“Love your neighbor as yourself.” This is the social relationship aspect of who we are. God created us as social beings. I would argue this is one of the key parts of being created in the image of God. Being able to relate to one another and God. God himself relates to himself as a social being in the Trinity. That should freak you out. God living with God’s self in the existence of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and choosing to invite us into the love and joy of this Trinitarian reality. How is that for big words? In other words Father, Son and Holy Spirit are having such a good time living for the sake of each other that he decides, "Let’s make people to share in the joy!"
Born to party!!
Well, something like that. You live out who you are in the community of whose you are. A vital part of what makes you, “you,” is me. What makes me, “me,” is you.
Now, excuse me while I sing a chorus of Mr. Rodgers, “Who are the people in your neighborhood?”
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
body
"Love the Lord you God with all your strength..." Here Jesus is talking about our bodies. Our body is our presence in the physical and social world. We are more than our body, in that our consciousness goes beyond what is physically "wired" into us. However the way we actually work out the decisions we make using our mind and chosen in our hearts is usually through the body.
The body is where we can get in a lot of trouble. It is not that our bodies are evil, created by God after all, but we often act through our bodies without thinking. The Bible often calls our bodies "flesh" or "human nature." Through our bodies we are prone to sin. Living our lives by our feelings and the instincts of our bodies we are left with the pursuit of pleasure and/or power as the driving forces of our existence. Using my body to gain pleasure and using my body to gain influence over you.
Rage, attack, withdrawal, seduction, manipulation and such all have body elements attached. Even the way we speak about it gives us a clue. We talk about reading someone's "body language."
The body is where we can get in a lot of trouble. It is not that our bodies are evil, created by God after all, but we often act through our bodies without thinking. The Bible often calls our bodies "flesh" or "human nature." Through our bodies we are prone to sin. Living our lives by our feelings and the instincts of our bodies we are left with the pursuit of pleasure and/or power as the driving forces of our existence. Using my body to gain pleasure and using my body to gain influence over you.
Rage, attack, withdrawal, seduction, manipulation and such all have body elements attached. Even the way we speak about it gives us a clue. We talk about reading someone's "body language."
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
mind
The second part of you and me to examine is our “mind.”
‘Love the Lord your God with all of your mind…’
The mind is separated from the heart, but it works with it. The mind is constantly working on providing direction for the choices we make. The mind is further divided into two parts. “Thoughts” and “feelings.”
Thinking is where we process the world around us. We can consider many things in relationship with other things. Thinking is where we have the capacity to use imagination. It is where we form opinions and perceptions which we may or may not act upon. In a healthy mind, we use a set of standards called, “logic,” which helps us measure our thought.
Our thinking is influenced by our feeling. It is our emotional response to what is being processed. Something may be logical but we may feel that it is wrong. Two people can think in an identical way about something but have a very different response because of how they feel. We are often pulled away from right thinking because we allow how we feel to take priority. This is where we can get into big trouble.
‘Love the Lord your God with all of your mind…’
The mind is separated from the heart, but it works with it. The mind is constantly working on providing direction for the choices we make. The mind is further divided into two parts. “Thoughts” and “feelings.”
Thinking is where we process the world around us. We can consider many things in relationship with other things. Thinking is where we have the capacity to use imagination. It is where we form opinions and perceptions which we may or may not act upon. In a healthy mind, we use a set of standards called, “logic,” which helps us measure our thought.
Our thinking is influenced by our feeling. It is our emotional response to what is being processed. Something may be logical but we may feel that it is wrong. Two people can think in an identical way about something but have a very different response because of how they feel. We are often pulled away from right thinking because we allow how we feel to take priority. This is where we can get into big trouble.
Monday, June 27, 2005
heart
We use the word “heart” a lot. Even with young children. We often teach little ones to love Jesus with all their heart. We ask them, “Where is Jesus?” They reply, “Jesus is in my heart,” as they point to their tummies. I don’t teach Jesus this way with small children. I teach them Jesus is all around them covering them everywhere.
Then what about the heart? The biblical understanding of the word, when it is not referring to the actual physical organ in your body, has to do with your choices. “Will,” “spirit” and “heart” are basically interchangeable words in the Bible. Your “heart” has to do with the choices you make. Your “will” and your “spirit” have to do with choices. You can substitute “choices” when you see these words and it will usually be an accurate understanding.
Choice assumes action. To choose is to exercise your own freedom. When you “love the Lord God with all your heart,” you seek the good of God’s plan through your choices. You actively partner with God to bring about what he wants brought about in the life you are leading together. To put your heart into it is to live as if it were so.
What is a choice that you are putting off?
Then what about the heart? The biblical understanding of the word, when it is not referring to the actual physical organ in your body, has to do with your choices. “Will,” “spirit” and “heart” are basically interchangeable words in the Bible. Your “heart” has to do with the choices you make. Your “will” and your “spirit” have to do with choices. You can substitute “choices” when you see these words and it will usually be an accurate understanding.
Choice assumes action. To choose is to exercise your own freedom. When you “love the Lord God with all your heart,” you seek the good of God’s plan through your choices. You actively partner with God to bring about what he wants brought about in the life you are leading together. To put your heart into it is to live as if it were so.
