This week I started reading a book called “The Good and Beautiful Life” by James Bryan Smith. Smith is a college professor and director of the spiritual formation institute at Friends University. He is also a former student of both Richard Foster and Dallas Willard, who, in my mind, are the rock stars of the world of spiritual formation. “The Good and Beautiful Life” is book-two in a three part series dubbed “The Apprentice Series” along with “The Good and Beautiful God” and “The Good and Beautiful Community.” Even though I am not finished with the book, I have been really impressed with Smith’s teaching on “the kingdom of God.”
Jesus talked about the kingdom of God over 100 times that are recorded in Scripture, and He always spoke of it as something that was present and real. A few examples:
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom off heaven has come near.” (Matt. 4:17)
He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field.” (Matt. 13:24)
He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed.” (Matt. 13:31)
And again he said, “To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” (Luke 13:20-21)
After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3)
What’s amazing is that even though Jesus spoke of the kingdom as being at hand, many modern scholars speak of it as something that has yet to come. According to Smith:
“No serious Biblical scholar would deny that Jesus’ proclaimed the kingdom of God. However, many scholars conclude that Jesus was not talking about our present world but rather an epoch in history that has not yet begun. … Because Jesus did not establish a complete reign over all people and governments, [multiple scholars] have concluded that the kingdom of God is “an unconsummated thing of the future.” (Smith, 41)
Smith, however, believes that, while the kingdom of God has not come in its complete fullness, it was the primary message of the teaching of Jesus…and it is very real.
The apostle Paul felt the same way, teaching:
For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17)
He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)
The understanding here is that Jesus, as the son of God, was an earthly manifestation of the kingdom of God. When Jesus said, “the kingdom of God has come near,” he was ultimately talking about Himself. He tells His disciples, “If it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you” (Matthew 12:28). In other words, if I am indeed the Son of God come to earth and I accomplish miracles based on the power of God, you can rest assured that you are witnessing a manifestation of God’s kingdom here and now.
It’s also important to note that Jesus didn’t take the kingdom with Him when He ascended into heaven. Instead, He sent it back in the form of the Holy Spirit who came to indwell the lives of believers and to establish the presence of the kingdom or power of God within you. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? (1 Cor. 3:16). Also notice Romans 14:7 above equating the kingdom with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
So the kingdom of God is here, now. It may not be here in its fullness, but the presence of God is available to you…the kingdom is available to you. In many ways, that’s what Jesus’ death and resurrection were all about. The veil was torn, and you have access to the almighty. You just have to enter it. You just have to say yes. A few verses to ponder this week and we consider what entering the kingdom looks like in our lives.
1. I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:20)
2. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it. (Mark 10:15)
3. Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5)
More on this next time.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Nouwen on Scripture
I’ve learned that the term “Spiritual Formation” means different things to different people. Some reference it as personal spiritual development; others teach it as something that must be practiced body-wide in order to be truly effective. Further still, some speak of discipleship and spiritual formation as being one in the same…others separate the two into distinct categories. In the end, no matter what classification or nomenclature one chooses, spiritual development/formation/maturing is an unavoidable and essential feature of the true Christian walk.
With all of that in mind, I’m jumping into the recently published book “Spiritual Formation” by Henri Nouwen. Nouwen was a well known pastor, author, college professor and pastoral psychologist who authored over forty books. I say “was” because Nouwen died in 1996. “Spiritual Formation,” however, is a new book that has been compiled from the author’s notes, lectures and articles detailing the subject. It reads not as a compilation, though, with a fluidity which one would determine to have come from a singular author writing within a span of time and not a team of editors sifting through papers and audio tapes.
At the risk of generalizing, there seems to be two camps at work within the sphere of spiritual formation practice. Camp 1 sees s.f. as a process or program through which one must work. This process is built around a framework of practical steps that gives clear guidance for forward motion. Also, the framework is usually centered on Biblical knowledge. Camp 2 sees s.f. as a more mystical endeavor, a practice which finds its core in silence, solitude, meditation and other relevant disciplines. This camp does not throw the Bible out the window, but they do approach it in a different light. Nouwen falls into camp 2.
