I've been rereading The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey. I recommend it to you. There are so many interesting thoughts in it.
One of those thoughts has to do with what the author describes as God's restraint.
During the temptations in the desert, Jesus could have taken whatever action he wanted. He could have done any of the things Satan proposed. He could have done twice what was asked of him. He could have done something far more spectacular than Satan asked.
But he chose to leave Satan empty-handed.
In the garden. On the cross. In the manger. In so many contexts, Jesus could have taken action, but he chose to restrain his power. He chose to approach us gently.
He chose to leave us space to decide for ourselves. He protected us from his overwhelming might, giving us the option to love him or not.
And later when scoffers charged that the second coming was slow, God waited patiently not wanting any of us to perish. Restraint.
Absolute power in absolute control.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Mind control
The words "mind control" evoke such negative connotations. My brain conjures up helpless victims who suffer at the hands of evil governments or sinister scientists.
In a similar way, "brain washing" also makes the back of my neck crawl. The idea of someone taking over my thoughts is abhorrent.
It's not that my brain thinks such great thoughts that it shouldn't be disturbed. It isn't that my mind is always completely focused on right ideas. In fact, my mind, my thoughts are often part of my problem as I try to live the Christian life.
Much of the time we can keep from doing rotten things, but it is much more difficult to keep our thoughts in line. We can avoid stealing and murder, but how do we keep our minds from going where they shouldn't go? (Didn't Jesus tell us that it isn't just about what we do, but also what we think?)
And it's not just a matter of purity. What about other kinds of self-destructive thinking? What about the negative self-talk that can cripple our outreach or stunt our spiritual growth. And what about the debilitating anxiety that can shut down our faith or steal our joy?
The area inside our heads is a battlefield where Satan wins far too often. The father of lies knows just when to inject a little self-doubt, just when to whisper second-thoughts, just when to distract us with a focus on our failings. And often we can hide from others how much of our thinking belongs to Satan.
The Bible speaks to this struggle often and vividly: Take captive every thought (2 Cor 10:5). We should avoid anxiety and futility in our thinking (Eph 4:17) and instead pursue wholesome thinking (2 Peter 3:1) and uplifting thoughts (Phil 4:8). Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (Romans 8:5b)
Clearly, what goes on between our ears is important, and when we are told to learn self-control, it surely means control not just of our arms and legs but also of our thoughts. We are told to love God with all our minds (and everything else) so we can't relinquish our heads to Satan; we must repell his advances, reserving our minds for God.
In this way, "mind control" becomes a spiritual discipline, and "brain washing" is the kind of cleaning that I should seek out for myself.
Empty out the bad, the destructive, the negative . . . and be filled with the Spirit, with praise, with thanksgiving and encouragement. We must actively avoid anxiety and similar mental dead-ends. We are advised to set our minds on better things, more fruitful things. It's a constant battle to keep Satan off the property that rightfully belongs to God.
In a similar way, "brain washing" also makes the back of my neck crawl. The idea of someone taking over my thoughts is abhorrent.
It's not that my brain thinks such great thoughts that it shouldn't be disturbed. It isn't that my mind is always completely focused on right ideas. In fact, my mind, my thoughts are often part of my problem as I try to live the Christian life.
Much of the time we can keep from doing rotten things, but it is much more difficult to keep our thoughts in line. We can avoid stealing and murder, but how do we keep our minds from going where they shouldn't go? (Didn't Jesus tell us that it isn't just about what we do, but also what we think?)
And it's not just a matter of purity. What about other kinds of self-destructive thinking? What about the negative self-talk that can cripple our outreach or stunt our spiritual growth. And what about the debilitating anxiety that can shut down our faith or steal our joy?
The area inside our heads is a battlefield where Satan wins far too often. The father of lies knows just when to inject a little self-doubt, just when to whisper second-thoughts, just when to distract us with a focus on our failings. And often we can hide from others how much of our thinking belongs to Satan.
