... in the eye of the beholder

The old saying, 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' is universally known and used. However, I would argue that just about everything is in the eye of the beholder and anything can be used as the description/definition of 'everything'. Especially in today's society, relativism is the norm. Anyone who espouses an 'absolute' is ridiculed immediately or angrily denounced for treading on someone else's views. (I would argue that at least one absolute exists.)

Look at the word. What does 'absolute' mean and how does this relate to the title of this discussion? Webster: (including_)

   "free from imperfection perfect, pure, outright, unmitigated  positive, 

    unquestionable;  having no restriction, exception, or qualification

    an absolute requirement; independent of arbitrary standards of 

    measurement

    Fundamental, Ultimate; absolute knowledge; being self-sufficient and 

    free of external references or relationships

    an absolute term in logic"

Does this give you any understanding? Can you identify those who have the right to define what this means, not just 'is'... and do or don't have the 'right' to indicate what should be considered as 'absolute'? Who's the 'authority' about absolutes.

Scripture does speak to this issue when it talks about perception. And therein we have our foundation. The 'eye of the beholder' is based in (our) perception. No great revelation, but we sometimes forget this. Or we may fail to apply this reality that how we may consider something, may not be how someone else does. 

How important is this? Well... how important is it to you to be understood and to understand others? That's the determination. The point in all this is that each of us is a unique creation. No two of us are alike, even identical twins. We see and experience life through our own frame of reference/perspective/experiences and this is always important... and fun. It's when we share without fear of being viewing any challenges as 'differences' that we make further discoveries. It's both our 'sameness' and our differences that expand what we know and understand. At least that's what's in my eye of beholding.

Accepting a different 'eye' should never be coerced or demanded or even expected except that it's yours and may be different than mine. To me this is always part and parcel of the scripture that talks about iron sharpening iron. Many times it's more important to know the differences than it is to be in total agreement. I suspect much of this is based in our own level of confidence in not only what we believe... but why. 'the eye of the beholder' is a methodology of learning and teaching, of sharing and discovering.  

 

Questions... again

I have responded to this 'question' before but the question of questions keeps arising. WHY do I ask so many questions? Actually, I think knowing how to ask questions and to build on the answer is one of the more important skills to learn. Also, it has been my mode of teaching and there are 3 primary reasons; tp demonstrate:. 1- the value of questions and how and when to ask, 2- the 'how' of finding answers, and 3-  to promote the efficacy of ownership of the answer.

Quite honestly, I wonder if children (who have a wonderful curiosity and can ask the most penetrating questions) lose their ability to ask questions? Is it the fault of our education system which seems more intent on providing their answers than helping students discover their who/what/why/when of their answers. Mistakes are never failures... they are simply the wrong path. To me, the critical skill education should be imparting for/in children is the ability to ask questions, not harassing them for asking questions. But if the school system IS doing this, then what happens at home? Are children encouraged to always ask questions... or put down because they do?

Personally, I've never met a question I didn't like. Which does not mean that I have always liked the answer I discover. Truly, that has nothing to do with it. Answers can expand, give further clarity and understanding... that's part of the 'fun' and annoyance of answers. The question may remain the same but our understanding of an answer can grow. Also, in my world, questions produce... more questions. And nowhere in the Bible do I see that we only can ask one question or that questions are forbidden.

Actually, questions are encouraged...

   "Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on 

    seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door 

    will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7, AMP)

See. Questions are the impetus to 'keep on asking, seeking, knocking'. They always lead us to answers (regardless of our delight) - they never say that the question is too hard or irrelevant... keep on... And there are many examples of questions being asked and answered in scripture. One of the best examples is James 2:14-26. Another example is that we are told to study (2 Timothy 2:15) and if we are to study, then questions automatically arise... all the who, what, when, why, emerge as we study to understand.

Questions truly are our tools to grow and discover, become and act with wisdom and so much more. Questions are never idle... they seek to know. And when we truly know, then we are on our way to understand (at least on some level since I believe we are always refining and expanding our knowing) ... and if we understand then we can apply the learning. It is in our application that we see our ownership of answers. 

Perhaps the question is... how can we not ask questions? Remember... there's no unimportant question.

