I was raised in a generation of Christian believers who emphasised the grace of God and I am most grateful. Looking back, perhaps this strong emphasis was in response to legalism and the error of a works-based salvation. I remember many times being taught the fruit of the Spirit is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit within a born-again follower of Jesus Christ. This is true. Whilst it is true that striving to do through the flesh what only God can do through the Spirit is futile, the opposite error can creep into the hearts and minds of Christians: we do not need to be intentional or sometimes take drastic steps in obedience to the Holy Spirit or God's Word. Paul subjected his flesh under the Holy Spirit as a slave driver, and then he disciplined himself to live a holy life of obedience to God. I see in Paul an intentional approach that for much of my early walk might be better described as "passive carelessness." I suspect I'm not the only one.
Inner transformation does not occur without being intentional. No one is "born-again" by their proximity to Christians, but through an identity received by a conscious decision made to repent and believe in Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour. If this is true of our justification, then also our sanctification progresses through intentionally humbling ourselves before God, repenting, obeying, and putting into practice what God is teaching us through His Word. As convenient as it might be, it is folly to think I will bear fruit for God's glory without any intentional action or effort on my part. I suppose you could say in my youth I unwittingly ascribed to an "osmosis" model of Christian living. The New Websters College Dictionary defines osmosis in these ways: "1) the tendency of a solvent to pass through a semipermeable membrane,
as the wall of a living cell, into a solution of higher concentration,
so as to equalize concentrations on both sides of the membrane; 2) the diffusion of fluids through a membrane or porous partition; 3) an apparently effortless absorption of ideas, feelings, attitudes, etc."
The concept of "Christian osmosis" (though only through looking back can I see it) basically goes like this: the Holy Spirit living inside of me will make me so holy, loving, and kind that the world will notice a difference. Into the void of their empty lives the power of the Holy Spirit will flow from my life, and they will be drawn to salvation in Jesus - without me needing to do or say anything practical or intentional. After all, it is God's work, right? The problem with the "osmotic" approach to fruitfulness is it is unbiblical. There is nothing effortless about the Christian walk. It is a narrow path, an upward call, a battle, something we must intentionally discipline ourselves to faithfully continue. In 2 Timothy 2, Paul compared the walk of a Christian to a soldier, an athlete competing for the prize, and a farmer who labours in the sun. It takes time and effort to examine our lives and motives according to scripture. It is work to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus. It's true we can only do these things through the power of the Holy Spirit, for in our flesh dwells no good thing. But it's also true that we will not be changed or be fruitful until we make sacrifices and take practical steps to put off the old man, be renewed in the Spirit of our minds, and put on the new man (Ephesians 4:20-24). If you have any doubts concerning this, read the New Testament. The fact God has given us grace does not mean He is unworthy of our labour! There are countless exhortations for us to do things which only God can do, but they won't be done unless we agree and take practical steps to cooperate in submission to the Holy Spirit.
I went to Awanas as a kid and memorised Ephesians 2:8-9. Because the verses were printed in our workbooks separate from the Bible, it was not until adulthood that I learned and began to put verse 10 into practice! Many Christians hold fast to an Ephesians 2:8-9 theology, but have not fully embraced an Ephesians 2:8-10 lifestyle. Ephesians 2:8-10 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9
not of works, lest anyone should boast.
10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Salvation is a free gift from God Christians receive. Yet we have been saved for a purpose, created in Christ Jesus for good works. These works are done only when we submit ourselves to God and walk in them. Walking (aside from the odd sleepwalker here or there!) is an intentional action. It involves us struggling to our feet, deciding where we will go, and then putting one foot in front of the other until we reach our destination. Blessed are those who endure to the end and purposefully perform the good works God has created people to do.
There is nothing passive or osmotic about the Christian walk. It is a life defined by identity in Christ, intentionality in obedience, and persistence in discipline. It is a labour of love that is the most fulfilling existence, satisfying beyond comprehension. Have you entered into the good works God has prepared beforehand for you to walk in? By His grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can!
