Dave C. wrote a great blog about "In and not Of" - questioning how Christians can miss the 'big issues' that are right in front of their face. For example, the Christians of the Great Awakening missed the huge slavery issue. Peter, filled with the Spirit at Pentecost, missed the inclusion of the Gentiles and had to be brought face to face with it by a vision from God. Three times!!!
How can this happen and what are we missing right now?
Last night I watched a special on the two girls from Taylor University - where they mixed up the identities and one family nursed the other girl back to health while the other family buried a girl that was not their daughter. This went on for almost 5 weeks. The question people kept asking was: How could you have missed that it was not your daughter?
1. They were told by authorities that it was their daughter - so they weren't even considering other possibilities. They were focused on who was in front of them.
2. Their hope was so intense that they missed signs that were obvious.
3. They were so deep in the day-day that they didn't step back and see the bigger picture. The small changes that revealed it wasn't their daughter were lost to them as she gradually came out of the coma.
4. It took outsiders to come in and see the obvious - people who were detached from the small, daily changes.
Sounds a lot like Christians. We miss the obvious for the same reasons. We get so involved in the daily life that we never step back and see the bigger picture. That's why constant Bible reading is so necessary - the Bible is God's Word on the daily walk, but it is also a look at Holiness from a wider and eternal perspective.
In II Kings, when Josiah found the Book of the Law, he was knocked to his knees. He couldn't believe what they had missed for all of those years. Even years of revival had missed the obvious. Look especially at II Kings 23:13 "The king (Josiah) also desecrated the high places that were east of Jerusalem on the south of the Hill of Corruption - the ones Solomon king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the vile goddess of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the vile god of Moab, and for Molech, the detestable god of the people of Ammon."
Ponder that verse for a moment. In Josiah's revival, which was total and complete, he had to knock down pagan high places that Solomon had built years before. High places that had survived other 'revivals' - such as the one under Hezekiah. How could they have missed these things? I think they accepted them as 'okay' because Solomon had built them and they had been there so long. They had always been there! It took a fresh look at God's Word to see how detestable they were.
It sounds so simple, but if you are not totally immersed in God's word, not in other books or commentaries - but His pure Word, then you will miss these things in society and in your own life. You will be tending to someone who is not your child - missing every obvious sign in the process. You will be calling them 'traditions' and because a respected father put them into place you will never evaluate their spirituality or godliness. You will accept these 'high places' of Solomon because 'they've always been there,' because the 'authorities' told you that they were okay.
Our generation needs to look with a fresh eyes and allow for a gust of Holy Fire to blow through the churches and then be willing to start from scratch if necessary.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
The New Peter Principle
Mark 8:31 "He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
Most people know about the 'Peter Principle' - the idea that everyone keeps getting promoted until they beyond their ability so that the business world is populated by people who are in positions over their competence level. Having worked in several companies, I see the truth in it.
I also have seen a New Peter Principle that is being taught in churches across the country and over the airwaves. It is a message of Christ - in the sense that He is acknowledged and praised as Peter did prior to this passage in Mark 8. But it is a message that eliminates the cross, as Peter tried to do.
It is a message of shortcuts. It's a shallow message of cheap grace and cheap victory in the world. It's a no-cost, all-frills message. As Jesus says to Peter, it's a message of the 'things of man' because it focuses on the world's view of success - money, power, popularity, personal vindication, personal agenda.
The worst aspect of it, though, is that it is ultimately a message that eliminates the Resurrection. There can be no resurrection unless there is a death. There can be no empty tomb unless there is a bloody cross. And the resurrection is what makes everything in my life worthwhile. My sins, my guilt, my judgment, my shame - were all upon Him on the cross. When He died, they were buried with Him. When He rose - He rose clean. Think about that - He rose clean. Amen!
Beware of the New Peter Principle - the one that tries to keep the cross out of the Gospel. As Jesus said, "Get behind Me, Satan." If the cross is eliminated, all you're left with is the shallow victories of the cultural Christianity that is preached today. If you want something deeper - you need the cross and the resurrection.
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Most people know about the 'Peter Principle' - the idea that everyone keeps getting promoted until they beyond their ability so that the business world is populated by people who are in positions over their competence level. Having worked in several companies, I see the truth in it.
I also have seen a New Peter Principle that is being taught in churches across the country and over the airwaves. It is a message of Christ - in the sense that He is acknowledged and praised as Peter did prior to this passage in Mark 8. But it is a message that eliminates the cross, as Peter tried to do.
It is a message of shortcuts. It's a shallow message of cheap grace and cheap victory in the world. It's a no-cost, all-frills message. As Jesus says to Peter, it's a message of the 'things of man' because it focuses on the world's view of success - money, power, popularity, personal vindication, personal agenda.
The worst aspect of it, though, is that it is ultimately a message that eliminates the Resurrection. There can be no resurrection unless there is a death. There can be no empty tomb unless there is a bloody cross. And the resurrection is what makes everything in my life worthwhile. My sins, my guilt, my judgment, my shame - were all upon Him on the cross. When He died, they were buried with Him. When He rose - He rose clean. Think about that - He rose clean. Amen!
Beware of the New Peter Principle - the one that tries to keep the cross out of the Gospel. As Jesus said, "Get behind Me, Satan." If the cross is eliminated, all you're left with is the shallow victories of the cultural Christianity that is preached today. If you want something deeper - you need the cross and the resurrection.
Cranky
I am convinced that certain people go through life 'cranky.' I know I have serious bouts of crankiness. It's an interesting personality trait, because it's so hard to explain. What does it mean to be 'cranky'? It's not simply bitterness - it's more of a way of life.
But as with all ways of life, it can be broken. Crankiness is like a 'thud' in your heart that colors how you respond to everything. A request. An inconvenience. A slight. A compliment. When you step into a situation that is not exactly how you want it - bam! You react in a way that reveals your selfishness. Because that's what crankiness really is - selfishness.
I know - I'm a cranky person. And I hate it. It's the one thing that I fight against the most in my life. I don't want to be one of 'those' people.
