I don't know about any of you, but it seems I always find myself getting hung up on the issue of being a Christian “in the world but not of the world;” Seeking first the Kingdom of God (and its righteousness) while still living in the kingdom of this world (which is passing away).
It seems I’m always facing the dilemma; do we forgo earthly endeavors in order to focus more keenly on the Kingdom of Heaven? Do we need to get away from man and worldly (read earthy) things in order to be rightly focused on God and the “truly” spiritual things?
How are Christians to view their jobs, their relationships, and whatever other earthly activities they engage in? Are we to pour our energies into these things? Are we to have these things in our lives? Or will they only serve as a distraction from realizing the Kingdom of heaven? Will focusing on (or paying much attention to) earthly things (such as politics, social issues, careers, family etc) really honor God in the end? Or does it represent a “defocusing” on the Kingdom of Heaven and the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Now, since it’s clear we can’t completely get away from these earthly things, (i.e. man must work if he is to eat) do we then just try to minimize these aspects as much as possible in order to maximize the heavenly aspects? Should we view this life as some kind of cosmic balancing act where we deny ourselves of earthly involvement in order to further our heavenly fulfillment?
Here is an blog I just read which touches on the dilemma. I thought it was quite good. Just so you know, these are some of the thoughts that still circle around in my mind… And although, I’ve considered them quite a bit, it’s still a struggle. So what can I say that I’ve learned? What’s my conclusion?
Honestly, I believe this is just evidence of how much we still battle the ancient (but perennially potent) heresy of Gnosticism in the Christian Church today. Thus we need to be constantly reminded from God’s Word about what His thoughts are on the matter… We are to have the mind of Christ [and that’s a lot different than the thoughts of the Gnostics (I might touch on this at a later entry)].
So it helps when faithful men point out [again, in my case (I’ve been through this before)] the doctrine of creation. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth... And he declared them to be good. We must have this view of things or else we will always run the risk of loosing our appreciation for what God has created (for His glory!). And thus, we will not offer up our whole lives to God (as living sacrifices pleasing to Him) but rather, we will offer pitiful mutations of the original – tragically stripped of the things God has created (for his Glory). Our jobs, our work, our families, our relationship, our communities, our societies -- all of creation He made, and He made them GOOD. And most importantly, He made it for His glory. And it honors and glorifies Him when we recognize that, and dishonors and doesn’t glorify Him when we don’t. In our pious attempt to please God by shunning this world, we actually displease Him by shunning his creation and withholding from Him our worship through those things.
He is both the giver and the creator of ALL of life. And thus He deserves it all.
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving (1 Tim 4:4)
For His is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever. Amen
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Should Christians get involved in Politics?
So here’s a question that comes up quite a bit in more conservative Christian circles: Should a Christian be involved in politics? And so I just want to touch on a few things. This was stuff I just posted on a discussion forum:
As Christians, I don’t necessarily think we ought to be so concerned about whether our presidential candidates are “born-again” Christians or not – whether they are baptized, or not. What we’re looking for is a “Commander and Chief,” not a minister, a pastor, or even a moral leader. Thus he or she must be able to fulfill the “job of President” with wisdom and competency. But we shouldn’t add requirements that wouldn’t be proper in other secular offices (CEO, Police Chief etc.).
As for Christians participating in government or the civil sphere, I think this is quite good. Why should they not? I understand some Christians may believe that this is wrongly getting involved in the affairs of this world.
However, when we live and breathe and eat and work and play and buy and sell -- we are participating in the things of this world. God has made all things, and even civil government is an institution He has vested with authority (to bear the sward) for the common good of mankind (punishing the evil doer). Becoming Christian (obtaining another citizenship in heaven) didn’t change the fact that we are still to be on this earth. Only now we have dual citizenship, both in the Kingdom of heaven, and in wherever God has placed us on earth. Thus render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.
So, if it’s in our power to further love our neighbor (and if that’s through government) we should (as individual Christians) do it. And whether it’s through becoming a fireman and protecting one’s neighbors from fires, or becoming a policeman and protecting them from criminals, or becoming the president of the United States and protecting them from foreign enemies, I believe any of these jobs are quite good and honorable for a Christian.
As Christians, I don’t necessarily think we ought to be so concerned about whether our presidential candidates are “born-again” Christians or not – whether they are baptized, or not. What we’re looking for is a “Commander and Chief,” not a minister, a pastor, or even a moral leader. Thus he or she must be able to fulfill the “job of President” with wisdom and competency. But we shouldn’t add requirements that wouldn’t be proper in other secular offices (CEO, Police Chief etc.).
As for Christians participating in government or the civil sphere, I think this is quite good. Why should they not? I understand some Christians may believe that this is wrongly getting involved in the affairs of this world.
