"If you get that tattoo, you're going to hell as sure as the sun comes up!"
"Only dope heads and rebels wear their hair like that. Are you one of them??"
"Kid's these days don't care about nothin. None of 'em are any good."
"Why don't they go back to their own country where they belong instead of wrecking ours?"
"This country is going to hell in a handbasket....."
There all Cretans!!
I've heard these statements in the last year, some of them more than once. Well, except for the Cretan line but I read that one in the Bible.
Paul's letter to Titus, a minister, says in chapter 1:10-12 that people are no different today than they were 2000 years ago. People will always want things their way, always want to decide what's right based on their own opinions and will lump people into their own defined categories.
Here's what Paul wrote, "For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach - and that for the sake of dishonest gain. Even one of their prophets has said, "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons."
Doesn't sound much dfferent than today does it?
I wonder if more people would reach out to Jesus if they didn't have the impression that we Christians thought they were all Cretans?
Why is it that we will tolerate back biting, gossip, coarse talk and get easily offended in the body of Christ but we label an unbeliever evil if he acts like, well, an unbeliever? Let me get this straight. We'll not call out a Christian for acting like he's NOT supposed to but we'll call out a unbeliever for acting like he's SUPPOSED to. Anybody else confused?
Then to make the pile even higher, we believers get bent out of shape when WE get criticised by unbelievers and then we call the prayer chain for strength because we're being persecuted.
Criticism is an ugly word. A few verses later in his letter to Titus, Paul writes, "To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure." 1:15
What that verse says is that pure people see the pure in whatever they see. Corrupted people see nothing pure in what they see. Does that mean that EVERYTHING IS PURE? No, of course not. What it does mean is that the pure person focuses on that which is pure in everyone. The corrupted person focses on that which is impure in everyone because that is all he can see.
I wonder how people in our city would react if instead of criticising them we actually began to see what was pure in them? There's something to appreciate in everyone. Yes, maybe we will have to dig under some pretty crusty stuff to get to the pure, but it's there. How do I know? Because God made us all in His image. Before we were conceived, we were in the mind of God. We are the passion of His heart, the joy of His desire. God is pure and behind all the failure, the muck, the stain and filth, he sees what is pure. To the pure all things are pure.
I can evaluate the condition of my heart with this understanding. If I see the pure in people I'm displaying the pure heart of God, when I'm critical I'm not. Sounds simple but so true.
Today as you go about your day you'll probably run into a few Cretans along the way. Remember, don't criticise. To the pure all things are pure. Besides it's most likely that you're a Cretan to someone else!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Dating Q and A: I'm ready to take the next step!!
This is the second entry on the subject of dating and how to find the person for you, GOD'S WAY!
The question often comes up: "What if I am at the place where I am ready to start courting a person? What do I do? How do I do that when I haven't dated them? How do I get to know the person better and move from that friendship stage to the romantic stage?
I'd like to defer to Josh Harris' book, "I kissed dating goodbye." He does an excellent job at laying out some steps on how to take the next step.
1. Remember your relationship responsibilities.
At this stage it is important that your thinking is not on you but on the other person. Remember in any relationship you're involving 3 distinct relationships; you and the person you're interested in, you and the people around you, you and God. Make sure you take into account every relationship before moving forward.
Ask yourself:
What's your relationship with this person? They are a child of God
What's your responsibility to this person? My responsibility is to enhance and not detract from what God is doing in his/her life.
What's your responsibility to the people around you? My responsibility is to portray Christ-likeness in everything I do especially my relationships.
What is your responsibility to God? I am responsible to keep my way pure and serve Him and love Him with all of my heart.
2. Seek a deeper friendship.
It's a mistake to think that developing a romantic, exclusive relationship means you've deepened. The sooner you release your romantic feelings your objectivity will begin to fade.
The next step in moving closer to marriage is to deepen the friendship.
How do I develop a deeper friendship. Here are some ideas:
Look for ways to include each other in your regular daily lives. You want to see them and for them to see you in life as it really is, not in some false, disguised dating life.
