"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you: be reconciled to God." ~1 Corinthians 5:20
"We are ambassadors, not spies." ~Lecrae
Ambassadors, not spies. What a wonderful, eye-opening comparison - one I have been reflecting on the last several months. Too often, as Christians, we are living in the world and trying to fit in, as if our job is to infiltrate and secretly watch and observe the world's behavior. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Paul speaks endlessly about shining like stars in the universe, proclaiming the gospel fearlessly, being untainted by the world. John writes that we are not to love the world or anything of the world. Jesus commands us to be salt and light, a city on a hill. Call me crazy, but none of that sounds like "fitting in," "going with the flow," or "relevance." Seems to me we are called to stand out!
The very word "ambassador" is fraught with meaing. We are ambassadors here, and our citizenship, the country we represent, is in heaven. An ambassador's job is to represent and advocate the interests and intentions of his or her country in the foreign country he or she resides in. It is obvious to those living in that foreign country that the ambassador is not one of them - indeed, it would be odd if he/she tried to fit in and be like one of them. It is necessary, of course, for an ambassador to socialize with people of that country, for how else could he/she effectively promote and advocate for his/her home country? He/she needs to be aware of cultural norms and adjust somewhat to communicate, but her own country's expectations and laws must come first! Love of country and steadfast committment to its agenda muust always be priority one.
In the same way, brothers and sisters, we are called to be Christ's ambassadors here on earth. Our job is to tell those of this country, this world in which we are strangers and aliens, about the wonderful country of our citizenship. We are to fearlessly proclaim the wonders of the love of Christ, His forgiveness, and the hope that all can have through believing in His name. The country that we are living for, the kingdom of heaven, is so much richer and higher than anything this world can offer its citizens. So why, why are we TRYING to fit in?!? Think about it: why would we WANT to settle for what this world has to offer when we have something of eternal, limitless value to offer? Its like settling for someone's button collection (in order to fit in) when you can offer a collection of precious jewels.
Yes, we have to be aware of cultural norms and be able to communicate the gospel in a way that those of our culture will understand, but we must not water down the message of the gospel. Just because someone may not like the message of the gospel, doesn't mean they can't grasp its meaning. If we try to become too relevant, we will blend in so well that people won't be able to see the difference in us - and it is that difference - Jesus- that is going to set them all free! (Thank you, Casting Crowns, for pointing this out to me).
So, brothers and sisters, rise up and be ambassadors! Implore the world, as the apostles did: Be reconciled to God!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Not A Situation Change - A Perspective Change!
Do you ever look around at the way unbelievers live and envy them? Come on, be honest - even a little bit? They get to party, enjoy all the "pleasures"of life, get drunk, carouse, make lots of money, be important, etc. Do you ever think, "As a Christian, what do I get to do? Live righteously, work for the Lord, not to be rewarded by men, be humble, be a servant to all, deny myself overindulgences, be wise..." It all sometimes can seem a little boring. Oh, it wouldn't be nearly so bad if, in return, we get to live carefree, always be happy, free of trouble, and live in abundance. But it seems sometimes that those of us who live to please the Lord face more trials in life. Seriously?!?!?!?
I'll admit it, I've been tempted to feel like living according to God's word is pointless.
I was meditating on Psalm 73 the other day, and realized the Psalmist is dealing with this same dilemma.(It's nice to know that people a few thousand years ago had the same problems as this 21st century girl). As I read, I realized the answer lies not in a circumstance change, but a perspective change (I've also been blessed to have wonderful Christian mentors over the years who have pointed this out to me in one way or another). Measured in terms of this life, the temporary, it appears that pure living is pointless, that the world has all the fun. Yes, those who earnestly desire to follow God will have times of trial and tribulation (2 Timothy 3:12). The devil wants the hope we have to be as unattractive to the world as possible, so he seeks to pull our focus from eternity onto our troubles. God wants us, through His strength, to rise above the trials of this life, our eternal hope shining like a beacon to the world.
For, at the end - those who don't know God die, their pleasure comes to an end and they face eternity without God. And at the end, those of us who belong to God die as well - our earthly lives come to an end, and so do our problems and pains. Temporary life gives way to glorious life everlasting - joyous eternity in the presence of God!!
The author of Hebrews wrote: "By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. It's all about perspective - the pleasures of this life ARE attractive, and sin looks like fun (and is indeed so in the moment), but it is fleeting. To choose the fleeting pleasures of this life over the glory of eternity would be similar to a man, given the choice between $100 now, and $100 MILLON 2 years later, chosing the $100 now. We would call that man crazy, foolish, blind. So much so are we when our perspective is skewed.
