After writing yesterday's post I found myself feeling a little lopsided. There are plenty of church imposters out there and so there's a need to identify what the church isn't. There are also plenty of examples of the real thing and it is important to celebrate and acknowledge what the church is too.
The church is redeemed. Rescued, ransomed, saved, spared and purchased at great cost with the blood of Jesus. This quality, more than any other thing declares that we belong to Christ and are members of His church. More than our morality, political views (which can vary within the church), nationality, race, size or worship style, our redemption defines us. We are sinners worthy of nothing more or less than hell but saved through the grace and mercy of Jesus.
The church is broken. It is true, hypocrisy and sin of various kinds reside within the church. Hopefully we're not too scared of our issues to bring them before our loving, compassionate Lord who heals and restores us. We are not superior to the world, but when we wander we have a Good Shepherd who retrieves us and corrects us so that he can continue the good work he began in us at the beginning.
The church is marked by the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit fills us, seals us, counsels us, points us to truth, affirms us and bears fruit in our lives. Whether you're "charismatic" or conservative regarding spiritual gifts you can't deny the role of the Holy Spirit in your life as a believer. He prompts us to pray, warns us of spiritual danger and brings truth to light in our lives.
The church is God's idea. Sometimes our man made versions don't exactly resemble what he intended but the idea that we're supposed to live this life together is from him. We are called to love one another, pray for one another, encourage each other, correct each other, teach each other and so on. All of these commands found in the New Testament only happen in the context of community. God has even supplied us with a model of church leadership and loving instructions about how we relate to each other in that context.
The church is the bride of Christ. He chose us and loves us in the same way a man loves his wife. Although we are bruised and battered from self-inflicted wounds at times, he still thinks we are beautiful because we are his. He willingly sacrificed himself for us because he desired relationship with us. No, I don't understand why he does, but his actions speak for themselves.
There are many times when the church is not everything it could be or should be and there are plenty of people happy to throw stones when that happens. Many people have chosen to love Jesus and avoid his church. I understand the feeling behind that thought but if you came up to me and said, "Hey Tim, I really think you're a cool guy but I hate your wife." I would instantly become angry. Why? Because she is my first and strongest ally in this life. Because I chose her and she chose me. Because your opinion of her reflects on me, to insult or despise her is to do the same thing to me. Why would we approach Christ and his church any differently?
Welcome Here!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The Church is Not...
Munching on a turkey wrap, sipping some coke and quietly perusing the headlines in the TNT I come across some interesting stuff. Turns out that "Another old Tacoma church may fall". Interesting. For those of you who are interested in the details you can read them here. The gist of it is that a relatively tiny congregation (40ish) is unable to support a comparatively massive building (seating for 500+).
For obvious reasons they are wanting to sell the building and they don't really care who buys the thing. Overwhelming financial stress tends to make all of us decisive doesn't it? If someone wants to buy it just for the land and have the building demolished that's okay with them too. Some folks are feeling sentimental about the potential loss of such a magnificent church. We do grow attached to places, especially ones where we have memories or some sort of significant connection.
Now this may just be my outsider's opinion but their church building is just a building; an edifice void of any life at all unless filled with believers passionately pursuing Christ. As I read the article I kept thinking, "This is inconsistent with a dynamic group of believers - something isn't right." I took the liberty of going to the website of the church in question, First Congregational Church of Tacoma, to see if I could find any clues. Makes sense now. Take a look at a little blurb from the home page of their website.
Who We are:We at First Congregational Church are a progressive, open, and affirming congregation. We are interested in justice, peace, and freedom. We are Christ centered, yet recognize that there is truth in many religious paths. We are pluralistic, spiritual, and believe in the dignity and worth of every human being. We are in search of truth, open to your search, and will not tell you what to believe. We support your right to discover God on your own terms. Whatever your path, we are open to your journey.
