The topic of expectations in life continues to be a challenging concept in individual lives as well as society as a whole. Even though some of you desire or even "expect" to see something on Thursday rather than Friday, life happens and expectations cannot always be lived up to their full pressures, or just the desires that stem from possessing expectations. Despite the fact that we can be let down when expectations refuse to be met, does this mean we place a ban of ever putting expectations out on the table of life? It seems that the idea of possessing expectations has become some kind of detriment or sin within our society. We see it in religious circles, political circles, and in our schools. Expectations seem to be a subject that comes to the surface of conversation frequently and calls for thought and attention, forcing us to consider a proper perspective. Always look forward to dialogue and your thoughts.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
The topic of expectations in our lives seems to be something of great controversy in life and in relationships. Two opinions seem to hold equal value, but leave doubts as to the certainty of the claims each conveys. One opinion expresses the thought that perhaps it is best to learn not to expect anything out of life or from anyone, which helps avoid great disappointments in one’s life. If allowed, expectations should be kept at the lowest minimum level possible. The second opinion expresses the idea that if expectations, or low expectations become the foundation on which survival in life takes place then life itself or people around us will not rise to the high levels of which they are capable. Can these two opinions coexist in our world despite their differences?
The first opinion that says we should not expect much, if anything at all, in life or from anyone portrays an attitude of defeat. Adopting this mentality or philosophy of life may prevent roller coaster rides and disappointments, allowing us to experience a comfort within a cocoon that is safe, calm, and somewhat un-adventuresome. Some of the people on this side of the controversy tend to be calm and peaceful, accepting of whatever comes into their lives and tend to avoid fighting the could be’s and the should be’s. Others however, require or will only associate with people who will interact with them in this manner, despite the fact that they themselves enjoy the roller coaster rides. They desire to be themselves, but life can be scary enough, and the assurance of acceptance for who they are as a person and their circumstances brings stability and a peace they cannot find anywhere else except in those who live by the no-expectation rule. A third kind of person lives by this philosophy and that tends to be the person who refuses to change as a person. They live life by their own rules, they seem comfortable with themselves as a person, and whether it’s due to laziness or selfishness, resistance to change and refusal to live up to the expectations of others permeates their life. Answers refrain from being easy as to whether this particular philosophy allows us to live our lives to the fullest and greatest potential.
The other option by which to live includes a life full of expectations of one’s own self, in one’s own circumstances, and of others involved in one’s own circle of family and friends. A variety of ups and downs tend to flood the lives of those who choose this lifestyle. When life is good, it is very, very good, but when it is bad, it is horrid. Disappointments become common, but so do the successes and accomplishments achieved. At times, the person who lives by this philosophy conveys instability, restlessness, and an emotional basket case. Recently, talking with several people, the idea of expecting too much, or anything at all in life seems to be almost equally to insanity. Why? Usually the answers lay in the fact that one will not be disappointed, feeling sadness, sorrow, or pain. The question then arises, does this in and of itself not lead to an expectation that a person can and should live in a kind of bubble in which passion and emotions rarely exist?
Expectations reside abundantly whether we like to think we can run from them or not. God has expectations of his people, he expects them to obey and he holds them to high standards. Religions of all kinds hold their followers to high expectations and expect them to follow religious practices. Employers require and expect a certain level of productivity and work ethic of their employees. The general public expects certain qualifications and a certain standard by which public leaders are required to abide by. When we eat at restaurants a standard of cleanliness and health is expected. Schools expect a certain level of productivity from their students. Sports teams expect a high level of performance from their teammates and fans require an even higher level of the players. If God Himself created us in His image, with all the expectations He requires and to which he ask us to live up to, what makes us think we do not need to live up to high standards, or require others to live up to high standards? What causes us to think that we can lower standards or not have any at all? What makes us think that life is ok without expecting anything from life itself, our selves and others? What makes people think that the need to hold people to high standards and encourage them to change for the better should be banned? Or do people really want standards and expectations completely banned? Those that live according to high standards and expect a lot out of life tend to be the people who give the most to life in all capacities and they receive back or reap in abundance what they sow out of their expectations. Why then, would we ask others not to place too many expectations upon us? Why would we request not to be required to live to higher standards? Why would we not desire to be raised up to live to be more than we can be?
Why is it that we can expect so much from others, but we have such a difficult time when others expect anything from us? Or why is it that those who choose to believe that life is easier without any expectations actually do hold many expectations themselves? When others do not live up to our expectations, does it make it right to discontinue having great expectations in life? Maybe we get upset or disappointed when expectations go unfulfilled because we actually desire to control our lives, the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and we desire to control other people. The expectations, the successes, the accomplishments, the disappointments, and all the emotions that accompany all of life are not wrong and something to be hidden in the closets of our hearts, rather they are meant to be embraced for what each one has to offer. The responses we provide to great expectations that seem to be dashed at times offer the answers as to why many feel the need to run away and refuse to allow them to be a part of life; all because the outcomes of these expectations cannot be controlled. Because of this inability to control, we throw up our hands in defeat and claim that there is no point in expecting anything anymore out of life.