In conclusion, I challenge you, beloved brothers and sisters, seek Christ and live for Him - ask God to change your perspective. Yes, those around you may not understand, but that does not matter. For in the long run, we are treasuring what seems useless but will one day prove to be of greater worth than gold. Just think of the man, ridiculed for treasuring and protecting a lump of coal buried deep, under pressure. He knows it looks worthless in the moment, but smiles knowingly in the face of the mockers and says, "Just wait and see." :)
Below is a paraphrase I wrote of Psalm 73; I encourage you to read it for yourself from Scripture as well.
Yes, God is good to His people,
to the pure in heart, who follow His ways.
But in a moment of weakness, I nearly forgot this,
I almost lost my firm foothold on the truth.
Because I looked around and saw how easy the wicked have it!
I was jealous of the prideful - I wished I could be like the world:
They are never sick, never weary, always having abundance!
They have it so easy; they enjoy life, carefree.
Because of this, they are prideful and violent;
they mock those trying to follow God, and invent new ways to do evil.
They oppress others, claiming to be high and mighty,
speaking against heaven, and acting like they own the earth!
And - what's worse - people flock to them, want to be in their crowd, to be like them!
They say, "Who is God? What does He know? He won't do anything!"
They say these things are yet they still prosper and have easy lives.
If this is what the lives of the wicked are like, then I thought in my heart,
"I have kept my heart and life pure for nothing!
Doing what is right is pointless and futile - because even though I live right,
I face trouble - doubt, fear, poverty, pain - all the time!
Every morning I am punished and disciplined!"
If I had broken down and spoken this against You, I would have betrayed Your people - Betrayed all who have taught me, and all those I have taught!
When I tried to understand it all -
why the wicked get away with everything and yet the righteous suffer -
it was too much for me and troubled my heart,
until I entered the presence of God, and saw from His perspective.
I understood what eventually becomes of the wicked.
You place them on slippery ground and cause them to come to ruin.
They will not get away with their evil deeds - they will face destruction.
As one forgets a dream after waking, so they will be utterly gone!
When I was bitter and hurt and confused within,
I spoke without any understanding or wisdom;
I was senseless as an animal before You.
Despite all this I know: I am always with You,
You lead me by the hand and guide me with Your wisdom,
And one day I will be with You in glory.
With this as my perspective, I see You are my supreme desire in heaven,
and how could I want anything more than all of You on earth?
My flesh and my heart are weak, and will not sustain me,
But God is my strength and all that I need.
For now I see: all who are far from you and unfaithful to You will perish and end in destruction.
And now I understand: I choose to be near God -
it is the only good in the long run! It is worth it all!
You will be my refuge in this life and I will praise you for all You have done!
I was meditating on Psalm 73 the other day, and realized the Psalmist is dealing with this same dilemma.(It's nice to know that people a few thousand years ago had the same problems as this 21st century girl). As I read, I realized the answer lies not in a circumstance change, but a perspective change (I've also been blessed to have wonderful Christian mentors over the years who have pointed this out to me in one way or another). Measured in terms of this life, the temporary, it appears that pure living is pointless, that the world has all the fun. Yes, those who earnestly desire to follow God will have times of trial and tribulation (2 Timothy 3:12). The devil wants the hope we have to be as unattractive to the world as possible, so he seeks to pull our focus from eternity onto our troubles. God wants us, through His strength, to rise above the trials of this life, our eternal hope shining like a beacon to the world.
For, at the end - those who don't know God die, their pleasure comes to an end and they face eternity without God. And at the end, those of us who belong to God die as well - our earthly lives come to an end, and so do our problems and pains. Temporary life gives way to glorious life everlasting - joyous eternity in the presence of God!!
The author of Hebrews wrote: "By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. It's all about perspective - the pleasures of this life ARE attractive, and sin looks like fun (and is indeed so in the moment), but it is fleeting. To choose the fleeting pleasures of this life over the glory of eternity would be similar to a man, given the choice between $100 now, and $100 MILLON 2 years later, chosing the $100 now. We would call that man crazy, foolish, blind. So much so are we when our perspective is skewed.
