Peter and Judas: Part One

Disclaimer
Every once in a while, I like to delve into areas of theological interest. I'll do this from time to time because hopefully there are some issues that are worth investigating within the grand scheme of the topic. I really want to open these types of posts to interaction, as they are largely issues rather than doctrine or straight up teaching topics. So, with that disclaimer stated, let's hit it!

Peter and Judas
This is a topic that came up on Sunday and I believe that it merits further discussion. Stanley Jones stated that the wonder isn't that Judas hanged himself but that Peter didn't. Wow! You know, I had never really given much thought to that, but this is a weighty subject. First, I want to let know that I still stand by Matthew 7:1-2, in that I am not going to judge the eternal destination of Judas. That's not my goal here or even something I have any business weighing in on, so I won't. In a comparison between Judas, one who is despised and vilified and Peter, one who is praised and admired, some comparisons can be made. One betrayed Christ and the other one denied him. Really, Peter's denial isn't as far removed from Judas's betrayal as we'd like to think. John 18:25-27 gives more detail about Peter's denial than the other gospel accounts do. I believe this is because the writer of the gospel was more than likely there. I've spoken a bit about this and the credit goes to Ben Witherington (2006) on the topic of the writer, but I agree with his thinking that the writer was the beloved disciple, Lazarus. This would account for the more exacting detail of the denial. All of that to say this. When Peter is confronted by a relative of Malchus, the servant who was de-earred by Peter in the garden and healed by Jesus, Peter folded for the third time. After this third denial, we don't hear anything about Peter until John 21, when he is restored by Jesus.
Interestingly, in Matthew's account Peter denies knowing Christ so vehemently that he swears and curses, possibly towards himself and possibly towards Jesus. Matthew builds on this and adds that Peter recognizes that he had fulfilled Jesus's words and goes out to cry bitterly.I think that Matthew puts an interesting wrinkle into this comparison in chapter 27. Judas is depicted as also being full of remorse for his actions, as he goes to the priests and changes his mind - the NRSV renders it as "repents" - and throws the 30 pieces of silver down and leaves the temple. By the way, on another rabbit trail, 30 pieces of silver was the common price of a slave. Yes, Judas betrayed Christ for the same amount of money that a slave was sold for. However, he was inadvertently fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 11:13.So, we are left with the picture that both Judas and Peter are filled with remorse and regret for their actions. Yet, they seem to take divergent paths towards restoration. Judas hangs himself and Peter languishes for a time and then goes about his regular life, which was prior to his becoming a disciple the life of a fisherman. Not to dismiss that, but let's go back to this issue of repentance.

Repentance for both Judas and Peter?
We all know that Peter repents and is restored by Jesus to truly become "Cephas" - rock - as Jesus said. This followed prophesy. Judas seems to have followed as well, as Jesus said in Matthew 26:24 that it would have been better that the betrayer would have never been born. By the way, it is largely through those words that we get our view of Judas's eternal state.Still why is the repentant state of Judas different from that of Peter? It would seem that there ISN'T any difference. "When it is all put together, I think it is extremely difficult to deny the Matthean Judas genuine repentance. His change of heart cannot be judged as less authentic than that of Peter in 26:75" (Nolland, 2005, p.1153). This would seem to state that repentance in and of itself isn't necessarily enough to grant us salvation.

Salvation issues
I believe that the ultimate difference between Judas and Peter is not in their earlier betrayals or even in their states of repentance. They aren't separated by impulsiveness. Peter was characterized by rash action before his brain kicked in. Judas seems to possess a similar disposition. It has been postulated that Judas betrayed Christ not to have him killed but to force his hand into becoming the messiah that Judas most likely visualized. So, then what's different? It seems that Peter was starting to get over his impulsiveness but Judas never did. Perhaps, even, Peter possessed the ability to forgive himself and Judas didn't. Whatever the exact reason was, we know that Judas pronounced himself judge, jury and executioner by hanging himself. Any further work from that initial state of repentance was negated in that action. Peter was able to experience both restoration through Jesus and empowerment through the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Could Judas have experienced the same or was his fate sealed? That seems to be the million dollar question, as it were.I'm going to continue this discussion later.

Question
So, if I may, what do you think about this topic? Does Judas represent the inherent desire to control our own destinies? I wonder, could Judas have even changed after his betrayal. Maybe the question isn't could have rather it may be a what if question...

The Crisis of Introversion

Introduction
Let's face it, we are a nation that is captivated by introspection. We spend billions of dollars on self-help aids, on psychiatry, on self-esteem building activities and the like. We couple this with the pursuit of material gain: the desire to have the biggest house, the best car and the finest clothes that money can buy. Our Christian bookstores are filled to the brim with self-help books - Lord help you if you might want to buy a commentary or Bible study aid! Our televisions are glutted with home improvement shows and fashion tips are easily attainable.While each of these pursuits, in and of themselves are not an issue, when added together, they tend to make a potent recipe for narcissism, the overwhelming and consuming pursuit of self. This is a problem that must change, especially if the church is going to progress towards being the spotless bride of Christ and effective tool for ministering to the world in the name of Jesus Christ.

The Crisis of Introversion
As mentioned above, we have become a nation that is hooked on self-examination and self-promotion. This post is not a diatribe against the material excesses of America, although it should be noted that we are the most affluent nation that the world has ever seen. We are rich and our churches are as well. Unfortunately, when a church becomes too rich, it has a tendency to become fat and lazy. It quickly becomes detached from the true needs of society and quickly shifts into "country club" mentality. I am a firm believer that a pastor has a sacred duty to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable. What does that mean? It means that a pastor needs to challenge and to exhort their congregations towards a headlong pursuit of Christ Jesus. It means that a pastor needs to promote discipleship and an atmosphere of genuine Christian community and service. There's the key word!! Service!
Let me make this clear. While it is of great importance to have a positive self-image and to cultivate a positive perspective on life, it must not be pursued at the expense of Christian service. We are called, as Christians, to become disciples of Jesus Christ, to live in community with others and to reach out to those who need a loving and helping hand. It's hard to extend that hand when both of them are clutching a mirror!
I was, for all intents and purposes, a very vain guy. My family could attest to the fact that I used to spend a great amount of time in front of the mirror, "checking to make sure that everything is in place" in the words of Phil Collins. The issue here isn't whether or not you care about your personal appearance, you should give some thought to it, but you don't need to be so consumed by it. This leads to an introverted thought process, in which all revolves around self. In doing so, we become guilty of creating a crisis of introversion. We become wrapped up in our own needs and desires.

How this crisis damages the church
"Well, I stopped attending that church because it just didn't fulfill my spiritual needs." "That church wasn't spiritually deep enough for me." "Those people are mere spiritual babes." "That church only fed us milk. I need meat, so I'm leaving." "Churches today are so full of hypocrites and those who aren't spiritual enough, so I'm not going back."Do any of these phrases sound familiar? Have you ever uttered any of them? all of them? I have at one time or another. All of these phrases have one thing in common. All of them reflect this crisis of introversion. If there is any truth to the latest book by George Barna, Revolutions, then the church is being crippled by introversion. My main critique of this book is that respects and even elevates the need for a Christian to leave the church when it no longer caters to their needs. Folks, this a problem!
While there are circumstances that unfortunately do merit a change in churches, they are not myriad in existence. Short of deep immoral behavior in the pulpit and a teaching of clearly unbiblical teaching and theology, our reasons for leaving a church are few. I want to make this clear in as loving a tone as I can muster. A church is not a spiritual Burger King! You can't always "have it your way." The church is full of people who are various stages in their Christian walk. There are those who can absolutely bury me in wisdom and Biblical knowledge. Similarly, there are those who haven't even cracked their Bibles since becoming involved in the church. Yet, they are all to have a place in the church!
One of the hallmarks of a truly mature Christian is the realization that you have so much more to learn and so many areas that need attention in your walk. This means that no one has arrived yet and no one is so spiritually mature that they can't benefit from the community of the Lord. AND - if you are really are mature spiritually, then you should be actively involved in helping others reach a higher state of maturity. That's right, the church isn't a buffet line! It's a community that is predicated upon love and service with the express desire to make disciples and to spread the message that there is indeed a God who loves everyone beyond their wildest imaginations!When our focus is on us, we lose that edge. We lose that focus on the world's needs when our eyes become myopic. We then become a church and a nation that is materially wealthy but Biblically poor. We become able to recite song lyrics and movie dialogue but can't recite a Bible verse longer than "Jesus wept". When this occurs, the church is bound to suffer and to be damaged.

