"O the weather outside is frightful," or so the song goes. I suppose that could apply to the weather here right now. It's a whoppin' 2 degrees with a winter storm warning for 8+ inches of snow forcast for the night to come. That means that the last official school day before the Christmas break will probably be cancelled and the kids will have an extra long weekend to get that much more excited about what they might get for Christmas next week.
But it's not the weather that has me thinking...instead, I can't help but look back at the year and stand in awe of how God has worked in my life. I'm still scratching my head about some of it, but I can't deny the fact that God has blessed me beyond measure...in spite of my best efforts!
As I look back I realize that our time in Tallahassee was way too short! Oh how I wish we could have found Meridian Woods several years ago and grown with it. As it turned out, our 8 month stay was a blessing that can't be overemphasized. The shepherds there worked hard to make us feel welcome and to support the changes that we were guiding. They pressed me to be God's man regardless of the fall-out or difficulty in doing so. I'm not quite sure why we had such a hard time with the community...I just know that those 8 months will live in my heart as among the best in my ministry (at least personally).
For some reason though there was a constant tug at us to try and return to Rockford and in particular to North Park. When the offer came, we felt tha God was speaking directly to us, telling us to "go home" and do His work.
The return was overwhelming. People expressing their love and support far beyond what we had experienced in our previous 3 years with them. There seemed to be a desire to move in a different direction, to step out into uncharted waters and discover all over again what God had in mind for this church. Of course, there continue to be huge challenges, particularly with some in the leadership...but the fact is, right now there is a spirit of cooperation that hasn't been felt here in many years.
Our living arrangements allowed us to bring Carla and Devon to stay with us for several months. While I know it was awkward at times, there is little doubt but what that time will be counted among my greatest blessings. To be able to spend time every day with my grandson was priceless!
Of course my parents celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary is a blessing beyond what most people will ever even dream. They have been, and continue to be shining examples of true agape love. To make that day even better, another grandson came into our lives. Cayden Daniel was born to Danny and Jenni. What a joy he will be as we move forward in our lives.
Completion of the vision for the church here is another hightlight that cannot be overstated. I was ready to throw in the towel on that process here at North Park. It seemed to be a dividing point instead of a unifying factor. Just when I was ready to give up on it, the Spirit stepped in and brought us all together in a unified understanding of what God has in mind for us.
The renewal of old friendships; the affirmation of godly elders; God working through knuckleheads like me to bring his church together; family that continues to make us scratch our head in amazement...what could be better than that?
God is good...ALL THE TIME!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
December!!!
That's right...it's December...in fact, we are quickly closing in on the middle of December. As I look out my window I can see snow falling as it has most of the day. The snow plow has already begun to make a nice little fence around the outside edge of my yard with the 3 decent snows we've had this month.
As I think about the snowfall and the season that has arrived I can't help but be drawn to the symbolism of the freshly fallen, pure white snow. Because God came to earth as a human baby, lived life just like we do and died like a common criminal, we are now seen, in His eyes as pure and white as that snow...before any cars drive on it or snow plows dirty it up with salt and sand. Like the gentle drifts of pure white that now cover my back yard, I am better able to reflect the Son because of the brilliant purity that has been given to me.
For many this is a season of depression. With the cold temperatures and slippery surfaces they are forced (or sometimes just choose) to stay inside, isolated from the routine of life and their circle of friends. But because I see the amazing work of God in the mounds of crystalized water, I find this to be a rejuvinating season. It exists to restore nutrients to the ground that were taken by a season of growth. It's a reminder that life follows death.
As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that God's plan continues to work in the lives of everyone who will allow him to work. Thank you Lord for making me pure and holy, for making me your likeness!
As I think about the snowfall and the season that has arrived I can't help but be drawn to the symbolism of the freshly fallen, pure white snow. Because God came to earth as a human baby, lived life just like we do and died like a common criminal, we are now seen, in His eyes as pure and white as that snow...before any cars drive on it or snow plows dirty it up with salt and sand. Like the gentle drifts of pure white that now cover my back yard, I am better able to reflect the Son because of the brilliant purity that has been given to me.
