Famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his usual compatriot, Dr. Watson, were out camping on a hillside beneath one particularly moonlit-soaked evening. Holmes wakes up, shakes his friend and yells, "Watson! Wake up, Watson!" Watson stirs quickly and sits up in a frenzy.
"Holmes, what is it?" shouts Watson as he wipes the sleep from his eyes. Holmes asks calmly: "Watson, look up at the stars and tell me what you see and what it all means."
Watson gazes up to the boundless sky and the countless number of stars. He answers, "Well Holmes, I see a beautiful, starry sky." Holmes is quick to reply, "And tell me Watson what you can deduce from that." Dr. Watson looks again with some intent at the sky before replying.
"Judging from the number and placement of the stars and the clarity of the sky, astrologically I can deduce that Ganemede is on the near side of Jupiter while the moon's size tells me that the tides are high in the northern hemisphere; meteorologically, I can deduce from the night's clarity that tomorrow should be another lovely, sunny day; and, theologically, I can see that we are two creatures among many in this vast universe. Holmes, how did I do?"
Holmes snapped back, "Watson, you are an idiot. It means that someone stole our tent."
The point is that someone, like Watson above, can get all of the answers correct and can articulate with the finest words, but with all of this can still miss the point. How often have we ourselves seen even mature Christians who can retort all of the vocabulary and can speak the theological lingo with ease, but in the end still miss the point.
For this very reason, it is necessary, like in the above story, to have people whom we trust around us who have the relational equity and authority to speak into our lives and tell us directly when we are simply missing the point. We all have blind spots that no matter how self-aware we may be we will still be blind to. This is what Christian fellowship that is humble and honest is all about. Praise be to God that we could be made so humble and capable of accepting such discipline for growth.
Showing posts with label growth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label growth. Show all posts
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
A Story of Hidden Agendas that Aren't so Hidden
Daniel Pink tells a story in his book What Color is Your Parachute of his wife, Carol, a career counselor. Carol had a client named George. George had worked in the rubber industry for years and came to Carol for some help. George explained on the first session that he wanted to get out of the rubber business. In response, Carol gave George some homework and sent him on his way till their next session.
At the next session, George showed up with not one lick of his homework completed. Carol looked at George, and point-blank asked him, "George, noticing that you haven't done this work, I have to ask: what will happen if you don't get out of the rubber industry?" George answered back, "My wife will divorce me." Carol, not missing a beat, asked, "George, do you want your wife to divorce you?"
George just smirked. He then shared with Carol that what he really wanted was a divorce, and that he would never change his job until he got that done first. George's real agenda had nothing to do with a job, but everything to do with a divorce. Because of that, he would never change.
People won't change unless they want to. No amount of external prompting or orthodox teaching can affect someone to change if they do not desire to change. For instance, there is a young man I know who swears till he's blue in the face that he would give anything to quit smoking. But every time someone else lights a cigarette around him, he lights one up too. He still buys pack of cigarettes, but always tells people that he's quitting; like this is his "last" pack, or that he only smokes when he drinks. He claims to want to change, but his actual agenda is to feed his addiction.
There are many verses that speak to the need to put God first in our lives. In fact, it could be said that the whole of Scripture is focused on this very thing. Our sanctification is at stake. We will never be able to transform by the renewal of our minds and the regeneration of our hearts if we do not want to. Because of this, we should check ourselves for any underlying sinful agendas that would distract us or inhibit our growth. Let us then strip ourselves of agendas that hinder so as to come closer to God by His will!
At the next session, George showed up with not one lick of his homework completed. Carol looked at George, and point-blank asked him, "George, noticing that you haven't done this work, I have to ask: what will happen if you don't get out of the rubber industry?" George answered back, "My wife will divorce me." Carol, not missing a beat, asked, "George, do you want your wife to divorce you?"
George just smirked. He then shared with Carol that what he really wanted was a divorce, and that he would never change his job until he got that done first. George's real agenda had nothing to do with a job, but everything to do with a divorce. Because of that, he would never change.
People won't change unless they want to. No amount of external prompting or orthodox teaching can affect someone to change if they do not desire to change. For instance, there is a young man I know who swears till he's blue in the face that he would give anything to quit smoking. But every time someone else lights a cigarette around him, he lights one up too. He still buys pack of cigarettes, but always tells people that he's quitting; like this is his "last" pack, or that he only smokes when he drinks. He claims to want to change, but his actual agenda is to feed his addiction.
There are many verses that speak to the need to put God first in our lives. In fact, it could be said that the whole of Scripture is focused on this very thing. Our sanctification is at stake. We will never be able to transform by the renewal of our minds and the regeneration of our hearts if we do not want to. Because of this, we should check ourselves for any underlying sinful agendas that would distract us or inhibit our growth. Let us then strip ourselves of agendas that hinder so as to come closer to God by His will!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
The Testing of God
A major aspect of growing up and maturating is testing. Some testing is required by the life stage it is associated with, like the driver's exam, final papers in college, interviews for jobs, or the prodding of perspective spouses. Testing is how we find out who we are, how we discover what we know or do not know, and how we measure growth over time. But there is a testing of a higher kind altogether.
It is this concept of testing that Scripture speaks, of testing in a spiritual sense. In regards to spiritual testing, the Scriptures say that God tests us. Solomon speaks of God testing us in terms of refinement like the process of removing impurities from silver or fine metals (Pro. 17:3). The prophet Jeremiah speaks prophecy that echoes this, "I, the Lord, search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruits of his deeds (Jer. 17:10)."
