So, I've been doing some thinking, and I have come to this conclusion/realization.
Anxiety seems to be arise out of selfishness. The more selfish one is, in general or in a particular relationship, the more anxiety is felt.
I was thinking of this in context of a good friend who has just entered into a dating relationship. He is an outstanding guy, and a solid brother, but he has expressed that he feels anxious in many ways with this relationship. I think it's selfishness. I don't think this unnamed friend is selfish in general, he does not act as such, but I think the source of his anxiety can be traced to his own selfishness with this relationship. In the sense that an ideal or a mental picture of what that relationship should look like or how it would proceed is held in my friend's mind.
I would say my friend with this relationship is a minor example that was supporting evidence for this thought of how selfishness is related to anxiety. The real incriminating evidence and major example for this came when I reflected upon myself, and how stupidly selfish I am in certain relationships in my life, and low and behold, those areas of my life are where I experience the most anxiety. I refer to relationship both as in relationships to other people as well as relationship as in my relationship to money, trust, marriage, and other non-human aspects of life.
Instead of relying on Christ to be the center, I rely on my self, convinced of my own ways and my own thoughts to figure things out. I set out this idea in my mind about how something should be, rather than trusting Christ's way over my way.
I think Paul alludes to this in Philippians: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).
And Jesus gives a pretty clear solution to this problem of selfishness and the resulting anxiety that can simply wear someone out: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)
Now, I want to be clear, I don't think we're just to sit down in a chair and let God run our lives. Completely the opposite. We're to walk according to the graces He has showered down upon us, but do so with a firm trust and reliance on Christ's precepts and principles rather than my own.
12.28.2008
12.27.2008
the value principle (grace)
In our world today, someone of value is given something of value as a sign and symbol of worth. Value seems to be tied together.
Office employees who have been with a company for forty years receive a diamond studded bracelet in thanks for many years of outstanding service to the company. Or consider a regular salary for a worker. The worker receives value in the money for creating some sort of value through his or her work. Even little kids, who might go 0-12 for an entire basketball season, still get a trophy at the end of the season (I was that kid) for trying hard and coming close.
I'm claiming that this idea about value being tied to something else of value is some sort of universal principle... "well, ya, duh Hunter..." but I'm trying to make a very simple point.
I challenge you to come up with something that would be of greater value than a life that possesses the most joyful relationships that are truly authentic, a life that has the greatest possible purpose, and a life in which one receives the greatest contentment from such a purpose. Yes, these things rolled altogether into one life. Forever.
Possible?
Absolutely! The greatest gift of value is available for the incredible worth of individuals from every tribe, tongue and nation. If it were not so, Christ would not have come to earth, and He would have not gone to the cross.
Jesus recognizes, with His unique special eyes and insight, the worth of every person. And it is Christ, and Christ alone, who offers the most valuable gift--an eternal life spent in Jesus' presence--that is unparalleled in its worth. This great gift of value is given for the incredible value that individuals possess.
It is simply up to those individuals to allow Christ to give the gift and to accept it.
Office employees who have been with a company for forty years receive a diamond studded bracelet in thanks for many years of outstanding service to the company. Or consider a regular salary for a worker. The worker receives value in the money for creating some sort of value through his or her work. Even little kids, who might go 0-12 for an entire basketball season, still get a trophy at the end of the season (I was that kid) for trying hard and coming close.
I'm claiming that this idea about value being tied to something else of value is some sort of universal principle... "well, ya, duh Hunter..." but I'm trying to make a very simple point.
I challenge you to come up with something that would be of greater value than a life that possesses the most joyful relationships that are truly authentic, a life that has the greatest possible purpose, and a life in which one receives the greatest contentment from such a purpose. Yes, these things rolled altogether into one life. Forever.
Possible?
Absolutely! The greatest gift of value is available for the incredible worth of individuals from every tribe, tongue and nation. If it were not so, Christ would not have come to earth, and He would have not gone to the cross.
Jesus recognizes, with His unique special eyes and insight, the worth of every person. And it is Christ, and Christ alone, who offers the most valuable gift--an eternal life spent in Jesus' presence--that is unparalleled in its worth. This great gift of value is given for the incredible value that individuals possess.
It is simply up to those individuals to allow Christ to give the gift and to accept it.
12.17.2008
be still my soul...
In our conect-a-thon world, we've got this mentality that we always need to be plugged in. Not doing so, we sometimes begin to feel anxious, like something is wrong. Surfing the net, facebook, cell phone texting, watching the Office...or work or getting together with friends for sports activities or for a coffee chat or community group...
Don't get me wrong, community is fundamentally important to this life we live, but it can also become an idol along with all other sorts of electronic means of "plugging in" that exist in our society nowadays.
Tim Keller makes the point that an idol is something that serves a good purpose, it can be a good thing, but it becomes elevated to being an ultimate thing. I think we should remember this.
One of the greatest ways, I think as Scripture teaches, and Christ often did himself, is to remove oneself from the world, go to a solitary place, and just have time to be with Jesus.
"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:10-11 NIV
Don't get me wrong, community is fundamentally important to this life we live, but it can also become an idol along with all other sorts of electronic means of "plugging in" that exist in our society nowadays.
Tim Keller makes the point that an idol is something that serves a good purpose, it can be a good thing, but it becomes elevated to being an ultimate thing. I think we should remember this.
One of the greatest ways, I think as Scripture teaches, and Christ often did himself, is to remove oneself from the world, go to a solitary place, and just have time to be with Jesus.
"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:10-11 NIV
This Scripture gives us the image of God as a Mighty Fortress. When we attempt to be still before the throne, with the King, we can picture ourselves doing so protected and surrounded by a mighty fortress. This will hopefully help block out all the "plugging in" temptations that battle for our attention.
How could a soul in solitude with Jesus not be renewing?
12.14.2008
The Shack
Well, I just finished reading The Shack by William P. Young. I have to admit, I was skeptical at first, mainly because it seemed like it was the bandwagon book everyone was reading at the time, and I tend to have caution with things that everyone else is doing.
Anyways, it was a good book and brought out some really solid questions to examine for yourself. I was really encouraged when I looked up the readership, and it's sold more than 2 million copies and has been #1 on the NY Times Best Seller list for 26 or something weeks now.
That's really encouraging to me that a lot of people are going through the substance of this book and finding and having time with Jesus in a different way than the institutionalized, culturized form of Jesus as they have known Him.
I totally agree with the book that Jesus is not a set of rules or an institution or an accepted status quo of how to act or what to think. God in His infinite-ness cannot be thought of fully or understood completely by finite-ness - that being US humans!! I think it's an amazing premise - that God is so huge and His love so great, even the love that we can actually understand and get an idea of -- the reality is that there's even that much more to His love than we know.
For this, as the book pointed out, Jesus deserves the center of attention and the entirety of our lives.
Another point that I really enjoyed about the book was the emphasis on reconciliation. To get a bigger grasp and a better sense of that huge huge love of God that we have a hard time experiencing because of our own selfishness and stupid independence -- a great way to get that love is via reconciliation. Reconciliation for friendships, marriages, relationships with family members, and acts of reconciliation with those who have hurt us or harmed us.
The power of reconciliation is incredibly great. After all, in doing so, we are seeking to follow God's example of how He worked on us, to make things right through Jesus. I don't think we can go wrong genuinely trying to emulate God's act of reconciliation in our own earthly relationships.
As Paul writes...
"If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:13-21 NIV)
One thing I felt was missing from the book was the importance of Scripture. The Shack never really included or talked about in the character conversations, anything about the primacy of the Word. I think it's great that a relationship with Jesus is going to look differently for each person, but I think that the Holy Scriptures are an inherent part of that relationship, since in the beginning, the Word was with God, and the Word was God...(John 1). Overall, a good book and a solid read!
Anyways, it was a good book and brought out some really solid questions to examine for yourself. I was really encouraged when I looked up the readership, and it's sold more than 2 million copies and has been #1 on the NY Times Best Seller list for 26 or something weeks now.
That's really encouraging to me that a lot of people are going through the substance of this book and finding and having time with Jesus in a different way than the institutionalized, culturized form of Jesus as they have known Him.
I totally agree with the book that Jesus is not a set of rules or an institution or an accepted status quo of how to act or what to think. God in His infinite-ness cannot be thought of fully or understood completely by finite-ness - that being US humans!! I think it's an amazing premise - that God is so huge and His love so great, even the love that we can actually understand and get an idea of -- the reality is that there's even that much more to His love than we know.
For this, as the book pointed out, Jesus deserves the center of attention and the entirety of our lives.
Another point that I really enjoyed about the book was the emphasis on reconciliation. To get a bigger grasp and a better sense of that huge huge love of God that we have a hard time experiencing because of our own selfishness and stupid independence -- a great way to get that love is via reconciliation. Reconciliation for friendships, marriages, relationships with family members, and acts of reconciliation with those who have hurt us or harmed us.
The power of reconciliation is incredibly great. After all, in doing so, we are seeking to follow God's example of how He worked on us, to make things right through Jesus. I don't think we can go wrong genuinely trying to emulate God's act of reconciliation in our own earthly relationships.
As Paul writes...
"If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:13-21 NIV)
One thing I felt was missing from the book was the importance of Scripture. The Shack never really included or talked about in the character conversations, anything about the primacy of the Word. I think it's great that a relationship with Jesus is going to look differently for each person, but I think that the Holy Scriptures are an inherent part of that relationship, since in the beginning, the Word was with God, and the Word was God...(John 1). Overall, a good book and a solid read!
12.10.2008
disciples, not converts
In terms of global evangelism and missions (which is still relevant here in the USA), it's great to go and share the gospel, but I think Scripture even more specifically calls us to try and make disciples, not just mere "converts" to the faith.
Jesus says so himself: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)
Go and make "disciples"...it doesn't say go and make "converts"...
Paul, a great missionary himself, also keys on the importance of "disciples" and not mere converts throughout the book of Acts. We see different instances (please see for yourself in Acts) where Paul is growing up "disciples" or strengthening the already existing "disciples."
"Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them." (Acts 19:8-12 NIV)
I think this is important to recognize. It changes the focus and logistics of what missions may involve and the commitment to missions.
1) It will be a slower process. We are used to so many things fast, fast, fast in our modern day and age. We acquire material goods, even large things, like buying a house very quickly. In many countries of the world, it may take a family 15 years to build their homes. They buy a lot, and when they can afford some cinder blocks they start a foundation. Then 5 years later when they can afford cinder blocks for a wall, they buy those and now you have a foundation and a wall. The point is, we are used to acquiring or accomplishing things with rapidity.
I feel like genuine discipleship and missions that seek to bring honor and glory to God are distinctly different.
2) The "numbers" won't be as many. Also in our day and age, we have this mentality of "more is better." We certainly take this approach to our financial holdings. Our houses as well. Even our food. Supersize me please! More, more, more!
I don't think it's wrong to desire that everyone know and have a genuine relationship with Jesus. I wish everyone I knew would know the Truth and Joy that is found in Jesus and Him alone. This may be my pessimistic attitude, but I'm not sure of the reality of how those two things mesh together. If we are taking time in missions to go deeper into relationships and with a commitment to discipleship, I feel like there's not enough time to go around for having deep relationships with numerous individuals.
