The Function Machine
First Published August 3, 2011
Proverbs 11:27
Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.
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Okay everyone, it’s that time again! Let’s get ready for math lesson #772! If you have already had algebra (whether you liked it or not), just sit on your hands for a spell so you don’t spend your time waving frantically that you know the answer!
Mathematical rules known as functions have a special property that when a value is inserted into the function, one and only one value results. For instance let x be the input variable and y be the output variable. Given function y = x times x , if x = 5 then y = 25. Now, consider x = y times y and x = 25 is the input, then y could equal 5 or -5. This is not a function.
The set of all legal input values of a function is called the domain. And the set of output values from the domain is called the range. Sometimes this concept is illustrated by the “Function Machine,” a fictitious contraption commonly drawn on the chalk-board.
To change the range of a function, you must change the domain (make exceptions) or change the function. In life, we all have to deal with bad things. Whether we encounter sins inflicted upon us or produce our own sins, trials are out there. The “domain” of life will not change. We get sick and we made wrong choices. What can change is how we handle bad things. We may choose a “function” that reflects the influence of God’s grace, or we may choose a “function” that leads to more sin and prevents others from seeing God’s glory and love.
The special “function” I’m talking about is Jesus Christ. Living life through him changes the range from misery to peace, hope, and joy.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
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Dear Lord, I am here. I am asking. I am seeking. I am knocking. Please let Christ be the function in my life. In his name, amen.
Copyright 2011, Karen Vaughn
Proverbs 11:27
Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.
**** ****
Okay everyone, it’s that time again! Let’s get ready for math lesson #772! If you have already had algebra (whether you liked it or not), just sit on your hands for a spell so you don’t spend your time waving frantically that you know the answer!
Mathematical rules known as functions have a special property that when a value is inserted into the function, one and only one value results. For instance let x be the input variable and y be the output variable. Given function y = x times x , if x = 5 then y = 25. Now, consider x = y times y and x = 25 is the input, then y could equal 5 or -5. This is not a function.
The set of all legal input values of a function is called the domain. And the set of output values from the domain is called the range. Sometimes this concept is illustrated by the “Function Machine,” a fictitious contraption commonly drawn on the chalk-board.
To change the range of a function, you must change the domain (make exceptions) or change the function. In life, we all have to deal with bad things. Whether we encounter sins inflicted upon us or produce our own sins, trials are out there. The “domain” of life will not change. We get sick and we made wrong choices. What can change is how we handle bad things. We may choose a “function” that reflects the influence of God’s grace, or we may choose a “function” that leads to more sin and prevents others from seeing God’s glory and love.
The special “function” I’m talking about is Jesus Christ. Living life through him changes the range from misery to peace, hope, and joy.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
**** ****
Dear Lord, I am here. I am asking. I am seeking. I am knocking. Please let Christ be the function in my life. In his name, amen.
Copyright 2011, Karen Vaughn
posted by Karen Vaughn | 5:40 PM
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