Society needs high standards. People need great expectations in life, something for which to work, something that will provide a means to success and failures. Even disappointments are to be expected, so why not embrace all that life was meant to give and teach? Yes, we need to accept each other for who God created us to be, but not to the point at which we ignore or rid ourselves o the expectations others place upon us. With discretion and wisdom, a responsibility to consider these expectations and even adopt some of them as our own is ours to uphold. Working alongside others in whatever circumstance calls for an understanding of the diversity that exists that include many points of view, differing ideas, and various opinions, especially when they involve family members, friends, teammates, co-workers, and religious groups, just to name a few. If we learn the willingness to embrace all that expectations encompass, and realize we cannot control the outcomes, life will be one big great expectation to be enjoyed and not feared. Can the two philosophies co-exist? Yes, in that everyone is created differently and each person functions and succeeds at a different level of expectation. However, permeating society, a sense or loss for great expectations floods nations, communities, and households. People are not challenged to live to their full potential and rise to levels beyond their imaginations. Thus, many live in a cocoon they create for themselves and never break out to become the magnificent and beautiful creatures they were meant to become. Sure, the two opinions can co-exist, but which one will offer more to us individually? Which one will offer more to those around us? Which one will offer more to our world? May we all choose Great Expectations by which to live, and not allow fear of disappointment, or even the fear of disappointing, be the base for which we hide from living by Great Expectations
Friday, March 19, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
GOD'S KINGDOM: A HUMAN PERSPECTIVE
A disclaimer: In no way do I consider myself equal to God. In no way do I consider that the following can come close to being a perfect scenario as to how God runs thing in His kingdom. However, I do believe that we are to use our minds to try and understand God. He uses allegories all the time in Scripture. Christ uses stories to explain His kingdom. All throughout history, stories, allegories, poetry, and other means of written literature have been used to help people understand or even inform them of current events. Thus, our ability to use our minds, write, and create a story to help in our understanding of God, as imperfect as it may be, can be used to open our eyes to more of the person of God. In this journey of seeking solid and complete answers to difficult questions, the following flowed from mind to pen as I read Edith Schaeffer's book Affliction. Please feel free to add thoughts on the matter. I invite the dialogue.
If I was able to set up my own kingdom, and many rebelled against my authority, there might be a battle. My enemy perhaps would try with all his power to turn people against me and all that my kingdom stood for. I could give my citizens a choice...they could choose to be subjects of the rebellion, or they could choose to be subjects of my kingdom. It would have been the leader of the rebellion that ultimately held the responsibility for bringing disruption to my kingdom. At first, the rebellious leader may have gained enough power to enslave all of the subjects belonging to my kingdom. The law stated in my kingdom said that any disobedience towards me would result in being banned from my kingdom forever. The only way to free my subjects would be to have a plan that would be strong enough to break the enslavement and provide a road back that was safe and trustworthy. I would need to bridge the gap of separation between myself and my subjects. The only way I could bridge this gap would be to step in and somehow save these people myself. No one can be good enough, or obedient enough to get back into this kingdom. Once they had disobeyed, the disobedience became part of their character. The result? They cannot save themselves or make it back into my kingdom on their own. Someone has to be good enough or perfect enough to help these lost people to be free from their enslavement to my enemy. I would have to offer up my life for everyone of my subjects. My enemy wanted to overtake my kingdom. I would offer up myself, take on all that my enemy might possibly use to torture my subjects, become chained to the same punishments. In return, the chains on each of my subjects would be broken, smashed, and they would be able to go free. My enemy may think he had won, that he had conquered my kingdom. Little would he know that I was stronger than any chain that might be put upon me. I would be strong enough to endure any punishment without breaking under it. In the end, I would actually conquer my enemy and he would realize who I truly was. I would have the chain broken, I would no longer need to submit myself to the torture, but rather I would win the battle. I would hurt my enemy, I would crush his head, I would injure him so that he no longer would have the strenth to hold people in bondage against their will.
I now could return to my kingdom. I could not pronounce the good news to all those who fell hostage to my enemy's powers. I could tell these former subjects that they now have the freedom to return to my kingdom. However, there would be a warning. I would need to let my people know that, even though I won the battle, the enemy craves revenge, using his power and strength to accomplish his mission. Anger and fury permeates his being and as a result, war will increase. The war is now not going to be just against me, but anyone who chooses to belong to my kingdom. I warn them that my enemy will try and find them; he might even try to bring death upon them, injure them, and hurt them deeply. I will not force them to return to me, I will give them a choice. Some choose to join the rebellion, many choose to live in my kingdom; for those however, who choose to join the rebellion, they will no longer be chained against their will. At any time they have the freedom to choose to live in my kingdom.
Due to the knowledge I have concerning the war that will be waged between myself and my sworn enemy, inclusive of subjects on both sides, it would seem that I might want to put a stop to all of it so that those I love would not be forced to suffer. I could completely wipe out my enemy and his army, keep the subjects I have and live with them in eternal glory. If I did that though, those whom I love, even though they have chosen to be my enemy, would never have another opportunity to return to my kingdom. They would forever be permanently separated from me. I love them; I want time to allow them to come back to me.
During this time, more life will be created. I allow this. I do not ban my people from bringing life into either my kingdom or the rebellion. I want my kingdom to grow, so I encourage life to continue. If I did not allow this, my kingdom would slowly disappear, and then who would be around to show and tell those on the enemy's side what a wonderful place my kingdom was and all the good that comes from living there? Who would tell others of the blessings I give them? Who would tell them of the happiness they receive?
Sure, I could force those who have become my enemy (ies) to return to my kingdom, but the will not want to stay. They would be angry at my forcefulness. I could put them in chains, and yes, I am strong enough to keep them there, but their desires would not be for my kingdom. My subjects all must be ready to fight for me and be prepared for war at all times. If I force people to be a part of my kingdom, they would or could be detrimental to winning the war. No, I must have subjects who have chosen to be a part of my kingdom.
