If you're going to give, go over the top. Yes, they could get by with X and be happy. But why not go the extra mile and give them X + 1 and let them rejoice exceedingly, abundantly (see Matt. 5:40-42)? This isn't about money or stuff. It is about helping and loving, with everything that entails.
Why are we such stingy givers? Here are three reasons I have found in my own life:
First, we gauge our gift based on the perceived worthiness of the recipient. They don't need it. They will waste it or misuse it. There are others who need it more. Even in church (see James 2:2-4). But God doesn't act that way towards us. "Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else?" (Rom. 8:32) I want my love to look more like grace, not like a transaction based on return-on-investment.
Second, we don't get appreciated for our gift. We do the right thing but no one-including God-seems to notice. We resort to subtle reminders to let others and God know what we've done. No need for trumpets (Matt. 6:2) when the off-hand comment and self-deprecating remark will do the trick. Down that path is resentment and disappointment. Rick Warren commented, "What you get out of service is joy. You don’t get approval. God approves of you, but it’s not because of what you do. He approves of you because of what Christ did for you already. That’s grace."[1] I want my love to look more like grace, not a barter economy.
Third, we need to ration our giving. We might run out. If I give too much here, there won't be enough there. But this isn't a limited grace universe. Paul comments, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." We live like the impoverished when, in fact, we have access to God's inexhaustible resources of hope and power. I want to give like I am rich in God's grace.
His grace is lavished upon us. Lavish it on others:
[1] Is Legalism Killing Your Ministry, Rick Warren, http://pastors.com/legalism-in-ministry/, retrieved on 26 February 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Sunday, February 15, 2015
1 Thessalonians 4: My Godly, Everyday Ambition
I work with my hands. Whether coding, writing specifications, commenting on company events, or managing projects by e-mail, a great deal of my productivity flows through thoughts expressed by the ten fingers God gave me. How is God's handiwork revealed in my hand-iwork?
There are many ways this core question gets worked out in specific job contexts, such as those discussed in the excellent book Faithful Is Successful: Notes to the Driven Pilgrim. One of the contributors (Bryan McT. McGraw) notes, "Sometimes, it seems to me, to fulfill one's vocation means working out what we are called to do wherever it is we get planted rather than always figuring out how we can re-plant ourselves elsewhere so as to do what we are 'really supposed to be doing.'"[1]
Nestled in our quest for the job that fits us is the ambition for our professional world to conform to us. When it doesn't, we cultivate the dissatisfaction of our heart rather than seeking God's ambition for us where we are. The Bible says a lot about work and how we do it, but one of my favorite overlooked verses deals with this topic:
These themes are repeated again at the end of both of Paul's letters to the Thessalonians (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14).
Sometimes, this ambition seems too tame. Not grand enough. Not spiritual enough. But I wonder if we are leaving many of God's appointed tasks undone or unappreciated because we consider them spiritual enough. A recent article from Western Seminary's blog said it this way:
[1] Faithful Is Successful: Notes to the Driven Pilgrim, Grills, Lewis, Swamidass, 2014, p.21
[2] "God Is A Worker And I'm Made In His Image", Jim Hislop, 9 June 2014, http://www.westernseminary.edu/transformedblog/2014/06/09/god-is-a-worker-and-im-made-in-his-image , retrieved 15 February 2015
There are many ways this core question gets worked out in specific job contexts, such as those discussed in the excellent book Faithful Is Successful: Notes to the Driven Pilgrim. One of the contributors (Bryan McT. McGraw) notes, "Sometimes, it seems to me, to fulfill one's vocation means working out what we are called to do wherever it is we get planted rather than always figuring out how we can re-plant ourselves elsewhere so as to do what we are 'really supposed to be doing.'"[1]
Nestled in our quest for the job that fits us is the ambition for our professional world to conform to us. When it doesn't, we cultivate the dissatisfaction of our heart rather than seeking God's ambition for us where we are. The Bible says a lot about work and how we do it, but one of my favorite overlooked verses deals with this topic:
Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to ... make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. - 1 Thessalonians 4:10b-12These verses set an ambitious course against our selfish tendencies. It is our habit to:
- Attract attention ("lead a quiet life")
- Spectate rather than participate ("mind your own business and work with your hands")
- Do just enough to get by ("win the respect of outsiders")
- Repeat this pattern because it's easy ("will not be dependent on others").
