During the first three years of my high school chess career, the wins were sporadic. Great wins. Horrible losses. I was beating myself up because I couldn’t figure out how to get better.
Senior year rolled around and it was my turn to play on what was called “The First Board”. This position called me to play against the other top players from each team around the state. Keeping in mind my sporadic wins, I decided to do a few things: play each game conservatively with a simple plan, and wait for the other player to make a mistake.
I gained a few wins and became more confident. I won the state qualifier and took third at the state high school chess championship. Years later, I realize why I became a more consistent chess player my senior year. Realistically, I hadn’t studied any more books than before, nor had I received any private chess lessons or grown a second brain for a faster processing speed.
The answer is I established a boundary. I told myself there could be no more complicated chess positions, sacrificing of pieces for a possible win, or using openings I didn’t understand. Keep it simple stupid. Play conservatively and wait for the opponent to make a mistake. The result was consistent wins during my senior year.
The spiritual point. Our culture, especially the religious culture, wants us to believe that we should be able to handle each and every situation without a loss. If we can’t, then we better figure out how to increase our abilities and get a win. This is the definition of “spiritual growth” that I’d become accustomed to. The reality is that we all have our limitations and that on many occasions, we simply have to recognize we aren’t good at everything.
Example: "I keep getting in shouting matches with so-in-so at work over our “discussions” about ethics. I go home completely frustrated and feeling guilty. Answer: Don’t hang out in your co-worker's office all the time because you don’t seem able to stay out of your 'discussions'."
Another Example: "I should be able to have lunches out with women at work, even though it’s resulted in a couple of affairs. What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I keep away from doing that? Answer: Don’t eat lunch with them and get some help from a counselor or support group."
A husband-wife example: "I feel guilty and resentful towards my wife because I can never seem to fix our electrical or plumbing problems around the house. I’ve taken the Home Depot classes and everything." Answer: Get an electrician or plumber and save the marriage some anxiety.
These are just a few examples. Let’s remember that in spiritual growth, just like in chess or any other sort of competition for that matter, that sometimes our abilities remain the same. Our true growth lies in how we use the abilities we possess, and setting up boundaries against the things we aren’t good at.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
High School Chess and Spiritual Growth (Part One)
My dad taught me chess at a young age. I beat many casual players because I knew the moves and a few strategies. Control the center. Develop the pieces early. Utilize open files and attack isolated pawns. These strategies conquered most opponents.
Later, I began competing in chess tournaments. I played on the high school chess team. It was a great time with my friends Ken, Henry, Vic, Jen, and of course my teacher, Mr. Tallent. It was a fun time.
The first three years were fraught with miserable losses. I’d gain a good position, make a horrible mistake, and then loose the game. I read books about chess, studied the games of others, and practiced every day after school. Still, I kept coming up short.
I’d beat myself up mentally for the sporadic play. What was the problem? Why could I beat the most difficult opponents to find myself the next day, loosing a game with the most mediocre chap? Why couldn’t I figure it out, or get my act together?
The truth is that nothing was wrong. I had entered a level of competition unprecedented in my life. My opponents studied their chess books and played their practice games too. They were good and just as capable of winning as me.
This scenario paints a spiritual picture. Once we decide we really want to turn our lives around and gain spiritual health, it’s like we’ve entered a whole new level of competition. Now we’re competing and playing a spiritual game that’s sporadic. Great wins. Horrible losses. Our temptation is to resign playing at this level of competition, but we must never do so because there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 12). We’re gonna lose and it’s okay. We keep playing, and let’s do so because we remember that God thinks we’re more important than our performance.
Later, I began competing in chess tournaments. I played on the high school chess team. It was a great time with my friends Ken, Henry, Vic, Jen, and of course my teacher, Mr. Tallent. It was a fun time.
The first three years were fraught with miserable losses. I’d gain a good position, make a horrible mistake, and then loose the game. I read books about chess, studied the games of others, and practiced every day after school. Still, I kept coming up short.
I’d beat myself up mentally for the sporadic play. What was the problem? Why could I beat the most difficult opponents to find myself the next day, loosing a game with the most mediocre chap? Why couldn’t I figure it out, or get my act together?
The truth is that nothing was wrong. I had entered a level of competition unprecedented in my life. My opponents studied their chess books and played their practice games too. They were good and just as capable of winning as me.
This scenario paints a spiritual picture. Once we decide we really want to turn our lives around and gain spiritual health, it’s like we’ve entered a whole new level of competition. Now we’re competing and playing a spiritual game that’s sporadic. Great wins. Horrible losses. Our temptation is to resign playing at this level of competition, but we must never do so because there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 12). We’re gonna lose and it’s okay. We keep playing, and let’s do so because we remember that God thinks we’re more important than our performance.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Addressing Legalism (Part I)
Read the Gospels. See Jesus dismantle legalism. In fact, read the entire Bible. See God dismantle legalism. Legalism is the rules of men and women that take priority over the love and acceptance of God. It disguises itself so that you would think it was discipline or the orderly nature of human affairs. This is a facade. Legalism is always the traditions of men and women that bind other men and women in chains for the purposes of power and control. It wants us to remain passive so that it can move us rather than us taking control of our God-given lives. It’s a string of relationships that can be traced throughout history dating all the way back to the conversation between Eve and the Serpent.
Even before Jesus was born, God ushers Mary and Joseph into addressing their own personal and cultural legalism. Mary had become pregnant through the Holy Spirit. God simply decided Mary would become pregnant with Jesus and it happened. The Matthew account states that Joseph tried to save Mary from public disgrace. He intended to sever their engagement. He probably thought about the consequences of their marriage. A person might ask Mary who the father was and about whether or not Jesus was conceived before their wedding. This presented a problem. If she says Joseph is the father to avoid shame, then this is a lie. If she says that God is Jesus’ father, then people would either think she was crazy or that she was trying to cover up for an adulterous affair. Either answer shames Mary in the eyes of other people.
The concept of shame in Middle Eastern culture is enormous and our Western mindset doesn’t fully understand it. Joseph had decided to quietly sever their engagement because of this potential shaming. It was a somewhat loving thing for him to do, but in an unhealthy way. He was letting legalism direct his actions. God, however, knew what was best for them and would have nothing of Joseph’s falling sway to its influence. God came to Joseph in a dream and told him to maintain the relationship. He is born from the Holy Spirit, God tells Joseph. He will save everyone from their sins and His name is to be Jesus (Matthew 1).
The heaviest potential burden is for Mary. She will probably endure more shame than Joseph. On the other hand, it isn’t an easy situation for Joseph either. In the end, Joseph decided to follow God’s direction. Mary concurs and follows Joseph. My gut feeling is that Mary was thankful for Joseph’s leading, even though they would be swimming against legalistic pressures. From Mary’s perspective, Joseph was supporting the divine nature of her pregnancy and remained her companion. She saw that he loved her. The culture of legalism had tried to encourage Joseph to be passive so it could move him. God moved Joseph towards action so that he could lead him and his wife in their own direction. Let’s remember that God leads us, just like Joseph and Mary, to prioritize love and acceptance over the avoidance of shame and humility in our own lives.
Even before Jesus was born, God ushers Mary and Joseph into addressing their own personal and cultural legalism. Mary had become pregnant through the Holy Spirit. God simply decided Mary would become pregnant with Jesus and it happened. The Matthew account states that Joseph tried to save Mary from public disgrace. He intended to sever their engagement. He probably thought about the consequences of their marriage. A person might ask Mary who the father was and about whether or not Jesus was conceived before their wedding. This presented a problem. If she says Joseph is the father to avoid shame, then this is a lie. If she says that God is Jesus’ father, then people would either think she was crazy or that she was trying to cover up for an adulterous affair. Either answer shames Mary in the eyes of other people.
The concept of shame in Middle Eastern culture is enormous and our Western mindset doesn’t fully understand it. Joseph had decided to quietly sever their engagement because of this potential shaming. It was a somewhat loving thing for him to do, but in an unhealthy way. He was letting legalism direct his actions. God, however, knew what was best for them and would have nothing of Joseph’s falling sway to its influence. God came to Joseph in a dream and told him to maintain the relationship. He is born from the Holy Spirit, God tells Joseph. He will save everyone from their sins and His name is to be Jesus (Matthew 1).
The heaviest potential burden is for Mary. She will probably endure more shame than Joseph. On the other hand, it isn’t an easy situation for Joseph either. In the end, Joseph decided to follow God’s direction. Mary concurs and follows Joseph. My gut feeling is that Mary was thankful for Joseph’s leading, even though they would be swimming against legalistic pressures. From Mary’s perspective, Joseph was supporting the divine nature of her pregnancy and remained her companion. She saw that he loved her. The culture of legalism had tried to encourage Joseph to be passive so it could move him. God moved Joseph towards action so that he could lead him and his wife in their own direction. Let’s remember that God leads us, just like Joseph and Mary, to prioritize love and acceptance over the avoidance of shame and humility in our own lives.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Short Cutting
I was standing in line this morning for coffee when someone short-cut me. Anger flushed my body, mind, and spirit. In about five seconds, I concluded three things. First, I granted the person might have been unaware I was in-line because I stood back slightly. Second, I knew I should inform her of her short-cutting, so that if she had done it on purpose, I would be expressing her inappropriate behavior. Conversely, if it was an accident, she'd have the opportunity to be courteous and offer my spot back in line. Third, I was afraid and didn’t want to address the situation.
I felt ashamed, because I couldn’t say the following simple words, “Excuse me, were you aware that you cut in front of me?” I couldn’t get it out. I was afraid of her reaction, which wasn’t even my responsibility. I remained silent and hoped the line would move quickly so I could leave. Instead, events unfolded slowly. She turned slightly to see me, and I did one of the most unbelievable things I’ve ever done. I “glared” at her. Can you believe it? I glared at her. I don’t know if I’ve ever done such a thing. I let her see me as I pouted at her. Bitterness welled up inside.
