Do you? Do or give your best? Or do you do the minimum, what you can 'get by' doing? I grew up with the phrase that if ('it' - fill in the blank) is worth doing, it's worth doing well. This phrase became so ingrained in my thinking that it still directs much of my actions. It never is a question of whether or not someone else could do what you are doing better, faster, easier, etc. it's whether or not you are doing your best in the situation. Does this still prevail, does this phrase still direct?
I initially (typically?) applied this phrase to those 'things' I really didn't want to do but was quickly disabused of this application. There are certain 'things' that may not be a choice but are still responsibilities. But on a different plain, I was taught that if I was going to begin a project then I needed to consider first if I was willing to do, be, give all that I was able. It was never an issue of going beyond reasonable limits, never to put myself in harm's way, but it became a mindset. Granted, I didn't always listen to me... much to my chagrin, but I'm not certain that not giving my best was ever an option.
The argument that why would one ever enter into something without the attendant belief that what was being done was in everyone's best interest was posited at some point. A kind of 'why bother' if not completely committed? All these concepts and words: committed, application, best, etc. are not and never were related to eventual success, though obviously that was the goal, but to the foundational philosophy. They were/are what we build on character upon.
None of what I've written should be heard in the voice of condemnation... unless that voice is you. If so, then you need to decide what you are going to do and be. You can try and quiet or disregard that 'still, small voice' but you always know that it's present, hovering close by. Actually, you need to decide if 'best' is something you always want to do and be ... and if not, what price you are willing to pay to change this. Or you can decide not to become involved with those projects that require your best. I do believe that one thing you will never be able to do is to forget this standard.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Loving the Lord
In one of my post I was talking about my 'every morning', how I begin my day. Then I heard me say to the Lord, "I love you. As much as I know what this word means and how to go about doing it - I love you." Strange? Perhaps but I did find the words totally spot on... it's what I think, it's what I believe, it's an important quality that I want to grow in so that I am acting... loving. We all need to consider what we mean when we tell the Lord we love Him, as well as what we mean when we tell others.
More precisely, we all need to know what it is we are saying when we use those three little words - I love you - regardless of the recipient. I sincerely hope they aren't throwaway words, words you say to others but there really isn't any substance to them. For some people it's more of a careless way of placating someone else. At other times it may mean that you are important in and to my life. And yes, how you say and what you mean by those words varies according to who the recipient is.
Perhaps before discovering what love is we should look at what love isn't. For example, among the many aspects love is, it isn't afraid - perfect love casts out fear (1John 4:18) thus we see that it is strong and fearless. So next question: is this how you would characterize your love for the Lord? Are you a bold witness to Who He is in your life? Another aspect that doesn't describe love is, it doesn't mean that you are a floor mat that anyone can step on. Love isn't weak or insignificant. What about you? According to Paul, (1Corinthians 13:13) the greatest of these (power forces) is love; stronger than faith, stronger than hope. Does your demonstration of love act this way? If so then a floor mat it can't be.
This is just a very quick, superficial study on love and what it isn't. My point is that you need to know your definitions, especially related to the Lord and your relationship with Him. Never consider that love is unimportant, never underestimate the height or depth of love (Romans 8:38-39). And never forget the love of the Father, who was willing to sacrifice His Son for us (John 3:16) and the Son's love that He was willing to be sacrificed for us. Love is strong and Love really never fails and even though we do, we still need to know what we mean when we say - I love you. Loving the Lord means knowing and continuing to grow in Who He is and how He displays His love.
More precisely, we all need to know what it is we are saying when we use those three little words - I love you - regardless of the recipient. I sincerely hope they aren't throwaway words, words you say to others but there really isn't any substance to them. For some people it's more of a careless way of placating someone else. At other times it may mean that you are important in and to my life. And yes, how you say and what you mean by those words varies according to who the recipient is.
