I had a great conversation with a friend today. It was over an hour long, so I obviously can’t hit it all on this post, but let me share one of the things that real struck me. It’s not something I haven’t thought about before, but I’m not sure I’ve thought about it this way (at least not for awhile).
It revolves around this idea of “doing good”. I often hear Christians (and others) talk about just doing the right thing – or if their talking in spiritual terms – doing what God wants them to do.
Certainly the Bible does say we should do good things. The Book of James says faith without action is dead (James 2:17). Hebrews tells us to “encourage each other towards outbursts of love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). First John teaches, “…let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions” (1 John 3:18).
Yet, so many people I talk with seem to be lost when it comes to knowing what they should be doing. Here’s where I think we miss it – it’s NOT about a checklist; it’s about a relationship. Said another way, I don’t think God just wants us to come up with our own list of good things to do and then one-by-one do them and check them off and feel better about ourselves. Granted, that would probably be much easier, but it misses the whole point the Bible makes about being in relationship with God and each other.
The kicker is that relationships are more difficult (and they don’t operate on checklists). They’re very dynamic! The same is true in our relationship with God, it’s not just a list of things to do and not do, it’s about spending time with Him and getting to know Him (and the primary ways we do this is through reading the Bible and prayer).
I believe the “good things” we do are actually meant to be the by-product of our relationship with God. The closer I get to God, the more godly I become (in my thoughts, words and actions). Said another way, the more like God I become, the more “good things” I will do – naturally, not based on some checklist.
Our focus should not be on coming up with a list of good things to do. Our focus should be on spending more time with God. This allows Him to transform our hearts to be more like His heart. The result – we will do the things God would do – the good things - if He were still here in human form (which, by the way, I think He is still here on earth working through those who choose to follow Him).
So, away with the checklist, dive into the relationship. The “good things” to do will follow – naturally and relationally!
/D
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Do you LIKE other people?
Here’s something I was thinking about today. In the Christian world we often talk about loving each other (primarily because that’s what Jesus said we should do – “love your neighbor”).
But, do we really LIKE each other?
I’ve heard a lot of people (including myself) say things like, “Of course I love them – I have to – I’m a Christian. But I don’t have to like them.” I think this misses Jesus’ whole point! He wasn’t teaching us to SAY we love people, He was teaching us to truly love people. And if we truly love people, guess what, we’ll like them, too!
So, maybe what we should start asking ourselves is, “How much do I really LIKE other people?”
There’s no doubt that we all have those things that will annoy others. I’m not saying all that goes away. What I am saying is that we begin to really see people how God sees them – He loves them – and He likes them, too! Annoying quirks and all.
/D
But, do we really LIKE each other?
I’ve heard a lot of people (including myself) say things like, “Of course I love them – I have to – I’m a Christian. But I don’t have to like them.” I think this misses Jesus’ whole point! He wasn’t teaching us to SAY we love people, He was teaching us to truly love people. And if we truly love people, guess what, we’ll like them, too!
So, maybe what we should start asking ourselves is, “How much do I really LIKE other people?”
There’s no doubt that we all have those things that will annoy others. I’m not saying all that goes away. What I am saying is that we begin to really see people how God sees them – He loves them – and He likes them, too! Annoying quirks and all.
/D
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Back to Blogging
I know it's been a while since I blogged here. I've been working on another project (which I'm still working on), but decided I wanted to resume posting my thoughts here.
So, welcome back!
I'm currently reading a book called The Shack by Wm Paul Young. This book will make you think. If you've read it, send me a comment on what you think about it.
Did you like it?
Did it confuse you?
Did it answer some of your questions about God?
Do you think it's an accurate view of God?
Whatever your thoughts are, I'd like to read them.
/D
So, welcome back!
I'm currently reading a book called The Shack by Wm Paul Young. This book will make you think. If you've read it, send me a comment on what you think about it.
Did you like it?
Did it confuse you?
Did it answer some of your questions about God?
Do you think it's an accurate view of God?
Whatever your thoughts are, I'd like to read them.
/D
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Synthesis
I apologize for not posting last week. My current seminar class’ workload is higher than usual, but something I read yesterday struck me and I thought I’d share it with you.
