Keeping Christ in Christmas
By Dr. Chris King
December 2009
At this yearly time of Christmas
When at my forty years and six
That I by own peculiar “wisdom”
Sought most heartily to fix
This dilemma of the Christmas
This conundrum of great thought
That has bothered me through recent day
So much that I have sought
To relieve myself and this world
Of the pressing, important matter
Of why Christmas invariably comes
With all of its festival clatter
And leaves all those in its wake
Not with promised joy and peace
But with heartache, emptiness and concern
And great debt, to say the least.
“If this Christmas is a time so blessed,
A holy day, by what is said,
Then why have all of this trouble?
Why all the pain?” I sorely pled.
So, my two eyes for this Christmas
Scanned the malls both to and fro
I saw much hustle and bustle of people
And the crowds both come and go
With their bags full of purchases and goodies
For the loved ones they hold dear
And the friends, co-workers and neighbors
What with presents they want to cheer.
Yet in all of this commotion
I saw nothing in the least
To provide for me a reason
To explain needless waste and feast.
There were parties full of toasting
Using drinks, both dry and wet,
With some guests so drunk while leaving
They were clueless as to who they met!
And to family homes I wandered
Curious to see how they would be
Only to find great competition
As to who’s gift was best under the tree.
At last I came upon a different place
A quiet nook yet speaking loud
A living creche placed out in a field
No grand displays, no hustling crowds
No twinkling lights, no blasting horns
Just peaceful bliss in soft firelight
And as the veil of my heart was torn
Does manger’s message shine so bright?
For, lo, my eyes are just now seeing
And my heart knows to be true
Two things are of a surety
As pure as the morning’s dew.
The reason why our Christmas
Doesn’t measure up "to par”
Has not parlayed its glorious essence
Beyond its stead too far
Has nothing to do with Christmas
No, no, quite nothing, nothing at all.
We are the ones who have ceased to invite
King Jesus to His own Christmas Ball!
We have planned all of our parties.
We have bought the tree to trim.
Yet, we rarely have remembered
To center our focus upon Him.
We easily spend big money
In the malls, in stores and thrifts
And overlook the cardinal meaning
Why we even give the gifts!
In the spirit of the Father
As He’s given us the Son
In the spirit of the Magi
Gifts in three, hearts as one.
Without the Christ, there is no Savior
Christmas is but a passing day.
Even Saint Nick has no basis
Without Jesus in the hay.
Yet, when we put Him in the midst
Of all our celebration
Christmas is truly a “holy-day”
As becomes the long tradition.
So, the moral of this Christmas poem
To ones with hearts needing cheer
Is to keep the Christ in Christmas
And His joy throughout the year!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Give and Serve at Christmas
This month we will do something different, something more interactive. See if you can determine the train of thought from the following Scripture passages:
But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11)
“It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28)
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life...” (John 3:16)
If your conclusions were the two words “giving” and “service” as the threads that connected the above passages together, you were correct. All that God the Father and God the Son accomplished throughout the Christmas story (which, by the way, did not end at Bethlehem) centered around the wondrous gift of salvation which Christ came to share with us. Throughout His time on earth, He never became wealthy or materially prosperous, but sought always to serve others, literally pouring out Himself so that those around Him might know the fulness of true life.
What a contrast to that which we now celebrate as Christmas! God’s gift of Christ was God-centered, other-focused. All around us today the Christmas season promotes a “what’s in it for me” mentality with very little thought of service to the “least of these My brethren”. It’s time for a change and that change must come by God’s people displaying this authenticity of the true spirit of Christmas.
Here are some constructive thoughts for us to consider. (1) Take some time this Christmas to volunteer at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, food bank or clothing exchange. If you have children, be sure to take them with you so they can see firsthand that there are a number of people and families not nearly as materially blessed as you are. It might even prompt your children to donate some of their own treasured items so that others can be blessed in their use. (Note: Remember we as believers in Christ never want to be accused of donating our junk just to make room for the new “good stuff” we plan to purchase for ourselves. How hypocritical that would be in the world’s eyes!)
A second idea (2) is to take some of the funds you would use on yourself and order much needed items for folks in other areas of the world through organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, etc. These groups usually publish catalogs with a number of selections and price lists that a family can use to make such a Christmas gift decision. These options could also possibly be found on the websites of the organizations.
The basic thing we want to do as Christians is to teach our children and our communities that the focus of Christmas is not the materialism we are so used to seeing around us. The blessing of Christmas is in the giving and service to others as based on the reason why Christ came in the first place. After all, regardless of what the secular world would have us to believe and how hard they may fight to have it otherwise, there will never be Christmas without Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior and Lord of all! Amen.
But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11)
“It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28)
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life...” (John 3:16)
If your conclusions were the two words “giving” and “service” as the threads that connected the above passages together, you were correct. All that God the Father and God the Son accomplished throughout the Christmas story (which, by the way, did not end at Bethlehem) centered around the wondrous gift of salvation which Christ came to share with us. Throughout His time on earth, He never became wealthy or materially prosperous, but sought always to serve others, literally pouring out Himself so that those around Him might know the fulness of true life.
What a contrast to that which we now celebrate as Christmas! God’s gift of Christ was God-centered, other-focused. All around us today the Christmas season promotes a “what’s in it for me” mentality with very little thought of service to the “least of these My brethren”. It’s time for a change and that change must come by God’s people displaying this authenticity of the true spirit of Christmas.
Here are some constructive thoughts for us to consider. (1) Take some time this Christmas to volunteer at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, food bank or clothing exchange. If you have children, be sure to take them with you so they can see firsthand that there are a number of people and families not nearly as materially blessed as you are. It might even prompt your children to donate some of their own treasured items so that others can be blessed in their use. (Note: Remember we as believers in Christ never want to be accused of donating our junk just to make room for the new “good stuff” we plan to purchase for ourselves. How hypocritical that would be in the world’s eyes!)
A second idea (2) is to take some of the funds you would use on yourself and order much needed items for folks in other areas of the world through organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, etc. These groups usually publish catalogs with a number of selections and price lists that a family can use to make such a Christmas gift decision. These options could also possibly be found on the websites of the organizations.
The basic thing we want to do as Christians is to teach our children and our communities that the focus of Christmas is not the materialism we are so used to seeing around us. The blessing of Christmas is in the giving and service to others as based on the reason why Christ came in the first place. After all, regardless of what the secular world would have us to believe and how hard they may fight to have it otherwise, there will never be Christmas without Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior and Lord of all! Amen.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Giving Thanks Always
“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks, For Your name is near; Men declare Your wondrous works.” (Psalm 75:1)
It’s hard to believe that the year is drawing to a close and now the observance of Thanksgiving is upon us. Soon the smells of the day will be surrounding us. The car doors will closing outside while the cacophony of conversations, children’s laughter and football on television will be filling the house. Just the description calls up a longing second only to the Christmas experience for most of us.
The one dynamic that separates Thanksgiving from all other holidays is the central focus from which its name is derived. This is a time purposefully set aside to give thanks to God for the many blessings He has given to us throughout the preceding year. It is an opportunity to stop from our busyness and take inventory what we have that others less fortunate than ourselves do not and be grateful, not because of the disparity, but, rather, because we have the ability to bless others out of our bounty. This is not a holiday to celebrate self-centeredness. It is a reminder to be selfless in our generosity.
There is an interesting play on words when we insert but the one word “when” into the text above: “For Your name is near (when) men declare Your wondrous works”. To do so makes it a parallel to the text, “O Thou who inhabits the praises of Israel (His people)” (rf. Psalm 22:3 KJV). You see, we never realize how close to God we really are when we authentically and sincerely thank Him for all He is to us and for what He truly has blessed us. He delights in hearing from us how much we appreciate Him and the gifts that He has given to us. We know how much we are blessed when those to whom we have given special items tell us how much those things mean to them. How much more does our gratitude mean to our Heavenly Father? How much more does He just want to hear from our lips how much we really love and adore Him?
Thanking God should never be a chore nor a matter of compulsion. To give God thanks should never become a ritualistic action on our part, said in words but devoid of heart and meaning. Rather, we should be in a constant attitude of thanksgiving, always aware of God’s presence, ever-seeking the blessings He gives to us on a daily basis, never failing to be grateful for littlest things that show His love to us. In this way, celebrating Thanksgiving is but a corporate expression of what we do on a regular basis, knowing that as we thank Him for Who He is and what He has done, He is there awaiting our gifts of thanks and praise, desiring to show us even more acts of love and mercy.
It’s hard to believe that the year is drawing to a close and now the observance of Thanksgiving is upon us. Soon the smells of the day will be surrounding us. The car doors will closing outside while the cacophony of conversations, children’s laughter and football on television will be filling the house. Just the description calls up a longing second only to the Christmas experience for most of us.
The one dynamic that separates Thanksgiving from all other holidays is the central focus from which its name is derived. This is a time purposefully set aside to give thanks to God for the many blessings He has given to us throughout the preceding year. It is an opportunity to stop from our busyness and take inventory what we have that others less fortunate than ourselves do not and be grateful, not because of the disparity, but, rather, because we have the ability to bless others out of our bounty. This is not a holiday to celebrate self-centeredness. It is a reminder to be selfless in our generosity.