There is a line

Do you appreciate this? That. for Christians. there is always a line that isn't, can't, shouldn't be crossed. If you are a Christian, then the Lord has principles and standards that are not to be compromised. equivocated, or swept under the carpet, 'modernized', 'updated', whitewashed, or ignored. The Lord's principles and standards do not change (Malachi 3:6) and are our foundation - we should stand on them confidently and boldly. They are also our basis to act, to judge who we are and what we do... so why would you ever equivocate or compromise who the Lord is and what He says?

If that isn't a sufficiently strong statement, then read what John wrote:

   "I testify and warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this 

    book [its predictions, consolations, and admonitions]: if anyone adds 

    [anything] to them, God will add to him the plagues (afflictions, calam-

    ities) which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from ot

    distorts the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away [from

    that one] his share from the tree of life and from the holy city (new 

    Jerusalem), which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:18-19, AMP)

Period. But even if this wasn't the case, why would we ever put a 'spin' on what the Lord did, said, does? Considering a different perspective...you have standards

don't you? Things you would never consider doing or saying or being, principles that guide you - yes? And God wouldn't? That makes no sense.

I think that sometimes we try and fashion God into our image of who He should be and do. We don't always look at His word to determine the efficacy of our images. When we take His Word as our definition and description then we begin to see and understand that we have a God who is right there with us in whatever we are experience (due to our own decisions, spiritual warfare. or those who have the man-given authority). Why do we follow these more doggedly than follow what the Lord says...

   "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], 

    for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, 

    blessed quiet) for your souls." (Matthew 11:29, AMP)

Those aren't idle words - they are truth and when we do follow them. then we are strengthened for the battle against those forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12).

Another way of asking the question about understanding there is a line is: you CAN be His voice in your world - but will you? If you answer the call to 'send me' (Isaiah) then you are acting as His Ambassadors and doing what He wants accomplished. We have the decision to accept the His assignment, we don't have the right to 'go off script' and speak unthinkingly or according to our own preconceptions. Also, He gives us a way of knowing if we are being that Ambassador or misrepresenting. He tells us to abide in Him, that we can't accomplish anything apart from Him or be fruitful. If we are His hands and voice, then we need to be 'rooted and grounded' in Him so we act and speak according to His word. There really is a line.

__________ (your name)

   "(Your Name) is Mine!", says the Lord.  

Don't believe this? Didn't hear it? It was said and will continue to be voiced. The Lord was speaking, and to the devil, who, of course, does not want you to respond by accepting. Point being... the Lord invites, it's our option, opportunity to accept... or reject. We ALWAYS have the final say. And while the Lord always accepts us right where we are, He has no intention of leaving us in that same state. (I realize that I have written about salvation a number of times and from a variety of perspectives but it bears repeating.) 

Fanciful on my part? Don't think so. And no, I'm not putting words in the Lord's mouth. Accepting or rejecting the Lord's invitation is the single most important decision we will ever make. However, if we don't say 'yes', does He give up on us? Somehow... I don't think so. A complete renunciation, rejection - would be the final end (see verse 18). However, I believe that throughout our lives, if we haven't accepted Jesus as Lord, we have innumerable opportunities to do so. Is this scriptural? It is if you look at the nature of the Father. He gave His Son for/to us as our redemption and restoration of relationship.   

   "The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not 

    slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] 

    patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to 

    repentance." (2 Peter 3:9, AMP)   

Granted that this verse was referring to the Second Coming, but look at the reason - now wishing for any to perish. This is why I don't believe He ever gives up on us but gives us many opportunities to be reconciled.

He's also given other reasons: John 3:16 tells us of the great love the Father has for the world that He would go so far as to offer His Son as our redemption. That's love doubled, because the Son had to accept the assignment... which He did. Everyone, Christian and pagan, knows John 3:16 but consider some of the verses before and after:

   "Just as Moses lifted up the [bronze] serpent in the desert [on a pole], so 

    must the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross], so that whoever believes 

    will in Him have eternal life [after physical death, and will actually live 

    forever]. For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He 

    [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes 

    and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. For 

    God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world 

    [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world 

    might be saved through Him. Whoever believes and has decided to trust 

    in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is 

    no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not 

    believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is 

    judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he 

    has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten 

    Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One 

    who alone can save him]." (John 3:14-18, AMP)

In accepting Jesus, believing in and trusting, we rid ourselves of a state of judgment, rejection, condemnation (v.18). I might also add that the end of verse 18 should also put an end to the discussions that there are other ways to the Father. The answer is - NO, there is only one way and His name if Jesus. 

