I know we've all heard the old saying, "be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it." Well, I don't think that has ever been more true in my life than now. To be honest, I've been frustrated lately. Not one frustration in particular, but in everything. I've thrown some pretty good pitty party's for myself to celebrate my frustration. But, in all my frustration and confusion, I perservere in one request. Each day I ask God to use me to make himself evident. I ask him to put me in a position to share him with others. I ask him to help me in making him my focus in my actions, not just words. And, well....he is.
I read a book recently by Eugene Peterson called, Tell it Slant. It was awesome. Peterson suggests that we focus not on traditional witness, but to share God in all of our conversation, even when we don't realize it. Here are a few of my favorite quotes in the book. Ruminate on them and see if they speak as loudly to you as they did me:
In our urgency to get our message out, we depersonalize what we have to say into rote phrases or a progammatic formula without regard to the person we are meeting.
I am interested in discerning the voice of God in the conversations that we enagage in when we are not intentionally thinking, "God".
I have always struggled with witnessing to others. I always worried that I would come off as too "churchy". Or, I wondered if I would be unbelievable to people who knew how truly flawed I was. Maybe we've been going about it all wrong. How many people have been turned off by what feels like "Godspeak"? Let me ask you this, do we share Christ without having to use the name of Jesus?
It's not easy. Witnessing this way requires us to live the love of Christ in such a way that others see and hear Him in us even when we don't. It requires a reliance on the Holy Spirit to speak through you in ways that we cannot do alone. This type of witness opens the door to a living experience of Christ's love in ways I never understood. Witness based on genuine relationships rather than empty words. Even as I prayed those prayers, I didn't understand how they were being answered. It was always my hope that others would see Christ in me, but I worried that my flawed nature would win out, and I would have to shout it from the rooftops before anyone believed I loved Jesus. Boy was I wrong. Because even with my little faith, Christ was speaking through me, and I didn't even know it. His message was/is love, patience, acceptance, forgiveness, generosity, and so much more. One of my students recently helped me realize just how much God is present and speaks when we are too noisy to hear it. I have spent the last few weeks sharing with her. I do a lot of listening, and just a little talking. I don't mention God over and over, but when I do, she clings to it. I'm not just sharing my love of Christ, I am also being shown His love for me.
As I am beginning to realize my role in His kingdom work, I find my frustrations deminishing. I am being rewarded by seeing his grace lived out in others. I am being blessed by hearing his spirit. By feeling/accepting his strengh in my weakness, because opening yourself to others is one of the most terrifying experiences ever. It is also the most rewarding. Remember that God is present in every situation whethere we acknowledge him or not. And, he WILL use you to speak, even when you are not speaking. So, be careful. Because others see you, the real you, when you think no one is looking. And, when those around you see Christ in you (even if they don't know it's him) they will seek him through you. And be prepared to share. It may be time consuming and emotionally draining, but it is through these relationships that we don't just speak God, we deliver his love to our world.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
I'm a Hypocrite!
Last week in class, we were discussing the universe, earth, etc., and the conversation veered away from academics and towards something spiritual. I often have students ask about my beliefs, and often they are surprised that my scientific understanding does not interfere or dissect my faith. And every year it makes me ask myself, what are we teaching others about the Kingdom of God?
During this conversation, one student brought up relevant argument that many people claim to be Christians, yet are very hypocritical in their actions. The right side of their mouth doesn't agree with the left. Hipocricy has been a problem that has plagued Christianity since it's foundation. So, it makes sense that we should all be very good at it by now! I don't use the word ALL lightly either. Because, at times, yes ALL of us contradict ourselves. None of us are infallible. We all do or say things, that we know go against what we believe. This is what I call sin. So yes we are all hypocrites, because yes, we all sin. Here's where my thoughts may differ from others. Being a hypocrite isn't a reason not to follow Christ, it is the very reason TO follow Him!!!
