While I have not “come out of the closet” with my own response. I thought Pastor Eric Redmond’s recent article in the Baptist Press was worth reading. Here is a link to his blog. Let me know your thoughts.
Judgement of Success
Star Athletes, Great Dancers, Astute and Successful Business people, Successful parents, and the like all have very similar habits and characteristics. Simply put, success principles and the road to success is always charted on the same map. This is not to say that success is the same for everyone. Success is relative, meaning it is measured subjectively depending upon one’s own definition. At least this is true for worldly measures of success.
Success is Christ, on the other hand, is not relative. It is an objective truth measured only by the act of One, not the continued process of the act’s beneficiaries – the believers. Success in Christ is salvation through Christ. That being said, I believe there are, however, measures of success that we as believers strive for in Christ. That success is measured in an evaluation of our relationship with Christ. The problem here is that again we make the measure of success subjective,often times evaluating this relationship on the basis of feelings and other experiential dimensions.
If we could entertain this subjective evaluation for just a minute, the question may be how do “achieve” greater levels of success in Christ — as an objectivist and absolutist as it pertains to the Word of God and Christ this is a leap for me but I do ask that you walk with me on this a little while longer being confident that I do not intend any heretical rhetoric just a thought.
Well, like the people I mentioned above that have and operate under the same success principles, a believer that desires to walk pleasing (successful) to the Lord must also have and follow specific principles. The athlete, dancer, businessperson, stay at home mom, working fathers and mothers, etc. all have some type of catalyst that pushes them to continue to get and do better. Let me offer this: in the NBA you have generally three types of players, mediocre, good, and stars. What separates them? Some may say stars are more gifted athletically. I would not completely agree with that assessment. I would submit that a star/hall of fame player has a different work ethic. They are the one’s that look for others that can challenge them to their limits knowing that this will help them achieve greater levels of success.
In like manner believers that desire to know Christ in a more intimate way (that is the believer’s measurement of success – or should be in my humbled opinion) should have or seek to have around them people who cause them to aggressively seek God. Too often, we align ourselves with people we can dominate. When we align ourselves with these type of people we are never challenged to grow beyond our present state.
My sons and I love video games. We play them together and on our own. One of the things I ask my sons when I watch them dominate the computer in the game they are playing is “what level are you playing on”, “EASY” is often the response I get. ”Why”, I ask. ”Because I just like to win.” Many people live there lives in this mediocre mindset. One must consider that all of the NBA player types that I mentioned have experienced winning. The truth of the matter is that in life it is not how many times you win that makes you successful, it is when you win and on what level you win.
Those that are “Mediocre” and “Good” can dominate their circles of friends. They will typically only keep around those that “look-up” to them. Great leaders lead leaders. They operate under the wisdom principle found in Proverbs 27:17 (a favorite of many men’s fellowships), understanding that only iron can sharpen iron.
Becoming one that seeks the Lord in this fashion with others of the same mind you will find that you will lose many friends and often the covering of some family members. You may have to endure being considered “holier than thou” and “judgmental”– these are often unwarranted charges from unbelievers and un-submitted believers. You may be called “fake” and all sorts of other things – again coming from the same camps of people . Remember first that we should not hold strife against those that oppose our path — for the Lord requires us to forgive. We also should encourage, however we can, all believers to continue to seek the Lord and pray for the salvation of the lost.
Becoming one who seeks the Lord in this fashion will also heighten your thirst for our Lord. Life is the catalyst that operates as the salted oats which causes our spiritual dehydration and adversely our longing to reach the oasis of fallen humanity’s Protagonist — the chief cornerstone of our faith.
It is not how many spiritual experiences (“wins”) we have that makes us successful in Christ, it is what we believe about Him and how we show what we believe in our submission and the manner in which we seek Him that shows our success in Christ – if of course we could actually measure/judge our success in Christ ). And this is my Judgement of success.
Indecent Proposal
Well, we are quickly arriving upon the greatest show on earth. Yes, I am referring to the circus that takes place every four years as the forces of frivolity wage war, a staged reenactment of sorts, but none the less war, against their cross party opponents. Yes, the circus is coming and what an exciting time this is!