That's hard to reconcile. In thinking about missions, against our fast and high quantity mindsets that we have been a-cultured to, I think the Lord wants us to do less, but do less well.
Jesus says so himself: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)
Go and make "disciples"...it doesn't say go and make "converts"...
Paul, a great missionary himself, also keys on the importance of "disciples" and not mere converts throughout the book of Acts. We see different instances (please see for yourself in Acts) where Paul is growing up "disciples" or strengthening the already existing "disciples."
"Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them." (Acts 19:8-12 NIV)
I think this is important to recognize. It changes the focus and logistics of what missions may involve and the commitment to missions.
1) It will be a slower process. We are used to so many things fast, fast, fast in our modern day and age. We acquire material goods, even large things, like buying a house very quickly. In many countries of the world, it may take a family 15 years to build their homes. They buy a lot, and when they can afford some cinder blocks they start a foundation. Then 5 years later when they can afford cinder blocks for a wall, they buy those and now you have a foundation and a wall. The point is, we are used to acquiring or accomplishing things with rapidity.
I feel like genuine discipleship and missions that seek to bring honor and glory to God are distinctly different.
2) The "numbers" won't be as many. Also in our day and age, we have this mentality of "more is better." We certainly take this approach to our financial holdings. Our houses as well. Even our food. Supersize me please! More, more, more!
I don't think it's wrong to desire that everyone know and have a genuine relationship with Jesus. I wish everyone I knew would know the Truth and Joy that is found in Jesus and Him alone. This may be my pessimistic attitude, but I'm not sure of the reality of how those two things mesh together. If we are taking time in missions to go deeper into relationships and with a commitment to discipleship, I feel like there's not enough time to go around for having deep relationships with numerous individuals.
That's hard to reconcile. In thinking about missions, against our fast and high quantity mindsets that we have been a-cultured to, I think the Lord wants us to do less, but do less well.
12.03.2008
Scripture speaks clearly AGAIN!
A great game plan for carrying on this life that's short and to the point...
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 NIV)
12.01.2008
grace
I think the longer that I'm seeking and trying to follow Jesus, the more I recognize, truly get, that salvation is completely by grace, and grace alone.
This of course is a very central tenet to the Christian faith, one of the main ones, if not the most important thing that sets it apart. It gets talked about and preached quite often, but that doesn't always mean it's something that I really own and know to be true. That comes with time, and is till a work in progress.
The idea of grace that comes in the form of an incredibly joyous and pure eternal life found in Jesus, a pure gift with no strings attached of compensation from me or something I have to earn, is ridiculously radical.
I was thinking, the more I come to understand grace, the more incomprehensible it really becomes.
That sounds, at first, quite a contradictory statement. But I really think it's true. Think of doctors and their understanding of the human body. Or think of scientists and their grasp of the universe. In each case, the objects that are trying to be understood (the human body and the universe), are complex, but at the same time, wonderful and beautiful. Not much is understood of either. Talking to my doctor friends about the human body, the overall percentage of what's really known is very small. How all the systems interact with each other, how the brain works, how different cells work in different situations...if they really knew a lot more, I don't think we'd have as many diseases or cancers or afflictions.
Same with the universe. Scientists don't really know that much about all the stars or if global warming is really part of a longer term normal cycle or if it's something man-made. Sure, there's data to back up that claim. There's also data to back up the other side. You can get data to work how you want it to in scientific studies. The point is, not much is really understood. When doctors or scientists do discover something new or come to some new knowledge, it usually opens up more unknowns and more questions than before! Doctors and scientists can't even start to say how much they know because they don't know the finite amount of what can be known!!
In thinking about these examples, I think grace is similar. Grace is complex and we don't nearly know how extensive and amazing it really is. The more that is understood about a certain aspect of grace, more questions are brought up regarding other elements that stem from grace. So, the more I seem to understand grace, the more incomprehensible it really becomes. There are so many things I can think of right now that I take for granted that otherwise should not exist, and the only answer (rational or irrational) I have for those things, is grace. As complex as it may really be, I think it can also be compiled simply into Jesus, and the love He offers.
And so, more than anything, I'm incredibly stunned at how amazing grace really is.
"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:4-10 NIV)
This of course is a very central tenet to the Christian faith, one of the main ones, if not the most important thing that sets it apart. It gets talked about and preached quite often, but that doesn't always mean it's something that I really own and know to be true. That comes with time, and is till a work in progress.
The idea of grace that comes in the form of an incredibly joyous and pure eternal life found in Jesus, a pure gift with no strings attached of compensation from me or something I have to earn, is ridiculously radical.
I was thinking, the more I come to understand grace, the more incomprehensible it really becomes.
That sounds, at first, quite a contradictory statement. But I really think it's true. Think of doctors and their understanding of the human body. Or think of scientists and their grasp of the universe. In each case, the objects that are trying to be understood (the human body and the universe), are complex, but at the same time, wonderful and beautiful. Not much is understood of either. Talking to my doctor friends about the human body, the overall percentage of what's really known is very small. How all the systems interact with each other, how the brain works, how different cells work in different situations...if they really knew a lot more, I don't think we'd have as many diseases or cancers or afflictions.
Same with the universe. Scientists don't really know that much about all the stars or if global warming is really part of a longer term normal cycle or if it's something man-made. Sure, there's data to back up that claim. There's also data to back up the other side. You can get data to work how you want it to in scientific studies. The point is, not much is really understood. When doctors or scientists do discover something new or come to some new knowledge, it usually opens up more unknowns and more questions than before! Doctors and scientists can't even start to say how much they know because they don't know the finite amount of what can be known!!
In thinking about these examples, I think grace is similar. Grace is complex and we don't nearly know how extensive and amazing it really is. The more that is understood about a certain aspect of grace, more questions are brought up regarding other elements that stem from grace. So, the more I seem to understand grace, the more incomprehensible it really becomes. There are so many things I can think of right now that I take for granted that otherwise should not exist, and the only answer (rational or irrational) I have for those things, is grace. As complex as it may really be, I think it can also be compiled simply into Jesus, and the love He offers.
And so, more than anything, I'm incredibly stunned at how amazing grace really is.
"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:4-10 NIV)
11.27.2008
sharing Jesus in your hometown
"When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" they asked. "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor." And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith." Matthew 13:53-58
First of all, let me be very clear. I'm not a prophet.
I do identify with Jesus in this passage however. It's a great irony. The people I should be most familiar with (family and some friends from home) and have spent the majority of my life with, I feel they are the hardest ones with whom to share Jesus and the significance of who Christ is. I can't really figure out why, but I think this passage speaks some to that.
With these closer life relationships, deeply ingrained habits and expectations exist on both sides of the relationship. Any sort of major change or concept breaking previously held notions and ways of doing things don't seem make many inroads. I find it hard finding the words, how to start a conversation, what to do...something so that Christ can be initiated or thought about in the relationship. Likewise, when I am able to try and start conversations, there is not a whole lot of patience for listening to what's being said on the receiving end of things. There seems to be resistance to listening to this "other" life in Christ.
I know it's not up to me and it's completely going to be the Holy Spirit working through these family members and friends if anything it to happen. I think I share Jesus' feelings of frustration and sadness when it comes to people you've grown up with and been around for so long.
First of all, let me be very clear. I'm not a prophet.
I do identify with Jesus in this passage however. It's a great irony. The people I should be most familiar with (family and some friends from home) and have spent the majority of my life with, I feel they are the hardest ones with whom to share Jesus and the significance of who Christ is. I can't really figure out why, but I think this passage speaks some to that.
With these closer life relationships, deeply ingrained habits and expectations exist on both sides of the relationship. Any sort of major change or concept breaking previously held notions and ways of doing things don't seem make many inroads. I find it hard finding the words, how to start a conversation, what to do...something so that Christ can be initiated or thought about in the relationship. Likewise, when I am able to try and start conversations, there is not a whole lot of patience for listening to what's being said on the receiving end of things. There seems to be resistance to listening to this "other" life in Christ.
I know it's not up to me and it's completely going to be the Holy Spirit working through these family members and friends if anything it to happen. I think I share Jesus' feelings of frustration and sadness when it comes to people you've grown up with and been around for so long.
11.17.2008
the vision before the work
If you are to sit down and build a house, what needs to happen first?
Of course, building a foundation is an important early step, but even before that, don't you have to sit down and imagine, in detail, the finished product? What each room will look like, how each fixture contributes to each room that contributes to the overall architectural functionality and design of the house.
As we seek to be brothers and sisters who desire to share the gospel with those who have not tasted the quenching and fulfilling of salvation through Jesus, are we daring and actually taking time to imagine and dream what that is to look like? Do we allow our minds to wander what our schools, neighborhoods, families, and individual relationships will look like with Christ as the centerpiece of those structures?
If we aren't, I think we should be.
In Revelation, we have a recorded vision like that. We to I think should feel free and be convicted to regularly dream big dreams of the power of salvation in Christ before we actually set out to go about being His hands and feet and seeking to share the gospel with others.
"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
Of course, building a foundation is an important early step, but even before that, don't you have to sit down and imagine, in detail, the finished product? What each room will look like, how each fixture contributes to each room that contributes to the overall architectural functionality and design of the house.
As we seek to be brothers and sisters who desire to share the gospel with those who have not tasted the quenching and fulfilling of salvation through Jesus, are we daring and actually taking time to imagine and dream what that is to look like? Do we allow our minds to wander what our schools, neighborhoods, families, and individual relationships will look like with Christ as the centerpiece of those structures?
If we aren't, I think we should be.
In Revelation, we have a recorded vision like that. We to I think should feel free and be convicted to regularly dream big dreams of the power of salvation in Christ before we actually set out to go about being His hands and feet and seeking to share the gospel with others.
"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang:
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped. (Revelation 5:6-14 NIV)
sharing what's been up with me: restoration
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." (Psalm 51:12 NIV)
This past weekend was awesome. God is graceful and compassionate in the least expected times. I went to Texas for a wedding which can only be described as: complete awesomeness. I mean primarily the wedding, but being in Texas didn't hurt matters. The fullness and completeness of the love and joy of Christ were so evident and visible throughout time with friends and the ceremony and festivities of the wedding. I wanted to bottle it up and take it home to have some more for later.
Before this weekend, I had just felt sort of blah, going through the motions, and this weekend helped me realize the complacency of that and how I was walking (or barely shuffling along) with Jesus, which is not ok. It's hard to describe exactly the specifics of the blah-ness, but it was there, and this weekend encouraged me through grace upon grace.
Different conversations and seeing the love surrounding the wedding provided a very clear distinction of what is found in Christ. That which is found only in Him. I talked with people and had conversations that resulted in a swelling up of compassion and recognition that Christ is so completely and extremely needed everywhere in this world. In every relationship, in every family, in every society. And in the wedding, I saw a clear and tangible proof of that.
And I don't think by coincidence, this morning, I woke up and really had a sense that there was more serious spiritual attack going on than normal. The enemy does not like it when your joy of salvation is exploding. So that's not saying a lot, other than I can positively testify that Christ is the Lord of compassion and all things good, and unto Him we are to take our brokenness, even if we forget to intentionally do so.