Serve together. Invite to spend time at home with your family. Do a ministry together. All the while not to let your romantic feelings take the reigns.
Avoid doing things that will fuel the romantic feelings. Avoid talking about how you feel about each other, how you miss each other or how your future might look. Just focus on the friendship.
It will take patience and self control but if the relationship does not progress you've preserved a friend.
3. Watch, wait and pray.
This is a confusing and stressful time, this time of moving beyond friendship. It will take great patience and lots of prayer. I always say, "You can NEVER go too slow." Don't rush in, fools do that. Watch and wait and pray.
See the counsel of a few older, trusted, mature Christian friends. Spend time and get their take on the relationship. There is wisdom in seeking counsel from an objective source. These friends should include your parents, pastors, mentors and friends.
Ask yourself, "Is this person of the quality that I would marry? Am I ready to make that commitment?"
You can answer the questions of readiness this way:
a. Does this relationship agree with God's Word? Is the other person a Christian?
b. Are you ready for the responsibilities of marriage financially, emotional, mentally and spiritually?
c. Do you have the approval of the above mentioned friends and family?
d. Do you have a peace from God in your heart that this is right?
4. Define the purpose of marriage.
As you're moving closer you must revisit the whole reason for marrying in the first place.
Make sure you understand God's roles for the male and female according to God's Word. Make sure you are clear about direction and the priority of your lives as believers.
Finally then state your purpose. Guys, this is your time to step up. Have the boldness to state your intentions to win her heart. Make your plans known to her and ladies make your response to him perfectly honest! This is no time to be coy. He is going out on a limb and must have honesty. If both agree then the next step.
5. Honor your parents.
Show respect to the people responsible for each of you. Go to your parents together and include them in the courtship now established. Then go to your pastors and get their covering and guidance for you. Ask those you are seeking approval from to ask you pointed questions and to scrutinize your intentions and thoughts.
No matter what response you get from parents and pastors, be prepared to honor them. As you honor the authorities in your life, you are honoring God.
6. Test and build the relationship in real life settings.
Now it's time to start the exciting time of building the intimacy in the relationship but now this process has a purpose vs the random pursuit of infatuation most common in relationships without direction. This closer intimacy should be purposeful in it's pursuit of marriage, protected against sexual temptation and accountable to parents and pastors.
Spend more time together and begin the process of getting to know the real person by conversation, practical life activities and ministry service. Engage in activities that will allow you to learn about each other in a deeper way.
7. Engagement
The period of intimacy building should last only as long as it takes for the couple to be certain that they are ready to be married. This moment comes when the times of observing, mentoring and praying are satisfied. All lights are green and God has blessed you with peace in your hearts. It's time to pop the question.
Now you must, more than ever, keep a close watch on your physical relationship. Intimacy has grown, your hearts are connected and your desires for each other will be STRONG! You must keep accountability and your boundaries secure lest you make it so far and then violate one anothers trust just before the finish line. When you are married you will be blessed with the purity of enjoying each other for a lifetime. Hold out a little longer and the greater prize is yours!
Thanks Josh for those great ideas. This is a powerful time in your life and honestly very hard to walk because of the pressure our culture places on people. Always remember, do things God's way and you'll never be disappointed!
You're all loved!
The question often comes up: "What if I am at the place where I am ready to start courting a person? What do I do? How do I do that when I haven't dated them? How do I get to know the person better and move from that friendship stage to the romantic stage?
I'd like to defer to Josh Harris' book, "I kissed dating goodbye." He does an excellent job at laying out some steps on how to take the next step.
1. Remember your relationship responsibilities.
At this stage it is important that your thinking is not on you but on the other person. Remember in any relationship you're involving 3 distinct relationships; you and the person you're interested in, you and the people around you, you and God. Make sure you take into account every relationship before moving forward.
Ask yourself:
What's your relationship with this person? They are a child of God
What's your responsibility to this person? My responsibility is to enhance and not detract from what God is doing in his/her life.