The enemy also has warriors intentionally out to break down my kingdom. He knows he cannot take my kingdom from me, but he knows he can hurt the subjects in my kingdom. Just like any army, he has spies; spies that infiltrate enemy lines, eavesdrop on plans in hopes to thwart progress, steal valuables, equipment, or anything else necessary to try and win as many back. People are captured, tortured, even martyred. My subjects were warned, and I do try to help prepare them as best as I can. I have given them an instruction manual that provides all the ways in which they can win every battle. I may not always be physically present, but I assure them that anytime they call my name I will hear them and I will answer them and send help or answers. I have given them a list of equipment to wear that will protect them. I warn them that the battle might get so difficult that it brings about utter exhaustion. Doubt concerning the ability to gain victory creeps in to their minds. I warn them that temptations to jump ship will enter their minds. I understand my subjects are not as strong as I am and that I will find them in the enemy's camp more than once, but I plead with them to return back to me, and when the do, I love them and accept them with welcoming arms.
Just as my enemy may infiltrate my camps around my kingdom, I also have an army that infiltrated enemy lines, quietly seeking out those who are questioning their allegiance to the rebellion. I seek those who are doubtful, or those who have seen what my kingdom offers. I may strategically place my strongest fighters, or those whom I know have what is needed, in the enemy camps for the purpose of finding who is ready to cross over into my kingdom. When they are found, my warriors help these weakened souls to get across.
I have camps in which people can to renew their strength so they can continue to fight. I have camps in which teaching and training are given for new subjects. There are camps of encouragement, and there are those in which relationships can be built to that my army can become stronger.
Eventually I will get to the point at which no more people will be found who are in the least bit interested in joining my kingdom. I really am the only person who knows how to determine who is ready and who is not. When I find someone ready to move to my side, I use one of my subjects to help them so that I can be freed up to find the rest. You see, if I do everything on my own, as I could if I so desired, my subjects would begin to feel as if they have no contribution in my kingdom. There would be no reason to keep fighting. My subjects would get lazy and begin to just expect me to bless them for just existing in my kingdom. They need a purpose, the need work, they need things in their lives to keep them alert.
Can I prevent hardships from happening to my subjects? Sure I can! However, I allow them because if my subjects did not have hardships in their lives, they would not get to know me completely. They would just know me for the guy who just hands them the easy life. Difficulties allow my subjects to know the side of me that is comforting, faithful, gracious, forgiving, and strength in their weakness. In difficulties, my subjects find they need me; it takes longer, but in their need they allow themselves to be vulnerable to me, and then I am able to work miracles beyond their imaginations. They also find out how much they are capable of handling without breaking. The challenges in life are like building up callouses. I allow my subjects to be hurt; it builds pain tolerance; it builds strength. I do not allow any more pain or challenge than I know each subject is capable of withstanding. I may take them to the edge of their tolerance level, but I know their cut off point. This means I know everyone of my subjects individually better than they know themselves.
Another purpose for afflictions is for the purpose of those in the enemy's camp to see the difference between how my subjects respond to difficulties and hardships compared to their own comrades. My subjects may shed tears, may be lonely, and they may feel at times I am far away. But, when they know me well, they trust that I only want what is best and I am always there to help them fight. The enemies look on, maybe experience first hand, if one of my subjects is infiltrated into one of their camps, the love, support, encouragement, and strength given to help this wounded soldier. They might even see a smile on the wounded subjects face. Seeing the difference may be enough to help that enemy choose my kingdom. It may be enough to keep a fellow subject from joining the enemy's camp. It may even be used to once again open the eyes of a fellow subject, who gave into temptation, causing him to see what he is missing. I know each person so well that I know exactly what is needed in each person's life for their personal growth, the growth of my kingdom, and I know what is needed to draw others to myself.
With all of this being said and in the attempt to understand, as imperfect in my humanity as I am, a question arises here, perhaps with a different twist: Why, if I had the power to do so from the beginning, would I not crush the enemy right from the start? If I loved the two people I first created so much, why would I even allow Satan to get close to them, knowing his intention would be to hurt them? In my humanity, do I allow people, who have intentions to hurt my children get even within a 100 yards of them? The answer is no. Why? Because I love them and I want to protect them. So, it may not even be a question of why does a loving God allow (and I make the differentiation between allow and cause here) suffering and affliction, but rather, why did a loving God not protect his people from the beginning? Does this suggest a crack in God's character? Is he perhaps, not as perfect as Christians claim him to be?
These are hard questions, and they deserve careful thought and much attention. Tackling such issues is no easy task, but nothing worthwhile ever came easily. I challenge you to dialogue and arrive at some solid conclusions so that you may be ready to provide answers.
If I was able to set up my own kingdom, and many rebelled against my authority, there might be a battle. My enemy perhaps would try with all his power to turn people against me and all that my kingdom stood for. I could give my citizens a choice...they could choose to be subjects of the rebellion, or they could choose to be subjects of my kingdom. It would have been the leader of the rebellion that ultimately held the responsibility for bringing disruption to my kingdom. At first, the rebellious leader may have gained enough power to enslave all of the subjects belonging to my kingdom. The law stated in my kingdom said that any disobedience towards me would result in being banned from my kingdom forever. The only way to free my subjects would be to have a plan that would be strong enough to break the enslavement and provide a road back that was safe and trustworthy. I would need to bridge the gap of separation between myself and my subjects. The only way I could bridge this gap would be to step in and somehow save these people myself. No one can be good enough, or obedient enough to get back into this kingdom. Once they had disobeyed, the disobedience became part of their character. The result? They cannot save themselves or make it back into my kingdom on their own. Someone has to be good enough or perfect enough to help these lost people to be free from their enslavement to my enemy. I would have to offer up my life for everyone of my subjects. My enemy wanted to overtake my kingdom. I would offer up myself, take on all that my enemy might possibly use to torture my subjects, become chained to the same punishments. In return, the chains on each of my subjects would be broken, smashed, and they would be able to go free. My enemy may think he had won, that he had conquered my kingdom. Little would he know that I was stronger than any chain that might be put upon me. I would be strong enough to endure any punishment without breaking under it. In the end, I would actually conquer my enemy and he would realize who I truly was. I would have the chain broken, I would no longer need to submit myself to the torture, but rather I would win the battle. I would hurt my enemy, I would crush his head, I would injure him so that he no longer would have the strenth to hold people in bondage against their will.