For many this is a season of depression. With the cold temperatures and slippery surfaces they are forced (or sometimes just choose) to stay inside, isolated from the routine of life and their circle of friends. But because I see the amazing work of God in the mounds of crystalized water, I find this to be a rejuvinating season. It exists to restore nutrients to the ground that were taken by a season of growth. It's a reminder that life follows death.
As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that God's plan continues to work in the lives of everyone who will allow him to work. Thank you Lord for making me pure and holy, for making me your likeness!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Who are they?
A rather "lively" discussion in our mid-week Bible class last night sparked some questions and thoughts in my mind. That discussion revolved around the possibility that more people may in fact be in a right relationship with God than we often care to admit. Of course, even the thought of that sends some people into a frenzied and angry feeding like the famed pirannah fish on a big fleshy arm, but it is an intriguing idea never-the-less.
As I think about my faith foundations and the concepts that I've been taught it would be safe to assume that they are generally rather traditional and conservative. In fact, at one point I would have been the preacher that stood in the pulpit each week making sure that everyone knew "we" were the only "real" Christians out there. But a deeper and more honest evaluation of the gospel of Jesus has helped me to be open to the idea that, as John writes, "whoever BELIEVES in Him (Jesus) will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). The ramifications of that concept are HUGE.
Contrary to what has often been espoused, John 3:3 is not necessarily a "baptism" verse. Instead, it speaks to an external event, produced and directed by God, that brings us into a proper relationship with Him. It is wholly God-driven. It is not a works based system that somehow entitles us to wear an "ONLY CHRISTIAN" sign around our neck. The event that brings us into that relationship? John 3:16...the greatest gift of all, given BY God TO His creation.
Since He is the giver and "the whole world" is the receiver, how can I, His creation, ever begin to make the determination that someone else hasn't opened the gift He gave? The only one I can answer for is me! Because I have been given that gift I KNOW where I stand in that relationship (1 John 5:13, see the Message for a GREAT translation of this verse). I don't KNOW where anyone else stands...because I'm not the giver of the gift.
Here's where I'm headed...I have many friends and associates in the religious world outside of my own tradition. There is little doubt in my mind about their sincerity, honesty and desire. They read the same Scriptures I read. They sing the same songs I sing. They make the same confession that I make and they accept the same responsibility that I accept. So...thankfully God is the One who will determine if they have opened His amazing present of grace. Only He has the right to put them in a particular category or "saved" or "lost".
With all of that in mind, I'm free to focus on how I say thank you for the greatest gift ever given. I'm able to rejoice in my salvation and to help others find their way to a life of rejoicing. God's the one with the answers...my challenge is to hear as He speaks.
As I think about my faith foundations and the concepts that I've been taught it would be safe to assume that they are generally rather traditional and conservative. In fact, at one point I would have been the preacher that stood in the pulpit each week making sure that everyone knew "we" were the only "real" Christians out there. But a deeper and more honest evaluation of the gospel of Jesus has helped me to be open to the idea that, as John writes, "whoever BELIEVES in Him (Jesus) will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). The ramifications of that concept are HUGE.
Contrary to what has often been espoused, John 3:3 is not necessarily a "baptism" verse. Instead, it speaks to an external event, produced and directed by God, that brings us into a proper relationship with Him. It is wholly God-driven. It is not a works based system that somehow entitles us to wear an "ONLY CHRISTIAN" sign around our neck. The event that brings us into that relationship? John 3:16...the greatest gift of all, given BY God TO His creation.
Since He is the giver and "the whole world" is the receiver, how can I, His creation, ever begin to make the determination that someone else hasn't opened the gift He gave? The only one I can answer for is me! Because I have been given that gift I KNOW where I stand in that relationship (1 John 5:13, see the Message for a GREAT translation of this verse). I don't KNOW where anyone else stands...because I'm not the giver of the gift.
