NEW YEAR’S CHOICES

     The process has begun. For some the idea has been brewing for weeks – maybe months. For others, the idea is nothing more than a last second impulse. At the stroke of midnight on December 31st, a new year begins, and this is the year when that stubborn 30 pounds will be lost, or chaotic finances will brought to order, or that Bible will be read cover to cover. There exists a wide variety of these types of commitments, and we call them “New Year’s Resolutions”. Though often well-intentioned and much needed, many, if not most New Year’s Resolutions fail.

     These resolutions are not fulfilled for a variety of reasons, and one of them is that a calendar year is too long a period of time for many people to remain committed and focused. The reality is that most of us need a much shorter time period on which we focus, and that time period is called “now”. Whether we accomplish anything in the New Year, in the next month, day, or hour is determined by the choices we make now, in this moment. For the person whose resolution is to lose 30 pounds in 2011, his success of failure will be dependent on the choices he makes, moment by moment when presented with options to eat one thing as opposed to another. This is true of life in general. The outcome of our lives is very much dependent on the choices we make in the moment.
     The counsel of God’s word addresses the matter of choices:

We are to choose serve the Lord, not the world. (Josh 24:15)

We are to choose the instruction, wisdom, and knowledge of God over silver or gold (Prov 8:10-11, Prov 16:6)

We are to reject the wrong and choose the right. (Isa 7:15).

     It’s sad to say, but we live in a culture in which choosing to serve God, or choosing to live according to His instruction, wisdom, and knowledge, or choosing what is right (according to His instruction, wisdom, and knowledge) is viewed as peculiar. Even worse, some would label it hateful, intolerant, and narrow-minded. Nonetheless, I know that if the next choice I make “in the moment” is based on the wisdom of God, a desire to serve Him, and a commitment to what is right in His eyes, it will be a good choice. If the next choice is also good, and the next, and the next, at the end of the day, week, month, year, or lifetime, I will have accomplished much – perhaps not in the eyes of the culture, but in the only place it really matters – in the eyes of God.

     In the gospel of John, we find these words:

     You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-- fruit that will last.
     This verse reminds me that when God chose me, he also appointed me. This means that he established a purpose for me, and that he ordained me to go and bear fruit that will last. I know that this cannot happen unless I make good choices “in the moment”. This is true for you and all believers as well.
     My prayer for you and me is that we will, in the next new moment, make choices that are pleasing to God, bearing fruit that will last. May it be so…

In Christ –

John

Soli Deo Gloria

THE PATCH and CHRISTMAS

The house was a wood frame, two-story structure in need of repair. It sat on a road of dirt and gravel, and was part of a two or three block area in the South Hills of Pittsburgh known as “The Patch”. All of the houses on our street in The Patch were similar in construction and condition, and this is where I, along with my father, mother, “Busha” (Polish for “grandmother”), older brother, and sister, spent the first five years of my life.


The Patch was an old and decaying “Company Town.” A company town is a town in which much or all real estate, buildings (both residential and commercial), small businesses such as grocery stores and other necessities of life within its borders were owned by a single company. The Patch was once owned by a coal mining company.1 In some areas of the country, up to 80% of coal miners lived in company towns – in Pennsylvania, about 50% lived in these towns constructed and controlled by the companies they worked for.


Like many company towns in the United States, The Patch had reverted to private ownership once most of the coal had been extracted from the mines, and by 1950 (the year of my birth), the area had become a “less than ideal” place to live.


Many of my memories of life in The Patch are actually “borrowed memories” – the recollections of my siblings shared with me over the years. Even though I was very young, some of the memories are my own. I remember that it was very dirty, we had a chicken coop in our back yard, and there seemed to be a lot of dogs wandering around. I have a very vivid memory of two brothers who lived in The Patch who were the neighborhood bullies. I can’t recall their names, but they would mysteriously appear “out of nowhere” when my older brother and I would use the alley that ran behind our home. For those of you who have seen the movie “A Christmas Story” (Ralphie and the Red Rider BB gun), these guys were like the bullies in that movie – only bigger.


Our father was a very hard working man. He worked the night shift at what was then Duquesne Brewery, and he usually had at least one other part-time job. Thanks to his efforts, he rescued us from The Patch in 1955 when we moved into a new three bedroom ranch home. Although the new house was located just a couple of miles away, it seemed like a different world – a cleaner, brighter, safer world. I have no way of knowing how life would have turned out had we remained in The Patch, but I do know that in retrospect, I am very thankful for what our father did for us.


As much as I appreciate what my earthly father did for our family, I realize that his sacrifice pales in comparison to what my Heavenly Father has done for me. He has rescued me from “The Patch of Spiritual Darkness” and brought me into the kingdom of the Son he loves. (Col. 1:13) He has prepared for me a room in the Father’s house (John 14:2), and He did this through Emmanuel – “God with us.” This is what we are to be remembering during this holiday that the world calls “Christmas” – the arrival of God himself, in the form of a human being, in the body of a child.


Occasionally I need to remind myself that Christ was not born so that we would have a reason to establish a holiday. He was born as the fulfillment of God’s divine plan to redeem sinful man. He was born for me – to pay the penalty for my sin – to rescue me from my Patch of Spiritual Darkness.


My earthly father died at age 40 – long before I came to appreciate his sacrifice for my mother, my siblings, and for me. In light of the perspective I now have about what he did for my family through his hard work and effort; I imagine that a celebration of his birthday would be a bit different than the traditional. I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be about the gifts and the decorations. It would be a day to celebrate and honor his arrival into this world – the day his sacrifice began.


In Christ –


John


Soli Deo Gloria


1The South Hills area of Pittsburgh has been extensively mined.

