Demanding Perfection?

Demanding perfection; living in love?

My childhood was shaped around a form of Christianity that made God - perhaps unintentionally - into a feared Being that watched me carefully.  While I was taught that He was loving, I also came to believe that He is demanding and that the only way to avoid His anger was to be good, as close to perfect as possible. 

Perfectionistic tendencies linger in me.  I like things done right, on time, and with excellence. Am I boasting about that? Not at all. But, a value was engrained in me early on in life that stubbornly hangs on.  It rises up to poison my trust in God and makes it hard for me to deal lovingly with what I perceive as failure to strive for the best.

Even though I have matured in faith and know that God is both good and loving, that He understands we are formed from dust and prone to failure; the shadows of perfectionism remain in me. When a relationship with someone grows strained, when things go awry at home, if someone leaves the church I pastor - my knee jerk response is to assume some is wrongwith me.   "If I just worked harder, made things better, prayed more ...  it would all be all right." That's a lie.  Yet, from time to time, I allow it to become my 'truth.'   The lie creates all kind of funhouse mirror kind of perceptions in life for me, twisting my ability to see others, situations, and even God, Himself, clearly.

That is why I love Ephesians, the book that celebrates God's amazing love.  Grace changes me from a religious Pharisee to a loving Christian, like my Savior. I weep almost every time I read those passages that assure us of His profound love because they are so wonderful.  Among the best lines of God's message are these:  "Immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us!" (Ephesians 2:4-5, The Message)"Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing!"(Ephesians 2:8-9, The Message) "That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all-irrespective of how we got here-in what he is building." (Ephesians 2:19, The Message)

Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church made quite a stir yesterday when he urged his church to contextualize the moral issues of our time within a message of hope and mercy. His reminder is for all of us who follow Christ and represent Him in our world. If we are obsessive in a pursuit of perfectionism, focused only on trying to right every wrong, the healing message of Jesus Christ will be lost. Paradoxically, the more we try to fix ourselves, the deeper we dig into the mire of our sinfulness. 

We live in a very broken world, each of us wounded in some way.  Sin's depravity touches every person, with the Bible telling us that "We've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners ... and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us." (Romans 3:23, The Message)  I once read that as an indictment, a reason for God to withhold His favor from me.  In fact, exactly the opposite is true. That statement in the Word is one of assurance.  God knows we are broken by sin and still loves us enough to reach out to us with a gift. Grace! "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, NIV)

Tuesday evening, appearing on CNN, Pastor Rick Warren talked honestly about the pain and loss that Kay and he experienced when their 27 year old son took his own life last year after struggling with mental illness since childhood.  Warren said that one of the great comforts is that he knows that God loves broken people. He did not offer simple solutions about why his son was not healed. He admitted to a struggle with the 'why' questions, but he said he chooses to remember his son's work with those who are weak and poor, his son's deep empathy for those in emotional pain. Then, Warren said this memorable line - "In God's garden of grace, even a broken tree bears fruit."  What an affirmation of grace for a perfectionist like me!

Are you struggling with failure?

Do you harshly judge yourself or others for their sins?

Do find it hard to approach the Lord for help because you are in the grip of the lie that He would love you more if you were 'better' in some way?

Take this word from the Word prayerfully, faithfully, to heart. 
"We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in him. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. 
So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we are like Christ here in this world. Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us." (1 John 4:16-18, NLT)

It's not rocket science

“It’s so complicated,” she cried, “I just cannot understand what the Lord wants from me.”  The woman was going through a difficult time in life, to be sure.  She was without peace, confused and torn. She was filled with guilt.  Why, she wanted to know. Though she did not actually say the words, her real charge was that God had failed her. No, in truth, she failed God. She refused to practice even the basics of Christianity.  By her own admission, her attendance at worship gatherings was sporadic.  She admitted that she seldom prayed, never read from the Bible, and spent no time in serving anyone other than herself. Yet, she was questioning the faith, wondering why she did not experience the blessing of the Spirit promised to those who live ‘in Christ.’ 