From “Spiritual Formation:”
“The Bible is primarily a book not of information but of formation, not merely a book to be analyzed, scrutinized, and discussed but a sacred book to nurture us, to unify our hearts and minds, and to serve as a constant source of contemplation. It is important to guard against the temptation to read the Bible programmatically as a book full of good stories and telling illustrations that can help us with instant advice, sermons, lectures, papers, and articles. As long as we deal with the Word of God as an instrument with which we can do many useful things, we don’t really read the Bible. The Bible does not speak to us as long as we want only to use it. But when we are willing to hear from the Word as a word for us, sacred scripture can disclose itself, and its message can penetrate in the center of our hearts” (Nouwen, Henri. Spiritual Formation. Pgs. xxiii-xxiv)
While I certainly see Scripture as the sword in the armor of God and as the Word which we are called to hide in our hearts, is it possible that many approach it incorrectly? Is it possible that the Bible isn’t meant to be read as a text book or a collection of memory verses, but instead approached as a living sacred organism?
This is where the discipline of meditation comes in. Meditation, and its accomplices silence and solitude, allows one the opportunity to not just read the Word of God, but to allow it to be an agent of change and shaping. Reading the Bible through in a year is a wonderful accomplishment, yet it is entirely possible for one to read the entire Word and at the same time not allow oneself to be changed. In our world of busyness, noise and clutter, the idea of retiring to a quiet place to think and meditate may seem absurd, but it may very well be a missing piece in your pursuit of Christ.
I’m challenging myself in the coming weeks/months to approach Scripture not as a source of quick spiritual sound bites, but as the living and inspired Word of God that it is. I challenge you to do the same. Seek out moments of silence and seclusion to reflect on what the Word says…and, more importantly, what it means. Listen also for the prompting of the Holy Spirit as you digest that meaning over time.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Finding Fulfillment in LOST?
I considered blogging about the LOST finale today just like everyone else. Ultimately, I like our video director Trey’s suggestion that LOST creators should hold a press conference in which they simply answer bulleted questions.
1. What is the island?
2. What is the light?
3. Were they really in purgatory?
4. Where’d the polar bear come from?
5. What’s up with Claire’s hair?
I also considered the fact you probably don’t really care what I think about the finale…or that you don’t even watch LOST. Instead, I thought I would just build off of a tweet posted by @andrewosenga, one of my favorite singer/songwriters. He said:
“If Lost had a better ending, I could keep subconsciously hoping that things like TV might fulfill my incredible need for meaning & purpose.”
Hopefully the sarcasm there is slapping you in the face, but ultimately, Andy is right. We are all on this unconscious search for meaning and purpose, and when we don’t find it in our jobs or our relationships, we immediately turn to TV, internet, movies, books and hobbies to find it. We search fervently for the deeper meaning in literature and art as if there is some mystical nature to it. I’m as guilty of doing that as anyone. The snare is that much of art IS aesthetically fulfilling. For example, I love music, and I can easily be emotionally moved by great music. It elicits a response within me…something that I haven’t orchestrated or planned. It creates feelings of joy or sadness or wonder…..as any good art should. Aesthetic fulfillment, however, is temporal and temporary.
A few years ago I was the pastor of a small church in North Louisiana. This was my first full-time church job. I had felt called into ministry since my mid-teens, but I was still pretty green when it came to the day to day of actually being a pastor. While I felt a confidence and a gifting for standing up and talking…I was scared to death of the pastoral-care side of my job description. At that point, I had never been around much death, grief or loss. Now, all of a sudden, I was the guy people called when something happened. I was the one who was supposed to show up and bring comforting words. I was the one who was supposed to know what to do.
Only a few weeks into my job, I was called to the home of one of the ladies in our church. Her husband, an agnostic, never came to church with her. He was a former military guy, rough and brusque with a serious lack of conversational skills. In addition, he was easily forty years older than me. I was called to the house because he was dying of liver cancer. He had become yellowed and bed-ridden and doctors had only given him a short time to live. I was scared to death. What did I have to offer to this guy? He had far more life experience than I, and had undoubtedly seen things that I never had. What could I say that would comfort or bring about a change of heart?
