Negativity and the affirmation of the Father

Someone asked me recently how to handle the swirl of negativity that the enemy frequently unleashes around the followers of Jesus Christ. More specifically she asked how I handle the untruths and false statements that circulate about me. As many of you may know, the past several years Bev and I have been viciously attacked verbally. In light of that, and in light of people spreading rumor and innuendo about her, my friend asked me how to handle it.

We need to be aware that Jesus predicted that verbal attacks, false accusations and mocking, would occur to those who follow Him. (The servant is not greater than His master.) In fact He told us that those attacks are a doorway to blessings. However, that knowledge does not necessarily make it easier to endure the pain inflicted by the words and actions of people.

So how do we receive God’s blessing in the midst of the crap? For me, the key has been to hear what the Father has said and is saying about me. In the life of Jesus, twice the voice of the Father broke in and called Jesus “My beloved son”. Both times the declaration preceded a difficult and dark time in Jesus life – once before He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness and once immediately before the last days of His life.

If we are to live abundantly in the midst of the voice of the enemy attacking us, we must know what the Father says about us. For me, the latest round of false accusations was preceded by several times when I deeply heard the affirmation of the Father. That affirmation carries me through the swirl of rumors. I know deeply that I am a beloved son to Him. He has invited me to sit at His table and participate as a son.

The knowledge of the words of the Father will begin to free us from our bondage to the opinions of people. That freedom is a double-edged sword. We no longer operate according the accepted rules of people and religion (freedom). However that fact only intensifies the attacks on us. Those who choose the way of religion and bondage will become more vociferous in their attacks as they realize they can no longer control us.

Their words meant to humiliate us actually become the doorway to greater blessing. When one first begins to experience the verbal attacks, the humiliation can be overwhelming. In actuality, the humility we experience is part of the pathway of Christ. Those who are broken and humiliated are those who most deeply experience the reality of Jesus Christ. As we begin to identify with His suffering, we can be sure that we will become partakers of His glory!

It is helpful as well to remember that truth is patient. Truth always triumphs. False realities, rumors, and accusations eventually crumble; they cannot sustain the weight of time. That which is true will remain and be seen over the course of time.

Our affirmation and validation must first come from the voice of the Father. As we hear His voice, the voice of truth, we forge ahead with the business of the expansion of His kingdom regardless of the swirl of negativity from the mouth of the enemy.

what's right in the world

In these uncertain times, negativity frequently rules the day. Upheaval and turmoil grab the headlines and dominate conversations. Yet recently I have been aware of some things that are right in the world.

This past weekend Bev and I had the privilege of attending the graduations of our two oldest children. Justin graduated from Clemson University with a Masters degree in mathematics. Heidi graduated with a Bachelors degree from Eastern University with an elementary ed/special ed degree. What a great joy to see both of them discovering their God-given identity and embarking on the path of abundant life. While they are vastly different in personality, both Justin and Heidi have this in common - they love God and they love life. That's what's right with the world today.

Several weeks ago, I was at the farm of an Amish client. Louie, his three year old son met me at the truck for his customary lollipop. Louie informed me that his dad was plowing in a distant field. When I told him that I was going to walk out to speak to his dad, Louie asked if he could come along with me. So we set off. After a bit I realized that he was walking slowly through the pasture field, each step of mine carried me further away from him. That's when I noticed the thistles and realized that Louie was barefoot. I went back, picked him up and carried him. And so we carried on, talking about his new baby sister, about thistles, and about the mud on the edge of the field. We eventually arrived at the field where his dad was plowing. Our conversation centered on strategy for improving productivity. Louie played at our feet while we talked. As I walked back to the barn with Louie, I realized how right and good our walk had been. When we got back to the house, Louie went back to the world of his mom, his baby sister, and the maid that was there to help with the housework. However, a 46 year old man, a little boy, a conversation with his dad about farming - it was a man's world in that 45 minutes and Louie got to be part of it. That's what's right with the world today.

In our backyard, we have a small garden. The spring onions and radishes are ready to eat. Lettuce and sugar peas grow vigorously due to all the rain we received. There is something deeply spiritual about farming/gardening. Maybe it's because God told Adam to subdue the earth even before Adam sinned. I believe it is part of God's plan for us. We plant, we water, we weed, and God gives the growth. That's what's right with the world today.

We have several birdhouses on our property. This morning I watched a tree swallow carry a large white feather to the birdhouse in which they were building a nest. I saw some bluebirds checking out another birdhouse. The sat on top of it and then one entered the birdhouse for a bit. I hope they make use of it for the summer. And that's what's right with the world today.

which Jesus?

Recently I read a book about Jesus that has stirred my thinking. I realized how frequently we create a Jesus that fits our paradigm. There is the political activist Jesus who utilizes government to further his agenda. There is the nice Jesus who is always polite and kind. There is the superhuman Jesus who does miracles at will. There is the pacifist Jesus with a pale face holding a lamb.

