How would you like to find yourself out in the ocean in the middle of high seas and 30-40mph winds? Or caught in the surf in massive 20' bone-crushing waves? Falling from an airplane, plunging toward the ground at 120mph? Being driven into a concrete barricade while driving at high speed in bumper to bumper traffic? Falling off a bridge, hurtling toward the rocks below? Alone in the woods, with no cell phone, roads or markers to guide you? Inside a sunken ship, more than 100' under water?
For many people, these images conjure up feelings of great fear or even terror. The thought of being overpowered by circumstances beyond our control is unsettling at best for most of us. And if these descriptions were all there was, there would be ample reason for fear and worry. But others can look at the same scenarios and see something totally different. Respectively, some would see great weather for windsurfing, or big wave surfing, or skydiving, or auto racing, bungee jumping, hiking or SCUBA diving. In their most extremes, these activities can indeed scare the participant, but upon a successful completion, fill him or her with extreme enthusiasm and excitement. Having done some of these activities (windsurfing, skydiving and SCUBA diving), I can personally relate. Some of my best windsurfing rides were when the wind and seas picked up in intensity while I was out on my board and initially over-powered me. But once I adjusted and collected myself, they became some of the most exciting and thrilling rides. If you are properly prepared and trained, any of these situations can be a positive, even thrilling (albeit in retrospect) experience.
The point is this - we are all children of God, and "in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Rom 8:37) Nothing can separate us from the love of God. And nothing can separate us from the shelter of His hand. With a proper relationship with Him, knowledge of His Word, and faith (like the faith of the tandem skydiver who is dependent upon others to pack his parachute and safely fly him through the freefall and a canopy landing) even the worst of circumstances can be something in which we can find joy. Even the worst can be conquered.
Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, says this: "These very things - tribulation, distress, persecution, produce in us the super-joy; they are not things to fight. We are more than conquerors through Him in all these things, not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. The saint never knows the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it - 'I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation,' says Paul."
In Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his captors that "you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good...." Paul states in Romans 8:28 that "all in all things God works for the good of those who love Him...." And perhaps one of my favorite verses is when Moses tells Joshua, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deut 31:6)
Our Lord has made available to us that which we need to persevere through our trials. The only question is will we take advantage of it? Will we flounder in the seas, or sail atop them? Will we ride the wave, or be crushed by it? I think - and I hope - you get the point. And I'll tell you this from experience - few things match that white-knuckled ride into shore being driven forward by the same wind and waves that once drove you downward and the knowledge that the challenge with which you were presented was conquered.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Double Standards
I often ask my children (6 & 8 years old) when they're pitching a fit, complaining or crying about something, if they're doing it the hard way or the easy way. My point being we often wind up doing things the hard way simply because it's our way. Unfortunately, I think I see that in myself all too often. I question God often, and I don't think it's a bad thing, because I try to listen for an answer and not just vent.
Today, I was bemoaning the lousy day I felt I had and asking God why my day was so bad. Reflecting back on some particular lapses in judgment (sins) recently, I thought "I guess that this is your justice." Then, for some reason, I realized that while I pray for justice for others, like my ex-wife, I don't pray for justice for myself. And, conversely, while I pray for mercy for myself, I don't pray for mercy for select others.
I reluctantly came to the conclusion that if I'm going to pray for mercy for myself, that I ought to pray for mercy for others - no matter who or why or how hard I think it is. To be honest, I didn't really like that realization. I still don't like it. But I believe that this is what God told me to do. And, I realized as well, that I've been doing things the hard way by trying to do things my way.
Biblically, there is a good foundation for this reasoning, and a very simple one as well - and most of us are aware of it since it comes from the Lord's Prayer. "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us." (Luke 11:4) That's a tall order. Basically, I am to ask God for His forgiveness, only to the degree to which I forgive others. I don't like that. I'd rather there be a relative scale, but there isn't. It's very cut and dry - forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Another applicable reference is found in Matthew 18, with the parable of the unmerciful servant. In short, the parable is about a ruler who forgave the massive debts of one of his subjects. That subject, however, also had someone indebted to him. When the one who owed the subject the debt asked for mercy for what was a mere fraction of what the subject owed the ruler (and that the ruler had just forgiven), the subject refused and had him thrown in jail. When the ruler learned of this he had his subject called in, berated him, and had him thrown in jail and tortured (more than the subject had done to his debtor, which was only jail - the ruler had his subject jailed AND tortured) - because he didn't respond with the mercy that he had been shown. I've heard that story dozens of times, but not until tonight did I really realize the gravity of it and how common such double standards are - even, unfortunately, in my own life. The last sentence of that story is this - "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart." (Matt 18:35) Dang. I really didn't want to hear that.
