Structure, Relationships, Clay

Structure ranges broadly on a linear scale. One side of the scale represents rigid structure and the opposite side represents no structure. Depending on the form of structure, foreign objects may or may not be able to enter the structure.

PVC pipe, for example, is a good example of a rigid structure. It’s firm, solid, withstands pressure, and is extremely useful in certain systems. The rigidity of the structure does not allow easy access for foreign objects; the rigidity of the structure resists them. So, if I were to take my hand (foreign object) and attempt to enter the rigidly structured system (PVC pipe), I wouldn’t be successful because of the rigidity of structure in the system.

On the other side of this linear structure scale, is no structure. Some may refer to this as chaos. Chaos holds no structure and allows foreign objects easy access when entering and exiting the system. A good example of a system with no structure is water. If I were to take my hand (foreign object) and enter it into the water (chaotic system), I would face little to no resistance.

In the middle of the linear structure scale is a balance between rigid structure and chaos. Silly putty or clay comes to mind. It holds structure, yet it isn’t opposed to foreign objects. I can easily manipulate the structure with my hand. 

So, what does this have to do with anything?

Rigid structures are needed and chaos is needed. Being too rigid in structure doesn’t allow for movement or growth, and being too chaotic doesn’t sustain movement or growth. Chaos and rigidity form a relationship that both allows movement/growth and sustains movement/growth. The linear structure scale has now progressed into a circular relationship where both are needed to produce change.

This leads me to several thoughts/ questions:

How can we, as the church, be the balance of rigidity and chaos to allow foreigners into the system of the church? How can we encourage structure and embrace chaos in such a way that foreigners feel comfortable and connected to the love of Christ?

When my life is in a state of chaos, I can be assured that the circular relationship between chaos and rigidity will eventually move my life to something more structured. And, when my life is so structured that it is oppressive, chaos will eventual enter to relieve the structure.

Those times in the lovely, delicate balance between chaos and rigidity are so welcomed and enjoyed.

Relationships (marriage, family, friendships) may follow a similar structured/ chaos circularity.

How can I interact with different systems to encourage more or less structure and more or less chaos?

Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our Potter, and we all are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8