Here's where I'm headed...I have many friends and associates in the religious world outside of my own tradition. There is little doubt in my mind about their sincerity, honesty and desire. They read the same Scriptures I read. They sing the same songs I sing. They make the same confession that I make and they accept the same responsibility that I accept. So...thankfully God is the One who will determine if they have opened His amazing present of grace. Only He has the right to put them in a particular category or "saved" or "lost".
With all of that in mind, I'm free to focus on how I say thank you for the greatest gift ever given. I'm able to rejoice in my salvation and to help others find their way to a life of rejoicing. God's the one with the answers...my challenge is to hear as He speaks.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
More Musings
Over a week has passed since the Presidential Election. We are just over 40 days from Christmas and less than 60 days from the turning of the calendar to another year. In just a few days I'll have another grandson. I have a new kitty in my home trying hard to replace the memories of one that had to be put down. The leaves have all fallen off the trees after bursting into brilliant color. Aged parents quickly approaching the end of thier lives on this earth.
Through all of that one thing remains constant...the God of heaven and earth is in control. That's right; no matter what else is going on in the world, no matter who occupies the various seats of governmental power, how fast the calendar turns or how many children are born, God is in control.
All of that reminds me of His observation when creation was complete..."God saw all that He had made and behold, it was VERY good." All that He makes is indeed very good. All that He plans is exceptional. No matter what our personal perspective...because He is in control...it's all good.
Through all of that one thing remains constant...the God of heaven and earth is in control. That's right; no matter what else is going on in the world, no matter who occupies the various seats of governmental power, how fast the calendar turns or how many children are born, God is in control.
All of that reminds me of His observation when creation was complete..."God saw all that He had made and behold, it was VERY good." All that He makes is indeed very good. All that He plans is exceptional. No matter what our personal perspective...because He is in control...it's all good.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
My how things change!
From the beginning things were built to change. That has never been more clear to me than in recent events in the life of my family. One day Sue and I were "empty nesters" and the next we had our daughter and 7 year old grandson living with us.
If it weren't for the built in ability to be flexible events like that would shatter our spirits and dash all hopes of having a "normal" life. But because we were made for change our lives are being enriched, built up, made fuller because of the things that are happening.
I've laughed through the years at those who assailed so called "change agents". While I fully understand the concept they are speaking of, the truth is we are all supposed to be agents of change. Our Lord was a change agent of the highest order. He challenged the status quo, offered alternative declarations and interpretations to the long held traditional views of the law given through Moses. He even proposed changing where and how God would be worshipped!
Creation began with a declaration of change (Gen 1:3) and if Paul has recorded it correctly, time will cease to exist as we know it with the same kind of declaration (1 Cor 15:50-54). In the mean time, as we mark our lives here on this ball of mud called earth, we will continue to face the challenges that come with change. We will continue to be pushed to look outside the boxes we have built and to find innovative ways to accomplish the mission God has assigned to us.
The fact is...as we look at life and Godliness, we must proclaim...change is good!
If it weren't for the built in ability to be flexible events like that would shatter our spirits and dash all hopes of having a "normal" life. But because we were made for change our lives are being enriched, built up, made fuller because of the things that are happening.
I've laughed through the years at those who assailed so called "change agents". While I fully understand the concept they are speaking of, the truth is we are all supposed to be agents of change. Our Lord was a change agent of the highest order. He challenged the status quo, offered alternative declarations and interpretations to the long held traditional views of the law given through Moses. He even proposed changing where and how God would be worshipped!
Creation began with a declaration of change (Gen 1:3) and if Paul has recorded it correctly, time will cease to exist as we know it with the same kind of declaration (1 Cor 15:50-54). In the mean time, as we mark our lives here on this ball of mud called earth, we will continue to face the challenges that come with change. We will continue to be pushed to look outside the boxes we have built and to find innovative ways to accomplish the mission God has assigned to us.
The fact is...as we look at life and Godliness, we must proclaim...change is good!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Moved to Tears
I've been doing some pretty intense study of Psalm 51 in preparation for this weekends Young Adult Retreat. As I've read, re-read and read again those words I've experienced some pretty incredible moments of the relationship changing kind.