I now could return to my kingdom. I could not pronounce the good news to all those who fell hostage to my enemy's powers. I could tell these former subjects that they now have the freedom to return to my kingdom. However, there would be a warning. I would need to let my people know that, even though I won the battle, the enemy craves revenge, using his power and strength to accomplish his mission. Anger and fury permeates his being and as a result, war will increase. The war is now not going to be just against me, but anyone who chooses to belong to my kingdom. I warn them that my enemy will try and find them; he might even try to bring death upon them, injure them, and hurt them deeply. I will not force them to return to me, I will give them a choice. Some choose to join the rebellion, many choose to live in my kingdom; for those however, who choose to join the rebellion, they will no longer be chained against their will. At any time they have the freedom to choose to live in my kingdom.
Due to the knowledge I have concerning the war that will be waged between myself and my sworn enemy, inclusive of subjects on both sides, it would seem that I might want to put a stop to all of it so that those I love would not be forced to suffer. I could completely wipe out my enemy and his army, keep the subjects I have and live with them in eternal glory. If I did that though, those whom I love, even though they have chosen to be my enemy, would never have another opportunity to return to my kingdom. They would forever be permanently separated from me. I love them; I want time to allow them to come back to me.
During this time, more life will be created. I allow this. I do not ban my people from bringing life into either my kingdom or the rebellion. I want my kingdom to grow, so I encourage life to continue. If I did not allow this, my kingdom would slowly disappear, and then who would be around to show and tell those on the enemy's side what a wonderful place my kingdom was and all the good that comes from living there? Who would tell others of the blessings I give them? Who would tell them of the happiness they receive?
Sure, I could force those who have become my enemy (ies) to return to my kingdom, but the will not want to stay. They would be angry at my forcefulness. I could put them in chains, and yes, I am strong enough to keep them there, but their desires would not be for my kingdom. My subjects all must be ready to fight for me and be prepared for war at all times. If I force people to be a part of my kingdom, they would or could be detrimental to winning the war. No, I must have subjects who have chosen to be a part of my kingdom.
The enemy also has warriors intentionally out to break down my kingdom. He knows he cannot take my kingdom from me, but he knows he can hurt the subjects in my kingdom. Just like any army, he has spies; spies that infiltrate enemy lines, eavesdrop on plans in hopes to thwart progress, steal valuables, equipment, or anything else necessary to try and win as many back. People are captured, tortured, even martyred. My subjects were warned, and I do try to help prepare them as best as I can. I have given them an instruction manual that provides all the ways in which they can win every battle. I may not always be physically present, but I assure them that anytime they call my name I will hear them and I will answer them and send help or answers. I have given them a list of equipment to wear that will protect them. I warn them that the battle might get so difficult that it brings about utter exhaustion. Doubt concerning the ability to gain victory creeps in to their minds. I warn them that temptations to jump ship will enter their minds. I understand my subjects are not as strong as I am and that I will find them in the enemy's camp more than once, but I plead with them to return back to me, and when the do, I love them and accept them with welcoming arms.
Just as my enemy may infiltrate my camps around my kingdom, I also have an army that infiltrated enemy lines, quietly seeking out those who are questioning their allegiance to the rebellion. I seek those who are doubtful, or those who have seen what my kingdom offers. I may strategically place my strongest fighters, or those whom I know have what is needed, in the enemy camps for the purpose of finding who is ready to cross over into my kingdom. When they are found, my warriors help these weakened souls to get across.
I have camps in which people can to renew their strength so they can continue to fight. I have camps in which teaching and training are given for new subjects. There are camps of encouragement, and there are those in which relationships can be built to that my army can become stronger.
Eventually I will get to the point at which no more people will be found who are in the least bit interested in joining my kingdom. I really am the only person who knows how to determine who is ready and who is not. When I find someone ready to move to my side, I use one of my subjects to help them so that I can be freed up to find the rest. You see, if I do everything on my own, as I could if I so desired, my subjects would begin to feel as if they have no contribution in my kingdom. There would be no reason to keep fighting. My subjects would get lazy and begin to just expect me to bless them for just existing in my kingdom. They need a purpose, the need work, they need things in their lives to keep them alert.
Can I prevent hardships from happening to my subjects? Sure I can! However, I allow them because if my subjects did not have hardships in their lives, they would not get to know me completely. They would just know me for the guy who just hands them the easy life. Difficulties allow my subjects to know the side of me that is comforting, faithful, gracious, forgiving, and strength in their weakness. In difficulties, my subjects find they need me; it takes longer, but in their need they allow themselves to be vulnerable to me, and then I am able to work miracles beyond their imaginations. They also find out how much they are capable of handling without breaking. The challenges in life are like building up callouses. I allow my subjects to be hurt; it builds pain tolerance; it builds strength. I do not allow any more pain or challenge than I know each subject is capable of withstanding. I may take them to the edge of their tolerance level, but I know their cut off point. This means I know everyone of my subjects individually better than they know themselves.