So, my new goal, instead of just praying for my ex-wife or others against whom I harbor some grudge - justified or not - is to pray for them in the same way I pray for myself. It's not what I want to do, honestly. But it's what I believe I ought to do. And I believe that as I do it it will come more easily and I will be able to truly forgive as Christ has forgiven us. It's a tall order, but He won't ask us to do something He won't enable us to do.
My challenge to you, then, is the same and to come to the same realization of what the Lord calls us to do. It's not easy. But it's a lot easier than doing it the hard way!
Today, I was bemoaning the lousy day I felt I had and asking God why my day was so bad. Reflecting back on some particular lapses in judgment (sins) recently, I thought "I guess that this is your justice." Then, for some reason, I realized that while I pray for justice for others, like my ex-wife, I don't pray for justice for myself. And, conversely, while I pray for mercy for myself, I don't pray for mercy for select others.
I reluctantly came to the conclusion that if I'm going to pray for mercy for myself, that I ought to pray for mercy for others - no matter who or why or how hard I think it is. To be honest, I didn't really like that realization. I still don't like it. But I believe that this is what God told me to do. And, I realized as well, that I've been doing things the hard way by trying to do things my way.
Biblically, there is a good foundation for this reasoning, and a very simple one as well - and most of us are aware of it since it comes from the Lord's Prayer. "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us." (Luke 11:4) That's a tall order. Basically, I am to ask God for His forgiveness, only to the degree to which I forgive others. I don't like that. I'd rather there be a relative scale, but there isn't. It's very cut and dry - forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Another applicable reference is found in Matthew 18, with the parable of the unmerciful servant. In short, the parable is about a ruler who forgave the massive debts of one of his subjects. That subject, however, also had someone indebted to him. When the one who owed the subject the debt asked for mercy for what was a mere fraction of what the subject owed the ruler (and that the ruler had just forgiven), the subject refused and had him thrown in jail. When the ruler learned of this he had his subject called in, berated him, and had him thrown in jail and tortured (more than the subject had done to his debtor, which was only jail - the ruler had his subject jailed AND tortured) - because he didn't respond with the mercy that he had been shown. I've heard that story dozens of times, but not until tonight did I really realize the gravity of it and how common such double standards are - even, unfortunately, in my own life. The last sentence of that story is this - "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart." (Matt 18:35) Dang. I really didn't want to hear that.
So, my new goal, instead of just praying for my ex-wife or others against whom I harbor some grudge - justified or not - is to pray for them in the same way I pray for myself. It's not what I want to do, honestly. But it's what I believe I ought to do. And I believe that as I do it it will come more easily and I will be able to truly forgive as Christ has forgiven us. It's a tall order, but He won't ask us to do something He won't enable us to do.
My challenge to you, then, is the same and to come to the same realization of what the Lord calls us to do. It's not easy. But it's a lot easier than doing it the hard way!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
You're a Christian? Says Who?
A friend of mine at church made mention this morning, during Sunday School, that the term "Christian" was given to the church of Christ, not chosen by them. Meaning, others in the community saw them, observed their behavior and attitudes, and labeled them as such. The term "Christian" has many definitions, but most that I've found and heard go back to one of two definitions - "little Christs" or "followers of Christ." My friend's point was this - would people know you're a Christian without you having to identify yourself as such? Or is it obvious?
By varying measures, between 75% and 85% of the people of the United States identify themselves as Christians. Yet society doesn't reflect this. If this were accurate things would be much different. But the key part of this statement is that people identify themselves as Christians. If others were asked to identify us - what would they say?
I've also heard it said that if you were to be arrested and charged with being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? And how long would the argument be to make that case?
Being a nice person isn't good enough. Reading the Bible isn't good enough. Going to church - even twice every Sunday and once on Wednesday - isn't enough. Teaching Sunday School isn't enough. Praying isn't enough. Memorizing verses isn't enough. The only thing that matters is this - do you have a real, personal relationship (key word - relationship) with Jesus Christ? Do you not only spend time with Him, but desire to spend time with Him, like you would a girlfriend or boyfriend in those early, exciting days of a relationship? Do you seek to please Him, not because of a list of do's or don't's, but simply because it pleases Him? Do you avoid behavior that displeases Him - not because there are rules - but because you love Him and trust what He says? Do you love Him more than your own desires?
