Vector vs point

In physics we learn about vectors, and it can make a pain when you have to add/subtract vectors in x, y, z dimensions separately, and then use the sum of squares to get the resultant vector...

Even though calculations are a pain, I like the fact that vectors provide more information, because it consists of a "magnitude" (like how big or how small), and a "direction" (which is indicated by a positive or negative sign, and an angle to tell you where it is going).

I sometimes like to make an analogy of vectors with bible study. Why do we do bible study, when you can study the bible yourself? I believe that there is one correct interpretation for a given passage of the bible, but there can be many different applications. To a certain extent, every person might have a different perspective (and different way to apply) a passage, so each person has a vector. When we study the bible together, we get to hear the insights from others, so that we can grasp more from the truth of the passage. It's like vectors adding vectors, and the goal is to get a resulting vector that is aligned with the truth, which is only able when the Spirit give us discernment.

Ok, that wasn't my main point...

Many times I hear people asking, what are the requirements for a person "to be ready" for dating? And there are good ones mentioned in the 722 Love & Marriage series by Voodie Baucham (if interested, there are 3 more sermons from the series). And one starts making a list of things people should know, and a certain level of maturity one should have, before even thinking about dating. And then one goes to more details about specific traits a man should have, and specific ones that a woman should have. It's like setting a minimum threshold (like a point on the graph).

I certainly agree that there should be a threshold. But I don't think we should focus too much on the threshold itself, but to focus more on direction. Because if we want to become the man who can love his wife on the same way that Jesus love us by dying for the church (Ephesians 5:25), and if that is our threshold, then it is pretty much impossible. It is only by God's grace that we can strive to become more like Christ, and love with His love to others. So I think it is about a growing hunger and desire to conform in Christ's image, and that is a daily pursuit of God, a daily submission to Christ's lordship, and a daily purge of our sinful ways.

Reaching a threshold is good, but there is still so much more to grow! So I believe the most important requirement is the constant desire to grow towards God's direction. That is like a vector with a positive gradient (positively-growing vector). Because if we reach a threshold, and become complacent, it is really easy to fall back to our old ways, because our sinful nature is affecting us daily (like gravity). That's why I like to be like a vector to constantly engaging towards holiness in the pursuit of God.

David was a man after God's own heart, not so much because he reached a threshold. But because he always sought after God, even after he committed adultery, in Psalms 51, he expressed great remorse and a desire to be restored by God. It is continuing process.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18