I remember sitting in my car praying hard that God would use me despite my lack of experience and ability…and then I entered the house. Honestly, the rest of the evening was a bit of blur. I don’t really remember what I said or did, but I know that this formally resistant man, when faced with his own mortality, came to know Christ as his savior. Later we called several of our church members along with close friends and family into his bedroom and we baptized him.
When I got back in my car, I felt something that I had never felt in that way before…..fulfillment. The realization was that I hadn’t done anything, except made myself available to God to be used by Him, and it was the most fulfilling thing I had ever done. It’s this moment of knowing…this is it. This is how God would have me be used by Him.
Now, I confess that I don’t always do a great job of submitting myself to God, but I do know that true fulfillment lies within surrender. If you’ve been searching high and low for something in your life that will complete you …why not give God the opportunity to direct you. It may seem scary or outside your comfort zone, but God will never give you more than you can handle nor anything that He hasn’t equipped you for. When you’re in the moment doing exactly what God has called you to do…there really is nothing that equals it. Certainly not the final episode of a TV show.
1. What is the island?
2. What is the light?
3. Were they really in purgatory?
4. Where’d the polar bear come from?
5. What’s up with Claire’s hair?
I also considered the fact you probably don’t really care what I think about the finale…or that you don’t even watch LOST. Instead, I thought I would just build off of a tweet posted by @andrewosenga, one of my favorite singer/songwriters. He said:
“If Lost had a better ending, I could keep subconsciously hoping that things like TV might fulfill my incredible need for meaning & purpose.”
Hopefully the sarcasm there is slapping you in the face, but ultimately, Andy is right. We are all on this unconscious search for meaning and purpose, and when we don’t find it in our jobs or our relationships, we immediately turn to TV, internet, movies, books and hobbies to find it. We search fervently for the deeper meaning in literature and art as if there is some mystical nature to it. I’m as guilty of doing that as anyone. The snare is that much of art IS aesthetically fulfilling. For example, I love music, and I can easily be emotionally moved by great music. It elicits a response within me…something that I haven’t orchestrated or planned. It creates feelings of joy or sadness or wonder…..as any good art should. Aesthetic fulfillment, however, is temporal and temporary.
A few years ago I was the pastor of a small church in North Louisiana. This was my first full-time church job. I had felt called into ministry since my mid-teens, but I was still pretty green when it came to the day to day of actually being a pastor. While I felt a confidence and a gifting for standing up and talking…I was scared to death of the pastoral-care side of my job description. At that point, I had never been around much death, grief or loss. Now, all of a sudden, I was the guy people called when something happened. I was the one who was supposed to show up and bring comforting words. I was the one who was supposed to know what to do.
Only a few weeks into my job, I was called to the home of one of the ladies in our church. Her husband, an agnostic, never came to church with her. He was a former military guy, rough and brusque with a serious lack of conversational skills. In addition, he was easily forty years older than me. I was called to the house because he was dying of liver cancer. He had become yellowed and bed-ridden and doctors had only given him a short time to live. I was scared to death. What did I have to offer to this guy? He had far more life experience than I, and had undoubtedly seen things that I never had. What could I say that would comfort or bring about a change of heart?
I remember sitting in my car praying hard that God would use me despite my lack of experience and ability…and then I entered the house. Honestly, the rest of the evening was a bit of blur. I don’t really remember what I said or did, but I know that this formally resistant man, when faced with his own mortality, came to know Christ as his savior. Later we called several of our church members along with close friends and family into his bedroom and we baptized him.
When I got back in my car, I felt something that I had never felt in that way before…..fulfillment. The realization was that I hadn’t done anything, except made myself available to God to be used by Him, and it was the most fulfilling thing I had ever done. It’s this moment of knowing…this is it. This is how God would have me be used by Him.
