Notions

the ultimate apologetic

2009-03-21T23:04:00.008-05:00

Apologetics and Human Relationships

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

These words capture the essence of what truly matters when it comes to our relationships with others. Presenting evidence for the Christian faith or seeking to demonstrate the reasonableness of a theistic worldview, significant as these are, pale in comparison to our ability, as Jesus puts it, to shine. It is in this way that we display righteous and godly living, for such shining draws attention to God. Thus, the God who is invisible to human eyes is made visible through the works of His followers.

A closer look at the immediate context of Matthew 5 makes this even more clear. For instance in verse 13, believers are described as “the salt of the earth” and in verses 14 and 15 as “the light of the world.” We are to live in such a way that we add flavor to society, preventing moral and spiritual decay, and we are to illuminate the ways of God for others. While the manner in which we give expression to these realities may not always be clear, what is clear is that “People of faith, in radical relationship to God, are called to be flavorful salt and a shining light.”[1]

This passage serves to highlight a theme that is all too often neglected in our discussions of Christian apologetics and far too often lacking in our lives. People are attracted to the faith, drawn into a relationship with God, when they see God’s love expressed. Love demonstrated is more important than an academic forum or an intellectual defense. Of course these are not mutually exclusive, and there is no need to choose one over the other. It is important to recognize, however, that whatever arguments we provide, however sound our intellectual processes, these will remain ineffective apart from this “shining” about which Jesus speaks. Love, in other words, is the central apologetic, for it allows everything else that we say or do to find resonance with those whom God calls to Himself.

A sampling of relevant texts will help to make this clear:

■ John 13 –

John’s Gospel records that Jesus showed His love for others by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17). This, He did as “an example” (15). If the Master, i.e., Jesus, can serve others, how much more must we? A little later in the same Chapter, Jesus utters this challenge:

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34-35).

The focus, once again, is love, in this case the love of Jesus’ disciples for one another. When this attitude permeates a faith community, it has an impact on outsiders. What Jesus is saying, in other words, is that our sacrificial concern for others, our willingness to love others (both within and outside of the faith), is an apologetic that shows that we are in fact His.

■ John 15 –

The necessity of love is made clear in John 15:17, which reads as follows: “This I command you, that you love one another.” Jesus is straightforward and to the point, and this is no mere word of advice. Instead, it takes the form of a command. To care for other believers and–by way of extension–those without faith, is not an option but rather the essence of our created and redemptive purpose. God has sent His Son, and His Son’s requirements can be boiled down to this: “Love one another.”

Later in John 15, the author addresses the subject of misunderstanding and persecution, which are sure to occur when someone seeks to follow Jesus. Yet, despite difficult realities, those who follow Him are to retain a love for one another and for all people. Jesus even promises the aid of the Holy Spirit, who testifies of God’s Son:

26When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about me, 27and you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the beginning.[2]

Though, in one sense, the world–the organized system that dishonors truth and righteousness–is outside the scope of Jesus’ concern, being rather the recipient of divine displeasure, in another sense, some of those within the world will indeed hear the message and believe. For the sake of others, and with the help of God’s Spirit, we must demonstrate love.

■ John 17 –

In this passage, Jesus reflects on the relationship He has with God and how this spills over into the lives of those who follow Him. “I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:26).

Again, Jesus prays to His Father, asking that their shared love (i.e., as Father and Son) would flow into the lives of others. In other words the love that originates in the triune God is revealed to us. Experiencing this love in all of its personal, infinite, and emotional force, transforms us and enables us, in turn, to share this love, God’s love, with others.

■ Luke 6 –

Luke further explores this motif as he records the command to love our enemies, seeking the betterment of even those who hate, curse, and mistreat us. Jesus expects that we will live in a way that is driven by mercy (Luke 6:32-36). The so called “golden rule” summarizes this: “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you” (Luke 6:31).

Again, it is plain to see that followers of Jesus are to embody a distinct lifestyle, one in which love for others is the dominant theme and motivation. If ever we are to have a positive influence in the lives of others it will be by means of a sincere concern for their well-being.

■ 1 Peter 3 –

Another example is found in 1 Peter 3:13-17, which is often used as a proof text for apologetics. As often cited, this passage tells us to “make a defense” (NIV: “give an answer”) and “give an account” (NIV: “the reason”) for our hope. What is sometimes missed, however, is the larger context. Our answer and reason, our communication of a clear and cogent apologia, will be ineffective if we fail to share it with “gentleness and respect” (3:15). Whatever else this entails, a Christian apologetic includes far more than intellectual feasibility and consistency. The driving force of a persuasive apologetic is the life that we live. Specifically, it is our willingness to genuinely care about the people we encounter. Even, as in this text, if we are maligned for our faith, we must keep a clear conscience and maintain proper behavior. (3:16-17). Again, love must win the day.

■ Colossians 4 –

Colossians adds to this mix of practical, others-centered injunctions.

5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone (Colossians 4:5-6).

“Outsider” is not a pejorative term but a description of those who do not currently embrace Jesus. These individuals, our fellow human beings, are to be the object of our concern and the recipients of our love. Far from being “religious projects,” they are people we should appreciate and care for.

When given the opportunity, we must assist others, which includes interacting with them and sharing what we know of the good news. To this end our conversation is to be “full of grace.” Contrary to the defensive and critical approaches that abound, our lives are to be governed by grace, that is, controlled by the overarching recognition that God accepts us freely in Jesus. As a result, we are to treat each case individually, providing what each person requires. The “seasoned with salt” metaphor probably entails living in a manner that adds flavor to the lives of those we encounter. We attract people to the faith, in other words, not by forced presentations or overly judgmental statements but by making the lives of others better. Love, once again, is a powerful component of an authentic apologetic.

Conclusion

This sampling of texts helps to orient us to that which is of utmost importance. We are to love one another, acting as conduits of divine love, sharing our hearts and lives with those God brings our way. There are many, of course, who have acknowledged the need to love, pointing out the hypocrisy of a message devoid of a changed life. But the life of love is no mere addendum to a Christian apologetic. Indeed, love is the very essence and driving force of apologetics, the chief means through which people are drawn to faith and inspired to join the journey with the Savior.

Christian apologetics can and does involve a number of features. Truth must be explained and misconceptions corrected. Theology must be defended and argued for. False ideas must be countered and replaced with authentic ones. And we must allow the sheer force of truth to hold sway in our lives. But, at the end of the day, what truly matters is that we come to the realization that there is–How can we describe it?–love in the universe. This love is personal, real, and most profoundly expressed in the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of God’s unique Son, Jesus. Through Him there is forgiveness and reconciliation with God and one another. Because of Him there is purpose and hope and genuine compassion. In Him love takes on a tangible form as the eternal deity becomes a human, thereby joining us to our Maker. Through Jesus, God’s love flows through us and out to others. Our responsibility, our honor, is to shine forth this love. To the degree that we do, we engage in the ultimate apologetic.[3]

NOTES

1. Elaine A. Robinson, Godbearing: Evangelism Reconceived (Cleveland, Oh: The Pilgrim Press, 2006), 98.

2. Though the immediate reference is to the first disciples, the broader application seems to include future followers, as well (Cf. John 17:20).

3. Although I wasn’t initially aware of it, I believe I borrowed this heading from Art Lindsley, Love The Ultimate Apologetic: The Heart of Christian Witness (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2008). I recommend this work.

is evil a problem?

2009-03-09T17:55:00.002-05:00

One of the greatest arguments against belief in God is the reality of human suffering and evil. Historically, this is sometimes referred to as the problem of evil.

Some theists (believers in God), however, prefer to call it the so-called problem of evil. It appears to be a problem, but it really isn't one. To this end, a friend of mine recently asked me what I thought of the issue. I offered this brief reply.

This is a tough one. I think I'd say this:

(1) For us, evil is definitely a problem, both emotionally/personally and theoretically/ theologically. Obviously, we all grapple with evil and its many manifestations. Anyone who has encountered really bad stuff and believes in a sovereign God has to wrestle with this seeming inconsistency.

Why would a good God who possesses all power allow for such and such? And, if He is truly sovereign, how can He "get off the hook"?

While our experiences, emotional makeup, and theological assumptions all play a role in how we approach these matters, I cannot get away from the fact that–at least in my opinion–there is indeed some sort of "problem" with at least some of the manifestations of evil.

(2) Evil is not a problem for God. Since He is entirely good and wise, there is not taint of frustration on His part. He does not fret or ponder how He's going to explain this or that (though I believe He understands why we wonder about such things and is sympathetic).

The point here is that God has done absolutely nothing wrong, and in the end it will make sense (or at least sense enough).

(3) We accept by testimony of Scripture, personal experience, and through the use of our minds that evil is not ULTIMATELY a problem. All of this is–how shall we put it?–laced with faith? We "see" what we cannot currently see, and we trust that it will one day make sense, though it often
makes no sense now.

I suppose we could say that evil is a problem (for us), no problem for God, and we by faith accept God's verdict on the matter. We thus (like the biblical characters) complain about the real difficulties and inconsistencies we observe and feel, but our complaints are saturated by at
least some degree of faith. Indeed, when we express our doubts to God, our genuine ignorance and pain in the face of the apparently unfair, given that our complaints are made TO God, we are simultaneously expressing faith. :-)

Hope this makes sense!

12 thoughts on spirituality and facebook

2009-02-16T11:48:00.006-05:00

The other day, my brother sent me an article about facebook. It can be found here, and it wouldn’t hurt to peruse it. It states, among other things, that facebook could be an example, a demonstration, of the egotistical, self-loving attitude that too often permeates our society. Having briefly considered the matter (and the rest of the article), I offer this rudimentary response. I first provide a brief introduction, followed by a dozen thoughts on facebook and its implications on spirituality.

INTRODUCTION

By itself considered facebook should probably be considered a neutral means of communication. The pencil, the computer, a text message–they can all be used to promote either healthy or unhealthy ideas. By means of these and other instruments, you can send a love song, a death threat, or anything in between. They can each be used in helpful and harmful ways, in other words.

There are of course positive and negative features to every avenue by which humans connect, and facebook is no exception. The positive might include, for instance, that facebook allows us to express ourselves creatively and to relate to those who are not in our immediate presence. When my (eventual) wife was still at college and I was already home, our phone would have been significantly reduced had such technology been available. Negatively, facebook can obviously provide access to a false world in which we believe (as the article states) that we are on center stage and everyone is watching.

This all said, I thought I would sent out this note, for it helps me to make some sense (and at some level to defend) my own use (or misuse?) of facebook. This is nowhere near an exhaustive list, but perhaps it’s a start. Well, here goes . . .

12 THOUGHTS

1. We live in this age. So, it’s important to live in this age faithfully and appropriately, whether on facebook or anywhere else.

2. There is such a thing as faithful and appropriate, but these require that we look outside of ourselves to others and, especially, to God for guidance, direction, wisdom, and strength. Neither facebook nor any other endeavor can be engaged in effectively if we ignore such resources.

3. There is a certain narcissistic tendency that is revealed via facebook, but this is rather a societal tendency than something isolated to facebook. Facebook merely provides a platform by which we give expression to whatever tendencies govern us.

4. One ought to be careful about what one says publicly, and some of us seem to take little time thinking about the implications of the messages (or pictures) we send. I have learned this when writing, for people read what you have to say and always have a permanent record of it. What we say (and especially write) ought to be tempered with humility and wisdom, and when we mess up it’s best to fess up.

5. Then again, there is also a need (and in some postmodern circles a greater tendency) to be genuine or authentic. Too many people, especially in “church circles,” are consumed with maintaining the plastic images they project to others; this way, I suppose, they can “appear” spiritual to other plastic individuals. In contrast, it’s okay to laugh, cry, express frustration or anger, and a whole host of other emotions. These are good because they are human. To the degree that facebook facilitates these matters, it is a refreshing thing.

6. We are made in God’s image, and the God in whose image we are made is a triunity (a 3 in 1/1 in 3 being). As God is a relational deity, we, his creatures, are born to relate, to connect with others. Facebook is simply another avenue by which we express our social inclinations. We are creatures who relate, and it is up to us to relate in helpful and dignified ways.

7. In the grand sweep of things, it’s likely that facebook is simply one more tool along the way. Something else will eventually become popular. At that point, facebook will either adapt or be absorbed by newer avenues of communication. Thus, we mustn’t make facebook an idol any more than we should a computer, an online chat group, or anything else.

8. Facebook and other technologies (emailing, chat rooms, gaming, etc.) ought not so dominate our existence that they crowd out other important aspects of healthy relationships (face-to-face contact, etc.).

9. God is on facebook. Don’t fall off of your seat! What I mean is that if He is everywhere present, as traditionally perceived, we can expect His presence (via human beings) among the various connections. This ought to breed humility and a careful spirit, but it also is a reason for celebration, for it means that good and ultimately helpful things can be accomplished through facebook. (By the way, God is everywhere else, too!)

10. Facebook serves as a microcosm of a greater story, one in which God actually does see and hear and read everything about us. If you have any sense, this will seem a bit (or a lot) scary.

11. Facebook also reminds us of what we often forget. We require forgiveness and grace or else we are in big trouble. Again, God knows everything about us (whether or not we display some of these matters over facebook), and–according to Christian tradition–he freely accepts us anyway because of his Son; he came, in other words, not to condemn us but to restore us to himself and our true humanity. Forgiven for facebook blunders and for all of the other foolish things we ever do = grace.

12. Facebook is also cool and allows for creativity, and both the cool and the creative are–within the confines of wisdom–good and God-given things.

More . . . ?

restored

2009-02-08T09:46:00.001-05:00

Have you ever done anything wrong? It’s a stupid question, I know. We’ve all messed up in numerous ways. We’ve violated our consciences, hurt our loved ones, damaged our own souls, and ignored God’s requirements. There are good things we’ve failed to do and bad things we should never have done.

We’re all guilty. More times than we’d like to admit, we have disregarded truth and placed ourselves in a precarious position before our Maker. But this is not the entire story, for the same One whose ways and commands we’ve ignored, the very same Creator whose heart we have broken, has promised to forgive our countless misdeeds and restore our sanity, making us whole.

When we screw things up–and we’re so prone to in many obvious ways–there is often a sense of shame that accompanies our behavior. We’ve blown it, and we know it. Though we’ve promised a million times to “get it right,” we once again find ourselves humbled by our own foolishness choices.

At this point, we tend to beat ourselves up. Having recognized the error of our ways, we simmer in a mixed state of anger and frustration, wanting to make things right. Personally, I understand these reactions, for they at least indicate that we possess a distaste for that which is harmful and idiotic; at least our frustrations reveal that there is indeed something (and Someone) to which (to whom) we are accountable.

But there is a better way, the way of mercy and restoration, the way of forgiveness and grace. You see, God is not some concept for theologians to debate. He’s not trapped within the confines of “religious” activities. And he’s certainly not to be considered a disinterested deity, a deity who is unconcerned about our lives.

No, God is a personal being, a being who has sent his one and only Son to earth in order to rescue and restore us. Indeed, it is because of his Son that you and I can unhesitatingly turn to him at any moment. We don’t have to wait until Sunday. We need not go to church. Our relationship with him is not for a second dependent on the presence of some member of the clergy. While Sundays, church, and clergy all have their proper place, all you really need is right in front of you. You need this same God, who promises that he will not forsake you.

So, you’re struggling with a sense of remorse. You feel guilty because you are guilty. That is, your awful feelings are a result of your inappropriate choices. So, what do you do? Sometimes, when we mess up, there is restitution to pay–if you’re caught running a stop sign, saying you’re sorry doesn’t eliminate the fact that you may have to pay a fine. Other times, there are important practical things we can and should do (e.g., apologize to someone we’ve wronged). But, at the end of the day, our sense of stability and peace is provided by the God of love.

In one place it is stated like this: “As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). You can’t get any more separated than east is from west! This is another way of saying, God will forgive us, and he won’t ever remind us of our previous indiscretions. He can do that, after all, for he is God.

So, you’ve done it again. Welcome to the club. We’ve all “been there” more times than we know. The way ahead, however, is not all darkness and gloom. The path before us is one of forgiveness and grace, and it is ours–at any moment, in any place, whatever the specific circumstances–when we simply and sincerely ask for it. So, ask!

But what is next? Well, I think it’s relatively simple. When someone has done something wonderful for you, you think about it, and you appreciate it. What, then, ought our response be? What does God require? Simply that we turn him where we are, asking for his restorative grace and invigorating love, reflecting on how good he must be to freely grant us such forgiveness. There is no formula. There are no special words. All we need is simple faith, ongoing faith, and he takes care of the rest. Indeed, he provides “the rest.” By childlike faith, we can be (will be) restored.

prayer

2009-01-25T15:41:00.002-05:00

People talk about it a lot, especially when they have some sort of need. But, what is prayer? Some see prayer as a formal act that is performed in a formal setting, i.e., church. Others see it as the repetition of words or the mouthing of a formula. While not necessarily denying any of these avenues, here are some additional thoughts about prayer.

Prayer is . . .

• an acknowledgment that we do not have all of the answers (and can’t even formulate all of the proper questions). Since it is true that we lack complete knowledge, the prayer impulse is completely sensible and wise, for it fosters an attitude of humility.

• equally, an awareness, an intuitive sense, that there is indeed something (and Someone) bigger that we are. Not only are we smaller than some would assume, but there is a corresponding something/Someone that/who is larger than any of us have completely envisioned. This encourages the relational impulse in us, the need to connect to this Someone.

• built on the assumption that this something/Someone is actually good and powerful– good enough to care and powerful enough to do something about our circumstances. This, I think, is an encouragement, for it teaches us that Gos is approachable.

• a realization, however subtle, that we have value. Indeed, the reason we sense the need to look outside of ourselves to another is because we believe that there is help available. Thus, prayer prompts humility (as mentioned above), not humiliation, for we instinctively know that a good God values us.

• an actual connecting to this Someone, comforting our hearts and allowing us to sense or comprehend his plan, purpose, and presence (the alliteration is coincidental . . . or is it?). God is not merely a theory, an idea, or a belief. He is a real person with whom we can connect. This makes prayer personal in a dual sense: we are (1) people who connect to (2) the ultimate Persons (i.e., trinity).

• that which enables us to see our lives within the context and the presence of a being who declares his love for us and also demands our devotion to Him. It is thus ethical, moral, and devotional in focus, along with being personal.

• evidence that this Someone who actually exists is not a mere Anyone, a being we get to define and create out of whole cloth. While we must, by the nature of the case, walk by faith, this faith is neither irrational nor imaginary. Having connected with this Someone, we instinctively lean into his purpose and seek to know something of his identity. Without getting into a prolonged argument or debate, this Someone appears to be revealed most unambiguously and clearly in the One who specifically came from God (as God) to live among us. This Someone, in Christian terms, is Jesus. Whether we know a little or a lot about him, whether we are confident or doubtful in our faith, he is the I Am, the One who comes to us in grace and love and embraces us in spite of our ignorance and foolishness.

Prayer, it seems to me, involves our hearts and lives (formally or informally) connecting with God, bathing in his love, cognizant of his presence, keenly (or not so keenly) aware of our association with Him. It is intentionally recognizing that all of life is sacred, and all of life is his (since he creates and sustains it). When you think of it this way, it makes perfect sense that we would be invited to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

25 things

2009-01-24T11:45:00.004-05:00

This is something I wrote for facebook. Why? I don't know. :-)

1. I love my wife and kids.

2. I love work/teaching.

3. I love (at least some of) my school kids.

4. I love writing and often have multiple projects going on simultaneously. (I’ve written 2 books . . . so far.)

5. I wrote a dictionary article for a major Christian publisher on the subject of extraterrestrials.

6. I love to read and tend to be reading 5-10 books simultaneously.

7. I’m ranked in the top 100 in the world in Pi recitation, having recited Pi to something like 250 digits.

8. When I was younger (note the implication: I’m still young but not as young as I once was. Who is?) I was able to leap high enough to hit my head off the bottom of a basketball backboard. Hmm, perhaps that explains a lot. :-)

9. As a kid, my favorite basketball player was Dr. J.

10. When I was younger, I played basketball for hours each day.

11. When I was younger, I once did 1,234 consecutive sit ups. I stopped because I was bored.

12. When I was younger, I could leg press the entire universal gym leg press stack with one leg. Honest.

13. I’m still young . . . just not younger. :-)

14. When I was younger, I did a lot of running, and I’m still running. See, I told you I am still young. :-)

15. I love the old Western Bonanza because of the values it represents, and I love Seinfeld because I think it’s a brilliant comedy (despite some of the questionable values).

16. I love music.

17. I believe that “music” is playing every day, God’s music, and it is up to listen for (and to) it.

18. My great aunts (my dad’s aunts) had a major impact in my life.

19. One of my best friends and I almost always conclude our conversations with KP, which means Keep Praying.

20. I love cake batter.

21. I am a strange combination of levelheadness and crazy emotion. Was that schizophrenia? :-)

22. I love movies and watch them all of the time.

23. A good friend of mine, who used to be a professional body builder and who lives in Florida, always makes it a point to give me a call and visit each Christmas season. Talk about faithful! We’ve been friends since kindergarten, which we attended in something like 4 B.C.

24. I’ve used the word “I” entirely too much in writing this.

25. I could easily write much more. Oops, there goes that “I” word again. I will shut up. :-)

why teach?

2009-01-17T00:04:00.005-05:00

The other day I was handed a questionnaire by a member of the school's newspaper staff (Genessa Lopez). In response I wrote the following, which I thought I'd share here . . . for what it's worth.

Teacher Feature

1. What do you like best about your job as a health teacher?
(obviously, I teach health)

Connecting with young people is what matters most. Connections lead to relationships, and relationships present the possibility of mutual growth. My class involves a good amount of group work, which provides ample opportunities to share with students. Given my subject matter and the breadth of material in my curriculum, I take a very holistic approach to health, which I love. I really enjoy being able to relate broad topics to the everyday lives of students.

2. What do you look forward to most each school year?

Actually, there are lots of things I love, including pep rallies, sporting events, various school functions, and the school spirit that permeates this building. That said, the thing I most look forward to each year is the opportunity to build relationships with tremendous young people. It is a privilege and a joy to interact with fine young men and women, to get to know so many of them, and in some cases to establish lifelong connections.

3. Do you enjoy teaching at the same school your son attends?
(my son is a sophomore in the school where I teach)

It’s been both fun and strange having _______ here with me. Having taught so many years before he arrived, it was a little different at first. Now, it’s hard to believe that I’ve actually had him in class. Though it was perhaps a little awkward initially, I think it went very well and, overall, having him here has been great. Next up is my fifth grader, _______, who will arrive at PAHS in less than four years!

4. Why did you decide to become a teacher? Why health?

Teaching began to appeal to me as I came to realize the impact you can have in people’s lives when you interact with them on a regular basis. When you combine intellectual pursuits with social ones, you have a recipe for success. This combination has always fascinated me.

Health, by the nature of the case, provides access to topics that have enduring relevance, especially for young people. Given that we are all concerned about our bodies (the physical), our minds (the emotional), and our relationships (the social), health is the perfect vehicle for addressing these issues. A balanced health program, in my opinion, joins the academic to the real world.

unseen . . . but real

2008-10-02T16:26:00.005-05:00

One of my fondest recent memories is of my seminary experience. After years of attempting to further my education through traditional means, the time and distance involved in such an effort were beginning to wear me out. It seemed like it would take many years and much hassle to complete a degree program.

Therefore, it was a major revelation to discover that there were non-traditional ways of attaining a degree. Specifically, I learned of a long distance educational program through a school named Columbia Evangelical Seminary (CES). CES operates in much the same way as the British educational model. Basically, you work with a adviser, and together you construct a program of studies.

My mentor through my Master of Divinity and Doctor of Theological Studies programs, and also president of CES, was Dr. Rick Walston. I first spoke with Dr. Walston over the phone, and I immediately sensed a connection between the two of us. Thus, when he offered to be my academic guide, I quickly accepted.

Over the course of the time, Rick and I worked together in structuring my programs. He gave me suggestions, pointed out weaknesses in my methodology, challenged my presuppositions, and helped shape me into a more effective thinker and writer.

As the years went by, Rick and I had many conversations. As a result, we got to know one another better. This, in turn, led to a number of non-school-related projects. Sometimes, he would ask me to proof-read a paper he had written. Or, I would ask the same of him. On other occasions, we swapped personal stories, or laughed together about something that struck us as particularly humorous. Over time, we interacted about a host of subjects, and for a variety of reasons.

What was happening, of course, is that we were getting to know one another and enjoy one another’s company. In essence Rick and I were becoming friends. In fact I would consider him one of my closest friends and advisors. He’s someone I can count on, whose words I highly respect, and a person with whom I seem often to be “on the same page.” I look forward to many years of continuing camaraderie.

Having offered this synopsis, I think it is important to point out one very important fact: Rick and I have never actually met!+ All of our discussions have taken place via email or through telephone conversations. Though he was (and is) my spiritual and intellectual friend, I have never shaken his hand, stared him in the eye, or visited his home. Though my friend, I have never actually seen him.

Why am I telling this story? Well, besides sharing a little bit about something that is important in my life, the primary reason I write these things is to illustrate a point, which is this: It is possible (and reasonable) to sustain a relationship with someone whom you cannot see. That is, you can get to know and appreciate a person you have not yet officially “met.”

In light of this illustration, it is fascinating to consider the claims often made by skeptics about the existence and nature of God. Some ask, “How can I believe in someone whom I am not able to see?” Others say, “If God were real, I’d be able to identify Him more clearly.” Or, “Your God is merely a figment of your imagination, a hopeful creation of the human heart.”

