The instruction to one ancient church applied in today’s church
A striking realization hit me the last Sunday before New Years. I was convicted, challenged, and now for the first time in my life I have ample opportunity to complete a New Year’s resolution. My epiphany came during a sermon the associate pastor of my church delivered from the book of Ephesians, chapter four. While the message he was giving was based on the passage found in verse 27—and do not give the devil a foothold –I was led to continue reading. I back tracked a couple of verses and then read until I reached verse 32. By the end of the service I was determined to live my life according to the word so as not to give the devil a foothold.
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body”—Ephesians 4:25
When I first read this I immediately became defensive. I knew then that I was going to have to deal directly with this issue. Telling the truth is not difficult for me. I don’t have any problems with it. In fact, I am not at all prone to lying. I detest the very thought. However, it was only that telling the truth was easy when asked. I’m not privy to just sharing the truth when the spirit leads. Nor am I innocent of avoiding the truth when less than desirable conditions rear their ugly heads. Just prior to that day I had evaded an acquaintance’s invitation by purposely making other plans. This person had caused a great deal of hurt to me in the past and while, yes, I had forgiven this person, I wasn’t ready to make an effort to rekindle a friendship. I justified my actions in my mind believing that by doing so I wasn’t technically lying to this person but sparing us both a lot of pain. I became upset with myself realizing that I wasn’t being real with this person and I needed to come clean with myself…and probably this person at some point. “For we are all members of one body,” resonated through my mind. If I couldn’t be honest with a brother in Christ how were we to operate as one body? This became my first area of concern. But it didn’t stop here. God had a lot more to say.
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” –Ephesians 4:26
“do not give the devil a foothold.” –Ephesians 4:27
It’s not surprising as a Christian to become a little over zealous when surfaces sin. We are made in the image of God and He hates sin! However, He doesn’t hate the sinner. I find my self so eager to dismiss those who are disobedient to the word. In my effort to detest the sin, I begin to dislike the sinner as well. I’m not easily prone to anger but I do hold on to it. Instead of facing it, I leave it pent up to unleash on an unsuspecting, and probably undeserving, recipient that just so happens to press my last nerve. In context, this passage is connected to the next verse “and do not give the devil a foothold.” If the door to our heart were accessed by a password I believe “anger” would be a valid entry. Anger does not allow us to think straight. Our judgment becomes clouded and we find solace in nothing. Often times all we can do is concentrate on breathing. The hurt, the distrust, the very thought that someone has wronged us is more that we can handle. But at the same time, if we admit to it, there is a part of us that isn’t ready to give up that emotion. We want reprisal and we don’t want anyone to have except ourselves. However, when we finally do face the anger situation and find a resting place, the relief from it is refreshing.
“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” –Ephesians 4:28
Hands down I thought I was above this one. I don’t steal. I was ready to skip over this one thinking that it was simply a scripture on theft. Then I felt a tug bringing me back to the passage and I was informed of the underlying meaning. Thanks be to God. What was it that I needed to learn here? I read it over and over and then it was apparent: time. Yes, I do my part. I go to church, I’m faithful in tithing, and I’ll serve whenever and wherever asked. But it’s not enough. What was I personally contributing? It is not often that a day goes by that God does not impart some piece of wisdom to me. What do I do with it? Nothing, I hold on to it. I’m not constantly sharing with those in need. This was a huge deal in the early church. The church was a family, they protected one another, they fed, clothed, and cared for one another. They encouraged one another and brought one another through. They shared in relationship and no one was alone. It’s like that old saying “no man is an island.” No one is meant to be alone. So here was the next step for me. I have to begin contributing more of my life to what God has set before me. I have to make myself available to every sort of work. I need to share with those in need.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” –Ephesians 4:29
In another translation this scripture reads let no idle talk and coarse jesting come from your mouth. In a conversation with my senior pastor I learned that “idle talk” meant “dismissive talk.” However, my conviction remained the same. If what I’m speaking is of no benefit to others or God then I’ve no business speaking it. There was a time in my life when I didn’t say much of anything to anybody. I stayed off peoples’ bad lists but still there was nothing there with which I could form a relationship. I simply existed. I offered nothing and received nothing in return from others. I became convicted of what I do speak. I’m often aware when gossip arises and I’m careful to not join in. I’m not always careful to not listen. Yet, there are times when I do fall short and engage in a conversation that begins almost always with a prayer request. Stormie O’Martian advises in her book The Power of a Praying Woman, “Never spend more time talking about a prayer request than praying for the request.” This opens the door for gossip. What starts as a prayer concern can escalate into juicy story for your prayer partners. And as for the coarse jesting I read in the other translation, well that’s a whole other issue. My senior pastor and I both agree that we believe Jesus and his disciples cut up and had fun. However, sometimes we go too far and let others’ misfortunes turn into the butts of meaningless jokes. And often times we don’t intend to hurt others but at the same time we are not doing much to build them up by making these wisecracks. Laughing it up is not a sin. Through laughter comes healing. The solution to this is simple: if you wouldn’t want to hear the joke you’re about to make directed towards you, there’s a strong case for not making it at all. So keep this passage and Hebrews 3:13 in mind “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.”