Perhaps before discovering what love is we should look at what love isn't. For example, among the many aspects love is, it isn't afraid - perfect love casts out fear (1John 4:18) thus we see that it is strong and fearless. So next question: is this how you would characterize your love for the Lord? Are you a bold witness to Who He is in your life? Another aspect that doesn't describe love is, it doesn't mean that you are a floor mat that anyone can step on. Love isn't weak or insignificant. What about you? According to Paul, (1Corinthians 13:13) the greatest of these (power forces) is love; stronger than faith, stronger than hope. Does your demonstration of love act this way? If so then a floor mat it can't be.
This is just a very quick, superficial study on love and what it isn't. My point is that you need to know your definitions, especially related to the Lord and your relationship with Him. Never consider that love is unimportant, never underestimate the height or depth of love (Romans 8:38-39). And never forget the love of the Father, who was willing to sacrifice His Son for us (John 3:16) and the Son's love that He was willing to be sacrificed for us. Love is strong and Love really never fails and even though we do, we still need to know what we mean when we say - I love you. Loving the Lord means knowing and continuing to grow in Who He is and how He displays His love.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Changing what is...
Possible? My response would be - 'of course'. However, before attempting to change what is, you have to acknowledge that (fill in the blank) is. And this is not always comfortable. We may not like 'what is' and so we attempt to distance ourselves from 'it'. It won't go away though and seems to grow in size until that's typically all we can see. Making a change at that point is extremely difficult... but not impossible.
What, in your world, do you want to change? Is it a major change or a minor inconvenience? Do you know what you want in place of what is, because you can never simply dismiss the 'it' and ignore the hole it leaves. Too many people attempt to do precisely that - get rid of what is (displeasing) but don't replace with something that can become a positive. Why, I wonder, don't we realize the importance of replacement? It really isn't just a substitution because in my world of definitions, a substitution is related to whatever is in place and most of the time we don't want what is.
I have a friend who attempts to ignore and deny (in my thinking) what is and bases this on the scripture in Romans (4:17) "...who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did." (which is really talking about faith). Somehow the thinking is that if I don't acknowledge (fill in the blank) and call into existence what I (want? need?) then I am acting in faith. In my world of understanding scripture, this is totally incorrect.
Faith is a potent force and a strong defense, otherwise why would faith be designated as the shield in our personal 'fortification' in the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18). Actually, we are told to
"...above all taking the shield of faith with which you will be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." (16)
However, I do not see where we are to deny what is. I believe we are to go beyond what is and through the grace of the Lord, to act by seeing what can be possible. We are not to let what is deter us and instead, go forth in confidence. This will require changing our thoughts and actions that reinforce what is and replace them with faith based thoughts and actions. If we weren't able to do this, then we'd never be asked nor even be aware of the possibility of change.
What, in your world, do you want to change? Is it a major change or a minor inconvenience? Do you know what you want in place of what is, because you can never simply dismiss the 'it' and ignore the hole it leaves. Too many people attempt to do precisely that - get rid of what is (displeasing) but don't replace with something that can become a positive. Why, I wonder, don't we realize the importance of replacement? It really isn't just a substitution because in my world of definitions, a substitution is related to whatever is in place and most of the time we don't want what is.
I have a friend who attempts to ignore and deny (in my thinking) what is and bases this on the scripture in Romans (4:17) "...who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did." (which is really talking about faith). Somehow the thinking is that if I don't acknowledge (fill in the blank) and call into existence what I (want? need?) then I am acting in faith. In my world of understanding scripture, this is totally incorrect.
Faith is a potent force and a strong defense, otherwise why would faith be designated as the shield in our personal 'fortification' in the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18). Actually, we are told to
"...above all taking the shield of faith with which you will be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." (16)
However, I do not see where we are to deny what is. I believe we are to go beyond what is and through the grace of the Lord, to act by seeing what can be possible. We are not to let what is deter us and instead, go forth in confidence. This will require changing our thoughts and actions that reinforce what is and replace them with faith based thoughts and actions. If we weren't able to do this, then we'd never be asked nor even be aware of the possibility of change.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Enough! Tolerance and Denial
Most Christians are led by the principle that we should hate the sin but not the sinner; that we should always exhibit an inclusive attitude regardless of the behavior of others. Seriously... does this really make sense? Is this even possible? And more importantly... why? What do we 'gain' by exhibiting an unconditional, inclusive, tolerant acceptance of all people and beliefs... at all times, regardless? Is there no 'line in the sand'? What message are we really sending?
