Yeah, I know I haven't written anything original in a while. But as a consolation prize, I offer Jon Acuff's most recent post on his blog. Read it, chew on it, and then go clean out your "judging box".
What Christians Like
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
#575. Refusing the gift of the desert road.
Hey friends, I read this entry this morning in Jon Acuff's blog called "Stuff Christians Like" (Super good stuff.) I thought I'd share it here. It's a REALLY good read.
#575. Refusing the gift of the desert road.
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Love you guys...
#575. Refusing the gift of the desert road.
Shared via AddThis
Love you guys...
Thursday, July 9, 2009
I wonder what would happen if...
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 (ESV)
I've been chewing on this verse for a while now, musing on a number of "wonderings' I've had as I've considered it. I'll share a few with you.
I wonder what would happen if we, as the church, took this command really seriously? I wonder if we would stop before we say anything and evaluate whether or not it was a loving thing to say, what we might conclude? I wonder what would happen if we really took Paul's exhortation in Philippians to "consider one another as better than yourselves"? I wonder how many ridiculous schisms that happen in the church would be avoided? I wonder how many church splits wouldn't happen, or how many friendships would be maintained? I wonder how many people, who have been absolutely turned off to the idea of Christianity would be challenged as to the reality of what we claim we believe? I wonder how many people would be once again drawn to the church as a place of love and sanctuary, where they experience a tangible expression of the extravagant love that God the Father has shown mankind in the gift of His Son? I wonder how much TRUE spiritual growth we would see in Believers. I wonder how many of us might experience a Christian life that is based not on moral obligation, but on deep, true love for our Savior and for those that He loves.
I have some theories based on these musings. I think that if we, the church, stopped focusing all of our time and energy on "being good Christians" and focused that time and energy on "loving in deed and truth", strange and amazing things would happen. I believe that when following Jesus simply amounts to "being good a Christian", then we really have very little above any other religious or moral system. Jesus taught His disciples that they would change the world, and that His name would be lifted up and glorified. How? I'll give you a hint: It was by being more loving, not more moral.
Remember the Pharisees? You know, the guys that Jesus was always dropping bombs on? Well, they had the market on morality cornered. They were the most moral guys on the planet. According to God's Holy Law, they were considered blameless. But Jesus called them "hypocrites", "snakes", and "whitewashed tombs". They were moral, but they lacked love. Now, didn't Jesus also say that if we loved Him, we would obey His commands? He did. Was He saying that our obedience to Him would be the proof of our love for Him? I think so, but I think more than that, He was saying that our obedience would flow from a heart of love. We know that we can't say "I love Jesus" and then disobey His Word, (At least, I would hope you know that...) since that's just being self-deceived. But if we really love Jesus, then we will want to obey Him. It has nothing to do with moral obligation, but with a genuine love for our Savior that changes us from the inside out. I can manipulate a man to stop sinning by enforcing my religious code on him. But does that change his heart? (Emphatic "NO"). But if that man truly falls in love with Jesus, then because of that love, he will recognize that what he is doing is wrong, and repent because he loves his Savior, not because he was made to feel guilty by me and my own moral conclusions.
So what's the lesson here? Morality without love is religious hypocrisy. Love without morality can really be love. But the morality that flows out of love is real. It's natural. It just happens. You can't force it, and it isn't morality for morality's sake. You can try to manufacture it, but sooner or later it becomes obvious that it's not really love. Pride, arrogance, self-seeking, posturing, and judgment have absolutely NO connection with love. Unfortunately we see these things in the church to a much greater degree than we see true love.
So...what would happen if we were willing to consider these things, lay down our pride as Christians, Americans, as people? What would happen if we stopped majoring in the minor issues, stop fighting over the non-essential stuff, and just loved each other, with all the warts, freckles, and other junk that we all have? I think we would have a church that is real, that has integrity, that truly represents Jesus to this world. We would be quick to confront each other, in love, and not withdraw and isolate ourselves. We would defend and nurture each other, instead of shooting the wounded. We would become the Church that Jesus intended us to be, and we would be stronger, purer, more effective, and more beautiful.