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” –Ephesians 4:30
Guilty! I cannot begin to imagine how many times I’ve grieved the Holy Spirit of God. It reminds me of a parent watching and trying to prevent their children from getting into all sorts of trouble. If the Holy Spirit has hair it’s probably gray by now from all the stress we put on it. Grieving the Holy Spirit is done when we ignore instruction or cause him undue stress from the actions taken outside of what we’ve been called to do. The Holy Spirit has been imparted to us for our own benefit. “With whom you were sealed for the day of redemption,” we are a team. We are to work with the Holy Spirit not outside of it. We need to access the Holy Spirit fully, not just when it’s convenient. Learning the difference between the indwelling of the spirit and being filled with the spirit was the first prompt for me. With the indwelling it is there, no more, no less. Being filled with the spirit is an activity that should be completed on a daily basis. The supply of the Holy Spirit is infinite; don’t choose to be stingy with it. Get hungry!
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” –Ephesians 4:31
Every one of these emotions has to do with a direct relationship. It’s easy to appreciate a good relationship with a friend when you’ve walked through the fire with him or her. None of these emotions are pleasant in feel. No one ever really desires to be enraged, angry, or bitter. And no one really anticipates brawling, slander, and malice to bring about the right results. This is just the wrong answer to the retribution issue addressed in the scripture about anger. Then what does one do when faced with one of these issues? Obviously, just letting go of it is easier said than done, right? The answer comes with the next scripture.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” –Ephesians 4:32
We have no reason to think that the hurts committed against ourselves are more than those committed against our savior. God forgave us with His own child. We must therefore be kind and compassionate toward those who do us wrong. It’s okay to hate what they did but not to be intolerable of the person. We must show our faith in the building of their characters just as God did for each of us. We’ve become such a terrible generation concerned only with our own well being and so independent (especially in our flesh). The flesh is a finite being that knows its time is short on this planet and it will not be invited to enter into the kingdom of Heaven. It will fight tooth and nail to get what it desires. The soul (mind, will, and emotions) knows that it has an opportunity to live in a place far greater than this world and thus fights for what is noble bearing the burden of time and waiting patiently to be received by its creator. It therefore will work with the Holy Spirit to find a place of peace. Forgiveness and compassion is at the core of its purpose and will continue on until we are given rest in God’s presence. There we can surrender it all and know that all the hard work that we’ve labored will be rewarded.
So if my intentions have not been clear, my resolution for 2009 is to live my life according to the instruction given to those in Ephesus. If I do so my life will reflect what God intended it to be. I have no reason to believe that anything instructed to the ancient Church of Ephesus cannot be used in a modern 21st century church and result in anything but good. Everything that I need is found in the word. God doesn’t keep it secret. I’m excited to see where this year will take me and to put these instructions into practice. My purpose for sharing this message with you is twofold. It is my sincere wish that by sharing with you you’ve been blessed by His word and to also gain a sense of accountability. There would be no greater tragedy then to fall short of God’s call due to a simple lack of encouragement.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Minas and Parking
This morning I heard a colleague tell a situation he faced with a couple of his other colleagues over a parking space. Apparently, one believed the parking spot to be hers and the other that the spaces were given on a first come first serve basis. This animosity between the two caused my colleague great distress as he was fairly new in his position and the situation was beyond anything he could have imagined in his newly assigned job description. He responded to the two’s brute statements with apathy. What does it matter?
If anyone knows anything about the city in which I work, one would know that parking is not an ominous issue. This is not a metropolitan city with subway systems and taxis. Parking spaces are profuse in number, easily accessible, and unassigned. But is there something to be said about this “claim” to the spot? She had been parking there for years; did she have a right to it?
Overhearing this story made me smile. Not because I felt that anyone was right or wrong in the situation but because this little story that irritated my colleague left me with just a little more information on who God really is. What did I learn from this little spat? Possession, stewardship, and dispensation were topics that immediately came to mind.
The one colleague believed the spot to be hers. In actuality the spot was there before she began working and will likely be there after she is gone. She made no provisions for the spot but had simply claimed it as she came to posses the spot on a daily basis. No one had fought her on it…until now. Often spots will be assigned, placed in the stewardship of an individual to use while he or she is providing work for a company nearby. Clearly, the individual knows that he or she cannot take the spot home when he or she leaves and place it back the next morning (although I visualize some cartoon scenario in my head of one doing so). It is simply understood that the individual has the option of using the spot as long as he or she is working.