So how do you break 'cranky'? By having a heart at peace. As Proverbs 14:30 says, 'a heart at peace gives life to the body.' Cranky is a death walk through life. Bones creaking. Destroying yourself and those around you - at least those who are willing to remain around you, because a cranky walk usually ends up being a solitary walk.
God can change a personality. Really - He can.
But as with all ways of life, it can be broken. Crankiness is like a 'thud' in your heart that colors how you respond to everything. A request. An inconvenience. A slight. A compliment. When you step into a situation that is not exactly how you want it - bam! You react in a way that reveals your selfishness. Because that's what crankiness really is - selfishness.
I know - I'm a cranky person. And I hate it. It's the one thing that I fight against the most in my life. I don't want to be one of 'those' people.
So how do you break 'cranky'? By having a heart at peace. As Proverbs 14:30 says, 'a heart at peace gives life to the body.' Cranky is a death walk through life. Bones creaking. Destroying yourself and those around you - at least those who are willing to remain around you, because a cranky walk usually ends up being a solitary walk.
God can change a personality. Really - He can.
Save The Baby, Save the World
I've been thinking a lot about the Christian's place in politics. Our Young Adult class is studying Romans, and now we are in chapter 13, verses 1-7. Christians really struggle with this and I can see why. Do we simply let the government be the earthly authority of God in our lives, no matter what? I don't know - I'll give my thoughts in the next blog. I am not a political person, and as a pastor I am often called to give my opinion on the issues. I'll be honest, there is only one issue that really gets under my skin - the abortion issue.
What the pro-abortionists don't seem to understand is that when someone believes abortion is actually the taking of a life, it raises their cause to a much higher level. It has to. We are saving a life - they are saving a lifestyle.
That's why it's the litmus test for many who are opposed to abortion. We believe that a person is being killed. So why wouldn't we fight it with every resource we have? Our stakes are higher - at least in our minds.
Granted, sometimes a woman's life is in the balance, and if it was my wife, I would want every measure taken to save her. Though knowing her, she would want every measure taken to save the baby. But the danger to a woman is not a high percentage of abortions.
So to me, it's "Save the baby, save the world." Because if it is, as I believe, the taking of the most innocent of lives; if it is, as I believe, a death that is legislated by the government, then the world is in serious trouble. It is my litmus test for politicians. Not the homosexuality issue, not the environment, not the war. For me, this is the defining of that person, their ability to recognize and defend the most innocent of lives.
We debate our involvement in government and I personally believe that that political kingdom is not our realm. However, the Kingdom of Christ does invade every area of life on earth, and if it strikes the place of the death of an innocent, then it's like striking a match against a stone. Ignition will occur because of the friction of holiness versus pure sin. If that happens, then we cannot help but be caught up in the consuming fire of Christ in the political arena.
Where the rest of our involvement in the political arena is, that's a different story. I'll get to that next.
What the pro-abortionists don't seem to understand is that when someone believes abortion is actually the taking of a life, it raises their cause to a much higher level. It has to. We are saving a life - they are saving a lifestyle.
That's why it's the litmus test for many who are opposed to abortion. We believe that a person is being killed. So why wouldn't we fight it with every resource we have? Our stakes are higher - at least in our minds.
Granted, sometimes a woman's life is in the balance, and if it was my wife, I would want every measure taken to save her. Though knowing her, she would want every measure taken to save the baby. But the danger to a woman is not a high percentage of abortions.
So to me, it's "Save the baby, save the world." Because if it is, as I believe, the taking of the most innocent of lives; if it is, as I believe, a death that is legislated by the government, then the world is in serious trouble. It is my litmus test for politicians. Not the homosexuality issue, not the environment, not the war. For me, this is the defining of that person, their ability to recognize and defend the most innocent of lives.
We debate our involvement in government and I personally believe that that political kingdom is not our realm. However, the Kingdom of Christ does invade every area of life on earth, and if it strikes the place of the death of an innocent, then it's like striking a match against a stone. Ignition will occur because of the friction of holiness versus pure sin. If that happens, then we cannot help but be caught up in the consuming fire of Christ in the political arena.
Where the rest of our involvement in the political arena is, that's a different story. I'll get to that next.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Discipleship IS NOT Coercion
I was really encouraged this past week by a few people in our church. They've been coming for a couple of months and recently each one got saved - within a week of the other. As exciting as this always is, the most encouraging part was that they each came to me and started asking about Bibles, Bible Study, etc. They began reading on their own and they can't seem to get enough. They come to every service and have a million questions every time I see them. Discipling them is a joy because they want it.
That's my biggest problem with many of the "Christians" in our churches. Discipling them is like pulling teeth. Constant prodding to read the Bible, to come to church or a Bible study, to worship, etc. As I've said before, it shouldn't be that way. Discipling is hard work, because new believers come with prior mindsets and life patterns that need to be addressed as they grow. We need to understand this going in - new babies come with dirty diapers. But it isn't coercion.
Believers, new or old, should be eagerly pursuing God on their own. That's a true mark of a real convert - a personal desire to get more of Jesus. That's why I'm so encouraged by these two men in our church. I believe that a real salvation has taken place in their lives.
If you're one of those people who need to be coerced all the time, then you may need to reevaluate what you actually believe about Christ and your relationship to him. Discipleship isn't coercion. It's leading someone that wants to be led further into Someone they want to be led into.
That's my biggest problem with many of the "Christians" in our churches. Discipling them is like pulling teeth. Constant prodding to read the Bible, to come to church or a Bible study, to worship, etc. As I've said before, it shouldn't be that way. Discipling is hard work, because new believers come with prior mindsets and life patterns that need to be addressed as they grow. We need to understand this going in - new babies come with dirty diapers. But it isn't coercion.
Believers, new or old, should be eagerly pursuing God on their own. That's a true mark of a real convert - a personal desire to get more of Jesus. That's why I'm so encouraged by these two men in our church. I believe that a real salvation has taken place in their lives.