There’s a church joke that says, “Don’t make me go Old Testament on you!” The implication is that the God of the Old Testament is a God of wrath. In contrast to this we read in the New Testament that God is a God of love.
In fact, I believe we can replace the word “of” in my above description with the word “is” – God is wrath; God is love. Does that statement cause tension for you?
Here’s how William Yount describes this truth – “God is love and God is wrath. How can He be both? The answer is found in synthesis. The fire that warms is also the fire that burns. The difference is in our relationship to it. Those who are rightly related to God are warmed by His love. Those who refuse His love, who reject His offer of grace, are left to be burned by His wrath. He is not love or wrath. He is love-wrath, which exists like a two-sided coin.”
If this messes with your head a little, it should – synthesis is level 5 thinking (there are 6 levels, but those details aren’t really my point). My point is that there are many things about God that I struggle to understand, but that does not make them untrue.
This morning, I just learned about the death of Steven Curtis Chapman’s five year old daughter. Anytime something like this happens it creates a tension in my soul. I know God is Sovereign, but I cannot help but struggle with the “why questions.” God why would you allow this to happen?
Here’s where I land with this right now (and I’d love to hear your thoughts), God wants to have a relationship with us, He does truly love us, AND there are things (and circumstances) I simply cannot fully understand. Am I talking about blind faith? No, blind faith would require no basis whatsoever. I’m talking about faith that is able to understand enough to accept it all.
What about you – what do you struggle to understand and how do you choose to deal with your confusion?
/D
There’s a church joke that says, “Don’t make me go Old Testament on you!” The implication is that the God of the Old Testament is a God of wrath. In contrast to this we read in the New Testament that God is a God of love.
In fact, I believe we can replace the word “of” in my above description with the word “is” – God is wrath; God is love. Does that statement cause tension for you?
Here’s how William Yount describes this truth – “God is love and God is wrath. How can He be both? The answer is found in synthesis. The fire that warms is also the fire that burns. The difference is in our relationship to it. Those who are rightly related to God are warmed by His love. Those who refuse His love, who reject His offer of grace, are left to be burned by His wrath. He is not love or wrath. He is love-wrath, which exists like a two-sided coin.”
If this messes with your head a little, it should – synthesis is level 5 thinking (there are 6 levels, but those details aren’t really my point). My point is that there are many things about God that I struggle to understand, but that does not make them untrue.
This morning, I just learned about the death of Steven Curtis Chapman’s five year old daughter. Anytime something like this happens it creates a tension in my soul. I know God is Sovereign, but I cannot help but struggle with the “why questions.” God why would you allow this to happen?
Here’s where I land with this right now (and I’d love to hear your thoughts), God wants to have a relationship with us, He does truly love us, AND there are things (and circumstances) I simply cannot fully understand. Am I talking about blind faith? No, blind faith would require no basis whatsoever. I’m talking about faith that is able to understand enough to accept it all.
What about you – what do you struggle to understand and how do you choose to deal with your confusion?
/D
Monday, April 28, 2008
Questions Jesus Asked – Prayer (5)
This next set of questions is intriguing to me. It’s Matthew 7:9-10 when Jesus asks, “You parents – if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Of if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake?”
A quick reminder: in Jesus’ day these were primary staples of food. So, the question really is, if your kids ask for basic necessities, would you give them something worthless (a stone) or harmful (a snake)?
Jesus gives us the obvious answer at the end of verse 10 – “Of course not!” And then He makes the connection for us. Just before this Jesus is encouraging the people to be persistent in prayer – keep asking, keep looking, keep knocking. The connection is when we ask God for things we need, He’s not going to give us worthless or harmful things. Verse 11 confirms this – “If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”
Now, there are a number of ways, in my opinion, to abuse this teaching. We get fussy when God doesn’t show up and give us everything we think we need right away. I don’t think that’s what Jesus is teaching here (that God is just a fast food clerk waiting to fill our every order) – I believe he’s telling us to recognize that God is the One who provides everything we need, and what He provides is always good for us.