I think it's worth shooting for. I say lets go for it.
By the way...I love you.
I've been chewing on this verse for a while now, musing on a number of "wonderings' I've had as I've considered it. I'll share a few with you.
I wonder what would happen if we, as the church, took this command really seriously? I wonder if we would stop before we say anything and evaluate whether or not it was a loving thing to say, what we might conclude? I wonder what would happen if we really took Paul's exhortation in Philippians to "consider one another as better than yourselves"? I wonder how many ridiculous schisms that happen in the church would be avoided? I wonder how many church splits wouldn't happen, or how many friendships would be maintained? I wonder how many people, who have been absolutely turned off to the idea of Christianity would be challenged as to the reality of what we claim we believe? I wonder how many people would be once again drawn to the church as a place of love and sanctuary, where they experience a tangible expression of the extravagant love that God the Father has shown mankind in the gift of His Son? I wonder how much TRUE spiritual growth we would see in Believers. I wonder how many of us might experience a Christian life that is based not on moral obligation, but on deep, true love for our Savior and for those that He loves.
I have some theories based on these musings. I think that if we, the church, stopped focusing all of our time and energy on "being good Christians" and focused that time and energy on "loving in deed and truth", strange and amazing things would happen. I believe that when following Jesus simply amounts to "being good a Christian", then we really have very little above any other religious or moral system. Jesus taught His disciples that they would change the world, and that His name would be lifted up and glorified. How? I'll give you a hint: It was by being more loving, not more moral.
Remember the Pharisees? You know, the guys that Jesus was always dropping bombs on? Well, they had the market on morality cornered. They were the most moral guys on the planet. According to God's Holy Law, they were considered blameless. But Jesus called them "hypocrites", "snakes", and "whitewashed tombs". They were moral, but they lacked love. Now, didn't Jesus also say that if we loved Him, we would obey His commands? He did. Was He saying that our obedience to Him would be the proof of our love for Him? I think so, but I think more than that, He was saying that our obedience would flow from a heart of love. We know that we can't say "I love Jesus" and then disobey His Word, (At least, I would hope you know that...) since that's just being self-deceived. But if we really love Jesus, then we will want to obey Him. It has nothing to do with moral obligation, but with a genuine love for our Savior that changes us from the inside out. I can manipulate a man to stop sinning by enforcing my religious code on him. But does that change his heart? (Emphatic "NO"). But if that man truly falls in love with Jesus, then because of that love, he will recognize that what he is doing is wrong, and repent because he loves his Savior, not because he was made to feel guilty by me and my own moral conclusions.
So what's the lesson here? Morality without love is religious hypocrisy. Love without morality can really be love. But the morality that flows out of love is real. It's natural. It just happens. You can't force it, and it isn't morality for morality's sake. You can try to manufacture it, but sooner or later it becomes obvious that it's not really love. Pride, arrogance, self-seeking, posturing, and judgment have absolutely NO connection with love. Unfortunately we see these things in the church to a much greater degree than we see true love.
So...what would happen if we were willing to consider these things, lay down our pride as Christians, Americans, as people? What would happen if we stopped majoring in the minor issues, stop fighting over the non-essential stuff, and just loved each other, with all the warts, freckles, and other junk that we all have? I think we would have a church that is real, that has integrity, that truly represents Jesus to this world. We would be quick to confront each other, in love, and not withdraw and isolate ourselves. We would defend and nurture each other, instead of shooting the wounded. We would become the Church that Jesus intended us to be, and we would be stronger, purer, more effective, and more beautiful.
I think it's worth shooting for. I say lets go for it.
By the way...I love you.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Who's better off?
