I've been thinking lately about what it means to be "in the world, but not of the world." We live in a culture where strong hostility faces any mention of Christ. Often, I don't think we know how to combat that. One way suggested is to be relatable to the world around us. But I think we can take that a bit far. What good is a lantern for light when its shutters are drawn as completely as possible?
To turn every human into a lantern, non-believers are lanterns that are unlit. They are dark. It doesn't matter if their shutters are open or closed. It makes no difference. Conversely, believers are lit lanterns. The fire of the Holy Spirit resides in them, allowing for the outpouring of such amazing light. But if that light is hidden behind shutters, those lanterns will be just as dark as the unlit lanterns. In showing how similar the shuttered lanterns are to the dark ones, they lose what sets them apart. That's not how it's supposed to be. We are supposed to be the light to the world, the city on a hill, the ones in the world, but not of it.
So we go to the other side of that. Those are the lanterns who abandon the use of their shutters, unleashing the full force of the fire inside them, flooding the area around them with light. But in a world so dark, that light will be blinding and hurtful. It will not draw attention to why those lanterns are different, because it will hurt too much to look. The dark lanterns will run away, back to the comfort of the darkness they know. They may be dazzled for a bit, but it won't last, and they won't be eager again to face the blinding pain.
So what then? There needs to be a balance. We need to have the shutters half-closed. We do need to show the difference the indwelling fire of the Holy Spirit creates. But we want that light to be inviting. It cannot be blinding and cause pain. It also can't be hidden. The dark lanterns cannot be drawn to the light if there is no light to see.
Why is the light so important? The analogy of light is no stranger to the Bible. God calls it good from the very beginning, when He created light and separated it from the darkness. We also see light being used to separate the Israelites from the Egyptians during the Exodus. Throughout Scripture, we see light associated with and synonymous with God and all things good. The Gospels themselves often use the analogy of light, Paul contributing quite a few of them. With the biblical evidence, I'd say it's pretty clear that we are to let the light shine, and to point the dark lanterns to the fire that can also fill them.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Thursday, June 19, 2014
What have we lost?
I was recently introduced to the name Jonathan Cahn, and his book "The Harbinger." My dad showed me an interview that Dr. James Dobson had done with Mr. Cahn, in which they talked about the book and Mr. Cahn's own experiences. The book is based on Mr. Cahn's journey as he unfolded the mystery of the nine ancient harbingers (warnings), and how they are crucial to understanding life today in America.
The topic is truly astounding. Mr. Cahn's experiences feel like they should be some wild tale conjured in someone's imaginings. But it's fact. The events and experiences were real. I encourage everyone to look into the book and Mr. Cahn for themselves.
"The Harbinger" is a fictional rendering of Mr. Cahn's experiences, in which he explains what the nine harbingers looked like for ancient Israel, and how we have started to see them unfold in America today. To me, the topic is both intriguing and astonishing. But it also brought a disturbing question to my mind: What have we lost?
Here's where this is coming from: the ancient Hebrews and Israelites were God's people. He communicated with them, made His covenants with them, showed them who He is. How much of their culture do we have left? How much do we know?
That then led me to ponder this: Satan and his evil forces have always tried to undermine and corrupt God's people and His plans. And while he has never been fully successful, for how much can he actually claim victory? He came close with Hitler to eradicating the Jews. How many of their people, how much of their knowledge and culture did we lose from just that time in history alone?
Christians have distanced themselves from Jews since the time of Christ, because of their rejection of the Messiah. But in that distancing, we've also abandoned a lot of the knowledge that the Jews had--the knowledge given to them by God.
Can Satan claim victory over our ignorance? Knowledge is the key to power, and ignorance so often leads to destruction. We see that every day, in ways both large and small. How far have we let Satan pull us into the darkness of our ignorance? How much success have we allowed him to take? How blind, deaf, and dumb have we become, allowed him to make us, that we don't even know to recognize the signs and fingerprints of our Lord?
We need to become properly equipped to fight the devil and his schemes once again. We need to learn that which has been lost to us, before it is gone forever, swallowed up in another of Satan's victories. We need to be able to see and hear God in our daily lives, and we also need to see what God is doing in the world as a whole. A major part of that is knowing what He's already told us, so that we are prepared to fight with Him, rather than succumb to the devil's wiles.
The topic is truly astounding. Mr. Cahn's experiences feel like they should be some wild tale conjured in someone's imaginings. But it's fact. The events and experiences were real. I encourage everyone to look into the book and Mr. Cahn for themselves.