However, when we live and breathe and eat and work and play and buy and sell -- we are participating in the things of this world. God has made all things, and even civil government is an institution He has vested with authority (to bear the sward) for the common good of mankind (punishing the evil doer). Becoming Christian (obtaining another citizenship in heaven) didn’t change the fact that we are still to be on this earth. Only now we have dual citizenship, both in the Kingdom of heaven, and in wherever God has placed us on earth. Thus render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.
So, if it’s in our power to further love our neighbor (and if that’s through government) we should (as individual Christians) do it. And whether it’s through becoming a fireman and protecting one’s neighbors from fires, or becoming a policeman and protecting them from criminals, or becoming the president of the United States and protecting them from foreign enemies, I believe any of these jobs are quite good and honorable for a Christian.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Theology of Physical Fitness
This might seem like a light question and I’ll admit it is not on the deepest of notes.
However, given how many people in our culture (and I’m guessing Christians too) spend time, energy, and money working out, I’ve been trying to understand what is a proper theology regarding the subject.
Personally, I like going to the gym and really enjoy working out.
However, since there is so much idolatry (worshiping the created physical body rather than the creator) surrounding the practice, it seems at times quite easy to throw out the entire notion of physical fitness as being vain narcissism.
Most will agree, I think, that since our bodies are also considered to be temples of the Holy Spirit, that we should thus be good stewards of our bodies and care for them and keep them from wrongful neglect. Yet, health remains the primary concern here.
However, we know that we were created in the image of God and that our bodies possess a certain kind of “splendor” as well (1 Cor 15:40) It is said that the human body is the supreme creative handiwork of God; his masterpiece creation. Thus in it is endowed with a certain beauty and pleasure.
My thought is that perhaps, upon rejecting our culture’s current infatuation with body image and physical appearance, we may neglect to appreciate and enjoy what God has created as good and beautiful.
Paul says that “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.”
But like all good gifts, they are for our enjoyment and God’s glory and should be received and stewarded with thanksgiving.
Just some thoughts on physical fitness in the Christian life…
However, given how many people in our culture (and I’m guessing Christians too) spend time, energy, and money working out, I’ve been trying to understand what is a proper theology regarding the subject.
Personally, I like going to the gym and really enjoy working out.
However, since there is so much idolatry (worshiping the created physical body rather than the creator) surrounding the practice, it seems at times quite easy to throw out the entire notion of physical fitness as being vain narcissism.
Most will agree, I think, that since our bodies are also considered to be temples of the Holy Spirit, that we should thus be good stewards of our bodies and care for them and keep them from wrongful neglect. Yet, health remains the primary concern here.
However, we know that we were created in the image of God and that our bodies possess a certain kind of “splendor” as well (1 Cor 15:40) It is said that the human body is the supreme creative handiwork of God; his masterpiece creation. Thus in it is endowed with a certain beauty and pleasure.
My thought is that perhaps, upon rejecting our culture’s current infatuation with body image and physical appearance, we may neglect to appreciate and enjoy what God has created as good and beautiful.
Paul says that “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.”
But like all good gifts, they are for our enjoyment and God’s glory and should be received and stewarded with thanksgiving.
Just some thoughts on physical fitness in the Christian life…
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Olympic Games (Part 1)
I don’t know how many of you have been paying attention to the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer, but I’ve been able to watch a bit. I’ve always enjoyed the summer games. However, I came to thinking about the sense of accomplishment athletes feel when they have won their event and are receiving their gold medal. Now for some it doesn’t seem as moving as for others. Michael Phelps can’t seem to loose any event he enters, winning more golds than anyone in history and smashing countless world records. It’s hard to imagine what really is going through his head when stands on that podium again and again. But for others, you can’t get away from the sense that this is an immensely meaningful point in their life.
No matter who the athlete is, you know he or she has been training for this – and training hard. For at least the last four years, they have disciplined themselves beyond what most of us would think is normal. From strict dieting, countless hours in the gym, and exhausting physical regimens, they have trained their body to the utmost of their ability.
And now, they’ve made to the Olympic Games, and the world stage is set. All their life energies and expenditures culminate in this one event. The last for years come rushing into their minds. This is it. ‘This is what they’ve been training for and waiting for all their life.’ They’ve practiced self-denial and laid aside every weight in order to be the best. And now they block out all other distractions that might keep them from focusing on that one goal.
Needless to say, they don’t all win. But they all try to. And when they do… well it can be electrifying.
Sometimes I look at their faces and wonder what’s going inside. All that hard work, all that dedication… Now it’s over, it’s done. They’ve won. They walk onto that stage. Lights are flashing as the anthem begins to play. The whole world is watching, but they’re on top of the world. Their coaches, who have invested so much in them, look on with joy and pride. A father lovingly embraces his child. A mother cries tears of joy. Adoring fans scream in adoration. The crowd erupts in a chorus of recognition and congratulation. The whole world is screaming ‘well done’ – even from a millions miles away.