If all of us are hypocritical at times, then why are so many people turned off by us "Christians". Well, I think the answer lies in our religious schooling. We are taught that it's bad to be a hypocrite. And, to an extent, it is. At the same time, it is inevitable. I see so many young people who are excited about the message, but they don't truly understand what it means to follow Christ. They are taught to be perfect. They are taught to judge right from wrong not only in themselves, but in others. They are taught about the things you must DO and SAY and how you must ACT in order to be a Christian!!! And, when they can't keep up the charade, and finally get real, they look like hypocrites. It makes me want to scream sometimes. Why aren't we teaching others the truth???
The truth is, no one is perfect. And, if you're striving to live the perfect life, then your focus is off. It's not about living perfection, but about living the love of Jesus. Let's teach our kids the error isn't in being a hypocrite, but in claiming not to be! Let's teach Grace! Let's teach our kids about the real Jesus! Not the story book one, who was soft and cuddly, but the one who was honest, and real. Let's tell them about the Jesus who didn't always tell you what you wanted to hear. The one who said love each other, don't judge! The one who isn't fooled by the fake smile on our faces, but is moved by the genuine love of our hearts. Maybe if we all get real about our faith, and quit trying to impress each other with how good we can be, maybe we can experience the life of the Kingdom, as it was intended.
During this conversation, one student brought up relevant argument that many people claim to be Christians, yet are very hypocritical in their actions. The right side of their mouth doesn't agree with the left. Hipocricy has been a problem that has plagued Christianity since it's foundation. So, it makes sense that we should all be very good at it by now! I don't use the word ALL lightly either. Because, at times, yes ALL of us contradict ourselves. None of us are infallible. We all do or say things, that we know go against what we believe. This is what I call sin. So yes we are all hypocrites, because yes, we all sin. Here's where my thoughts may differ from others. Being a hypocrite isn't a reason not to follow Christ, it is the very reason TO follow Him!!!
If all of us are hypocritical at times, then why are so many people turned off by us "Christians". Well, I think the answer lies in our religious schooling. We are taught that it's bad to be a hypocrite. And, to an extent, it is. At the same time, it is inevitable. I see so many young people who are excited about the message, but they don't truly understand what it means to follow Christ. They are taught to be perfect. They are taught to judge right from wrong not only in themselves, but in others. They are taught about the things you must DO and SAY and how you must ACT in order to be a Christian!!! And, when they can't keep up the charade, and finally get real, they look like hypocrites. It makes me want to scream sometimes. Why aren't we teaching others the truth???
The truth is, no one is perfect. And, if you're striving to live the perfect life, then your focus is off. It's not about living perfection, but about living the love of Jesus. Let's teach our kids the error isn't in being a hypocrite, but in claiming not to be! Let's teach Grace! Let's teach our kids about the real Jesus! Not the story book one, who was soft and cuddly, but the one who was honest, and real. Let's tell them about the Jesus who didn't always tell you what you wanted to hear. The one who said love each other, don't judge! The one who isn't fooled by the fake smile on our faces, but is moved by the genuine love of our hearts. Maybe if we all get real about our faith, and quit trying to impress each other with how good we can be, maybe we can experience the life of the Kingdom, as it was intended.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Food for Thought
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about thinking. And, the more I think about it, the more I realize what an awesome thing thought can be! Maybe I'm not making a lot of sense, but think about it...our thoughts are constant like breath, even in sleep. They are often involuntary. Ideas pop into our heads for seemingly no rhyme nor reason. Thoughts also come like flashes of lightning. We think of something great, but five seconds later we can't remember what it was! I'm not sure why I've been thinking so much lately, but it has led me to a greater reverence of thought.
The concept of thought can be very contradictory at times. I mean, thinking is so easy, that we don't have to think about it to do it. Yet, as a teacher, one of the greatest challenges I face is getting my students to think. Not just gather knowledge and fill in a blank, but to dig deep. To be able to apply a concept to abstract situations, and see the big picture. So...it's easy, but it's hard!! Thoughts can also be contradictory in their moral nature. Good and bad. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "A man is what he thinks about all day long." That can be a great thing, or a really really scary thing!
So what are we to think about all of this thinking? Well, I think, like with every other gift we are given, we should handle it with care. No good or evil can come without thought.