21 October 2014
20 October 2014
Explorer or Pioneer?
I have always been impressed with pioneers who embraced the risk of the unknown and uprooted their family in the hope of a better life. Many sold their land, packed everything into a wagon, and started a new living from scratch. It was a hard life, and many of the early pioneers in the States were on their own. They faced dangers from wild animals, prairie fires, freezing winters, and hacked an existence out of the bush. I enjoyed reading the Little House on the Prairie book set as a kid, amazed by the diligence of the hard-working Ingalls family.
Something I have been thinking about lately is the relatively recent emphasis on "church planting." I believe being led by the Spirit is a critical factor in seeking to fulfill your calling. It is important to examine our personal motives through the lens of scripture. It is interesting all Christians are called to make disciples, yet I do not see any specific call in the Bible to plant churches. Paul went spreading the Gospel, sowing the good seed of God's Word, and churches grew out of those divinely inspired efforts. I do not think his motive was to "plant churches," but individual fellowships grew from disciples being made. Jesus is the foundation upon whom the church is built.
Sometimes efforts to plant a church before making disciples can presumptuously place the cart before the horse. The church is in need of pioneers who are willing to invest themselves making disciples in an existing church, family, friends, co-workers, or in people they meet. I think some church planting could be compared to explorers who are keen to go to distant lands and claim territory for their denomination, church, or even themselves. Like explorers who land on a beach and claimed territory with a flag pushed into the sand, people can approach starting a church in the same fashion. They fire up a website, develop a vision statement, establish a meeting place and schedule, have a faithful few, but after a short while head off for a new conquest. History is filled with explorers who became famous, but it is countless unknown men and women who committed themselves to settle who did an enduring work. Explorers and pioneers had different motives, and so do Christians today. God can use both, and only God knows our hearts.
Are you willing to be a pioneer for Christ? You don't even need to leave your church to do so. Every Christian can follow Jesus make disciples right where we are, and to that end we all ought to labour until God moves us to a new claim. It won't be our claim, but His. God will build His church, and what a blessing it is to serve and be part of it.
Something I have been thinking about lately is the relatively recent emphasis on "church planting." I believe being led by the Spirit is a critical factor in seeking to fulfill your calling. It is important to examine our personal motives through the lens of scripture. It is interesting all Christians are called to make disciples, yet I do not see any specific call in the Bible to plant churches. Paul went spreading the Gospel, sowing the good seed of God's Word, and churches grew out of those divinely inspired efforts. I do not think his motive was to "plant churches," but individual fellowships grew from disciples being made. Jesus is the foundation upon whom the church is built.
Sometimes efforts to plant a church before making disciples can presumptuously place the cart before the horse. The church is in need of pioneers who are willing to invest themselves making disciples in an existing church, family, friends, co-workers, or in people they meet. I think some church planting could be compared to explorers who are keen to go to distant lands and claim territory for their denomination, church, or even themselves. Like explorers who land on a beach and claimed territory with a flag pushed into the sand, people can approach starting a church in the same fashion. They fire up a website, develop a vision statement, establish a meeting place and schedule, have a faithful few, but after a short while head off for a new conquest. History is filled with explorers who became famous, but it is countless unknown men and women who committed themselves to settle who did an enduring work. Explorers and pioneers had different motives, and so do Christians today. God can use both, and only God knows our hearts.
Are you willing to be a pioneer for Christ? You don't even need to leave your church to do so. Every Christian can follow Jesus make disciples right where we are, and to that end we all ought to labour until God moves us to a new claim. It won't be our claim, but His. God will build His church, and what a blessing it is to serve and be part of it.