What's your responsibility to the people around you? My responsibility is to portray Christ-likeness in everything I do especially my relationships.
What is your responsibility to God? I am responsible to keep my way pure and serve Him and love Him with all of my heart.
2. Seek a deeper friendship.
It's a mistake to think that developing a romantic, exclusive relationship means you've deepened. The sooner you release your romantic feelings your objectivity will begin to fade.
The next step in moving closer to marriage is to deepen the friendship.
How do I develop a deeper friendship. Here are some ideas:
Look for ways to include each other in your regular daily lives. You want to see them and for them to see you in life as it really is, not in some false, disguised dating life.
Serve together. Invite to spend time at home with your family. Do a ministry together. All the while not to let your romantic feelings take the reigns.
Avoid doing things that will fuel the romantic feelings. Avoid talking about how you feel about each other, how you miss each other or how your future might look. Just focus on the friendship.
It will take patience and self control but if the relationship does not progress you've preserved a friend.
3. Watch, wait and pray.
This is a confusing and stressful time, this time of moving beyond friendship. It will take great patience and lots of prayer. I always say, "You can NEVER go too slow." Don't rush in, fools do that. Watch and wait and pray.
See the counsel of a few older, trusted, mature Christian friends. Spend time and get their take on the relationship. There is wisdom in seeking counsel from an objective source. These friends should include your parents, pastors, mentors and friends.
Ask yourself, "Is this person of the quality that I would marry? Am I ready to make that commitment?"
You can answer the questions of readiness this way:
a. Does this relationship agree with God's Word? Is the other person a Christian?
b. Are you ready for the responsibilities of marriage financially, emotional, mentally and spiritually?
c. Do you have the approval of the above mentioned friends and family?
d. Do you have a peace from God in your heart that this is right?
4. Define the purpose of marriage.
As you're moving closer you must revisit the whole reason for marrying in the first place.
Make sure you understand God's roles for the male and female according to God's Word. Make sure you are clear about direction and the priority of your lives as believers.
Finally then state your purpose. Guys, this is your time to step up. Have the boldness to state your intentions to win her heart. Make your plans known to her and ladies make your response to him perfectly honest! This is no time to be coy. He is going out on a limb and must have honesty. If both agree then the next step.
5. Honor your parents.
Show respect to the people responsible for each of you. Go to your parents together and include them in the courtship now established. Then go to your pastors and get their covering and guidance for you. Ask those you are seeking approval from to ask you pointed questions and to scrutinize your intentions and thoughts.
No matter what response you get from parents and pastors, be prepared to honor them. As you honor the authorities in your life, you are honoring God.
6. Test and build the relationship in real life settings.
Now it's time to start the exciting time of building the intimacy in the relationship but now this process has a purpose vs the random pursuit of infatuation most common in relationships without direction. This closer intimacy should be purposeful in it's pursuit of marriage, protected against sexual temptation and accountable to parents and pastors.
Spend more time together and begin the process of getting to know the real person by conversation, practical life activities and ministry service. Engage in activities that will allow you to learn about each other in a deeper way.
7. Engagement
The period of intimacy building should last only as long as it takes for the couple to be certain that they are ready to be married. This moment comes when the times of observing, mentoring and praying are satisfied. All lights are green and God has blessed you with peace in your hearts. It's time to pop the question.
Now you must, more than ever, keep a close watch on your physical relationship. Intimacy has grown, your hearts are connected and your desires for each other will be STRONG! You must keep accountability and your boundaries secure lest you make it so far and then violate one anothers trust just before the finish line. When you are married you will be blessed with the purity of enjoying each other for a lifetime. Hold out a little longer and the greater prize is yours!
Thanks Josh for those great ideas. This is a powerful time in your life and honestly very hard to walk because of the pressure our culture places on people. Always remember, do things God's way and you'll never be disappointed!