If you're one of those people who need to be coerced all the time, then you may need to reevaluate what you actually believe about Christ and your relationship to him. Discipleship isn't coercion. It's leading someone that wants to be led further into Someone they want to be led into.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
What the #$%@@!
Admit it - I got you. You filled in the blank on the title of this blog with a very bad swear word, didn't you? Maybe even 'that' word? I know you did. That's what we Christians do! We know all the words, they're in our heads, and we use them internally when the time is right. So . . . where do we go with the whole Christian and swearing thing when we use them in our minds all the time?
What triggered this conversation in my head is an email I recently received from a former student who is on a long-term foreign trip. Within this email - which was sent to many friends, family and former teachers - was "that word." You know - the one you used to fill in the blank above. It made me wonder why this person did it. I never heard them use it before they went off to college. I was bothered, but only in the sense that this person has a great relationship (and I assume respect) for these teachers on the email chain, yet used a word (several times) that was clearly offensive to them. Why couldn't they at least have the respect not to use it?
That's one of my biggest problems with swearing. Let's face it, they're just words. My 4-year old daughter can put the same sounds together - it's not that challenging. It certainly isn't difficult to do and it is not really that impressive a feat. But when people use these words, they act as if they've just done something incredibly rebellious or brave, when it's really neither. It clearly shows a lack of respect to the listener. It is an extremely self-centered action. "I can say this word with the attention of offending you!" That is my biggest problem - the disrespect to the other person.
Also, these words are really just cultural anyway. Today's catchphrase is tomorrow's curse. One hundred years from now, "poop" will have replaced "s--t" - so that generation will have to come up with a new one. Because we all like to refer to it - so we'll always have a word for it, won't we? So not only is it immature, it's really only cultural-specific.
But is swearing really that much of a Christ-killer in my life?
Yes . . . and no. Profanity for the sake of profanity is just immature and useless. Profanity to express anger or fear or any extreme emotion is a different matter. I don't use the bad ones, but the ones I use get the same point across, and the emotion in my heart is the exact same. "Man!" "Crap!" "Son of a gun!" "You're such a jerk." "You stink!" (Ummm... I'm starting to realize that I have a LOT of these.) As a Christian, what do I do with all of this? I'm not talking about filthy language - that's clearly unscriptural. Ephesians 5:4 says, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place." Let's not kid ourselves. The filthy language and dirty jokes are clearly unacceptable in the Christian walk. Christ simply does not speak or think this way and if we are walking in the Spirit, we won't either.
But what about the general use of swears? I think we know the answer: Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The language we use matters. It cannot be the coarse language of the world, and it all begins with a transformed mind. We are not called to be cultural Christians, we're called to be those who are separated, able to sound a distinct note. If we, as Christians, continually use the common language of the world, the notes are blurred and we cannot be an effective witness.
I Corinthians 14: 7,8 "Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?"
That's what it boils down to for me. I don't want to get in the 'legalism' of which words are acceptable and unacceptable, or the 'freedom' of what I can say because I'm FREE. When I have these arguments, I'm revealing my self-centeredness. We're called to be distinct for one reason: So that the lost can find the light of Christ. If we are cultural blenders, that will be impossible. Purity of thought which leads to purity of language is one of those distinctions. As long as we don't use it in our 'rate the Christian' game, this can be another effective witnessing tool.
As always, the question is, "What is your motive?" Why do you swear? A bad habit? For effect? To show that you can? Prayerfully bring these questions before the Lord and I believe that He will show you that, as usual, you need to stop thinking of yourself and get your eyes on the hurting of this world. Our language ability is a gift for others. The tongues given at Pentecost were for those who were listening, not for the speaker. Everytime tongues is mentioned, it's clearly shown as a gift for the hearer. And just as we tend to make tongues a self-centered exercise in spiritual pride, we do with the opposite extreme of swearing.
What triggered this conversation in my head is an email I recently received from a former student who is on a long-term foreign trip. Within this email - which was sent to many friends, family and former teachers - was "that word." You know - the one you used to fill in the blank above. It made me wonder why this person did it. I never heard them use it before they went off to college. I was bothered, but only in the sense that this person has a great relationship (and I assume respect) for these teachers on the email chain, yet used a word (several times) that was clearly offensive to them. Why couldn't they at least have the respect not to use it?
That's one of my biggest problems with swearing. Let's face it, they're just words. My 4-year old daughter can put the same sounds together - it's not that challenging. It certainly isn't difficult to do and it is not really that impressive a feat. But when people use these words, they act as if they've just done something incredibly rebellious or brave, when it's really neither. It clearly shows a lack of respect to the listener. It is an extremely self-centered action. "I can say this word with the attention of offending you!" That is my biggest problem - the disrespect to the other person.
Also, these words are really just cultural anyway. Today's catchphrase is tomorrow's curse. One hundred years from now, "poop" will have replaced "s--t" - so that generation will have to come up with a new one. Because we all like to refer to it - so we'll always have a word for it, won't we? So not only is it immature, it's really only cultural-specific.
But is swearing really that much of a Christ-killer in my life?
Yes . . . and no. Profanity for the sake of profanity is just immature and useless. Profanity to express anger or fear or any extreme emotion is a different matter. I don't use the bad ones, but the ones I use get the same point across, and the emotion in my heart is the exact same. "Man!" "Crap!" "Son of a gun!" "You're such a jerk." "You stink!" (Ummm... I'm starting to realize that I have a LOT of these.) As a Christian, what do I do with all of this? I'm not talking about filthy language - that's clearly unscriptural. Ephesians 5:4 says, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place." Let's not kid ourselves. The filthy language and dirty jokes are clearly unacceptable in the Christian walk. Christ simply does not speak or think this way and if we are walking in the Spirit, we won't either.
But what about the general use of swears? I think we know the answer: Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The language we use matters. It cannot be the coarse language of the world, and it all begins with a transformed mind. We are not called to be cultural Christians, we're called to be those who are separated, able to sound a distinct note. If we, as Christians, continually use the common language of the world, the notes are blurred and we cannot be an effective witness.