What is a choice that you are putting off?
Friday, June 24, 2005
who are you?
29Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: `Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' 31The second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these."
(Mark 12:29-31 NLT)
Our human nature is how God designs us. You could call it “the dimensions of our existence.” What makes you “you.” Jesus gives us an understanding of what our human nature is made of in his answer to a lawyer’s question, “What is the most important commandment?”
‘Love God and neighbor with everything you are.’
What are we?
Jesus breaks it down to five parts.
Heart
Soul
Mind
Strength (body)
Neighbor (social dimension)
If I can understand what makes me “me,” then I can begin to see how transformation affects all parts of my life. I will look at each of these dimensions and their relationship to spiritual formation. First, let’s give a definition to each dimension. Back on Monday.
(Mark 12:29-31 NLT)
Our human nature is how God designs us. You could call it “the dimensions of our existence.” What makes you “you.” Jesus gives us an understanding of what our human nature is made of in his answer to a lawyer’s question, “What is the most important commandment?”
‘Love God and neighbor with everything you are.’
What are we?
Jesus breaks it down to five parts.
Heart
Soul
Mind
Strength (body)
Neighbor (social dimension)
If I can understand what makes me “me,” then I can begin to see how transformation affects all parts of my life. I will look at each of these dimensions and their relationship to spiritual formation. First, let’s give a definition to each dimension. Back on Monday.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
is it all good?
When we declare something good, it doesn’t mean it’s all good. There is a phrase that has been around for awhile that shows this.
“It’s all good.”
I wish I knew where this phrase originated. I want to know the situation in which the person spoke. Why? It’s not all good.
There are people who think of ways to destroy you and they don’t even know you. That’s not all good. There are people who you will come to trust who will betray you when you least expect it. That’s not all good. What can you do?
When we say, “It’s all good,” maybe we know deep down that it’s not all good but we say the words like some kind of magical chant in order to convince ourselves that it doesn’t matter. Yet, we know inside that it matters deeply. Even though Queen said, “Nothing really matters…” (Bohemian Rhapsody)— it does.
So what do we do? We become the kind of people who can care. When Jesus transforms us from the inside out, then we can see things through his eyes for the first time. Then, we don’t declare, “It’s all good,” but we can say with confidence, “There is hope and it starts with Jesus working through me.”
“It’s all good.”
I wish I knew where this phrase originated. I want to know the situation in which the person spoke. Why? It’s not all good.
There are people who think of ways to destroy you and they don’t even know you. That’s not all good. There are people who you will come to trust who will betray you when you least expect it. That’s not all good. What can you do?
When we say, “It’s all good,” maybe we know deep down that it’s not all good but we say the words like some kind of magical chant in order to convince ourselves that it doesn’t matter. Yet, we know inside that it matters deeply. Even though Queen said, “Nothing really matters…” (Bohemian Rhapsody)— it does.
So what do we do? We become the kind of people who can care. When Jesus transforms us from the inside out, then we can see things through his eyes for the first time. Then, we don’t declare, “It’s all good,” but we can say with confidence, “There is hope and it starts with Jesus working through me.”
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
sinking into the role
A few years ago, Jamie Fox won an Oscar for Ray. The acting was so good; it’s as if he was Ray Charles. You could say, Fox really “sunk into the role.”
In the language of the Bible there is a word for this “sinking into.” enduo. Romans 13:14 reads,
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ…(Romans 13:14)
We are to literally, “sink into” our role as followers of Jesus. This doesn’t mean we try to look like him on the outside. Did you know there are still groups of people who wander around in robes and sandals warning about the end of the world?
They think they are supposed to look like Jesus. That’s not the point. It’s not trying to look like Jesus (who knows what he looked like anyway?) that is important. It’s sinking into the role of being like Jesus on the inside.
To clothe yourself with Jesus is part of that inside/ out process we have been talking about. We become like Jesus on the inside so that the things we do on the outside are done as Jesus would them if he were us in any given situation.
In the language of the Bible there is a word for this “sinking into.” enduo. Romans 13:14 reads,
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ…(Romans 13:14)
We are to literally, “sink into” our role as followers of Jesus. This doesn’t mean we try to look like him on the outside. Did you know there are still groups of people who wander around in robes and sandals warning about the end of the world?
They think they are supposed to look like Jesus. That’s not the point. It’s not trying to look like Jesus (who knows what he looked like anyway?) that is important. It’s sinking into the role of being like Jesus on the inside.
To clothe yourself with Jesus is part of that inside/ out process we have been talking about. We become like Jesus on the inside so that the things we do on the outside are done as Jesus would them if he were us in any given situation.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
using a little “won’tpower”
“I am not going to get angry anymore. No, really I’m not. This time I really mean it! I AM NOT GOING TO GET ANGRY!!”
Whenever we want to change something about ourselves, the direct approach is usually the way we choose to go. We try “willpower.” It might as well be “won’tpower” because the direct method almost never works. We can’t convince ourselves to change. For awhile it may be possible. Then we come under stress and our changes change back. The harder we try the more frustrated we get. What is the problem?