Now, I confess that I don’t always do a great job of submitting myself to God, but I do know that true fulfillment lies within surrender. If you’ve been searching high and low for something in your life that will complete you …why not give God the opportunity to direct you. It may seem scary or outside your comfort zone, but God will never give you more than you can handle nor anything that He hasn’t equipped you for. When you’re in the moment doing exactly what God has called you to do…there really is nothing that equals it. Certainly not the final episode of a TV show.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Value of Community
Last Sunday we debuted this new promo video for LifeGroups. The people in the video run the gamut from being Community Leaders to LifeGroup Leaders to just simply LifeGroup members. It was fascinating to talk to them all about what their group means to them and the impact that they see their group having on them personally and the community at large.
One of things that I mention in the video is the fact that we see small groups as a place where we can come together and become more like Jesus. In truth, I see that being a large part of the goal in all areas of church. The small group, however, is one of the most opportune places for individuals to come together and be real with each other, and when that happens, God begins to move in incredible ways.
Maybe you aren’t familiar with small groups. Maybe you come from more of a Sunday School background. Maybe you’ve never spent much time around church and don’t really see the value in meeting with a group of people. The Bible is pretty clear, however. We were created to be in community with each other. We were created with a need to be supported, encouraged, challenged and held accountable by the body of Christ…and it truly is an amazing thing to see our LifeGroups become that to individuals. It’s what Christian community is all about.
In the book “Creating Community,” Andy Stanley and Bill Willits talk about the fact that Americans are more private than ever. In fact, the authors note that many of today’s architects intentionally design homes to promote privacy and seclusion. We value the ability to be alone…which I find bizarre. But, maybe it isn’t so strange. Maybe we think that being alone is easier that maintaining relationships. Maybe we think that it is better than sharing our junk with other people. I don’t think I would totally disagree. It is easier…but, it’s not necessarily better. LifeGroups provide us with an opportunity to meet people who are in the same boat as us…and to grow together with them. Maybe you think there is no one out there feeling what you’re feeling…but, you would be wrong.
So, what are you waiting for? Maybe you don’t go to my church, but I have no doubt that your church has some form of community that you can engage with. Relationships aren’t always pretty…but, they are always worth it! Plus, as you become more like Jesus, you begin to see outside of yourself. No longer is it just about you and your issues. It’s about what you can do to help those you encounter. It’s about who you can influence for the sake of Jesus. Just think…there may be someone out there whose eternity is dependant on you seeking to be in community with them. Don’t miss that opportunity!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Read Any Good Books Lately
I love to read, and I consider myself to be a fairly fast reader. That is what an undergraduate degree in British literature will do for you. I try to keep up to speed on what is new and worth reading in the Christian book world, but recently I have been bored by a lot of what I’ve found. Apparently our church culture is changing in such a way that every pastor of a church over 2000 people feels as if he has a book in him. This has led to an influx of mediocre and un-revolutionary books on the shelves today. Most of these works have intriguing titles (and equally engaging subtitles) but lack the kind of content that would make one want to read it over and over again. Ultimately, that’s what I’m looking for…something that I can’t even completely digest in the first go round, the kind of book that continues to yield dividends with every reading.
A few works that have fallen into this category for me over the years have included:
“Trilogy” by Francis Shaeffer
“Celebration of Discipline” by Richard Foster
“Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis
“Contemplative Prayer” by Thomas Merton
“Let The Nations be Glad” by John Piper
Now…I realize that every author is not C.S. Lewis, but there has been some really good stuff to come out in the past year or two that I think is well worth your time and money. Here are a few that come to mind.
1. Anything by Timothy Keller: Pastor Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City is probably the one contemporary author that I am most excited about. In the past few years he has released three books that are equally powerful and potentially life-changing. His first book “The Reason for God” is one of the best works on Christian apologetics I’ve ever read. This is the kind of read that strengthens your faith and gives you a profound confidence to share that faith with others. Also check out “The Prodigal God” and “Counterfeit Gods” which are equally great. One of the things I love about Keller’s writing is the fact that he writes exegetically. In other words, it’s almost as if you are reading one of the best sermons you’ve ever heard.