These themes are repeated again at the end of both of Paul's letters to the Thessalonians (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14).
Sometimes, this ambition seems too tame. Not grand enough. Not spiritual enough. But I wonder if we are leaving many of God's appointed tasks undone or unappreciated because we consider them spiritual enough. A recent article from Western Seminary's blog said it this way:
Can I ask you, when was the last time you came to the end of your day and paused for just a minute or two, reflected back over the day and said, “That was a good day.”
Or, “That child who came to school today obviously upset, went home with a better attitude because I had a chance to chat with her.”
“That accounting mistake I found will save us thousands of dollars down the line. That was good.”
“That pallet of products I produced will be a blessing to folks as they purchase them and use them in their home. That’s good”.
“That couple who came into the hospital today to face the first of many cancer treatments, seemed comforted by the hope I was able to give them. That was very good.”
“Those new tires I installed on that lady’s car seemed to give her a peace of mind that had been in turmoil. That was good.”
“That kind word I spoke to that grumpy customer as he left brought a smile to his face. That was good.”
Were those really sacred acts? Even those done in a secular environment? Even though it wasn’t “church stuff?” Well, Jesus said they are. In Matthew 5:16 he said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Sounds sacred to me.[2]My job, software engineering, is a sacred calling, because it puts the genius of God on display. He is shown in the steady, slow, quiet progress of transformation, in me and in my workplace. He is shown in increasing generosity and compassion in all aspects of my life because of God's provision to me. That is my ambition.
[1] Faithful Is Successful: Notes to the Driven Pilgrim, Grills, Lewis, Swamidass, 2014, p.21
[2] "God Is A Worker And I'm Made In His Image", Jim Hislop, 9 June 2014, http://www.westernseminary.edu/transformedblog/2014/06/09/god-is-a-worker-and-im-made-in-his-image , retrieved 15 February 2015
Monday, January 12, 2015
2 Kings 8: Self-Serving Interpretations
In the book of 2nd Kings, chapter 8, there is one of those confusing prophecies which makes you question if you really know how God works and thinks (see also 1 Kings 22). The king of Aram, Ben-Hadad, is very sick and sends his right-hand man, Hazael to ask Elisha about his future. Elisha says to him: “Go and say to him, ‘You will certainly recover.’ Nevertheless, the Lord has revealed to me that he will in fact die.” (2 Kings 8:10)
So Hazael goes back to Ben-Hadad, tells him the first part, and on the next day, smothers him to death with a water soaked cloth. (vs. 15)
Did God instruct Elisha to tell Hazael to lie? No. He likely did recover. But 'nevertheless' he died: murdered. Like many of the other prophecies of Elisha (cf. 2 Kings 7:2), these double-edged prophecies serve to reveal the character of the hearer. By how he responds, Hazael will show what kind of man he is. Watch the sequence of events.
First, he reveals himself by his reaction to the prophecy. After Elisha gives this prophecy, there is curious phrase: "He stared at him with a fixed gaze until Hazael was embarrassed." (vs. 11a) God knew that the coup attempt was already in Hazael's thoughts. Elisha watched his reaction. When there was none, "Then the man of God began to weep." (vs. 11b) He did not care about the king. The king's death was not a loss for Hazael, but an opportunity.
Second, he reveals himself by pretending to not understand. He tries to cover it up. “Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. (vs. 12) When Elisha tells him that he will be responsible for terrible acts of violence against Israel's people, he is not insulted or horrified. Instead he asks how he would get that kind of power and position: "Hazael said, “How could your servant, a mere dog, accomplish such a feat?” (vs. 13a) There it is: ambition cloaked in false humility.