The Bible speaks to this struggle often and vividly: Take captive every thought (2 Cor 10:5). We should avoid anxiety and futility in our thinking (Eph 4:17) and instead pursue wholesome thinking (2 Peter 3:1) and uplifting thoughts (Phil 4:8). Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (Romans 8:5b)
Clearly, what goes on between our ears is important, and when we are told to learn self-control, it surely means control not just of our arms and legs but also of our thoughts. We are told to love God with all our minds (and everything else) so we can't relinquish our heads to Satan; we must repell his advances, reserving our minds for God.
In this way, "mind control" becomes a spiritual discipline, and "brain washing" is the kind of cleaning that I should seek out for myself.
Empty out the bad, the destructive, the negative . . . and be filled with the Spirit, with praise, with thanksgiving and encouragement. We must actively avoid anxiety and similar mental dead-ends. We are advised to set our minds on better things, more fruitful things. It's a constant battle to keep Satan off the property that rightfully belongs to God.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Goals
For a good many years I have had a personal tradition: every January, I take a day off from work on a day when I know I can be undisturbed at home.
I spend the day in Bible study, meditation, prayer, and goal setting for the year ahead.
I have a deep conviction that the goal setting cannot be done apart from the other three.
Although there is no set agenda for the day, I generally spend the morning in Bible study, meditation, and prayer. I rarely begin my goal setting until afternoon -- after I have spent several hours honoring God, devoting myself to Him and His will for me.
Most years I set a variety of goals for myself -- goals in my spiritual walk, in my interpersonal relationships (family/friends/etc), in my professional life, in my personal health/well being, and sometimes in general areas (learn a foreign language) or creative areas (write short stories). I write down whatever goals seem appropriate.
When I approach goal setting, I don't shy away from any area of my life because I believe all of my life to be wholly God's. I am certain that if I offer it to Him, God can use growth in any area of my life.
When I'm ready to start my goal setting, I generally begin with a statement of who I am at this point in my life. I describe myself. I begin with "I am a child of God." Then I describe the external facts about my self , such as my age, etc. (I usually write notes as I move through this day because it helps me remain focused.)
Next, I think back over my life experiences. I medidate on how God has been faithful to me in the past. I note His blessings.
Next, I think about the promises God has made concerning my future. I recall what I know about God's character and his relationship with His children.
Finally, I prayerfully list the goals that come to mind for the year ahead. I offer them up to God for His consideration. I end by praying my submission to His tender care.
This tradition has been a rich practice for me over the years. Often during the year, I see doors open and unanticipated opportunities blossom, allowing me to move forward in achieving some of the goals on my list. Occasionally I see doors close. Some years it seems that God adds His own (different) things to my list.
Perhaps God looks forward to these goal setting days of togetherness as much as I do.
" . . . those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness." Prov 14:22
I spend the day in Bible study, meditation, prayer, and goal setting for the year ahead.
I have a deep conviction that the goal setting cannot be done apart from the other three.
Although there is no set agenda for the day, I generally spend the morning in Bible study, meditation, and prayer. I rarely begin my goal setting until afternoon -- after I have spent several hours honoring God, devoting myself to Him and His will for me.
Most years I set a variety of goals for myself -- goals in my spiritual walk, in my interpersonal relationships (family/friends/etc), in my professional life, in my personal health/well being, and sometimes in general areas (learn a foreign language) or creative areas (write short stories). I write down whatever goals seem appropriate.
When I approach goal setting, I don't shy away from any area of my life because I believe all of my life to be wholly God's. I am certain that if I offer it to Him, God can use growth in any area of my life.
When I'm ready to start my goal setting, I generally begin with a statement of who I am at this point in my life. I describe myself. I begin with "I am a child of God." Then I describe the external facts about my self , such as my age, etc. (I usually write notes as I move through this day because it helps me remain focused.)
Next, I think back over my life experiences. I medidate on how God has been faithful to me in the past. I note His blessings.
Next, I think about the promises God has made concerning my future. I recall what I know about God's character and his relationship with His children.
Finally, I prayerfully list the goals that come to mind for the year ahead. I offer them up to God for His consideration. I end by praying my submission to His tender care.