I'm not here to throw stones at anyone or be judgmental. Their "Who We Are" declaration is very inclusive, welcoming and encouraging to the public. Other portions of the home page affirmed this worldview as well. The problem here is that while they had managed to form a congregation, they rejected the opportunity to be Christ's church. To say that you are "Christ centered, yet recognize that there is truth in many religious paths." is to not be Christ centered at all. Jesus never pointed to "truth" in the Roman gods or other pagan deities of the time, he pointed back to himself. His teaching was filled with compassion, love, and truth. He had no problem loving people stuck in sin or outcast by society but he never, ever said or implied that a belief in anyone other than him could bring salvation.
At the risk of being slightly offensive, Tacoma is in no risk of losing another great church. A building? Yes, but the church is not a building. A congregation? Possibly, but the church isn't just a gathering of people either. A great church? Not really. You see Christ is building and growing His church in Tacoma, here on the KP and around the world in general. It is filled with flawed, sinful people who are redeemed by grace and experiencing an ongoing change to become more like Jesus. We happily confess Christ and Christ alone as Savior and are delighted to share him with anyone and everyone. We do not desire for people to wander on paths that lead to death but to follow Jesus and choose life!
For obvious reasons they are wanting to sell the building and they don't really care who buys the thing. Overwhelming financial stress tends to make all of us decisive doesn't it? If someone wants to buy it just for the land and have the building demolished that's okay with them too. Some folks are feeling sentimental about the potential loss of such a magnificent church. We do grow attached to places, especially ones where we have memories or some sort of significant connection.
Now this may just be my outsider's opinion but their church building is just a building; an edifice void of any life at all unless filled with believers passionately pursuing Christ. As I read the article I kept thinking, "This is inconsistent with a dynamic group of believers - something isn't right." I took the liberty of going to the website of the church in question, First Congregational Church of Tacoma, to see if I could find any clues. Makes sense now. Take a look at a little blurb from the home page of their website.
Who We are:We at First Congregational Church are a progressive, open, and affirming congregation. We are interested in justice, peace, and freedom. We are Christ centered, yet recognize that there is truth in many religious paths. We are pluralistic, spiritual, and believe in the dignity and worth of every human being. We are in search of truth, open to your search, and will not tell you what to believe. We support your right to discover God on your own terms. Whatever your path, we are open to your journey.
I'm not here to throw stones at anyone or be judgmental. Their "Who We Are" declaration is very inclusive, welcoming and encouraging to the public. Other portions of the home page affirmed this worldview as well. The problem here is that while they had managed to form a congregation, they rejected the opportunity to be Christ's church. To say that you are "Christ centered, yet recognize that there is truth in many religious paths." is to not be Christ centered at all. Jesus never pointed to "truth" in the Roman gods or other pagan deities of the time, he pointed back to himself. His teaching was filled with compassion, love, and truth. He had no problem loving people stuck in sin or outcast by society but he never, ever said or implied that a belief in anyone other than him could bring salvation.
At the risk of being slightly offensive, Tacoma is in no risk of losing another great church. A building? Yes, but the church is not a building. A congregation? Possibly, but the church isn't just a gathering of people either. A great church? Not really. You see Christ is building and growing His church in Tacoma, here on the KP and around the world in general. It is filled with flawed, sinful people who are redeemed by grace and experiencing an ongoing change to become more like Jesus. We happily confess Christ and Christ alone as Savior and are delighted to share him with anyone and everyone. We do not desire for people to wander on paths that lead to death but to follow Jesus and choose life!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
This Might Hurt a Little
There's nothing quite like the comforting words of the man or woman holding the sterilized, medical dagger of doom. "You're going to feel a little prick." Sure I will. I can see that maniacal gleam in your eye as you flick your tool of torture masquerading as something I need to stay healthy. No doubt you fantasize about stabbing ... ummmm I mean about immunizing people when they're walking their dog or watching a movie - anytime when they least expect it. It doesn't matter if you're giving me a booster shot or numbing my mouth for an extraction either, you all get that same creepy satisfaction. "This won't hurt a bit." Nope, I never did buy that line.