This past weekend was awesome. God is graceful and compassionate in the least expected times. I went to Texas for a wedding which can only be described as: complete awesomeness. I mean primarily the wedding, but being in Texas didn't hurt matters. The fullness and completeness of the love and joy of Christ were so evident and visible throughout time with friends and the ceremony and festivities of the wedding. I wanted to bottle it up and take it home to have some more for later.
Before this weekend, I had just felt sort of blah, going through the motions, and this weekend helped me realize the complacency of that and how I was walking (or barely shuffling along) with Jesus, which is not ok. It's hard to describe exactly the specifics of the blah-ness, but it was there, and this weekend encouraged me through grace upon grace.
Different conversations and seeing the love surrounding the wedding provided a very clear distinction of what is found in Christ. That which is found only in Him. I talked with people and had conversations that resulted in a swelling up of compassion and recognition that Christ is so completely and extremely needed everywhere in this world. In every relationship, in every family, in every society. And in the wedding, I saw a clear and tangible proof of that.
And I don't think by coincidence, this morning, I woke up and really had a sense that there was more serious spiritual attack going on than normal. The enemy does not like it when your joy of salvation is exploding. So that's not saying a lot, other than I can positively testify that Christ is the Lord of compassion and all things good, and unto Him we are to take our brokenness, even if we forget to intentionally do so.
11.04.2008
rethinking the "tithe"
I just finished a book that looked at American Christian giving through a sociological lens.
It was interesting. Americans are not very generous. 2.5% I think is the average giving across the board, somewhere around there. And the numbers are actually skewed, because a small minority of Christians give a lot that has an effect to bumb up the average. So basically, the average American Christian is really stingy in their giving, around the 1% of total income level.
Well, why?
I'll let you read the book to explore the possibles they brought up, I think some great points were made and discussed, and some I didn't agree with. But the fact remains. The idea of the "tithe" as we now have it is not working.
So it got me thinking. This might be a radically bold suggestion, but why don't we change the entire mentality of what "tithe" implies for an American Christian. Forget 10%. In fact, I don't think there's a direct Biblical basis for 10% giving. That's something that comes out of Deuteronomy and Leviticus, and the people involved actually ended up giving more than 10% of their possessions/money in a year's time. So, why not get rid of this somewhat off-base Scriptural mentality that is clearly not working.
Jesus' view and affirmation on tithing is different:
"As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." (Luke 21:1-4)
Nothing of 10% is mentioned or alluded to. Jesus affirms something beyond any set amount, and in fact, I think is affirming much more than just the monetary issue at hand. Jesus is emphasizing (through his affirmation) that we should be giving to where it makes us uncomfortable, at least in the wordly sense of the world. This woman was a widow. She didn't have the means and recourses to go out and get a job, nor a long time horizon to put her two coins in a 401k and watch her nest egg grow. I think she was able to, and did give because this widow knew her God was and was assured that He is Great Provider.
So in light of this, and other teachings throughout Jesus' ministry, we in fact should be giving a very large portion of ourselves and our finances. Which would add up to a lot more than 10%. Jesus gave all of Himself up for us, and we barely give more than 2.5% of our money!!, and money is only one aspect of our entire person!! don't forget our time, our relationships, our intelligence, our.....
So maybe the American church should start teaching something else. Who knows, maybe something like a "reverse" budget. You don't make a budget based on how much you earn, you figure out how much you need to fulfill basic living expenses in line with Scripture, and then the rest is given. Plan out how much you need for food, clothing, shelter, and paying taxes to Caesar, whose money it is anyway. And maybe throw in a dinner or two dining out with the wife or husband so you can have some quality fellowship time. The rest of the income goes to support Kingdom building work. Missions. Work that shares the gospel. Bible printing or translating or distribution. Hospital building. Building schools where the Gospel is taught. Meeting hands and feet needs in communities at home and abroad. There are a zillion ways the money of this world can be put towards Heavenly purposes.
"Well Hunter, that's just unrealistic" you might say. I don't think so. Don't get me wrong, giving more money for the sake of giving more is not going to do anything except make you poorer. Spiritually and materialistically. But people can get by and live joyously on not much money at all. You might have experienced this. Why do people in "third-world" countries seem so joyful and content when you interact or hear about them on missions trips? They certainly don't have 401ks, bank accounts, savings. They've got a lot of Jesus. So they might be "third-world" to the world as we know it, but they certainly aren't "third-world" to God.
I really do think we would serve ourselves, the church, and most importantly, Jesus, much better if committed time to sit down, study Scripture, seek the Holy Spirit, and really try to get a handle around the "tithe" that God really wants us to be sharing in our lives. Yes, it's going to be uncomfortable and challenging. But I think the reward on the flip side will be well worth the effort, and in doing so, I think we'll come to the conclusion that we'll want to be giving away much more than 10%.
It was interesting. Americans are not very generous. 2.5% I think is the average giving across the board, somewhere around there. And the numbers are actually skewed, because a small minority of Christians give a lot that has an effect to bumb up the average. So basically, the average American Christian is really stingy in their giving, around the 1% of total income level.
Well, why?
I'll let you read the book to explore the possibles they brought up, I think some great points were made and discussed, and some I didn't agree with. But the fact remains. The idea of the "tithe" as we now have it is not working.
So it got me thinking. This might be a radically bold suggestion, but why don't we change the entire mentality of what "tithe" implies for an American Christian. Forget 10%. In fact, I don't think there's a direct Biblical basis for 10% giving. That's something that comes out of Deuteronomy and Leviticus, and the people involved actually ended up giving more than 10% of their possessions/money in a year's time. So, why not get rid of this somewhat off-base Scriptural mentality that is clearly not working.
Jesus' view and affirmation on tithing is different:
"As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." (Luke 21:1-4)
Nothing of 10% is mentioned or alluded to. Jesus affirms something beyond any set amount, and in fact, I think is affirming much more than just the monetary issue at hand. Jesus is emphasizing (through his affirmation) that we should be giving to where it makes us uncomfortable, at least in the wordly sense of the world. This woman was a widow. She didn't have the means and recourses to go out and get a job, nor a long time horizon to put her two coins in a 401k and watch her nest egg grow. I think she was able to, and did give because this widow knew her God was and was assured that He is Great Provider.
So in light of this, and other teachings throughout Jesus' ministry, we in fact should be giving a very large portion of ourselves and our finances. Which would add up to a lot more than 10%. Jesus gave all of Himself up for us, and we barely give more than 2.5% of our money!!, and money is only one aspect of our entire person!! don't forget our time, our relationships, our intelligence, our.....
So maybe the American church should start teaching something else. Who knows, maybe something like a "reverse" budget. You don't make a budget based on how much you earn, you figure out how much you need to fulfill basic living expenses in line with Scripture, and then the rest is given. Plan out how much you need for food, clothing, shelter, and paying taxes to Caesar, whose money it is anyway. And maybe throw in a dinner or two dining out with the wife or husband so you can have some quality fellowship time. The rest of the income goes to support Kingdom building work. Missions. Work that shares the gospel. Bible printing or translating or distribution. Hospital building. Building schools where the Gospel is taught. Meeting hands and feet needs in communities at home and abroad. There are a zillion ways the money of this world can be put towards Heavenly purposes.
"Well Hunter, that's just unrealistic" you might say. I don't think so. Don't get me wrong, giving more money for the sake of giving more is not going to do anything except make you poorer. Spiritually and materialistically. But people can get by and live joyously on not much money at all. You might have experienced this. Why do people in "third-world" countries seem so joyful and content when you interact or hear about them on missions trips? They certainly don't have 401ks, bank accounts, savings. They've got a lot of Jesus. So they might be "third-world" to the world as we know it, but they certainly aren't "third-world" to God.
I really do think we would serve ourselves, the church, and most importantly, Jesus, much better if committed time to sit down, study Scripture, seek the Holy Spirit, and really try to get a handle around the "tithe" that God really wants us to be sharing in our lives. Yes, it's going to be uncomfortable and challenging. But I think the reward on the flip side will be well worth the effort, and in doing so, I think we'll come to the conclusion that we'll want to be giving away much more than 10%.
10.31.2008
the ookey kooky Spirit?
Well, it's Halloween. In light of goblins, ghouls and ghosts, it got me thinking about things spiritual and related to the Holy Spirit.
In the world, we seem to place quite a bit of emphasis on things of the flesh. Money, clothes, food, a house, a job, sexual relationships. If you disagree, I'd ask that you look or listen to the substance of media advertising, that essentially markets having more and more of these things. I would say that well-intentioned and good meaning followers of Christ struggle with these things as well, fairly regularly, it's not simply isolated to just non-believers. There seems to be this underlying voice or hand, if you will, that pushes or draws us to fill our lives up with these material things. But I'm doubtful that this is in line with what Scripture teaches. Paul writes:
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." (Galatians 5:13-26 NIV)
In the world, we seem to place quite a bit of emphasis on things of the flesh. Money, clothes, food, a house, a job, sexual relationships. If you disagree, I'd ask that you look or listen to the substance of media advertising, that essentially markets having more and more of these things. I would say that well-intentioned and good meaning followers of Christ struggle with these things as well, fairly regularly, it's not simply isolated to just non-believers. There seems to be this underlying voice or hand, if you will, that pushes or draws us to fill our lives up with these material things. But I'm doubtful that this is in line with what Scripture teaches. Paul writes:
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." (Galatians 5:13-26 NIV)
Paul advocates that our lives be led by the Holy Spirit. Now, the world would most definitely think that as crazy. "What, led by a spirit? Ok, that's weird. Ya, witches and ghosts and things are spirits...what a wacko."
Maybe so to the world. But living for Christ, being led by the Spirit is the way to go for everything, including all these things that the world enticingly attempts via the flesh.
Again, Paul writes (me summarizing/emphasizing) "You, my brothers, were called to be free...serve one another in love......So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit"
So in light of it's Halloween, it's perfectly ok to be led by and depend on a spirit...the Holy Spirit!
10.28.2008
stumbling blocks to genuine community
In Acts, we have one of the purest pictures of the early church and early Christian fellowship:
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2: 42-47 NIV)
I think an emphasis worth noting is "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Pure community. And not by coincidence, the body of believers was growing quickly. The more unified the community, the greater it was able to grow as others came to know Christ.
One of my pet peeves if I could call it that of Christian community is that there all sorts of weird aspects in relationships that prevent pure and genuine community. Obviously, sin plays a significant role in coming between brothers and sisters, brothers and brothers, sisters and sisters...a lot of these stumbling blocks I think have migrated from worldly cultural tenets and principles into Christian community. For brother and sister relationships, one of these main stumbling blocks I think involves the idea of marriage. I posted on that a bit earlier, that there is this underlying cultural expectation to get married that I don't think is necessarily completely in-line with Scriptures' premise of marriage. As a result of this, when brothers and sisters are meeting each other for the first time, or first developing friendships, I think there is an underlying weirdness, as a result of some cultural expectations. It's possible that what's going on is that brothers and sisters are reading into things or having their minds not foremost on developing Christian community for God's glory, but rather on personal desires for relationships, possibly marriage.