God endows each of us with bodies to hold our souls. He makes provision on this earth that we may partake of its assets as long as we are here. We don’t actually OWN any of it. It makes me laugh when I think of how we “own” land that we may or may not live on. We take possession of things from stores, restaurants, and other places using only a piece of green paper that will bring us favor the more we have of it. Yet, really do we have a valid claim to any of it? Isn’t it all God’s? He’s just allowing us all of the things we need…and want. We didn’t bring anything with us into this world, and try as we might we’ll take nothing out with us.
I’m reminded of the parable of the ten minas (Luke 19:11-27). The master endows to each servant a sum of money to be left in their care until he returns. Each servant takes into his possession his master’s money and becomes the steward of that sum until such time when the master returns to collect. If I remember correctly, the first two invest what had been given and the other buries his fortune. Upon the master’s return he delighted in his first two servants who profited from their investments. Yet, the servant that hid his mina away was condemned for his actions.
To each of us, God endows special abilities and gifts to profit His kingdom. Those who despise Him as king, like in the story, refuse to even accept their task of stewardship. Then there are the two faithful servants that invest theirs and reap a reward for such work. Then there is the one that knew he had something of value and was supposed to invest, yet, did not. He was stripped of his responsibility and given nothing. We must take responsibility in what we are given. We are stewards of His precious gifts.
What is important to remember in such a parable is that the servants did not already have these minas. They were imparted to them upon the master’s departure. The servants did not possess these and therefore could not claim this money for themselves. How easily could they have invested the minas and collected on the interest for themselves. They had done all the work, is it not rightfully theirs to keep? I mean they’re going to give back to the master what he left anyway. No, the servants saw an opportunity to please the one they served. Upon, presenting their profits the servants were justly rewarded for their profits.
I’m reminded of the gifts that God has blessed each of us with. I watch and see that some use their gifts to benefit themselves. There are those who refuse their gifts much like those who were sentenced to death at the end of the parable. They refused to invest or even recognize their master as king. I think of the timid servant who hid his mina knowing full well that his master would be displeased with him. There are those who know that they’re talented yet refuse to use their talents to help anyone, let alone the sovereign Lord. Then we’re left with the faithful few who found their minas as an opportunity to expand their master’s success. In the end their faithfulness was rewarded and the master shared his success with them.
Not once in the parable did any of the servants refer to the minas as their own. They always said “your mina.” What a powerful message. So, does the worker have a rightful claim to “her parking spot?” Has she been given special claim to this spot like the faithful servants to their master’s kingdom? That I cannot answer. However, this little spat has caused me a great deal of contention in my own life. How will I use the gifts and talents with which God has blessed me? Which servant will I be like? In the end what shall be reserved for me?
If anyone knows anything about the city in which I work, one would know that parking is not an ominous issue. This is not a metropolitan city with subway systems and taxis. Parking spaces are profuse in number, easily accessible, and unassigned. But is there something to be said about this “claim” to the spot? She had been parking there for years; did she have a right to it?
Overhearing this story made me smile. Not because I felt that anyone was right or wrong in the situation but because this little story that irritated my colleague left me with just a little more information on who God really is. What did I learn from this little spat? Possession, stewardship, and dispensation were topics that immediately came to mind.
The one colleague believed the spot to be hers. In actuality the spot was there before she began working and will likely be there after she is gone. She made no provisions for the spot but had simply claimed it as she came to posses the spot on a daily basis. No one had fought her on it…until now. Often spots will be assigned, placed in the stewardship of an individual to use while he or she is providing work for a company nearby. Clearly, the individual knows that he or she cannot take the spot home when he or she leaves and place it back the next morning (although I visualize some cartoon scenario in my head of one doing so). It is simply understood that the individual has the option of using the spot as long as he or she is working.
God endows each of us with bodies to hold our souls. He makes provision on this earth that we may partake of its assets as long as we are here. We don’t actually OWN any of it. It makes me laugh when I think of how we “own” land that we may or may not live on. We take possession of things from stores, restaurants, and other places using only a piece of green paper that will bring us favor the more we have of it. Yet, really do we have a valid claim to any of it? Isn’t it all God’s? He’s just allowing us all of the things we need…and want. We didn’t bring anything with us into this world, and try as we might we’ll take nothing out with us.
I’m reminded of the parable of the ten minas (Luke 19:11-27). The master endows to each servant a sum of money to be left in their care until he returns. Each servant takes into his possession his master’s money and becomes the steward of that sum until such time when the master returns to collect. If I remember correctly, the first two invest what had been given and the other buries his fortune. Upon the master’s return he delighted in his first two servants who profited from their investments. Yet, the servant that hid his mina away was condemned for his actions.
