12.13.2011
12.12.2011
Driven from the fold
This may be one of the more controversial and challenging blogs I have written in a long time. Most people who know me would probably use the term "mainstream" if they were trying to pigeon hole me into some segment of the religious world. I am not particularlly fond of labels and with each passing year there is but one standard I want to be measured by - whether my beliefs are Biblical.
I have had a lot of interactions through the years with people who have "left the church." Some abandon organized religion all-together, others leave simply seeking to conform their faith to their lifestyle (rather than conforming their life to the image of Christ, Rom. 12:1, 2). Sadly, however there is some truth in those who feel they were "driven from the fold," by some well-meaning brother or sister who choose to impose their own set of laws and regulations on a weaker brother.
Now if your dander is starting to stand up on your neck, or you are questioning my "mainstream" theology; let me offer this disclaimer (and I so hate having to do this, but there are those who will attribute to me some agenda other than desiring that Christians help one another get to heaven):
"But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge of eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idolds. And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for who Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ" (I Cor. 8:9-12)
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgressions, you who are spiritual should restore them in a spirt of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." (Gal. 6:1, 2)
The burden in both of these passages is on the "stronger" to set the example, exercise the proper Christian grace, and to even keep watch on themselves. In 30 years of ministry I have had to clean up a lot of messes that were caused simply because someone who wears the name of Christ did not have the discernment or good sense to conduct themselves in a loving, godly manner. If we truly count ourselves to be "stronger" then let's act like it.
I have had a lot of interactions through the years with people who have "left the church." Some abandon organized religion all-together, others leave simply seeking to conform their faith to their lifestyle (rather than conforming their life to the image of Christ, Rom. 12:1, 2). Sadly, however there is some truth in those who feel they were "driven from the fold," by some well-meaning brother or sister who choose to impose their own set of laws and regulations on a weaker brother.
Now if your dander is starting to stand up on your neck, or you are questioning my "mainstream" theology; let me offer this disclaimer (and I so hate having to do this, but there are those who will attribute to me some agenda other than desiring that Christians help one another get to heaven):
- First, I am not talking about people who leave because they don't want to listen to sound doctrine.
- Second, I do believe that people still have a personal responsibility to God, even if their brethren don't behave properly towards them.
- Finally, those who would cause there brother to stumble need to examine themselves just as thoroughly as they examine the lives of their errant brothers and sisters they are so quick to correct.
"But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge of eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idolds. And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for who Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ" (I Cor. 8:9-12)
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgressions, you who are spiritual should restore them in a spirt of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." (Gal. 6:1, 2)
The burden in both of these passages is on the "stronger" to set the example, exercise the proper Christian grace, and to even keep watch on themselves. In 30 years of ministry I have had to clean up a lot of messes that were caused simply because someone who wears the name of Christ did not have the discernment or good sense to conduct themselves in a loving, godly manner. If we truly count ourselves to be "stronger" then let's act like it.
12.11.2011
Wake Up its almost 2012
This morning I had the opportunity to get away and visit a sister church in the area. It turned out to be an interesting Sunday to be a visitor - the congregation had a "State of the Church" message. What I thought would be a boring report, was actually an enlightening revelation. Here are a few things I took from this morning's worship:
1. There is something special that happens when a church looks honestly at its successes and failures and then shares those insights openly. I learned more in 45 minutes about this church than you can often gain from sitting in a pew for months. Not only did they share their victories, the oustanding mission work they are doing and the community outreach, but they talked plainly about their struggle with small groups, getting people to volunteer and the low numbers of folks actively serving.
The successes were offered in a meek and humble fashion and their failures where not critical or indictments of anyone, just an honest assesment with a prayer that they might better serve in 2012.
2. I was struck by the use of Revelation 3:1, 2 - "you have a reputation that you are alive, but you are dead." A stunning indictment of the church at Sardis, but this congregation had the courage to ask the tough question, "are we living off our reputation, of the good we have done in the past, or are we continuing to labor to be a leaven and salt in our community." I am reminded of what Paul wrote to the Ephesians, "Awake, O Sleeper and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine in you." (Eph. 5:14).
