Transforming Yet Limiting

There are things in our history that have been greatly transformational. Great leaps into growth that would not have occurred otherwise.Imagine humanity before language. While I am sure launguage did not drop into existence pre-formed and complete, the concept of language had a beginning. Language was quite robust before the concept of writing it down began to emerge. Look around at what we have become because of the universally agreed upon tenets of communication. We have taken many of these breakthroughs, some greater than others, and stacked them onto each other to create the diverse civilization we now participate in. Music is a form of emotional resonance that allows connections with others. Math is another form of language that has made our world infinately more explainable. As we combine these things we have been able to harness nature to our needs and then begin to stack those innovations up as well. Take the building block of electricity, then lighting, then computing and now the internet. People from anywhere in the world now have access to more knowledge than has ever existed. Computers can even add their algorithms together with others and calculate things that have been so complex we could not have even fathomed the concepts a few years ago.

I say all of this to propose that we sometimes we fall into the trap that assumes we know the answer to questions that still have many layers yet to uncover. Darwinism is an example of a society wide assumption, much like believing the world is flat, or drilling holes in the skull will release angry spirits, or bleeding will diminish the poisons from blood. Each of these things has some basis in fact and can be demonstrated by lining up supposedly intelligent logical arguments. That does not mean that we should rest there and call anyone who wants to continue to use speculative experimental reasoning to try to advance our knowledge, even if it goes in a direction contrary to what we might expect. Many molecular biologists who now have access to nano level models of DNA genetic sequencing have dramatically altered their views on evolution. It is looking more and more like, even at the smallest levels currently available to us, there just might be a designer. Darwin thought the cell was filled with plasma when he wrote his theory. Just because we were all taught it is "fact" while we were in school doesn't mean we need to ignorantly discriminate against those who still question it's validity. My grandparents lived in a world that accepted that black people were of an inferior race. My parents grew to accept that premise and unintentionally attempted to program me that way. Luckily there were people who worked hard to show that through Grace we should all accept each other as children of God.

I believe we will come to find that the teachings of Christ will be one of those transformational items that makes the world a better place. It has already created a world that values justice and personal worth over almost all other things. I believe that the act of faith in a God that is Omnipotent and Omnicient and Omnipresent yet personal is a step towards transforming us one at a time into beings of Grace. If we allow ourselves to accept without question or compromise all that the language of God in the Bible tells us to be, we will transform those around us and therefore the world to a higher level of love and acceptance. And even if we are greatly successful here on earth in transforming it into a kind of Kingdom of God, there will still be a limiting factor of our bodies and our minds... of time and space, that God already understands. When we die we move into a closer relationship with God where he will be able to transform us even more closely into what he has in mind for us. Eternal life, in the presence of God, with never ending love, Grace, harmony and understanding, such that could never be achieved here.

The Pride of the Party

We each go through life in some way trying to build an acceptable façade for the world that presents what we want others to think of us. Some people are frantically stacking up blocks to protect themselves while others are driving forward attempting to destroy the walls of everyone they meet. Most of us though play differing parts in this play depending on current proceedings in our existence.

I sometimes look at those traits we proactively try to bolster as honored guests at the table we are seating for life’s party. Imagine seats around a large table where you hope your invitees will be entertained and grow to love and respect you, their gracious host. Into the chairs not filled with your friends you arrange Friendliness and Joy. Tempering them, but not too seriously, enter Education and Responsibility; Next come Thankfulness and Grace, and so that no one thinks less of you a space is saved for Humility. As you weave your Talents into the guest list and arrange everyone into the perfect discussion group it seems that everything will work out splendidly. To your surprise an additional forte arrives that you really would rather not attend. But alas, it seems that Pride always shows up at the last moment to change things. Loudly he enters and announces to your newly seated guests what an enormous blessing he is bestowing on the group. So strident is his message that no one else is given much of a chance to speak. Your carefully arranged plan begins to fall away and the places you designed to give depth and character to the night are slowly replaced by empty seats. Your guests, who at first were quite impressed, are quickly becoming fidgety. Even when you finally gain control over Pride, it becomes apparent that the memory of Grace and Joy are but wisps in an uncomfortable silence. Education tries to intercede, but he now looks very similar to Pride, as do Responsibility and Friendliness. As you look into the faces of your invitees it seems they all are wearing expressions of Judgment, placed there by Pride while you weren’t paying attention.

