relationships and the ugly selfishness within

Over lunch with two good friends this week, we discussed our views on ‘irritating people’ and our tendencies to categorize and write them off. All three of us walked away feeling convicted for our own selfishness as we examined how we look at people and their problems.

One question/comment in particular that moved us from conversation to self-evaluation was that of: “Why would I spend time with such and such a person when all they do is talk about themselves?” Behind this question lay all kinds of unexamined pride for each of us in thinking that our time would be better spent with people that would involve us more… See what was happening here? We were allocating our time and conversational energy to those considering us and our ideas as viable topics for discussion. And all the while, we were maintaining the mindset that driving us away was THEIR self-centered worldview and not our own.

When was that last time you or I pursued a relationship where we had seemingly nothing to gain (no tangible return on investment driving us so to speak)? Is it the praise you will receive? Is it the gratitude of the person you are helping? Or is it the friendship you hope to show forth in the end? Often in my arrogance I am moved by what others will think, but rarely am I motivated purely by love for others independent of self. In my life this is a challenge, and one I intend by God’s grace to fight. Relationships do go both ways, but true unconditional love does not extend out of what others have to offer us. This is one reason why God’s love is truly unconditional in that He bestowed it on us amidst our helpless hell bound state, knowing that we were incapable of giving anything to His self-sufficiency. What amazing and altogether wonderful love that God should call us out of sin to Himself, what motivation to enjoy Him and honor His great name!

Nothing Withheld, Everything Gained

God is sovereign over all His creation and there is no higher good or passion than to surrender to God’s desire and plan. Difficulty comes when life hurts. When pain inevitably happens, then questions flourish and trust is shaken.

 

Trust is shaken because I now face front on results that do not bring immediate happiness or seemingly make sense. In this moment, my faith in God’s plan is jeopardized because it does not line up with my current projection. This reveals that I am not trusting in God, but rather putting God on trial and judging Him lacking. In the heart of man is the desire for fulfillment and happiness that draws on present time rather than eternity as the measuring stick. God looks not at one moment in time independent of all history, for He is the author working and producing each instance for eternal purposes.

 

"For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

 

The tighter I hold to my destiny and desires, the less I enjoy the freedom of God’s redemptive inclusive story. The paradox I discover is that nothing withheld, leaves me everything. When I lay down my established self-satisfying prerogative, I am left with the God of the universe seeking my best interest, which is His eternal glory. Glory that will not belong to another. When I release my grasp on temporal things and even intangible abilities, I gain deep abiding relationship with the Creator of my soul. When Abraham stood on the mountain purposing to put to death His promised child as a sacrifice demanded by the Lord, he was holding on to nothing but faith in his God’s plan and purpose. Here, Abraham found the beauty of surrender as his faith was found firm and His God true. Abraham received the gift of experiencing the sincerity of previously expressed but untested devotion. The Lord knew Abraham’s faith would hold, but now Abraham knew. Eternity will reveal the authorship of God but for now I trust my Creator, often without immediate explanation.

Grace Proclaims Love, Not Condemnation

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.”

This first line from the famous hymn proclaims the magnificent transformation from cursed to blessed – all through the power of GRACE.

Grace that is realized and experienced refuses to condemn and alienate fellow sinners, but rather imitates the Father’s love for all mankind, beckoning fellow sinners to respond. If we were anything good apart from Jesus, then the Son would not have left the Father in glory to be brutally sacrificed for sinners like me. Praise God our Father in heaven for grace so underserved and altogether wonderful. Grace calls to all people everywhere; Jesus has defeated death and He alone holds the keys to life. Come know the Savior of the world and respond in worship, for we are made pure by His great sacrifice. Follow Jesus and He will wash you in the purifying blood of His life giving payment on our behalf. Let us use our every breath to proclaim grace and God’s love to all people, inviting all fellow sinners to respond to Jesus’ call to know grace.

Death’s power could not hold the eternal Son of God. Jesus burst forth from the grave by the word of the Father, conquering death definitively. This was the Father’s redemptive plan for cursed mankind, how great a love that He would show us such grace.  

Thank you Father for your grace poured out on me, may I always share this grace and welcome all to know and respond accordingly.