Phillipians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Matthew 15:18-20 says, ""But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen
hands defileth not a man."
God longs for us to think. Not just about him, but about all of his creation. Jesus often spoke in parables, not to frustrate us or cause us to argue about the meaning, but because He wants us to THINK!!! He wants us to contemplate Him. Think about what it means to follow Him. To think like Him. To serve Him. To love like Him. He doesn't want us suffer from the shallowness of spoonfed religion, but to have a deeper understanding of God. And just as important as having a deeper understanding, is realizing that the more we know...the less we understand! Sounds backwards I know. But, the more I think about and learn about our creator, the more questions I have. But this process of thinking, asking, learning, thinking more creates intimacey, respect, and desire for more. This is the process we use to get to know one another, shouldn't we also use it to get to know our Lord?
Never forget that our thoughts have power...great power that is never to be taken for granted. The can and will control of us if we lose focus. So, think about what you're thinking about. Because the thoughts that grow in your mind can manifest in your life. Hmmm...just some food for thought.
The concept of thought can be very contradictory at times. I mean, thinking is so easy, that we don't have to think about it to do it. Yet, as a teacher, one of the greatest challenges I face is getting my students to think. Not just gather knowledge and fill in a blank, but to dig deep. To be able to apply a concept to abstract situations, and see the big picture. So...it's easy, but it's hard!! Thoughts can also be contradictory in their moral nature. Good and bad. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "A man is what he thinks about all day long." That can be a great thing, or a really really scary thing!
So what are we to think about all of this thinking? Well, I think, like with every other gift we are given, we should handle it with care. No good or evil can come without thought.
Phillipians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Matthew 15:18-20 says, ""But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen
hands defileth not a man."
God longs for us to think. Not just about him, but about all of his creation. Jesus often spoke in parables, not to frustrate us or cause us to argue about the meaning, but because He wants us to THINK!!! He wants us to contemplate Him. Think about what it means to follow Him. To think like Him. To serve Him. To love like Him. He doesn't want us suffer from the shallowness of spoonfed religion, but to have a deeper understanding of God. And just as important as having a deeper understanding, is realizing that the more we know...the less we understand! Sounds backwards I know. But, the more I think about and learn about our creator, the more questions I have. But this process of thinking, asking, learning, thinking more creates intimacey, respect, and desire for more. This is the process we use to get to know one another, shouldn't we also use it to get to know our Lord?
Never forget that our thoughts have power...great power that is never to be taken for granted. The can and will control of us if we lose focus. So, think about what you're thinking about. Because the thoughts that grow in your mind can manifest in your life. Hmmm...just some food for thought.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Give it up!
I read something cool in the news this week. Australian businessman, Karl Rabeder, is is giving away his $5.3 million dollar fortune to seek true happiness in life. Here's a link to his story if you want more delails. Karl Rebeder story. If you don't want to read it, here's the short and sweet. Rabeder is a self made millionaire who felt that more wealth and luxury would equal happiness. But happiness never came. Hard work and money would buy luxurious things, but they were never enough. So, he decided to get rid of it all! He said, "My idea is to have nothing left. Absolutely nothing. Money is counter-productive, it prevents happiness."
This story seems unbelievable in today's consumer driven society. And though we don't often admit it, none of us are immune to this sickness of materialism. At least I know I'm not! I've already decided that my next car needs to have built in GPS, leather heated seats and steering wheel!!! It's kind of funny to think about how dependent we are on "stuff". I think many of us learned that the hard way during our power outage. But, it's really not funny at all. We may think our stuff makes us happy, but the euphoria is temporary. Ever wondered why buyers remorse is so pandemic? So, if not stuff, where DO we find true happiness? I think you'll all know my answer. Of course...Jesus Christ. Talk about a man who gave it all up! H didn't give up a lot monetarily, but that's just because he didn't have any money to give. So, he gave what he had. Himself. His heart, His soul, His tears, His sweat, and ultimately, His life. What do we give for Him???