There is an interesting play on words when we insert but the one word “when” into the text above: “For Your name is near (when) men declare Your wondrous works”. To do so makes it a parallel to the text, “O Thou who inhabits the praises of Israel (His people)” (rf. Psalm 22:3 KJV). You see, we never realize how close to God we really are when we authentically and sincerely thank Him for all He is to us and for what He truly has blessed us. He delights in hearing from us how much we appreciate Him and the gifts that He has given to us. We know how much we are blessed when those to whom we have given special items tell us how much those things mean to them. How much more does our gratitude mean to our Heavenly Father? How much more does He just want to hear from our lips how much we really love and adore Him?
Thanking God should never be a chore nor a matter of compulsion. To give God thanks should never become a ritualistic action on our part, said in words but devoid of heart and meaning. Rather, we should be in a constant attitude of thanksgiving, always aware of God’s presence, ever-seeking the blessings He gives to us on a daily basis, never failing to be grateful for littlest things that show His love to us. In this way, celebrating Thanksgiving is but a corporate expression of what we do on a regular basis, knowing that as we thank Him for Who He is and what He has done, He is there awaiting our gifts of thanks and praise, desiring to show us even more acts of love and mercy.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
All Hallows' Eve, the Concept of Fear, and Christians
I have been recently wrestling with a specific question. Why are we so fearful as Christians? If we are honest with ourselves, getting past the nice facades of self-righteousness that we like to hide behind, we are driven to do many of things that we do because of fear. We react to things around us due to fear of the unknown, past experiences, perceived evils, etc. We try to accomplish good things for the kingdom of God on the basis of fear, not a “fear” that is in terms of respect or awe of God (which is healthy), but, rather, in absolute dread that God will zap us into oblivion if we fail to do otherwise. Fear in many respects rules more in our hearts and lives than does God, if the truth be known.
What better time to bring up this reality than in October, a month whose major “holiday” is centered around the concept of fear. The origins of All Hallow’s Eve (Halloween), the night when the spirits of the dead arise to torment the land of the living, bespeak of fear and trepidation. These spirits could only be appeased, according to tradition, by leaving gifts of various types (depending on the respective country and culture of celebration) outside of the individual homes of the villagers. If there were no gifts at a particular house, the occupants of the home were tormented in sundry ways by the angry wraiths who left the living far worse off for their disbelief and disobedience. In addition, those of the order of the occult view All Hallow’s Eve as one of their four high holy days of celebration, a day of great power to accomplish great evil.
I find it interesting that not only do those of the Christian faith willingly participate in the celebration of All Hallow’s Eve despite the knowledge of the above but many seek to use the same tactics as the spirits of the dead to evangelize, rather than torment, the living as if the end justifies the means. At every turn, fear is being used as a tool to achieve one’s own agenda, whether for evil or for supposed good. In any case, fear is the basis and the foundation for all things associated with this alleged “holiday”.
This is but one example of how Christians can easily find themselves caught up in this perpetual web of fear-based decision-making. We do not even realize how far off we are from the teachings of Scripture when we fall prey to such a mind-set. Let me show us.
Whenever God visits His people in Scripture, giving them His Word, whether Personally or through His messengers, the angels, knowing such a reception will undoubtedly cause an apprehensive response, He or the angelic representative will more often than not state, “Do not fear...” (Just in Genesis there are four such examples: 15:1; 21:17; 26:24; 35:17). It is plain that God wants to settle the nerves and hearts of His people, understanding that fear is a barrier that must be removed, so that they will be more inclined to hear what He has to share with them. Furthermore, God does not want His people to live their lives on the basis of anxiousness, worry or concern (each word a pseudonym of fear), whether looking to the past or focused on the future. He wants us to trust solely in Him and His character to take care of us (rf. Matthew 6:31-34; Luke 12:22-31; Philippians 4:6-7). Likewise, when we have Him as the true center of our lives, we will not be controlled by any form of fear. Rather, we will have His love and the desire to glorify Him as our sole motivators in all that we say and do (rf. I John 4:18). With this Scriptural perspective, a believer in Christ can live his/her life in peace and joy, regardless of the circumstances, knowing that “all things work together for good, to them that love God to them who are the called according to His purpose” (rf. Romans 8:28). In addition, we do not need to use fear as a tactic, least of all with any visual and dramatically enhanced “bells and whistles” to lead folks “screaming” to Christ. His Word, in terms of God’s actions and character as well as the reality of our own sinfulness which we know only too well, is more than sufficient to accomplish the task of bringing people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as it has been now for over two thousand years.
Simply put, Christ wants His people to live in the security of His love and character, freed from fear. He desires His Holy Spirit to be our primary motivator who will never lead us to do anything based on fear, nor minister in His name using fear as a means. We should not be fearful in our living, but confident that the One Who has saved us will keep us, sustain us, protect us and bring us safely to our home in heaven when our purpose on earth is accomplished. With such a God providing such a truth, what reasons do we really have then for being fearful, harboring fears, operating on the basis of fear? The rightful answer is...none.
What better time to bring up this reality than in October, a month whose major “holiday” is centered around the concept of fear. The origins of All Hallow’s Eve (Halloween), the night when the spirits of the dead arise to torment the land of the living, bespeak of fear and trepidation. These spirits could only be appeased, according to tradition, by leaving gifts of various types (depending on the respective country and culture of celebration) outside of the individual homes of the villagers. If there were no gifts at a particular house, the occupants of the home were tormented in sundry ways by the angry wraiths who left the living far worse off for their disbelief and disobedience. In addition, those of the order of the occult view All Hallow’s Eve as one of their four high holy days of celebration, a day of great power to accomplish great evil.
I find it interesting that not only do those of the Christian faith willingly participate in the celebration of All Hallow’s Eve despite the knowledge of the above but many seek to use the same tactics as the spirits of the dead to evangelize, rather than torment, the living as if the end justifies the means. At every turn, fear is being used as a tool to achieve one’s own agenda, whether for evil or for supposed good. In any case, fear is the basis and the foundation for all things associated with this alleged “holiday”.
This is but one example of how Christians can easily find themselves caught up in this perpetual web of fear-based decision-making. We do not even realize how far off we are from the teachings of Scripture when we fall prey to such a mind-set. Let me show us.
Whenever God visits His people in Scripture, giving them His Word, whether Personally or through His messengers, the angels, knowing such a reception will undoubtedly cause an apprehensive response, He or the angelic representative will more often than not state, “Do not fear...” (Just in Genesis there are four such examples: 15:1; 21:17; 26:24; 35:17). It is plain that God wants to settle the nerves and hearts of His people, understanding that fear is a barrier that must be removed, so that they will be more inclined to hear what He has to share with them. Furthermore, God does not want His people to live their lives on the basis of anxiousness, worry or concern (each word a pseudonym of fear), whether looking to the past or focused on the future. He wants us to trust solely in Him and His character to take care of us (rf. Matthew 6:31-34; Luke 12:22-31; Philippians 4:6-7). Likewise, when we have Him as the true center of our lives, we will not be controlled by any form of fear. Rather, we will have His love and the desire to glorify Him as our sole motivators in all that we say and do (rf. I John 4:18). With this Scriptural perspective, a believer in Christ can live his/her life in peace and joy, regardless of the circumstances, knowing that “all things work together for good, to them that love God to them who are the called according to His purpose” (rf. Romans 8:28). In addition, we do not need to use fear as a tactic, least of all with any visual and dramatically enhanced “bells and whistles” to lead folks “screaming” to Christ. His Word, in terms of God’s actions and character as well as the reality of our own sinfulness which we know only too well, is more than sufficient to accomplish the task of bringing people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as it has been now for over two thousand years.
Simply put, Christ wants His people to live in the security of His love and character, freed from fear. He desires His Holy Spirit to be our primary motivator who will never lead us to do anything based on fear, nor minister in His name using fear as a means. We should not be fearful in our living, but confident that the One Who has saved us will keep us, sustain us, protect us and bring us safely to our home in heaven when our purpose on earth is accomplished. With such a God providing such a truth, what reasons do we really have then for being fearful, harboring fears, operating on the basis of fear? The rightful answer is...none.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Narcissism Not Welcome Here
I have recently had an epiphany. For those of you who have likewise experienced an epiphany, you know that it is “a moment of sudden and great revelation”. Now, I don’t want to turn you off at the outset of this article, making you think that I have swallowed the dictionary and have begun to spew forth “quarter” words that most people do not typically use in their everyday conversations. On the other hand, some of what I will share may be seen as a vocabulary lesson with attending definitions so that all of us will be challenged in our thinking.
The epiphany, specifically, had to with what has become the most important influence over our culture: “self-centeredness”. Indeed, we have labeled an entire birth group, the “Me-Generation”, because of this quality. However, in reality, this is but a reflection of a philosophy rooted in our mentality for the better part of over two hundred years. It started in society as an academic pursuit and then quickly permeated the realm of the Church in all Her branches. It moved Her object of focus from God to man. It made worship based on the pleasures and whims of men rather than the desires of God. The philosophy in question is narcissism.
In definition, narcissism is an excessive interest in oneself. This interest may or may not lead into arenas of sexual or physical obsession. Narcissism is at its heart pure self-focus. Everything involved in this system of thought is “personal”, centered around the individual as the primary one in view. Indeed, everyone, everything else is secondary to “me”. Within narcissism, it is the use of the personal pronouns, “I”, “me”, “my”, that are of utmost concern.