In this way, it can be seen that the testing of God is not merely a matter of checking our status and quality, but it is about growth beyond who we are at the present. More so, because God tests and weighs us, we should recognize that God knows us more intimately than even we know ourselves. And because His knowledge is both perfect and eternal, He sees us as dynamic, growing beings who are capable of learning so as to develop into more refined people.
This is key. Because God's testing involves both who we are in that moment but also who we can become by His grace through faith. Therefore, in order for us to become the persons that He has for us, we are required to stay in Him who tests because if we are not privy to how we rate before the perfect testing of God, we will fail to reach what He has deemed for us. In the end, this is about assessment and growth. The assessment is God's, and the growth is made possible by Him as well.
It is this concept of testing that Scripture speaks, of testing in a spiritual sense. In regards to spiritual testing, the Scriptures say that God tests us. Solomon speaks of God testing us in terms of refinement like the process of removing impurities from silver or fine metals (Pro. 17:3). The prophet Jeremiah speaks prophecy that echoes this, "I, the Lord, search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruits of his deeds (Jer. 17:10)."
In this way, it can be seen that the testing of God is not merely a matter of checking our status and quality, but it is about growth beyond who we are at the present. More so, because God tests and weighs us, we should recognize that God knows us more intimately than even we know ourselves. And because His knowledge is both perfect and eternal, He sees us as dynamic, growing beings who are capable of learning so as to develop into more refined people.
This is key. Because God's testing involves both who we are in that moment but also who we can become by His grace through faith. Therefore, in order for us to become the persons that He has for us, we are required to stay in Him who tests because if we are not privy to how we rate before the perfect testing of God, we will fail to reach what He has deemed for us. In the end, this is about assessment and growth. The assessment is God's, and the growth is made possible by Him as well.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Scripture: the Light for our Paths
It is a not an uncommon occurrence to need to search for something in the dark. Think of hunting along the wall for the seemingly hidden light switch. Or looking through the darkened garage when the light is out. Or even foraging through the junk drawer for a candle and match during the most tempestuous of storms. As anyone who has ever gone camping can attest, a light can be the most useful thing amidst darkness.
Life is full of darkness. The bleak blackness and dark gloom of this world falls like a pall over life. Fortunately, God has not left us without a bright and shining light to illuminate every step and to shimmer its godly glow to light out paths. This heavenly light is the Word of God, the Scriptures which is to protect us from harm (Psa. 119:105; Pro. 6:20-24).
While the aforementioned verses are often memorized and quoted for their beauty, it is more important that we would live by the truth therein then to simply acknowledge it as true whilst neglecting the application. If we are to apply the truth that God's Word is to light and guide our way, then there are some important things that must be pointed out.
First of all, if the Scriptures are to light the path of the Christian, then the Christian must be acquainted with them. A flashlight is useless if the person does not know how to turn it on or if they fail to put the necessary batteries in it. In other words, the Word will fail to be the light to our paths if we neglect learning how to wield it.
To be sure, this is all about Bible Study. Unless we are in the Word, studying the Word and memorizing it, our paths will forever remain dark and shadowy. But when we have sufficiently immersed ourselves in the Word and allowed it to permeate into the depths of our hearts, we will be sufficiently prepared and equipped for God's Word to light our life.
Additionally, letting the Word take its rightful place as the light to our paths is all about humility and submission. For the Scripture to guide our every step, we must submit ourselves to its authority in our lives. This is fundamental, foundational, and necessary. Unless we turn over our very volition to that of the Word of God, we will continue to struggle in the darkness for lack of a sufficient light to our paths. Let us then determine to depend on the Word and make it the very basis for our lives!
Life is full of darkness. The bleak blackness and dark gloom of this world falls like a pall over life. Fortunately, God has not left us without a bright and shining light to illuminate every step and to shimmer its godly glow to light out paths. This heavenly light is the Word of God, the Scriptures which is to protect us from harm (Psa. 119:105; Pro. 6:20-24).
While the aforementioned verses are often memorized and quoted for their beauty, it is more important that we would live by the truth therein then to simply acknowledge it as true whilst neglecting the application. If we are to apply the truth that God's Word is to light and guide our way, then there are some important things that must be pointed out.
First of all, if the Scriptures are to light the path of the Christian, then the Christian must be acquainted with them. A flashlight is useless if the person does not know how to turn it on or if they fail to put the necessary batteries in it. In other words, the Word will fail to be the light to our paths if we neglect learning how to wield it.
To be sure, this is all about Bible Study. Unless we are in the Word, studying the Word and memorizing it, our paths will forever remain dark and shadowy. But when we have sufficiently immersed ourselves in the Word and allowed it to permeate into the depths of our hearts, we will be sufficiently prepared and equipped for God's Word to light our life.
Additionally, letting the Word take its rightful place as the light to our paths is all about humility and submission. For the Scripture to guide our every step, we must submit ourselves to its authority in our lives. This is fundamental, foundational, and necessary. Unless we turn over our very volition to that of the Word of God, we will continue to struggle in the darkness for lack of a sufficient light to our paths. Let us then determine to depend on the Word and make it the very basis for our lives!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Guitar Teaching, Practice, and Christianity
For the better part of the past decade, I have been giving guitar lessons. I've taught 6-year-olds to 50-year-olds and everything in between. Students come and students go as with the seasons, but over the course of my time as an instructor, it is been repeatedly confirmed what the single most important element that makes up a musician is: practice.