Personally, I have always tried to demonstrate a 'turning the other cheek' and felt guilty when I didn't. I also tried to be inclusive and tolerant of all beliefs of others, even when they didn't reciprocate this toward me. Why? What message was I really making? WWJD? Finally I began asking myself some questions, such as: Didn't He throw the money changers out of the temple? Didn't He confront the Scribes and Pharisees? Am I missing something? Oh yes.
Edmund Burke is credited with two very significant comments: one, related to what happens when we don't stand and two, what happens when we let evil prevail by doing nothing. This relates to Christians' behavior... or the lack. Looking at this from a different perspective, how can we fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples if we don't stand up for Who and what we believe? Would you believe when this the message is one of... compromise? I don't think so. I believe we have bought into a lie.
The Jesus I have came to believe in and know is not weak and ineffectual. I think the lie we have accepted is a denial of Who He is and it's way past time for us to stand up and become His hand in our worlds, which means no more compromise! No more apologizing for who we are, Whose we are, and what we believe! No more denial of what He expects from us in the name of tolerance.
Tolerance can't disguise denial and whenever we don't acknowledge what He sent us to do, we are in denial of who He is. Never thought of it this way? Probably not and maybe I've made my case somewhat strongly but I do believe enough is enough. Tolerance - yes. Denial - no. No more acceptance of those things that go contrary to what He stands for. It's time to be His Ambassadors become all we are and can be.
Personally, I have always tried to demonstrate a 'turning the other cheek' and felt guilty when I didn't. I also tried to be inclusive and tolerant of all beliefs of others, even when they didn't reciprocate this toward me. Why? What message was I really making? WWJD? Finally I began asking myself some questions, such as: Didn't He throw the money changers out of the temple? Didn't He confront the Scribes and Pharisees? Am I missing something? Oh yes.
Edmund Burke is credited with two very significant comments: one, related to what happens when we don't stand and two, what happens when we let evil prevail by doing nothing. This relates to Christians' behavior... or the lack. Looking at this from a different perspective, how can we fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples if we don't stand up for Who and what we believe? Would you believe when this the message is one of... compromise? I don't think so. I believe we have bought into a lie.
The Jesus I have came to believe in and know is not weak and ineffectual. I think the lie we have accepted is a denial of Who He is and it's way past time for us to stand up and become His hand in our worlds, which means no more compromise! No more apologizing for who we are, Whose we are, and what we believe! No more denial of what He expects from us in the name of tolerance.
Tolerance can't disguise denial and whenever we don't acknowledge what He sent us to do, we are in denial of who He is. Never thought of it this way? Probably not and maybe I've made my case somewhat strongly but I do believe enough is enough. Tolerance - yes. Denial - no. No more acceptance of those things that go contrary to what He stands for. It's time to be His Ambassadors become all we are and can be.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Best Tombstone
Recently I read:
"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and
were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots are
withered. Carve you name on hearts and not on marble."
That statement by Charles H. Spurgeon puts a period on what should be our concern about who we are and how we impact other lives. I think many of us focus on what can be seen to verify who we are rather than considering the intangibles that provide the foundation to the 'visibles'. In the final analysis, it truly is the intangibles that linger, that cause others to remember. These are the essential definitions of our character.
Regardless of 'good' or 'bad', our character is visible and it marks how others view us. If you were invisible and those you trusted were talking about you, would you be pleased with their opinions of how they 'saw' you? Those closest to us tend to be on either end of the continuum - highly critical or highly complementary about how they view us. Rarely are they in the middle, besides, who wants wishy-washy 'close' friends? The point is, are you really visible... in your own eyes? Would others' characterization of who they thought you are coincide with yours?
I wonder how much attention we give to our character? Do we give much thought to our words and actions that define who we are? I suspect our awareness of this runs on a continuum of not at all to very little. Harsh? Probably. Sometimes I wonder if we would do/say what we do if we thought first and then acted/spoke? Important? It depends on how important your character is to you.