God doesn't and will never care what you call yourself. Take a moment to read Matthew 25:31-46, the story about the Sheep and the Goats. "If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (Rom 10:9-10)
In short, the mind controlled by the Spirit will desire things of the Spirit. The mind controlled by the flesh will desire those things of the flesh. Where do your desires lie? Answer that and then you'll have a better idea of how others see you. "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." (Rom 8:5) And what are some of the desires of the flesh? Sexual impurity (Rom 1:24), homosexual relations (Rom 1:27), envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossiping, slander, God-hating, insolence, arrogance, boastfulness, disobeying your parents, (Rom 1:29-30) orgies, drunkenness, debauchery, dissension, jealousy (Rom 13:13), idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition (Gal 5:19-21), unwholesome talk (Eph 4:29), bitterness, brawling, slander (Eph 4:31), not even a HINT of sexual immorality or any kind of impurity or greed, obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking (Eph 5:3-4) to name just a few.
We thing that because if we've got the big ones covered then we're okay: I only sleep with someone I love. I don't get drunk like I used to in college. I don't get in fights because I'm jealous. I don't say "GD" or "JC" in vain. I don't tell dirty jokes much. I don't look at hard core pornography. I don't backstab people. But this list is far more than that. It's not about degrees. It's about motives. Pleasing the flesh versus pleasing the Spirit. And it can only be done if you have the Spirit in you.
Being a Christian is not about what you call yourself on a survey. It's not about what you do and don't do. It's about your heart and the desires of your heart.
So - who is is that says you're a Christian? You? Or those around you and, most of all, God Himself?
By varying measures, between 75% and 85% of the people of the United States identify themselves as Christians. Yet society doesn't reflect this. If this were accurate things would be much different. But the key part of this statement is that people identify themselves as Christians. If others were asked to identify us - what would they say?
I've also heard it said that if you were to be arrested and charged with being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? And how long would the argument be to make that case?
Being a nice person isn't good enough. Reading the Bible isn't good enough. Going to church - even twice every Sunday and once on Wednesday - isn't enough. Teaching Sunday School isn't enough. Praying isn't enough. Memorizing verses isn't enough. The only thing that matters is this - do you have a real, personal relationship (key word - relationship) with Jesus Christ? Do you not only spend time with Him, but desire to spend time with Him, like you would a girlfriend or boyfriend in those early, exciting days of a relationship? Do you seek to please Him, not because of a list of do's or don't's, but simply because it pleases Him? Do you avoid behavior that displeases Him - not because there are rules - but because you love Him and trust what He says? Do you love Him more than your own desires?
God doesn't and will never care what you call yourself. Take a moment to read Matthew 25:31-46, the story about the Sheep and the Goats. "If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (Rom 10:9-10)
In short, the mind controlled by the Spirit will desire things of the Spirit. The mind controlled by the flesh will desire those things of the flesh. Where do your desires lie? Answer that and then you'll have a better idea of how others see you. "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." (Rom 8:5) And what are some of the desires of the flesh? Sexual impurity (Rom 1:24), homosexual relations (Rom 1:27), envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossiping, slander, God-hating, insolence, arrogance, boastfulness, disobeying your parents, (Rom 1:29-30) orgies, drunkenness, debauchery, dissension, jealousy (Rom 13:13), idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, selfish ambition (Gal 5:19-21), unwholesome talk (Eph 4:29), bitterness, brawling, slander (Eph 4:31), not even a HINT of sexual immorality or any kind of impurity or greed, obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking (Eph 5:3-4) to name just a few.
We thing that because if we've got the big ones covered then we're okay: I only sleep with someone I love. I don't get drunk like I used to in college. I don't get in fights because I'm jealous. I don't say "GD" or "JC" in vain. I don't tell dirty jokes much. I don't look at hard core pornography. I don't backstab people. But this list is far more than that. It's not about degrees. It's about motives. Pleasing the flesh versus pleasing the Spirit. And it can only be done if you have the Spirit in you.
Being a Christian is not about what you call yourself on a survey. It's not about what you do and don't do. It's about your heart and the desires of your heart.