Is change possible?
I truly believe that change can occur, though! How? By becoming committed to focusing upon the needs of others within our own household, our neighborhoods, our churches, our communities, our nations and our world, we stand to truly be the church of the Bible. When our focus turns to the needs of others, then AND ONLY THEN, do we truly love as Christ commands us to. See, the focus needs to be on love. Love, by nature, can't exist alone. It needs interaction with another. Love, as expressed throughout I Corinthians 13, is never self-serving. It gets over hurt feelings and desires to build up rather than tear down. Jesus stated that all of the commandments could be whittled down to two principles. If we love God with every fiber of our being and if we love our neighbor as ourselves, then we've got it. Love not only covers a multitude of sins, but it is the reason that Jesus came to us in the first place. John 3:16 isn't just good poster material!

Conclusion
I'm not about to say that the church is beyond repair. Yes, work needs to be done. Yes, changes must occur. But no, the church isn't beyond hope. That said, the only way that this generation will be able to have any part in this repair is if we begin to get past our desires to placate self and strive to build up others. By focusing on others, our own issues begin to smooth out. Suddenly, those problems begin to get more focused. Our hurts begin to heal. When our focus is upon restoring the fallen, we get to see mercy and grace acted out. This in turn not only changes us, it changes the church. When the church is changed, the world will begin to change. when that happens, watch out!

Judge Not: Pt. 5: Restoration
"Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself" (Galatians 6:1, NLT).

Introduction
We've looked at various aspects and real-life scenarios of judging, whether it be labeled discernment or out and out legalism. This series began as an exegetical look at Matthew 7:1-2, the "judge not unless you want to be judged" verses that are bruised and battered within and without the church. In this post, I want to examine what needs to happen after rightful judgment has been made - talking about discernment of activities here, not of a person's eternal destination, in the life of someone in the church.

The landscape
To me, there is nothing more tragic, sad and disappointing than hearing about how someone was hurt in a church to the point of leaving altogether. This has become an all too common occurrence and one that I believe can and must be avoided. While the person who was hurt does possess a degree of culpability in this scenario, stories and personal experiences have led me to believe that in many cases, one could hardly be blamed for leaving.
Paul instructions to the Galatians, which by the way was likely his first church letter, speak of how a Christian should be restored to fellowship. Now, there are some notes of interest that should be expounded upon briefly. First, it should be noted that this verse pertains only to those who are already Christians. Second, Paul is stating that it is entirely possible for a Christian to sin. Might he also be implying that one could lose their salvation as well? While not implicitly stated, the thought must be considered. Third, Paul is quite specific in stating that other Christians need to rally around their fallen brother or sister. And here is the rub...
Too often, this third note never occurs. Too often, this person is rejected, thrown to wolves, shot down by the very ones who are TOLD by the very book they claim to love! This point can't be missed! Our judgments that are geared towards other Christians are never, never, never intended to be ostracizing in nature. It is our duty as Christians to bring back those who have left, either from sin and shame or from being wounded by the church.
Paul places the emphasis on restoration in this passage for a reason. We must remember that the church is set up as a community first and foremost. A community, by its very nature is intended to build and to be built upon. We can't very well be building when we are tearing down, can we? It's pretty simple, or is it? Perhaps not, because then maybe, we'd see it more often.
Christians are called to surround the hurt, the fallen and the bruised in gentleness and humility. Paul's saying that we are not to hold the sin or hurt over the damaged person. In other words, other Christians in this case aren't to revel in the fallen, they are to remember that by the same measure that they give mercy, so shall they receive it. Maybe these words aren't so simple. I admit that I haven't always been as gentle and as merciful as I should have been. It becomes very easy at times to exalt our own perceived spiritual superiority over another's "weak faith". Yet, to do so flies completely in the face of scripture - not just this verse in Galatians, either.
Once again, I do understand that this post has some preachy elements in it, but what do you expect, haha... Also, I know that there is a bit of irony in noting that some judgment is required before restoration can begin. Remember, this though, the emphasis is upon restoring and rebuilding the kingdom and not upon the act of judging another here.

Judge Not: Pt. 4: Actions might be louder than words

Introduction
In this series, we've dealt with Matthew 7:1-2 head on. The phrase "judge not and you will not be judged" refers not to a blanket statement made by Jesus to not judge. It is a statement that, through the interpretation of the original Greek, means that we are to not judge the ETERNAL DESTINATION of another person. While later verses also indicate that statements of judgment may be made within specific parameters, here Jesus refers to the ultimate form of judgment, made all too often even today, unfortunately.
In part three, we examined one way in which judgments may be made, through the lens of current events. In part four, this trend continues to focus upon social and racial equality, which was demonstrated by Jesus himself on many occasions, not the least of which was his direct and loving confrontation with the Samaritan woman at the well, as recorded in John 4.

Jackie Robinson Day
April 15th 2007, marked the 60th anniversary of the first regular season game played by Jackie Robinson in Major League Baseball. So what, some may say. Sure, this had to do with baseball, but it goes beyond that. At the time, the military was still segregated. When Jackie and other African-Americans served our nation during World War II, mere years before this game, they had to serve in separate units from their Caucasian counterparts and comrades.
These same men, when they returned home from service, still found that they couldn't stay in many of the same hotels, eat in the same sections of restaurants or even see a movie in the same theater as Caucasians. These practices weren't simply limited to the South Jim Crow states. They were also, shamefully, practiced in sections in the North, as well.
By setting foot on a professional baseball field, Jackie Robinson was taking one of the first of the civil rights movement, which was still about 15 years away. It's been recorded that at this time, Jackie was harassed on and off the field, even receiving death threats. Imagine that! He received death threats for having the "audacity" for wanting to play baseball! Yet, as bad that sounds, at least Jackie was granted the right to do so. He had no such option in the NBA or NFL. Baseball, likely Jackie's worst sport, was the only major sport to give him a chance at all.
It's been recorded that some of Jackie's "teammates" didn't want him to play on the Dodgers. One of the more vocal opposers was named Dixie Walker. Apparently though, it was made clear by Branch Rickey, the man responsible for signing Jackie, that anyone opposed to Jackie playing would be traded. In a related show of solidarity with Jackie, one day when playing in Cincinnati, the fans and others were being particularly cruel. In order to help dissuade the crowd from their actions, local hero and future Hall of Famer Pee Wee Reese went up to Jackie and put his arm around his shoulders, as if to show to the crowd that Jackie was a man and Dodger, just like the the rest of the team was, no more, no less. Reese was judging the behavior of the crowd as being incorrect, but he chose to respond to that same incorrect behavior in a loving manner. Reese's actions were clearly louder than any words might have been!