The only way to keep Pride from ruining every get together you attempt is to be diligent in giving him no attention. It will take quite a while, and he will appear unexpectedly over and over again, but you must persist. His talent is not really a benefit. He will try to deceive you into calling him Confidence or Determination. Don’t be fooled. Talents are those things that you can use to build others up. At it’s root Pride is constantly trying to call attention, make itself important, and it normally does so by bringing others down. Don’t let this loud and overbearing houseguest ruin your life. Tell him to go visit someone else’s party.

Is Church Irrelevant

We are living in an "Entertain Me" world that has lost its way when it comes to what is important. Recently I was involved in a discussion as to whether the Christian Church had become irrelevant. I was really surprised at the number of people who quickly agreed that church did not always meet the needs of the general population. What struck me was the world view that has pervaded even this Sunday School class saying that the church must somehow always be non-invasive, all accepting and politically correct. While I agree we are called to love everyone, where they are, I must disagree that this should in some way override the tenants of Gods will for our lives.

As a Christian I cannot fully comprehend the price that was paid on my behalf on the cross. The God who created the entire universe and all time beginning to end from out of a void, chose to become a man so that I would know that he knew about life here on earth first hand. He withstood the horror of the crucifiction when he could have waved it away and ruled as king on earth in an instant. That God, Christ among us, deserves my devotion. I trust him to know more than me. I acknowledge that his plan is probably better than mine. (Probably here is used sarcastically) I must come to a place where the things and plans and worship of the world are of no consequense to me. Obedience to his will, written down for me in the Bible, is the sweet spot of life. If I try to make sense of it today it may not appear correct. When I look backwards over the glaring disparity between those times I was deferential and those times I was prideful... let's just say I am sad for what waywardness has done in my life.

Don't get me wrong, I love to be entertained. I even truly believe a church needs to be entertaining to draw people in. I just want to make sure that the church has a compelling program of growth; from entertaining to engaging to compelling to devotion to worship to service moving finally into grace. After all, Gods grace offers the peace we are seeking when we salve our conscience with entertainment anyway. Move away from the societal worship of insubordination and into a place of understanding that compliance with God's plan, sharing Grace with others, is what we really need anyway.

Challenges

There are two types of people, those that see problems as impassable roads and those that seek out the rough roads and relish in conquering them. Too often we focus on the pain of the burden instead of the joy of the journey. Without the challenge there would be no victory. Make your passage through life something to be proud of. Each step towards the summit should be savored, every battle celebrated and each day cherished.

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

-- Robert Brault

Contrite Obedience

Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the Lord. "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word".
Isaiah 66:2 NIV

Contrite - adjective
1. caused by or showing sincere remorse.
2. filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement; penitent.

We live in a world that has somehow strayed from the path that God has laid out. He wants what is best for us, has given us the Bible as a series of lessons lived out in others lives, yet we think we know better. In the title of this piece I used two words that are at the center of God's loving plan for us. It amazes me how vilified those terms have become. It all goes back to the third chapter of Genesis when the serpent deceived Eve and she ate the forbidden fruit. From that point forward, the Old Testament is a collection of stories about people who are given the favor of God, then choose to believe that success has come from their own abilities. Pride is an overarching sin that takes many forms. The most worrisome part is that we are so adept at attributing good things to our pridefulness. We cannot seem to separate confidence from pride. It seems to be attached to any accomplishment we have. In our society it seems to have been supplanted at the pinnacle of success.

Why then does God call us to obedience and contrition? He knows that there is blessing in serving others. He knows and is trying to share with us what a world full of people striving to make life better for others would look like. We can look around and see what a world ruled by arrogance, fame and scheming is like. I truly believe that most anyone who will take time to seach their heart will find that they know something is very wrong with the current system. The problem is the inability to admit that what you have always thought of as right has actually been the barrier that has held you back.