I Corinthians 14: 7,8 "Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?"
That's what it boils down to for me. I don't want to get in the 'legalism' of which words are acceptable and unacceptable, or the 'freedom' of what I can say because I'm FREE. When I have these arguments, I'm revealing my self-centeredness. We're called to be distinct for one reason: So that the lost can find the light of Christ. If we are cultural blenders, that will be impossible. Purity of thought which leads to purity of language is one of those distinctions. As long as we don't use it in our 'rate the Christian' game, this can be another effective witnessing tool.
As always, the question is, "What is your motive?" Why do you swear? A bad habit? For effect? To show that you can? Prayerfully bring these questions before the Lord and I believe that He will show you that, as usual, you need to stop thinking of yourself and get your eyes on the hurting of this world. Our language ability is a gift for others. The tongues given at Pentecost were for those who were listening, not for the speaker. Everytime tongues is mentioned, it's clearly shown as a gift for the hearer. And just as we tend to make tongues a self-centered exercise in spiritual pride, we do with the opposite extreme of swearing.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Not For Kings
First of all, as I attempt to put forth my personal thoughts on "The Christian and Drinking" - let me make this point: It is almost impossible to air your thoughts on an issue like this and not come across as holier-than-thou. So save me that complaint. When, as a Christian, you have a strong opinion on something, you always sound legalistic and condescending. It's the nature of the beast. So while I hope I don't come across that way in what I'm about to say, I know it is impossible. So, here it is:
I believe that while it is not only allowable (and even in one case recommended) for a Christian to drink wine, it is the lower road. There, I've said it. That's right, you heard me correctly. I believe that the Christian who for the right reasons makes the decision to abstain from alcohol, has chosen the higher way.
First, let me tell you my personal story regarding alcohol. I come from a family of extremes: non-drinkers and destructive drinkers. My maternal and paternal grandmothers were both presidents of their town's temperance unions. This led to my being raised by a mom and dad who are adamantly against any form of drinking. I therefore attended a church that reinforced this belief. Now, I know what you're thinking, no wonder you're so legalistic and ever-so-holy regarding this - but you are wrong!
As I grew up, I can honestly say that there was never any temptation to imbibe, as they say. It just wasn't there. In high school, I still went to most of the parties, where there was plenty of drinking, but it never became an issue for me. The same thing at (Gordon) college. I saw enough alcohol there to fill the back pond, but the only thing that bothered me was the hypocrisy of seeing my Saturday night drunk friends sitting next to me in church the next morning. The actual drinking never bothered me.
You see, that's my first point. Although I was raised not to drink and have never engaged, it has never, and I honestly mean that, become a point of 'rating the Christian' for me. I had Christian friends who drank and non-Christian friends who didn't drink, and I was never confused by that. Only the drunkenness bothered me. So I think I had a pretty fair view of the issue.
Another facet was evolving at the same time, and that was the destruction I saw it reaping within family members. I had an uncle destroyed by it and another one left in a less-than-admirable state of existence. I watched families, cousins and friends go down a path that was so brutal that it made me wonder how anyone could even start the process. Still, this did not lead me to become judgmental on the social Christian drinker.
But I knew that I was right. I don't know how to explain it. (How do you explain a legalistic mindset? You don't, you exist in it.) Even through the knowledge that the Bible never comes out and says, "Thou shalt not drink" I knew that it was wrong for me to even begin. Here are the two passages that did it for me:
1. Leviticus 10 - Nadab and Abihu, the two sons of Aaron, were destroyed for offering unauthorized fire in the Tabernacle. Exactly what they did was never fully given, but I believe in Leviticus 10:8 - 10 we are given a clue: "You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the Tent of Meeting, or you will die. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean, and you must teach the Israelites all the decrees the Lord has given them through Moses."
What I believe happened is that Nadab and Abihu had a little too much to drink and were 'impaired' when they went in and messed up in some way. Their responsibility was too high to allow this to happen and they were killed (take that, you Christian drinkers!). They were the representatives to the people and they needed to have clear heads to keep the distinctions clear. Wine was okay for the people outside, but not for the priests who needed to always have their wits about them. They needed to be clear at all times - for they had the message of the Lord and the responsibility to intercede for the people. The priest, God tells Moses, has a higher calling.
I believe we have that same responsibility now and we can accept this higher call and keep a clear head, or we can allow our freedom to be our guide. Personally, although I am far from perfect, I at least want to strive to this higher calling and be able to be a clear-minded intercessor for the hurting people of this world.
That leads me to the second passage:
2. Proverbs 31:1-9 "The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle his mother taught him:
I think it's pretty clear what Lemmy's mother is saying to him. She's telling him that as the king, he needs to have a clear head so that he can be fair and just. He needs to have his wits about him so that he can look out for the less privileged. Wine and beer are concessions to the poor so that they can forget about their miseries. You, Lemmy, are higher than that. You are their intercessor. You don't need to get into the drinking - because you can't forget. You need to know, at all times, what is going on, so that you can be there for them with a clear head. You, Lemmy, child of the king, have a higher calling.
So there - I've said it - I believe that I have a higher calling. And if you do as well. We are priests, "a chosen people, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness and into His wonderful light." (I Peter 2:9) I believe this with all of my heart. It is a holy calling which calls for a clear head. We need to be able to make the distinctions, to judge fairly, to declare without distraction.
I know that there are some out there who are honestly able to drink simply because they like the taste, so why forfeit that freedom. I'm not one of them. I would drink now for only one reason: to alter my mind a bit to give me some peace or some temporary diversion. I have come to an understanding that this, for me, would be a denial of what He is offering me and asking me to do.
I want to allow Him to be my peace and my eternal diversion. I want to remember that I am a child of the king, and it is not for kings to drink to forget. It is for kings to stand and remember, to be constantly vigilant. I am not going to let my guard down, even for a moment, because there are people dying all around me. They can have their drinks to forget, according to Lemmy's mother, but I can't afford that luxury.
