If you did not get a chance to read my first post, on life's great deceptions, I would encourage you to do so. Because, I firmly believe that many of us live under the false notion that we will always have more time. That post in a way, sets up a lot of what I'm hoping to do with this series of posts.
As we dive in, let me be perfectly clear. Life is filled with many truths but also many deceptions. Most of the deceptions that we see in our society are very subtle deceptions, if lies were big, bold, and glaring the truth of the matter would be that no one in their right mind would believe them. So, that's what our journey is all about, we want to look at some big deceptions our society has led us to believe.
This is absolutely huge. Because our society is fueled with the message that you are the lead in the story. The story we are discussing here in this post is the story of your life and how it has unfolded and will continue to unfold in the future. Your life plays out like a story. There is a goal in your story. Your story has antagonists, difficulties, struggles, hardships, comforts, and of course it has joys as well. But, one thing is true for all of us reading this, you are not the main character or protagonist, God is.
I will fully admit I don't know everything, and there are many, many people in the world that are smarter than I am. But, I have seen in my brief time on this earth that people for the most part live their lives one of two ways, they either live life basing their goals, decisions, words, actions, and time on making themselves great and known or they either live life making someone or something else great and known.
So, my challenge to you in looking at this deception is to really and honestly ask yourself, "How do I want to live? Will life be all about me? Or will life be something more?" Because the reality is I've seen that living all for yourself and trying to make your name is an attractive way to live only in the short term, but in the long run it often leads us feeling empty and unsatisfied. Because, the danger about living all for you is that all your thoughts, goals, words, and actions are often geared to satisfying yourself and having yourself fulfilled. This is not me saying that you should avoid all things and areas of life that will leave you satisfied, what I'm saying is that they cannot be the most important thing in your life. There has to be something greater. Working in the church both now and in the past, growing up in the church, and being around a lot of people I've seen many people live all for themselves, and the sad reality is that they never got what they were looking for: lasting satisfaction. They wanted so badly to be the lead in their story, they did everything to make that happened, and for awhile they were, but at the end it left them empty and unsatisfied.
Probably the best Biblical example of someone so desperate to be the lead in their story comes in Matthew 19:16-22. This is the real life account of the rich, young man approaching Jesus and asking Him what must he do to inherit eternal life. All the physical tasks and commands the man had obeyed, but when Jesus asked the man to do something big, sell everything and give it all to the poor, the man went away sad and broken. Jesus essentially asked the man to resign/give-up being the lead in his story, and the man wasn't able to do so.
So, the question remains how to live? This is not necessarily an easy thing to communicate in a blog form, but we'll try. This won't be a 20 minute fix or anything like that, but I guarantee this will be one of the most worthwhile things you do. What we're saying here is that to live all for God, the first step is to change the way you think and what you view is most important in your life. For everyone how this process unfolds will be different, but there will be a few common threads throughout everyone's journey.
1) You won't be able to do it on your own. If you try just all by yourself to live a life that is focused on others, God, social justice, etc. you will fail every time. Because, the truth is you were never meant to live this life alone. Jesus promised in John 14 that a comforter was coming, the disciples were in awe at Pentecost, when they were able to speak every language, because the Holy Spirit is designed to guide, lead, and direct you. Without being connected to the Holy Spirit, your life transformation, shift in thinking, and your life in general will not work in the long run. You may be able to get by for awhile, and you may even make a difference. But, just as a cell phone, Kindle, or laptop you need to be plugged into to your power source to make it for the long haul or the marathon that is this life. Your relationship with God and the power God gives to you is your power source.
2) Difficulty will be present. Jesus promised us at the end of John 16 that in this world we will have trouble, but please don't stop there. Please don't base your entire theology, thinking, or life on the first part, because Jesus concludes the verse by saying that He has overcome the world. Know this that if trouble, heartache, betrayal, and even death didn't leave the Son of God alone, they will not leave you alone. So, what I would tell you is to prepare now for trouble. Prepare by being grateful every single day. Prepare by making sure your loved ones know how you feel about them. Prepare by being so in love with Jesus that no matter what happens your faith won't be shaken.
3) One of the driving forces in living a life that focuses on lifting God up above everything else, is investing in people. One of the common themes in the gospels is that Jesus lifts up people who are down, gives value to people who the world sees as valueless, and His ministry is not primarily focused on making people happy but a major portion of his ministry is focused on making broken people whole. Things can be replaced and often become obsolete. People forget award winners. Offices will one day be reassigned, and I'm not saying these things should be totally abandoned, but rather make sure that you fully know and understand that they cannot be the most important thing in your life. God is doing something incredible in this world, and being a supporting character in God's story is the most satisfying way to live. Invest in people, prepare for trouble, and never disconnect from your power source.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
On Life's Great Deceptions: You'll Have More Time
I will say I am really excited about what this is all about and the future this series has. My goal from the get go is for people to engage in honest discussion, think deep thoughts about their own lives, and above all move closer to God. This series is designed to be a blessing, a source of wisdom, and a legacy that I'll pass down to my lovely daughter and by the will of God all her siblings. Life can be a very rewarding but also a very trying time. I hope these pieces of wisdom, perspective, and guidance will bless everyone who reads them.