3. Finally, the leadership spelled out their vision and goals for 2012. Outreach, lost souls, making a difference in the community. This was a church that was looking forward and outward, not inward. They realized that the Lord's work is never done.
1. There is something special that happens when a church looks honestly at its successes and failures and then shares those insights openly. I learned more in 45 minutes about this church than you can often gain from sitting in a pew for months. Not only did they share their victories, the oustanding mission work they are doing and the community outreach, but they talked plainly about their struggle with small groups, getting people to volunteer and the low numbers of folks actively serving.
The successes were offered in a meek and humble fashion and their failures where not critical or indictments of anyone, just an honest assesment with a prayer that they might better serve in 2012.
2. I was struck by the use of Revelation 3:1, 2 - "you have a reputation that you are alive, but you are dead." A stunning indictment of the church at Sardis, but this congregation had the courage to ask the tough question, "are we living off our reputation, of the good we have done in the past, or are we continuing to labor to be a leaven and salt in our community." I am reminded of what Paul wrote to the Ephesians, "Awake, O Sleeper and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine in you." (Eph. 5:14).
3. Finally, the leadership spelled out their vision and goals for 2012. Outreach, lost souls, making a difference in the community. This was a church that was looking forward and outward, not inward. They realized that the Lord's work is never done.
12.09.2011
12.06.2011
Our Daily Bread
When Jesus was giving instruction on prayer, one of the phrases I believe we take for granted is "Give us today our daily bread" (Matthew 6:12). For many years I considered this a figure of speech until I began to work in countries where families didn't just pray for their daily bread, they begged for it.
I am more and more convinced that we have taken the really challenging teachings of Jesus and watered them down so we won't feel bad in our bloated western culture. We have so much food in our house that we have a special pantry in our garage to handle the overflow. At least we were honest enough to give it an appropriate acronym - the PIG (Pantry In the Garage).
This past week I was reading the story of the Exodus when a stunning, yet simple realization came over me. God's people, a nation of three to five million were dependent upon God on a daily basis. Listen to what the text says in Exodus 16, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather the other days" (v. 4, 5).
God was going to test his people to see if they trusted Him to provide for them daily. Those who trusted always found there was sufficient food. Those who lacked faith had their bread filled with maggots and had to deal with the stench of disobedience.
The lesson for the Israelites should not be lost on us. God still demands that we walk daily by faith and that includes our material posessions. Look forward a few verses in Matthew 6 and consider what Jesus says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (vs. 19-21). Do you really think it is a coincidence that Jesus teachings are similar to those of God in the wilderness? Store up treasures for yourself here on earth and they too will will suffer corruption.
Give us this day, our daily bread - a figure of speech? I think not! It is time for each of us to return to a daily dependence on God.
I am more and more convinced that we have taken the really challenging teachings of Jesus and watered them down so we won't feel bad in our bloated western culture. We have so much food in our house that we have a special pantry in our garage to handle the overflow. At least we were honest enough to give it an appropriate acronym - the PIG (Pantry In the Garage).
This past week I was reading the story of the Exodus when a stunning, yet simple realization came over me. God's people, a nation of three to five million were dependent upon God on a daily basis. Listen to what the text says in Exodus 16, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather the other days" (v. 4, 5).
God was going to test his people to see if they trusted Him to provide for them daily. Those who trusted always found there was sufficient food. Those who lacked faith had their bread filled with maggots and had to deal with the stench of disobedience.
The lesson for the Israelites should not be lost on us. God still demands that we walk daily by faith and that includes our material posessions. Look forward a few verses in Matthew 6 and consider what Jesus says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (vs. 19-21). Do you really think it is a coincidence that Jesus teachings are similar to those of God in the wilderness? Store up treasures for yourself here on earth and they too will will suffer corruption.
Give us this day, our daily bread - a figure of speech? I think not! It is time for each of us to return to a daily dependence on God.
11.26.2011
For my children . . .