Just so we're clear, I'm not that fearful of needles but I do feel that ice-cream is the only just reward after a poking episode, especially if it was at the dentist. Who cares if I'm a dad, I need prizes too. And maybe therapy - wow, didn't plan on writing all that just now - schnikeys.
Flipping the switch over to the serious side of things, pain hurts. I know, you already know that but sometimes we work so hard to "grin and bear it" that I think we miss on something kind of important. Several people in my life have gone through or are currently going through significant pain in their lives. Some of it is physical and for others the pain is emotional and on some level, spiritual. I'm not saying we should wallow in misery or view life negatively but candy coating the experience can rob us of spiritual growth and can even prove harmful if we're not careful.
Christians are notorious for trying to encourage each other with positive proclamations from Scripture. Romans 8:28 is easily the most victimized verse when it comes to this practice, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse is as true as the day is long and yet sometimes it is the last thing we need to hear in the midst of being poked. Even when we know that our pain is a part of God's grand design, we need to process and perhaps grieve whatever it is that we're losing before embracing the next thing He has for us. I'm reminded of the story of Lazarus' death and how Jesus responded to that situation. Right from the beginning he fully intended to demonstrate the power of God and raise his friend from the dead but he didn't ignore or rush past the emotion of those who were mourning over their loss. "Jesus wept." - John 11:35. Moments later he would speak life into death and transform grief into joy but first it was time to mourn with those who were mourning.
The encouragement for those who are in Christ is that he really is able to bring us through whatever trial we're going through. He wants to deliver us! We can hold onto that fact and it will soothe us as we battle through the season. We also can be honest, in fact I believe God prefers our honesty through the midst of pain. He's big enough to handle it.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Just so we're clear, I'm not that fearful of needles but I do feel that ice-cream is the only just reward after a poking episode, especially if it was at the dentist. Who cares if I'm a dad, I need prizes too. And maybe therapy - wow, didn't plan on writing all that just now - schnikeys.
Flipping the switch over to the serious side of things, pain hurts. I know, you already know that but sometimes we work so hard to "grin and bear it" that I think we miss on something kind of important. Several people in my life have gone through or are currently going through significant pain in their lives. Some of it is physical and for others the pain is emotional and on some level, spiritual. I'm not saying we should wallow in misery or view life negatively but candy coating the experience can rob us of spiritual growth and can even prove harmful if we're not careful.
Christians are notorious for trying to encourage each other with positive proclamations from Scripture. Romans 8:28 is easily the most victimized verse when it comes to this practice, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse is as true as the day is long and yet sometimes it is the last thing we need to hear in the midst of being poked. Even when we know that our pain is a part of God's grand design, we need to process and perhaps grieve whatever it is that we're losing before embracing the next thing He has for us. I'm reminded of the story of Lazarus' death and how Jesus responded to that situation. Right from the beginning he fully intended to demonstrate the power of God and raise his friend from the dead but he didn't ignore or rush past the emotion of those who were mourning over their loss. "Jesus wept." - John 11:35. Moments later he would speak life into death and transform grief into joy but first it was time to mourn with those who were mourning.
The encouragement for those who are in Christ is that he really is able to bring us through whatever trial we're going through. He wants to deliver us! We can hold onto that fact and it will soothe us as we battle through the season. We also can be honest, in fact I believe God prefers our honesty through the midst of pain. He's big enough to handle it.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Friday, May 4, 2012
Sometimes...
Sometimes we view our quiet time with God as something on our "to do" list. If I were God (okay you can stop laughing now...) I think that would tick me off. I don't want my wife to feel like she has to spend time with me. I much prefer it when she is excited/happy/delighted to be next to me. I am just starting the getting-less-cool-everyday stage with my children where dad's dancing prowess and theatrical reenactments provoke groans instead of laughter but for the most part they still like having me around - and I really like that. I don't want my children, at any stage of life, to feel like spending time with me is a chore. I think God is just like me (okay, snicker & chuckle as much as you'd like) in that feeling.