This tradition has been a rich practice for me over the years. Often during the year, I see doors open and unanticipated opportunities blossom, allowing me to move forward in achieving some of the goals on my list. Occasionally I see doors close. Some years it seems that God adds His own (different) things to my list.
Perhaps God looks forward to these goal setting days of togetherness as much as I do.
" . . . those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness." Prov 14:22
Saturday, October 13, 2007
One another
I have a 4" x 4" framed print that shows two jersey cows. Above their heads, are the words "Let us love" and below it says "One Anudder." I love this silly little knickknack because of who gave it to me.
When I first began teaching adult Bible classes, I taught a lesson on the "one another" verses in the New Testament. You know the ones I mean:
Love one another (John 13:34)
Honor one another above yourselves (Romans12:10)
Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)
Stop passing judgment on one another (Romans 14:13)
Accept one another just as Christ accepted you (Romans 15:7)
Serve one another in love (Gal 5:13)
Be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2)
Be kind and compassionate to one another (Eph 4 32)
Submit to one another (Eph 5:21)
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another(Col 3:13)
Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom (Col 3:16)
Encourage one another and build each other up (I Thess 5:11)
Encourage one another daily (Heb 3:13)
Spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Heb 10:24)
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling (I Peter 4:9)
And, there are more . . .
The relationships among us MUST be important if they are mentioned so often!
As I said, I had just started teaching adult Bible classes, and I wasn't sure I was capable. I worried that I wouldn't have anything worthwhile to offer.
A few days after my 'one another' lesson, a wonderful woman from our church brought me the framed cows with a note thanking me for the Bible study. Her simple gesture of encouragement came at a time when I thought I might not continue teaching. Her kindness led me to try again.
I've often looked at that knickknack and thought that she embodied the lesson of those 'one another' verses. I spoke the words of the lesson, but she -- through her actions -- she taught me the lesson.
She was a master at the art and power of "one-anothering."
When I first began teaching adult Bible classes, I taught a lesson on the "one another" verses in the New Testament. You know the ones I mean:
Love one another (John 13:34)
Honor one another above yourselves (Romans12:10)
Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)
Stop passing judgment on one another (Romans 14:13)
Accept one another just as Christ accepted you (Romans 15:7)
Serve one another in love (Gal 5:13)
Be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2)
Be kind and compassionate to one another (Eph 4 32)
Submit to one another (Eph 5:21)
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another(Col 3:13)
Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom (Col 3:16)
Encourage one another and build each other up (I Thess 5:11)
Encourage one another daily (Heb 3:13)
Spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Heb 10:24)
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling (I Peter 4:9)
And, there are more . . .
The relationships among us MUST be important if they are mentioned so often!
As I said, I had just started teaching adult Bible classes, and I wasn't sure I was capable. I worried that I wouldn't have anything worthwhile to offer.
A few days after my 'one another' lesson, a wonderful woman from our church brought me the framed cows with a note thanking me for the Bible study. Her simple gesture of encouragement came at a time when I thought I might not continue teaching. Her kindness led me to try again.
I've often looked at that knickknack and thought that she embodied the lesson of those 'one another' verses. I spoke the words of the lesson, but she -- through her actions -- she taught me the lesson.
She was a master at the art and power of "one-anothering."
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Making Jesus Angry
Mark tells a story about Jesus being angry.
If you are like me, your mind raced ahead to the cleansing of the temple. I have a vivid mental picture of Jesus (that may have originated in one of those colorful illustrations found in my childhood Bible), whip in hand, driving animals out as moneychangers fled.
But that was not the occasion of Jesus' anger as recorded in the second gospel. In fact, when I turned to read the several accounts of Jesus clearing the temple, I discovered that the text does not say that Jesus was angry.
In Mark 3:5, however, "Jesus looked around at them in anger." He had asked the people in the synagogue which was lawful on the sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill. This should have been an easy one for them, but they remained silent. That's when Jesus became angry.
He was "deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts."
In Nehemiah (9:29) we are told that the Israelites had stubbornly turned their backs on God, became stiff-necked and refused to listen to God.
