Jesus: Our Constant in a Variable World
Morgan Nel | ACSI Southern Africa Assistant Director
In algebraic equations, constants and variables serve distinct roles:
Constants are fixed values that do not change. They represent known quantities and provide stability in equations. For example, in the equation 2x + 3 = 7, the numbers 2, 3, and 7 are constants because they have specific, unchanging values.
Variables are symbols (often letters like x and y that represent unknown or changeable values). They allow equations to model relationships where quantities can vary. In the same equation, 2x + 3 = 7, x is a variable because its value is unknown and needs to be solved for.
In a spiritual context, viewing Jesus Christ and the Word of God as the constants in the “equation” of life provides a profound metaphor for their unchanging, foundational role. Meanwhile, variables represent the ever-changing aspects of human existence – our circumstances, choices, and experiences.
Let’s investigate how this analogy unfolds:
Constants: Jesus Christ and the Word of God
Jesus Christ is described as “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). His love, truth, and redemptive power remain steadfast, unaffected by time or human conditions. He is the unchanging anchor for believers.
The Word of God is eternal and unchanging, as stated in Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” It provides fixed guidance, truth, and wisdom.
Together, they serve as the unshakeable foundation in the spiritual equation, like constants in an algebraic equation that define its structure and outcome.
Variables: Human Life and Circumstances
Variables represent the fluctuating elements of life – our emotions, challenges, decisions, relationships, and worldly conditions. Just as x or y in an equation can take on different values, our situations vary daily.
For example, a person’s faith might waver, their circumstances might shift (e.g., financial struggles, health issues), or their understanding of God’s plan might evolve. These are the “unknowns” or changing values in the spiritual journey.
Spiritual Examples:
- Navigating Trials: Imagine life’s challenges as an equation like Faith + Trials = Peace.
Jesus Christ (the source of peace, John 16:33) and the Word of God (promising strength, Philippians 4:13). The specific trials (e.g., loss, doubt, or fear) that change over time.
No matter the trial (variable), trusting in Jesus and grounding oneself in Scripture provides consistent peace. For instance, during a financial crisis, Psalm 23:1 (“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want”) remains a constant truth, guiding the believer to rely on God’s provision.
- Moral Decisions: Choices + Guidance = Righteousness
The Word of God (e.g., the Ten Commandments, Matthew 22:37-40) and Jesus as the example of perfect obedience. The ethical dilemmas or temptations that vary by situation (e.g., honesty in a workplace, forgiveness in a conflict).
When faced with a moral choice, the variable (the specific situation) changes, but the constant of God’s Word (e.g., “Love your neighbour as yourself”) provides unchanging direction. Jesus’ example of compassion and integrity remains the fixed standard.
- Spiritual Growth: Effort + Truth = Maturity
Jesus as the vine (John 15:5) and the Word as the source of truth (John 17:17). The believer’s level of understanding, commitment, or season of life.
A new believer and a seasoned Christian (different variables) both rely on the same constants – Jesus’ grace and Scripture’s teachings – to grow. For example, meditating on Psalm 119:105 (“Your word is a lamp to my feet”) guides through their unique journeys.
In the spiritual “equation” of life, Jesus Christ and the Word of God are the constants – unchanging, reliable, and eternal. They provide the fixed truth and strength that guide believers through the variables of human experience. Just as constants in algebra ensure a solvable equation, Jesus and Scripture ensure stability and purpose amid life’s uncertainties, leading to spiritual growth, peace, and alignment with God’s will.