Another purpose for afflictions is for the purpose of those in the enemy's camp to see the difference between how my subjects respond to difficulties and hardships compared to their own comrades. My subjects may shed tears, may be lonely, and they may feel at times I am far away. But, when they know me well, they trust that I only want what is best and I am always there to help them fight. The enemies look on, maybe experience first hand, if one of my subjects is infiltrated into one of their camps, the love, support, encouragement, and strength given to help this wounded soldier. They might even see a smile on the wounded subjects face. Seeing the difference may be enough to help that enemy choose my kingdom. It may be enough to keep a fellow subject from joining the enemy's camp. It may even be used to once again open the eyes of a fellow subject, who gave into temptation, causing him to see what he is missing. I know each person so well that I know exactly what is needed in each person's life for their personal growth, the growth of my kingdom, and I know what is needed to draw others to myself.
With all of this being said and in the attempt to understand, as imperfect in my humanity as I am, a question arises here, perhaps with a different twist: Why, if I had the power to do so from the beginning, would I not crush the enemy right from the start? If I loved the two people I first created so much, why would I even allow Satan to get close to them, knowing his intention would be to hurt them? In my humanity, do I allow people, who have intentions to hurt my children get even within a 100 yards of them? The answer is no. Why? Because I love them and I want to protect them. So, it may not even be a question of why does a loving God allow (and I make the differentiation between allow and cause here) suffering and affliction, but rather, why did a loving God not protect his people from the beginning? Does this suggest a crack in God's character? Is he perhaps, not as perfect as Christians claim him to be?
These are hard questions, and they deserve careful thought and much attention. Tackling such issues is no easy task, but nothing worthwhile ever came easily. I challenge you to dialogue and arrive at some solid conclusions so that you may be ready to provide answers.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
IS IT MY BATTLE TO FIGHT?
In search of solid answers for the questions that arise about how a good and loving God can allow evil and afflictions to occur when He could stop so much of the pain in this world, I write the following thoughts as I made my way through Edith Schaeffer's book "Afflictions." These thoughts in no way, reflect the strength or non-strength of my personal beliefs. However, they are questions that arose as I read this book, and over the years, I have been approached by both non-Christians and Christians who ask these same questions. What are concrete answers to these issues? Are there any concrete answers? I invite your comments below and dialogue.
In chapter two the issue of a battle between Satan and God is addressed in reference to our sufferings here on earth. Some thoughts on the matter follows:
Mankind is in the middle of a battle between Satan and God as the avenue through which Satan can hurt God directly because mankind is so closely tied to God Himself, in that God breathed into man His own breath, giving Him life, creating man in His own image.
Edith Schaeffer, in her book Afflictions, refers to only Christians in this battle. Are non-Christians then exempt from this engaging warfare? If all mankind have been created in God's image, this means each person has been given life, God-breathed.
God, as Creator, with foreknowledge, purposefully created mankind, placing them purposefully in the middle of a battle without giving them a choice. The only choice we find is in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve made the choice to bring sin into the world. God continues to purposefully create life knowing they will be placed in the middle of a battle for which they did not request or even wish. I do not know about anyone else, but if I had the choice to join a war or remain anonymous, I think I would choose the latter. I do not know anyone who is willing to be created for the sole purpose of being used as a means for one being to directly hurt another. I was not humanly planned or thought of all throughout the history of the world, until I made my appearance. I was nothing. God created me out of nothing. Yes, the natural elements are used to create life by other living beings, but my existence was not conceived in the plans of others until my arrival. God, however knew from before the beginning of time that my life would be created and that He would create it, knowing full well I would not be given a choice to engage in the middle of a battle that appears to not be mine to fight. And yet, God holds me responsible for choices I make in the middle of this battle.
In chapter two the issue of a battle between Satan and God is addressed in reference to our sufferings here on earth. Some thoughts on the matter follows:
Mankind is in the middle of a battle between Satan and God as the avenue through which Satan can hurt God directly because mankind is so closely tied to God Himself, in that God breathed into man His own breath, giving Him life, creating man in His own image.
Edith Schaeffer, in her book Afflictions, refers to only Christians in this battle. Are non-Christians then exempt from this engaging warfare? If all mankind have been created in God's image, this means each person has been given life, God-breathed.