The problem is commonly labeled, “Self-help.” We are told by every magazine article that we can do it. Go to Borders and check out the self-help section. If you can’t lose weight/ be friendlier/ be more confident in five easy steps then there must be something wrong with you. “After all,” the author seems to say, “If I did it and wrote a book about it, then you can, too. Not write the book, of course, but you can change.”
So, why don’t you?
To change from the inside out doesn’t last on our own power. We need something more. Recovery groups like AA know this to be true. They teach that you have to give yourself over to a higher power to be sober. You can’t fight unhealthy behavior directly. Alcoholics can stop drinking when they place their trust outside of themselves. This is a great start. If they want to do more than just get sober, they can live a transformed life when they give their lives to Jesus.
Jesus designed us and so, naturally, he holds the key to lasting change.
Whenever we want to change something about ourselves, the direct approach is usually the way we choose to go. We try “willpower.” It might as well be “won’tpower” because the direct method almost never works. We can’t convince ourselves to change. For awhile it may be possible. Then we come under stress and our changes change back. The harder we try the more frustrated we get. What is the problem?
The problem is commonly labeled, “Self-help.” We are told by every magazine article that we can do it. Go to Borders and check out the self-help section. If you can’t lose weight/ be friendlier/ be more confident in five easy steps then there must be something wrong with you. “After all,” the author seems to say, “If I did it and wrote a book about it, then you can, too. Not write the book, of course, but you can change.”
So, why don’t you?
To change from the inside out doesn’t last on our own power. We need something more. Recovery groups like AA know this to be true. They teach that you have to give yourself over to a higher power to be sober. You can’t fight unhealthy behavior directly. Alcoholics can stop drinking when they place their trust outside of themselves. This is a great start. If they want to do more than just get sober, they can live a transformed life when they give their lives to Jesus.
Jesus designed us and so, naturally, he holds the key to lasting change.
Monday, June 20, 2005
seeing is believing?
Did you know there is no such thing as “science”? There are many different fields called “sciences” but there is no theory that wraps them all together. Though there are some scientists who make claims for a “theory of everything,” no one has come close.
Did you know that about 96% of the universe is composed of two things that astrophysicists label “dark matter” and “dark energy”? We know they are there but we can’t see them or directly measure them. In other words only about 4% of what most astrophysicists trust exists can be observed and directly measured. The other 96% is assumed based on evidence of its effect. It appears that the vast majority of existence is considered reality through trust based on evidence. Trust based on evidence. Does that sound familiar? It should. This is a good definition of faith!
What if God is real? What if God is the creator of all reality? Then if the sciences are considered our ultimate guide to all of existence we miss out on the very center of life, God himself. God is not physical, yet God exists. If God exists then there are dimensions to our lives that may not be physical but they are real. If God is real then an education based on the sciences alone would miss out on the most important information of all. Knowledge of God would be absolutely essential. Without thinking about God, we would be, well, uneducated.
How can we have any knowledge of God if we can’t see him?
We don’t seem to have trouble claiming knowledge of a lot of stuff we can’t see. Like, maybe, 96% of everything?
What are reasons people give for not thinking there is a God? Which argument is the strongest?
Did you know that about 96% of the universe is composed of two things that astrophysicists label “dark matter” and “dark energy”? We know they are there but we can’t see them or directly measure them. In other words only about 4% of what most astrophysicists trust exists can be observed and directly measured. The other 96% is assumed based on evidence of its effect. It appears that the vast majority of existence is considered reality through trust based on evidence. Trust based on evidence. Does that sound familiar? It should. This is a good definition of faith!
What if God is real? What if God is the creator of all reality? Then if the sciences are considered our ultimate guide to all of existence we miss out on the very center of life, God himself. God is not physical, yet God exists. If God exists then there are dimensions to our lives that may not be physical but they are real. If God is real then an education based on the sciences alone would miss out on the most important information of all. Knowledge of God would be absolutely essential. Without thinking about God, we would be, well, uneducated.
How can we have any knowledge of God if we can’t see him?
We don’t seem to have trouble claiming knowledge of a lot of stuff we can’t see. Like, maybe, 96% of everything?
What are reasons people give for not thinking there is a God? Which argument is the strongest?
Friday, June 17, 2005
let's face it
It’s always hilarious when you see a news account of people who look like their dogs. There is research done on this topic and it reveals that chances are it is not that dogs and their owners (sorry, “caregivers” in LA) resemble each other over time. It is more likely that the dog owner consciously or unconsciously chooses a pet with similar characteristics. In my case, we have two dogs and I don’t look a bit like either. Well, that’s not altogether true. With my black lab Dudley, we could both afford to lose about 20 pounds!
With humans I do think we take on the appearance of someone over time. Ourselves. Who we are on the inside begins to reflect more and more on the outside. I remember the story The Picture of Dorian Gray, where a man was able to live a wild and crazy immoral life without affecting him. Booze, sex, destroying the lives of others, you name it, Dorian did it. But it didn’t seem to age him a bit. He stayed the same young, good looking guy. His secret?
He had a painting that would take in all his sin. It was a portrait that got uglier and more sinister looking. I won’t give away the ending because I want you to read the story, but let’s just say Dorian found out the truth.
You begin to notice that about people. Those of us who have been around a while begin to show who we are on the outside by who we are on the inside. Our faces take on smile lines or frown lines. Anger, like a twisted plastic surgeon, etches pain felt and pain dished out. Botox is no antidote for bile.
