Many people in our culture consider it weird when people want to spend time alone, be by themselves or get away. Something is thought of as not right, or that person has issues because they can't be in community 24/7.
I think it's interesting that the Gospel authors point out multiple times of Jesus' alone time. As in our culture, Jesus' desire to be by himself, to get away from people, was quite strange for that day and age. Especially in a time where robbers free-roamed the territory, wild animals couldn't be defended against with modern weaponry...it was much more dangerous being alone and people didn't often do it.
Yet Jesus did, alot.
"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (Luke 5:16)
"...Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed..." (Mark 1:35)
"One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God." (Luke 6:12)
"...Sit here while I go over there and pray..." (Matthew 26:36)
The key thing to notice is that Jesus didn't go be alone for the sake of getting away from people. He seems to have gotten away to have deep prayer time with the Father and reflect on His ministry and pray for God's will to be done. Before Jesus made major decisions, He went to be alone.
Ironically, Jesus' alone time seems to have strengthened and fortified Him for the times that He did interact with His community of disciples and the larger crowds full of thousands of people.
And so, just as Jesus was considered a complete weirdo for many of the habits He had and things He did, I think it's safe to say that we can also find intentionality in our times of solitude, for they are necessary to functioning well and living a life full of the Spirit for God.
Showing posts with label Luke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luke. Show all posts
12.27.2009
11.02.2009
the example of Mary
Unfortunately, Mary, the mother of Jesus, has been deified by certain lines of the Catholic church. In lines that have not deified Mary, she is thought to have always been a virgin (please explain James and John), and is revered close to, if not more than Jesus.
In some ways, I think Protestant churches and Protestant theology have rebuked Mary a little too much in response to Catholic views towards Mary, by virtually never talking about her example or how faithful a woman she was to the Lord. She submitted faithfully and steadfastly to God's plan for her life, and I think that should be celebrated.
She is a great example of faith to consider, but not the reason for our faith. Jesus alone (includes the Holy Spirit and the Father) is the reason for our faith.
Consider her worship song:
And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
(Luke 1:46-55 NIV)
In some ways, I think Protestant churches and Protestant theology have rebuked Mary a little too much in response to Catholic views towards Mary, by virtually never talking about her example or how faithful a woman she was to the Lord. She submitted faithfully and steadfastly to God's plan for her life, and I think that should be celebrated.
She is a great example of faith to consider, but not the reason for our faith. Jesus alone (includes the Holy Spirit and the Father) is the reason for our faith.
Consider her worship song:
And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
(Luke 1:46-55 NIV)
8.21.2009
God's Health Care Plan
The health care debate in America is "blowin' up" and getting out of control. Sanity please!
I’m not proposing that I know God’s heart when it comes to health care for America. Public option. Grandma death panels. Increased taxes for small business. I’m not sure what God thinks of those things, but His Word does talk about some really important things that I think are being missed or glossed over during this national debate.
“Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:13-17)
First of all, it’s kind of funny that Peter wrote this. The same Peter who wanted to fight the authority forces of power that came to arrest Jesus (and did, cutting off an ear). The same Peter at wits end for denying Jesus three times and then hearing the cock crow (Luke 22). The same Peter who met on the beach with the resurrected Christ (John 21), promising to follow Jesus and striving towards bringing His kingdom here to earth, even if it would cost his life (and it did).
Jesus changed Peter tremendously.
Maybe it was coincidence that Peter, with no medical training, became an amazing physician himself, healing a lifelong cripple in an instant (Acts 3). No, it wasn’t an accident. Christ was the reason that Peter was empowered to take care of such a sick man.
I point this passage and Peter’s story out to ask: are Christ followers doing and being health care in America, or are they just arguing, complaining, and debating like the rest of the world?
The passage in 1 Peter emphasizes “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men…Love the brotherhood of believers.”
When was the last time Christ followers took care of widows and orphans? (James 1:27)
Are Christ followers serving the needy out of a desire for wordly recognition or a passion to love Jesus? (Matthew 6:1-4)
Do Christ followers pray in the morning that their leaders during the day will be seeking to make health care decisions that are after God’s own heart? (1 Timothy 2:1) Doing this because they know that the Lord Mighty God is completely in control?