It consistently amazes me how this seemingly rudimentary method of repetition for the purpose of improvement and growth is so often neglected. Out of every practicing guitar student there are ten that do not. However, without fail the single determining factor in whether someone will be able to play the instrument or not has far less to do with their natural talent or abilities than with their willingness to practice.
Strangely enough, what is stunning about practicing as a concept is that it has such broad applications. Someone who knows how to practice has the necessary tools for successful life that goes well-beyond the quest to learn an instrument. It is for this reason that it seems fitting to put forth a method for practice.
The first thing to know about practice is that it is not a magic wand that offers instant change but is a time-worn method that causes dramatic change over time. This is sometimes the misconception. Instead, practice is based upon a methodological tripod: challenge, consistency, and repetition.
The Challenge aspect of practice could be described as a matter of direction. This is what good teachers do. Good teachers direct the student towards new areas of challenge for the purposes of growth. This is the major reason that most people plateau because they do not know what to do next. A good teacher can also help point out areas of weakness that may be blind to our eyes. Additionally, if you are not being challenged you are not doing something new but re-hashing what you are already able to do. This cannot be overlooked, because if we are not challenged, then we will not grow.
As for Consistency, it is a matter of forming habits. Practice is not doing something one day a week. No, practice is doing something several times a week, if not multiple times a day. Think of the most effective workers in the work place: the consistency of working five days a week for years means that they have consistently practiced their work to the point that they excel at it and perform it with ease. This idea can be easily translated to the weightier matters of life in the way of practice.
Lastly, and most importantly, is repetition. This element of practice sometimes drives people crazy because of the inherent implications of monotony. But the reality is that if someone is unable to repeat results then all that is being practiced is how to achieve poor results. Repetition forces memorization and reinforces technique, both useful things in the achievement of goals. Therefore, practice must include a healthy dose of repetition though it need not feel stale. Rather, repetition can be made enjoyable when creativity is employed to modify the repeated thing, to add an element of competition, or simply to contextualize what is being repeated so as to recognize its usefulness.
Although practice is associated with sport or music, practice is at its most usefulness in regards to godliness. As Paul exhorts Timothy to "train in godliness (1 Tim 4:7-8)." What is it to train but to practice and grow? Therefore, practice is something that must be applied to the spiritual life. Some of the things that Christianity demands to be practiced is Bible study, godliness, humility, service, patience, and brotherly love, et al.
These traits do not come passively but are practiced and learned. They take time and dedication to grow. Community does not happen by chance but by practice. Thus, we should apply these concepts of practice to our Christian life: challenge, consistency, and repetition. Then we will grow in Christ and bear fruit by His power. The most tragic thing is when an individual with vast potential never uses it because they get in their own way. We do not want such a fate. Let us then put practice into practice in our spiritual walks so as to grow, to be challenged, and to live out life as God has intended for us!
It consistently amazes me how this seemingly rudimentary method of repetition for the purpose of improvement and growth is so often neglected. Out of every practicing guitar student there are ten that do not. However, without fail the single determining factor in whether someone will be able to play the instrument or not has far less to do with their natural talent or abilities than with their willingness to practice.
Strangely enough, what is stunning about practicing as a concept is that it has such broad applications. Someone who knows how to practice has the necessary tools for successful life that goes well-beyond the quest to learn an instrument. It is for this reason that it seems fitting to put forth a method for practice.
The first thing to know about practice is that it is not a magic wand that offers instant change but is a time-worn method that causes dramatic change over time. This is sometimes the misconception. Instead, practice is based upon a methodological tripod: challenge, consistency, and repetition.
The Challenge aspect of practice could be described as a matter of direction. This is what good teachers do. Good teachers direct the student towards new areas of challenge for the purposes of growth. This is the major reason that most people plateau because they do not know what to do next. A good teacher can also help point out areas of weakness that may be blind to our eyes. Additionally, if you are not being challenged you are not doing something new but re-hashing what you are already able to do. This cannot be overlooked, because if we are not challenged, then we will not grow.
As for Consistency, it is a matter of forming habits. Practice is not doing something one day a week. No, practice is doing something several times a week, if not multiple times a day. Think of the most effective workers in the work place: the consistency of working five days a week for years means that they have consistently practiced their work to the point that they excel at it and perform it with ease. This idea can be easily translated to the weightier matters of life in the way of practice.
Lastly, and most importantly, is repetition. This element of practice sometimes drives people crazy because of the inherent implications of monotony. But the reality is that if someone is unable to repeat results then all that is being practiced is how to achieve poor results. Repetition forces memorization and reinforces technique, both useful things in the achievement of goals. Therefore, practice must include a healthy dose of repetition though it need not feel stale. Rather, repetition can be made enjoyable when creativity is employed to modify the repeated thing, to add an element of competition, or simply to contextualize what is being repeated so as to recognize its usefulness.
Although practice is associated with sport or music, practice is at its most usefulness in regards to godliness. As Paul exhorts Timothy to "train in godliness (1 Tim 4:7-8)." What is it to train but to practice and grow? Therefore, practice is something that must be applied to the spiritual life. Some of the things that Christianity demands to be practiced is Bible study, godliness, humility, service, patience, and brotherly love, et al.