   "Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punish-

    ment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal 

    Lord and Savior]." (Romans 8:1, AMP)

I have been asked a number of times - why did they even needed a Savior, why should they be saved? They felt that their life was pretty good and that they were 'livin' the dream'. I pointed out 2 things. One: did they expect no travail, no problems, no threats to their lives to continue? and Two: did they believe that this life was 'all there is', that there was no afterlife? 

Their answer to the first point was that they were preparing for negative times so they weren't overly concerned. While this is a better approach than the 'eat, drink, and be merry' attitude, still there is one who has overcome the world and His name is Jesus - John 16:33. 

The answer to the second point was a bit more vague on their part... not something they thought about very much. However, many thought that this life was all there was and others felt that if there was a God, He wouldn't want His creation to suffer. Point: there are over 100 verses in scripture that discuss life after death. It does exist. And it is our decision where we spend it - heaven or hell. Because both exist.

By the way... I believe the Lord says to the devil  "__________ (your name) is Mine!", for all of us, He is no respecter of people, we are all important in His eyes. However, the confirmation of that statement, the acceptance of His invitation is made by us - we either accept or reject Him.

                        

Wobble

Wobbles can be of varying lengths of time. They can affect various aspects of our lives. They can even be of varying degrees of seriousness... and definitely of varying expressions. Wobbles typically are atypical of who we, typically, are but they do affect all of our selves not just areas. They surprise others but sometimes can take longer for the wobblee to self recognize.

What is a 'wobble'? I suspect you may already know but may call it by a different name. Webster's second definition of this word as a noun is: "an uncertain directed movement". The Brits have another word when used as a verb: judder. All in all, it means a lack of personal control, uncertainty, and can cause a sense of frustration. Fortunately, wobbles don't (have to) last that long.  

Personally, I try and focus on the positive aspects of the wobble, even when it is totally after the fact. I don't like to repeat wobbles is my reason. And, for me, the word 'wobble' is less harsh than other words that could be used. How we react to our own wobbles is the point. What do we do to resolve a wobble? 

Obviously, the place to begin is to look at what caused the wobble in the first place. Was it a reaction? Did you feel attacked or challenged? Did you find yourself without any answer to the cause? Those are only some of the factors that can cause a wobble, but it is important to 'sort it out'. Sorting begins with identifying. Would the 'cause' always cause a wobble from you or was it simply the surprise, the unexpected and definitely the unwanted? Definitely you need to look at why you wobbled.

Next comes your resolution... which often is in the form of you accepting the cause because it really isn't catastrophic and devastating. Accepting typically is also expressed in a somewhat embarrassed form but a grudging admitting that you did wobble, past tense. It's OK... we all wobble at times, the issue really is not digging in our heels as the resolution because eventually we will have to own up that we wobbled but are now OK.

Comparing God to ...???

Do we hold God to a standard? Do we compare Him to...??? Don't dismiss this question out of hand because I suspect we do... maybe not overtly, but subconsciously? We may not acknowledge this but I still suspect we do. Our, 'but you did this for (fill in the blank)' thoughts or our seeking why when the answer is clearly stated in His Word. Aren't these all a form of comparing? Perhaps not a temptation or a test... but do we still, on some level, do this?

If so, then the question is the next question - why do we do this? The answer to that question is quite simple - it's an automatic condition. We are always comparing even when we try not to. We compare in order to understand, to 'categorize' the learning. We compare in order to find an answer to our 'why' or 'how cum'. It's how we order our world, our lives. And don't think the Father is unaware of this or surprised. Actually He already gave us our basis for comparison.

   "So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me 

    void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And 

    without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11, AMP)

If we must compare, than that's the foundation for doing so. There are also other 'standards' that the Father has already given us for comparing. Example: the 

scriptures that point to the fact that God cannot lie ((Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). God cannot be tempted by evil nor does He tempt (James 1:13) and God cannot deny Himself (Timothy 2:13). How about you? Are you tempted by evil, do you tempt others (including God) - the familiar 'if you do (fill in the blank) for me then I promise I will do.... or not do. 