Are Christ followers giving more of themselves to others, losing their life by the world’s standards, than they are expecting or taking from others? (Luke 9:23-27)
It’s great to be zealous and passionate about certain proposals regarding the future of health care in America. Yet, Christ followers can set a greater and more powerful example for health care reform by living out Jesus’ example and His teachings on health care, and not just debating it.
I’m not proposing that I know God’s heart when it comes to health care for America. Public option. Grandma death panels. Increased taxes for small business. I’m not sure what God thinks of those things, but His Word does talk about some really important things that I think are being missed or glossed over during this national debate.
“Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:13-17)
First of all, it’s kind of funny that Peter wrote this. The same Peter who wanted to fight the authority forces of power that came to arrest Jesus (and did, cutting off an ear). The same Peter at wits end for denying Jesus three times and then hearing the cock crow (Luke 22). The same Peter who met on the beach with the resurrected Christ (John 21), promising to follow Jesus and striving towards bringing His kingdom here to earth, even if it would cost his life (and it did).
Jesus changed Peter tremendously.
Maybe it was coincidence that Peter, with no medical training, became an amazing physician himself, healing a lifelong cripple in an instant (Acts 3). No, it wasn’t an accident. Christ was the reason that Peter was empowered to take care of such a sick man.
I point this passage and Peter’s story out to ask: are Christ followers doing and being health care in America, or are they just arguing, complaining, and debating like the rest of the world?
The passage in 1 Peter emphasizes “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men…Love the brotherhood of believers.”
When was the last time Christ followers took care of widows and orphans? (James 1:27)
Are Christ followers serving the needy out of a desire for wordly recognition or a passion to love Jesus? (Matthew 6:1-4)
Do Christ followers pray in the morning that their leaders during the day will be seeking to make health care decisions that are after God’s own heart? (1 Timothy 2:1) Doing this because they know that the Lord Mighty God is completely in control?
Are Christ followers giving more of themselves to others, losing their life by the world’s standards, than they are expecting or taking from others? (Luke 9:23-27)
It’s great to be zealous and passionate about certain proposals regarding the future of health care in America. Yet, Christ followers can set a greater and more powerful example for health care reform by living out Jesus’ example and His teachings on health care, and not just debating it.
7.07.2009
the convenience culture
My friend Rolf, who I met recently and is from South Africa, made an interesting observation of American life and culture. Not being a native to these parts himself, he has some qualified lenses to make some real observations about life here that we might not see as citizens immersed in our own culture. He hadn´t been here in a while, but this last visit, it was clear to him how much life in America is a culture of convenience.
I think he´s totally right.
Drive up ATMs, banks, delivery, take-out, fast food, fast casual restaurants, amazon.com, iphone apps...you name it. Some of these things can be good, useful tools...I'm not knocking all of them, I would some things, I'm just pointing out that the US is a saturated place for a convenience lifestyle.
As I got to thinking about this, I think it's true, but I also think it's unfortunate and sad that this cultural characteristic has snuck into the American church, and I would say is more widespread than we identify or care to admit. It's also not healthy I don't think.
The divorce rate within the American church around 50% is a statistic that supports this. When it gets hard or inconvenient, it's over. We'd rather not work hard or struggle in our marriage. This grieves God's heart intensely.
Rather than being missions, doing missions, it's very easy to give money to a non-profit. I've been struck by how true this is as I think more and more of it. I confess that I'm guilty of this way more than I want to admit. I'm not judging giving money or being generous to charities, those acts are great...but does Christ call us to something more?
The times in your life, when a) you've given money to a cause or b) you've sat down with someone and interacted with them when they are struggling, searching, or grieving...been an ear or served them or loved them unconditionally...which one gives a better sense of fulfillment to the whole situation?
Again, I am not criticizing giving money, especially if it is motivated out of a heart intention to support and love bringing about Christ's kingdom on earth.
Jesus wants more of us than what's convenient for us!
