“Pastor, I’m leaving the church …” What follows is almost never a good or solid reason. Then, too, there are those who dress up their offense, wrapping it in religious language. “Pastor, God is leading me to another church.” Honesty would benefit both of us. Oh, how I wish the offender would say, “I’m angry and I hope to punish all of you!” Then, we could deal with the real problems.
Most leavers seem to think that if they go away, everyone will miss them, realize how important they were, and that the gears of ministry will grind to halt. That seldom, if ever, occurs. There is a gap for a while, then somebody else steps in to take up the responsibilities of the one who left and the work of the church goes on. Usually the one who leaves suffers more than the church he left. He breaks off old friendships and his kids get dislocated from supportive relationships. I often wonder if there is regret once the anger cools or the sense of offense lessens?
Severing relationship is the worst way to ‘settle’ a grievance! Nothing is solved. The problem is internalized where it festers and continues to infect future relationships. What we need is the grace and courage to face our fears, work through our emotions, and put the work of Christ ahead of our own interests. A divorce, be it from a former spouse or from a church, is an ultimatum that seldom produces the anticipated results. It may take care of one set of relational problems, at least temporarily, but it will always create a new set of problems, too.
In His great wisdom, God reminds us, "Live in harmony with each other. … And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” (Romans 12:16-20, NLT)
It takes real maturity to suffer loss and stay loving. It requires crucifixion of ego to go through some misunderstanding and extend forgiveness that is complete and without reserve clauses. When I see someone who chooses to love the Body of Christ more than himself stick with his church, keep a good heart, and let his offense go; I rejoice for I know that he has chosen wisely and that God will turn his sorrow and/or loss into joy down life’s road. Instead of sowing bitterness into the hearts of his kids, his actions teaches those kids an invaluable lesson by example. Instead of swallowing the poison of wrath by holding a grudge, he chooses to drink deeply of Living Water that heals his soul. Instead of wrapping himself in burlap of self-pity, he puts on the garments of praise that lifts him from despair.
Are you angry today?
Has someone offended you, failed to appreciate your work, or falsely accused you?
Have your expectations gone unmet, your desire to be affirmed ignored or been unnoticed? There is a choice to be made. You can attempt to vindicate yourself and punish the offender. If you do, everybody loses. Or you can do what God asks, inviting the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with transforming grace.
Here’s a word from the Word. Let’s live it.
"Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness." (Colossians 3:13-15, The Message)
___________
There is only one God!
There is only one King!
There is only one Body!
That is why we sing.
Bind us together, Lord,
Bind us together with cords
That cannot be broken.
Bind us together, Lord,
Bind us together,
Bind us together with love.
Bind Us Together
Gillman, Bob
© 1977 Kingsway's Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, October 09, 2009
Thursday, October 08, 2009
“You make me want to vomit!”
Can you imagine hearing those words from the Lord Jesus?
You don’t have to imagine! He actually told a church in ancient Turkey that was how He felt about them! What had they done to provoke His reaction? Nothing; precisely nothing! The church in Laodicea was prosperous, doctrinally sound, morally whole – and full of apathy. They wanted Jesus Christ to promise them Heaven but not to bother them while they lived on earth. “We’re doing fine right now. Thanks for being there if we need You.” was their attitude. There is no insult to the majesty of Christ quite like ignoring Him, considering the Lord of Glory peripheral to life.
That text in the 3rd chapter of Revelation has stuck with me since I read it earlier this week. The church in Laodicea, 96 A.D., and the church in America, 2009 A.D., share some very common traits. Our message is right. Our buildings are maintained and attractive. Our music is good and relevant. But, the passionate pursuit of Christ as the Center of it all, is often absent. We want a ‘convenient Jesus,’ at the ready for those moments when we can no longer manage life on our own. We know we need Jesus to get to Heaven, however we are a lot less convinced that we need or want Him messing around in our choices right at this moment. Our casual contempt for His Majesty evokes a strong reaction from Him, just as it did when He saw the same attitude of self-sufficiency in Laodicea. "You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit." (Revelation 3:16, The Message)
A bland, stale, stagnant form of Christianity has become the norm. It’s made us nice people who are good neighbors and diligent employees. But, few of us are ready to get so serious about His call that we will be revolutionary.
How many of us pray for our children to grow up and become missionaries to unreached peoples in undeveloped nations?
“But, Jerry, if they do that, they will be poor!”