For those who think these and similar thoughts, I recount my relationship with Rick Walston, for in some ways it mirrors the relationship people can have with God. For instance Rick is, in one sense, very far removed from me; he lives in Washington state, while I reside in Pennsylvania. In another sense, however, Rick is very near to me, a phone call or an email away. God is like that, too. He is far removed from us, an invisible being of unimaginable greatness and glory. Yet, at the same time, He is near to all who call on His name.

Likewise, I have seen pictures of Rick. Some of them show him being serious and others jovial. But in all of them, I get a glimpse of what Rick is like. Similarly, God has given us “pictures” of Himself. We see these “pictures” in nature, in His followers, and, of course, most profoundly, in His word and in His Son, Jesus. As Jesus said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.”

Consider also that Rick and I have often spoken of getting together some time, that is, traveling to one another’s homes. We’ve discussed the times we’ll share, hanging out together, eating pizza, and simply talking through the night. It is a real hope of ours that we will one day get together. Again, this resembles the Bible’s portrayal of a relationship with God. While we know Him truly, and though our relationship with Him deepens, we look forward to the day when we will be able to see Him face-to-face.

Of course no analogy is perfect, including this one. Indeed, every illustration or parable breaks down at some point. When it comes to God, all an analogy can hope to do is express some aspect or facet of that which defies full explanation. This being said, the analogy provided here will hopefully provide at least a glimpse into what the divine-human connection is like.

If you are a believer, take heart when you are questioned for your belief in an invisible God. Though you have not seen Him, His presence in this world is undeniably real and powerful. Likewise, you can look forward to the time when faith gives way to sight, when full disclosure takes place.

Then again, you may be one of those skeptics mentioned earlier. If this is the case, I would ask you to consider that life is often more complex and wonderful than you’ve imagined. It is true that many of God’s ways are hidden from our view. But what should we expect? After all, He is a spirit being, a non-corpuscular entity, a transcendent Lord. Thus, Scripture’s portrayal of God fits what we find in our daily experiences with Him.

But this is not the entire story, for the elusive God is also with us. Indeed, He took on our nature in the person of His Son, Jesus. Through Jesus, we have free access to our Maker. Countless individuals, including some former skeptics, have experienced His grace, love, and mysterious presence.

If you are still not convinced, why don’t you ask God to reveal Himself to you? Prayerfully consider His ways by reading Scripture, surveying its contents, seeking the One who is both its Author and central figure, and remaining open to the changes God may bring about in your life.

The true God is a God of surprises, a deity whose ways often go against human expectations. One of these “surprises” involves the amazing relationship we can have with our invisible Creator. Though imperceptible to the human eye, God’s ways can be seen, for He has left an indelible impression in many places and on innumerable hearts. Many of us already know this to be the case, for He has “emailed” and “telephoned” us on many occasions. Have you checked your messages lately?

+ At the time of this writing, I had not met Rick face-to-face. Since then, however, I have had the opportunity and privilege of meeting him. ☺

getting personal

2008-09-28T11:22:00.005-05:00

When it comes to thinking properly about God, life, and our relationship to higher things, it is obviously important to get our facts straight. In other words it is imperative that we understand the truth about those things that matter most. Since nothing matters more than God, it makes sense to organize our thoughts about him.

All this said, however, we must not fail to recognize the intention of these words and the One to whom they point. We must know about God–facts about Him, who and what he is, what he requires of and promises us. But these pieces of knowledge are person-oriented, that is, they point us consistently to a person. Here is a sampling:

“But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29).

– It is the Lord, it is God, whom we search after.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

– Whose kingdom and righteousness? God’s!

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).

– Of whom do we inquire? The implied answer: God!

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

– Though theoretical truths are important (facts about the person in view, his identity, etc.), it is a person that we must embrace. Come to ME.

“Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:4).

– The children come to a person, the living Jesus.

“Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like” (Luke 6:47).

– It’s not merely about abstract ideas, truths about Jesus. We must approach and look to HIM!

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).

– Our discipleship entails a selfless approach to life, but this is not done in a bubble or in isolation from God himself. We follow a person, Jesus.

“Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men” (Mark 1:17).

– Often, we highlight the “fishers of men” facet of this passage. But the key to this text is not simply that we be faithful to some evangelistic endeavor. The key is following Jesus, for he is the one who teaches us about “fishing,” molding us into people who can benefit others. It’s all about following HIM!

What we are talking about here is a deity, a personal God, who must be sought and followed. Ideas about him, necessary as they are, were never intended to be a replacement for him; rather, they point us outside of ourselves to the living One himself, the One who lives among us still.

Of course our ideas about Him impact our expectations, the manner we approach him, and even the zeal with which we seek him. But it is the person of God that we must seek, inquire of, look to, and follow. He is the ever present One, the One of whom the promises speak, the Lord described in many places, the being who is actually with us now.

false humility

2008-08-19T10:54:00.002-05:00

“Be ‘humble,’ never saying or doing anything that might sound too dogmatic, for you really can’t know anything with certainty or confidence.”

Those who promote such perverse versions of humility are amazingly confident that they can and should maintain such a view. They are certain that we cannot be certain about anything. Huh?

Of course if you break into the homes of such relativists, if you over charge their credit cards, underestimate their accomplishments, oppose their ideas, damage their automobiles, or a whole host of other things, it becomes incredibly self-evident that we can be certain about at least some things.

Humility, of course, is a wonderful and biblical trait, an attitude we must all seek and sustain. But humility is not to be confused with stupidity or dressed up arrogance. Indeed, humility, above all else, is a willingness to see ourselves as we are, creatures dependent upon the Creator, imperfect individuals who must trust in the only perfect One, often bumbling idiots in constant need of wisdom, strength, and grace.

False humility, however, is not good or noble. Though we must always retain an openness to change and a willingness to correct our often mistaken perspectives, true humility must not be mistaken for the ultimately arrogant position that nothing at all can be known with confidence and, therefore, nothing is truly worth fighting for. When we violate common-sense and dismiss truth, we are not demonstrating humility. Rather, we are minimizing or ignoring the very basis on which we can seek true humility in the first place.

“Lord, enable us to walk humbly with you and one another, but keep us from the politically correct and cowardly attitude of false humility. Keep us, in other words, from the pride that masquerades as humility.”

epistemology and soccer practice

2008-07-19T10:50:00.003-05:00

Having read a good amount of material about the subject of knowing, I am well aware of the limits of knowledge that have been brought to the fore by those with postmodern inclinations. Without a doubt, some modern thinkers simply assumed too much about the human ability to interpret, to understand, to know. It is thus refreshing to hear the best insights and practical wisdom of postmodernism brought to bear on the subject of knowing.

If you’re at all like me, though, you find yourself in a variety of moods when contemplating these rather high thoughts about thinking. Thus, my reaction to postmodern skepticism can vary, depending on who I’m reading and my current life-situation. While it is imperative, in my view, to lean into and absorb the best features of postmodernism, including a much needed realization of our inability to know anything perfectly and the concomitant need to remain careful and duly humble in our declarations, it is also necessary to remain, if I may borrow a rather modern-sounding word, grounded in our assessments.

Whatever epistemological claims we make, whatever theories we propose, they will be essentially meaningless unless they contribute to the everyday task of living. This means that we must not only make humility a constant endeavor, but we must also be willing to allow the powerful realities of God’s world to make their imprint in our hearts and lives.

Therefore, as I read some radical postmodernist deny our ability to know, I am slackened away from despair by the sheer force of my kid’s need to attend soccer practice at 7:00, my wife’s directive to take out the garbage, my boss’s demand that I show up for work, and the ability of many human beings to convey elements of truth in meaningful and decipherable ways. I am very much cognizant of the human tendency to mislead and misunderstand. I know about the limitations of human language and human beings in general. And I am alert to the fact that our claims of truth, whatever we mean by “truth,” can sometimes be naively constructed opinions that have no universal impact. Still, the real world calls me, and when it calls I get a sense, perhaps a God-given sense, that we do have at least some ability to know, to understand, to share our knowledge, and–with God’s grace–to both comprehend and communicate something that looks like truth.

Clearly, some type of critical realism is essential if we are to make our way in a world that has far too often been governed by overly confident claims of Cartesian certainty. Modernity has for far too long dominated our thinking, blinded us to our own inadequacies, and actually hindered our pursuit of truth. Still, in the desire to learn from these things, it is not necessary that we spend a decade or two going too far in the other direction, only to one day realize that we have exaggerated our limitations and denied the very imprint of God, which equips and enables us to know in the first place.

We are capable, it would seem, of knowing at least some things, at least some of the time, with at least some measure of confidence. My wife and kids, along with a myriad of other factors, remind me of this fact all the time. Perhaps, we are living in some Twilight Zone episode in which we are all part of some other person’s dream. Maybe, we are part of an experiment being carried out by advanced alien life forms. Then again, the better part of wisdom would have us believe, at least for the time being, that these scenarios are not likely. Furthermore, this same wisdom seems to be embedded in the world around us and, as such, compels us to balance the recognition of our situatedness, our local biases, our obvious ignorance, with the fact that the logos (the Word, Jesus) has indeed visited our planet. Through Him, knowing and communication must be possible.

epistemology and heaven

2008-07-19T08:41:00.002-05:00

Have you ever wondered how skepticism will handle the beatific vision? I mean, it is one thing to say we can’t know certain things today, but what about later, when we stand before God? To be honest, I’m not sure how this will work out. That is, how will we know that the One before whom we stand is actually the true God? Will we ask for proof? Do we dare? Would proof be convincing? How does a skeptic respond to the reality of a present God, a speaking God? Again, I’m not entirely certain. However, I do think that when God appears, when we stand before him, that it will be undeniably evident that he is indeed the One. There will be no doubts, no guesswork, no efforts to persuade God to show off His wares. Furthermore, I don’t believe that this acceptance of knowledge in heaven is merely a matter of force, of God saying “”I’m bigger and stronger than you, so listen.” Rather, I honestly think that we will all know, even as we are known. “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). At that point, truth will permeate our hearts, and doubt will melt away. Does this mean that we’ll know everything? No, I don’t think that creatures, even glorified ones, can know everything. There will still be major (even insurmountable) gaps in our thinking. But we won’t doubt God’s existence, nor his love, fairness, holiness, or wisdom. And we’ll have an immeasurably increased capacity for taking in and absorbing who and what God is. Thus, our thinking will never be exhaustive, but it will be clear.

Now, if any of this is true, and if the Christian picture of this things is even generally correct, we have to ask how our view of then, of the future, ought to affect our perception of the here-and-now. In what ways does our sense that everything will one day be undeniably clear impact the way we think through issues related to knowledge and epistemology? Though there are no clear-cut answers, I believe it is reasonable for Christians to incorporate these eschatological (i.e., future) realities into their current understanding. If we walk by faith–a sensible and defensible faith but a faith nonetheless–our belief in and experience of the future now (the “now and not yet” of Christian theology) must play a role in the way we approach these manners. In heaven our access to God, His ways, and our relationship to both of these will be incontrovertibly clear. Surely, this must have an impact on us now, as we walk through this often uncertain and baffling world. We believe, Lord. Help our unbelief, and increase our faith.

it's so subjective (or -- it's not always clear)

2008-07-16T09:34:00.005-05:00

Some people want everything laid out in simple fashion. If you want to live for God, all you have to do is this or that, and everything we be fine. It’s simple, really.

At a certain level, of course, this mentality is a helpful thing, for most of us yearn for stability, and this is often equates with objective standards of one sort or another. For instance we know that stealing and lying are wrong and that benevolence and truth telling are right. Without these parameters we would find ourselves in a sad state of affairs, floating about in a universe with no fixed points. It is good, therefore, that at least some portion of our lives can be lived with confidence that there is something objective on which we can pin our hopes. By means of special and natural revelation, we can know certain things.

Other things, however, are not so clearly delineated, and being a believer cannot (or at least should not) be reduced to a lists of do’s and don’ts. Think about this for a moment. We are called, for instance, to pray, to love, to be holy, to follow Jesus, and to demonstrate faith. Each of these is objective in the sense that there is a clear distinction to be made between, say, faith and unbelief or between holiness and unholiness. But, we must also acknowledge that these same responsibilities are subjective. So, for instance, we are not told how long to pray, for whom, or when. Likewise, holiness is non-negotiable trait, but there is no precise explanation of how this holiness ought to manifest itself in our lives. Are we allowed to attend this or that movie? Is a certain type of clothing proper or not? Are tattoos optional or forbidden? The fact that equally sincere Christians often disagree about these matters should tell us that at least some things are less than clear.

The bottom line is that we are not provided a rigid system of requirements for living the Christian life. And so, it appears that we are left in this world without a detailed agenda for how to make each and every decision and the manner in which God’s Word impacts our lives. The assumptions of legalistic types notwithstanding, life is not that easy. There is no “how to” book for each and every facet of daily living. Life, in other words, is somewhat undefined and subjective.

If this is true, if some things are not automatically discernable, one wonders why God chose to do things this way. While He might have given us instructions for every imaginable decision, from prayer time tables to how to tie our shoe laces (okay, that’s a bit of a stretch), instead He created a world without an exact blueprint? Why?

First, as already mentioned, there is a broad framework for living by faith. It is important to remind ourselves that framework is provided for us in Scripture. Furthermore, the people of God (i.e., the church) has–many blunders admitted, helped provide illumination for and application of Scripture. Believers in every era have grappled with various issues, trusting in the reliability of Scripture. While we might not be able to identify the precise manner in which godliness manifests in our lives (at least not to the satisfaction of all Christians), we can agree that there is such a thing as godliness, and we ought to pursue it. This broad framework keeps us from wandering aimlessly through the world with no sense of direction, and it protects us from relativism, the belief that everything is “up for grabs.”

Second, it is also important to grapple with the reality that God calls us not primarily to a rule book mentality but to Himself. If we were given details for making every choice, deciding moral dilemma, or eliminating all controversy, we might “get it right,” but we would also likely forget about the rule Maker, thinking we could get along just fine with a set of regulations. But God does not simply want people who “follow the rules.” He wants a relationship, which, I think, may be part of the reason why He created the world as He has.

This leads us, perhaps, to a greater awareness of why it is imperative for us to wrestle with so many decisions and moral issues that impact the way we give expression to our faith today. God wants us, I believe, to recognize that we consistently need Him. Jesus said it best when He uttered these words: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). His point is that if we want to really live life successfully, we must do so in relation to Him. We walk by faith, leaning on Him, often wondering if we’ve done it right or best, and ever mindful that it is often the process, the walk of faith, that transforms us and shapes us into what God truly desires.

In a life that is often subjective and less than completely certain, what do you do? You ask for wisdom, as James says (James 1:5), trusting that God will remain faithful to you and will–through whatever means He deems fit–provide the wisdom He promised. This way of living, I would submit, builds maturity. After all, good parenting is not about establishing a moment by moment agenda for your children but of instilling in them the basic values by which they can live successfully without your holding their hand. This is what God does for us, providing freedom and his assistance along the way. As a result, we are able to develop a lifestyle that is unfettered by the trappings of legalism, guided by the basic truths of God’s Word, and relationally connected to the One who says He will never leave us or forsake us (Matthew 28:20).

It’s true that a good amount of living is subjective, but it is also true that faith is enlivened by our connection to the ever present Lord. We are not left to live any old way. Rather, within the sphere of the truths we are given, we are called to prayerfully consider how best to apply what we know, and always relying on the One whom we must trust along the way. It’s somewhat subjective, but it’s never arbitrary. It’s somewhat subjective, but it is also personal. We walk by faith. We walk with Him. More importantly (and we can easily discern this in Scripture), He walks with us (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5).

outreach

2008-07-15T10:51:00.004-05:00

There is a lot of talk in religious circles about the type of relationships we are to have with those “outside the faith.” In particular this discussion centers on the Christian’s connections, or lack thereof, with the world. On the one hand, some believers are leery of anything that might, in their view, lead to compromise. If we get too close to those outside the faith, we are liable to find ourselves in some type of nefarious behavior. On the other hand, others seem committed to mimicking cultural attitudes precisely because they hope to reach others with the gospel. So, if we look and dress like others, we might win them to our cause.

In thinking through these issue, a number of factors warrant our consideration. First, it is obviously important, in whatever degree of closeness we attain with others, to avoid anything that is actually inappropriate. Fidelity to Christian priorities is essential. Second, it is also important to seek as much clarity as possible when it comes to these priorities; if we are going to avoid the error of the Pharisees, a clear distinction must be made between genuine truth claims and their bearing on our lives and cultural (including Christian sub-cultural) mores. This distinction is critical, for confusing truth with human ideals, however well intentioned, will likely lead to either spiritual laxness (“nothing matters, so we can let our guard down”) or legalism (“our scruples are equivalent to God’s commandments”). Third, it is unquestionably important to have an others-centered focus, attempting to reach others with the message and compassion of Jesus. Fifth, this outreach is best accomplished by simply being with others, living among them faithfully. There is no need, in other words, to avoid contact with the world, which only serves to distance us from those we claim to care about. In doing this, however, we needn’t go to extremes, somehow thinking that we must frantically emulate others. Artificial efforts to copy others make us look like outsiders ourselves, as those who live on the fringe of society and pretend to be a part of it, which is disingenuous. When this occurs, we come across like we have a (not so) hidden agenda.

The way ahead in these matters is to conduct our lives in a authentic fashion, with minds bathed in the truth, hearts aware of own weaknesses and tendencies, and with a genuine commitment to the welfare of others. We’re not out to win them to our team or to win an argument or to prove that we are right. Rather, we see them as God’s creatures, as those whom God loves, as human beings who can benefit from a touch of divine grace. To the degree that we can facilitate their reception of this grace, we are truly reaching out to benefit others. In a mysterious, uncertain, and sometimes dangerous world, our responsibility is avoid any type of arrogant stance, instead seeking to share the love of God with those He sends our way.

very blessed

2008-07-10T13:19:00.001-05:00

Just this morning, I received an email from my friend, Rick Walston. Among other things, Rick, who is the president of a seminary, occasionally writes these short essays on a variety of topics, which he calls Coffee Talks. Well, today’s CT was about being blessed.

In countless ways, I am immensely blessed. This morning I received an email from a friend, who is a train engineer; he sent a few pictures from years ago of my oldest (who is now 15 but was then about 3-4), sitting on my lap inside a train. Then, I received an email from my sister who said she'd be at today's Philadelphia Phillies game and wants us to look for her on TV; how blessed and free we are! As I look around my room, pictures of my wife and kids surround me. A couple of running medals/trophies are here. My Masters and Doctorate degrees sit above my desk. A picture from a handful of traveling seniors sits there; they are all on the beach, the Pacific Ocean in the background, in a "thumbs up" pose. Hanging on my wall is the Dr. Atty Award, which I recently received. Around me are books and a variety of toys (figures from Casablanca, an autographed football, etc.). In fact I was just interrupted by someone who came to the door, and when I went outside I realized what a beautiful sunny day it is; I think I'll take my coffee out on the front porch . . . another blessing. In the back ground I can hear my wife, my 15 year old is still asleep--it's his day off from work. And my 10 year old just took the dog out and I can hear him shooting basketball in our driveway. It is true. I am incredibly blessed! Thanks, Rick, for the reminder! :-)

a hopeful vapor

2008-07-06T16:06:00.003-05:00

“Whoever dies with the most toys wins.”

“Life’s a bitch, and then you die.”

“Don’t take life too seriously, you won’t get out alive.”

These and similar sentiments express the somber but accurate assessment that there are some things in life that we cannot escape. Try as we might, we cannot avoid all pain. Pretend as we may, we cannot escape the grave. Wish as we please, we simply cannot get away from some rather harsh factors, things that threaten to suck the life out of life.

Of course this idea is nothing new. The author of Ecclesiastes, many centuries ago, said: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Eccles. 1:2). The term used here means a vapor, something that is difficult or impossible to grasp. Or, as Ecclesiastes says, even the most noble of tasks is “chasing after the wind.”

There is something about life that, when faced up to honestly, utterly stuns us. Life is temporary, fleeting, and out of our control. Each day in an unstable thing, which explains why so many of us do whatever we can to bury, run from, or escape such depressing thoughts.

For instance we spend much time in our society trying to prolong life but, however successful our attempts, we all eventually die. Many put forth great energy in seeking to accumulate things, gadgets and toys with which to amuse themselves, or else to brag about. But whatever the efforts, the toys will eventually deteriorate and even what survives will be inherited by someone else.

Some, with more noble motives, want to create a legacy for themselves, passing on whatever they can by way of material wealth and inheritance, but this, too, will soon be lost to time. Certain individuals want to be memorialized by building a reputation that survives the grave. This way, it is thought, even after they are gone, others will appreciate the achievements and remember the names of their predecessors. But how many people leave this kind of mark? We’re familiar with an Abraham Lincoln, an Albert Einstein, or a Babe Ruth, but few of us are consistently captivated by what even these admittedly remarkable individuals, now long gone, have done. What’s more, these famous figures, who have accomplished so much, are not here to enjoy their own accomplishments or personally benefit from their acts of nobility, intellect, and athleticism. And, let’s face it, even those of us who truly appreciate other individuals can only do so for a short time, for we too will one day die.

Perhaps another will say, “My hope is to pass on traits and ideals that my children and grandchildren will enjoy for years to come.” Yet, even here, there is no guarantee that anyone’s children and grandchildren will take heed to what their predecessors worked so hard to promote and embody. And, again, even if we successfully pass on high ideals to our descents, they too will be swallowed by the grave.

These admittedly gloomy thoughts are hard to manage, which is precisely why so many people spend a lifetime running from them. Yet, inevitably, we find that they are all too accurate. So, we must ask, is life truly meaningless? Is there nothing to be gained from all that we say and do during our sojourn on earth? Is it all a waste?

Contrary to what one might originally think, the author of Ecclesiastes does not want us to abandon all hope. Indeed, in a number of places, he states what we all intuitively know, that life does have meaning As Ecclesiastes notes, God has “made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts” (3:11). Here, I think, we find a key to understanding how life can both seemingly meaningless and yet have ultimate meaning. This is somehow tied to understanding our transcendent purpose under our Maker.

If we consider life “under the sun” as an end to itself, if life is viewed as unrelated to God, then life takes on a depressing hue. If no one remembers, if all that we work hard for is eventually taken from us, if even our best intentions are squandered and lost, our lives are futile. As another writer records: “If the dead are not raised, Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (1 Corinthians 15:32). In other words, if what we observe around us is all that there is, we might as well drown out our meaningless existence.

But, and this is the point of Ecclesiastes, there is something more, and that something is located in the One who created us for Himself. And the point here is not merely that doing right now will yield benefits in eternity, as true as that it, but that life “under the sun” takes on meaning precisely because it is life that flows from and to God.

Therefore, we read that “there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor–it is the gift of God” (3:12). Joy and goodness are meaningful, therefore, because they come from God.

Is life sad and filled with uncertainty and frustration? Yes, it is, and we would do well to recognize this and lead our lives in ways that reflect these facts. But there is also more here, for these dispiriting thoughts are intended to not only place reality before our eyes but to turn us outside of ourselves. Life is ultimately meaningless only when separated from a transcendent resource. Life does have meaning, however, when lived from the vantage point of our Creator.

Our efforts to achieve goals in this life are completely proper because they stem from a meaning-making God and so will endure forever. While our goods will eventually deteriorate, our noble efforts to accumulate and share them are not forgotten by the Lord of heaven and earth. Though death comes for all of us, we also have an intuitive awareness that this life is a passage way to an even fuller existence, a life that is impacted by the choices we make in the here-and-now and which will extend, illuminate, and fulfill the best features of our lives under the sun.

Our responsibility, therefore, is to recognize the futility of life outside of God and to embrace him as the One through whom “every good and perfect gift” comes (James 1:17). Despite the hard to handle features of life–its brevity and uncertainty and pain–there is joy and purpose when we see and live this life through the template God has provided.

As the book of Ecclesiastes draws to a close, we receive these instructions: “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Or, as the Contemporary English Version puts it: “Everything you were taught can be put into a few words: Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about.”

Life is a vapor, impossible to completely manage and often frustrating. These realities humble us and drive us, at times, to despair. But hope remains for us as we turn our hearts to God, believing that the things of this life, even the harsh and difficult things, have ultimate meaning. Look outside of yourself to a mighty God, a transcendent being whom we must honor, and embrace a life of godly integrity, for these are the things that will last throughout this life and into the next.

what is faith?

2008-07-04T19:47:00.004-05:00

You hear it all the time. “Have faith.” “You gotta believe.” “Keep the faith.” But what is faith, and what is it that we are supposed to keep?

In its most basic sense, faith involves believers–those individuals who express faith–and something (or Someone) in which (in Whom) to believe. Men and women, young and old, rich and poor–we are all called to faith. And this faith is a personal thing, entailing belief in the only ultimate object of faith, the living God. This God, according to Christian teaching, created human beings to know him. We, for our part, have abandoned our created purpose, which is why this same God–seeking to rescue us from ourselves and reestablish a relationship with us–has intervened in human affairs on numerous occasions, most profoundly in His unique emissary and Son, Jesus. At its core, then, our faith looks to Him. But not all people believe, and even those who do, often demonstrate varying degrees of faith. Perhaps an illustration will help to clarify these matters.

Each year, my family travels from our home in Pennsylvania to Cape May, New Jersey, our usual vacation destination. On the way to Cape May, we travel through Philadelphia and across the Walt Whitman Bridge. It is obviously possible to know about this particular bridge without having seen it. In other words you can read about the bridge or acquire knowledge of it from someone familiar with the Walt Whitman. Assuming reliable resources, you would be fairly confident about the existence of bridge and perhaps certain facts about it. Then, if someone were to ask you about the bridge, you would be able to provide a measure of useful information. This type of knowledge constitutes a type of faith. In other words you would have faith that there is such a bridge as the Walt Whitman.