There have certainly been times when I’ve begged God for something and it has not happened. At those times I can either assume God doesn’t love me and doesn’t care, or I can remember that God takes care of me better than I take care of my own kids.
This is getting a bit long, but there’s one more thing I want to mention here. The effects of sin continue to corrupt our world and those of us living in it. It’s not hard to find many examples of really bad parents. The news loves to exploit all of the abuses they find (and these days abuse is not hard to find). But I think there’s another way to look at this teaching. Instead of thinking about the worst case scenario, think about the best ones you know. Think about those parents who truly love their kids; those who have solid healthy relationships with their children. Then reconsider this teaching from that perspective – God loves us even more, and will treat us even better than the best parents we know!
/D
A quick reminder: in Jesus’ day these were primary staples of food. So, the question really is, if your kids ask for basic necessities, would you give them something worthless (a stone) or harmful (a snake)?
Jesus gives us the obvious answer at the end of verse 10 – “Of course not!” And then He makes the connection for us. Just before this Jesus is encouraging the people to be persistent in prayer – keep asking, keep looking, keep knocking. The connection is when we ask God for things we need, He’s not going to give us worthless or harmful things. Verse 11 confirms this – “If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”
Now, there are a number of ways, in my opinion, to abuse this teaching. We get fussy when God doesn’t show up and give us everything we think we need right away. I don’t think that’s what Jesus is teaching here (that God is just a fast food clerk waiting to fill our every order) – I believe he’s telling us to recognize that God is the One who provides everything we need, and what He provides is always good for us.
There have certainly been times when I’ve begged God for something and it has not happened. At those times I can either assume God doesn’t love me and doesn’t care, or I can remember that God takes care of me better than I take care of my own kids.
This is getting a bit long, but there’s one more thing I want to mention here. The effects of sin continue to corrupt our world and those of us living in it. It’s not hard to find many examples of really bad parents. The news loves to exploit all of the abuses they find (and these days abuse is not hard to find). But I think there’s another way to look at this teaching. Instead of thinking about the worst case scenario, think about the best ones you know. Think about those parents who truly love their kids; those who have solid healthy relationships with their children. Then reconsider this teaching from that perspective – God loves us even more, and will treat us even better than the best parents we know!
/D
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Did God Create His Own Religion - Discussion
Well, we only got one comment on the “Did God Create His Own Religion” question – I was hoping for a little more interaction. Here are my thoughts…
God gave us the 10 Commandments, so if “religion” is following a set of rules and/or beliefs, then God did provide us with a religion.
We also recognized that none of us has kept the 10 Commandments; so, their purpose must be more than just God giving us rules to follow. These rules reveal to us that we are not perfect (darn!).
So, let’s jump to the New Testament to see how we should apply God’s “religion” to our lives. I’m reminded of three things:
One, 1 John 4 tells us that God is love.
Two, James 1:27 tells us the religion that is good in God’s sight is the one that takes care of the widows and orphans (note how these are people who have lost a personal relationship in their lives and God wants us to help restore relationships in their lives).
And, three, in Matthew 22 Jesus boils it all down to love God with everything you are and love others.
So, did God create His own religion? Yes! His religion is LOVE (love we return to Him and show to others).
Critical question: How well are you loving God and others? If you’re not feeling too good about that answer – what will you do about it this week?
For me, it seems so simple – just love the God who has provided everything in my life and love the others He has created. But, it’s not that simple. I do love God, but I often take Him for granted. I need to work on spending quality time with Him where I slow down enough to allow Him to “speak” to me. I had been blocking out a day a week for this (call it a Sabbath if you like), but I’ve become very inconsistent with this and I know my relationship with God has suffered. And, the whole loving people part… well, that will have to wait for another day. Let’s just say, for me, that’s the tougher of the two.
Pray for me that I will take time this week to just be with God.
/D
God gave us the 10 Commandments, so if “religion” is following a set of rules and/or beliefs, then God did provide us with a religion.
We also recognized that none of us has kept the 10 Commandments; so, their purpose must be more than just God giving us rules to follow. These rules reveal to us that we are not perfect (darn!).
So, let’s jump to the New Testament to see how we should apply God’s “religion” to our lives. I’m reminded of three things:
One, 1 John 4 tells us that God is love.