Eternal Perspective Matters

Traveling home on a flight from London to Philadelphia a few days ago had me seated next to a man returning from Oxford.  No sooner after boarding and finding our seats did we learn that we would have to change planes for one with working engines (important I suppose), pushing our 8 hour flight back 3 more hours. Through this time of transition, dialogue was sparked and conversation was born. My new traveling companion was from Turkey, having moved to America in 2000 for work and the hope of a better life. His love for culture and travel quickly became apparent, and conversation was natural and enjoyable.

At one point in the conversation I asked if he thought much about what was after this life and if he thought this life would influence the next. His answer was simple and honest, 'Well, there is probably something after this life but I don’t really give it much thought as I go about my day. It enters my mind every now and then, but I guess I figure that if I just do my best here to help others, then things will work out in the end.' He then continued, 'I don’t think many people think much about eternity, we are too busy thinking about our jobs, families, finances, what we are going to wear, and what we are going to do this weekend to really worry about what’s after this life.'

Conversing on the plane along with reading in Hebrews the last few days has caused much thought centered on the impact of faith in the promises of God as they affect this current life. Ignoring the question of eternity affects both unbelievers and those seeking to follow Christ. I believe the most effective and ultimately fulfilling way we can live our lives is in light of the next.

CS Lewis said it this way, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”

In reference to the great men and women of faith in the Old Testament, the writer of Hebrews said it even more elegant through the inspiration of the Spirit.

“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:13-16).”

Their faith was rooted in the promises of God, promises that included a life to come far exceeding the passing temporal pleasures of this earth. Fixating on the promises and character of God manifest such great faith that according to Hebrews these men, “by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy) (11:33-38).”

The promise to every following of Jesus is a future of unimaginable fulfillment and delight. Consider eternity, consider the implications of a life spent lifting high the name of Jesus, consider and apply an eternal perspective to your present life and I am convinced you will drastically impact and shake the world we live in for God’s glory.

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (11:1-2).”

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire (11:28-29).”

“For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come (13:14).”

God has given us one life here on this earth, one story to write that as part of His plan holds eternal implications. We have within our grasp the wonderful privilege to take part in God’s eternal purpose to make His glory known. Genuine fulfillment in this life only truly comes in preparedness for the eternal life that is to come through Jesus our Messiah. How will you in the Spirit’s strength impact this world in such a way that eternity feels the impact and God receives the glory?

Creative Potential

CREATIVE POTENTIAL

 

From where do creative conceptualizations arrive? All that is, exists out of the infinite mind of One who is neither contained nor constrained. Creative power is only truly present within one; within this One all that could be is contained in such a way that boundaries are boundless. As created in the likeness of God almighty, mankind has creative ability that flows not independent of God, but from Him from whom all things proceed. Mankind’s furthest grasp on the unreachable, only leaves an infinite chasm of creative potential that resides forever in the nature of the only true creative being, Creator God. It is the tendency of man to quickly congratulate the imagination and mastery of creative endeavors seen within one’s fellow man. Yet is this not a misplaced recognition from where creative aptitude finds its origin?

Consider the depths of the oceans and the heights of mountain peaks, yet taken for granted is the very ability to even conceptualize such ranges in majesty. It was the design and projections of the creative mind of God that allows the human mind to dream past that which is flat. Unfathomable galaxies that reach into the vast unknown stretch the mind of man, in a way that limits never could. With limits there exists confinement and fullest potential to be achieved.  But because man is the image of the limitless One, there is no reason to place a limit on that which is feasible. It is not man that creates, but God that created. Creation was from the beginning a reflection of the One that determined its beginning. The creative potential is there within man and demands praise and admiration to the One from whom all creative potential derives. This is He who’s vast limits exist not, who’s unsearchable mind is confined not, who’s infinite power is grasped not, and who neither has end of days nor beginning; this is the Lord God most high.   

Praising God Misunderstood

Reading in Luke 23, I was struck by the centurion’s praise of God at the cross.

 

The passage reads in verse 47,

 “Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, ‘certainly this man was innocent.’”

 

Never before had this Roman soldier witnessed true innocence. I began to think how often in evangelical Christianity do we equate praising God with singing worship songs as our emotions peek to new heights. Legitimate as this form of praising God may be (and I believe it is), there is something seriously lacking if we alone consider this our time to adore the Lord. 