Yesterday afternoon I sat at the hospital bed of a friend of mine, Dave. He's in the hospital right now because he got really dehydrated and collapsed a few days ago, and someone brought him in. As I sat there and I talked to him, I couldn't help but be impressed by his joy and positive attitude. One thing I've discovered in my friendship with Dave is that he's just a really positive guy. As he laid there in the hospital bed, thin and frail, obviously suffering from malnourishment, he had nothing but positive things to say about everything around him. As his nurse came in, it became clear very quickly to me that he was one of those patients that nurses hope they get. They playfully bantered back and forth, and I could tell that in the few days that he had been there that she had really started to care about him. At one point the physical therapist came by and had Dave walk down the hall and back to check his heartrate. It was obvious that at one point that he had started to get light headed, but he just chuckled and joked a little about it. We walked back to his room and after he was able to catch his breath a little, we talk a little more. When it came time for Jeremiah and I to leave, he immediately embraced us, and without saying a word, placed his hands on our shoulders as we got into a familar position for the three of us, that of prayer. We prayed there together in that hosital room, and for a few moments, we were lifted up out of shade of reality that surrounded us into the true reality of God's presence.
Here's the interesting thing... As far as most people could tell, Dave has very little to be so joyous about. He's sick, in the hospital, he's out of work, and oh, did I mention that he's homeless? Yeah. He lives on the river down near Old Bullhead. He's tried to get work, and periodically has succeeded, but like often happens, the work runs out, and he's back where he started. One of the other things that's working against him is a long time addiction to alcohol. He's battled the bottle for a long time. He's been surprisingly honest about it, and he recognizes the depth that this snake has buried it's fangs into him. He's trying hard to surrender it, but it's a struggle, magnified by the reality of his present situation.
Many of us would immediately judge Dave. We would point to his alcoholism as the reason for his homelessness, and though perhaps that does play a part in it, I have to wonder if I was in a similar situation would I fare any better? Unless we have walked a mile in his tattered shoes, do we have any right to pass judgment? Here is a man who although he battles this powerful addiction, is generous with anything and everything he has. He often makes enough money to buy food not only for himself, but the others around his camp. He shares his faith in Jesus with anyone who will listen, and he often leads Bible studies for others who share his situation. He is welcoming, friendly, and shows love unhesitatingly. He absolutely shames much of the "Christian" population, myself included. I think of the sins that I battle against. Are they any less offensive to God? In some cases, am I any more successful than Dave in my own battle against them? But since I have a house, a car, a job, I am considered of worth to society, and Dave is considered a problem. In some eyes, he is considered to be of sub-human worth. That breaks my heart, and I know it breaks God's heart. This is a human being that Jesus was ripped open, nailed to a cross, and bled and died for. He is of eternal worth! The question I have to ask...is he worth anything to me? And if I cannot say yes to that, than what right at all do I have to call myself a follower of Jesus?
In the last several months, my heart has been deeply affected by the call of Christ to minister to the needs of those around us who have little or nothing. It isn't about proselytizing them. It's about serving them. Meeting the basic needs of something to eat, a clean set of clothes, a set of toiletry items. But it goes beyond just the homeless. There are other people who we marginalize because they're different. Maybe they have a social dysfunction, or a disability, and it's much easier to offer a shallow religious platitude than really stop to engage them in a relationship. You see, that's what I see that Dave wants most. Not my money. My friendship. He wants relationship. He knows better than most how temporary stuff is, and he sees relationships as having a lasting worth. He recognizes that all this physical junk is temporary, and he tries to invest in what is eternal, the best way he can. His hope is that when he gets back on his feet that he will be able to stay connected with the homeless community so that he can continue to minister to them. He has his eyes set on eternity.
I'm interested to see his stack of crowns when we get to heaven. I'm willing to bet it's gonna be way bigger than mine.