How many of us invite God to break our hearts with the needs of the mentally ill or the socially incompetent so that we are willing to let them take up time on our weekends or live in our houses?
“But, I need my privacy, my downtime.”
How many of us are willing to consider radically reducing our level of consumption so we can take a job that requires fewer hours so that we can devote a much larger chunk of our time to active ministry work?
“Come on, Jerry, you can’t be serious. How can I do that and afford to live a normal life?”
The Laodicean Christians thought they were admirable people. After all, they didn’t need anything from anybody. They were full of themselves and happy. But, their self-estimate was far from the Truth. Jesus said, "You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see." (Revelation 3:17-18, NLT)
Even we dis’ Jesus Christ with our contemptuous ways, He is patient and pursues us. That passage in Revelation does not end with Him sending down fire on the Laodiceans. Instead, He renews His offer of fellowship. What patience, what love! Some say that Jesus is done with the Church, that He has written us off, and moved on. I don’t think so. Here’s a word from the Word. Read it as His offer, and I pray you will respond to Him with an invitation to take His rightful place at the forefront of your dreams, your hopes, and your life.
“Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock.
If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you.
Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That’s my gift to the conquerors!” (Revelation 3:20-21, The Message)
______________
You are my life, O precious Christ.
You are to me the pearl of greatest price.
My love for You will never die.
Jesus, You are my life.
O Holy Fire, Love's Purest Light.
Burn all desires 'til
You are my one delight.
My love for You will never die
Jesus, You are my life.
I come to You.
I run to You.
There's no greater joy
Than knowing You.
O conquering King, conquer my heart
And make of me a pleasing gift to God
My love for You will never die
Jesus, You are my life.
Jesus You Are My Life
Fry, Steve© 1994 Maranatha Praise, Inc. / Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
You don’t have to imagine! He actually told a church in ancient Turkey that was how He felt about them! What had they done to provoke His reaction? Nothing; precisely nothing! The church in Laodicea was prosperous, doctrinally sound, morally whole – and full of apathy. They wanted Jesus Christ to promise them Heaven but not to bother them while they lived on earth. “We’re doing fine right now. Thanks for being there if we need You.” was their attitude. There is no insult to the majesty of Christ quite like ignoring Him, considering the Lord of Glory peripheral to life.
That text in the 3rd chapter of Revelation has stuck with me since I read it earlier this week. The church in Laodicea, 96 A.D., and the church in America, 2009 A.D., share some very common traits. Our message is right. Our buildings are maintained and attractive. Our music is good and relevant. But, the passionate pursuit of Christ as the Center of it all, is often absent. We want a ‘convenient Jesus,’ at the ready for those moments when we can no longer manage life on our own. We know we need Jesus to get to Heaven, however we are a lot less convinced that we need or want Him messing around in our choices right at this moment. Our casual contempt for His Majesty evokes a strong reaction from Him, just as it did when He saw the same attitude of self-sufficiency in Laodicea. "You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit." (Revelation 3:16, The Message)
A bland, stale, stagnant form of Christianity has become the norm. It’s made us nice people who are good neighbors and diligent employees. But, few of us are ready to get so serious about His call that we will be revolutionary.
How many of us pray for our children to grow up and become missionaries to unreached peoples in undeveloped nations?
“But, Jerry, if they do that, they will be poor!”
How many of us invite God to break our hearts with the needs of the mentally ill or the socially incompetent so that we are willing to let them take up time on our weekends or live in our houses?
“But, I need my privacy, my downtime.”
How many of us are willing to consider radically reducing our level of consumption so we can take a job that requires fewer hours so that we can devote a much larger chunk of our time to active ministry work?
“Come on, Jerry, you can’t be serious. How can I do that and afford to live a normal life?”
The Laodicean Christians thought they were admirable people. After all, they didn’t need anything from anybody. They were full of themselves and happy. But, their self-estimate was far from the Truth. Jesus said, "You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see." (Revelation 3:17-18, NLT)
Even we dis’ Jesus Christ with our contemptuous ways, He is patient and pursues us. That passage in Revelation does not end with Him sending down fire on the Laodiceans. Instead, He renews His offer of fellowship. What patience, what love! Some say that Jesus is done with the Church, that He has written us off, and moved on. I don’t think so. Here’s a word from the Word. Read it as His offer, and I pray you will respond to Him with an invitation to take His rightful place at the forefront of your dreams, your hopes, and your life.
“Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock.
If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you.
Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That’s my gift to the conquerors!” (Revelation 3:20-21, The Message)
______________
You are my life, O precious Christ.
You are to me the pearl of greatest price.
My love for You will never die.
Jesus, You are my life.
O Holy Fire, Love's Purest Light.
Burn all desires 'til
You are my one delight.
My love for You will never die
Jesus, You are my life.
I come to You.
I run to You.
There's no greater joy
Than knowing You.
O conquering King, conquer my heart
And make of me a pleasing gift to God
My love for You will never die
Jesus, You are my life.
Jesus You Are My Life
Fry, Steve© 1994 Maranatha Praise, Inc. / Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
$1000 Gold!
A gold coin about the size of an American half-dollar weighs an ounce! Yesterday, on world markets that coin’s price topped $1000! From Biblical times to the present, this precious metal had held the fascination of people. The lure of gold is nearly mystical, almost magical, with power to enslave those who fall in love with it. Gold gives power, buys service and material goods, and provides a kind of security. Those who desire it never get enough of it. Those with it always want more!
When I look at the balance on my mortgage and calculate my likely earnings over the next 15 years, I’d like a little gold! When I see the difficulties that some are going through as a result of the economic chaos, I’d like more gold to help them. Then, I remember that my true wealth is not piles of gold, platinum ($1300/ounce), or silver ($17/ounce). I am secure within the love of God, who promises to "supply all our needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NLT) I’ll be very honest. There are moments when I consciously must refocus my eyes on the True Treasure. Situations arise when I am temporarily distracted by the possibilities created in this life by access to greater worldly wealth. Most of us deal with that temptation, at least occasionally.
But, I pray for the same kind of empowering experience of the Spirit that made Peter and John truly rich, that allowed them to meet the real need of a beggar who lived near the Temple gate in old Jerusalem. This pitiful creature existed on the spare change of worshippers. One day, he asked two men for a coin and got something entirely different. The Bible says, "When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong." (Acts 3:3-7, NIV) Just think, if Peter had a pocket full of money, he might have simply reached in and gave the man enough to buy supper. But because he had no gold, he was more aware of a greater Treasure, which changed the man’s life!
If you think it’s gold you need, think again. There’s a lasting treasure available, of greater value than $1000 gold. Take this invitation from the Lord. Meditate on it today.
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David." (Isaiah 55:1-3, NIV)
______________
Riches I heed not,
Nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance,
Now and always:
Thou and Thou only,
First in my heart,
High King of heaven,
My Treasure Thou art.
Be Thou My Vision
Hull, Eleanor / Byrne, Mary E.© Public Domain
When I look at the balance on my mortgage and calculate my likely earnings over the next 15 years, I’d like a little gold! When I see the difficulties that some are going through as a result of the economic chaos, I’d like more gold to help them. Then, I remember that my true wealth is not piles of gold, platinum ($1300/ounce), or silver ($17/ounce). I am secure within the love of God, who promises to "supply all our needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NLT) I’ll be very honest. There are moments when I consciously must refocus my eyes on the True Treasure. Situations arise when I am temporarily distracted by the possibilities created in this life by access to greater worldly wealth. Most of us deal with that temptation, at least occasionally.
But, I pray for the same kind of empowering experience of the Spirit that made Peter and John truly rich, that allowed them to meet the real need of a beggar who lived near the Temple gate in old Jerusalem. This pitiful creature existed on the spare change of worshippers. One day, he asked two men for a coin and got something entirely different. The Bible says, "When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong." (Acts 3:3-7, NIV) Just think, if Peter had a pocket full of money, he might have simply reached in and gave the man enough to buy supper. But because he had no gold, he was more aware of a greater Treasure, which changed the man’s life!
If you think it’s gold you need, think again. There’s a lasting treasure available, of greater value than $1000 gold. Take this invitation from the Lord. Meditate on it today.
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David." (Isaiah 55:1-3, NIV)
______________
Riches I heed not,
Nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance,
Now and always:
Thou and Thou only,
First in my heart,
High King of heaven,
My Treasure Thou art.
Be Thou My Vision
Hull, Eleanor / Byrne, Mary E.© Public Domain
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
T.E.A.M.