God, as Creator, with foreknowledge, purposefully created mankind, placing them purposefully in the middle of a battle without giving them a choice. The only choice we find is in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve made the choice to bring sin into the world. God continues to purposefully create life knowing they will be placed in the middle of a battle for which they did not request or even wish. I do not know about anyone else, but if I had the choice to join a war or remain anonymous, I think I would choose the latter. I do not know anyone who is willing to be created for the sole purpose of being used as a means for one being to directly hurt another. I was not humanly planned or thought of all throughout the history of the world, until I made my appearance. I was nothing. God created me out of nothing. Yes, the natural elements are used to create life by other living beings, but my existence was not conceived in the plans of others until my arrival. God, however knew from before the beginning of time that my life would be created and that He would create it, knowing full well I would not be given a choice to engage in the middle of a battle that appears to not be mine to fight. And yet, God holds me responsible for choices I make in the middle of this battle.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
AFFLICTIONS
Everyone goes through times of struggles, trials, tribulations. They all mean pretty much the same thing, tough times. Some lives seem to be plagued by affliction while others suffer such events infrequently throughout the span of their lifetime. Some people suffer quietly, unbeknownst to those around them. Others tend to be overly expressive and open concerning their afflictions. On a personal level, my life seems to be one of those that knows afflictions well. This past summer I took advantage of perusing through a box of books heading to the Goodwill or library and found Edith Schaeffer’s book Affliction. It caught my attention and I decided to read through it. After the first chapter, it took everything inside of me to complete the book. It did not sit well with me. A lot of what I read I had heard many times in prior years, and a reality became clear, the topic pinched a nerve in my heart, stirred emotions I vowed would never surface again. When tears spilled onto the pages of that first chapter I set the book back on the shelf, never wishing to open it again. However, part of my character includes the very old lesson, once I begin something it must be completed. Thus, I knew I had to complete this book. Finishing all of twelve chapters took me over three months of outright disciplined effort, but I did complete it. Reading it on an intellectual rather than a personal level allowed me to perhaps use it in attempt to find insight into the reasons or purpose for afflictions and probe a well-known and respected person’s thoughts on an issue that acts as a plague in Christianity for those who may not yet be believers as well as some doubting Christians, all whom pose the question: Why, if God is loving, good, and kind, does he allow afflictions and tribulations into people’s lives, and how can this same God continue to create people, knowing full well that many will not be in heaven with him, rather be subjected to eternal damnation and torture? The answers do not and cannot be found readily. Evangelical leaders attempt to provide pat answers from the Bible, which when filtered down to the root of their answers, only one remains: God is God. His purposes reach beyond human understanding and we may never know the purpose for specific afflictions in people’s lives until we reach eternity. To receive any assurance there is a purpose for these afflictions, one must put their trust in Christ and be assured of their eternal security and trust God for what He deems best. I do not belittle evangelicals answers or make light of them, but at times, as Christians, we find ourselves giving band-aid answers, as one former pastor recently called it. I liked that phrase. How many times do we find ourselves giving band-aid answers to those around us. I did not find Edith Schaeffer providing such trite answers, rather she attempts to dig a bit deeper, offering support from Scripture and her own personal testimonies. The book permeates with personal stories, something I tired of easily and found I skimmed these sections to get to the meat of her material. Throughout the twelve chapters, she uses three points, woven tightly together, to provide substance for her convictions regarding afflictions: the purpose or reasons for afflictions, a personal responsibility amidst afflictions, and a responsibility towards others during their times of afflictions. Did I find what I was searching for? Not completely. Many questions still arise and leave me continuing to search. With this said, I did find myself gaining a clearer picture of our purpose on earth, and it is evident that without afflictions in our lives, whether God is real or not, they either make us or break us in our character. I am not completely satisfied with answers or lack of to the question about God’s character being good, kind, and loving still creating life knowing full well some of those he creates will be damned for eternity. Will mankind ever reach a satisfactory conclusion on this issue? The Bible does tell us to seek and we will find, knock and the door will be opened. We are also told that if we search for answers, we will find them. On the other hand, it tells us that God is mysterious, his ways are mysterious, and we will never understand completely the nature of God. So where does this leave those seeking for answers to such a difficult issue? Evangelicals will say, only faith. But, spiritual faith is a concept foreign to those outside Christianity, so to provide solid answers for non-believers seems almost an impossibility. And yet, does any other religion provide an adequate answer to this question? I continue to wrestle with the reasons why a God, who could prevent afflictions, allows for such events, allows for horrific events such as the current situation in Haiti to occur. Why would a good and loving God allow for something so tragic to take place? The Bible says to always be prepared with an answer. If you were over there at this time, what answers would you provide to such a question to those in pain and suffering? Would you throw out Biblically pat answers, or would you really have something substantial these people could cling to? It’s easy when Christians are ministering to Christians, but what solid answers would you provide to those not in the Christian arena? What reasons would you give them for believing in a God that seems to have done nothing but allowed something horrific to happen?
Many of you will consider that I have fell off the deep end of a pier for addressing such an issue. Many or you will consider that wrestling with God on such grounds suggests I am losing my faith. I beg to argue the point. Even Jacob wrestled with God. Job questioned God. Neither of these men experienced God’s wrath for wrestling with him. We, as Christians must wrestle to arrive at strong conclusions and answers that we can give to those who do not believe, or who doubt their faith. C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, and other great men and women of the faith have wrestled and ended up being pillars for Christianity. Are we not called to become the same? I challenge you to dig deep into your souls, wrestle with answers you might provide on this issue, and be ready with those answers, but refrain from giving the pat band-aid answers that permeate evangelical circles. If someone came to you today and asked: Give me good, logical reasons to believe in your God, a God that is supposed to be loving, kind, and good and yet allows people to go to hell, allows for a whole country like Haiti to be destroyed, allows for his people to suffer unjustly. Give me good reasons that your God is any better than those of other religions, what would you say?
I’d be interested in hearing from you as to your thoughts on the subject. What books have you read concerning afflictions, tribulations, and trials? As we watch the events unfold and the stories unfold with the events in Haiti, if people know we are Christians, we might be prepared to embrace such questions. Are you ready for them?