To each of us, God endows special abilities and gifts to profit His kingdom. Those who despise Him as king, like in the story, refuse to even accept their task of stewardship. Then there are the two faithful servants that invest theirs and reap a reward for such work. Then there is the one that knew he had something of value and was supposed to invest, yet, did not. He was stripped of his responsibility and given nothing. We must take responsibility in what we are given. We are stewards of His precious gifts.
What is important to remember in such a parable is that the servants did not already have these minas. They were imparted to them upon the master’s departure. The servants did not possess these and therefore could not claim this money for themselves. How easily could they have invested the minas and collected on the interest for themselves. They had done all the work, is it not rightfully theirs to keep? I mean they’re going to give back to the master what he left anyway. No, the servants saw an opportunity to please the one they served. Upon, presenting their profits the servants were justly rewarded for their profits.
I’m reminded of the gifts that God has blessed each of us with. I watch and see that some use their gifts to benefit themselves. There are those who refuse their gifts much like those who were sentenced to death at the end of the parable. They refused to invest or even recognize their master as king. I think of the timid servant who hid his mina knowing full well that his master would be displeased with him. There are those who know that they’re talented yet refuse to use their talents to help anyone, let alone the sovereign Lord. Then we’re left with the faithful few who found their minas as an opportunity to expand their master’s success. In the end their faithfulness was rewarded and the master shared his success with them.
Not once in the parable did any of the servants refer to the minas as their own. They always said “your mina.” What a powerful message. So, does the worker have a rightful claim to “her parking spot?” Has she been given special claim to this spot like the faithful servants to their master’s kingdom? That I cannot answer. However, this little spat has caused me a great deal of contention in my own life. How will I use the gifts and talents with which God has blessed me? Which servant will I be like? In the end what shall be reserved for me?
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Eye on the Sky: The Expectancy of Blessings
One night as I was driving south on I-65 I looked up into the west sky and to my amazement I caught a shooting star. I was overcome with delight. I’ve only ever caught sight of three in my lifetime. One was on the night of my 19th birthday and I insisted that it was God’s birthday present to me. As I continued my quest home I began to ponder the frequency of what we call shooting stars. I was looking up at just the right moment to see this wonder. The duration of the event was less than three seconds but it is burned into my thoughts forever. There is no doubt in my mind that I’ve missed many shooting stars simply because my attention was elsewhere. Lasting only a moment, how can one possibly expect to see them except to constantly be staring up? What reason have I to look at the sky other than the fact that is a beautiful manifestation of God’s own nature: wide, mysterious, and absolutely stunning.
This brought me to question the nature of God’s blessings. How many times have I missed them because I wasn’t looking in the right direction? How long has God been trying to grasp my attention? More so how many times have those blessings fallen on me and I’ve not even realized? God is constantly blessing us in ways unimaginable. However, we only recognize those that we expect and pray for. Never mind the fact that He is giving us the health to live through one more day. Forget the fact that we live in a country where we are given more opportunities and handouts than any other country in this world. It doesn’t matter that He has afforded us the opportunity to live in this day and age to have a direct relationship with Him. There are no high priests to go through, no animal blood sacrifices. We can come to Him at anytime and ask forgiveness and it’s granted. Just as we take for granted all the shooting stars that have occurred without us watching, think of all the blessings we take for granted just because we didn’t expect them.
Driving that night I had no reason to be looking up. To you fellow drivers I imagine you’d prefer my gaze elsewhere-- explicitly the road. I just happened to cast my gaze heavenward and enjoy God’s creation. It still would have happened weather I was looking or not but my curious nature was rewarded by a show that is unsurpassed by any special effects that man can make in the pictures. At that moment I remembered how important it was to remember that a world exists outside of me. I am not alone in the world and that someone somewhere was experiencing the same marvel.
God’s blessings are never far. He is constantly giving us what we need and, at times, things we long for. I was happy with my new found intellect on the issue and found that even in this God has granted me just a little more information on who He really is. I love getting to know God on this level. He knows just how to appeal to me. It’s almost like we’re the best of friends laughing and joking about the same inside jokes or T.V. show. I was just feeling my smile fade as I turned left onto highway fifty heading toward home. I looked up once more into the sky not expecting anything but the brilliant stars. Again, in that brief moment, I was awestruck as I watched another star fall from the sky. Hey, like I said, God knows just how to appeal to me.
This brought me to question the nature of God’s blessings. How many times have I missed them because I wasn’t looking in the right direction? How long has God been trying to grasp my attention? More so how many times have those blessings fallen on me and I’ve not even realized? God is constantly blessing us in ways unimaginable. However, we only recognize those that we expect and pray for. Never mind the fact that He is giving us the health to live through one more day. Forget the fact that we live in a country where we are given more opportunities and handouts than any other country in this world. It doesn’t matter that He has afforded us the opportunity to live in this day and age to have a direct relationship with Him. There are no high priests to go through, no animal blood sacrifices. We can come to Him at anytime and ask forgiveness and it’s granted. Just as we take for granted all the shooting stars that have occurred without us watching, think of all the blessings we take for granted just because we didn’t expect them.
