The Old Paths

Last night the family and I enjoyed a BBQ dinner and watched the movie "Hidden Figures" together, a film about three African-American women who worked at NASA who assisted with the launch of astronaut John Glenn in 1962.  One of the main conflicts in the film (in addition to racial segregation and bigotry) was the inability to determine the correct coordinates for re-entry of the capsule.  The math consultant for the film, the late Morehouse professor Rudy Horne, suggested the problem be solved with "Euler's method."  Here is the clip from the film.

Mathematics is not an area of skill for me, and I have no knowledge of Euler or his methods.  What I can affirm is just because something might be deemed "ancient" or "old" does not mean it is of little value.  The scientists and engineers in the film "Hidden Figures" were looking for new maths to solve what they viewed as a new problem:  how to mathematically prove possible what they were attempting in the space race.  The reality was they didn't need new maths but to apply an older, well-established approach to this new problem.  The way to answer to their unsolved equations already existed, and it was in looking back and dusting off an old textbook which aided NASA to progress to do what was once only dreamed of.

Whether we are moving towards a new frontier or in the midst of routine, for a follower of Jesus it's important we continue to keep doing just that.  It is easy with the wealth of material, books, points of emphasis, and new interpretations we continue to remain grounded in the basics.  Jeremiah 6:16 says the old, good paths are where we will find rest for our souls, and our enduring rest is in Christ (Matt. 11:29).  Quite often when we find ourselves in a quandary and have no idea what we should do, dust off the Bible and seek guidance from the LORD.  Perhaps the neglect of reading, meditating on, and obeying the Word is part of our problem!  We should seek the LORD in prayer, praising Him in all situations.  We should be intentional in trusting God and desiring His will, believing He is good and in control.  It is easy in the pursuit of our dreams to forget about God and His desires for us are good and glorious.  It isn't new facts we need, but renewed faith in our everlasting God who loves us.

Incorruptible Beauty

This morning I read in Proverbs 31:30, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised."  Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart.  Whilst hairstyles and clothing options are different for men and women, the chaste conduct Peter exhorted women to exhibit is practical for both sexes in 1 Peter 3:3-4:  "Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-- ⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."  Luxury watches are called "timeless" and Gucci and other designer apparels command a high price, but God deems humble hearts beautiful and precious.

A person need not be a model or beauty queen to be vain, even as we need not be wealthy to be miserly.  Vanity can be a very subtle sin similar to that of greed, and it is never content.  Money is not bad in itself, and it is in no way sinful to wear clothes purchased in high-end boutiques.  A man is not more spiritual because he buys used unbranded clothes, nor is a person conceited and self-absorbed because she wears make-up and has a number of designer handbags.  At every stage of our lives - whether we have money to afford luxuries or are clothed by charitable donations - we are responsible to consider the condition of our hearts.  The young man should ask himself why he is working towards six-pack abs:  is it because he seeks to be fit, to draw attention to self, to impress others, or?  Sometimes we don't bother to think things through this far concerning our primary motivation in making decisions.

This subject of cultivating a heart after God (which does not preclude being well-groomed, well-presented, and keeping fit) is spoken of in 1 Timothy 2:8-9:  "I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; ⁹ in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing,"  When our eyes are fixed on the LORD and our hearts leaning into Him in worship, we won't be obsessed over our appearance or trying to impress others with wealth.  A heart rejoicing and content in the LORD does not find its identity in the fragrance or brands of clothing we wear.  Is there anything inherently wrong with braiding hair or wearing gold jewellery?  Should we avoid pearls and stock up on diamonds and platinum instead?  That is obviously not the point:  we ought to cultivate praying, humble, and meek hearts which seek the approval of God - not to live to impress men.

The principle held forth in scripture goes beyond the examples provided.  Outward adornment of our bodies today has gone beyond hairstyles or clothing worn but now includes injections, piercings, implants, and modifications.  Is there anything inherently wrong with surgeries considered "cosmetic?"  Hardly.  Only God can know hearts, and I cannot count the many sensible reasons people undergo various procedures to lift this, tuck that, and shape parts of their bodies to be bigger or smaller.  The vast amount of people who utilise these services suggests there might be many people inside and outside of the church who are not, for whatever reason, comfortable or content in their own skin.  The pressure to look a certain way does not end in our youth when peer pressure is supposedly at a peak but continues.  It's a good thing to ask ourselves:  why do I want implants?  What's the reason behind me wanting cosmetic surgery, seeking whiter skin, reducing wrinkles, dying my hair, or making my lips fuller?  Is there a degree of vanity at play?  Am I more focused on my outward appearance or the condition of my heart before God?