"The Harbinger" is a fictional rendering of Mr. Cahn's experiences, in which he explains what the nine harbingers looked like for ancient Israel, and how we have started to see them unfold in America today. To me, the topic is both intriguing and astonishing. But it also brought a disturbing question to my mind: What have we lost?
Here's where this is coming from: the ancient Hebrews and Israelites were God's people. He communicated with them, made His covenants with them, showed them who He is. How much of their culture do we have left? How much do we know?
That then led me to ponder this: Satan and his evil forces have always tried to undermine and corrupt God's people and His plans. And while he has never been fully successful, for how much can he actually claim victory? He came close with Hitler to eradicating the Jews. How many of their people, how much of their knowledge and culture did we lose from just that time in history alone?
Christians have distanced themselves from Jews since the time of Christ, because of their rejection of the Messiah. But in that distancing, we've also abandoned a lot of the knowledge that the Jews had--the knowledge given to them by God.
Can Satan claim victory over our ignorance? Knowledge is the key to power, and ignorance so often leads to destruction. We see that every day, in ways both large and small. How far have we let Satan pull us into the darkness of our ignorance? How much success have we allowed him to take? How blind, deaf, and dumb have we become, allowed him to make us, that we don't even know to recognize the signs and fingerprints of our Lord?
We need to become properly equipped to fight the devil and his schemes once again. We need to learn that which has been lost to us, before it is gone forever, swallowed up in another of Satan's victories. We need to be able to see and hear God in our daily lives, and we also need to see what God is doing in the world as a whole. A major part of that is knowing what He's already told us, so that we are prepared to fight with Him, rather than succumb to the devil's wiles.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Are you kidding me?
First of all, the picture is usually posted by someone whom one would think not ordinarily posts that sort of thing. In my circles, it's usually a Christian, a fellow brother or sister in Christ. My first question is typically "how can you 'fully support' that in good consciousness?" In its shortest and simplest form, my reaction is the same as the commentator in blue. I don't always get to see an answer to my question, but this time I do, thanks to the purple commentator, who posted the picture.
In her first sentence, I see her using our American culture as a lens through which she should interpret the Bible. She acknowledges that the Bible says homosexuality is a sin, but maintains that since we look away from other sins in our culture, we should also look away from this as well. Excuse me? Where is that in the Bible? When has God ever said 'let the world be your guide?' We, as Christ followers, are to be the salt and light in the world, to reflect the Son. We cannot show Christ in us if all we do is show how well we can conform to the world around us, the world full of sinful desires.
Unfortunately, our culture thinks very little about divorce and premarital sex and so many other sins. We far too often accept them as 'just the way things are.' Does that mean we should let it go, that we should quit taking a stand against what's wrong? Absolutely not! "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may prove what is the will of God, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Rom. 12:2). How can we support the sinful actions of someone when we know better? Why must we allow sin to be so easy, so accepted, so uncontested? I would love to see the divorce process become something so much of a hassle that no one would ever want to get one. I'd love for condoms to be sold only after proof of marriage was given. Would that solve the problem? Heck no. Not by a long shot. But it would help serve as a reminder that 'Oh yeah... this thing isn't good. In fact, it's wrong.'
Purple Commentator also brought up two other points. She mentioned that in her experience "throwing the Bible at them and condemning them doesn't work. It only hurts them." If you're throwing the Bible at them and condemning them, then I really don't think you're showing them the love of God. How one presents the Word of God makes all the difference in so many cases. Also, I'd like to reiterate that there is a distinction to be made between condemning the person and condemning their actions. Yes, condemn the actions! Every time! Actions have consequences, and God's judgement is very real. But show love to the person, because God made them and loves them. He and His Word are not what hurts them. It is their actions and their response to what He says that hurts them. Just like that is what hurts us in our various sins.
The last point she made was that "We will all be judged by God, so don't judge others." With this, I fully concur. However, it is our job to call out our brothers and sisters who are stumbling. In this way, we can help them get back to where they need to be. As I have stated before, we should be reflecting Christ in our lives, so that our lives may be our biggest witness for the Lord. But if it is not a fellow Christian sinning, then we have a ministry opportunity before us. We can show them that there is a better way, the only way, the way that leads to true and eternal happiness and joy.
Jesus, being fully man and fully God, was fully aware of all the sin that was happening around him while he was on Earth. But he didn't condone it. He didn't support it. He didn't condemn the sinner. Think back to the adulteress whom the Pharisees brought before him. She had sinned, and by law, should have been stoned. But Jesus said to them "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." When they had all left, he said to the woman, "Did no one condemn you?" She answered, "No one, Lord." He replied, "I do not condemn you either. Go. From now on sin no more" (John 8:1-11).