What would you sacrifice for your children? I have been guilty of the same platitudes that we all engage in at times (i.e. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for my children). I know I have said that more than once, but sadly, the truth is that I haven't always lived it. If I truly would do anything for the good of my children, I would have:
We all would change things if we had the opportunity to go back in time, but if I had one thing to change and one thing only it would be this - I would seek the counsel of those who had raised faithful, dedicated Christian children. Experience is a great teacher, but who says we have to learn from our own experiences (or even our own mistakes). I often plead with my children to learn from my mistakes, don't repeat them.
So to parents everywhere, especially those of you who truly love your children - seek the counsel of older, wiser and more experienced Christian parents. They have so much to offer and most of them are simply waiting to be asked.
- been a better example to them in life and conduct.
- I would have set higher standards for them to live by.
- I would have set aside my own interests if I knew it was for their good.
- I would have been more careful about thier friendships and the influences I allowed in tieir lives.
We all would change things if we had the opportunity to go back in time, but if I had one thing to change and one thing only it would be this - I would seek the counsel of those who had raised faithful, dedicated Christian children. Experience is a great teacher, but who says we have to learn from our own experiences (or even our own mistakes). I often plead with my children to learn from my mistakes, don't repeat them.
So to parents everywhere, especially those of you who truly love your children - seek the counsel of older, wiser and more experienced Christian parents. They have so much to offer and most of them are simply waiting to be asked.
11.15.2011
When prayer falters and doubts ensue . . .
Most of you who read my blog know that I am an optimist - sometimes even to the point of being irritating. Most days I can overcome any obstacle thrown in my path, or put a positive spin on a lousy day. I am convinced that working in regions of the world where there is hunger, want and extreme poverty has a lot to do with being thankful for even the simplest things.
All that being said, where does the optimist go when he is having a really bad day? How do I muddle through when my prayer life feels weak and doubts are swirling all around? For most of my life this is pretty unfamiliar territory. That makes it that much harder when I have those moments of extreme weakness and doubt. I really don't exercise those spiritual muscles very often.
I share these thoughts with the world because I know I am not the only one who has these struggles. I learned a number of years ago that transparency not only brings about personal healing, but it encourages others to fight on. I am weak, sinful, and sometimes just a walking contradiction looking for some clarity.
So here I sit asking God for answers to some really hard questions in life and wondering what answers will come - if any (told you I had some doubts). He must really get tired of all those WHY questions we ask. Why is this happening to me? Why is life so unfair? Why don't you do something with this crazy mixed up world we live in?
There are no answers in tonight's blog. No placebo's to get you through a trying day. No five point plan to a successful life. Just a fellow pilgrim on a long and winding journey wondering what tomorrow will bring.
All that being said, where does the optimist go when he is having a really bad day? How do I muddle through when my prayer life feels weak and doubts are swirling all around? For most of my life this is pretty unfamiliar territory. That makes it that much harder when I have those moments of extreme weakness and doubt. I really don't exercise those spiritual muscles very often.
I share these thoughts with the world because I know I am not the only one who has these struggles. I learned a number of years ago that transparency not only brings about personal healing, but it encourages others to fight on. I am weak, sinful, and sometimes just a walking contradiction looking for some clarity.
So here I sit asking God for answers to some really hard questions in life and wondering what answers will come - if any (told you I had some doubts). He must really get tired of all those WHY questions we ask. Why is this happening to me? Why is life so unfair? Why don't you do something with this crazy mixed up world we live in?
There are no answers in tonight's blog. No placebo's to get you through a trying day. No five point plan to a successful life. Just a fellow pilgrim on a long and winding journey wondering what tomorrow will bring.
11.13.2011
Insights into human nature
I love to watch people. I don't mind going to the mall with my wife because I can just sit in the walkways and watch people pass. While it is interesting to see how couples go together (or at times wonder why they are together), the real entertainment comes in watching how people interact with one another.
Every day we give people insights to our character. It may how we react to a difficult situation, or something as simple as a comment we make about a television show. We often reveal our values without even being aware that we are doing so. This morning Fox News was doing a story on how men and women appear more intelligent the more modestly they are dressed. During segment the camera's where showing pictures of scantily clad women when one of the male reporters literally lost his train of thought. Amusing as it was, it was also revealing (no pun intended).