It is always exciting to witness the race, aka rehearsal, prior to the center ring show. That is, which two proponents — excuse me I meant opponents — will face off. It is almost like watching a WWE storyline develop over the course of the year until the two greats face off at WrestleMania. Election Day, where the MILLIONS [ "and the MILLIONS " ] of the Political Process’ fans chant for the candidate in the red corner or the candidate in the blue corner.
No doubt that during this time amidst the bombardment of “persuasive” ad campaigns and the tattle tale-ing we will hear a few proposals from our candidates. In fact we have already heard much of what we will hear over the next several months already. And within all of the rhetoric there is and remains the question of faith of the candidate.
For our current Commander in Chief a firestorm of accusation coming from the “conservative right” demands he is not a man of faith. In reality they are referring to the Christian faith. Interestingly enough the man that they are apparently choosing to be the spokesman for their cause is also not of the Christian faith — he being a “progressive conservative”.
These are just thoughts, now on to the reason I am writing today.
When we say that we are of a particular faith then our actions should show that what we say is who we are. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. For many saying the right thing is more important than doing the right thing. This dog and pony (or rather elephant and donkey) show is no more evident than in the political arena.
Though there was a time in our country when politics was driven by religion ( not Christianity but a civil look alike) that time has long passed. We are in a country, and have been for some time now, where you are condemned for the very hope you have; that is if you believe in Jesus Christ. I am referring to the Jesus in the Bible not the propagandized Jesus made in the minds of men and stamped by the inspecting culture for genuine authenticity.
Let me not leave my statement regarding the words and actions of people. On the campaign trail there are many proposals and promises that are made. I do find it a compelling reality that now the majority of candidate believers do not hold that person to the words, promises or proposals, that are made during their rise to the White House. In fact many people will make excuses for the candidates/presiding ruler on their own. It is a blame game. I admit that even I fall into this category of people, however different my reasons may be, being a labelled conspiracy theorist and all.
Several Presidential and other Political office candidates have claimed the Christian banner yet the civil policies and agendas that they support, ascribe to, and write into law are so far from Scripture that a true believer would have to at minimum question the genuine-ness of the said persons faith in Jesus. Again, I am referring to the Jesus in the Bible not the propagandized Jesus made in the minds of men and stamped by the inspecting culture for genuine authenticity.
We live in a generation that has decided what its truth is; a generation that has made truth a subjective reality and not an absolute eternality. We live in a generation where the avoidance of offense is more important than the offense that produces growth (we can actually be imprisoned for offending someone); a generation that chastises segregation but promotes diversification — the prior being enforced by government the latter being encouraged by government (local or federal).
What do we make of these promises and proposals of our “elected” leaders? Anything? Here is a different question, can politics and Christianity co-exists. Though I am sure there are many that would respond in the affirmative I personally am not convinced or swayed to think so.
Here is a proposal: I propose that a candidate means what they say backing up their speech with identical action. I propose that we move our democratic process under the governance of a theocratic system. That would mean that before writing something into law/policy it must first meet the approval of the objective truth as opposed to the moving target of subjectivity that it now satisfies. I further propose that the 1st Amendment be upheld for the Politically Correct and those of us the are Politically Incorrect. I propose that our country’s leaders openly define in which god we trust. I propose that marriage stands juxtaposed to civil unions…
I propose these and could propose several more biblically derived things which I am persuaded would all be deemed as an Indecent Proposal.
“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” -Joshua 24:14-15
The Cup of Compromise Pt.2
In my previous post I began to look at the difference in the types of compromise. Here I will suggest at least one of the veins of compromise that leads to the devolution of what is seen in the body of Christ today. I would like to encourage the reader that has not read that post to do so at their convenience.
If a person was to trace the progression of modernistic thought they would gain some interesting insight on the agenda of intellectuals. Regardless of era, from premodern thought through postmodern thought and into the present, these philosophical approaches used to define humanity, our purpose, vitality, mortality, etc., are reflected in the foundations of a “progressing” community.
Without delving in too deeply here, and staying with the focus of compromise, it should be understood that modernistic thought has bullied its way into the Church, severely damaging how many approach the Scriptures. This has ultimately caused the malnourishment of the body of Christ as a whole. And what we see today is an anorexic church body — at least here in America but I would venture to say that its affects are reaching out globally at this point. This is an affect of indulging in the cup of compromise.