Character is no little thing. It speaks to who we are and how we go about being us. It informs all who 'see' of the things, ideas, people, etc. that are important to us. Our behavior is based in our foundation of character and will ultimately define and describe us. In stone? No. But only if we want to 'improve' will this be in evidence. What's important to us always is the counterpoint to what we are willing to do to become our better self. What will be on your tombstone? More important - do you really care?
"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and
were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots are
withered. Carve you name on hearts and not on marble."
That statement by Charles H. Spurgeon puts a period on what should be our concern about who we are and how we impact other lives. I think many of us focus on what can be seen to verify who we are rather than considering the intangibles that provide the foundation to the 'visibles'. In the final analysis, it truly is the intangibles that linger, that cause others to remember. These are the essential definitions of our character.
Regardless of 'good' or 'bad', our character is visible and it marks how others view us. If you were invisible and those you trusted were talking about you, would you be pleased with their opinions of how they 'saw' you? Those closest to us tend to be on either end of the continuum - highly critical or highly complementary about how they view us. Rarely are they in the middle, besides, who wants wishy-washy 'close' friends? The point is, are you really visible... in your own eyes? Would others' characterization of who they thought you are coincide with yours?
I wonder how much attention we give to our character? Do we give much thought to our words and actions that define who we are? I suspect our awareness of this runs on a continuum of not at all to very little. Harsh? Probably. Sometimes I wonder if we would do/say what we do if we thought first and then acted/spoke? Important? It depends on how important your character is to you.
Character is no little thing. It speaks to who we are and how we go about being us. It informs all who 'see' of the things, ideas, people, etc. that are important to us. Our behavior is based in our foundation of character and will ultimately define and describe us. In stone? No. But only if we want to 'improve' will this be in evidence. What's important to us always is the counterpoint to what we are willing to do to become our better self. What will be on your tombstone? More important - do you really care?
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Hypocritical
I was talking with someone who made the comment that his opinion was that Christians were hypocrites. Though unspoken, the implication was that this indictment applied to all Christians. I asked him was his statement meant to imply that non-Christians weren't? Obviously, this was not the response he expected. I think he thought that I'd launch into a vociferous defense. After sputtering for a few minutes, he relented and said that no, this was not his point. Which led me to ask what his point was. Needless to say... he never answered this and after my eyes glazed over he simply repeated his comment.
Yes, some Christians do act hypocritical, then again they would undoubtedly act this way and not just about 'religious' issues. And yes, some non-Christians don't appear to be (as) hypocritical in a double standard way. My point would be that we all, at some point, for whatever reason will act (knowingly, and also unaware) hypocritical. While this may sound like a cop-out, intentionality should be the guide. Do we deliberately act hypocritical? Or, is this a self-saving action (which is not an excuse)?
I do believe it is this last question that underscores a hypocritical behavior. Yes, sometimes it is used to mislead but I think the self-saving is the main reason. And no, this is not an excuse nor really an explanation. But do remember what Paul wrote (Romans 7:15-20) - doing the things you don't want and not doing the things you want. What we need to do is when we realize what we are doing - to stop, apologize if necessary, and change our words and actions.
Stressing is not the remedy for hypocrisy. Intentionality is. We always need to be aware of our own motivations for why we do or don't do (fill in the blank) and our subsequent behavior. We also need to learn from our experience - we can apply what we learn and know proactively. Learning and application are never only intellectual activities. Actually, the decision is ours. What do we want to do about/if hypocrisy rears its head?
Yes, some Christians do act hypocritical, then again they would undoubtedly act this way and not just about 'religious' issues. And yes, some non-Christians don't appear to be (as) hypocritical in a double standard way. My point would be that we all, at some point, for whatever reason will act (knowingly, and also unaware) hypocritical. While this may sound like a cop-out, intentionality should be the guide. Do we deliberately act hypocritical? Or, is this a self-saving action (which is not an excuse)?