Two, James 1:27 tells us the religion that is good in God’s sight is the one that takes care of the widows and orphans (note how these are people who have lost a personal relationship in their lives and God wants us to help restore relationships in their lives).
And, three, in Matthew 22 Jesus boils it all down to love God with everything you are and love others.
So, did God create His own religion? Yes! His religion is LOVE (love we return to Him and show to others).
Critical question: How well are you loving God and others? If you’re not feeling too good about that answer – what will you do about it this week?
For me, it seems so simple – just love the God who has provided everything in my life and love the others He has created. But, it’s not that simple. I do love God, but I often take Him for granted. I need to work on spending quality time with Him where I slow down enough to allow Him to “speak” to me. I had been blocking out a day a week for this (call it a Sabbath if you like), but I’ve become very inconsistent with this and I know my relationship with God has suffered. And, the whole loving people part… well, that will have to wait for another day. Let’s just say, for me, that’s the tougher of the two.
Pray for me that I will take time this week to just be with God.
/D
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Too many stories?
I’m filtering through the seemingly endless e-mails I get from all of the spiritual leadership gurus. These are the people who have “succeeded” in church-world and are willing to share their “how I did it” stories so we can all attempt to copy them.
Of course, most of the podcasts, articles, blogs, etc. start with the typical “Don’t copy us” statement. So, why do we copy them? And why print or post their stories? I think we all like to hear the “good news” stories regarding churches and ministries and that’s great. But, really, why do we chase these “formulas”?
Here’s my take (and why I’ve done it so long myself) – our personal connection with God is weak (I was going to say “sucks” but my wife hates that word). Yet, it’s true. We’re living based on someone else’s connection with God (at least we assume they’re connected).
Here’s an idea – read the stories for a “pump me up” and then get into the Bible and find a quiet place to ask God, “Father, what do You want to do that You can only do through me?” If we believe God has uniquely created each of us, then we must believe He has a unique plan tailored specifically for us.
I gotta go – I’ve gotta ask God something! :-)
/D
Of course, most of the podcasts, articles, blogs, etc. start with the typical “Don’t copy us” statement. So, why do we copy them? And why print or post their stories? I think we all like to hear the “good news” stories regarding churches and ministries and that’s great. But, really, why do we chase these “formulas”?
Here’s my take (and why I’ve done it so long myself) – our personal connection with God is weak (I was going to say “sucks” but my wife hates that word). Yet, it’s true. We’re living based on someone else’s connection with God (at least we assume they’re connected).
Here’s an idea – read the stories for a “pump me up” and then get into the Bible and find a quiet place to ask God, “Father, what do You want to do that You can only do through me?” If we believe God has uniquely created each of us, then we must believe He has a unique plan tailored specifically for us.
I gotta go – I’ve gotta ask God something! :-)
/D
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
I love Summer
Sorry, it's been a while since I've posted. I love Summer, but it does horrible things to my schedule. Actually, it does great things to my schedule - it gives me time to get out and do some different things.
Many of you know I am part of a new church start. This has been an adventure (and will be for a long while). We just reserved a shelter at a local park for five "Gatherings". I'm excited about it for two reasons: 1) I'm ready to start meeting new people and have a chance to build some new relationships, and 2) Because it's OUTSIDE!
For me, nature has a way of bringing me closer to God. Actually, more accurately, it helps me be more aware of God. The Bible assures me God is always with me - I'm just not always real focused on Him.
I don't know if you're a spiritual person or not, but for me, just looking at creation helps me to understand there must be a Creator. So, take some time this week (or, heck, all summer...all year) and take a look around you and see if you don't become more aware of a God who loves you.
/D
Many of you know I am part of a new church start. This has been an adventure (and will be for a long while). We just reserved a shelter at a local park for five "Gatherings". I'm excited about it for two reasons: 1) I'm ready to start meeting new people and have a chance to build some new relationships, and 2) Because it's OUTSIDE!
For me, nature has a way of bringing me closer to God. Actually, more accurately, it helps me be more aware of God. The Bible assures me God is always with me - I'm just not always real focused on Him.