Then another surprising event. After a few moments, she turned back around and said, “I’m sorry. Did I cut in front of you?” She offered my place in-line back to me. The bitterness ran away. I expressed my appreciation for her courtesy. I was amazed.
This story is an example of self-imposed insanity. Cloud and Townsend explain in the book “Boundaries” that part of developing healthy boundaries in our lives is by exposing our boundaries to others. We need to let others know what we will and will not tolerate.
My situation this morning was an isolated incident. Unfortunately, many of us have harbored resentments and bitterness for years or even decades at a time with family members, fellow church members, co-workers, and authority figures. We remain silent, begging for them to see our misery and repent. We secretly pray for them to appologize for hurting us by crossing our boundaries. 99% of the time, they never do, because we have failed to show them where those boundaries lie in the first place.* This is our responsibility.
The more confident we become with showing our boundaries, the more we will assert ourselves with strangers, co-workers, fellow church members, and loved ones. We will address those who cut us off in line and our hearts will become more healthy because of it.
*Many of us go our entire lives without even understanding that we allow others to violate our boundaries or that we violate the boundaries of those around us. Our responsibility is to get help from a friend or counselor in those situations. The book called "Boundaries" by Cloud and Townsend is an excellent start.
I felt ashamed, because I couldn’t say the following simple words, “Excuse me, were you aware that you cut in front of me?” I couldn’t get it out. I was afraid of her reaction, which wasn’t even my responsibility. I remained silent and hoped the line would move quickly so I could leave. Instead, events unfolded slowly. She turned slightly to see me, and I did one of the most unbelievable things I’ve ever done. I “glared” at her. Can you believe it? I glared at her. I don’t know if I’ve ever done such a thing. I let her see me as I pouted at her. Bitterness welled up inside.
Then another surprising event. After a few moments, she turned back around and said, “I’m sorry. Did I cut in front of you?” She offered my place in-line back to me. The bitterness ran away. I expressed my appreciation for her courtesy. I was amazed.
This story is an example of self-imposed insanity. Cloud and Townsend explain in the book “Boundaries” that part of developing healthy boundaries in our lives is by exposing our boundaries to others. We need to let others know what we will and will not tolerate.
My situation this morning was an isolated incident. Unfortunately, many of us have harbored resentments and bitterness for years or even decades at a time with family members, fellow church members, co-workers, and authority figures. We remain silent, begging for them to see our misery and repent. We secretly pray for them to appologize for hurting us by crossing our boundaries. 99% of the time, they never do, because we have failed to show them where those boundaries lie in the first place.* This is our responsibility.
The more confident we become with showing our boundaries, the more we will assert ourselves with strangers, co-workers, fellow church members, and loved ones. We will address those who cut us off in line and our hearts will become more healthy because of it.
*Many of us go our entire lives without even understanding that we allow others to violate our boundaries or that we violate the boundaries of those around us. Our responsibility is to get help from a friend or counselor in those situations. The book called "Boundaries" by Cloud and Townsend is an excellent start.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Children and the Divine
When we talk to other parents about our kids and how awesome they are, we might as well be sharing with them about God. Or, suppose I take a new position at work and get a new, great supervisor. The same thing applies. Any time we talk about how awesome our kids, friends, co-workers, parents, supervisors, mentors, or business partners are, we might as well be sharing with them about God.
This is because all good things come from God. The scripture says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Of course, the temptation is to tell other parents how awesome our children are because we want to look good in front of them. We compare ourselves to them. This is a form of pride, jealousy, and fear that leads to all sorts of psychological problems, even if they only seem like small ones to us.
When we realize our children, friends, co-workers, and mentors aren’t to be held as our own commodities, then we can tell the whole world about them without inhibition. We are liberal and free in our speech, smiling and talking highly of them. They are God’s craftsmanship, and they’re using all of the talent, ability, and heart that God has given them for our pleasure and those around us. When we share how awesome our kids are to others, in a way, we’re really sharing with them about how awesome is God.
This is because all good things come from God. The scripture says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Of course, the temptation is to tell other parents how awesome our children are because we want to look good in front of them. We compare ourselves to them. This is a form of pride, jealousy, and fear that leads to all sorts of psychological problems, even if they only seem like small ones to us.
When we realize our children, friends, co-workers, and mentors aren’t to be held as our own commodities, then we can tell the whole world about them without inhibition. We are liberal and free in our speech, smiling and talking highly of them. They are God’s craftsmanship, and they’re using all of the talent, ability, and heart that God has given them for our pleasure and those around us. When we share how awesome our kids are to others, in a way, we’re really sharing with them about how awesome is God.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Spending Time with Human Beings (Part I)
When I spend time with you, what is my goal? Do I simply wish to spend time with you, or do I have some sort of ulterior motive? Here are some reasons we spend time with each other that are suspect:
I want to fix you. I want to be fixed. I want you to make decisions for me. I want to make your decisions. I want to control you. I want to be controlled. I want to fulfill some sort of deep emotional need and I’m trying to suck it out of you. I need you to validate my status or position. I don’t want to let you down. I don’t want you to dislike me.
Other reasons are suspect, but these are a few of the big ones. Relationships based on these reasons above tend to be unhealthy and dysfunctional.
I want to fix you. I want to be fixed. I want you to make decisions for me. I want to make your decisions. I want to control you. I want to be controlled. I want to fulfill some sort of deep emotional need and I’m trying to suck it out of you. I need you to validate my status or position. I don’t want to let you down. I don’t want you to dislike me.
Other reasons are suspect, but these are a few of the big ones. Relationships based on these reasons above tend to be unhealthy and dysfunctional.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Lesson from a Shepherd
A friend of mine grew up as a shepherd until the age of 15 in East Africa. We were sharing stories with each other and he related a short parable to me that he learned from his mom: "Ten men who have 100 cows and all that milk--without love, they'll never be happy. Ten men who have only one cow and almost no milk for themselves--with love, they'll be happy." These life lessons seem to be all around the globe. Simple, yet profound.
Friday, October 24, 2008
The End of a Brave New World
In the end of A Brave New World by Huxley, the "Controller" of all Western Europe tells Bernard Marx, Mr. Watson, and the Savage about why comfort and happiness were more important than truth and beauty:
"It's curious...to read what people in the time of Our Ford [yes, the carmaker--Henry Ford--early 1900s] used to write about scientific progress. They seemed to have imagined that it could be allowed to go on indefinitely, redardless of everything else. Knowledge was the highest good, truth the supreme value; all the rest was secondary and subordinate. True, ideas were beginning to change even then. Our Ford himself did a great deal to shift the emphasis from truth and beauty to comfort and happiness. Universal happiness keeps the wheels steadily turning; truth and beauty can't. And, of course, whenever the masses seized political power, then it was happiness rather than truth and beauty that mattered. Still, in spite of everything, unrestricted scientific research was still permitted. People still went on talking about truth and beauty as though they were the sovereign goods. Right up to the time of the Nine Years' War. That made them change their tune all right. What's the point of truth or beauty or knowlede when the anthrax bombs are popping all around you? That was when science first began to be controlled--after the Nine Years' War. People were ready to have even their appetites controlled then. Anything for a quiet life. We've gone on controlling ever since. It hasn't been very good for truth, of course. But it's been very good for happiness. One can't have something for nothing. Happiness has got to be paid for."
We are facing an economic fallout and we don't know where it will take us. Great Depression, worse, or possibly nothing of the sort. We just don't know where all this will go. What people fear the most, including myself often, is the loss of comfort. This is the time for us to make decisions. Is it our relationships with God and others that is most important? Or, is it our comfort and ease of life? In the end, I can have a spiritual conversation with someone over a glass of water just as well as I can have the same conversation over a frappachino and a cherry danish at Starbucks. When all I have is water to drink, I'm sure I'll get tired of it. But, in the end, we can still spend time together, whether we eat steak at Applebee's or Raman Noodles at home, as a family.
The Controller of Western Europe never understood this, nor did his society. Jesus, however, did understand this, and gave us the deep spiritual truths of this world, in the midst of the poorest place you could ever think of--worse than the Great Depression ever was. It's all relative. Therefore, let's all pray that if severe economic hardship comes, we will make our adjustments and heartily rejoice in the great truths of the Gospel. It is the Truth that will set us free.
"It's curious...to read what people in the time of Our Ford [yes, the carmaker--Henry Ford--early 1900s] used to write about scientific progress. They seemed to have imagined that it could be allowed to go on indefinitely, redardless of everything else. Knowledge was the highest good, truth the supreme value; all the rest was secondary and subordinate. True, ideas were beginning to change even then. Our Ford himself did a great deal to shift the emphasis from truth and beauty to comfort and happiness. Universal happiness keeps the wheels steadily turning; truth and beauty can't. And, of course, whenever the masses seized political power, then it was happiness rather than truth and beauty that mattered. Still, in spite of everything, unrestricted scientific research was still permitted. People still went on talking about truth and beauty as though they were the sovereign goods. Right up to the time of the Nine Years' War. That made them change their tune all right. What's the point of truth or beauty or knowlede when the anthrax bombs are popping all around you? That was when science first began to be controlled--after the Nine Years' War. People were ready to have even their appetites controlled then. Anything for a quiet life. We've gone on controlling ever since. It hasn't been very good for truth, of course. But it's been very good for happiness. One can't have something for nothing. Happiness has got to be paid for."