Now having stated the above, here was the epiphany I (no pun intended) experienced. As I continued my study in the book I mentioned last month, Ancient-Future Worship by Robert Webber, comparing his premise with the teachings of Scripture, I saw something that rocked my world. Though Jesus deals with us individually in terms of bringing us into His kingdom, our salvation is but part of His corporate salvation of His Church. Christ speaks of salvation, worship and the kingdom in corporate terms throughout the New Testament. We are the ones who have wrongly made it more individualized because we who have become so narcissistic. Let me explain.
When the angel reveals to Joseph the mission of the newly conceived Jesus in Mary’s womb, Gabriel says, “...and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.” (rf. Matthew 1:21). Note the corporate “His people” and the use of the adjoining plural pronoun “their”. In reference to Peter’s confession in Matthew 16:18, Jesus states, “...and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it,” showing the single, corporate nature of the institution He was creating. In John’s Gospel, Jesus refers to the Church as His sheep (10:11,14-16, 25-29) and the disciples, both present and future (17:6-24). This is not an exhaustive treatment, but serves only to prove the point: when Jesus referred to His Church, He did so as a corporate body and He intended for us to view His Church in the same manner. Again, this does not negate the fact that He saves us individually and intends for us to pursue a deep personal, spiritual relationship with Him through prayer and meditation in the Word. That, however, is to be the extent of our individualism. The rest of what we do in Christ is for the sake of the Church, His Church.
Maybe what we need to do is to go back and re-view the perspective of Jesus Himself. As Paul says in Philippians 2:5-7: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who...emptied Himself...” It all begins by putting ourselves last as He did. Then He placed His Father first and foremost. Afterward, His Church, His Bride came next in His list of priorities. When we follow suit, it utterly transforms our perspective of worship, service, evangelism, etc., because no longer are we viewing Scripture as it applies to “me, myself and I”. Rather, we would be putting ourselves last in importance, Christ first in all things and His Church as the focus of all of Jesus’ attention and energies, with ourselves being Her supporters and defenders. Jesus gave His life for His Church (rf. Acts 20:28) and as believers in Christ we should have the same attitude of sacrificing ourselves for Him and for the Church as well.
As you can see, narcissism has no place in Biblical Christianity. Imagine what a radical change would take place if the Church in America and around the world were no longer filled with self-centered, self-focused professing Christians, but rather Christians who put Christ first in their lives and truly made Him the focal point and recipient of their worship! Isn’t this, after all, what Christ expects of us as His followers? What then is keeping us from meeting His expectations?
The epiphany, specifically, had to with what has become the most important influence over our culture: “self-centeredness”. Indeed, we have labeled an entire birth group, the “Me-Generation”, because of this quality. However, in reality, this is but a reflection of a philosophy rooted in our mentality for the better part of over two hundred years. It started in society as an academic pursuit and then quickly permeated the realm of the Church in all Her branches. It moved Her object of focus from God to man. It made worship based on the pleasures and whims of men rather than the desires of God. The philosophy in question is narcissism.
In definition, narcissism is an excessive interest in oneself. This interest may or may not lead into arenas of sexual or physical obsession. Narcissism is at its heart pure self-focus. Everything involved in this system of thought is “personal”, centered around the individual as the primary one in view. Indeed, everyone, everything else is secondary to “me”. Within narcissism, it is the use of the personal pronouns, “I”, “me”, “my”, that are of utmost concern.
Now having stated the above, here was the epiphany I (no pun intended) experienced. As I continued my study in the book I mentioned last month, Ancient-Future Worship by Robert Webber, comparing his premise with the teachings of Scripture, I saw something that rocked my world. Though Jesus deals with us individually in terms of bringing us into His kingdom, our salvation is but part of His corporate salvation of His Church. Christ speaks of salvation, worship and the kingdom in corporate terms throughout the New Testament. We are the ones who have wrongly made it more individualized because we who have become so narcissistic. Let me explain.
When the angel reveals to Joseph the mission of the newly conceived Jesus in Mary’s womb, Gabriel says, “...and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.” (rf. Matthew 1:21). Note the corporate “His people” and the use of the adjoining plural pronoun “their”. In reference to Peter’s confession in Matthew 16:18, Jesus states, “...and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it,” showing the single, corporate nature of the institution He was creating. In John’s Gospel, Jesus refers to the Church as His sheep (10:11,14-16, 25-29) and the disciples, both present and future (17:6-24). This is not an exhaustive treatment, but serves only to prove the point: when Jesus referred to His Church, He did so as a corporate body and He intended for us to view His Church in the same manner. Again, this does not negate the fact that He saves us individually and intends for us to pursue a deep personal, spiritual relationship with Him through prayer and meditation in the Word. That, however, is to be the extent of our individualism. The rest of what we do in Christ is for the sake of the Church, His Church.
Maybe what we need to do is to go back and re-view the perspective of Jesus Himself. As Paul says in Philippians 2:5-7: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who...emptied Himself...” It all begins by putting ourselves last as He did. Then He placed His Father first and foremost. Afterward, His Church, His Bride came next in His list of priorities. When we follow suit, it utterly transforms our perspective of worship, service, evangelism, etc., because no longer are we viewing Scripture as it applies to “me, myself and I”. Rather, we would be putting ourselves last in importance, Christ first in all things and His Church as the focus of all of Jesus’ attention and energies, with ourselves being Her supporters and defenders. Jesus gave His life for His Church (rf. Acts 20:28) and as believers in Christ we should have the same attitude of sacrificing ourselves for Him and for the Church as well.
As you can see, narcissism has no place in Biblical Christianity. Imagine what a radical change would take place if the Church in America and around the world were no longer filled with self-centered, self-focused professing Christians, but rather Christians who put Christ first in their lives and truly made Him the focal point and recipient of their worship! Isn’t this, after all, what Christ expects of us as His followers? What then is keeping us from meeting His expectations?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Outsiders Are Welcome Here
Have you ever known a “wallflower”...someone who was unaccepted because they were quiet or reserved? What about having members of our family whom we have had to accept because they’re in the “bloodline”, but their ways made them “different”, out of the “norm”? Especially when we were younger, in our teens and twenties, we thought them to be weird, out of step, and so we made fun of them, avoided them, castigated them because they were not one of “us”. We never gave it a second thought as to who the “we” and the “us” were, or what exactly classified the “norm”. We just assumed since “we” defined the terms, those who didn’t meet the qualifications were not included. They were not of “us”. They didn’t fit.
Now, having read the above, with which group do you identify? The “we” or “us” group, the ones who called the outsiders “weird, etc.”? Or were you among those of the ostracized, the ones who never quite fit in because of definitions you didn’t draw up since you weren’t part of the “in” group?
It’s amazing what deep-seated feelings these two paragraphs can unleash. The “we” group will quickly rise to the defense, staking out their claim of necessity for control in the best interest for everyone involved. After all, they are in the business of preserving things for the benefit not only for themselves but also for the like-minded of generations to come. As well for the “outsiders”, they only wanted a place at the table, a voice to be heard, just to be accepted as they are. They may not measure up to the expectations of the “we” and the “us”, but that doesn’t make them any less in the eyes of God.
As you are reading this, you may wonder to yourself, “Where is he going with this?” In my usual way, there is “method to my madness”, so bear with me a little while longer.
Contrary to what many of us think, Christianity entered into this world as an outsider. Our faith and its founder were not part of the “we” nor the “us”. Jesus was considered to be very much out of the “norm” in His actions, ways and teachings. Indeed, His own family thought He was out of His mind (rf. Mark 3:20-21). Jesus was known as a “winebibber” and a friend to prostitutes (rf. Matthew 11:19). Talk about bad press! Yet, notice those who were the “we”/ “us” crowd, those who established the “norm” in Jesus’ day, were the Pharisees and other religious leaders, the very ones who had Jesus put to death because He was a threat to their way of life!
Jesus Christ was the ultimate “outsider”. Christianity was never designed to be a “we”/ “us” clique or club, but rather the faith that draws people unto itself because of the unconditional love of its Originator. Never should we be found following in the footsteps of the Pharisees and the like, trying to establish measures of control over who can and cannot be allowed into the kingdom by virtue of our fellowship. The matter of “acceptance in the Beloved” is the arena of God not us. He has called us simply to express the love of Christ to all, sharing His truth to all, extending His invitation to all, so that no one feels like an “outsider” when it comes to Christ. If they turn away from His invitation, if they refuse “so great a salvation”, then the reason for their damnation lies at their own door. It will not be because the people of God have set themselves apart as “we” and “us”. Neither will it be because His Church failed in Her mission to send forth the good news that sinners of all kinds in all places can come to a Savior whose blood can make them clean and whole.
Now, having read the above, with which group do you identify? The “we” or “us” group, the ones who called the outsiders “weird, etc.”? Or were you among those of the ostracized, the ones who never quite fit in because of definitions you didn’t draw up since you weren’t part of the “in” group?
It’s amazing what deep-seated feelings these two paragraphs can unleash. The “we” group will quickly rise to the defense, staking out their claim of necessity for control in the best interest for everyone involved. After all, they are in the business of preserving things for the benefit not only for themselves but also for the like-minded of generations to come. As well for the “outsiders”, they only wanted a place at the table, a voice to be heard, just to be accepted as they are. They may not measure up to the expectations of the “we” and the “us”, but that doesn’t make them any less in the eyes of God.