Of course it is also possible travel to Philadelphia to catch a glimpse of the bridge for yourself. You might park your car near the bridge and observe its sturdiness and how well it supports the many automobiles that traverse it each day. Not only would you know about the bridge, having heard of it from others, but you’d be convinced that it is durable and provides a safe connection between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. After all, you would have seen how well it worked for others. Again, you awareness of the bridge and its capabilities is a kind of faith.

But all that you’ve done so far is only preliminary to the much more personal use of the Walt Whitman Bridge. If you really want to make use of the bridge, you have to traverse it yourself. This involves more than facts (There is a bridge called Walt Whitman.) and even more than acceptance of those facts (The Walt Whitman bridge is safe and travel worthy.). It requires trust, actual personal commitment, in this case, to the Walt Whitman Bridge.

True faith is a lot like this. While it surely benefits from research (learning about faith) and is motivated by what it sees around it (paying attention to faith in others and in the world), it also goes to the next level, resting in faith’s object, relying on God’s promises, and trusting (even amid doubt) in God’s reliability.

Faith, then, is trust in the truth of God (whatever He’s revealed) and in the God of truth. To believe is to cast your hopes, day by day and sometimes moment by moment, on the One who has pledged His love to those in need. Given that we are the ones who must believe, and recognizing how fickle and foolish we can be, it is not at all surprising that faith tends to fluctuate. But the issue is not how much faith we have (Jesus mentioned that faith the size of a mustard seed could move a mountain!) or how impressive it looks to others (the pursuit of which can lead to hypocrisy). What truly matters is that our faith is in One who does not fluctuate and who promises to travel with us through this world.

Is your faith wavering? Ask for more. Are you filled with uncertainty and doubt? Look through the doubt to the One who can counter incredulity. Do you want more faith? Ask, for “He is a Rewarder of those who–even when plagued with uncertainty and confusion–seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Learn about the bridge, observe others who travel across it, and drive across it yourself. As you do, you will sometimes waver, no doubt. But you may also find your soul strengthened as you trust in the One who can keep you from falling and guide you successfully through this life. Keep the faith.

what are we looking for?

2008-06-27T16:50:00.003-05:00

Use the proper lingo, and say whatever is “acceptable.” Go to the right places, and promulgate the proper principles. It seems that these are the chief characteristics that we look for in a Christian. You are spiritual and holy, and you deserve respect, if you fit the stereotype.

The other day, I was listening to such an individual, who was demonstrating his spirituality over the radio. He is a rather popular guy, and he is someone that others have recommended to me. As I concentrated on his words and the way he related to his listeners, there was no doubt that he fulfilled the expectations of many within the Christian community. But, as I absorbed his manner, something dawned on me. He sounded like–and I don’t intend to be mean–a jerk. At least when I was listening, he sounded too self-assured, condescending, and arrogant.

Though nearly everyone (in the church) would hold him up as a standard bearer, I honestly wonder what standards govern us. Of course I do not know the man, and I truly hope that he’s a nice guy, and that God blesses him (I’m sure he already has). What’s more, I know that I, too, can be a jerk, so I certainly don’t want to display my own version of arrogance. But, whatever correct principles he promulgated (and I think he did this), whatever truth he embodied (and, again, I don’t doubt this), he came across as a typical, in-your-face believer.

What role, I asked myself, does love play in our evaluation of spirituality? How about looking out for others, denying ourselves, and displaying traits like gentleness and compassion? Though proper principles ought to be shared with others, and while we ought not apologize for our adherence to that which is sometimes unpopular, these should be an outworking of deeper ideals.

It seems, at least to me, that we have messed up priorities, and we often pay the price for it as those outside the church wonder about our silly and hard-to-understand priorities. Yes, those who are faithful will experience persecution, but we mustn’t think that we’re spiritual big shots, great defenders of the faith, simply because we’re criticized for being . . . well, arrogant loudmouths. When we are criticized (and we will be at times), it ought to be for our stance for the truth; that’s a part of it. But I truly hope that this isn’t the only thing we’re known for.

Do people see us giving consistent expression (and not simply exclamation) of the truth? Are we known for our God-enabled willingness to lend a hand? Do we care, and can others tell? Is our reputation one of (what shall we call it?) bold kindness? How often do we display unfeigned concern for others? These are the things that we too often miss in defining and evaluating and living out our spirituality.

It’s relatively easy to stand with a bunch of people and say this or that. Though we mustn’t minimize the relevance of words properly spoken (I would never want to do that!), it is imperative that we exude the truth in real and undeniable ways. This is no easy task, for we are pressured by circumstances, the struggles of life, the pressure of others to conform to less than holy ways, and our own erratic hearts. But this is, I think, the path to genuine spirituality. “Lord, help me (us) to embody the faith and not merely talk about it.”

pc

2008-06-24T11:42:00.005-05:00

Political Correctness says that we ought to do, say, and think certain things simply because “the powers that be” say so. The big shots, the people who are supposedly in-the-know, determine the parameters for civil discourse and human behavior.

But, besides the fact is that such a perspective smacks of elitism, despite the reality that it bypasses the pathways by which any good is properly discovered and promulgated, political correctness doesn’t actually effect the change it demands.

Political correctness gives certain individuals and groups a false sense of accomplishment (“Look what we did for society!”), but it does so in ways that actually violate our humanity, derailing reasonable discussion and debate. As a result, politically correct views fail to resonate with any thinking and caring people.

I would submit, therefore, that political correctness is bad for us and for civilization in general, for it fails to comprehend that there is something far more honorable that coercing others to conform, far more substantive than the intellectual snobbery that gives rise to arbitrary assertions, and far more life-altering than the force-fed views of self-proclaimed do-gooders. That something is truth.

You see, our greatest aspirations are buoyed and realized not by the commands of politically correct advocates but by the determination of all of us to locate and embody truth. Of course if there is no truth, then all of our works and claims are irrelevant at best. But if truth does exist, hope remains. Only truth can strike a cord with human beings, made in the image of the one described as the truth. While political correctness ignores or stifles this divinely planted impulse, it is the truth that sets us free.

apologetics and humility

2008-06-13T10:55:00.003-05:00

In arguing for a Christian apologetic and Christian presuppositions, one of the more obvious roadblocks is the simple realization that we might be wrong. In our determination to be true to the gospel, there is always the possibility–being human and imperfect–of error.

What if we are inaccurate about this or that assessment? What if we overly emphasize a truth to such an extent that other truths are minimized or ignored? These and similar possibilities require that Christians approach apologetics in a truly humble fashion. Though boldness can be an admirable trait, and while confidence is not to be despised, any truly Christian endeavor will be saturated with humility. To this end a number of factors come into play.

First, as Christians we are called to grow, which implies growth in every area, including apologetics. Indeed, even the perfect Jesus grew in wisdom and knowledge. How much more so must we.

Second, as believers we are called to follow Jesus. Following assumes that we don’t have all of the answers but instead follow the One who does.

Third, humility is probably best facilitated through what we might call “big picture” apologetics. That is, we are on much more solid ground when we defend, exclaim, and show forth those aspects of the faith that have been affirmed down through the ages and which are not extraneous to the larger cause of the gospel.

Fourth, all apologists are, by the nature of the case, recipients of grace. This means that we ought to be able to sympathize with the hurts and uncertainty of our non-Christian counterparts to the degree that what they experience is a part of the common human condition. To approach apologetics in a distant and unaffected manner is not only unhelpful to the apologetics enterprise but is a sure sign that we lack authenticity.

Fifth, as many passages in Scripture affirm, apologetics entails humility and gentleness. The presentation of evidence and the promulgation of Christian presuppositions ought always to be bathed in a realism, compassion, and love. If we are truly humble and gentle, we will also remain cognizant of the possibility of blind spots, inaccuracies, and errors in our approach to apologetics.

Apologetics, like all facets of the Christian life, must be a humble endeavor. While we should not shy away from sharing the truth with confidence, our apologia ought always be tempered with humility and a sense that we, too, are fellow travelers on the way, dependent on the mercy of God, and always excitedly anticipating whatever new light He might shine on our paths.

honored

2008-06-05T10:07:00.005-05:00

It is a day I will never forget. May 27, 2008, a little over a week ago, our entire school gathered together for what is sometimes referred to as the Senior Farewell Assembly. It is during this time that we say goodbye to the graduating seniors, and certain awards are given to a number of deserving students. It is also when one particular award, The Dr. Alex Atty Student Council Award, is presented to a chosen member of the faculty.

The Dr. Alex Atty Award, which is named after a former superintendent of our schools, is one of the most prestigious awards that a teacher in our district can receive. Well, on this day, I was both shocked and honored to discover that my name would be added to the list of previous recipients.

To be honest, I truly love my job. As I told the student body that day, a lot of people live for the weekend and for the summer. Though I appreciate time off as much as anyone, I actually love the week. The reason? The young people I get to encounter and interact with on a regular basis.

While any teacher can tell you about the difficult-to-manage students, the kids who are a pain in the neck, we can also name–if we are honest and reflective enough–a number of terrific young men and women, students we have gotten to teach and have been privileged to know at a more personal level. To me these students are gifts from God, sent my way for a time and a purpose. Their lives intersect my own, and I hold them in my heart forever.

What an incredible honor it was to stand before these kids, including the very special ones I’ve had the opportunity to know at a deeper level, and to receive this award from them. Wow! Even now, I cannot fully take it in, and I am immensely humbled.

The Dr. Alex Atty Student Council Award will include my name for 2008. The plaque that hangs on the wall outside our main office will actually have Mr. Carmen DiCello on it. Again, what an honor this is. But a greater honor still is the honor that is mine each day of the school year, to rub shoulders with the up-and-coming generations, to converse with the terrific young people God sends my way, to encounter in my travels some very, very special students, whom I will never ever forget. I am honored not only to have received this award but to have gotten to know and love the class of 2008. Thank you for allowing me to participate in your journey. I love you guys!

Mr. DiCello

faith . . . just faith

2008-05-18T09:51:00.002-05:00

Faith has sometimes been wrongly characterized as a blind leap in the dark. This is clearly not what Christian faith is about, and it misrepresents what millions of believers have proclaimed and lived out for millennia.

At the same time, faith is not at all a simple thing, something akin to flipping a switch and activating some easy to identify and undeniable reality. No, faith can be hard and challenging, and it certainly ventures, on many occasions, into the dark.

Faith, or so it seems to me, involves a combination of identifiable realities along side of some rather difficult to locate ones. The identifiable factors include the belief in, the presupposition or commitment to, the God of Christian orthodoxy. He, we believe, is the God revealed in the Old and New Testament Scriptures, the One who actually visited our planet in order to rescue us and give us life, and he is with us still. We can know certain things about his character and demands, and we are given various assurances that he is working on our behalf to bless us and lead us to our ultimate good.

Still, this faith, these pieces of orthodox belief, must be taken into the world. There, as we all know, we encounter a whole lot that is difficult to decipher and manage, and there we must–if indeed we are to exude faith at all–to take our faith, which at times seems so clear and undeniable, into the fuzzy and undefined places of daily living.

Faith, one writer says, is the evidence of things not seen. What a great definition! Yes, we see or know or feel certain things, but we are also–by the nature of the case–compelled to enact our faith by believing in that which we cannot currently see. It’s not that we don’t ever have confidence in these unseen realities, for sometimes (often?) we do. But in the real world we are forced to act on these principles, calling on the realm of the invisible, trusting in a God we cannot see and often do not understand. This is faith.

As we venture into the world, as we encounter people, relationships, and situations that are often unpredictable, we must somehow learn to trust that God is worthy of our faith and worship. We must accept that, even when we don’t see it or “get” it, God knows what he’s “up to,” and he’s always “up to” that which is for our ultimate (not necessarily immediate) benefit.

Faith travels around corners with who knows what on the other side. Faith trusts that the truths we know are real and will win the day even when the opposite seems to be the case for now. Faith holds onto the ever-present Lord even when we have little or no idea where he’s leading us.

Faith, then, is a type of following, an ongoing and always needed effort to walk with God, a very personal (because it involves persons–God and people) endeavor, a determination to remain faithful and close to the One who long ago said, “Follow Me.”

“Lord, enable me (us) to follow, and show me (us) that this is good and right . . . and that it actually works. Lord, increase my (our) faith, and help me (us) to remain confidently and joyfully faithful to the Way.”

sad hope

2008-05-13T23:33:00.006-05:00

sad hope

As a high school teacher, each year I experience a “blue” period, a time when I am somewhat saddened by the reality that some fine young people, students that I’ve grown to know and care about, graduate from high school. While I realize that this is a part of the process, and though I am fully aware that a new “batch” of kids will follow, I still feel the pain of it all.

Still, as a Christian, I try to place these moments, these temporary losses, within the framework of the eternal. As a result, I say my goodbyes with a measure of hope, a hope that my efforts, concern, and genuine love for these kids are not ultimately lost.

I live, therefore, with a sense of hope combined with sadness. You might say that I have a sad hope. The words that follow are a feeble attempt to capture some of what I feel. These awkward thoughts are intended especially for the ones who already know that I care.

getting acquainted
through time, heart poured out
trying to show
what this life’s all about

some pass by quickly
while some leave a mark
those special ones shine
as they light up the dark

touching hearts truly
intending to care
reaching to teach them 'bout truth
do we dare?

bonds are created
a moment in time
deepened connections
with lives that can rhyme

knowing the depth
it is real, not pretend
feeling a sense that
this shouldn’t ever end

can’t pause to sleep
no time for dozing
buying up time
for the window’s fast closing

next phase beginning
the future looks bright
seeing through tears
that their going is right

as they turn outward
it hardly seems fair
again, worth repeating
just how much I care

forever you’re with me
though gone now away
in hope’s promised goal
you will finally stay

faith filled with love
a time of reunion
coming’s the time
of unending union

dwelling on good times
it helps me to cope
hanging on God’s dreams
a sad sort of hope

confusion . . . and faith

2008-05-13T17:22:00.004-05:00

Sometimes, I don’t have a clue. I just don’t know what God is up to or what he wants me to do. Recently, I’ve been reminded of this fact. There are times, of course, when I know exactly what I’m supposed to do, and I think I can sense what God is doing. Other times, though, I am baffled . . . to say the least.

So, I find myself in this or that situation, and I can think of a number of ways that I might attempt to handle it. But the more I think, the less certain I am of which option (if any!) is best. Then, on top of all this, there is this glaring tendency in me to do the wrong thing. Selfishness can get in the way, as can pride or laziness. Boy, some things are not so easy.

Yet, even amid this uncertainty and confusion, there is a way ahead. To be honest, it’s really not a surprising way, but it is filled with lots of uncertainty and ambiguity. It’s the way of faith. There are time, or so it appears, that God simply wants us to trust him . . . period. There may be answers later (only God knows), but there is (right now and always) the need to believe, to trust, to walk by faith.

The way we take is the path of faith. This way is a matter of following, and it entails “going with the flow” of God’s providence. Along the way, we look clues and nuggets of insight and wisdom, for we want to (or at least should want to) be as faithful as we are able. But always we must rely on the (currently) invisible One, the One who is the Way.

“Lord, you know how little I know, and you are fully aware of how frustrated I can get when I feel uncertain about what I’m supposed to do in this or that circumstance. Please supply wisdom and enable me to walk by faith. Guide me, and manifest your love in and through me.”

happy mother's day

2008-05-11T17:36:00.002-05:00

Where would we be without mothers? Well, that’s pretty easy. We’d be nowhere.☺

In a world of inconsistency and hypocrisy, thank God for the moms who have sacrificed so much for all of us. My own mother and my wife have done more for me and my own kids than could every be measured.

Thanks, moms, for all that you’ve done and continue to do. Happy Mother's Day!

the (real) heroes

2008-05-11T10:20:00.004-05:00

Where are the heroes, and what makes them what they are?

We live in a society that often substitutes the symbolic for the substantive, the outwardly impressive for the not-normally-noticed real. If you can brag about how much you’ve give to such-and-such a cause, you are thought to be a real shaker and a mover. If you belong to all of the officially endorsed organizations or clubs, you are considered a conscientious individual, a person who cares. Then, if you head up a committee or give a little extra to some campaign, you are deemed a model of all that is right; you are–for all practical purposes–a hero.

Please, don’t misunderstand. I am not opposed to committees and organizations, nor do I minimize their potential good. What’s more, certain individuals who take the lead in these endeavors are doing admirable work. As such, we might refer to them as heroes.

But, you’ll have to forgive me if I am sometimes a bit cynical. When belonging to the “official” groups or clubs takes precedence over the everyday business of interacting with people, when throwing money at some cause (legitimate as it might be) becomes a substitute for daily compassion, when organizing a drive, fund-raiser, or whatever else we do to create “awareness” of this or that issue is treated as more important than how we treat our neighbors–when these things take place, we have opted for a make-believe kind of existence that forgets or minimizes the things that truly matter most.

Just the other day, I was watching this show on television in which one person was interviewing another about all the good they had supposedly done. They bragged on one another and even showed a sign with all of the other braggers . . . I mean, contributors to this supposedly noble cause. Again, I do not know the motives of these individuals, and I certainly wish them well. Many of them are probably very kind people, true heroes.

Still, the cynical side of me wonders. Why are we so good at organizing this or that, yet a kind person is relatively difficult to find? Why can we show “compassion” by giving money, especially when it’s other people’s money (via legislation?) but don’t have the time to help a needy person that we meet on the street? Why can be muster up all of this energy to orchestrate whatever draws in people and gathers in money, but we have little energy to smile at others or hold open a door or provide a listening ear?

Once again, I should clarify. I am not at all opposed to various positive movements, efforts to mobilize people for a good cause, conscientious attempt to do important things. My guess is that God can be and is involved in many of these efforts.

Yet, for all that, I still wonder what truly matters. I wonder what most concerns God and ought to most concern us. To be honest, I don’t think it’s these great endeavors or all-too-obvious feats of organizational skill that are at the top of the list.

What matters most, I think, and what produces the most heroes, is not the self-aggrandizing “achievements” or the pat-myself-on-the-back exploits. The real stuff is the stuff of everyday life. God, at least it seems to me, wants us to be humble and thankful and compassionate and wise and loving. These, I would argue, are not traits for a moment or temporary manifestations but characteristics of a lifetime. Of course we all fall far short of the ideal, of the perfect paradigm, which is Jesus. But this is what truly matters, and this is where heroes live.

Jesus never organized a program or created a fund for this or that need. He didn’t defend political agendas, suggest new legislation, or start a “do-gooders” club. People were drawn to him, rather, because he spoke the truth and displayed love. Wisdom and compassion followed him, and the presence of God himself was made evident wherever he went.

Again, there is nothing wrong with programs, funds, agendas, or legislation. Properly understood and administered, they all have their place. But what makes anyone a hero is the effort to emulate, however imperfectly and inconsistently, the perfect hero, the Savior of the world.

A hero is someone who looks out for the interests of others . . . expecting nothing in return. A hero is a person who truly (and each day) cares about others and their betterment. A hero is a conduit of divine compassion and love, a bearer of wisdom and truth, a moment-by-moment incarnation of godly integrity.

Where are the heroes? Lord, make us all genuine heroes . . . for your sake and for the sake of those you send our way.

apologetics in a postmodern era (part 5)

2008-05-10T10:17:00.001-05:00

This is the fifth in a short series of articles on the subject of Christian apologetics in a postmodern world.

Teleological Apologetics: Journeying toward the truth

Some within the church place an emphasis on what might be termed immediate transformation. A crisis experience or a decision is held out as the pathway to imminent blessing. If we have needs, a “power encounter” can occur in which the Holy Spirit alters hearts, changes perspectives, and enables people to see their own lives from a different perspective.

No one who wants to be faithful to Scripture can deny the possibility of such encounters. Certainly, God can intervene in our lives in such a way as to radically change us. This “here and how” approach is not to be despised, for none of us can predict how God will work to encourage His children. There is little doubt, therefore, that the living Lord can and does provide direct and sometimes spontaneous aid.

On the other hand, some traditional Christians have taken this instant transformation model too far, treating spirituality as primarily a series of encounters and neglecting to see that it is also a journey. Postmoderns resonate with this gradual approach, recognizing that life, including one’s spiritual life, usually entails a process. Paul sounds this theme when he describes the life of faith as something to be “worked out” over time (Philippians 2:12ff). Likewise, Peter speaks of ongoing diligence and growth as the pattern for Jesus’ disciples (2 Peter 3:14-18).

When considering a postmodern apologetic, it is important to not only look to God expectantly for immediate assistance but to realize, as well, that most matters are worked out over a lifetime. While God can indeed change us in an instant, it is more often the case that he works in our hearts and lives to transform us over time. Concerning apologetics, it is imperative that we treat our encounters with others not so much as an effort to win them over in an instant but as a part of a larger story. While some things remain the same, most of us have changed over time. Sometimes, in practical ways, sometimes in theological ways, we (hopefully) grow. If this is true of us, should we not afford people the opportunity to make gradual changes in their own lives? Some traditional apologists drive people away by insisting that the truths they espouse should be accepted without delay. The irony of this is that some of these same apologists took many years before they embraced the faith. Perhaps a better approach will be to take the approach hinted at in 1 Corinthians. There, Paul said this: “I planted, Apollos waters, but God caused the growth” (3:6). There is a kind of patience built into this kind of thinking. Jesus was the consummate example of this. He walked and talked with His followers, living and teaching among them each day. He never forced a decision and often endured their foolish ways. Along the way, he provided correction and kindness, but he seemed content to allow the cumulative impact of his words and life to gradually lead them in the right direction. A postmodern apologetic must take this journeying approach.

Conclusion

The subjects addressed here are a mere sampling of themes that contribute to a postmodern perspective on apologetics. As God is sovereign in every era, and due to the fact that He has seen fit to direct us in this postmodern way, it is incumbent upon the church to pay attention to what he may be teaching us today. With a healthy openness to what God is doing in our world today, combined with a commitment to the “once for all” nature of the Christian faith, it is possible to benefit from current societal inclinations. In the process, we receive the comfort and the guidance we all so desperately need.

In order to cultivate a postmodern apologetic, certain relevant themes will have to be taken seriously, some of which we have surveyed here. But if apologetics is going to mature and keep pace with the times, we must insist that apologetics take place within the arena of everyday life. We can no longer remain at the distance, observing and then critiquing societal inclinations, seeking merely to protect the faithful from the errors that abound. Though avoiding naivety, we must learn, as well, to genuinely connect with people, not as know-it-all experts but as fellow travelers who long to share the love of Jesus with others. An authentic, up-to-date apologetic must demand nothing less.

apologetics in a postmodern era (part 4)

2008-05-10T10:04:00.003-05:00

This is the fourth in a short series of articles on the subject of Christian apologetics in a postmodern world.

Existential Apologetics: Facilitating connectivity

During the modern era, the temptation was to spend an inordinate amount of time and energy constructing theories, sometimes mistaking meaning for application and confusing knowledge about God with an actual acquaintance with Him. Clearly, both of these are needed if we are going to live in accordance with the Bible. That is, there is a relationship between the ideas we hold about God and the relationship we establish with Him. Still, with the church’s determination to remain doctrinally sound and theologically informed, the personal matter of connecting with God was sometimes minimized.[17]

In contrast, postmoderns have a deep sense of wanting to encounter the truth and not merely formulate theories about it. There is, as might be expected, a tendency to go too far in the other direction and to neglect theory in favor of what “feels good.” Still, the postmodern desire to encounter the transcendent is a potentially healthy impulse.

The Bible in many places assumes this personal encounter with the truth. Paul, for instance, makes clear his passion for God as “knowing Him” (Philippians 3:10). Likewise, Peter speaks of growing “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior” (2 Peter 3:18), and John writes of possessing life through the Son (1 John 5:11-12 - “having the Son” is the way he puts it). In all of these passages, descriptive knowledge of God intersects with a personal encounter with God. Our efforts, therefore, must be directed toward not only providing accurate information but actually looking to the One who is “not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27).

Concerning a Christian apologetic, this theme reminds us that, while intellectual matters are certainly relevant, the goal of it all is to be united with one’s Maker. Informing others of the Maker’s identity is still necessary, of course, but we must not neglect to see that it is possible to connect with God despite our imperfect knowledge of Him. Thus, apologists must not assume that people must first accept their arguments before they can actually access God. If this is the case, we have made apologetics into almost an obstacle to faith rather than a facilitator of it. A part of our apologetic strategy, therefore, will be to encourage and provide reasons for people to look outside of themselves. Whether or not we convince them on this or that point, it is nonetheless possible they may contact the God we are attempting to describe. A part of our apologetic must an effort to help others to consider real-life encounters with God.

Narrative Apologetics: Participating in the story

One key feature of postmodern thought is its fascination with narrative. While moderns were drawn to propositions, postmoderns are attracted to stories. From the vantage point of the Bible, this is very significant, for a good portion of Scripture takes this form. From the story of the nation of Israel to the accounts of the early church, the narrative sections of Scripture play a vital role. Indeed, Jesus’ ministry was often driven by this story-telling agenda, sharing parables with the people of His day (Matthew 22:1ff; Mark 4:1ff).

It is with good reason, therefore, that the church learns to reemphasize this narrative approach. Rather than treating the stories of Scripture as pointers to abstract propositions, as mere addendums to biblical doctrines, the stories themselves become essential features of the church’s mission.

Of course the postmodern penchant for story does not, in itself, guarantee any type of spiritual benefit. It does, however, provide ample reason for believing that human beings are “wired” for story.