For brother - brother relationships, I think cultural aspects of the importance of being thought of as intelligent, "Godly" or even being this "manly" man sometimes provides a stumbling block. I think guys sometimes get together and there is an underlying desire (that comes primarily from culture) to be able to lift more in the gym than the other guy or being more witty or having a greater knowledge of the Bible. This is not a limited list, there are other things guys do with other guys to "one up" each other in a sense, even if it's in a subtle way. Some of this sounds dumb and childish, but I do think it goes on. In addition, this desire is exacerbated when in a group setting.
I'm not going to try and speak to sister-sister relationships, since I'm not a sister, but I imagine there are stumbling blocks with those relationships too. And so what are we to do?
First, I think it's important to examine and recognize tendencies in relationships that may contribute to these "stumbling blocks." I think the desire to be humble and a servant before your brother or sister is something really important to keep in mind. Being vulnerable is hard, but it can be done more easily I think the more one's eyes are on the prize, Jesus. Also, it wouldn't be bad to echo Jesus prayer for community unity and keep in mind the direction to which Jesus was pointing with His prayer (this is kind of long, but most excellent):
"I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." (John 17: 6-26 NIV)
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2: 42-47 NIV)
I think an emphasis worth noting is "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Pure community. And not by coincidence, the body of believers was growing quickly. The more unified the community, the greater it was able to grow as others came to know Christ.
One of my pet peeves if I could call it that of Christian community is that there all sorts of weird aspects in relationships that prevent pure and genuine community. Obviously, sin plays a significant role in coming between brothers and sisters, brothers and brothers, sisters and sisters...a lot of these stumbling blocks I think have migrated from worldly cultural tenets and principles into Christian community. For brother and sister relationships, one of these main stumbling blocks I think involves the idea of marriage. I posted on that a bit earlier, that there is this underlying cultural expectation to get married that I don't think is necessarily completely in-line with Scriptures' premise of marriage. As a result of this, when brothers and sisters are meeting each other for the first time, or first developing friendships, I think there is an underlying weirdness, as a result of some cultural expectations. It's possible that what's going on is that brothers and sisters are reading into things or having their minds not foremost on developing Christian community for God's glory, but rather on personal desires for relationships, possibly marriage.
For brother - brother relationships, I think cultural aspects of the importance of being thought of as intelligent, "Godly" or even being this "manly" man sometimes provides a stumbling block. I think guys sometimes get together and there is an underlying desire (that comes primarily from culture) to be able to lift more in the gym than the other guy or being more witty or having a greater knowledge of the Bible. This is not a limited list, there are other things guys do with other guys to "one up" each other in a sense, even if it's in a subtle way. Some of this sounds dumb and childish, but I do think it goes on. In addition, this desire is exacerbated when in a group setting.
I'm not going to try and speak to sister-sister relationships, since I'm not a sister, but I imagine there are stumbling blocks with those relationships too. And so what are we to do?
First, I think it's important to examine and recognize tendencies in relationships that may contribute to these "stumbling blocks." I think the desire to be humble and a servant before your brother or sister is something really important to keep in mind. Being vulnerable is hard, but it can be done more easily I think the more one's eyes are on the prize, Jesus. Also, it wouldn't be bad to echo Jesus prayer for community unity and keep in mind the direction to which Jesus was pointing with His prayer (this is kind of long, but most excellent):
"I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." (John 17: 6-26 NIV)
10.23.2008
judgement
In many ways, I think the modern day church in America is missing the mark when it comes to using "judgement" at the appropriate time and in the appropriate context. By American church, I mean the collective individuals of Christians that make up that body. In the name of "tolerance," which has something that has developed more and more in our culture in recent decades, I think the church has done too little (staying quiet and not saying anything) or done too much (congregation fights or splits over various issues).
Please don't get me wrong, I think tolerance is a good and healthy thing, but it can be taken to far so that one, or a group of people basically becomes unprincipled and standing for nothing.
This post is meant to focus on the church and internal issues of the church. I'm trying not to link external issues and their relationship to the church, which obviously influence and play a part, but I really want this post to focus on the church itself.
One of the most highly quoted verses from Scripture, and I would think most highly quoted by non-Christians would be "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:1-3 NIV)
In this passage, I feel like Jesus is instructing believers regarding their relationships with those outside the church, non-believers. I think this because a) this is early in Jesus' ministry and a church doesn't really exist yet, the apostles are hardly in place, and so without a church really being formed, I don't think Jesus means this in the context of believer to believer relationships and because b) this passage follows a group of passages that Jesus highlights dealing with beliver-relating to the outside world issues. In Matthew 6, He talks about: giving to the needy, prayer (by comparing the worldly Pharisees, who I think Jesus certainly sees as outside the "church"), fasting (again, comparison to worldly Pharisees), treasures in heaven, and having not worrying for worldy sustenance (food and clothing). So I think that theme continues to the beginning of Matthew 7 where Jesus is giving instructions to belivers on external world issues, and how to deal with them.
What I'm getting to is that I think Jesus means it's not okay to judge those outside the church, but it's okay to judge those inside the church*. Notice I put an * mark, because I think Jesus would mean that you can judge those inside the church if they're clearly doing something that is out of line with Scripture and Christ's teaching.
Paul is more clear later on expelling the immoral brother: "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 5:1-3 NIV)
Now this presents a whole host of problems. And this may result in a "duh" Hunter, this post isn't saying anything new. Different people are going to interpret Scripture in a different way. This will lead to differences in issues that are controversial. That's one of the main problems of the church today.
Why am I writing about this? I think the church needs to figure itself out. As quickly as possible. Instead of fighting among itself, or teaching something completely contrary to Christ's intention (health and wealth gospel), it needs to get back to a more pure, original intent of what the church is supposed to be, which I think, also includes stop being so fragmented. Now, I just wrote that the health and wealth gospel is contrary to Christ's teaching. Others are going to completely disagree, in light of their interpretation of Scripture.
In light of this, I think Christians that have opposing viewpoints should sit down together, ask the Holy Spirit to guide their meeting(s), and seek out the real Truth of what Scripture is saying. If a Christian refuses to do this, or is unwilling, I think that's a sign for concern.
Now, I'm not going to go walking into every health and wealth gospel church and stand up in the middle of the service and start yelling and shouting. There's a proper Spirit of love that Christ would use to go about this I think, maybe He would do that, but I don't know.
My ending point to all this is that I think Christ-seeking Christians should be convicted more in their thoughts about the Supremacy of Christ and His Truth taught in Scriptures, and to not settle for all sorts of fluff the world, or other aspects of "the church" might present. I don't think they are to do this in a mean-spirited way, but follow Christ's example in standing firm in love and in Truth. If that involves correcting a brother or sister (again, in a spirit of "firm love"), then so be it.
Please don't get me wrong, I think tolerance is a good and healthy thing, but it can be taken to far so that one, or a group of people basically becomes unprincipled and standing for nothing.
This post is meant to focus on the church and internal issues of the church. I'm trying not to link external issues and their relationship to the church, which obviously influence and play a part, but I really want this post to focus on the church itself.
One of the most highly quoted verses from Scripture, and I would think most highly quoted by non-Christians would be "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:1-3 NIV)
In this passage, I feel like Jesus is instructing believers regarding their relationships with those outside the church, non-believers. I think this because a) this is early in Jesus' ministry and a church doesn't really exist yet, the apostles are hardly in place, and so without a church really being formed, I don't think Jesus means this in the context of believer to believer relationships and because b) this passage follows a group of passages that Jesus highlights dealing with beliver-relating to the outside world issues. In Matthew 6, He talks about: giving to the needy, prayer (by comparing the worldly Pharisees, who I think Jesus certainly sees as outside the "church"), fasting (again, comparison to worldly Pharisees), treasures in heaven, and having not worrying for worldy sustenance (food and clothing). So I think that theme continues to the beginning of Matthew 7 where Jesus is giving instructions to belivers on external world issues, and how to deal with them.
What I'm getting to is that I think Jesus means it's not okay to judge those outside the church, but it's okay to judge those inside the church*. Notice I put an * mark, because I think Jesus would mean that you can judge those inside the church if they're clearly doing something that is out of line with Scripture and Christ's teaching.
Paul is more clear later on expelling the immoral brother: "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 5:1-3 NIV)
Now this presents a whole host of problems. And this may result in a "duh" Hunter, this post isn't saying anything new. Different people are going to interpret Scripture in a different way. This will lead to differences in issues that are controversial. That's one of the main problems of the church today.
Why am I writing about this? I think the church needs to figure itself out. As quickly as possible. Instead of fighting among itself, or teaching something completely contrary to Christ's intention (health and wealth gospel), it needs to get back to a more pure, original intent of what the church is supposed to be, which I think, also includes stop being so fragmented. Now, I just wrote that the health and wealth gospel is contrary to Christ's teaching. Others are going to completely disagree, in light of their interpretation of Scripture.
In light of this, I think Christians that have opposing viewpoints should sit down together, ask the Holy Spirit to guide their meeting(s), and seek out the real Truth of what Scripture is saying. If a Christian refuses to do this, or is unwilling, I think that's a sign for concern.
Now, I'm not going to go walking into every health and wealth gospel church and stand up in the middle of the service and start yelling and shouting. There's a proper Spirit of love that Christ would use to go about this I think, maybe He would do that, but I don't know.
My ending point to all this is that I think Christ-seeking Christians should be convicted more in their thoughts about the Supremacy of Christ and His Truth taught in Scriptures, and to not settle for all sorts of fluff the world, or other aspects of "the church" might present. I don't think they are to do this in a mean-spirited way, but follow Christ's example in standing firm in love and in Truth. If that involves correcting a brother or sister (again, in a spirit of "firm love"), then so be it.
10.16.2008
the double-standard
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Jesus
I'm going to propose that humans are finite. That may not be earth-shattering, but it's important to say, because it means a person's time is limited. They can only do so much in a 24 hour day, 7 day week, 12 month year, you get it. With that said, there's only so much one will be able to accomplish during this time of earthly existence for a) God or b) the world. (I include accomplishing things for oneself as part of accomplishing things for the world). And to be clear, "accomplishing" things for God, I mean loving Him and being devoted to Him, not in the sense that deeds are done for Him or in His name.
I think a double standard type mentality exists that I'm not sure is the best. Many people want to please God, to give Him honor and glory, which is a great thing to desire to do! Often times, especially in our culture that places a premium on "success," having money or owning a house or being pretty or having a model family or _________ (fill in the blank), there is a desire to accomplish much by the world's standards. I don't think the two are mutually exclusive, but there's something to be said for the fact that both are hard to accomplish simultaneously.
For a simple example, I can speak for myself and say that I'm bad at multi-tasking. It makes sense, right? If I'm devoting my focus and energy, to say, writing a paper, it's going to be much harder for me to have a real and genuine conversation on the phone with a good friend. Some people can do it, and more power to them.
I think this clearly applies to our walks with Jesus. If we are trying to serve Him and love Him with all our hearts, and that is a primary focus where energy is concentrated, are we still able to devote the necessary time and energy to be successful in this world? Should we? I sure think it's much harder.
I think people fool themselves more often than they want to admit (I'm inclusing myself in this generalization). It would be great to do a lot for God AND to accomplish a lot of good in this world. Whom do esteem more highly and say more loudly "wow, what a great guy" to: a rags to riches businessman who gave away his enormous fortune to charity in his twilight years or a janitor who didn't finish high school but consistently gave $25 every Sunday to the offering. If we're honest, I think most of us would say the businessman.