And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me."For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it."For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?" (Luke 9:23-25 NASB)
We live in a wealthy nation. That's fact. It's easy to give money. Yes, we're not all Bill Gates or Warren Buffett. I know. It's still easy to give money or divorce someone because things aren't working out.
As followers of Christ, I think we need to be acutely aware of the easy areas in our lives and guard against them disallowing us to serve Christ and be His hands and feet in this world.
I think he´s totally right.
Drive up ATMs, banks, delivery, take-out, fast food, fast casual restaurants, amazon.com, iphone apps...you name it. Some of these things can be good, useful tools...I'm not knocking all of them, I would some things, I'm just pointing out that the US is a saturated place for a convenience lifestyle.
As I got to thinking about this, I think it's true, but I also think it's unfortunate and sad that this cultural characteristic has snuck into the American church, and I would say is more widespread than we identify or care to admit. It's also not healthy I don't think.
The divorce rate within the American church around 50% is a statistic that supports this. When it gets hard or inconvenient, it's over. We'd rather not work hard or struggle in our marriage. This grieves God's heart intensely.
Rather than being missions, doing missions, it's very easy to give money to a non-profit. I've been struck by how true this is as I think more and more of it. I confess that I'm guilty of this way more than I want to admit. I'm not judging giving money or being generous to charities, those acts are great...but does Christ call us to something more?
The times in your life, when a) you've given money to a cause or b) you've sat down with someone and interacted with them when they are struggling, searching, or grieving...been an ear or served them or loved them unconditionally...which one gives a better sense of fulfillment to the whole situation?
Again, I am not criticizing giving money, especially if it is motivated out of a heart intention to support and love bringing about Christ's kingdom on earth.
Jesus wants more of us than what's convenient for us!
And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me."For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it."For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?" (Luke 9:23-25 NASB)
We live in a wealthy nation. That's fact. It's easy to give money. Yes, we're not all Bill Gates or Warren Buffett. I know. It's still easy to give money or divorce someone because things aren't working out.
As followers of Christ, I think we need to be acutely aware of the easy areas in our lives and guard against them disallowing us to serve Christ and be His hands and feet in this world.
4.20.2009
what are we building?
"Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like:
he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great." (Luke 6:46-49 NASB)
Well, I'm done. With year #1. I just finished half of the Master's degree I'm working to obtain. There is no wild exultation, leaping for joy, or party on the beach till the break of dawn or getting jiggy with it that I'll be doing to celebrate this fact.
I do my best to remind myself that this degree is really a house built on shifting sand. Yet, many of my actions and the time I spend does not reflect this very well. A degree, a credential to your name, is very much a world thing. I have not found anywhere in Scripture where it says, to be broken and receive endless, infinite, beautiful grace, you have to be a PhD in Brokeness, or have an M.Ed in Unworthiness.
I'm finishing up re-reading CS Lewis' The Four Loves. It has been a good reminder to question myself: well, what kinds of loves are you involved with and practicing? (it's related to this degree thing)
People all around me are broken. I'm broken. That's the state of our condition. When we practice Friendship love and Charity love, rather than practicing idol love of money or stature or recognition or __________(fill it in), we encourage each other, share in our brokeness, and help each other get rid of some of it.
And it works. These past few weeks, I've witnessed more and more of Community love and Friendship love. And let me tell you, those are the kinds of things that DO get me jazzed and make me want to dance around and party till the break of dawn.
That has been my big realization at the end of this semester. I'm spending far too much time loving myself and building this degree structure thing that will easily be blown away rather than loving my friends, strangers, and the community in which I am a part. There's something about Friendship and Charity love that I'm more confident about. Maybe its because Jesus modeled those loves often and very well.
yes, I agree that I'm in the world and I should properly use my talents, intelligence, and resource to further the Lord's Kingdom. I don't dispute that at all. But there's a fine slippery line between understanding that and the way in which one's actions take shape. I think I've been slipping too much.