When Elisha tells him what he wants to hear: “The Lord has shown me that you will become king of Aram,” (vs. 13b), he does not pause to consider: "I could serve the king faithfully until he dies and he or the leaders will make me the next king." No, he takes Elisha's words as a mandate from heaven and carries out the coup against the king who trusted him with his life. He gains his secret desire at the cost of becoming the worst sort of man. He took the prophecy, not as a judgement, but as a get-out-of-jail-free card to carry out his own desires.
We also do this. Many times we select the parts of the truth we listen to; we select the parts of the truth we pass on to others; and we edit God's word so that it seems to authorize the accomplishment of what we want. Even at the cost of becoming the worst sort of man or woman. Check your ambitions, your big goals, your hearts desire, your unspoken wishes, and see if you aren't sacrificing your character on their altar. God will offer a test. Will you follow your own self-serving interpretation? Do you have people who can tell you when you're off course?
What good is it for someone to gain the world, yet forfeit their soul? (Mark 8:36)
So Hazael goes back to Ben-Hadad, tells him the first part, and on the next day, smothers him to death with a water soaked cloth. (vs. 15)
Did God instruct Elisha to tell Hazael to lie? No. He likely did recover. But 'nevertheless' he died: murdered. Like many of the other prophecies of Elisha (cf. 2 Kings 7:2), these double-edged prophecies serve to reveal the character of the hearer. By how he responds, Hazael will show what kind of man he is. Watch the sequence of events.
First, he reveals himself by his reaction to the prophecy. After Elisha gives this prophecy, there is curious phrase: "He stared at him with a fixed gaze until Hazael was embarrassed." (vs. 11a) God knew that the coup attempt was already in Hazael's thoughts. Elisha watched his reaction. When there was none, "Then the man of God began to weep." (vs. 11b) He did not care about the king. The king's death was not a loss for Hazael, but an opportunity.
Second, he reveals himself by pretending to not understand. He tries to cover it up. “Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. (vs. 12) When Elisha tells him that he will be responsible for terrible acts of violence against Israel's people, he is not insulted or horrified. Instead he asks how he would get that kind of power and position: "Hazael said, “How could your servant, a mere dog, accomplish such a feat?” (vs. 13a) There it is: ambition cloaked in false humility.
When Elisha tells him what he wants to hear: “The Lord has shown me that you will become king of Aram,” (vs. 13b), he does not pause to consider: "I could serve the king faithfully until he dies and he or the leaders will make me the next king." No, he takes Elisha's words as a mandate from heaven and carries out the coup against the king who trusted him with his life. He gains his secret desire at the cost of becoming the worst sort of man. He took the prophecy, not as a judgement, but as a get-out-of-jail-free card to carry out his own desires.
We also do this. Many times we select the parts of the truth we listen to; we select the parts of the truth we pass on to others; and we edit God's word so that it seems to authorize the accomplishment of what we want. Even at the cost of becoming the worst sort of man or woman. Check your ambitions, your big goals, your hearts desire, your unspoken wishes, and see if you aren't sacrificing your character on their altar. God will offer a test. Will you follow your own self-serving interpretation? Do you have people who can tell you when you're off course?
What good is it for someone to gain the world, yet forfeit their soul? (Mark 8:36)
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Romans 8:15-17: The Cast of Characters Called "Father"
"In the absence of a real father, I had a cast of characters that were at times hilarious, pitiful, perfect, kind and wise." - Donald Miller, Father Fiction, p. 5How many of those I care about grew into adulthood without a father in the house? Several. The stories are different, but the emotions are similar. Many of those struggle themselves in their relationships, priming the cycle to repeat. It also makes it difficult to understand our relationship with God the Father, forcing us to rely on other analogies and descriptions. Consider Paul's powerful call to spiritual freedom in his letter to the Romans:
When Jesus purchased us from sin and death, where we were slaves, he did not merely make us slaves again under a new, more benevolent regime. Rather he adopted us as children and co-heirs of the vast privilege conferred upon Jesus.The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:15-17
But is that a good thing? For those whose experience within families has been generally positive, it may be hard to even understand this question. "Of course its a good thing!" But for those whose relationship with parents has been painful, confusing or absent the idea of placing God into the Father role may not seem so appealing.