In conclusion, I challenge you, beloved brothers and sisters, seek Christ and live for Him - ask God to change your perspective. Yes, those around you may not understand, but that does not matter. For in the long run, we are treasuring what seems useless but will one day prove to be of greater worth than gold. Just think of the man, ridiculed for treasuring and protecting a lump of coal buried deep, under pressure. He knows it looks worthless in the moment, but smiles knowingly in the face of the mockers and says, "Just wait and see." :)
Below is a paraphrase I wrote of Psalm 73; I encourage you to read it for yourself from Scripture as well.
Yes, God is good to His people,
to the pure in heart, who follow His ways.
But in a moment of weakness, I nearly forgot this,
I almost lost my firm foothold on the truth.
Because I looked around and saw how easy the wicked have it!
I was jealous of the prideful - I wished I could be like the world:
They are never sick, never weary, always having abundance!
They have it so easy; they enjoy life, carefree.
Because of this, they are prideful and violent;
they mock those trying to follow God, and invent new ways to do evil.
They oppress others, claiming to be high and mighty,
speaking against heaven, and acting like they own the earth!
And - what's worse - people flock to them, want to be in their crowd, to be like them!
They say, "Who is God? What does He know? He won't do anything!"
They say these things are yet they still prosper and have easy lives.
If this is what the lives of the wicked are like, then I thought in my heart,
"I have kept my heart and life pure for nothing!
Doing what is right is pointless and futile - because even though I live right,
I face trouble - doubt, fear, poverty, pain - all the time!
Every morning I am punished and disciplined!"
If I had broken down and spoken this against You, I would have betrayed Your people - Betrayed all who have taught me, and all those I have taught!
When I tried to understand it all -
why the wicked get away with everything and yet the righteous suffer -
it was too much for me and troubled my heart,
until I entered the presence of God, and saw from His perspective.
I understood what eventually becomes of the wicked.
You place them on slippery ground and cause them to come to ruin.
They will not get away with their evil deeds - they will face destruction.
As one forgets a dream after waking, so they will be utterly gone!
When I was bitter and hurt and confused within,
I spoke without any understanding or wisdom;
I was senseless as an animal before You.
Despite all this I know: I am always with You,
You lead me by the hand and guide me with Your wisdom,
And one day I will be with You in glory.
With this as my perspective, I see You are my supreme desire in heaven,
and how could I want anything more than all of You on earth?
My flesh and my heart are weak, and will not sustain me,
But God is my strength and all that I need.
For now I see: all who are far from you and unfaithful to You will perish and end in destruction.
And now I understand: I choose to be near God -
it is the only good in the long run! It is worth it all!
You will be my refuge in this life and I will praise you for all You have done!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
"Blessed are the..." Say WHAT?!?!?
Jesus opens His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 with the oft-quoted Beatitudes. "Blessed are the..."
While attending college, a chapel speaker did a sermon series on the Beatitudes. The Greek word translated "Blessed" is "Makerios" (Not sure I spelled that right, you at least you can pronounce it this way...). This word, "Makerios," he told us, can also be translated "fully satisfied."
Read the Beatitudes again, substituting "Fully Satisfied" for "Blessed." (Matthew 5:3-12)
"Fully satisfied are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Fully satisfied are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Fully satisfied are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Fully satisfied are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled
Fully satisfied are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Fully satisfied are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Fully satisfied are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.
Fully satisfied are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Fully satisfied are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me."
We live in a world fully of people searching for satisfaction. Those without Christ, (and sadly, even some who claim Christ) seek satisfaction in money, power, acceptance, laughter, "experience," thrills, etc. They seek it with all their heart, and find none. They do not find what they are looking for because they search for it apart from what He says will bring satisfaction.
Fully satisfied are:
- The poor in spirit
- Those who mourn
- The meek
- Those who desire righteousness
- The merciful
- The pure in heart
- The peacemakers
- Those persecuted for Christ's sake
This list is precisely the opposite of what the world tells us will satisfy. They look at those who seek such things with bewilderment & disbelief, if not outright scorn and derision.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God...God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1:18,27)
Beloved brothers and sisters, we are called to embrace what the world calls "foolishness" in order to be wise
Seek to be poor (humble) in spirit
- instead of pride
Seek to mourn at the wrong in the world, and mourn at the foot of the cross
- instead of drowning it out in revelry
Seek meekness
- rather than power
Seek righteousness
- rather than embracing the lusts of the flesh
Seek mercy
- rather than revenge
Seek purity of heart
- instead of "experience" or "being wise in the ways of the world"
Seek peacemaking
- instead of insisting upon your way
Seek to be persecuted for Christ sake
- rather than inclusion and acceptance
For you see, in seeking after these things, you seek to be conformed to the image of Christ. It is only by seeking not to have more of the world, but more of God, that we can find joy and satisfaction. C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, "God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there." Those things the world seeks cannot give satisfaction - those things only serve to make them more aware of their emptiness. So seek Christ, seek to be all He calls you to be, and there be fully satisfied.