2. Francis Chan: Chan has gotten a lot of attention as an author, pastor and conference speaker and his book “Crazy Love” has been crazy-popular. While “Crazy Love” is a good book, the one I’d really recommend is called “Forgotten God.” In “Forgotten God,” Chan explores how we’ve neglected the Holy Spirit in our personal lives and in our churches. This book just made me really happy because his words articulated something I had been feeling for a long time but had had a hard time defining.
3. Richard Stearns: Stearns is President of World Vision, a non-profit relief organization. His book “The Hole in Our Gospel” is an eye-opening look at how we neglect the fullness of the gospel of Jesus and in doing so miss the mission that we have been called to. I have not met a person who has read this book and not been greatly challenged. In many ways this book has changed the way we do ministry at Rush Creek.
Yesterday I started a book that I have been looking forward to for some time. “Radical” by David Platt is a look at how we define success in ministry in comparison to how Jesus would have defined success. Platt is Pastor at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL. While I haven’t finished “Radical” yet, already I have been challenged by the content. This is the kind of book that scares you…in a good way. It’s scary because recognizing the fullness of the gospel and how far we fall from it can only instigate change in our lives and churches. I pray this is what happens.
With all this said, let us never search for a book to replace Scripture. I know that I have been guilty of that at times. Maybe the Bible isn’t written in a way that engages you on an aesthetic level, but the wealth of its contents goes far beyond anything written by Lewis, Piper or Tozer. If you truly want to grow in Christ and be challenged to live out His call on a daily basis…there is no better source than His actual words. When was the last time you read through the gospels and actually saw for yourself what Jesus had to say? Maybe stop there before you pick up anything mentioned above.
A few works that have fallen into this category for me over the years have included:
“Trilogy” by Francis Shaeffer
“Celebration of Discipline” by Richard Foster
“Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis
“Contemplative Prayer” by Thomas Merton
“Let The Nations be Glad” by John Piper
Now…I realize that every author is not C.S. Lewis, but there has been some really good stuff to come out in the past year or two that I think is well worth your time and money. Here are a few that come to mind.
1. Anything by Timothy Keller: Pastor Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City is probably the one contemporary author that I am most excited about. In the past few years he has released three books that are equally powerful and potentially life-changing. His first book “The Reason for God” is one of the best works on Christian apologetics I’ve ever read. This is the kind of read that strengthens your faith and gives you a profound confidence to share that faith with others. Also check out “The Prodigal God” and “Counterfeit Gods” which are equally great. One of the things I love about Keller’s writing is the fact that he writes exegetically. In other words, it’s almost as if you are reading one of the best sermons you’ve ever heard.
2. Francis Chan: Chan has gotten a lot of attention as an author, pastor and conference speaker and his book “Crazy Love” has been crazy-popular. While “Crazy Love” is a good book, the one I’d really recommend is called “Forgotten God.” In “Forgotten God,” Chan explores how we’ve neglected the Holy Spirit in our personal lives and in our churches. This book just made me really happy because his words articulated something I had been feeling for a long time but had had a hard time defining.
3. Richard Stearns: Stearns is President of World Vision, a non-profit relief organization. His book “The Hole in Our Gospel” is an eye-opening look at how we neglect the fullness of the gospel of Jesus and in doing so miss the mission that we have been called to. I have not met a person who has read this book and not been greatly challenged. In many ways this book has changed the way we do ministry at Rush Creek.
Yesterday I started a book that I have been looking forward to for some time. “Radical” by David Platt is a look at how we define success in ministry in comparison to how Jesus would have defined success. Platt is Pastor at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL. While I haven’t finished “Radical” yet, already I have been challenged by the content. This is the kind of book that scares you…in a good way. It’s scary because recognizing the fullness of the gospel and how far we fall from it can only instigate change in our lives and churches. I pray this is what happens.
