As a math teacher, a parabolic equation, or quadratic equation, is the graph of an equation including a squared term, which is a relation, but may or may not be a function. Advanced math considers the limit as a relation approaches infinity. Does it become infinitely positive or infinitely negative? Or zero? Or something else? Does your head hurt yet?
As a Christian, a parabolic story, or parable, is “a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.” With Jesus’ parables, we consider the final destination of the soul as we reflect upon the spiritual lesson. Personal life choices determine whether one’s relationship with God becomes infinitely positive (heavenly) or infinitely negative (hellacious). Do you see? God is both the greatest parable-teller and the greatest mathematician of all time! But, I still hesitate to call Him a GOAT, in modern text message vernacular. I think I’ll stick with YHWH.
Whether it’s solving math equations or learning from parables, personal life choices have far-reaching consequences. They influence the limit of one’s infinite outcome. Buzz Lightyear’s catch phrase, “To infinity and beyond,” has eternal implications for the soul.
The good news! Even if one is headed in the wrong direction, as long as one lives, one can still turn around and head in the right direction. In mathematical terms, multiply by another x, creating an additional critical point. Note, this process uses a higher power of x! And Jesus is a higher power! Now, for the bad news. The opposite is also true. Even if one is headed in the positive direction, as long as one lives, one can still turn around and head in a negative direction. So the critical question becomes, “Which way are you headed at the end?”
Where will you spend eternity? The question comes to you.
Grace & Peace, Charles.