One of the many roots of this adherence to compromise (that is, giving in to the pressures of culture) is relative thought. Relative thought (or relativism) is the absence of absolute truth. In other words, what is true for you may or may not be true for me. This is not true (lol).
Modernists have submitted to the buffoons (of which I am one) that there is no absolute truth. My response to that is it’s a good thing I am not a thinker! If I was I might consider that statement to be oxymoronic since it couldn’t be true by its very nature (1 Cor. 2:6-8; 1 Cor. 2:13-16).
This idea of relative thought (Relative Truth) has crept into the Church and is a cause for the continued consumption of compromise by many professing Christians. Paraphrasing one theologian ‘intellectuals speak in profound ignorance against the things of God’. How this statement translates and finds application in the Church can be found in the very word we allow to invade our lives (A few passages to meditate on).
False teachings are the result of a compromised gospel. A compromised gospel is not the gospel which leads to salvation. The intellectual guise of relative thought, under which false gospels are often preached, and which many churches have adopted (knowingly and unknowingly in some cases), produces unbiblical faith; that is, it produces a type of pseudo-faith that is not commanded by the one true and sovereign Lord.
Relative thought and the removal of truth have several crippling effects. In his book “Postmodern Times” author Gene Edward Veith says this in correlation with the jettisoning of truth, “… The intellect is replaced by the will. Reason is replaced by emotion. Morality is replaced by relativism. Reality itself becomes a social construct.”
While I do not intend to go into the depths of what social construction is and how it works here I will mention that it is the idea that within the secularization of our communities (African-American, Hispanic, White, etc.) what we think and how we think is our reality and that reality is the “real” truth.
What is sadly becoming the norm is that within the community of professing believers there resides this very type of thinking — an how one thinks effects how they will approach, discern and communicate the Scriptures. This is relative thought.
The thought that we can and should do what is comfortable to us and that that comfort will be ok with the Lord regardless of what is written is an infectious lie. The thought communicated is, “After all… your interpretation is not my interpretation” or ”What feels right for you must be right.” I insert here an emphatic ABSOLUTELY NOT! This is relative thought. This is the cup of compromise…
The Cup of Compromise
I do not doubt (maybe to much of an assumption but I’ll go with it) that most people would agree that there is a difference between coming to a compromise and making a compromise. Although in the today’s culture it appears that the two contexts are used or heard synonymously.
The former context suggest that parties of some sort have come to a type of settlement after subjecting themselves to mutual concessions. In other words, the two sides of an agreement have given and taken in order to come to an agreement that would benefit the two.
The latter context is a concession of character, integrity, or some other vital attribute that defines a person, persons or an organization. It is a given over or given in to something or someone to the demise of the one compromising.
Recently, in my garden time with the Lord, He has had me in three main places. They are: Leviticus, The Prophets, and 2 Timothy. In Leviticus there is the description of the Law the sacrifices and the actionable items of the priests of God. In the Prophets there are the several oracles of coming judgment to the people of God, the surrounding nations as well as globally. Lastly in 2 Timothy there is the overarching themes of loyalty to sound doctrine, the surety of suffering for the gospel, and remaining submitted to the will of God in light of the suffering.
Leviticus, with all of its laws, offering types and requirements, descriptions of acceptable worship and the necessity of being ‘clean’ before the Lord (to name just of few of its contents) express to its readers the proper way to approach a Holy God. It is God’s directions on how to approach Him. Which would indicate there is a right and acceptable way and a wrong and unacceptable way (Lev. 10:1-3). There was no room for compromise (in either of the contexts I have written).
As I stated above the Prophets spoke about the coming judgement on the people of God (as well as others). This judgement was due to their compromise of the Laws of God. What seems to be a very central point is that Israel and Judah compromised who God called them to be and drank the cup of compromise based on the culture of their time. They served the gods of that culture as so many professing believers do today.
In 2 Timothy Paul reminds Timothy that the one that keeps guard of sound doctrine does not need to be ashamed of that testimony since it comes from the One who enlisted him in the army, Christ Jesus. The masses of followers follow a Jesus dressed in the chaos of this cultural’s “progression”. Several branches are spiritually cross-dressing and passing off the gender specificity in earthly life an leadership ordained by God as an archaic and unintelligible approach to the Living Word.