Then I got to thinking…
More to follow…
No matter who the athlete is, you know he or she has been training for this – and training hard. For at least the last four years, they have disciplined themselves beyond what most of us would think is normal. From strict dieting, countless hours in the gym, and exhausting physical regimens, they have trained their body to the utmost of their ability.
And now, they’ve made to the Olympic Games, and the world stage is set. All their life energies and expenditures culminate in this one event. The last for years come rushing into their minds. This is it. ‘This is what they’ve been training for and waiting for all their life.’ They’ve practiced self-denial and laid aside every weight in order to be the best. And now they block out all other distractions that might keep them from focusing on that one goal.
Needless to say, they don’t all win. But they all try to. And when they do… well it can be electrifying.
Sometimes I look at their faces and wonder what’s going inside. All that hard work, all that dedication… Now it’s over, it’s done. They’ve won. They walk onto that stage. Lights are flashing as the anthem begins to play. The whole world is watching, but they’re on top of the world. Their coaches, who have invested so much in them, look on with joy and pride. A father lovingly embraces his child. A mother cries tears of joy. Adoring fans scream in adoration. The crowd erupts in a chorus of recognition and congratulation. The whole world is screaming ‘well done’ – even from a millions miles away.
Then I got to thinking…
“They do [this] to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (1 Cor 9:25b, emphasis mine)
More to follow…
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Cultural Christianity in America
As of late, I’ve been thinking a lot more about the Christian life; reading Christian authors, studying about old theologians and learning about historic Christianity and what it has believed through the ages. Now, I know some of you may be thinking this sounds rather boring… and believe me, I would understand (having been right there too quite recently). Yet, nothing has been more exciting and vitalizing to me that to better understand the ancient truths of the Faith. However I do admit, this is something quite out-of-step with the current pace and focus in our society. I wonder why…
One of the things that have become quite clear to me is the all-encompassing nature of deception that is in the world because of sin and the devil. Scripture talks about the work of Satan being;
“[D]isplayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.”(2nd Ths 2:9-12)
Now that’s a strong passage. Nevertheless, wherever man is, he is being deceived – all the time, and from so many sides. There are so many blind leaders and teachers today multiplied by those who unsuspectingly follow at their own peril. However, nowhere has this realization been more appalling than to see its devastating reality within the Christian church.
Having been a Christian for quite some time (perhaps as long as I can remember) I’ve learned to “say ‘no’ to the things of this world” and instead to identify with the things that are “Christian.” In this way we Christians tend to draw lines, and put up barriers. There are certain places where we have our defenses up and are ready and wary of the enemy. And there are other areas where we let our guard down; where we feel safe.
A good illustration of this in my mind is the analogy of two teams: Say you’re playing a pickup game of basketball. You begin by getting your bearings; who’s on your team, who’s on the other team? You look at faces, shirt color, height etc. Pretty soon you get a good idea. You know who you can trust with the ball and who’s going to try and steal it from you. Thus, when you end up passing the ball to the wrong team… well, it’s embarrassing to say the least. I suppose scoring in the wrong basket is even worse.
Similarly a Christian in America develops a trust regarding things that are “Christian” e.g. music, writers, teachers, preachers, etc. What has struck me with huge force over the last half-year or so has been the realization that my team (Christianity in America) has been critically compromised. The deception that is out in the world has worked its way into the church and the breech runs deep. All this time I’ve been identifying with a cultural Christianity not realizing that there are wrong players on the team. Indeed, as one modern theologian, Michael Horton, calls it; “Christless Christianity.” Needless to say the dividing lines I took for granted in my naivety ceased to exist.
This was a huge realization to me. It became vividly clear how much discernment is needed even within the context of Christianity today. Scripture says to;
“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1Tim 4:16)
So, this led to more study and as I’ve noted before, it has been a wonderful expedition; I couldn’t recommend in more highly. However, the more I searched into it, the more things slowly would start making sense. Looking through the lens of historic Christianity helps one betters understand Christianity today. One also sees how the same lies that have assailed the church for millennia are merely resurfacing in a different flavor and being offered up en mass as “new insight.” Before going into any of these deceptions, let me just end for now with a scriptural admonition from the apostle Paul.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Rom 12:2)
- Grace and peace
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
To Blog or not to Blog
I was talking to my friend Shane today about how I always thought it would be nice to someday run my own business from home. Maybe a web development company or something. That idea has always attracted me. We discussed the various pros and cons with my friend pointing out some disadvantages to working in solitude. I must say he had a point. As Christians, we should be willing and ready to serve those around us. And if the thought of working at home so we don't have to deal with bosses, coworkers and other fallen people, has us getting intrigued, we should probably take a better look at our hearts.