This is my point, none of these example guys were necessarily bad, they both did good things, but we don't really know about each one of their heart relationships with God throughout their time on earth (because yes, they are both hypothetical example men). My point is that we tend to go "oooo, aaaaa, wowww" to the wealthy guy because he accomplished a lot by the world's standards. But who knows, the wealthy guy's family life may have sucked, his friends may have thought he was always too busy for them. And maybe the janitor was smarter than Bill Gates, but chose a janitorial lifestyle so he could get up and pray and sing worship hymns to God for 4 hours before work each morning.
This is all hypothetical, but hopefully you get what I'm trying to get you to think about. Our relationship with God is a matter of the heart, but do we orient and make decisions in our life, wanting that heart relationship with God to like an intense marathon, or a heart relationship that looks more like intense sprinting, followed by fatigue, rest, and then an intense sprint again or an intense sprint at the end...
Having success in this world is not bad. I think to try for it at such a level that it takes away from our relationship with Jesus, then it is a problem. We need to be realistic with ourselves. We can only do so much with the time we have.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV)
I'm going to propose that humans are finite. That may not be earth-shattering, but it's important to say, because it means a person's time is limited. They can only do so much in a 24 hour day, 7 day week, 12 month year, you get it. With that said, there's only so much one will be able to accomplish during this time of earthly existence for a) God or b) the world. (I include accomplishing things for oneself as part of accomplishing things for the world). And to be clear, "accomplishing" things for God, I mean loving Him and being devoted to Him, not in the sense that deeds are done for Him or in His name.
I think a double standard type mentality exists that I'm not sure is the best. Many people want to please God, to give Him honor and glory, which is a great thing to desire to do! Often times, especially in our culture that places a premium on "success," having money or owning a house or being pretty or having a model family or _________ (fill in the blank), there is a desire to accomplish much by the world's standards. I don't think the two are mutually exclusive, but there's something to be said for the fact that both are hard to accomplish simultaneously.
For a simple example, I can speak for myself and say that I'm bad at multi-tasking. It makes sense, right? If I'm devoting my focus and energy, to say, writing a paper, it's going to be much harder for me to have a real and genuine conversation on the phone with a good friend. Some people can do it, and more power to them.
I think this clearly applies to our walks with Jesus. If we are trying to serve Him and love Him with all our hearts, and that is a primary focus where energy is concentrated, are we still able to devote the necessary time and energy to be successful in this world? Should we? I sure think it's much harder.
I think people fool themselves more often than they want to admit (I'm inclusing myself in this generalization). It would be great to do a lot for God AND to accomplish a lot of good in this world. Whom do esteem more highly and say more loudly "wow, what a great guy" to: a rags to riches businessman who gave away his enormous fortune to charity in his twilight years or a janitor who didn't finish high school but consistently gave $25 every Sunday to the offering. If we're honest, I think most of us would say the businessman.
This is my point, none of these example guys were necessarily bad, they both did good things, but we don't really know about each one of their heart relationships with God throughout their time on earth (because yes, they are both hypothetical example men). My point is that we tend to go "oooo, aaaaa, wowww" to the wealthy guy because he accomplished a lot by the world's standards. But who knows, the wealthy guy's family life may have sucked, his friends may have thought he was always too busy for them. And maybe the janitor was smarter than Bill Gates, but chose a janitorial lifestyle so he could get up and pray and sing worship hymns to God for 4 hours before work each morning.
This is all hypothetical, but hopefully you get what I'm trying to get you to think about. Our relationship with God is a matter of the heart, but do we orient and make decisions in our life, wanting that heart relationship with God to like an intense marathon, or a heart relationship that looks more like intense sprinting, followed by fatigue, rest, and then an intense sprint again or an intense sprint at the end...
Having success in this world is not bad. I think to try for it at such a level that it takes away from our relationship with Jesus, then it is a problem. We need to be realistic with ourselves. We can only do so much with the time we have.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV)
10.13.2008
marriage and serving God
I think a prevalent goal that exists in our society is to marry. Well DUH you might say. Yes, I agree, the human race wouldn't be able to continue if marriage wasn't a really big deal. I don't necessarily believe that God has placed a specific desire in everyone's heart for a wonderful other of the opposite sex. I do think that God has placed a desire for community in everyone's heart, and that very well could look like a woman and a man married together (the most intimate form of community). Even looking outside of the Christian community, I think this would pan out in the statistics: people divorce quite a bit, marriage rates are down, but people still live with each other and don't tie the knot (be it for saving money or having sex). Marriage doesn't quite have the premium it used to, but being together surely has not gone away.
I've read about some communities of single men and women who live together under the banner of Christ, who live in community, but choose to remain single to be devoted to the Lord first and foremost. I think this offers an interesting example to think about.
Marriage is not a bad thing at all, please don't get me wrong. My married friends tell me it's an awesome thing. And I believe them. But, I find that there are a lot of Christian brothers and sisters who pursue marriage as a primary goal to accomplish in life. Culture surely has had an influence on this. Little girls start thinking about their wedding day when they are still in diapers. I think guys start thinking about marriage later and a bit more gradually, maybe around their early 20s, but it still can grow into a passionate desire to be married. Think about various aspects of our culture, a lot of structures and institutions are set up that lead towards encouraging marriage (once again, these aren't necessarily bad in themselves). I think even that awful cotillion stuff my mom made me attend in middle school was a part of this whole call to marriage from society. The result from all this is that I observe many times that Christian brothers and sisters often have a decent amount of anxiety related to just that, marriage. Finding a mate. "I'll never find Mr. Right" or "I'll just be one of those lonely old men." I don't see as heightened anxieties about serving the Lord or orienting a vocation towards serving the Lord. Culture has cultivated a huge premium on getting married, and it's like if somebody doesn't, they're deemed a big fat loser.
But that's culture's opinion. Not God's. Paul talks about marriage in 1 Corinthians 7. I mention this insightful passage of Scripture to encourage you to read it for yourself and see what the Holy Spirit reveals to you regarding marriage. Some things I observe about it: Paul never says or explicitly commands, "don't marry". Or "marry." He does not lay out any specific absolutes. He talks about the benefits of being single so that one would be free to serve the Lord without disagreements or distractions that may arise in a marriage. Biblical scholars note that Paul was single during his apostleship period of Jesus (most likely when he wrote 1 Corinthians), but was very likely married during the time he served as a zealous Jewish persecutor of Christians. Paul knew both sides, he speaks from experience, which gives him more credibility.
In our culture, I wish that Christians would desire to seek and serve Jesus first and foremost, and not necessarily count on marriage as a given in their life. That they would pursue the Lord above all, and that if an opportunity for marriage does arise as a way to strengthen their service to the Lord, that they would get married! DUH! There are many situations that two together serving the Lord is a stronger ministry TOGETHER AS ONE than two single individuals serving the Lord, and so they should get married (that being that they love each other and seek each other's best interests before their own)! Marriage isn't for everyone, and shouldn't be pursuit #1, as our culture so often seems to claim and encourage.
I've read about some communities of single men and women who live together under the banner of Christ, who live in community, but choose to remain single to be devoted to the Lord first and foremost. I think this offers an interesting example to think about.
Marriage is not a bad thing at all, please don't get me wrong. My married friends tell me it's an awesome thing. And I believe them. But, I find that there are a lot of Christian brothers and sisters who pursue marriage as a primary goal to accomplish in life. Culture surely has had an influence on this. Little girls start thinking about their wedding day when they are still in diapers. I think guys start thinking about marriage later and a bit more gradually, maybe around their early 20s, but it still can grow into a passionate desire to be married. Think about various aspects of our culture, a lot of structures and institutions are set up that lead towards encouraging marriage (once again, these aren't necessarily bad in themselves). I think even that awful cotillion stuff my mom made me attend in middle school was a part of this whole call to marriage from society. The result from all this is that I observe many times that Christian brothers and sisters often have a decent amount of anxiety related to just that, marriage. Finding a mate. "I'll never find Mr. Right" or "I'll just be one of those lonely old men." I don't see as heightened anxieties about serving the Lord or orienting a vocation towards serving the Lord. Culture has cultivated a huge premium on getting married, and it's like if somebody doesn't, they're deemed a big fat loser.
But that's culture's opinion. Not God's. Paul talks about marriage in 1 Corinthians 7. I mention this insightful passage of Scripture to encourage you to read it for yourself and see what the Holy Spirit reveals to you regarding marriage. Some things I observe about it: Paul never says or explicitly commands, "don't marry". Or "marry." He does not lay out any specific absolutes. He talks about the benefits of being single so that one would be free to serve the Lord without disagreements or distractions that may arise in a marriage. Biblical scholars note that Paul was single during his apostleship period of Jesus (most likely when he wrote 1 Corinthians), but was very likely married during the time he served as a zealous Jewish persecutor of Christians. Paul knew both sides, he speaks from experience, which gives him more credibility.
In our culture, I wish that Christians would desire to seek and serve Jesus first and foremost, and not necessarily count on marriage as a given in their life. That they would pursue the Lord above all, and that if an opportunity for marriage does arise as a way to strengthen their service to the Lord, that they would get married! DUH! There are many situations that two together serving the Lord is a stronger ministry TOGETHER AS ONE than two single individuals serving the Lord, and so they should get married (that being that they love each other and seek each other's best interests before their own)! Marriage isn't for everyone, and shouldn't be pursuit #1, as our culture so often seems to claim and encourage.
10.06.2008
I agree with the Pope
Pope Benedict the 16th openly criticized the pursuit of wealth. This has been a relevant issue, and even more so now in the wake of the global "financial" crisis. It might be a "financial" crisis, but hopefully hearts and minds are going through a faith "renewal" or God "re-commitment."
See the article here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7654878.stm
See the article here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7654878.stm
10.02.2008
a wonderful prayer for today
Fernando Ortega is the man. These lyrics are a wonderful prayer for today. You don't necessarily have to watch the video, please just let the words and the melody soak in.
10.01.2008
safe for the whole family?
A Christian radio station here in Nashville, which I very much enjoy listening to, has a slogan that they often repeat and play...
"safe for the whole family" is what they say.
Is the real Jesus safe?
If we look at Jesus in Scripture, and follow His history here on earth, I think there's strong evidence that Jesus is not safe, at least in an earthly sense of the word.
Let's take a look. Of the original twelve disciples, Simon Peter was crucified, Andrew was whipped and tied to a cross where he hung until he died, James (brother of John) was beheaded, Philip was crucified, Bartholomew was beaten severely, whipped, and THEN crucified, Thomas was speared to death and then incinerated in an oven, Matthew was axed to death, James (brother of Jesus) was thrown off the top of the temple, and though he survived the fall, he was then beaten to death by a gang wielding clubs. Jude and Simon the Zealot were crucified. Matthias (Judas' replacement) was stoned and THEN beheaded. Paul, who didn't interact with Jesus in person, but was clearly called by Jesus, was beheaded. The only disciple (other than Judas) to not die by murder, was John, although he was thrown in a pot of boiling oil, SURVIVED, and then was exiled to Patmos island.