I want to be sold out to AND for the Gospel. COMPLETELY. and that it would be my concern for all of my days.
he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great." (Luke 6:46-49 NASB)
Well, I'm done. With year #1. I just finished half of the Master's degree I'm working to obtain. There is no wild exultation, leaping for joy, or party on the beach till the break of dawn or getting jiggy with it that I'll be doing to celebrate this fact.
I do my best to remind myself that this degree is really a house built on shifting sand. Yet, many of my actions and the time I spend does not reflect this very well. A degree, a credential to your name, is very much a world thing. I have not found anywhere in Scripture where it says, to be broken and receive endless, infinite, beautiful grace, you have to be a PhD in Brokeness, or have an M.Ed in Unworthiness.
I'm finishing up re-reading CS Lewis' The Four Loves. It has been a good reminder to question myself: well, what kinds of loves are you involved with and practicing? (it's related to this degree thing)
People all around me are broken. I'm broken. That's the state of our condition. When we practice Friendship love and Charity love, rather than practicing idol love of money or stature or recognition or __________(fill it in), we encourage each other, share in our brokeness, and help each other get rid of some of it.
And it works. These past few weeks, I've witnessed more and more of Community love and Friendship love. And let me tell you, those are the kinds of things that DO get me jazzed and make me want to dance around and party till the break of dawn.
That has been my big realization at the end of this semester. I'm spending far too much time loving myself and building this degree structure thing that will easily be blown away rather than loving my friends, strangers, and the community in which I am a part. There's something about Friendship and Charity love that I'm more confident about. Maybe its because Jesus modeled those loves often and very well.
yes, I agree that I'm in the world and I should properly use my talents, intelligence, and resource to further the Lord's Kingdom. I don't dispute that at all. But there's a fine slippery line between understanding that and the way in which one's actions take shape. I think I've been slipping too much.
I want to be sold out to AND for the Gospel. COMPLETELY. and that it would be my concern for all of my days.
4.10.2009
GOOD Friday from Scripture...
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:23-27 NIV)
We are to deny ourselves and bear our cross each day...
"Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:16-17, 28-30)
Jesus didn't just TELL us to take up our cross, He DID it, changing our lives and the world forever...
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. (1 John 1:8-10 NIV)
And still today, Jesus wants nothing more than to purify us and make us holy. The meaning of the cross becomes greater and greater as we recognize more and more our own depravity.
1.29.2009
the power of 2
As Christ followers, one of the joys of that relationship is getting to share the gospel with others. Here at home, in other countries, next door...the "where" would be agreed upon by many that to the ends of the earth is as far as we should go.
But "how" exactly takes numerous diversions and there are many opinions out there on "how" best to go out and share the gospel. I don't claim to have the right answer, but I wanted to offer an observation that I think holds Truth.
Wise King Solomon thought: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV)
Is it coincidence that Jesus sent His disciples out 2x2 and we see other instances of Jesus' followers accomplishing things in twos?
Mark records "Calling the Twelve to Him, He sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits." (Mark 6:7)
Luke picks up on the same detail with the 72 that get sent out after the twelve: "After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go." (Luke 10:1)
This two by two principle continued with Jesus' followers after His death.
Matthew writes "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to look at the tomb." (Matthew 28:1) Two Marys.
Luke records "Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seventy miles from Jerusalem..." (Luke 24:13)
Sure, safety might have been an issue during their day, but I think it is no accident that this detail of two by two occurs quite frequently and is recorded by at least three gospel writers. Both men and women went out two by two. So what is this getting at?
I think this is a detail that Jesus wants us to recognize for ministry. Sure, going out to serve Him as an individual is good, but even better is going out with a partner in ministry. There are many more advantages to going out together and having a brother or sister to "tag-team" in gospel sharing.
As Proverbs 27:17 offers: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
But "how" exactly takes numerous diversions and there are many opinions out there on "how" best to go out and share the gospel. I don't claim to have the right answer, but I wanted to offer an observation that I think holds Truth.
Wise King Solomon thought: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV)
Is it coincidence that Jesus sent His disciples out 2x2 and we see other instances of Jesus' followers accomplishing things in twos?
