A certain young man who was long overdue for a haircut decided to go to the local barber one day. While sitting in the barber's chair the young man and the barber began conversing. Near the end of the haircut, the conversation turned to the subject of God. The barber, as nonchalantly as one with scissors can be, said, "I do not believe God exists."
The young man, being a believer, was taking aback at the barber's atheism and so he asked the barber, "Why do you say that? What makes you believe that God doesn't exist?" The barber paused mid-cut and, with gusto, replied, "Just look around, son. There is evil and sadness all over. If God exists, then there shouldn't be any of that. It seems so clear to me. Maybe when you're a little older you'll understand."
The barber finished the cut and the young man paid him for his services, even leaving a nice tip. While walking out the door, the young man turned back to the barber and said, "You know, I don't believe barber's exist. I am sure of it that barber's just do not exist." The barber, a little surprised, said, "How can you say that? I just worked on you!" The young man sharply replied, "But barbers can't exist because their are so many disheveled, messy, and long-haired people in the world, so barber's just can't exist."
The barber smirked, shooting back at the young man, "But barber's do exist! That's just what happens when people do not come to me!" "Exactly!" harkened the young man, "That's exactly the point! God does exist. The pain and suffering and evil is just the evidence of a world that has not gone to Him for their trim!" The young man turned and left, leaving the barber dumbfounded in his own disbelief.
How do we know God exists, really know that He is who He claims to be? This is a difficult but absolutely necessary question. The consequences for neglecting it are dire and eternal. For, if God is who He claims to be and Jesus is who He claims to be, then to know Him are of the utmost importance. We are not left without testimony, though, in this discussion. The Scriptures themselves attest to the knowledge of God. And we should find comfort in their witness, for its truth is both self-attesting and authoritative.
At the onset of such a discussion, a brief note about knowledge must be made. Knowledge refers to knowing someone or something. True and definitive knowledge, though involving the intellect is a holistic endeavor, requiring all of the faculties of a person. This is the necessary starting point for knowledge, particularly when discussing matter of spiritual and eternal significance.
While there are many verses to support the knowledge of God, Paul's definition of spiritual knowledge in matter of receptive revelation in his first letter to the Corinthian church seems to cover the topic quite well (1 Cor. 2:6-16). In this comprehensive statement Paul indicates that not only is the knowledge of God a spiritual ordeal, but more more importantly, it is revealed by the Holy Spirit. The relevance of such a truth is that although people, like the barber above, would prefer to use their physical sensory perceptions to know God, who is Spirit, the way to know God begins with the spirit of a person.
Additionally, unless we recognize that our knowledge of God is revealed and not earned, we will fail to know. Because of this reality, we need to come to God in humility for Him to reveal Himself to us. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, indicates that God has revealed Himself in creation, His eternal power and invisible qualities, and that the only appropriate response to such revelation is praise and thankfulness (Rom. 1:18-23).
In the end, the matter is a spiritual one. Our knowledge of God is based on our spirit's malleability to be affected by the Holy Spirit revealing Himself in our hearts. If we are hard of heart and deaf of ear, we will not receive that revelation, for to accept God's revelation one must first have faith that revelation is in fact possible. But this knowledge is of a holistic and transformative nature, meaning that to know God forms the backbone of all knowledge.
Therefore, let us start the conversation of the existence of God where it needs to begin: in the spirit. Starting there and working itself outward through every facet of our person, the knowledge of God will transform us. But we must receive that revelation in order for it to take its affect within us. But praise be to God that He has revealed Himself and that we can know Him!
Showing posts with label worldview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label worldview. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Setting the Morning Right
Every day that has ever been and that will ever be has begun and will begin with dawn, the morning. It is true that morning may coincide with the dawning of the Sun, however, for the purposes of this dialogue, morning is the preparatory part of the day. Morning sets the tone and color of the day. If morning is rushed, all day will be spent catching up to it; if it is lethargic, all day will be slowed to a snail's pace; and if it is filled with strife or unease, the only hope for relief may be in fact tomorrow. The point is that how we handle and use our mornings can have dramatic and significant effects on the whole of our day.