Living the Christian life is not rocket science!  One does not need a doctorate in theology, a genius intellect, or a superior ability in logic to know and love Christ.  The Lord asks a child-like faith from us. “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:16-17, NIV)  If we want to experience the rewards of the faith, we must be willing to live the life to which He calls, to do the basics.  Jesus asks, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46, NIV)  What’s the use of singing songs that do not reflect our heart’s intent? What’s the point of claiming Him as our God, if we continue to worship Self?  If we become humble, if we readily obey, we will surely know the richness of His promise. "Anyone who comes and listens to me and obeys me is like someone who dug down deep and built a house on solid rock. When the flood came and the river rushed against the house, it was built so well that it didn’t even shake." (Luke 6:47-48, CEV)  

The very real grace of God that is provided to us freely through Christ, that takes away our guilt and restores us to our place in the family of God, can never be earned or bought.  We can never be good enough to merit the acceptance of the Almighty. Grace is a gift, pure and simple.  The way of the follower (Christian discipleship) is a choice we make every day. If we do not obey the Spirit’s lead, we will not experience the life into which He alone can lead us. After speaking of the power of Christ to save, the Word requires a response in us. "You should consider yourselves dead to sin and able to live for the glory of God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to its lustful desires. Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness, to be used for sinning. Instead, give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God." (Romans 6:11-13, NLT)

God will give us the strength we need to live in the Spirit. But, it’s not magical, instantaneous, or effortless. There’s some dying to do! We have to let go of old ways that we find comforting because of their familiarity. We have to embrace a new hope that is not focused on satisfying our sensual appetites. We have to give ourselves away to Christ.  Grace is free, but it is not cheap. Discipleship is possible, but it is not easy.

Here’s the word from the Word.  Pray to receive the Truth with the heart of a child.
"I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! …  

There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. … Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites. But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him." (Philippians 3:12-21, The Message)

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Jesus Never Fails

So many souls have tested Him

Throughout the course of time.

So many still reach out to Him

With broken hearts and minds.

And ev'ryone of them will say,

With no exception that they find,

“Jesus never fails.”

Sometimes this world brings trouble

We find so hard to bear.

We know we couldn't make it

Without Jesus being there.

It's so encouraging to know,

However deep we're in despair,

That - Jesus never fails.

Jesus never fails.

Jesus never fails.

You might as well

Get thee behind me, Satan,

You cannot prevail

Because Jesus never fails.

Gary Driskell

© 1983 Straightway Music (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing)

CCLI License # 810055

Do you know what time it is?

One of my congregants calls me “Pastor Punctuality.”  Time is important to me. I am always aware of schedules and deadlines.  Being late is something I abhor, so I generally arrive 15 minutes early, which to be is ‘just on time.’  By contrast, I know some who seem blissfully unaware even of the day of the week.  They somehow fail to see the importance of an approaching deadline so that they are working late into the night, burning the midnight oil, to get prepared for some event that was on their calendar for weeks prior.  Time management is curiously personal. If I have to catch a flight, for example, I will allow at least an extra 30 minutes for travel. If I arrive at the airport early, the extra time allows for a cup of coffee. I arrive much more relaxed. Others will wait until the last minute, dash out the door, worry about every pause in traffic flow, and dash through the terminal, just making the gate at the last moment. I don’t need or want that kind of stress.

The Bible asks us, “Do you know what time it is?”  God’s plans include final moments; for us individually as well as for the world. These come at the time of His choosing.  Some of us will be called out the world by death. Some will be alive when Christ returns and closes out history.  In both instances, there will be judgment.  We need to be aware of the approach of eternity, living in readiness. Here’s the context.  "For you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “All is well; everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall upon them as suddenly as a woman’s birth pains begin when her child is about to be born. And there will be no escape. But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be sober." (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, NLT)

A Christian who is intimately walking with God, in whom the Spirit lives, will not be surprised by the developments in life. He will not live in ignorance of the true condition of his heart. He will not fail to see the indicators of a corrupt and collapsing society around him. Why? Because he lives ‘in the light.’  Knowing the truth of the Word, having the mind of Christ, he sees beyond the surface, past the images carefully created for public consumption.  He sees sin and fearlessly names it for what it is – in himself and in his world.  When God says, “It is finished,” he is not scrambling to catch up, confused by circumstances.  Instead, he is prepared, ready, at peace because he is held in the hand of his Abba.