The Cup of Compromise is not being sipped on my the people of God, but they (the people of God) have become the greatest of bootleggers in the distribution of this purple concoction. We see it in how we mimic the world. In mimicking we are indeed imitating. I for some reason remember reading that we are to imitate Christ not the world.
For example, so many of our beloved “gospel” artist have no more of the gospel in their music than any of their secular counterparts. Here is a thought: if you want to do secular music do that, if not don’t dress Jesus in culture for the sake of airplay. For many people these “inspirational” play lists are “blessings”. Hey I like some of the songs too; however, it is not gospel. Let me state it this way: Inspiration does not have in it the words of life leading to salvation; ONLY the Gospel has that. They may help us get through, but getting through is one thing, Victory is altogether different!
I am sure there will be some that read this and consider that I am critical and will probably begin quoting Matt. 7 (one of the compromise drinkers favorite passages), however, I will give a warning for those that operate in the sphere of non-criticalness (I may have just made a new word). But let me first state this, if I am critical (and I believe I am), my criticisms are saturated in the compassion of scripture.
Now, a world without criticism (especially criticism as given in the word of God) is a world without Light. We often see God in His grace and mercy without receiving that He is also just, righteous and Holy. We often miss scriptures of chastening and reprimand, or disregard them, exchanging them for only the grace and love verses (which mind you are just as true and valid). Remember this: No divinely inspired scripture outweighs, trumps, or in any way disregards any other inspired scripture. That means it all works together.
Yes God is a God of love but His perfect love is accomplished because He is Holy. In other words, He perfectly loves because He is first in essence Holy. – I will have to go a bit deeper into this in another post –
We are called to holiness as God deems holiness not as defined by man. We can not afford to be ignorant of proper understanding of His word. We must be careful of the one that says, “God says” and “I am being led by the Holy Spirit” when the words that they are saying are no where confirmed in the Word of God…
The Prosperous and the Pressed
In the churches today we have a slew of clichés to get us through any number of situations. Many of them have now become “scripture”, a prescription for any number of situations. We hear so often that God wants to bless His people. We hear, or at least it is insinuated, that your blessing is waiting on your faith. This is especially interesting considering that there is a measure of faith that have been divinely assigned (Rom. 12:3) with specific function for the edification of the whole. Does everyone have this? I do not intend to expound on this right now.
Another spiritualization that has overtaken the Church is the idea of anointing. We hear about how preachers and worship leaders all over are declared to be heavily anointed. We have gone to the point where the anointing of God is measurable by the response of the people. In other words, a “truly” anointed person of God can be spotted by the size of the human response to the message spoken, sung, etc.
I am not speaking against the truth that the people of God are anointed. Scripture already speaks this truth (1 John 2:18-27). However, I do find it interested that several of those that consider themselves believers are still searching for an ‘anointing’ as if it is something we can attain.
When prosperity (tangible measurements – aka “blessings”) is at the center of the messages coming from pulpits all across the land we remain in a weakened state as the body of Christ. When items like cloths, water, and oil are declared by the priests of God to have divine power then they, like the bronze serpent, become idols of worship.
Consider this: What if we were measuring the anointing incorrectly? What if the anointing of God was not measured by God’s people in how much you gain but by how much you gave? In fact I believe this to be true. So many people are looking for the blessing of God instead of becoming the blessing of God. Jesus was “the most” anointed man (that is, human) to ever live. Let’s consider Him.
Before being taken before the priests and leaders of God and the government for public ridicule and execution, Jesus was found in an olive grove garden name Gethsamane, which means “oil-press”.
It was olive oil that was used to anoint the priests of God (Aaron and his sons). Not just any olive oil though, the best olive oil. The best olive oil in biblical times was made from beaten olives. This type was produced by placing olives that had been crushed in baskets and letting the oil drip through. Crushed and Beaten olives produced the anointing oil! The Anointed One of God was beaten that the many might be anointed.
I am sure that many find there blessings and their rest in what God provides materially. Truly you are blessed. For those that are being beaten and crushed by the enemy, sometimes even being handed over by the very people that claim to be of the same fellowship, I submit to you the following: The lamps in the temple required oil that had been beaten.
