledge, life, love, and all things - i.e. the Creator and Designer of everything.
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2. The object of our faith is more critical than faith itself.
Because we are finite in our knowledge and ability, we can pursue a course of action we believe is life-giving when it is actually harmful - at least long-term if not in the short run. This results in harm, destruction, and eventual death.
To use an analogy, we may consume food we believe is life-giving when in reality it is life-taking - i.e. toxic. Our belief, no matter how strong, does not change the nature or harmful effects of what we are consuming.
The problem isn't our faith but what we place our faith in.
3. Everything is designed to operate a certain way i.e., there is design.
Because of this, there are always destructive consequences if something or someone operates contrary to its design.
This is why following God's law is vital. For example, in science, we refer to the laws of nature. Why? Because when tested and applied, these laws or principles always result in the same outcome. This is evidence of design. For us - and any other created thing - to go contrary to its design results in things breaking down and eventually self-destructing.
There are also laws in the metaphysical (non-material) world, since we are not only physical but also spiritual beings created in the image of God, who is Spirit.
Laws are the tracks or guard rails by which something (or someone) is designed to operate. If we ignore our design and these laws, things don't work properly and to their maximum potential. As a result, we suffer loss, breakdown, and eventually self-destruction.
Just like a train needs tracks to run on for maximum performance, so it is with all of creation; from humans, who are the most complex, to the smallest elements of the quantum world. Everything has a design and purpose, which is to operate according to God's design and intent.
Only the Designer knows perfectly what that is. We can experiment, test, and learn how things are designed to function only because design exists and is observable.
But to know our design and purpose, we must confide in the Designer, observe what he's done, and heed what He says, as well as observe how things function.
How?
God actually took on human form and lived among us, living out His design and giving us direction through His example. These things have also been put in writing and left for us to study and understand.
¹For a discussion on how we are created for joy in God and His glory, click here.
For a discussion on how God's greatest glory and our greatest good are tied together and not in opposition, click here.