Mark records "Calling the Twelve to Him, He sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits." (Mark 6:7)
Luke picks up on the same detail with the 72 that get sent out after the twelve: "After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go." (Luke 10:1)
This two by two principle continued with Jesus' followers after His death.
Matthew writes "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to look at the tomb." (Matthew 28:1) Two Marys.
Luke records "Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seventy miles from Jerusalem..." (Luke 24:13)
Sure, safety might have been an issue during their day, but I think it is no accident that this detail of two by two occurs quite frequently and is recorded by at least three gospel writers. Both men and women went out two by two. So what is this getting at?
I think this is a detail that Jesus wants us to recognize for ministry. Sure, going out to serve Him as an individual is good, but even better is going out with a partner in ministry. There are many more advantages to going out together and having a brother or sister to "tag-team" in gospel sharing.
As Proverbs 27:17 offers: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
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%.
7.19.2008
denying monetary splendor
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:23-27 NIV)
As I wrote in my previous post, I have some ideas about how to incorporate living out ways to deny oneself when it comes to living abundantly for culture's sake, and live abundantly as a result of God's favor and grace upon our lives. These are suggestions to think about and maybe adopt, ways that can provide built in provisions for focusing on Christ and living for Him daily and avoiding the pull and draw to live by what culture tells us we should be doing.
These are not things meant for hardship nor denial of very real and practical dreams to be able to buy a house. The suggestions are meant to push a little bit, so that comfort levels are challenged in a positive and healthy way with the hopeful effect of drawing closer to Christ. These are not ideas meant just for the sake of giving things away and finding favor in doing so. The importance of decisions like this is the heart of the matter. Some people are very disciplined and don't need systems to live by. They are very graceful with their monetary gifts and it's not something that is a struggle in their life. I know myself however, and I know I need a practical system to lay out and then follow, to get in the habit of doing. I suspect there might be others out there in a similar boat. So the ideas:
idea #1
if you are married, and there are two salaried incomes, alternate living off of one income each month. 2 incomes, 2 people, living as 1. Pushing the envelope a bit so that the two are more dependent on being one. Give the other income away as soon as it's paid. The spouse who's income is the "earner" income for the month gets to decide (obviously after united discussion and direction) where or who to give the money to. An aid organization or your church or missionaries overseas or a neighbor in need. There are plenty of places where money can be given to do positive things.
Say Bob and Sue decide to do this. Month #1, they decide to live off Bob's income, Sue gives the total amount of her income for month #1 away as soon as she gets here paycheck, and the couple decides where that money goes together (with Bob's preferences leading the conversation). For month #2, it's time to live off of Sue's income. Bob gives his away as soon as it comes in. They decide together, but this time it's Sue's leading and prompting to where the money goes.
idea #2
if you are single, give away your income every other month. As soon as it comes in. Have one month's income last for two months of expenses. Research aid organizations or missionary groups doing work overseas, local ministries, an area that captures your passions and you have a desire to serve and support. Ya, this may involve looking for coupons or having to cut back on certain expenses. Maybe not upgrade to a new phone until the one you have now breaks. Loans may take longer to pay back, but instead of "well, I'll be fruitful when I become financially sound" it's important to adopt principles and habits of focusing not on money and wealth acquisition, but rather seeing money as an incredible opportunity to serve others.
idea #3
if you have a job that allows it, work as long as it takes in a month to earn 110% of your expenses for the month. This after sitting down and looking at realistic (erring on the side of not spending as much) expense outlays for the month. If you have, say, $2000 in expenses for a month, earn $2200 for the month, and then take the rest of the month off to go and serve people in the community or at your church or go and love on your wife extra (if you are blessed to have one). This idea would be harder to do obviously because most jobs wouldn't allow for this type of set-up.
These ideas may sound crazy and somewhat radical, but are they really?
How much is enough?
Is it crazy to adopt an operational living mindset such as the ones mentioned or something different from those where you intentionally build into your life a system where in effect, you are denying yourself and culture's way to live, and not seeking that "all-important" acquisition of wealth?