With all this said, let us never search for a book to replace Scripture. I know that I have been guilty of that at times. Maybe the Bible isn’t written in a way that engages you on an aesthetic level, but the wealth of its contents goes far beyond anything written by Lewis, Piper or Tozer. If you truly want to grow in Christ and be challenged to live out His call on a daily basis…there is no better source than His actual words. When was the last time you read through the gospels and actually saw for yourself what Jesus had to say? Maybe stop there before you pick up anything mentioned above.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Lose Your Life
I believe that our current sermon series “Maze” has been one of the most relevant series we’ve put out in a while. Both Russ and Marty have done a fantastic job navigating the issues that get us off track and cause us to loose our way in our daily walk. Denial, Doubt, Discontent, Direction…all issues that most of us have faced or are facing right now. As I shared with our LifeGroup this past Sunday evening, the one that really hits home for me is the issue of Discontent.
Discontent is this overarching feeling of dissatisfaction with where you are in life….where you live…what you drive…how many kids you have…what your spouse does or doesn’t do…how much money you have in the bank……….I think you get the picture.
I have no doubt that discontent is a silent epidemic in today’s society. Who we are and what we have (or don’t have) defines us in most circles. It is for this reason that most of us, whether we realize it or not, are constantly seeking out ways to elevate ourselves to the point where we think we will find contentment. That’s the irony of the situation. If your contentment is found in a job, status or possessions…you will NEVER be content…because there will ALWAYS be something bigger and better.
What we don’t realize is that this response within us is really a sort of self preservation reflex. We think that if we are accepted by the right people or have the ability to buy whatever we want…that ultimately we are enriching our existence…we are achieving real life.
Jesus said in Matthew 10:39, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” What do you make of that? If we are seeking to be Christ followers, which side of that sentence are we supposed to be on? Are we supposed to be finding our life…or losing our life? I think the answer to that question actually comes in the sentence before in verse 38 when Jesus says, “And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” The taking up of one’s cross was reflective of a march towards death. Criminals, and later Jesus, would carry their own death instrument to the site of their ultimate demise. It’s quite poetic.
So, by truly following Jesus…we are taking up the instrument of our own demise…but, in doing so we find life?? What does that mean?
While the answer to that question could probably fill a few volumes of theology books…I think that very simply it means that the true decision to follow Jesus brings with it a complete abandonment of pride, selfishness and self preservation. It comes with a willingness to do anything or go anywhere no matter what potential embarrassment or danger might be lurking around the corner. It is complete abandonment to the will of God…forsaking your own. It may sound stupid…but, it’s actually faith. Faith is willingness to follow Jesus to the ends of the earth (both literally and metaphorically) because you know with complete trust that He is good and that His intentions are supreme. This is the kind of faith that Abraham had…and Scripture tells us that it was this kind of faith that was attributed to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3).
Now, that may not sound like the gospel you’ve heard…but, it is definitely the gospel described in the Bible. It’s radical and dangerous…but, it is what brings us true life. Is this the kind of faith you’re living…or does this sound foreign?
When you consider this Abrahamic faith in comparison to the consumer-focused lives that most of us live daily…the things we find ourselves pursuing seem really petty. In my quiet time this morning, I came across James 4:1-4 which says:
“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people!” (ESV)
This is descriptive of the tension that arises when we claim to be followers of Jesus, but yet we have not surrendered to his will. It’s like adultery. We want the best of all worlds. We want to claim Jesus…but, yet still live for our own pleasure. It doesn’t work. It creates conflict. It breeds discontent.
So, how are you seeking to live this out daily? I have no doubt that I fail miserably in completely availing myself to God’s will, yet I do desire to abandon myself to Him. I’m certain that this is the source of the “freedom” in Christ that the Bible talks about. Remember, though, its not about what you can do…it’s about what He has done. This week, seek to put your life into context. Examine your wants and desires and then compare them to what you believe to be God’s will for your life. Seek to live in such a way that you are open to Him. Align with God through study of His word and communicating through prayer. Seek to cast off all of the selfish pride that is dragging you down and leading you into discontent.
Discontent is this overarching feeling of dissatisfaction with where you are in life….where you live…what you drive…how many kids you have…what your spouse does or doesn’t do…how much money you have in the bank……….I think you get the picture.