As you are reading this, you may wonder to yourself, “Where is he going with this?” In my usual way, there is “method to my madness”, so bear with me a little while longer.
Contrary to what many of us think, Christianity entered into this world as an outsider. Our faith and its founder were not part of the “we” nor the “us”. Jesus was considered to be very much out of the “norm” in His actions, ways and teachings. Indeed, His own family thought He was out of His mind (rf. Mark 3:20-21). Jesus was known as a “winebibber” and a friend to prostitutes (rf. Matthew 11:19). Talk about bad press! Yet, notice those who were the “we”/ “us” crowd, those who established the “norm” in Jesus’ day, were the Pharisees and other religious leaders, the very ones who had Jesus put to death because He was a threat to their way of life!
Jesus Christ was the ultimate “outsider”. Christianity was never designed to be a “we”/ “us” clique or club, but rather the faith that draws people unto itself because of the unconditional love of its Originator. Never should we be found following in the footsteps of the Pharisees and the like, trying to establish measures of control over who can and cannot be allowed into the kingdom by virtue of our fellowship. The matter of “acceptance in the Beloved” is the arena of God not us. He has called us simply to express the love of Christ to all, sharing His truth to all, extending His invitation to all, so that no one feels like an “outsider” when it comes to Christ. If they turn away from His invitation, if they refuse “so great a salvation”, then the reason for their damnation lies at their own door. It will not be because the people of God have set themselves apart as “we” and “us”. Neither will it be because His Church failed in Her mission to send forth the good news that sinners of all kinds in all places can come to a Savior whose blood can make them clean and whole.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Ancient-Future Worship
I am a voracious reader. I usually keep at least two books going at once. I try to make sure that at least one of them is fiction, preferably a good detective novel or an escapist work of some sort, so that my mind can be relieved of the “heavy-lifting” of its everyday duties. The other one or two works are usually chosen to challenge me on some intellectual and/or spiritual level so that both my faculties and my Scriptural tools are being sharpened for my own betterment and the edification of those for which I am, under God, responsible.
Having stated the above, one work that has recently impressed me is entitled Ancient-Future Worship by Robert Webber. It is one of a number of books in the Ancient-Future series by the same author. However, this particular one on worship is his last one, since he died just prior to its publication.
The basic premise of this particular work is the difference in how we perceive the worship of God out of our understanding of salvation today vs. how the early Church, the Reformers and the great leaders of the Church did until the rise of various influences in the late 1800s. Now, before you turn me off and think, “This is another boring foray into Church history”, let me assure you that I do not intend to overcome you with a bunch of historical material. Rather, I just want to simply share with you this difference. I will endeavor to be straightforward.
From the time of the early Church, the focus of worship was the telling of God’s story. It was done through the reading of the Old Testament Scripture. It was accomplished through the singing of the psalter (the Psalms put to music). It was eventually developed into the various types of liturgy so that, by repetition of various passages, both doctrine and the teachings of the New Testament could be shared with the congregation. Throughout the entirety of the worship service, the story of God was woven as a tapestry because it was understood true salvation was God in Christ inviting His people to join Him to be a part of His story. Thus when one was touched by the Holy Spirit and conviction came upon one’s life for one’s sin with the attendant repentance, it was felt to be the greatest honor and privilege to be asked by the God of this universe to become a part of His family, His court, the story that He was unfolding around them. In all of Church history, the early Church had the greatest grasp of these truths in their understanding of worship and this perspective of salvation.
The Reformers came to the forefront at a time most needed and reoriented the perspective on salvation from that of justification by works to grace alone. With other great Church leaders and theologians like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, the emphasis on grace in salvation and the need to worship God on His terms and not on our own remained paramount, though admittedly not to the same degree as did at the time of the early Church. However, through the influence of these leaders provided by God, the Church remained anchored until the late 1800's to this premise of our entering into His story by His invitation, seeing as the privilege, honor and blessing it is intended to be in Christ according to the Scriptures.
Toward the end of the nineteenth century the tide turned toward a more man-centered theology with the rise of the influences of Revivalism and Fundamentalism within Evangelical Protestantism. Worship began to be more “man-focused”. Hymns began to be more centered on individual action and response rather than centered on the glory of Christ and God the Father, as had been prior to that time. Actions in worship concentrated more so on “what worked” to get a projected response from the people rather than on “seeking the face of God” and Biblical precedent for what was being done. In reference to salvation, the norm became “asking Jesus into one’s life” to show the means of accomplishing this transaction. In other words, it became God entering into our story rather than visa-versa. The tables had truly turned. The worshiper became the primary focus while the former object of worship took a secondary position, and nary a peep was raised in offence to the change...as it remains so to the present.
Is it not past time for returning God to the forefront? Can we be a part of correcting this situation? What proactive steps could we take to reorient our approaches to both worship and salvation? We must make sure that each of us has surrendered ourselves fully to Him, that we have been invited to be “in His story”, and have placed ourselves totally at His disposal to be used by Him in whatever way He deems fit. We must not at all hold the view that Christ and His benefits are but mere “merit badges” that we add to our own lives. Rather, we must be committed to the truth that Christ is preeminent in everything (rf. Luke 1:31-33; Philippians 2:9-11).
Think about it. Who is, indeed, truly greater–ourselves or Christ? If the answer is so obvious, then into whose story should we be seeking to gain entrance? And Who should we be focusing all of our attention on in all of our aspects of worship? Let us then be about putting the answers to action so that the Church can once again be God-focused in worship and salvation, calling all people to enter into God’s story for His ending is so much better than any we could ever create on our own! When will we ever learn: the early Church had it right in so many things!
Having stated the above, one work that has recently impressed me is entitled Ancient-Future Worship by Robert Webber. It is one of a number of books in the Ancient-Future series by the same author. However, this particular one on worship is his last one, since he died just prior to its publication.
The basic premise of this particular work is the difference in how we perceive the worship of God out of our understanding of salvation today vs. how the early Church, the Reformers and the great leaders of the Church did until the rise of various influences in the late 1800s. Now, before you turn me off and think, “This is another boring foray into Church history”, let me assure you that I do not intend to overcome you with a bunch of historical material. Rather, I just want to simply share with you this difference. I will endeavor to be straightforward.
From the time of the early Church, the focus of worship was the telling of God’s story. It was done through the reading of the Old Testament Scripture. It was accomplished through the singing of the psalter (the Psalms put to music). It was eventually developed into the various types of liturgy so that, by repetition of various passages, both doctrine and the teachings of the New Testament could be shared with the congregation. Throughout the entirety of the worship service, the story of God was woven as a tapestry because it was understood true salvation was God in Christ inviting His people to join Him to be a part of His story. Thus when one was touched by the Holy Spirit and conviction came upon one’s life for one’s sin with the attendant repentance, it was felt to be the greatest honor and privilege to be asked by the God of this universe to become a part of His family, His court, the story that He was unfolding around them. In all of Church history, the early Church had the greatest grasp of these truths in their understanding of worship and this perspective of salvation.
The Reformers came to the forefront at a time most needed and reoriented the perspective on salvation from that of justification by works to grace alone. With other great Church leaders and theologians like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, the emphasis on grace in salvation and the need to worship God on His terms and not on our own remained paramount, though admittedly not to the same degree as did at the time of the early Church. However, through the influence of these leaders provided by God, the Church remained anchored until the late 1800's to this premise of our entering into His story by His invitation, seeing as the privilege, honor and blessing it is intended to be in Christ according to the Scriptures.
Toward the end of the nineteenth century the tide turned toward a more man-centered theology with the rise of the influences of Revivalism and Fundamentalism within Evangelical Protestantism. Worship began to be more “man-focused”. Hymns began to be more centered on individual action and response rather than centered on the glory of Christ and God the Father, as had been prior to that time. Actions in worship concentrated more so on “what worked” to get a projected response from the people rather than on “seeking the face of God” and Biblical precedent for what was being done. In reference to salvation, the norm became “asking Jesus into one’s life” to show the means of accomplishing this transaction. In other words, it became God entering into our story rather than visa-versa. The tables had truly turned. The worshiper became the primary focus while the former object of worship took a secondary position, and nary a peep was raised in offence to the change...as it remains so to the present.
Is it not past time for returning God to the forefront? Can we be a part of correcting this situation? What proactive steps could we take to reorient our approaches to both worship and salvation? We must make sure that each of us has surrendered ourselves fully to Him, that we have been invited to be “in His story”, and have placed ourselves totally at His disposal to be used by Him in whatever way He deems fit. We must not at all hold the view that Christ and His benefits are but mere “merit badges” that we add to our own lives. Rather, we must be committed to the truth that Christ is preeminent in everything (rf. Luke 1:31-33; Philippians 2:9-11).