TRUE CONFESSIONS AND UNFAILING LOVE

It’s a ritual that began when she was a little girl, and it was repeated again as I said goodbye to our daughter after staying with her for a few days over Thanksgiving. We hugged, and I said quietly in her ear, “You’re my girl.” She responded, “You’re my Dad.” Six words exchanged between a 60 year old father and a 31 year old daughter. To some it may seem silly. To us it is simple, yet profound, as those six words are packed full of meaning.

I really have no idea how or when our ritual started.  I do know that it began early in her young life, that it happened naturally, and that the ritual - and more importantly - the meaning, was immediately established. And it has gone on ever since.

From the moment that God brought her into the world, I knew that there is something very special about the love of a father for his daughter. Now don’t get me wrong – God has blessed us with a son as well, and I don’t love him any less than I love our daughter. By no means. It’s just different. It’s more tender, more protective…

Now that she lives seven hours away, we don’t get to see her as often as we would like. Now and then I remind her of my love for her.  I concluded a recent e mail with these words:

“Always remember Erin, the unlimited love the Father has for you. It is immeasurable, and ‘as high as the heavens are above the earth.’ And remember that your earthly father loves and cherishes you. You have always been so very special to me, and time and distance between us has not, and will not change that one bit.

I love, like, respect, and admire you, Erin. And remember this – You will always be My Girl.”

As I have been thinking about this over the days since our Thanksgiving visit, I am reminded that, as much as I love my wife, my son, and my daughter, that love is puny compared to the love that God has for me. His love is not only greater in quantity than my love, it is greater in quality.

I have a confession to make – sometimes I love myself more than I love others, and this includes my wife, my son, and My Girl. And the rest of you? Well, you fall even further down the list. Sorry, but It’s true. Because of my sinful nature, my “default setting” is selfishness, and I find that unless I am yielding to God’s Spirit, allowing him full control, I am unable to love others as I should, for love comes from God. (1 John 4:7) 

Praise God that his love is not like mine.  The unfailing love of God is referenced over thirty times in the Psalms and twice in Proverbs, and this love will not be shaken (Isaiah 54:10). His love is not dependent upon mood, circumstance, or the worthiness of those he loves. He loves because it is part of His nature. He IS love. (1 John 4:8; 1 John 4:16)

As God continues the process of transforming my life, He has shown me that my human love is subject to failure. I’m talking “crash and burn” failure. At the same time, He has, through His word, taught me that love – real love – is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and that as a believer, the Spirit is always with me and in me (John 14:17).  When I give up the stubborn desire to be in control and yield to the Holy Spirit, then and only then am I capable of loving my wife, my son, my daughter – and yes, the rest of you – as I should.

May it be so…

In Christ –

John

Soli Deo Gloria

A SCARCITY OF THANKFULNESS?

The Thanksgiving holiday will be celebrated in many households throughout the United States in just a few days. Family and friends, young and old, from nearby and far away, people will gather together. There will be turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Some of us will not be able to resist the urge to eat far more in one day than we than we typically consume. In the “average” household in this nation, there will be no scarcity of good food, but I wonder – will there be a scarcity of thankfulness?

The reason I wonder about this is that I find that I have a great tendency to take for granted the over-abundance of blessings in my life. I confess – I take far too many things for granted, seldom expressing and too often not even feeling an attitude of thankfulness. I am this way even though the clear instruction of God is that I am to be thankful rather than thankless.

His word tells me that I am to be thankful in all circumstances, and for everything. (1Thes 5:18) (Eph 5:20)

I am taught that my prayers to God are to be presented with thanksgiving, (Phil 4:6) and that I am to be devoted to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Col 4:2)

Colossians 2:6-7 shows me that as I continue to live my life in Christ, I am to be rooted in Him, and I am to be overflowing with thankfulness.

It’s crystal clear that my life should not be characterized by thanklessness. I suppose that it could be that I am the only one in whom there is a scarcity of thankfulness, but I think not. Some of you reading these words can relate, right? So what are we to do?

Certainly we must pay much greater attention to the word of God, as it is very evident that God expects us to be thankful. Additionally, from an “every day” perspective – not just on Thanksgiving day - here are some things we can do:

Can you see, hear, taste, touch, or smell? Is your heart beating and are you breathing? Give thanks to God, for He is the one who created you.

Are there people in your life who love you, support you, encourage you, help you, challenge you, or contribute to your life in any way? Give thanks to God for them and say “thank you” to them.

Is there a circumstance in your life that is testing you? This is a tough one, but here again, we are to give thanks. See 1 Thessalonians 5:8.

Friends, I encourage you to examine your life for evidence of thanklessness. if you find such evidence in your life, as I find in mine – resolve to cultivate an attitude of thankfulness. That is what God wants of us.

May it be so...

In Christ –

John

Soli Deo Gloria

The Truth Process, Session VII, Post 9

TIME

EIGHT HUNDRED AND FORTY YEARS of collective life experience.

There were fourteen of us gathered in the room at an Italian restaurant in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, all of us members of the Baldwin High School class of 1968 – all of us having crossed the threshold of 60.  Fourteen people with six decades of living behind us – eight hundred and forty years of collective life experience.

I can only imagine what would happen if we had the time, and the necessary courage to share collectively what life has taught us. I don’t mean the small and sometimes obvious lessons that we learn along the way – such as “it’s not a good idea to put an M80 firecracker in a toad’s mouth.”  (Yes, one of our classmates actually did that. The culprit shall remain nameless.¹) I mean the larger more important lessons about living – the lessons that address how, when, and perhaps most importantly – why.

Due to the gap in my relationship with these people – in most cases close to forty years – I am not aware of much of what has happened in their lives between the ages of 18 and 60. Each time we get together I pick up a little more information about some of them.