19 October 2014
Doing Concealed Work
I worked in mechanical insulation for over a decade and have experience in commercial, marine, and industrial applications. My career was spread across three San Diego companies, and I enjoyed working with many fine men and women of various backgrounds and skill-sets. As I continued to mature and develop as a skilled tradesman and began running work as a foreman, there were basic qualities I looked for in my crew. It was pretty simple: I wanted people to show up on time ready to work, be teachable, work diligently, and finish each task before moving on to the next one. One of my "pet peeves" was when people started a job - choosing the exposed, easy parts of the task - and leave the difficult or concealed parts unfinished for others to do. It was never fun discovering I was given a job to complete where someone only partially completed the chilled water or steam. The pipes were live and far more difficult (and hot and painful if steam!) than if it had been done completely the first time. Some journeymen relished the job-starting role, and some were the finishers. For whatever reason, I finished way more jobs than I started!
Every job I have done has parts which are harder than others. In my trade, there was a phrase to describe people who jumped on the easiest work first: "gravy grabbers." Thinking about their own comfort and ease, they quickly took for themselves the easiest jobs and left the hot, tricky, or undesirable spots for others. I believe serving God is hard work we must work hard at, and a kind of "gravy grabbing" mentality can exist even within the church. There is certain aspects of ministry or authority which seem to have an appeal - like being a pastor. Many people all over the world aspire to pulpit ministry, not realising there is a huge difference between preaching and pastoring. A preacher preaches, but a pastor preaches and also ministers to people as a shepherd does the flock. A pastor must be hands-on, and much of the role requires dealing with hungry, wayward, sickly, parasite stricken or obstinate sheep - and he has his own faults to reckon with as well!
Being a shepherd is hard work, and to those who are called is a great joy. It is a great shame when a pastor decides to move on to another flock because people do not seem to be flourishing under his care as he hoped. People love to see progress. It makes them feel good about themselves and validates the amount of labour they are doing. Just like an insulator who loves those long, clear runs of pipe-covering from the convenience of a scissor lift, Christian workers love to see more people coming to the church, more people committing their lives to Christ, physical healings, and expansion of ministry. Yet when people don't see much "fruit" from their efforts, they grow discourage, even disillusioned. They decide it's time to "go in a new direction" or "take a new step of faith." Whilst God may direct you to work in a field for a short or long season, sometimes I believe there is another way to put it when you leave for the wrong reasons: you are a quitter. You aren't interested in moving rocks so the ground can be tilled, planted, and harvested years from now. Some people have itching ears, and others have longing eyes. They want to see immediate results. People don't seem to be willing to invest their entire life in working the soil in tough conditions so the next generation will be fruitful. It may take decades to simply lay a foundation. Are there any willing to do this? Or are we a bunch of gravy-grabbers who give up when things are hard? It was a shame in Jesus' day when a man began planting a vineyard and building a wall only to leave it derelict. The same tragedy happens in churches all the time.
This morning I read Psalm 66:8-12: "Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard, 9 Who keeps our soul among the living, and does not allow our feet to be moved. 10 For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. 11 You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. 12 You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment." Our circumstances are often the crucible God uses both to test and refine us. Look at what God chooses to do to His people: he brings them into the net, lays affliction of their backs, causes them to be trampled, puts them through fire and water. Yet the consolation God brings is greater than any trial or suffering we endure for Christ's sake. Our human tendency is to try to jump out of the crucible when the fire is put to it. We won't even go in water because it is too cold, but God throws us in the deep end.
Think about this: God causes men to ride over our heads! I have never been trampled by a horse, but it is not at all pleasant. It is an experience one could describe as shocking, sudden, painful, and something which leaves lasting scars, memories, and injuries. It is something no sensible person would ever want to happen to them, much less repeat. God causes men to ride over our heads because it provides Him an opportunity to lift us up, restore and heal us, and make us whole - more whole than we were before! Sometimes injury, tragedy, even deformity or mutilation is the strange ingredient God uses to complete a person so they might be usable. We are always looking for an easier test. We don't want to do the concealed work, but it must be done first. Jumping from the crucible when the heat is applied means we have failed the test and failed to be completely refined as God desires.