Driving that night I had no reason to be looking up. To you fellow drivers I imagine you’d prefer my gaze elsewhere-- explicitly the road. I just happened to cast my gaze heavenward and enjoy God’s creation. It still would have happened weather I was looking or not but my curious nature was rewarded by a show that is unsurpassed by any special effects that man can make in the pictures. At that moment I remembered how important it was to remember that a world exists outside of me. I am not alone in the world and that someone somewhere was experiencing the same marvel.
God’s blessings are never far. He is constantly giving us what we need and, at times, things we long for. I was happy with my new found intellect on the issue and found that even in this God has granted me just a little more information on who He really is. I love getting to know God on this level. He knows just how to appeal to me. It’s almost like we’re the best of friends laughing and joking about the same inside jokes or T.V. show. I was just feeling my smile fade as I turned left onto highway fifty heading toward home. I looked up once more into the sky not expecting anything but the brilliant stars. Again, in that brief moment, I was awestruck as I watched another star fall from the sky. Hey, like I said, God knows just how to appeal to me.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Broken Umbrella
It was pouring outside. She had an important meeting at the capitol and wished to present herself in the most appropriate fashion. The time was drawing near and the rain was still unrelenting. She spent so much time making herself look wonderful. She straightened her hair, perfected her makeup, she had on new clothes—all to impress the members of the Legislature. Her heart sank as she imagined what she’d look like before her peers. A soaking wet mess. She couldn’t find an umbrella. She gave one to a homeless man a year ago when he asked for a ride when it was raining. Not feeling comfortable transporting a stranger she offered what she had-- her umbrella. She had another but it had turned inside out on her one too many times. She didn’t even know what she had done with it.
Perplexed and worried about being late, she pulled her hair under a newsboy cap and walked outside into the rain. She could drive her car a great distance but would have to walk 3 or 4 blocks in the rain. She sat her purse in the back, on the floor. She remembered something was under the seat. Her broken umbrella! She was saved. The umbrella was blue and had polka dots on it. It was not the most professional looking of all umbrellas but served the purpose just as well.
It was still broken and wouldn’t last much longer. However, she needed it only for a few minutes to cover her as she walked to her destination. The sidewalks were sparsely populated but the streets were bustling with cars, busses, and various forms of transportation. She walked carefully; she didn’t want to soak her legs in puddles of murky water. She got her heel stuck in one of the grates on the walkway but laughed as it pulled her back as if to say “slow down.” Her umbrella held up under the pounding rain. She felt safe from it.
She attended her meeting and exited back into the rain. As she was walking back the wind caught the umbrella once again and it turned out on her. The rain came pouring in from all directions. In an effort to fix the umbrella she stepped into a puddle. In less than a few seconds her hair became drenched, her face soaked. Her new clothes were clinging closely to her skin and she dropped the umbrella in defeat.
The rain continued to pour but then she realized it was only rain. She stood motionless. Suddenly it didn’t matter that she was drenched. She remembered how desperately she fought to keep the rain off of her but now it wasn’t so bad. It was actually kind of refreshing. No one was on the sidewalk—just her and the rain.
Her thoughts turned to God. He was the creator of this rain. What was he telling her? She looked at the broken umbrella on the ground. She held onto her broken umbrella for so long as the rain tried to cover her. She longed to stay dry and perfect looking. The rain would ruin her appearance—the appearance she worked so hard to perfect. Now she stood ruined. Her hair soaked, the makeup diminished. The rain washed it all away. She stood ruined before God and all it took was just a little brokenness. God broke through the barrier and washed away all the coverings. She didn’t need to look perfect. He knew she wasn’t.
She thought to herself, “How many times have I tried to hide under my brokenness from God? I put up a front and make myself over hoping no one will really see what’s underneath. Still He finds me and it takes only a moment to be drenched by his love and righteousness.” As she continues standing she is consumed by his Holy Spirit and when there isn’t a spot left on her the rain bounces onto dry surfaces. If it’s not soaked up by the surface then it puddles and waits to envelope the next unsuspecting recipient.
Who will be covered, even drenched, by God, next? Will they allow it? Instead of girding their waist with truth, will they wrap themselves in a towel of lies? Will they wear the raincoat of wickedness and galoshes of chaos? That rain cap they try to cover their heads with would that be the cap of captivity where the helmet of salvation should be? How about that big broken umbrella that everyone has? Instead of the shield faith have we made it into a shield of distrust?
Instead of guarding ourselves from His downpour why don’t we just accept it? God’s mercy is abundant and can flow into even the tightest cracks and crevices. I was ruined in His presence. All it took was a little brokenness.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
GPS
"Your choices aren’t stronger than my purposes."