Until next time,
Have a great week,
BrendaWednesday, November 25, 2009
PROGRESS REPORT
This past Sunday, the pastor of our new church presented everyone with what he called a spiritual progress report. It is that time of year when students are bringing home progress reports from schools, and I suppose he thought it appropriate to include this spiritual report card into the mix. It seems like the years have been full of trials in the Lance home, things that seem to be beyond human control, any choice we might have made, or as a result of other people's decisions. How does one handle continuous testing? What can a person say that will come close to comfort? A God who is supposed to control all things, can intervene IF he wants to, but chooses not to do so, or waits until the very last minute, during which time misery takes place...what does a person say? Sometimes the pat answers do not suffice...like: "Just trust God, He does love you," or "God works all things together for good," or "It's a time to see God work in miraculous ways," or "God is preparing you for eternity," or I love this one, "It must mean that there is sin in your life that you have not dealt with or confessed." When the testing times seem to run together with not much of a break in between, and you are left looking up to the sky and asking "WHY?", it's time to hand over a progress report and ask the person to evaluate themselves and give themselves a grade. I HATE PROGRESS REPORTS! But, sometimes they are necessary. Here is what was given this past Sunday.
PROGRESS REPORT: SELF-EVALUATION
1. The Test of Perseverance James 1:2-12
2. The Test of Blame James 1:13-18
3. The Test of Response to the Word James 1:19-27
4. The Test of Impartial Love James 2:1-13
5. The Test of Righteous Works James 2:14-26
6. The Test of the Tongue James 3:1-12
7. The Test of Humble Wisdom James 3:13-18
8. The Test of Worldly Indulgence James 4:1-12
9. The Test of Dependence James 4:13-17
10. The Test of Patient Endurance James 5:1-11
11. The Test of Truthfulness James 5:12
12. The Test of Prayerfulness James 5:13-18
13. The Test of True Compassion James 5:19-20
Some of you, after taking this progress report and reading these verses to find out what they mean, may fail miserably, some of you may ace them all at this point in your life; wherever you are in your spiritual progress report, one thing stands true, God's grace continues to abound. I may ask myself, "Is this really true?" But, if I am honest about all that has been good in life, from somewhere and some place goodness has and is extended. The goodness does not come from me; if I had my way and could be anything I wanted to be, I could be a real terror. But, compassion for others, a desire for the best in others comes from somewhere deep inside of me...that has to be goodness, but not goodness that I muster up myself, it definitely has to originate from another source. I have to believe that the other source must be God, and so my conviction that God is real is confirmed. Thus, what He says in His word is also confirmed. Sometimes, it is only by a thread that we hang on to what we know in our minds to be true. And so, the prayer was prayed as a congregational prayer, and perhaps if this prayer is prayed every day, the progress report will continue to improve over my life time. When we all reach heaven, we will all be in chorus together saying..."It's only by the grace of God we are here together," and hopefully God will be looking at us saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I love that part in the movie, Sleepless in Seattle, when the little boy calls the radio show, the dad gets on the phone, the show's host asks the dad what he plans on doing, and the response is that he will wake up each day, he will breathe, and place one foot in front of the other (something like that). Eventually, his hurt and pain disappears and his world is completely changed. Perhaps, some experience nothing but good in this life, while others put one foot in front of the other their whole lives, but one day, hopefully, that hurt and pain will disappear completely. I suppose that is the hope referred to by the authors of God's words.
PRAYER
"Heavenly Father...I submit myself to You. I ask You to drive Satan far away from me. And I come humbly into Your presence. I confess to You that I am a sinner. Please, God, wash my hands of my sin, and purify my heart and my deceitful mind. I am grieved by how awful my sin makes me feel. I'm broken-hearted by it. My pain is so real it brings tears to my eyes. I'm trading my proud laughter into gloom. I am completely humble before You, God, and I ask You to lift me up and restore my joy."
Maybe you are the person struggling, hanging on by a thread. This Thanksgiving you can be thankful for the grace God has bestowed upon you in many ways. Sometimes the little things don't mean much, like three meals a day, but in reality they are still God's grace shown for which we can be thankful. Perhaps you are full of joy and it's easy for you to find things for which to be thankful. Let that joy overflow and be humbled by all the joy that has been bestowed upon you. Remember those days, for they may be needed as reminders in days to come.
PROGRESS REPORT: SELF-EVALUATION
1. The Test of Perseverance James 1:2-12
2. The Test of Blame James 1:13-18
3. The Test of Response to the Word James 1:19-27
4. The Test of Impartial Love James 2:1-13
5. The Test of Righteous Works James 2:14-26
6. The Test of the Tongue James 3:1-12
7. The Test of Humble Wisdom James 3:13-18
8. The Test of Worldly Indulgence James 4:1-12
9. The Test of Dependence James 4:13-17
10. The Test of Patient Endurance James 5:1-11
11. The Test of Truthfulness James 5:12
12. The Test of Prayerfulness James 5:13-18
13. The Test of True Compassion James 5:19-20
Some of you, after taking this progress report and reading these verses to find out what they mean, may fail miserably, some of you may ace them all at this point in your life; wherever you are in your spiritual progress report, one thing stands true, God's grace continues to abound. I may ask myself, "Is this really true?" But, if I am honest about all that has been good in life, from somewhere and some place goodness has and is extended. The goodness does not come from me; if I had my way and could be anything I wanted to be, I could be a real terror. But, compassion for others, a desire for the best in others comes from somewhere deep inside of me...that has to be goodness, but not goodness that I muster up myself, it definitely has to originate from another source. I have to believe that the other source must be God, and so my conviction that God is real is confirmed. Thus, what He says in His word is also confirmed. Sometimes, it is only by a thread that we hang on to what we know in our minds to be true. And so, the prayer was prayed as a congregational prayer, and perhaps if this prayer is prayed every day, the progress report will continue to improve over my life time. When we all reach heaven, we will all be in chorus together saying..."It's only by the grace of God we are here together," and hopefully God will be looking at us saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I love that part in the movie, Sleepless in Seattle, when the little boy calls the radio show, the dad gets on the phone, the show's host asks the dad what he plans on doing, and the response is that he will wake up each day, he will breathe, and place one foot in front of the other (something like that). Eventually, his hurt and pain disappears and his world is completely changed. Perhaps, some experience nothing but good in this life, while others put one foot in front of the other their whole lives, but one day, hopefully, that hurt and pain will disappear completely. I suppose that is the hope referred to by the authors of God's words.