As one would expect of a group of people of similar age, there are certain commonalities. There are several with grandchildren, and it seems that the grandparents all speak in the same loving and adoring tones about these little ones that they “spoil, then give back.” A few speak of adult children who continue to worry and frustrate them because of the poor choices those children, or others in their child’s lives, have made, Of course there are the ubiquitous comments about failing memory, aging bodies, and gray hair. Life being what it is, I am certain that although unspoken, there are other commonalities in the experiences of physical, relational, and emotional pain in the challenges that life in a fallen world inevitably brings. Jesus did say that “in this world, you will have trouble.”

One of our classmates turned 60 about a week before our gathering, and one member of our group, whom she has known since age four, thoughtfully turned the event into a birthday celebration for her. (Interestingly, this thoughtful classmate is the same one who blew up the frog.) The “birthday girl” is a determined, intelligent, capable woman, and she celebrated her 60^th birthday while dealing with one of the most challenging examples of the kind of trouble this world can bring – that trouble is named “breast cancer”.

The average life expectancy of a 60 year old man is less than 20 years. For a woman it is a little over 23 years. The reality and the implications of these facts sober me, for I know how fast the last 20 years of my life have passed by. I also am acutely aware of how time seems to move faster as I age. The Bible speaks of our lives as “a mist that appears for a little while, and then vanishes”.(James 4:14) Psalm 90 advises us to “number our days aright” – and I am reminded that we tend to number or count the things we value. (Psalm 90:12) Ephesians 5 offers great insight, instructing us to “be careful how you walk (carrying double meaning for ‘seasoned citizens’) making the most of your time.” (Ephesians 5:14-17)

This perspective requires that we be looking forward, rather than backward. The past is just that – the past. God has taught me that it’s Important to remember history – my own, as well as that of our nation, and most critically His Story, which stretches back into eternity.  My focus however, must be on the present. The statistics may tell me that my life expectancy is about 19 more years, but the statistics offer no guarantee. God’s word tells me that I am to be making the most of my time, wisely understanding what the will of the God is.

During the evening with my high school classmates, there came a moment when I knew that I was making the most of my time by being there at the Italian Oven in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. That moment came when a few of us gathered in a corner of the restaurant and prayed with the “birthday girl”. We lifted her before the Lord, and asked for her to be granted courage, peace, strength, and healing. Our prayer reminded her that God is sovereign and in control – of everything, which of course includes her life. We acknowledged that each of us is mortal, and dependent upon Him. I believe that her heart was encouraged by our time of prayer, and I know that I was making the most of my time on that Monday evening in November, 2010.²

In Christ –

John

¹She was guilt-ridden for years over this, confessing it twice to two different priests. I think that “coming clean” in front of the group made her feel better.

I continue to pray for my classmate, and I ask that each of you who reads this do so as well.

The Truth Process, Session VII, Post 8

CHAOS

In 1972, fresh out of college, I started my first “real” job as a Health and Physical Education teacher and football coach at a high school in Beaver County. Those of you who are old enough to remember the 70’s will recall that this was a time of social turmoil, as the cultural shift in values that began in the 60’s was beginning to bring forth it’s fruit, and it was a bitter fruit indeed.

Even in this relatively small high school, made up of a combination of suburban, rural, and farm-family students, the cultural shift was evident. Some of the male students sported the “hippie” look – long hair, the occasional earring, thin, scraggly mustaches, and a sloppy, sometimes dirty manner of dress.  More than a few of these students were suspected of drug use, and at times their behavior justified the suspicion. The females had their own assortment of “hippie types”, suspected drug users, as well as those who had been captivated by the women’s liberation movement.

I was coming into this environment as an addition to the Boys Health and Physical Education Department, in anticipation of the opening of a new high school the following year. When I arrived, I was shocked at what I found…

The existing P.E. teacher had lost control. Students openly refused to obey his instructions, consistently came to class late, if at all, and spoke to him in a very disrespectful manner, sometimes referring to him as “old man”. Swearing was not at all uncommon among these boys, and the dreaded “F’” bomb was not off limits. There was no order. In a word, it was “CHAOS”.

I was unsaved in 1972, and the combination of little patience (for anyone and anything that was not the way I thought it should be), a quick temper, and a huge amount of pride drove me to restore order. What I did in the process back then would have cost me my job if done as a teacher today. God, in His grace saved me from myself – another story for another day.

A lack of order eventually descends into chaos. The lack of moral order in our culture has descended into a form of chaos, and here in the United States, the evidence is all around us – the out of wedlock birth rate among blacks is 72%, the divorce rate continues to hover around 50%, homosexuality is openly defended and promoted, many churches no longer preach the word of God and adopt the standards of the culture, partially born babies are aborted in a most gruesome manner. On any given day, our newspapers read of murders, rape, random shootings…

In 1993, Sen. Daniel P. Moynihan published one of the most important pieces of social theory entitled "Defining Deviancy Down." Moynihan started from Emile Durkheim's proposition that there is a limit to the amount of deviant behavior any community can "afford to recognize" (called the "Durkheim Constant"). As the amount of deviancy increases, the community has to adjust its standards so that conduct once thought deviant is no longer deemed so. Consequently, if we are not vigilant about enforcing them, our standards would be constantly devolving in order to normalize rampant deviancy.¹ This seems to be the trend within our nation, does it not?

The chaotic environment of my teaching assignment in 1972 was the result of the combination of cultural influences and a denial of authority. On a much larger scale, these same factors are at work in our country today – a denial of the ultimate authority – God, and the inevitable downward shift in cultural values.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get a bit discouraged about the state of affairs here in the United States of America. Sometimes I wonder if there is any hope at all! But the word of God reminds me that I must put my hope in God – the infinite, eternal, unchanging, all powerful God (Psalm 42:5).

The cure for the chaos that besets our nation is not found in political parties or charismatic, eloquent leaders. Any man-centric solution may appear to bring order, but it will be short lived and before we know it, chaos reigns once again. The cure is found in God and Him alone, and it is in Him we must place our hope.