There is a great blessing to those who endure: Psalm 66:12: "Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place." No matter the difficulty or suffering we face in ministry or in this life, God will ultimately bring us through into a wealthy place and rewards. Those who endure will be richer for it. There is no place more fulfilling than remaining in the place God and role where He has called you. Some people think they will be fulfilled when they have a spouse, more money, or a different career. Some Christians think they will be fulfilled or more satisfied at a different church or to even be the pastor of a church. But true fulfillment and wealth is not found in any of these things: it is found only in Jesus Christ and obedience to Him. Bless our God, you people! He puts us through fire and water - even causes men to ride over our heads - but brings us forth as refined gold. How great is the consolation, joy, and peace found in our God Let's not just start the job, but remain diligent to finish!
Every job I have done has parts which are harder than others. In my trade, there was a phrase to describe people who jumped on the easiest work first: "gravy grabbers." Thinking about their own comfort and ease, they quickly took for themselves the easiest jobs and left the hot, tricky, or undesirable spots for others. I believe serving God is hard work we must work hard at, and a kind of "gravy grabbing" mentality can exist even within the church. There is certain aspects of ministry or authority which seem to have an appeal - like being a pastor. Many people all over the world aspire to pulpit ministry, not realising there is a huge difference between preaching and pastoring. A preacher preaches, but a pastor preaches and also ministers to people as a shepherd does the flock. A pastor must be hands-on, and much of the role requires dealing with hungry, wayward, sickly, parasite stricken or obstinate sheep - and he has his own faults to reckon with as well!
Being a shepherd is hard work, and to those who are called is a great joy. It is a great shame when a pastor decides to move on to another flock because people do not seem to be flourishing under his care as he hoped. People love to see progress. It makes them feel good about themselves and validates the amount of labour they are doing. Just like an insulator who loves those long, clear runs of pipe-covering from the convenience of a scissor lift, Christian workers love to see more people coming to the church, more people committing their lives to Christ, physical healings, and expansion of ministry. Yet when people don't see much "fruit" from their efforts, they grow discourage, even disillusioned. They decide it's time to "go in a new direction" or "take a new step of faith." Whilst God may direct you to work in a field for a short or long season, sometimes I believe there is another way to put it when you leave for the wrong reasons: you are a quitter. You aren't interested in moving rocks so the ground can be tilled, planted, and harvested years from now. Some people have itching ears, and others have longing eyes. They want to see immediate results. People don't seem to be willing to invest their entire life in working the soil in tough conditions so the next generation will be fruitful. It may take decades to simply lay a foundation. Are there any willing to do this? Or are we a bunch of gravy-grabbers who give up when things are hard? It was a shame in Jesus' day when a man began planting a vineyard and building a wall only to leave it derelict. The same tragedy happens in churches all the time.
This morning I read Psalm 66:8-12: "Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard, 9 Who keeps our soul among the living, and does not allow our feet to be moved. 10 For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. 11 You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. 12 You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment." Our circumstances are often the crucible God uses both to test and refine us. Look at what God chooses to do to His people: he brings them into the net, lays affliction of their backs, causes them to be trampled, puts them through fire and water. Yet the consolation God brings is greater than any trial or suffering we endure for Christ's sake. Our human tendency is to try to jump out of the crucible when the fire is put to it. We won't even go in water because it is too cold, but God throws us in the deep end.
Think about this: God causes men to ride over our heads! I have never been trampled by a horse, but it is not at all pleasant. It is an experience one could describe as shocking, sudden, painful, and something which leaves lasting scars, memories, and injuries. It is something no sensible person would ever want to happen to them, much less repeat. God causes men to ride over our heads because it provides Him an opportunity to lift us up, restore and heal us, and make us whole - more whole than we were before! Sometimes injury, tragedy, even deformity or mutilation is the strange ingredient God uses to complete a person so they might be usable. We are always looking for an easier test. We don't want to do the concealed work, but it must be done first. Jumping from the crucible when the heat is applied means we have failed the test and failed to be completely refined as God desires.
