When the words ‘radical fanatic’ come up so does my level of caution! Immediately I think of those who blow themselves up with the hope of gaining Paradise as they kill the infidels or of those who moved to a jungle camp in Guyana with the insane preacher named Jim Jones. Why does complete commitment to God have to be confused with such insanity? Why do I not think of the amazing couple with three children who left the comfort of their American home to live out their lives among a remote tribe in Papua New Guinea to bring the Word of God, or the self-sacrifice of 5 young American missionaries on an Amazon River beach in 1956 while attempting to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ’s love to the Waorani, who were engaged in a destructive murderous civil war?
Christianity was never meant to be a life of moderation!
Our Savior and Lord calls us to total surrender of ourselves for and fanatical dedication to His Kingdom. How else can we read His words? "If you prefer father or mother over me, you don’t deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don’t deserve me. If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me." (Matthew 10:37-39, The Message)
John echoes that call. "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever." (1 John 2:15-17, NLT)
What or who owns your life, disciple? That question cannot be answered only with words. It must include all parts of our daily lives.
In what do we seek security?
To what do we give the majority of our focused energies?
What are we teaching our children about values?
Jesus, were He to stand among His American followers today, would likely ask, “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?" (Luke 6:46, NLT) A Christianity that is reduced to a system of ethics, a religious creed, and a morality that merely keeps us from the grossest sins is not at all aligned with the discipleship taught by the Word. The safe, moderate life that most of us live is barren of the Spirit’s life and Presence because we sense little or no need of His daily presence. We, not God, are ‘in charge.’ We only invite His with passionate prayers when circumstances arise that we cannot manage; things like sickness, financial reverses, or relational breakdown. Then, when normality returns so does our sense of self-sufficiency.
So how can we become radical without going insane? Two choices are of prime importance:
- Anchor your choices to the Scripture with careful study that includes no private interpretations and consideration of the long tradition of the Church.
- Remain in community, not going off to do your own thing without counsel and advice of those who are mature.
Jesus Christ offers the most radical Way and it is not based in esoteric visions, strange rituals, or weird self-expression. As you read His words, take time to meditate on them. Carry them with you as you ask, “Am I a radical fanatic?”
“There’s trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular.
“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!" (Luke 6:26-31, The Message)
The way of love – it is radical!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Full of doubts?
Not too long ago a good man stopped me and asked, “Do you have doubts?” He wanted to know if my Christian life included any uncertainties about what I claim to believe. He’s not the first to ask me that question! He wanted to know if I ever wondered about questions like: Does God care for me? Does He really take note of me? Is He active? Does He answer prayer? These are real questions and more common that we think. Many of us feel anxiety and even guilt about even having these thoughts. We are convinced that if we were a ‘better Christian’ all doubt would disappear and we would live in perpetual assurance. Think again. The deeper a person delves into faith, the more we choose (note that word) to walk in faith, the more we expose ourselves to the possibility of doubt. Why? Because the choice to live by faith leads us from the common, the safe, the tested and out into the realm of the impossible, the impractical, ‘walking in the Spirit.’
Faith needs to grow and gradually replace our doubts. But, doubt is not necessarily a bad thing. It can and should lead us to an examined and tested faith that is able to withstand the stormy times of life that will come to us all. Timothy Keller, author and pastor, says that “a faith without some doubt is like a human body without any antibodies in it. People who blithely go through life too busy or indifferent to ask hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless against either the experience of tragedy or the probing questions of a smart skeptic.” (Reason for God, Riverhead, 2008) I love that analogy to antibodies. We can live without them, but we are much more resistant to sickness because of them. Each time our bodies fight off some virus, we gain strength for the next assault.
Doubts are disturbing! But, they also can help us to clarify our beliefs which, in turn, deepens our ability to trust God. Doubt and faith need not be adversaries. Doubt can lead us to greater faith if we respond to it in ways that recognize our limitations. If we require iron-clad proofs that respond to our demand to see, touch, smell, or hear; then doubt will become destructive. If we are willing to admit that there are many things we simply cannot reduce to the simplicity of our own understanding, then we can come to a place where we are prepared to discard doubt and choose to trust God. I am convinced that we should not force that process to end prematurely, either in ourselves or in others.
In my life, doubt is ultimately defeated by building from the broad issues of faith to the more defined ones. Long ago, I chose to believe in the existence of God. The balance of evidence pointed to a Supreme Being, a Creator. Examination of the evidence and Scripture brought me to the choice to trust that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this world to reveal His grace and Himself to us thus; I am a Christian. Learning of the way of life He taught and seeing how genuine discipleship brought such benefit to this world, I chose to respond to His offer of grace and follow Him as a disciple. Do you see the pattern?