May it be so…

In Christ –

John

¹Meta Filter Community Web Log, June 16, 2004

The Truth Process, Session VII, Post 7

AWESOME GOD

Our class discussion this past Sunday focused primarily on Question 4 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism – “What is God?” The answer reads as follows: God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

Although the didactic nature of the catechism (a question and answer methodology used to instruct) may be unfamiliar to us, the words used to answer this question about God are very familiar to the believer – perhaps too familiar. Here is what I mean…

There are words that are part of the lexicon of Christianity that I have become accustomed to hearing. In close to four decades as a believer, I have heard or read these words hundreds, even thousands of times. Words like Spirit – infinite – eternal - unchangeable – wisdom -  power – holiness – justice – goodness – truth… For the most part, I seldom encounter these words outside of the context of Christianity, and I have heard and read them often. It’s probably just me, but I find that if I am not careful, these words become – well – just words. My mind gives brief intellectual assent to these words, but the true meaning fails to have full impact upon my heart. When I take the time to contemplate these words, my heart and mind are reminded that my Lord is indeed, “Awesome God”.

The answer to Question 4 of the Shorter Catechism tells me that God is “infinite”. What does this really mean? It means “extending indefinitely: endless; immeasurably or inconceivably great or extensive: inexhaustible. This aspect of God’s nature is often referenced in scripture. (See 1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 139:7-10; Jeremiah 23:24.) The Bible tells us what we are to believe about God, and here it tells us that He fills all of space and time and beyond. Now, what does this mean to me, his beloved son?

There have been times in my life when I have felt all alone. Maybe you have “been there” as well. The truth is, I am never alone – the infinite God is always near. The feeling that I am alone is a lie. The reality is that there is no place I can go where He is not present (Psalm 139:7-10). This is a comforting reality, as it reminds me that He is always with me. It is at the same time a sobering reality, as it reminds me that He is always with me, and when I sin, I sin in His presence. When I view “infinite” as more than a word in the lexicon of Christianity, and really contemplate the significance of His “infiniteness”, I am both comforted and convicted.

This is just one of the words used to describe the nature of God. If we would take the time to examine the meaning of each of these words we have become so accustomed to hearing, as well as the scripture that justifies their use, we would be in awe of the God who loves us.

May it be so…

In Christ –

John

From The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter II – Of God and the Holy Trinity:

There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will, for His own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him; and withal, most just, and terrible in His judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.

The Truth Process, Session VII, Post 6

A PURITAN PRAYER

I have nothing of my own to share with you this week. However, I do want to share this - a Puritan prayer that speaks to the "valley" we all find ourselves in from time to time. Your valley might be the valley of illness, the valley of depression, the valley of grief, or the valley of discontent.

In the deepest valleys, it seems that the sun no longer shines, and the way out seems impossible to find. But it is often from the deepest of valleys that we can most clearly see our Lord and Savior. The prayer is titled "The Valley of Vision". (1)

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly,
Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,
where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory.
Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine;
let me find Thy light in my darkness,
Thy life in my death,
Thy joy in my sorrow,
Thy grace in my sin,
Thy riches in my poverty,
Thy glory in my valley.

May it be so...

In Christ -

John
Soli Deo Gloria

(1) Taken from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett

The Truth Process, Session VII, Post 5

Transformation

A very good friend, whom I respect and admire, wrote the following in response to last week’s post:

The transformation of our heart that is so desperately needed is also one of the traps of Evangelical Christianity. There are not many Christians who disagree with the fact that the transformation is needed but many have believed the lie that this can be done through prayer, reading and studying on our own.  The thought is that if I read my Bible, have a regular prayer life, and attend a regular body of believers then this transformation will take place. We believe the lie that we are the ones that direct and control this transformation. What we have forgotten is that the mystery of spiritual transformation begins with surrender and depends on being in relationship/community with others. Somehow our transformation is found as we are in relationship with others. This ministry we see some evidence of the Trinity. I could go on but I need to work…Daniel

Daniel makes a good point. The possibility that any believer could somehow believe that spiritual transformation is dependent on actions the believer takes is representative of the sometimes paradoxical thinking of the redeemed who also continue to carry the sin nature. It’s obvious that just as we cannot save ourselves, we likewise cannot transform ourselves, and that prayer, and the reading and study of the Bible alone will not bring about transformation. So how does transformation take place? What IS transformation?  

In Romans 12:2, we find these words:

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The word translated “transform” is ”metamorphoo” in the Greek and it means to “change into another form, to transform, to transfigure.” The same word is used to describe Christ’s change in appearance on the mount of transfiguration. This word, from which we derive “metamorphosis”, implies gradual, substantial change. Think caterpillar into butterfly. How does this spiritual process take place? Romans 12:2 tells us that it is “by the renewing of your mind.” The word “renewing” could also be translated as “renovation”. Interesting…

Imagine that you own a house that is old, run-down, and decayed. It has been corrupted by the environment. You as the owner, have the power to renovate the house, by removing the old sections that have been corrupted and replacing them with new, according to your vision and design. A house in need of renovation needs a renovator. A house cannot renovate itself.

Unlike an inanimate object such as a house, God has given each of us a will. Unless a person’s will is surrendered to His will, the renovation that leads to transformation will not take place. Perhaps this is the surrender that my friend Daniel speaks of – that prideful belief that “I can do this” and that “If I read my Bible and pray enough, I will be transformed”.  

Daniel also emphasized the importance of being in relationship/community with others. God does the transforming, and the people he brings into our lives can be useful “tools” in the renovation process. When we are in relationship with fellow believers, we can sharpen one another (Proverbs 27:17). And since very few of us can hold ourselves accountable, we need others who are willing and able to do so.