I don't know if you're a spiritual person or not, but for me, just looking at creation helps me to understand there must be a Creator. So, take some time this week (or, heck, all summer...all year) and take a look around you and see if you don't become more aware of a God who loves you.
/D
Thursday, April 19, 2007
More Thoughts on VT
As we all continue to go through the array of emotions that follow something like the shootings at VT, it's natural that we will be a different places emotionally.
Some of you are very angry;
Some are deeply grieved;
Some of you are still in shock;
Some of you are already beginning to tire of the news and move on.
And there are many many more places you may be emotionally. All of this is natural and normal.
But here's a thought: for a society who seems to continue to move further away from ideas such as - there is an absolute truth - we sure seem to all agree how horrible Cho's actions were. Maybe I should explain that a little more. We live in a world where many people have come to the conclusion there is no one truth. What works for you is fine for you, it may or may not work for me and that's okay.
But if this is true (or is there no such things as absolute truth - hmm), then why would we all agree that the actions of Cho are so wrong, so evil? My point is simply this - there is a right and wrong, there is good and evil, there is absolute truth. Therefore, as we continue to mourn and to slowly heal, will we recognize that there is such a thing as truth? And will we allow ourselves to think about the One who is Truth.
As we've seen across the country and the world - spirituality is alive and well. People who barely know each other gather together for prayer. It's times like these that we will either blame God or lean on God (sometimes both).
In my own personal life tragedies - I've found that while it's easy to blame God, the truth is God is love, God grieves over evil, and God is able to provide comfort far greater then we think is possible. I believe our natural emotions are God-given and therefore, we do not need to ignore them or supress them. At the same time, we can find peace that passes understanding in a God who truly cares.
Gather close to family and friends and let them know you love them. And draw close to God and He we draw close to you.
/D
Some of you are very angry;
Some are deeply grieved;
Some of you are still in shock;
Some of you are already beginning to tire of the news and move on.
And there are many many more places you may be emotionally. All of this is natural and normal.
But here's a thought: for a society who seems to continue to move further away from ideas such as - there is an absolute truth - we sure seem to all agree how horrible Cho's actions were. Maybe I should explain that a little more. We live in a world where many people have come to the conclusion there is no one truth. What works for you is fine for you, it may or may not work for me and that's okay.
But if this is true (or is there no such things as absolute truth - hmm), then why would we all agree that the actions of Cho are so wrong, so evil? My point is simply this - there is a right and wrong, there is good and evil, there is absolute truth. Therefore, as we continue to mourn and to slowly heal, will we recognize that there is such a thing as truth? And will we allow ourselves to think about the One who is Truth.
As we've seen across the country and the world - spirituality is alive and well. People who barely know each other gather together for prayer. It's times like these that we will either blame God or lean on God (sometimes both).
In my own personal life tragedies - I've found that while it's easy to blame God, the truth is God is love, God grieves over evil, and God is able to provide comfort far greater then we think is possible. I believe our natural emotions are God-given and therefore, we do not need to ignore them or supress them. At the same time, we can find peace that passes understanding in a God who truly cares.
Gather close to family and friends and let them know you love them. And draw close to God and He we draw close to you.
/D
Monday, March 12, 2007
Glorify
Hello!
Sorry it's been a while since my last post - time is flying and tax season is in full swing.
I watched a Louie Giglio message last night/this morning and his point was as we experience fullfillment in Christ - God is glorified. So often Christians attempt to glorify God in some of the most superficial (dare I say phoney) ways. I don't think this is on purpose - at least not most of the time - but it's still true.
I find myself doing it, too. If I wear "Christian" t-shirts or put the "right" bumper stickers on my car. Or have a good "Christian" response to questions like "How are you?" (you know what I'm talking about - like when I answer "more blessed than I deserve") While there's nothing inherently wrong with all of this - and these things may all be accurate - aren't they just a bit...well...easy?
I don't have to go real deep into Jesus to do any of these things - how did that one commercial put it - image is everything.