John closes his Gospel, which is a long argument for Christian faith, with a story of doubt overcome. As you read it, take note that Jesus did not condemn the doubter. Instead, he invited him to examine the evidence and make a choice!
"Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:27-31, NIV)
Are you doubting? Keep it honest.
Ask the questions, not as accusations but as real inquiries.
Allow for mystery.
Be a good student of the world, the Scripture, and yourself.
And, listen for the Spirit’s invitation to faith.
"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. …
It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him."
(Hebrews 11:1, 6, The Message)
___________________
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray;
Take all my guilt away.
Oh let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire.
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh may my love to Thee
Pure, warm and changeless be,
A living fire.
While life's dark maze I tread,
And grief around me spreads
Be Thou my Guide.
Bid darkness turn to day;
Wipe sorrow's tears away;
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside!
When ends life's transient dream,
When death's cold sullen stream
Shall o'er me roll,
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove.
Oh bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul.
My Faith Looks Up To Thee
Palmer, Ray / Mason, Lowell
© Public Domain
Faith needs to grow and gradually replace our doubts. But, doubt is not necessarily a bad thing. It can and should lead us to an examined and tested faith that is able to withstand the stormy times of life that will come to us all. Timothy Keller, author and pastor, says that “a faith without some doubt is like a human body without any antibodies in it. People who blithely go through life too busy or indifferent to ask hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless against either the experience of tragedy or the probing questions of a smart skeptic.” (Reason for God, Riverhead, 2008) I love that analogy to antibodies. We can live without them, but we are much more resistant to sickness because of them. Each time our bodies fight off some virus, we gain strength for the next assault.
Doubts are disturbing! But, they also can help us to clarify our beliefs which, in turn, deepens our ability to trust God. Doubt and faith need not be adversaries. Doubt can lead us to greater faith if we respond to it in ways that recognize our limitations. If we require iron-clad proofs that respond to our demand to see, touch, smell, or hear; then doubt will become destructive. If we are willing to admit that there are many things we simply cannot reduce to the simplicity of our own understanding, then we can come to a place where we are prepared to discard doubt and choose to trust God. I am convinced that we should not force that process to end prematurely, either in ourselves or in others.
In my life, doubt is ultimately defeated by building from the broad issues of faith to the more defined ones. Long ago, I chose to believe in the existence of God. The balance of evidence pointed to a Supreme Being, a Creator. Examination of the evidence and Scripture brought me to the choice to trust that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this world to reveal His grace and Himself to us thus; I am a Christian. Learning of the way of life He taught and seeing how genuine discipleship brought such benefit to this world, I chose to respond to His offer of grace and follow Him as a disciple. Do you see the pattern?
John closes his Gospel, which is a long argument for Christian faith, with a story of doubt overcome. As you read it, take note that Jesus did not condemn the doubter. Instead, he invited him to examine the evidence and make a choice!
"Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:27-31, NIV)
Are you doubting? Keep it honest.
Ask the questions, not as accusations but as real inquiries.
Allow for mystery.
Be a good student of the world, the Scripture, and yourself.
And, listen for the Spirit’s invitation to faith.
"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. …
It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him."
(Hebrews 11:1, 6, The Message)
___________________
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray;
Take all my guilt away.
Oh let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire.
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh may my love to Thee
Pure, warm and changeless be,
A living fire.
While life's dark maze I tread,
And grief around me spreads
Be Thou my Guide.
Bid darkness turn to day;
Wipe sorrow's tears away;
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside!
When ends life's transient dream,
When death's cold sullen stream
Shall o'er me roll,
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove.
Oh bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul.
My Faith Looks Up To Thee
Palmer, Ray / Mason, Lowell
© Public Domain
Monday, November 09, 2009
“Oh, yeah? Well, your mother is ugly!”
One of the not so fun parts of leadership, even in a small organization, is the criticism that comes with the job. People with differing opinions or without full information about how a decision was made will often attack the decider. I’ve been told I was stupid, that I lacked vision, that I was not spiritual, that I was allowing my church to slide into decline, and more. That was said to my face! Behind my back, much worse has been said. (Yes, it is true that I have also received a ton of affirmation too, over the years, but that’s for another blog.) There was a time when I met each and every critic with drawn sword! In moments when I felt vulnerable even if my position was weak I was ready to defend it, rather like the school yard kid who finds he has nothing else to say, so he hurls the age-old insult – “your mother is ugly!”