So - who is is that says you're a Christian? You? Or those around you and, most of all, God Himself?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Homosexuality and Christianity
There are a lot of misconceptions and opinions out there about homosexuality and Christianity. Are they compatible or are they not? Everyone has an opinion - as do I. But I'm going to try to avoid opinion and stick with Scripture. Now if you don't believe in the Bible as the Word of God, then this article won't really matter much. But if you do claim to be a Christian and believe that the Bible is the inerrant and true Word of God, then I hope this gives you some insight into this often difficult subject.
First, God loves everyone. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Rom 3:23) This applies to everyone no matter their sexual orientation. We have all sinned and we all fall short of who God wants us to be. "But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ dies for us." (Rom 5:8) You can measure love many ways and to many degrees. But I think we can all agree that to give one's life for another is the ultimate expression of the deepest love. So, yes, God loves homosexuals, heterosexuals, trans-sexuals, etc. He loves us all equally.
Second, God dislikes sin. To rid of us of sin is why He died. It was important enough for Him to give His life in order to give us a path to freedom from sin, so He does not take it lightly. He tells us to "hate what is evil; cling to what is good." (Rom 12:9) So what things, then, does God define as evil?
Well, for one, pretty much anything that doesn't glorify God could be counted as evil. Because "they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.... Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.... God gave them over to shameful lusts.... Their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.... the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men...." (Rom 1:21-27) People made a choice to go their own way, so God let them, and gave them over to the consequences of their decisions, just as parents sometimes, reluctantly do. This passage hits all sexual immorality - heterosexual and homosexual - one is no worse than the other. They are both unnatural and indecent based upon God's plan for us. So what else does God define as evil? "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful... they disobey their parents." (Rom 1:29-30) So - if you're one of those who is adamant and vocal about your opposition to homosexuality - take a look at the above characteristics. Do any of those fit you? Perhaps you're a bit arrogant in your judgment of homosexuals? Then you're no different. It's all wicked, evil, greedy (because it's what WE want to do, rather than what GOD wants us to do) and depraved.
But wait - there's more. God encourages us to "put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently.... not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension or jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Rom 13:13-14) Homosexuality was not specifically mentioned there - but sexual immorality is. And that's a blanket statement - any sexual immorality - homo- or heterosexual. But it is specifically mentioned elsewhere. "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Cor 6:9-10) So, yes, the Bible is specific about homosexuality being wrong. But it's also specific about adultery, theft, greed, drunkenness and slander. All in the same sentence. No one sin distinguished or set apart from the other.
What, then, do we say to those who believe that homosexuals are born that way? While we may not know for certain that this IS the case, we are also not certain that this is NOT the case. So let's assume that it is something that many or all homosexuals are born with. Then what?
First, from a non-biblical perspective, there is evidence that some, for example, can be born with a predisposition to alcoholism. Does this then make alcoholism justified and excused? Or does it simply make it harder for those individuals to resist the physical urges within their bodies? Is it okay and justified because it's what we want to do - because it's what we feel compelled to do? Based upon the above verses - and many I did not mention - the Bible is clear that homosexuality (a form of sexual immorality) is a sin. So does this then excuse the sin? Not at all. The Bible addresses this as well.
So what does the Bible say about resisting natural urges, desires or predispositions? "If we have been united with Him like this in His death (if we have been saved).... we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." (Rom 6:5-7) "Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness.... For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." (Rom 6:12-14) "I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness." (Rom 6:19-20) "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." (Rom 8:5) "Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Rom 13:14) What all this means is simply this - just because it's a natural desire or predisposition doesn't make it right. We are all predisposed to sin. It's how we are born. If we focus on and seek to gratify our natural (sinful) desires, then we sin and "the wages of sin is death." (Rom 6:23) But by the grace given through Christ, we can be freed from those sins - whether it be homosexual sin, heterosexual sin, or any other behavior mentioned previously. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 6:23)
Based upon all of this, it is my confident and firm belief that homosexuality is not of God. It does not glorify God. It is of the sinful nature and therefore not compatible with godliness. So then what is a Christian to do with this knowledge?
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." (Rom 15:7) He doesn't say to accept sin. He says to accept each other. Because we are all sinners - equally wicked in the sight of God. So what does God have to say to those who judge homosexuals? "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself because you who pass judgment do the same thing. Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same thing, do you think you will escape God's judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" (Rom 2:1-4)
Homosexuality is a sin. Sexual immorality is a sin. Adultery is a sin. Drunkenness is a sin. Greed is a sin. Gossiping and slander is a sin. Envy is a sin. Arrogance is a sin. Being judgmental is a sin. We are all born with it. Yet none of us are excused from it as a result. "God's kindness leads you toward repentance."