Many of God’s people will continue to ask, speak and plead the blood of Christ for the oil of the anointing of God to fall into and cover their lives. But I wonder how many of God’s people will ask, speak and pray with the same fervent urgency to become the very oil that anoints His people.
The Glory of Darkness
When we hear the word darkness several things may come to mind. We may simply think about a time after the sun sets. We may think of the state of an area when there are no lights on; we may even think about the blackness of the sea far from the shorelines, or religiously, a place away from God. Whatever it is, we typically do not think of darkness and God being in the same place. And we certainly would not consider using glory to adjectivally describe darkness.
Let’s consider three passages of scripture. Genesis 1:2-5; Exodus 10:21-22; Exodus 20:18-21.
Now my disclaimer here is that I am not going to go very deep into these passages. Suffice it to say that just in Genesis 1:2-5 we could spend a lifetime discussing the etymologies of significant words in the passage. That is not my goal here. Rather to submit a kind of perspective topically exegetical as we approach these very different scenarios in these inspired and historical texts.
Darkness as we find in Genesis has been argued to be a “state of being” that the earth was in; chaos. This description adding to what was previously written, “formless and void”. However, as we read further in the passage it appear that darkness is portrayed more as an entity type. We see that darkness was over the deep as the Spirit of God hovered over the waters. Whether it is merely a state of being or an entity we can at least say that it was significant somehow in the earth being uninhabitable and it was good for God to separate it from Light.
Again without going to deep here we should observe that as God gave both Light and darkness names (Day and Night – interesting that the names are capitalized as we would any proper names — ie our own names) and that they were not the same as the understanding of “evening and morning” which constituted a day in chronological measurement.
I happen to hold that darkness is at minimum an attribute of the state the earth was in (again there is more to this thought not expounded in this blog in submission to my earlier disclaimer), therefore, for the purposes here I will just point out that darkness can be a state in which we may live. This may be based on our environment, our culture, and whom we are connected to. When we are in a state of confusion about something we could argue that we are in darkness about it. When we are in rebellion we are in a state of darkness. Could it be that the earth was in a state of rebellion, in need of a holy God to intervene and bring Light with its salvific attribute — the ability to redeem.?
Let’s move on to the next. In Exodus 10:21-22 we find God bringing the ninth plague on to Egypt. We find that the Bible records this type of darkness could be felt! When God separates Himself from people I believe that this is a type of darkness that can be felt. If it can be felt then darkness is sometimes a presence. It is not my intent to go into a dissertation on demonology, however, demonic presence is a manifestation of the existence of darkness’ presence.
This type of presence may cause anxieties, unsurety, insecurities, and just plain fear. This is what many, those who do not have the assurance of Christ, feel when things like global economic disposition shakes the core of the country, or when they watch the news and it tells and shows the very presence of darkness in the communities in which they live. Separation from God is a darkness you can feel and those that die in the pride of theirs sins experience this feeling for an eternity.
Lastly we find and interested twist in what appeared to be a pattern previously. There in Exodus 20:18-21 (specifically v.21) we find that the darkness is where God is. What may be surprising is that if we did a quick search on the word darkness at a website like biblegateway.com we would see that darkness and the presence of God are spoken of several times together throughout the word of God.
This may seem peculiar. Why would God be in the darkness? Interesting to me is that in this passage the people specifically said that they did not want God to speak to them; They would rather have Moses speak, like a mediator.
Speaking to God was too fearful for them. Being in God’s presence was too fearful. God being present was too fearful for them. This made me wonder about how many of God’s people today refuse to get into the Holy Writ for fear of “knowing”.
Therein lies, I believe, the answer (or at least a viable perspective). It is the “knowing” that sometimes is fearful. Ignorance is bliss? Could it be that we must enter into the darkness of God to find the things of God? What is this darkness?
I believe that in this passage we find that the darkness “where God is” is the very mystery of God. It is when we go into the glory of the darkness that we find the things of God that only the Spirit of God can reveal. Paul several times refers to the mysteries of God being revealed. It is in the glory of darkness that God reveals more of Himself through His word.
Many times we do not desire to know the mystery of God and therefore we fear the “knowing” and would rather have the prophet of God tell us from Sunday to Sunday what God said while we go building for ourselves idols of metal, brick, and paper. But Oh! to be in the glory of darkness where we spend time with our first Love, drawing from Him the oil that lights our lamps, and even upon our leaving the company of God the evidence of our encounter being visible as our face glows from the glory of His presence.