How can anyone meditate on those words of agony from a fallen King David and not be moved to pray the same prayer concerning their own life? How can one read the story of David and Bathsheba, with all of the sordid details provided, then turn to this Psalm of reconciliation and not see themselves?
The simple truth is, we have all taken the same kind of nose dive that David took. Whether it relates to our marriage vows, our concern for other human beings, our own selfish ambition or some other aspect of life, we have all been at a pinnacle only to step off the side of the wall and land flatly in the realm of Satan.
What amazes me about the prayer prayed by David is his resiliance. His ability to acknowledge that it was his own stupid pride that brought him to this point of degradation. I'm in awe of the fact that he clearly sees that the only way out is for God to pull him up. He has no excuses, offers no twisted reasoning and doesn't try to claw his own way out. He is broken and desperately needs a heart transplant...one that only God can give.
All I can say is..."Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a righteous spirit within me. Don't cast me out of your presence, or take your Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me."
How can anyone meditate on those words of agony from a fallen King David and not be moved to pray the same prayer concerning their own life? How can one read the story of David and Bathsheba, with all of the sordid details provided, then turn to this Psalm of reconciliation and not see themselves?
The simple truth is, we have all taken the same kind of nose dive that David took. Whether it relates to our marriage vows, our concern for other human beings, our own selfish ambition or some other aspect of life, we have all been at a pinnacle only to step off the side of the wall and land flatly in the realm of Satan.
What amazes me about the prayer prayed by David is his resiliance. His ability to acknowledge that it was his own stupid pride that brought him to this point of degradation. I'm in awe of the fact that he clearly sees that the only way out is for God to pull him up. He has no excuses, offers no twisted reasoning and doesn't try to claw his own way out. He is broken and desperately needs a heart transplant...one that only God can give.
All I can say is..."Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a righteous spirit within me. Don't cast me out of your presence, or take your Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me."
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Random Thoughts
I've been banished to the hallway today. Workmen are here replacing the window in my office. They've made some interesting discoveries as they've taken the old window out and cleaned up the opening to make way for the new. Laying on the concrete under the window was half of a computer punch card (imagine having to go back to punch cards for inventory control) with the original window manufacturers name on it. Of course there were countless bug carcasses, some asbestos insulation and other assorted things that come with every remodeling project.
Among the other things that struck me though was the difficulty the workmen had in removing the old window frame, nails and other hardware. It has been about 50 years since all of that was put in place, so I guess it shouldn't be any real surprise that it was hard to do.
As I watch the progress and process I can't help but see the spiritual application. In our own lives the Lord is doing some remodeling. But in order for the improved version to be installed the old has to be taken out. That presents some real problems as we are faced with the difficulty of getting rid of old habits, moving impacted thoughts and ideas out of the way and running into all kinds of surprises that we never expected to see again.
But in the skilled hands of the Redeemer and Creator, our new lives begin to take shape. While He finds use for some of the old pieces most have to be completely replaced with new ones. Amazingly, once He has finished His work we are much better at accomplishing the purpose we were designed to accomplish.
I continue to be amazed at how God works on me to make me the most useful I can be. Through constant refining, rebuilding and renewal He is amoving me toward perfection that will be realized when Jesus comes back.
Thank you Lord for making me a new person. Continue to work on me so that I can accomplish Your purpose in my life through Jesus. Amen.
Among the other things that struck me though was the difficulty the workmen had in removing the old window frame, nails and other hardware. It has been about 50 years since all of that was put in place, so I guess it shouldn't be any real surprise that it was hard to do.
As I watch the progress and process I can't help but see the spiritual application. In our own lives the Lord is doing some remodeling. But in order for the improved version to be installed the old has to be taken out. That presents some real problems as we are faced with the difficulty of getting rid of old habits, moving impacted thoughts and ideas out of the way and running into all kinds of surprises that we never expected to see again.
But in the skilled hands of the Redeemer and Creator, our new lives begin to take shape. While He finds use for some of the old pieces most have to be completely replaced with new ones. Amazingly, once He has finished His work we are much better at accomplishing the purpose we were designed to accomplish.