So that is my journey and it is why I don't drink. And I know it sounds holier-than-thou, and for that I apologize. Because the honest truth is that the more I truly understand these passages, the more I understand the call of the priest of God, the more hollowed out I get, not full of myself. Trust me, I don't feel any sense of superiority for the decision I've made, but only God and I can truly know the truth of that statement.
If you are a child of God, you are a priest, a child of the king.
I believe that while it is not only allowable (and even in one case recommended) for a Christian to drink wine, it is the lower road. There, I've said it. That's right, you heard me correctly. I believe that the Christian who for the right reasons makes the decision to abstain from alcohol, has chosen the higher way.
First, let me tell you my personal story regarding alcohol. I come from a family of extremes: non-drinkers and destructive drinkers. My maternal and paternal grandmothers were both presidents of their town's temperance unions. This led to my being raised by a mom and dad who are adamantly against any form of drinking. I therefore attended a church that reinforced this belief. Now, I know what you're thinking, no wonder you're so legalistic and ever-so-holy regarding this - but you are wrong!
As I grew up, I can honestly say that there was never any temptation to imbibe, as they say. It just wasn't there. In high school, I still went to most of the parties, where there was plenty of drinking, but it never became an issue for me. The same thing at (Gordon) college. I saw enough alcohol there to fill the back pond, but the only thing that bothered me was the hypocrisy of seeing my Saturday night drunk friends sitting next to me in church the next morning. The actual drinking never bothered me.
You see, that's my first point. Although I was raised not to drink and have never engaged, it has never, and I honestly mean that, become a point of 'rating the Christian' for me. I had Christian friends who drank and non-Christian friends who didn't drink, and I was never confused by that. Only the drunkenness bothered me. So I think I had a pretty fair view of the issue.
Another facet was evolving at the same time, and that was the destruction I saw it reaping within family members. I had an uncle destroyed by it and another one left in a less-than-admirable state of existence. I watched families, cousins and friends go down a path that was so brutal that it made me wonder how anyone could even start the process. Still, this did not lead me to become judgmental on the social Christian drinker.
But I knew that I was right. I don't know how to explain it. (How do you explain a legalistic mindset? You don't, you exist in it.) Even through the knowledge that the Bible never comes out and says, "Thou shalt not drink" I knew that it was wrong for me to even begin. Here are the two passages that did it for me:
1. Leviticus 10 - Nadab and Abihu, the two sons of Aaron, were destroyed for offering unauthorized fire in the Tabernacle. Exactly what they did was never fully given, but I believe in Leviticus 10:8 - 10 we are given a clue: "You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the Tent of Meeting, or you will die. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean, and you must teach the Israelites all the decrees the Lord has given them through Moses."
What I believe happened is that Nadab and Abihu had a little too much to drink and were 'impaired' when they went in and messed up in some way. Their responsibility was too high to allow this to happen and they were killed (take that, you Christian drinkers!). They were the representatives to the people and they needed to have clear heads to keep the distinctions clear. Wine was okay for the people outside, but not for the priests who needed to always have their wits about them. They needed to be clear at all times - for they had the message of the Lord and the responsibility to intercede for the people. The priest, God tells Moses, has a higher calling.
I believe we have that same responsibility now and we can accept this higher call and keep a clear head, or we can allow our freedom to be our guide. Personally, although I am far from perfect, I at least want to strive to this higher calling and be able to be a clear-minded intercessor for the hurting people of this world.
That leads me to the second passage:
2. Proverbs 31:1-9 "The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle his mother taught him:
"O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel— not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
I think it's pretty clear what Lemmy's mother is saying to him. She's telling him that as the king, he needs to have a clear head so that he can be fair and just. He needs to have his wits about him so that he can look out for the less privileged. Wine and beer are concessions to the poor so that they can forget about their miseries. You, Lemmy, are higher than that. You are their intercessor. You don't need to get into the drinking - because you can't forget. You need to know, at all times, what is going on, so that you can be there for them with a clear head. You, Lemmy, child of the king, have a higher calling.
So there - I've said it - I believe that I have a higher calling. And if you do as well. We are priests, "a chosen people, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness and into His wonderful light." (I Peter 2:9) I believe this with all of my heart. It is a holy calling which calls for a clear head. We need to be able to make the distinctions, to judge fairly, to declare without distraction.
I know that there are some out there who are honestly able to drink simply because they like the taste, so why forfeit that freedom. I'm not one of them. I would drink now for only one reason: to alter my mind a bit to give me some peace or some temporary diversion. I have come to an understanding that this, for me, would be a denial of what He is offering me and asking me to do.
I want to allow Him to be my peace and my eternal diversion. I want to remember that I am a child of the king, and it is not for kings to drink to forget. It is for kings to stand and remember, to be constantly vigilant. I am not going to let my guard down, even for a moment, because there are people dying all around me. They can have their drinks to forget, according to Lemmy's mother, but I can't afford that luxury.
So that is my journey and it is why I don't drink. And I know it sounds holier-than-thou, and for that I apologize. Because the honest truth is that the more I truly understand these passages, the more I understand the call of the priest of God, the more hollowed out I get, not full of myself. Trust me, I don't feel any sense of superiority for the decision I've made, but only God and I can truly know the truth of that statement.
If you are a child of God, you are a priest, a child of the king.
A Sorry State: The Ephesian 12
Colossians 1:27 "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
In Acts 18 we read of Apollos - one of the great men of the faith in the early church. He had come to Ephesus with incomplete knowledge, knowing only of the OT and the baptism of John. When Priscilla and Aquila met him, they took him into their home and taught him the deeper truth of Christ - lighting a fire that burned within him as he headed to Corinth.
But there was one problem - in his prior zealousness, he had spawned some disciples in Ephesus. In Acts 19, Paul comes across twelve of them, and asks them if they've received the Holy Spirit. They hadn't, they were still stuck in John's baptism - which was a baptism of repentance. Now repentance is a necessary step to salvation - if you don't think you're sinking why would you cry out for a Savior - but it is not to be a permanent dwelling place. So basically, Paul runs into a group, asks them how they're doing, and gets the response: "We're really sorry. Sorry about everything! Isn't that great?"