While attending college, a chapel speaker did a sermon series on the Beatitudes. The Greek word translated "Blessed" is "Makerios" (Not sure I spelled that right, you at least you can pronounce it this way...). This word, "Makerios," he told us, can also be translated "fully satisfied."
Read the Beatitudes again, substituting "Fully Satisfied" for "Blessed." (Matthew 5:3-12)
"Fully satisfied are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Fully satisfied are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Fully satisfied are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Fully satisfied are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled
Fully satisfied are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Fully satisfied are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Fully satisfied are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.
Fully satisfied are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Fully satisfied are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me."
We live in a world fully of people searching for satisfaction. Those without Christ, (and sadly, even some who claim Christ) seek satisfaction in money, power, acceptance, laughter, "experience," thrills, etc. They seek it with all their heart, and find none. They do not find what they are looking for because they search for it apart from what He says will bring satisfaction.
Fully satisfied are:
- The poor in spirit
- Those who mourn
- The meek
- Those who desire righteousness
- The merciful
- The pure in heart
- The peacemakers
- Those persecuted for Christ's sake
This list is precisely the opposite of what the world tells us will satisfy. They look at those who seek such things with bewilderment & disbelief, if not outright scorn and derision.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God...God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1:18,27)
Beloved brothers and sisters, we are called to embrace what the world calls "foolishness" in order to be wise
Seek to be poor (humble) in spirit
- instead of pride
Seek to mourn at the wrong in the world, and mourn at the foot of the cross
- instead of drowning it out in revelry
Seek meekness
- rather than power
Seek righteousness
- rather than embracing the lusts of the flesh
Seek mercy
- rather than revenge
Seek purity of heart
- instead of "experience" or "being wise in the ways of the world"
Seek peacemaking
- instead of insisting upon your way
Seek to be persecuted for Christ sake
- rather than inclusion and acceptance
For you see, in seeking after these things, you seek to be conformed to the image of Christ. It is only by seeking not to have more of the world, but more of God, that we can find joy and satisfaction. C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, "God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there." Those things the world seeks cannot give satisfaction - those things only serve to make them more aware of their emptiness. So seek Christ, seek to be all He calls you to be, and there be fully satisfied.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Revealing Christ
We, as Christians, are the light of the world - filled with Christ and spreading His light and truth in the darkness. (Sound familiar? You're probably thinking "Didn't she JUST write about this in the last post? - Yes and no, just work with me here :)
In my last post, a passing comment I made got me thinking late into the night last night, and after losing a few hours sleep, "Voila!" A new post! I was mulling over the idea of shining brightly in the darkness, and I realized: it seems as though some Christians shine brighter than others - and in a way, it's true.
You see, brothers and sisters, how brightly we shine in this dark world depends not on personality, or speaking ability, but on how completely we imitate Christ. Picture a human body - as we become more like Christ, dying to self, pieces of us "fall off," and Christ in us shines through more radiantly. Perhaps a better metaphor is in order.
Imagine a window, painted over. If you paint a window black, very little light from inside will be visible outside. Sure, there will be a faint glow, but not enough to pierce the darkness. But if you were to slowly chip away that paint, light begins pouring out the window, making the contrast more pronounced. So it is with Christians. As we die to self: give up the desire to fit in, to keep up with today's so-called "intellectualism," to have power, or whatever it is that keeps us attached to the world rather than to Christ, we stand in greater contrast to this dark world. And this is as it should be. We do not belong to the world - Christ has called us out of it! The world will not love us as it's own, because we do not belong to the world. If you fit in well on this earth, something is wrong! As pieces of self are chipped away as God works in us "to will and to act according to His good purpose," more of Christ, who is our life, shines through. Quite simply: He increases, we decrease (John 3:30).
When the world looks at me, I don't want them to see Kcenia's desires, Kcenia's dreams, Kcenia's ambitions, I want them to see Christ, and His profound work in my life. I want them to see He is above all, my complete satisfaction, and all the other things in my life are blessings that He has given to cause my cup to overflow! I want my life be not about fame, popularity, money, or things, but about Christ! I don't just want to be a lamp, I want to be a beacon! Because I'm human, because I am so prone to failure, the only way this will come about, the only way I can become more like Christ, is if I constantly ask for His help in letting go of the things of this world. Lord, purify me; I want more of You, less of me.
