When I think of the life of Job, my usual thoughts are along the lines of His faithfulness to God before all the bad things happened, or the horrible tragedies that struck him through the actions of Satan. But what I don't often remember is the reaction he had upon seeing God. In fact, I often forget that he saw God. But we learn in chapter 42 of his account that Job actually saw God, or at least some form of God. His reaction is instructive. Prior to seeing God and hearing His voice, Job had been challenging God to give an account of what had happened to him. Job's attitude had been that he had lived a righteous life (which in comparison to most of us today would be true), and therefore God had no right to cause the many tragedies that fell upon Job.
But in Job 42:5,6 Job states... "I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore, I despise myself and repent is dust and ashes." Job went from self-righteousness and pride to despising himself... all after encountering God.
I think it's safe to say that would be the response of all of us if we were to have an encounter with God. Deep within all of us is a level of self-righteousness and pride that allows us to go forward in our lives and do what we do. But should we have an encounter with God, we would see true holiness and righteousness, and the depth of our sin would be exposed. We would have no choice but to despise ourselves in comparison.
While we can't orchestrate a face to face encounter with God, we can still encounter Him through His word. I have to admit that the result of a solid time within the Scripture is always a level of humbleness, that while temporary, adjusts my view upward rather than inward.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Outward vs. Inward
I was reading through 2 Corinthians Chapter 5 this morning and a verse caught my attention just beyond the one that usually causes me pause. The verse that always gives me pause is of course the well known verse found in 2 Cor. 5:10 which refers to the judgment seat of Christ. It is a reminder for all believers that we will give an account to Him who has saved us for everything we have done, whether good or bad.
But the verse that also caught my attention this morning is found in 2 Cor. 5:12 where Paul writes about those who "...boast about outward appearance, and not what is in the heart." I started to wonder how someone would boast to the Lord about outward appearance. I thought back to Luke 18:9-14 where Jesus talks about the Pharisee and the tax collector each praying to God. The Pharisee is thankful that he is not a sinner and talks about what he has done for God. But the tax collector doesn't even try that approach. He simply begs for God's mercy. Of course, Jesus condemns that Pharisee and encourages the approach of the tax collector.
But then my next thought is how we today mimic the Pharisee rather than the tax collector? Whenever we become proud of something we do for God, or for that matter, something we don't do because of God, we are focusing on outward things rather than the condition of our heart. The Lord knows how my heart can vacillate between the things of this world, and devotion to Him. The problem is...when I'm focused on what I've accomplished for Him, or what sinful activity I've avoided for Him, I'm not necessarily getting to the level of the heart. When we have the heart right, the outward activities follow. But we can be deceived into thinking that when the outward activities are right, the heart will naturally follow...and that isn't so.
Paul is pointing out that true self evaluation must occur at the level of the heart by asking the question..."What is my heart seeking?" Is it to look good on the outside from all my activities, or is my heart truly seeking the Lord?
But the verse that also caught my attention this morning is found in 2 Cor. 5:12 where Paul writes about those who "...boast about outward appearance, and not what is in the heart." I started to wonder how someone would boast to the Lord about outward appearance. I thought back to Luke 18:9-14 where Jesus talks about the Pharisee and the tax collector each praying to God. The Pharisee is thankful that he is not a sinner and talks about what he has done for God. But the tax collector doesn't even try that approach. He simply begs for God's mercy. Of course, Jesus condemns that Pharisee and encourages the approach of the tax collector.
But then my next thought is how we today mimic the Pharisee rather than the tax collector? Whenever we become proud of something we do for God, or for that matter, something we don't do because of God, we are focusing on outward things rather than the condition of our heart. The Lord knows how my heart can vacillate between the things of this world, and devotion to Him. The problem is...when I'm focused on what I've accomplished for Him, or what sinful activity I've avoided for Him, I'm not necessarily getting to the level of the heart. When we have the heart right, the outward activities follow. But we can be deceived into thinking that when the outward activities are right, the heart will naturally follow...and that isn't so.