Application for the Christian
It is this action by Reese that I would like to apply to the Christian life. Few of us will have the opportunity to make a stand like Jackie did. He shouldered some the most difficult and frankly despicable treatment another human being could suffer. When the opportunity arose to show support and to voice a type of judgment against such behavior, Reese's actions spoke even louder than words.
This is the type of attitude that we as Christians are to display. Perhaps not through picket signs and protests, although situations may warrant it, but through our words and loving displeasure, we may make it clear that the Bible sends a different kind of message to the world. Racism can't be allowed to exist. Sexism is incorrect. However, we are not to employ the same methods as some in the world have employed in order to get these points across.
Judgments are needed at times, but not through a pursuit of an "any means necessary" type of approach. Our stance must be like Dr. Martin Luther King or even Mahatma Gandhi's approach of peaceful resistance. Remember, we are called to not only love or friends and fellow Christians, but to love our enemies as well. It's hard to love when you are throwing rocks! It is important for our Christian witness to be seasoned with love, for we must remember whose name we carry. If our actions, even in righteous judgment, are contrary to those of Christ, we defeat ourselves outright.

Conclusion
I'd like for us to remember that there are occasions that warrant our involvement. Judgment needs to given when we are faced with clear attacks on Biblical principles. However, even when our action is mandated, what we do must always be in accordance with the very Word that we are defending. After all, how effective would Reese have been if he had chosen to go up into the stands to verbally and physically confront those who assaulted Jackie? If we are told that a gentle answer turns away wrath, we need to remember that. There is a way to get your point across while maintaining your witness for Christ, I assure you.
Our judgments need to be seasoned with love. They need to have the purpose of not tearing down the person who has displayed the wrong behavior, but they need to have the purpose of removing the malignancy from that same person. In other words, we want to remove the cancer and leave the patient intact.

Judge Not: Pt. 3: Where's the furor?

Overview
In what is quickly becoming a series of posts elaborating on one of the most brazenly abused scriptures in the Bible, Matthew 7:1-2, otherwise known as "judge not, lest you be judged, we are going to take a look at another aspect of application.
In part one, we investigated the proper exegetical meaning of the scripture, that Jesus is making a proclamation against judging one another eternally, not against judging actions that are immoral or unbiblical.
In part two, we took a look at some practical implications of how a judgmental spirit may overtake, overrun and keep a church from fulfilling its purpose on earth.
Part three will deal with another application. The question has been asked if there are times and places for judging. The answer to that is dependent upon the purpose and motives for doing so. What follows will be a building of a case for a time in which loving judgments should be made.

The Imus predicament
This past spring, much deliberation occurred over statements made by Don Imus in regards to his statement about the Rutgers women's basketball team. In one fell stroke, Imus managed to offend both the female and African-American communities. The comments have cost Imus his lucrative job, at least on CBS and MSNBC. A quick attempt to hush the matter by the respective companies initially led to a two week suspension for Imus. That proverbial slap on the wrist was eventually replaced by the firing of Imus, mostly in response to the furor of both offended communities.
This situation calls for a bit of an editorial comment on my part. First, I support the decision to fire Imus. In this day and age - frankly in any day and age, that type of misogynistic and racially charged language has no place on the airwaves. Second, I stand in full support of the comments that were made by the Rutgers coach, in which she stated that the time has come in which NO ONE should be making those types of comments: neither white, nor black, nor male nor female. In other words, no one should be saying such things, whether it be on the airwaves or in song.
Third, I also stand in support of the investigation and spotlight being turned upon the hip-hop community. As one of the most popular forms of musical expression, accountability for apparent misogny must be in place. With all respect for Snoop Dogg as a man, I think that his argument, along with that of Russell Simmons, about rap artist simply writing about what they see rings incredibly hollow. Women are not female dogs and they aren't mere objects for quenching men's desires. They are men's partners and equals. Across the board, statements against women must stop. This isn't an opportunity to swipe at the hip-hop community, it's an opportunity to speak out in judgment, motivated by my love for women and the protection of our children.
Fourth, I wonder if it might be possible that a bit of hypersensitivity didn't come into play in this Imus/Rutgers situation. Really, should the Rutgers team have cared about what some dj said about them? How do the statements of a played-out, well past his prime shock jock have to impact a fine athletic accomplishment? Just a thought...

Application for the Christian
Now, while I have stated that I contend that Imus was out of line and that his firing is justified, I wonder if the type of moral indignation that was displayed by both the African-American community leaders and women's rights activists shouldn't be carried into another arena. It seems that pundits for nearly every interest group is given a forum on a national level in order to, rightfully, voice their displeasure about unfavorable and possibly degrading race and sex based statements.
My only concern about this process, is this. Where's the furor within the Christian community in regards to statements that have been made by, for example, Bill Maher on his show about the deluded and weak need for some to rely upon religion? His statements aren't far removed from a Marxian opinion of religion being the opiate of the masses. Yet, does anyone speak out or is anyone even given the opportunity to speak out on a national stage?
Further, while Rosie was catching flak her statements of belief in a national conspiracy in regards to 9/11, who was standing up in righteous indignation about her recent comments in which she compared fundamentalist Christian to fundamentalist terrorists? Who was calling for her firing? I believe with all of my heart that Christians need to take note of the climate of sensitivity that is being displayed in this country and see if some of that might be able to be used to defend and refine thoughts about Christianity today? Or would we have yet another case of tolerance for all things, except the cross of Christ?

A time for "judging"
What I'm saying is that there are times to stand up and to "not let your good be spoken evil of". There are times to stand up in defense of the most precious gift ever given to humanity. In a similar fashion, there are times to judge statements made by individuals. I believe that I have demonstrated at least two occasions in which protest and judgment is apropos. What I would warn against, however, would be the use of that righteous indignation in statements against the person, Rosie O'Donnell. That doesn't mean that I stand in support of her public lifestyle choices. It means that any potential public forum that a Christian advocate might receive needs to and must be directed towards the hateful comments against Christianity rather than at the person who made them.
In other words, the examples of the aforementioned pundits must be followed. No credible comments were made against the person of Don Imus. It was the statements of the man that were measured and found wanting. I believe that Christians, when making discerning and Holy Spirit-led statements need to direct their furor at statements. Might there still be backlash against the brave stand? Sure, but at least the ammunition that is given to those making the statements against religion or Christianity will be diminished.

Closing Comments
So while there are times in which judgment may be Biblically given - and this particular post is only examining one time and one direction in which judgments may be vocalized - they should only be given when guided by love, correction and of utmost importance, the Holy Spirit. Love is still the rule and the guidelines of love that are given in I Corinthians 13 must be followed. Be patient, kind and never rude. Judgment can't be directed by selfish motives and can't be given in order to continue legalistic practices.

Judge Not:: Pt. 2 : The Closed Door Syndrome

Introduction
In part one, we deconstructed the popular social misuse of Matthew 7:1-2. To quickly summarize, the use of "judge not, lest you be judged" is being used today as a means of deflecting any potential judgment being meted out by those who dare make a stand. Yet, the actual words of Jesus were conveying a command against making an eternal judgment against another, not one based on behaviors or actions - when done in a loving and constructive way.
In part two, we'll begin to examine an all too familiar practical application of the dangers of passing judgment upon others too quickly or from a position of supposed moral authority. Practical and common occurrences will be examined. In a similar way, a type of judgmental attitude may be perceived. Please know that this comes from a prayerful and loving place. I love the church and believe in my heart that the church is still and always will be the bride of Christ. I'm just trying to straighten out the train on her dress here, that's all...
Just to address the issue up front: once again, I'm not saying that Christians shouldn't take stands against behaviors that are clearly against Biblical principles. I am saying that discretion needs to be used when doing so. In fact, that discretion needs to come from prayer and supplication to the movings of the Holy Spirit PRIOR to making judgment statements about behaviors. Why? Let's a take a look...