"Holy fire, burn away
my desire for anything
That is not of You
but is of me.
I want more of You
And less of me."
In my last post, a passing comment I made got me thinking late into the night last night, and after losing a few hours sleep, "Voila!" A new post! I was mulling over the idea of shining brightly in the darkness, and I realized: it seems as though some Christians shine brighter than others - and in a way, it's true.
You see, brothers and sisters, how brightly we shine in this dark world depends not on personality, or speaking ability, but on how completely we imitate Christ. Picture a human body - as we become more like Christ, dying to self, pieces of us "fall off," and Christ in us shines through more radiantly. Perhaps a better metaphor is in order.
Imagine a window, painted over. If you paint a window black, very little light from inside will be visible outside. Sure, there will be a faint glow, but not enough to pierce the darkness. But if you were to slowly chip away that paint, light begins pouring out the window, making the contrast more pronounced. So it is with Christians. As we die to self: give up the desire to fit in, to keep up with today's so-called "intellectualism," to have power, or whatever it is that keeps us attached to the world rather than to Christ, we stand in greater contrast to this dark world. And this is as it should be. We do not belong to the world - Christ has called us out of it! The world will not love us as it's own, because we do not belong to the world. If you fit in well on this earth, something is wrong! As pieces of self are chipped away as God works in us "to will and to act according to His good purpose," more of Christ, who is our life, shines through. Quite simply: He increases, we decrease (John 3:30).
When the world looks at me, I don't want them to see Kcenia's desires, Kcenia's dreams, Kcenia's ambitions, I want them to see Christ, and His profound work in my life. I want them to see He is above all, my complete satisfaction, and all the other things in my life are blessings that He has given to cause my cup to overflow! I want my life be not about fame, popularity, money, or things, but about Christ! I don't just want to be a lamp, I want to be a beacon! Because I'm human, because I am so prone to failure, the only way this will come about, the only way I can become more like Christ, is if I constantly ask for His help in letting go of the things of this world. Lord, purify me; I want more of You, less of me.
"Holy fire, burn away
my desire for anything
That is not of You
but is of me.
I want more of You
And less of me."
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
"Agh! Mom! Turn the Light Off!"
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." - Matthew 5:14
As Christians, we are called to be the light of the world; Jesus Himself said so. Not only are we the light of the world, we have also been called out of it. ("We are not of the night nor of darkness..." 1 Thess 5:5b). That we are called to be separate from the world, separate from the darkness, is no surprise. After all, the statutes and ways of Christ are diametrically opposed to the ways of this world. So we, filled with hope, joy, truth and LIGHT head eagerly into the darkness to offer the life of Christ, and hope eternal. The problem? We find that nearly the moment we head out, we face staunch and harsh opposition - people laugh and mock, scorn and obstinately refuse to listen. This often leaves the Christian feeling disillusioned: if the light of Christ is so beautiful, so good, why, then do people reject it so vehemently? I have wondered this very thing many times.
"This is the verdict: light has come into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed." John 3:19-20
People are comfortable: they either know they are evil, or they are blissfully unaware that they are dead - living in utter darkness. This world continues to get darker. The darker the darkness, the brighter the light. This is both good news and bad news. The good news is: the light we shine, Christ in us, is so visible to the world - so visible against the backdrop of utter black and despair. But, the harsher the contrast, the more resistance we face. Allow me to illustrate:
When you were a kid (or maybe even in college, if you lived at home), did your parents ever wake you up for school by turning on your bedroom light, flooding your dark, sleepy, comfortable room with obnoxious, bright, painful light? Mine sure did - all the time. And I hated it. All I wanted to do was sleep, stay under my warm covers. I didn't want to put my feet on the cold floor and get ready for the day. Later, I was thankful, because getting up meant I got to do all sorts of things I would never have had a chance to do had I merely stayed in bed. But in that moment, when Mom and Dad turned on the light, I HATED the light and LOATHED Mom and Dad.
It's similar with the light of Christ. The world is sleeping in darkness, and while we know that the light Jesus offers is better, the world is perfectly content right where it is. When we, full of the light of Christ, the light of truth, burst into a world of darkness, the contrast is harsh, overwhelming, and unwelcome. The truth is, by nature, offensive - the light reveals all that is wrong. But take heart, O Christian. What we offer the world in Christ is far better than they know. Don't be discouraged by opposition and resistance. Let Christ's Spirit do His work in the hearts of men. We are the bearers of the light, but it is the Holy Spirit who works in men's hearts.