We are facing an economic fallout and we don't know where it will take us. Great Depression, worse, or possibly nothing of the sort. We just don't know where all this will go. What people fear the most, including myself often, is the loss of comfort. This is the time for us to make decisions. Is it our relationships with God and others that is most important? Or, is it our comfort and ease of life? In the end, I can have a spiritual conversation with someone over a glass of water just as well as I can have the same conversation over a frappachino and a cherry danish at Starbucks. When all I have is water to drink, I'm sure I'll get tired of it. But, in the end, we can still spend time together, whether we eat steak at Applebee's or Raman Noodles at home, as a family.
The Controller of Western Europe never understood this, nor did his society. Jesus, however, did understand this, and gave us the deep spiritual truths of this world, in the midst of the poorest place you could ever think of--worse than the Great Depression ever was. It's all relative. Therefore, let's all pray that if severe economic hardship comes, we will make our adjustments and heartily rejoice in the great truths of the Gospel. It is the Truth that will set us free.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Respect and Male Motivation
Men, I have to quote a portion of Love and Respect by Eggerichs. Picture a God who is like this:
"A good illustration of how respect can motivate a man is found in our armed forces--the millitary... Envision a U.S. Marine general speaking to his men after observing them in training maneuvers that did not go too well. 'Men, I believe in you more than you believe in yourselves. Get your heads up. Look at me. I admire you more than you admire yourselves. Your performance stunk today, but I see more potential in this fighting unit than any in the world. Where you will be in six months will result in the world hearing of this fighting unit, and I'm taking you there.' When a general respects his men and believes in them more than they believe in themselves, these soldiers want to improve, they want to get better, they want to fulfill that potential this general sees in them. Such men want to serve."
God sees more in you than you see in yourself. Let's believe this and let's see more in the men around us than they see in themselves.
"A good illustration of how respect can motivate a man is found in our armed forces--the millitary... Envision a U.S. Marine general speaking to his men after observing them in training maneuvers that did not go too well. 'Men, I believe in you more than you believe in yourselves. Get your heads up. Look at me. I admire you more than you admire yourselves. Your performance stunk today, but I see more potential in this fighting unit than any in the world. Where you will be in six months will result in the world hearing of this fighting unit, and I'm taking you there.' When a general respects his men and believes in them more than they believe in themselves, these soldiers want to improve, they want to get better, they want to fulfill that potential this general sees in them. Such men want to serve."
God sees more in you than you see in yourself. Let's believe this and let's see more in the men around us than they see in themselves.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Spreading Love
Spread love everywhere you go; first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting. ~Mother Teresa
Friday, August 8, 2008
Satellites and Theological Truths
Satellite Television requires great precision in directing the Satellite Dish to point exactly at the correct satellite in Space. If the satellite dish is even a couple tenths of a degree off, it can miss satellite reception by several hundred miles. Such a small error results in a completely dysfunctional Satellite TV.
The spiritual life is similar. A small misunderstanding of a theological truth can result in severe spiritual dysfunction for a believer. Less than a full understanding of God's unconditional love can result in poor self-esteem and a dismal picture of God's gentle nature. Less than a full understanding of my sinfulness can result in writing off my need for a doctor and a dismal picture of His justice. A less than full understanding for God's artistic pleasure can result in taking nature and/or human creativity for granted.
In all of these situations, a small misunderstanding of one of God's theological truths can mean big dysfunctions in our spiritual lives. Ask God for a greater understanding of His theological truths and the picture on your Satellite TV will become more clear over time. His help to you comes with warmth and a big smile.
The spiritual life is similar. A small misunderstanding of a theological truth can result in severe spiritual dysfunction for a believer. Less than a full understanding of God's unconditional love can result in poor self-esteem and a dismal picture of God's gentle nature. Less than a full understanding of my sinfulness can result in writing off my need for a doctor and a dismal picture of His justice. A less than full understanding for God's artistic pleasure can result in taking nature and/or human creativity for granted.
In all of these situations, a small misunderstanding of one of God's theological truths can mean big dysfunctions in our spiritual lives. Ask God for a greater understanding of His theological truths and the picture on your Satellite TV will become more clear over time. His help to you comes with warmth and a big smile.
Getting Fixed vs. Fixing Myself
One of the biggest decisions we always face in the Kingdom of God is whether or not we will try to fix ourselves or let God do the fixing for us. Ever since the fall of Adam and Eve, we human beings have tried to find a way to fix ourselves. Jesus said however, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Therefore, trying to fix ourselves is contrary to the way things work in the Kingdom of God. He has a better way.
Suppose I find myself sick with cancer. For the most part, I can’t do anything about it. The only decisions I can make is whether or not to go to a doctor who can heal me. She diagnoses me. She prescribes a treatment plan. She tells me all the possibilities and what the treatment will mean for my life.
Let’s suppose this cancer is not just treatable, but curable. The only way for me to be healed is to subscribe to her diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Imagine I start discussing the treatment plan with her and trying to come up with other possibilities. I tell her that I think I can manage this thing on my own. Maybe heavy pain killers will work over chemo therapy and my body will somehow fight off the cancer.
This kind of reasoning is a recipe for disaster. I would certainly die. Most patients in this kind of situation simply tell the doctor to prescribe the treatment. Most of us would follow through with the chemo therapy and endure the side effects because we know the doctor would be saving our life.
The Kingdom of God is similar. When we enter the Kingdom, we enter a community of other believers who have the ability to heal us. Yes, it is God who does the healing, but He generally passes his knowledge and experience through other brothers and sisters.
Therefore, we seek out another person who can help us in our greatest areas of need. Most likely this person or persons should be one who has gone through the process of healing themselves. This is a spiritual mentor of some sort. Sometimes it is a professional counselor. Sometimes it is a spiritually mature brother or sister in the faith who can help us recognize our defects and help us remove them. We trust God and them to bring us through this process.
Do you have a spiritual mentor? Do you have a doctor? Or, are you trying to treat this cancer on your own?
Suppose I find myself sick with cancer. For the most part, I can’t do anything about it. The only decisions I can make is whether or not to go to a doctor who can heal me. She diagnoses me. She prescribes a treatment plan. She tells me all the possibilities and what the treatment will mean for my life.
Let’s suppose this cancer is not just treatable, but curable. The only way for me to be healed is to subscribe to her diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Imagine I start discussing the treatment plan with her and trying to come up with other possibilities. I tell her that I think I can manage this thing on my own. Maybe heavy pain killers will work over chemo therapy and my body will somehow fight off the cancer.
This kind of reasoning is a recipe for disaster. I would certainly die. Most patients in this kind of situation simply tell the doctor to prescribe the treatment. Most of us would follow through with the chemo therapy and endure the side effects because we know the doctor would be saving our life.
The Kingdom of God is similar. When we enter the Kingdom, we enter a community of other believers who have the ability to heal us. Yes, it is God who does the healing, but He generally passes his knowledge and experience through other brothers and sisters.
Therefore, we seek out another person who can help us in our greatest areas of need. Most likely this person or persons should be one who has gone through the process of healing themselves. This is a spiritual mentor of some sort. Sometimes it is a professional counselor. Sometimes it is a spiritually mature brother or sister in the faith who can help us recognize our defects and help us remove them. We trust God and them to bring us through this process.
Do you have a spiritual mentor? Do you have a doctor? Or, are you trying to treat this cancer on your own?
Friday, August 1, 2008
Decisions
You and I are in the business of making decisions that we don’t have the power to keep. I mean think about it. Have you ever tried to break a habit such as gossiping, obsessive comparison of yourself with others, small-white lies, fits of internal anger and resentment, a lustful look at another person, obsessive daydreaming, or isolation from others? Even more difficult, have you ever tried to love and forgive others, put time and energy into things that aren’t important to you but are important to others, or spent time with others without having some sort of your own agenda?
The Kingdom of God is backwards because in this kingdom, we make decisions we don’t have the power to keep. God longs for us to let go of things that hurt us and others, while we move towards the things that bring peace and a sense of life. But, think about this, Jesus died on the cross to rescue us. We were unable to rescue ourselves from our own sinfulness in the first place. What makes me think that I now have the power to fight temptation or now have the power to become a better person?
The reality is that God wants us to make decisions to improve our lives and the lives of others, but just like his atonement through the cross, He is the only one who has the power to carry out what we are unable to do for ourselves. I simply make the decision, invite Him to carry it out, and move on to what’s next. “Come to Me, all of you who are weary, and I will give you rest.” He says. This is what He longs to do with you and I, but it means we have to make decisions without the power to carry them out. This goes against all self-centeredness.
In the end, allowing God to work through us is what brings the most joy, peace, and glory. Be careful though, and always remember He loves you before you make the decision. This isn't a performance based salvation. You can make mistakes. But, if you don't make real decisions, then there is no opportunity to make a mistake in the first place.
The Kingdom of God is backwards because in this kingdom, we make decisions we don’t have the power to keep. God longs for us to let go of things that hurt us and others, while we move towards the things that bring peace and a sense of life. But, think about this, Jesus died on the cross to rescue us. We were unable to rescue ourselves from our own sinfulness in the first place. What makes me think that I now have the power to fight temptation or now have the power to become a better person?
The reality is that God wants us to make decisions to improve our lives and the lives of others, but just like his atonement through the cross, He is the only one who has the power to carry out what we are unable to do for ourselves. I simply make the decision, invite Him to carry it out, and move on to what’s next. “Come to Me, all of you who are weary, and I will give you rest.” He says. This is what He longs to do with you and I, but it means we have to make decisions without the power to carry them out. This goes against all self-centeredness.