No, it's not. It's a lousy place to live, so he then introduces them to what they need: the fullness of Christ and His Spirit in their lives. He reveals the mystery: Christ in them. This is an astounding revelation that we take very lightly. Many of us prefer to live in the baptism of John - constantly sorry for all we've done but never experiencing the fullness of Christ within us. I know - it's one of my favorite places to be. Repenting, sorrowful, feeling guilty - you know the drill.
However - the baptism of John was only a preparing of the way for the triumphal entry of Christ. We tend to see Christ only in terms of the salvation He brings us - which is crucial, of course. Let's not forget that it's more than that - it's an indwelling of God. When Christ fully indwells you, the filth and the garbage are automatically forced out. There's no striving, no vows, no resolutions.
Listen: Christ does not co-habitate. His holiness does not allow Him to dwell with your sin. He must be allowed to have full control, to live in you from head to toe. This scares people, so they would rather spend their lives being sorry, but still in their sin. They don't realize what He is truly offering to us.
In Acts 18 we read of Apollos - one of the great men of the faith in the early church. He had come to Ephesus with incomplete knowledge, knowing only of the OT and the baptism of John. When Priscilla and Aquila met him, they took him into their home and taught him the deeper truth of Christ - lighting a fire that burned within him as he headed to Corinth.
But there was one problem - in his prior zealousness, he had spawned some disciples in Ephesus. In Acts 19, Paul comes across twelve of them, and asks them if they've received the Holy Spirit. They hadn't, they were still stuck in John's baptism - which was a baptism of repentance. Now repentance is a necessary step to salvation - if you don't think you're sinking why would you cry out for a Savior - but it is not to be a permanent dwelling place. So basically, Paul runs into a group, asks them how they're doing, and gets the response: "We're really sorry. Sorry about everything! Isn't that great?"
No, it's not. It's a lousy place to live, so he then introduces them to what they need: the fullness of Christ and His Spirit in their lives. He reveals the mystery: Christ in them. This is an astounding revelation that we take very lightly. Many of us prefer to live in the baptism of John - constantly sorry for all we've done but never experiencing the fullness of Christ within us. I know - it's one of my favorite places to be. Repenting, sorrowful, feeling guilty - you know the drill.
However - the baptism of John was only a preparing of the way for the triumphal entry of Christ. We tend to see Christ only in terms of the salvation He brings us - which is crucial, of course. Let's not forget that it's more than that - it's an indwelling of God. When Christ fully indwells you, the filth and the garbage are automatically forced out. There's no striving, no vows, no resolutions.
Listen: Christ does not co-habitate. His holiness does not allow Him to dwell with your sin. He must be allowed to have full control, to live in you from head to toe. This scares people, so they would rather spend their lives being sorry, but still in their sin. They don't realize what He is truly offering to us.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Restricted by the Parameters of our Traditions
The above verse raises several questions about Paul. Why did he, the apostle to the Gentiles, the one who spoke about Christ having "canceled the written code, with its regulations . . .He took it away, nailing it to the cross," get caught up in an OT vow? How could the author of Colossians 2 be one who is forced to go to Jerusalem to complete what appears to be a work of the flesh?
Before we totally slam Paul for this vow (which is done in the several commentaries I have read on this passage) , let's take note of the context. Paul had come to Corinth on the heels of a very dark depression. He had been beaten, jailed and mocked - and the fruit of his ministry was small. At the beginning of Acts 18 we find him all alone in Corinth after a 53 mile walk from Athens - and it appears that he was ready to call it quits. But God, as God does, raised him up by bringing him friends, support, ministry and above all else, an intimate vision. (Read Acts 18). He was so encouraged that he ended up spending a year and a half in the cesspool of Corinth, watching as a vibrant church emerged from the stench.
So, how do you express thanks in such a situation? For Paul, it was by the only means he knew - within the traditions he was raised in. We all engage in these types of things simply because we do not know any better way. Paul’s upbringing had been solely in the Jewish traditions, and one of the means of showing your love to Him was the Nazirite vow in Numbers 6. It was a tangible means of expression of separation to God where you gave up wine, didn’t cut your hair, and stayed away from dead bodies. By the time of Paul, though, it could only be fulfilled with a 30-day period of purification in the Holy City of Jerusalem. So the taking of this vow that forced him to
That's why I caution so much about the traditions of the church. Not because I don't like them - many are beautiful and helpful. I bring them up because traditions are man-created, therefore by nature they are restrictive. Paul was entrapped by the restriction of his vow - off to Jerusalem, whether he wanted to or not. That's what traditions do, they force us to do things, whether we want to at that moment or not.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
20 Feet of Tar
I heard someone say the other day that the last thing to get sanctified on a Christian was his right foot. It's funny - because whenever I hear a speaker try to be self-deprecating and humble, the 'sin' he always refers to his driving issues, almost as if it's an acceptable form of behavior. Everyone in the audience nodded knowingly and laughed. Including myself.
But it isn't acceptable and it isn't funny - and the reason why is simple: it is a part of your life and every part is to be sanctified and under the direction of the Spirit. Think about it: when you're driving and you get into that little game of 'refuse to yield,' what you're fighting over with the next guy is 20 feet of tar. That's it. I know you view it as some sort of competitive moment in your life, and that's the problem. The unwillingness to yield.
I know it sounds trivial, but it is a sign of a greater issue - the fight to let someone else go ahead of you, even if they're a jerk. Remember, we all have '20 feet of tar' issues in our lives, things that we refuse to yield on. Something that we don't even want to recognize in ourselves. For that very reason this is one of the most difficult things to do. We can all laugh about our 'road rage' - but can we all laugh about our 'competitive spirit' or our inner lust or selfish ambition or covetousness?
