Carl Honore, a Canadian journalist once remarked: “We know that no algorithm can solve global poverty; no pill can cure a chronic illness; no box of chocolates can mend a broken relationship; no educational DVD can transform a child into a baby Einstein; no drone strike can end a terrorist conflict. Sadly, there is no such thing as 'One Tip to a Flat Stomach.’” Genesis 1:1-5 reminds us: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.”
An algorithm is defined as a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer. Efficaciously, it could be considered the provision of a special master key to achieving certain solutions in the pressing stark reality of life’s complications. Unequivocally, it is deemed the ideal tincture to fathom dilemmas causing concern. However, it fails in its ability to provide a solution to every complexity in life which may include “undecidable problems” (Other than those simply requiring a “yes” or “no” answer.) Nevertheless, there is another, and more powerful resource accessible to aid in the difficulties of life: God.
Sentience would be so much more manageable if by striking certain factors into a keyboard and pressing the enter button, all of life’s difficulties and adversities could be resolved and perfection achieved electronically. Sadly, the complexities of life do not allow for such simplicity. If we seek the truth, transcendence can realistically only be achieved by the grace of God. Romans 5:8-10 reminds us: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”
The purposeful jackets of life do not always guarantee the necessary protection to cope or rebuff all adversities, unless they have been manufactured by God. Life often has its way of deviating from the norm at times when we least expect it. Unless the clothing is specifically provided by God, uncertainty may prevail as to whether the articles we wear, will perform to the required protection during an ultimate need. Genesis 28:20-22 reminds us: Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
Conflicts in life are rarely resolved by an algorithm unless the specific criteria supplied are analyzed and implemented to a best effect. These can include formal agreement by both sides, diplomacy, consideration, respect and forgiveness. Genesis 14:1-16 reminds us: “In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea).
Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, and the Horites in their hill country of Seir as far as El-paran on the border of the wilderness. Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh) and defeated all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who were dwelling in Hazazon-tamar. Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out, and they joined battle in the Valley of Siddim with Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar, four kings against five. Now the Valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, and the rest fled to the hill country.
So the enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, the son of Abram's brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way. Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and of Aner. These were allies of Abram. When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.”
Algorithms are predominantly aidful and may suggest appropriate solutions, but they are not the definitive conclusion to all problems. It depends on input. Actions need to follow to implement the advice or suggestions given. The same applies in our relationship with God, if we just listen and do nothing, then personal problems will never be resolved. We need to heed any advice and attempt to put it into practice. God will open many doors for us during troubled times, we need to make a choice and go through one of them to receive God’s benefits. John 14:1-4 does not just relate to life after death, it includes life itself. It is the preparation tool for our survival during the problems of life. It reminds us: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
God is not only our Savior, He is the key to life. His love and guidance can guide us to resolve any problems that life can pose. Algorithms have their rightful place, but cannot surpass the power of God. Joel Osteen, an American pastor and televangelist once remarked: "The scripture says, “God opens doors that no man can shut, and He shuts doors that no man can open.” God is your doorkeeper. Other people can't keep you out of your purpose; obstacles can't keep you from what God has ordained for you." Revelation 3:7-13 confirms: “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie - behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Amen.