How can we, as Christians, support sin in our lives and in the lives of those around us? Go, and sin no more.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Double-Take
I was scrolling through my newsfeed on Facebook, and I came across a personality type quiz that my cousin had done. His answer surprised me greatly, so I decided to take it to see if my results would be as far off the mark as his were. Lo and behold, my results were pretty spot on. It read as follows: "I value logic, knowledge, and dreams. My mind is my weapon, and I love learning new things and being in control. At best, I'm brilliant and progressive. At worst, I'm cold and manipulative."
Like I said, fairly spot on. I am very logical, and I love being in the know of things. I'm not afraid to dream, and I like to support others in theirs. I do try and outsmart a situation whenever I can. Loopholes are my friends. I find them quickly, and use them to my advantage whenever possible. I also do like feeling in control of my surroundings. I'm not sure on the 'at best' part, but I could definitely see myself coming off as cold and manipulative if something were to push me to that point. So how could the same quiz be so right about me, and so wrong about him?
His results were this: "I value honor, order, and peace. I am optimistic and selfless, and I love to protect the people I care about. My actions are driven by justice and goodwill. At my best, I am charismatic and brave. At my worst, I am authoritarian and prudish." Now anyone who knows my cousin knows that this assessment is basically his polar opposite. He's perpetually pessimistic, and honestly, rather selfish in a lot of his life. He deeply loves the people he cares about, but hasn't quite mastered the balance between healthy, strong love and crushing over-protectiveness. His actions are also driven, not by justice, but by what he feels like doing at the moment. He's not really charismatic, and I'd want to nuance the term bravery before trying to apply it to him. He's not cowardly, by any means, but there are some aspects of bravery that he lacks. I'd never use the terms 'authoritarian' or 'prudish' when describing him, either.
So I had to do a double-take. Surely, they can't be talking about MY cousin. There's no way. But then a thought occurred to me: The answer is what could fit him, if only he'd let himself become the person that the quiz described. He has the potential to be a really great, Godly man, if only he would let God work on him. But currently, he's far too stubborn, and frankly, stupid. And it hurts. My heart physically aches for him. I long for the day when God will grab him by the heart and never let him go back to his current state. He's missing out on so much joy, and he knows that none of his strategies (like drinking) are going to solve his miseries. He knows that God is the one who does that. But he won't reach out and take it. He won't surrender.
Not only did that one quiz result cause me to do a double-take, but it also brought up a renewed longing for my cousin. I will never give up in my prayers for him, and I have faith that God can chisel him into the masterpiece that God intended him to be. Not only that, but I live in the hope that one day, God WILL make him the man I know he could be. One day, I will no longer have the heartache that comes with my cousin. One day, he will be all that God has made him to be. One day, I'll look at him and do a double-take. And one day, nothing will stop my heart from being joyful.
Like I said, fairly spot on. I am very logical, and I love being in the know of things. I'm not afraid to dream, and I like to support others in theirs. I do try and outsmart a situation whenever I can. Loopholes are my friends. I find them quickly, and use them to my advantage whenever possible. I also do like feeling in control of my surroundings. I'm not sure on the 'at best' part, but I could definitely see myself coming off as cold and manipulative if something were to push me to that point. So how could the same quiz be so right about me, and so wrong about him?
His results were this: "I value honor, order, and peace. I am optimistic and selfless, and I love to protect the people I care about. My actions are driven by justice and goodwill. At my best, I am charismatic and brave. At my worst, I am authoritarian and prudish." Now anyone who knows my cousin knows that this assessment is basically his polar opposite. He's perpetually pessimistic, and honestly, rather selfish in a lot of his life. He deeply loves the people he cares about, but hasn't quite mastered the balance between healthy, strong love and crushing over-protectiveness. His actions are also driven, not by justice, but by what he feels like doing at the moment. He's not really charismatic, and I'd want to nuance the term bravery before trying to apply it to him. He's not cowardly, by any means, but there are some aspects of bravery that he lacks. I'd never use the terms 'authoritarian' or 'prudish' when describing him, either.