Think about it. Who is, indeed, truly greater–ourselves or Christ? If the answer is so obvious, then into whose story should we be seeking to gain entrance? And Who should we be focusing all of our attention on in all of our aspects of worship? Let us then be about putting the answers to action so that the Church can once again be God-focused in worship and salvation, calling all people to enter into God’s story for His ending is so much better than any we could ever create on our own! When will we ever learn: the early Church had it right in so many things!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Political Correctness...Pirate of This Age
As I write this particular monthly edition, the waters off the coast of east Africa have become a breeding ground for piracy. Just recently, the American Navy rescued a U.S registered vessel and captain from the hands of pirates. There was much rejoicing at their salvation. Their families were greatly relieved to have their loved ones home safe and sound after the harrowing experience. And, yet, the piracy continues unabated, having a rippling effect on the economies around the globe.
We sometimes have this romantic notion of pirates, borne out of the tales of old…and of new. Admittedly, one of my favorite movie series is the Pirates of the Caribbean. The aspects that entice you are its humor and swashbuckling action, the damsel in apparent distress being wooed by the pirate, and the young “knight” who attempts to rescue her while reconciling his own destiny. However, there is without doubt the dark side of the story: the death, lies, deceit and thievery making up the very essence of piracy. The first of the story is not complete without the second.
By the same token, at the end of the last article I used the illustration of the Church’s movement through time being like a ship on the ocean, negotiating its path between the rocks on one side and the sand bar on the other, alluding to the dangers of self-indulgence and pragmatism as the gods we must shun. There is a third danger that has already overtaken this ship even as pirates would commandeer an ocean vessel. The danger I speak of, the god to whom many have pledged their allegiance already, even within the Church, is Political Correctness.
Political Correctness, the doctrine of unconditional tolerance for any and all opinions, philosophies, lifestyles and religions (outside of conservative Christianity, of course) is the present dictate of this age. It is the mother’s milk that flows from the breasts of secular (and many religion-based) academic institutions in the nation to those who go there for educational sustenance. It is the undercurrent of the present legal and legislative system of our country, found as well as in many of our state and local governments. One can easily see its effects in the media, not only its prevalence throughout news outlets, but also in television, movies and music. Political Correctness is our culture’s god or goddess of choice.
The Church has not withstood the onslaught of this bane. No, our ship was hijacked by pirates bearing this cursed idolatry several decades ago and now the curse has spread throughout our midst. It was borne in by Higher Criticism, encouraged by Feminist Hermeneutics and fertilized with Liberation Theology. All of these movements, begun by the denial of the authority of Scripture and the truths about God as noted in the historic creeds of the Christian Church, have brought the Church to the place where individual groups and/or denominations struggle over the relevance and application of God’s Word in reference to issues of gender, human sexuality, the environment among other topics, solely because of the pollution of Political Correctness in their midst! There would be no struggle if these individual groups and/or denominations had only remained true to the belief that the Bible is God’s Word which is clear, authoritative and final on all matters of faith and life. Had they done so, there would have been no question on this matter of the idolatry of Political Correctness. It would have been simple obedience to God’s commandment: You will have no other gods before Me.
As believers, it is not a matter of being intolerant of others. We know from Scripture that we are commanded to love one another even as Christ has loved us—unconditionally (rf. John 13:34). This actually goes beyond being “tolerant” to being truthful, loving and kind (rf. Ephesians 4:15). So, in actuality, it is better for the Church to be Christ-like than it is to be Politically Correct. At least, the recipient of Christ-like behavior will know the truth of what God’s Word says about his/her life and the expectations of him/her as well as experiencing the love of Christ in the process as a reinforcement of that truth. Political Correctness only leaves one in the darkness of one’s own making without any hope of light…which is not what Christ Himself has called the Church to do.
Let us then entreat for the Church to cast off the pirates of Political Correctness from the ship. It’s high time to purify the cause of Christ by a broad-scale repentance of this sin of allowing this idolatry to permeate our thinking for so long. Regardless of our denominational affiliation, we need to reaffirm our allegiances to Jesus as sole recipient of our fealty and worship, bowing to no other gods and giving glory to none other than God the Father, receiving no other revelations than what has been given to us in His Word, the Bible, while abiding to the protective truths handed down to us in the ancient historic creeds of Christendom. In these acts of casting off the bad and embracing the best the Church will shield herself from further harm and safeguard future generations of believers from falling prey to the wiles of this pernicious , seductive evil again. May the Church find the courage and spiritual fortitude to take these actions for the sake of the Gospel, her Lord’s honor and Name, and, especially, her own future credibility in a world which desperately needs her to be genuinely and distinctly different.
We sometimes have this romantic notion of pirates, borne out of the tales of old…and of new. Admittedly, one of my favorite movie series is the Pirates of the Caribbean. The aspects that entice you are its humor and swashbuckling action, the damsel in apparent distress being wooed by the pirate, and the young “knight” who attempts to rescue her while reconciling his own destiny. However, there is without doubt the dark side of the story: the death, lies, deceit and thievery making up the very essence of piracy. The first of the story is not complete without the second.
By the same token, at the end of the last article I used the illustration of the Church’s movement through time being like a ship on the ocean, negotiating its path between the rocks on one side and the sand bar on the other, alluding to the dangers of self-indulgence and pragmatism as the gods we must shun. There is a third danger that has already overtaken this ship even as pirates would commandeer an ocean vessel. The danger I speak of, the god to whom many have pledged their allegiance already, even within the Church, is Political Correctness.
Political Correctness, the doctrine of unconditional tolerance for any and all opinions, philosophies, lifestyles and religions (outside of conservative Christianity, of course) is the present dictate of this age. It is the mother’s milk that flows from the breasts of secular (and many religion-based) academic institutions in the nation to those who go there for educational sustenance. It is the undercurrent of the present legal and legislative system of our country, found as well as in many of our state and local governments. One can easily see its effects in the media, not only its prevalence throughout news outlets, but also in television, movies and music. Political Correctness is our culture’s god or goddess of choice.
The Church has not withstood the onslaught of this bane. No, our ship was hijacked by pirates bearing this cursed idolatry several decades ago and now the curse has spread throughout our midst. It was borne in by Higher Criticism, encouraged by Feminist Hermeneutics and fertilized with Liberation Theology. All of these movements, begun by the denial of the authority of Scripture and the truths about God as noted in the historic creeds of the Christian Church, have brought the Church to the place where individual groups and/or denominations struggle over the relevance and application of God’s Word in reference to issues of gender, human sexuality, the environment among other topics, solely because of the pollution of Political Correctness in their midst! There would be no struggle if these individual groups and/or denominations had only remained true to the belief that the Bible is God’s Word which is clear, authoritative and final on all matters of faith and life. Had they done so, there would have been no question on this matter of the idolatry of Political Correctness. It would have been simple obedience to God’s commandment: You will have no other gods before Me.
As believers, it is not a matter of being intolerant of others. We know from Scripture that we are commanded to love one another even as Christ has loved us—unconditionally (rf. John 13:34). This actually goes beyond being “tolerant” to being truthful, loving and kind (rf. Ephesians 4:15). So, in actuality, it is better for the Church to be Christ-like than it is to be Politically Correct. At least, the recipient of Christ-like behavior will know the truth of what God’s Word says about his/her life and the expectations of him/her as well as experiencing the love of Christ in the process as a reinforcement of that truth. Political Correctness only leaves one in the darkness of one’s own making without any hope of light…which is not what Christ Himself has called the Church to do.
Let us then entreat for the Church to cast off the pirates of Political Correctness from the ship. It’s high time to purify the cause of Christ by a broad-scale repentance of this sin of allowing this idolatry to permeate our thinking for so long. Regardless of our denominational affiliation, we need to reaffirm our allegiances to Jesus as sole recipient of our fealty and worship, bowing to no other gods and giving glory to none other than God the Father, receiving no other revelations than what has been given to us in His Word, the Bible, while abiding to the protective truths handed down to us in the ancient historic creeds of Christendom. In these acts of casting off the bad and embracing the best the Church will shield herself from further harm and safeguard future generations of believers from falling prey to the wiles of this pernicious , seductive evil again. May the Church find the courage and spiritual fortitude to take these actions for the sake of the Gospel, her Lord’s honor and Name, and, especially, her own future credibility in a world which desperately needs her to be genuinely and distinctly different.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Self-Indulgence and True Worship
Last month, I wrote about the subject of change facing the Church and how change is not new in her history. The topic, as I stated then, is one of great discomfort, especially to me. Now, I want to approach it from a different angle altogether.
As I sit here keeping an eye on my youngest while the family enjoys a few days of respite away from home, I must confess I have a habit of people-watching. I enjoy observing people and their habits. At this particular time, there are a few folks about and so, as a result, I have the ability to make a number of deductions on the basis of what can easily be noticed. Indeed, in the last three days, having visited this same spot, I have accumulated a body of data and have come to an overwhelming conclusion. We, Americans, are truly a self-indulgent people!
This self-indulgent drive affects everything we do—how we eat (obviously), what we buy (advertising thrives on it), where we live (best schools, malls, etc.), even where we choose to worship (best music, programs, and the like). Self-indulgence is nothing more than a pleasant-sounding cover, a facade, for the realistic truths (sins) of selfishness and self-centeredness. It is the placing of “self” at the forefront of everything in one’s life. If one “gets down to brass tacks”, self-indulgence is nothing other than idolatry of self under a new designation.