I do believe it is this last question that underscores a hypocritical behavior. Yes, sometimes it is used to mislead but I think the self-saving is the main reason. And no, this is not an excuse nor really an explanation. But do remember what Paul wrote (Romans 7:15-20) - doing the things you don't want and not doing the things you want. What we need to do is when we realize what we are doing - to stop, apologize if necessary, and change our words and actions.
Stressing is not the remedy for hypocrisy. Intentionality is. We always need to be aware of our own motivations for why we do or don't do (fill in the blank) and our subsequent behavior. We also need to learn from our experience - we can apply what we learn and know proactively. Learning and application are never only intellectual activities. Actually, the decision is ours. What do we want to do about/if hypocrisy rears its head?
Thursday, June 11, 2015
... considering the circumstances
Precisely... what does that mean '...considering the circumstances'? Does it mean that you really aren't in the best of places? Does it mean - 'ask me more so I can get some sympathy'? Does it mean - 'don't ask me, I don't want to talk about it'. See? That phrase has all sorts of possible definitions. I have always 'assumed' that the phrase was an invitation to seek further clarification ... and most of the time it is.
However, what I'm focusing on is when you use it. Surely it's not a throw away phrase.? What do you want the listener to say in response to you? And when they press you for more information, how do you react? Self-deprecating? Anger? Fully explain? And after your response... now how do you feel? Because I would suspect that much of our ... considering the circumstances, is an emotional response to something in our lives, which has probably not been acknowledged. Obviously, something happened in our world that has or continues to influence what we are feeling.
So... do we control our feelings or let 'the circumstances' control us? It really is one or the other. Perhaps equally important, what aids us in moving beyond the circumstances to resolving (accepting?) what's happening? If you are not in a good place, what do you do to move beyond? I suspect we all do a bit of moaning or wallowing at the moment, but then you have to stop and make some decisions about who or what controls you - and that can be difficult when we are caught in the grips of 'the circumstances'.
What our first (rational) action/thought in moving beyond the circumstances is quite important. Logical, dispassionate thought is difficult but not impossible. I'm the take a deep breath, try and calm myself, and turn to the Lord for help. He keeps telling us that He cares for us (1Peter 5:7), that He understands (Psalm 33:13-15/Jeremiah 9:24), and that He always provides a way through (1Corinthians 10:13); so why not take Him at His word (Numbers 23:19)? Having someone with you who cares, understands, provides, and is trustworthy gives tremendous relief and strength as we go through our... circumstances.
However, what I'm focusing on is when you use it. Surely it's not a throw away phrase.? What do you want the listener to say in response to you? And when they press you for more information, how do you react? Self-deprecating? Anger? Fully explain? And after your response... now how do you feel? Because I would suspect that much of our ... considering the circumstances, is an emotional response to something in our lives, which has probably not been acknowledged. Obviously, something happened in our world that has or continues to influence what we are feeling.
So... do we control our feelings or let 'the circumstances' control us? It really is one or the other. Perhaps equally important, what aids us in moving beyond the circumstances to resolving (accepting?) what's happening? If you are not in a good place, what do you do to move beyond? I suspect we all do a bit of moaning or wallowing at the moment, but then you have to stop and make some decisions about who or what controls you - and that can be difficult when we are caught in the grips of 'the circumstances'.
What our first (rational) action/thought in moving beyond the circumstances is quite important. Logical, dispassionate thought is difficult but not impossible. I'm the take a deep breath, try and calm myself, and turn to the Lord for help. He keeps telling us that He cares for us (1Peter 5:7), that He understands (Psalm 33:13-15/Jeremiah 9:24), and that He always provides a way through (1Corinthians 10:13); so why not take Him at His word (Numbers 23:19)? Having someone with you who cares, understands, provides, and is trustworthy gives tremendous relief and strength as we go through our... circumstances.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Evidence of Relationship?
When I was in college there was a great book written by Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands a Verdict. If you haven't read it, I do recommend you take the time to do so. The point was that in the reading you had to answer for yourself if there was a God. I'd like to expand this thought in terms of how you relate to Him. If you believe in God, is there any evidence that you have a relationship with Him?