The business of the church is to tell and to embody a story, the story of God’s mighty acts in creation and redemption and of God’s promises concerning what will be in the end. The church affirms the truth of this story by celebrating it, interpreting it, and enacting it in the life of the contemporary world.[18]

Concerning an apologetic, there are hints in Scripture that might assist us along the way. One of these would be a recounting of those stories in which God’s people encountered various circumstances, including those that involved persecution and suffering. For instance, as one contemplates the story of Joseph’s mistreatment, it is easy to recognize both the degree of suffering he endured and the amazing way he handled hard times (Genesis 50:20). Of course the most compelling story of all is that of Jesus. His relationships with the disciple, his confrontation with the religious establishment of his day, his “outside the box” brand of spirituality–all of these are truly captivating. Our apologetic must embrace these stories, allowing their power to impact the lives of others.

In keeping with this story-telling paradigm, it is also important to allow our apologetic to flow from the stories that comprise our lives. We all have tales to tell, disappointments to recount, triumphs to repeat, doubts to acknowledge, hope to proclaim. Moderns were good at stating propositions (e.g., Jesus is Lord) and defending facts (e.g. He rose from the grave). Without ignoring any of these, we must learn as well to invite others into our lives where they can observe what this death-defying Savior does in the life of real people. We must be careful, of course, not to allow a prefabricated agenda, an overly confident fairy-tale, a too-good-to-be-true lie to become our story. Inauthentic is not preferable in this or any other era. But, and this is the key, must be able to share stories, both ours and those with Scripture, allowing others to consider the story that God may be telling in their lives.

Notes

17. One obvious exception to this trend is found among Pentecostal and Charismatic believers, who have always emphasized the relational.

18. Leslie Newbigin, Proper Confidence, 76.

apologetics in a postmodern era (part 3)

2008-05-10T09:57:00.005-05:00

This is the third in a short series of articles on the subject of Christian apologetics in a postmodern world.

Postmodern Positives: Embracing what God is doing today.[11]

Many evangelicals have taken a stand against postmodernism, belittling its radical nature and encouraging others to do the same. Make no mistake about it; hard or radical postmodernism is an enemy of the truth, and its darker elements must be resisted. However, this does not mean that every postmodern assertion is invalid or that one’s relationship to it must be primarily negative.

In contrast to this mostly negative stance, there is much to garner from postmodernism, and those sensitive to contemporary concerns are better off than those who ignore the issues that have been given voice through the emerging church movement.[12] The beneficial features of postmodernism, which will be explored in more detail below, include an embrace of community as the context for faith, a recognition that God is not only knowable but also baffling, a realization that the Lord (and not merely our ideas about Him) must be encountered, an awareness of our place in the grand story God is telling, and a hopeful willingness to journey with others toward the truth.

Community Apologetics: Belonging as the context for faith

Though Christians have always given lip service to the notion of community, in practice they have sometimes been guilty of fostering an independent brand of faith. Following cultural inclinations, it is common to hear truth explained in terms of the individual, sanctification as something each person must do, and salvation itself as my response to the gospel.

In contrast many in our day are captivated by community and driven by the friendships it provides. Though human beings have always needed to connect with others, postmoderns are particularly concerned to find places of belonging. As a result, there is much emphasis on this theme.

This community orientation is something that is embedded in Scripture, finding its impetus in the fact that human beings are created in the image of a communing God.

The fact that God is the social trinity–Father, Son, and Spirit–gives us some indication that the divine purpose for creation is directed toward the individual-in-relationship. Our gospel must address the human person within the context of the communities in which people are embedded.[13]

Just as, according to Christian theology, God is a plurality of persons, a divine community of interaction, so we are wired to commune. It is thus no surprise to find that most people desire to lives their lives in conjunction with those who are like-minded.

Scripture is replete with examples of how this is might take place. When the early church was scattered due to persecution, there was a strong impetus to provide a haven for those who had lost everything. As Acts describes, “all those who had believed were together and had all things in common” (Acts 2:44). This is summarized by Paul, who instructs his readers to “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love” (Romans 12:10), which includes a willingness to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).

Here, then, is a wonderful opportunity and privilege. We can be–individually and as faith communities–the place where love and truth coalesce. Indeed, 1 Peter 3:15, that key apologetics text, implicitly highlights this theme. The context of our apologia, the place where others might encounter God, is among those motivated to“give an answer for [their] hope” (1 Peter 3:15).

Hope, in other words, is observable. When we exude an expectation of better things, when purpose and truth flow forth from our lives, we “set the stage” for the development of faith. Our responsibility involves much more than providing answers; it also entails an active demonstration of hope. A community of faith provides the framework, the subtle yet powerful influence, by which truth claims are given authentic expression. Only when truth is embedded in life does it become captivating.

A word of warning is in order. The notion of providing safe places must not be viewed simply as a means to something greater, a gimmick to lure people into the church. Too often, postmodern insights are treated like stylistic changes that are made in order to make the truth more palatable to outsiders. While this, no doubt, has a place in our thoughts, we must never reduce our friendships with people to the level where they become agenda-driven. When this happens, our relationships with others look like cleverly devised evangelistic trickery. We must not play make-believe friend with people; instead, we are to seek genuine, unforced connections with men and women simply because we care.

Of course the manner in which this belonging motif takes shape will vary. Whether through regular gatherings, casual activities, or by means of ongoing encounters and friendships with our neighbors, the point remains the same. Human beings need one another. All people crave places where they can feel free to be themselves and to explore life with those who are like-minded.[14] A good part of a postmodern apologetic will entail providing those places.

When Christians are overly judgmental, when we remain aloof from society and only draw attention to what’s wrong with it, when there does not seem to be even a hint of empathy for those who doubt, question, and hurt, the results are predictable. Postmoderns, more than their predecessors, are less willing to endure such attitudes.

Our challenge is to build relationships with others, learning to connect with them. These efforts must never be manipulative or forced but rather expressions of a sincere concern for and enjoyment of our fellow-human beings. Our apologetic, in other words, must embrace the idea that belonging often precedes believing, and faith often develops best when it takes place within the framework of an already established bond. No matter how accurate our doctrinal beliefs or precise our theological formulations, it is imperative that we love and accept people in Jesus’ name. In a postmodern world, a community of unconditional love is one of the strongest apologetics we can provide, for only within integrity-laced, caring relationships can we truly show that Jesus is Lord.[15]

Sacred Apologetics: Encountering God through mystery

Moderns tend to approach life in a rather dogmatic fashion, treating some of the more difficult questions of truth and life as if they are easily answerable. Part of this is understandable, for God has indeed revealed Himself to us. Given that He is a God of truth, it makes sense that we would be confident about what He has shared with us.

That God reveals Himself is no surprise to Christians. On the other hand, believers have not always been willing to admit, or even cognizant of the fact, that many things about God are not easily deciphered. Though He has revealed many things, “the secret things” are hidden from our view (Deuteronomy 29:29). The Lord is a deity who both reveals and conceals (see Deuteronomy 29:29).

Postmoderns, some who have grown skeptical of overly confident claims, tend to reject anything that sounds too dogmatic, (sometimes to the point of embracing outright skepticism), preferring a humbler approach to knowledge. This does not mean that postmoderns themselves are necessarily more humble than their predecessors. It does mean, however, that their general philosophy of life is one in which close mindedness and unnecessarily narrow views are despised.

This dovetails nicely into a Christian worldview. Scripture not only provides parameters for living and truths for believing, but it also declares that many things defy the creature. One avenue by which we can approach matters of faith, therefore, is to recognize, even embrace, this fact of human ignorance in the presence of God. A Christian apologetic is fortified by the idea that we can only grasp deity in part, that the Lord will always exceed our efforts to comprehensively understand Him.

A part of our apologetic strategy, therefore, will be place life’s mysteries with the broader context of an often mysterious God.[16] This mystery template enables us to consider the difficult questions we encounter in a humbler fashion. Likewise, to the degree that we show ourselves humble, it affords us the opportunity to speak with more boldness about those matters which are not hidden from us.

Can we not revel in the fact that many things about our Creator are far beyond us? Would it not be conducive to building relationships for us to admit that there are often times when we, too, “don’t get it”? Indeed, would it not be refreshing for us to exhibit an attitude of combined humility and confidence? Yes, we know some things because God has revealed them to us; these must be humbly and appropriately shared. But, other things exceed our understanding, and even the things we truly know about God are enveloped in deep mystery. Such is the case when dealing with the great “I am.” As Paul once wrote: “We know in part” (1 Corinthians 13). Isaiah puts it this way: “But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word” (66:2). A postmodern apologetic is one that invites others into the presence of a knowable but also mysterious God.

Notes

11. A number of preliminary remarks are in order. (1) This is neither an effort to criticize those not inclined to move in a postmodern direction nor a naive claim that moderns have never engaged in any of the efforts mentioned below. The point, simply, is to recognize some positive ideas that have been brought to light in this era. (2) There is no intent here to become so enamored with postmodernism that it becomes a theological version of political correctness. If moderns made some foolish decisions, postmoderns are just as liable to error. (3) The idea here is not to leave behind the best features of modernity. It is never enough to give mere lip service to the best ideas of previous generations. We must, rather, retain whatever is valid from any era, while also looking to see what new things are available in our day. Though the emphasis here will be, as it should be, on postmodern inclinations, a fully orbed apologetic will not fail to embrace modern ideas, as well. Indeed, some supposedly modern concepts, ideas that received much ink and were prominent during the modern era, are actually quite biblical in origin. To this degree we must approach postmodernism not as an end-all but as another (important) aspect of our journey. (4) The key in all of these postmodern ideas is not simply to look or act postmodern, as helpful as that might be. The point, truly, is to locate God’s activity in our age. What postmodernism does, in other words, is drive us back to our sacred texts wherein we discover that some of what is taking place around us is actually quite consistent with Scripture. Our goal is to hear God’s voice as it echoes across time, listening for reverberations that come to us via this postmodern time.

12. Emergence is a term often used to describe the new and sometimes unconventional realities that are emanating from people and groups that are postmodern in orientation. It basically depicts the unprecedented changes that are taking place in society in general and within segments of the church. For a brief discussion, see Kimball, The Emerging Church, 13-17.

13. Stanley J. Grenz, A Primer on Postmodernism (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1996), 168-169.

14. What is genuine community? Be like us? Join us? Force yourself into our mold? There is, of course, a sense in which we want people to see the love and truth of God in us, as it is displayed in our relationships. This, however, is only a part of what is necessary. Our apologetic, in other words, must entail far more than “join us at church.” What’s more, we must not be so naive as to think that we can manufacture some sort of artificial place of belonging. More relevant, or so it seems to me, would be a concerted effort to simply love our neighbors. Not love as a means of coercing a decision, not love in order to get others to join our congregations, not love as a tool of religious manipulation, but simply love in the name of Jesus. A postmodern apologetic is one that provides each day an environment where the people we encounter can feel comfortable, accepted, and (hopefully) willing to journey with us.

15. What is genuine community? Be like us? Join us? Force yourself into our mold? There is, of course, a sense in which we want people to see the love and truth of God in us, as it is displayed in our relationships. This, however, is only a part of what is necessary. Our apologetic, in other words, must entail far more than “join us at church.” What’s more, we must not be so naive as to think that we can manufacture some sort of artificial place of belonging. More relevant, or so it seems to me, would be a concerted effort to simply love our neighbors. Not love as a means of coercing a decision, not love in order to get others to join our congregations, not love as a tool of religious manipulation, but simply love in the name of Jesus. A postmodern apologetic is one that provides each day an environment where the people we encounter can feel comfortable, accepted, and (hopefully) willing to journey with us.

16. Rudolph Otto popularized the idea of the mysterium tremendum, the awful mystery. The basic idea is that God can be encountered in ways that transcended (not contradict) the rational.

apologetics in a postmodern era (part 2)

2008-05-10T09:52:00.005-05:00

This is the second in a short series of articles on the subject of Christian apologetics in a postmodern world.

A Postmodern Apologetic

A postmodern apologetic is one that takes seriously the challenges and questions that are integral to today’s cultural environment. Though careful to guard against influences that might prove harmful, it is important to look with discerning eyes for indicators of God’s presence in this era. What current ideas and cultural inclinations are evidences of His presence? Where has He left His “finger prints” on this world? These and related questions demand that we consider afresh the manner in which we “give an answer for the hope that is in us” (1 Peter 3:15). We must begin, in other words, to envision a postmodern apologetic.

Postmodern Pause: Avoiding Naivete When Encountering Popular Ideas.

Before proceeding, however, it is important to mention a number of potentially harmful influences of postmodern thought. Some of the more virulent forms of postmodernism, reject anything like an all-encompassing universal standard in favor of local “truths”; what we are left with, in other words, is nothing but the opinions of individuals and communities.[7] Likewise, extreme versions of deconstructionism deny that words actually reflect, in any meaningful way, the genuine state of affairs to which they supposedly point. According to some, this renders impossible the discovery of anything (or Anyone) via written texts.[8] A related contention is that all truth claims are, at their heart, efforts to exert power and gain control. Whenever a person promulgates a belief system, his ultimate intent is to get others to fall under his sway. The name of the game is power and control.[9]

In seeking to counter extreme claims, the church must neither succumb to relativism nor exaggerate its own grasp of the truth. On the one hand, Christian presuppositions insist that truth is accessible through common and special revelation; in other words, God can indeed speak, and we are able–by his providence, gifts, and grace, and because we are made in His image–to hear Him. On the other hand, it is essential to acknowledge the inherent limitations in all human knowing; though God has spoken, we are apt–due to human limitations and divine transcendence–to miss what he has said. The quest for knowledge, therefore, must be tempered with humility, and boldness must be tempered by a recognition that the truths of which we speak are enveloped in great mystery.

In learning to deal with these issues, it is important not to over react or become condescending. Too many apologists have taken an overly critical stance toward postmoderns and, instead of attracting them to the faith, have actually driven postmoderns farther away. Dulles, in describing certain groups, refers to this as an “overanxious defensiveness”[10] As believers and apologists, we must remind ourselves that our responsibility is not simply to be right but to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians ). Likewise, and even more importantly, we must remain open the better postmodern themes, looking for God’s imprint in our world.

Notes

7. The problem with this type of pluralism, however, is that in the desire to accept all avenues to God it actually detracts from the significance of the unique One described as “the way” (John 14:6).

8. If, as some assert, no text (or spoken word) points to a reality beyond itself, if it is impossible to arrive at anything resembling objective reality, then radical postmoderns themselves are forced to allow their extreme views of deconstructionism to be deconstructed. Playing by their own rules, they must either admit the limitations of that which they proclaim with certainty (religious and philosophical pluralism, deconstructionism, etc.) or else allow for the possibility of objective truth claims. In other words, deconstructionists cannot actually live according to their own philosophy, since to do so would undermine the assumption that readers can actually understand their writings. Orthodox Christians, of course, affirm that language does refer to something, that the canonical Scriptures disclose truth, and that there is something (and Someone) behind the biblical texts. Indeed, believers have long declared that the biblical documents are intended to reveal their author.

9. In response to this contention, it would be foolish to deny the human tendency to seek mastery over others and to bolster one’s position and reputation; Christians have often been guilty of this very thing. Still, this need not deter those whose quest is to see things the way they really are. Though no creature knows truth perfectly, it is possible, by God’s enablement (Psalm 25:4-5, 8, 12), to know perfect truth adequately (John 8:31-32; 17:17). Furthermore, the fact remains that the allurement to power, though real and unavoidable, does not actually prohibit the acquisition of knowledge. Finally, it is important to recognize that the temptation to control is found among all human beings, including radical postmodernists. If their declarations are to be taken seriously, then the books they write and the lectures they deliver are likewise efforts to control. The irony is remarkable.

10. Avery Cardinal Dulles, A History of Apologetics (San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 1999), 323).

apologetics in a postmodern era (part 1)

2008-05-10T09:47:00.005-05:00

This is the first in a short series of articles on the subject of Christian apologetics in a postmodern world.

Introduction

Society is experiencing a monumental cultural shift as it moves from a modern to a postmodern paradigm. Today’s priorities have changed, and the way we think has changed, as well. Dogmatism is out, and inclusion is in. Community has replaced individualism as a dominant theme. Certainty and confidence must compete with an increased skepticism and cynicism. Though these are surely generalizations, they reflect some of the current trends. In such a world, what role is there for Christian apologetics [1]? Can, indeed should, the faith be defended in a world that frowns upon anything dogmatic? In this kind of world, what strategies are available for doing apologetics?

The postmodern shift has prompted a number of responses. Some, who are keenly aware of the multiplicity of available religious opinions, have grown skeptical of the existence of truth at all, finding it difficult to choose from among the options. Others advocate a “level playing field” in which all (or at least many) belief systems are given equal status. Still others have decided to staunchly defend traditional ways.[2]

Given our current social environment, it is difficult for many to imagine that any one option might be more valid than the others. Furthermore, the overly dogmatic (and sometimes arrogant) claims of certain segments of the church have caused people to question the beliefs of those whom they already view with suspicion. It can be exceedingly difficult to locate what truly matters in a pluralistic world, and it is wearying trying to proclaim and defend the faith within a society that celebrates the equality of nearly all views and decries anything that sounds universalistic.

As the church seeks to live faithfully within today’s cultural milieu, it is imperative to honestly and creatively address the contemporary situation, giving “a reason for the hope that is in [us]” (1 Peter 3:15). How, then, should we do apologetics? What might a postmodern apologetic look like?

In seeking to answer these and related questions, it is important to locate contemporary themes that are consistent with a Christian worldview. Ultimately, however, this is a search for the living God, listening for his voice in the world around us. May we give us “ears” to hear.

The Postmodern Shift

But before we consider some of the available options, it is important to get our bearings. Any discussion of a postmodern apologetic must first understand postmodernism. What is this postmodern shift?

During the modern era (1500-1960), a number of pertinent ideas flourished, including a reliance on logic, a focus on the individual, an emphasis on the printed word, and an attitude of confidence regarding knowledge claims. All of these tendencies proved useful and yielded many benefits.

The problem with modernity, however, was that these features were often exaggerated to the point of imbalance. Logic was employed with such zeal and confidence that it fostered hubris, and other avenues of discovery (e.g., intuition) were discounted as issues of faith were approached in a more-or-less rationalistic fashion. Likewise, an excessive individualism led to a neglect of the corporate and a proneness to “do it yourself” spirituality.[3]

As increased numbers came to recognize the abuses of the modern era, a new attitude began to take shape. Given that this was, at heart, a reaction against the prevailing tendencies of modernity, the cultural shift came to be known as postmodern. Long describes postmodernism as a “moving away from reason by the autonomous self and moving toward relationship in community.”[4] Smith adds that it includes such ideas as intuitiveness, skepticism, personal experience, and community.[5] Though defying simple explanation, postmodernism[6] can be understood as the pervasive cultural reaction against the tendencies of the modern era. In light of these changes, our task will be to consider what a postmodern apologia might entail.

Notes

1. Apologetics, from the Greek word apologia, is often described as a reasoned defense of the faith. But this defensive approach must be supplemented by a more positive outlook in which the believability and attractiveness of the faith are highlighted.

2. Here, we will seek a balanced approach. On the one hand, there are certainly aspects of a modern apologetic that were either inappropriate or will have little impact in a postmodern world. On the other hand, there is no need to jettison the best features of modernity (or any other era). Since postmodern apologetics is the focus here, that will occupy most of the discussion. But the current setting in which we find ourselves must never become so narrow in focus as to exclude the wisdom of the past.

3. Of course, not all that is modern is bad, and some contemporary thinkers have taken an overly reactionary stance, ignoring or at least minimizing the positive features of modernity. In our desire to avoid that which is harmful, we must not reject the positive aspects of previous generations.

4. Jimmy Long, Generating Hope: A Strategy for Reaching the Postmodern Generation (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997), 61.

5. Chuck Smith, Jr., The End of the World . . . As We Know It (Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook Press, 2001), 46-47. See Smith’s excellent discussion, 45-62.

6. Postmodernism has its proponents and its detractors. Philosophers, theologians, and others have varying opinions regarding this phenomenon. Though a good deal of this can be traced to the presuppositions of the individual, it is nonetheless true that postmodernism is an idea that is difficult to define. This, in turn, has led some to delineate different forms or types of postmodernism. Though somewhat simplistic, postmodernism can be separated into “soft” and “hard” versions. Hard postmodernism, which is the more radical type, is difficult to maintain on a Christian worldview. Soft postmodernism, on the other hand, is much more amenable/conducive to faith, providing a number of potentially beneficial avenues of thought.

the path

2008-05-01T19:58:00.004-05:00

Is anyone nice
or partially kind?
No self in the picture
seems so hard to find

Everywhere looking
with honesty rare
Where are the chosen,
the ones who do care?

Here is a big shot,
who must get ahead
What will he think
when he’s buried and dead?

All of us falter
weak we can be
hope then arrives
and faith is the key

Searching for truth
and tapped into livin’
strength comes from grace
that is only God-given

Hope paves a way
though often there’s weeping
light through the dark
by grace we are keeping

Purpose, desire
Lord driven are we
prodded by love
that descends from the tree

Perfect, I sense it
echoes I’m hearing
seeing by faith
with invisible peering

Lord, pave my path
make it smooth, make it real
flow through my soul
so your presence I feel

i need God

2008-05-01T19:04:00.004-05:00

Sometimes, it’s as plain as day. I need God.

I need him to guide me, to provide for me, to rescue me, to forgive me, to encourage me, and a whole lot more.

There are many things about life that I do not understand. People, circumstances, and my own heart–all of these are prone to mystify me. Again, this is why I need God.

The Lord knows that I am often feeble and just plain goofy. He knows that I sometimes think in a way that is lacking in faith. Therefore, once again, I need God.

“Help me Lord to rely on you fully, to trust you completely, and to walk in your ways consistently. Enable me to be a genuine blessing to those you send into my life. And when I mess up, please pick me up and set me back on the right path. Thanks for putting up with me!”

invisible attacks?

2008-04-26T17:35:00.007-05:00

I’m not one to see a demon behind every bush or some conspiracy in every human occurrence. Still, as a Christian, I do believe that there is a spiritual realm and that this realm includes personal forces that in some way affect the affairs of human beings. Jesus dealt with many of these forces, as did other biblical characters. A part of Christian theology, in other words, is the acceptance of good and bad angels.

That these personal beings influence daily happenings is one thing, but how they make their mark is quite another. To be honest, I’m not real clear on the mechanism by which they affect us. It seems to me that we ought to avoid both the view that denies such spiritual realities and the one that treats them as the chief culprits in every human trial or difficulty.

All of these things admitted, I sometimes wonder about certain occurrences and the likelihood that they could occur without some kind of supra-human involvement. For instance just the other day I experienced this sort of weird situation at work. Without getting into details, and without attempting to place any blame on anyone, I was subtly associated with a somewhat nefarious situation. No one actually blamed me for anything (quite the opposite, in fact), but there did remain this possible insinuation that someone who heard this story might think that I had done something improper.

When I heard this, I was–to be honest–angered. While I might be unorthodox, and even a little strange, I do my best (with all my heart and by the grace of God alone) to maintain my integrity and to assist others in doing the same. Yet, here I was being connected to something that sounded almost suspicious. No one who was directly involved in the situation approached me. No one asked me about anything or attempted to guard me from being misunderstood. While those who informed me of this situation were very kind and completely non-accusatory, I still wondered about potential scuttlebutt, gossip and the like.

At any rate, I left work in a very somber mood, wondering if anyone had been poisoned by untrue rumors or tainted by stories that had been slanted to make me look bad. Though I know that I cannot control what others think, I am concerned about what people I care about might think. Perhaps, I worry too much; that might be. Either way, these things have been somewhat heavy on my heart.

I should clarify, I suppose, that I do not at all think that I am somehow beyond correction or that it is impossible for me to do something stupid. I truly require the grace and guidance of God to do and be what I ought to do and be. However, when my reputation may hang in the balance, when misinformation might mislead others, I get upset, and I am saddened.

As a side note, and just to make this day even more “enjoyable,” I was later “attacked” by not one but two dogs while jogging (attacked is too strong a word, but these dogs did run up to and jump on me). Last week, I had this one day of particularly wonderful blessings. This day was, well, quite the opposite, which makes me wonder what might be going on “behind the scenes.”

Maybe I am wrong about this whole thing, and perhaps this is, as Shakespeare said, much ado about nothing. I certainly hope that’s the case. But either way I am somewhat dumbfounded by what might be an effort to question my character or at least make others wonder about it. Lord knows that I need guidance and strength each day, and I certainly hope and pray to “let my light shine” before others. Along the way, I sometimes seem to require a special dose of protection. Anyone want to pray? If so, thanks!

who loves ya, baby?

2008-04-20T14:15:00.006-05:00

A number of years ago, there was a television series by the name of Kojak. Starring Tellie Cevalis, Kojak was a hip New York detective, who was bald and completely cool.

Kojak was known for some memorable lines, perhaps the most famous of which was actually a question. He used to ask, “Who loves ya baby?” Whatever the implied answer, the question itself is extremely relevant.

“Who loves ya baby?” Who loves YOU and YOU and YOU . . . and ME? The answer to this question, and the degree to which we understand what it implies, will play a major role in the way we think about our lives and ministries. Indeed, it will in many ways determine our own spiritual energy level and how well we continue in the work God has given us to do.

When you work with people–as we all do–when you work with young people–as some of us do–you are participating in something that is difficult to measure and impossible to overestimate. We are talking about affecting what is yet to be, influencing the future, having an impact on the kingdom of God, paving the way for others, affecting how they will conduct their lives.

I think we are of the opinion–at least I am–that what we do in this life actually matters. People matter; young people matter. I’m not looking for some spiritual notch on my belt. What matters to me is that lives are changed–that young people grow up as followers of truth, embodiments of integrity, examples of godliness, conduits of God’s love. What matters to me is that I have some impact, however small it may seem at times, on people I hope and pray will follow the One who is the truth.

We have that impact, I would suggest, when we maintain personal integrity, show genuine concern, and demonstrate authenticity, faith, and love. I, for one, count it a privilege, an honor. This is what it’s all about.