In fact, the slave role may seem simpler and less emotionally risky. Commands are given on one hand and carried out on the other. I don't have to like the Master, I just have to obey the Master. Do what He wants, no one gets hurt, I pay a well-defined cost resulting in well-defined benefits, and my emotions are my own.
The role of Father (or, worse, Abba or Daddy!) carries with it the expectation that I should love God, that I should feel something for God, that I should long to be near him. Uncertain about fathers in general, some might wonder whether they want to slot God into that role in their lives.
There is fear there. Fear of putting any person or institution or idea into such a powerful role within our lives. We try to protect ourselves by never filling that vacancy, never ceding authority or emotional significance to a "Father". But we have to recognize it for what it is: fear. Fear of what God might do, what disappointment he might inflict, what foolishness he might get us into.
It is exactly the role of Father that casts this fear out. Not the type of father we might have experienced or which we might still dread, but the type of father we were designed to be in relationship with. For those of us with a less-than-perfect family landscape, it is unfamiliar territory but the journey through that territory is one worth making.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. - 1 John 4:18
Monday, August 4, 2014
John 12:23-28: My Life's Purpose is Not Me
There was a period in each of our childrens' lives where their favorite sentence was one word: "Why?" Many times, in exasperation, our favorite reply was also one word: "Because." Later, when we were a little more clever and a lot more tired, it expanded to two words: "Why not?"
Obviously these were not satisfactory answers are just obfuscation to buy us a few moments respite before "Why?" resumed. Honestly, we labored to answer with as much honesty and thoroughness as we could, but they stretched our imagination and creativity.
Why? Why not? Really fundamental questions. It was Gottfried Leibniz who queried, "Why is there something rather than nothing?" Why? Why not? Or to bring it to a more personal level, "Why me rather than not me?" Would the universe care or even notice if there were one fewer sentient being alive, or would it simply carry on as before? Really, I'd like to know if I make a difference.
Even Christians ask these questions. Theology doesn't remove the issue, just transfers the locus to God. Follow me here: If God does whatever he purposes, and none can prevent his purposes from being accomplished (cf. Isaiah 55:11), then why bother with me? Does God really care what I do (if he can bypass me) and, if so, what next?
These issues can seem theoretical. But knowing the "Why?" helps making choices. Which job? Which friends? Which hobbies? Which thoughts? Which risks?
Jesus spoke about his purpose in several places in the four biographies in the Bible. Sometimes he spoke about what it was: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10) Other times he spoke about what it was not: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." (Matthew 5:17)
Jesus understood his purpose. This allowed Jesus to select among the courses of action available to him. This allowed Jesus to line up his life with God's bigger purpose.
So, over the next few blog articles, I'm going to look at Jesus' purpose, as he described it. Then I'm going to figure out how to imitate him, as best I can.
The first thing I learned is: My Life's Purpose is Not Me. Here is what Jesus said:
In the end, though, what moved Jesus? What was the target for his life's trajectory? His purpose was to risk his own life to build the reputation (the 'glory') of God. "Father, glorify your name." His life was not about his self; it was about the Father. His life was spent making God look good and furthering God's purpose.
What do we usually do here when it comes to purpose? Be the best you can be. Pursue what you love. Make an impact on the world. Be happy. Survive Monday. These purposes revolve around self. Left in default mode, my purposes reset to my self. My interests. My passions. My fulfillment. My enjoyment. My impact.