Again, I ask, do you know what time it is?  Are you aware of God’s timeline, of the passage of time, of eternity that awaits? 

Here’s a word from the Word.  Take the challenge and wake up!  "Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. … This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." (Ephesians 5:7-17, NIV)

"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.
They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness." (Psalm 89:14-16, NIV)

____________

Christ Returneth

It may be at morn

When the day is awaking,

When sunlight through darkness

And shadow is breaking,

That Jesus will come

In the fullness of glory,

To receive from the world His own.

It may be at midday!

It may be at twilight!

It may be, perchance,

That the blackness of midnight

Will burst into light

In the blaze of His glory,

When Jesus receives His own!

O, Lord Jesus, how long, how long,

‘Ere we shout the glad song;

Christ returneth,

Hallelujah, hallelujah,

Amen?

H. L. Turner | James McGranahan

Public Domain

Scared to death

Scared to death – literally!

There are hundreds of ‘reasons’ to live in a full state of anxiety. Just turn on the news. Terrorists are regrouping.  People with mental health problems are shooting up our cities. Multiple health problems could develop at any time in your body, especially if you're over 50, that will ruin your quality of life! The earth is warming and cataclysmic climate changes are certain to leave our coastal cities under water and our fertile farm land will turn into a desert.  When you drive to work today there will be teenagers who lack skills and experience, trucks that are not properly maintained, and people talking on cell phones whose driving is impaired, on the road with you, just lying in wait to crash into you! I should worry that I watch too much television.

Worry is epidemic in our the land.  The media stokes our fears with whirling graphics, ominous music, and charts in vivid colors.  Then, they sell time to advertisers who offer us safer cars, better medicines, and new politicians.  On the whole, we live amazingly good lives. It's not Heaven, but most of our fears are tremendously overblown and exaggerated.

For the those times and situations in our lives that really do bring us anxiety, and yes they are very real, the Bible gives us an invitation.  The Spirit awakened me this morning with this phrase:  “Just ask!”   Why worry when you can pray?  Jesus says that we are Abba’s beloved children.  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7, NIV)  If we refuse to ask, and choose to live anxiously, we sin against Him.   Worrying is actually a refusal to live under God's rule, a refusal to find our security in His total care.  We cannot control the arrival of thoughts that tempt to us to be afraid and/or to worry, but we have a choice about what to do with those thoughts. We can persist in worry, which is an act of disobedience and therefore, sin; (Lord, I need forgiveness. Help me in my unbelief!) or we can prayerfully present those threats and needs to my Father and, according to the promise of the Word, enjoy the gift of the 'peace of God which transcends human understanding.'

What will you do with those things, big and small, that threaten your peace and security today? Will you worry or will you pray? Will you praise God that He is bigger than any trouble that could come into your life or will you try to be your own god and 'manage the risks' as you grow increasingly anxious? "Let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet." (James 4:7-10, The Message)

When the Spirit met me in the darkness of the early morning with His invitation – “just ask” – I did just that! I thanked Him for His faithfulness in the past, and for the gift of faith that will defeat fear.

Here is a word from the Word.  Note the interaction between our choice and God’s provision. "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." (1 Peter 5:6-10, NKJV)

I'm going to pray!
_____________________________

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry,
everything to God in prayer.

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry,
everything to God in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He'll take and shield thee,
thou wilt find a solace there.

-Joseph Scriven, Charles Converse, Public Domain