But when we invest our lives in young people, when we attempt to help others, there are times when we wonder about it all, wonder whether it’s worth it. So it’s natural to ask ourselves what we “get” out of helping others–young and old alike. This, frankly, is why we are urged in Scripture to encourage and build up one another. We all need that. And we all ought to be going out of our way to be kind to others, to show them and tell them that we appreciate them. But, to be honest, I want more.

This is why I find solace in those passages in the Bible that assure me that it is worth it. One of these is Matthew 25:23. There we are told that when we stand before God, he will say to those who truly followed his ways, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” This is why we do what we do–teaching a lesson, preparing to instruct a young person, spending time with others. We do it because–among other things–we want the Lord to say, “Good work.” “Good job!” “Way to go!”

1 Corinthians 15: 58 says something similar: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”

Your toil is not in vein. Your labor is not worthless.

To be honest, there are times when I wonder about it, when I’m uncertain that anything that I do matters, when I’m not clear whether what I do now has any lasting impact. But, as a teacher, I get little glimpses here and there, hints that some people actually care, that lives can be moved–sometimes dramatically and often gradually–in a direction in which I sense–to use Jesus’ own words–“the kingdom of God has come near.”

Still, the hints are not an end but a reminder of what fully awaits those who have been faithful to instruct, to guide, to care, to live properly, to love.

As a teacher, one of the most challenging and blessed things I do is interact with young people (in my case, young adults, high school students). And perhaps in part because of the nature of the subject I teach (I teach health) and, in part, because of my own personality, I get close to some kids. In fact each year–and I’ve done this for some time now–I go through a kind of “blue” period, a time of sadness in which I see good young people grow older, mature, and move to the next phase of their lives. This is why, as I’ve said, I sometimes ask myself, “Will they remember? Have I made any difference? Do they understand that I really do care? Have I had any affect on them? Does it all simply melt away with time, or have I said or done anything that actually has eternal value.”

It is at times like these that my worldview is reinforced and my heart is encouraged with thoughts that “my labor is not in vein.” The Message Bible says it this way: “Stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort” (1 Cor 15:58).

Here is what I envision: One day there will be a great reunion. One day we will gather together in the presence of God, and we will discover like never before that it really was worth it. Truth endures. Love lasts. Lessons of Good News do not go away. Lives can be and are changed by God, and–amazingly–He often works through us in making these changes! We will see the fruit of what we’ve done in this life; we will experience it.

I don’t want to minimize the responsibility we have of encouraging one another. If someone does something nice for us, or if someone has been a blessing to others, we ought to notice it . . . and tell him or her. That’s why we are told to “encourage one another,” “to build up one another.” We need that!

In another sense, however, our reward is yet to come. We will be appreciated in a full and complete way, it will all make sense, later. Knowing these things, dwelling on these realities, is what hope is all about. And, as Scripture says in one place, “Hope does not disappoint.”

Some theologians, seeking to make sense of these realities, have referred to this as “ now and the not yet.” In Old Testament times there was a general belief in two ages: There was this age, and there was the age to come. But with the coming of Jesus, as often happened, this idea was revolutionized. When Jesus came, he initiated profound things: In one place he said, “The kingdom of heaven is in your midst.” “It’s here . . . because I am here.” And, of course, when Jesus conquered the grave he ushered in the age to come, the age of the Messiah. This is why some have said that with the coming of Jesus the kingdom has been brought into the present. While we do not experience this in full, we can encounter a measure of it today. The future has been brought into the here-and-now, and we have some access to it now. The future age has been brought by the Spirit into the present. And so, though the full manifestation of this kingdom is yet-to-come, there is an echo of the future that has already arrived, which we can grasp and experience by faith. Hope is that alive.

I’m not always this way, but there are times when I can sense it, that the future overlaps the present. I can almost feel it, and when I do, I know that it all makes sense, that our labors matter, that the time and energy we invest in others will not be forgotten. I can sense, at least on some occasions, that the efforts we put into our various ministries are all being stored up for that time when we see the fruit of our labors. Sometimes, I can almost taste what awaits us.

That’s why I love to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together” (Matthew 25:23, New Living Translation)!

I used to think of this as a rather sterile declaration, a simple announcement that God was somehow pleased with us. You can almost imagine a bunch of people waiting for their “trophies.” “Keep the line moving, please.” But now, I see this as a realization of the fruit that is borne in the lives of those individuals whom we had the privilege of knowing and affecting. To enter into our labors will be the realization that what really matters has actually lasted. Truth has won the day, has won eternity. The things we did here–the lessons we’ve attempted to share with others, the relationships we’ve developed with young people, the kind words and the prayers and whatever else it is that you do–all of it will be remembered, and it will prove to us all that it has been worth it.

You labor now, BUT you do not labor in vain. Not only will you receive a “good job” from the Lord of heaven and earth, but you will actually enter your labors, interact with those who spent time in your presence and were exposed to your compassion and love. Hebrews 6:10-12 puts it this way:

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

1 Corinthians 3:8 adds this: “The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.”

Who loves ya baby? He does, and he’s promised that your work has not gone unnoticed, your efforts will not be forgotten, your toil is not in vein. The lessons you share with that young person, the extra effort you give to help shape the lives of others–these things really do matter!

Rejoice in this fact. Allow that future reality to come up close to you and impact you today. See the future now. Experience a measure of this promise today. Allow God to fill your soul with the realization that it is worth it all. Let your heart be energized with the thought that it is worth it all because you know the answer to Kojak’s question. You can rest your life, you can build your future, on this fact.

“Who loves ya baby?”

overwhelmed by goodness and grace

2008-04-15T21:25:00.004-05:00

Sometimes, I am overwhelmed by God’s goodness and grace, his incredible interventions in my life. Today was one of those days. Today, I felt like God pulled back the curtain and provided a glimpse of what he’s up to in my life, and I have to say I’m encouraged.

There are times, I have to be honest, when I get a little frustrated with circumstances and unable to discern much of what is going on around me. Ever felt that way? You attempt to do what’s right, and you’re not sure if anyone cares or appreciates it. Then, if you’re like me, you play mind-games, wondering and speculating and–let’s be frank–worrying about too many things.

Indeed, just last week I seemed to bounce back and forth between an almost angry cynicism and an utterly God-dependent faith. On more than one occasion, I thought, “Lord, I don’t know how you can make sense of this or that.”

Still, the Lord is the Lord, and he knows what he’s doing even if we do not. What’s more, he loves us, he loves me, even when frustration is the dominant theme and foolishness is the chief attribute.

What a marvel God must be. He orchestrates all of life for our good, yet we doubt him when we cannot see exactly what he’s doing. He’s at work when we are asleep. He’s active when we are lazy. He’s faithful, thank God, even when we are so very faithless. And sometimes he showers gifts upon us to make sure we know, that I know, that he’s still here; he’s still good, and he actually loves me. Wow!

Today was such a blessing. There was energy in the air, an extra spring in my step, a sense of the divine all around. Thank you to all who played a role in this wonderful day. Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that you are truly in control. Your truth is alive and powerful, and you are still very much present and active in our lives. Thank you, Lord!

today

2008-04-12T17:13:00.003-05:00

There are times when it all seems clear, when what truly matters in life becomes self-evident. Just this afternoon, we attended the funeral of a friend. He passed away a few days ago at the all-too-young age of 43, leaving behind a very dedicated wife and a very cute nine-year-old boy. Now, this widow and fatherless child must seek to make it alone in the world. The whole thing is sad, of course, and many people were there to express their condolences.

It is at times like these that we are reminded of what truly matters. It’s amazing how the tears flow freely and kindness is expressed unhesitatingly when we realize how very important life is. Death does that to us, as it should, and other things also make their mark. But funerals especially remind us of the things that ought to occupy us each and every day.

In life we have a window of opportunity, an undefined length of time to make our mark and build our legacy. Given that we don’t know how long we have, and considering the extreme relevance of the things we’re talking about, it is imperative to live life now, while we can, with all that we have.

In one place in Scripture this is addressed with the following words: “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of your time because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, NASB). Another translation has it this way: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV).

There are a lot of bad things, temptations, allurements, and distractions throughout this world. Each day has its share of evil. It is thus imperative that we make the most of the time that we have while we still have it. We must live our lives carefully and wisely, and we must do so now. Life is short and sometimes hard, and it is often unpredictable. Your reminded of these things when you’re at a funeral.

Today is the day to care, to love, to show compassion, to express kindness and grace. Now is the time to forgive, to share your heart, to let loved ones know that you’re there for them. Be generous, therefore, while you can. Encourage and lend your support whenever you have the opportunity. Love right now. Your legacy, your impact, the profundity of your life–these are best measured by what you are willing to do and say today.

loving by faith

2008-04-12T09:04:00.005-05:00

Love–it’s a strange and powerful thing, and sometimes it is very difficult to do.

When we love–let’s be honest–we want that love to be reciprocated. That is, we want to receive something back for our love. When we say or do something kind, we hope that the people we are kind to will at least appreciate what we have done.

Now, there are some people who think that it is a bad thing to expect love in return, but I’m not so sure that is the case. After all, as social and emotional beings, how can we not want to receive something for our efforts, for our love?

Don’t get me wrong. Love is not acting properly if it gives in order to get. That is, it is not right to do a nice thing simply to get something out of it. Love, in other words, is not a tool of manipulation, a means by which we get what we want from others. Though we are all probably guilty of such inappropriate efforts, clearly this ought not be our primary motive. Rather, we give in order to give. We give because we actually care. We give for giving’s sake, for the sake of the recipients of our love.

At the same time, I don’t think it’s wrong to expect something in return. Not only is it a human impulse to want to receive love (and not merely give it), but there are expectations built into any relationship. For instance if you are a kind and caring individual, I naturally expect that this is the way you will normally be. We all mess up on many occasions, but it’s not abnormal or contrary to love to expect that a person of character will generally (though not perfectly!) display that character. If you are nice, and I’ve observed this niceness on numerous occasions, I simply assume that you will usually be nice. It would be wrong for me or anyone to overly judge others for mistakes, imperfections, or other foibles; we all require mercy and graciousness! But this does not mean that we are wrong for having certain expectations, expectations that result from observations and experiences with people.

Still, it can be very difficult to express love when, for whatever reason, it is not returned or even noticed. It is painful to truly care about others who simply disregard, reject, or misconstrue our efforts. When this occurs, we are normally hurt, and the hurt is understandable.

This got me to thinking about the love that Jesus displayed. He loved those who were inconsistent at best. He loved those who would betray him. He loved “his own” (according to John’s Gospel), and “his own” did not receive him. If ever there was a paradigm of love, it was Jesus. He loved perfectly, freely, compassionately, and purely, but sometimes that love was misunderstood and/or rejected. Yet, and this is key, he loved anyway!

Wow. This is the kind of love that it very, very hard to embrace. Can I love when my love is not appreciated, when it is misinterpreted, when–for reasons I cannot fathom–it is not even acknowledged? This is a tough love, a love that trusts that it's worth the effort. Love is worth the pain. Indeed, the desire to benefit the recipients of love is so genuine and Jesus-like that it is willing to love even if that love is misread and misconstrued.

To love like Jesus loved (loves) is truly a mind-boggling thing, and it is something at which I am not adept. This is hard. This is sometimes painful. This, I suppose, is loving by faith, expecting that love’s rewards will certainly come later from God but also hoping (by faith) that love will have its way in this life, in the lives of those we truly care about. “Lord, I am not good at this. Enable me to love even if that love is unrequited, trusting that you can change our hearts, believing that when we truly love, You are present.”

what makes us great

2008-04-06T21:36:00.006-05:00

A Presidential election is right around the corner, and once again we hear the politicians and the pundits making their case for this or that candidate. Once again, we are told that if we vote for so-and-so we will ensure a better future for ourselves and our children, and we will overcome poverty, rescue a struggling economy, counter racism, and make the world a better place.

Please don’t misunderstand. I think politics matter, and I do believe that certain candidates and certain philosophies are better for us than others. Some candidates, frankly, make me cringe, and I deplore the idea that political correctness and sound bites too often determine which candidate is (supposedly) better than another. It is important, in other words, to take our civic responsibilities seriously, to do what we can, to get out there and vote.

But, and this is what we need to understand, politicians of neither party are our saviors, and what makes America great is not the promise of some Washington bureaucrats. What has always made us great are these two things: (1) The goodness, guidance, and grace of God (sorry about the alliteration; it just happened. :-) ), and (2) the integrity, hard work, and ingenuity of good people.

Politicians can, of course, play a role in all this. Some policies strangle our economy and promote (intentionally or not) an attitude that is not conducive to personal and societal prosperity. Some political views are, in my view, contrary to the intentions of our Founding Fathers, and stand in the way of progress. However, at our worst and best times, what makes any people great is not what a candidate promises.

When you listen to some of the talking heads, you get the impression that we are getting ready to install some sort of benevolent dictator, a kindly king who will lead us to the promised land. But that it not what American is about . . . thank God. America is about freedom and the opportunity to make a mark in this world. It’s about overcoming odds and living our lives in humble but confident ways, fortified with the knowledge that our greatest treasures are gifts from God.

Have you ever watched the hoopla associated with past presidential elections? Take a look at the Democratic and Republican conventions from, say, the 1960's. When you do, I’ll think you’ll find that a lot of the same things that we tout as new and necessary have been spoken by previous generations, as have some of the exaggerated claims.

Perhaps this is a good thing. Maybe it’s unavoidable. So long as we live in a country where free people remember their past, understand their responsibility, and are mindful of a higher calling, we have a fighting chance. But make no mistake about it, our ultimate hope is in God and in faithfulness to him, his promises, and to one another.

Get involved. Think through the relevant issues, and vote with an informed conscience. But don’t rely too much on politicians or their policies. Unhesitatingly pledge your allegiance to the flag . . . but especially to your Creator and those he sends your way. This is what has made America great, and it is what will keep her great!

if necessary, use words

2008-04-04T21:21:00.003-05:00

“Preach the gospel at all times.
If necessary, use words.”
–Saint Francis of Assisi

This statement highlights, in my opinion, the priorities of a truly Christian life, stating what ought to most concern us. While it obviously matters what we say with our mouths, and though truth must be spoken, what matters even more is the way we live.

I am amazed how often we get this backwards, treating our formulations and treatises as if they are the end all of anything spiritual. Of course words do matter. Jesus spoke words; indeed, he is the Word. Scripture itself involves words, words that lead to life. In fact I am at this moment sharing these thoughts through the use of words. So, we cannot operate for very long without invoking words and seeking to apply them to our lives. But, and this is the point, words alone are never enough. Indeed, even the words we rightly embrace are words intended, in the final analysis, to transform us.

What Saint Francis is saying (using words, mind you) is that what God’s after is not merely a series of well-crafted theological formulas or a proper articulation of the good news. These obviously matter; that much is clear. But the purpose of the truth we have acquired, the intent of the gospel, is to actually find its way into our hearts and lives, dramatically altering the way we live, love, and relate to others.

What attracts people? What benefits them the most? How does the truth actually change us, and what is this change that we are (supposedly) concerned to facilitate in the lives of others? You see, what really matters is that we love (God and our neighbor, according to Jesus), that we bear fruit (according to Paul), and that we become increasingly like Jesus himself.

It is obviously relevant that we and others accurately perceive Jesus, and clarifying this for others (or ourselves) involves some measure of word use. But when we are in heaven–though we will undoubtedly have a proper perception of Jesus’ identity, and while we will surely use words to converse and worship, the heart of eternity will involve being–being what we were created to be, being for one another what we only imperfectly fulfilled while here, being image-bearers of divine love and truth.

So it is here. Words are significant, very significant, but nothing compares to a life changed, and nothing alters another person’s outlook and draws him/her in a good (news) direction than a life that “preaches” all day long.

Our lives ought to exude compassion and care. The good news–the news that we are loved and accepted, that we are empowered to love, that we have purpose–should flow from our lives in such a way that no one will be able to deny it. Now, being realistic, we can anticipate many a blunder and countless inconsistencies, at least I know I can. But, to the extent that we accept this challenge, this mission, we will be most effective when we pay attention to what Jesus and others have said: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Here’s another one: “By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Or . . . “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”–there’s the balance.

Preach the gospel at all times. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, be it morning, afternoon, or evening, whether it’s raining or the sun is shining, let the good news, the news of faith, hope, and love, flow from you. Let good news emanate from your life. And, when it’s needed, when the situation and setting warrant it, open your mouth too. Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.

the heart

2008-03-30T14:29:00.003-05:00

One of the weird things about life is that we must sometimes view it simultaneously from different perspectives. For instance, as Christians we should all want to be faithful and humble and loving. At some level, we want to be known for these and similar traits, and we want to honestly believe that our character is so shaped. In other words, I want you to say/think that I am faithful, humble, and loving, and I hope to actually be these things.

At another level, however, we are all prone to wander. After all, Scripture teaches us, does it not, that “the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.” (Jeremiah 17:9). In other words we are all quite capable of foolish and rebellious attitudes and actions. Indeed, so perverse can the human heart be that Jeremiah asks, “Who can understand it?” The implied answer is no one, that is, none of us can know every nuance of our own motives and intentions. We can, quite frankly, deceive ourselves into thinking we are okay when we are the opposite of okay.

Here, then, is the situation in which we find ourselves. In one sense, it is important for us to know who and what we are, to portray ourselves, as best we can, in authentic ways, and to live our lives with some measure of self-comprehension and confidence. It’s good, in other words, to know a little bit about our own tendencies and motivations, what makes us tick. To the degree that we know something about our own hearts and lives, we will be able to guard ourselves from that which might damage or destroy us. Indeed, to know that our hearts are deceitful is, in some sense, a piece of this self-knowledge.

In another sense, however, in the sense that Jeremiah intends, we are never in a place where we can rest on our own achievements or be cocky in the way we approach life. In another passage of Scripture, these humbling words are found: “Let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). One of the surest ways to delude ourselves is to assume that we are invincible, taking for granted that we are “above reproach” or some such thing. If we think we are safe and unbeatable, if we rest on past accomplishments, we have already taken the first step to defeat.

You see, the key to avoiding self-deception is an awareness that we can indeed be deceived. The way to protect ourselves from faithlessness and other transgressions is by remaining cognizant that we are capable of such foolishness.

The path to take, in other words, is one of humility. While we can know some (limited) things about ourselves, and though we ought to do our best to give expression to important spiritual qualities, we are never in a place where we can, how shall I say it, live independently of God.

God has made us in such a way that we operate efficiently only when we do our operating within the sphere of our connection with him. This does not mean, of course, that we are always aware of this connection or that we walk around in some trance-like state, repeating words that we hope will protect us from ourselves. Rather, it entails that we develop a mind-set in which we are consistently leaning on God, looking to him, asking for his assistance, trusting that he can protect us and shape us into faithful followers.

What we all require is a walk of faith, a sense of our dependence on our Savior. As we seek to guard our hearts and live productive lives, our spiritual soundness is bolstered not so much by self-confidence as by confidence in him. Humility is the avenue of growth and stability, trusting that–weak as we are by nature–he is able to keep us from falling and continue to make us into what he wants us to be. “Lord, protect me (us), and continue to renew and strengthen me (us) so that I (we) can be all that you intend me (us) to be.”

tolerance

2008-03-26T19:32:00.008-05:00

tolerance

a. sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own b: the act of allowing something.

Tolerance is a popular slogan and a fascinating concept. We here it all of the time: “We’ve got to learn to tolerate one another.” “If we’re ever going to get along, we must be tolerant.” “The key to living in a pluralistic world is tolerance.”

On the other hand, we also hear a different slant on tolerance. For instance: “When it comes to child abuse, we allow zero tolerance.” “At work, we have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drug use.”

So, on the one hand, we are told to tolerate most everything and everyone. On the other hand, we are to uphold a stance of zero tolerance. So, which is it?

Well, obviously, one of the keys to a proper stance on tolerance is to understand what it is, exactly, that we are to tolerate or not tolerate. That is, you cannot make a blanket statement about tolerance without first knowing what subject, behavior, or idea is in view. Only then can you begin to decide if such-and-such or so-and-so ought to be tolerated.

This all said, I do think there are some basic attitudes that should govern our approach to tolerance. Among other things, I’d like to suggest the following:

✓ At some level we obviously must tolerate and accept all people. We are all created in the image of God. We are all called to love our neighbors and even our enemies. To ignore these realities is to run contrary to a Christian worldview.

✓ Any realistic assessment of life in the real world compels us to tolerate other human beings. Whatever legitimate disagreements we have with others, we cannot expect to be a blessing to them unless we decide, as best as we can, to tolerate others. Even if we can’t like another individual, we can and must love him/her.

✓ Our views of tolerance can be informed by societal trends, but they must never be enslaved to these trends. By this I mean that it is certainly fine for believers to take up secular causes, efforts to promote “getting along.” But, we are not to mindlessly follow the crowds, simply because it’s the “in” thing to do. Political correctness is not a strong enough motive or a reliable enough guide for matters as important as these.

✓ We must not tolerate that which offends God or harms others. Evil must be opposed for everyone’s sake. When you take a stand against clearly inappropriate practices or behaviors, many will oppose you. But, as followers of a higher (and, hopefully, humble) way, we must sometimes confront that which is the antithesis of truth and morality. This is called conviction.

✓ This said, it is also essential, in our opposition to that which is wrong, to live in a right way. Too often, or so it seems to me, the moral standard bearers come across as condescending and arrogant. To be sure, there are times when truly humble people are unfairly portrayed as arrogant by those who simply want to defend their inappropriate practices. But, sometimes, when we oppose misbehavior, we do come across as a bit too confident in our assertions.

✓ On a related point. Just because we are opposed to something that is wrong does not mean that we must always scream our views from the rooftop. Of course there is certainly a time and place for such loud opposition to evil. However, not every thing that is wrong demands a constant barrage of verbal arrows.

✓ It is possible, I think, to be both tolerant and intolerant, at least in some situations. For instance we can tolerate individuals, even caring for them and relating to them in meaningful ways, while also being intolerant of their choices or lifestyles. This might lead us to confront certain behaviors; love must sometimes do just that. On other occasions, we might apply our intolerance in more subtle ways. Genuine tolerance does not have to degenerate into a mind-set in which we are fearful about intervening in the lives of people who need our help. And intolerance does not have to degenerate into belligerence. Tolerance and intolerance, properly understood and applied, can coexist.

✓ Clearly, we need wisdom in these matters. We must tolerate some things and remain intolerant of others. Above all, we must love (and tolerate) others as God has loved (and tolerated) us, and we must stand against (remain intolerant) of those things in our own lives that hinder this stance of truth combined with love.

This is complicated stuff, stuff we learn (but never perfectly) over the course of a lifetime. Undoubtedly, we need others to walk with us as we attempt to balance these important characteristics. Unquestionably, we need a transcendent resource if ever we are going to (at least occasionally) get this right.

a steady humility

2008-03-26T16:44:00.002-05:00

Jesus said it long ago: “Without Me, you can do nothing.”

To be honest, I’m not entirely clear how this works in the real world. Obviously, Jesus is not saying that we are to sit around and wait to be zapped before we do anything. He's not saying that we are to walk through our lives chanting some type of “help me, Jesus” mantra; there is no magic in repeated words, even if the words themselves are accurate and true. I also don’t think that Jesus is saying that we are truly incapable of doing anything unless we are 100 % conscious of our own need of him; if that were the case, nothing would ever get done.

But, one thing is clear: We do need him. And if we need him, we also need humility, that is, a cognizance that we need him. But, what is humility?

Well, I really don’t think it’s false modesty or feigned meekness. It’s not pretending that we have no abilities or gifts. It’s not about mouthing prescribed formulas, nice-sounding (to some) words about how dependent we are; talk about humility is cheap. It’s not a matter of working ourselves into some make-believe state of faulty piety.

Humility, rather, is a settled recognition, acquired and developed prayerfully over time with the help of like-minded individuals, that God is the one who gets the ultimate credit. He is the one who made us, sustains us, empowers us, walks with us, picks us up when we fall, and provides for us.

When we work hard, we certainly deserve a measure of credit for our efforts. But what factors influenced us in such a way that we became hard workers? If we are academically inclined and attain a measure of success, we can and should feel good about our accomplishments. But who gave us such mental capacities, and where did we learn to use our minds in helpful ways? Who created our brains, our bodies, and all that makes us who we are? Where do the intellectual gifts, the social competencies, and the physical talents come from?

Let’s be clear. Humility is not ignoring the obvious. It’s not pretending that we have no talents. It’s not acting (to the point of self-deception?) like we are bankrupt fools. It’s not walking around with a constant “woe is me” attitude. Indeed, I would argue that humble people can and should celebrate their achievements, that it's okay to say, “Wow, look what I have done.” But humble people also add this important element: They recognize that it is all traceable to a benevolent God, a God who deserves our honor and allegiance, a Lord who, amid our personal celebrations, is thanked, who is always recognized as the ultimate gift and opportunity provider.

In the end, believers will receive crowns. Whatever the particulars, and whether these are real or symbolic, we will be “patted on the back” for (hopefully) living godly lives. But humility recognizes, as did the author of the book of Revelation who records this scene, that the crowns must be thrown down at the feet of the One who is the true giver of all good things.

I suppose we all need to develop a sense of God consciousness, a simple realization that he is the divine supplier, the supernatural resource who fortifies and guides all our positive efforts . . . whether or not we realize it at the time. As we soak in such thoughts, perhaps we’ll begin to understand what Jesus meant when he said we need him for everything. Maybe we’ll even learn to embrace and embody a measure of humility, a steady humility.

being faithful

2008-03-24T15:49:00.006-05:00

Faithful

- Strict or thorough in the performance of duty. True to one’s word, promises, vows, etc.

There are many things that might be mentioned as admirable qualities, but few can rival faithfulness. To be faithful is to demonstrate an allegiance to a cause, remaining devoted to that which is truly important.