But Jesus' purposes revolved around God the Father. He consciously rejects the "save me" and accepts the "your name" That choice had consequences and he knew it. "He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die." (vs. 33). But consequences of any other choice he could make it were worse: "Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life." (vs. 25)
The second thing I learned is: My Life's Is Best Risked On God's Goodness. If you look closely, Jesus defined what he meant by "this hour" back in verse 23: Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Jesus often used the phrase "Son of Man" when speaking about himself. Read it again. Wait, you say, "Aren't we talking about building up the Father's glory? But Jesus is saying he [Jesus] will be glorified. What's up?" Good question. When Jesus fulfilled his purpose by setting aside any personal agenda, Jesus showcased God. Then God the Father chose to spotlight Jesus! Paul says it this way: ...he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place...to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:8-11) Jesus gave it all away, trusting God would give it back. So must I. That's a risk I must be willing to take.
The third (and final) thing I learned is: My Life Is Best Invested With God. "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." (vs. 24) The seed that clings to life, yields one plant. The seed that dies, produces many. There is no other life path which offers the scale of guaranteed return as a life risked for him. Reverend George Mackay, missionary in northern Taiwan, famously said, "Rather burn out than rust out."
Time to stop playing it safe. My step today, as on many other days, is to take my life, my family, my bank account, my job, my goals and my reputation and offer them to God. If I am honest, it is gut wrenching. But my life is not about protecting these for me, but spending them for God.
Obviously these were not satisfactory answers are just obfuscation to buy us a few moments respite before "Why?" resumed. Honestly, we labored to answer with as much honesty and thoroughness as we could, but they stretched our imagination and creativity.
Why? Why not? Really fundamental questions. It was Gottfried Leibniz who queried, "Why is there something rather than nothing?" Why? Why not? Or to bring it to a more personal level, "Why me rather than not me?" Would the universe care or even notice if there were one fewer sentient being alive, or would it simply carry on as before? Really, I'd like to know if I make a difference.
Even Christians ask these questions. Theology doesn't remove the issue, just transfers the locus to God. Follow me here: If God does whatever he purposes, and none can prevent his purposes from being accomplished (cf. Isaiah 55:11), then why bother with me? Does God really care what I do (if he can bypass me) and, if so, what next?
These issues can seem theoretical. But knowing the "Why?" helps making choices. Which job? Which friends? Which hobbies? Which thoughts? Which risks?
Jesus spoke about his purpose in several places in the four biographies in the Bible. Sometimes he spoke about what it was: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10) Other times he spoke about what it was not: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." (Matthew 5:17)
Jesus understood his purpose. This allowed Jesus to select among the courses of action available to him. This allowed Jesus to line up his life with God's bigger purpose.
So, over the next few blog articles, I'm going to look at Jesus' purpose, as he described it. Then I'm going to figure out how to imitate him, as best I can.
The first thing I learned is: My Life's Purpose is Not Me. Here is what Jesus said:
“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” - John 12:27-28Jesus is arriving at an appointment scheduled in God's plan. He held within his power the ability to steer a course away from pain, betrayal and shame (see Matthew 26:53). The full consequences of both alternatives were before him and he felt them both keenly. His soul was troubled by the decision.
In the end, though, what moved Jesus? What was the target for his life's trajectory? His purpose was to risk his own life to build the reputation (the 'glory') of God. "Father, glorify your name." His life was not about his self; it was about the Father. His life was spent making God look good and furthering God's purpose.
What do we usually do here when it comes to purpose? Be the best you can be. Pursue what you love. Make an impact on the world. Be happy. Survive Monday. These purposes revolve around self. Left in default mode, my purposes reset to my self. My interests. My passions. My fulfillment. My enjoyment. My impact.