So, don't be afraid. Get out there and TURN ON THAT LIGHT!
As Christians, we are called to be the light of the world; Jesus Himself said so. Not only are we the light of the world, we have also been called out of it. ("We are not of the night nor of darkness..." 1 Thess 5:5b). That we are called to be separate from the world, separate from the darkness, is no surprise. After all, the statutes and ways of Christ are diametrically opposed to the ways of this world. So we, filled with hope, joy, truth and LIGHT head eagerly into the darkness to offer the life of Christ, and hope eternal. The problem? We find that nearly the moment we head out, we face staunch and harsh opposition - people laugh and mock, scorn and obstinately refuse to listen. This often leaves the Christian feeling disillusioned: if the light of Christ is so beautiful, so good, why, then do people reject it so vehemently? I have wondered this very thing many times.
"This is the verdict: light has come into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed." John 3:19-20
People are comfortable: they either know they are evil, or they are blissfully unaware that they are dead - living in utter darkness. This world continues to get darker. The darker the darkness, the brighter the light. This is both good news and bad news. The good news is: the light we shine, Christ in us, is so visible to the world - so visible against the backdrop of utter black and despair. But, the harsher the contrast, the more resistance we face. Allow me to illustrate:
When you were a kid (or maybe even in college, if you lived at home), did your parents ever wake you up for school by turning on your bedroom light, flooding your dark, sleepy, comfortable room with obnoxious, bright, painful light? Mine sure did - all the time. And I hated it. All I wanted to do was sleep, stay under my warm covers. I didn't want to put my feet on the cold floor and get ready for the day. Later, I was thankful, because getting up meant I got to do all sorts of things I would never have had a chance to do had I merely stayed in bed. But in that moment, when Mom and Dad turned on the light, I HATED the light and LOATHED Mom and Dad.
It's similar with the light of Christ. The world is sleeping in darkness, and while we know that the light Jesus offers is better, the world is perfectly content right where it is. When we, full of the light of Christ, the light of truth, burst into a world of darkness, the contrast is harsh, overwhelming, and unwelcome. The truth is, by nature, offensive - the light reveals all that is wrong. But take heart, O Christian. What we offer the world in Christ is far better than they know. Don't be discouraged by opposition and resistance. Let Christ's Spirit do His work in the hearts of men. We are the bearers of the light, but it is the Holy Spirit who works in men's hearts.
So, don't be afraid. Get out there and TURN ON THAT LIGHT!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Speaking the Truth in Love
Hate the sin, love the sinner?
“Hate the sin, love the sinner” has long been a popular phrase thrown around in the church of Jesus Christ. But lately, (as with most sayings thrown around nonchalantly and tritely) this phrase has been misused, misinterpreted, and misunderstood. For some, “love the sinner, hate the sin” eventually turns into “accept the sinner AND the sin – don’t judge anyone.” For others, the misinterpretation of this saying has caused them to abandon the idea completely, saying one cannot simultaneously claim to love someone while condemning their actions. In short “who I am = what I do.”(I am indebted to Josh McDowell for this observation, from his book “The New Tolerance.”) However, if understood in the right context, loving the sinner and hating the sin is EXACTLY what the Christian is called to do.
First of all, it is important to define one's terms. Most importantly here, one needs to consider: “What does ‘love’ mean?” Is it loving to tell someone what they are doing is wrong? Consider this scenario: if a child is caught stealing, what is a parent to do? By the “no judgment” definition, would the “loving” thing be to just let the child steal and just “love” the child? NO WAY! No one would attribute the label of “good parent” to someone allowing their child to continue to steal. No, this situation calls for what is sometimes called “tough love.” The child who errs must be punished for what he or she did wrong, but this does not mean his/her mother or father hates the child. Rather, the parent shows he/she loves the child enough to stop him/her from doing wrong and teaching him/her to choose to do right. Furthermore, in many instances, the young child does not realize he or she is doing something wrong, and needs the careful, loving direction of the parent for correction. This is, in essence, part of the God-given role of the parent. Therefore, love sometimes means facing difficult truths and navigating difficult courses of action.