Polls confirm that Americans hold the Congress of the United States in very low regard because we believe that those elected to represent us are more interested in self-advancement and/or party power than in doing good for the country. Interestingly, that opinion is shared about equally by Left and Right! American politics are polarized and we all are losing out as a result. In place of consistent policies that would encourage long-term planning and investment, we appear to be doomed to lurches to the Left, then to the Right, as we try to elect representatives who will be true public servants rather than party slaves. The last glimpse we had of national unity was in 2001, after the attacks of 9/11 temporarily stunned the Capitol into silence for a few weeks.
Unity that grows out of a shared sense of mission and purpose is an amazing thing to behold. Spouses who love their marriage more than themselves, create a strong family unit! Disciples who understand that they are to seek ‘the common good’ (1 Cor. 12:7) build great churches! It’s just good sense, isn’t it? But, those who are completely able to forget themselves are rare, indeed. Nobody is exempt from the temptation to self-centeredness. Little children fight for a silly toy, raising a terrible cry when another takes their teddy bear. Grown men carefully guard their turf and reputation, making certain to get what they feel they deserve. The men who lived near to Jesus observing His life and love were oblivious to the approaching end of His ministry, the danger to His life, because they were pre-occupied with Self. On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, at the Last Supper, we learn that they were "bickering over who of them would end up the greatest." (Luke 22:24, The Message)
Time and again, Jesus taught them about self-forgetfulness. He took a child and urged them to become ‘like a little child’ in faith and service. We miss the point because child occupy a privileged valued position in our culture. In Jesus’ time they were not generally so blessed. They were many, expendable, and in large families where they were expected to work hard for the good of the family! In another passage, He warned about doing righteous acts ‘to be seen of men.’ If that is the motive, the only result is applause which fades quickly! Performers are seldom good servants! Recognition is more important to them than the mission or the people.
Here’s a word from the Word. It is a command. Let us treat it as such, and seek to conform our acts and attitudes to it.
"Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others.
Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. …
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." (Philippians 2:2-5, 9-10, NLT)
An acronym for T.E.A.M. circulated a few years ago. It remains true.
T-ogether E-veryone A-ccomplishes M-ore!
"There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (1 Corinthians 12:25-27, NIV)
Do you believe it?___________________
Unity that grows out of a shared sense of mission and purpose is an amazing thing to behold. Spouses who love their marriage more than themselves, create a strong family unit! Disciples who understand that they are to seek ‘the common good’ (1 Cor. 12:7) build great churches! It’s just good sense, isn’t it? But, those who are completely able to forget themselves are rare, indeed. Nobody is exempt from the temptation to self-centeredness. Little children fight for a silly toy, raising a terrible cry when another takes their teddy bear. Grown men carefully guard their turf and reputation, making certain to get what they feel they deserve. The men who lived near to Jesus observing His life and love were oblivious to the approaching end of His ministry, the danger to His life, because they were pre-occupied with Self. On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, at the Last Supper, we learn that they were "bickering over who of them would end up the greatest." (Luke 22:24, The Message)
Time and again, Jesus taught them about self-forgetfulness. He took a child and urged them to become ‘like a little child’ in faith and service. We miss the point because child occupy a privileged valued position in our culture. In Jesus’ time they were not generally so blessed. They were many, expendable, and in large families where they were expected to work hard for the good of the family! In another passage, He warned about doing righteous acts ‘to be seen of men.’ If that is the motive, the only result is applause which fades quickly! Performers are seldom good servants! Recognition is more important to them than the mission or the people.
Here’s a word from the Word. It is a command. Let us treat it as such, and seek to conform our acts and attitudes to it.
"Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others.
Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. …
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." (Philippians 2:2-5, 9-10, NLT)
An acronym for T.E.A.M. circulated a few years ago. It remains true.
T-ogether E-veryone A-ccomplishes M-ore!
"There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (1 Corinthians 12:25-27, NIV)
Do you believe it?___________________
Monday, October 05, 2009
Romance and Religion
In June, 1974, I met Bev, the woman who became my life partner six months later. It was ‘love at first sight’ that Sunday morning. Instantly, I knew that she was a woman I would pursue. That Summer and Fall we spent hours together, talking and dreaming. Just a touch produced euphoria. We were intoxicated with each other’s person. We were convinced that we were ‘perfect together’ though we knew next to nothing about each other! The letters I wrote to her during that time are stored away with other memorabilia from our life. Several years ago, I took them out and read from them to our kids. My over-the-top ardent prose evoked gales of laughter. I felt no embarrassment for that kind of infatuation is exactly as it should be for those newly in love! It was the season of romance.