Having sermonized enough on what self-indulgence is, let me then answer the implicit question lurking in the reader’s mind: “What does self-indulgence have to do with the impending change in the Church?” I am beginning to seriously wonder how many of the changes within the Church over the last fifty years or so have truly been God-driven and how many have been due to the influence of the self-indulgence that has become so prevalent in our society? When people want what they want just because they want it...it is self-indulgence. This is exactly why I stated in the previous article that one must use the Scriptures, the whole counsel of God’s Word, as the basis for all things done in the Church. Otherwise, change in the Church is accomplished simply on the basis of who controls the majority vote at a given time, thus able to stamp “God wanted us to do it” on the action—a deed which is neither prudent nor Biblical.
If change is truly God-driven, it will, first of all, be in accord with His Word. The Holy Spirit never violates Holy Writ. Secondly, the outcome of the change will truly glorify God and edify His Church. In other words, it will be a positive benefit to the Church over all. The change will in no way assist in appeasing human nature, nor will it lower the standards of the Church in order to better relate to the culture. The best way over history for the Church to minister to the culture has always been for her to engage the culture by her distinction from it, not by her capitulation to it.
Be sure not to read into this more than is here. This is not an implicit attack on contemporary worship, means or music. Nor is it an extension of carte blanche, a blank check, to the movement. There is as much of a concern of self-indulgence in the contemporary worship movement as there is in those who hold to traditional forms of worship. Idolatry in the Christian camp knows no boundaries as it moves through our ranks. The truth we must remember is that worship is for God not for us. It is He who decides what He wants and then we follow His lead, not visa-versa.
These are dangerous waters for the Church to navigate. The reef of pragmatism on the one side threatens to destroy her. The sandbar of self-indulgence on the other gives her the possibility of running aground. Only by holding fast to the sureness of God’s Word can the Church ever hope to pass through these formidable times unto the safety that lies beyond in His promises for His people.
As I sit here keeping an eye on my youngest while the family enjoys a few days of respite away from home, I must confess I have a habit of people-watching. I enjoy observing people and their habits. At this particular time, there are a few folks about and so, as a result, I have the ability to make a number of deductions on the basis of what can easily be noticed. Indeed, in the last three days, having visited this same spot, I have accumulated a body of data and have come to an overwhelming conclusion. We, Americans, are truly a self-indulgent people!
This self-indulgent drive affects everything we do—how we eat (obviously), what we buy (advertising thrives on it), where we live (best schools, malls, etc.), even where we choose to worship (best music, programs, and the like). Self-indulgence is nothing more than a pleasant-sounding cover, a facade, for the realistic truths (sins) of selfishness and self-centeredness. It is the placing of “self” at the forefront of everything in one’s life. If one “gets down to brass tacks”, self-indulgence is nothing other than idolatry of self under a new designation.
Having sermonized enough on what self-indulgence is, let me then answer the implicit question lurking in the reader’s mind: “What does self-indulgence have to do with the impending change in the Church?” I am beginning to seriously wonder how many of the changes within the Church over the last fifty years or so have truly been God-driven and how many have been due to the influence of the self-indulgence that has become so prevalent in our society? When people want what they want just because they want it...it is self-indulgence. This is exactly why I stated in the previous article that one must use the Scriptures, the whole counsel of God’s Word, as the basis for all things done in the Church. Otherwise, change in the Church is accomplished simply on the basis of who controls the majority vote at a given time, thus able to stamp “God wanted us to do it” on the action—a deed which is neither prudent nor Biblical.
If change is truly God-driven, it will, first of all, be in accord with His Word. The Holy Spirit never violates Holy Writ. Secondly, the outcome of the change will truly glorify God and edify His Church. In other words, it will be a positive benefit to the Church over all. The change will in no way assist in appeasing human nature, nor will it lower the standards of the Church in order to better relate to the culture. The best way over history for the Church to minister to the culture has always been for her to engage the culture by her distinction from it, not by her capitulation to it.
Be sure not to read into this more than is here. This is not an implicit attack on contemporary worship, means or music. Nor is it an extension of carte blanche, a blank check, to the movement. There is as much of a concern of self-indulgence in the contemporary worship movement as there is in those who hold to traditional forms of worship. Idolatry in the Christian camp knows no boundaries as it moves through our ranks. The truth we must remember is that worship is for God not for us. It is He who decides what He wants and then we follow His lead, not visa-versa.
These are dangerous waters for the Church to navigate. The reef of pragmatism on the one side threatens to destroy her. The sandbar of self-indulgence on the other gives her the possibility of running aground. Only by holding fast to the sureness of God’s Word can the Church ever hope to pass through these formidable times unto the safety that lies beyond in His promises for His people.
Idolatry Today: The God of Pragmatism
Idolatry. It’s not a word we commonly use today, much less in association with Christians. We believe that Christians are not subject to falling into idolatry as a temptation because this sin can only apply to unbelievers. Yet, it takes but a moment of perusing the Scriptures to find that the people of God in the past easily slipped into idolatry and under the displeasure of God for doing so. Add to that the many times throughout Church history Christians have strayed away from the calling of Christ and His teachings to the trappings of this world...and you have quickly have a reflection of idolatry in the hearts of God’s people. So, we can safely say idolatry is a trap into which Christians today can fall. Then...have we?
One of the gods of our time that call for the loyalty of Christians is the god of pragmatism. Pragmatism is the belief system of “what works”. Success is gauged by outcome. If an action produces a positive response or result, it is successful. Pragmatism has an inherent values basis as well. If it is successful, it therefore is good. How positive the results are determines how right the action is. For instance, in church circles, the rightness of the program is judged by how many people are involved in the program or are touched by the program.
Americans, in particular, are suckers for the god of pragmatism because we have always been a results-oriented people. Everything beyond the Church is results-driven. Thus, many within the Church believe it should be the same for the Church. The reader may say, “That’s right! What’s wrong with it?” Such a response only goes to prove how much of an influence the god of pragmatism has had on so many within the Church, especially in the U.S.
Confronting the god of pragmatism is the God of truth, the God of Scripture, the God of righteousness. I use the last term purposefully for this reason. Where the world judges success by results, God measures success in His economy by obedience to His Word, by our doing what is right in His sight which may or may not produce successful results in the sight of the world. The ultimate example of this principle is Jesus Christ Himself. He came to do His Father’s will and in so doing did not fulfill the people’s expectations. Indeed, when the crowds became too large and too demanding, Jesus simply turned and began sharing what was required of them to become one of His disciples (rf. Luke 14:25ff). No doubt all this talk about “hating” one’s spouse and children and even one’s own life went far in securing increased crowd participation for Jesus’ ministry! Indeed, the opposite held true. When the time of His mission on earth came to fruition, it was only His mother, Mary the wife of Clopas, Mary Magdalene and John who were with Him. Would the world call that a successful ministry? To the world, it was an abysmal failure. But was it a success according to God? Absolutely! Why? He had accomplished that which God had called Him to fulfill, the right action He was intended to do regardless of the perception the world may have had of His deeds!
Where then is this all this talk of idolatry and pragmatism leading? We all realize that the Church is changing. Throughout history the Church has changed and she will continue to do so as long as she remains on earth until such time as the Lord returns. The key is how she will respond to the changes. Will she bow the knee to the god of pragmatism and pledge her loyalty to this false deity in return for empty promises of success? Or will she remain faithful to the God and Christ Who purchased her with His blood and Who has given her all she needs in His unchanging Word to weather the changing times as she always has before. Let me give you a brief overview of what I mean.
In reference to ecclesiology or the study of Church government, in the past the Church has changed from an elder-led model of limited congregational input system of church government as based on the synagogue to one in which the bishop/overseer/pastor is chief-among-equals serving with his fellow elders. She then later adapted to the bishop as serving separate and above the elders/ministers in a regional jurisdictional format. This transition all occurred within the first three hundred years of Pentecost while still keeping intact the offices as established in Scripture.
Likewise, in the area of doctrine, there are two time periods of significant change for the Church. Most of the foundational truths that we hold dear as Christians were hammered out in the first four to five hundred years in Church history. They were not easily arrived at, but, rather, were forged in the fires of controversy and doctrinal debates. The early Church produced what we believe in terms of the Trinity, the deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit, as well as the statements of faith that solidified the above truths in a systematic fashion for Christians of the future to follow (e.g. the Apostles’, Nicean and Athanasian Creeds).
The other time period of great transition was the Reformation in which God used a simple Augustinian monk to launch a movement to return the Church to its Biblical roots. Martin Luther’s belief in Paul’s quote of Habakkuk 2:4 “...the just shall live by his faith” as the stimulus behind his 95 Theses on the Wittenburg door was enough to spark a revolution. John Calvin expanded the concept into an overarching theological textbook that redefined not only the French language, but also forever changed the course of both the Church and Western civilization.
Worship also developed throughout the years of Church history. Followers of Christ have moved from the singing of the Psalms as their hymnbook (the Psalter) to the composition of classical works in praise of the Almighty (ex: Handel, Bach and other classical artists) to the writing of their own hymns unto the Lord (Hymnody) to the various types of revival music (ex: from Ira Sankey of D.L. Moody fame to Bill & Gloria Gaither, from Stamps/Baxter to Southern Gospel quartet music) to the composition of Scripture songs to Contemporary Christian music to the advent of praise/worship choruses. One must also add to these transitions the attendant technological advances of Powerpoint, projectors and screens, dramatic productions, liturgical dance, and other enhancements to worship that continue to “pop up” on the scene. In general, the Church has endeavored to maintain, with some exceptions, the connection of worship and Scripture, seeking to uphold sanctity and respect in music while touching the hearts and lives of the worshiper.