In the end, allowing God to work through us is what brings the most joy, peace, and glory. Be careful though, and always remember He loves you before you make the decision. This isn't a performance based salvation. You can make mistakes. But, if you don't make real decisions, then there is no opportunity to make a mistake in the first place.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Enjoying Life Together
Maybe we need to simplify everything by saying that God wants us to enjoy life with Him. There is a sense of being together. Regardless of what we do, where we go, or even who we become, the more important thing is doing it together with God. Enjoying life as an individual isn’t enough. It must be done with someone else. God is always there to share each of our experiences. We are also always there to share in His experiences, or I should say, in what He is doing in and around us. We get to do it together with Him.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Even More Joy
The next time you experience the feeling of joy, stop for a minute. Think about the fact that God is enjoying you and your situation even more than you are. Isn’t that awesome!? He enjoys our joy even more than we do. This is how our joy, which might appear selfish, is really quite selfless. Our joy is really for Him and He thinks it's awesome!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Grammar and Talking About Jesus
I read an interesting blog from another website quoting some guy named Todd Wilken. I have no idea who he is. However, he mentioned something quite interesting I would like to share:
“The central message of the Bible is Jesus Christ crucified and risen for sinners. If a sermon is really Bible-based, it will preach that Gospel. Often, the difference between good preaching and bad preaching is not in what is said, but in what is left unsaid. More often, what is left unsaid is the Gospel itself.
Sometimes, a ‘Life-Application’ sermon does talk about Jesus. But since the goal of this kind of sermon is to teach people how to live, Jesus is presented as your teacher, your example, and your helper. The death and resurrection of Jesus might also be mentioned—as an example for you to follow of selfless love and self-sacrifice. Dr. David Wells says, ‘The Cross becomes exactly what it was in liberalism, that Jesus is reduced simply to a good example and we try to follow in His footsteps in the sense that we try to look out on life the way He did.’ In the ‘Life-Application’ sermon, Jesus becomes just another paradigm for you to live by.
If Jesus is mentioned, is He the subject of the verbs? This is simple grammar. Every sentence has a subject and a verb. So, listen to the sermon and do the grammar. Dr. Norman Nagel is famous for asking, ‘Who is driving the verbs?’ Is Jesus active or passive? Is Jesus doing the action or is He being acted upon? There is a difference between a sermon that says ‘I love Jesus,’ and a sermon that says ‘Jesus loves me.’ One is talking about you, the other is talking about Jesus. There is a difference between, ‘Give your life to Jesus,’ and ‘Jesus gave His life for you.’”
This excerpt is from a blog by someone named Daniel Cruver, written on 3/31/06 which I copied and pasted into this blog on 7/25/08. His blog is www.eucatastrophe.com I have not reviewed anything else by this man and neither support nor oppose him, since I know nothing about him or his other writings. (I only know he likes John Piper and Tim Keller, who are authors I also like). Since, I am quoting this from another blog, I think it is right to cite him.
I wholeheartedly agree with this argument which says that the gospel should be centered on Jesus’ actions towards us and not the other way around. I am not saying that we shouldn't love Jesus; but, His love and respect for me is the power that drives my love and respect for Him and others in the first place. This is the Gospel.
So, next time, check out the grammar. Is Jesus the subject driving your changing heart or are you trying to change your own heart in order to love and respect Him? You have to make a decision.
“The central message of the Bible is Jesus Christ crucified and risen for sinners. If a sermon is really Bible-based, it will preach that Gospel. Often, the difference between good preaching and bad preaching is not in what is said, but in what is left unsaid. More often, what is left unsaid is the Gospel itself.
Sometimes, a ‘Life-Application’ sermon does talk about Jesus. But since the goal of this kind of sermon is to teach people how to live, Jesus is presented as your teacher, your example, and your helper. The death and resurrection of Jesus might also be mentioned—as an example for you to follow of selfless love and self-sacrifice. Dr. David Wells says, ‘The Cross becomes exactly what it was in liberalism, that Jesus is reduced simply to a good example and we try to follow in His footsteps in the sense that we try to look out on life the way He did.’ In the ‘Life-Application’ sermon, Jesus becomes just another paradigm for you to live by.
If Jesus is mentioned, is He the subject of the verbs? This is simple grammar. Every sentence has a subject and a verb. So, listen to the sermon and do the grammar. Dr. Norman Nagel is famous for asking, ‘Who is driving the verbs?’ Is Jesus active or passive? Is Jesus doing the action or is He being acted upon? There is a difference between a sermon that says ‘I love Jesus,’ and a sermon that says ‘Jesus loves me.’ One is talking about you, the other is talking about Jesus. There is a difference between, ‘Give your life to Jesus,’ and ‘Jesus gave His life for you.’”
This excerpt is from a blog by someone named Daniel Cruver, written on 3/31/06 which I copied and pasted into this blog on 7/25/08. His blog is www.eucatastrophe.com I have not reviewed anything else by this man and neither support nor oppose him, since I know nothing about him or his other writings. (I only know he likes John Piper and Tim Keller, who are authors I also like). Since, I am quoting this from another blog, I think it is right to cite him.
I wholeheartedly agree with this argument which says that the gospel should be centered on Jesus’ actions towards us and not the other way around. I am not saying that we shouldn't love Jesus; but, His love and respect for me is the power that drives my love and respect for Him and others in the first place. This is the Gospel.
So, next time, check out the grammar. Is Jesus the subject driving your changing heart or are you trying to change your own heart in order to love and respect Him? You have to make a decision.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Uncle Andrew and Perception
In The Magician's Nephew, written by C.S. Lewis, Digory and Polly are having a facinating time with the wild beasts Aslan has just created in Narnia during the beginning of their world. A most amazing thing has happened. Aslan has picked two of each kind of animal, touched them with his nose, breathed onto them, and they have all become talking beasts.
Imagine. Talking beasts! It must have been glorious! That is unless you happen to be Uncle Andrew. If you've read the book, then you'll remember that Uncle Andrew is the one who got all of them into the mess in the first place. It was a sinister, cowardly plan to send Polly into another world so he didn't have to risk harm to himself. The plan backfired and he got dragged into the whole thing anyway.
Getting back to the talking beasts - I must mention that the children didn't seem to be afraid of them and they were simply intrigued by their ability to speak and interact with them. They galloped off after Aslan, the Lion, because Digory would like him to help his dying mother back in England.
Uncle Andrew, on the other hand, never even heard the animals speak. All he heard was them growling and roaring. Lewis says, "We must now go back a bit and explain what the whole scene had looked like from Unce Andrew's point of view. It had not made at all the same impression on him as the Cabby and the children. For what you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing: it also depends on what sort of person you are."
Imagine. Talking beasts! It must have been glorious! That is unless you happen to be Uncle Andrew. If you've read the book, then you'll remember that Uncle Andrew is the one who got all of them into the mess in the first place. It was a sinister, cowardly plan to send Polly into another world so he didn't have to risk harm to himself. The plan backfired and he got dragged into the whole thing anyway.
Getting back to the talking beasts - I must mention that the children didn't seem to be afraid of them and they were simply intrigued by their ability to speak and interact with them. They galloped off after Aslan, the Lion, because Digory would like him to help his dying mother back in England.
Uncle Andrew, on the other hand, never even heard the animals speak. All he heard was them growling and roaring. Lewis says, "We must now go back a bit and explain what the whole scene had looked like from Unce Andrew's point of view. It had not made at all the same impression on him as the Cabby and the children. For what you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing: it also depends on what sort of person you are."
Uncle Andrew was terrified of all the panthers, warthogs, and elephants running around him when he was probably safer than he really thought (since talking beasts, for the most part, are safer than dumb animals). And this is the point--Uncle Andrew couldn't see the glory and goodness in what was happening. He couldn't even see that the animals were speaking, a most amazing thing, which was plain to everyone else.
In our own lives, our point of view determines our attitudes, feeelings, and behaviors in the midst of our circumstances. Resentments, fears, and arrogance lead to one point of view. Honesty, trust, oppenness, and willingness lead to another point of view. In the end, our theology is quite relevant. Do we believe God is good? Or, do we think He is insecure, bothersome, and uncertain? If He is good, then we will begin to see the talking beasts around us.
In our own lives, our point of view determines our attitudes, feeelings, and behaviors in the midst of our circumstances. Resentments, fears, and arrogance lead to one point of view. Honesty, trust, oppenness, and willingness lead to another point of view. In the end, our theology is quite relevant. Do we believe God is good? Or, do we think He is insecure, bothersome, and uncertain? If He is good, then we will begin to see the talking beasts around us.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Becoming Me
In "Kung Fu Panda" the lead character spends the entire movie trying to become someone other than himself. He grew up cooking noodles in his father's restaurant, but always dreamed about becoming a Kung Fu fighter. Ultimately, he's chosen as the "Dragon Warrior". His dream has come true until he realizes he has to fight the most deadly enemy around. According to all human wisdom, he can't win. At this point, he looks for a secret ingredient--something that can make him more than who he is. He's doubting his original call. "I'm not the Dragon Warrior!" he tells his master. He thinks he's just a big, fat Panda. His master tells him that he WILL be the Dragon Warrior when he reads the secret scroll which will bring him into his destiny. Kung Fu Panda opens the scroll and there is nothing in it. Actually, there is nothing in it EXCEPT a reflection of himself. At first, he doesn't understand. However, as the story develops, Kung Fu Panda comes to realize that the secret ingredient is actually being himself. That is what the scroll was telling him. It was his own reflection.
Many of us spend our entire lives trying to become someone other than who we really are. The point in Kung Fu Panda is that God has already created us to be who we are. The goal in spiritual growth ISN'T becoming someone else who is theoretically better than us. Spiritual growth is the process of becoming who God has ALREADY made us to be. This is to God's credit and His glory. If I let go of the false-self, the self-hatred, and learn to feel comfortable in my own skin, then my trust and confidence in God will begin to rub off on others without much effort.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Work and Courage
Scott Peck says that the primary elements of love are work and courage. I believe this is true. Jesus was always working and it seemed the crowds exhausted him to the point of needing to "get away from it all". We also know that Jesus faced the temptation to ditch the cross and that it took Him courage to face the deep penalty that awaited such a perfect man.