The death of Christ on the cross gives us freedom from sin. We just have to choose to accept it.
First, God loves everyone. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Rom 3:23) This applies to everyone no matter their sexual orientation. We have all sinned and we all fall short of who God wants us to be. "But God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ dies for us." (Rom 5:8) You can measure love many ways and to many degrees. But I think we can all agree that to give one's life for another is the ultimate expression of the deepest love. So, yes, God loves homosexuals, heterosexuals, trans-sexuals, etc. He loves us all equally.
Second, God dislikes sin. To rid of us of sin is why He died. It was important enough for Him to give His life in order to give us a path to freedom from sin, so He does not take it lightly. He tells us to "hate what is evil; cling to what is good." (Rom 12:9) So what things, then, does God define as evil?
Well, for one, pretty much anything that doesn't glorify God could be counted as evil. Because "they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.... Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.... God gave them over to shameful lusts.... Their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.... the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men...." (Rom 1:21-27) People made a choice to go their own way, so God let them, and gave them over to the consequences of their decisions, just as parents sometimes, reluctantly do. This passage hits all sexual immorality - heterosexual and homosexual - one is no worse than the other. They are both unnatural and indecent based upon God's plan for us. So what else does God define as evil? "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful... they disobey their parents." (Rom 1:29-30) So - if you're one of those who is adamant and vocal about your opposition to homosexuality - take a look at the above characteristics. Do any of those fit you? Perhaps you're a bit arrogant in your judgment of homosexuals? Then you're no different. It's all wicked, evil, greedy (because it's what WE want to do, rather than what GOD wants us to do) and depraved.
But wait - there's more. God encourages us to "put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently.... not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension or jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Rom 13:13-14) Homosexuality was not specifically mentioned there - but sexual immorality is. And that's a blanket statement - any sexual immorality - homo- or heterosexual. But it is specifically mentioned elsewhere. "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Cor 6:9-10) So, yes, the Bible is specific about homosexuality being wrong. But it's also specific about adultery, theft, greed, drunkenness and slander. All in the same sentence. No one sin distinguished or set apart from the other.
What, then, do we say to those who believe that homosexuals are born that way? While we may not know for certain that this IS the case, we are also not certain that this is NOT the case. So let's assume that it is something that many or all homosexuals are born with. Then what?
First, from a non-biblical perspective, there is evidence that some, for example, can be born with a predisposition to alcoholism. Does this then make alcoholism justified and excused? Or does it simply make it harder for those individuals to resist the physical urges within their bodies? Is it okay and justified because it's what we want to do - because it's what we feel compelled to do? Based upon the above verses - and many I did not mention - the Bible is clear that homosexuality (a form of sexual immorality) is a sin. So does this then excuse the sin? Not at all. The Bible addresses this as well.
So what does the Bible say about resisting natural urges, desires or predispositions? "If we have been united with Him like this in His death (if we have been saved).... we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." (Rom 6:5-7) "Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness.... For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." (Rom 6:12-14) "I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness." (Rom 6:19-20) "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." (Rom 8:5) "Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Rom 13:14) What all this means is simply this - just because it's a natural desire or predisposition doesn't make it right. We are all predisposed to sin. It's how we are born. If we focus on and seek to gratify our natural (sinful) desires, then we sin and "the wages of sin is death." (Rom 6:23) But by the grace given through Christ, we can be freed from those sins - whether it be homosexual sin, heterosexual sin, or any other behavior mentioned previously. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 6:23)
Based upon all of this, it is my confident and firm belief that homosexuality is not of God. It does not glorify God. It is of the sinful nature and therefore not compatible with godliness. So then what is a Christian to do with this knowledge?
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." (Rom 15:7) He doesn't say to accept sin. He says to accept each other. Because we are all sinners - equally wicked in the sight of God. So what does God have to say to those who judge homosexuals? "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself because you who pass judgment do the same thing. Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same thing, do you think you will escape God's judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" (Rom 2:1-4)
Homosexuality is a sin. Sexual immorality is a sin. Adultery is a sin. Drunkenness is a sin. Greed is a sin. Gossiping and slander is a sin. Envy is a sin. Arrogance is a sin. Being judgmental is a sin. We are all born with it. Yet none of us are excused from it as a result. "God's kindness leads you toward repentance."