A quick overview of the church
There seems to be two viewpoints on the mission of the church. One view is to hold that the church is a haven for saints. This means that the church exists primarily to build up and edify those who are already Christians. The second view is that the church is a hospital for sinners. This means that a church stays in welcome mode and exists primarily as an entry-level church. I would argue that a third view of the church needs to exist. I believe that a careful mix of both views needs to be incorporated into the church. I believe that a church should seek to build disciples of Jesus Christ. At the same time, and here's where some difficulty lies, the church should seek to welcome in "whosoever will". In other words, the doors to a church need to remain open. How does this tie into judging? Why, thanks for asking!

The First Church of the Closed Doors
In too many churches, and in some I have attended, there is a spirit that could be called either unintentionally or even intentionally disinviting. This means that a church "feels cold". There might be few greeters. There might be little interaction amongst all people in the church, with little cliques being formed here and there. If you haven't seen this, then think about junior high. Imagine that again and you're on the right track. These churches tend to be unwelcoming to "outsiders". Even worse, there may be people who wonder, "What are THEY doing here?"
This question might not be asked out loud, but it becomes apparent to the person who came in. A visitor may actually be a rare commodity in such a church. When one brave soul does venture in, they are gawked out like some carnival side-show freak. They are asked to stand up before the church and give their name, rank and serial number. The only thing missing here is either a spotlight or a large scarlet "V" being placed on their chest. There might be various reasons for this practice, but the message comes through loud and clear: we are us, you are they.
Let's face it, it's already difficult enough for non-Christians to come into a church. The music, although precious to us who grew up in a church or who are well-versed in 18th century music, seems dated. The practices of the church, though known to members and long-timers, can make others feel out of place and on it goes. My point here is that it is HARD for "outsiders" to walk into any church, even for the most confident, normal, well-adjusted person.
Now, let's raise the stakes a little. What if a divorced, mother of three were to come into the church, a little bit late and a little bit noisily? What if a person of another race were to come into a church of one predominant race? What if someone with smoke or alcohol smells came in? A known ex-con? A known and practicing homosexual? What happens then? Are they greeted warmly or must they run the gauntlet of stares and hushed quiet as they slip into the back of the church, unannounced and uninvited?
This is a scene that plays out all too often. And then, many churches who do this will be the same ones who wonder why their churches are dying or are so "inbred" that the a visitor register might be covered in dust and cobwebs. Or in an even worse scenario: they might not even care or wonder why no one new has come in. That church has become a "members only" country club of spirituality. The doors of that church have almost literally rusted closed.

The First Church of the Open Doors
If you weren't born into the church, how did you enter in? How were you welcomed? Did it take many churches to find a good fit? These are questions that pastors and parishioners alike need to be asking themselves. We have to remember that as the church, WE are the representatives of Jesus Christ here on Earth. As children of the king, we carry the family name, so to speak. Therefore, we need to carry ourselves in that manner. With the privileges of sainthood come great responsibilities.
Jesus tells that whatever we do to the least of these, we do to him. This means that we as a church have got to become not only more welcoming INSIDE the church, but OUTSIDE of it as well. We need to walk across the street and talk with others, people that others might walk past.
If we don't, if we sit back and pass judgment on a godless world WITHOUT even lifting a finger to spread the Word lovingly, why should we expect the world to act any differently? Shouldn't we as a church, a body that has not an answer to the world's problems but THE answer in Jesus Christ, act like it?
Jesus communed with tax collectors. He ministered to and was accused of being a drunkard, a demoniac, of being insane, of being anything other than what we would think of as being a Christian. And yet, who accused him and judged his actions in such a way? Was it those who were healed? What is the woman caught in adultery or Mary Magdalene who accused him? It wasn't the Samaritan woman at the well who failed to bring people to him. She didn't put off evangelizing because she was hungry. It was the disciples, the very people who should have known better in the first place who did that. Read John 4 for more details. The Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day were the ones who were throwing the rocks of judgment at Christ. WOW!
See, Jesus mirrored for us what the church should look like. He welcomed in ANYONE and EVERYONE who wanted to be in. He reached out to those who were outcasts and social pariahs. Those who had blown their last chance were given another chance in him. Jesus welcomed in everyone and I'm confident that he'd do it today. Yet, this is only half of the story. While Jesus welcomed people in, like the overzealous Peter and the tax collector Matthew, yet he was never content with letting them stay in the condition that they were in when they walked through the door, so to speak.
This means in practical and clear language that we need to spend less time in judging and criticizing today's society. The critic's chair is the easiest one to occupy. It's safe and must have big cushions or something. What we need to do, and what I need to do, is to reach out INTO the world and at least try to reach out in LOVE and in the name of Jesus. I'd make this challenge to you. Are there any people on your friends list here on myspace or at work or in your neighborhood who do NOT profess to be Christians? If not, perhaps, you've become so insulated FROM the world that you have lost contact WITH the world. This isn't meant to be a slam. It's an admonition. It's an admonition that is directed towards myself as well. I need to be brave and to do a better job of reaching out to the very ones who need the ultimate life preserver that is Jesus Christ.
By judging the world instead of loving it, we miss out on the purpose of our lives here on Earth. If we were intended to live out our days solely in the presence of our brothers and sisters, might we all be transported directly to heaven upon salvation?

Salt and light
If we are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, isn't it so that we can spread the Word of God? It's tough to love and to reach out to others when both of our hands are clinched around a sword. While we have a moral imperative to make stands, should we do it at the EXPENSE of ministering? What I'm saying here is that in too many cases people have been wounded and injured forever by judgmental Christians. Have these people then really be able to make an informed and responsible decision to either accept or reject Christ? The turn or burn mentality tends to place us in a position of superiority rather than in the position of sinners saved by grace. I'm not saying that we shouldn't speak of both the reality and consequences of hell. We should, but it should be tempered with the reality and beauty of heaven.

Is your faith based on do's or don't's?
People are looking for and needing love. People want to see a person who is authentic in their faith and who genuinely wants to present a gift, not one who wants to judge or to force someone to take a bath before they can be cleaned. What I mean is people want to see lives that are characterized by do's. Do love. Do witness. Do read your Bible, pray and become an involved part of your local church. Few people today are looking for a list of don't when they walk through a door. By focusing on the do's of Christianity, the don'ts become fairly evident. I urge you to strive to love before you judge, to minister and to help before you speak out and to become a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem. Christians are called to be known by our love, not by our judgments. Is your faith based on a list of do's or dont's?

"Judge Not... the most abused scripture today"

This post is based upon a comment that I left earlier today on a fine blog. I feel like the topic needs further exploration...

"Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get" (Matthew 7:1-2, NRSV).

It seems that "judge not, lest you be judged" is flung around ad nausem by anyone who has the desire or impetus to do so. These verses have suffered from abuse beyond compare, textually speaking. Usually, these verses are employed as a weapon. For the record, if there is one universal "bad policy" for scripture, it is the use of scripture as a weapon. The ironic thing about this particular scripture, and what makes me upset, is that it is generally employed by those who rarely, if ever, crack open a Bible.
It seems that the scripture is thrown most commonly at a Christian or another person who is seeking to take a moral stand against a particular activity or practice. Those who seek to defend their own practices or those of people they know then load their tired bow and fling this arrow. While I apologize for the irritated tone that I have at the moment, I want you to know that I am doing so for edifying purposes.

A quick exegetical background
As I believe I have stated in other entries, the key to sound and orthodox Biblical interpretation - exegesis - is taking into account the context of the verse in question. Verses don't exist in outer space. In fact, when the Bible was originally penned, chapter and verse wasn't used. Just using the New Testament as an example, these books were written in Koine Greek. This common language didn't employ either punctuation, paragraph breaks, etc., so a particular book looked like a sheet of letters. Chapter and verse is a construct of the Middle Ages. The reason for including this trivial information is to illustrate that the Bible was written to be ingested in thoughts rather than verse by verse. This means that in order for us to get an accurate picture of what a verse truly means, we must employ contextual studies.