The writer of Psalm 78 described his forefathers as a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him. (v.8)
Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, and Zechariah describe the Israelites as stubborn. And we are told that God was angered by their behavior (Deut 31:16-18, Judges 20:20; Ps 78:21; Ps 95:10).
I decided to explore the meaning of the word so I grabbed a handy American Heritage Dictionary, where I learned that the first definition of stubborn is "unduly determined to exert one's will."
What made Jesus angry? What has made God mad throughout all history?
People who choose their own will over God's will for us.
If you are like me, your mind raced ahead to the cleansing of the temple. I have a vivid mental picture of Jesus (that may have originated in one of those colorful illustrations found in my childhood Bible), whip in hand, driving animals out as moneychangers fled.
But that was not the occasion of Jesus' anger as recorded in the second gospel. In fact, when I turned to read the several accounts of Jesus clearing the temple, I discovered that the text does not say that Jesus was angry.
In Mark 3:5, however, "Jesus looked around at them in anger." He had asked the people in the synagogue which was lawful on the sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill. This should have been an easy one for them, but they remained silent. That's when Jesus became angry.
He was "deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts."
In Nehemiah (9:29) we are told that the Israelites had stubbornly turned their backs on God, became stiff-necked and refused to listen to God.
The writer of Psalm 78 described his forefathers as a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him. (v.8)
Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, and Zechariah describe the Israelites as stubborn. And we are told that God was angered by their behavior (Deut 31:16-18, Judges 20:20; Ps 78:21; Ps 95:10).
I decided to explore the meaning of the word so I grabbed a handy American Heritage Dictionary, where I learned that the first definition of stubborn is "unduly determined to exert one's will."
What made Jesus angry? What has made God mad throughout all history?
People who choose their own will over God's will for us.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Fearful
I doubt that any among us would claim to have a fearful approach to life. We recognize that we are called to a better, more powerful lifestyle than that.
Now I will admit to being 'cautious' in some circumstances and 'measured' in other situations. I am 'thoughtful' and am not given to just jumping into the deep end.
But whatever words you put on this approach to life, the end result is much the same: inaction. Sometimes I'm so cautious or measured, that I do nothing, and I think the root of my caution is fear -- maybe not quaking-in-my-boots fear, but fear nonetheless.
In the book of Acts, the disciples are characterized by boldness. Paul writes to various churches, encouraging them to make the most of their opportunities. (Gal. 6:10, Eph 5:16, Col 4:5) We are encouraged to set aside what hinders and RUN the race (Heb 12:1)
No, I don't think we are supposed to be reckless or thoughtless, but I do think there is supposed to be an element of venturousness in our approach to life. Some opportunities don't come around more than once; we have to be willing to move forward.
Now I will admit to being 'cautious' in some circumstances and 'measured' in other situations. I am 'thoughtful' and am not given to just jumping into the deep end.
But whatever words you put on this approach to life, the end result is much the same: inaction. Sometimes I'm so cautious or measured, that I do nothing, and I think the root of my caution is fear -- maybe not quaking-in-my-boots fear, but fear nonetheless.
In the book of Acts, the disciples are characterized by boldness. Paul writes to various churches, encouraging them to make the most of their opportunities. (Gal. 6:10, Eph 5:16, Col 4:5) We are encouraged to set aside what hinders and RUN the race (Heb 12:1)
No, I don't think we are supposed to be reckless or thoughtless, but I do think there is supposed to be an element of venturousness in our approach to life. Some opportunities don't come around more than once; we have to be willing to move forward.
You can't step into the same river twice, according to Heraclitus. Shakespeare may have overstated this a bit, but he said, "There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries."
Paul tells us that we are not just conquerors, but more than conquerors. (Rom 8:37) He urges us to believe that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. He describes a lifestyle of faith and confidence.
When did we stray from that advice? When did we succomb to the "what ifs"? When did we grow so fearful of failure that we stopped moving forward? (And just what do we view as "failure" anyway; have we misdefined it?)
Although we are supposed to be humble, we aren't told to be timid.
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