I continue to be amazed at how God works on me to make me the most useful I can be. Through constant refining, rebuilding and renewal He is amoving me toward perfection that will be realized when Jesus comes back.
Thank you Lord for making me a new person. Continue to work on me so that I can accomplish Your purpose in my life through Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Unanswered Questions
A very dear friends daughter had a thyroidectomy yesterday. She is 22 years old with the singing voice of an angel. Her education is taking her on a track toward becoming a premier choir director. Her giving attitude provides the people around her with encouragment in the most difficult of days.
When the surgery was all said and done, the diagnosis came back with a body blow to this loving Christian family. That's right...cancer. While the prognosis is very good...and her vocal chords are all in top shape with no damage...the question still lingers with no seemingly appropriate answer. Why her? Why would this amazingly talented, young Christian woman have to face a battle with cancer? Why does this family have to go through yet another trial...at a time when life is dealing them days that are difficult as it is? Of course, the extension of that question is...why does anyone that is living a life that is full of service to others and a focus on the Lord have bad things happen to them?
Yes, yes, yes...I know the standard Sunday school answer. But that's not enough for comfort for a family that is going through it! That's not enough for the emotion filled father of a promising young musician who is facing a battle with cancer. It's not a good enough answer for the husband who is now faced with raising his toddler children without their mother who died from complications to ALS.
Why? That's the question we all ask. We demand and answer! We expect to hear a booming, logical, passionate answer. Instead what we get is a reminder that the "why" may not satisfy. What we hear is the stark reality of "what's next".
So I will continue to ponder. I will continue to ask. And yes, I will continue to hear Jesus Christ utter, "My God, my God, WHY have You forsaken me?!"
When the surgery was all said and done, the diagnosis came back with a body blow to this loving Christian family. That's right...cancer. While the prognosis is very good...and her vocal chords are all in top shape with no damage...the question still lingers with no seemingly appropriate answer. Why her? Why would this amazingly talented, young Christian woman have to face a battle with cancer? Why does this family have to go through yet another trial...at a time when life is dealing them days that are difficult as it is? Of course, the extension of that question is...why does anyone that is living a life that is full of service to others and a focus on the Lord have bad things happen to them?
Yes, yes, yes...I know the standard Sunday school answer. But that's not enough for comfort for a family that is going through it! That's not enough for the emotion filled father of a promising young musician who is facing a battle with cancer. It's not a good enough answer for the husband who is now faced with raising his toddler children without their mother who died from complications to ALS.
Why? That's the question we all ask. We demand and answer! We expect to hear a booming, logical, passionate answer. Instead what we get is a reminder that the "why" may not satisfy. What we hear is the stark reality of "what's next".
So I will continue to ponder. I will continue to ask. And yes, I will continue to hear Jesus Christ utter, "My God, my God, WHY have You forsaken me?!"
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Freedom
With the impending 4th of July holiday on our doorstep, I can't help but think about the cost of freedom. From the standpoint of a Patriot there are almost countless names that line the tombstones of graveyards that represent that ultimate sacrifice. From brave men and women who lost their lives in combat to brave men and women who set aside their lives so they could fight for a cause they believed in...the cost is staggering.
What that price bought was the ability to live in relative peace, comfort and happiness, pursuing the ideals of 18th century gentlemen who had experienced life at it's worst. Today we enjoy soaring gas prices...but have the means to fill our tanks. We moan at the tax bills...but are protected by the very government we pay. We curse the potholes but recognize they are from forces of nature instead of craters of war.
At the risk of making more out of the cost of freedom than I should, we must remember that, while our political freedom continues to require selfless sacrifice on the part of humans, our spiritual freedom was bought with the blood of God. No higher price has ever been paid...and none will ever match it. The agony of fathers and mothers who bury their brave offspring can't begin to compare with the pain felt by our Creator in having to sacrifice Himself so that we could be free from bondage to Satan and self.
We cannot afford to forget the price of freedom, whether political or spiritual...for when we do we are doomed to slavery.