So – does this mean that Bible study and prayer are of secondary importance? Absolutely not! We are instructed to “pray continually” (1 Thess 5:17). It is in times of prayer and meditation that we commune with our Heavenly Father and the Spirit leads us to discover those parts of our lives that are in need of renovation. His divinely inspired word tells us what we are to believe about God and what duties He requires of us.¹  These are two essentials for the believer. The most important relationship of all is that unique, mysterious relationship the believer has with God – Christ actually dwells within us (Galatians 2:20). This is a most intimate relationship. Does it not make sense that we know as much as possible about the one we are in relationship with, and what pleases Him?

Daniel has reminded us that transformation is not the work of man, the result of the actions we take. Far from it. Transformation is the work of God – and it begins at the point of salvation and continues as we learn to surrender all self-centered efforts and to surrender to Him – conforming to His will as the rule.²

May it be so…

In Christ –

John

Soli Deo Gloria

¹Shorter Catechism, Question 3: What do the Scriptures principally teach?A. The Scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

² It is acceptable, it is pleasing to God; that and that only is so which is prescribed by him. The only way to attain his favour as the end is to conform to his will as the rule. It is perfect, to which nothing can be added. The revealed will of God is a sufficient rule of faith and practice, containing all things which tend to the perfection of the man of God, to furnish us thoroughly to every good work, (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

(From Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 12)

The Truth Process, Session VII, Post 4

“GOD ACTUALIZATION”

Abraham Harold Maslow (April 1, 1908 – June 8, 1970) was a professor of psychology at Brandeis University who founded humanistic psychology and created Maslow's hierarchy of needs.  He is considered one the great "hidden" influencers of contemporary thought and culture, as many of the concepts he developed are promoted as fact, and are now all but taken for granted by the average person, including many in the body of believers.

Humanistic psychology is a perspective which rose to prominence in the mid-20th century, drawing on the work of people like Carl Rogers and the philosophy of existentialism. It adopts a holistic approach to human existence through investigations of meaning, values, freedom, tragedy, personal responsibility, human potential, spirituality, and self-actualization.

A central proposition of existentialism is that existence precedes essence, which means that the actual life of the individual is what constitutes what could be called his or her "essence" instead of there being a predetermined essence that defines what it is to be a human. Thus, the human being - through his consciousness - creates his own values and determines a meaning to his life. This belief system - and it is a belief system - stands in stark contrast to a Biblical view of man. According to the word of God, man’s essence is “imageo deo” – in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Man’s essence is predetermined by his creator – God himself.

From 1937 to 1951, Maslow was on the faculty of Brooklyn College. In New York he found two mentors, anthropologist Ruth Benedict and Gestalt psychologist Max Wertheimer, whom he admired both professionally and personally. These two were so accomplished in both realms,  that Maslow began taking notes about them and their behavior. This would be the basis of his lifelong research and thinking about mental health and human potential. This hardly rises to the level of true scientific research, as Maslow readily admitted:

"By ordinary standards of laboratory research … this simply was not research at all. My generalizations grew out of my selection of certain kinds of people. Obviously, other judges are needed."  "My confidence in my rightness," he said, "is not a scientific datum."¹

Maslow created a visual aid to explain his theory, called the Hierarchy of Needs. My guess is that most of us have encountered this in the course of our education, and from time to time, we may encounter it in the business world. The Hierarchy of Needs is a 5- level pyramid depicting the levels of human needs. Physical needs are at the base of the pyramid, followed by safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization in ascending order. The top of his pyramid, self-actualization, has great appeal to man’s sinful nature.

The concept of self actualization encourages following one’s inner desires. Maslow believed that man is basically good, without any intrinsic instincts for evil. Just as the “existence determines essence” belief of existentialism is contrary to the Biblical view, this view of man is drastically different from God’s view of man.  God is keenly aware of man’s wickedness and the evil inclination of our hearts (Genesis 6:5).

So I wonder - how does a man’s theory, based on observation of a few people, with no objective proof, become so widely accepted and influential? It is likely that there are several answers to the question, but one that comes immediately to my mind is that it is a “useful point of view”. Here is what I mean...

Man, by his fallen nature is selfish, and does not want to give glory to God, who according to scripture is plainly seen (Romans 1:19-21). In fact, man is inclined to exchange the glorification of God for the worship of idols (Romans 1:23). The ultimate idol is man himself.  We worship and glorify the self – “magnify” the self – when we follow the inner desires of our hearts. It is a “useful point of view” indeed to be told that this is not only OK, but is desirable. This is exactly what the Hierarchy of Needs does! Self-Actualization sits at the very top of Maslow’s pyramid, and it is very dangerous ground.

What we in the body of Christ need is not self actualization, but “God actualization”. We must follow after the inner desires of God’s heart, not the sinful inclinations of our own. What we really need are transformed hearts, so that our inclinations may be like His. When we follow after the desires of God’s heart, we live like Christians – “little Christs” – are called to live.

May it be so...

In Christ –

John

Soli Deo Gloria

¹ Abraham Maslow, The Farther Reaches of Human Nature (New York: Penguin Compass, 1971), Chapter 3, "Self-actualizing and Beyond," 40-41.

The Truth Process, Session VII, Post 3

He Must Become Greater

A recent Facebook post reads as follows: “Lindsay Lohan, 24, is all over the news because she's a celebrity drug addict. Meanwhile, Justin Allen, 23, Brett Linley, 29, Matthew Weikert, 29, Justus Bartett, 27, Dave Santos, 21, Chase Stanley, 21, Jesse Reed, 26, Matthew Johnson, 21, Zachary Fisher, 24, Brandon King, 23, Christopher Goeke, ...23, and Sheldon Tate, 27 are all Marines who gave their lives this week with no media mention. Honor THEM by reposting!”