In our daily lives, I think of raising children as a perfect example of work and courage. The baby wakes up in the middle of the night, crying because she is hungry. Mom doesn't think about herself but wakes up and feeds the child. Dad is tired from a long day of work, but his 9 year old wants to play catch outside. After a few moments of rest, father and son play baseball. Raising children takes work. It also takes courage. Parents send their children to school or to the neighbors next door to play, even though they know their kids will have to face all difficulties and struggles that they dealt with in their own youth. They know their kids will get hurt from time to time, both physically and emotionally. They also know, however, that it is more loving to send them out into the world, because the joys of close friendships and growing into maturity outweigh the difficulties they will face.
Work and courage. These are the key aspects of love. They can also be misused and misunderstood as a means to justify ourselves. I think of the stereotypical husband, for example, who does chores all around the house on a weekend and expects a whole bunch of praise from his wife during and after his accomplishments. The whole time he's working, he's expecting to gain her approval. A mature wife, however, already approved of him in the first place. She loves him. So, he's spending all this time trying to gain the approval his wife already had given him.
Essentially, this is what we do with God. We work and try our hand at courageous acts in order to please God, when He's already pleased with us in the first place. You might ask why work or be corageous in the first place? Frankly, I don't have a direct answer to this question. All I know is that life seems to be more enjoyable when we love God and others through work and courage. The Westminster Confession of Faith says that the chief aim of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Work, courage, enjoyment, and God's glory all seem to be intertwined. The main point is not to get the order confused. His love for us comes first.
In our daily lives, I think of raising children as a perfect example of work and courage. The baby wakes up in the middle of the night, crying because she is hungry. Mom doesn't think about herself but wakes up and feeds the child. Dad is tired from a long day of work, but his 9 year old wants to play catch outside. After a few moments of rest, father and son play baseball. Raising children takes work. It also takes courage. Parents send their children to school or to the neighbors next door to play, even though they know their kids will have to face all difficulties and struggles that they dealt with in their own youth. They know their kids will get hurt from time to time, both physically and emotionally. They also know, however, that it is more loving to send them out into the world, because the joys of close friendships and growing into maturity outweigh the difficulties they will face.
Work and courage. These are the key aspects of love. They can also be misused and misunderstood as a means to justify ourselves. I think of the stereotypical husband, for example, who does chores all around the house on a weekend and expects a whole bunch of praise from his wife during and after his accomplishments. The whole time he's working, he's expecting to gain her approval. A mature wife, however, already approved of him in the first place. She loves him. So, he's spending all this time trying to gain the approval his wife already had given him.
Essentially, this is what we do with God. We work and try our hand at courageous acts in order to please God, when He's already pleased with us in the first place. You might ask why work or be corageous in the first place? Frankly, I don't have a direct answer to this question. All I know is that life seems to be more enjoyable when we love God and others through work and courage. The Westminster Confession of Faith says that the chief aim of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Work, courage, enjoyment, and God's glory all seem to be intertwined. The main point is not to get the order confused. His love for us comes first.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Crossing Borders
When I cross the border into a foreign country, I'm taking a step into the unknown. The people have different traditions, customs, languages, infrastructures, and food. They make decisions differently than I do, value things I don't, and aren't concerned with my sorts of concerns. Learning to establish a business, draw up a rental agreement, or installing a telephone into my home might take months. There are all sorts of things that I take for granted in my own culture that's never gonna get any attention in a foreign one. Traveling in foreign lands requires a certain type of faith or trust in a positive outcome regardless of the circumstances.
The first time I flew to a foreign country was in 1996. I traveled to South Africa for a summer. I remember looking out of the window in the airplane after the landing. I thought to myself, "What the heck am I doing here?" For a moment, I was terrified. What in the world had I done? I left everything that felt right and comfortable. Of course, I had to get off the plane. The next thing I knew, I was in Durban, South Africa. That summer was a life changing experience which led to further travels over the years.
Traveling to foreign countries involves a certain growth in faith that builds upon each experience. The more one travels, the more this certain type of faith or trust in a positive outcome develops. Certainly, there are times when a traveler feels uncomfortable in a new situation, but overall they become more relaxed, more calm, and more rational in their decision making. Choosing a house to rent, buying food in the market, or choosing which type of transportation to use becomes a little bit easier each time, even when in a new country.
Trusting God is like traveling to a foreign country. His customs, traditions, and rules aren't like ours. He's peculiar and often seem too good to be true. "I love you without reservation, " He says. All of His compassion and comfort seem to be mixed with uncertain circumstances that I have no control over. There's people in this land that don't act according to His rules. I can't seem to identify their customs, traditions, or language. The only thing I know for certain is God's good nature.*
Learning to trust God can be terrifying at first. We're traveling into a foreign land and let go of anything that feels familiar. His priorities don't seem to be our priorities. Our priorities don't seem to be His. Status, power, and our appearance before others seems to be a currency of little value. Doing things in good faith and believing the best in others seems to be some of the highest commodities.
It's a culture that is unlike any other. God's country requires a step by step trust in a place of circumstances that don't make sense at first. Over time however, just like in our foreign travels, we learn how things operate in God's country. We learn the rules, customs, and traditions. Deeper than that, we begin to feel more comfortable with the type of decision making and value judgements that God seems to have. We begin to realize that we have forgotten the old ways over time. We also begin to realize it was God all along who was changing us, as we focused less and less on the circumstances and more and more on letting Him manage them for us.
*Sometimes we confuse God for not having a good nature when it is other people who violate His rules of love, acceptance, and fair play. This is defect in our own thinking.
*Sometimes we confuse God for not having a good nature when it is other people who violate His rules of love, acceptance, and fair play. This is defect in our own thinking.
Baby Steps
Sometimes, I beat myself up for not progressing spiritually as quickly as I'd like. I ask questions like, "When will I finally get my act together?" But, can you imagine God looking at a child who is learning to crawl and saying something like, "You're so stupid. Just pick up your hands and feet, move them forward, and you'll be crawling. Isn't that simple enough? Why can't you figure it out?"
Learning to trust God is like learning to crawl or take baby steps. Once God sees that we're making attempts to trust Him (instead of trying to get our act together) He's all smiles. I think it must be like parents watching their little ones as they rock back and forth, hold onto the coffee table, and venture out to walk.
God's holding His hands out, waiting for us to trust Him and take some steps. Fortunately, He's not a human being. He has infinite patience. "When you're ready child, take your first steps. I've got My hands out for you. You'll have to let go of the coffee table, but I know you can do it."
The reality is that if I choose to let go of the coffee table and move out to Him, then I will fall like a million times. Many of us have spent years holding onto the coffee table, trying to manage our thoughts, feelings, actions, circumstances, and even trying to manipulate those of others. God loves us so much (past, present, and future) that even if we are 75 years old when we finally let go of the coffee table and trust Him to walk, He's smiling at our attempt to take those few steps towards Him.
Do you want to manage your life and walk around the coffee table for the next 75 years, or take a chance and step out towards Him? You'll fall down a lot, but you'll find there's a whole lot in the house you haven't explored yet.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Freedom
Jesus was always producing as much freedom as possible during His lifetime. Healing every kind of disease and sickness. Exorcizing the demon possessed. Crossing ethnic and gender barriers. Violating the traditions of the Sabbath. Never washing His hands at the right time.
Sometimes, people came with faith to be healed and Jesus forgave their sins instead. It was as though His desire to free them from any kind of physical, mental, or spiritual constraint was overflowing or dripping off of Him. He simply saw they had faith in Him and it was enough.
Nevertheless, all the freedom producing stuff Jesus did during His earthly ministry wasn't enough. He wanted even MORE freedom for each of us. This is what took Him to the cross. He wasn't satisfied with just healing us from every kind of disease, sickness, and evil demon. He wanted to take away all our sins and free us from any kind of judgement (deserved or undeserved), unwarranted shame-based fear, or unwarranted self-condemnation. Moreover, Jesus wanted to make us the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5) and to sing our praises (Heb 2).
Does this sound like the kind of God who is angry, disappointed, ashamed, or holds grudges against us? No. He is the God who loves us BEFORE we get our act together (Rom 5:8). It is from this foundation of safety that we have the freedom to make good decisions in the first place. The only greater freedom to come will be when we meet Him face to face.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Moral and Non-Moral Decisions
Last summer, I participated in a two-week trip to a foreign country with a team of four people. It was a team leader, a married couple, and me. Traveling in a foreign country is a difficult thing to do. In addition, everyone has their own ideas about where to go, what to do, and what takes highest priority over one thing or another. Spoken or unspoken conflict will arise.
During this trip, I did the following: I evaluated each decision we made as a team and decided whether or not it was a moral decision we were making or a non-moral one. Things like "Where do we go next?" or "Who should we spend time with?" and "What is the best approach towards our ministry here?" These were the types of decisions we had to make. It just so happened that for each situation, I decided that 100% of the time our decisions were non-moral ones. They were simply choices of preference.
This allowed me to do two things: First, I gave my opinions in each situation with a sense of confidence because I realized it was my opinion and not a moral imperative. I didn't have to get my way. Second, if the team leader or whole team vetoed my opinion on what we should do next, it was easier for me to let go of getting my way because again, I wasn't morally invested into a non-moral decision. I was able to support their decision because I hadn't boiled it down to "right" or "wrong".
The foundation for this type of mindset is the knowledge of grace. Grace says that God isn't angry or even disappointed in us. We’re righteous in His eyes. We don't have to worry about Him pointing the finger at us saying, "See, I told you so. I knew you'd get it wrong this time." We can make mistakes and even sin without the threat of retribution. Without a deep understanding of the grace of God, we will often pin down non-moral decision making of us and others into moral right and wrongs. Oswald Chambers, rightly states that a person who walks with God doesn’t ask what God’s will is, he or she is the will of God.