Refusing to yield on 20 feet of tar is just a small evidence of a refusal to lose your rightful place on the road. It's exactly what Christ calls us to do - to be willing to be the least, to pursue peace with all that's within us, to cede the road to the other person. The competitive spirit is one of the biggest Christ-killers in our lives and in our churches. So the next time you get the urge to fight over that piece of tar, before you raise your finger to the sky - think of other things in your life that you are unwilling to yield to God. Use your anger to root out inward failures.
But it isn't acceptable and it isn't funny - and the reason why is simple: it is a part of your life and every part is to be sanctified and under the direction of the Spirit. Think about it: when you're driving and you get into that little game of 'refuse to yield,' what you're fighting over with the next guy is 20 feet of tar. That's it. I know you view it as some sort of competitive moment in your life, and that's the problem. The unwillingness to yield.
I know it sounds trivial, but it is a sign of a greater issue - the fight to let someone else go ahead of you, even if they're a jerk. Remember, we all have '20 feet of tar' issues in our lives, things that we refuse to yield on. Something that we don't even want to recognize in ourselves. For that very reason this is one of the most difficult things to do. We can all laugh about our 'road rage' - but can we all laugh about our 'competitive spirit' or our inner lust or selfish ambition or covetousness?
Refusing to yield on 20 feet of tar is just a small evidence of a refusal to lose your rightful place on the road. It's exactly what Christ calls us to do - to be willing to be the least, to pursue peace with all that's within us, to cede the road to the other person. The competitive spirit is one of the biggest Christ-killers in our lives and in our churches. So the next time you get the urge to fight over that piece of tar, before you raise your finger to the sky - think of other things in your life that you are unwilling to yield to God. Use your anger to root out inward failures.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Just Live With It
I went to the doctor's last week because the base of my thumb has been swollen and hurting for a number of months now. I had initially thought it was another jam, and just to wait it out, but with softball coming up and no healing, I started getting worried. So I went to a hand specialist. He looked at the x-rays and showed me a small chip and a lot of 'junk' surrounding the joint. I asked him what 'our' course of action was going to be.
"Nothing. You're going to have to live with it."
In other words, all my years of playing at a 'high level' (insert your own joke here) of sports had done its damage. There's nothing I can really do now. It's wear and tear and that's the way it is. I said, "Thanks, Doc" and left. What else could I do?
I started thinking about my life. Can you imagine if that's what God said about the messes that we've created life? "You're going to have to live with it." I would rather die. But with God, there is full redemption, total forgiveness (Psalm 130). And not only that, but there is an active change that is constantly taking place, bringing us healing and victory. We don't have to live with these things.
There are certain ways about me that I don't like. Even after all these years of being a Christian, I am not satisfied, and I don't have to 'just live with it.' This is something that we need to make a reality in our life. He can and will change personality traits, heal past mistakes, clean out 'junk' that's filled our joints, etc.
Don't settle for who you are right now. A transformed mind and a changed heart are available to any Christian who will honestly pursue God.
"Nothing. You're going to have to live with it."
In other words, all my years of playing at a 'high level' (insert your own joke here) of sports had done its damage. There's nothing I can really do now. It's wear and tear and that's the way it is. I said, "Thanks, Doc" and left. What else could I do?
I started thinking about my life. Can you imagine if that's what God said about the messes that we've created life? "You're going to have to live with it." I would rather die. But with God, there is full redemption, total forgiveness (Psalm 130). And not only that, but there is an active change that is constantly taking place, bringing us healing and victory. We don't have to live with these things.
There are certain ways about me that I don't like. Even after all these years of being a Christian, I am not satisfied, and I don't have to 'just live with it.' This is something that we need to make a reality in our life. He can and will change personality traits, heal past mistakes, clean out 'junk' that's filled our joints, etc.
Don't settle for who you are right now. A transformed mind and a changed heart are available to any Christian who will honestly pursue God.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Are U2 Well Hidden?
A couple of years ago, a student of mine came up to me all excited. He had the new U2 cd and was showing me something hidden in the cover - it was a verse! "Isn't that awesome!" I can't remember exactly what it was, but the kid was right - if you looked hard enough, you could see it in there. Then he played me some of the songs and told me about their references to Christianity.
Now, before I say how I felt about this, I have to tell you that I am a huge U2 fan - for their music and their message. I have every cd and still listen to them all the time. But as he was showing me these things, I got a real check in my spirit. This poor kid was so desperate to find some sort of Christianity in his favorite artists, that he would settle for their hidden verses and song meanings that may or may not be alluding to spiritual matters. I honestly hurt for him. It shouldn't be that hard!
What's with the hide-and-seek game that Christian artists are playing? One of the big questions we have is just what does Bono believe. Is he a born-again Christian or not? If so, why is he shrouding it in speeches of "spirituality" and not the Cross? Why do our Christian kids have to dig so hard to find these things - and often make up something where it doesn't even exist?
Don't get me wrong - I don't believe our artists need to be singing "Jesus Loves Me" all the time and shouting about every facet of their faith. I love symbolism, I love parables, I love when Christ is put subtly into their lyrics as they sing about every day life. Not every song has to be a praise and worship song. (Jon Foreman's new cds are a great example of how to do this right.) The art can be nuanced, but the artist himself shouldn't be playing hide-and-seek with their faith. Never is a Christian called to try to look like a tare to win the tares. And our kids shouldn't have to play the "is he or isn't he" game.
This reminds me of the story of Elijah and Obadiah in I Kings. When the famine came, the prophet Obadiah hid in a cave and the prophet Elijah was brought to the brook to feed on God. Elijah was then able to stand on the mountain top of Carmel and call down the fire of God, while Obadiah stood quietly by, not wanting to expose himself to the world. Those who want to blend into the mountain, thinking that they can quietly effect change in the world without revealing who they are, will forever remain in the mountain. Those who are willing to publicly align themselves to Christ will stand on the mountain-top with Him, for all to see. There will be no hidden messages, no allusions to Christianity - there will be Christ and all those are with Him.
I personally think U2 is too well hidden to effect true Kingdom change. World change? They may accomplish that, and there is some good to be found in this. But the only change that ultimately matters is eternal change, and that comes when Christ is lifted high and we are willing to stand with Him.