The math is clear: of these 14 men who were very committed to Jesus as their Lord and Savior, ONLY ONE was not murded. 13 out of 14 were, and many times in brutal ways. I'm thinking Jesus is not so safe after all.
BUT HE IS! It all depends on the context of how you are defining the word "safe." I would argue that if you want to be safe in the world, leave Jesus alone. Families are split up, friends leave you, and it is very likely you will suffer physical and mental persecution as a result of claiming allegiance to Jesus. In America today, we do not experience this as clearly as some of our Christ brothers and sisters around the world.
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.' "(John 15:18-25 NIV)
How are we to respond to the fact that the world HATES followers of Jesus? What are we to do? I think the same passage of Scripture gives us an answer:
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other." (John 15:9-17 NIV)
Love each other! When it comes to the realm of the universe and who rules over all, then yes, I think Jesus is extremely safe. The SAFEST. Even safe for the whole family.
"safe for the whole family" is what they say.
Is the real Jesus safe?
If we look at Jesus in Scripture, and follow His history here on earth, I think there's strong evidence that Jesus is not safe, at least in an earthly sense of the word.
Let's take a look. Of the original twelve disciples, Simon Peter was crucified, Andrew was whipped and tied to a cross where he hung until he died, James (brother of John) was beheaded, Philip was crucified, Bartholomew was beaten severely, whipped, and THEN crucified, Thomas was speared to death and then incinerated in an oven, Matthew was axed to death, James (brother of Jesus) was thrown off the top of the temple, and though he survived the fall, he was then beaten to death by a gang wielding clubs. Jude and Simon the Zealot were crucified. Matthias (Judas' replacement) was stoned and THEN beheaded. Paul, who didn't interact with Jesus in person, but was clearly called by Jesus, was beheaded. The only disciple (other than Judas) to not die by murder, was John, although he was thrown in a pot of boiling oil, SURVIVED, and then was exiled to Patmos island.
The math is clear: of these 14 men who were very committed to Jesus as their Lord and Savior, ONLY ONE was not murded. 13 out of 14 were, and many times in brutal ways. I'm thinking Jesus is not so safe after all.
BUT HE IS! It all depends on the context of how you are defining the word "safe." I would argue that if you want to be safe in the world, leave Jesus alone. Families are split up, friends leave you, and it is very likely you will suffer physical and mental persecution as a result of claiming allegiance to Jesus. In America today, we do not experience this as clearly as some of our Christ brothers and sisters around the world.
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.' "(John 15:18-25 NIV)
How are we to respond to the fact that the world HATES followers of Jesus? What are we to do? I think the same passage of Scripture gives us an answer:
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other." (John 15:9-17 NIV)
Love each other! When it comes to the realm of the universe and who rules over all, then yes, I think Jesus is extremely safe. The SAFEST. Even safe for the whole family.
9.22.2008
sharing what God's been sharing me
Sharing this will maybe make some sense and have some relevance for you, so that's why I'm sharing it!
This past month, being new to Nashville, new to Vanderbilt, I've been impatient to say the least in trying to find opportunities for ministry. Through church or on campus or in Nashville, wherever it may be. My outlook has been "Lord, I want to do something NOW, please let me know what that is!!" However, God's wisdom is much greater than mine.
This past weekend, I really heard the Lord telling me "find and settle into community first. Get that cemented. Then you will have a strong base from which to serve..."
It makes so much sense!
I think Jesus went about the process of His ministry much the same way. We see Jesus baptized, then tempted by the devil, then he briefly begins to preach, and then goes about calling His disciples and setting up community.
Clearly, Jesus could go about His ministry doing it alone. He's Lord and didn't necessarily need the interactions and relationships with others, yet HE DID specifically go about finding it.
I thank God for making this clear to me this past weekend in a way my pea-brain and less than mustard seed sized heart could understand it, hopefully you can find something in this too!
This past month, being new to Nashville, new to Vanderbilt, I've been impatient to say the least in trying to find opportunities for ministry. Through church or on campus or in Nashville, wherever it may be. My outlook has been "Lord, I want to do something NOW, please let me know what that is!!" However, God's wisdom is much greater than mine.
This past weekend, I really heard the Lord telling me "find and settle into community first. Get that cemented. Then you will have a strong base from which to serve..."
It makes so much sense!
I think Jesus went about the process of His ministry much the same way. We see Jesus baptized, then tempted by the devil, then he briefly begins to preach, and then goes about calling His disciples and setting up community.
Clearly, Jesus could go about His ministry doing it alone. He's Lord and didn't necessarily need the interactions and relationships with others, yet HE DID specifically go about finding it.
I thank God for making this clear to me this past weekend in a way my pea-brain and less than mustard seed sized heart could understand it, hopefully you can find something in this too!
9.20.2008
take a deep breath, read Matthew 6, it's going to be OK!!
This past week was not somewhat, but very crazy on Wall Street and financially speaking for the USA. People's investments, home mortgages, and stock accounts were going all over the place. I overheard a guy talking about his stock account at Target last night, and his voice revealed an intense amount of concern and worry.
Hurricane Ike is gone, but yesterday and today has brought gas shortages, a.k.a. no more gas being sold all around Nashville. I'm not sure how many other parts of the country were affected by refinery outages. I went to a gas station today, and ended up being the last person to get some gas after waiting in line. The scene was crazy. Employees of the gas station running around frantically, trying to direct the line of cars, shouting out anxiously. The person filling up next to me was speaking about all that's going on in a noticeably concerned tone. Newspaper articles with the titles "panic" this, panic "that" related to no gas.
I don't want to sound insincere or critical of the anxiety and panic, and I know that many people's livelihoods, at least somewhat, are found in their stock portfolios and being able to buy gas and transport themselves to work where they get their paycheck, the major livelihood. I also recognize that I've been afforded incredible, beyond logical comforts in life that I don't deserve.
But please, take a deep breath people!! I lived in Argentina where these "worries" were a much more frequent and noticeable part of life...gas shortages, money shortages, government instability, and Argentines have learned to take them in stride. Things come and they go. I want Argentina to get better, very much so, but my point in writing about Argentina is that while they may not have things as "figured out" as America in terms of political and economic issues, they still live and have full lives. Not having gas or having a stock portfolio that is never going to go down or fluctuate wildly will not be the end of the world.
Once again, I know these things are important and have much meaning for a lot of people. At the gas station today, I was very close to weeping. I was deeply saddened by the anxiety and panic I saw in people's actions and words.
Oh that people of this nation and Nashville would know the fullness of you JESUS! and be able to cast away their anxieties and concerns!! "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Hurricane Ike is gone, but yesterday and today has brought gas shortages, a.k.a. no more gas being sold all around Nashville. I'm not sure how many other parts of the country were affected by refinery outages. I went to a gas station today, and ended up being the last person to get some gas after waiting in line. The scene was crazy. Employees of the gas station running around frantically, trying to direct the line of cars, shouting out anxiously. The person filling up next to me was speaking about all that's going on in a noticeably concerned tone. Newspaper articles with the titles "panic" this, panic "that" related to no gas.
I don't want to sound insincere or critical of the anxiety and panic, and I know that many people's livelihoods, at least somewhat, are found in their stock portfolios and being able to buy gas and transport themselves to work where they get their paycheck, the major livelihood. I also recognize that I've been afforded incredible, beyond logical comforts in life that I don't deserve.
But please, take a deep breath people!! I lived in Argentina where these "worries" were a much more frequent and noticeable part of life...gas shortages, money shortages, government instability, and Argentines have learned to take them in stride. Things come and they go. I want Argentina to get better, very much so, but my point in writing about Argentina is that while they may not have things as "figured out" as America in terms of political and economic issues, they still live and have full lives. Not having gas or having a stock portfolio that is never going to go down or fluctuate wildly will not be the end of the world.
Once again, I know these things are important and have much meaning for a lot of people. At the gas station today, I was very close to weeping. I was deeply saddened by the anxiety and panic I saw in people's actions and words.
Oh that people of this nation and Nashville would know the fullness of you JESUS! and be able to cast away their anxieties and concerns!! "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:25-34 NIV)
9.18.2008
makes sense
We have 5 senses that we know of and use everyday. Sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. We use these to navigate through life each and every day. In freaky sci-fi movies, there is many times a "6th sense" alluded to or somehow exists.
I'm going to make the hypothesis that a) we humans are fundamentally composed of a body and a soul, and that b) each one of those components has its own senses. We are already used to and for the most part know the bodily ones.
In the context of faith, I think we can also recognize a body and soul. How those two unite is another story. I do think that obtaining salvation has something to do with the merging of these two, body and soul, and somehow the Holy Spirit is involved, and has to be involved, in that merging/holding together. That's more complicated to understand I think, and that's not the purpose of this post.
This post is meant to spur thinking about: what are the soul's "senses"? I think there's considerable logic for the existence of soul senses, and I would also contend that we use them every day, just like our bodily senses. In that case, what are they, and of what importance are they?
Well, they're REALLY important. Think about it. If "touch" was broken down one day, that'd be very bad. You'd get burnt or cut or who knows what. Likewise, if our soul senses were broken down, one or many of them, there'd be similar implications of pain and/or hurt. But this time maybe emotional.
Leading to that, I would suggest that the soul's senses are: courage, hope, joy, praise/thanksgiving, compassion...this is not an inclusive list, but I think it's a start.
Throughout various Psalms, the soul is somewhat personified having bodily actions/features/reactions, which leads me to believe more strongly that it would have senses. Psalm 42 is a good example.
Later, in the New Testament, I think there is more evidence for this. The greatest commandment states "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' (Matt 22:37 NIV)
Jesus delineates different parts of the whole person to which they are to completely love the Lord. The mind here I think represents the body. All are to love the Lord. It makes sense that if they are supposed to submit, each of these components has substance, and I would think they need senses to interpret other substances around them.
Hopefully that's not too confusing.
Paul later writes "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe." (Ephesians 1:17-18 NIV)
Paul asks for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation FOR THE BODY. And then "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened..." I doubt Paul is repeating himself. He was a highly educated man, and an excellent author. I think Paul simply recognizes there are two important parts, body and soul.
So I guess I've focused more on trying to show that a human is composed of a body and soul, but I think it makes a ton of sense that the soul would also have senses.
That's important for our spiritual walks because if we recognize that there really is an existence of "soul senses", then we might try to enhance using them.
I'm going to make the hypothesis that a) we humans are fundamentally composed of a body and a soul, and that b) each one of those components has its own senses. We are already used to and for the most part know the bodily ones.
In the context of faith, I think we can also recognize a body and soul. How those two unite is another story. I do think that obtaining salvation has something to do with the merging of these two, body and soul, and somehow the Holy Spirit is involved, and has to be involved, in that merging/holding together. That's more complicated to understand I think, and that's not the purpose of this post.
This post is meant to spur thinking about: what are the soul's "senses"? I think there's considerable logic for the existence of soul senses, and I would also contend that we use them every day, just like our bodily senses. In that case, what are they, and of what importance are they?
Well, they're REALLY important. Think about it. If "touch" was broken down one day, that'd be very bad. You'd get burnt or cut or who knows what. Likewise, if our soul senses were broken down, one or many of them, there'd be similar implications of pain and/or hurt. But this time maybe emotional.