So, as you see, change is not new for the Church. The decision to be made is how to respond to changes prudently and in accord with the plain teaching of Scripture. It is a matter of doing what is right in God’s sight and not what is expedient, not bowing to the god of pragmatism. We should rather approach changes by wisely separating out personal preferences, “sacred cows” and the pillars of the faith, only keeping in place that which is truly enduring, adapting those things that are pliable, and scrapping those things that have truly seen their better days. To accomplish this transition, the Church needs the wisdom of God and the unity of all the brethren, young and old, men and women, rich and poor, every one of God’s people. As we all seek Him diligently in prayer and in His revealed Word, we are confident that He will provide the leadership we need to make this transition together in loyalty and service to Him alone, in unity and in the bond of love, fulfilling Jesus’ own prayer on our behalf: “...that they may be one, just as We are one.” (rf. John 17:22).
One of the gods of our time that call for the loyalty of Christians is the god of pragmatism. Pragmatism is the belief system of “what works”. Success is gauged by outcome. If an action produces a positive response or result, it is successful. Pragmatism has an inherent values basis as well. If it is successful, it therefore is good. How positive the results are determines how right the action is. For instance, in church circles, the rightness of the program is judged by how many people are involved in the program or are touched by the program.
Americans, in particular, are suckers for the god of pragmatism because we have always been a results-oriented people. Everything beyond the Church is results-driven. Thus, many within the Church believe it should be the same for the Church. The reader may say, “That’s right! What’s wrong with it?” Such a response only goes to prove how much of an influence the god of pragmatism has had on so many within the Church, especially in the U.S.
Confronting the god of pragmatism is the God of truth, the God of Scripture, the God of righteousness. I use the last term purposefully for this reason. Where the world judges success by results, God measures success in His economy by obedience to His Word, by our doing what is right in His sight which may or may not produce successful results in the sight of the world. The ultimate example of this principle is Jesus Christ Himself. He came to do His Father’s will and in so doing did not fulfill the people’s expectations. Indeed, when the crowds became too large and too demanding, Jesus simply turned and began sharing what was required of them to become one of His disciples (rf. Luke 14:25ff). No doubt all this talk about “hating” one’s spouse and children and even one’s own life went far in securing increased crowd participation for Jesus’ ministry! Indeed, the opposite held true. When the time of His mission on earth came to fruition, it was only His mother, Mary the wife of Clopas, Mary Magdalene and John who were with Him. Would the world call that a successful ministry? To the world, it was an abysmal failure. But was it a success according to God? Absolutely! Why? He had accomplished that which God had called Him to fulfill, the right action He was intended to do regardless of the perception the world may have had of His deeds!
Where then is this all this talk of idolatry and pragmatism leading? We all realize that the Church is changing. Throughout history the Church has changed and she will continue to do so as long as she remains on earth until such time as the Lord returns. The key is how she will respond to the changes. Will she bow the knee to the god of pragmatism and pledge her loyalty to this false deity in return for empty promises of success? Or will she remain faithful to the God and Christ Who purchased her with His blood and Who has given her all she needs in His unchanging Word to weather the changing times as she always has before. Let me give you a brief overview of what I mean.
In reference to ecclesiology or the study of Church government, in the past the Church has changed from an elder-led model of limited congregational input system of church government as based on the synagogue to one in which the bishop/overseer/pastor is chief-among-equals serving with his fellow elders. She then later adapted to the bishop as serving separate and above the elders/ministers in a regional jurisdictional format. This transition all occurred within the first three hundred years of Pentecost while still keeping intact the offices as established in Scripture.
Likewise, in the area of doctrine, there are two time periods of significant change for the Church. Most of the foundational truths that we hold dear as Christians were hammered out in the first four to five hundred years in Church history. They were not easily arrived at, but, rather, were forged in the fires of controversy and doctrinal debates. The early Church produced what we believe in terms of the Trinity, the deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit, as well as the statements of faith that solidified the above truths in a systematic fashion for Christians of the future to follow (e.g. the Apostles’, Nicean and Athanasian Creeds).
The other time period of great transition was the Reformation in which God used a simple Augustinian monk to launch a movement to return the Church to its Biblical roots. Martin Luther’s belief in Paul’s quote of Habakkuk 2:4 “...the just shall live by his faith” as the stimulus behind his 95 Theses on the Wittenburg door was enough to spark a revolution. John Calvin expanded the concept into an overarching theological textbook that redefined not only the French language, but also forever changed the course of both the Church and Western civilization.
Worship also developed throughout the years of Church history. Followers of Christ have moved from the singing of the Psalms as their hymnbook (the Psalter) to the composition of classical works in praise of the Almighty (ex: Handel, Bach and other classical artists) to the writing of their own hymns unto the Lord (Hymnody) to the various types of revival music (ex: from Ira Sankey of D.L. Moody fame to Bill & Gloria Gaither, from Stamps/Baxter to Southern Gospel quartet music) to the composition of Scripture songs to Contemporary Christian music to the advent of praise/worship choruses. One must also add to these transitions the attendant technological advances of Powerpoint, projectors and screens, dramatic productions, liturgical dance, and other enhancements to worship that continue to “pop up” on the scene. In general, the Church has endeavored to maintain, with some exceptions, the connection of worship and Scripture, seeking to uphold sanctity and respect in music while touching the hearts and lives of the worshiper.
So, as you see, change is not new for the Church. The decision to be made is how to respond to changes prudently and in accord with the plain teaching of Scripture. It is a matter of doing what is right in God’s sight and not what is expedient, not bowing to the god of pragmatism. We should rather approach changes by wisely separating out personal preferences, “sacred cows” and the pillars of the faith, only keeping in place that which is truly enduring, adapting those things that are pliable, and scrapping those things that have truly seen their better days. To accomplish this transition, the Church needs the wisdom of God and the unity of all the brethren, young and old, men and women, rich and poor, every one of God’s people. As we all seek Him diligently in prayer and in His revealed Word, we are confident that He will provide the leadership we need to make this transition together in loyalty and service to Him alone, in unity and in the bond of love, fulfilling Jesus’ own prayer on our behalf: “...that they may be one, just as We are one.” (rf. John 17:22).
A Proactive Approach to Finances
“...And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” (rf. Proverbs 22:7)
Whenever bad times occur, someone invariably will take advantage of another. The one with much will oppress the one with little. This is not a lesson in class warfare but rather in the politics of power. Therefore, he who has the ability to make or create the most money also has the wherewithal to become the most powerful as well as the most corrupt. This principle applies not only to individuals but also to organizations, industries, and governments. Those who borrow from them become servants to them and subject to their fiats.
As Solomon implies in the text, there are two avenues that one can take in order to avoid becoming ensnared by this scheme. First of all, one must avoid debt. We define debt as money borrowed to purchase an item or items that depreciate in value. This definition would, obviously, include computers, furniture, vehicles that far exceed reason, income and ability with which to pay, etc. Investments, such as education and homes, are not considered debts because their values only, or should, increase in time. The one qualifier to these items would be the advisement to only invest in that which you could legitimately afford to repay. (Note: One main reason for our current economic hardship is the ease with which too many people were qualified to get loans for homes and higher education who could not afford it and should not have ever been allowed to receive them.) Therefore, as long as the investment is wise and within reason, it is not a sin to put money into these efforts, since they will eventually prove to better one's life. Debt, however, only serves to drag down the borrower in the present and will be the "ball and chain" that may hold the person back from fulfilling one's goals and desires for the future.
Secondly, one must proactively spend and save wisely. Elsewhere in the Proverbs, Solomon tells the reader to take lessons from the ant, to note how the ant knows when to store up in times of plenty for the season of dearth. This is understanding. There is also wisdom in knowing when to spend as a nation so as to keep the economy going by making sure jobs are plentiful for those who can work. To listen to the harbingers of fear and doubt, and, thus, rein in one's spending is to thereby create exactly the downward spiral of economic hardship that everyone does not want to happen. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy! If, on the other hand, in the face of a downturn, people who did have the wherewithal to spend invested their monies in the marketplace, this would generate the necessary cashflow to turn things around, and, thus, insure that the downturn would be but a "bump" in the economic road of the nation.
This is an extension of the message in the allusion of Jesus' parable of the rich man and his barns (rf. Luke 12:16-21). Though the parable in context refers to the sin of greed and hoarding in the face of need, one can extrapolate that when one has the resources to be of a benefit to his fellow citizens and yet keeps it to oneself, it is a sin unto God and to one's fellow man. One should release those resources into the marketplace so that others can likewise gain the benefit of their blessings. I am not referring to Socialism or Communism where the society or the government becomes owner/controller over all of the resources. I am stating that when we in a free market economy withhold our resources from the economy for fear that we will have nothing at the end of the day, we will have nothing at the end of the day because we will have fulfilled our own prophecy. We all have to engage and invest in the process if the process has a chance to succeed for all of us.
The last thing that most of you expected was a lesson in economics when you opened this newsletter, much less from this section. However, it goes to show us all that God's Word is applicable and relevant to every area of life. The Scriptures are the foundation, not only of our faith, but also of our living from day to day. We need only to mine its depths to know how valuable its truths are to us...always.