--God, The Shack
My career requires a fair amount of travel. So until I came into possession of a navigational system, I was obliged to depend on printed maps from various web databases. Often, I would find myself off track and have to stop and ask directions of locals. Most were clueless as to how to help me home. It was then that I learned the major roadway systems and became a scholar of geography. Yet, my father’s increasing concern for my well being led to the capture of a GPS that I’ve come to know affectionately as “Tom.”
My new traveling companion has been such a blessing. Not only has he spared the life of an unsuspecting tree, he is constantly reminding me of God’s presence in my life. How? At the risk of explaining the unnecessary, the way a GPS is by first entering in the destination. Then it assesses the information and plans a route. The GPS then begins directing visually and audibly street by street, mile by mile. Interesting, it’s kind of like what God tells us in Jeremiah 29:11- I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not harm you… Like Tom, God knows exactly where I am going.
However, there are times in my life when I feel like Tom just doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Once, he told me to take an interstate system, when clearly the way I was going was just as accessible. What did it matter which way I went anyway? Sometimes I feel I’m the same way with God. What could He possibly know, right? He tells me to do something and I’ll do it… but only on my conditions. For example: “I won’t do it now, God, but next week definitely.” “I don’t want to help with that ministry, but I’ll serve all the time you want me to in this one.” Or my personal favorite said to others, “I’ll pray for you,” instead of, “Let me pray with you.” My constant urge to live independently of God is always getting me into trouble. My rebellious attitude toward life will almost always end in surrender to God.
Well, Tom being the intelligent one that he is (artificial as he may be) doesn’t mind that I’ve not heeded his voice. The screen on the GPS will go blank, only for a moment, and then, instantly, a new route appears starting from the road I just took. It may take a little longer to reach my destination now but I’ll get there just the same. The route I chose may even be more dangerous—roads covered in potholes and critters that jump haphazardly in front of me from nowhere. Yet, this route will still bring me to my chosen destination. This is much like how God works. I may have taken a wrong road, gotten off track, lived independently of Him for a while. During which time I’ve temporarily lost sight of where I should be going. However, He gets me right back on track and going toward the destination He’s set for my life. See the choices I make are never stronger than what He’s purposed for my life. Sometimes, by making poor decisions and taking the wrong road, God can still bless us immeasurably. This is not to say that there are not consequences to our choices. He can’t always bless stupidity. He can use our choices and redirect his blessings to benefit us or others.
Tom is also equipped to keep me out of trouble. While driving on the interstate, I spaced out and began to exceed the speed limit. Tom chimed in with a cautionary warning and my attention was once again brought to the road…and my speed. God is always providing these warnings to us. He may not have an alarm going off like Tom, but His are just as obvious. God has even gone a step further by equipping us with our own spiritual navigational system. I believe His is named the Holy Spirit. If we really think about it, we’d notice that we know when we are getting off track and not paying attention to where we are going. We may even ignore God’s warnings and choose our paths likewise. However, He is still planning and redirecting us with every misstep to get back on track.
When I think back to the ways God has used bad choices in the past, I’m reminded of just how finite my mind really is. I cannot comprehend how God can take a decision that is decidedly wretched and wrong and turn it into a necessary precursor for another proceeding. One that immediately comes to mind is Jacob and Esau’s story. Esau stupidly sells his birthright for a bowl of stew. Jacob stupidly pretends to be his brother. Yet, out of this come many blessings. The same for the poor choices made by New Testament author Paul, a murderer of Christians, this man was by no means a typical saint. However, his bad choices led to a miraculous conversion. His words still today bless Christians worldwide. While maybe not a poor decision but certainly a wild one, David chose to go before a soldier of gargantuan proportion and defeated him without armor. The Philistines certainly never expected the choice Saul made to send a boy to do a man’s job was worth a second thought. Esther’s choice to risk her life by appearing before king was certainly not viewed as a rational decision. However, God was able to work through her to save a people marked for death.
One of the ultimate bad choices came when Adam and Eve chose to live independently of God. Despite their choices, God has still been able to turn death into eternal life. This was accomplished with a bad choice that was necessary. The public let a murderer go to kill Jesus. This decision, while, yes, completely unjust made the consequences of one bad choice null and void. Despite their choices, God has still been able to use these situations for His purposes. We can never be fully aware of how God is going to turn something around. It is often we find ourselves so eager to blame God for all the turmoil and stress we experience in our lives without giving thought to what He plans to do with our stupid choices. We serve a just God. He knows we will make bad choices and, like most parents, He’s there to help us get out of our mess while guiding us back to where we need to be.