There were times on this trip that maybe we could have done something better here or there. However, and realistically speaking, God was more concerned that we enjoyed our time and allowed Him to direct our path to the best of our abilities.
In the end, a glorious thing happened--we experienced love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.
During this trip, I did the following: I evaluated each decision we made as a team and decided whether or not it was a moral decision we were making or a non-moral one. Things like "Where do we go next?" or "Who should we spend time with?" and "What is the best approach towards our ministry here?" These were the types of decisions we had to make. It just so happened that for each situation, I decided that 100% of the time our decisions were non-moral ones. They were simply choices of preference.
This allowed me to do two things: First, I gave my opinions in each situation with a sense of confidence because I realized it was my opinion and not a moral imperative. I didn't have to get my way. Second, if the team leader or whole team vetoed my opinion on what we should do next, it was easier for me to let go of getting my way because again, I wasn't morally invested into a non-moral decision. I was able to support their decision because I hadn't boiled it down to "right" or "wrong".
The foundation for this type of mindset is the knowledge of grace. Grace says that God isn't angry or even disappointed in us. We’re righteous in His eyes. We don't have to worry about Him pointing the finger at us saying, "See, I told you so. I knew you'd get it wrong this time." We can make mistakes and even sin without the threat of retribution. Without a deep understanding of the grace of God, we will often pin down non-moral decision making of us and others into moral right and wrongs. Oswald Chambers, rightly states that a person who walks with God doesn’t ask what God’s will is, he or she is the will of God.
There were times on this trip that maybe we could have done something better here or there. However, and realistically speaking, God was more concerned that we enjoyed our time and allowed Him to direct our path to the best of our abilities.
In the end, a glorious thing happened--we experienced love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The Certainty of God
The reason we can be totally honest with God is because He doesn't change. He always loves and welcomes us. The big problem isn’t His uncertainty. It’s our mistaken belief that He isn't certain or that we can't depend on Him. There is something that feels like a paradox here. The best way to begin learning about His certainty is to admit to Him that we don't feel He is certain, safe, or maybe even good! The recovering alcoholics got it right when they proposed to other alcoholics that they turn their will and their lives over the care of God as they understood Him. It isn't that God is relative or uncertain--the problem is that our view of Him is relative or uncertain.
God’s so loving, so caring, so certain, and so safe, that we can go to Him and start off by telling Him we don't believe any of it in the first place. In fact, it may be that He wants you to confront Him - that He wants your anger at His apparent lack of deliverance. This might be the sort of passionate prayer He so longs for. Your prayers of anger may be the ones of deepest faith and trust you've ever embarked upon. He can then take that anger and turn you into something quite amazing.
The certainty of God is that He’ll start with you, wherever you’re starting at. You don't have to get rid of your anger or sadness or depression first. That's probably where He wants to start.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Honesty and Spiritual Growth
Have you ever tried being honest? Honest with God. Honest with yourself. Honest with those around you? Honesty isn't the end of spiritual growth, rather a foundational beginning. Being honest with God (and a few trusted others) can be quite freeing, because once we become truly honest with God, He actually has something He can work with. Try saying something really honest to God in a way you've never done before. Something you aren't supposed to think or believe. See what happens. If He strikes you dead, come see me about it. For a good read, see a book called "True Faced" with the subtitle "Trusting God and Others with Who You Really Are." Amazon.com. For related scripture, read Job or the Psalms, or see 1st John 1:5-10. It is the foundation for the rest of that epistle.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Singing Us to Sleep
When overseas in 2004, my co-workers and I became good friends with a married couple. We had just left a war-torn country, moved to a neighboring country, and stayed with these friends for three weeks. We were struggling with lots of emotional turmoil and trying to sort out our next steps. During those three weeks, I slept on the couch in their living room. I remember very clearly that one evening, my friend (the husband) played his guitar and sang me to sleep. I'm serious. He sang me to sleep with some sort of soothing melody. When I think back to that evening, it gives me a good visual image of the tenderness of God. Jesus lamented one time, "Oh, Jerusalem... how often I have longed to gather your children together... as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings." God wants us to know that we are safe and sound, under the protection of His wings. If we let Him, He has no greater desire than to sing us to sleep.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Nothing Left But Love
A spiritual mentor of mine reminded me recently of a theological truth we rarely embrace (in our hearts) as followers of Jesus. This is the truth: All of God's punishment has been completely expended. There’s none left for us. It’s all been unleashed upon Himself at the cross. This is called propitiation. There’s no punishment left for us. Not even ill will or grudges. In fact, He’s quite taken towards us, since we’re His very own children. We think He’s vengeful, fickle, uncertain, or plain uncaring--this is simply a defect of our own thinking. I myself am prone to such thinking. Yet, this is furthest from the truth. The gospel is that there is now no condemnation (Rom 8:1). The only thing left is love.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Grandma and Heaven
When I was six or seven years old, I remember talking with my grandma in my parents' backyard. I said, "Grandma, how do you know there is a God?" She said, "I just know. I have faith." At the time, she didn't convince me with her words. Several years later, she died at the age of 74. I was 15.
My mom relates to me that when my grandma died, even though my mom was grieving and distraught, she could feel nothing but joy all around her. She felt as though Grandma was present, walking her through each step, preparing for the funeral and caring for my grandpa. She kept telling my grandma, "I know you have places to go." The feelings of joy around my mom were intense all the way until shortly after the funeral. My mom laughs a little bit about this memory because she says that she finds it amazing she had such a tangible experience with heaven, but didn't come to believe in God or Jesus until years later.
I have similar feelings. When my grandma died, I knew that she knew she was entering heaven. I think I sort of believed she went to heaven as well. Yet, it never dawned on me that this should transfer to my own belief. I never did anything about it. Four years later, when I was searching for answers about God and spirituality, I remember thinking to myself, "Steven, do you realize what you believe? You believe Grandma went to heaven. This means that you believe in heaven as well!" It was two years later that I was baptized. My mom began attending church shortly thereafter. Today, my mom and I go to church together every Sunday. It took a long time before my grandma's simple faith caught up to us, but it did. Do I believe in heaven? Yes. My grandma is there and maybe you'll get to meet her someday.
My mom relates to me that when my grandma died, even though my mom was grieving and distraught, she could feel nothing but joy all around her. She felt as though Grandma was present, walking her through each step, preparing for the funeral and caring for my grandpa. She kept telling my grandma, "I know you have places to go." The feelings of joy around my mom were intense all the way until shortly after the funeral. My mom laughs a little bit about this memory because she says that she finds it amazing she had such a tangible experience with heaven, but didn't come to believe in God or Jesus until years later.
I have similar feelings. When my grandma died, I knew that she knew she was entering heaven. I think I sort of believed she went to heaven as well. Yet, it never dawned on me that this should transfer to my own belief. I never did anything about it. Four years later, when I was searching for answers about God and spirituality, I remember thinking to myself, "Steven, do you realize what you believe? You believe Grandma went to heaven. This means that you believe in heaven as well!" It was two years later that I was baptized. My mom began attending church shortly thereafter. Today, my mom and I go to church together every Sunday. It took a long time before my grandma's simple faith caught up to us, but it did. Do I believe in heaven? Yes. My grandma is there and maybe you'll get to meet her someday.
Monday, March 31, 2008
South African Lunch and God's People
In 1996, I went to South Africa for a summer with a student Christian organization. This organization had a small room for their club on campus at University of Durban-Westville. The students in the Christian club were Zulu, Sesotho, Colored, and Indian. They were about the only multi-ethnic club on campus in a post-apartheid South Africa that had de-segregated only two years prior. Their common bond was Christ.
Each day, many of the students would come to their small room in order to eat lunch together. My campus director had briefed me on a practice that I found to be true during those lunch sessions. In the meeting room, those with food already, offered me part of their lunch. I was free to take part of what they had, but in turn, it was socially correct for me to offer my food to others in the room or those who would arrive later. Often, students would eat parts of several lunches, rather than just their own. The idea was that if we offer part of our own meal, then someone else will have part of their lunch to make up the difference. Sometimes, if it didn't work out as planned, a person simply might give part of their lunch away and not eat a full meal.
The principle was quite Christian like. In the scriptures, Jesus says that a true friend demonstrates his love for another by offering his or her life for them. Maybe offering part of my sandwich isn't making the ultimate sacrifice through death, but it is a little sacrifice to my own desire, which is to be fully fed for the day. In turn, I trust God will meet my needs either through the provision of another or through the supernatural strength I need to live without all of my needs.
Each day, many of the students would come to their small room in order to eat lunch together. My campus director had briefed me on a practice that I found to be true during those lunch sessions. In the meeting room, those with food already, offered me part of their lunch. I was free to take part of what they had, but in turn, it was socially correct for me to offer my food to others in the room or those who would arrive later. Often, students would eat parts of several lunches, rather than just their own. The idea was that if we offer part of our own meal, then someone else will have part of their lunch to make up the difference. Sometimes, if it didn't work out as planned, a person simply might give part of their lunch away and not eat a full meal.
The principle was quite Christian like. In the scriptures, Jesus says that a true friend demonstrates his love for another by offering his or her life for them. Maybe offering part of my sandwich isn't making the ultimate sacrifice through death, but it is a little sacrifice to my own desire, which is to be fully fed for the day. In turn, I trust God will meet my needs either through the provision of another or through the supernatural strength I need to live without all of my needs.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Creation, Genesis, and God's Love
I grew up in a non-Christian family and believed in evolution until I became a follower of Christ. The ideas of an old universe and evolution still feel "natural" or "normal" to me. To think that the universe is 14.5 billion years old doesn't seem far fetched to me, because it is what I grew up believing. On a similar note, to think that when I die, I will be buried and cease to exist doesn't seem unusual to me either. This is what I grew up with. I don't believe that anyone will ever cease to exist, but it doesn't seem like some crazy idea to me. It is what I grew up with. I suppose it would be similar to what it might be like to be a Hindu, Muslim, or Morman who begins to follow Christ. There are certain beliefs that change over time, but those beliefs of upbringing don't seem out-of-the-ordinary.