These traits do not come passively but are practiced and learned. They take time and dedication to grow. Community does not happen by chance but by practice. Thus, we should apply these concepts of practice to our Christian life: challenge, consistency, and repetition. Then we will grow in Christ and bear fruit by His power. The most tragic thing is when an individual with vast potential never uses it because they get in their own way. We do not want such a fate. Let us then put practice into practice in our spiritual walks so as to grow, to be challenged, and to live out life as God has intended for us!
Friday, July 13, 2012
The Salt & Light Snowblower
Several years ago, Ned bought a new snow blower, which is a necessity for the snowy winters of Minnesota. Previously he had always shoveled his driveway and it took over an hour. But now, with that beautiful machine, he could get it done in less than five minutes. The ease of snow-blowing took away the all-too familiar dread of having to shovel. He even enjoyed doing the drive.
The second winter he had the blower, two elderly neighbors from California moved in across the street. The couple both had heart problems and Ned noticed them struggling to shovel the drive after the first snow fall. When he saw them wrestling with the snow, he simply started his blower, pushed it across the street, and did their's too. It just became a part of the routine; twelve minutes for both drives. Ned then also remembered that his other neighbor, Mike, left for work at 4:30 in the morning, so he bagan doing his too. Another four minutes.
A few years later, his next door neighbor, Larry, passed away. Because his widowed wife, Pearl, was also elderly, Ned just started doing hers too. Another five minutes. Later that same year, the neighbors down the block had a baby, so Ned added their's to his routine too. By the end of that year, Ned was snow blowing about a half hour and doing five driveways.
Ned was happy to be the neighborhood plowman, relishing in the joy of caring for and serving his community. One night, though, he fell deathly ill and had to be taken to the hospital. Over the course of a two day bed-ridden, hospital stay he recovered and was eventually released. As his wife was driving him home, he felt so bad because there had been a huge snowfall the night before.
However, as they arrived back in the neighborhood, he was astonished to see that all of the driveways were done. To his amazement, Ned's wife told him that in the morning she looked out the front window to see one of their other neighbors, whom they had never even met, doing the driveways. Ned nearly broke into tears. He never realized the affect that he had made over the past few years.
The point is example. If we are to be the salt and light of the world, the very hands and feet of Christ, then we need to look at the needs around us and step in to fill them. Jesus calls us to love as He loves us. Think of that: He gave His very life, dying upon the cross to serve and to love all humankind. Laying down our preference and our comfort in order to care for others is what being a Christian is all about. Therefore, let us seek out opportunities to serve and then seize them for Him!
Ned was happy to be the neighborhood plowman, relishing in the joy of caring for and serving his community. One night, though, he fell deathly ill and had to be taken to the hospital. Over the course of a two day bed-ridden, hospital stay he recovered and was eventually released. As his wife was driving him home, he felt so bad because there had been a huge snowfall the night before.
However, as they arrived back in the neighborhood, he was astonished to see that all of the driveways were done. To his amazement, Ned's wife told him that in the morning she looked out the front window to see one of their other neighbors, whom they had never even met, doing the driveways. Ned nearly broke into tears. He never realized the affect that he had made over the past few years.
The point is example. If we are to be the salt and light of the world, the very hands and feet of Christ, then we need to look at the needs around us and step in to fill them. Jesus calls us to love as He loves us. Think of that: He gave His very life, dying upon the cross to serve and to love all humankind. Laying down our preference and our comfort in order to care for others is what being a Christian is all about. Therefore, let us seek out opportunities to serve and then seize them for Him!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Doing the Will of Christ
The nature of the Christian life is one of devotion, of diligence, and of pursuit. But above all else, the Christian life is a matter of practice. Christians are called to be doers of the Word (James 1:22-23; 2:23-25). If Christians would take to this task seriously, we would see far more fruit-bearing, Word-living, people-loving Christians.
Jesus says, quite directly, that it is not the hearers of the Word who will be blessed, but the doers (Matt. 7:24-27). This should compel us to eschew simple indoctrination and to pursue living out the teachings of Christ.
Peter writes that Jesus has become our example (1 Pet. 2:21). What is an example that isn't emulated. In order for Jesus to actually be our example, we need to be doing what He taught. This is an active ordeal. Quite plainly, if we are not doing what Jesus has emulated, then we are not being obedient. Thus, if we claim to be Christians we need to be doing the Word of Christ, actually fulfilling Christ's commandments within our lives.
This is what planting the Word in our hearts is all about; this is what growing fruit is all about; this is what abiding in Him is all about. If, then, we who claim Christ are to grow in obedience we must be willing and committed to doing the Will of Christ. Let us then commit to becoming doers of the Word who live out the teachings of the Word in word and deed!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Whoever Wants Fruit Must Be Willing to Work With Seeds
A woman goes to the Farmer's Market to pick up some local flowers and fresh vegetables. She moves leisurely through the market, chatting and conversing with each of the vendors, buying various herbs and flowers and some lovely, fresh bell peppers. The woman finally comes to a small stand that was manned by Christ Jesus Himself.
Jesus held out his hand and said, "I have the greatest of fruit in all of creation. Anything you want, just ask me and I will give it to you." The woman, without hesitation, bursts out, "I want joy, peace, faith, wisdom," and a slew of other things, adding, "Can I get enough for my neighbors and the whole world too?"
Jesus smiles gently and replies, "I don't think you understand, young lady. I have seeds, which are the powerful Word of God. But it is up to you to plant them and to care for their growth, though I will bless whoever is willing to commit to the work." The woman walks away dejected because of her impatience. She wanted the greatness of God now without the work it required.