Morning marks a new day. This straightforward assertion, though obvious, can be neglected for the simplicity of its truth. Many people treat morning either as a time for preparing the flesh (shower, clothes, breakfast, makeup, etc.), and others as a transitionary period (a time of transitioning from sleep to responsibility like the time between getting out of bed and going to the office). The truth is, because of the significance that morning can have over the whole of the day, a more intentional attitude towards morning begs development.
A simple question might be in order: what constitutes the ideal day? Not simply arbitrary, the perfect day is dominated with an outpouring of love for God, meaning that the perfect day has us fulfilling the two greatest commandments with fervor, loving God and loving others (Matt. 22:37-39). In essence this is the life manner of Christians, to live by the Spirit and thus fulfill His commandments (Rom. 8:4; Gal. 5:17, 24). Therefore, because walking in the Spirit is to love God and loving others selflessly should be the posture and tone of our very beings, it makes great sense to consider imprinting these traits into our mornings.
As the scenarios of morning can be the dominating pall or overwhelming joy over a day, integrating these key components of Christian life into our mornings is thus essential to ensure our morning does not set the course of our day for mourning but for love. There needs to be an intentionality to the morning, just as there is to be an intentionality to our lives. For this, a brief discourse on method is in order, focused on the routine of morning.
Because worship and love is to be the trait that characterizes all of Christian life, we need to make our mornings times of worship and love, preparing us for days of praise. Although not exhaustive, there are basically three elements needed to take this attitude among us: (1) prayer, (2) praise, and (3) preparation.
The necessity of prayer is clear, we need to pray for God's provision and for His care to keep us throughout our day. Praise, a part of prayer, is a practice of worship. In the context of the morning routine, praise means acknowledging who God is and what He has done with thankfulness, an obvious necessity to the Christian life. Preparation is a two-part endeavor.
The first part is in study, we should make a habit and practice of Bibly study in the mornings as it will set our minds to meditate on the Word for the day. The second step of preparation is the focus on loving others, meaning that we will consider potential opportunities to love others as well as setting an attitude to love others.
Developing a sound morning routine that is focused on worshiping throughout the day is one of the most important ways to grow as a believer. Setting our days off right with prayer, praise, and preparation is a simple but necessary way to love the Lord with the intensity and seriousness that He desires of us. Let us then practice good morning habits as to press into Him!
Morning marks a new day. This straightforward assertion, though obvious, can be neglected for the simplicity of its truth. Many people treat morning either as a time for preparing the flesh (shower, clothes, breakfast, makeup, etc.), and others as a transitionary period (a time of transitioning from sleep to responsibility like the time between getting out of bed and going to the office). The truth is, because of the significance that morning can have over the whole of the day, a more intentional attitude towards morning begs development.
A simple question might be in order: what constitutes the ideal day? Not simply arbitrary, the perfect day is dominated with an outpouring of love for God, meaning that the perfect day has us fulfilling the two greatest commandments with fervor, loving God and loving others (Matt. 22:37-39). In essence this is the life manner of Christians, to live by the Spirit and thus fulfill His commandments (Rom. 8:4; Gal. 5:17, 24). Therefore, because walking in the Spirit is to love God and loving others selflessly should be the posture and tone of our very beings, it makes great sense to consider imprinting these traits into our mornings.
As the scenarios of morning can be the dominating pall or overwhelming joy over a day, integrating these key components of Christian life into our mornings is thus essential to ensure our morning does not set the course of our day for mourning but for love. There needs to be an intentionality to the morning, just as there is to be an intentionality to our lives. For this, a brief discourse on method is in order, focused on the routine of morning.