So, what do you do? Changing the inside changes the outside. You have a choice in life. There is a God who forgives what’s on the inside so you can be transformed into the kind of person who will shine with his glory on the outside. You are more than just your physical body. How is that? Monday we will find out.
With humans I do think we take on the appearance of someone over time. Ourselves. Who we are on the inside begins to reflect more and more on the outside. I remember the story The Picture of Dorian Gray, where a man was able to live a wild and crazy immoral life without affecting him. Booze, sex, destroying the lives of others, you name it, Dorian did it. But it didn’t seem to age him a bit. He stayed the same young, good looking guy. His secret?
He had a painting that would take in all his sin. It was a portrait that got uglier and more sinister looking. I won’t give away the ending because I want you to read the story, but let’s just say Dorian found out the truth.
You begin to notice that about people. Those of us who have been around a while begin to show who we are on the outside by who we are on the inside. Our faces take on smile lines or frown lines. Anger, like a twisted plastic surgeon, etches pain felt and pain dished out. Botox is no antidote for bile.
So, what do you do? Changing the inside changes the outside. You have a choice in life. There is a God who forgives what’s on the inside so you can be transformed into the kind of person who will shine with his glory on the outside. You are more than just your physical body. How is that? Monday we will find out.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
renovating the heart
I am updating the work I did in 2005 adapting Dallas Willard's Renovation of the Heart as a springboard for personal discipleship renewal and growth. Going through these daily readings will challenge us to move from the inside out. Join in the fun!
Starting at the beginning, we realize we are designed to be in relationship with Jesus. The Christian life is not a set of rules and regulations. The Bible is not a rule book but a description of this way of life. We do not have a list of laws that we follow to become worthy of attention from God. To grow in faith, we live the life we are designed to live and we are transformed from the inside out.
This is the key. From the inside out. We don’t get involved in a flurry of activities that make us acceptable to receive God’s love. We receive God’s love and are open to being changed from the inside out. We don’t do good things to please God. We become the kind of persons who can do good things naturally because we have been transformed. It is out of the “becoming” that the “doing” follows.
Starting at the beginning, we realize we are designed to be in relationship with Jesus. The Christian life is not a set of rules and regulations. The Bible is not a rule book but a description of this way of life. We do not have a list of laws that we follow to become worthy of attention from God. To grow in faith, we live the life we are designed to live and we are transformed from the inside out.
This is the key. From the inside out. We don’t get involved in a flurry of activities that make us acceptable to receive God’s love. We receive God’s love and are open to being changed from the inside out. We don’t do good things to please God. We become the kind of persons who can do good things naturally because we have been transformed. It is out of the “becoming” that the “doing” follows.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
crying, "Wolf!" once too often
When I use a label as a substitute for logical discourse, I have surrendered my intellectual integrity. Throwing around terms like “Nazi” or “fascist” simply show you that I don’t have an adequate argument in my debate arsenal and so I just fire away with hyperbole. This is not a new phenomenon; however it has become so prevalent that it appears normal. The same goes for the word, “Hate.” If you disagree with me you hate me, in present discourse.
I need to be very careful of this line of thinking. There seems to be a rise in anti-Christian rhetoric coming from many different places. When someone speaks harshly against my faith or my brothers and sisters in the faith, I can’t automatically assume they are being hateful. Much of the time they are simply exaggerating for the sake of effect.
This is why I find it difficult to understand “hate speech.” How would you define it? Is it hate speech if you disagree with me? Is it hate speech if you disagree with me and you give a principled, reasoned argument against my position? Of course not. Is it hate speech if you simply start using labels? It might be lazy speech but hate speech?
I just wonder in this litigious world of ours what happens when Christians start meeting with their lawyers and pursue legal “hate speech” angles against the hyperbolic rhetoric? I pray this doesn’t happen. From the halls of Congress, the front page of newspapers and the classrooms of American universities, Christians have become a popular target. Is this a rise in hatred? I don’t think so. Harsh speech for the purpose of attention is more likely.
If people were really smart and they wanted to have an influence in today’s language climate, I can’t think of a more powerful tool than principled, reasonable discourse delivered in a gracious manner. This sounds a lot like effective preaching. Go figure.
I need to be very careful of this line of thinking. There seems to be a rise in anti-Christian rhetoric coming from many different places. When someone speaks harshly against my faith or my brothers and sisters in the faith, I can’t automatically assume they are being hateful. Much of the time they are simply exaggerating for the sake of effect.
This is why I find it difficult to understand “hate speech.” How would you define it? Is it hate speech if you disagree with me? Is it hate speech if you disagree with me and you give a principled, reasoned argument against my position? Of course not. Is it hate speech if you simply start using labels? It might be lazy speech but hate speech?
I just wonder in this litigious world of ours what happens when Christians start meeting with their lawyers and pursue legal “hate speech” angles against the hyperbolic rhetoric? I pray this doesn’t happen. From the halls of Congress, the front page of newspapers and the classrooms of American universities, Christians have become a popular target. Is this a rise in hatred? I don’t think so. Harsh speech for the purpose of attention is more likely.