It seems that today’s culture tends to glorify those who become famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view). Modern society glorifies actors and actresses, because they can act well, even though they often can’t seem to live well. We glorify rock stars and entertainers because they can sing well and put on well choreographed shows, even though their un-choreographed personal lives are chaotic and uncontrolled, sometimes ending in the train wreck of an early death. We glorify athletes, even when their conduct off the field or court lacks the discipline that makes them great on it. We glorify politicians, some of whom are all style and little substance, who look good and speak well, even though they may govern poorly.

As the Facebook post notes, our culture pays great attention to people such as these, while those who have made the “ultimate sacrifice” for them do so without great public fanfare and comparatively little recognition. In like manner, the one who made “THE ultimate sacrifice” – Jesus Christ – receives little recognition – at times even within the body of believers, and regrettably, in my own life as well.

The Westminster Assembly of 1643 to 1649 produced three documents of lasting value to the church: The Westminster Confession of Faith, The Larger Catechism, and the Shorter Catechism. (A “catechism” is a book in which instruction is conveyed by means of questions and answers.) Question 1 of the Shorter Catechism is “What is the chief end of man?” The “chief end” is the purpose for which something was made. The Shorter Catechism answers this question as follows:

“Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. “ To “glorify God” is to magnify God through praising His name and honoring His commandments, and we are instructed in the word of God that all that we do is to be for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). When we praise His name and keep His commandments, we “magnify” God. He rises in prominence and position in our lives. We diminish in prominence and position. He assumes the position of authority. We humbly submit to that authority.

Perhaps John the Baptist said it best - "He must become greater, I must become less." (John 3:30). Here, John the Baptist professes his desire that Jesus would be glorified and that he himself would fade away in comparison. Christians seek to glorify God and not themselves through their lives and actions. Or at least we should…

It can be quite challenging to live in this “It’s all about ME” culture and maintain the same attitude as John the Baptist. This is nothing new, however. Isaiah 14:12-15 conveys the story of the fall of Lucifer, the greatest of the angels. Lucifer did not seek to magnify God any longer. His words disclose to us a heart attitude which is the polar opposite of that of John the Baptist – “He must become less. I must become greater.” Satan still whispers this message today, and we must be on our guard, as this message appeals to the sinful pride that still dwells within us.

The Apostle Paul wrote:“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle…” I know that in my own life it is impossible for me to live a worthy life without humility, and there is no greater humility than that I experience when I magnify God – “allowing” Him to be prominent and authoritative in my life, while I become less.

May it be so…

In Christ –

John

Soli Deo Gloria

The Truth Process Session VII, Post 2

Always Reforming

In Webster’s 1832 American Dictionary of the English language, “reform” is defined as follows: 1. To change from worse to better; to amend; to correct; to restore to a former good state, or to bring from a bad to a good state; 2. To change from bad to good; to remove that which is bad or corrupt; as, to reform abuses; to reform the vices of the age. To abandon that which is evil or corrupt, and return to a good state; to be amended or corrected.

In 1517, the “95 Theses” were written by a priest and professor of theology named Martin Luther. His document expressed his growing concern with the corruption within the church. In essence, his Theses called for a full reform of the Catholic Church and challenged other scholars to debate with him on matters of church policy. His revolutionary ideas served as the catalyst for the eventual breaking away from the Catholic Church and were later instrumental in forming the movement known as the Protestant Reformation. (To read more about the 95 Theses go here.)

When Luther observed the condition of the church of his day, it became obvious to him that change was needed – from worse to better; from a bad to a good state. He recognized that amendment and correction, as well as the abandonment of that which was evil and corrupt, was essential.

How did he know? How did Martin Luther know that the practices of the church were inconsistent with the word of God? How was he able to recognize the corruption within the church? Martin Luther was able to distinguish right from wrong because he knew the truth – the exact truth.

This past Sunday (September 19, 2010) Pastor Dan Hendley of North Park Church shared a message sub-titled “It’s About Truth”. The first passage of scripture referenced was Luke 1:1-4 –
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word have handed them down to us, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write {it} out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. (NAS)

Because Martin Luther knew the exact truth, he recognized the heresy of the church of his day. He challenged every practice and teaching of the church that was not consistent with the exact truth, and called for reformation.

It occurs to me that there is still tremendous need for knowledge of the exact truth, as well as reformation almost 1500 years after Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the Castle Church door at Wittenberg, Germany. This is true of the body of Christ in general, and true for each individual believer.

I can’t speak for you, but I know that I have a tendency to get a bit lazy in some of the disciplines of my Christian walk. There are times when prayer is a struggle, and my time in the word – when I re-acquaint myself with the exact truth – is practically non-existent. It is during these times when I am most vulnerable to the false truth claims of the culture. Many of the messages of the world are blatantly wrong and wildly inconsistent with the truth of the Bible, and are easily recognized. Other messages are more subtle, and without knowledge of God’s exact truth, I am more easily taken captive.

Just as Luther’s observation of the church of his day led to the conclusion that reform was needed, my observation of my own life leads me to the same conclusion – my life is in need of reformation. Perhaps you find this to be true as well.

It is important to remember that reformation is not a “one and done” event. The church is still reforming, just as you and I are still, or at least should be, reforming. I know that I have to reform every day from the effects of the lies and illusions of the culture. Toward the end of his message on Sunday, Pastor Hendley said “A reformed Christian is to be always reforming.” How true. Reformation is a process, not a project.
Semper Reformanda (always reforming).