The death of Christ on the cross gives us freedom from sin. We just have to choose to accept it.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Heaven
A friend of mine, Nathan, died last night, Tuesday, February 22, 2011. He was in his early 40s and had a young daughter and son as well as a loving wife. From what I understand, he was at one of his daughter's ballgames when he suffered a massive heart attack and died soon thereafter. Things like this will make you start thinking about life and death, the here and the after.
Much will be said to the family at this time in an attempt to comfort them. In reality, though, no words will bring the comfort they need. Only the grace and peace of Jesus Christ can do that. I know, and everyone who knew him knows, that Nathan was not just a Christian, he was a child of God. He didn't just go to church, he had a relationship with God. And now, he is face to face with his Lord and Savior. And that same Lord will bring his family the comfort and peace they need to get through this difficult time - a time that brings focus to both the deceased and those who remain.
Nathan is now looking into the face of God Himself. He is in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is not waiting for his family, nor is he alone with his earthly family who preceded him. He is focused solely on the face of God. He is in a place where there is no time. Subsequently, there is no waiting. He and those he left behind in this world will be together in an instant. And while he is joining some of his earthly family, including his father, he is joining a larger family. In Heaven, we will truly be a family of God. We will experience the closeness we have with our physical family with every one of our spiritual family - all those who believed on the name of Jesus Christ.
He is not looking down upon us, casting his vote as to what he would have done. He's not watching any one but God. Though he loved his family dearly while on this earth, he is not missing them while in Heaven. He feels no sorrow for them because, in a world with no time, they are already there. But if he could look down upon those who remain, if he could feel sorrow for anyone, knowing Nathan it would be for those who do not know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. If he could avert his attention from the face of God he would hurt for those who have rejected that same Savior. He would know the joys and peace that such a relationship can bring on earth, and he would know the glory of Heaven, and he would want all people - especially those he knew on this earth - to know that same joy, that same peace, and that same glory.
For those left behind, the sorrow is not for their father, husband, teacher, or friend. It is for themselves who now find that they are without the person they love. Many things may bring them peace at various times - songs, books, words of encouragement, experiences, sermons, friendships, etc. But only one thing brings true and lasting peace, and that is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They will have to lean upon Him as they never have before, and as a result, they will find themselves growing closer to God than ever before. They will despair. They will question. They will experience negative emotions despite their best efforts. And there is nothing wrong with that. With questions come answers. And with despair comes repair. And with the negative comes the positive.
Nathan will be missed. But Nathan left behind far more than possessions. He ministered and was a spiritual leader to his family. He ministered and was a leader in his church. He ministered and led by example as a teacher and band leader at school. He ministered to those he didn't know as a participant in Builders for Christ. He left behind a legacy that all men hope to leave, but one that cannot be achieved by making it your goal. Nathan's goal was to please and honor God, not to pad his resume and have a lot of friends.
Nathan is in Heaven - face to face with God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth. And because of his obedience and leadership, he is already with his family and loved ones, though they will have to wait through their time on earth to experience that. I guess my point is this - live the life God wants you to lead. For us men, that means being the spiritual leader of our families and in our church. It means being a witness and example in our community. It means living our lives, loving our family, and doing our job as God has instructed us to do in His Word. Then we can truly say and understand that "for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Much will be said to the family at this time in an attempt to comfort them. In reality, though, no words will bring the comfort they need. Only the grace and peace of Jesus Christ can do that. I know, and everyone who knew him knows, that Nathan was not just a Christian, he was a child of God. He didn't just go to church, he had a relationship with God. And now, he is face to face with his Lord and Savior. And that same Lord will bring his family the comfort and peace they need to get through this difficult time - a time that brings focus to both the deceased and those who remain.
Nathan is now looking into the face of God Himself. He is in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is not waiting for his family, nor is he alone with his earthly family who preceded him. He is focused solely on the face of God. He is in a place where there is no time. Subsequently, there is no waiting. He and those he left behind in this world will be together in an instant. And while he is joining some of his earthly family, including his father, he is joining a larger family. In Heaven, we will truly be a family of God. We will experience the closeness we have with our physical family with every one of our spiritual family - all those who believed on the name of Jesus Christ.