If people were really smart and they wanted to have an influence in today’s language climate, I can’t think of a more powerful tool than principled, reasonable discourse delivered in a gracious manner. This sounds a lot like effective preaching. Go figure.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
judgmental people
No one is more judgmental than someone who is judgmental of people who are judgmental.
This is a doubly dangerous trap to fall into. “I think you are wrong with being judgmental of someone else and so I judge you harshly.” The hypocrisy of this position is glaringly obvious and deceptively ignored in the public arena. You take no ethical high road by buying into the same trait you are lashing out against.
You will have a hard time finding harsher, more contemptuous behavior and language than that coming out of someone who is striking out against someone else who they accuse of racism, sexism, homophobia and such. Why is this so dangerous? It is dangerous because it is socially acceptable. Whenever society provides you with an excuse to totally ignore self-examination you are headed down the path of destruction. You will literally eat yourself alive.
It’s so easy being gracious to people who think like you do. Maturity only begins when you reach out to those whose thinking you bitterly oppose.
This is a doubly dangerous trap to fall into. “I think you are wrong with being judgmental of someone else and so I judge you harshly.” The hypocrisy of this position is glaringly obvious and deceptively ignored in the public arena. You take no ethical high road by buying into the same trait you are lashing out against.
You will have a hard time finding harsher, more contemptuous behavior and language than that coming out of someone who is striking out against someone else who they accuse of racism, sexism, homophobia and such. Why is this so dangerous? It is dangerous because it is socially acceptable. Whenever society provides you with an excuse to totally ignore self-examination you are headed down the path of destruction. You will literally eat yourself alive.
It’s so easy being gracious to people who think like you do. Maturity only begins when you reach out to those whose thinking you bitterly oppose.
Monday, June 13, 2005
what are we thinking?
I haven’t been following the case of the missing teenager, Natalee Holloway, in Aruba. Too sensationalist and too close to home, having a teenage daughter ourselves. My instant response is probably that of most parents of teenagers. Concern for the young woman followed immediately by “What in the world is a kid doing going on a trip like that anyway?”
Kind of like a high school trip to Cancun. Hello, looking for a place we can engage in a little CH3CH2OH at an earlier age, are we? If alcohol isn’t involved in this case, I would be shocked.
I did finally read an article this morning. It’s good to know that the 124 students from the same Alabama high school who were down in Aruba at least had chaperones. Seven. A healthy ratio of almost 18 kids to one adult. If you have ever chaperoned a high school trip anywhere you know that ratio is a bit excessive! Maybe 8 to 1 in a biosphere, but 18 to 1?! I know most of the students were probably 18, but then why are there chaperones at all?
I pray for Natalee and her parents. If you are a teen or a parent of a teen, stop what you are doing and think for a moment. Think.
Kind of like a high school trip to Cancun. Hello, looking for a place we can engage in a little CH3CH2OH at an earlier age, are we? If alcohol isn’t involved in this case, I would be shocked.
I did finally read an article this morning. It’s good to know that the 124 students from the same Alabama high school who were down in Aruba at least had chaperones. Seven. A healthy ratio of almost 18 kids to one adult. If you have ever chaperoned a high school trip anywhere you know that ratio is a bit excessive! Maybe 8 to 1 in a biosphere, but 18 to 1?! I know most of the students were probably 18, but then why are there chaperones at all?
I pray for Natalee and her parents. If you are a teen or a parent of a teen, stop what you are doing and think for a moment. Think.
Friday, June 10, 2005
thoughts from the poolside
I spent the day with a group of 8 church leaders from various locations in southern California. We met at Charlie’s house, sat around the pool and talked about how we could most effectively be used by Jesus to invite others to live in the reality of his Kingdom now.
The Bible talks a bit about the “lost” and we wondered what that term might mean today. Are the lost those who haven’t discovered what God has in store for them? Actually living the life he designed them to live? Then, I dare say, there is a bit of “lostness” in us all. In this context, the most “lost” would be those who don’t realize they are lost.
If you trust in Jesus and are finding ways to learn from him by being immersed in the Bible, conversing with God, conversing with other disciples, giving your money to support his mission, and giving yourself away to others, that’s a start. Discipleship is a way of life, isn’t it?
What was strange about yesterday is it was just a glimpse of what disciples do. Here was a group of people BBQing (carne asada, of course), jacuzziing, talking and listening, all for the sake of trying to make progress in helping others make decisions in their lives that would have eternal significance. Will someone get to love Jesus and join with him in his Kingdom, in part because of yesterday? I have no doubt. Why is this so strange?
I wonder if there are other people who haven’t discovered living with Jesus yet, who are spending the day trying to figure out ways they can be used to be a benefit for others? Sure. In a way that profits are not involved? Ah, sure.
I wonder are other people meeting together poolside on a southern California day who don’t know Jesus but are trying to figure out ways they can give themselves away for the sake of others and do whatever it takes to make a difference?
Ah…
If you aren’t a Christian disciple are you pouring your life out for me? See, you will never know what I am willing to do for you. You might think you know what “Christians” are all about, especially Christians who actually believe the Bible, believe that Jesus is the way to eternal life with God, and people who believe in you. You might try to dismiss me as the “Christian right” or Christian left,” or an “extremist,” or “out of the mainstream,” but my hunch is you have no idea who I am or why I spend almost every moment of my life in one way or another living for you.