One of Jesus' first parables is the Parable of the Sower; it goes something like this:
A sower went out to sow. As he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell along the rocky ground, where the they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up because of the shallow soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. While other seeds fell among good soil and produced grain.
Jesus is describing the Word of God takes root in the hearts of humans. Like the woman at the stand, many of us would prefer the full-grown fruits of God and righteousness instead of a seed. But God gives us the seed of His Word, and asks us to plant it within our hearts. And though we would all assume that we are the good soil described in the parable. But if we are not willing to plant, to till, and care for the seed, which equates to Spirit-led Bible study put into practice, then we take on the soil characteristics of the other soils. We should be sure to accept the reality of our responsibility to the cultivation of God's Word appropriated to our lives. Let us then commit with diligence to the task of working the seeds in our lives. And by the power of God working in us we will be blessed with godly fruits!
Jesus held out his hand and said, "I have the greatest of fruit in all of creation. Anything you want, just ask me and I will give it to you." The woman, without hesitation, bursts out, "I want joy, peace, faith, wisdom," and a slew of other things, adding, "Can I get enough for my neighbors and the whole world too?"
Jesus smiles gently and replies, "I don't think you understand, young lady. I have seeds, which are the powerful Word of God. But it is up to you to plant them and to care for their growth, though I will bless whoever is willing to commit to the work." The woman walks away dejected because of her impatience. She wanted the greatness of God now without the work it required.
One of Jesus' first parables is the Parable of the Sower; it goes something like this:
A sower went out to sow. As he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell along the rocky ground, where the they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up because of the shallow soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. While other seeds fell among good soil and produced grain.
Jesus is describing the Word of God takes root in the hearts of humans. Like the woman at the stand, many of us would prefer the full-grown fruits of God and righteousness instead of a seed. But God gives us the seed of His Word, and asks us to plant it within our hearts. And though we would all assume that we are the good soil described in the parable. But if we are not willing to plant, to till, and care for the seed, which equates to Spirit-led Bible study put into practice, then we take on the soil characteristics of the other soils. We should be sure to accept the reality of our responsibility to the cultivation of God's Word appropriated to our lives. Let us then commit with diligence to the task of working the seeds in our lives. And by the power of God working in us we will be blessed with godly fruits!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Dead to Sin like a Tree in Winter
Towards the end of summer into fall, trees take on an interesting character. Green chlorophyll production ceases and the process of photosynthesis closes down, as the leaves change color in preparations for the dead of winter. As a result, by the time the snow hits the bark, the tree is void of any photosynthetic leaves and the tree goes through seemingly no energy production or cellular respiration throughout the winter months, only to begin the process of growing green, photosynthetic leaves in the spring. In a sense, the tree is dead for the winter, unable to feel or to utilize the sun because it does not have the necessary receptors in place to do so.
Humans are much like a tree in the winter of this world, dead to the warmth of God and unable to feel His presence or receive His grace because our leaves have long blown away, leaving us cold, calloused, and dorment to the Lord. As Paul says clearly, that before we have accessed God's grace in Christ through faith, we are "dead in our sin and trespass (Eph. 2:1-3).
This death, like a supreme dullness to God, is pervasively holistic in that it has permeated to the very depths of our beings, preventing us from receiving God or the things of God due to the fact that we have become dorment in our minds, in our hearts, and in our souls (Eph. 4:18). And because the things of God are spiritually discerned, the fleshly, darkened, hibernating-to-death man is unable to access God (1 Cor. 2:14).
Fortunately, God has made a way for us to shed the dullness of our winter hibernations in order that we may experience the warmth of the Holy Lord. It is by His grace that, though we were dead to Him in our sin and trespasses, He died for us in order that we may be made alive to Him (Eph. 2:4-7). It is as if God has taken our barren limbs and caused them to grow new leaves so that we may be alive in and to Him.
In truth, we all are snow-laden trees, hibernating in the winter of this world, unable to feel the warmth of God's grace and love because our photosynthetic cells are not working. Only through the work of the Holy Spirit, who causes us to receive God's grace, will we be able to bask in the light of the Lord and take part in the work of His Son. Our part in this is repentance. We recognize our state and we seek out the warmth to change it from death to life, from wintered inaction to summer blooming. Let us then take part in the awesomeness of God in repentance and faith and, like a spring tree, shed ourselves of the snow in order to bud in Him!
Humans are much like a tree in the winter of this world, dead to the warmth of God and unable to feel His presence or receive His grace because our leaves have long blown away, leaving us cold, calloused, and dorment to the Lord. As Paul says clearly, that before we have accessed God's grace in Christ through faith, we are "dead in our sin and trespass (Eph. 2:1-3).
This death, like a supreme dullness to God, is pervasively holistic in that it has permeated to the very depths of our beings, preventing us from receiving God or the things of God due to the fact that we have become dorment in our minds, in our hearts, and in our souls (Eph. 4:18). And because the things of God are spiritually discerned, the fleshly, darkened, hibernating-to-death man is unable to access God (1 Cor. 2:14).
Fortunately, God has made a way for us to shed the dullness of our winter hibernations in order that we may experience the warmth of the Holy Lord. It is by His grace that, though we were dead to Him in our sin and trespasses, He died for us in order that we may be made alive to Him (Eph. 2:4-7). It is as if God has taken our barren limbs and caused them to grow new leaves so that we may be alive in and to Him.