Life's Great Deception Number One: You'll have more Time
One of the most transforming times in my life was when I served as a volunteer Hospice chaplain about three years ago. I will often refer to that experience and lessons learned in this series, but I wanted to draw your attention to that time in my life. I won't use any names or a lot of physical descriptions to describe anyone. But, I think this first idea will help put a lot into perspective.
I hope we as Christians and followers of Jesus Christ will be intentional about encouraging all to use effectively one of the best gifts we've ever been given: time. Now, I will say that the best gift of all is salvation, but one of the best gifts you've been given and you can give people is time.
Let me illustrate this with a great example of how our memories work. I am 27 years old. I can look back at my life and tell you about a few items, toys, new things I bought or was given. But, I could sit here and write for hours about great memories I've had during vacations, at Christmas time, playing sports, dating Lara, spending time with my family, slumber parties, and the list can go on and on. We strive all too often to acquire new things, but in reality what will really satisfy us is quality time with the people we love. Time is a gift, so please don't waste it.
Later on I'm going to expound on this thought, but a HUGE lie that society might not necessarily feed you, but a lie that you almost internally feel is that you'll always have more time. Don't believe you'll always more time to make a relationship right, tell loved ones how you'll feel, get right with God, live out your faith, tell a lost loved one about your relationship with Jesus, etc. Now, I will say often times there is more time, I don't want to cast gloom and doom with this post, but I want you to know that you shouldn't always count on the future, because it can be so unpredictable.
As someone with a lot of life ahead of you, my hope and perspective is that you see every day not as a drudge or burden. But, rather my hope is that you see every day as a gift. Christ came as He said John 10:10, "So that we could have life and life to the fullest." Don't wait to start living life, don't go to bed angry with anyone, and make sure you use this incredible gift.
Let me close by saying this, one of the most effective uses of your time is through prayer, scripture reading, worship, fellowship with other Christian, evangelism, and discipleship. I've never met a single person, in my short life that has said, "I've spent too much time in prayer and discipleship." Spending time with God and getting to know God is time well spent:). Let's strive together to live each and every day effectively and powerfully knowing that time is one of the best gifts we've been given and can give. Because we never really know of the time any of us has left.
Life's Great Deception Number One: You'll have more Time
One of the most transforming times in my life was when I served as a volunteer Hospice chaplain about three years ago. I will often refer to that experience and lessons learned in this series, but I wanted to draw your attention to that time in my life. I won't use any names or a lot of physical descriptions to describe anyone. But, I think this first idea will help put a lot into perspective.
I hope we as Christians and followers of Jesus Christ will be intentional about encouraging all to use effectively one of the best gifts we've ever been given: time. Now, I will say that the best gift of all is salvation, but one of the best gifts you've been given and you can give people is time.
Let me illustrate this with a great example of how our memories work. I am 27 years old. I can look back at my life and tell you about a few items, toys, new things I bought or was given. But, I could sit here and write for hours about great memories I've had during vacations, at Christmas time, playing sports, dating Lara, spending time with my family, slumber parties, and the list can go on and on. We strive all too often to acquire new things, but in reality what will really satisfy us is quality time with the people we love. Time is a gift, so please don't waste it.
Later on I'm going to expound on this thought, but a HUGE lie that society might not necessarily feed you, but a lie that you almost internally feel is that you'll always have more time. Don't believe you'll always more time to make a relationship right, tell loved ones how you'll feel, get right with God, live out your faith, tell a lost loved one about your relationship with Jesus, etc. Now, I will say often times there is more time, I don't want to cast gloom and doom with this post, but I want you to know that you shouldn't always count on the future, because it can be so unpredictable.
As someone with a lot of life ahead of you, my hope and perspective is that you see every day not as a drudge or burden. But, rather my hope is that you see every day as a gift. Christ came as He said John 10:10, "So that we could have life and life to the fullest." Don't wait to start living life, don't go to bed angry with anyone, and make sure you use this incredible gift.
Let me close by saying this, one of the most effective uses of your time is through prayer, scripture reading, worship, fellowship with other Christian, evangelism, and discipleship. I've never met a single person, in my short life that has said, "I've spent too much time in prayer and discipleship." Spending time with God and getting to know God is time well spent:). Let's strive together to live each and every day effectively and powerfully knowing that time is one of the best gifts we've been given and can give. Because we never really know of the time any of us has left.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
on the Debate between Bill Nye and Ken Ham
This past Tuesday brought together two great minds of our generation in a monumental debate. Ken Ham is the President and CEO of Answers in Genesis and founder of the Creation Museum debated one of the beloved TV personalities of my generation Bill Nye the Science Guy, or as he's referred to now: Bill Nye. The debate was over topic of Creation vs. Evolution. I hope you get the chance to watch or read about the debate online, because if nothing else I can guarantee you this, you will learn something. Let's dive into some of what happened in the debate.