You're all loved!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Q & A on Dating and Relationships
On August 3rd I spoke a message titles, "Why I Don't Believe in Dating". I anticipated questions, some confusion and most likely some resistance to the concepts that counter our culture. In the next few blog entries I want to address various questions that I have received in hopes of helping parents, teens, young adults and anyone else in a dating situation wade through these tricky and often turbulent waters.
Does not dating mean I can never like someone? If I do what do I do with those feelings?
This question typically comes from a teenager who sees his or her friends pairing off and presumably enjoying a good, healthy relationship with another person. During those teen years the sexual drive is revving up and the interest in the opposite sex is coming alive. Feelings are real and they do happen. The important this is to realize that the feelings are normal and expected. What we do with those feelings is an entirely different thing.
1. The feelings are normal. For parents and teens alike it is crucial that you have open communication with each other so you can talk about these feelings when they come up. I know my children and it was not difficult to see a change in one of them when a certain person was around. The feelings were obvious by the change in behavior. These feelings are not sinful nor should they be rebuked or punished. The key issue at this stage is managing those feelings.
The Bible says that the fruit of the Spirit is self control. (Gal. 5:22) The Bible also says that God has given us power, love and a sound mind or a mind that is controlled. (2 Tim. 1:7) This time of adolescent feelings provides the perfect opportunity for a young person to begin to learn, with the help, support and guidance of parents and youth pastors, how to practice self control.
In the Song of Solomon, the wise king writes three times, "Don't awaken love until it so desires." A young teen or even an older teen or young twenties person is not ready for love to be awakened because they are not yet ready to make a life commitment.
2. Communicate. As mentioned above, communication, good communication is essential at this time. You have to be able to talk honestly if you're going to walk with your child through this season. This season will last until they marry so be ready to be in it for the long haul. However, once you have successfully navigated the first few crushes I hope your child will be able to make some wise decisions on their own. But you must talk, talk and talk some more.
Feelings can deceive and control too. So you must have a clear understanding that you will excercise the freedom to look at emails, facebook, text messages etc. This is not an attempt to snoop not is it born out of mistrust. It is just a simple fact, when you're infatuated with someone, those feelings are powerful and will draw the person into all kinds of secrecy and dishonesty. Help your kids by keeping the communication open.
Feel free to talk with your child and the other person too. Talk about the importance of keeping your feelings under control and how God wants to preserve them both. Help them by leading them with a positive caring example.
3. Encourage healthy relationships in the family. If there is a mutual affection between your child and another and they are of the "dating" age help them remain friends by inviting the relationship to be lived out honestly with your family. Shunning the person when feelings arise has not been a strategy that I've seen work well to preserve a friendship once the crush wears off. My wife and I encouraged our kid's friends to come over any time and be with us. It made it easier to help if that was needed and gave us the opportunity to get to know the king of person our kids have affection for. When the time comes, my blessing will be required on any relationship that leads to marriage. Better to start the education process early by being involved in the love lives of your kids.
4. Pray. Pray for wisdom. Pray for discernment. Pray for protection. Pray for purity. Pray for your kids. Pray with your kids. There isn't a lot to comment on here because it is just that simple. Pray and pray a lot for your kids and ask God for supernatural wisdom in dealing with these relationships.
5. Be clear and consistent with expectations and boundaries. It's important that in your communication you show your child and their friend what a non-dating friendship looks like. Be very clear what is in bounds and out of bounds. Then be prepared to hold them to it without compromise. This is no time to be flexible. The heart of your child is involved. You want to keep them safe? Be clear and consistent. If they need to be pulled back then pull them back. It's hard but it's better than the alternative of them losing their heart and suffering real hurt.
6. Spend a lot of time with your child. I found that one of the greatest joys of parenting is growing with my kids. I learn from them a lot. They learn from me too. It's a myth that the teen years must be hard. They don't need to be. They can be a joy. Be involved. Spend a lot of time with them. Enjoy them.
Next post I'll talk about some specific steps to take when you feel you have met the right person and now you want to move toward marriage....I'll be praying for you.
In His grip,
Greg
Does not dating mean I can never like someone? If I do what do I do with those feelings?