Paul is pointing out that true self evaluation must occur at the level of the heart by asking the question..."What is my heart seeking?" Is it to look good on the outside from all my activities, or is my heart truly seeking the Lord?
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Job- Misunderstanding tragedy
I've often struggled to understand the book of Job. It is a long book...almost too long...and the vast majority is frankly depressing. I don't need to go over the story because most know the story, but I'm certain that I'm not alone in my questioning of the purpose of Job. I'm currently reading through the book for the umpteenth time...and finally it's occurred to me that perhaps one purpose of the book is to illustrate a common mistake that we all make on a regular basis.
It all revolves around the particular piece of information that every reader has about Job that he doesn't possess. That little tidbit of information is that the direct cause of his woes is not God, but rather Satan. We as the reader know that, but Job doesn't, and it makes all the difference in how he responds. Without that critical awareness, Job is angry at God and naturally blames him for all that he is currently suffering. If only Job knew what the reader knows...we can only imagine how different his response would be...and his ability to trust in God would be strengthened.
The lesson for us is that when tragedy strikes our lives as it inevitably will, there is a difference between God causing an event, and God allowing it. God allows tragedy to strike Job by giving permission to Satan to do as he desires. Now, not all tragedy that occurs in our life is a direct result of the actions of Satan. However, we can all too commonly forget that the tragedy that strikes us is also not the direct action of the God who loves us. Yes, there is no tragedy that can strike us without the sovereign Lord of the universe allowing it, but there is a big difference between God allowing something, and God causing it.
God allows tragedy in our lives in order that we grow, depend on Him more, and many times for reasons that we will never know or understand in this life. As difficult as it may be in the midst of tragedy, we need to work hard at avoiding Job's mistake...blaming God as the direct cause of the tragedy rather than understanding that though He allowed it, that doesn't mean that He wanted it to occur. Maybe, just maybe, if we allow Him, he can turn the tragedy into something of eternal impact and worth.
It all revolves around the particular piece of information that every reader has about Job that he doesn't possess. That little tidbit of information is that the direct cause of his woes is not God, but rather Satan. We as the reader know that, but Job doesn't, and it makes all the difference in how he responds. Without that critical awareness, Job is angry at God and naturally blames him for all that he is currently suffering. If only Job knew what the reader knows...we can only imagine how different his response would be...and his ability to trust in God would be strengthened.
The lesson for us is that when tragedy strikes our lives as it inevitably will, there is a difference between God causing an event, and God allowing it. God allows tragedy to strike Job by giving permission to Satan to do as he desires. Now, not all tragedy that occurs in our life is a direct result of the actions of Satan. However, we can all too commonly forget that the tragedy that strikes us is also not the direct action of the God who loves us. Yes, there is no tragedy that can strike us without the sovereign Lord of the universe allowing it, but there is a big difference between God allowing something, and God causing it.
God allows tragedy in our lives in order that we grow, depend on Him more, and many times for reasons that we will never know or understand in this life. As difficult as it may be in the midst of tragedy, we need to work hard at avoiding Job's mistake...blaming God as the direct cause of the tragedy rather than understanding that though He allowed it, that doesn't mean that He wanted it to occur. Maybe, just maybe, if we allow Him, he can turn the tragedy into something of eternal impact and worth.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Judging others
What does it mean to judge someone else?
There are several Scriptural references that prohibit judging, including Romans chapter 2 and James chapter 4. But the confusing thing is that there are also Scriptural commands to confront and rebuke others when needed. Examples are Luke 17:3, 1 Tim. 5:20, and Titus 2:15. The question I'm wrestling with is how do we rebuke without first judging?
Clearly there must be a difference between the discernment and pronouncement of sin in another, and the wrongful action of judging as prohibited in Scripture. But Scripture itself does not elaborate on the distinction. We must seek it out ourselves before we approach someone else to rebuke them for their sin. Here are some principles that I've come up with to this point:
1. The decision to rebuke another for sin should be motivated by a call from God, not a self-centered desire for revenge.