Standing should be our action, not comparing. When we study His Word we discover precisely who He is, what He does, and how He does it. We don't need to hold Him to His word because He is inseparable from His word. There's a fascinating article about God's word: https://ftc.co/resource-library/blog-entries/what-the-word-of-god-says-about-the-word-of-god-book-by-book/ which shows the context of how His word is displayed in each book of the Bible.

The Word of God is often referred to as the Christian's manual. It is. As we study and learn from His word and see the confirmation in scripture, our confidence grows and we can move from comparing to acting.

 

Confirmation

For me, one of the most delightfully exciting parts about scripture is that it confirms itself. The confirmation comes from scripture and also along with our experiences.  

   "For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave 

    His [One and] [a]only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in 

    Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send

    the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate 

    the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through 

    Him." (John 3:16-17, AMP)  

   "Jesus said to her, 'I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in 

    (adheres to, trusts in, relies on) Me [as Savior] will live even if he dies; and 

    everyone who lives and believes in Me [as Savior] will never die. Do you 

    believe this?'" (John 11:25-26 AMP)

First we have Father God telling us about His Son and what He will do and then we have Jesus, the Son, confirming this declaration by God. This is only one example. When you read the Old Testament, you see all of the prophecies that were a foretelling of what would come. In a different context, Hebrews 11 gives us all the information about our ancestors' beliefs and the subsequent confirmation we need. [Excerpts from the AMP]

   "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things 

    not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation.(v. 1-2)

    

[Verses 2 through 12 list some of the people who died strong in their faith not experiencing the results.]

    "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having 

    seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they 

    were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make 

    it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of 

    that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity 

    to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly 

    one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has 

    prepared for them a city." (v. 13-16)

 

We live in a world that cynicism is the basis that is often used to judge/accept information. No one accepts (fill in the blank) out of hand... we want it proved, confirmed before we will incorporate into our personal frame of reference. Having been burned in the past or proved wrong intensifies this need. And truly, that's not necessarily all the bad - even scripture tells us to test the spirits (1John 4:1).

When we read in scripture something that we need to be or to do, we need to be able to act on this with confidence. When we aren't certain then it's impossible to be single minded about (fill in the blank). Many people enter into these types of situations with an escape plan. Again, option planning is always a good approach. But... we need to act confidently. We need to know our foundation from which we are acting and speaking - and our actions must express our words.

We are the Lord's Ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) so our level of confidence is critical so that we don't provide mixed messages. Though our roles in the Great Commission differ, our focus is the same - to make disciples (Matthew 28:19). Together we can do our part(Ephesians 4:16) and with excellence! Undergirding 

this is confirmation - confirmation from a trusted source is always a comfort, an incentive. Scripture provides this. AND, we can point to the confirming scripture to nay sayers! 

Our part

We are told:

   "First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, 

    intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on 

    behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in [positions of] high 

    authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all god-

    liness and dignity. This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable 

    and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior," (1 Timothy 2:1-3. AMP)

   "...pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The 

    heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can 

    accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—

    it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]" (James 5:15, AMP) 

Some translations phrase this as effectual and fervent. Though I don't know how you define those 2 words, but to me they mean passion and continuous until an answer manifests.

So... what is our role, our part? Obviously, telling God what to do is never part of what we do. Nor is asking God to 'change' the other person isn't part of what He does. He never goes where He is not wanted. This should give us some clues as to what we can be and do. Primarily we share. We share Who the Lord is in our lives, what difference He has made in and for us. We invite others into their experiences with the Lord.  

When it comes to prayer, intercession our role is not to tell, beg, demand, etc. Our role is to present, make our request known (Philippians 4:6) If we remember if we are on the receiving end of prayer, what it is we would want, ask for. Granted, each of us had our own needs and wants but I suspect to be surreptitiously changed is never part. Why would we do this to others? Exactly how long would we react? Acceptance comes with understanding, rarely force... at least in the inward man where the difference comes from.

Actually, when we step up and accept our assignment, regardless of context, remember to rest in Psalm 138:3, AMP

   "On the day I called, You answered me; my strength of soul You increased."