Ponder Louie's thought with me - if we go deep into Jesus, the "Christian" in us will be obvious. Not based on t-shirts and cute answers, but based on a life that's been transformed by an all powerful, all knowing God who loved us way before we even gave Him a second thought. Our lives will begin to reflect a faith in God that doesn't change with our moods, that isn't shaken by things that used to put our day into a tailspin.
It is then - and only then - that those around us will KNOW something has changed. Not because of what they see on the outside, but what they see going on inside of us. It will be evident in our eyes. That is when God will truly be gorified by our lives.
What we put into our lives in an attempt to satisfy ourselves is what our lives naturally glorify.
If I think money will satisfy - I'll bring glory to a "succesful" business. If I think another person will satisfy me - I'll bring glory to that person. If I think possessions will satisfy me, I'll fill my life with the latest and greatest - and glorify those things. If it's recognition - I'll fill my shelves with honors and trophies.
Here's what David wrote in Psalm 63 - O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched a weary land where there is no water. Your unfailing love is better than life itself. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.
Do you see it? He comes to the point and says - God you truly satisfy me and so I will naturally glorify you with my life!
What are you leaning on for satisfaction? Is it fulfilling?
\D
Sorry it's been a while since my last post - time is flying and tax season is in full swing.
I watched a Louie Giglio message last night/this morning and his point was as we experience fullfillment in Christ - God is glorified. So often Christians attempt to glorify God in some of the most superficial (dare I say phoney) ways. I don't think this is on purpose - at least not most of the time - but it's still true.
I find myself doing it, too. If I wear "Christian" t-shirts or put the "right" bumper stickers on my car. Or have a good "Christian" response to questions like "How are you?" (you know what I'm talking about - like when I answer "more blessed than I deserve") While there's nothing inherently wrong with all of this - and these things may all be accurate - aren't they just a bit...well...easy?
I don't have to go real deep into Jesus to do any of these things - how did that one commercial put it - image is everything.
Ponder Louie's thought with me - if we go deep into Jesus, the "Christian" in us will be obvious. Not based on t-shirts and cute answers, but based on a life that's been transformed by an all powerful, all knowing God who loved us way before we even gave Him a second thought. Our lives will begin to reflect a faith in God that doesn't change with our moods, that isn't shaken by things that used to put our day into a tailspin.
It is then - and only then - that those around us will KNOW something has changed. Not because of what they see on the outside, but what they see going on inside of us. It will be evident in our eyes. That is when God will truly be gorified by our lives.
What we put into our lives in an attempt to satisfy ourselves is what our lives naturally glorify.
If I think money will satisfy - I'll bring glory to a "succesful" business. If I think another person will satisfy me - I'll bring glory to that person. If I think possessions will satisfy me, I'll fill my life with the latest and greatest - and glorify those things. If it's recognition - I'll fill my shelves with honors and trophies.
Here's what David wrote in Psalm 63 - O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched a weary land where there is no water. Your unfailing love is better than life itself. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.
Do you see it? He comes to the point and says - God you truly satisfy me and so I will naturally glorify you with my life!
What are you leaning on for satisfaction? Is it fulfilling?
\D
Saturday, February 17, 2007
God's Fairness
I had lunch with a friend to today and part of our discussion was on the “trouble” in this world. Jesus told us “in this world you will have trouble.” There was no ambiguity in His statement. He didn’t say you “might” have trouble; He said you “will” have trouble. We live in a broken world.
That led to some discussion about examples of people who seemed to be in the ultimate trouble – like John the Baptist when he was thrown in jail and about to be executed. He asked a very honest question of Jesus, “Are you really the One, or should we be looking for someone else?” He was admitting that he though Jesus was the Messiah, but his circumstances didn’t appear to be proving that. In other words, he was saying, “Hey, Jesus, I’ve done everything I was supposed to do but now I’m sitting in jail about to be killed. Where are you? Why aren’t you getting me out of this ‘trouble’?”
Jesus did not show up and bail John out and John was executed. What happened? We’re tempted to say, that’s not fair, that’s not right. Were on the verge (or maybe past the verge) of saying, “God, You messed that one up!” But did He?