Here's the interesting thing... As far as most people could tell, Dave has very little to be so joyous about. He's sick, in the hospital, he's out of work, and oh, did I mention that he's homeless? Yeah. He lives on the river down near Old Bullhead. He's tried to get work, and periodically has succeeded, but like often happens, the work runs out, and he's back where he started. One of the other things that's working against him is a long time addiction to alcohol. He's battled the bottle for a long time. He's been surprisingly honest about it, and he recognizes the depth that this snake has buried it's fangs into him. He's trying hard to surrender it, but it's a struggle, magnified by the reality of his present situation.
Many of us would immediately judge Dave. We would point to his alcoholism as the reason for his homelessness, and though perhaps that does play a part in it, I have to wonder if I was in a similar situation would I fare any better? Unless we have walked a mile in his tattered shoes, do we have any right to pass judgment? Here is a man who although he battles this powerful addiction, is generous with anything and everything he has. He often makes enough money to buy food not only for himself, but the others around his camp. He shares his faith in Jesus with anyone who will listen, and he often leads Bible studies for others who share his situation. He is welcoming, friendly, and shows love unhesitatingly. He absolutely shames much of the "Christian" population, myself included. I think of the sins that I battle against. Are they any less offensive to God? In some cases, am I any more successful than Dave in my own battle against them? But since I have a house, a car, a job, I am considered of worth to society, and Dave is considered a problem. In some eyes, he is considered to be of sub-human worth. That breaks my heart, and I know it breaks God's heart. This is a human being that Jesus was ripped open, nailed to a cross, and bled and died for. He is of eternal worth! The question I have to ask...is he worth anything to me? And if I cannot say yes to that, than what right at all do I have to call myself a follower of Jesus?
In the last several months, my heart has been deeply affected by the call of Christ to minister to the needs of those around us who have little or nothing. It isn't about proselytizing them. It's about serving them. Meeting the basic needs of something to eat, a clean set of clothes, a set of toiletry items. But it goes beyond just the homeless. There are other people who we marginalize because they're different. Maybe they have a social dysfunction, or a disability, and it's much easier to offer a shallow religious platitude than really stop to engage them in a relationship. You see, that's what I see that Dave wants most. Not my money. My friendship. He wants relationship. He knows better than most how temporary stuff is, and he sees relationships as having a lasting worth. He recognizes that all this physical junk is temporary, and he tries to invest in what is eternal, the best way he can. His hope is that when he gets back on his feet that he will be able to stay connected with the homeless community so that he can continue to minister to them. He has his eyes set on eternity.
I'm interested to see his stack of crowns when we get to heaven. I'm willing to bet it's gonna be way bigger than mine.
Monday, June 29, 2009
I'd drive that!
I found this while looking for something completely different. This is a late 60's Toyota FJ-40, I think, customized into a rat rod truck. This combines two of my favorite types of vehicles: Toyotas and rat rod trucks. This is just too stinking sweet!
Let's give this another try...
I'm not sure what I did, but I screwed up something with the other gmail account and couldn't access it, so I redid everything. If I do end up accessing it, I'll just delete it. For those of you affected, I'm sorry about that.
"Drat these computers...they're so naughty and so complex!" - Marvin the Martian
"Drat these computers...they're so naughty and so complex!" - Marvin the Martian
I finally gave in...
...and got a blog. I figure this is a good place to ramble on about the various topics that I'm thinking about, wrestling with, and trying to come to some place of conclusion about. Although the major drawback to digital social networking is that we can pretend to be anyone we want, and no one's the wiser, my intention for this is to do just the opposite. I hope that through these words, others can get a glimpse beyond the exterior, and see what's underneath.
Be forewarned... I'm not an impressive writer, or much of a deep thinker. I'm not much of a theologian, but I do have a deep, deep passion for God's Word, so I like to talk about that a lot. I'm willing to guess that much of what you'll find here won't be deep or profound, or interesting, for that matter. But since it's my blog...I get to write whatever unimpressive, shallow, uninteresting thoughts I want. But hey, you never know... I might come up with something worth reading.