He is not looking down upon us, casting his vote as to what he would have done. He's not watching any one but God. Though he loved his family dearly while on this earth, he is not missing them while in Heaven. He feels no sorrow for them because, in a world with no time, they are already there. But if he could look down upon those who remain, if he could feel sorrow for anyone, knowing Nathan it would be for those who do not know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. If he could avert his attention from the face of God he would hurt for those who have rejected that same Savior. He would know the joys and peace that such a relationship can bring on earth, and he would know the glory of Heaven, and he would want all people - especially those he knew on this earth - to know that same joy, that same peace, and that same glory.
For those left behind, the sorrow is not for their father, husband, teacher, or friend. It is for themselves who now find that they are without the person they love. Many things may bring them peace at various times - songs, books, words of encouragement, experiences, sermons, friendships, etc. But only one thing brings true and lasting peace, and that is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They will have to lean upon Him as they never have before, and as a result, they will find themselves growing closer to God than ever before. They will despair. They will question. They will experience negative emotions despite their best efforts. And there is nothing wrong with that. With questions come answers. And with despair comes repair. And with the negative comes the positive.
Nathan will be missed. But Nathan left behind far more than possessions. He ministered and was a spiritual leader to his family. He ministered and was a leader in his church. He ministered and led by example as a teacher and band leader at school. He ministered to those he didn't know as a participant in Builders for Christ. He left behind a legacy that all men hope to leave, but one that cannot be achieved by making it your goal. Nathan's goal was to please and honor God, not to pad his resume and have a lot of friends.
Nathan is in Heaven - face to face with God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth. And because of his obedience and leadership, he is already with his family and loved ones, though they will have to wait through their time on earth to experience that. I guess my point is this - live the life God wants you to lead. For us men, that means being the spiritual leader of our families and in our church. It means being a witness and example in our community. It means living our lives, loving our family, and doing our job as God has instructed us to do in His Word. Then we can truly say and understand that "for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Last Words
Often, when I'm getting ready for bed, I find myself reflecting on the day and simply asking God for help and deliverance. Tonight, in particular, I found myself praying simply, "Please, God, help me... Please, God, help me...." In the midst of this I thought how nice it would be to be able to thank God for things that had happened this day rather than asking for help and deliverance from trying situations.
Then it hit me - why can't I? Why can't I go ahead and be thankful for things? So I spent the next several minutes thanking God for things both significant and seemingly insignificant. They weren't "big" things - but they were things for which I truly am and should be grateful.
I then sat down to bed and opened my Bible for my evening time in the Word, where I began to read 2 Thessalonians. The first main paragraph (1:3) began "We ought always to thank God...." There was more that followed, obviously, but there it was, and again in 2:13. In fact, it's all throughout Paul's letters. Give thanks.
So while I still have many things for which I still ask God's help and deliverance, I am careful to be deliberate and surround those requests with prayers of thanksgiving. It's no magic bullet, but it makes a big difference and it's what we are repeatedly exhorted to do. It reminds me that while life is hard, God is good - all the time.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Give and Get
Nothing happens to us that can't be used for God's glory. And there's nothing we have that can't be used for God's glory. I realized this recently in a profound and personal way.
Back in 2008, when I was still fresh from my divorce (separation, at the time), I participated in an "Experiencing God" study at my church. We were blessed to have a variety of people who were in a variety of stages in their lives and spiritual walks.
In the midst of an ongoing and frequently contentious divorce, I shared my attitude and perspective and how God was working with me. I have often been told how much people respected and admired my desire to be a godly ex-husband and my reluctance to malign or express hatred toward my ex-wife. It's not my first instinct. My first instinct is human - to lash out in anger, hatred and to slander and malign her every chance I get. Thankfully, the Spirit of God, and the prayers and influences of Godly people, have enabled me to have a Godly perspective most of the time. It's not to say that I don't have my moments. But all in all, God has enabled me to have a perspective that is more in line with how he wants me to respond - not what the world, TV shows, movies, comedians, friends, etc say is normal. Simply put - God worked in my life to give me a perspective and attitude that honors Him. And as a result, it has encouraged and motivated others. I take no credit. It's not of my own doing. It goes against all the instincts of my sinful nature. But thankfully, God has conquered sin and subsequently gives me the opportunity to cast those sinful instincts aside.
On the flip side, however, not everyone is going through hard times in which God can shine through. After all - the light shines brightest when it's darkest. A bright light doesn't really stand out on a sunny day. So how then can we use the light we've been given to bring honor to God? A friend from that same "Experiencing God" class has shown me. In short, God has been good to him. Not to say that his life is all roses and wine - I don't know. But his life is more stable at this time than is mine - he and his wife remain married, he sees his children every day, and he has a good job. He also has a private plane.