U2 is well hidden, whether they want to admit it or not. The fact that we have the conversation speaks for itself.
Now, before I say how I felt about this, I have to tell you that I am a huge U2 fan - for their music and their message. I have every cd and still listen to them all the time. But as he was showing me these things, I got a real check in my spirit. This poor kid was so desperate to find some sort of Christianity in his favorite artists, that he would settle for their hidden verses and song meanings that may or may not be alluding to spiritual matters. I honestly hurt for him. It shouldn't be that hard!
What's with the hide-and-seek game that Christian artists are playing? One of the big questions we have is just what does Bono believe. Is he a born-again Christian or not? If so, why is he shrouding it in speeches of "spirituality" and not the Cross? Why do our Christian kids have to dig so hard to find these things - and often make up something where it doesn't even exist?
Don't get me wrong - I don't believe our artists need to be singing "Jesus Loves Me" all the time and shouting about every facet of their faith. I love symbolism, I love parables, I love when Christ is put subtly into their lyrics as they sing about every day life. Not every song has to be a praise and worship song. (Jon Foreman's new cds are a great example of how to do this right.) The art can be nuanced, but the artist himself shouldn't be playing hide-and-seek with their faith. Never is a Christian called to try to look like a tare to win the tares. And our kids shouldn't have to play the "is he or isn't he" game.
This reminds me of the story of Elijah and Obadiah in I Kings. When the famine came, the prophet Obadiah hid in a cave and the prophet Elijah was brought to the brook to feed on God. Elijah was then able to stand on the mountain top of Carmel and call down the fire of God, while Obadiah stood quietly by, not wanting to expose himself to the world. Those who want to blend into the mountain, thinking that they can quietly effect change in the world without revealing who they are, will forever remain in the mountain. Those who are willing to publicly align themselves to Christ will stand on the mountain-top with Him, for all to see. There will be no hidden messages, no allusions to Christianity - there will be Christ and all those are with Him.
I personally think U2 is too well hidden to effect true Kingdom change. World change? They may accomplish that, and there is some good to be found in this. But the only change that ultimately matters is eternal change, and that comes when Christ is lifted high and we are willing to stand with Him.
U2 is well hidden, whether they want to admit it or not. The fact that we have the conversation speaks for itself.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
A Case of Boo's
I was sitting with my 9-year old son Luke the other night, watching the Celts play the Portland Trailblazers. At one point, the Celts went on a roll and part of the reason was that Portland was playing awful, almost like they weren't even trying. I said, "They're going to start booing them pretty soon."
Luke's head snapped at me and he asked, "Who's going to boo?"
"The fans are going to start booing the Trailblazers."
"But it's in Portland."
"I know."
Then he looked really confused. "You mean fans boo their own team?"
Oh Luke. You naive, maladjusted, confused little fan. Where did I go wrong? As a Boston sports fan, how could you not know? That's what we do best! I must admit, I loved his child-like innocence in thinking that supporters only supported, but I had to laugh - he'll learn, and he'll probably boo along with the rest of us.
Then I started thinking about how he had it right and that we were the ones that were skewed off course. Why would we boo a team we profess to love? I would think that support in times of poor play would actually encourage them to play better.
Well, anyway - the other day I'm listening to some people talk about another church. It seems to be doing well, and I heard, for lack of a better term, these fellow Christians 'boo' this church. I was struck by that and thought in my heart, "You mean Christians boo their own team?"
Oh Tom. You naive, maladjusted, confused little Christian. Where did you go wrong? As a follower of Christ, how could you not know? That's what we do best! In my child-like innocence, I thought that supporters actually supported.
We love stumbles in churches and Christians and we love to rip apart a church that God seems to be using. When we do this, we reveal that our heart isn't truly in Kingdom Advancement, it's in kingdom advancement. Our own personal kingdoms, not the universal kingdom of God. If God is blessing us, then all is right in our little fiefdom. But heaven forbid - literally - another church have blessings pour upon it. Or heaven forbid a Christian or a ministry actually struggle with something. Either one of these (extreme) circumstances aren't allowed in our ministry building, so we do what we do best - we boo.
Here's a real sign of fan maturity: The ability to cheer on your team without having to rip the other team apart.
Here's a real sign of Christian maturity: The ability to pray for your church without having to rip another church apart.
Luke's head snapped at me and he asked, "Who's going to boo?"
"The fans are going to start booing the Trailblazers."
"But it's in Portland."
"I know."
Then he looked really confused. "You mean fans boo their own team?"
Oh Luke. You naive, maladjusted, confused little fan. Where did I go wrong? As a Boston sports fan, how could you not know? That's what we do best! I must admit, I loved his child-like innocence in thinking that supporters only supported, but I had to laugh - he'll learn, and he'll probably boo along with the rest of us.
Then I started thinking about how he had it right and that we were the ones that were skewed off course. Why would we boo a team we profess to love? I would think that support in times of poor play would actually encourage them to play better.
Well, anyway - the other day I'm listening to some people talk about another church. It seems to be doing well, and I heard, for lack of a better term, these fellow Christians 'boo' this church. I was struck by that and thought in my heart, "You mean Christians boo their own team?"
Oh Tom. You naive, maladjusted, confused little Christian. Where did you go wrong? As a follower of Christ, how could you not know? That's what we do best! In my child-like innocence, I thought that supporters actually supported.
We love stumbles in churches and Christians and we love to rip apart a church that God seems to be using. When we do this, we reveal that our heart isn't truly in Kingdom Advancement, it's in kingdom advancement. Our own personal kingdoms, not the universal kingdom of God. If God is blessing us, then all is right in our little fiefdom. But heaven forbid - literally - another church have blessings pour upon it. Or heaven forbid a Christian or a ministry actually struggle with something. Either one of these (extreme) circumstances aren't allowed in our ministry building, so we do what we do best - we boo.
Here's a real sign of fan maturity: The ability to cheer on your team without having to rip the other team apart.
Here's a real sign of Christian maturity: The ability to pray for your church without having to rip another church apart.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)