In Ephesians 4, Paul writes to the Ephesian church: “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.” Paul recognizes a very important fact: what those who do not know the Lord engage in IS wrong, and an abomination before the Lord, but, because they are still under the sinful nature, they are in bondage to that nature. Those who do not know Christ are ignorant of the life that is in Him because their hearts are hard, and because they have lost sensitivity to right and wrong. These verses highlight two very important principles: while Christians are to hate sinfulness and refuse to engage in sinful activity, we are also to have compassion and pity for those living under the sin nature, for they are in bondage to that nature – they don’t understand (partially because they don’t want to) how it is God wants them to live! In this case, it is the God-given role of the church to proclaim the truth, unashamedly, but in a compassionate way – declaring that yes, the sin the world lives in is an abomination to the Lord; yes, in sin the unbeliever is separated from God, but that there is hope, healing, and LIFE in the Spirit.
Yes, beloved. We MUST live differently than the world; we MUST abhor sin the way that God does. But remember, God sent His Son into the world to “condemn sin in sinful man,” (Romans 8:3) and “not to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”(John 3:17) We must not shy away from calling sin what it is, but we must leave room for God to judge, for God to change the person. Changing the heart is God’s territory. WE are called to “speak the truth in love.” In love. So, before you condemn the sinfulness of sin in someone’s life, before you get to “hating the sin” ask yourself, “why do I want to speak the truth to this person?” What is your motivation? Is it to prove that you are holier-than-thou? Is it to make the other person feel inadequate and unlovable? Is it to somehow make a distinction between yourself and them? If so, then that is not speaking the truth in love. The pursuit of holiness is good thing, but with the wrong motivation, it is dangerous – remember, the Pharisees spoke out about sin to people, and “pursued holiness,” but with pride, arrogance, and hypocrisy. So I ask again: What is your motivation? Is it to make yourself look better, or are you speaking the truth out of a sincere desire to see Christ work in that person’s heart, to change their life from the inside out; are you speaking in humility, knowing and acknowledging that without Christ, you are no better?
Be bold. Be love. Hate the sin, but love the sinner. Speak the truth in love.
“Hate the sin, love the sinner” has long been a popular phrase thrown around in the church of Jesus Christ. But lately, (as with most sayings thrown around nonchalantly and tritely) this phrase has been misused, misinterpreted, and misunderstood. For some, “love the sinner, hate the sin” eventually turns into “accept the sinner AND the sin – don’t judge anyone.” For others, the misinterpretation of this saying has caused them to abandon the idea completely, saying one cannot simultaneously claim to love someone while condemning their actions. In short “who I am = what I do.”(I am indebted to Josh McDowell for this observation, from his book “The New Tolerance.”) However, if understood in the right context, loving the sinner and hating the sin is EXACTLY what the Christian is called to do.
First of all, it is important to define one's terms. Most importantly here, one needs to consider: “What does ‘love’ mean?” Is it loving to tell someone what they are doing is wrong? Consider this scenario: if a child is caught stealing, what is a parent to do? By the “no judgment” definition, would the “loving” thing be to just let the child steal and just “love” the child? NO WAY! No one would attribute the label of “good parent” to someone allowing their child to continue to steal. No, this situation calls for what is sometimes called “tough love.” The child who errs must be punished for what he or she did wrong, but this does not mean his/her mother or father hates the child. Rather, the parent shows he/she loves the child enough to stop him/her from doing wrong and teaching him/her to choose to do right. Furthermore, in many instances, the young child does not realize he or she is doing something wrong, and needs the careful, loving direction of the parent for correction. This is, in essence, part of the God-given role of the parent. Therefore, love sometimes means facing difficult truths and navigating difficult courses of action.
In Ephesians 4, Paul writes to the Ephesian church: “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.” Paul recognizes a very important fact: what those who do not know the Lord engage in IS wrong, and an abomination before the Lord, but, because they are still under the sinful nature, they are in bondage to that nature. Those who do not know Christ are ignorant of the life that is in Him because their hearts are hard, and because they have lost sensitivity to right and wrong. These verses highlight two very important principles: while Christians are to hate sinfulness and refuse to engage in sinful activity, we are also to have compassion and pity for those living under the sin nature, for they are in bondage to that nature – they don’t understand (partially because they don’t want to) how it is God wants them to live! In this case, it is the God-given role of the church to proclaim the truth, unashamedly, but in a compassionate way – declaring that yes, the sin the world lives in is an abomination to the Lord; yes, in sin the unbeliever is separated from God, but that there is hope, healing, and LIFE in the Spirit.