There is a great blessing to those who endure: Psalm 66:12: "Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place." No matter the difficulty or suffering we face in ministry or in this life, God will ultimately bring us through into a wealthy place and rewards. Those who endure will be richer for it. There is no place more fulfilling than remaining in the place God and role where He has called you. Some people think they will be fulfilled when they have a spouse, more money, or a different career. Some Christians think they will be fulfilled or more satisfied at a different church or to even be the pastor of a church. But true fulfillment and wealth is not found in any of these things: it is found only in Jesus Christ and obedience to Him. Bless our God, you people! He puts us through fire and water - even causes men to ride over our heads - but brings us forth as refined gold. How great is the consolation, joy, and peace found in our God Let's not just start the job, but remain diligent to finish!
15 October 2014
Confess Your Faults to One Another
This morning I read a Bleacher Report article about Ken Caminiti, a baseball player I cheered for growing up as a San Diego Padres supporter. The article spoke of how after finishing his career Ken was transparent and confessed steroid use and drug abuse. There is little doubt his candor cost him dearly. Instead of cheers for his honesty, he was ostracised by many both in and outside of baseball circles. Some of his fellow players felt betrayed, and fans were angry their hero had been a cheat. The fallout from his admission freely provided created a fire-storm of controversy. Quoting the article:
One reason why I found this article so compelling is the tendency of people in church to hide their struggles and cover up their sins because they fear what happened to Ken will happen to them. Maybe it has already happened so they have told themselves, "Never again!" Every church where people gather in Christ's name has people who are hurting and struggling. More are mired in sinful habits than you know. Some are afraid they will be punished and pushed away if they admit they had an affair. People are scared to be transparent or vulnerable because they have exposed their issues and others were offended or spread the word behind their backs. There are people in ministry right now - in full-time service to God and the church - who know if they reveal they are not perfect and struggling with sin in some area, they will be rejected, fired, or hated. A culture can exist in a church that a cry for help through confessing sin is cause for hypocritical indignation and punishment. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be!
Should a church deal firmly with fellow Christians who are overtaken by sin? Yes. But a sinner who freely admits their guilt should be loved and shown grace and mercy - not ostracised. Should a sinner walk into church off the street and confess his sins and receive Christ, his admission of sinfulness and repentance would be celebrated. But if a professing Christian or leader should admit struggles with sins, man's judgmental streak flashes brilliantly. We feel we need to "teach them a lesson," thinking that conviction and consequences God allows are not enough! Or we feel compelled to "protect the ministry" by making a statement through harsh discipline that we do not in any way condone such behaviour. How common is our tendency to see the sins of others as personal betrayal! If we are personally offended and angered by the revelation of sins of others beyond the initial shock, and not grieved for the sake of God and the glory He has been robbed of through sin, our hearts are likely not pure before God. In love we are to seek the restoration of such a one who has fallen. Galatians 6:1 says, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." James 5:16 says we ought to confess our faults to one another and pray for each other that we may be healed. When is the last time you obeyed this command to confess your faults to someone at church? I'm talking to you, Christian, ministry leader, fellow servant. Likely it's been quite some time, but hopefully this will change.
In all things, Christians are called to live according to God's Word. If we are in sin, we must confess our sin before God and those we have wronged. When someone confesses sin to us, we are to pray with them, bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. We are called to give mercy and grace to sinners, to those downcast souls who have wandered. Let us not forget that the social or church culture we might despise or criticise has been at least partially formed by our own hands. God has given all people the power to be an influence for good or evil. Will you go on the record as someone who will speak the truth, even if it costs you something? In obedience to God, are you willing to confess your sins to a brother or sister so you might pray and be healed? God isn't asking us to air our issues in national publications or on a blog that reaches across the globe: He tells us to confess our faults to one another - personally, discretely, and honestly. Then we can have true accountability and discipleship. Then we will begin to grow in love and grace. Then there will be healing and deliverance. Then we will become a church that promotes health, growth, fitness, and victory - not one that cuts off its own hands, fingers, toes, and feet whilst ignoring the fact we have cancer, heart disease, and we are dying.