Because worship and love is to be the trait that characterizes all of Christian life, we need to make our mornings times of worship and love, preparing us for days of praise. Although not exhaustive, there are basically three elements needed to take this attitude among us: (1) prayer, (2) praise, and (3) preparation.
The necessity of prayer is clear, we need to pray for God's provision and for His care to keep us throughout our day. Praise, a part of prayer, is a practice of worship. In the context of the morning routine, praise means acknowledging who God is and what He has done with thankfulness, an obvious necessity to the Christian life. Preparation is a two-part endeavor.
The first part is in study, we should make a habit and practice of Bibly study in the mornings as it will set our minds to meditate on the Word for the day. The second step of preparation is the focus on loving others, meaning that we will consider potential opportunities to love others as well as setting an attitude to love others.
Developing a sound morning routine that is focused on worshiping throughout the day is one of the most important ways to grow as a believer. Setting our days off right with prayer, praise, and preparation is a simple but necessary way to love the Lord with the intensity and seriousness that He desires of us. Let us then practice good morning habits as to press into Him!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Godly Goals
Effective living requires goal setting and the pursuit of goal attainment. The business world is inundated with pop philosophy of habits and strategies for effectiveness and personal growth. Kingdom life also has its own sets of goals and pursuits. The world's goals and the Kingdom's often can compete for preeminence in the life of Christians, so the relevant question to ask is: which goals get priority?
The obvious answer to the above question would be to say that the Kingdom's goals are given prominence and priority over the world's. However, if this were the case, more people would be living out their Kingdom goals and less people would be so focused on their worldly aspirations. To be sure, personal and professional goals are not bad or immoral but they should not be pursued at the expense of Kingdom priority.
In Matthew, Jesus points to the ultimate Kingdom priority: seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). He confirms this in the Greatest Commandment to love the Lord God with all heart, mind, and soul (Matt. 22:37). Jesus is indicating the primacy of faithfulness and devotion to God in reference to any other possible aspiration. "Seek first," does not solely refer to spiritual matters. Because God is infinite and omniscient, His believers should live lives that reflect that. Therefore, Jesus' statement is a blanket admonition to pursue the Lord first, and the rest will be added.
This principle, however direct and clearly expressed it may be, is often overlooked in a world that seems ever-secularizing. In reality, the Lord wants our desires and dreams to be met and pursue in Him and by His will. When we commit to this, because God is who He is, what He has for us will inevitably outshine what we might have wanted on our own.
The apostle Paul, in many of his letters, spoke of godly goals and pursuits that matter for their worth: pursue spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:12), seeking to please Him (2 Cor. 5:9), pressing on towards Jesus and His righteousness (1 Cor. 9:24; Phil. 3:13-14), lead quiet and peaceful lives (1 Thess. 4:11), be a diligent worker for the Lord (2 Tim. 2:15), clothe yourselves with godliness (Col. 3:12). This not nearly an exhaustive list, but it does reveal the dramatic difference between Kingdom goals and worldly goals.
Scripture describes and prescribes goals that are quite different from that put forth by the world. Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, He pressed forward with singular focus to the ultimate godly goal, revealing the love of God through His sacrifice at the cross (Heb. 12:1-2). Therefore, we should take this same mind among us: to strive and press towards the godly goals of love and faithfulness first to the Lord and then to people. All goals should arise out of this foundation, not the other way around.
The obvious answer to the above question would be to say that the Kingdom's goals are given prominence and priority over the world's. However, if this were the case, more people would be living out their Kingdom goals and less people would be so focused on their worldly aspirations. To be sure, personal and professional goals are not bad or immoral but they should not be pursued at the expense of Kingdom priority.
In Matthew, Jesus points to the ultimate Kingdom priority: seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). He confirms this in the Greatest Commandment to love the Lord God with all heart, mind, and soul (Matt. 22:37). Jesus is indicating the primacy of faithfulness and devotion to God in reference to any other possible aspiration. "Seek first," does not solely refer to spiritual matters. Because God is infinite and omniscient, His believers should live lives that reflect that. Therefore, Jesus' statement is a blanket admonition to pursue the Lord first, and the rest will be added.