Yes, beloved. We MUST live differently than the world; we MUST abhor sin the way that God does. But remember, God sent His Son into the world to “condemn sin in sinful man,” (Romans 8:3) and “not to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”(John 3:17) We must not shy away from calling sin what it is, but we must leave room for God to judge, for God to change the person. Changing the heart is God’s territory. WE are called to “speak the truth in love.” In love. So, before you condemn the sinfulness of sin in someone’s life, before you get to “hating the sin” ask yourself, “why do I want to speak the truth to this person?” What is your motivation? Is it to prove that you are holier-than-thou? Is it to make the other person feel inadequate and unlovable? Is it to somehow make a distinction between yourself and them? If so, then that is not speaking the truth in love. The pursuit of holiness is good thing, but with the wrong motivation, it is dangerous – remember, the Pharisees spoke out about sin to people, and “pursued holiness,” but with pride, arrogance, and hypocrisy. So I ask again: What is your motivation? Is it to make yourself look better, or are you speaking the truth out of a sincere desire to see Christ work in that person’s heart, to change their life from the inside out; are you speaking in humility, knowing and acknowledging that without Christ, you are no better?
Be bold. Be love. Hate the sin, but love the sinner. Speak the truth in love.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Someone Worth Dying For
"Show me that I'm someone worth dying for."
So goes the main lyric of a new song. And I understand the point the songwriter is trying to make - he is talking about people who believe they have no value, that God could never love them, begging for someone to give them worth. However, all the value and intrinsic worth humans possess as beings created in the image of God is not what makes us worth dying for. The simple truth is that, though we are made in God's image, our sin has so separated us from God that we have nothing to offer, nothing of ourselves that makes us worthy of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Depressing, right?
But, that is precisely what makes the Gospel so wonderful, what makes the precious blood of Jesus, the priceless love of God, so awe-inspiring. God loves us, despite the fact that we are His enemies because of our evil behavior (Colossians 1:21), despite the fact that we nailed Him to the cross with our iniquity. He, for some inexplicable reason, desired to draw us back unto Himself, to restore us, to heal us, to make us holy. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). This was not because of anything we have done, will do, or any "value" we think we have. ("Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us." Titus 3:5).
His great love for us. That is the only way we are made worthy to be in His presence, to be part of His family. We are never nearer to His grace than when we realize our own unworthiness. In Luke 18, it was not the Pharisee who returned home forgiven, but rather the tax collector who cried out, "Have mercy on me, O God, a sinner!" It was not the one who had done the most works, or acquired the most value in the world's eyes, but the one who realized he was completely hopeless apart from God's mercy.
So, you are someone worth dying for - but not because of any status you have attained or anything you have done, but because Jesus loves you. That is why Christ laid down His life for you - no more, no less. Recognize this, and let neither pride nor self-pity keep you from the cross. When you see you are a sinner, in need of a Savior, and that Jesus is that Savior, who is mighty to save, then cry out, "Have mercy on me, O God, a sinner!" Then, experience the glorious joy of being called a child of God.
So goes the main lyric of a new song. And I understand the point the songwriter is trying to make - he is talking about people who believe they have no value, that God could never love them, begging for someone to give them worth. However, all the value and intrinsic worth humans possess as beings created in the image of God is not what makes us worth dying for. The simple truth is that, though we are made in God's image, our sin has so separated us from God that we have nothing to offer, nothing of ourselves that makes us worthy of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Depressing, right?
But, that is precisely what makes the Gospel so wonderful, what makes the precious blood of Jesus, the priceless love of God, so awe-inspiring. God loves us, despite the fact that we are His enemies because of our evil behavior (Colossians 1:21), despite the fact that we nailed Him to the cross with our iniquity. He, for some inexplicable reason, desired to draw us back unto Himself, to restore us, to heal us, to make us holy. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). This was not because of anything we have done, will do, or any "value" we think we have. ("Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us." Titus 3:5).
His great love for us. That is the only way we are made worthy to be in His presence, to be part of His family. We are never nearer to His grace than when we realize our own unworthiness. In Luke 18, it was not the Pharisee who returned home forgiven, but rather the tax collector who cried out, "Have mercy on me, O God, a sinner!" It was not the one who had done the most works, or acquired the most value in the world's eyes, but the one who realized he was completely hopeless apart from God's mercy.
So, you are someone worth dying for - but not because of any status you have attained or anything you have done, but because Jesus loves you. That is why Christ laid down His life for you - no more, no less. Recognize this, and let neither pride nor self-pity keep you from the cross. When you see you are a sinner, in need of a Savior, and that Jesus is that Savior, who is mighty to save, then cry out, "Have mercy on me, O God, a sinner!" Then, experience the glorious joy of being called a child of God.
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