2. The motivation for rebuke should lie in what is best for the one being rebuked, rather than what feels good for the one doing the rebuking.
3. The one giving the rebuke should be very aware of his/her own sinful nature.
4. The rebuke should be administered in love
5. The sin should be self-evident and not debatable.
Thinking through these principles, I realize that the sin of judging lies not so much in action as in attitude because the wrong attitude will bring about the wrong kind of action.
There are several Scriptural references that prohibit judging, including Romans chapter 2 and James chapter 4. But the confusing thing is that there are also Scriptural commands to confront and rebuke others when needed. Examples are Luke 17:3, 1 Tim. 5:20, and Titus 2:15. The question I'm wrestling with is how do we rebuke without first judging?
Clearly there must be a difference between the discernment and pronouncement of sin in another, and the wrongful action of judging as prohibited in Scripture. But Scripture itself does not elaborate on the distinction. We must seek it out ourselves before we approach someone else to rebuke them for their sin. Here are some principles that I've come up with to this point:
1. The decision to rebuke another for sin should be motivated by a call from God, not a self-centered desire for revenge.
2. The motivation for rebuke should lie in what is best for the one being rebuked, rather than what feels good for the one doing the rebuking.
3. The one giving the rebuke should be very aware of his/her own sinful nature.
4. The rebuke should be administered in love
5. The sin should be self-evident and not debatable.
Thinking through these principles, I realize that the sin of judging lies not so much in action as in attitude because the wrong attitude will bring about the wrong kind of action.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The purpose of the Church
I've been reflecting a great deal lately on the issue of the purpose of the local church. Looking at Scripture in order to find a mission statement for a local church, the closest reference I'm drawn to is found in Ephesians 4:11-13 where Paul gives the mission statement of a pastor/teacher. In verses 12 & 13 he writes that the pastor/teacher is "... to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the fullness of the stature of Christ."
In short, the pastor/teacher is to equip the saints so that they in turn build up the body of Christ. There is an overall goal and purpose that each local church should have, and that is grow in maturity of the members so that they in turn are involved in some ministry that builds up the body of Christ.
That's a different mission than building and organizing the church around the comforts and needs of the congregation. If a church is not constantly looking outward and involved in ministry outside the walls of the church building, it automatically begins to become ingrown. I'm convinced that the natural tendency of all churches is in this direction, seeking to meet the needs and wants of those who complain the loudest. It must be resisted by those in leadership so that the words of Paul can be fulfilled.
Those who are the chronic complainers need to be moved to greater maturity and a servant attitude, and I believe the best way to do that is through service to others. While the words from the pulpit are important, they are often not enough. There is nothing quite as humbling as helping those who are in great need, living in circumstances beyond their control. This is simply known as outreach, and a church without significant personal outreach is a church becoming ingrown.
There is nothing quite like experiencing and understanding the reality of...there but by the Grace of God go I...to help move us along in our maturing process.
In short, the pastor/teacher is to equip the saints so that they in turn build up the body of Christ. There is an overall goal and purpose that each local church should have, and that is grow in maturity of the members so that they in turn are involved in some ministry that builds up the body of Christ.
That's a different mission than building and organizing the church around the comforts and needs of the congregation. If a church is not constantly looking outward and involved in ministry outside the walls of the church building, it automatically begins to become ingrown. I'm convinced that the natural tendency of all churches is in this direction, seeking to meet the needs and wants of those who complain the loudest. It must be resisted by those in leadership so that the words of Paul can be fulfilled.
Those who are the chronic complainers need to be moved to greater maturity and a servant attitude, and I believe the best way to do that is through service to others. While the words from the pulpit are important, they are often not enough. There is nothing quite as humbling as helping those who are in great need, living in circumstances beyond their control. This is simply known as outreach, and a church without significant personal outreach is a church becoming ingrown.