Look, the more I read Scripture the more I'm completely, 100%, totally, entirely, massively convinced that Jesus loves me! The more I remember that fact the less likely I am to think of spending time with him as mundane. Bible reading is less like a chemistry exam and more like a letter from a friend. Prayer is less chattering and more listening - and receiving. In fact some of us need to take the entire relationship out of the Principal's office and out to the front porch with a tall glass of iced-tea. I'm not talking method here, although sometimes that needs some change too, I'm just saying if we're not so robotic about the whole thing then maybe we'll stop looking at him that way too.
There are times when I don't feel like doing one more thing. I get tired and worn out. The very last thing I need in that moment is another task to complete. That's why I'm so glad that Jesus said things like "Remain in me" and not "work as hard as you can to gain my acceptance".
This past week the Lord has ministered to me as I've been in his company and reminded me of the things I've just reminded you of because I needed to hear them from Him too. I've needed His refreshment, His gentle correction, His guidance, His power, and His comfort. And you know what? He's been all of those things for me.
Thanks Lord!
Look, the more I read Scripture the more I'm completely, 100%, totally, entirely, massively convinced that Jesus loves me! The more I remember that fact the less likely I am to think of spending time with him as mundane. Bible reading is less like a chemistry exam and more like a letter from a friend. Prayer is less chattering and more listening - and receiving. In fact some of us need to take the entire relationship out of the Principal's office and out to the front porch with a tall glass of iced-tea. I'm not talking method here, although sometimes that needs some change too, I'm just saying if we're not so robotic about the whole thing then maybe we'll stop looking at him that way too.
There are times when I don't feel like doing one more thing. I get tired and worn out. The very last thing I need in that moment is another task to complete. That's why I'm so glad that Jesus said things like "Remain in me" and not "work as hard as you can to gain my acceptance".
This past week the Lord has ministered to me as I've been in his company and reminded me of the things I've just reminded you of because I needed to hear them from Him too. I've needed His refreshment, His gentle correction, His guidance, His power, and His comfort. And you know what? He's been all of those things for me.
Thanks Lord!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
A Little Closer
For those of you joining me in the "Seeking Him" Study you'll know that this week's emphasis has been on being honest. I've yet to meet a person who prefers to be lied to; all of us value honesty a great deal. We also value equally, if not more, things like privacy and reputation. We want our friends to like us so at times we believe that if we're actually honest - as in open and honest - they may like us less. We're concerned that we'll fall from grace in their opinion of us. Perhaps we wonder if they'll be with us through thin as well as thick.
In preparing for our meeting tonight I kept thinking about the evening, and praying for us as we come together. I expect that we'll be honest - relatively speaking. No, I'm not accusing anyone or suggesting that they're outright blatantly lying. What I mean is I think honesty, the brutal expose myself and risk it all honesty, happens relative to trust. This isn't necessarily ideal and there certainly are exceptions but for the most part we filter stuff before it leaves our mouths for fear of being hurt. Gossip, feeling judged, losing a friendship or just having some strange truly awkward feeling between you and someone else.
Trust fosters honesty and honesty fosters trust. My wife is an open book with me and I rarely have to guess what she's thinking. We have years of track record together filled with joy but also some pain. There have been times when we've waited to share our struggles with each other but time has proven to both of us that being open is a far better way to live. The benefits of being honest with your spouse are obvious and so are the consequences of being dishonest. There's a bigger picture here though, and as much as I value and cherish the relationship I have with Tina, I know I need other close friends. I need an inner circle.
