There is a distinct clarity in the inevitability of loss. Oftentimes, loss is permanent. There is a multi-step approach to that one undertakes for that particular loss. There’s a process involved where one finds one’s self in a very inauspicious way. The end is final. There is no turning back the clock. What had to be said, or not, was said, or not. Loss in the form of death, at least in this “playing field” begets permanence. All that one ever had, big or small, is left behind to family, museums, or charity. The legacy of the loss is the gain of the legacy. Whatever, one leaves behind, somehow, somewhere or someone benefits from the loss. This may continue in transmission for decades if not centuries. This is viewed as “treasure” for humankind as the legacy of the the loss marches on, whether it be in books, art, music, photography, science, thought, or just in memories. Loss reminds us of our human frailties. It does not condone. Whether the loss is painful or grateful, loss evokes certain emotions that produce true and raw responses to it. Loss does not necessarily mean the end. One can exhibit loss without its finality. Loss of friendship, loss of a marriage, loss of trust, loss of time, loss of one’s own mind connotes quite a different set of emotions. Sometimes, the loss of self is the most dastardly. Loss of identity. This happens as loss of time becomes ever increasing as loss of health reminds us of loss of space. The world becomes narrowed and the friendships one once had, well, they are too busy and become loss as well. Yes, there is a permanency to loss and it comes quickly. One is thrust into ambiguity as one struggles to maintain a sense of elegance in their particular loss. One rarely thinks of loss when one is young unless, the loss is of a family member or friend. Yes, one can get loss in school when one is ostracized from others as children often do because of their selfish nature. Loss of a job, loss of a pet, a patient or client. Loss of respect and yes, loss of one’s humor and joy are oftentimes replaced with another loss; the loss of caring.
Thankfully, loss is not always somber and negative. For every loss, there must be a gain. For example, loss of atheism could lead to the truth of finding God and salvation. Sometimes, in the loss and subsequent suffering, one finds peace, rest, and understanding in what the Lord endured in His loss for our redemption. When one comes to the understanding that there can be freedom from eternal loss, there can be great joy and praise in these moments when God imparts grace upon those who were lost, but now found. Introspectively, one can imagine that the loss of pride, lends itself to humility. The loss of idolatry for idols is replaced with the adoration for God. Certainly, loss of hatred can be replaced with love, loss of fear and anxiety with hope, and loss of worry with trust. Loss is a very complicated emotion. There is an emptiness which cannot be filled. The other side of loss is the filling of that emptiness with joy, a joy so overwhelming that it wasn’t created by you, but by God. God can fill holes which we create through our losses and replace them with love.
Still, there are other losses which are voluntary and cannot be retrieved. Conceptually, if one would believe the the supernatural, one might contemplate the existence of God or a Creator who made the universe. Going further, one might think of this Creator as being personal. He cares about His creation, not because He needs anything, but because He wants to. Then, one step further, voluntary denial of relationship with this Creator would , according to the free will defense, necessarily separate the created from the Creator for eternity. This loss is irretrievable. We are given a chance, while alive, to relate to this Creator. His love for us is infinite and unconditional. However, He would not impose His love on us. The relationship He seeks must be freely chosen by the creature. Sadly, the creature, mostly, loves the created more than the Creator. It’s easier to love something seen rather than unseen. Hence, the loss. Christianity posits that God, being a personal Creator, created humankind in His image and therefore all of us, whether we choose to believe it or not, have an imprint of the image of God in our souls. The soul is that immaterial part of ourselves which comprises mind, emotion, and will. The choice is ours. To believe and want to have a relationship with God, or not. If not, that is our loss. The loss is eternal. The loss of the Creator is the greatest loss inflicted upon any individual. Unfortunately, this loss is seldom contemplated as one permits daily routine to entrance the very existence of why we are here, and not, who we are here for. One’s loss chooses what the Master has “on His table,” rather than choosing the Master. We get fooled into the limited viewpoints of life on earth rather than searching for things above which have eternal consequence. To many, it’s just a “fairytale.” Consistently, the search for truth has had a great loss since the 1600’s. Truth has become inconsequential and individualized for cultural expediency. Now, talk about loss! Jesus stated: 13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Mathew 7:13-14). This is the ultimate loss. To be forever away from God without any grace whatsoever. That is the simple definition of hell. Loss of God. Choose God, or not. The choice is ours, the loss, is as well.