Of course the validity of one’s faithfulness can only be determined by how closely it is associated with that which is actually good, true, and right. And nothing is as good, true, and right as God and his ways. Genuine faithfulness, therefore, involves living in a manner that reflects and is consistent with God and his ways.

With these things in view, I want to be faithful . . .

to the truth . . . wherever it is found.
to God.
to my family.
to others.
to those, especially, who are closest to me.

I want to be faithful . . .

in displaying compassion.
in actually caring.
in seeking and sharing wisdom.
in spreading joy.
in consistently leaning on God.

I want to be faithful . . .

with my words.
with my life.
with my gifts.
with my opportunities.
with my relationships.

I want to be steady in my allegiance to the truth.
I want to be loyal in my determination to love God and others.
I want to exude a reliable faithfulness.

And I want God, one day, to say to me something like, “Hey, you’ve made some blunders, and sometimes you’re a goof, but on the whole (and by My grace) you’ve been a good and faithful believer.”

Be faithful! “Lord, enable me (us) to be faithful.”

a hopeful hue

2008-03-23T07:33:00.004-05:00

The world would never be the same again. One Sunday morning transformed everything and enabled us to be transformed as well.

When Jesus rose from the grave, a number of important things occurred. But one of the things that stands out to me is that the otherworldly, the transcendent, suddenly intersected the here-and-now.

As a result of the resurrection . . .

Truth has invaded the universe. It was here from the beginning (though marred), but now it is (How shall we put it?) really real.

Love is shown to be not only a sentiment but a force, a personal force that cannot be denied by the worst that humanity is able to throw at it.

Human existence, which is temporary and always succumbs to death, is promised eventual permanence through death’s conqueror.

Darkness, real and devastating as it can be, is driven out by the one true light.

When you are down and out, it is good to remember that there is One who is with us still. When life doesn’t make sense, it is helpful to recall that there was one Sunday morning when it did make sense, and so there is incentive to go on. When you stand at a grave site and the end seems so final, it is necessary to embrace the reality that someone has defeated the grave, and so will we. When confusion reigns and joy appears to be sapped out of existence, remember that there is indeed purpose to it all, for love became one of us and secured our standing before God. When life feels too typical, too natural, keep in mind that a supernatural element has been released into the world.

Because of what Jesus has accomplished, life has taken on a hopeful hue. Through Jesus, a different kind of existence is in our midst. When Jesus rose from the dead, joy rose with him, and that joy is available to all those who believe. Happy Easter!

good sunday

2008-03-22T18:00:00.006-05:00

Early on the first day of the week, something spectacular happened. The large stone which blocked the entrance to Jesus’ tomb had been rolled out of the way. The sepulcher in which the deceased Jesus had been placed was suddenly unoccupied. There were reports that Jesus had been seen alive, and then he actually appeared to a number of reliable observers.

Jesus had overcome the grave. Somehow, death had been conquered. In some unimaginable fashion, our worst enemy had been defeated. Jesus was alive.

Of course one of the things that strikes me about the whole scene is the oddness of it all. The first eyewitnesses must have thought something like, “This is great! He’s with us again!” But then, after a little reflection, they would have had to come to grips with the entire ordeal, wondering why someone with the capacity to conquer death would have had to die in the first place. I mean, if the grave can’t hold him, why did he succumb to it at all? The answer, once again, is quite simple. He died on purpose for us.

But the death alone was not enough, for who would have known that Jesus’ death actually accomplished anything? You can claim that someone’s crucifixion has universal significance, but talk is cheap. What you need is a demonstrate. What you need is a resurrection.

Jesus’ resurrection confirms that his death had saving value. What he did at Golgotha (the Place of the Skull) was established at the empty tomb. Indeed, it is right to say that the events of Sunday make clear that the events of Friday were indeed good (for us). We learn of the goodness of Good Friday through the occurrence of a miraculous Sunday. Peering through the lens of the resurrection, we learn (among other things) that the previous Friday really was good, the cross actually accomplished something amazing.

The death of Jesus was not only necessary but incredible. In Jesus’ death our wrongs, our imperfections, our stupidity, our rebellion was once for all absorbed. As a result, we can now connect with God and with our created purpose. The resurrection of Jesus put into the effect the death of Jesus. Because he is alive, we can know him.

bad . . . uh, I mean, good friday

2008-03-19T14:23:00.004-05:00

Good Friday–it’s the Friday before Easter, the day that is a regular part of many a person’s religious calendar. But why, I’d like to ask, is it good? What is good about Good Friday?

From the vantage of Jesus, Friday was anything but good. He, you may recall, was taken by force in the middle of the night, was paraded in front of a number of religious and secular authorities, mistreated, beaten, mocked, flogged, and eventually pinned to beams of wood. This was hardly a good day for Jesus of Nazareth.

It is awful to consider how any human being could be so mistreated. But, and this is the real eye-opener, Jesus was more than a typical human being. On the one hand, Jesus was like us in just about every way. He ate, drank, laughed, cried, developed relationships, and experienced the full range of human emotions. But, and this is what set him apart, Jesus never violated God’s will. He never expressed himself in improper ways. He never operated out of an impure heart or with mixed motives. If Jesus got angry, it was always a righteous indignation. If he loved, it was with perfect love. Jesus, in other words, lived his life as it was originally designed, as God intended it to be. He was what we should all be, fully human.

Yet, this fully human individual, this paradigm of love and compassion, this truth-telling, God-honoring man was mistreated to the extreme. What gives? And if, as we are told, he was God’s unique emissary, the One capable of performing miraculous wonders, why would he endure such hostility? Why would he, the Son of God, allow himself to encounter the worst in human cruelty? Answer: for us.

Good Friday was Bad Friday for the Son of God. Ironically, the only truly good one, Jesus, experienced a bad Friday so that those who, at various levels, are bad would be set free to know and serve their maker. Friday was bad for Jesus. He absorbed in his own person that which we had incurred through our foolish choices. The true light of the world was surrounded by human darkness (ours, not his). Incarnate goodness was treated badly. The penalty for breaking God’s laws and rejecting God’s heart fell on the only person who ever truly kept those laws and reflected God’s heart.

Friday was bad for Jesus so that it would be good for us. While the full implications of Jesus’ rescuing activity would not be enacted and made clear until Easter morning, already by Friday the goodness of God’s love was beginning to swell. Because of Bad Friday, we can celebrate Good Friday. Pretty good deal, huh? Have a great Easter!

God is present

2008-03-18T14:34:00.004-05:00

God is present.

Yeah, I know this is an assumption that we often make. It is, after all, a part of our Christian heritage, an aspect of our shared theology. At Christmas, we proclaim the incarnation, that God has become one of us. At Easter, we celebrate the fact that he is not only with us but with us in ways that provide spiritual rescue and freedom.

But all too often, I think we fail to come to grips with the implications of these profound truths. God is as near as the air we breath. He is actually here with you, with me, with us . . . right now. What an amazing concept, that the creator of the universe is actually among us.

But there is more. This creator, this “with us” deity, actually cares. He is not here reluctantly. No, he really wants to be here. He delights in us through his Son, and he loves us with an indestructible love.

While I must admit that I’ve often been oblivious to God’s presence, I can also honestly say that–at least occasionally–I’ve noticed it. That is, I’ve experienced times when I am compelled to say, “God was here or there . . . and he’s present now.”

This year, I have encountered some things that demonstrate God’s nearness. This week, I’ve experienced the same. In fact just today, I feel like I’ve had contact with “higher things,” that the living Lord has actually shown his compassion and love for me . . . and I am so grateful.

“Thanks, Lord, for blessing me in so many ways. Thank you for the immensity of your goodness and the limitlessness of your power. Thank you for the people you have placed in my life and the opportunities to connect with those things that truly matter. Thank you!”

anyway

2008-03-16T18:58:00.011-05:00

----------

I love the basic mind-set represented in Kent Keith’s Paradoxical Commandments, what is sometimes referred to as Anyway.

Here is a sampling:

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

© copyright Kent M. Keith, renewed 2001

This obviously parallels a number of Jesus’ words. If you lose your life, you’ll gain it again. If you choose to be last, you’ll actually be first. If you deny yourself, you'll become your true self. The idea takes on a number of nuances, each paradoxical. Those committed to truth and love will experience opposition. Men and women who are determined to live a life of kindness and integrity will meet up with unkindness and dishonesty. The soft voice of sincerity will sometimes appear to be drowned out by the loud noise of frivolity.

But, as Jesus says and Keith confirms, this ought not stop us from pursuing the things that matter most. In the end, the truth will win, and even now, we can experience the camaraderie of others who seek these same things. Yeah, it can be difficult living the right way in a world that often chooses the wrong way. But–and this is key–we should do it anyway.

Do the right thing anyway because it’s the best thing you can do. Do what’s honorable anyway in order to combat the dishonor that so often dominates. Love anyway because someone out there needs that love. In a cynical world, a world that often doesn’t get it, a world that will sometimes dismiss you or attack you, follow the way, embrace the truth, share your heart and life anyway. In so many ways, it’s all about the anyway.

optimism

2008-03-16T11:02:00.006-05:00

How do we balance the good and bad that occurs every day in the world and in each of our lives? On the one hand, there are many reasons to rejoice. We live in a country of great freedom and where countless positive things take place. Philanthropy and acts of compassion, good intentions and helpful ideas, nice people and wonderful relationships–these and many other examples show that God is indeed still active in this world.

On the other hand, it is all too obvious that many things are not what they might be. Racism, agendas driven by political correctness instead of truth, misrepresentations, lying, cheating, unfaithfulness, and unkindness–there are countless demonstrations of these things all around us.

So, how should we react to such a world? Should we become activists against whatever is around us? Cynics who decry all things unfair? Those who spend all of our time opposing inequity? Well, at some level, I think such stances are appropriate, for there is much darkness to overcome. Injustice must be highlighted and stood against. Evil has to be pointed out and rejected.

But I do not think that we can afford to be only or primarily negative. Indeed, to merely oppose that which is bad does not provide us with an alternative to the bad. We can’t merely say, “Don’t mislead others.” We must also stand for something. We must stand up for truth telling. “Tell the truth, and lead others in a helpful direction.” The negative must be balanced with the positive. In fact the best way to drive out darkness is by shining a light. And isn’t this, above everything else, what we must represent?

Jesus said it this way:

“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

Somehow, we must seek a proper balance. On the one hand, there are plenty of things to decry, and there is much to overcome. Because we live in a fallen world, there will always be corruption, and we will all inevitably experience pain and unfairness. Within such an environment, we will sometimes cry, as will others.

Still, the future is bright. That future often extends through many a tomorrow and always leads into forever. This is why, despite the consistent negativity, I think it is right to favor a type of settled (but realistic) optimism. The optimistic is more central or more foundational than the negative, for it is real and will last into eternity. Though it is often hard to imagine, the bad will ultimately be defeated and good will reign. Even our own human ineptitude will be wiped away and we will become renewed humans, functioning as originally designed.

Many things ought to anger us. There are individuals and ideas and agendas that demand our opposition. We simply must express our frustration with unfairness and do what we can to overcome it. But we do all these things, I hope, with, well, with a sense of hope. This world will never be perfect, but individuals do change for the better every day. Relationships can be healed and sustained. And in time (or was that eternity?), we will become what we were meant to be. So there is optimism–a reasoned, intelligent, sensible, yet sometimes tearful optimism.

But what is the basis for this perspective? Well, there are inspiring stories from our own history, and there is a kind of patriotic commitment that, at least for many Americans, helps us to live in this optimistic fashion. But even our patriotism requires undergirding. How, then, can we work our way through the sadness and the heartache? How can we, with tears too often flowing from our eyes, look at the world optimistically? The answer, I think, is faith.

What allows joy to transcend sadness? Faith. What protects and shields us through times of difficulty? Faith. What enables us to approach life with joy and passion? Faith. Jesus’ words are our guide: “Be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Genuine (not make-believe) optimism flows from faith. “Increase ours, Lord.”

closer

2008-03-15T18:36:00.003-05:00

There is no shortage of formula’s for getting close to God. If you do this or say that or go here or there, you’ll develop a relationship with your Maker.

Within many traditional churches, a number of predictable strategies are available. The recipe is usually something like “read your bible, pray, and go to church.” Such instruction is sometimes touted as a near guarantee of deeper spirituality.

The problem, however, is that these strategies often fall short in providing a pathway to God. It’s not that they are bad things; indeed, they are actually very good things . . . depending on what you mean by them and how you apply them. For instance the bible is a special book. We certainly need to pray. And being with like-minded people is a great thing.

Still, simply stating that we ought to follow some agenda does not ensure that actual growth will occur. Simply laying out some nice-sounding plan does not automatically produce growth. In fact, in my experience at least, it has often been true that the constant repetition of such formulas can actually deaden your soul and inhibit your growth. I’m not entirely sure why this is the case, but it’s something I’ve noticed.

Now, all of this got me to thinking about what I’ve observed in my own life. When have I sensed God’s presence? Where has God met me? In what places does God seem to show up? Obviously, I have no flawless formula, and I certainly don’t want to be guilty of simply exchanging the traditional list with my own list. Indeed, it’s not really about lists, per se, but about simply noticing some of the ways that God works . . . at least how he’s sometimes operated in my own life. Here are some things–in no particular order–that stand out to me.

✓ realize he’s already close to you

So many people are out “searching” for God around every corner. Maybe he’s at this church. Perhaps I can find him in a sunrise. Of course God can and does meet people at church and in sunrises. That’s not the point. What matters is that we come to the realization that he’s already here . . . wherever “here” happens to be. It’s not that searching is bad, of course, and it’s not that his presence is always immediately evident. All I’m saying is that, in a very real sense, he’s already with us. Theologians speak of God’s omniscience, his “everywhereness,” but too often we fail to recognize that a God who is near is just that, near.

✓ live like he’s near/with you

If God is actually near, a number of implications come to mind. Typically, when this subject is raised, the talk is about our accountability before God as we come to grips with the fact that he sees everything we say and do. Of course this is a useful and humbling truth and should not be neglected. What I’m getting at, though, is that God’s nearness means that he is actually involved in the nitty gritty of our lives. God isn’t trapped in any church, and he’s certainly not limited to our official gatherings. No, the near God is involved in every facet of our lives. He’s with us at work and as we travel in the car. He’s present in our families and through all of our relationships. If he’s near, we probably ought to allow his nearness to seep into the way we approach all of life.

✓ see him as a person you follow

God is not a concept, though we use concepts to describe him. He’s not a doctrine, though we seek to understand what we can about him. Helpful as these things can be, God is a personal being.

You know people. How do they interact? In what ways do they engage you? In some ways God is obviously different than any other person; he is an invisible, non-corporeal being, after all. But, at the same time, he is still a person (persons). As such, what should we expect of someone who is personal? How do people communicate? What matters to sentient beings? How is it that we relate to any person? I don’t have all of the answers to these questions, but I do think it’s worth asking them. Whatever else is true, God is here, and he is a personal being. Do you relate? Are your expectations shaped by what one would expect from a personal God?

All of this parallels what we find of Jesus and his ministry. Jesus didn’t teach Sunday School lessons or give dissertations on esoteric truth. Though he did many things, the primary responsibility of his followers was simple: Follow. We are to follow. Again, I’m not entirely clear what this means when we’re talking about a spirit being, but I know it means something.

✓ be relational and real

One of the things that has become increasingly evident to me is how we are created for community. That is, we are made to relate to others. This shouldn’t surprise us, of course, for God himself is a person, actually a plurality of three persons. From eternity God existed as a singular-plural (if we can use such terms), as a one-in-three and three-in-one God. If we are made in this God’s image, it makes sense that we would reflect this relational component. Indeed, it just might be–and I’ve personally found this to be the case–that the very process of relating properly to others provides a means of access to this same personal God. In other words–and I’m not sure how to describe this, exactly–as we relate to other human beings in God-honoring ways, God shows up. Perhaps, this is part of the reason why the two greatest commandments, according to Jesus, are to love God and our neighbor. There is this relationship component that best flows when we get closer to others.

✓ serve and sacrifice

On a related note, there is something to be said for the sheer act of serving others. When we reach out to others, when we give of ourselves to assist those who cross our paths, a by-product of this effort is a connection with a serving deity. Jesus was known as a servant, and he was obviously willing to sacrifice everything on our behalf. So, too, when we serve others, I think he draws near to us.

These are some (but not nearly all) of the things that I’ve noticed. Maybe, I’m right. Maybe, I’m wrong. All I know is that these things make sense to me. What about you?

joy

2008-03-12T22:02:00.006-05:00

Joy–in my experience, it is a fairly uncommon commodity. In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, we too often lose track of this important spiritual priority.

Of course joy is not to be confused with giddiness, silliness, or a puerile spirit, you know, the type of attitude that can’t take anything seriously. Neither does it entail a make-believe existence, an unwillingness to face up to the many harsh realities that abound. Indeed, one might even argue that joy–being, first of all, an invisible, inner trait–can sometimes coexist with heartache and sadness.

But, what is joy? Some define it as inward happiness or a sense of heartfelt gladness. We might add that it is a kind of inner delight, flowing ultimately from God, residing in our hearts, and expressed in and through our lives.

Joy, I think, involves the realization, the sense, that we are a part of something big and wonderful. We are connected, somehow, to God and his world, and this–properly absorbed–produces childlike excitement and puts a youthful skip in one’s step. When we tap into important realities–things like truth, goodness, love, and hope–joy results.

In one place, we are even told that strength is derived from joy (Nehemiah 8:10), which is quite a thought. I’ve often found this to be true. Joy, in other words, can actually energize us! I suppose we could all use a dose of such spiritual enthusiasm. “Lord, let joy be my (our) strength.”

logs and specks

2008-03-11T18:26:00.007-05:00

Scandals, illicit affairs, sexually deviant behavior–these things are as common as the morning newspaper or the evening news. All around us, we are confronted with lies, acts of deception, and rampant hypocrisy.

In such a world, what is the appropriate reaction? How should a Christian respond to such demonstrations of impropriety? Well, to be honest, sometimes my initial tendency is to go on the attack, pointing out disgraceful conduct. But, in my better moments at least, I try to evaluate these situations with a bit more balance and humility.

Jesus had some interesting words to say about these matters. In one place he says, “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:3-5).

Here, as in many human endeavors, there is a warning against the all-too-common practice of hypocrisy. Someone has a speck in his eye; he’s involved in something that is wrong. But the person who notices this wrong neglects to see that he too has engaged in faulty behavior. In fact, in this particular case at least, the one who is all too ready to point out someone else’s faults is actually guilty of much worse. The critic is trying to remove the equivalent of a hair from someone’s eye while failing to notice the piano in his own eye. Only after we first examine ourselves are we qualified to examine another.

What, then, are the lessons to be learned? How ought we respond to matters of sexual misbehavior and public (or private) scandal? The following appears to be the way ahead:

First, take a look at yourself. That is, make sure that you aren’t involved in similar or different misbehavior of your own. While conviction should mark the Christian, arrogance is never an option. Are you more concerned about your neighbors adultery than your own pride? Does the perversion of some public official bother you more than your own lack of kindness? Even if someone else’s behavior is technically worse than yours (though these things are difficult to measure, it is true that some acts are worse than others), your concern to maintain personal integrity should take precedence over the misbehavior of others. Another passage says it this way: “if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). This, of course, is a difficult task, for it is always easier to criticize others than to critique ourselves. I’m not saying that in the hustle and bustle of fast-paced living that we have to take an inordinate amount of time examining ourselves. What I am saying, though, is that it is always good to maintain a humble stance, an attitude of “get the log out first” before we get overly critical of others.

Second, notice that there is plenty of room here for actually removing another person’s “speck” (whatever that entails). While we are not allowed to make heart judgments (and the immediate context–“Do not judge”–prohibits such behavior), though we cannot read the motives of other human beings, we must make certain reasonable judgments (there’s no contradiction between not judging the heart and judging the actions of another–John 7:24). There is a place, in other words, for pointing out and attempting to remove the speck from another’s eye. Indeed, I don’t think we should downplay the speck because of it’s small size. Not only is speck itself a noteworthy cause of concern, but some people, frankly, have objects much larger to extract. (In fact the text itself may be intentionally downplaying the other brother’s wrongs in order to highlight the critic’s hypocrisy.)

The point, then, is that it’s okay to oppose that which is wrong. Indeed, it is necessary to stand against evil and uphold spiritual and moral integrity. It’s just that we must do so with humility and a kind of careful spirituality. We must be outraged by stories of impropriety and the like, but our outrage should be tempered by a sense of our own ineptitude and a recognition that we too require a Savior and his gracious interventions on our behalf. Remove the log first. Then, go after the speck.

the templates through which we see the world

2008-03-09T20:00:00.004-05:00

We all look at the world a certain way. Whether we’ve actually analyzed it or not, we see the world through the “glasses” that are a part of who and what we currently are. In other words we all approach everything–from parenting to philosophy, from education to relationships–with presuppositions. These presuppositions serve as a template of sorts, an interpretive grid through which we perceive most everything.

That being the case, it is important, I think, that we–How shall I put it?–presuppose properly. While I have no full-proof formula, and though I am as prone to error as anyone, a number of ideas come to mind, including the following:

be aware that you have presuppositions

It’s amazing how two people can look at the same information, the same facts, and interpret them differently. One person interprets an argument as a purely negative event, while another sees it as an opportunity to clear the air and make things right. One person views strong competition as that which breeds failure and lowers self-esteem, while another views the same level of competition as an opportunity to improve. Of course we all tend to be fickle about a good many things, and so it’s not always easy to discern what our assumptions are. The point, though, is that we always assume something whenever we interpret reality. Our eyes are just that, ours. The “lenses” through which we see the world are our lenses.

One immensely helpful idea, therefore, is to simply realize that you, that we, that we all, assume various things when we look at life. Realizing this fact frees us from having to prove everything, for not everything can be demonstrated, at least not easily. Furthermore, it enables us to recognize that we, like everyone else, make assumptions along the way. If these prove valid, we can retain them. If, on the other hand, we recognize some flaw in our own assumptions, we can tweak or even reject our current viewpoint. None of this can happen, however, unless we at least realize that–for better or worse–we presuppose many things.

some presuppositions are better than others

How, though, do we determine whose presuppositions are right and whose are invalid? Sometimes, we can simply look at the facts and, to the best of our ability, determine that certain things are correct and others incorrect. A part of this relates to our historical context and the experiences we’ve had. If someone says that 2 + 2 = 5, we can show that such a view runs contrary to human experience with numbers and contradicts certain points of logic. In some areas, though, it will be difficult to prove with absolute certainty that “this” is a better option than “that.” At times, it is probably helpful, at least with certain individuals, to point out the usefulness of a given option. Certain ideas (liberty, freedom, fairness) have a history of success that, many would argue, is superior to other ideas (e.g., slavery, injustice). Not all will be convinced, of course, but some will, which is a good thing. Depending on the issue at hand, the validity of certain views (e.g., certain areas of science) might be shown through research and a sifting through the current data. But, at the end of the day, I think we need to truly embrace the idea that there is a type of reason, sensibleness, and logic, a kind of correctness, embedded into the universe. Thus, in the long run, the truth will eventually surface because there is a truth-maker. This, too, is a presupposition, and, I think, a helpful one.

life is designed to be a faith venture

This relates to the previous point. It seems that all of life demands faith. If we make claims of logic, we automatically assume such things as the reality of the universe and the ability of our cognitive equipment to detect facets of the universe. If we make a moral judgment, we assume a moral code and, possibly, a morality making deity. Faith, then, is embedded into the fabric of our lives. Though we can, of course, demonstrate many things, we are never afforded a faith-free access to the world. Whether or not our faith is in the right object, faith itself, even if it’s faith that there is no god, is inevitable. Of course believing that the moon is made of green cheese is not as convincing to most as, say, the effects of gravity. In any case, however, there is indeed the need for faith.

If this is the way the world has been constructed, one wonders whether this faith principle has been placed here on purpose. On a Christian reading of history, the necessity of faith is a reminder that the living God yearns for our attention, calling us to trust in and follow him.

Thus, if this faith venture is something that is part and parcel of the world we inhabit, there might be a corresponding reality to this impulse. While we obviously cannot create gods out of whole cloth, it could be that a true God, the God who placed this faith principle within each of us, would actually be “out there” to respond to our acts of faith, to hear our prayers, to interact with those who call on his name. Indeed, this is the Christian response to life, looking to the true God, the only God there is, and allowing our lives to connect with his.

we can know some things, but perfect or complete knowledge will always evade us

Truth is available. At least on a Christian understanding of the world, there is true stuff in the world, stuff we can access. Whatever our official views on many things, we all assume this principle each day. Though we may call ourselves relativists or agnostics, we all intuitively react to life as if it contains elements of truth, things on which we basically “hang our hats.”

That said, it is also painfully clear that we have nothing close to prefect or complete knowledge. Much evades our grasp and probably always will. And even the things we know with a measure of confidence are known in part.

Only God possesses complete knowledge, and this, I think, tells something about what we should presuppose (from a Christian angle) about ourselves. If we are created in God’s image, the image of a knowing deity, it makes sense that we would be able to know, as well. On the other hand, given that we are creatures (and not the creator) it also makes sense that there would be severe limitations on all of our efforts to know.

The way ahead, therefore, seems to involve the intersection of these two ideas. We can know, which is what makes knowledge a legitimate (indeed, necessary) venture. But we can never know fully, which ought to make us humble, propelling us forward in our quest to better know, and compelling us to look outside of ourselves to the one who alone can guide our efforts.