This question typically comes from a teenager who sees his or her friends pairing off and presumably enjoying a good, healthy relationship with another person. During those teen years the sexual drive is revving up and the interest in the opposite sex is coming alive. Feelings are real and they do happen. The important this is to realize that the feelings are normal and expected. What we do with those feelings is an entirely different thing.
1. The feelings are normal. For parents and teens alike it is crucial that you have open communication with each other so you can talk about these feelings when they come up. I know my children and it was not difficult to see a change in one of them when a certain person was around. The feelings were obvious by the change in behavior. These feelings are not sinful nor should they be rebuked or punished. The key issue at this stage is managing those feelings.
The Bible says that the fruit of the Spirit is self control. (Gal. 5:22) The Bible also says that God has given us power, love and a sound mind or a mind that is controlled. (2 Tim. 1:7) This time of adolescent feelings provides the perfect opportunity for a young person to begin to learn, with the help, support and guidance of parents and youth pastors, how to practice self control.
In the Song of Solomon, the wise king writes three times, "Don't awaken love until it so desires." A young teen or even an older teen or young twenties person is not ready for love to be awakened because they are not yet ready to make a life commitment.
2. Communicate. As mentioned above, communication, good communication is essential at this time. You have to be able to talk honestly if you're going to walk with your child through this season. This season will last until they marry so be ready to be in it for the long haul. However, once you have successfully navigated the first few crushes I hope your child will be able to make some wise decisions on their own. But you must talk, talk and talk some more.
Feelings can deceive and control too. So you must have a clear understanding that you will excercise the freedom to look at emails, facebook, text messages etc. This is not an attempt to snoop not is it born out of mistrust. It is just a simple fact, when you're infatuated with someone, those feelings are powerful and will draw the person into all kinds of secrecy and dishonesty. Help your kids by keeping the communication open.
Feel free to talk with your child and the other person too. Talk about the importance of keeping your feelings under control and how God wants to preserve them both. Help them by leading them with a positive caring example.
3. Encourage healthy relationships in the family. If there is a mutual affection between your child and another and they are of the "dating" age help them remain friends by inviting the relationship to be lived out honestly with your family. Shunning the person when feelings arise has not been a strategy that I've seen work well to preserve a friendship once the crush wears off. My wife and I encouraged our kid's friends to come over any time and be with us. It made it easier to help if that was needed and gave us the opportunity to get to know the king of person our kids have affection for. When the time comes, my blessing will be required on any relationship that leads to marriage. Better to start the education process early by being involved in the love lives of your kids.
4. Pray. Pray for wisdom. Pray for discernment. Pray for protection. Pray for purity. Pray for your kids. Pray with your kids. There isn't a lot to comment on here because it is just that simple. Pray and pray a lot for your kids and ask God for supernatural wisdom in dealing with these relationships.
5. Be clear and consistent with expectations and boundaries. It's important that in your communication you show your child and their friend what a non-dating friendship looks like. Be very clear what is in bounds and out of bounds. Then be prepared to hold them to it without compromise. This is no time to be flexible. The heart of your child is involved. You want to keep them safe? Be clear and consistent. If they need to be pulled back then pull them back. It's hard but it's better than the alternative of them losing their heart and suffering real hurt.
6. Spend a lot of time with your child. I found that one of the greatest joys of parenting is growing with my kids. I learn from them a lot. They learn from me too. It's a myth that the teen years must be hard. They don't need to be. They can be a joy. Be involved. Spend a lot of time with them. Enjoy them.
Next post I'll talk about some specific steps to take when you feel you have met the right person and now you want to move toward marriage....I'll be praying for you.
In His grip,
Greg
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
“Infinity Times One”
One is so insignificant in the minds of most people. We think nothing of losing a penny. We won’t even waste our time picking one up as we walk. The effort it would take to do so wouldn’t be worth the gain of the cent. Even the single dollar bill has begun to suffer this fate as it loses its value. We say, “It’s only a buck. Why not….buy it…get one…”.