Yes, in the glory of darkness we find God. The God that comforts, strengthens, protects and gives knowledge to whom will come and ask. In the glory of darkness, where those who seek Him will find Him.
There is a darkness then that we should seek, for there we will find Him, El Shaddai, El Elyon; and there hidden in Him we will find the life that we have for so long sought. Let us then go boldly into the glory of darkness.
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God (I)be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Romans 16)
No More Resolutions; Live from Theme to Theme
Wow! Are we coming up on the end of the first month of 2012 already? It seems as if time is speeding up on me. Either that, or my plate is so consumptive that I am not getting the opportunity to recognize one day from another.
Well, now that the New Year jitters are out the way and we are not getting into the mix we can begin to deal with 2012. Prayerfully no one is bringing 2011 into 2012 but knowing what I do I am sure some of us are. What do I mean by that… Well, everything from the mindset that kept you circling “the same block” to the aggravation of growth.
I trust that we are not setting for ourselves empty New Year’s resolutions, but instead making decisions to be resolute in finding Christ. We have become a people that praises God in actions on Sunday in the service but can not trust Him past the vestibule of the Church as we leave.
Instead of resolutions why not a theme. Not a theme that we choose but one that is based on the reflections of the past year(s), the desire of seeking the will of God and not my will for God for me. Let me provide some explanation of what I mean.
In 2010 God gave me this theme”This is a year of Restarting”. That year indeed what a year of restarting. Everything from personal relationships to business activities.
In 2011 the Lord gave me this theme based in a question “What do you want from Me this year; and what are you willing to do to get it?” It was a year of submitting to the processes of the Lord. For me this was a vast change as it also covered ministry development as well as a 180 degree change in professional focus. Not only was it painful, it was a grueling test of faith. This is what is meant by my earlier statement “the aggravation of growth”.
Well, as I went through my reflections of 2011 the Lord has again given me a theme for this year. 2012 is a year of “Newness”. Since I have had some past experiences in hearing from the Lord I do know not to come to any assumptive conclusions. What I will say is that there are some things that are already new for me. They are not the newness that I hear in televised pulpits but it has captured the newness that Jeremiah spoke of in Lamentations 3:19-33.
So as I embark on this new year I will rebuke the same old things. Even when things look the same for me I am resolute to find the newness in every situation. If I find myself in on “the same block” I am resolute in exercising the stretching of my faith; knowing that in the stretching of faith in the “same block” situation God will show me something new.
I hope that many of you will adopt the idea of hearing from God a theme for your daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly journey. Resolutions are often based on what we want to accomplish in our lives. Themes, as I have spoken of here, are given by the providential God that is sovereign, whom we serve.
The Biggest Loser
The Biggest Loser has become one of my favorite television shows. I love how the trainers become psychologists on steroids. They work diligently to reshape the bodies and minds of the contestants , adding to them a confidence and perspective of themselves that they previously did not have.
The contestants, with the help of their trainers, take an aggressive approach to dropping the access weight and bad thoughts that have consumed them in their lives. These people willingly put themselves at the mercy of the trainers trusting that they (the trainers) will change their lives.
As inspiring as the show is it must be said that in all of it’s inspiration there lacks any mention of the Lord. Not that I expected to hear any mention or glory to the Father. Like most shows the focus is on the human will not the grace of God. There is not an allusion to trust or submit to God where real changing of lives happens.
Paul writes about the importance of training ourselves in godliness to Timothy (1 Tim. 4:7-10). Like the biggest loser this training is not an easy task. Paul gives a picture of one competing in athletics in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
The contrast is really visible in the changed person. The one that is trained by the word of God should be humble. The new person they have become will reflect the the impartations of the One that trained them. In like manner the one trained by worldly psychology will also reflect those “self” centered doctrines.
Weight loss, increased income, new car, new companion, and many other things never change the person; these things simply bring the person you already are. In other words, these physical things materialize, or expose, the real you.
Prayerfully none of the above statements are misunderstood. The accomplishment of such things as weight loss for a person that has battled weight all their life is a great feat and in my humbled opinion should be celebrated with them. However, material accomplishments should expose the you God intended not the you you want to be.