Leading to that, I would suggest that the soul's senses are: courage, hope, joy, praise/thanksgiving, compassion...this is not an inclusive list, but I think it's a start.
Throughout various Psalms, the soul is somewhat personified having bodily actions/features/reactions, which leads me to believe more strongly that it would have senses. Psalm 42 is a good example.
Later, in the New Testament, I think there is more evidence for this. The greatest commandment states "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' (Matt 22:37 NIV)
Jesus delineates different parts of the whole person to which they are to completely love the Lord. The mind here I think represents the body. All are to love the Lord. It makes sense that if they are supposed to submit, each of these components has substance, and I would think they need senses to interpret other substances around them.
Hopefully that's not too confusing.
Paul later writes "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe." (Ephesians 1:17-18 NIV)
Paul asks for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation FOR THE BODY. And then "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened..." I doubt Paul is repeating himself. He was a highly educated man, and an excellent author. I think Paul simply recognizes there are two important parts, body and soul.
So I guess I've focused more on trying to show that a human is composed of a body and soul, but I think it makes a ton of sense that the soul would also have senses.
That's important for our spiritual walks because if we recognize that there really is an existence of "soul senses", then we might try to enhance using them.
9.08.2008
please carry this hymn with you this week
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that left Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT)
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that left Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT)
9.05.2008
Scripture speaks for itself
The Word speaks very powerfully on its own. No interpretations needed.
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:15-17 NIV)
9.01.2008
he would have it so
Apparently, people are showing by some numbers somewhere that satan seems to be gaining ground. I say gaining ground because the belief in his existence as a being is declining, as a study statistically shows. Now, that may sound paradoxical in nature, but re-read that carefully and think of what satan wants to do.
Now, any statistical study can be skewed in many ways. You always have to interpret data and numbers with a grain of salt. So this data may not apply or be true for the entire US or the entire set of "Christians" in America. I'm posting this because I think it's something to be aware about and think about.
This study is published on a website of "a multi-faith group", but the study was done mostly by the Barna research group, which does have Christian affliations. I provide this link to this "multi-fath" group because they offer some interesting interpretations of the data, and note this is done by people who are not necessarily Christ followers. It's here:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_sat4.htm
Two observations strike me most:
a) In looking at the chart comparing belief in satan in varying countries around the world, I think it's interesting to think of the current state of faith in those countries that lack any significant belief in satan. Most of the countries that lack really any belief in satan are virtually bone-dry, faith wise. Regarding this, there is a strong correlation with more than one country profiled in the chart. I know saying these countries are bone dry faith wise is a generalization, but I feel strongly that a statistical study could be done to prove this. This data did come from 1991, so there's also a good chance that things have changed. I hope so, I hope more people are believing in satan's existence as a being.
b) The percentage of people believing in satan's existence as a being in the USA has been declining in the period from 1991-2007. Has our society been declining in the same time frame? Are there any correlations? It could be argued, well, "hell, no! the 1990s and 2000s were some of the most prosperous times the USA has ever seen, with the advent of free trade, revolutionizing technologies, the computer, facebook, and the like!! You're crazy!"
Yes, I'll admit that I'm crazy. But I'm crazy because I'm trying to follow Jesus. That's a discussion for another post however.
In pursuing God and desiring to serve Him and bring Him glory in every way, as individuals and collectively as a nation, is there something we're missing? This doesn't necessarily apply to non-Christians, but to Christians, does not believing, or forgetting that satan is living and active, wanting to destroy, does that cause us to be more complacent in our walk with Jesus?
I think these numbers that offer a stronger "proof" if you will, I guess if that's what numbers in a chart from a scientific study do, are something to really be aware of.
If we are not aware of an enemy who is constantly coming at as, trying to attack, kill, and destroy, or don't believe one exists, then we have no reason to try to put up any defenses. Nor do we have any reason to flee for shelter.
I believe one of satan's most cunning tactics is to make people believe he doesn't exist.
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV)
Now, any statistical study can be skewed in many ways. You always have to interpret data and numbers with a grain of salt. So this data may not apply or be true for the entire US or the entire set of "Christians" in America. I'm posting this because I think it's something to be aware about and think about.
This study is published on a website of "a multi-faith group", but the study was done mostly by the Barna research group, which does have Christian affliations. I provide this link to this "multi-fath" group because they offer some interesting interpretations of the data, and note this is done by people who are not necessarily Christ followers. It's here:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_sat4.htm
Two observations strike me most:
a) In looking at the chart comparing belief in satan in varying countries around the world, I think it's interesting to think of the current state of faith in those countries that lack any significant belief in satan. Most of the countries that lack really any belief in satan are virtually bone-dry, faith wise. Regarding this, there is a strong correlation with more than one country profiled in the chart. I know saying these countries are bone dry faith wise is a generalization, but I feel strongly that a statistical study could be done to prove this. This data did come from 1991, so there's also a good chance that things have changed. I hope so, I hope more people are believing in satan's existence as a being.
b) The percentage of people believing in satan's existence as a being in the USA has been declining in the period from 1991-2007. Has our society been declining in the same time frame? Are there any correlations? It could be argued, well, "hell, no! the 1990s and 2000s were some of the most prosperous times the USA has ever seen, with the advent of free trade, revolutionizing technologies, the computer, facebook, and the like!! You're crazy!"
Yes, I'll admit that I'm crazy. But I'm crazy because I'm trying to follow Jesus. That's a discussion for another post however.
In pursuing God and desiring to serve Him and bring Him glory in every way, as individuals and collectively as a nation, is there something we're missing? This doesn't necessarily apply to non-Christians, but to Christians, does not believing, or forgetting that satan is living and active, wanting to destroy, does that cause us to be more complacent in our walk with Jesus?
I think these numbers that offer a stronger "proof" if you will, I guess if that's what numbers in a chart from a scientific study do, are something to really be aware of.
If we are not aware of an enemy who is constantly coming at as, trying to attack, kill, and destroy, or don't believe one exists, then we have no reason to try to put up any defenses. Nor do we have any reason to flee for shelter.
I believe one of satan's most cunning tactics is to make people believe he doesn't exist.
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV)
8.23.2008
Christ in the context of organizational leadership
So I've had a big change of environments of late. Small, Christ-centered intentional community in Argentina to relatively large college campus with a wide range of beliefs where knowledge and the pursuit of it mostly prevails.
Thus far, my one class and the material related to it has been very interesting and though provoking. One thing I see missing though is where does Christ fit into the context of organizational and individual leadership.
He's not talked about or mentioned at all.
The argument could be made, "well, all that religious stuff has no basis, it's just religion and the like..." Well, I'd disagree. From a purely academic study, let's say, non-bias viewpoint, I think one could make a fairly substantial argument that Christ is the leader of the longest-standing, most numerous, most complex, sometimes controversial yes, organization the WORLD has ever seen. Looking at the sheer numbers and the historical numbers over time, I think it could be statistically proven without a doubt that Christ is the most outstanding leader the world has ever seen, and His church, once again, when done inline with Scripture's outlays for how the church should truly be, the most enduring and life-giving/sustaining organization that exists.
Even in the sea of multiple competing thoughts and ideologies, Jesus comes out on top.
So how does this fit in to nowadays? Very much so. The principles that Christ taught and lived are very much applicable to organizations nowadays.
Do we dare in organizations, be they academic or corporate, to attempt servant-like mentalities in all our tasks and the directions in which the institutions are going? Would it just be too crazy to attempt to lead like Christ led, and set up our organizations according to the structures and principles we find in Scripture?
I'm not really surprised I haven't seen this talked about yet in my classes or around campus. I don't really expect it to happen. But is somebody missing a big huge elephant in the room? Is it just too good to be true, although it is true?
Two great books as a starting place on this regarding individual leadership, but that has relevance in organizations, are Henri Nouwen's In the name of Jesus and a more corporate look in Ken Blanchard's Lead like Jesus.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
Thus far, my one class and the material related to it has been very interesting and though provoking. One thing I see missing though is where does Christ fit into the context of organizational and individual leadership.
He's not talked about or mentioned at all.
The argument could be made, "well, all that religious stuff has no basis, it's just religion and the like..." Well, I'd disagree. From a purely academic study, let's say, non-bias viewpoint, I think one could make a fairly substantial argument that Christ is the leader of the longest-standing, most numerous, most complex, sometimes controversial yes, organization the WORLD has ever seen. Looking at the sheer numbers and the historical numbers over time, I think it could be statistically proven without a doubt that Christ is the most outstanding leader the world has ever seen, and His church, once again, when done inline with Scripture's outlays for how the church should truly be, the most enduring and life-giving/sustaining organization that exists.
Even in the sea of multiple competing thoughts and ideologies, Jesus comes out on top.
So how does this fit in to nowadays? Very much so. The principles that Christ taught and lived are very much applicable to organizations nowadays.
Do we dare in organizations, be they academic or corporate, to attempt servant-like mentalities in all our tasks and the directions in which the institutions are going? Would it just be too crazy to attempt to lead like Christ led, and set up our organizations according to the structures and principles we find in Scripture?
I'm not really surprised I haven't seen this talked about yet in my classes or around campus. I don't really expect it to happen. But is somebody missing a big huge elephant in the room? Is it just too good to be true, although it is true?
Two great books as a starting place on this regarding individual leadership, but that has relevance in organizations, are Henri Nouwen's In the name of Jesus and a more corporate look in Ken Blanchard's Lead like Jesus.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
(1 Corinthians 1:18-31 NIV)8.22.2008
dating and the like
I was thinking about this the other day, and the whole "find your mate" process seems largely selfish.
Maybe another vote for arranged marriages.
Just kidding, I'm not sure that's the best way to go about matching people, but it does take away a lot of problems and issues.
Just think about it. What are the things that people process in their mind when they look for a potential boyfriend or girlfriend?
The first thing is usually physical. Is she or he "hot"? Which by the way, where did that term get derived from, "hot"? Maybe it's because, they're so energy intensive and give off so much light (like the sun), they're hot.
Then there are other things, like, is she or he funny to me, or can I carry a meaningful conversation with this person. But it often times seems more self-reflective, what's in it for me type mentality.
I think the online dating sites reflect that. They are geared for matching qualities, technologically and somewhat sterile-like, that John Doe or Jane Doe wants to see in person X or person Y.
Selfishness can be good in some respects, it would be a rocky road if people just got together just because of some random reason, and that they don't consider their own traits in the relationship. But I'm just saying, it seems for the most part, a selfish type mentality/search.
It is not recorded, and does not appear, so I don't believe it happened, that Jesus ever dated. I wonder how He would have gone about that. Largely, I think it would have been similar to every way in which He carried Himself. Always willing to sacrifice. Love fully and vulnerably. Always seeking to serve and having grace upon grace and tons of compassion.
Even though He didn't date, I still think He left the best example on how to date by the way He demonstrated personal relationships.
Maybe another vote for arranged marriages.
Just kidding, I'm not sure that's the best way to go about matching people, but it does take away a lot of problems and issues.
Just think about it. What are the things that people process in their mind when they look for a potential boyfriend or girlfriend?