When multiplying or dividing by one, whatever that number is stays the same. Even zero has a tremendous impact. One does nothing.
One cookie before dinner won’t ruin the meal.
One more minute before bedtime is not a major request.
One bite won’t wreck my diet.
We don’t give one a lot of credit. God does.
Jesus was always interested in the one. He always took the time to stop what he was doing to touch the one. Zaccheaus, the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, the repentant thief on the cross, each disciple; Jesus was always interested in the one.
In the Gospel of Luke chapter 15 Jesus tells of the shepherd who left the ninety nine safe sheep to go out and find the one lost lamb. The most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16, says that “whosoever” may have eternal life. Any one of us may come.
Jesus knows that one drink may turn into alcoholism.
Jesus knows that one affair will ruin a marriage.
Jesus knows that one night of passion may bring a disease.
Jesus knows that one harsh word may hurt for a lifetime.
Jesus knows that one cry for repentance brings forgiveness.
Jesus knows that one encouraging word can build a foundation.
Jesus knows that one teenager can turn out to be Billy Graham.
I thank God that He thought enough of a 5’2” 115 lb. teenage boy to love him, nurture him and make a Pastor out of him. I thank God that He is still with me now as He was then. He cares about me. He cares about you. He cares about one.
Jesus lived His life without fanfare, without parade, without marketing, without a media event. He just went from place to place loving and caring for the people one at a time. Two thousand years later His one life is still touching others.
You may think no one cares. You may think you can't make a difference. Neither of those thoughts are true. There is a God who cares for “whosoever” and there is a Holy Spirit in every believer willing to use him to touch one.
By ourselves we are only one. The God in you is infinite. With you and God, no matter if you divide or multiply, it comes out the same – infinity.
We can make a difference in our world. It will be one at a time as each one of you with an infinite God inside of you reaches out and touches one.
Touch one today and everyday.“Infinity Times One”
When multiplying or dividing by one, whatever that number is stays the same. Even zero has a tremendous impact. One does nothing.
One cookie before dinner won’t ruin the meal.
One more minute before bedtime is not a major request.
One bite won’t wreck my diet.
We don’t give one a lot of credit. God does.
Jesus was always interested in the one. He always took the time to stop what he was doing to touch the one. Zaccheaus, the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, the repentant thief on the cross, each disciple; Jesus was always interested in the one.
In the Gospel of Luke chapter 15 Jesus tells of the shepherd who left the ninety nine safe sheep to go out and find the one lost lamb. The most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16, says that “whosoever” may have eternal life. Any one of us may come.
Jesus knows that one drink may turn into alcoholism.
Jesus knows that one affair will ruin a marriage.
Jesus knows that one night of passion may bring a disease.
Jesus knows that one harsh word may hurt for a lifetime.
Jesus knows that one cry for repentance brings forgiveness.
Jesus knows that one encouraging word can build a foundation.
Jesus knows that one teenager can turn out to be Billy Graham.
I thank God that He thought enough of a 5’2” 115 lb. teenage boy to love him, nurture him and make a Pastor out of him. I thank God that He is still with me now as He was then. He cares about me. He cares about you. He cares about one.
Jesus lived His life without fanfare, without parade, without marketing, without a media event. He just went from place to place loving and caring for the people one at a time. Two thousand years later His one life is still touching others.
You may think no one cares. You may think you can't make a difference. Neither of those thoughts are true. There is a God who cares for “whosoever” and there is a Holy Spirit in every believer willing to use him to touch one.
By ourselves we are only one. The God in you is infinite. With you and God, no matter if you divide or multiply, it comes out the same – infinity.
We can make a difference in our world. It will be one at a time as each one of you with an infinite God inside of you reaches out and touches one.
Touch one today and everyday.“Infinity Times One”
Monday, March 17, 2008
The Moods of Jesus
Jesus was the man of sorrows. Jesus was the man of joy. Jesus wept. Jesus called the Pharisees "white washed tombs" and a "brood of vipers". Jesus was gentle. Jesus spoke softly. Jesus shouted. Jesus was abrasive.