However, I am now a follower of Christ and I believe in the reliability of the scriptures. They are without error. I've reviewed evolution as a lay person and found that there are competent scientists on both sides of the argument. Not just Christian, it should be noted. There is a growing and more general "Intelligent Design" viewpoint in science that is getting harder and harder to ignore. For example, Hugh Ross, who happens to be a Christian, argues that evolution is highly problematic due to the fact that the four amino acids which make up genes and chromosomes don't like to hang around in the same temperature. An evolutionary theory of our existence would mean that amino acids would have resided very far away from each other in completely different weather environments. For them to casually come together is problematic. All this to say, I don't currently believe in evolution, even though entertaining the possibility doesn't seem strange to me.
The main problem I had for years was dealing with the fact that the universe "looks" old. It looks like it is 14.5 billion years old. Astronomers, who happen to be Christians, have a much harder time dealing with this issue than evolution. We've never seen a new species appear out of nowhere in support of evolution. However, we do see that the universe looks like it is 14.5 billion years old. Due to this problem, I've long supported the ideas of Hugh Ross, who is an astronomer and a Christian. He obtained his Phd. from University of Toronto. His theory is that each day mentioned in the Genesis account of creation represents a "time" or "age". Day one would represent 10 billion years. The next couple days would represent 4 billion years, and so forth. Reading the text, it doesn't seem all that far fetched. I am familiar with those who adhere to a literal "6 day creation" who believe the earth and the universe is about 6,500 years old. The scientific arguments they set forth aren't all that convincing, even though I think they treat the scripture really well.
Recently, however, I heard a position which is new to me and I'm really intrigued by it. I don't even know what "position" to call it. The man I heard this from is a Phd. or Thd. candidate in something at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. This man is a literal "six" day creationist. This means he believes God created the universe and the earth somewhere around 10,000 to 20,000 years ago and that he did it in six days. He says the text says it was six days and that to honor God through a literal interpretation of the Bible that we should believe exacly what is written. But, here is what I found very interesting. He pointed out something I had never considered before. He said, "When God created Adam, how old was he?" Our small audience didn't answer. Our speaker went on to say, "Adam was one day old on his second day of existence. BUT, he was 20 or 30 or 18 or 45 years old or something like that. He wasn't an infant. So, he was created 'with age'. On his first day of existence, he might have been 25 years old, according to his physical body." I went up to the speaker after the speaking engagement and asked, "So, is what you are saying, is that similar to Adam being created 'with age' that the universe could have been created in just six literal days, but 'with age'?" He said, "Yes, this is exactly what I'm saying."
Wow. What an idea. I have no idea whether it is right or not, but I've never heard this position before. This is proposing the idea that the universe was created in six days, but with 14.5 billion years of age, just like Adam was created instantly and was already an adult. I need to look at the text more, but it sure seems to be challenging my interpretation of Genesis over the years. I stated above that I've followed Hugh Ross' version of the old universe/no evolution hypothesis. This idea I heard about the other night feels like a fresh perspective that is also respectful of a literal interpretation of the scriptures. I write this entry to raise this question and ask you what you have to think about the matter. I'd really appreciate those of you who have theological training or scientific training to respond and let me know your thoughts. If you know someone who has theological or scientific training who can respond, please point them towards this entry.
My final thoughts, however, are these: The beauty of God and His creation cannot be surpassed. His majesty and His glory are found everywhere. His love shines even in the most difficult of circumstances and there is always a plan behind everything He is doing. I don't know how old the universe is, but I do know one thing. God created this vast expanse of stars and galaxies. Yet, He's right here with me now as I type this entry. He is holy, majestic, big, huge, and beyond compare. Yet, He's right here with you as you're reading. So majestic, yet so loving. This is the kind of God I want to be connected to.
However, I am now a follower of Christ and I believe in the reliability of the scriptures. They are without error. I've reviewed evolution as a lay person and found that there are competent scientists on both sides of the argument. Not just Christian, it should be noted. There is a growing and more general "Intelligent Design" viewpoint in science that is getting harder and harder to ignore. For example, Hugh Ross, who happens to be a Christian, argues that evolution is highly problematic due to the fact that the four amino acids which make up genes and chromosomes don't like to hang around in the same temperature. An evolutionary theory of our existence would mean that amino acids would have resided very far away from each other in completely different weather environments. For them to casually come together is problematic. All this to say, I don't currently believe in evolution, even though entertaining the possibility doesn't seem strange to me.
The main problem I had for years was dealing with the fact that the universe "looks" old. It looks like it is 14.5 billion years old. Astronomers, who happen to be Christians, have a much harder time dealing with this issue than evolution. We've never seen a new species appear out of nowhere in support of evolution. However, we do see that the universe looks like it is 14.5 billion years old. Due to this problem, I've long supported the ideas of Hugh Ross, who is an astronomer and a Christian. He obtained his Phd. from University of Toronto. His theory is that each day mentioned in the Genesis account of creation represents a "time" or "age". Day one would represent 10 billion years. The next couple days would represent 4 billion years, and so forth. Reading the text, it doesn't seem all that far fetched. I am familiar with those who adhere to a literal "6 day creation" who believe the earth and the universe is about 6,500 years old. The scientific arguments they set forth aren't all that convincing, even though I think they treat the scripture really well.
Recently, however, I heard a position which is new to me and I'm really intrigued by it. I don't even know what "position" to call it. The man I heard this from is a Phd. or Thd. candidate in something at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. This man is a literal "six" day creationist. This means he believes God created the universe and the earth somewhere around 10,000 to 20,000 years ago and that he did it in six days. He says the text says it was six days and that to honor God through a literal interpretation of the Bible that we should believe exacly what is written. But, here is what I found very interesting. He pointed out something I had never considered before. He said, "When God created Adam, how old was he?" Our small audience didn't answer. Our speaker went on to say, "Adam was one day old on his second day of existence. BUT, he was 20 or 30 or 18 or 45 years old or something like that. He wasn't an infant. So, he was created 'with age'. On his first day of existence, he might have been 25 years old, according to his physical body." I went up to the speaker after the speaking engagement and asked, "So, is what you are saying, is that similar to Adam being created 'with age' that the universe could have been created in just six literal days, but 'with age'?" He said, "Yes, this is exactly what I'm saying."
Wow. What an idea. I have no idea whether it is right or not, but I've never heard this position before. This is proposing the idea that the universe was created in six days, but with 14.5 billion years of age, just like Adam was created instantly and was already an adult. I need to look at the text more, but it sure seems to be challenging my interpretation of Genesis over the years. I stated above that I've followed Hugh Ross' version of the old universe/no evolution hypothesis. This idea I heard about the other night feels like a fresh perspective that is also respectful of a literal interpretation of the scriptures. I write this entry to raise this question and ask you what you have to think about the matter. I'd really appreciate those of you who have theological training or scientific training to respond and let me know your thoughts. If you know someone who has theological or scientific training who can respond, please point them towards this entry.
My final thoughts, however, are these: The beauty of God and His creation cannot be surpassed. His majesty and His glory are found everywhere. His love shines even in the most difficult of circumstances and there is always a plan behind everything He is doing. I don't know how old the universe is, but I do know one thing. God created this vast expanse of stars and galaxies. Yet, He's right here with me now as I type this entry. He is holy, majestic, big, huge, and beyond compare. Yet, He's right here with you as you're reading. So majestic, yet so loving. This is the kind of God I want to be connected to.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Moses and God's Helpers
On a certain occasion, Moses and the Israelites fought the Amalekites in battle. When Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning. If his hands dropped down, then the Amalekites would start to win. Eventually, Moses grew tired. His hands began to drop. Aaron and Hur came to his side and held up his arms until sunset. The Israelites continued to fight and ultimately beat the Amalekites.
Do you ever feel too tired to win a battle in your own life? A troubling marriage. A project at work that seems too difficult. An addiction. A death in the family. God often provides us with friends who can help, just as Aaron and Hur helped Moses. A listener. A sounding board. A prayer partner. A counselor. Maybe one who can "tell it to us straight".
Often, we try to figure things out on our own. We rationalize this by telling ourselves that we trust God instead of men and women. In reality, we reject the very ones God has sent to help us. Moses and the Israelites couldn't have beaten the Amalekites without the help of Aaron and Hur. Let's remember that God sends us helpers to fight the battles we can't win on our own.
Do you ever feel too tired to win a battle in your own life? A troubling marriage. A project at work that seems too difficult. An addiction. A death in the family. God often provides us with friends who can help, just as Aaron and Hur helped Moses. A listener. A sounding board. A prayer partner. A counselor. Maybe one who can "tell it to us straight".
Often, we try to figure things out on our own. We rationalize this by telling ourselves that we trust God instead of men and women. In reality, we reject the very ones God has sent to help us. Moses and the Israelites couldn't have beaten the Amalekites without the help of Aaron and Hur. Let's remember that God sends us helpers to fight the battles we can't win on our own.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Movie Tickets
A man received two free movie tickets as gratuity for his volunteer service to an organization. He rarely watched movies and had no need for the tickets. One day, during lunch, he gave the tickets to a friend. The man and his friend were both happy over this small blessing. His friend had little need to be polite and try to turn down the gift, because the movie ticket never belonged to the giver in the first place. Let's give and receive everything in this life as though they never belonged to us in the first place. Then we can give and receive with joy.