You might dismiss me and say I am dedicating my life for you so I will get blessed by God, but then you would be clearly showing you don’t have any idea who I am. God blesses me the same way he blesses you. By giving us life and everything we have and by making it possible for us to live in his Kingdom now. He gives this freely, with no strings attached, and all we can do, you and I, is realize God loves us so much and wants us to join with him in his mission to reach out in love to others.
Please think deeply about this. I am thinking deeply about you.
The Bible talks a bit about the “lost” and we wondered what that term might mean today. Are the lost those who haven’t discovered what God has in store for them? Actually living the life he designed them to live? Then, I dare say, there is a bit of “lostness” in us all. In this context, the most “lost” would be those who don’t realize they are lost.
If you trust in Jesus and are finding ways to learn from him by being immersed in the Bible, conversing with God, conversing with other disciples, giving your money to support his mission, and giving yourself away to others, that’s a start. Discipleship is a way of life, isn’t it?
What was strange about yesterday is it was just a glimpse of what disciples do. Here was a group of people BBQing (carne asada, of course), jacuzziing, talking and listening, all for the sake of trying to make progress in helping others make decisions in their lives that would have eternal significance. Will someone get to love Jesus and join with him in his Kingdom, in part because of yesterday? I have no doubt. Why is this so strange?
I wonder if there are other people who haven’t discovered living with Jesus yet, who are spending the day trying to figure out ways they can be used to be a benefit for others? Sure. In a way that profits are not involved? Ah, sure.
I wonder are other people meeting together poolside on a southern California day who don’t know Jesus but are trying to figure out ways they can give themselves away for the sake of others and do whatever it takes to make a difference?
Ah…
If you aren’t a Christian disciple are you pouring your life out for me? See, you will never know what I am willing to do for you. You might think you know what “Christians” are all about, especially Christians who actually believe the Bible, believe that Jesus is the way to eternal life with God, and people who believe in you. You might try to dismiss me as the “Christian right” or Christian left,” or an “extremist,” or “out of the mainstream,” but my hunch is you have no idea who I am or why I spend almost every moment of my life in one way or another living for you.
You might dismiss me and say I am dedicating my life for you so I will get blessed by God, but then you would be clearly showing you don’t have any idea who I am. God blesses me the same way he blesses you. By giving us life and everything we have and by making it possible for us to live in his Kingdom now. He gives this freely, with no strings attached, and all we can do, you and I, is realize God loves us so much and wants us to join with him in his mission to reach out in love to others.
Please think deeply about this. I am thinking deeply about you.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
listen carefully
Deut. 6:3 (NLT)
Listen closely, Israel, to everything I say. Be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.
Careful listening is an essential part of the life of a disciple of Jesus. Without it, one is left with selective listening. I find this way of selective listening to be way more the order of the day for Christians. This happens in two ways.
1. You have a viewpoint you wish to follow and so you go to the scripture and find texts to support your viewpoint.
2. You have a viewpoint you wish to follow and so you dismiss any scripture that speaks against your viewpoint as not pertinent today.
The corrective to these two strategies to think only on what one wants to think about is simple.
What does the whole Bible say about this viewpoint? Listen closely. Pray. Discuss this within a Christian community. Decide a course of action. Act. If you are honestly seeking God’s wisdom, he will reveal what he considers necessary. We are always careful to understand that our interpretation of his revelation might be incorrect, but if it is within the context of the Bible as a whole we are not paralyzed to act, knowing as we continue to listen closely God’s corrective is certainly available, as well.
Listen closely, Israel, to everything I say. Be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.
Careful listening is an essential part of the life of a disciple of Jesus. Without it, one is left with selective listening. I find this way of selective listening to be way more the order of the day for Christians. This happens in two ways.
1. You have a viewpoint you wish to follow and so you go to the scripture and find texts to support your viewpoint.
2. You have a viewpoint you wish to follow and so you dismiss any scripture that speaks against your viewpoint as not pertinent today.
The corrective to these two strategies to think only on what one wants to think about is simple.
What does the whole Bible say about this viewpoint? Listen closely. Pray. Discuss this within a Christian community. Decide a course of action. Act. If you are honestly seeking God’s wisdom, he will reveal what he considers necessary. We are always careful to understand that our interpretation of his revelation might be incorrect, but if it is within the context of the Bible as a whole we are not paralyzed to act, knowing as we continue to listen closely God’s corrective is certainly available, as well.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
what are you waiting for?
What if you could actually learn to be answerable to Jesus? Throughout our adult life it seems we are always beholden to someone. Our boss at work, or our employees if we are the boss. Our spouse and children if we have them. All of these various individuals command our attention either directly or indirectly. What happens when we get to the point where we don’t have the work responsibilities, we worry about our children but we don’t have day-to-day involvement, and we learn to “dance” with our spouses without stepping on their toes too often?
It’s time to get serious about the Lord.
Think of Abraham, well into his 90’s before he even gets started. Think of Moses, whom we are told began confronting Pharaoh only after “years had passed.” Their God connection didn’t blossom until late in life.