May it be so…
In Christ –
John
Soli Deo Gloria

The Truth Process, Session VII, Post 1

Mea Culpa
In our North Park Church Christian Education Class this past week, we reviewed a 2008 Barna Survey regarding the worldview of Christians. For the purposes of the survey, a “biblical worldview” was defined as believing that absolute moral truth exists; the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches; Satan is considered to be a real being or force, not merely symbolic; a person cannot earn their way into Heaven by trying to be good or do good works; Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; and God is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the world who still rules the universe today. In the research, anyone who held all of those beliefs was said to have a biblical worldview. The findings are discouraging. Here is a sample of what the survey disclosed :
Overall, the current research revealed that only 9% of all American adults have a biblical worldview.
Even among born again Christians, less than one out of every five (19%) had such an outlook on life.
One-third of all adults (34%) believe that moral truth is absolute and unaffected by the circumstances. Slightly less than half of the born again adults (46%) believe in absolute moral truth.
Just one-quarter of adults (27%) are convinced that Satan is a real force. Even a minority of born again adults (40%) adopt that perspective.
Only one-quarter of adults (28%) believe that it is impossible for someone to earn their way into Heaven through good behavior. Not quite half of all born again Christians (47%) strongly reject the notion of earning salvation through their deeds. (If you would like to read more about the Barna study GO HERE)
Now I recognize that some of you are skeptical of statistics. Some may be familiar with Mark Twain’s comment in his autobiography that "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics." Some of you are thinking that surely Barna’s identification of “born again Christians” was faulty. Whether you agree with Barna’s findings or not, my guess is that most would agree that the body of Christ has become anemic – infected by the false truth claims of a post modern culture. I can’t help but wonder –“What happened to the body of Christ?”
Our nation was founded by people who undertook the dangerous trip to the shores of North America as a mission (Mayflower Compact). The body of Christ had great influence on the culture, influencing government, education, and the overall operation of society. Many of our founding fathers expressed that the foundation of the nation was morality and religion, and at the time, there was no question that they meant the Christian religion. The more I think about this, the more upset I become. I feel frustrated, saddened, and at times – angry. Frankly, I am looking for someone to blame.
As a child, and still as an adult, I read the comics section of the daily newspaper. A number of years ago, a comic strip titled “Pogo” appeared in the daily Pittsburgh Press. Pogo was the title and central character of a long-running daily American comic strip, created by cartoonist Walt Kelly (1913–1973) and distributed by the Post-Hall Syndicate. Set in the Okefenokee Swamp of the southeastern United States, the strip often engaged in social and political satire through the adventures of its anthropomorphic funny animal characters.
Probably the most famous Pogo quotation is "We have met the enemy and he is us." Perhaps more than any other words written by Kelly, it perfectly sums up his attitude towards the foibles of mankind and the nature of the human condition. (Perhaps the second best-known Walt Kelly quotation is another one of Pogo's philosophical observations: "Don't take life so serious, son. It ain't nohow permanent." But that’s another conversation...)
As I have been looking for someone to blame, Pogo’s words come back to mind, with some modification. You see, I have found the person to blame for the anemic condition of the church. Yes, folks – after looking long and hard, I have found him. "I have met the enemy and he is ME." Yes – I am to blame. This is my “mea culpa”. In fact it is my "mea maxima culpa." (Mea culpa is a Latin phrase that translates into English as "my mistake" or "my own fault". To emphasize the message, the adjective "maxima" may be inserted, resulting in "mea maxima culpa," which would translate as "my most [grievous] fault.")
Now let me be clear. (A well known politician frequently uses these words. Oddly, what follows them is anything but. I will try not to make that mistake.) I am not accepting blame for what has happened to the Christian church in America over the last 400 years. While I fully admit to a unique ability to foul things up, I am not able to do so retroactively. But when it comes to the state of the Christian church here and now – in 2010 - "I have met the enemy and he is ME." Here is what I mean...
To the extent I fail to allow Christ to be lord of every area of my life, I weaken the body of Christ.
To the extent that I fail to read and study the divinely inspired word of God, I weaken the body of Christ.
To the extent that I fail to pray for myself, my family, my church, my government, I weaken the body of Christ.
To the extent that I fail to engage, in a Christ-like manner, with those whom God brings across my path, remembering that every person is an eternal being, I weaken the body of Christ.
The list goes on, but you get the picture, right?
Mea culpa. Mea maxima culpa.
Now, I know that I am just one person among many that constitute the body of believers. I realize that it is not entirely my fault that the church is in such anemic condition. Maybe you bear some responsibility as well. One of many things I have learned as I grow older is this: I cannot accept your responsibility. I can only accept my own. There is no “nostra culpa”. (“Nostra” is a Latin word meaning ''our'' or ''ours''.)
The condition of the body of Christ is dependent upon His work in the hearts of individuals, each of whom fulfills an important role in the community of believers. Perhaps it is time that each of us issues our own “mea culpa”. Then – with humble hearts, in submission to His lordship – Christ will go to work first in us, then through us.
May it be so…
In Christ –
John
Soli Deo Gloria

ON TURNING 60

Last weekend, Fran and I drove down to South Park to attend the “60th Birthday Party for the Baldwin High School Class of 1968”. Most of us who made up the graduating class of about 680 students have turned, or will turn 60 sometime in 2010. In addition to sharing the common experience of graduating together, we also seemed to share a sense of amazement at how quickly we have reached this point in our lives.
We had a lot of fun that day as we reminisced about our high school days. The memories filed away in my mind are fairly general in nature, but some of my classmates have an incredible recall of specific details of events that took place over four decades ago. We laughed often and loud as we listened to some of the more animated and extroverted (or slightly inebriated) tell their stories. I had a great time watching my classmates interact through the course of the day.