In truth, we all are snow-laden trees, hibernating in the winter of this world, unable to feel the warmth of God's grace and love because our photosynthetic cells are not working. Only through the work of the Holy Spirit, who causes us to receive God's grace, will we be able to bask in the light of the Lord and take part in the work of His Son. Our part in this is repentance. We recognize our state and we seek out the warmth to change it from death to life, from wintered inaction to summer blooming. Let us then take part in the awesomeness of God in repentance and faith and, like a spring tree, shed ourselves of the snow in order to bud in Him!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Improving Our Devotion
Occasionally, far more often than I'd care to admit, I would rather watch television than read the Word of God. And from time to time, sadly all-too frequently, I prefer to check my emails instead of spending time in prayer. And sometimes, perhaps more than some, I feel more like staying home and relaxing than going out and serving. And sporadically, maybe more regularly than that, prayer is something that I can do later until later never comes.
Truly, humans are far-more apt to neglect God in favor of ourselves. We are expert excusers that can reason themselves in and out of anything. So, while my musings of indifference towards God may be slightly caricatured, perhaps we are all guilty of preferring things other than the Lord. Many times we may be afraid of sounding "too spiritual" or "obsessed with God." When, instead, we should be far more afraid of being indifferent or lukewarm in our devotion.
To be sure, God and the things of God are worth more than anything this world could offer. No gold or silver or trinket or gadget or relationship is more valuable than knowing the Lord and being in His presence. Simply a taste of the goodness of the Holy Lord is of such satiation that we would nare seek any other satisfying source but Him.
But there are at least three distinct enemies to our devotion, which lurk around to distract and to pull us away from the presence of the Lord Almighty. The first is our own selfishness, our pride. It is pride that hinders our humility. Pride prevents us from service because it is constantly self-seeking instead of self-denying. In this case, the remedy to such a malady as pride is a sincere and constant reverence in fear of the Lord. For if we recognize our minuteness before His awesomeness, we cannot but help to be humble in response.
The second and oft-overemphasized adversary to our devotion is Satan. Satan is but a fisher with a tackle box of lures to entice humans to sin. And when they fall prey to his seductions, he plays the accuser who prosecutes and persecutes those who have sinned. The power that Satan possesses is neither omnipotent or infinite. His power is both finite and contingent. He only has the power to entice us if we give him that power. Let us then not fall prey to his adulterous and idolatrous seductions by recognizing that he has no power that is not given to him by God and by ourselves.
The third opponent to our devotion is perchance the most dangerous of the three: our own penchant for indifference. It is our comfortability with lukewarm devotion that is the greatest devastating enemy of all. In truth, it is our own allowances and excuses that keep us away from the ardent devotion that God asks of us. This is a challenging hurdle for us to overcome. However, if we are to become the Christians that God asks of us, we need to take more seriously the call towards wholehearted devotion. Far be it for us to ever grow weary of seeking the presence of God! Let us then seek to cast aside every weight of pride, of Satan's enticements, and our indifference so as to draw closer to the Holy Lord in faith!
Truly, humans are far-more apt to neglect God in favor of ourselves. We are expert excusers that can reason themselves in and out of anything. So, while my musings of indifference towards God may be slightly caricatured, perhaps we are all guilty of preferring things other than the Lord. Many times we may be afraid of sounding "too spiritual" or "obsessed with God." When, instead, we should be far more afraid of being indifferent or lukewarm in our devotion.
To be sure, God and the things of God are worth more than anything this world could offer. No gold or silver or trinket or gadget or relationship is more valuable than knowing the Lord and being in His presence. Simply a taste of the goodness of the Holy Lord is of such satiation that we would nare seek any other satisfying source but Him.
But there are at least three distinct enemies to our devotion, which lurk around to distract and to pull us away from the presence of the Lord Almighty. The first is our own selfishness, our pride. It is pride that hinders our humility. Pride prevents us from service because it is constantly self-seeking instead of self-denying. In this case, the remedy to such a malady as pride is a sincere and constant reverence in fear of the Lord. For if we recognize our minuteness before His awesomeness, we cannot but help to be humble in response.
The second and oft-overemphasized adversary to our devotion is Satan. Satan is but a fisher with a tackle box of lures to entice humans to sin. And when they fall prey to his seductions, he plays the accuser who prosecutes and persecutes those who have sinned. The power that Satan possesses is neither omnipotent or infinite. His power is both finite and contingent. He only has the power to entice us if we give him that power. Let us then not fall prey to his adulterous and idolatrous seductions by recognizing that he has no power that is not given to him by God and by ourselves.
The third opponent to our devotion is perchance the most dangerous of the three: our own penchant for indifference. It is our comfortability with lukewarm devotion that is the greatest devastating enemy of all. In truth, it is our own allowances and excuses that keep us away from the ardent devotion that God asks of us. This is a challenging hurdle for us to overcome. However, if we are to become the Christians that God asks of us, we need to take more seriously the call towards wholehearted devotion. Far be it for us to ever grow weary of seeking the presence of God! Let us then seek to cast aside every weight of pride, of Satan's enticements, and our indifference so as to draw closer to the Holy Lord in faith!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Education's Kingdom Purpose
In 1925, John Scopes, a high school science teacher, was held on trial for teaching evolution. It was a national spectacle as the whole country witnessed a trial not focused on the laws of Tennessee, but rather the center stage was set for a vociferous debate between evolution and creationism. And while Scopes was convicted, the trial having been won by the creationists, the war has been decisively won by evolutionists. In truth, this battle had been fought and continually won for several decades before Scopes' historic trial as the modernists made headways at the academies and universities, and Christians continually retreated into fundamentalist anti-intellectualism.