This story also tied into something else that's been on my mind lately. The season of Lent. Traditionally, Lend is a period of time leading up to Easter, when Christians prepare to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are may ways to observe Lent, but many Christians do so through prayer, self-denial, almsgiving, repentance, reflection, and soul-searching. The forty days are meant to represent the 40 days that Christ spent in the wilderness preparing for his ministry. During this time, Christ was immersed in communion with His heavenly father. Though traditionally a Catholic, Methodist, or Lutheran tradition, I want to encourage us all to observe lint this year.
We tend to get so caught up in life physically, emotionally, monetarily, etc. Let's get rid of it! I'm not telling you to sell all of your stuff like the Australian millionaire, but simplify. Reflect on a part of your life that consumes more of you than it should. Think about where your life focus is now. Is it on Jesus Christ? Is it really? If no, or I'm not sure was your answer, then why not? What's keeping you from the sweet peace offered by our Saviour? Whatever it is...GIVE IT UP!!! I want to encourage you to take your commitment one step farther and not just remove something, but replace it with Christ. I'm giving up my snooze button. I HATE mornings!!! I set the alarm 45 minutes early so I can ease out of my slumber. So, instead, I am going to get up and spend my first fruit of the day with Christ. I admit, I've tried this one before and failed miserably!!! Maybe you don't want to change the time of day you commune with our father. Maybe you just want to spend more time, or maybe more "real" time. Whatever you choose to do, be it prayer, meditation, reading, fasting, etcetera, I pray the outcome is fruitful. It's certainly not going to be easy, but let's encourage each other along the way. So, good luck! And here's to hope that you all experience more of Christ, by experiencing less of the world.
This story seems unbelievable in today's consumer driven society. And though we don't often admit it, none of us are immune to this sickness of materialism. At least I know I'm not! I've already decided that my next car needs to have built in GPS, leather heated seats and steering wheel!!! It's kind of funny to think about how dependent we are on "stuff". I think many of us learned that the hard way during our power outage. But, it's really not funny at all. We may think our stuff makes us happy, but the euphoria is temporary. Ever wondered why buyers remorse is so pandemic? So, if not stuff, where DO we find true happiness? I think you'll all know my answer. Of course...Jesus Christ. Talk about a man who gave it all up! H didn't give up a lot monetarily, but that's just because he didn't have any money to give. So, he gave what he had. Himself. His heart, His soul, His tears, His sweat, and ultimately, His life. What do we give for Him???
This story also tied into something else that's been on my mind lately. The season of Lent. Traditionally, Lend is a period of time leading up to Easter, when Christians prepare to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are may ways to observe Lent, but many Christians do so through prayer, self-denial, almsgiving, repentance, reflection, and soul-searching. The forty days are meant to represent the 40 days that Christ spent in the wilderness preparing for his ministry. During this time, Christ was immersed in communion with His heavenly father. Though traditionally a Catholic, Methodist, or Lutheran tradition, I want to encourage us all to observe lint this year.
We tend to get so caught up in life physically, emotionally, monetarily, etc. Let's get rid of it! I'm not telling you to sell all of your stuff like the Australian millionaire, but simplify. Reflect on a part of your life that consumes more of you than it should. Think about where your life focus is now. Is it on Jesus Christ? Is it really? If no, or I'm not sure was your answer, then why not? What's keeping you from the sweet peace offered by our Saviour? Whatever it is...GIVE IT UP!!! I want to encourage you to take your commitment one step farther and not just remove something, but replace it with Christ. I'm giving up my snooze button. I HATE mornings!!! I set the alarm 45 minutes early so I can ease out of my slumber. So, instead, I am going to get up and spend my first fruit of the day with Christ. I admit, I've tried this one before and failed miserably!!! Maybe you don't want to change the time of day you commune with our father. Maybe you just want to spend more time, or maybe more "real" time. Whatever you choose to do, be it prayer, meditation, reading, fasting, etcetera, I pray the outcome is fruitful. It's certainly not going to be easy, but let's encourage each other along the way. So, good luck! And here's to hope that you all experience more of Christ, by experiencing less of the world.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Being Church
Every year at Christmas, I watch the Jim Carey version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It's weird how I notice different things about the movie each year that I never noticed before. This year, I didn't notice any new details specifically, but I did notice something even bigger.
