The Tremendous Adventures of Major Brown

Recently, I read this short story by G.K. Chesterton, The Tremendous Adventures of Major Brown (read first - spoilers). Although the story fascinated me, it was Chesterton's point that drew me to read it again and now, again.

G.K. Chesterton in his story The Tremendous Adventures of Major Brown spells out a pivotal question, “What is the relationship between truth and fact?” His fascinating work moves towards a purpose: facts in and of themselves will not lead to truth. In fact, sometimes the facts can mask or in his words “obscure” the truth. Even with accurate facts, one can miss the truth. This was the case in the story of Major Brown. 

As I read I began to understand that Chesterton was not saying that all fact is misleading, but rather there are certain illuminating or unlocking facts that lead us to examine clearly all the facts and ultimately, the truth. In this story, the mix-up of Mr. Gurney Brown and Major Brown plays this role of the key fact.  This fact opens the eyes of the reader and the members in the story, allowing all of us to appropriately understand the events in the story.  

Still, if that is the case and we are without understanding until we find this central, illuminating fact, how do we know if we have found this fact? I think this is Chesterton’s point in the following rant: ‘You could not adopt the ordinary explanation. The ordinary explanation of putting on singular clothes is that you look nice in them; you would not think that Lord Kitchener dressed up like a ballet girl out of ordinary personal vanity. You would think it much more likely that he inherited a dancing madness from a great grandmother; or had been hypnotized at a séance; or threatened by a secret society with death if he refused the ordeal. With Baden-Powell, say, it might be a bet---but not with Kitchener. I should know all that, because in my public days I knew him quite well. So I know that letter quite well, and criminals quite well. It's not a criminal's letter. It's all atmospheres.' And he closed his eyes and passed his hand over his forehead. The unlocking fact for understanding Kitchener dressed up in a ballet outfit was Basil’s relationship with Kitchener. Also, it is Basil’s knowledge of criminals that leads him to see that this letter is not written by a criminal. This fact reveals to Basil that the story he has heard does not include the illuminating fact. The facts “obscure the truth.” Basil doesn't admit to know the illuminating fact, but rather, the absence of the fact. How does Basil arrive to this?

Relationship. People. What then leads us to truth? From his story with Kitchener and the criminals, Chesterton is saying only in light of relationship or persons can we know the truth. It is by knowing people (criminals and Kitchener) that he sees the illuminating fact (or lack thereof). 

Consequently, “Can we know truth in this life?” According to Chesterton, the answer is yes, but it can only be known through a relationship with a relational being: the God of heaven. Only through Him can we perceive facts clearly and truth ultimately. And this relationship can only come through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. For us, it is this fundamental fact that leads to the truth which is the “green blood that springs, like a fountain, at the stars.”  

How Do I Flourish in Work?

Tonight, I read an article on the topic of work called "Human Flourishing." It helped me consider my thoughts and attitudes toward work both at my job and school. Danielle Sallade, a staff member at Princeton Evangelical Fellowship, wrote the article. Here's the link: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2010/06/07/danielle-sallade-on-human-flourishing/

In the essay Danielle defines a flourishing life as "a life that both goes well and is lived well" (1). Since she works with college students, she is able to observe the life patterns of students, and she concludes that pressure in the educational setting deprives students of this flourishing life. So many of these gifted individuals work without regard for sleep, relationships or enjoyment. As a result, these students can "either be caught up in frenzied activity or overwhelmed by their lives and thus unable to do anything. The pressure in their lives keeps them from flourishing as God intended" (4). Why is this the case?

Here is her outline:

1. The Culture of Busyness: 

A culture built on a self-centered concept of success, living in a competition mindset.This leads to three mistakes:

1. We wrongly value certain types of work over others.
2. We place our identity in our work and seek justification through our work.
3. We work as if we were independent operators, solely responsible for our daily provision, forgetting that God is our ultimate provider.

1.1 Value in All Types of Work -

The focus changes from loving work to loving the results of work (e.g. money). Work becomes a means to an end, but God values work as an end in itself (not the ultimate end though as we will see later).

1.2 Value in All Types of Work—by Design

Work is not a result of the fall but designed by God. Danielle teaches that "how we work is as important as what we produce...God is glorified by work because we can do it with an eye to pleasing him" (10).

1.3 Value in All Types of Work—by Example

Danielle draws a provoking reference by Tim Keller in this section:

"When our Savior came to earth, he did not come as a philosopher, nor as a noble statesman, nor as a powerful military general, but he came as a carpenter...this was the one who would save the world" (11).

2. Identity in Work

If you make work and achievements your foundation for meaning, you will feel the pressure, anxiety, and even emptiness from something God never intended to satisfy. Rather, God's glory is the end (ultimate or even chief end).

2.1 Identity in Christ

As believers, we have "soul resting" peace that results in our position before God through justification. Our meaning "is rooted in the dignity of our image-bearing through creation and in our union with Christ through our redemption" (13). We are already "approved." 

2.2. Work That Flows Out of Identity in Christ

We are slaves! I love this statement: "Our primary purpose as a slave is extending Christ's kingdom. And when our main focus in life is our duty to Christ, we are free from being overly preoccupied with our specific jobs" (14). This slavery sets one free from the burdens of the sole responsibility being on you. God supplies your needs.

3. Depending on God in our Work

Remember that your gifts are just that--gifts. They are gifts from God, and this loving God promises to protect you. Christ reminds us that we cannot add to our life by worrying, so instead, depend on God.

3.1 Sabbath

This concept is one that I wish to work on, that is, finding a time to rest during the week (e.g. Saturday or Sunday). She doesn't limit this to just Saturday or Sunday, but rather, she focuses on the concept of resting for a day on a weekly basis.

1. This rest brings us to "recognize [God's] sovereignty over the work" (18).
2. This weekly rest also helps us turn our eyes to God (rather than keep them on our work and accomplishment). This is the worship of God.

3.2 Focus on Faithfulness

The goal of work is not money, achievement or fame, but it is faithfulness and fidelity to God through obedience. "God values faithfulness to himself above all else..." (22).

4. Conclusion

Final implications (Taken almost directly from the article)

1. Since God values all types of work, students can be confident in developing their interests and gifts, learning how they can use them to serve others and redeem culture.
2. Students who serve Christ as their primary focus know that how they work with integrity and excellence is more important than the measured results of their work.
3. As these students pursue their careers, they focus on laying up treasure in heaven through their profession.
4. Students are confident that God will provide for today's and tomorrow's needs, giving them peace about the future.

Check out this article!