Jesus, God walking around on Earth, came to show us an example that we might learn. If the mighty God of the universe that created all that is from out of nothingness can pause to wash the feet of his egoistic apostles, then surely I can control my need for recognition and power. When you take the steps of acknowledging the errors of your lifestyle, making a conscious effort to change, and then view existence through this different lens, God will allow you to see the real order of life. There is peace on his quiet and safe path. Others will seek to take advantage of your new humility, but inside you will see their attempts for what they are; Fearful people trying to gain happiness as they burrow deeper into the slime of imperious distrust. Once you are able to see their journey for what it really is, it becomes easier to follow the path that Jesus traveled... that of a servant leader.

Perserverance

For you, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance. Psalm 66:10-12

I have recently been going through some times that have challenged me. It gives me comfort to know that it is all part of a process. Just as the year has seasons, our lives have ups and downs and the way we respond to them is the test for our character. I’m afraid that I haven’t always lived up to my best through this process. It is very easy these days to fall into the victim mentality and whine about your problems. There is even a small amount of gain that can be accomplished through these actions. What most people do not realize is that once you are labeled a victim you will be left behind by those who are moving towards greater victories. Victims are not dependable when the challenge becomes too large.

I have chosen to do everything I can to take responsibility for my actions and accept what rewards or setbacks may come my way. I feel that even losing can be considered a victory if you view it correctly. What did I learn? How can this be avoided or overcome in the future? Am I stronger or wiser with this experience? These things will set apart your actions from those who internalize failure and never hold themselves accountable.

In the Bible I love to read of David. He personifies all of the failures and blessings that each one of us have available. He is the forgotten younger brother. He is a brash young man. He is a favorite, then enemy of a king. He is remembered and protected by a friend who just so happens to be the king’s son. (I have always admired the strength of Jonathan to see God’s plan for David over himself. He was able to assist David but also stand beside his father, Saul, to the end.) He was like a hunted animal when Saul sought to destroy him. He was the King. Yet even as the king he continued to have failures. The difference with David was that he always admitted his failures and asked God’s forgiveness. When you are the king it would be very easy to fall into a feeling of self-importance. In your life be careful to recognize the difference between confidence and arrogance is gratitude. David had problems but he knew where to go with them. David knew the real King.

If you think your pain is unbearable and unfair read the book of Job. It is a very interesting aside in the Bible that speaks of one mans devotion to God. Satan believes that he can turn this man from his love of God. There are some horrible things that happen to Job and then worst of all his friends abandon him and blame God for the atrocities. Job however remains steadfast and everyone is convinced of his relationship in the end. I hope to not have to go through what Job did but it does remind me that God is always there patiently allowing us to bear up to the hardships and bear witness to His presence in our lives. If you let Him down you are showing support for the enemy. Satan wants you to not only give up but to do it in a very public way so that he can use you for his purposes. Who do you want to be an example of?

The Rock

In the still morning hush I looked out over a mirrored surface of the mist shrouded river. Moving molten over the rocks and riffles, still and glassy in the eddies and pools. Into this painting I stepped with a slosh and muffled gravel crunch. Into the shallows of the flow and then, again more hesitantly a second step. Deeper and more unsure my boot shod foot searched for a third purchase under the dark moving current. My eyes were flitting carefully between the murky evidence I could see at my feet and searching the moving waters for a path from rock to rock. Purposefully yet slowly I eased into the more swift and treacherous waters. My goal for the morning is the exposed round of granite that holds steady at the confluence of two deep channels, and forms the head of an even deeper slow moving pool. Each step that moves me closer to my goal brings the flow further up the edge of my faded green waders. Another sure pace moves my feet deeper into the shadows under the water, where the rocks are becoming as slick as the feel of the icy water. As I approach the conclusion of the mornings obstacle course I can feel the profound weight of the water seeking to roll me into the depths. Finally the heaviness began to lessen, and more of my waders emerged to shed their water along the near side of my stony fishing platform.

Climbing to the top I paused and reflected on how this rock was much like God’s place in my life. All around me was beauty… and danger. At any point a slip could have been disastrous. There are things in our life that seek to make us slip under the waters. If we keep our focus, remain steady and purposeful towards our goal (and all of our goals should be His will) there is a rock solid steadiness at the best possible location in the middle of the torrent.

God does not desire that we remain fearfully at the waters edge, wondering what life would be like. He seeks to gain our trust through the journey, so that when we reach the goal we are able to look around in amazement. He is there to hold us steady and bring us into the life he has in mind for us. Hold His hand; Step into your stream…