If you are wondering how one goes about providing evidence then I would argue that your relationship is distant, at best. You should be able to cite page and verse of different examples of your knowledge of your evidence. If that statement sounded judgmental, not my intent but consider that if you have no evidence, how do you know you have a relationship? Who is God in your life? Do you turn to Him only in crisis situations? Do you invite Him in to your day to day life? What IS your relationship?
Since the time of Adam, when the two of them would walk in the cool of the morning or when God would bring the animals to Adam to give them names, God has always operated on a relational basis of intimacy, not distance, not crisis. It would be my contention that He waits for us to involve Him in our lives. If that sounds as weird as it looks, it's only because it is a definition that we aren't accustomed to.
Bottom line - God did everything He could, including providing His Son as the perfect sacrifice, to provide for the re-establishment of relationship with Him. He wants to be involved, not because He wants to control us or tells us what to do, but to be 'friends'. Remember Jesus words? We are no longer slaves (Galatians 4:7), or strangers, aliens or foreigners (Ephesians 2:19), or servants (John 15:15). We are told that we are: sons and daughters (Galatians), citizens (Ephesians), and "I have called you friends, for everything I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John)
Do you even want a relationship? If so, what type - distant or intimate? It makes no difference if this 'makes sense to you', it is what is available to you.
Your decision.
If you are wondering how one goes about providing evidence then I would argue that your relationship is distant, at best. You should be able to cite page and verse of different examples of your knowledge of your evidence. If that statement sounded judgmental, not my intent but consider that if you have no evidence, how do you know you have a relationship? Who is God in your life? Do you turn to Him only in crisis situations? Do you invite Him in to your day to day life? What IS your relationship?
Since the time of Adam, when the two of them would walk in the cool of the morning or when God would bring the animals to Adam to give them names, God has always operated on a relational basis of intimacy, not distance, not crisis. It would be my contention that He waits for us to involve Him in our lives. If that sounds as weird as it looks, it's only because it is a definition that we aren't accustomed to.
Bottom line - God did everything He could, including providing His Son as the perfect sacrifice, to provide for the re-establishment of relationship with Him. He wants to be involved, not because He wants to control us or tells us what to do, but to be 'friends'. Remember Jesus words? We are no longer slaves (Galatians 4:7), or strangers, aliens or foreigners (Ephesians 2:19), or servants (John 15:15). We are told that we are: sons and daughters (Galatians), citizens (Ephesians), and "I have called you friends, for everything I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John)
Do you even want a relationship? If so, what type - distant or intimate? It makes no difference if this 'makes sense to you', it is what is available to you.
Your decision.
Friday, June 5, 2015
Every morning...
Do you have an 'every morning'? I do. And now I find that I wouldn't be comfortable not starting my day this way. It may not be the first thing I do but once I'm somewhat awake, have a cup of coffee at my hand I start my day with the Lord. I have to. A couple of times that I didn't, for whatever reason, I found that I was just slightly off center... something wasn't 'right'. Imagination? Probably not, but for one that doesn't have a lot in her daily regimen (defined as: a regular course of action), I do tend to adhere to those few I have.
I suspect an argument could be offered that my morning time is too casual or too 'familiar' and not with sufficient respect, but I don't think so and as long as the Lord hasn't corrected me I will choose to ignore that appellation. As I was about to start this morning I heard me say to the Lord, "I love you. As much as I know what this word means and how to go about doing it - I love you." Probably not an earth shattering comment. But it did get me thinking, again, about love and what it means, what it is, and how we go about demonstrating love.
I remember as a young person that I tended not to use this word unless I had first seen some evidence in my own behavior that what I was saying was truly meant. I also applied, perhaps unfairly, my definition when I heard the words said to me. It wasn't a 'prove it' stance on my part, however if there hadn't been any attendant behavior associated with those words... I simply dismissed them. And I never replied with a (casual) "I love you too." One caveat - if it was a child's comment then I didn't hold them to my standard.