So I had to do a double-take. Surely, they can't be talking about MY cousin. There's no way. But then a thought occurred to me: The answer is what could fit him, if only he'd let himself become the person that the quiz described. He has the potential to be a really great, Godly man, if only he would let God work on him. But currently, he's far too stubborn, and frankly, stupid. And it hurts. My heart physically aches for him. I long for the day when God will grab him by the heart and never let him go back to his current state. He's missing out on so much joy, and he knows that none of his strategies (like drinking) are going to solve his miseries. He knows that God is the one who does that. But he won't reach out and take it. He won't surrender.
Not only did that one quiz result cause me to do a double-take, but it also brought up a renewed longing for my cousin. I will never give up in my prayers for him, and I have faith that God can chisel him into the masterpiece that God intended him to be. Not only that, but I live in the hope that one day, God WILL make him the man I know he could be. One day, I will no longer have the heartache that comes with my cousin. One day, he will be all that God has made him to be. One day, I'll look at him and do a double-take. And one day, nothing will stop my heart from being joyful.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
1 Thessalonians 1-2:16
As I was reading through this passage, one attribute of both Paul and the believers there in Thessalonica was their boldness. Chapter 1:6-7 calls them imitators of Christ, joyful in the Lord despite adversity, and examples to other believers. What higher praise can there be? They did not let circumstances rule them but were instead content in the Lord. "It is well with my soul." And then they acted on that contentment. They showed it in their actions, and people took notice. Not only were they an example in their day, but their example transcends time. Verse 8 says that their faith had gone forth everywhere. Think about how big 'everywhere' is. Yeah--pretty mind-blowing.
The last part of chapter 2:2 also focuses on boldness. Paul, Timothy and Silvanus had gone to Thessalonica to proclaim the gospel in an apparently bad time. How often do we shy away from sharing the gospel in good times? But Paul and his fellows had boldness given to them by God, which was used in a powerful way. Verse 8 also shares a little more about how it was so powerful. They didn't come, give their lecture, and move on. That would have taken lots of courage in and of itself. But they were also very transparent about their lives. I can imagine they let actions speak louder than words, but I also get the sense that they shared their testimonies. To be completely open about all of your life to close friends is hard enough. They, strengthened by God, had the courage to be open books to the strangers around them. Boldness.
Now I bet that's not something that God just gave them naturally. At least it doesn't ever seem to happen like that in my life. I'd bet there was some serious prayer involved in that. In these verses, Paul is always reminding his readers that God was the driving force behind all the boldness displayed by him and the believers in Thessalonica. That tells me that he wasn't relying on himself or that it came easily. If that boldness had come easy, I don't think he would have remembered to mention its ultimate source at all. I know I wouldn't have.
So the lesson, then, is to seek boldness in the Lord. Be earnest in prayer for it. God will use it in mighty ways--ways unfathomable to us. Did Paul know how influential his ministry would be throughout the centuries? I don't think so. We never know how God is going to use us either. But like any of his workings, He goes far beyond anything we could ever imagine. Are we ready?
The last part of chapter 2:2 also focuses on boldness. Paul, Timothy and Silvanus had gone to Thessalonica to proclaim the gospel in an apparently bad time. How often do we shy away from sharing the gospel in good times? But Paul and his fellows had boldness given to them by God, which was used in a powerful way. Verse 8 also shares a little more about how it was so powerful. They didn't come, give their lecture, and move on. That would have taken lots of courage in and of itself. But they were also very transparent about their lives. I can imagine they let actions speak louder than words, but I also get the sense that they shared their testimonies. To be completely open about all of your life to close friends is hard enough. They, strengthened by God, had the courage to be open books to the strangers around them. Boldness.
Now I bet that's not something that God just gave them naturally. At least it doesn't ever seem to happen like that in my life. I'd bet there was some serious prayer involved in that. In these verses, Paul is always reminding his readers that God was the driving force behind all the boldness displayed by him and the believers in Thessalonica. That tells me that he wasn't relying on himself or that it came easily. If that boldness had come easy, I don't think he would have remembered to mention its ultimate source at all. I know I wouldn't have.
So the lesson, then, is to seek boldness in the Lord. Be earnest in prayer for it. God will use it in mighty ways--ways unfathomable to us. Did Paul know how influential his ministry would be throughout the centuries? I don't think so. We never know how God is going to use us either. But like any of his workings, He goes far beyond anything we could ever imagine. Are we ready?
Giving Thanks
I went to a women's retreat this weekend, and one of the things we were challenged to do was to create a list of things we are thankful for, and try to make it as big as possible. The second part of that challenge was to keep the list, and reflect on it daily as a way to stay content in the Lord. And so as a permanent way of saving this list (so that I can never lose it), here's mine:
Each day I'm thankful for...