My suspicion is that you require close friendships too. The kind where you can speak your mind and it feels totally, completely safe. That close, inner circle where shame is unheard of and "embarrassment " is an antiquated term. Now understand that there will always be a certain level of shame attached with shameful action - there's just no getting around that bit - but these close friends will be able to encourage you through that time and challenge you to live so that you don't return there. People in your circle of trust are free to speak firm, loving truth into your life and you into theirs as well.
If you have friends like this thank the Lord for them and let them know how much they mean to you. If you don't have friends like this ask the Lord for them. He knows you better than anyone and is able to bring the right people into your life.
Remember this! The Lord sees you exactly the way you are. Nothing is hidden from him. And he loves you.
"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." ~ Romans 5:5-8
In preparing for our meeting tonight I kept thinking about the evening, and praying for us as we come together. I expect that we'll be honest - relatively speaking. No, I'm not accusing anyone or suggesting that they're outright blatantly lying. What I mean is I think honesty, the brutal expose myself and risk it all honesty, happens relative to trust. This isn't necessarily ideal and there certainly are exceptions but for the most part we filter stuff before it leaves our mouths for fear of being hurt. Gossip, feeling judged, losing a friendship or just having some strange truly awkward feeling between you and someone else.
Trust fosters honesty and honesty fosters trust. My wife is an open book with me and I rarely have to guess what she's thinking. We have years of track record together filled with joy but also some pain. There have been times when we've waited to share our struggles with each other but time has proven to both of us that being open is a far better way to live. The benefits of being honest with your spouse are obvious and so are the consequences of being dishonest. There's a bigger picture here though, and as much as I value and cherish the relationship I have with Tina, I know I need other close friends. I need an inner circle.
My suspicion is that you require close friendships too. The kind where you can speak your mind and it feels totally, completely safe. That close, inner circle where shame is unheard of and "embarrassment " is an antiquated term. Now understand that there will always be a certain level of shame attached with shameful action - there's just no getting around that bit - but these close friends will be able to encourage you through that time and challenge you to live so that you don't return there. People in your circle of trust are free to speak firm, loving truth into your life and you into theirs as well.
If you have friends like this thank the Lord for them and let them know how much they mean to you. If you don't have friends like this ask the Lord for them. He knows you better than anyone and is able to bring the right people into your life.
Remember this! The Lord sees you exactly the way you are. Nothing is hidden from him. And he loves you.
"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." ~ Romans 5:5-8
Friday, April 27, 2012
Maybe it's the Oatmeal...
I'm trying to develop the habit of taking easy to fix lunches that don't kill me and leave me somewhat satisfied. Fulfilling all of those requirements is more of a trick than I thought but I feel as though I've made some headway thanks to oatmeal. Seeing as how I'm not a "foody", cook, critic, health expert, nutritionist or personal trainer I'll gratefully leave the conversation about my lunch now except to tell you that as I write this I'm not hungry. Which is to say that my appetite has been satisfied - not lost.
Why does that matter? Sometimes I've found that I can quickly confuse physical feelings with spiritual ones - or maybe it's the other way around. Am I at peace because I've finally made an important decision or is it the peace that comes from God and surpasses all understanding like it talks about in Philippians? Am I feeling satisfied in the Lord's presence or simply because of food's presence in my belly? For what it's worth I believe it is completely possible for us to feel physically and spiritually satisfied, the two are not inherently opposed but it is important to understand the difference. Why? Well consider Jesus' words in John 4:13, 14 "Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." Listen to him again a little later on in John 6:26-29 "Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." 28 Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" 29 Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
Being satisfied because of Christ is always long lasting. In fact I'm pretty sure that when I've found myself feeling unsatisfied it has had everything to do with me, not him. I've wandered. I've moved away. I've looked elsewhere. He's been there the whole time waiting for me to figure it out and at times intervening to help open my eyes.
I love what the sons of Korah write in Psalm 84:10 "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." I've sung the first phrase of that verse many times and found it easy to embrace. The second half clarifies, qualifies and challenges it though. To be someone of little status can still bring deep, lasting joy? To the point that it is preferred over having a place of honor in any other place? Look, take off your CVGs for a minute (Christian Vision Glasses) and don't just rubber stamp the end of the verse where it talks about the wicked. Of course no one who loves God would want anything to do with anything wicked, I get it and I'm with you but sometimes wicked things can appear... well ... inviting?