I have no doubt that discontent is a silent epidemic in today’s society. Who we are and what we have (or don’t have) defines us in most circles. It is for this reason that most of us, whether we realize it or not, are constantly seeking out ways to elevate ourselves to the point where we think we will find contentment. That’s the irony of the situation. If your contentment is found in a job, status or possessions…you will NEVER be content…because there will ALWAYS be something bigger and better.
What we don’t realize is that this response within us is really a sort of self preservation reflex. We think that if we are accepted by the right people or have the ability to buy whatever we want…that ultimately we are enriching our existence…we are achieving real life.
Jesus said in Matthew 10:39, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” What do you make of that? If we are seeking to be Christ followers, which side of that sentence are we supposed to be on? Are we supposed to be finding our life…or losing our life? I think the answer to that question actually comes in the sentence before in verse 38 when Jesus says, “And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” The taking up of one’s cross was reflective of a march towards death. Criminals, and later Jesus, would carry their own death instrument to the site of their ultimate demise. It’s quite poetic.
So, by truly following Jesus…we are taking up the instrument of our own demise…but, in doing so we find life?? What does that mean?
While the answer to that question could probably fill a few volumes of theology books…I think that very simply it means that the true decision to follow Jesus brings with it a complete abandonment of pride, selfishness and self preservation. It comes with a willingness to do anything or go anywhere no matter what potential embarrassment or danger might be lurking around the corner. It is complete abandonment to the will of God…forsaking your own. It may sound stupid…but, it’s actually faith. Faith is willingness to follow Jesus to the ends of the earth (both literally and metaphorically) because you know with complete trust that He is good and that His intentions are supreme. This is the kind of faith that Abraham had…and Scripture tells us that it was this kind of faith that was attributed to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3).
Now, that may not sound like the gospel you’ve heard…but, it is definitely the gospel described in the Bible. It’s radical and dangerous…but, it is what brings us true life. Is this the kind of faith you’re living…or does this sound foreign?
When you consider this Abrahamic faith in comparison to the consumer-focused lives that most of us live daily…the things we find ourselves pursuing seem really petty. In my quiet time this morning, I came across James 4:1-4 which says:
“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people!” (ESV)
This is descriptive of the tension that arises when we claim to be followers of Jesus, but yet we have not surrendered to his will. It’s like adultery. We want the best of all worlds. We want to claim Jesus…but, yet still live for our own pleasure. It doesn’t work. It creates conflict. It breeds discontent.
So, how are you seeking to live this out daily? I have no doubt that I fail miserably in completely availing myself to God’s will, yet I do desire to abandon myself to Him. I’m certain that this is the source of the “freedom” in Christ that the Bible talks about. Remember, though, its not about what you can do…it’s about what He has done. This week, seek to put your life into context. Examine your wants and desires and then compare them to what you believe to be God’s will for your life. Seek to live in such a way that you are open to Him. Align with God through study of His word and communicating through prayer. Seek to cast off all of the selfish pride that is dragging you down and leading you into discontent.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
What's Your Mission?
Easter Sunday was a HUGE day at The Church on Rush Creek. Nearly 4k people were in attendance between the two campuses…which means that a ridiculous number of people got to hear the gospel. If truth be told, to tell the story of the empty tomb without sharing the good news of the salvation it brings is to miss the whole point. Jesus didn’t die so that he could perform some David Blaine-esq magic resurrection trick that would leave people talking for 2000 years. He died so that we might have life in spite of our sin. To put it mildly, this is cause for tremendous eternal celebration.
That’s why it is frustrating to me that for many followers of Jesus…it’s a once a year celebration. It’s an Easter thing. Yet, Jesus is just as risen today, the Tuesday following Easter, as He was two days ago. He hasn’t changed in these two days…salvation hasn’t changed. His call to you to tell His story with your life and your words has not changed either. So, why the loss of enthusiasm? Why the feeling of being glad Easter is over so that things can get back to “normal?” What if the spirit of celebration over the empty tomb was the new normal for you? What if you lived a life that strived for the wonder and awe of Easter everyday?