The problem of creating our own Jesus is that it causes us to ignore scripture. While Jesus did come to announce the coming of a new kingdom, we never find him engaged in political discourse about the evils of the Roman empire. While Jesus certainly befriended sinners and embodied gentleness and meekness, He also made a whip and drove the vendors from the temple. While Jesus performed miracles, He did no more than what the Father wanted.

Of course then there are the troubling scriptures. I've already mentioned the cleansing of the temple. Imagine the turmoil and chaos He caused as He turned tables over, spilling money and wares. And then there is the little matter of turning water into wine at a wedding where the guest were already drunk. A needy woman is called a dog. A prostitute washes His feet. To make matters worse, He tells people that they must eat His flesh and drink His blood without ever qualifying His statements. He curses a fig tree and makes mud out of spit and dirt to heal a blind man. He vociferously rebukes the Pharisees and yet asks the Father to forgive them when the finally betray Him to the Romans. He points out their hypocrisy yet responds to their dinner invitations.

Jesus defies our efforts to remake Him into someone whom He is not. He cannot be neatly fit into a theological framework. Yet it is that untamed virtue that strangely draws us to follow Him. He makes no guarantees in His invitation to us. In fact at times He seems to make it difficult for people to follow - sell what you have, give it to the poor and come follow Me. He invites us to follow Him into the unknown with giving any kind of assurances that "everything will be okay".

My life has been transformed, not by the Jesus I heard about in Sunday School. My life has been transformed as I read (and continue to read) the gospels and allow His example and teachings to become my guide. He has challenged my theology at almost every turn. I no longer try to "figure Him out", I simply embrace Him for who He is. Rather than attempt to fit Him into my mold, I allow Him to mold me.

susan boyle and leadership

Just this morning I watched the YouTube video of Susan's performance again. One of her statements before she sang arrested me. When Simon asked her about her dream, she replied that it was to be a professional singer. He then asked why her dream had not worked out. Her answer was that she had never been given a chance.

I believe that the chief role of leadership in any capacity, in the home, in the church, or in the government and business world, is to bring the dreams of those being led to life. I wonder how many "Susans" are out there; people with an incredible God-given dream and potential. Their gift, their dream lies dormant because no one has ever given them a chance. They have been pre-judged on appearance or social status. Perhaps even worse, they have been discouraged by those who should have been encouraging. Instead of seeing the potential, the focus is on the external things instead of the work of God.

Let me illustrate - my son Justin is in grad school at Clemson University. He is able to combine two deep heart dreams - teaching and math. Those that know Justin will attest to the fact that he is excitable as well. He gets excited about his passions. I had a conversation about Justin with a church leader several years ago. In the conversation he remarked that he could not see how Justin could be a teacher; he was too excitable. I could not believe what I was hearing! A church leader was actually discouraging Justin from engaging in his passion, from living his dream.

Unfortunately the conversation about Justin reveals an attitude that is far too prevalent in the world today. If you desire to be significant in the world, help people achieve their dreams. Give them a chance.

susan boyle

From time to time, an event occurs that seems even more magical than the best fairy tale. The recent events on the Britians Got Talent 2009 show is exactly one of those events. If you haven't seen Susan Boyle's performance of I Dreamed a Dream, you can find it on YouTube. Take the time to watch it. Something deep inside of me is deeply touched as I listen to her sing. Apparently it has resonated with other people as well. The various videos of her performance have been watched over 11 million times since the show.

Her story is such a living parable. When she came on stage, people had no idea of what lay underneath her plain appearance and her slightly goofy manner. When she shared her dream, the audience responds derisively. Yet the moment her voice pierces through the cynicism, people respond with cheers. She sings of a dream shattered, of love lost. Somehow her story seems to touch the heart of the listeners, her voice soaring above the disillusionment. In that moment she seems to sing from the heart of God.

Yet is this not like God? We judge by appearances. Yet most frequently God is found in unlikely places. Keep your eyes open, you may just find God in unexpected places!

church?

As some of you know, we had a rather interesting Easter Sunday. I will comment on the events since so many people have been calling, emailing, and stopping by. What follows are my both my experience and thoughts.

After being part of a small group dialoging about God’s plan for marriage on Sunday morning, we attended a local church. That is where it got interesting. We were met outside of the auditorium by several church leaders and refused entry. They gave no reason for their actions. However, we have since received a brief letter outlining the reason for their actions. Rather than attempt to recreate what was said, I quote the letter:


The fact that we asked you not to attend [name deleted] functions is not a personal attack. As evidence of what we have seen over time in actions, emails, and views conveyed in teachings and your blog, the attitude towards the local church is one we cannot tolerate or welcome into what God has called us to.

We have made a decision that this email will be our only response to you and we ask that you will please respect our decisions.

I am rather curious about the statement that my attitude toward the local church cannot be tolerated. I feel that it would be beneficial for me to outline what I believe about the local church. I welcome your input and correction. Feel free to point out where you feel my beliefs are contrary to scripture.