Here's the deal. Most, if not all of us desire to be appreciated, applauded and esteemed by our peers. We desire to have our needs met, physical and otherwise. We chase after things searching for feelings of pure delight and enlightenment. The psalmist is saying that being someone of low status, a doorkeeper, in God's house is more desirable than being a "great" person in any other house.
If you're popularity is stripped away but you get to remain in His house - Are you okay with that?
If you're health is snatched from you but you stay with Jesus - How does that add up?
If you're income is reduced or eliminated but Christ stays - Is He sufficient?
If no one ever thought your idea was the right one, or even one worth listening to but you get to be a part of God's family - would you prefer it?
Not everything in my life is going just the way I'd like it to at the moment but I'm okay with it. I'm even thankful for it. God's got it. The harder stuff will be dealt with and He'll still be there no matter what. I know, I just had lunch so maybe it's the oatmeal... nah...
I'm in His house.
Why does that matter? Sometimes I've found that I can quickly confuse physical feelings with spiritual ones - or maybe it's the other way around. Am I at peace because I've finally made an important decision or is it the peace that comes from God and surpasses all understanding like it talks about in Philippians? Am I feeling satisfied in the Lord's presence or simply because of food's presence in my belly? For what it's worth I believe it is completely possible for us to feel physically and spiritually satisfied, the two are not inherently opposed but it is important to understand the difference. Why? Well consider Jesus' words in John 4:13, 14 "Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." Listen to him again a little later on in John 6:26-29 "Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." 28 Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" 29 Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
Being satisfied because of Christ is always long lasting. In fact I'm pretty sure that when I've found myself feeling unsatisfied it has had everything to do with me, not him. I've wandered. I've moved away. I've looked elsewhere. He's been there the whole time waiting for me to figure it out and at times intervening to help open my eyes.
I love what the sons of Korah write in Psalm 84:10 "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." I've sung the first phrase of that verse many times and found it easy to embrace. The second half clarifies, qualifies and challenges it though. To be someone of little status can still bring deep, lasting joy? To the point that it is preferred over having a place of honor in any other place? Look, take off your CVGs for a minute (Christian Vision Glasses) and don't just rubber stamp the end of the verse where it talks about the wicked. Of course no one who loves God would want anything to do with anything wicked, I get it and I'm with you but sometimes wicked things can appear... well ... inviting?
Here's the deal. Most, if not all of us desire to be appreciated, applauded and esteemed by our peers. We desire to have our needs met, physical and otherwise. We chase after things searching for feelings of pure delight and enlightenment. The psalmist is saying that being someone of low status, a doorkeeper, in God's house is more desirable than being a "great" person in any other house.
If you're popularity is stripped away but you get to remain in His house - Are you okay with that?
If you're health is snatched from you but you stay with Jesus - How does that add up?
If you're income is reduced or eliminated but Christ stays - Is He sufficient?
If no one ever thought your idea was the right one, or even one worth listening to but you get to be a part of God's family - would you prefer it?
Not everything in my life is going just the way I'd like it to at the moment but I'm okay with it. I'm even thankful for it. God's got it. The harder stuff will be dealt with and He'll still be there no matter what. I know, I just had lunch so maybe it's the oatmeal... nah...
I'm in His house.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Stop Trying
I have personally known Jesus for over 30 years now. I've listened to preachers, sung songs of praise and worship, attended youth group, gone on retreats, gone to camp, served in church, traveled to foreign countries to share the gospel, graduated from Bible College and am serving as a pastor. If my list of "good Christian activities" impresses you then allow me to dissect your impression. You see I don't look at my life as a list of accomplishments to be admired but a long series of God-given opportunities to "get it right" with Christ. If anyone has had the opportunity to figure out how to live for Jesus, I have.