Jesus was moody!
No? Do you think, "Get behind me, Satan!" is not abrasive? Go ahead. Next time someone disagrees with you say, "Get behind me, Satan!" and see how that works! When your kids are fighting, stomp into the room and scream, "YOU BROOD OF VIPERS!!!" As a matter of fact I think I hear that slithering sound right now....just kidding kids!
Jesus was one of those people that you wanted to stay on his good side or else you might end up like some fruitless fig tree. The lesson there? Don't tick Jesus off! He'll curse your lazy carcass and leave you for the vultures.
I was reading Luke 19 the other day and realized that Jesus displayed three different moods when interacting with three different groups of people. He was kind, patient and accepting with the little tax collector Zacchaeus. He wept over the city of Jerusalem at his "triumphal entry". Then he was angered and over threw the vendors out the temple. One chapter three different moods.
What I find very interesting about this passage however, is if I place myself in Jesus' shoes I probably would not display the same moods. I'd be angry at Zacchaeus, the little thief! I'd be on top of the world if a whole city were praising me, looking over my shoulder for when my boys would bring the barrell of gatorade. I am the MAN!!! I'd be patient with folks in the temple. I mean, yeah, they were not supposed to be making a profit in the temple but hey, if it's a good fundraiser who can argue.
Here is the real problem. We Christians are quick to judge, scold and reject a sinner like Zacchaeus. We're quick to over look the heart that is decaying when everything on the outside seems like a success. In the church we are quick to look the other way when it comes to holding each other accountable. Jesus was just the opposite.
Zacchaeus was a thieving, lying, manipulative man. We know that. He admitted it. After Jesus forgave him he confessed that he would give back up to 4 times the amount that he had stolen. Yet Jesus ate with Zacchaeus. Jesus laughed and spent time with him. He became his friend. He didn't rebuke, scold or reject him. He wasn't afraid of getting any of Zacchaeus on him. Instead he was thinking how he might get some of himself on Zacchaeus. Here is a man that most churches would preach to stay away from at all costs because he is an example of all that is currupt and filthy and ungodly in the world....yet Jesus loved him and a soul was saved.
The crowds cheered, they waved palm branches welcoming the Savior, the Messiah, the KING!!! Instead of reveling in the glory of the praise he initiated, he wept. Jesus wasn't fooled by temporary, worldly success. He wouldn't settle for anything but the heart. We measure church success with numbers, building amount and size, bank accounts, programs, radio and t.v. time and name recognition. Jesus would never settle for that if the heart was wrong. Would he weep in some of the churches that we consider to be the most blessed? He measured success by a very different set of criteria than we do.
Those in the temple angered him. These were the religious ones. These were the "holy" and "God fearing". Jesus was angry with them and threw them out of the temple calling them thieves. Why is it that we will look the other way calling sin a "struggle" or a "discipline we need to work on" rather than what it is.....sin? We tend to be really soft on each other and on the occaision we confront someone, the offense that is the result divides the fellowship as if going to a brother in love was the sin.
The Bible says that judgment begins in the house of the Lord. Why do we judge the world by a Biblical standard that they have not agreed to follow and coddle the church that HAS agreed to the standard? It seems if we really want to see transformation happen in our communities we would instead start treating "sinners" with love, respect and kindness leading them to Jesus and start holding each other accountable for the things that cause the world to cry out "HYPOCRITE!" It seems to me that if we'd measure our churches by how much we love, give, care and reach out to each other rather than how good we look on t.v. we'd have a far better reputation in the eyes of people.
Jesus wasn't really moody. He always displayed the proper mood to the appropriate situation. If he were in my world he'd be spending lots of time making friends with unbelieving people, teaching people how to love and care for others and making sure that his church was spotless in and out.
If Jesus was moody, I want to be moody too.
Jesus was moody!