It's Christmas time in Whoville. Everyone is hustling and bustling getting ready for the big day. It's a madhouse at the stores as everyone tries to buy last minute gifts. All the smiling faces tell us that everyone MUST be happy in Whoville...right? Well, everyone but two. Little Cindy Lou isn't just less than thrilled, she's downright sad! What's the point she thinks? What good are all these gifts? She sings the sweetest sadest song, "Where are you Christmas? Why can't I find you? Why have you gone away?" Her parents try to cheer her up, but she's not buying it. She knows something is missing. Enter the Grinch. Whoville outcast. Scorned by society because he's just horrible! But that's not the real reason. He was just different. Because he looked and acted different, he was treated as such. He is hurt down to his core by the rejection of others, and secludes himself. Cindy reaches out to the Grinch, and though he is shocked, he rejects her. But, she doesn't quit. Time and again she tries, and he rejects. The more she tries the madder he gets. So, the Grinch steals Christmas...well the presents anyways. He thinks no presents equals no Christmas. Whoville will be destroyed. But that's not what hppends. In fact, it's Cindy Lou who shows him what Christmas is truly about. Not the presents, or pretty decorations, but rather the spirit of togetherness. Something that can't be stolen. The Grinch is moved, and Christmas is saved as they all hold hands and sing around the Christmas tree.
Long post, but stay with me...What if this isn't about Christmas at all, but rather it's about Church. Haven't we all wondered if there wasn't something more? Haven't we all thought what's the point? Just like the Who's bought presents, haven't we all gone to Church out of obligation? If Christmas isn't about presents, maybe Church isn't about attendance. Maybe it's something more. Think about this for a second...What if the Grinch stole your Church building? Would that be the end? Or, would you respond like Cindy Lou? Would the absence of the building reveal the true church? Replace the Christmas tree with Jesus, and let's sing around that!!! Isn't that how we find the true spirit of our church? It's not a building or a place, but it's US! Not an institution focused on finance, but a living body! It's our hearts and lives being lived out through Jesus Christ. If churches really followed that model, we wouldn't create Grinches by turning away those who are different from us. I know we all like to think that "our" church doesn't do that....but we do. It's just "human nature". That's the point too. The church shouldn't be led by human nature but rather by Christs' nature! So, everyone who reads this should go to their church and turn it upside down right??? Nope. I just want us all to look a little, actually a lot, deeper. I don't just think there's something more, I know it. But, how we get there is not our choice or will, but HIS! We try and turn our own grand ideas into His will with the best of intentions, then can't figure out why such a wonderful idea just didn't work.
Try to think about what it truly means to be a church. Literally and figuratively. Think on it. Pray on it, and if you're led, act on it! Just make sure the actions you take are based on His plan for the New You, not your own. This topic is going to take some time to go through. My thoughts are too scrambled to get to the point in just one post. As I organize my thoughts into something a little more coherant than this post, be thinking about what you believe a church is supposed to do or be. Please share your thoughts with me too. I love hearing from all of you.
It's Christmas time in Whoville. Everyone is hustling and bustling getting ready for the big day. It's a madhouse at the stores as everyone tries to buy last minute gifts. All the smiling faces tell us that everyone MUST be happy in Whoville...right? Well, everyone but two. Little Cindy Lou isn't just less than thrilled, she's downright sad! What's the point she thinks? What good are all these gifts? She sings the sweetest sadest song, "Where are you Christmas? Why can't I find you? Why have you gone away?" Her parents try to cheer her up, but she's not buying it. She knows something is missing. Enter the Grinch. Whoville outcast. Scorned by society because he's just horrible! But that's not the real reason. He was just different. Because he looked and acted different, he was treated as such. He is hurt down to his core by the rejection of others, and secludes himself. Cindy reaches out to the Grinch, and though he is shocked, he rejects her. But, she doesn't quit. Time and again she tries, and he rejects. The more she tries the madder he gets. So, the Grinch steals Christmas...well the presents anyways. He thinks no presents equals no Christmas. Whoville will be destroyed. But that's not what hppends. In fact, it's Cindy Lou who shows him what Christmas is truly about. Not the presents, or pretty decorations, but rather the spirit of togetherness. Something that can't be stolen. The Grinch is moved, and Christmas is saved as they all hold hands and sing around the Christmas tree.