How good it is that the God who knows our hearts can also transform them.  We who were mired in greed, selfishness, and vanity have been redeemed from the curse of sin and reconciled to God by His grace.  As Christians we no longer need be ruled by commands and prohibitions as Israelites under Law, for the Holy Spirit indwells us and leads us righteously.  May we all as followers of Jesus place our primary focus on our great God, seeking His approval rather than seeking to catch the attention of others.  The fear of God is more praiseworthy than a flawless physique or designer clothes.

Have Mercy!

"He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy."

Proverbs 28:13

When I think of prosperity, success in business and good health come to mind.  Because there are many people who have become wealthy, famous, and prosperous through immoral and illegal means, what the scripture says reaches beyond the temporal.  That is the trap of concealing sins, for it does indeed seem to promote prosperity in the short term.  It is natural for us to hide our faults as children to avoid being "in trouble," and this tendency does not cease in adulthood.

David covered up his sin with Bathsheba and Urijah the Hittite, and though a powerful and influential king he did not prosper from his efforts.  As Moses warned the people about being sure your sin will find you out (Num. 32:23), David's sin was exposed in infamous fashion by Nathan the prophet.  True prosperity comes from a healthy, growing relationship with God because in Him are the true riches.  Our health will someday fail, and all our wealth and goods we acquire will be passed on to others.  Those who confess and forsake sin will have lasting mercy rather than wrath and torment for eternity.

It is counter-intuitive to confess our sins instead of merely covering them.  The response of Adam and Eve was to cover their nakedness with leaves and blame others when confronted by the God who knows all, and ours is naturally the same.  Freely confessing our sins is better than vain attempts to cover up.  Having admitted our guilt, the next necessary step in repentance is to make intentional effort not to repeat the wrong.  In addition to ceasing to do evil, we ought to do what is right.  God is gracious to be merciful to us and help us to walk in the way which pleases Him.

There are always consequences for sin:  Adam and Even were forced to leave the Garden of Eden and were under a curse; David's infant son would die and the sword would not depart from His house.  At the same time God promised blessing and a future Saviour who would save people from their sins, destroying the power of the curse of sin and death.  How merciful God is out of His goodness!  He does not forsake His people, and when we confess our sins and repent we are enabled to receive the eternal benefits of God's mercy.

Deserving Forgiveness?

News shook the National Football League last week when the star running back Kareem Hunt was unexpectedly suspended by the league and released by his team for alleged instances of assault.  Shortly after his release Kareem sat down for an interview with ESPN and was quoted in a CNN article: "I'm asking for forgiveness and I definitely believe I deserve forgiveness," Hunt told ESPN. "Everything is really happening fast right now, and I just want everybody to forgive me."  His perspective has me thinking about the nature of forgiveness.

It is common for people to feel sorry when they have done wrong, and especially when the are "in trouble" because of it.  In Kareem Hunt's case being in trouble means losing employment, money, sponsorship, and endangers his future career.  I am sure there are many NFL teams after the investigation concludes that would entertain the opportunity to offer Hunt a second chance because he is a young superstar.  But the question comes to mind:  does he deserve forgiveness?  Is forgiveness something which can be earned or deserved?

It is evident the world has a different view of forgiveness than perspective provided by the Bible.  God is righteous and all people are sinners unworthy of forgiveness, regardless how sorry we feel.  Forgiveness from God - the full pardon of our offence and release of all guilt - cannot be earned by apologising, trying to do good, or pledging to do better.  We are all guilty of sin and it is only by the grace of God we can be forgiven of all sin through repentance and faith in Jesus.  Forgiveness is a gift we receive from God, not something we deserve.

Having been forgiven by God, all followers of Jesus have the duty of forgiving others as we have been forgiven.  We do not forgive those who have wronged us because they have changed their ways, proved their loyalty, or apologised sincerely, but because God has freely and graciously forgiven us.  We can all fall into the trap of thinking those who have offended us need to earn forgiveness, but it is to be freely given even as we have freely received it from God - without bitterness, resentment, or thinking the worst.  Forgiveness is an act of faith in obedience to God because we trust Him, not because we believe others will never repeat their mistakes.  If we make forgiveness something others must earn (or we are entitled to by our efforts) we make the grace and goodness of God of no effect.