PRAYER
"Heavenly Father...I submit myself to You. I ask You to drive Satan far away from me. And I come humbly into Your presence. I confess to You that I am a sinner. Please, God, wash my hands of my sin, and purify my heart and my deceitful mind. I am grieved by how awful my sin makes me feel. I'm broken-hearted by it. My pain is so real it brings tears to my eyes. I'm trading my proud laughter into gloom. I am completely humble before You, God, and I ask You to lift me up and restore my joy."
Maybe you are the person struggling, hanging on by a thread. This Thanksgiving you can be thankful for the grace God has bestowed upon you in many ways. Sometimes the little things don't mean much, like three meals a day, but in reality they are still God's grace shown for which we can be thankful. Perhaps you are full of joy and it's easy for you to find things for which to be thankful. Let that joy overflow and be humbled by all the joy that has been bestowed upon you. Remember those days, for they may be needed as reminders in days to come.
Monday, November 16, 2009
INDIVIDUALITY OR NOT?
A liberal sociology professor in a prominent university of America, with Catholicism as his religion, wrote a book on the absence of passion within our country's citizens, especially among young college students. His desire to write this book came from classroom experiences in which he would, unapologetically, make adamantly known his dissatisfied views of America. He really didn't care if his students agreed with him or not; they were free to convey their views without penalty. What he found greatly disturbed him, his students took what he said as absolute truth, not questioning if their professor was correct in his claims. The purpose for sharing his views was to encourage and stimulate dialogue in hopes that his students might speak out and offer arguments in opposition to his position. It didn't happen. He decided to press the students to speak about their religious views and what their personal religions meant to them. Trite answers such as, "My religion emphasizes family," and "My religion allows me to live any way I please throughout the week," awakened him to the fact that an element of purpose for life is no longer existent in our society. He decided to introduce issues such as euthanasia, poverty around the world and within America, abuse, abortion, human rights, and other matters of concern. In the attempt to stir emotional response towards humanity concerns, he faced classrooms of students who only had blank stares on their faces and offered the following response, "So? What does all this have to do with us? We really don't care." Understanding the postmodern philosophies ramped throughout society, teamed with these encounters with college students, he decided to write a book about the absence of religion in our society; the absence of meaning and purpose to life beyond just ourselves.
One conclusion this professor came to concerning the lack of desire to involve ourselves in other people's lives stems from an understanding that it does not matter who people are, what background people have, or what religion a person practices, if religion is taken completely out of society, a passionless society arises; socialism is what he named it. However, he did mention that no one is exempt from some kind of faith. Some may attempt to flee from any faith at all, but faith itself cannot become extinct in anyone's life. With great depth, he shares his insights about what creates or produces passion. One idea presented and held by many, is that people create passion themselves and make life what they want it to be. Within this idea, the passion stems from following laws, the do's and don'ts of right and wrong. Another contrasting idea he presents suggests that a passion for life is not following laws, but in becoming who we need to be for a greater purpose and living life according to that purpose. It is also suggested that people do not pull the cart before the horse; that our lives are not meant to be on the search for something of passion so we can find meaning in life. Rather, our lives are driven by passion; the passions lead us to do and become what we need to be as people. He goes a step further and makes the statement, that for matters of worth to lead us, there has to be a source behind all that offers meaning to life. He supports this idea by boldly stating there has to be a higher power driving matters of importance that stimulate passion within people to strive for goals and accomplish great things in their lifetimes. As a Catholic, even though he admits to being extremely liberal, he also boldly uses an example from the Bible and names "God" as being the source for Christianity. He then concludes, if the source of people's passions is eliminated from society, people no longer have a reason to experience meaning in their lives, except to live unto one's self. Why should people care about what occurs to Christians in China, or the inhumane treatment occurring in Iran, the poverty within our own country, or even a neighbor who has lost a loved one?
What do you think? Would you agree that we live in a passionless society? Is passion associated with specific groups? Are flares of passion sent up only when we become uncomfortable, only to quickly die away because we don't have enough fire to keep the flame burning? Which argument might you stand behind: life is lived, conquered, and accomplished because we have made it what we think it should be, searching for meaning to life, or does passion grab our hearts, our minds, and our desires, leading us through life to become who we need to be? Do the issues of our country, our world, our communities, our churches, and our families arouse a passion in your heart? What gives your life meaning? Why? Where does it originate? What do you hope to accomplish from your passions?
Life is not just a matter of existence day to day. God was purposeful in his creation; he was purposeful in the laws he gave the Israelites; he was purposeful in his plans for the world; Christ was purposeful in every word he spoke. God is a God of passion, should we not be the same if we are created in his image?
A lot to consider. I have my work cut out for me this week, how about you?
LIFE IS NOT MEASURED...
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away: the birth of your child, the death of a loved one or pet, a new job, graduation, a beautiful new gown, big steps in your child's life, your child's struggles, a morning sunrise, a sunset, the smell of rain, an answered prayer...
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