Judge not - in focus!
Back to Matthew 7:1-2. What Jesus is talking about in this oft-quoted and even more oft-abused passage is that we are to sure that our own affairs are in order with the Father. In other words, the context of the verse in question is set with an eternal perspective in mind. The ultimate form of judgment, the final judgment before God that will take place for all, is what is being addressed here.
It should be noted that a prohibition against making statements against sin is not being made in Matt. 7:1-2.
In the Greek, the word for judgment in these verses - and throughout the book of Matthew is "used overwhelmingly for the eschatological judgment of God" (Nolland, 2005, p.318). This means that Jesus is making a prohibition not against calling sin what it is - remember, always coated in love - but rather against our judging about the eternal destination of another. That is the sole and exclusive territory of God.
By pronouncing that type of judgment on another, I am putting myself in the position of God. For the sake of argument, doing such a thing is really in violation of the First Commandment. Nothing is to be in the place of God, save God alone. This is why it is considered by many that to "damn" someone else through the use of language is sinful and plain wrong.

Again, this time with feeling...
To emphasize: Matthew 7:1-2 is speaking against the placement of self in the position of God himself, as eternal judge. To have a stand against something and to speak in a critical yet ALWAYS loving fashion is NOT being spoken against by Jesus.
We are implored as Christians to stand for what is holy and good, righteous and just. However, we are also called to always bear in mind that we are to be loving when we do so. I'm not referring to verbal abuse or putting on an air of moral superiority in the name of love. The ultimate definition of love is given to us through both the words and life of Jesus - who said that greater love has no one than the one who gives his life for another. Love itself is also to manifest itself as written in I Corinthians 13. "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way" (I Cor. 13:4-5a).

Wrapping it up
So, the next time you feel led to either employ Matt. 7:1-2 or when you feel led to make a decision about another person's eternal destination, remember the context of the aforementioned verses. Let God handle the final judgment. Be sure that your heart and life are in order and that Jesus Christ is the Lord of your life. Check to make sure that love is your motivation. Always know that you catch more bees with honey than with vinegar. In other words, let's all, you, me and everyone follow the greatest commandments: to love God with all that we are and to love our neighbors - which is everyone - as we love ourselves.

Do I live in Saturday?

Friday is the day that Jesus was crucified and died. It's called "Good Friday". Sunday is the day that Jesus rose from the dead. It's called "Easter". Saturday is that...., it's called.... Oh yeah, Saturday has no special name, no special services, no anything. It seems, at best, to be a space filler between Friday and Sunday, with only debatable activity occurring on both earth and in the spiritual realm. (One of my former professors has just posted a bit on Saturday - http://kenschenck.blogspot.com). So, the question is raised, of what importance is Saturday? Furthermore, with Saturday appearing to be a filler between two bookends, do I find myself living in that time?

Second place syndrome
I believe that most of us know what it's like to be the runner-up. We tried, came so close, but not close enough. I ran track long ago. It seemed on many occasions that my best race was just good enough to finish second. I won as well, but for some reasons, those second places are more vivid in my memory. I played very competitive softball for many years. I have several trophies from that time to this very day. Yet, out of all of the trophies, some of which are bigger than my kids, only one is for a first place title. That one is also the smallest one. Actually, come to think of it, I believe it was broken this past year by one of my cats. So there you have it, no first place trophies to show for it. Oh well, I think I hurt my hamstring during that tourney anyway...
There are so many interesting titles for that second place finisher, too. Runner-up. Second fiddle. First loser. Wonderful titles... Who remembers the second place person in any band? Messina? Oates? Garfunkel? Ridgeley? Stewart? Everybody wants to be the lead singer, sit first chair in the band, be the next "American Idol" and on and on...
Second place or being in-between is so unglamorous. Who remembers the time between World Wars I & II? You had the Roaring 20's and then the Great Depression. The times were and still are interpreted by the bookends of the world wars. The in-between seem unglamorous and are readily forgotten.
Yet, in reality, despite perceptions, are the in-between times any less important, any less vital to developing the overall story? Is the backstretch any less important in running a complete race than is the start or the final meters before the finish line?
In my own life is Saturday, where I find myself right now, that self-described limbo - see my post on the ordinary being extraordinary if you would like further insight - any less important than the Friday - my past and the Sunday, my expectant future?

Saturday, in proper perspective
I would argue that without Saturday, Friday and Sunday exist without context. If I may leave my own story behind for a moment, I'd like to examine the perspective of Jesus' disciples. On Saturday, it seems clear that the disciples would have been in deep hiding. Their master, the one that they had devoted the last three years of their lives to, had been killed. On one hand, it must have seemed like they had put all of their bets on the wrong horse, so to speak. We are told on more than one occasion that the disciples didn't understand what Jesus was talking about at the time until after he was resurrected. But I jump ahead... Back to the disciples on Saturday. What a woeful time! They must have been cowering in fear. No doubt Peter was a mess, having just betrayed Jesus three times. One of their own number, Judas Iscariot, was gone. We're told that the disciples, save for the "beloved disciple", who was present at the cross with Mary and the other women, etc., all scattered and deserted Jesus. It's clear that the other members of Jesus' own family had deserted him, as his burial was attending and cared for by non-family members, a true contradiction of what those times mandated. Family members were to provide for burial, but that cross brought public shame, shame that wasn't to be messed with by a family that didn't understand Jesus to begin with. Have I painted a bleak enough picture? Saturday was really a dark, lonely and despairing day.

The promise of Saturday
Yet, as bad as Saturday was (and is), without it, Friday was just a day of suffering. Sunday wouldn't have happened, as it would still be a day off in the future. James 1:2-4 contain some truly enigmatic and strange words for those who are currently in Saturday. I wonder if, in hindsight, the perspective of James, the brother of Christ, that was colored greatly by that very Saturday, led him to write these words - when taken in proper perspective: "My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing" (NRSV).
Be joyful in trials? Enjoy Saturday? That seems impossible. And yet, that is exactly what we are to do. Why? Because without trials and testings, our faith is weak. Anyone can believe and follow Christ when life is easy and good. We pray for blessings, not trials, right? We pray for deliverance FROM trials, not TO them, right?
Back to the disciples... They were in the midst of a dark and almost undeliverable, at least from their perspective then, time. Saturday seemed to go on forever. Yet, it was that very time of despair and testing that made Sunday so remarkable. We're told that some of the disciples, when told of Jesus' resurrection on Sunday morning, actually ran to the tomb. They had been so shaken by Friday, so beaten down by Saturday, that Sunday was a jolt and shock to their system! When deliverance came, it nearly overwhelmed them! In fact, for at least one of the disciples, Thomas, his despair became so deep that Sunday morning wasn't enough for him. He was stuck on Saturday! This makes me wonder, then, am I?

Learning from Saturday
It's easy, with our present-day perspective, to gloss over Saturday. I no of no great books that have been written on the topic. I doubt one would become a best-seller, anyway. No evangelist uses Saturday for revival messages. The focus is almost always on Friday and Sunday. Why? Because it's easier and more dynamic to use those days. Yet, where are most people living their lives? I would argue that most are living their lives on Saturday, myself included.
However, we will do a gross injustice to ourselves and to the life that God has granted us if we become, like Thomas, lost in Saturday. We will become full of doubt and lacking in perspective if we become lost in Saturday. We benefit the knowledge that Sunday occurred then. The disciples didn't know until it happened. Perhaps, those of us who are currently living in Saturday would benefit from remembering that Saturday is but for a time and in the words of E.K. Bailey, "Friday is here, but Sunday is on the way!" The same may be said of Saturday. Saturday is here. I am living in Saturday. Saturday is all around me and I feel like no relief is in sight.
Even so, I must remember the blessed truth that Saturday exists to give Friday and Sunday context. Without Saturday, my faith is weak. Without trials, I receive no benefit, no joy from my faith. Therefore, in trust and faith, I must stand in the knowledge that Saturday is but for a season, but Saturday exists for a reason!