Mark, a friend who goes back to elementary school days, is probably the funniest person I have ever met. His wife, Lorie – a perfect match for him – was equally entertaining. Trent, one of the most optimistic and outgoing people I know, provided music from our era, and in doing so, demonstrated his love for the tunes of the day. My friend from our days in the choir at Baldwin, Edd, moved through the crowd, engaging in quiet conversation with former classmates. Knowing him, I am sure that the conversations were not only quiet but caring, because that’s the kind of man he is. Bob, one of my football teammates, joined me in cooking hot dogs and hamburgers. When not serving in that fashion, he was always looking for other ways to help when not engaging others with his genuine “nice guy” personality and wonderful sense of humor. Mike, although feeling under the weather that day, transported an entire pickup truck load of supplies and equipment to make the event a success. He always was a great team player. Linda, a person I hadn’t even known while in high school, was in constant motion. Diminutive in stature, but large in personality, she became more and more of a friend as they day went on. The person I enjoyed watching the most was my wife of 39 years – Fran. Although not part of our graduating class, she could have been. God has blessed Fran with a wonderful, outgoing personality, and it was great to see her having such a good time, engaging in conversation, and sometimes entertaining my classmates.
One of many things I have learned on the way to 60 is that everyone has challenges in life. One cannot live life in this world without having to deal with some event, or perhaps multiple events that caused anxiety, pain, and heartache. It has been no different for the Class of 1968. A couple of my classmates had coronary by-pass surgery. Another with children in their twenties had recently been divorced. One of the people who has been instrumental in keeping the class somewhat connected over the last forty years received the hard news that she had breast cancer – less than two weeks ago. Strong woman that she is – she attended the picnic. Then there are those who could not make it to the picnic – because they did not make it to age 60…
As I think back on that day – the “60th Birthday Party for the Baldwin High School Class of 1968”, I am reminded of the abundance of God’s blessing in my life. Frankly, I take much of his blessing for granted. One of my favorite Psalms is the 103rd. Verse 2 says “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- “. My paraphrase is “try not to forget everything he has done for you.” This past Saturday, I was reminded that I must try not to forget the blessing of knowing so many fine people from a time so long ago. But I have been reminded of something even more important…
Later on in Psalm 103, David wrote:
14 for he knows how we are formed,

he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass,

he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,

and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting

the LORD's love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness with their children's children-

David said that our “days are like grass.” When we were 18, we flourished “like a flower in the field.” Life, like the wind David refers to, blows hard and fast, and much, much faster than we ever imagined, we are 60. Life, my good friends, is fleeting. In light of that reality, how then shall we live? Each of us must find our answer to that question.
As for me, my desire is to live the remainder of the days that God gives me with these priorities: God first, Family second, and ALWAYS FRIENDS.
May it be so…

In Christ -

John

The Truth Process, Session VI, Post 4

Don’t rewrite history. You must be kidding…
I opened the Pittsburgh Tribune Review this morning (May 21, 2010) and read the following:

Don't rewrite history, former Education secretary Paige urges Texas board

Former Education Secretary Rod Paige on Wednesday expressed opposition to revised social studies curriculum standards being prepared for the state’s 4.7 million public school students, urging members of the State Board of Education not to let personal ideology shape "what is taught to our children."

REALLY?
Does former Secretary Paige believe that someone’s personal ideology has not been shaping what has been taught to our children? Does he really believe that a personal, secular ideology has not been shaping content of public school social studies and history curricula for more than 30 years? Why else would social studies text books be lacking any reference to religious activities as part of family life in America? Why else would our history text books be devoid of content regarding the Christian principles upon which this nation was founded?

Paige, a former Houston school superintendent who directed the nation's education policies in President George W. Bush's administration, was one of more than 200 witnesses scheduled to testify at a hearing yesterday as the 15-member board opened a three-day meeting on the revised standards.
The revisions have drawn nationwide attention amid charges that conservative Republicans on the board are attempting to alter history and inject their political beliefs into the curriculum. Minority groups contend that the standards have diminished the historical role of black and Hispanic people. Supporters defend the changes as balanced and accurate, contending that the controversy has been distorted in the media.

REALLY?
Are “conservative Republicans” trying to “alter” history, or for the first time in decades, attempting to be sure that textbooks reflect what actually happened? After all, isn’t that what history is – what really did happen in the past?

Paige, the first black person to serve as Education secretary, called on the board to "take another look" at how minorities and the civil rights movement are portrayed in the standards.
As an example, Paige cited Hendrick Arnold, an African-American who participated in Texas' revolution from Mexico. "An important personality like that is stealth to our students," Paige said. "Don't redact key personalities."

INCREDIBLE!
If Paige is so concerned about the redaction of key personalities who are “stealth to our students”, how about these personalities, who have been redacted for years:

United States Founding Father, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Rush, who said - "In contemplating the political institutions of the United States, I lament that we waste so much time and money in punishing crimes, and take so little pains to prevent them. We profess to be Republicans and yet we neglect the only means of establishing and perpetuating our republican forms of government; that is, the universal education of our youth in the principles of Christianity by means of the Bible."
Noah Webster, who said - "[T]he Christian religion, in its purity, is the basis, or rather the source of all genuine freedom in government. ... and I am persuaded that no civil government of a republican form can exist and be durable in which the principles of that religion have not a controlling influence."
United States Founding Father, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock, who said - "Sensible of the importance of Christian piety and virtue to the order and happiness of a state, I cannot but earnestly commend to you every measure for their support and encouragement. ... [T]he very existence of the republics ... depend much upon the public institutions of religion." –
John Adams, who said - “Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone, which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free Constitution is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People in a greater Measure than they have it now, they may change their rulers and the forms of government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty."
George Washington, who said – “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”

Somehow, people like Rod Paige do not seem to think that the near total redaction of key personalities such as these is not a result of the shaping of curricula by personal ideology! I believe that it is more likely that they are completely comfortable with personal ideology shaping education – as long as it is secular ideology. Indeed, “they have exchanged the truth of God for a lie.” (Romans 1:25)

The Cosmic Battle rages…
In Christ –
John
Soli Deo Gloria