What that price bought was the ability to live in relative peace, comfort and happiness, pursuing the ideals of 18th century gentlemen who had experienced life at it's worst. Today we enjoy soaring gas prices...but have the means to fill our tanks. We moan at the tax bills...but are protected by the very government we pay. We curse the potholes but recognize they are from forces of nature instead of craters of war.
At the risk of making more out of the cost of freedom than I should, we must remember that, while our political freedom continues to require selfless sacrifice on the part of humans, our spiritual freedom was bought with the blood of God. No higher price has ever been paid...and none will ever match it. The agony of fathers and mothers who bury their brave offspring can't begin to compare with the pain felt by our Creator in having to sacrifice Himself so that we could be free from bondage to Satan and self.
We cannot afford to forget the price of freedom, whether political or spiritual...for when we do we are doomed to slavery.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Encouraging Signs
From the sounds of things in the news the world is spinning wildly out of control. From $4+ gasoline in the U.S. to unmanagable weather shifts, this ball of mud we call home is falling apart. But the world I live in has so many more positive things happening than negative ones. Oh sure, there is a constant ebb and flow in the lives of the men and women who inhabit this earth, the economy is hurting and the weather changes, but in the daily scheme of things, life is GRAND.
I am blessed to be able to spend time with Christians who truly love each other and the God they serve. They laugh together, cry together and simply accept each other for who they are...people with a common purpose and a united destination. They have experienced major strokes, cancer, death of parents, siblings, children and spouses, but still they live with a hope that outstrips the worst that life can throw at them.
I am also blessed to be able to minister to some men and women who have chosen as their avocation the task of firefighting. They willingly place their own lives in danger so that others can live. These guys and gals, some of whom are devout belivers and others who don't know how to spell God unless it's used with damn attached, live to serve. They also experience life's worst with job layoffs, disease, injury, death and destruction. In fact, those things are part of what they see every day. But still they go on...they continue to beat back the defeatist attitude of the world around us and carry out their chosen duties to the best of their ability.
The Christians live with hope in their hearts...firefighters hope to live. Either way, these people are happiest when they are serving others side by side...and serve they do.
In both realms I am encouraged for the continued existence of the world. Because they live to serve, these men and women make the lives of others more enjoyable...more liveable.
I am blessed to be able to spend time with Christians who truly love each other and the God they serve. They laugh together, cry together and simply accept each other for who they are...people with a common purpose and a united destination. They have experienced major strokes, cancer, death of parents, siblings, children and spouses, but still they live with a hope that outstrips the worst that life can throw at them.
I am also blessed to be able to minister to some men and women who have chosen as their avocation the task of firefighting. They willingly place their own lives in danger so that others can live. These guys and gals, some of whom are devout belivers and others who don't know how to spell God unless it's used with damn attached, live to serve. They also experience life's worst with job layoffs, disease, injury, death and destruction. In fact, those things are part of what they see every day. But still they go on...they continue to beat back the defeatist attitude of the world around us and carry out their chosen duties to the best of their ability.
The Christians live with hope in their hearts...firefighters hope to live. Either way, these people are happiest when they are serving others side by side...and serve they do.
In both realms I am encouraged for the continued existence of the world. Because they live to serve, these men and women make the lives of others more enjoyable...more liveable.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Changes are constant
I continue to be amazed at how God works in the lives of His crowning creation. Through the process of constant change He finds ways to make us better than ever before...continuing that miraculous evolution of the human.
I have found myself in the position of returning to a previous ministry. Actually, I wasn't gone for even a year when it became obvious that I had made a serious error in my decision to move away. I can't begin to describe the process as it took place in my head and heart...I can only tell you that the Spirit was working overtime on me.
All of that brings to my mind the fact that change is an inevitable part of our existence. If we were to settle in and allow status quo to rule we'd stop growing...stop having the experiences that make us better. Instead, from the moment of conception until we die we continue to change and be changed.
While many changes aren't particularly enjoyable to experience I can say with great assurance that the most recent change in my life is paying big dividends in terms of my mental and emotional health. I can rest better at night knowing that I'm working to right some wrongs and rekindle some valuable relationships.
Admit it or not...changes are constant, necessary and most often, for our own good!