The reality is that all of those things don't make me any better or purer or holier or righteous-er than anyone else. In fact one of the biggest myths we buy into is the idea that if we do more church stuff we'll become better people. It is true that we are called to serve God and share of our gifts and talents with each other and I'm not here to bash that concept. The problem we have is that we equate activity with spirituality.
Over the last 30 years of knowing Jesus I have also fallen short in numerous ways. I've struggled with pride, I've had to battle lust, I've lost my temper (even though I'm a pretty easy going guy), I've coveted things, I've looked for satisfaction from things where only God could satisfy. Now the Lord has given me victory after victory and I've noticed one consistent thing about each one. I stopped trying. Seriously, when I gave up I won. At the risk of being an heretical idiot - let me clarify - I stopped trying and trusted God to do it all instead.
This idea came up during one of our discussion times recently on Tuesday night from someone else because the Lord clearly works like that in their life as well. I'll go out on a fairly sturdy limb here and suggest that He works like that consistently in most of our lives! The work of revival, of spiritual maturity, of bearing spiritual fruit is His work. Not ours. Not mine. Not yours. Our job is to remain attached to God. Stop trying to do what only He can do. When you recognize some flaw in your character or some form of sin in your life - don't try to fix it in your own strength. You can't. Seek Him and allow Him to do that work in you.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ~ 2 Peter 1:3
There is a list of spiritual fruit-like attributes that come in the following verses of this passage and we are encouraged to "make every effort" toward them but the productivity is from Him. Let me say it another way, if you want to be more patient don't make patience your number one goal, make the Lord your number one pursuit and He will grow the attribute of patience in you. If you want to overcome pride in your life, bask in the glory of God for awhile and you will be unable to feel anything other than overwhelming humility - not the contrived fake stuff either. If you desire to love more, jump headlong into the ocean of God's love and let yourself be overwhelmed. Loving others will be inevitable.
Stop trying - Trust God!
The reality is that all of those things don't make me any better or purer or holier or righteous-er than anyone else. In fact one of the biggest myths we buy into is the idea that if we do more church stuff we'll become better people. It is true that we are called to serve God and share of our gifts and talents with each other and I'm not here to bash that concept. The problem we have is that we equate activity with spirituality.
Over the last 30 years of knowing Jesus I have also fallen short in numerous ways. I've struggled with pride, I've had to battle lust, I've lost my temper (even though I'm a pretty easy going guy), I've coveted things, I've looked for satisfaction from things where only God could satisfy. Now the Lord has given me victory after victory and I've noticed one consistent thing about each one. I stopped trying. Seriously, when I gave up I won. At the risk of being an heretical idiot - let me clarify - I stopped trying and trusted God to do it all instead.
This idea came up during one of our discussion times recently on Tuesday night from someone else because the Lord clearly works like that in their life as well. I'll go out on a fairly sturdy limb here and suggest that He works like that consistently in most of our lives! The work of revival, of spiritual maturity, of bearing spiritual fruit is His work. Not ours. Not mine. Not yours. Our job is to remain attached to God. Stop trying to do what only He can do. When you recognize some flaw in your character or some form of sin in your life - don't try to fix it in your own strength. You can't. Seek Him and allow Him to do that work in you.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ~ 2 Peter 1:3
There is a list of spiritual fruit-like attributes that come in the following verses of this passage and we are encouraged to "make every effort" toward them but the productivity is from Him. Let me say it another way, if you want to be more patient don't make patience your number one goal, make the Lord your number one pursuit and He will grow the attribute of patience in you. If you want to overcome pride in your life, bask in the glory of God for awhile and you will be unable to feel anything other than overwhelming humility - not the contrived fake stuff either. If you desire to love more, jump headlong into the ocean of God's love and let yourself be overwhelmed. Loving others will be inevitable.
Stop trying - Trust God!
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