Let see... A little about me. (This is the most narcissistic part) I am a man who is loved, and loves. I am a man who has been called to a place that I am neither deserving of or feel like I am equipped for. It's a constant reminder of 2 Corinthians 4:7... "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." I am certainly a clay vessel, with a handful of fractures... a "crack pot", if you will. But for whatever reason, God has chosen, in His infinite wisdom and humor, to call a goofball like me to the ministry. I certainly don't get it, but I'm thankful for it. (I don't know if the people I pastor are always so thankful for it, but I digress...). Speaking of the people. I love them. They are an incredibly loving, giving, hard working "flock of sheep". Just like every group, there are "those ones" that are hard to love, and find it hard to love. But I'm confident that the True Shepherd is working in me, and in them as well. Anyway, I have a super hot wife that I don't deserve, and who makes amazing food, art, and kids. A couple of crazy little boys who remind me a lot of how God might feel about me. (Sorry, Papa God). I'm the son of two of the most amazing examples of human beings you could ask for, and I'm just hoping if being an amazing human being is genetic, that it didn't skip me and all go to my sister (The jury is still out on that).
As far as cultural tastes, I really have a thing for old trucks, rockabilly and punk music, tattoos, and boardsports. I tend to have eclectic tastes, for which I get teased for on occasion. But that's okay. I can deal with it. I am a wrestler, of sorts. I wrestle with theology, missiology, ecclesiology, and a handful of other "ology's". I mostly wrestle with my flesh, and sometimes with some of the youth kids. Usually the kids win. Sometimes the flesh does, too. But I'm confident that the One that started this work is going to finish it, and that someday I'll be free of this annoying flesh. Until then, I'll keep wrestling.
So there you go. I'm interested to see where this goes. Thanks for coming along for the ride.
Be forewarned... I'm not an impressive writer, or much of a deep thinker. I'm not much of a theologian, but I do have a deep, deep passion for God's Word, so I like to talk about that a lot. I'm willing to guess that much of what you'll find here won't be deep or profound, or interesting, for that matter. But since it's my blog...I get to write whatever unimpressive, shallow, uninteresting thoughts I want. But hey, you never know... I might come up with something worth reading.
Let see... A little about me. (This is the most narcissistic part) I am a man who is loved, and loves. I am a man who has been called to a place that I am neither deserving of or feel like I am equipped for. It's a constant reminder of 2 Corinthians 4:7... "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." I am certainly a clay vessel, with a handful of fractures... a "crack pot", if you will. But for whatever reason, God has chosen, in His infinite wisdom and humor, to call a goofball like me to the ministry. I certainly don't get it, but I'm thankful for it. (I don't know if the people I pastor are always so thankful for it, but I digress...). Speaking of the people. I love them. They are an incredibly loving, giving, hard working "flock of sheep". Just like every group, there are "those ones" that are hard to love, and find it hard to love. But I'm confident that the True Shepherd is working in me, and in them as well. Anyway, I have a super hot wife that I don't deserve, and who makes amazing food, art, and kids. A couple of crazy little boys who remind me a lot of how God might feel about me. (Sorry, Papa God). I'm the son of two of the most amazing examples of human beings you could ask for, and I'm just hoping if being an amazing human being is genetic, that it didn't skip me and all go to my sister (The jury is still out on that).
As far as cultural tastes, I really have a thing for old trucks, rockabilly and punk music, tattoos, and boardsports. I tend to have eclectic tastes, for which I get teased for on occasion. But that's okay. I can deal with it. I am a wrestler, of sorts. I wrestle with theology, missiology, ecclesiology, and a handful of other "ology's". I mostly wrestle with my flesh, and sometimes with some of the youth kids. Usually the kids win. Sometimes the flesh does, too. But I'm confident that the One that started this work is going to finish it, and that someday I'll be free of this annoying flesh. Until then, I'll keep wrestling.
So there you go. I'm interested to see where this goes. Thanks for coming along for the ride.
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