Fast-forward to today when more of the population than ever is educated beyond high school and yet we live in a society that is wholly morally bankrupt. The fear of the anti-intellectual fundamentalists was based on protecting the believing community from "giving in" to the pride and idolatry of modernism. And while we fight a similar battle today, our enemy is of a different slightly different kind. We fight against the pride, conceit, self-exaltation, and self-reliance that is espoused by the pursuit of education.
Because education instills a sense of personal confidence and self-reliance, an entire generation of educated peoples have come to feel that they have no need of God and no reason to depend on Him. Needless to say, this is beyond disappointing, it is thoroughly sad. In truth, what has occurred is a widespread misconception of the value and usefulness of education. Education and the pursuit thereof are neither a substitute for reliance on God, nor an outlet for rampant self-exaltation.
Instead, education is meant to serve His purposes. We become educated and we pursue education for the purposes of growing in our usefulness in His will. The goal of education, from a Christian perspective, is to equip us to best serve the Lord and His will in our lives. We should thus not fear formal education and the growth of intellectualism. Instead, we should be on guard against pride instilled by the educational institution. Additionally, higher education is not to ever be favored over sincere reliance on the Lord, but is to compliment our faith by equipping us for service in the Kingdom. Let us praise God at all times and remember Him in all thankfulness!
Fast-forward to today when more of the population than ever is educated beyond high school and yet we live in a society that is wholly morally bankrupt. The fear of the anti-intellectual fundamentalists was based on protecting the believing community from "giving in" to the pride and idolatry of modernism. And while we fight a similar battle today, our enemy is of a different slightly different kind. We fight against the pride, conceit, self-exaltation, and self-reliance that is espoused by the pursuit of education.
Because education instills a sense of personal confidence and self-reliance, an entire generation of educated peoples have come to feel that they have no need of God and no reason to depend on Him. Needless to say, this is beyond disappointing, it is thoroughly sad. In truth, what has occurred is a widespread misconception of the value and usefulness of education. Education and the pursuit thereof are neither a substitute for reliance on God, nor an outlet for rampant self-exaltation.
Instead, education is meant to serve His purposes. We become educated and we pursue education for the purposes of growing in our usefulness in His will. The goal of education, from a Christian perspective, is to equip us to best serve the Lord and His will in our lives. We should thus not fear formal education and the growth of intellectualism. Instead, we should be on guard against pride instilled by the educational institution. Additionally, higher education is not to ever be favored over sincere reliance on the Lord, but is to compliment our faith by equipping us for service in the Kingdom. Let us praise God at all times and remember Him in all thankfulness!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Sanctification: Salvation Realized
Salvation begins with the repentance of self and turning to God in faith, believing in the work of Christ, who died on the cross to make the propitiation for our sins but rose again conquering the power of sin. Now, through faith, believers are reborn to an inheritance into the family of God. Unfortunately, many people's understanding of salvation ends there with conversion, which is a travesty because salvation is so much more.
Not only is salvation about God applying the propitiation of Christ's atoning sacrifice to the debts of our sin by faith, called justification, but God also imputes His righteousness into our beings. In truth, we are saved at the point of conversion, but we are continually being saved as we grow in the denial of self and God pours His Holy Spirit into our lives.
This is what sanctification is all about. It is the continual process of salvation by which we, our very nature, is changed from our previously flesh self to our new Spirit self, and we are transferred, adopted into the heavenly family of God from the orphanage of this world. To be sanctified, what was once unholy is made holy and what was once defiled is made clean for sacred use.
The essence of sanctification is renewal, taking something diseased and broken and renewing it to something holy and useful. God, His Holy Spirit, is the motivator, the mover, and the facilitator of this change. In its essence, it is a matter of worship. As we are renewed, we grow in the likeness of Christ and we also grow in our ability to reflect God's glory (2 Cor. 3:18).
Sanctification, the process and pursuit of ever-growing holiness, is a major theme of the New Testament. Paul in particular is consistent and focused in his exhortations to put off the old self, to pursue the new self, and to chase after righteousness with perseverance (Rom. 8:1-12; Phil. 3:12-16; Col. 3:1-17). This should be enough to compel us to seek after God and to pursue Him in order to be sanctified.
We need only to remember the immense value of knowing God and growing in relationship to Him. If we do this, if we truly recognize who God is and what He is worth, it should only prompt us to desire Him more. Additionally we should take comfort in that we are not alone in this process but we can and need to rely on God alone for our sanctification. Let us then pursue Him so to become more like Him!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Sanctification Described
God loves. More directly, God loves us. He loves us so much that He condescended to the form of a man who lived a perfect, sinless life and took on the sin of mankind by dying a horrific, sacrificial atoning death upon a cross to be raised again on the third day. Now, by confession and belief in the work of Christ Jesus, we may enter into relationship with the Holy Lord Almighty through faith, known simply as conversion. While this is the entrance into the Christian life, there is much more.
While there are many post-conversion components to the Christian life, the most important is continual sanctification. Sanctification refers to the lifelong process of growth and repentance by which believers grow to be more in the image of Christ. At the onset, it must be asserted that sanctification is an endeavor that requires both the prompting of God and the intentionality worship of the believer.