The first thing is usually physical. Is she or he "hot"? Which by the way, where did that term get derived from, "hot"? Maybe it's because, they're so energy intensive and give off so much light (like the sun), they're hot.
Then there are other things, like, is she or he funny to me, or can I carry a meaningful conversation with this person. But it often times seems more self-reflective, what's in it for me type mentality.
I think the online dating sites reflect that. They are geared for matching qualities, technologically and somewhat sterile-like, that John Doe or Jane Doe wants to see in person X or person Y.
Selfishness can be good in some respects, it would be a rocky road if people just got together just because of some random reason, and that they don't consider their own traits in the relationship. But I'm just saying, it seems for the most part, a selfish type mentality/search.
It is not recorded, and does not appear, so I don't believe it happened, that Jesus ever dated. I wonder how He would have gone about that. Largely, I think it would have been similar to every way in which He carried Himself. Always willing to sacrifice. Love fully and vulnerably. Always seeking to serve and having grace upon grace and tons of compassion.
Even though He didn't date, I still think He left the best example on how to date by the way He demonstrated personal relationships.
8.12.2008
leaving your family
What does it mean, how does it look in our time, year 2008, to leave your family for the sake of Christ?
What's involved?
"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." (Matthew 19:29-30 NIV)
I don't think there is any mistake that this passage comes directly after Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler. Leave wealth. Leave family. The two things that possibly bring the most comfort in our world. Leave them for Jesus. I don't think Jesus calls us to leave them completely, to cut them off. Rather, on the contrary, we are to love them and honor them, but that flows out of a primary love for Christ.
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:25-27 NIV)
In this case, I'm not sure if hate has the same meaning as we use hate today. Hate is the opposite of love, so I think this passage is saying you are to love your family less than Jesus when it comes down to it. He comes first.
What happens when your family impedes the fulness of living a Christ-following relationship? How are you to deny them to live for Christ while at the same time honor them in accordance with the commandments. It can be done. The how is the tricky part.
What's involved?
"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." (Matthew 19:29-30 NIV)
I don't think there is any mistake that this passage comes directly after Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler. Leave wealth. Leave family. The two things that possibly bring the most comfort in our world. Leave them for Jesus. I don't think Jesus calls us to leave them completely, to cut them off. Rather, on the contrary, we are to love them and honor them, but that flows out of a primary love for Christ.
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:25-27 NIV)
In this case, I'm not sure if hate has the same meaning as we use hate today. Hate is the opposite of love, so I think this passage is saying you are to love your family less than Jesus when it comes down to it. He comes first.
What happens when your family impedes the fulness of living a Christ-following relationship? How are you to deny them to live for Christ while at the same time honor them in accordance with the commandments. It can be done. The how is the tricky part.
8.02.2008
maybe it's like this...
So I thought of a visual analogy to how our lives work in relation to what we're filled up with and where our joy is found. This may be silly, but I think it makes some sense. And it's summer, so maybe it's more relevant.
For this, you need to remember something from Science class:
-the principle of water displacement. The mass of some object, when put in a water glass, will displace that same amount of water.
Think of a swimming pool. A big one in your back yard. We're the pool. What's in the pool, the toys, accessories, people, the water -- is what's in our lives. More specifically, the water in the pool represents the spiritual joy that comes from Jesus and Him alone. When we come to believe in Jesus and grow in His likeness, we're adding water to the pool. We get to a normal level, and everything is ok. You can throw in a float or two into a pool, maybe some diving rings to the bottom, but not much changes. These things might represent some simple material possessions that add joy to our real lives. Having a car, having a home to build a family up under God's grace, these things are not inherently wrong and they add contentment to our lives.
Don't forget people!
People fill up your pool much better than the floats or diving rings. In our lives, that principle holds true. More satisfaction SHOULD come from relationships with others than the material things that are in our pool.
As for the people, some people might dive into the pool, hopefully they do it so as not to splash too much water out of the pool. There are those people who sometimes do cannonballs into your pool, and that causes a lot of water to be lost. Remeber, the water = joy. The people who jump into your pool of life are those who make up your community and relationships. And yes, you'll have the occasional doof who pees in your pool. Overall, having people in your pool adds to the fun and enjoyment of it. The right number of people in your pool raises your water level almost to the top level of the pool. But still, most of what's in the pool is water, the joy found in Christ.
What happens when we start throwing in too many pool accessories into our pool? At first we think great!, more cool pool toys! but then we start losing the water that's in our pool. Uh oh, not good. This happens in our lives. We go beyond levels of satisfaction found in a relevant, minimal, meet-the-need set of material goods to where we start displacing the joy in our lives. The water flows out of our pool. And for what? An underwater motorized swimming machine? You mean to tell me we're getting rid of that universal, life-giving, life-sustaining water for some pool toy? Cool as it may be, is that the smartest move? What's going to happen in a severe heatwave? The fires of life...we better have a lot of water in our pool stored up before those come on, or our pool might evaporate completely then our pool foundation starts to crack.
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:37-38 NIV)
Be it summer, or whatever season of the year, that your life may be filled up as much as possible with the joy that is found and can only be found in the fullness of Jesus, the Christ.
For this, you need to remember something from Science class:
-the principle of water displacement. The mass of some object, when put in a water glass, will displace that same amount of water.
Think of a swimming pool. A big one in your back yard. We're the pool. What's in the pool, the toys, accessories, people, the water -- is what's in our lives. More specifically, the water in the pool represents the spiritual joy that comes from Jesus and Him alone. When we come to believe in Jesus and grow in His likeness, we're adding water to the pool. We get to a normal level, and everything is ok. You can throw in a float or two into a pool, maybe some diving rings to the bottom, but not much changes. These things might represent some simple material possessions that add joy to our real lives. Having a car, having a home to build a family up under God's grace, these things are not inherently wrong and they add contentment to our lives.
Don't forget people!
People fill up your pool much better than the floats or diving rings. In our lives, that principle holds true. More satisfaction SHOULD come from relationships with others than the material things that are in our pool.
As for the people, some people might dive into the pool, hopefully they do it so as not to splash too much water out of the pool. There are those people who sometimes do cannonballs into your pool, and that causes a lot of water to be lost. Remeber, the water = joy. The people who jump into your pool of life are those who make up your community and relationships. And yes, you'll have the occasional doof who pees in your pool. Overall, having people in your pool adds to the fun and enjoyment of it. The right number of people in your pool raises your water level almost to the top level of the pool. But still, most of what's in the pool is water, the joy found in Christ.
What happens when we start throwing in too many pool accessories into our pool? At first we think great!, more cool pool toys! but then we start losing the water that's in our pool. Uh oh, not good. This happens in our lives. We go beyond levels of satisfaction found in a relevant, minimal, meet-the-need set of material goods to where we start displacing the joy in our lives. The water flows out of our pool. And for what? An underwater motorized swimming machine? You mean to tell me we're getting rid of that universal, life-giving, life-sustaining water for some pool toy? Cool as it may be, is that the smartest move? What's going to happen in a severe heatwave? The fires of life...we better have a lot of water in our pool stored up before those come on, or our pool might evaporate completely then our pool foundation starts to crack.
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:37-38 NIV)
Be it summer, or whatever season of the year, that your life may be filled up as much as possible with the joy that is found and can only be found in the fullness of Jesus, the Christ.
7.31.2008
anXiety
I have to confess. I am at my wit's end with anxiety. Being driven by fear is horrible. Royally. As a motivator to some sort of action, anxiety I would say would be one of the least desirable things to drive oneself or others. I don't feel like I'm bringing this anxiety on myself. Well, maybe I am not bringing it purposefully, but I sure am not on the stout lookout and providing a solid defense for it.
To explain, I'm living with my parents again for the summer. A lot of their motivations for their actions and habits, in my opinion, are due to fears and anxieties that exist in their lives. I find myself falling into their course of living, not because I want to necessarily adopt their principles or allow anxieties to be a base factor for actions, but mostly because I a) lack the courage to confront them about their anxieties or b) I'm trying to honor them and submit to them in a non-confrontational, non-aggressive manner. They would never admit the extent to which I think fear and anxiety is a part of their lives. Don't get me wrong, a lot of them are perfectly valid anxieties to have in life. Anxieties are going to exist. It'd be near impossible to stamp those out or spend the kind of energy required to do so. I even think a some anxieties in life, at low levels, is a healthy and good thing. But just because you have something in your life, doesn't mean you should let it grow or develop into a viscous beast.
B.O. is like that. We all have it. It's naturally a part of our existence. A little bit is fine. No harm done. Just a reminder it's time for a shower. Left unchecked, it can grow to be something that you, and the people around you, really don't like.
That may be a stupid example, but a better one is that Jesus didn't plug into anxieties. He had every reason to do so. There were plenty available to Him. People wanted to kill Him, stone Him, kill His friends. He could worry about people turning to Him for their salvation. He was dealing with anxieties way beyond our modern day ones "Do we have enough money in the bank?" "Will I be able to afford college?" "Will I find someone to pursue Christ with in a marriage?" "Will the people around me accept me into community?"
Jesus handled all His beautifully. His example is the one to strive for. I would encourage you to read about Jesus and the times He faced potential anxieties. How did He handle them? How'd He react. What'd He do? (hint: prayer)
I still struggle with anxieties and being surrounded by more of them doesn't help. I can't be Jesus when it comes to how I handle anxieties, but I can seek to be like Him. Prayer, which I lack discipline for, is the best thing I think can help.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
To explain, I'm living with my parents again for the summer. A lot of their motivations for their actions and habits, in my opinion, are due to fears and anxieties that exist in their lives. I find myself falling into their course of living, not because I want to necessarily adopt their principles or allow anxieties to be a base factor for actions, but mostly because I a) lack the courage to confront them about their anxieties or b) I'm trying to honor them and submit to them in a non-confrontational, non-aggressive manner. They would never admit the extent to which I think fear and anxiety is a part of their lives. Don't get me wrong, a lot of them are perfectly valid anxieties to have in life. Anxieties are going to exist. It'd be near impossible to stamp those out or spend the kind of energy required to do so. I even think a some anxieties in life, at low levels, is a healthy and good thing. But just because you have something in your life, doesn't mean you should let it grow or develop into a viscous beast.
B.O. is like that. We all have it. It's naturally a part of our existence. A little bit is fine. No harm done. Just a reminder it's time for a shower. Left unchecked, it can grow to be something that you, and the people around you, really don't like.
That may be a stupid example, but a better one is that Jesus didn't plug into anxieties. He had every reason to do so. There were plenty available to Him. People wanted to kill Him, stone Him, kill His friends. He could worry about people turning to Him for their salvation. He was dealing with anxieties way beyond our modern day ones "Do we have enough money in the bank?" "Will I be able to afford college?" "Will I find someone to pursue Christ with in a marriage?" "Will the people around me accept me into community?"
Jesus handled all His beautifully. His example is the one to strive for. I would encourage you to read about Jesus and the times He faced potential anxieties. How did He handle them? How'd He react. What'd He do? (hint: prayer)
I still struggle with anxieties and being surrounded by more of them doesn't help. I can't be Jesus when it comes to how I handle anxieties, but I can seek to be like Him. Prayer, which I lack discipline for, is the best thing I think can help.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
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