In conflict, we have a decision to make – to amplify the noise or absorb it! Just about every married person knows how quickly the volume can rise during an argument when neither one is ready to back down! Our natural tendency is to respond to others with the same spirit they bring. “You want hostile, I’ll show you hostile!” Then, we run into the wisdom of Jesus who says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9, NIV) If we who have experienced His powerful love, we are empowered to break the cycle of human conflict. He said, "Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.” (Luke 6:27-31, The Message) Sound difficult? It is! Living in this way consistently requires that we have an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit who works to change us from the inside out.
David, who was called 'a man after God's own heart,' (Acts 13.22) found himself in a dysfunctional relationship. While still a teenage boy, he was invited to be part of the court of King Saul, a man who quickly slid into insane jealousy, when others lauded David’s character and accomplishments. Once Saul flew into an unprovoked rage and attempted to kill David by hurling a javelin at him! After years of unjustified attacks, David cried out to Jonathan, his friend and Saul's son, "What have I done?" he exclaimed. "What is my crime? How have I offended your father that he is so determined to kill me?" (1 Samuel 20:1, NLT) David, in general, was not a man blinded to his own faults. This cry was no act of gratuitous self-pity! In truth, he had never done a thing to Saul except to serve him faithfully! The fault lay not with David, but with the man who hated him so intensely. Yet, David refused to surrender to rage and would not take any steps towards vindicating himself! Several times David had the chance to kill Saul, but he would not! He chose, instead, to trust himself and his reputation to God. What a model for us in time of conflict.
Have you served another and received only criticism in response?
Have you tried to be truthful and provoked the ire of someone now bent on evening the score?
Have you made a mistake and now live in a war of words that you do not know how to bring to an end?
Let God love you! It may sound trite, clichéd, but it is true! If you will retreat from the war, and take your rage, hurt, pain, and/or sorrow into His presence, prayerfully, and patiently, He can comfort and change you! When you sense His love, your security will rise. This will create new perspective, even give you courage to let yourself lose the battle, in order to win the war! Jesus requires that those who love Him live differently.
Here’s a word from the Word. Meditate on it for a few moments before you rush on today. Pray that in this world so full of conflict, that you will live differently because you are different! “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked." (Luke 6:32-35, NLT)
___________________
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,
not so much to be understood as to understand,
not so much to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
it is in dying that we awake to eternal life.
- St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)
In conflict, we have a decision to make – to amplify the noise or absorb it! Just about every married person knows how quickly the volume can rise during an argument when neither one is ready to back down! Our natural tendency is to respond to others with the same spirit they bring. “You want hostile, I’ll show you hostile!” Then, we run into the wisdom of Jesus who says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9, NIV) If we who have experienced His powerful love, we are empowered to break the cycle of human conflict. He said, "Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.” (Luke 6:27-31, The Message) Sound difficult? It is! Living in this way consistently requires that we have an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit who works to change us from the inside out.
David, who was called 'a man after God's own heart,' (Acts 13.22) found himself in a dysfunctional relationship. While still a teenage boy, he was invited to be part of the court of King Saul, a man who quickly slid into insane jealousy, when others lauded David’s character and accomplishments. Once Saul flew into an unprovoked rage and attempted to kill David by hurling a javelin at him! After years of unjustified attacks, David cried out to Jonathan, his friend and Saul's son, "What have I done?" he exclaimed. "What is my crime? How have I offended your father that he is so determined to kill me?" (1 Samuel 20:1, NLT) David, in general, was not a man blinded to his own faults. This cry was no act of gratuitous self-pity! In truth, he had never done a thing to Saul except to serve him faithfully! The fault lay not with David, but with the man who hated him so intensely. Yet, David refused to surrender to rage and would not take any steps towards vindicating himself! Several times David had the chance to kill Saul, but he would not! He chose, instead, to trust himself and his reputation to God. What a model for us in time of conflict.
Have you served another and received only criticism in response?
Have you tried to be truthful and provoked the ire of someone now bent on evening the score?
Have you made a mistake and now live in a war of words that you do not know how to bring to an end?
Let God love you! It may sound trite, clichéd, but it is true! If you will retreat from the war, and take your rage, hurt, pain, and/or sorrow into His presence, prayerfully, and patiently, He can comfort and change you! When you sense His love, your security will rise. This will create new perspective, even give you courage to let yourself lose the battle, in order to win the war! Jesus requires that those who love Him live differently.
Here’s a word from the Word. Meditate on it for a few moments before you rush on today. Pray that in this world so full of conflict, that you will live differently because you are different! “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked." (Luke 6:32-35, NLT)
___________________
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,
not so much to be understood as to understand,
not so much to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
it is in dying that we awake to eternal life.
- St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)
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