Long post, but stay with me...What if this isn't about Christmas at all, but rather it's about Church. Haven't we all wondered if there wasn't something more? Haven't we all thought what's the point? Just like the Who's bought presents, haven't we all gone to Church out of obligation? If Christmas isn't about presents, maybe Church isn't about attendance. Maybe it's something more. Think about this for a second...What if the Grinch stole your Church building? Would that be the end? Or, would you respond like Cindy Lou? Would the absence of the building reveal the true church? Replace the Christmas tree with Jesus, and let's sing around that!!! Isn't that how we find the true spirit of our church? It's not a building or a place, but it's US! Not an institution focused on finance, but a living body! It's our hearts and lives being lived out through Jesus Christ. If churches really followed that model, we wouldn't create Grinches by turning away those who are different from us. I know we all like to think that "our" church doesn't do that....but we do. It's just "human nature". That's the point too. The church shouldn't be led by human nature but rather by Christs' nature! So, everyone who reads this should go to their church and turn it upside down right??? Nope. I just want us all to look a little, actually a lot, deeper. I don't just think there's something more, I know it. But, how we get there is not our choice or will, but HIS! We try and turn our own grand ideas into His will with the best of intentions, then can't figure out why such a wonderful idea just didn't work.
Try to think about what it truly means to be a church. Literally and figuratively. Think on it. Pray on it, and if you're led, act on it! Just make sure the actions you take are based on His plan for the New You, not your own. This topic is going to take some time to go through. My thoughts are too scrambled to get to the point in just one post. As I organize my thoughts into something a little more coherant than this post, be thinking about what you believe a church is supposed to do or be. Please share your thoughts with me too. I love hearing from all of you.
Friday, January 15, 2010
New Year. New You?
It's been a while, I know. The holiday season was beautifully simple, and a much needed escape from the chaos of my life. But, here we are, half way through January, and I find myself being sucked back into the swirling vortex of work, home, kids, church, appointments, etcetera, etcetera. While I didn't make any particular New Year's Resolutions, (they're just not my thing) I do have hope of simplifying my life a bit this year. That may be wishful thinking, but I'm going to think it none the less! I'm also making it a point to find time for myself amongst the madness. I want to learn how to play the guitar mom bought me 6 years ago! I'm also taking time to read. One of my favorite pastimes had become just that...the past! Thanks to my hubby (a.k.a. Santa), reading has become much more convenient with my new Kindle! Anytime I want a book, it's there at the click of a button! I love it!!!
So, I've been reading feverishly since Christmas. I started a book this week called "So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore". As I started reading, I could definitely see parallels to things going on in our Church. Things that need to be "fixed". For instance, the way we focus on rules over love. Or the lack of action due to differing opinions. Even more critical points attacked our foundation. Do we really, truly understand who Jesus was? What else lies within our church walls? Within the heart of the church? Lies, manipulation, hurt, anger, mistrust, fear...some of this is pretty hard to swallow. But, as I continue to read, this book is becoming more personal.
It's not really about changing your church at all, but about changing yourself. But, I'm perfect right? So, what's this got to do with me God? HAHAHA! Here's a toughy...what's your motivation in service? Do we truly do it to worship and love? Sure we do...but then again, that pat on the back feels pretty good too. How many times have you ever volunteered to do something because the voice in your head was saying, "If I don't do it, no one will, or at least it won't be done right!". Hmmmm? What about who we help? Do we love freely with all God's creations, or do we pick and choose? Or do we offer conditional help? "Sure we can help you Needy Nancy, as long as you come to our church." Funny thing is, I don't remember Christ placing conditions on His love for us. We work so hard to be good Christians, but is that what it's really about? Are we working to be good or perfect, or to be like Christ? And, is it US doing the work, or are we fully reliant upon His spirit to provide, and allowing ourselves to become tools of His grace? Do we represent Christ as a spiritual Lord in heaven or as a tangible Saviour living here and now? I'll be honest here...I'm GUILTY!!! I've done and still do these things, even if it is unconsciously at times.