John had fulfilled his mission in this broken world. John had lived in the wilderness, dealt with strong opposition, and lived on a diet of locust and honey. And it was time for John to hear God say, “Well done good and faithful servant. Come enjoy your Master’s pleasure.” John got to trade in this imperfect broken world for perfect heaven. He left a world of wonder and doubt, to have his faith full realized and to enter into the presence of God. What’s unfair about that? Sound pretty darn good to me!
How about Moses? We look at Moses not being able to enter the Promised land and say, “Hey, God, that’s not right! Moses dealt with a bunch of stiff necked rebels for 40+ years and then You don’t let him go into the Promised land? What gives?”
But let’s take a closer look. What happened when the people entered the Promised land? Did they all grab a La-z-boy recliner, a cold drink and watch football (ladies fill in something that would appeal to you)? No! They had to fight battles (some they won and some they lost). Where does Moses get to go instead? Heaven! Into the presence of God, into a place of no more fighting, arguing or dealing with the brokenness of this world. Which would you prefer?
The Apostle Paul wrestled with this question. He openly wrote about his internal debate about staying here in this broken world and being able to go to heaven. His heart’s desire was obviously heaven, but he also recognized that if he was still on earth then there was still a mission to continue.
Here’s my point. If you’re a follower of Christ and you’re still here in this broken world – then God still has a mission for you to continue. If you know what that is, then continue to fight the good fight knowing that God isn’t through with you yet. If you don’t know why you’re still here…well...it’s time to figure it out. Spend as much time as you need reading the Bible, talking with God, and talking with other Christians until you know what God wants you to do now. Then get in the game, knowing full well when your mission is complete you to will enjoy the satisfaction of hearing God say to you, “Well done good and faithful servant. Come enjoy your Master’s pleasure.”
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That led to some discussion about examples of people who seemed to be in the ultimate trouble – like John the Baptist when he was thrown in jail and about to be executed. He asked a very honest question of Jesus, “Are you really the One, or should we be looking for someone else?” He was admitting that he though Jesus was the Messiah, but his circumstances didn’t appear to be proving that. In other words, he was saying, “Hey, Jesus, I’ve done everything I was supposed to do but now I’m sitting in jail about to be killed. Where are you? Why aren’t you getting me out of this ‘trouble’?”
Jesus did not show up and bail John out and John was executed. What happened? We’re tempted to say, that’s not fair, that’s not right. Were on the verge (or maybe past the verge) of saying, “God, You messed that one up!” But did He?
John had fulfilled his mission in this broken world. John had lived in the wilderness, dealt with strong opposition, and lived on a diet of locust and honey. And it was time for John to hear God say, “Well done good and faithful servant. Come enjoy your Master’s pleasure.” John got to trade in this imperfect broken world for perfect heaven. He left a world of wonder and doubt, to have his faith full realized and to enter into the presence of God. What’s unfair about that? Sound pretty darn good to me!
How about Moses? We look at Moses not being able to enter the Promised land and say, “Hey, God, that’s not right! Moses dealt with a bunch of stiff necked rebels for 40+ years and then You don’t let him go into the Promised land? What gives?”
But let’s take a closer look. What happened when the people entered the Promised land? Did they all grab a La-z-boy recliner, a cold drink and watch football (ladies fill in something that would appeal to you)? No! They had to fight battles (some they won and some they lost). Where does Moses get to go instead? Heaven! Into the presence of God, into a place of no more fighting, arguing or dealing with the brokenness of this world. Which would you prefer?
The Apostle Paul wrestled with this question. He openly wrote about his internal debate about staying here in this broken world and being able to go to heaven. His heart’s desire was obviously heaven, but he also recognized that if he was still on earth then there was still a mission to continue.
Here’s my point. If you’re a follower of Christ and you’re still here in this broken world – then God still has a mission for you to continue. If you know what that is, then continue to fight the good fight knowing that God isn’t through with you yet. If you don’t know why you’re still here…well...it’s time to figure it out. Spend as much time as you need reading the Bible, talking with God, and talking with other Christians until you know what God wants you to do now. Then get in the game, knowing full well when your mission is complete you to will enjoy the satisfaction of hearing God say to you, “Well done good and faithful servant. Come enjoy your Master’s pleasure.”
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