As for the God part in sanctification, He provides believers with every good and necessary thing for us to grow in maturity to all godliness and faith (2 Pet. 1:3-4). This is called equipping. God equips us with every item needed to grow in righteousness. This means that believers have, already in their possession, all of the necessary elements required for sanctification. The challenge is that many believers either do not accept what they have or they simply do not know how to wield the tools of sanctification.
In the first sense, believers not accepting or believing that they already possess the tools for sanctification is a matter of faith. When we have faith that God has truly saved us and we have faith that He provides with everything needed to grow in maturity, we will overcome our doubt and grow in sanctification beyond our plateaued stagnation.
The second sense, not knowing how to wield the tools of sanctification, is a different deal altogether and is what sanctification is all about. The tools of sanctification can be summarized into four basic components: prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and service. Each of these things need to be done with intentionality by the Spirit in truth, love, and faith but they are all necessary for true and continued growth in sanctification. Many people become very good at doing one or two of these things and, because of that, they reach plateaus in growth. Therefore, in order for us to continue growing, once we become adept at wielding one element of sanctification we should strive in pursuit of the others.
To be sure, sanctification is process that is both difficult and lifelong. It is not without joy, the joy of growing in and to the Holy Lord is a beautiful proposition and a worthy pursuit. Therefore, we should all seek Him first and pursue, in faith, to become more like Him in Him. Luckily, God has already provided us with everything we need to pursue Him. Let us then run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us!
While there are many post-conversion components to the Christian life, the most important is continual sanctification. Sanctification refers to the lifelong process of growth and repentance by which believers grow to be more in the image of Christ. At the onset, it must be asserted that sanctification is an endeavor that requires both the prompting of God and the intentionality worship of the believer.
As for the God part in sanctification, He provides believers with every good and necessary thing for us to grow in maturity to all godliness and faith (2 Pet. 1:3-4). This is called equipping. God equips us with every item needed to grow in righteousness. This means that believers have, already in their possession, all of the necessary elements required for sanctification. The challenge is that many believers either do not accept what they have or they simply do not know how to wield the tools of sanctification.
In the first sense, believers not accepting or believing that they already possess the tools for sanctification is a matter of faith. When we have faith that God has truly saved us and we have faith that He provides with everything needed to grow in maturity, we will overcome our doubt and grow in sanctification beyond our plateaued stagnation.
The second sense, not knowing how to wield the tools of sanctification, is a different deal altogether and is what sanctification is all about. The tools of sanctification can be summarized into four basic components: prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and service. Each of these things need to be done with intentionality by the Spirit in truth, love, and faith but they are all necessary for true and continued growth in sanctification. Many people become very good at doing one or two of these things and, because of that, they reach plateaus in growth. Therefore, in order for us to continue growing, once we become adept at wielding one element of sanctification we should strive in pursuit of the others.
To be sure, sanctification is process that is both difficult and lifelong. It is not without joy, the joy of growing in and to the Holy Lord is a beautiful proposition and a worthy pursuit. Therefore, we should all seek Him first and pursue, in faith, to become more like Him in Him. Luckily, God has already provided us with everything we need to pursue Him. Let us then run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Sanctification through Suffering
We live in a world that spends exorbitant amounts of money pursuing ease and pleasure with the intention of making life seem better. As if somehow the elusive search for happiness is reached by avoiding stress and the "right" life is defined as one in which suffering is so minimized that it can be considered to no longer exist. A surface study into the viral growth in anti-depressant usage in America reveals a culture that is obsessed with "feeling" better. Unfortunately, this runs in opposition to how Scripture speaks about this immensely important issue.
At the onset of this discussion, consider Jesus, who requires His followers to pick up their crosses (Matt. 16:24). We are also called as Christians to emulate Jesus, suffering in this life with the grace and humility that He did (1 Cor. 11:1; Eph. 5:1-2). These are not simply pithy sayings to encourage us to wear rosaries or get crosses tattoos. Rather, this exhortation is to remind us that a Christian's lot in this life is one of joyous perseverance amidst suffering.
Consider two passages of Scripture, Romans 5:1-5 and James 1:2-4. Both of these passages exhort believers to rejoice at the gift of trials and sufferings for it is in these times that we are being grown more like Christ Jesus. Essentially, suffering is the breeding ground for character. It is through perseverance that we cultivate patience, kindness, and enduring strength. In a very real sense, Paul and James and all of the New Testament authors are quite clear in this regard, not that we should seek suffering but that we should rejoice in its usefulness for sanctification.
Nothing grows without soil, seed, tilling, nourishment, and time. We, our very hearts, are the soil. The Gospel, the Word of God, is the seed. The tilling is suffering and trial. The nourishment is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Another metaphor may illuminate this more. Think of anaerobic exercise: muscular tissues and fibers are broken down as a result of continued resistance and the breaking down of muscular tissue allows for more blood to flow through the muscle thus spurring growth. Suffering breaks us down but it is the breaking down itself that allows for more of Christ to flow into us.
In this regard, Peter speaks of suffering and trial as the refining of precious metals (1 Pet. 1:6-7). Only under intense and destructive heat may the dross be separated from the gold. Similarly, only under the fires of suffering and persecution may we be refined to be more like Christ. Therefore, we should take joy in our sufferings not because God will use them to make us more in His image. Again, this in no way means that we should not grieve or that we should not hurt or that suffering is less painful. Instead, we can see suffering as it is meant to be seen, namely as the soil for cultivating character. Essential to this is the continual praise of God amidst the toil and strain. But praise be to God that He would use suffering to grow us!
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