Not me!

When I read the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper, as we call it, I usually find myself feeling just a bit superior. I like to think that had I been there, I would have been able to resist the urge to question my own loyalty to Jesus aloud by saying, "Surely not I, Lord" (Matt. 26:22, NRSV). I like to think that I would have felt more secure in my belief in Jesus than his own brothers and sisters did - Mark 3 and John 7:5 show that Jesus' family had issues with his authority - John goes so far as to say that his brothers didn't believe in him at this time. But by doing this, have I become just as guilty as those who deserted Jesus on that night? Am I really capable of betraying Jesus? Or have I already?
One of the more popular worship choruses in recent years contains the line, "I'll never fall away". This declarative statement of eternal fidelity seems to fly directly in the face of observable statistics that a majority of people who are currently in the life of the church will not be there in 2-3 years. What a statistic! Those that sing "I'll never fall away" are the same who will stop attending a church because either it's filled with those that they deem as "hypocrites" or because the pastor just doesn't feed their "advanced spirituality" or because there aren't enough "mature Christians", presumably like them.
Yet, before I get too judgmental of these people, I need to ask myself, have I done the same thing? The answer is frightening.
It's so easy to pronounce judgment upon Peter for his spectacular denial. All four Gospels give an account of it: Matt. 26:33-35; Mark 14:29-31; Luke 22:31-34 and John 13:36-38. Therefore, there must really be something that is to be learned from this. If we look closer at the account in John, we see that after Jesus tells Peter that he can't follow where he is going right now, Peter proclaims to Jesus that he will gladly lay his life down for him. A familiar sentiment! Yet, right after this bold pronouncement from Peter, Jesus tells him that he won't only betray his "lord", but that he will do it three times before the sun rises! This seems astounding! How could someone who was so bold and daring for Christ one minute betray him not once, not twice, but three times that very night?
Could it be that Peter still didn't get it, much like those who greeted Christ at the city gates with palm branches and cries of "hosanna" only a few days before (see previous post for discussion on Palm Sunday)? I think so. yet how could one who followed Jesus for three years, day and night, fail to see the point? I would say because Peter still had in his mind what the messiah should be like. Peter had a picture of a triumphant messiah, not one who should suffer. He more than likely thought that life with Jesus would continue on with privileges, blessings and positions of honor! Sound familiar?
It is this very mindset that resonates both within myself and much of contemporary Christian culture today. We are searching for blessings, blessings that are tied to material wealth and gain, our best life now and earthly incentives for serving Jesus now. Yet, it was this very mindset that Jesus was addressing within Peter when he proclaimed Peter's denial. I wonder if that is the same mindset that is found within the multitudes who will leave the church. Even more so, I wonder if some of that mindset is within me.
The question that lies at hand is not an easy one to ask. I would like to think that my faith and belief system is bulletproof. I'd like to think that I couldn't possibly turn away from Christ or miss the point of serving him. I'd like to be able to confidently shout, "Not me!" Yet can I?
When I spend more time on proclaiming the sins of the people than in helping them, I miss the point. This is so excellently told by C.S. Lewis in The Screwtape Letters. If I am spending more time pointing my finger in a self-righteous fashion without extending the rest of my hand, I've missed the point.
Further, if I am prone towards spending hour after hour in self-reflection without addressing the need for more prayer, for more study, for more witnessing, then I am missing the point. I keep coming back to this theme of missing the point because I believe that it is so vital to understand. While it is necessary to call sin what it is and while it is so important to examine ourselves regularly, neither can be a substitute for love, grace and mercy. For if we can't extend our hands to those who don't know Christ, why should they be compelled to come home? Should we think if we shine a light upon their sins that they will listen? Perhaps a few will, but so many more will be turned off. What if, instead of throwing a rock, we try to build a bridge?
If I become so wrapped up in myself, I tend to get tunnel vision. I tend to get caught up in my own piety. While it is important to live a life of personal holiness, it must not be lived in isolation. Holiness is only complete in community. A relationship with Jesus does no good when it is continually pointed inward. If I leave the church altogether because I'm not getting fed enough, was I really dining at all? Or was I, all the time, standing up and proclaiming, "Not me!"
Do you see why I said that the answer to the earlier is frightening? It's frightening because it is so obvious that I surely would have run that night, too. I'm not nearly perfected enough in my faith to have been immune to that which struck every other disciple. Oh, I can debate as much. I'm sure there even might be those of you who are reading this have had or are having the same thought that I did. "Alright, pastor, thanks for the words, but you don't know my faith. I'd never fall away." And yet, by proclaiming that, have you already? Not literally, maybe. But by placing so much emphasis on self, have you inadvertently done that?
See, if we are saved by grace and not our own merit, then we must be willing to admit that we have room for growth. If I shout, "Not me!" What am I really saying? Essentially, I am saying that I am a complete work. I am saying that I am strong enough on my own or through my faith to be immune to falling away. Is that true?
I am saved through the working of the Holy Spirit in my life alone. This is an advantage that the disciples didn't have until Pentecost. So, along with that and the benefit of 2000 years of history, I could maybe stand more confidently, but I'm not talking about today. I'm talking about me standing in the Upper Room that night. All things being equal, me standing there prior to Pentecost, hearing Jesus proclaim the upcoming betrayal, would I say "Not me" like the others or would I say nothing?
It's so easy to say "Not me!" because we both want to please Jesus and we also want to build up our own faith. Yet, by doing so, do we miss the point of the abandoning? Perhaps the disciples abandoned Christ, not because their faith in him was too weak but perhaps because it was misplaced. Perhaps, the disciples were too reliant on Jesus to take care of everything and not really able to walk on their own - within his strength to be sure, though.
In closing, I'm saying this. Perhaps, just perhaps, my faith is based upon all that which Christ can do, a wonderful thing to be sure; but if I'm not able to walk out the door of my church and go across the street to both befriend someone in need and to tell them about Christ, haven't I just missed the point? Haven't I just said, "Not me!" and then gone out and done just as the disciples did that night?

The future in exchange for the present?