There is nothing quite like experiencing and understanding the reality of...there but by the Grace of God go I...to help move us along in our maturing process.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Principle 4- It is about God's plan
As I write this, fresh snow has fallen, covering all important landmarks that tell us things like the location of our driveway, the roads, and more important, just where the ditch begins at the entrance of our driveway. Carefully placed stakes that rise up out of the snow would be helpful on mornings like this. These principles are like those stakes...rising up out of the clutter, noise and distraction of the world to help us believers know when we're on the road, and when we're about to go into the ditch.
Principle 4 for me is the positive affirmation of just what God is trying to accomplish in this world. If His overall goal is not our happiness, then just what is His goal? His goal is revealed to us in the life of Jesus. God the Father sent His Son Jesus into the world to pay the penalty for our sins so that we may spend eternity with Him. Jesus Himself summarizes this in John 12:47 when He says, "... for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world."
Jesus completed His part, but left some of the work to us. That's why we have the Great Commission in Matthew 28 and why the work still continues today. God is still in the process of saving the world, one soul at a time. He has given us the honor to participate in this grand adventure, which is His overall goal.
Principle 4 is simply that our lives must in some way reflect the fact that we are participating in God's grand adventure to bring those lost souls around us from darkness into light. If we're not in some way involved in that, we've gone off the road and not really living the Christian life.
Principle 4 for me is the positive affirmation of just what God is trying to accomplish in this world. If His overall goal is not our happiness, then just what is His goal? His goal is revealed to us in the life of Jesus. God the Father sent His Son Jesus into the world to pay the penalty for our sins so that we may spend eternity with Him. Jesus Himself summarizes this in John 12:47 when He says, "... for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world."
Jesus completed His part, but left some of the work to us. That's why we have the Great Commission in Matthew 28 and why the work still continues today. God is still in the process of saving the world, one soul at a time. He has given us the honor to participate in this grand adventure, which is His overall goal.
Principle 4 is simply that our lives must in some way reflect the fact that we are participating in God's grand adventure to bring those lost souls around us from darkness into light. If we're not in some way involved in that, we've gone off the road and not really living the Christian life.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Principle 3- It's not about our happiness...
We live in a world that is constantly bombarding us with the message that our lives should be focused on our own happiness and pleasure. This message streams from every commercial we are exposed to...in an effort to induce us to buy whatever product is being featured. We are all impacted by that message, no matter how hard we try to ignore it. For us as Christians, we may seek to avoid overt materialism, or we may unwittingly fall prey to it. But even if we are somewhat successful is putting off materialism, we still subtly begin to get the idea that God's plan should revolve around us and our happiness. As we seek to work out God's will for our lives, we usually begin with the assumption that God wants us happy, healthy and successful. It's not that God doesn't want those things for us, rather, it's just not His number one priority. This means that there may be seasons of our life during which blessings pour forth, but we may also experience seasons of difficulties and trials.
During those trials, it is critical to reflect on what God's priorities are for us. James gives us a clue when he tells us to "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." The good news is that God's priority for us is faith in Him that produces spiritual perfection and completeness. The bad news is...it takes trials and tribulation to achieve those things.
Principle 3 recognizes that God's priority for us is spiritual growth and maturity, not our happiness and pleasure. Therefore, if we are Christians who truly desire to grow spiritually, we must be Christians who are ready to face difficulties in order to grow our faith. When we face those difficulties with the knowledge that spiritual growth will result, not only do the difficulties make sense, but we can more easily move toward counting it all joy!
During those trials, it is critical to reflect on what God's priorities are for us. James gives us a clue when he tells us to "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." The good news is that God's priority for us is faith in Him that produces spiritual perfection and completeness. The bad news is...it takes trials and tribulation to achieve those things.
Principle 3 recognizes that God's priority for us is spiritual growth and maturity, not our happiness and pleasure. Therefore, if we are Christians who truly desire to grow spiritually, we must be Christians who are ready to face difficulties in order to grow our faith. When we face those difficulties with the knowledge that spiritual growth will result, not only do the difficulties make sense, but we can more easily move toward counting it all joy!
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