Jesus is waiting patiently until he can command our attention. If we aren’t focused on him with everything we are he will not usually intervene. Jesus would prefer to be Lord of our lives always, and we have the chance to start really living the God-immersed life at any age. For some of us it just might be that last third. If this is the case then the last third would be the time where we are living the Kingdom life for the first time.
Is it going to take a burning bush (Exodus 3:1) or a call to leave Haran (Genesis 12:1)? Or is it going to take some time to do a little inventory? If you are not in the “retirement” mode what are you waiting for? If you are in that third period then let’s get started.
It’s time to get serious about the Lord.
Think of Abraham, well into his 90’s before he even gets started. Think of Moses, whom we are told began confronting Pharaoh only after “years had passed.” Their God connection didn’t blossom until late in life.
Jesus is waiting patiently until he can command our attention. If we aren’t focused on him with everything we are he will not usually intervene. Jesus would prefer to be Lord of our lives always, and we have the chance to start really living the God-immersed life at any age. For some of us it just might be that last third. If this is the case then the last third would be the time where we are living the Kingdom life for the first time.
Is it going to take a burning bush (Exodus 3:1) or a call to leave Haran (Genesis 12:1)? Or is it going to take some time to do a little inventory? If you are not in the “retirement” mode what are you waiting for? If you are in that third period then let’s get started.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
graduation and retirement
This is a transition time of the year. Graduations, in particular high school and college, are taking center stage. When graduates leave their respective schools they move to a new venture. College or employment for the high school grad, and graduate school or employment for the college grad. Always moving toward something.
When does it stop? I suppose you could say that for some the move ahead ends at retirement. It’s interesting that we don’t have a uniform time of the year for this to occur. The unbelievable amount of benefit given to society by those who labor over many years and when it comes time to retire, it’s almost like it happens with stealth in the middle of the night.
What is retirement nowadays anyway? So many folks continue to work as consultants or take on other part time work. Others become more involved in volunteer work of various sorts. With the improvements in healthcare and lifestyle adjustments, people are living longer, as well. If you retire at 65, you literally could have a third of your life ahead of you. Living in your 90’s is not as rare as one might think and it will not be uncommon in the future.
Perhaps retirement is becoming like another graduation. Moving to a new venture. What can a person do with meaning and purpose in the “third period” of their life? More tomorrow.
When does it stop? I suppose you could say that for some the move ahead ends at retirement. It’s interesting that we don’t have a uniform time of the year for this to occur. The unbelievable amount of benefit given to society by those who labor over many years and when it comes time to retire, it’s almost like it happens with stealth in the middle of the night.
What is retirement nowadays anyway? So many folks continue to work as consultants or take on other part time work. Others become more involved in volunteer work of various sorts. With the improvements in healthcare and lifestyle adjustments, people are living longer, as well. If you retire at 65, you literally could have a third of your life ahead of you. Living in your 90’s is not as rare as one might think and it will not be uncommon in the future.
Perhaps retirement is becoming like another graduation. Moving to a new venture. What can a person do with meaning and purpose in the “third period” of their life? More tomorrow.
Monday, June 06, 2005
argumentum ad nauseam is alive and well
You must not be too bright. That appears to be the assumption of those who engage in discourse in popular culture today. A fun game to play if you have the time is to read or listen to someone report the news or attempt to persuade you. Logical fallacies are the rule rather than the exception. Few seem capable of stating anything in a principled, reasonable fashion.
One technique that really questions public intellect is argumentum ad nauseam. This was the specialty of Joseph Goebbels, propaganda minister of Nazi Germany. If you tell a lie over and over again people begin to believe it. One that this is accomplished is to simply change the definition of a word without the understanding of all interested parties.
An example of this is the lie that intelligent design theory is simply another way of saying, “creationism.” Here we get two lies for the price of one. Intelligent design states there is too much information present from DNA strands to the fine tuning of the universe that the weight of evidence is there is design. A creative agency of some sort appears to be the most logical conclusion. Who or what that agent is doesn’t enter in to the equation. If by “creationism” you mean “created by a God,” then this may be the viewpoint of many in the ID movement but it is not part of the theory. To call ID “creationism” is a lie.
The second lie is to switch the meaning of “creationism,” simply the understanding that the universe was created by a deity, and deliberately make the assumption of young earth creationism,” the view that the universe is 6-10,000 years old and was created in 6 literal 24 hour days.
Just click on this google news link for “intelligent design” and have some fun.
One technique that really questions public intellect is argumentum ad nauseam. This was the specialty of Joseph Goebbels, propaganda minister of Nazi Germany. If you tell a lie over and over again people begin to believe it. One that this is accomplished is to simply change the definition of a word without the understanding of all interested parties.
An example of this is the lie that intelligent design theory is simply another way of saying, “creationism.” Here we get two lies for the price of one. Intelligent design states there is too much information present from DNA strands to the fine tuning of the universe that the weight of evidence is there is design. A creative agency of some sort appears to be the most logical conclusion. Who or what that agent is doesn’t enter in to the equation. If by “creationism” you mean “created by a God,” then this may be the viewpoint of many in the ID movement but it is not part of the theory. To call ID “creationism” is a lie.