Two years later, in 2007, Caminiti appeared on the baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the first and only time. A record 545 voters cast ballots. Two people voted for Caminiti. "I took a lot of crap for that vote," says Gwen Knapp, then a sports columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and, of course, one of the two who voted for him. "I think he did a service to the game. I had covered so many doping scandals in the Olympics. Everyone doesn't tell the truth until they get caught. And people who do tell the truth are ostracized, as I believe Ken was. I don't know if he did it for noble reasons. But I'm sure baseball wouldn't have implemented testing that quickly without him. I think that was a big motivating factor. He went on the record, which maybe wasn't the wisest thing for him to do for himself."I wonder: why do people sometimes feel the need to punish others for simply being honest? Some might say Ken was ostracised because of his poor decisions, but then he made another mistake to admit it. You know what? I am more a fan of the late Ken Caminiti for his honesty than the fact he switch-hit homeruns in a single game, or the fact he was the league MVP. When Ken passed away from a drug overdose, I was deeply saddened. As I read the article, I again grieved for him and his family. Like everyone, Ken had his flaws. The fact that he freely admitted them publically should not provide cause for his memory to be tarnished. No one knows how many baseball players are in the Hall of Fame who cheated and said nothing, happy to receive praise, millions of dollars, lifetime status, and job security with a smile. Men hate to see their idols come crashing down.
One reason why I found this article so compelling is the tendency of people in church to hide their struggles and cover up their sins because they fear what happened to Ken will happen to them. Maybe it has already happened so they have told themselves, "Never again!" Every church where people gather in Christ's name has people who are hurting and struggling. More are mired in sinful habits than you know. Some are afraid they will be punished and pushed away if they admit they had an affair. People are scared to be transparent or vulnerable because they have exposed their issues and others were offended or spread the word behind their backs. There are people in ministry right now - in full-time service to God and the church - who know if they reveal they are not perfect and struggling with sin in some area, they will be rejected, fired, or hated. A culture can exist in a church that a cry for help through confessing sin is cause for hypocritical indignation and punishment. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be!
Should a church deal firmly with fellow Christians who are overtaken by sin? Yes. But a sinner who freely admits their guilt should be loved and shown grace and mercy - not ostracised. Should a sinner walk into church off the street and confess his sins and receive Christ, his admission of sinfulness and repentance would be celebrated. But if a professing Christian or leader should admit struggles with sins, man's judgmental streak flashes brilliantly. We feel we need to "teach them a lesson," thinking that conviction and consequences God allows are not enough! Or we feel compelled to "protect the ministry" by making a statement through harsh discipline that we do not in any way condone such behaviour. How common is our tendency to see the sins of others as personal betrayal! If we are personally offended and angered by the revelation of sins of others beyond the initial shock, and not grieved for the sake of God and the glory He has been robbed of through sin, our hearts are likely not pure before God. In love we are to seek the restoration of such a one who has fallen. Galatians 6:1 says, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." James 5:16 says we ought to confess our faults to one another and pray for each other that we may be healed. When is the last time you obeyed this command to confess your faults to someone at church? I'm talking to you, Christian, ministry leader, fellow servant. Likely it's been quite some time, but hopefully this will change.
In all things, Christians are called to live according to God's Word. If we are in sin, we must confess our sin before God and those we have wronged. When someone confesses sin to us, we are to pray with them, bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. We are called to give mercy and grace to sinners, to those downcast souls who have wandered. Let us not forget that the social or church culture we might despise or criticise has been at least partially formed by our own hands. God has given all people the power to be an influence for good or evil. Will you go on the record as someone who will speak the truth, even if it costs you something? In obedience to God, are you willing to confess your sins to a brother or sister so you might pray and be healed? God isn't asking us to air our issues in national publications or on a blog that reaches across the globe: He tells us to confess our faults to one another - personally, discretely, and honestly. Then we can have true accountability and discipleship. Then we will begin to grow in love and grace. Then there will be healing and deliverance. Then we will become a church that promotes health, growth, fitness, and victory - not one that cuts off its own hands, fingers, toes, and feet whilst ignoring the fact we have cancer, heart disease, and we are dying.
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