However, I have always wanted to make positive use of the technological means we now have with the Internet – particularly with networking, discussion boards and blogging. So, all this being said, I have decided to retake up my weblog True Blue. I don’t know where this will go, but we shall see.
However, I have always wanted to make positive use of the technological means we now have with the Internet – particularly with networking, discussion boards and blogging. So, all this being said, I have decided to retake up my weblog True Blue. I don’t know where this will go, but we shall see.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Bring it On
So, I was thinking this Labor day about the next year and the new responsibilities that will come with it. I have just accepted the charge of leading a small college group at my church for this year and now find myself experiencing some of those cold feet tendencies one might expect. Up until this point I had been getting excited about the possibilities; how I want to see the needs of those in our church met in a meaningful way; that they may be encouraged by each other and built up in Christ. I also was anticipating how this situation would stretch me personally and allow me to grow in ways I haven't or wouldn't otherwise.
However, today I found myself sliding into apprehension and what might only be called FEAR. It acured to me again how venerable I really will be and how my weaknesses might possibly be laid bare before all my friends. The possibility of failure was also rearing it's ugly head. What if things don't go well, and everybody leaves? Needless to say this is not a good frame of mind to be in.
It is in times like this that I can't help but appreciate the work of some in the Christian Music Industry. If I was listening to a secular play list I doubt I would've been encouraged to improve my state of mind. However, my laptop then switched to new track; "Bring it On" by Steven Curtis Chapman...
I didn’t come lookin’ for trouble
And I don’t want to fight needlessly
But I’m not gonna hide in a bubble
If trouble comes for me
I can feel my heart beating faster
I can tell something’s coming down
But if it’s gonna make me grow stronger then…
Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it onLet the trouble come, let the hard rain fall, let it make me strong
Bring it on
Now, maybe you’re thinkin’ I’m crazy
And maybe I need to explain some things
‘Cause I know I’ve got an enemy waiting
Who wants to bring me pain
But what he never seems to remember
What he means for evil God works for good
So I will not retreat or surrender
Now, I don’t want to sound like some hero
‘Cause it’s God alone that my hope is in
But I’m not gonna run from the very things
That would drive me closer to Him
So bring it on
It was enough to snap me out of my fear. Rather than thinking of my situation from the defensive; how I don't want to look week and possibly get beat up a bit, I was able to look at this from the offensive. I have always been fond of analogies between physical training and the spiritual life and this helped me put my apprehensions back into perspective. Yeah, there will probably be some pain, and it certainly won't be easy. It might even be humbling. But isn't this how God works in us. The Bible says "His grace is made perfect in our weakness." He is the expert and master trainer and thus I want to embrace what ever he has in mind. As long as we follow him and allow him to work with us, break us down and train us, we will become stronger -- stonger in Him. "For He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world."
Peace, brothers and sisters, and I hope some of you might be encuraged by this my first post on this blog.
However, today I found myself sliding into apprehension and what might only be called FEAR. It acured to me again how venerable I really will be and how my weaknesses might possibly be laid bare before all my friends. The possibility of failure was also rearing it's ugly head. What if things don't go well, and everybody leaves? Needless to say this is not a good frame of mind to be in.
It is in times like this that I can't help but appreciate the work of some in the Christian Music Industry. If I was listening to a secular play list I doubt I would've been encouraged to improve my state of mind. However, my laptop then switched to new track; "Bring it On" by Steven Curtis Chapman...
I didn’t come lookin’ for trouble
And I don’t want to fight needlessly
But I’m not gonna hide in a bubble
If trouble comes for me
I can feel my heart beating faster
I can tell something’s coming down
But if it’s gonna make me grow stronger then…
Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it onLet the trouble come, let the hard rain fall, let it make me strong
Bring it on
Now, maybe you’re thinkin’ I’m crazy
And maybe I need to explain some things
‘Cause I know I’ve got an enemy waiting
Who wants to bring me pain
But what he never seems to remember
What he means for evil God works for good
So I will not retreat or surrender
Now, I don’t want to sound like some hero
‘Cause it’s God alone that my hope is in
But I’m not gonna run from the very things
That would drive me closer to Him
So bring it on
It was enough to snap me out of my fear. Rather than thinking of my situation from the defensive; how I don't want to look week and possibly get beat up a bit, I was able to look at this from the offensive. I have always been fond of analogies between physical training and the spiritual life and this helped me put my apprehensions back into perspective. Yeah, there will probably be some pain, and it certainly won't be easy. It might even be humbling. But isn't this how God works in us. The Bible says "His grace is made perfect in our weakness." He is the expert and master trainer and thus I want to embrace what ever he has in mind. As long as we follow him and allow him to work with us, break us down and train us, we will become stronger -- stonger in Him. "For He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world."
Peace, brothers and sisters, and I hope some of you might be encuraged by this my first post on this blog.
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