What do we communicate by the heroes or heroins we choose to immulate? What does our casual conversation tell other people about the things we value? How much time do we spend defending positions that are indefensable? We spend a good amount of our time communicate thoughts, ideas and belief systems without ever realizing the message we send to others. The real tragedy is that we communicate those messages because our value systems are all out of whack.
Every day we give people insights to our character. It may how we react to a difficult situation, or something as simple as a comment we make about a television show. We often reveal our values without even being aware that we are doing so. This morning Fox News was doing a story on how men and women appear more intelligent the more modestly they are dressed. During segment the camera's where showing pictures of scantily clad women when one of the male reporters literally lost his train of thought. Amusing as it was, it was also revealing (no pun intended).
What do we communicate by the heroes or heroins we choose to immulate? What does our casual conversation tell other people about the things we value? How much time do we spend defending positions that are indefensable? We spend a good amount of our time communicate thoughts, ideas and belief systems without ever realizing the message we send to others. The real tragedy is that we communicate those messages because our value systems are all out of whack.
11.01.2011
Roadmap to Success
Now it is time for me to take the same approach, not only to my business, but to my life. At age 52 I have become much more interested in the quality of life than I am the quanitity of things I can acquire. So as I look forward to 2012 I have to stop and ask myself what areas of my life are bringing me the most joy, and which areas are just taking wasted space in my day. These may sound trite and obvious - but it is amzing how quickly I can lose sight of my priorities and get caught up in the mundane.
Most Productive:
- Time spent in Bible Study & Prayer
- Time spent with my family
- Time spent with friends and loved ones
- Time spent in forwarding the mission of African Christian Schools
- Focusing on diet an:d exercise
- Watching Television
- Playing on Facebook
- Playing Angry Birds
- Worrying over things that won't make a lick of difference 50 years from now.
- More time writing my blogs & books
- More time spent in exercise
- More time spent in reading good books that will improve my mind.
10.31.2011
The Gulf Between
I have lost count of how many times I have given myself some of the following advice:
There is a great gulf between our intellectual understanding of a principle and our ability to live it. Not a day goes by that I don't try cross that vast ocean of hard decisions to land on that peaceful shore of pro-active living. Despite my best efforts, I still allow others to capsize my little ship and leave me flailing in the waters of bitterness and discontent.
So how do we navigate through those tricky waters. Isolation won't work because most of us couldn't stand to live alone. Retaliation doesn't work - it only causes the tempest to grow more severe and dangerous. Apathy doesn't work unless we enjoy drifting blinding across the oceans of life with no course or destination.
CHOICES - just our personal choices. That may sound over-simplified, but we choose our attitudes, emotions and which feelings we surrender to. I want to blame someone, I want others to feel responsible because I feel bad - doesn't work. At least todayI am choosing to sail confidently through troubled waters and find contenment that I can still navigate my ship though storms raise up around me.
- Don't give other people control your emotions.
- Make a choice to be happy regardless of the circumstances.
- Live pro-actively (i.e. make affirmative choices on how to live your life, not reactionary ones).
There is a great gulf between our intellectual understanding of a principle and our ability to live it. Not a day goes by that I don't try cross that vast ocean of hard decisions to land on that peaceful shore of pro-active living. Despite my best efforts, I still allow others to capsize my little ship and leave me flailing in the waters of bitterness and discontent.
So how do we navigate through those tricky waters. Isolation won't work because most of us couldn't stand to live alone. Retaliation doesn't work - it only causes the tempest to grow more severe and dangerous. Apathy doesn't work unless we enjoy drifting blinding across the oceans of life with no course or destination.
CHOICES - just our personal choices. That may sound over-simplified, but we choose our attitudes, emotions and which feelings we surrender to. I want to blame someone, I want others to feel responsible because I feel bad - doesn't work. At least todayI am choosing to sail confidently through troubled waters and find contenment that I can still navigate my ship though storms raise up around me.
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