One can live, and live very well with not much money. There are billions of people who exist on less than two dollars a day. We earn more than $60 a month. We earn more than that in a day. Some earn more than $60 an hour. Sitting down, budgeting, and planning out finances and expenses can go a long way towards being intentional about living for God 1st and not falling into the trap of culture's goals for our finances and pursuit of wealth.
My point is that we can examine ourselves and our finances to push ourselves to where we are intentionally seeking more of God and denying the easy temptation to pursue earthly riches. Having a crafted and thought out system to follow and be disciplined with helps immensely.
As I wrote in my previous post, I have some ideas about how to incorporate living out ways to deny oneself when it comes to living abundantly for culture's sake, and live abundantly as a result of God's favor and grace upon our lives. These are suggestions to think about and maybe adopt, ways that can provide built in provisions for focusing on Christ and living for Him daily and avoiding the pull and draw to live by what culture tells us we should be doing.
These are not things meant for hardship nor denial of very real and practical dreams to be able to buy a house. The suggestions are meant to push a little bit, so that comfort levels are challenged in a positive and healthy way with the hopeful effect of drawing closer to Christ. These are not ideas meant just for the sake of giving things away and finding favor in doing so. The importance of decisions like this is the heart of the matter. Some people are very disciplined and don't need systems to live by. They are very graceful with their monetary gifts and it's not something that is a struggle in their life. I know myself however, and I know I need a practical system to lay out and then follow, to get in the habit of doing. I suspect there might be others out there in a similar boat. So the ideas:
idea #1
if you are married, and there are two salaried incomes, alternate living off of one income each month. 2 incomes, 2 people, living as 1. Pushing the envelope a bit so that the two are more dependent on being one. Give the other income away as soon as it's paid. The spouse who's income is the "earner" income for the month gets to decide (obviously after united discussion and direction) where or who to give the money to. An aid organization or your church or missionaries overseas or a neighbor in need. There are plenty of places where money can be given to do positive things.
Say Bob and Sue decide to do this. Month #1, they decide to live off Bob's income, Sue gives the total amount of her income for month #1 away as soon as she gets here paycheck, and the couple decides where that money goes together (with Bob's preferences leading the conversation). For month #2, it's time to live off of Sue's income. Bob gives his away as soon as it comes in. They decide together, but this time it's Sue's leading and prompting to where the money goes.
idea #2
if you are single, give away your income every other month. As soon as it comes in. Have one month's income last for two months of expenses. Research aid organizations or missionary groups doing work overseas, local ministries, an area that captures your passions and you have a desire to serve and support. Ya, this may involve looking for coupons or having to cut back on certain expenses. Maybe not upgrade to a new phone until the one you have now breaks. Loans may take longer to pay back, but instead of "well, I'll be fruitful when I become financially sound" it's important to adopt principles and habits of focusing not on money and wealth acquisition, but rather seeing money as an incredible opportunity to serve others.
idea #3
if you have a job that allows it, work as long as it takes in a month to earn 110% of your expenses for the month. This after sitting down and looking at realistic (erring on the side of not spending as much) expense outlays for the month. If you have, say, $2000 in expenses for a month, earn $2200 for the month, and then take the rest of the month off to go and serve people in the community or at your church or go and love on your wife extra (if you are blessed to have one). This idea would be harder to do obviously because most jobs wouldn't allow for this type of set-up.
These ideas may sound crazy and somewhat radical, but are they really?
How much is enough?
Is it crazy to adopt an operational living mindset such as the ones mentioned or something different from those where you intentionally build into your life a system where in effect, you are denying yourself and culture's way to live, and not seeking that "all-important" acquisition of wealth?
One can live, and live very well with not much money. There are billions of people who exist on less than two dollars a day. We earn more than $60 a month. We earn more than that in a day. Some earn more than $60 an hour. Sitting down, budgeting, and planning out finances and expenses can go a long way towards being intentional about living for God 1st and not falling into the trap of culture's goals for our finances and pursuit of wealth.
My point is that we can examine ourselves and our finances to push ourselves to where we are intentionally seeking more of God and denying the easy temptation to pursue earthly riches. Having a crafted and thought out system to follow and be disciplined with helps immensely.
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