The Cupbearer and God's Love
For various reasons, Joseph (one of the major characters found in the early history of God's people) was thrown into prison by the Egyptian official he worked for. While in prison, Joseph happened to meet the chief cupbearer of Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. Joseph interpreted a dream for the cupbearer correctly and determined that the cupbearer would be released from jail in three days to once again work by Pharaoh's side. Joseph told the cupbearer to remember him and tell Pharaoh about him so that he could be released from prison, for he had been falsely accused. Then get this. The cupbearer forgot to tell Pharaoh about Joseph, in order to have him released. Pretty frustrating, huh?
The reality is that this is another instance of God's love. God could have given the cupbearer another dream to remind him to tell Pharaoh about Joseph. But, God didn't do this. God leaves Joseph in prison. However, down the road, it is Pharaoh who has two dreams that deeply bother him. When the cupbearer hears about this, he tells Pharaoh about this guy he met in prison who could interpret dreams correctly. Pharaoh calls for Joseph to come to him. To make a long story short, Joseph interprets the dreams correctly, Pharaoh puts him in charge of all of Egypt, and Joseph saves the entire land and his family from dying during a seven year famine.
Now, what if the cupbearer had remembered Joseph's request to tell Pharaoh about him the first time? I am only speculating, but it seems to me that he might have merely released Joseph and Joseph would have returned home. Who knows what might have happened. But, is it possible that God delayed his release so that Pharaoh himself would call upon him? Is it possible that God was sacrificing Joseph out of his compassion for Joseph's family and the whole land of Israel?
Here's what Joseph himself had to say to his brothers (who originally sold him into slavery) about the matter. "And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you." The cupbearer forgot and left Joseph in prison for a longer period of time. On God's part and even to Joseph's understanding, this was His loving action.
The reality is that this is another instance of God's love. God could have given the cupbearer another dream to remind him to tell Pharaoh about Joseph. But, God didn't do this. God leaves Joseph in prison. However, down the road, it is Pharaoh who has two dreams that deeply bother him. When the cupbearer hears about this, he tells Pharaoh about this guy he met in prison who could interpret dreams correctly. Pharaoh calls for Joseph to come to him. To make a long story short, Joseph interprets the dreams correctly, Pharaoh puts him in charge of all of Egypt, and Joseph saves the entire land and his family from dying during a seven year famine.
Now, what if the cupbearer had remembered Joseph's request to tell Pharaoh about him the first time? I am only speculating, but it seems to me that he might have merely released Joseph and Joseph would have returned home. Who knows what might have happened. But, is it possible that God delayed his release so that Pharaoh himself would call upon him? Is it possible that God was sacrificing Joseph out of his compassion for Joseph's family and the whole land of Israel?
Here's what Joseph himself had to say to his brothers (who originally sold him into slavery) about the matter. "And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you." The cupbearer forgot and left Joseph in prison for a longer period of time. On God's part and even to Joseph's understanding, this was His loving action.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Wisdom and Football
Wisdom is like a football. I carry it, but I never stitched it together. I run with it, but someone else passed it to me. I score a touchdown, but someone else orchestrated the play. It’s most valuable when I hand it off to another player. It doesn't belong to me. It never came from me. And in the future, the game will go on without me.
Wisdom is like a football. It works best when we receive it and pass it along. Everyone carries a little bit of wisdom. A lesson learned. A grief observed. A parable received. An addiction being dealt with. The humility of wisdom is that it never belonged to us in the first place. We simply pass it along.
Wisdom is like a football. It works best when we receive it and pass it along. Everyone carries a little bit of wisdom. A lesson learned. A grief observed. A parable received. An addiction being dealt with. The humility of wisdom is that it never belonged to us in the first place. We simply pass it along.
Monday, March 10, 2008
The Tower of Babel and God's Love
Most people believe the Tower of Babel, found in Genesis 11, is an account of God's judgement. This couldn't be farther from the truth. The Tower of Babel is a story of God's love. In the account, God sees that human beings are trying to build a tower to the heavens. "So we might make a name for ourselves." Humanity said at the time. God said, "If we do not stop them, then they will be able to do anything." God comes down and confuses their languages. From there at the Tower of Babel, God scattered us across the globe. Things became difficult. No longer was it easy to accomplish our own goals. New cultures arose. New conflict arose.
Am I making my case yet? Do you see God's love? Probably not. At this point, I'm probably loosing my argument. But wait a minute. Check out my previous blog on "Bicycles and God's Love." What did we see? What we saw was a father and daughter working on a project together. They spent time together. The human father in the story had to let go of his own agenda in order to accomplish the task of building the bicycle with his daughter. They spent time together. They got to know each other more through working on that task together, painstaking and slow it might have been.
So, let's look back at the Tower of Babel. What did God do here? He threw a wrench in the whole thing. We were moving along just fine with one language. We were building buildings and could have accomplished anything we set our minds to. But, God came down and confused our languages and all of the sudden things aren't easy. Different languages. Different cultures. Now what do we do? Just like the father and the daughter building a bicycle together, we have to learn how to work together with different languages and different cultures. It isn't pretty. It isn't efficient. But, for those who are willing to spend a lot of time with people from other cultures, learning how to work with each other, there is a far greater reward than getting things done. We have the opportunity to get things done together. We have to spend time learning each other's languages and cultures. There is conflict, but conflict is what drives us into deeper relationships, if we'll take the time to help each other to a deeper understanding.
So, what was God's ultimate purpose in confusing our languages at the Tower of Babel? In a weird sort of upside down way, it was to bring us into relationships that would require us to spend more and more time together. Then, when we build things together, we can say, "Look, God helped us put this wonderful bicycle together and we really love Him and each other so much more than before."
Am I making my case yet? Do you see God's love? Probably not. At this point, I'm probably loosing my argument. But wait a minute. Check out my previous blog on "Bicycles and God's Love." What did we see? What we saw was a father and daughter working on a project together. They spent time together. The human father in the story had to let go of his own agenda in order to accomplish the task of building the bicycle with his daughter. They spent time together. They got to know each other more through working on that task together, painstaking and slow it might have been.
So, let's look back at the Tower of Babel. What did God do here? He threw a wrench in the whole thing. We were moving along just fine with one language. We were building buildings and could have accomplished anything we set our minds to. But, God came down and confused our languages and all of the sudden things aren't easy. Different languages. Different cultures. Now what do we do? Just like the father and the daughter building a bicycle together, we have to learn how to work together with different languages and different cultures. It isn't pretty. It isn't efficient. But, for those who are willing to spend a lot of time with people from other cultures, learning how to work with each other, there is a far greater reward than getting things done. We have the opportunity to get things done together. We have to spend time learning each other's languages and cultures. There is conflict, but conflict is what drives us into deeper relationships, if we'll take the time to help each other to a deeper understanding.
So, what was God's ultimate purpose in confusing our languages at the Tower of Babel? In a weird sort of upside down way, it was to bring us into relationships that would require us to spend more and more time together. Then, when we build things together, we can say, "Look, God helped us put this wonderful bicycle together and we really love Him and each other so much more than before."
Bicycles and the Love of God
A couple friends of mine shared a story they heard from a pastor. The pastor told them this. One day, he and his younger daughter set out to assemble her new bicycle. At first, the pastor was dedicated to the task. Get it done. Get it done efficiently. It would have been much easier to put it together by himself. At a certain point, he realized that putting the bicycle together wasn’t the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal was to spend time with his daughter.
After finishing the bicycle, his daughter rode off, circled the neighborhood, and announced that she and her father had assembled her brand new bicycle! Can you picture it? Can you see the joy and the admiration? In this real life parable, we are the young child and God is the father. He could do everything without us. Instead, He enjoys spending countless hours with us, putting bicycles together.
After finishing the bicycle, his daughter rode off, circled the neighborhood, and announced that she and her father had assembled her brand new bicycle! Can you picture it? Can you see the joy and the admiration? In this real life parable, we are the young child and God is the father. He could do everything without us. Instead, He enjoys spending countless hours with us, putting bicycles together.
Adam and Eve
Adam and Eve's first response after the shock of disobeying God was to disconnect, run, and hide in shame. God's first response was to seek them out, put warm clothes on them, and get them out of the Garden, saving them from an eternity of sin--literally Hell on Earth. Likewise, a child's first response following disobedience is often to disconnect, run, and hide in shame. Many children even go through a phase of lying. Daddy sees the child take a cookie without asking. The child denies he took the cookie. After a little finagling, Daddy pulls the cookie from his son's pocket. This example is similar to Adam and Eve's responses to God when he confronted them about taking the fruit. Eve says, "The Serpent made me do it." Adam says, "This woman you put here gave it to me." Everyone's pointing fingers. Eve at the Serpent... Adam at Eve...
Do you ever feel like you're running from God, trying to hide? Feeling shameful? Or, maybe it is a little more sophisticated, like Adam and Eve who started pointing fingers? I have one thing to say to you: You don't have to hide or lie anymore. God loves you for no reason at all, simply because He wants to. Romans 5:8 says that, "God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." No need to run, hide, or lie. Most often we do these things because of our own self-condemnation.
God, however, is not constrained by our self-condemnation. In 1st John 3:20 it says, "For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything." Why does God love you? Simply because He wants to. And where did this love take Him? To the cross. Believe this and eternal life starts today!
Do you ever feel like you're running from God, trying to hide? Feeling shameful? Or, maybe it is a little more sophisticated, like Adam and Eve who started pointing fingers? I have one thing to say to you: You don't have to hide or lie anymore. God loves you for no reason at all, simply because He wants to. Romans 5:8 says that, "God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." No need to run, hide, or lie. Most often we do these things because of our own self-condemnation.
God, however, is not constrained by our self-condemnation. In 1st John 3:20 it says, "For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything." Why does God love you? Simply because He wants to. And where did this love take Him? To the cross. Believe this and eternal life starts today!
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