Whenever bad times occur, someone invariably will take advantage of another. The one with much will oppress the one with little. This is not a lesson in class warfare but rather in the politics of power. Therefore, he who has the ability to make or create the most money also has the wherewithal to become the most powerful as well as the most corrupt. This principle applies not only to individuals but also to organizations, industries, and governments. Those who borrow from them become servants to them and subject to their fiats.
As Solomon implies in the text, there are two avenues that one can take in order to avoid becoming ensnared by this scheme. First of all, one must avoid debt. We define debt as money borrowed to purchase an item or items that depreciate in value. This definition would, obviously, include computers, furniture, vehicles that far exceed reason, income and ability with which to pay, etc. Investments, such as education and homes, are not considered debts because their values only, or should, increase in time. The one qualifier to these items would be the advisement to only invest in that which you could legitimately afford to repay. (Note: One main reason for our current economic hardship is the ease with which too many people were qualified to get loans for homes and higher education who could not afford it and should not have ever been allowed to receive them.) Therefore, as long as the investment is wise and within reason, it is not a sin to put money into these efforts, since they will eventually prove to better one's life. Debt, however, only serves to drag down the borrower in the present and will be the "ball and chain" that may hold the person back from fulfilling one's goals and desires for the future.
Secondly, one must proactively spend and save wisely. Elsewhere in the Proverbs, Solomon tells the reader to take lessons from the ant, to note how the ant knows when to store up in times of plenty for the season of dearth. This is understanding. There is also wisdom in knowing when to spend as a nation so as to keep the economy going by making sure jobs are plentiful for those who can work. To listen to the harbingers of fear and doubt, and, thus, rein in one's spending is to thereby create exactly the downward spiral of economic hardship that everyone does not want to happen. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy! If, on the other hand, in the face of a downturn, people who did have the wherewithal to spend invested their monies in the marketplace, this would generate the necessary cashflow to turn things around, and, thus, insure that the downturn would be but a "bump" in the economic road of the nation.
This is an extension of the message in the allusion of Jesus' parable of the rich man and his barns (rf. Luke 12:16-21). Though the parable in context refers to the sin of greed and hoarding in the face of need, one can extrapolate that when one has the resources to be of a benefit to his fellow citizens and yet keeps it to oneself, it is a sin unto God and to one's fellow man. One should release those resources into the marketplace so that others can likewise gain the benefit of their blessings. I am not referring to Socialism or Communism where the society or the government becomes owner/controller over all of the resources. I am stating that when we in a free market economy withhold our resources from the economy for fear that we will have nothing at the end of the day, we will have nothing at the end of the day because we will have fulfilled our own prophecy. We all have to engage and invest in the process if the process has a chance to succeed for all of us.
The last thing that most of you expected was a lesson in economics when you opened this newsletter, much less from this section. However, it goes to show us all that God's Word is applicable and relevant to every area of life. The Scriptures are the foundation, not only of our faith, but also of our living from day to day. We need only to mine its depths to know how valuable its truths are to us...always.
The Remedy for Spiritual Hypothermia
I find it interesting that the turn of the year, the annual transition point, comes in the dead of winter. After the lights of Christmas have faded from memory, we close the chapter of one series of events and open the pages to find a new set of circumstances awaiting us. It can be a very exciting time for us all...as long as we stay close to the fire, as long as we remain in the place of warmth when it is cold outside.
Truly, it is a dangerous thing to venture out into the brisk weather without suitable clothing. Stay out too long enough and one may find oneself at the mercy of the elements suffering the effects of the cold as it creeps into every fibre of one’s being. The official designation of this condition is known as hypothermia. It is by no means a pleasant experience, especially if you have seen someone fall victim to it firsthand as I have. The warmth of one’s body retreats from the extremities, including the head, hands and feet, unto the body’s core, making it a very dangerous and life-threatening situation. A person so afflicted must be given immediate assistance and returned to a warm atmosphere as soon as possible if his/her condition is to be remedied and the threat to life removed.
A very similar affliction can happen on the spiritual plane within the church. It doesn’t take the coldness of the winter’s atmosphere to initiate its effects. This spiritual hypothermia (better known as apathy) creeps in slowly and unexpectedly when the church body moves away from the fire, the spiritual warmth, of Christ. This is accomplished for many reasons: a desire to go her own way rather than His, a conscious or subconscious pursuit of goals that are inward rather than outward in motivation, a lack of prayer in the submission and seeking of His will for direction, etc.
On these and many other grounds, the church body suffering from spiritual hypothermia pulls away from the warmth of Christ’s presence and moves into the coldness of her own counsel. In so doing, the result becomes the opposite of what she, the church, expects. The warmth of her body begins to withdraw into her core, causing her extremities to suffer loss. Her hands and feet no long work and move as they used to in the past. The outreach and service efforts are no longer there. Her head is constantly warning her of these problems and difficulties, but, because the coldness has reached the upper regions of her body as well, her eyes and ears are likewise damaged, therefore, she is not seeing what she needs to and not hearing these words of alarm. Her legs are robotically taking her further and further away from the warmth. Speaking of the warmth, only the core of her body is enjoying it still. Only those in the fellowship for the longest time whose families possess the greatest tenures and histories blissfully move forward as if there is nothing wrong. After all, the cold is not touching them. As long as the body does not die completely nor will it, they say! Yet, such is not the inevitable outcome of spiritual hypothermia. Like its physical parallel, the death of its parts will bring the demise of the whole. Its just a matter of time.
How then can spiritual hypothermia be remedied? The warnings of the head must be heeded. The body must be moved back to the warmth. Like the Apostle Paul states in I Corinthians 12, we are all part of one body with each of us as members. The head cannot move the body on its own; the head needs the ears, the legs as well as the rest of the body to get the body back to the place of warmth, by the fire of Christ’s presence. To be close to Christ is something that all of us together need to want, to desire, to do. The body of Christ is an organism made up of believers who themselves are “on fire” for the Lord and who are corporately“on fire” for the Lord. The only way to combat spiritual hypothermia is for each of us to pursue this passionate desire to be closer to Him individually and to bring that passion with us when we gather together to worship Him.
Let us make this our goal for 2009. May we take the following passage from Psalm 42:1-2 , declaring it to be our corporate theme for the year:
As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
Amen.
Truly, it is a dangerous thing to venture out into the brisk weather without suitable clothing. Stay out too long enough and one may find oneself at the mercy of the elements suffering the effects of the cold as it creeps into every fibre of one’s being. The official designation of this condition is known as hypothermia. It is by no means a pleasant experience, especially if you have seen someone fall victim to it firsthand as I have. The warmth of one’s body retreats from the extremities, including the head, hands and feet, unto the body’s core, making it a very dangerous and life-threatening situation. A person so afflicted must be given immediate assistance and returned to a warm atmosphere as soon as possible if his/her condition is to be remedied and the threat to life removed.
A very similar affliction can happen on the spiritual plane within the church. It doesn’t take the coldness of the winter’s atmosphere to initiate its effects. This spiritual hypothermia (better known as apathy) creeps in slowly and unexpectedly when the church body moves away from the fire, the spiritual warmth, of Christ. This is accomplished for many reasons: a desire to go her own way rather than His, a conscious or subconscious pursuit of goals that are inward rather than outward in motivation, a lack of prayer in the submission and seeking of His will for direction, etc.
On these and many other grounds, the church body suffering from spiritual hypothermia pulls away from the warmth of Christ’s presence and moves into the coldness of her own counsel. In so doing, the result becomes the opposite of what she, the church, expects. The warmth of her body begins to withdraw into her core, causing her extremities to suffer loss. Her hands and feet no long work and move as they used to in the past. The outreach and service efforts are no longer there. Her head is constantly warning her of these problems and difficulties, but, because the coldness has reached the upper regions of her body as well, her eyes and ears are likewise damaged, therefore, she is not seeing what she needs to and not hearing these words of alarm. Her legs are robotically taking her further and further away from the warmth. Speaking of the warmth, only the core of her body is enjoying it still. Only those in the fellowship for the longest time whose families possess the greatest tenures and histories blissfully move forward as if there is nothing wrong. After all, the cold is not touching them. As long as the body does not die completely nor will it, they say! Yet, such is not the inevitable outcome of spiritual hypothermia. Like its physical parallel, the death of its parts will bring the demise of the whole. Its just a matter of time.
How then can spiritual hypothermia be remedied? The warnings of the head must be heeded. The body must be moved back to the warmth. Like the Apostle Paul states in I Corinthians 12, we are all part of one body with each of us as members. The head cannot move the body on its own; the head needs the ears, the legs as well as the rest of the body to get the body back to the place of warmth, by the fire of Christ’s presence. To be close to Christ is something that all of us together need to want, to desire, to do. The body of Christ is an organism made up of believers who themselves are “on fire” for the Lord and who are corporately“on fire” for the Lord. The only way to combat spiritual hypothermia is for each of us to pursue this passionate desire to be closer to Him individually and to bring that passion with us when we gather together to worship Him.
Let us make this our goal for 2009. May we take the following passage from Psalm 42:1-2 , declaring it to be our corporate theme for the year:
As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
Amen.
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