That's what we do... we call out to the Lord as we take that first step in faith that He who calls us has already prepared and equipped us.  Read again the verses in 1 Timothy and James - it provides us with who we are to pray for, how we're suppose to pray, and the results of our praying. We rest in Him and … do our part.  

... but that's what it says...

I would argue that we all have some source we turn to as our Authority. Something/one that we turn to when we need support for what we are saying and doing. And yes, I have written on this subject many times, it's because I feel we all need to know our foundation and why. Do we live on a strong foundation or a shifting sands one?

For the Christian, we have been given our manual, our instructions. It's not there for us to argue with. It really doesn't matter if we like it or not... or even if we completely understand. The point is that what's said is there - not by whimsy or man's thoughts. Simply, the Bible IS the Word and it is all complete, inspired by God, The Creator, and not subject to the interpretation of man. I will grant you that we may not completely understand nor define the words in the same way... but there's really no place for argument or negotiations.

   "All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profit-

    able for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and 

    restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live 

    in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honor-

    ably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of 

    God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped 

    for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, AMP)

The WHAT of scripture - profitable: for instruction, for conviction, for correction, for training. The WHY: to be complete and proficient, outfitted and THOROUGHLY equipped. To me this speaks of process - a continuation of the what in order to do the why. It speaks of a firm foundation. You can't accept only those scriptures you like and ignore the ones you don't. Either you accept the Bible in its entirety or not. Picking and choosing doesn't apply. And, not to be too blunt, but if you don't accept His Word... how can you be a Christian? If we call ourselves Christians, then we have no option but to not only believe but to act according to the word! 

How do I know? Look at how Jesus responded with the word to everything that the devil said to try to entice Him. That was His defense against the challenge by the devil. He continually said... "It is written...", Matthew 4: 1-7 tells us of the temptation. Remember too that this temptation occurred after Jesus had gone without food for 40 days! Our choice always - to accept, to reject.

How much more do we need this kind of strong foundation... This attitude of defeating the devil by scripture should be OUR approach. We are able to refute the arguments of the devil (and do remember he probably knows scripture better than any of us) and... stand. If we don't have a response (1 Peter 3:15), then we need to study scripture so that we always can reply... confidently. Our personal foundation - what we know, what we believe, how we share us and our beliefs - rest on the foundation of God's Word.

Enclave

Enclave according to Webster: 

   "a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if 

    within foreign territory". 

This is NOT what the church has been designed to become. Yes, I remember the scripture that tells us to separate ourselves - 2 Corinthians 6:17. That particular scripture is referencing something that is entirely different.  We are to be IN not of the world - 2 entirely different mindsets.

   "I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but that You keep them 

    and protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as 

    I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth [set them apart for 

    Your purposes, make them holy]; Your word is truth." (John 17:15-17, AMP)

This was the prayer Jesus prayed for His disciples... so, if for them. and we are also His disciples - then for us as well. We are to be salt and light. Then Jesus defines what this means so that we understand. Bottom line: We do have the answer, and the Lord decided He was going to work through us to touch lives. This is why enclave should never define or describe us.

   "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its taste (purpose), 

    how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be 

    thrown out and walked on by people [when the walkways are wet and 

    slippery]. You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill 

    cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a 

    basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 

    Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your 

    good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify 

    your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5: 13-16, AMP)

If the Lord wanted us to share only with one another, why would He say this? Why would we even need to be salt and light? Simple answer - enclaves are not for Christians. We have been called into a hurting, confused world to help the world know and understand and come to the truth. If you wonder your method of 'how', it's not to beat or threaten them. It's to help others who don't know the Lord, to realize Who He is by our words and actions.

An excellent article can be found at: https://www.christianity.com/bible/christian-you-are-salt-and-light-11596480.html - a comment that grabbed me was:

   "The spiritual health and strength of the Christian is to counteract the 

    corruption that is in the world. Christians, as salt, are to inhibit sin's 

    power to destroy lives. This in turn creates opportunity for the gospel 

    to be proclaimed and received."

What a wonderful opportunity we have. As we live out our lives in our world, as we demonstrate in our actions what our words say - we share Who we believe (Jesus) and how this is viable in both our words and actions - and available to all who turn to Him as their Lord. Our actions are the proof that will make a difference to others - that we walk our talk and not just speak words.