1) It's not really important who won. I've been all over this great important Internet, and I've seen people who say Bill Nye won the debate, Ken Ham had good answers, and that the debate was a draw. The basic consensus I have, is that yes the debate and questions are interesting, but no one's mind was really changed about their basic beliefs. The debate has raged on for centuries about which is the correct theory: evolution or creation and the reality is both sides have moved little in the last 150 years as National Geographic has pointed out. I want to remind myself above all that we worship a God who is greater than a theory, greater than a scientist, and greater than everything we can see and know. God blows my mind, and I hope God blows yours as well. Both Creation and Evolution need to be looked and which side you fall on you need to accept it with faith, but the good news is you know and have a relationship with the God of your faith. Know that no matter what that won't be changed. Christianity won't be silenced over the outcome of the debate, and both issues need to be accepted with faith.
2) I believe in the Creation of the world by God. But, I will say that there are a lot of men and women who are way smarter than I am who support Evolution to explain humanity's origin. I also know men and women who are way smarter than me who support Creation as well. So, both theories do have merit. I believe the debate was done in good taste, and the overall tone of the debate was done in good taste, and I think everyone who tuned in to the debate learned something new. I think in Sunday's sermon Pastor Rick brought out a very interesting point, how are we caring for the world today? Will our good social mindedness, our desire to live out the command God gave to Adam to subdue the earth, and our desire to pass on a great place to live to the next generation will that drive us into making this world a better place? God is chiefly concerned about the world, I believe God said it was good, and the question I have is what are we doing to make it good?
3) Finally, thoughts are nice and simple. I think it is important to have these debates and discussions. Both Creation and Evolution need to be accepted by faith, but both views on the origin of humanity have consequences to your thinking and lifestyle. Finally, I don't think many minds will be changed by debates or discussion, however, it is important to show people who believe and think differently the same respect you desire to be shown. The final thought I have is that the beginning of the story is important, I believe in the Biblical narrative of Creation, but even the writer of Genesis didn't witness the event, or didn't capture it in its entirety. We may never know until we are face to face with Jesus in eternity. However, the climax of the story is HUGE, Jesus has come, our redemption has been paid, and that is the incredible news and truth of the Gospel. Live life changed by the grace of God every day!
1) It's not really important who won. I've been all over this great important Internet, and I've seen people who say Bill Nye won the debate, Ken Ham had good answers, and that the debate was a draw. The basic consensus I have, is that yes the debate and questions are interesting, but no one's mind was really changed about their basic beliefs. The debate has raged on for centuries about which is the correct theory: evolution or creation and the reality is both sides have moved little in the last 150 years as National Geographic has pointed out. I want to remind myself above all that we worship a God who is greater than a theory, greater than a scientist, and greater than everything we can see and know. God blows my mind, and I hope God blows yours as well. Both Creation and Evolution need to be looked and which side you fall on you need to accept it with faith, but the good news is you know and have a relationship with the God of your faith. Know that no matter what that won't be changed. Christianity won't be silenced over the outcome of the debate, and both issues need to be accepted with faith.
2) I believe in the Creation of the world by God. But, I will say that there are a lot of men and women who are way smarter than I am who support Evolution to explain humanity's origin. I also know men and women who are way smarter than me who support Creation as well. So, both theories do have merit. I believe the debate was done in good taste, and the overall tone of the debate was done in good taste, and I think everyone who tuned in to the debate learned something new. I think in Sunday's sermon Pastor Rick brought out a very interesting point, how are we caring for the world today? Will our good social mindedness, our desire to live out the command God gave to Adam to subdue the earth, and our desire to pass on a great place to live to the next generation will that drive us into making this world a better place? God is chiefly concerned about the world, I believe God said it was good, and the question I have is what are we doing to make it good?
3) Finally, thoughts are nice and simple. I think it is important to have these debates and discussions. Both Creation and Evolution need to be accepted by faith, but both views on the origin of humanity have consequences to your thinking and lifestyle. Finally, I don't think many minds will be changed by debates or discussion, however, it is important to show people who believe and think differently the same respect you desire to be shown. The final thought I have is that the beginning of the story is important, I believe in the Biblical narrative of Creation, but even the writer of Genesis didn't witness the event, or didn't capture it in its entirety. We may never know until we are face to face with Jesus in eternity. However, the climax of the story is HUGE, Jesus has come, our redemption has been paid, and that is the incredible news and truth of the Gospel. Live life changed by the grace of God every day!
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