Each day I'm thankful for...
- The breath of life. I woke up. I am alive.
- The cross. I can be alive spiritually and be found clean.
- My faith. I've seen life without God. I don't want it.
- My relationship with Christ. Fire insurance isn't satisfying.
- My family. They love me, teach me, and provide for me.
- My friends. They support me, encourage me, and grow me.
- My school. I'm free to grow in God.
- My time of life. There's so much I can do.
- My place of life. America is still good--I'm free here.
- My past. It's shaped who I am today.
- Music. Where words end, and feelings take flight and soar.
- Art. Much like music, art is expression.
- Creativity. Seeing the world in color, not just black and white.
- Storytelling. Sharing and being relational through words.
- My health/body. It's so complex, but I'm still running.
- Material possessions. I like being warm. And food is good.
- Personality. I like who I am as a whole.
- My flaws. I will always have something to work on.
- Pants. I like pants. Pants are great.
- Summer. I like warmth. And less homework.
- Spring. Life is returning anew to the earth.
- Stars. Oh how beautiful they are.
- Night time. I love the peace and quiet.
- TV shows. Yes, I get gored sometimes and need an escape.
- Books. Much like storytelling, and it doubles as an escape.
- Animals/Pets. They are surprisingly comforting.
- Pillows/Blankets/Mattresses. Also super comfortable.
- Communication. Being able to talk to people.
- So much more. This list could never stop.
- Everything I'm forgetting. That's probably equally long.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Reflections
This weekend, I got to be home, celebrating my mom's birthday with her. And it has been super good to take time to spend with my family. I miss them all so much while I'm away. Today, my mom and my youngest brother and I went around at the lake in my hometown, taking pictures, and enjoying the beauty that God had given us in this fall day. While we were there, the lake was nice and calm, creating the perfect mirror of the autumn beauty around it. It looked otherworldly. It was like the lake was not a lake at all, but a continuation of the world above it, but with a different depth. It was so cool, and we took several pictures of that awesome reflection.
Those reflections reminded me of some other reflections that I had been thinking on the other day. We had been given time to reflect on our semester so far in chapel, and here's what I wrote down:
Oh Lord, to reflect on the semester, I see both joys and pain. Joy at finally not having any boy drama of my own, joy at having so many good friends that I can lean on and help support. Father, you've been so good to me. Thank you for using this time to grow me, to mold me more into the woman you want me to become. Help continue to grow me through the pains of this semester. Father I know you will, because of all that you've brought me through in the past. You bless me each and every day, and I'm truly thankful. I may not always act like it, but Father, you know my heart, and you know the overflowing joy that resides there. And as I go through this hard time of losing a friend, I pray that you will often remind me of all the joy I have. Father, I don't know how this time in my life is going to play out. Will my friendship be reconciled? Am I going to be able to pull through on all my studies? Will I be able to graduate on a decent time frame? Will I find somewhere and something that I love to do after college? I don't know. Only you know, and I will follow you. I only worry about how hard my hearing is though. Am I and will I hear your calling correctly? Father, I do not know what you are preparing me for. It scares me. As much as I know that you hold me in the palm of your hand, I still worry. I don't question your ability, but I question my own. I question where I am to meet you. Help me Lord to find my way.
Those reflections reminded me of some other reflections that I had been thinking on the other day. We had been given time to reflect on our semester so far in chapel, and here's what I wrote down:
Oh Lord, to reflect on the semester, I see both joys and pain. Joy at finally not having any boy drama of my own, joy at having so many good friends that I can lean on and help support. Father, you've been so good to me. Thank you for using this time to grow me, to mold me more into the woman you want me to become. Help continue to grow me through the pains of this semester. Father I know you will, because of all that you've brought me through in the past. You bless me each and every day, and I'm truly thankful. I may not always act like it, but Father, you know my heart, and you know the overflowing joy that resides there. And as I go through this hard time of losing a friend, I pray that you will often remind me of all the joy I have. Father, I don't know how this time in my life is going to play out. Will my friendship be reconciled? Am I going to be able to pull through on all my studies? Will I be able to graduate on a decent time frame? Will I find somewhere and something that I love to do after college? I don't know. Only you know, and I will follow you. I only worry about how hard my hearing is though. Am I and will I hear your calling correctly? Father, I do not know what you are preparing me for. It scares me. As much as I know that you hold me in the palm of your hand, I still worry. I don't question your ability, but I question my own. I question where I am to meet you. Help me Lord to find my way.
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