This principle, however direct and clearly expressed it may be, is often overlooked in a world that seems ever-secularizing. In reality, the Lord wants our desires and dreams to be met and pursue in Him and by His will. When we commit to this, because God is who He is, what He has for us will inevitably outshine what we might have wanted on our own.
The apostle Paul, in many of his letters, spoke of godly goals and pursuits that matter for their worth: pursue spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:12), seeking to please Him (2 Cor. 5:9), pressing on towards Jesus and His righteousness (1 Cor. 9:24; Phil. 3:13-14), lead quiet and peaceful lives (1 Thess. 4:11), be a diligent worker for the Lord (2 Tim. 2:15), clothe yourselves with godliness (Col. 3:12). This not nearly an exhaustive list, but it does reveal the dramatic difference between Kingdom goals and worldly goals.
Scripture describes and prescribes goals that are quite different from that put forth by the world. Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, He pressed forward with singular focus to the ultimate godly goal, revealing the love of God through His sacrifice at the cross (Heb. 12:1-2). Therefore, we should take this same mind among us: to strive and press towards the godly goals of love and faithfulness first to the Lord and then to people. All goals should arise out of this foundation, not the other way around.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Comprehensive Humility
To be exalted and favored by the Lord would be a wonderful status to claim. However, the requirements for such a divine determination are steep. Fortunately, there is one basic requisite that needs to be met in order to be exalted by the Lord of all creation: humility. Humility is the essential posture both in how we come before the Lord and how we relate to other people.
Jesus clearly indicates that those who wish to be affirmed and exalted by the Lord need to take on the position of the lowliest and most humble among us (Matt. 23:11-12). This is a matter of attitude. An attitude of humility means that we strive to eschew our self-worth and pride in order to live out lives of service and compassion. Reality points out that when we take on an attitude of humility, we will be so much more positioned to care for those who we might normally consider beneath us.
Think of Jesus. Although He was in very nature God, took on the lowliest of forms so as to serve the Lord and all of mankind unto death (Phil. 2:5-7). This is the mind and attitude that we should make our own. Christ is our example, humbling Himself so severely that He suffered a sinner's death, hanging naked from a cross along the roadside of Jerusalem: humility.
Humility is not an easy task because it is meant to be a comprehensive worldview by which we live the whole of our lives. This means that in every circumstance and every situation we may encounter, we will go into it with a servant's attitude and a humble heart to love and care as Christ did and does for us. This is an all-encompassing identity. Let us then strive take on the heart of a humble servant, looking to Christ who modeled love categorically in all humility. In this way, we will truly be able to live out the love that God has called us to and live the way Christ asks us to live.
Jesus clearly indicates that those who wish to be affirmed and exalted by the Lord need to take on the position of the lowliest and most humble among us (Matt. 23:11-12). This is a matter of attitude. An attitude of humility means that we strive to eschew our self-worth and pride in order to live out lives of service and compassion. Reality points out that when we take on an attitude of humility, we will be so much more positioned to care for those who we might normally consider beneath us.
Think of Jesus. Although He was in very nature God, took on the lowliest of forms so as to serve the Lord and all of mankind unto death (Phil. 2:5-7). This is the mind and attitude that we should make our own. Christ is our example, humbling Himself so severely that He suffered a sinner's death, hanging naked from a cross along the roadside of Jerusalem: humility.
Humility is not an easy task because it is meant to be a comprehensive worldview by which we live the whole of our lives. This means that in every circumstance and every situation we may encounter, we will go into it with a servant's attitude and a humble heart to love and care as Christ did and does for us. This is an all-encompassing identity. Let us then strive take on the heart of a humble servant, looking to Christ who modeled love categorically in all humility. In this way, we will truly be able to live out the love that God has called us to and live the way Christ asks us to live.
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