Okay, enough said for now. My point, simply, is that we all place our various templates on the world as we attempt to make sense of it. This, in my view, is not a bad thing, however, for it forces us to acknowledge our need of God, and this, I would argue, is ultimately good. After all, isn’t he the One who said that he honors the humble in heart? I suppose–here comes another presupposition–that our job, therefore, is to presuppose humbly yet confidently, knowing that as we walk by faith we do not walk alone.

the mentor

2008-03-08T22:49:00.005-05:00

“He inspires and encourages. Though he is ever the teacher, he is also much more, for his instruction is an education in life. He is an individual of character and authenticity. Wisdom is his nature, as are humility and a sense of humor. He is one of those rare souls who truly and unashamedly cares. Not only does he guide for a time, but he is available for a lifetime. Truth flows from him, and he is trustworthy and real. Though he makes mistakes, even these are well intentioned, and he is always looking out for the welfare of those whose lives he touches. While he is like others in certain ways, he is often unorthodox in his approach and in the depth of his emotional connection to his students; indeed, it is his unconventional ways that set him apart. His instincts are to share and to listen, and he embodies virtue. Commitment is a way of life, and when he says he’ll be there for you, you can count on it. This is a man who exudes compassion and displays discernment, a person who knows the meaning of genuine love. He is a mentor.”

–Anonymous

This is certainly something worth shooting for, what I'd like to become. CCD

teachers are (kind of, sort of, in one sense) like vampires

2008-03-08T16:00:00.005-05:00

Okay, this one will be kind of (very?) weird. Here goes . . .

Every once in a while you’ll see a movie or television show in which some type of being is pictured as unable to die and so resigned to seeing everyone around him or her grow old. Usually, this person is some type of repentant vampire (e.g. Blade, Highlander) or perhaps, as in a recent television series (New Amsterdam), some sort of immortal who is simply incapable of remaining dead.

Then, so the story goes, the immortal is forced to live a life in which he/she remains the same while those he/she loves continue to grow old and eventually experience death. When seen from this perspective vampires, at least the noble ones, really do experience a lonely existence. Imagine how difficult it would be to see other people constantly leaving your presence, consistently “passing through” your life while you, the immortal one, remain basically the same.

Of course, on one hand, it is easy to desire such a predicament. After all, isn’t eternal life something that we all, especially Christians, long for? Isn’t this what Jesus came to offer us? Well, yes, there is a sense in which eternal life is what life is all about. This eternal life, I would argue, is both a quality of life, that is, a life that is full and free and energized by higher things, and also a quantity of life, a life that endures. But what makes the Christian version of eternal life such an attraction is the very fact that it is indeed laced with joy and power, a joy and power that are destined to last forever. The vampire’s eternal life, on the other hand, is something less than that envisioned by believers, for it is a life limited to a few (i.e., the vampires) and withheld from others (i.e., non-vampires). When a “good” vampire or immortal is in view, this vampire is forced to endure an endless existence in which loved ones appear only for a time. It is in this sense that the life of a teacher parallels that of a (good) vampire. How so? Let me attempt to explain.

As a teacher, I constantly experience the influx of new students. They come to me, in my case, when they are freshmen and leave when they complete their senior years. This process continues over and over again, year after year after year.

Now, if you can allow me to stretch the truth just slightly, teachers are like vampires in that, at least for a time, they remain basically the same every year. Obviously, we are all susceptible to age and the ravages of time. But, with God’s enablement, we are able, at some level, to remain unchanged. For instance I am an avid runner, but this is something that I’ve been doing for many years. Thus, generally speaking, I act and think and (somewhat?) look the same today as I did 5 or 10 years ago. I’m pretty much (for now) the same, but the kids I encounter keep getting older and moving on to the next phase of their lives. So, I remain “unchanged” (same position, same attitude, same way of life, same habits, etc.), while the kids I encounter go from young adolescents to young adults to just plain adults. From a certain perspective, then, they are getting older as they mature, but I am staying the “same.” In this way teachers resemble vampires.

It’s not that good teachers suck the life out of people (though, unfortunately, some bad ones do). It’s not that good teachers prey upon the innocent (though, again, some terrible ones do just that). It’s not that teachers have inordinately pointed teeth or only teach night school, though some undoubtedly do. No, we are the same in that we have to endure the passage of time and, more important, the passage of terrific young people. I, for one, want my kids to stay around. I want them to remain with me, in my classroom, within the sphere of my influence. I want to connect with them always, never losing touch. Sadly, this is not the way it is, at least not for now. For now, we have to allow them to age, to grow away from us, while we–in some ways–stay where we are, unchanged by the passage of time . . . except, perhaps, by the sadness of it all.

I write these things because I am a teacher, and because I truly care about certain young people who come my way. I write these things because each year I am forced to endure vivid illustrations of the aging process (i.e., graduation) while I remain here, ready to do it again and again and again. From this vantage point, I can truly empathize with the repentant vampire. When will constancy arrive? Will those I cherish ever remain? Is it possible that the one’s I so much respect and care for will one day come back to stay?

Actually, in a certain sense, I think there is indeed hope. But this hope is not located in the vampire’s version of frustrating eternal life but in the Christian’s version of fulfilling eternal life. You see, the reason I endure the heartache of the temporary is because I know that the temporary will one day be swallowed by the true eternal. While I have no certain idea how this will work out in eternity, I am confident that the price we pay today will be worth it, for the genuine relationships we only experience for a time now will one day be absorbed by a completeness that vanquishes any sense of the temporary. The short lived, in other words, is only short lived, and the currently impermanent will become changeless. So, we teachers live like “vampires” for a time, but–thankfully–even vampires have hope and a future.

P.S. I told you that this would be a strange one! ☺

teaching and eternity

2008-03-04T16:39:00.004-05:00

I am a teacher, and I truly love what I do. To interact with young people, sharing information, attempting to be a helpful guide, seeking to provide both empathy and wisdom–these things are precious to me. In fact I think I was born for this.

Along the way, I get to know many fine young men and women, and–being the type of person I am–I tend to get close to them. Sometimes they come back to visit me, and some of them have stayed in contact over the years.

But there is a down side to all of this, a reality that strikes me each year. These young people whom I know are only here for a short time, and as close as I get to them now, I realize that they will soon leave my immediate presence. As a result, I always go through a “blue” period at least a couple of times each year. That is, I feel the loss of young people about whom I care. This is especially the case when I meet those special ones whom God has placed in my life, those students that I am connected to at a more personal and emotional level. These are young people who have shared their lives with me–their joys and frustrations, their hurts and their goals. And, so, it’s natural, I suppose, to feel the way I do, to almost dread the day when those who mean so much to me are no longer a direct part of my life.

At times like these, I feel a mix of emotions. In one sense, I so much appreciate the opportunity I have been given to participate in the education and the lives of young men and women. In another sense, I feel the sting of their loss, knowing that I will rarely, if ever, see some of them again. To be honest, it hurts, it pains me, it, well, it stinks. But it is certainly worth it all, for I believe that one day the seeds we plant will produce fruit. One day, the love we’ve shown will be realized. One day, the sacrifices we’ve made will be rewarded.

As a Christian, this is a large part of my hope. It’s not that I envision harps and clouds (though I do anticipate music and comfort) but that I believe the things that are today temporary will one day be permanent. The relationships that today are constantly interrupted will at that time become what they were meant to be. What a reunion it will be when those young adults I’ve grown so fond of, those men and women I’ve been privileged to know, finally “return home,” when we all return home and experience our unhindered created purpose.

I am not so naive as to think every student’s momentary visit is somehow the end-all of their young lives. Obviously, there is still much more to encounter. Still, I am also not so faithless as to assume that what we do now has no meaning, that it is to be forgotten and lost to time. No, I think God keeps track; I think some students remember; I think we will all one day recollect (by God’s enlivening and renewing grace) what things truly mattered in this life. Among those things, my hope is that at least some of what took place in the classrooms and the corridors will survive and endure to eternity. That's my hope, anyway. :-)

faithliness?

2008-02-27T22:49:00.004-05:00

Faith–it’s a believing kind of thing. It involves trusting or embracing another, taking a person at his or her word. All of this is involved in Christian faith, with God’s Son being the object of one’s confidence.

But true faith is also more than theoretical belief and correct orthodoxy. Though it certainly involves these, it also includes something else. Faith, you see, is something that is, shall we say, energized by God. Thus, it is intended, at some level at least, to be alive.

James says that “faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself” (2:17). In another place he puts it this way: “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (2:18).

The Message paraphrases this section of James 2 as follows: “Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? . . . Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?” Wow, this is pretty straightforward. The point, I think, is that faith was never intended to be locked away somewhere and treated like a mere theory or an abstract notion. While these things have their place, faith, if it’s real, should be active.

This got me to thinking about what kind of faith God is after. Though I am sure that true faith implies a proper acceptance of facts about God, it also demands an active expression of what God has placed within us. Faith, in other words, is supposed to shine. It should produce. Faith ought to flow. If faith is actually “faith-full,” it’s vibrant.

If faith is to be alive, then what God is after might be described as faithliness (faith-alive-ness). A lively, vibrant faith is a faith that not only theorizes but one that lives. In a world where faithlessness is all too common and a merely hypothetical faith falls far short, perhaps what we really need is faithliness. Okay, so it's a little late. :-)

the privilege of the run

2008-02-24T22:28:00.002-05:00

What a privilege, I thought just today, that I can run, jogging up and down the streets of my hometown, cavorting here and there, bouncing around from one location to another on my various bouts of exercise. In case you haven’t figured it out, I am a runner. Each week, and most days, I can be found out on the roads and/or “pounding the payments.”

Given that I had knee surgery (repairing a medial meniscus, dealing with some arthritis) not too long ago (a few years), and given that I have been doing this running thing for many years, it’s pretty amazing that I can still skip around as I do, cutting, weaving, and whatever else constitutes my daily routine. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not sure if it will last forever. Maybe, one day, I’ll be forced to do something else for exercise. But for now, at least, I simply love to pop on my IPod and jog around town.

There is something liberating about running. Most of the time I run alone, which affords me a measure of solitude–time to think, to pray, to wonder, to dream . . . to avoid getting hit by cars. Running, for me, is (most of the time) an opportunity to recharge; it’s a type of renewal.

What’s more, running is also, in some strange way, a kind of passageway to my past. Like I said, I’ve been doing this exercise thing for a pretty long time. In fact just yesterday I located an old running log that I had kept many years ago . . . in my “youth.” What I noticed is that I was definitely better then, that is, faster and able to log more overall miles. But I also noticed that there were some remarkable similarities even though I’m now just “slightly” older.

The point, I think, is that there is within me a kind of kid-like quality. In a lot of ways, I’ve never left my youth (I know, that explains a lot of things! :-) ), and running is one of the ways that kid continues to rise up and emerge from my life. Or, perhaps it would be better so say that running is one of the avenues through which the real me, the me that is still youthful (though hopefully not puerile) continues to hold sway. For that, I am immensely thankful, and I can only hope and pray that the running continues, along with the inner, God-given sense of youthful energy and wonder. Anyone want to go for a run?

be yourself (everyone else is already taken)

2008-02-22T11:30:00.008-05:00

Life is a journey, involving either an ongoing effort to be disingenuous or a perpetual desire to be what we were made to be.

While the above quote is somewhat overstated (after all, none of us has this anywhere close to perfected, and we are all too often double-minded in the actual outworking of our hearts’ desires), it captures something that is essential to our success and happiness. If we want to be useful, if we truly care about being helpful and effective in our relationships, we simply have to be ourselves.

Please, don’t misunderstand. My intent is not to encourage excessive introspection or to promote endless self-analysis. Furthermore, I certainly do not want to portray this whole “know thyself” thing as if any of us can completely understand ourselves. Even more so, I am not advocating an attitude in which we remain closed to change (far from it!), somehow using the “I’ve got to be me” mantra as an excuse for misbehavior. Put plainly, if we are doing something that is wrong, even if we think it comes “naturally,” we are still wrong and must take proper steps to alter any inappropriate tendencies.

When I mention the idea of being who we are, I’m referring to a level of comfort with ourselves and the way we were created. If God works through human personalities (and I think he does), one of the best things we can be is the personality God made us to be.

This notion of being yourself has been stated in various ways. For instance Judy Garland once remarked, “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” American poet E.E. Cummings added, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” And humanist/theologian Desiderius Erasmus put it this way: “It is the chiefest point of happiness that a man is willing to be what he is.”

To be who you are is, as someone once put it, to be comfortable in your own skin, to recognize that God made you a certain way, and that way you must be. It’s never an excuse for faulty or inappropriate choices but rather is the right way to give expression to wise and appropriate ones. We follow God and seek to do his will through the vehicle of our own personalities and styles.

Still, a number of questions remain, including the following: How do we know what our true selves are? And, what will others think of us if we allow our true selves to surface? Regarding the first question, I really don’t think that we should treat this like a quest to discover a hidden truth about ourselves. Though there are probably some things within each of us to which we haven’t given enough attention, I think the real “us” is something that surfaces quite naturally when we are paying attention. What are you really like? What makes you tick? What characteristics are noticeable and obvious to those who know you well? There is no secret formula for determining these things, only a willingness to pay attention to our God-given inclinations (not our bad habits!) and simply “go with the flow.” There are some helpful schemes for determining our gifts, but the gist of this whole thing is simply to notice and become comfortable with whatever God has made us to be.

Concerning the second question–what will others think?–I don’t deny that this can be a complicated thing. For instance I don’t think we are ever permitted to run people over with our personalities, forcing them to conform to our personal agendas. That would be wrong. However, I do believe that, at the end of the day, the only thing we can authentically be is ourselves. And I also believe that being ourselves (and allowing our gifts and personalities to be the conduits through which God manifests himself) is the best way to do anything. Though it is possible that some will misunderstand, I think that those who are paying attention and who truly get to know you will eventually appreciate you for who you are. Dr. Seuss said it well: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”

There you have it, my haphazard thoughts on being yourself. I have not mapped out all of this stuff, and I certainly don’t claim to be the embodiment of these principles. I can say, however, that I am at my best (however bad that might be) when I am being me. God wants me to be holy, to be godly, to be kind, to care, to be compassionate, to love others. All of these things matter, as does the realization that it is indeed “me” that must give expression to these truths. “Lord, enable me (us) to be what you want me (us) to be.”

what God's looking for

2008-02-21T22:35:00.004-05:00

When it comes to the Christian faith, one of the core beliefs is that, put simply, we need God. He is the Savior, and we require his saving work. He is the Rescuer, and we are the rescued. Simple enough. At the basic level, we do not earn God’s favor but rather receive it freely. He saves the day, so to speak, and we are accepted freely.

Still, though God embraces us by shear grace, we are nonetheless accountable for how we respond to him and for living in a manner that is consistent with what he has done in accepting us. It’s not that we earn his favor, and it’s not that we slavishly attempt to retain his favor. Rather, we seek to live in a way that reflects a deep sense of appreciation for all that he’s done, is doing, and promises to do for us. Like the child of a good parent, we don’t earn our status in the family; that is something that is given to us without cost. However, like a good and faithful child wants to make his or her parents proud, we should want to live in a way that makes God proud.

But, once again, what is God looking for? If we can say it this way, what impresses our heavenly Father? Well, in Isaiah 66:2, we get a little glimpse at God’s heart. Here’s what he says:

But to this one I will look,
To the one who is humble and contrite of spirit,
and who trembles at My word.

“I will look” – Wow, these are powerful words. It’s like God saying, “these are my favorites. These are the ones I most appreciate. These are the ones I’m proud of. These are the ones who please me and 'get' what I’m after.”

“The one who is humble and contrite in spirit” – Humility is one of those necessary characteristics. It’s a realization that we are–how shall I say it?–we are not God. We are creatures. We’re limited and often weak. Indeed, though we are capable of incalculable good, this is ultimately traceable to God’s goodness and grace. Recognizing who and what we are, realizing that we need God, understanding that we must be linked to heaven (and, by extension, to others)–we see ourselves properly.

Humility, though, is not a sense of “woe is me.” It’s not a type of depression and inadequacy. Rather, it entails a connectedness to the one who makes all things possible. It’s saying, “I know who I am, and who I am is an outworking, an outflowing, of the One who made me.” Humility is the comprehension of my “me-ness” in the presence of his “God-ness.”

To be contrite, of course, is an ongoing acknowledgment that me are human, that we are far from perfect. It is a willingness, when appropriate, a humble willingness, to admit our wrongs and our foibles.

“Trembles at My word” – God’s word is his revelation, his communication. It is the unveiling of his person, promise, and power (the alliteration is unintentional :-) ). The word comes to us via the written word, i.e., Scripture, which is why this book has been cherished for centuries. But it’s not simply the ink on the page that is in view (though that is the historical basis for much of what we believe); it’s the unfolding of God’s will and ways through a variety of avenues, including the collection of documents we call the Bible.

To tremble at his word is to recognize, even at an emotional level, that he is the Lord, and we must not attempt to usurp his place. It is to have enough sense to say that his ways, his plans, his personal revelation, take priority. To tremble is to feel reality, to sense that God himself deserves our honor and praise. It is to properly react to our Creator, to reverence and deeply respect his ways.

This, then, is what apparently impresses God, if we can speak in such terms. He’s looking for those who are humble. He’s searching for people who are able to “come clean” about their faults. He seeking men and woman of every age, who have high regard for the one who is called the Lord.

what matters to God?

2008-02-21T19:01:00.005-05:00

There is a passage in the Bible (Micah 6:8), which I think is profound in its simplicity and power. It reads as follows:

And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?

There are countless opinions about the meaning and purpose of life, and there is no shortage of advice as to the best way to live. While many suggestions are quite helpful, perhaps none is more concise yet far-reaching as this piece of ancient Scripture.

What does God require? What is he after? Simply put, we are to be fair and kind and humble before God. The Message says it this way:

Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously.

Am I fair to those whom I encounter? Does compassionate flow from my life? Am I kind and caring? Do I demonstrate unconditional love? Am I sensible enough to realize both my shortcomings/imperfections and my need for outside assistance (from God and others)?

These are hard questions to answer. Obviously, we all fall far short on a regular basis, at least I do. But isn’t this a great way of looking at life? Aren’t these the very things we all need to hear?

Of course even these matters might require further clarification, for some will want to know more about this God who gives such counsel. Still, at a certain level, it is good to hear a summary of the big stuff, the stuff that God cares about. With all of the religious talk and spiritual debate that takes place regularly, it is refreshing to be reminded of what truly matters to God, what actually ought to matter for us.

So, what is God interested in? What does he want from us? Well, it appears that he’s looking for us to display mercy. He wants his people to care about others. Kindness and a gentle altruistic spirit are matters about which he is concerned. The promotion of justice, a deep sense of our own limitations and needs, the expression of loyal love–these are the nonnegotiable features of a successful life under God. “Lord, help us (me!) to embody these traits, these distinguishing features of a healthy faith.”

you raise me up

2008-02-16T18:34:00.007-05:00

I love the words to Josh Groban’s You Raise Me Up.

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up . . . To more than I can be.

Though I’m not entirely sure what Groban intends, these words can easily be applied to our relationship with God. In fact they closely parallel Scripture’s portrait of a deity who cares and draws near.

I am very thankful for the tremendous things that God has given to me. In so many ways, I am blessed. Still, given the imperfections of this world and my own propensity for being dense, there are times when I am weary, times when I need assistance that transcends my current circumstances. Groban says, “I . . . wait here in the silence, until you come and sit awhile with me.” This reminds me of the passage that reads: “Be still, and know that I am God.” There are times, in other words, when we simply have to rest in our Maker, waiting for him to “show up.” In another place, we read: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Again, this is a common theme and one from which Groban draws.

And what happens when we “sit” and “wait” for God? Somehow, though we can’t always detect the exact movements, he raises us up. Jesus put it this way: “Come to me . . . and I will give you rest.”

Where, then, is strength ultimately found? How do we become resilient and able to persevere? What, exactly, enables us not only to survive but to thrive, to be more than we could be alone? It seems that there is a personal force that is larger than any of us. We draw on it, rather, on him, and we are, to quote Groban, “raised up to be more than [we] can be.” This is amazing stuff, the stuff that far exceeds any merely hypothetical religion. When we (together) lean on the invisible, when we (together) rely on the outwardly imperceptible (yet practically obvious?), when we walk by faith, we can stand on mountains.

you're my home

2008-02-16T18:02:00.005-05:00

God has given us a lot of great things. Some of these involve locations, places we go. Others involve relationships, people with whom we spend time. In my view both of these are important, and we should never minimize the significance of either.

Thus, it matters that we pay attention to the world God created, that we appreciate and enjoy the many blessings he has sprinkled across of our lives. There are vacation spots to enjoy (Cape May is one of these for me). There is scenery that takes our breath away (there is lots of beauty to behold). There are different places–some obvious and some not so obvious–where we feel comfortable. Again, this is a good thing, and we really ought to take advantage of and revel in the beauty of wonderful places.

But it also matters, and I think even more, that we remain grateful for the people God has placed in our lives. My family, my friends, my relatives, my students–these are very important to me. People, those whom God has placed in my life, mean everything.

This doesn’t mean, of course, that our relationships always run smoothly, for they can also be the cause of much turmoil and heartache. Life isn’t always easy; that’s for sure. Still, there is (potentially, at least) something very special about human beings, something that “outranks” even the most spectacular sunsets or the most exquisite natural (or man-made) phenomena.

Every once in a while I hear young people talking about how they want to move away from home. Supposedly, there is so much more “out there” than there is right here. Sometimes, this impulse to pick up and leave is a good one, and certainly there are many places in this world to explore . . . or where one might put down roots. However, it is also true that nothing can substitute for genuine connections with like-minded individuals about whom we care. As I’ve said many times, it’s not the places you are but the people you are with. It’s people even more than places.

Now, there is nothing to keep us from pursuing both. The ideal, I suppose, is to be with the right people in the right places. Both matter. But if you had to choose one, I’d advice that you choose people. Perhaps, it would be better said this way: There are many important features to life, things that truly matter. But the highest priorities (under God) are the relationships he sends our way.

I love to stroll along the beach. I love going for a walk. I love relaxing on my front porch on a nice spring or summer day. I love to run around the neighborhood. I love to be in many places, experiencing whatever good things I can. But even more important to me (I hope) are the special people whose lives he has allowed to intersect with my own. People matter the most.

The Billy Joel song You’re My Home captures some of my thoughts.

Home can be the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Indiana early morning dew
High up in the hills of California
Home is just another word for you

The theme of this love song is that people are the essence of home. Whether we’re talking about a romantic relationship, a family’s love, or other genuine connections with important individuals, home is where our loved ones are. I hope I can say, though I admittedly mess up all of the time, that (especially) my wife and kids, along with other special people in my life . . . that they are my home. To them I say, home is just another word for you.

what are you criticized for?

2008-02-13T11:48:00.008-05:00

What do you people criticize you for? For too many Christians, I think the answer is that they are “persecuted” for being . . . well, just plain weird. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing shameful about being criticized by people who wrongly think you are weird. In fact I would probably argue that there is indeed a type of strangeness to the Christian faith that is sometimes labeled weird. If you are wrongly persecuted for simply being different, you can hold your head up high.

But, and this is where my mind was tracking on this one, it is relevant, I think, to consider why we are criticized, ostracized, or otherwise feel the tension of living faithfully in a world that often does not care. Some are censured because they are doing the wrong thing. Others are simply misunderstood. What is it, though, that Christians ought to be criticized for?

I suppose I should pause to clarify something. There is no value in looking for persecution. Frankly, if you want to be persecuted, if you are looking to be misunderstood, you are not being faithful and probably ought to seek professional help. To foster a persecution-complex is, in my view, an unhealthy thing. I can’t speak for everyone else, but I’m not particularly fond of pain.

That said, we all experience some measure of pain and persecution. The thing I’m interested in here is in locating the reason(s) for criticism. In other words if we are going to be attacked as Christians, we might as well be attacked for the right cause(s). And this is where some (but certainly not all) within the church miss the mark.

Too often, it seems, Christians are persecuted for such things as the lingo they throw around and the attitude they exude in relating to others. If you make words like “saved,” “born again,” and “praise the Lord,” your common vernacular (though the terms themselves, properly understood, are not wrong), a lot of people will look at you like you just arrived from another planet, and I don’t blame them! If you act like you have all of the answers (by the way, you don't), it is not surprising that people are turned off.

So, what ought to be the reasons for persecution? Assuming, as mentioned above, that no sane person wants to be persecuted, what is it that ought to raise the ire of those who dislike the things of God? Please, may I suggest a few things?

If you simply have to be persecuted, it should be as a result of being faithful to the Christian cause. What might this entail? Well, I think it would include living in a manner that is consistent with Jesus’ own example. And what did Jesus do? He lived with people. He rubbed shoulders with the needy. He taught others. He led by example. He lived and spoke out of concern for his fellow human beings.

So, if you are going to be persecuted, I think it ought to be for being honest, being pure, and maintaining your integrity. If anyone is going to say or do something against you, it might as well be because you care, help, and look out for others. If they are going to misunderstand you, it should be because you exude qualities that are consistent with following God’s ways. I don’t want to be criticized for anything, to be honest. But if I have to be misrepresented or subtly (and not so subtly) mistreated, the best I can hope for is to be misrepresented and mistreated for truth, for authenticity, for compassion, for kindness, and for love. Though I’d sooner avoid the arrows of misunderstanding, I can handle them–I think–if I know that I’m at least attempting to mirror the One who has been so good to me. “God, help me to get this right and to be faithful.”

inside the bubble

2008-02-13T11:23:00.005-05:00

One of the things that sometimes drives me crazy is the near obsession among certain Christian groups with “reaching” people with the gospel. Don’t get me wrong. There is a sense in which we ought to be concerned to share our faith–directly or indirectly–with people we get to know. At least those who think about such matters cannot be accused of being overly separatistic in their approach to Christianity.