I'm finding myself at a funny place in life. Some call it a time of transition. Some call it an in-between time. I call it a pain. I'm not where I was, locked into classes and a program. That's done and the next program and degree, if there is to be a next is a few months away. Independent Greek lessons for me, haha! I'm not currently in a church, that's also a few months off. So, what I guess I'm saying is that everything that seems of interest is off on the horizon. Does that mean that I should whittle away my time now? Do I get into survival mode today in order to prepare for a future that entails the unknown for my family and I?
The future holds I don't know what, I don't really know where or how it's going to be paid for. In other words, there is more up in the air than there is on the ground, at least when viewed practically and logistically. Yet, why should I pine away for that future? Perhaps it is the expectation of that next challenge. Perhaps it is the acknowledgment of my penchant for loving new challenges and seeing who God's plan for my life jibes with my current surroundings. Whatever it may be, I am finding myself quite willing to exchange my present for my future. But is that right?
I believe that many Christians live their lives in that same mode of future-longing. They become so focused on the future promise of heaven that their present life becomes something that is loathsome. The phrase for this kind of thinking is "being so heavenly-minded that they are of no earthly good." Now, understand, I believe that there is nothing wrong with being captivated with the thought of our future glory in the eternal presence of our Lord and Savior, at least for those who have made the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as the Lord of their lives.
The future
Have you ever noticed that in some circles, the future is so much more appealing to folks that their present sort of slides into a type of shadow dance with reality? I think this is dangerous and in fact is a squandering of the blessed life that we are granted daily from the Father. So, in a way, I guess I am answering my own question. i know in my heart that every day holds something blessed and important. Perhaps it is because of the lingering questions that my focus has been so far off lately. But whatever the reason for that is, I know that I need to focus on what is here right now.
We must know that first, Christ told us plainly that we should not be "worried" about the future because today has enough problems of its own for us. I believe he is telling us to focus upon the life that we have instead of the life we want or do not have as of yet. this doesn't mean we shouldn't plan ahead, it means that we shouldn't be so caught up in that which lies ahead that we spoil the precious and irreplaceable gift of today.
The rapture dilemma
On a related topic, I believe that at times, there is too much emphasis that is placed on eschatology, that is the study of the end times. We get so caught up in interpretations of prophecy that we tend to filter those prophecies only through present and the foreseeable future, at least as how it pertains to us here in America. Yet is that even the purpose of prophecy? Or is it there to continue the story of God's protection and love for his chosen people, the Israelites? Yeah, talking about our over-enamoration with a certain series of books, that in my opinion, might be better off left behind. Short of them bringing people into a current relationship with Jesus Christ - which is always of worth, and I think the overriding concept of the series, it must be recognized that the vast majority of it relies on both fictional events and certain and quite modern interpretations of Biblical passages that would have been viewed by the early church as absurd. Even the preoccupation upon a rapture helps to develop a type of bail-out mentality. I mean, the rapture is such a modern phenomenon - an 18th century Darbian interpretation. yet, if I were to google the word "rapture", I would find over 10 million instances of the word on the web. That's astounding!
Now, I'm not trying to step on any toes or to start needless debates. I believe that this issue is one of interpretation. I take Jesus at his word when he said that he would come again. I just don't personally believe that any texts conclusively prove the existence of both a rapture and a return. One event rather than two. But once again, to me, this is not an important battle. I talked about this last week under the post of "Choosing our battles."
The Point
My point is that we are given the responsibility of enjoying and maximizing our present lives. We are going to be accountable for what has and is currently being done, rather than what is to come. This means my eyes should be focused on what is around me, who is around me and how I can attempt to reach out today for the glory of Christ. I must TRUST - the key word here - that Christ will keep his word and that he is in perfect control of tomorrow. He will fulfill his word as he desires. I'm sure much surprise will come to us, as there was much the first time. My point is that all that I have any assurance of is right now. If my life is given over to Christ, my future is his. I live then in the blessed assurance that Jesus is mine, oh what a foretaste of glory divine! So then, my future must not become a preoccupation that overrides the beauty and even joy of the present. I can't exchange my present for the future. Although these days can't begin to compare to what lies ahead, they must not be forsaken. And yet, I press on to the high calling of Christ!
So, I leave you with the exhortation to live each day as if it were all that you have. That doesn't mean that you don't plan for the future. It means that you shouldn't walk through today with scorn. Don't give up the precious gift of life today. This is true whether or not today is great, blase or even bad. Today is ours to live out for the glory of Christ, so that others may hear and desire to also come to him. We live with the expectation of the future, but not with a preoccupation upon it. God is faithful and he will sort out what is to come. My job is to live today and to NOT exchange my present for my future.

The most blessed man on Earth

Whether or not anyone would be willing to agree me, I would have to say that I am the most blessed man on the face of the Earth. Am I wealthy? No. Do I have an extensive financial portfolio? No. Do I have fancy cars? No. Am I a model? Definitely not. Do I even live in my own house? No. Yet, I still consider myself to be the most blessed man on Earth.
Now, you may be asking yourself, where is this guy going? Will he now list what he considers to be a blessing in either an attempt to convince me that he thinks he's blessed or even worse, in an attempt to actually convince himself? Actually, neither option is correct. I'm not going to give you a short list. Why? Because frankly, the Lord could take absolutely everything and everybody that I know and love away from me and I would still stand by my statement. Why? Because I know what can be called a secret...
How counter-cultural is that last statement? Unfortunately, quite. But see, my blessing lies in that which isn't directly seen, but by that which can be directly manifested in my life. This means that you might not be able physically see what or where my blessing lies, but you should be able to discern it from the type of life I strive to live.
"I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need" (Philippians 4:12, NRSV). What kind of verse is this? It's either a bit of pure enlightenment from the Holy Spirit or the basis of a baseless best-seller, thanks so much, Oprah.
First, the Greek that is being used here "to have little" is more along the lines of being humbled. Even more emphatically stated, Paul knew what it was like to humiliated. So, this statement made by Paul is more a statement of humility than of material want. How ironic is that? Those of us who live in America live in the most affluent and possibly materialistic country on earth. Due to this fact, our views of statements like Phil. 4:12 tend to lean towards the materialistic. That aside, regardless of culture, few people strive to be humbled. If there is any one thing that people seek to avoid, it is being humbled. Yet, in all honesty, one of the most cathartic and growth-inspiring events in our lives can be those that have caused us to be humbled or humiliated.
Second, Paul speaks of also knowing what it is like to have and have plenty. This seems to be the part of the verse that most people want to identify with. When we seek to be blessed, we usually pray not only for provision but for bounty. If only..., I'll be happy seems to be our mantra. Is this why our Christian bookstores are bursting at the seams with books that will show us how to be blessed, how to live our best life now or how to learn kingdom principles. As if these things are the true "secret" that Paul was speaking about in Phil. 4:12.
Taking this one step further, what exactly is this secret that Paul mentions here? Secret, here, really means to be initiated into mysteries. This is Paul's metaphor for understanding something that few either seek or get the opportunity to encounter. The most interesting part of this verse is that the "secret" of verse 12 isn't so secret.
Paul reveals the identity of the secret earlier in Philippians, in chapter 3. "More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Phil. 3:8a, NRSV). This means that everything that Paul had done, as great as it was, wasn't enough. Everything that he had owned wasn't enough. All of that paled in comparison to the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. This is the secret to being blessed. In fact, it is the secret, period.
I believe that I am the most blessed man on the face of the earth because I have had the privilege of knowing Jesus Christ. Ironically, it is this wonderful relationship that has caused me to be at times humbled, humiliated but at other times lauded and given credit for things or statements that frankly, don't entirely belong to me. "Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ" (Phil. 3:7, NRSV).
Pursuing the things of this earth can't bring true blessing. Trying to pursue happiness can't bring true blessing. Not even having the love of a faithful spouse or healthy children can bring true blessing. While all of these things are wonderful and make life more enjoyable, all of them fall short of providing that one true answer to the ultimate question of "what's this life for?"
So then, the secret of life, the source of all blessings is knowing Jesus Christ as the Lord of my life. It's as simple and as difficult as that. It's free and it's costly all at the same time. It requires no activation fee, yet it will cost you everything that you formerly held as dear. yet, if you were to try to reject it, you would ultimately find yourself drowning in a sea of sorrows.
Being the most blessed man on earth isn't about reciting a mantra or some manifestation of self-actualization or even the power of positive thinking. It is about finding the indescribable joy of knowing that Jesus is Lord. He has changed priorities, taken away stresses and given me my raison d'etre. This is the true nature of blessing. It's not material wealth or accumulation thereof. It's not in prestige or power. The true nature of blessing is found in losing yourself in the one true source. The rest of my life, that "pursuit of happiness" falls short in comparison. My life isn't the be all, end all. It's only here for a short time anyway. My true source of blessing isn't found in me, anyway. I surely am not happy being consumed by self and I am not truly blessed by focusing on "me, first".
If you find yourself living a life of "if only" or if you have been attempting to find yourself in the identity of another, I urge you to make a change. I'm not saying that having a great marriage isn't a worthy goal. I am saying that it's not enough. I'm not saying that raising healthy and happy kids isn't worthy, it's just simply not enough. The true SECRET to being the most BLESSED PERSON ON EARTH lies in knowing JESUS CHRIST as the LORD of your LIFE. I urge you to make that your top priority today.