Loss is visible throughout the Bible. The old and new man is a loss of one to gain something else. Paul also speaks of the things that were gain to him he counts as loss in light of the truth of Christ (Phil. 3:7-11). Jesus explained that we would lose our lives and possible family as a cost of following Him (Luke 12:49-53; Jn. 12:25).
The believer must be cautious in their “re-invention” process to remain a pleasing vessel to the One that has provided the means to accomplish all things. The purchase of a new house or some type of long awaiting victory should bring us to our knees in thanksgiving instead of paving the way for self abased boastings of who we think we are now. There should be only testimonies of how God brought us through, delivered us, or protected us.
Some would say that “people just don’t like ‘my’ changes.” I would agree that most people would like to remember us the way that is most comfortable for them. I would also encourage however that all changes are not good and just because they are what we want it does not make them what God intended in granting our desires — even when our desires are accomplished through actions we seemingly initiate.
Following the Lord, like the inspiring progress of those contestants, requires diligent discipline and self control self-control, interestingly enough is a fruit of the Spirit). We must remember that God is not into providing self-confidence or self-esteem. These things are not biblical principles.
God’s intention is to draw out to the individual their value to Him. This value is based in eternal wisdom while confidence and esteem is typically based our own value to ourselves (this is at the core of the messages given by most personal trainers). This type of value is perishing. The root of those types of thoughts are earthly and not heavenly.
We must remember that in Christ the biggest loser in this life is the biggest winner. What greater accomplishment can their be than to fear the Lord and thereby gain the depths of God. It’s not about us…it never has been.
To God be the glory.
Theoretical Christian pt.2
I recently had a conversation with a good friend of mine about his current relationship. He was explaining to me about all of the things that he and this young lady were going through and how long they had been dating. He was happy with her and the relationship and was planning to pop the big question so he wanted my opinion about the relationship as a whole based on what he was telling me.
As we talked I could tell that he did not like some of what I asked and probed. I was accused of being critical. I was also told that my critical spirit was ungodly and that this is the reason why so many people pull away from me over time. Naturally, I listened intently. Afterall, he was a friend.
As I took all of what was said to me to the Lord, He began to show me a few things. Things about me and things about what specifically what was said to me by my friend. Before we get there let me tell at least some of what I asked.
The first question I had for him was about how long had they been dating. I asked this because for several years he and I talked about Christian men and women that begin relationships apart from their Christian circles. He was in full agreement that while it is not likely that a person would bring their “interest” around to everyone there should be a SOUND unbiased Christian person (that is one that can truly hold you accountable) that the “interest” should be introduced to and be observed by. This is certainly not popular in our culture today. We believe as the world has shared with us…it is our own business.
When he responded to me I asked him why he didn’t have such a person. His response was that he was able to decide for himself the right person. Ofcourse in his spiritualness he added that the Lord brought the woman to him. My response to that was, if the Lord brought her to you then why hide or keep her from everyone that you say you are close to?
The conversation went on for some time. The bottom line was that he did not feel as though it was necessary for him to bring her around to get the “approval” of any one. He trusted simply that God was directly leading him. I said to my friend this statement, “Then, If you believe that God is leading you why did you ask me my opinion now?” I shared with him that I didn’t have an opinion since I was not a part, in any way, in the growth of the relationship. It was not to push him away but to explain that if you are going down a particular path and you believe God is leading the whole way, there is no reason to come off that path.
This also is Theoretical Christianity. Theoretical Christians often follow a similar path. They will be in agreement with something until the situation in their life changes. When that situation changes then so does their view of how to apply the Princples of God’s word.
Certainly I am not suggesting that we should not heed the counsels of God personally. What I am saying is that we must consider the whole counsel in our efforts to follow the Lord. As I shared with him, there are several scriptures that tell us to submit ourselves to the will and counsel of God, there are also a few that suggest that wisdom is found in the counsel of His people that He placed in our lives prior to the situation as well. Here are a few: Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6.
God is good, He is faithful and He is true. God reminds me that in consistency of following Christ, the aroma of Jesus will be offensive to those that are in rebellion. Even to those in the house of the Lord. I Though we are not perfect we strive to consistently and passionately seeking the Lord If this is what it means to be critical then I am guilty and will continue to be.