But Jesus' purposes revolved around God the Father. He consciously rejects the "save me" and accepts the "your name" That choice had consequences and he knew it. "He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die." (vs. 33). But consequences of any other choice he could make it were worse: "Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life." (vs. 25)
The second thing I learned is: My Life's Is Best Risked On God's Goodness. If you look closely, Jesus defined what he meant by "this hour" back in verse 23: Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Jesus often used the phrase "Son of Man" when speaking about himself. Read it again. Wait, you say, "Aren't we talking about building up the Father's glory? But Jesus is saying he [Jesus] will be glorified. What's up?" Good question. When Jesus fulfilled his purpose by setting aside any personal agenda, Jesus showcased God. Then God the Father chose to spotlight Jesus! Paul says it this way: ...he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place...to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:8-11) Jesus gave it all away, trusting God would give it back. So must I. That's a risk I must be willing to take.
The third (and final) thing I learned is: My Life Is Best Invested With God. "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." (vs. 24) The seed that clings to life, yields one plant. The seed that dies, produces many. There is no other life path which offers the scale of guaranteed return as a life risked for him. Reverend George Mackay, missionary in northern Taiwan, famously said, "Rather burn out than rust out."
Time to stop playing it safe. My step today, as on many other days, is to take my life, my family, my bank account, my job, my goals and my reputation and offer them to God. If I am honest, it is gut wrenching. But my life is not about protecting these for me, but spending them for God.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Joshua 24:15: Choose For Yourselves
Within my own experience, working for a company that is based out of Taiwan, there is a chasm between the concepts about spiritual life held by most of my colleagues and the concepts about spiritual life found in the Bible. This gap will not be bridged by a basic gospel presentation because the terms are not readily intelligible.
Many of the key ideas, such as God, sin, Jesus, repentance and faith are fading into the dim cultural awareness of those in the West. We must assume that to discuss these ideas, we must introduce them.
Sometimes we look at a quote from Joshua "...then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" (Josh. 24:15) we focus on the "this day" aspect of the choice. However, we neglect the experience of Joshua's audience (Israelis) over the preceding years whereby he could make the appeal to them. "...choose...whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." They had a wealth of other spiritual alternatives they could choose from, all with ancient pedigrees, impressive achievements and persuasive prophets. But they also had been led across the Jordan River in Joshua's company. This was a process of small and large decisions in which they learned about God's story that led them to this point of decision.
We often neglect the years of process in our rush to the day of decision.
Tim Keller, in his book Center Church, says, "many people process from unbelief to faith through 'mini-decisions'." (p. 281) There is a moment of trust but also there are steps that typically bring an individual to a point of trust. In post-Christian and non-Christian cultures, the steps are often far apart in time.
Keller lists six typical steps or "mini-decisions:
This is not a linear process, because relationships are not linear. But each mini-decision crosses a line where a person can imagine themselves as a Christian.
My question for myself is how to help my friends, neighbors and colleagues towards the next mini-decision. Some of it is the way I live my life. Some of it is the conversations we share. Some of it is the things we do together. All of it is intentional: Deliberately loving people.
Many of the key ideas, such as God, sin, Jesus, repentance and faith are fading into the dim cultural awareness of those in the West. We must assume that to discuss these ideas, we must introduce them.
Sometimes we look at a quote from Joshua "...then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" (Josh. 24:15) we focus on the "this day" aspect of the choice. However, we neglect the experience of Joshua's audience (Israelis) over the preceding years whereby he could make the appeal to them. "...choose...whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." They had a wealth of other spiritual alternatives they could choose from, all with ancient pedigrees, impressive achievements and persuasive prophets. But they also had been led across the Jordan River in Joshua's company. This was a process of small and large decisions in which they learned about God's story that led them to this point of decision.
We often neglect the years of process in our rush to the day of decision.
Tim Keller, in his book Center Church, says, "many people process from unbelief to faith through 'mini-decisions'." (p. 281) There is a moment of trust but also there are steps that typically bring an individual to a point of trust. In post-Christian and non-Christian cultures, the steps are often far apart in time.
Keller lists six typical steps or "mini-decisions:
- Awareness: "I see it." They begin to clear the ground of stereotypes and learn to distinguish the gospel from legalism or liberalism, the core from the peripheral.