This post doesn't offer the answers, but hopefully it will get the ball rolling on your own self reflection, as it has mine. I encourage you to read the book if you can. You can download it free at jakecolsen.com. It is a fictional book, and I want you to keep that in mind as you read. It is not a "Bible" study. But, it will provoke thought, self reflection, awareness, clearer vision, and likely some new realizations of your journey with Christ. There will likely be many more posts as I explore my own spiritual foundations and growth. And hopefully, if we are truthful and sincere in our search we will all find the "New You" this year.
So, I've been reading feverishly since Christmas. I started a book this week called "So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore". As I started reading, I could definitely see parallels to things going on in our Church. Things that need to be "fixed". For instance, the way we focus on rules over love. Or the lack of action due to differing opinions. Even more critical points attacked our foundation. Do we really, truly understand who Jesus was? What else lies within our church walls? Within the heart of the church? Lies, manipulation, hurt, anger, mistrust, fear...some of this is pretty hard to swallow. But, as I continue to read, this book is becoming more personal.
It's not really about changing your church at all, but about changing yourself. But, I'm perfect right? So, what's this got to do with me God? HAHAHA! Here's a toughy...what's your motivation in service? Do we truly do it to worship and love? Sure we do...but then again, that pat on the back feels pretty good too. How many times have you ever volunteered to do something because the voice in your head was saying, "If I don't do it, no one will, or at least it won't be done right!". Hmmmm? What about who we help? Do we love freely with all God's creations, or do we pick and choose? Or do we offer conditional help? "Sure we can help you Needy Nancy, as long as you come to our church." Funny thing is, I don't remember Christ placing conditions on His love for us. We work so hard to be good Christians, but is that what it's really about? Are we working to be good or perfect, or to be like Christ? And, is it US doing the work, or are we fully reliant upon His spirit to provide, and allowing ourselves to become tools of His grace? Do we represent Christ as a spiritual Lord in heaven or as a tangible Saviour living here and now? I'll be honest here...I'm GUILTY!!! I've done and still do these things, even if it is unconsciously at times.
This post doesn't offer the answers, but hopefully it will get the ball rolling on your own self reflection, as it has mine. I encourage you to read the book if you can. You can download it free at jakecolsen.com. It is a fictional book, and I want you to keep that in mind as you read. It is not a "Bible" study. But, it will provoke thought, self reflection, awareness, clearer vision, and likely some new realizations of your journey with Christ. There will likely be many more posts as I explore my own spiritual foundations and growth. And hopefully, if we are truthful and sincere in our search we will all find the "New You" this year.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Did You Take Your Medicine?
This past week was a rough one at the Tacker house. This time of year is complete insanity. Work is crazy. trying to prepare the kids for semester tests when all they can think about is Christmas break is futile at best. I'm trying to keep up with Jewelry orders and craft shows, finish my own Christmas shopping, go to Holiday dinners, church, etc. We're tired. And what always seems to happen when you let yourself get worn down? You get sick. And sick we have been! The boys and I can't seem to get over it. Polly told me my coughing was giving her a headache! I can't remember the last time I've been this sick for this long.
Normally, I hate taking medicine. But this time, I realized this was something I couldn't just beat on my own. I was going to need a little help to get over this. So, we've been taking our medicine. Religiously. In fact, this morning was the first time I've gotten to go to church in over a week. That might not seem like a lot, but we usually go 3 times a week! Even though I still don't feel well, it was great being back in church. When Polly saw the tray of grape juice during communion, she asked, "Mommy, is that medicine?". I laughed and said, "No.". It was so cute. Then she said something else that really made me think. She said, "But mom. It looks like medicine." I agreed. Then she said, "Is it medicine that helps you remember Jesus? Does it help you remember that Jesus lives intoside your heart?" I don't know if my jaw dropped literally, but I couldn't believe what she said. I asked her if one of her Sunday school teachers had told her that. She said no. She said she just "knew" it.