--God, The Shack
My career requires a fair amount of travel. So until I came into possession of a navigational system, I was obliged to depend on printed maps from various web databases. Often, I would find myself off track and have to stop and ask directions of locals. Most were clueless as to how to help me home. It was then that I learned the major roadway systems and became a scholar of geography. Yet, my father’s increasing concern for my well being led to the capture of a GPS that I’ve come to know affectionately as “Tom.”
My new traveling companion has been such a blessing. Not only has he spared the life of an unsuspecting tree, he is constantly reminding me of God’s presence in my life. How? At the risk of explaining the unnecessary, the way a GPS is by first entering in the destination. Then it assesses the information and plans a route. The GPS then begins directing visually and audibly street by street, mile by mile. Interesting, it’s kind of like what God tells us in Jeremiah 29:11- I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not harm you… Like Tom, God knows exactly where I am going.
However, there are times in my life when I feel like Tom just doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Once, he told me to take an interstate system, when clearly the way I was going was just as accessible. What did it matter which way I went anyway? Sometimes I feel I’m the same way with God. What could He possibly know, right? He tells me to do something and I’ll do it… but only on my conditions. For example: “I won’t do it now, God, but next week definitely.” “I don’t want to help with that ministry, but I’ll serve all the time you want me to in this one.” Or my personal favorite said to others, “I’ll pray for you,” instead of, “Let me pray with you.” My constant urge to live independently of God is always getting me into trouble. My rebellious attitude toward life will almost always end in surrender to God.
Well, Tom being the intelligent one that he is (artificial as he may be) doesn’t mind that I’ve not heeded his voice. The screen on the GPS will go blank, only for a moment, and then, instantly, a new route appears starting from the road I just took. It may take a little longer to reach my destination now but I’ll get there just the same. The route I chose may even be more dangerous—roads covered in potholes and critters that jump haphazardly in front of me from nowhere. Yet, this route will still bring me to my chosen destination. This is much like how God works. I may have taken a wrong road, gotten off track, lived independently of Him for a while. During which time I’ve temporarily lost sight of where I should be going. However, He gets me right back on track and going toward the destination He’s set for my life. See the choices I make are never stronger than what He’s purposed for my life. Sometimes, by making poor decisions and taking the wrong road, God can still bless us immeasurably. This is not to say that there are not consequences to our choices. He can’t always bless stupidity. He can use our choices and redirect his blessings to benefit us or others.
Tom is also equipped to keep me out of trouble. While driving on the interstate, I spaced out and began to exceed the speed limit. Tom chimed in with a cautionary warning and my attention was once again brought to the road…and my speed. God is always providing these warnings to us. He may not have an alarm going off like Tom, but His are just as obvious. God has even gone a step further by equipping us with our own spiritual navigational system. I believe His is named the Holy Spirit. If we really think about it, we’d notice that we know when we are getting off track and not paying attention to where we are going. We may even ignore God’s warnings and choose our paths likewise. However, He is still planning and redirecting us with every misstep to get back on track.
When I think back to the ways God has used bad choices in the past, I’m reminded of just how finite my mind really is. I cannot comprehend how God can take a decision that is decidedly wretched and wrong and turn it into a necessary precursor for another proceeding. One that immediately comes to mind is Jacob and Esau’s story. Esau stupidly sells his birthright for a bowl of stew. Jacob stupidly pretends to be his brother. Yet, out of this come many blessings. The same for the poor choices made by New Testament author Paul, a murderer of Christians, this man was by no means a typical saint. However, his bad choices led to a miraculous conversion. His words still today bless Christians worldwide. While maybe not a poor decision but certainly a wild one, David chose to go before a soldier of gargantuan proportion and defeated him without armor. The Philistines certainly never expected the choice Saul made to send a boy to do a man’s job was worth a second thought. Esther’s choice to risk her life by appearing before king was certainly not viewed as a rational decision. However, God was able to work through her to save a people marked for death.
One of the ultimate bad choices came when Adam and Eve chose to live independently of God. Despite their choices, God has still been able to turn death into eternal life. This was accomplished with a bad choice that was necessary. The public let a murderer go to kill Jesus. This decision, while, yes, completely unjust made the consequences of one bad choice null and void. Despite their choices, God has still been able to use these situations for His purposes. We can never be fully aware of how God is going to turn something around. It is often we find ourselves so eager to blame God for all the turmoil and stress we experience in our lives without giving thought to what He plans to do with our stupid choices. We serve a just God. He knows we will make bad choices and, like most parents, He’s there to help us get out of our mess while guiding us back to where we need to be.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Don't Worry, Be Happy...
I'm much too young to be able to have remembered this song but I find myself singing it from time to time. Mostly because I love the deep reggae sound but again the lyrics are refreshing when I'm struggling.
This past week has been rough. I've found myself in situations where all I can do is worry. However, after careful consideration, I realized that it was useless. Worry would get me nowhere. What's done is done and I haven't the control over it.