- Relevance: "I need it." They begin to see the slavery of both religion and irreligion and are shown the transforming power of how the gospel works.
- Credibility: "I need it because it's true." This is a reversal of the modern view that states, 'It's true if I need it." If people fail to see the reasonableness of the gospel, they will lack the endurance to persevere when their faith is challenged.
- Trial: "I see what it would be like." They are involved in some sort of group life, in some type of service ministry, and are effectively trying Christianity on, often talking like a Christian-even defending the faith at times.
- Commitment: "I take it" This may be the point of genuine conversion, or sometimes a person will realize that conversion already happened and they just didn't grasp it at the time.
- Reinforcement: "Now I get it." Typically, this is the place where the penny drops and the gospel becomes even clearer and more real.
This is not a linear process, because relationships are not linear. But each mini-decision crosses a line where a person can imagine themselves as a Christian.
My question for myself is how to help my friends, neighbors and colleagues towards the next mini-decision. Some of it is the way I live my life. Some of it is the conversations we share. Some of it is the things we do together. All of it is intentional: Deliberately loving people.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Acts 16: The Every Member Gospel Ministry
Tim Keller, in his book Center Church, talks about what he calls "every-member gospel ministry"(p. 280). We want every member of our churches to be ministers, but we also tend to place rather severe limitations of what that ministry can look like and still be "ministry". When we think to "equip his [Jesus'] people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" (Eph. 4:12) we imagine better Sunday services, outreach campaigns, childrens' programs or Bible studies.
But consider my 24/6 life. That's the life I spend outside of church functions. What if my ministry exists there? Is the church equipping me to extend the kingdom of God in and through my job, family and community? And what does ministry look like there?
Keller notes four characteristics typical of this every-member gospel ministry:
The book of Acts contains numerous examples of ministry sprouting gospel wings from the household (oikos) of new believers. Most of these examples have been used to justify house churches (in my experience), but Keller here uses them as a model for churches to consult in enabling every-member gospel ministry. In Acts 16, Lydia's home and the jailer's home become became a "ministry center in which the gospel was taught to all the household's members and neighbors." (p. 278) Likewise in Acts 17:5, Acts 18:7, Acts 21:8 and 1 Corinthians 1:16, 16:15.
So my 24/6 life is ministry. It is active, not passive. It is Word [truth] deploying. It is relational. And it happens mostly outside of my church's organized program. Does it replace church? No, church is huddle, the respite where we take a breath and get our next play. Life is where we carry out that play to advance to the goal.
But consider my 24/6 life. That's the life I spend outside of church functions. What if my ministry exists there? Is the church equipping me to extend the kingdom of God in and through my job, family and community? And what does ministry look like there?
Keller notes four characteristics typical of this every-member gospel ministry:
- Organic. It happens spontaneously, outside of the church's organized programs (even though it occasionally makes use of formal programs).
- Relational. It is done in the context of informal personal relationships.
- Word deploying. It prayerfully brings the Bible and gospel into connection with people's lives.
- Active, not passive. Each person assumes personal responsibility for being a producer rather than just a consumer of ministry;
The book of Acts contains numerous examples of ministry sprouting gospel wings from the household (oikos) of new believers. Most of these examples have been used to justify house churches (in my experience), but Keller here uses them as a model for churches to consult in enabling every-member gospel ministry. In Acts 16, Lydia's home and the jailer's home become became a "ministry center in which the gospel was taught to all the household's members and neighbors." (p. 278) Likewise in Acts 17:5, Acts 18:7, Acts 21:8 and 1 Corinthians 1:16, 16:15.
So my 24/6 life is ministry. It is active, not passive. It is Word [truth] deploying. It is relational. And it happens mostly outside of my church's organized program. Does it replace church? No, church is huddle, the respite where we take a breath and get our next play. Life is where we carry out that play to advance to the goal.
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