I have found myself in the position of returning to a previous ministry. Actually, I wasn't gone for even a year when it became obvious that I had made a serious error in my decision to move away. I can't begin to describe the process as it took place in my head and heart...I can only tell you that the Spirit was working overtime on me.
All of that brings to my mind the fact that change is an inevitable part of our existence. If we were to settle in and allow status quo to rule we'd stop growing...stop having the experiences that make us better. Instead, from the moment of conception until we die we continue to change and be changed.
While many changes aren't particularly enjoyable to experience I can say with great assurance that the most recent change in my life is paying big dividends in terms of my mental and emotional health. I can rest better at night knowing that I'm working to right some wrongs and rekindle some valuable relationships.
Admit it or not...changes are constant, necessary and most often, for our own good!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Perspective
My last class at ACU officially introduced me to the idea of theosis or deification. The concept is really pretty simple...it involves striving to become more like God. It may sound like a difficult thing to grasp but I'm finding, as I contemplate the whole idea, that it is everywhere in the things I read and hear.
One passage on this subject that comes to mind instantly is Philippians 2:5 and the verses of the early hymn that follow. We hear God saying in Genesis 1:26 that he intends to make humans "in his image". It's pretty easy to recognize Jesus calling all of us to love like he did.
But honestly, the ramifications for our everyday lives is almost beyond comprehension. Don't misunderstand...it's a goal worth pursuing. But the reality of the task is almost overhwhelming. After all, I do have faults...and a lot of them. Perhaps though, I see the quest for God-likeness as next to impossible because I hear it wrong. I'm not supposed to be striving to BE God, just to work toward exhibiting the attributes of God.
Thankfully perfection isn't something that is expected of me (or any of us). Instead, we are simply called to "walk in the light as he is in the light" (1 John 1:7). And when we do that we experience true fellowship with other God seekers as well as with God...purified through God (Jesus) to perfection in his eyes.
Theosis though calls us to a higher standard of thought and action. It asks us to put self aside and make God the focus of our actions. It requests that we allow the Spirit to take us to heights that we had no idea could be reached. It pulls us away from worldly desires and toward service to our fellow occupants of earth and the One that brought us here.
I have no desire to play the role of Pope and speak infallibly in God's place. But I do want to exhibit the attributes of God; love, mercy, kindness, justice; to the extent that I am able to. I do want to make him the driving force in my life as I put myself in the background and him in the spotlight.
I'm still trying to get the full perspective of the concept...but what I see so far, I like a lot. Like David I want to be, "a man after God's heart".
One passage on this subject that comes to mind instantly is Philippians 2:5 and the verses of the early hymn that follow. We hear God saying in Genesis 1:26 that he intends to make humans "in his image". It's pretty easy to recognize Jesus calling all of us to love like he did.
But honestly, the ramifications for our everyday lives is almost beyond comprehension. Don't misunderstand...it's a goal worth pursuing. But the reality of the task is almost overhwhelming. After all, I do have faults...and a lot of them. Perhaps though, I see the quest for God-likeness as next to impossible because I hear it wrong. I'm not supposed to be striving to BE God, just to work toward exhibiting the attributes of God.
Thankfully perfection isn't something that is expected of me (or any of us). Instead, we are simply called to "walk in the light as he is in the light" (1 John 1:7). And when we do that we experience true fellowship with other God seekers as well as with God...purified through God (Jesus) to perfection in his eyes.
Theosis though calls us to a higher standard of thought and action. It asks us to put self aside and make God the focus of our actions. It requests that we allow the Spirit to take us to heights that we had no idea could be reached. It pulls us away from worldly desires and toward service to our fellow occupants of earth and the One that brought us here.
I have no desire to play the role of Pope and speak infallibly in God's place. But I do want to exhibit the attributes of God; love, mercy, kindness, justice; to the extent that I am able to. I do want to make him the driving force in my life as I put myself in the background and him in the spotlight.
I'm still trying to get the full perspective of the concept...but what I see so far, I like a lot. Like David I want to be, "a man after God's heart".
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