I hear a lot of Christians talk about being on mission for Jesus, yet, I’m not sure everyone knows what their mission is. If you are in the military, the mission is never vague. It’s well planned…well understood…well executed. Also, every individual is critical to the fulfillment of the mission. That includes you. Do you wake up with a sense of purpose and urgency that you have something to accomplish in this life for the glory of God? Do you know that your mission is?
To be honest, I doubt your mission is all that different from mine or the other people in your small group or any other Christians for that matter. The mission may be accomplished in different ways, at different times or in different places, but it is still the same charge…letting the world know that there is a Savior who died that we might live. So, who are you telling about Jesus, and what are you saying about Him? Remember the adage “actions speak louder than words?”…that totally applies here. Trying to answer the question, “What does my life say about Jesus?” has been revolutionary for me. It’s changed the way I try to present myself to others; it’s changed the amount of thought I put into my words and motives. It’s made me think…how well do I really represent the King I claim to represent?
Out of the 4k people at Rush Creek this past Sunday, many were lost…or extremely far from God. While they can use a great worship service, some inspiring music, a good book or Bible-based preaching…what these people really need is the Church…YOU. They need individuals who can pull up alongside them and actually show them what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus. Someone who will labor in prayer for them and go out of their way to show them love and grace. They need the people whom Jesus has appointed to tell His story in His absence. They need you.
Who are you on mission for? The guy in the cubicle next to you? The lady in your spin class? A family member? Yes, invite them to church, but don’t JUST invite them to church. Be the church. Be the hands and feet of Jesus to them. Set some goals as well. For example, “My goal this week is to have at least one spiritual conversation with Rick in accounting where the name of Jesus comes up.” Now, go make that happen. What are you goals? Who are you on mission for? Remember, even after Jesus came out of the grave, He still had one more thing to say to His followers:
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)
That’s why it is frustrating to me that for many followers of Jesus…it’s a once a year celebration. It’s an Easter thing. Yet, Jesus is just as risen today, the Tuesday following Easter, as He was two days ago. He hasn’t changed in these two days…salvation hasn’t changed. His call to you to tell His story with your life and your words has not changed either. So, why the loss of enthusiasm? Why the feeling of being glad Easter is over so that things can get back to “normal?” What if the spirit of celebration over the empty tomb was the new normal for you? What if you lived a life that strived for the wonder and awe of Easter everyday?
I hear a lot of Christians talk about being on mission for Jesus, yet, I’m not sure everyone knows what their mission is. If you are in the military, the mission is never vague. It’s well planned…well understood…well executed. Also, every individual is critical to the fulfillment of the mission. That includes you. Do you wake up with a sense of purpose and urgency that you have something to accomplish in this life for the glory of God? Do you know that your mission is?
To be honest, I doubt your mission is all that different from mine or the other people in your small group or any other Christians for that matter. The mission may be accomplished in different ways, at different times or in different places, but it is still the same charge…letting the world know that there is a Savior who died that we might live. So, who are you telling about Jesus, and what are you saying about Him? Remember the adage “actions speak louder than words?”…that totally applies here. Trying to answer the question, “What does my life say about Jesus?” has been revolutionary for me. It’s changed the way I try to present myself to others; it’s changed the amount of thought I put into my words and motives. It’s made me think…how well do I really represent the King I claim to represent?
Out of the 4k people at Rush Creek this past Sunday, many were lost…or extremely far from God. While they can use a great worship service, some inspiring music, a good book or Bible-based preaching…what these people really need is the Church…YOU. They need individuals who can pull up alongside them and actually show them what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus. Someone who will labor in prayer for them and go out of their way to show them love and grace. They need the people whom Jesus has appointed to tell His story in His absence. They need you.
Who are you on mission for? The guy in the cubicle next to you? The lady in your spin class? A family member? Yes, invite them to church, but don’t JUST invite them to church. Be the church. Be the hands and feet of Jesus to them. Set some goals as well. For example, “My goal this week is to have at least one spiritual conversation with Rick in accounting where the name of Jesus comes up.” Now, go make that happen. What are you goals? Who are you on mission for? Remember, even after Jesus came out of the grave, He still had one more thing to say to His followers:
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)
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