 

Consider the centurion’s context. He had just witnessed one of history’s most vulgar forms of public humiliation resulting in excruciating death, and Luke writes that the centurion praised God in recognition of the innocence of the suffering Jesus. The centurion here recognized an aspect of the perfect character of God in seeing Jesus’ innocence. I submit from Scripture that true praise to God is any and all recognition of truth as derived from the Creator. We worship the Lord through song declaring His mighty works; yet let us not ignore the simple yet profound praise that God demands in acknowledgment of all truth originating from Himself. Applying this we are left with a pursuit of recognizing the nature and character of God as found in every life circumstance. Praise to God should be offered in an array of emotions and events and does not demand excitement. His perfect character is what we praise and place our trust in, not the favorable outcome of our lives. We exist to glorify the Lord in all His perfections as seen in everyday life.

 

When we recognize true perfection in the character of God, we are responding in worship, for we are taking our proper place and ascribing to the Lord the glory due His name. Let us praise the Lord in recognition of truth and thoughtfully enjoy the beauty of at least one of his perfect attributes today; there are more than enough to choose from.

Colorless Comprehension

Imagine the world without color, absolutely no firsthand account. Picture someone blind from birth with no conception or differentiation of shades or brightness. Now, consider attempting to describe color and light to that person. Framework for comprehending your articulated words is limited, and as such they are restricted in their ability to understand. They have no personal reality in which to place descriptive communication of a world depicted in color. Visually speaking all they have known is darkness. Explaining and describing color with other senses may carry insight, but this side of eternity they will not comprehend our world’s array of light.

Our vantage point as created beings in light of an infinite God is quite similar in analogy. Humanity exists within the confines of a very real world, but we see life and existence through a lens polluted with the stain of sin. Visually, our understanding is far beyond tainted by limits we scarcely realize. Yet eternal God is not constrained nor contained within time, space, or rebellion. Living within time and the confines of physical fallen bodies hinders our sight. Sight that Jesus came to remedy once and for all. A cure of highest cost; so much that it demanded the blood of God. Lovingly and graciously Jesus paid to open the eyes of the blind and through Himself explain to us the Father.   

“For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?”  The counsel of the Lord is flawless and the decision of His mind is faultless. Infinite are His way and finite His creation. Creation longs for understanding and to each is given a measure of beholding His glory. This glory is beyond our comprehension but within our grasp of astonishment.

The Lord says to the blind, listen to my words. Open your eyes to the color of my counsel. Know me and my wonder. Come to me and love my beauty. Man turns in his mind and scarcely scratches at the wonder of the great I AM. Timeless and boundless, the Creator of confines and space makes Himself known, yet we grasp not the fullness of Him. Like babes born blind we scratch and grasp at wisdom and understanding. To fully comprehend Him who is incomprehensible far exceeds the confines of this physical universe, but the eternality of our spiritual beings eagerly awaits the revelation of His splendor.

The day is coming when these blind eyes will be fully opened because of the blood of Messiah and His glory will consume. Then I will finally bow and surrender my worship with open eyes and a humble spirit. Then will I pass from containment to the spiritual realm of His kingdom. This imperfect man shall see Him and be like Him. He will burst the restraints of the physical and open the eyes to endless glories. Wonder and praise will be the response.

Under the sun there is folly and the pursuit of wisdom. Over the sun there is perspective and proper positioning before the King of glory who paid it all. The infinite Creator left perfect relationship with the Father and took on humanity to open the eyes of blind sinners through paying the price of our cosmic treason with His spotless blood.

HE MUST INCREASE, but i must decrease.  - John 3:30 (NASB)

The drive behind this blog is to make much of God, for there is nothing in life so eternally rewarding than praising Him who is infinitely deserving. Because God’s glory is the highest human passion, may this blog be saturated with praise to our worthy Father. Oh the privilege to joyously tell of His infinite perfections, His abundant grace, His radical love, His immovable faithfulness, His just wrath, His eternal existence, His sustaining presence, and His consuming glory.

“³⁵ Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD my rock and my Redeemer" - Psalm 19:14 (NASB)

My prayer is that this blog would serve as a means to testify of God’s faithfulness and steadfast work as demonstrated in the lives of my wife and I as we proclaim the power of God’s grace working in us. May we boldly boast in the work of our loving Savior and sovereign King until at last we bow before Him.

The faithfulness of God is not on trial, but rather our faith in the Father’s perfect plan of redemption and His work of transforming children into His likeness. As we anticipate the coming trials of a life lived for the name of Jesus, may joyful service be our expression of faith as we are transformed by His Spirit. Faith placed in God’s faithfulness yields certainty, for God’s character is steadfast and His Word endures.

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” – James 1:2-8 (NASB)