But I digress - back to the original questions... do you have a morning regimen? Is it one you developed and is important to you? Or... are you going through the motions because you really haven't thought about it? I think that if it's important one does 'make time and space' for (fill in the blank). It really is never an issue of how many things/activities you have in your every morning regimen - it's how you, every morning, approach them. Why you do what you do. And if you don't have any particular approach... that really is your decision.
I suspect an argument could be offered that my morning time is too casual or too 'familiar' and not with sufficient respect, but I don't think so and as long as the Lord hasn't corrected me I will choose to ignore that appellation. As I was about to start this morning I heard me say to the Lord, "I love you. As much as I know what this word means and how to go about doing it - I love you." Probably not an earth shattering comment. But it did get me thinking, again, about love and what it means, what it is, and how we go about demonstrating love.
I remember as a young person that I tended not to use this word unless I had first seen some evidence in my own behavior that what I was saying was truly meant. I also applied, perhaps unfairly, my definition when I heard the words said to me. It wasn't a 'prove it' stance on my part, however if there hadn't been any attendant behavior associated with those words... I simply dismissed them. And I never replied with a (casual) "I love you too." One caveat - if it was a child's comment then I didn't hold them to my standard.
But I digress - back to the original questions... do you have a morning regimen? Is it one you developed and is important to you? Or... are you going through the motions because you really haven't thought about it? I think that if it's important one does 'make time and space' for (fill in the blank). It really is never an issue of how many things/activities you have in your every morning regimen - it's how you, every morning, approach them. Why you do what you do. And if you don't have any particular approach... that really is your decision.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
From the pew
Such a safe place - the pew. By definition, it is the sought after (?) place in the church's sanctuary from which you can sit back and view what's going on. You can also offer your commentary without fear of having to prove it or do anything about it because the pew is a place of un-involvement, where you don't do anything. However, I would contend that it is also a place of frustration because it is also a place where you are invisible.
Being 'visible' requires that you be involved. You are required to provide your gifting to the rest of the body - and without holding back or expecting anything in return. That's how the body works. Remember the words in 1Corinthians 12:
"For in fact the body is not one member but many." (v.14)
"...God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as
He pleased." (v.18)
"But now indeed there are many members, yet one body." (v.20)
"...that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members
should have the same care for one another." (v.25)
"Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually." (v.27)
I don't believe that pew sitting is a gift of the Spirit or an office in the church. Pew sitting is really not accepting membership - ever think of it in that light? I realize that what I am saying is incredibly harsh. But... we are living in a harsh world, one that is tossing aside all restraint. As Christians we are being asked to assume our place and move as Ambassadors (2Corinthians 5:17-21) in the world we live in.
There is much work to be done and it's an 'all hands on deck' time. John (4:35) tells us that we are "...to lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" Simply sitting in a pew can not be tolerated. Yet you do have a choice. Actually, the questions belong to you - do you see yourself as part of the body? Are you a member set there by God? Do you want to be?
"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether
Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and have all been made
to drink into one Spirit." (12:13)
Being 'visible' requires that you be involved. You are required to provide your gifting to the rest of the body - and without holding back or expecting anything in return. That's how the body works. Remember the words in 1Corinthians 12:
"For in fact the body is not one member but many." (v.14)
"...God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as
He pleased." (v.18)
"But now indeed there are many members, yet one body." (v.20)
"...that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members
should have the same care for one another." (v.25)
"Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually." (v.27)
I don't believe that pew sitting is a gift of the Spirit or an office in the church. Pew sitting is really not accepting membership - ever think of it in that light? I realize that what I am saying is incredibly harsh. But... we are living in a harsh world, one that is tossing aside all restraint. As Christians we are being asked to assume our place and move as Ambassadors (2Corinthians 5:17-21) in the world we live in.
There is much work to be done and it's an 'all hands on deck' time. John (4:35) tells us that we are "...to lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" Simply sitting in a pew can not be tolerated. Yet you do have a choice. Actually, the questions belong to you - do you see yourself as part of the body? Are you a member set there by God? Do you want to be?
"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether
Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and have all been made
to drink into one Spirit." (12:13)
You do remember what happens when the Spirit arrives - He brings power in our lives to be who and what we are asked to be. But it can't be done... from the pew.
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