Wow! My little four year got what so many of us, myself included, lose sight during all the hustle and buslte of life. We go through the motions. We go to the places we're supposed to go, and do the things we're supposed to do, but we're running on autopilot. It's like when you drive for a while, and before you know it, you reach your destination but can't remember half of the trip. It's actally pretty frightening when you think about it. It's happened to me numerous times, and I always wonder what went on during those times of unconscious consciousness. And, it doesn't just happen while driving. It happens when we get too busy living our lives. I go through the motions at work. I cook dinner for my family, but can't remember what we ate the next day. So much of LIFE get's lost in the chaos. Not only do we forget the importance of Christ living within us, but we forget the even greater calling of showing that to others. How can we expect people to see Christ in us, if we don't even take time to see Him there ourselves! So, how do we wake up?
We do what Polly reminded me to do. We take our medicine. Just like my current illness, we can't get rid of the fog on our own. We need help. And just like chemical medications, we all react differently to different medications. This morning, my medication was taking communion in the presence of my daughter. Some days, its reading, praying, talking, or writing. Whatever medication I need that day, the results bring healing. And the healing we get comes from the ultimate healer. When we allow ourselves to "remember" Him, He wakes us from our daze and brings us back into the fullness of life He intended for us. And His healing isn't just a temporary fix, it's the ultimate cure.
Psalm 30:2-3
LORD my God, I cried out to You,And You healed me.
O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken,Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
Normally, I hate taking medicine. But this time, I realized this was something I couldn't just beat on my own. I was going to need a little help to get over this. So, we've been taking our medicine. Religiously. In fact, this morning was the first time I've gotten to go to church in over a week. That might not seem like a lot, but we usually go 3 times a week! Even though I still don't feel well, it was great being back in church. When Polly saw the tray of grape juice during communion, she asked, "Mommy, is that medicine?". I laughed and said, "No.". It was so cute. Then she said something else that really made me think. She said, "But mom. It looks like medicine." I agreed. Then she said, "Is it medicine that helps you remember Jesus? Does it help you remember that Jesus lives intoside your heart?" I don't know if my jaw dropped literally, but I couldn't believe what she said. I asked her if one of her Sunday school teachers had told her that. She said no. She said she just "knew" it.
Wow! My little four year got what so many of us, myself included, lose sight during all the hustle and buslte of life. We go through the motions. We go to the places we're supposed to go, and do the things we're supposed to do, but we're running on autopilot. It's like when you drive for a while, and before you know it, you reach your destination but can't remember half of the trip. It's actally pretty frightening when you think about it. It's happened to me numerous times, and I always wonder what went on during those times of unconscious consciousness. And, it doesn't just happen while driving. It happens when we get too busy living our lives. I go through the motions at work. I cook dinner for my family, but can't remember what we ate the next day. So much of LIFE get's lost in the chaos. Not only do we forget the importance of Christ living within us, but we forget the even greater calling of showing that to others. How can we expect people to see Christ in us, if we don't even take time to see Him there ourselves! So, how do we wake up?
We do what Polly reminded me to do. We take our medicine. Just like my current illness, we can't get rid of the fog on our own. We need help. And just like chemical medications, we all react differently to different medications. This morning, my medication was taking communion in the presence of my daughter. Some days, its reading, praying, talking, or writing. Whatever medication I need that day, the results bring healing. And the healing we get comes from the ultimate healer. When we allow ourselves to "remember" Him, He wakes us from our daze and brings us back into the fullness of life He intended for us. And His healing isn't just a temporary fix, it's the ultimate cure.
Psalm 30:2-3
LORD my God, I cried out to You,And You healed me.
O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken,Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
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