No? Do you think, "Get behind me, Satan!" is not abrasive? Go ahead. Next time someone disagrees with you say, "Get behind me, Satan!" and see how that works! When your kids are fighting, stomp into the room and scream, "YOU BROOD OF VIPERS!!!" As a matter of fact I think I hear that slithering sound right now....just kidding kids!
Jesus was one of those people that you wanted to stay on his good side or else you might end up like some fruitless fig tree. The lesson there? Don't tick Jesus off! He'll curse your lazy carcass and leave you for the vultures.
I was reading Luke 19 the other day and realized that Jesus displayed three different moods when interacting with three different groups of people. He was kind, patient and accepting with the little tax collector Zacchaeus. He wept over the city of Jerusalem at his "triumphal entry". Then he was angered and over threw the vendors out the temple. One chapter three different moods.
What I find very interesting about this passage however, is if I place myself in Jesus' shoes I probably would not display the same moods. I'd be angry at Zacchaeus, the little thief! I'd be on top of the world if a whole city were praising me, looking over my shoulder for when my boys would bring the barrell of gatorade. I am the MAN!!! I'd be patient with folks in the temple. I mean, yeah, they were not supposed to be making a profit in the temple but hey, if it's a good fundraiser who can argue.
Here is the real problem. We Christians are quick to judge, scold and reject a sinner like Zacchaeus. We're quick to over look the heart that is decaying when everything on the outside seems like a success. In the church we are quick to look the other way when it comes to holding each other accountable. Jesus was just the opposite.
Zacchaeus was a thieving, lying, manipulative man. We know that. He admitted it. After Jesus forgave him he confessed that he would give back up to 4 times the amount that he had stolen. Yet Jesus ate with Zacchaeus. Jesus laughed and spent time with him. He became his friend. He didn't rebuke, scold or reject him. He wasn't afraid of getting any of Zacchaeus on him. Instead he was thinking how he might get some of himself on Zacchaeus. Here is a man that most churches would preach to stay away from at all costs because he is an example of all that is currupt and filthy and ungodly in the world....yet Jesus loved him and a soul was saved.
The crowds cheered, they waved palm branches welcoming the Savior, the Messiah, the KING!!! Instead of reveling in the glory of the praise he initiated, he wept. Jesus wasn't fooled by temporary, worldly success. He wouldn't settle for anything but the heart. We measure church success with numbers, building amount and size, bank accounts, programs, radio and t.v. time and name recognition. Jesus would never settle for that if the heart was wrong. Would he weep in some of the churches that we consider to be the most blessed? He measured success by a very different set of criteria than we do.
Those in the temple angered him. These were the religious ones. These were the "holy" and "God fearing". Jesus was angry with them and threw them out of the temple calling them thieves. Why is it that we will look the other way calling sin a "struggle" or a "discipline we need to work on" rather than what it is.....sin? We tend to be really soft on each other and on the occaision we confront someone, the offense that is the result divides the fellowship as if going to a brother in love was the sin.
The Bible says that judgment begins in the house of the Lord. Why do we judge the world by a Biblical standard that they have not agreed to follow and coddle the church that HAS agreed to the standard? It seems if we really want to see transformation happen in our communities we would instead start treating "sinners" with love, respect and kindness leading them to Jesus and start holding each other accountable for the things that cause the world to cry out "HYPOCRITE!" It seems to me that if we'd measure our churches by how much we love, give, care and reach out to each other rather than how good we look on t.v. we'd have a far better reputation in the eyes of people.
Jesus wasn't really moody. He always displayed the proper mood to the appropriate situation. If he were in my world he'd be spending lots of time making friends with unbelieving people, teaching people how to love and care for others and making sure that his church was spotless in and out.
If Jesus was moody, I want to be moody too.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Room
THE ROOM
By Josh Harris
From the book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye"
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order.
But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.
An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With."The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. He pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here! Oh, anyone but Jesus.
I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room.
There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Phil. 4:13 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, thatwhoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
By Josh Harris
From the book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye"
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order.
But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.
An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With."The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. He pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here! Oh, anyone but Jesus.
I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room.
There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Phil. 4:13 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, thatwhoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
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