My children now live in south Georgia with their mother. This necessitates a five hour drive for them when they come to my house and then go back to their mother's house. When coming to my house they usually don't get to bed until after 11pm, though they do sleep some in the car. It's also a lot of driving for me. And I have to pass through Atlanta. On a recent trip I made mention on my Facebook page that I hated "driving" through Atlanta - especially since it's always around the rush hour time. I do not do well with traffic. I want to see my kids - not dozens of pairs of glowing red brake lights lined up in front of me. My friend saw this post and offered to fly me down and us back for our next visit.
He didn't have to make use of his aircraft and his time. But he chose to use the things God has blessed him with to the benefit of someone whose blessings are often seen through adversity rather than plenty.
The moral of the story is this - God gives us what we have, whether seen as good or bad, for us to use to glorify Him. Thankfully, God has enabled me to use my struggles to bring glory to Him. And again, this of not of my own doing, but completely through His grace. And now someone else is using their blessings to assist another.
God calls us to be a light in the darkness. If you're going through bad times and don't use them to benefit others - either by letting them learn from your lessons or showing them how God has blessed you through them - then those difficulties are wasted. If you're feeling comfortable and blessed and don't use those blessings to benefit others - then those blessings are wasted as well. Whatever you have - or don't have - troubles or blessings - let God use them to bring glory to Him and bring blessings to others. It's a great thing for all of us to experience!
Back in 2008, when I was still fresh from my divorce (separation, at the time), I participated in an "Experiencing God" study at my church. We were blessed to have a variety of people who were in a variety of stages in their lives and spiritual walks.
In the midst of an ongoing and frequently contentious divorce, I shared my attitude and perspective and how God was working with me. I have often been told how much people respected and admired my desire to be a godly ex-husband and my reluctance to malign or express hatred toward my ex-wife. It's not my first instinct. My first instinct is human - to lash out in anger, hatred and to slander and malign her every chance I get. Thankfully, the Spirit of God, and the prayers and influences of Godly people, have enabled me to have a Godly perspective most of the time. It's not to say that I don't have my moments. But all in all, God has enabled me to have a perspective that is more in line with how he wants me to respond - not what the world, TV shows, movies, comedians, friends, etc say is normal. Simply put - God worked in my life to give me a perspective and attitude that honors Him. And as a result, it has encouraged and motivated others. I take no credit. It's not of my own doing. It goes against all the instincts of my sinful nature. But thankfully, God has conquered sin and subsequently gives me the opportunity to cast those sinful instincts aside.
On the flip side, however, not everyone is going through hard times in which God can shine through. After all - the light shines brightest when it's darkest. A bright light doesn't really stand out on a sunny day. So how then can we use the light we've been given to bring honor to God? A friend from that same "Experiencing God" class has shown me. In short, God has been good to him. Not to say that his life is all roses and wine - I don't know. But his life is more stable at this time than is mine - he and his wife remain married, he sees his children every day, and he has a good job. He also has a private plane.
My children now live in south Georgia with their mother. This necessitates a five hour drive for them when they come to my house and then go back to their mother's house. When coming to my house they usually don't get to bed until after 11pm, though they do sleep some in the car. It's also a lot of driving for me. And I have to pass through Atlanta. On a recent trip I made mention on my Facebook page that I hated "driving" through Atlanta - especially since it's always around the rush hour time. I do not do well with traffic. I want to see my kids - not dozens of pairs of glowing red brake lights lined up in front of me. My friend saw this post and offered to fly me down and us back for our next visit.
He didn't have to make use of his aircraft and his time. But he chose to use the things God has blessed him with to the benefit of someone whose blessings are often seen through adversity rather than plenty.
The moral of the story is this - God gives us what we have, whether seen as good or bad, for us to use to glorify Him. Thankfully, God has enabled me to use my struggles to bring glory to Him. And again, this of not of my own doing, but completely through His grace. And now someone else is using their blessings to assist another.
God calls us to be a light in the darkness. If you're going through bad times and don't use them to benefit others - either by letting them learn from your lessons or showing them how God has blessed you through them - then those difficulties are wasted. If you're feeling comfortable and blessed and don't use those blessings to benefit others - then those blessings are wasted as well. Whatever you have - or don't have - troubles or blessings - let God use them to bring glory to Him and bring blessings to others. It's a great thing for all of us to experience!
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