Today we are team, very much in love, but the nature of that love has changed remarkably. The fireworks have become a steady flame. We are perfect together not because we are ‘just the same,’ as we thought we back then. We fit so well together precisely because we are so different, which causes us to be complementary. We still hold hands when we sit next to each other, but the touch does not make us high like it did in 1975. Our relationship is now ‘ritualized,’ the routines of our shared life providing stability and security, which allows us to be productive adults in our world. In case you think this is sad or some kind of loss, I’d suggest otherwise. The love we share after 35 years of life is incomparably better than the ‘love’ we shared in the Summer of ’74!
My point? In the disciple’s life there needs to be a maturing of relationship with God that moves from romance to religion! Religion is not necessarily a bad word. It is simply a way of life ordered by a commitment to God! Much contemporary Christian literature celebrates the romance of personal faith, lauding the moment of conversion and the euphoria of new-found faith. It is good to know that Christ Jesus still excites those who are found by Him and given the gift of faith that leads to spiritual transformation. The romance of the Spirit is euphoric, intoxicating even. Tragically, it is implied by some that the mature Christian life will continue to be marked by the same level of excitement indefinitely which sets up an expectation that cannot be fulfilled and leads many disciples to conclude that their faith is flawed. In truth, just as a marriage matures, so does a Christian.
The Scripture urges us to “stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God." (Hebrews 6:1, NLT) The ideal of the Christian is not the early romance of new, yet instable, faith. It is the mature, enduring, persevering faith that produces the steadiness we see in this passage that Paul wrote to Timothy as he faced death for the sake of the Lord: “I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return." (2 Timothy 1:12, NLT)
Disciple, grow on in Christ Jesus. Don’t mourn or resist the inevitable changes in your relationship with Him. Instead, continue to let it mature. No, don’t settle for apathy. Indifference is not to be mistaken for mature love. I am passionately committed to my wife, deeply in love with her, with commitment only deepened by time’s passing. Jesus warns of ‘forsaking our first love!’ (Revelation 2:3 NIV) His desire is that He is always the first in our priorities, the One to whom we are devoted. However, He calls us to develop into "fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ." (Ephesians 4:13, The Message)
Today we are team, very much in love, but the nature of that love has changed remarkably. The fireworks have become a steady flame. We are perfect together not because we are ‘just the same,’ as we thought we back then. We fit so well together precisely because we are so different, which causes us to be complementary. We still hold hands when we sit next to each other, but the touch does not make us high like it did in 1975. Our relationship is now ‘ritualized,’ the routines of our shared life providing stability and security, which allows us to be productive adults in our world. In case you think this is sad or some kind of loss, I’d suggest otherwise. The love we share after 35 years of life is incomparably better than the ‘love’ we shared in the Summer of ’74!
My point? In the disciple’s life there needs to be a maturing of relationship with God that moves from romance to religion! Religion is not necessarily a bad word. It is simply a way of life ordered by a commitment to God! Much contemporary Christian literature celebrates the romance of personal faith, lauding the moment of conversion and the euphoria of new-found faith. It is good to know that Christ Jesus still excites those who are found by Him and given the gift of faith that leads to spiritual transformation. The romance of the Spirit is euphoric, intoxicating even. Tragically, it is implied by some that the mature Christian life will continue to be marked by the same level of excitement indefinitely which sets up an expectation that cannot be fulfilled and leads many disciples to conclude that their faith is flawed. In truth, just as a marriage matures, so does a Christian.
The Scripture urges us to “stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God." (Hebrews 6:1, NLT) The ideal of the Christian is not the early romance of new, yet instable, faith. It is the mature, enduring, persevering faith that produces the steadiness we see in this passage that Paul wrote to Timothy as he faced death for the sake of the Lord: “I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return." (2 Timothy 1:12, NLT)
Disciple, grow on in Christ Jesus. Don’t mourn or resist the inevitable changes in your relationship with Him. Instead, continue to let it mature. No, don’t settle for apathy. Indifference is not to be mistaken for mature love. I am passionately committed to my wife, deeply in love with her, with commitment only deepened by time’s passing. Jesus warns of ‘forsaking our first love!’ (Revelation 2:3 NIV) His desire is that He is always the first in our priorities, the One to whom we are devoted. However, He calls us to develop into "fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ." (Ephesians 4:13, The Message)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)