This leads me to an important discovery. I'm not the only one who worries. We know the Israelites did while wandering about in the desert for forty years. They were constantly bugging Moses with concerns. They worried needlessly about how they'd get about, what they'd eat, what would they drink, where they were going, when they'd get there, who would defend them. Worry, worry, worry. And for what? God always delivered. He always entertained these faithless people with wonders beyond comprehension. Again in the old testament God's greatest prophets worried as well. How would they tell the people of the impending doom that is about to befall them? How would they react? No doubt most of them feared for their lives. Yet, God didn't neglect them. He always came to the rescue and usually within the eleventh hour.
All this said, I don't want to act as if there is no validation in worry. We all do it, and usually without reservation. The problem is that we are human. We have a sense of self preservation and this overwhelming need to be in control and know the outcome of every situation. Let's face it... we not as big into surprises as we think we are. The kicker is that we DON'T have control over every situation and that is where we are totally dependent upon our faith.
What can we do?
The simple Sunday school answer is to trust God. But to be a little more realistic I'd say just recognize your worry for what it is. Once you can identify the trouble the situation will be easier to grasp. Start with an assessment of the situation. Is it as huge as you think it is? Is there anything you can do? If there is then begin to make a mental list of ways to approach it. Pray and seek counsel on courses of action. If there isn't anything you can do then, admit it. Release it the creator. Once you've released it all you can do is pray and plead the blood over it. Once you're free from the worry you'll be more enabled to handle whatever situation life throws at you.
Yes, I know it's easier said than done. Try this, think of a time when you worried relentlessly about a situation that seemed like nothing good would come of it. What happened? You survived right? Think of those times when you thought you weren't going to make it and then just a the last moment God comes flying in with a miracle. Now think of a situation in which you feel worried now... don't you think He's got that one too? In Romans 8:28 it is said that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Therefore, we can be confident that nothing can hurt God's people so deeply that he cannot turn it around for their good.
Worry starts in the mind.
Remember how we talked about taking thoughts into captivity? We used Philippians 4:8-Whatever is true, noble, just,pure,lovely...meditate on these things. In the verses preceding it says Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. To worry is to doubt God's ability to help. Instead we are counseled to tell God our needs. The peace of God's own being, which He shares with us, will guard our emotions and thoughts.
Blessings!
This past week has been rough. I've found myself in situations where all I can do is worry. However, after careful consideration, I realized that it was useless. Worry would get me nowhere. What's done is done and I haven't the control over it.
This leads me to an important discovery. I'm not the only one who worries. We know the Israelites did while wandering about in the desert for forty years. They were constantly bugging Moses with concerns. They worried needlessly about how they'd get about, what they'd eat, what would they drink, where they were going, when they'd get there, who would defend them. Worry, worry, worry. And for what? God always delivered. He always entertained these faithless people with wonders beyond comprehension. Again in the old testament God's greatest prophets worried as well. How would they tell the people of the impending doom that is about to befall them? How would they react? No doubt most of them feared for their lives. Yet, God didn't neglect them. He always came to the rescue and usually within the eleventh hour.
All this said, I don't want to act as if there is no validation in worry. We all do it, and usually without reservation. The problem is that we are human. We have a sense of self preservation and this overwhelming need to be in control and know the outcome of every situation. Let's face it... we not as big into surprises as we think we are. The kicker is that we DON'T have control over every situation and that is where we are totally dependent upon our faith.
What can we do?
The simple Sunday school answer is to trust God. But to be a little more realistic I'd say just recognize your worry for what it is. Once you can identify the trouble the situation will be easier to grasp. Start with an assessment of the situation. Is it as huge as you think it is? Is there anything you can do? If there is then begin to make a mental list of ways to approach it. Pray and seek counsel on courses of action. If there isn't anything you can do then, admit it. Release it the creator. Once you've released it all you can do is pray and plead the blood over it. Once you're free from the worry you'll be more enabled to handle whatever situation life throws at you.
Yes, I know it's easier said than done. Try this, think of a time when you worried relentlessly about a situation that seemed like nothing good would come of it. What happened? You survived right? Think of those times when you thought you weren't going to make it and then just a the last moment God comes flying in with a miracle. Now think of a situation in which you feel worried now... don't you think He's got that one too? In Romans 8:28 it is said that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Therefore, we can be confident that nothing can hurt God's people so deeply that he cannot turn it around for their good.
Worry starts in the mind.
Remember how we talked about taking thoughts into captivity? We used Philippians 4:8-Whatever is true, noble, just,pure,lovely...meditate on these things. In the verses preceding it says Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. To worry is to doubt God's ability to help. Instead we are counseled to tell God our needs. The peace of God's own being, which He shares with us, will guard our emotions and thoughts.
Blessings!
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