Choosing our battles

I think it is so important for us as Christians to be able to discern where our battles and where our true issues lie. Let me make it clear that first and foremost, I understand that the battle belongs to the Lord and that our enemies are not of flesh and blood but of powers and principalities. I'm not talking about warfare and I frankly don't advocate it, but that's another post for another day...

Absolutes versus relative truths
There's an absolute distinction that must be made between that which is an absolute of the faith and that which is relative. The lines between the two can become fuzzy and blurry at times and in different countries, denominations and people. That is why it is so vital that we let love rule the day. In fact, if you have your Bibles with you, please turn to I Corinthians 13. "If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing... love never ends..." (I Cor. 13:1-2, 8a, NRSV). In other words, I can understand all about absolutes and relativism, but if I choose to use these distinctions in order to throw rocks or to get in pointless arguments in which no one is saved or edified, then I am a useless and irritating noise to the the world. You know how there are two approaches to witnessing? There's the love 'em approach and there's the fire and brimstone approach. Guess which one Jesus used?
Trick question... both. Jesus showed love in all that he did, but there were times to be tender and times to speak clearly about the alternative to accepting him, which is summed up in one word, hell. Remember, Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in the New Testament. Never get it twisted. Jesus wasn't all about pats on the back and "it'll be alright" talks. YET, he always loved. I apologize for the long introduction, but I want it to made abundantly clear that this post and this blog and page are offered in love to one and all.
To the point now... absolutes are those things which are held in the strictest and purest regard. For instance, an absolute - a non-negotiable of the Christian faith is that Jesus is Lord and there are no other names under heaven, not Allah, not Buddha, not Vishnu, not David Koresh, by which we are saved. (Acts 4:12) In other words, syncretism doesn't work. I can't claim salvation in Christ and Buddha together. Doesn't work. Jesus said that he is THE truth and THE life and that NO ONE gets to the Father except through him. (John 14:6) Do you see what I'm driving at here? There are certain things that,a s Christians, we MUST stand for. These are absolutes. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. God is the creator and sustainer of all life.
Now, to something a bit off of absolutes. I believe in the exclusivity of the Trinity. In other words, I believe that God exists in three distinct and equal parts, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. 3 in 1. Now, there are those who disagree. Oneness Pentecostalism, some non-denoms from what we would call "Christian" churches and Jehovah's Witnesses, who I would consider a cult rather than as a Christian church. More on that perhaps at another time.
Dining and Differences
Yet, despite those differences and my views, I can still commune with those who feel differently on the Trinity. I believe that they are in theological error. I can even demonstrate 13 proof texts that show the 3 distinct offices of the Trinity. There are many other references that could be made that support the Trinity. Yet, despite these disagreements, at the end of the day, we are still brothers and sisters in the Lord. Now, would it be of benefit to argue the point about the Trinity mercilessly? To denounce them as heretical? You decide.
By the way, a theological term for an absolute is dogma. These are theological statements that are indivisible from Christianity. I can't really believe that Jesus wasn't raised from the dead in order to ascend to heaven and to be the all-encompassing atoning sacrifice for the sins of all who would receive him and still actually be a Christian, can I? I would say no. An absolute, dogmatic statement has just then been made. Jesus is Lord. dogma. No debate necessary, if you are a Christian.
Now, there are other issues that would fall under the term "relative". The real issue here is defining scripturally what these must be. It has taken so much time to develop Christian doctrine and seven ecumenical councils in order to hammer out the basic tenets, or dogma of Christianity. Yet, we find ourselves today as a church spending so much time in that which is relative. Now, before I move on, please understand this as well. I'm not going to say that you should take a stand on issues. I'm only saying that we should recognize them as such before we get so worked up that we border on "losing our religion".
The Issues
Issues are thins which may be culturally driven, time sensitive or even denominationally specific. Four hot button issues come instantly to my mind. Homosexuality, abortion, war and drinking. Now, once again, I am not saying that we as Christians shouldn't make stands. We should, but not by all means. Any stand taken should be motivated by love and be in the best interests of the world as a whole. Remember, Jesus didn't come solely for the American! At no point is that statement made in the Bible, yet we so easily co-opt that frame of mind into what we know as Christianity.
Without wishing to incite an online riot or to be overly confrontational, I would say flat out, that I believe that from the Biblical mandate for sex to be contained to marriage solely that I personally believe that homosexuality is wrong. That said, would I welcome a practicing homosexual into my church? I would welcome them in, but I would not wish them to continue in that sin any more than I would want someone who is beating their wife or who is trying skip through life on the merits of grace. Do you see what I am saying? Remember, Jesus was accused of being a drunk, possessed by demons, being a glutton and all manner of horrible and completely inaccurate things. He hung out with "sinners". He spoke with women and held them in high regard - a socially unthinkable thing in that day. He even witnessed to a Samaritan - to the Jew a half-breed, woman - there are Talmudic statements that make it clear that women are inferior to men. He did this in love! But who attacked him for this? The very people who should have had his back, namely the religious establishment. The very ones who should have known better were the very ones who wished for Jesus to be crucified because he didn't meet THEIR expectations. Sound familiar? I'm afraid to say that statement describes too many Christians today and the way I tried to practice my faith for too many years.
See, even though Jesus hung out with the unsavories and the sinners, he was never content to let them stay the same. A real encounter with Jesus takes you where you are then and should move you to another place all together. Look at Matthew, Zaccheus, the woman at the well, Paul, Peter and so many others. They were at the start of the story tax collectors, adultresses, murderous persecutors and cowards with uncontrollable tempers. Yet, at the end of the story these people were different. Zaccheus gave away money and repaid those he swindled with interest. The woman at the well went into town and brought others back to listen to Jesus - evangelism! Paul and Peter became pillars of the church - remember, both of them had name changes: Saul/Paul and Simon/Cephas or Peter as we know him. What does that mean? It means that we should do no less than Christ here. Let issues be issues and allow the Holy Spirit to convict and to change as he desires.
I could sit here and rant and rave about the ills of alcohol. For me, it may even be wrong. Yet, if I were to have this discussion with a man from South Africa (I have..), the cultural relevance wouldn't be there. Does that excuse me to live as he did? Probably not. Yet, I could have chosen to get all hung up on the issue and ruined a perfect opportunity to share Jesus. Once again, I'm not condoning sin or going light on it. I'm wanting to be governed by love, that perfect love that only comes from Jesus. That's why I say, we should and must learn to choose our battles as both a church and as Christians. I'm not saying that we should smoke because we are trying to fit in with our neighbors. But, I am saying that if your neighbor does, regardless of your personal convictions and stance on the issue, you still should both love them and invite them to church. That lonely divorcee, that drug abuser, that person who society would deem as repugnant or as second-class should be the very people we at least TRY to reach out to. What is past is prologue. We are all sinners saved by grace and it would do us good to remember that. That's not a free pass but it's a door. Choose your battles through prayer, study and community. Let's spend more time reaching out with the love of Christ and being willing to overlook the speck in our brothers eye, so that we may extend mercy. Jesus told us that by the measure that we extend mercy will be the measure by which mercy is extended to us.
What could be accomplished if we were willing to be preoccupied with restoring the hurt to the church, to reaching out to those who have never even heard of Christ? To putting our arms around those who wouldn't get any attention otherwise? I promise you, if we were stand on the absolutes of our faith and let issues be just that, there truly would be a different world around us. But this all starts with you. and me. Let Jesus be Lord.