Ø I believe that church is the “ecclesia”, the “called out ones”. The church is not a building or a program. It is people, people connecting around Jesus Christ the Head. It is people doing life together, eating together, sharing our resources, and gathering together to encourage and spur each other on. It is people following Jesus together, caring for each other, praying with and for each other. It is people engaging in the ministry of Jesus together, binding up the brokenhearted, healing the sick, and setting the captive free.

Ø The church cannot be destroyed. Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against the church. No created being, angel, demon, or human can stop the work of God. If something that calls itself church can be destroyed, then it wasn’t the church in the first place, it was only a facsimile of the real thing.

Ø The Head of the church is Jesus. The pastor is not the head; the elders are not the head. Jesus sets the agenda for the church. That doesn’t negate leadership. God has set leadership in place. However, His paradigm of leadership is one where the leaders exist for the benefit of the people. (This follows Jesus’ example.)

Ø I believe that far too frequently the “stuff” of church has replaced God. We become enamored with programs, buildings and hierarchy. In doing so, we lose our love for people. The system becomes more important than people.

Ø The concept of “going to church” is remarkably absent from the New Testament. Church is not something to go to but something to be. I don’t go to the body of Christ; I am a specific part of the body of Christ.

Ø There is not a correct formula to gather and meet together. The church can meet in a cathedral, a living room, or a coffee shop.

Ø When people follow Jesus, church will emerge. The desire for fellowship, relationship and community is resident in every believer. However, when our focus moves from Jesus to church, Jesus usually gets left behind.

Ø The Jewish religious system was destroyed by Jesus We no longer have a need for a holy man, a holy time, and a holy space. Every believer is a priest. Instead of stones and mortar the “temple” is now built of living stones.

If you peruse the blog you will find that I chronicle my thoughts about the church from time to time. In May of 2008 I posted several times about my observations of church. I would encourage you to re-read those posts as well.

As far as my actions toward church, Bev and I relate to and serve a number of churches in Central Pennsylvania and beyond. These churches are as varied as the people of which the church is comprised. Some are larger and meet in a building. Some are smaller groups that meet in homes or other places. One is not better than the other; all are the body of Christ. My desire is that all believers in these churches will become fully alive in their God-given purpose.

Since the church leaders that sent me the letter choose not to dialogue with me, I welcome your input and would be happy to dialogue on this forum. Feel free to go back to previous posts and measure my comments against scripture. If you feel that I am in error, please comment.

FYI - I will not allow this to become a platform from which to vilify people or churches. If I feel that your post has venom in it directed at other people, I will not post it.

our addiction to church

I have noticed that people who are "lost" usually resort to some kind of addiction to replace their oneness with God. Now before you assume that lost people are the bad people "out there", let me clarify. A person becomes lost the moment that they disconnect with God. Adam and Eve were lost the moment that they decided to act independently of God. And so it is today. Anytime that we choose to act independently of God, we become lost.

Since we were created for significance and since true significance is found in our connection with God, our disconnect with God sends us on a search to fill the void. If we do not return to our connection with God, other gods beckon us. Those gods quickly turn into addictions that master us.

Upon hearing the word "addiction", most people immediately think of obvious addictions, alcoholism, drug abuse, sexual perversions, and gambling. While these vices certainly are addictions, they are the less dangerous addictions. The most dangerous addictions are those that appear to be good. Most lost people do not engage in the obvious addictions, rather they engage in the good addictions to fill the void; things like hobbies, fitness, and religious activities.

In my observation, the most insidious of all addictions is most prevalent among Christians. It is our addiction to church. When I use the term "church" I am not referring to the Biblical concept of the "ecclesia". What I am referring to is our contemporary paradigm of church - Sunday morning meetings, programs, a building, and the governmental hierarchy that accompanies it. Remember our addictions are a result of our disconnect with God. We fill the void with some other god. The man that turns to alcohol will usually be aware of destructive behavior. However the man who disconnects from God and fills the void with church convinces himself of his goodness.

Our addiction to church not only strengthens our disconnect with God, it causes us to resist the very God we declare we serve. This deception is not new. The Pharisees of Jesus' day were the guardians of good doctrine. They read the scriptures. They lived differently than the general public. They were zealous for their religious tradition. Yet they missed God. Not only did they miss God, they resisted Him to the point breaking their own religious laws in their opposition to Him.

And so it is today - Christian vociferously defend their paradigm of church. If you dare mess with their god, be ready to be attacked. Good people behave in bizarre ways as their addiction is threatened. For a good many years now, I have spent time both "in the world" and "in the church". I can tell you this, the church is more brutal and cruel than the world. (Again I am using the word church in the contemporary manner not in the Biblical manner.) Most people in the world will admit their addictions when the conversations become vulnerable. The problem with our addiction to church is that we assume our godless behavior is godly.

We are destined to continue our addiction to church as long as we continue to disconnect from God. The solution to our addiction to church is the same as overcoming any other addictions. Only as we reconnect with God will we overcome our destructive behaviors.