The second lie is to switch the meaning of “creationism,” simply the understanding that the universe was created by a deity, and deliberately make the assumption of young earth creationism,” the view that the universe is 6-10,000 years old and was created in 6 literal 24 hour days.
Just click on this google news link for “intelligent design” and have some fun.
Friday, June 03, 2005
trust and the stranger
Taking someone into your confidence is a trust issue. I have not lived anywhere else but the US, but I would guess it must seem strange to people from other countries as to how open some Americans are to let anyone know of their struggles and challenges. You are apt to meet a complete stranger who will immediately tell you all about the disasters of his/ her marriage, struggles at work, and other private concerns.
I know this is partially an American phenomenon as we witness in the popularity of our “reality” shows. Shows like Survivor, The Bachelor, or Nanny 911 are kind of weird when you think about it. Watch me at my best. Watch me at my worst. But watch me.
What gives with this whole reality theme? It has to be more than simply making a buck or becoming famous for a while. Is it a pleasurable experience taking millions of people into your confidence?
Or is it simply wanting to gain a sense that I am alive and I count for something?
There is another way and another One whom you can open up to.
I know this is partially an American phenomenon as we witness in the popularity of our “reality” shows. Shows like Survivor, The Bachelor, or Nanny 911 are kind of weird when you think about it. Watch me at my best. Watch me at my worst. But watch me.
What gives with this whole reality theme? It has to be more than simply making a buck or becoming famous for a while. Is it a pleasurable experience taking millions of people into your confidence?
Or is it simply wanting to gain a sense that I am alive and I count for something?
There is another way and another One whom you can open up to.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
trust and the olive tree
Psalm 52:8-9 (NLT)
But I am like an olive tree,
thriving in the house of God.
I trust in God's unfailing love
forever and ever.
[9] I will praise you forever, O God,
for what you have done.
I will wait for your mercies
in the presence of your people.
Olive trees can live for 3000 years. The more fruit the better longevity. Being healthy and secure in the presence of God brings about a trust that lasts forever. As verse 9 explains, this trust is further strengthened as you live a life of worship and gratitude being fueled by the Holy Spirit working through other Christians in community. To be in a trusting relationship with God makes it possible to be in trusting relationships with people.
This is the base camp that you live out of and you face everything else secure because you never leave the base. Your camp is always moving ahead of you. Surrounded by God and his people, you are completely safe to risk the intimacy that basic trust entails. You will be disappointed, perhaps betrayed, but from the core of steadfast love you will not be broken by your circumstances.
If I can trust Jesus with my life then I can trust you. I will take care with my trust, using the wisdom Jesus gives me through his Word, his community, and the situations I discover as I travel on the way. Risking trust becomes a real possibility.
Chances are, olives are going to appear on the tree next season, too.
But I am like an olive tree,
thriving in the house of God.
I trust in God's unfailing love
forever and ever.
[9] I will praise you forever, O God,
for what you have done.
I will wait for your mercies
in the presence of your people.
Olive trees can live for 3000 years. The more fruit the better longevity. Being healthy and secure in the presence of God brings about a trust that lasts forever. As verse 9 explains, this trust is further strengthened as you live a life of worship and gratitude being fueled by the Holy Spirit working through other Christians in community. To be in a trusting relationship with God makes it possible to be in trusting relationships with people.
This is the base camp that you live out of and you face everything else secure because you never leave the base. Your camp is always moving ahead of you. Surrounded by God and his people, you are completely safe to risk the intimacy that basic trust entails. You will be disappointed, perhaps betrayed, but from the core of steadfast love you will not be broken by your circumstances.
If I can trust Jesus with my life then I can trust you. I will take care with my trust, using the wisdom Jesus gives me through his Word, his community, and the situations I discover as I travel on the way. Risking trust becomes a real possibility.
Chances are, olives are going to appear on the tree next season, too.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
trust and the internet
I mentioned the internet a couple of days ago and how it has changed everything about our sources of information. We don’t need to rely on anyone to be a gatekeeper of “special” information. If you’re online, you’re connected. You still have to have a filter, however.
If you have a medical ailment, you can find 100 different viewpoints about what you have and how to treat it. You still need to trust a physician enough to seek help. He/she is going to make a diagnosis and treat you and this will always take more trust.
Even when you use a search engine like Google, you have to trust the network. If you have used Google long enough you know there is a certain slant on what comes up first. As long as you know the slant you’re fine.
Like anything else in life, you have to decide. You can’t be paralyzed by indecision because you don’t have enough information. You can’t be so clouded by skepticism that you miss good evidence.
Trust is essential to survive. How can I learn to trust?
If you have a medical ailment, you can find 100 different viewpoints about what you have and how to treat it. You still need to trust a physician enough to seek help. He/she is going to make a diagnosis and treat you and this will always take more trust.
Even when you use a search engine like Google, you have to trust the network. If you have used Google long enough you know there is a certain slant on what comes up first. As long as you know the slant you’re fine.
Like anything else in life, you have to decide. You can’t be paralyzed by indecision because you don’t have enough information. You can’t be so clouded by skepticism that you miss good evidence.
Trust is essential to survive. How can I learn to trust?
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About Me
- Dana
- Pastor from LIFEhouse Church in Northridge CA, focusing on the theme, "How To Be A Christian Without Being A Jerk."