Still, it amazes me how we sometimes distance ourselves from those we supposedly care for. We do this, at times, by living like we are outside the bubble, looking in, as if we are strangers in this land that is called reality. So, we watch from a distance and try to figure out ways to bridge the gap between the church world and the real world. Again, there is certainly a place for such thinking, and it doesn’t hurt to brainstorm about the best ways to assist our communities. Still, we often unknowingly hurt the cause in a number of ways.

For instance some will (rightly?) think that Christians are arrogant to approach life in such a distant and condescending manner. If we are not involved in the nitty-gritty of other people’s lives, what right do we have to dogmatize from “on high” (outside the bubble)? Furthermore, by approaching life as an outsider we never really cultivate the relationships that spawn legitimate concern for people. People aren’t statistics to be counted or numbers to add to our church roll. They are real human beings with hurts and joys and needs and questions. To be honest, I don’t think we normally have the right to fling truths at people if we don’t already know them. On a similar note, what kind of spiritual authenticity are we promoting if we constantly view outsiders (whatever that means) as some type of religious projects? Again, they are more than that, and so our deepest expressions of compassion and love and genuine evangelism will only result when we don’t view relationships as a means to some artificial end (“to get them saved”) but as real people whom we truly care about because we know them. If you feel plastic in your approach to the faith, you are probably by-passing the very thing that ought to motivate any effort to be a blessing to another human being. That “thing” is a true relationship.

Of course some would argue that such an approach is dangerous, and at a certain level, I agree. If you live in the real world, you might come up against forces that are real and hurtful. It’s easier to stay away, to view the world from a distance, to bypass the messiness that is a part of actual living “inside the bubble.” But it’s also wrong and–how can I say it–sub-human, and ultimately damaging to those who just might benefit from your genuine concern. You see, faith is, by the nature (super-nature?) of the case dangerous, but it’s the only way to live faithfully . . . and with purpose.

Please understand what I’m not saying. I’m not suggesting that we absorb the worst features of the culture around us or that we naively assume that we can live our lives without discernment. Far from it! What’s more, I am not minimizing the need to connect with like-minded individuals, who already share a similar worldview.

All I’m trying to say is that this faith outreach thing, if it is to be genuine, has to be tied to real, up-close relationships with the people who come our way. While there are plenty of things to talk about (and theorize about), the stuff that really matters is as simple as the people whom God sends your way. You can’t manufacture these things, and–if you want to be more than a robotic believer–you shouldn’t want to.

Not long ago, someone reminded me that it’s not always easy being a Christian in, how shall we put it, the real world. If you can say that, you are probably already doing something right. Only those who have felt the tension and the pressure and, sometimes, the misunderstanding and even criticism of living in the world know what this is like. It’s not easy, but it is certainly worth it. Of course what you are persecuted for also says a lot about the kind of Christian you are, and I’ll attempt to address that briefly in the next blog (see above). For now, it’s simply enough to say that God intended that we live our lives “here” and not “there,” that is, on the inside of society and not on the outskirts.

If you want to know what makes people tick, if you truly care about others, if you are even interested in figuring out what truly matters (spiritually and otherwise)–you have to be immersed in the here of where God wants you to be. Strategies and approaches and similar things may have their place, but the thing that truly matters is that we sincerely show ourselves to be faithful in relationships with the individuals God sends our way. It can be unsafe inside the bubble, no doubt, but it’s also where the action is, where the blessings are, where God is.

thoughts on teaching

2008-02-12T12:50:00.001-05:00

Just the other day, a member of our high school publications staff, a former student and very nice young lady, asked if I would answer some questions for their “Beat Sheet.” Here, I thought I would expand on some of my original responses about something I care about deeply, teaching. I will list my original response, followed by a few additional comments.

“The Beat Sheet”

What do you feel is the best part of teaching?

Probably the best part of teaching is interacting with so many fine young people and having the opportunity to participate in their personal and educational journeys.

Without a doubt, the greatest blessing associated with my job is that of associating with some of the tremendous young people I’ve gotten to know over the years. You hear a lot about how bad kids are–and, frankly, this is sometimes warranted–but you don’t hear enough about the terrific young people who walk our hallways. Though they are only young adults, and while they obviously lack experience, it is amazing how mature many of them are. Intellectually, socially, emotionally–they are sometimes surprisingly well-seasoned and real-world ready. Of course, as I’ve already mentioned, they are still very young and therefore not as seasoned as their older counterparts (old fogies?). This is why young people need to tap into the expertise and experience of others. Indeed, this is why they require an education in the first place. And it is also, in part, why I love being an educator. One of the really cool things about teaching is that, at some level, I get to join some of these young people on their journey. To be honest, I think the whole process is good for me, providing an ongoing revitalization to my own journey. What a privilege, I often think, to be able to participate in such a relevant process. The best part of teaching is the very thing I encounter each day, super young people.

What is the most important thing you want to teach your students?

That education is a journey, and that knowledge is powerful only when it is linked to wisdom.

Too often, I think, we view education as simply the accumulation of facts, as something at which we hope to arrive. Of course there are milestones along the way, accomplishments that we rightly celebrate. One of them is graduation. But education never stops there, and it was never intended to be viewed merely as a level we reach but also a path that we follow. There is this notion, mistaken in my view, that all we have to do it file away facts, collect pieces of data, and all will be well. While knowledge is clearly essential to the educational enterprise, at least as important is the ability to harness that knowledge and apply it with discernment. What is required, in other words, is wisdom. Knowledge involves facts, theories, principles, and similar things. Wisdom, while drawing from these facts, is oriented to life. In my opinion, knowledge combined with wisdom is the pathway to true success.

How do you define a successful student?

Successful students are those who are committed to utilizing their gifts, determined to give positive expression to what they’ve learned, and able to embrace the reality that education is a lifelong endeavor.

We are all gifted in different ways. It would be a pretty boring world if we all possessed the same skills and interests. This is why it really matters that we come to recognize our own abilities and gifts. Though we should seek to be well-rounded as students and human beings, there’s no denying our individuality. A part of success, then, is a willingness to remain cognizant of the many contours of our own personalities. Though I have no doubt that some people stress out in their efforts to (too narrowly?) define themselves, I think it is important to be ourselves and to learn to be, as someone once said, comfortable in our own skin. This is part of what education is about. As already mentioned, there is more to learning than the accumulation of facts. Something is truly wrong if we are so “top heavy,” consumed merely with intellectual endeavors, that we never seem able to give expression to what we know, to make use of knowledge gains. The intellectual, the academic–these are essential and ought never be downplayed. But intellectual endeavors should also find application in our lives. Education entails taking what we have learned and inculcating it in helpful ways. The application of various truths is not something that ever reaches an end. Though we often (and rightly) applaud those who are “learned” (i.e., those who have attained a measure of competence in this area or that), it is perhaps more important to be a “learner.” We are all learners, partially finished masterpieces, shaped by personal choices (academic and otherwise) and by forces outside of ourselves. For our part, it is important to recognize this process and to embrace the journey. Among other things, education is a lifelong endeavor.

Well, there you have it, some rather off-the-cuff remarks about education. Thanks, Chelsea, for “forcing” me to think about these important matters! Mr. DiCello ☺

if it looks like . . .

2008-02-11T19:20:00.000-05:00

We live in a skeptical and even cynical age. In a world where lying is common, various examples of human abuse are reported daily, and all too many of the arbiters of societal mores look more like disingenuous politicians than genuine role models, this attitude is completely understandable.

We’ve all been hurt by such individuals. We’ve all been disappointed by the behavior (or should I say misbehavior) of those we thought we could trust. People lie and cheat, at least some of them do. Men and women are fake, at least a good number of them are. In such a world, can we believe in much of anything? Can we trust anyone? Is anyone real?

First, I think it’s important to acknowledge the obvious. None of us has the right to expect anything close to perfection from any other human being. We are all frail and inconsistent at best. Indeed, even the most outstanding among us is not immune to silliness and foolishness and other human tendencies. Let’s face it; we all mess up more often than we’d like to admit. It is important to recognize, therefore, that no one deserves to be elevated to such a level. Indeed, no one needs the pressure of having to sustain a level of goodness that is, well, unrealistic. Any honest observer will immediately recognize his or her own inadequacies and will not be ridiculously demanding of others. This reality–that we all fall short–is precisely why our ultimate attention ought to be on the only one who can meet (and exceed) human expectations. Only God is perfect (obviously!), which means that only he should be elevated to such a position. (In fact only as we look at others through the prism of a perfect being (i.e., God) can we even see our human counterparts as they might be . . . but that’s another story.)

Still, the question remains: Is there such a thing as goodness? Is anyone for real? Though I say it with a measure of trepidation (for we’re all prone to goofiness), I truly believe in authenticity. In other words some people are truly kind, caring, and compassionate. They are never completely consistent in their ways, of course, but such individuals do exist. That’s the point.

Should we be skeptical of many things? Sure, for prudence demands that we walk with a measure of caution. Ought we be careful about the individuals to whom we entrust ourselves? Absolutely, for it would be naive to ignore the many examples of hypocrisy. But if we only look at human inconsistency, if we only notice insincerity, I think we are missing something important. You see, I believe–and maybe I’m just being puerile–that God’s imprint still makes its way into our world. I actually think that goodness, truth, compassion, and love can be found among us.

To be honest, I hesitate to place myself in such a category. After all, I am well aware of my own stupidity and the like. But I do know a handful of people (however uncommon) that I would place in this category, people of integrity and kindness, those who are for real. And I know that, despite my fickleness, at least in my better moments, this is what makes me tick.

There’s an old saying that goes as follows: “If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck!” Of course when it comes to matters of character and morality, we are a bit more critical than we might be about mere ducks. Given the stakes, this is probably a wise course. However, it is also important not to miss the meaning of the illustration. Sometimes (though not always), when you observe someone who is kind, he/she truly is kind. Once in a while, you will meet someone whose concern is authentic and whose heart is good. Believe it or not, acts of kindness are not always a smoke screen for some type of hidden agenda. Not every smile is fake, and not every act of kindness or word of encouragement is counterfeit. In God’s world, by God’s grace, there still exist people who are genuine. By God’s enabling influence, authenticity can still exist. If it looks like it’s real and sounds like it’s real, sometimes–thank God!–it actually is real. “Lord, enable us (me) to be what we (I) can be for you and others. Help us (me) to be real.”

love's teaching

2008-02-09T17:50:00.001-05:00

There’s a great line in U2's song, Vertigo. It goes like this: “Your love is teaching me how to kneel.”

While I am uncertain what U2 intended by these words, one possible interpretation is that God’s love produces an attitude of dependence and trust in him. This love, then, would, shall we say, originate from “above,” while the kneeling would pertain to things like prayer.

Love is a common topic, and it has often been addressed by believers. The ultimate demonstration of love is what God did to reconcile humanity to himself. This is our chief motivation and the paradigm for what we are to be and do. We are to love, in other words, because he first loved. Thus, God expresses his love in countless other ways, and all of these, one might argue, can be traced back to the ultimate love expression (i.e., incarnation and cross), being current examples of his ongoing concern for us.

Everyday God showers us with love through various avenues. Often, these are attached to the relationships and opportunities we are given. As Jesus himself said, we are to love God and one another. In some strange yet magnificent way, divine-human love and human-human love are related. The point here is that God shows himself to us in the nitty gritty of life. This, I think, is the love that is “teaching” us.

Of course love often involves emotion, but it also extends beyond mere feelings. Love is also an act, a determination, a commitment, an unconditional resolve to meet the needs of another. Jesus did this to perfection, of course, and we try (however inconsistently) to emulate. Love, therefore, is an activity that may or may not involve emotion. In either case, the divine example should occupy a central place in our thoughts. God loves.

But what does God’s love (past, present, and future–what he did, does, and promises to do) produce? Bono says it causes him to “kneel.” This, I think, is an expression of profound awe, an appreciation for the love that has flowed into his life. When we recognize this love in its many forms, we are more prone to “kneel,” that is, to realize who it is that provides us with love in its many manifestations.

Whatever the actual meaning of these U2 lyrics, it is true that love has a profound impact on us and, when properly understood, fills us with wonder. Your love is teaching me–despite my thick head and foolish heart–it’s teaching me how to kneel.

the glory of love

2008-02-06T17:55:00.001-05:00

There’s an old Chicago song–with then lead singer Peter Cetera–called the glory of love. The tune is, of course, oriented to romantic relationships, which is good and appropriate. But it also contains the kernel of something larger, something that I think applies to all kinds of relationships–romantic, family, friendly, mentor, etc. As the song says, some things ought to be done for the glory of love.

In Scripture there is an obvious emphasis on love. Jesus told us to love one another as he loved us, which is quite a standard to shoot for. He also said that each of us is to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind.

Love, many would (in my opinion) rightly argue, is the centerpiece of true spirituality. It’s all about love. And why not? After all, Scripture also tells us that God is love. The point is not that there is some invisible cloud of “love stuff” floating around the universe, which we hope to run into. There is, however, a relating God who permeates the universe, and we can indeed “run into” him . . . and he can “run into” us.

One big part of life is, I think, somehow getting our hearts and lives to coalesce with God and his purpose. But how do we connect with God? I would suggest at least two broad ways. One is by taking in and absorbing whatever he has revealed and allowing it to mold us from the inside out. According to Scripture, he reveals himself around and within us (general revelation) and to us (special revelation). As we “rub up against” both the truths of Scripture (that help clarify the type of God we’re talking about) and the truths of his creation (which help us to recognize the magnitude of the person we're talking about) our spiritual antennae are adjusted and our hearts honed and shaped.

But there is also another big part of life, which involves more than simply picking up facts about God. There is God himself. Though he’s not some type of ooze that floats around us, he is a being that can and does connect with his creatures. We, I would argue, must learn to “seek him with all of our hearts.”

Here’s the cool (and transforming) thing. He’s with us. He surrounds and embraces us. He is in some strange and wonderful way with us. Though we (or at least I) usually miss him, he’s there none-the-less.

Contrary to the views of many, I think God enters our lives in many ways. He’s with us when we interact with others in a manner that is consistent with his will. He’s with us when we exude compassion and express kindness. He’s with us when we celebrate the joy of others’ accomplishments. He’s with us when we “feel the pain” of those who are hurting. He’s with us when we care, when we share our lives, when we laugh at the silly things of life, when we recognize the blessings he’s given to us, when we . . . you get the point.

All of this said, it makes sense that we would be courageous and compassionate, and that we would do these things with a purpose, for what Peter Cetera refers to as the glory of love. Among other things, he sings:

I am a man who will fight for your honor
I'll be the hero you’ve been dreaming of
We'll live forever
Knowing together that we
Did it all for the glory of love

Again, not limiting it to romantic love alone (though, of course, that’s a valid expression), Cetera’s words are important to note. We should fight for what’s right, do what’s honorable, live for what truly matters, for these are the things that will last. And as we take this course, one of our chief motivations is love. Love is a command, a principle, a goal, a guide, a way of life, and a person (actually, in Christian theology, persons, who have always related to one another in love). This is the stuff that is worthy our greatest and most heartfelt efforts.

So, go about being kind, doing good, defending what is honorable and true. Though you (and I!) will mess up along the way, and while we all require the help of God and others, I believe there is hope for all who honor love (and Love–i.e., the God of love). Do it all, then, for the glory of love.

truth wins

2008-02-02T11:32:00.000-05:00

There are times when life can be baffling, when you just don’t know if people “get” who you are or understand your intentions and motives. There are times when I’m not completely sure if people I know and care about, people who have truly gotten to know me, fully comprehend me.

I realize, of course, that you can’t run around trying to please everyone, and (to be honest) I don’t typically get as stressed out about what “outsiders” think of me. Don’t get me wrong. I do care if people misrepresent me or conjure up false ideas of who and what I am. On those (rare?) occasions when this occurs, my desire is to set things straight. But–and this is important–I’m not as emotionally impacted about these outsiders as I might be if an “insider” misunderstands me.

Unfortunately, we live in a world in which perversion gets the headlines, inappropriate behavior fans the flames of suspicion, and insincerity and political correctness too often dominate. Within this milieu, it is easy to be skeptical and cynical. In this kind of world, things like trust, honesty, and integrity seem unattainable traits.

Of course given the reality of human imperfection, it is indeed true that we are all flawed, imperfect, and inconsistent. Whatever our best intentions, we are all prone to mess up along the way. Thus, the integrity of which I speak is never completely smooth or uninterrupted. There always remains the human element.

That said, however, I still truly believe that it is indeed possible to embody traits that are good and honorable and right. It is possible, in other words, to be a “good guy/girl.” Naive assumptions aside (that any of us can do this perfectly), it is realistic to believe that–by the grace and influence of God– we can shine forth an integrity that is genuine and–bumps admitted–ongoing.

But here is where I sometimes wonder about it all. Do others understand these things? Are they able to embrace the notion that integrity and goodness (as traits and reflections of God) are possible? Do you and I truly believe that authentic spirituality, genuine love, and similar traits are more than, well, a pipedream?

Again, admitting the reality that we all mess up and do foolish things, I actually believe that things like kindness and compassion are possible. I honestly embrace the idea that–frauds and pretenders aside–truth exists, that the love that flows from God can flow through us to others. (In one place, in fact, we are told that God is love, that love finds it’s origin in a personal deity . . . but that’s another story).

So, what should we do when we wonder if people actually accept us in our efforts to give expression to high ideals? How do we cope with the uncertainty that cynical people (and I can be one of them) might doubt our intentions and perhaps question if such ideals even exist in the first place?

Well, one of the best things I’ve found is to believe that truth wins. And if truth wins, if it is greater than human imperfections and societal uncertainty, then one of our main tasks is to simply give expression to these ideals as consistently and authentically as we possibly can.

If I truly care, if I honestly want to help others, if I demonstrate genuine interest, if I truly and unashamedly share my heart and life with those who come my way, I have to believe that, in the end, these things will win. People (myself included) can be skeptical, cynical, doubting, wavering, mislead, misinformed, and even deceived. But truth and love, if they are indeed real, have to win out, for they are exactly that, real.

So, keep on being you. Continue to prayerfully give yourself to people about whom you care. Shoot for integrity and character. Reflect love. With everything inside of you, fight through your own errors and inconsistencies, and keep your eyes on the prize. Truth and love originate in God, and so they cannot be overcome. Though clouds of uncertainty mark our present existence, truth is more solid than these temporary hindrances of unreal haze.

Though people may not immediately “get” you, while we are all prone to playing “mind games,” wondering whether our sincere acts of concern are properly interpreted, we must learn to trust that the truth will win. The fake, the make-believe, the faulty–these things cannot endure, for they are not based in reality. Truth is real, as is love. Therefore, we (and I!) must continue to “love as he loved us,” believing that truth must (and will!) win.

the greatest of these . . .

2008-02-01T18:35:00.000-05:00

“Faith, hope, and love”–these are perhaps the chief characteristics of genuine spirituality. Faith involves looking to another, resting in the one who can rescue, protect, and guide. Hope is an expectation of better things, an attitude of anticipation that the good will indeed arrive.

Of course faith from a Christian perspective centers in Jesus, the promised Messiah. In this sense faith engenders and provides the basis for hope. Trusting in God’s provisions and promises yields hope. Hope, from a Christian vantage point, is a realistic optimism, a confidence of sorts that life does (and will) ultimately make sense. Indeed, it can be argued that the human longing for fulfillment and purpose, the hope embedded in the soul of people, incites faith, for it sets us on a course or a journey to locate the cause of this hope. Faith and hope therefore intersect and compliment each other and thus play an integral role in spirituality.

Notice, however, that there is one more element that is even more powerful than the others. That element is love. The point is not that love can get along without faith and hope. Love, in fact, locates its source in the object of faith, which–according to Christian tradition–is Jesus. Likewise, love looks with hope to the day when it is unhindered by corruption and error and unhampered by wrong impulses. Thus, faith and hope work in conjunction with love in the expression of spirituality.

Still, there is some sense, at least, in which love is greater than the others. What good would hope in the future be if didn’t produce compassion and grace in the here-and-now? Likewise, how useful would faith be if it didn’t actually motivate practical expressions of love?

Hope needs love if it is to go beyond mere sentimentality, if it is to prove its own validity. And faith requires more than theoretical belief in various doctrines (true though they might be); it shows itself to be authentic by radiating in and through the life of those who believe. Faith, in other words, works through love.

How can we know if faith and hope are genuine, if any of them are to be accepted, if there really is anything to this whole spiritual enterprise? Faith–which is integral–is an ongoing attitude of trust and dependence in God, while hope is a looking forward to the completion of faith. But current (ongoing) faith and the future (undeterred) hope both require something else. Faith and hope grow in the soil of genuine love.

Any truly sound spirituality requires an interplay between faith, hope, and love. They flow in and out of one another, each sustaining and energizing the others. Make no mistake about it, we require faith, hope, and love . . . all three. But one penetrates the others in a special way, a way that can be easily observed, felt, and demonstrated. Love incites faith and demands hope. Faith, hope, and love–these are the basic qualities of a Christian spirituality . . . but the greatest of these is love.

(divine) multitasking

2008-02-01T14:07:00.000-05:00

It’s pretty amazing when you think about, but it happens all of the time. God multi-tasks. In fact he is the paradigm and epitome of multitasking.

If you hold to a Christian worldview, you accept that God is sovereign, that he governs his world. Thus, the events that take place each day are the outworking of his kingship, the result of his all powerful care.

Of course I realize that it is this very concept that gets God “in trouble,” for it is difficult to explain many things on the view that says a deity is in charge. However, I still think it makes best sense and provides the most hope to retain the view of God’s sovereignty, and I’m not interested in arguing the point at this juncture. What fascinates now is the simple yet profound reality that God orchestrates life’s events. This is strange stuff, indeed.

Of course we have to be careful about how we interpret divine providence. Just because God is in charge doesn’t mean that he’s provided a guidebook for how we are to read his providence. Sometimes, frankly, it’s difficult or even impossible to understand what God is “saying” in the outworking of his plan. In fact it is probably often the case that he isn’t actually saying anything through particular acts of providence. Though the details are a part of the whole, it’s often the whole that represents what God is “up to.” So, the particulars shouldn’t always be incessantly analyzed or interpreted.

That said, I think there is still a general principle that says we should learn from providence, and most of us have experienced times when we’re wondered if God has orchestrated events just for us. This doesn’t mean, of course, that we are the only ones God is concerned about, and we often don’t know what, exactly, he’s up to in the ordering of our daily affairs. Still, there are those times when we wonder what he’s up to. Just the other day, in fact, my schedule at school took a certain turn as I was asked to cover a duty for someone. Later, I wondered if this change of schedule was an intentional effort on God’s part to lead me down a certain path. Maybe. Maybe not. I’m not entirely sure. But if, for the sake of argument, he really did create events to guide me through my day, what does that say for the other people affected by this divine decision to change my schedule? Would God alter world events (or even local ones) for me?

Well, this got me to thinking about the idea of divine multitasking. Perhaps, God is able to multitask on such a profound and incomprehensible level that the events he affects are intended personally for me and yet also simultaneously (and for reasons beyond my knowledge) for others as well. Maybe he manipulates events for me, and for you, and for others. If so, this is the ultimate example of daily multitasking. Thankfully, the divine multitasker, though clearly mysterious, is also good and loving.

a good hurt (love)

2008-02-01T13:10:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, I’m a pretty emotional guy. I’m not entirely sure why, but a large part of it is bound to the simple fact that I care. This affects the way I approach a lot of things, and it has a particularly profound impact on the way I teach (which I do) and relate to young people (which I also do).

Every year, it seems, there comes a point when the passage of time makes me sentimental, when the “blues” take center stage, when young men and women leave my immediate presence. This sentimental impulse is intensified when I encounter those rare individuals who have granted me permission, if you will, to enter their lives in a more personal fashion.

As a teacher of (too?) many years, I’ve gotten to know many impressive individuals (and quite a few unimpressive ones, too :-) ). Occasionally, however, my life intersects the lives of special ones. Special ones are just that, special, at least in my opinion. They are often individuals of impressive skill, unusual maturity, and genuine integrity. They are young men and women who have been placed in my life by the providence of God, individuals who have connected with me on a more personal level, students who have allowed me the incredible privilege of being a part of their lives.

For all of these things and more, I am immensely grateful. But, as I said earlier, this is not always an easy task, for I must also allow these same students to grow and eventually venture out of my presence (though I don’t want to exaggerate my influence or worth). And this, without question, is sad. Frankly, it hurts when good young people go on their way. And the pain is all the more profound when those “special ones” (and you know who you are) leave my classroom.

I like lots of kids; I really do. But a small number of them touch my heart more deeply than the rest. They are young individuals I truly care about. In every way that is good and right, I honestly love them. But, sometimes love is difficult. The words of the Incubus song Love Hurts say it this way:

Love hurts . . .
But sometimes it’s a good hurt
And it feels like I'm alive.
Love sings,
When it transcends the bad things.
Have a heart and try me,
‘cause without love I won’t survive.

Yeah, sometimes love hurts, but it’s a good hurt. I don’t like the pain, of course, and I truly dread the feelings associated with this whole process. But I’m also reminded that I’m alive, that some things are worth the effort, the agony, the uncertainty, the pain. I also believe that love sings, that–at least in my case–it simply must be expressed. Indeed, to this end, I feel compelled, at times, to give those special people, those rare individuals whom I encounter, a clear indication of my care, my concern, my appreciation, my respect, my love.

“Special ones”–you know who you are. Know, as well, that my commitment to you is unending, my gratitude profound, my willingness to assist you in any way I can unflinching, my love enduring. God has placed you in my life, and I marvel at the opportunities and the blessings. Though there is a measure of hurt along the way, I want you to know that it’s worth it all. For you, it's worth it all. It’s a good kind of hurt. (Love, Mr. D)