A Product of the Environment indeed!

Several weeks ago, I had an interesting encounter with someone who attributed much of our current struggles to the government. Judging from comments on facebook, blogs, twitter and the mainstream media, I sense that the majority of people are frustrated with the government. Not everyone, of course, but most. Much of what I have read and observed, clearly portray a people wanting improvements in their government. Granted, the old adage, “To each its own meaning”—has to be taken into account when discussing matters that pertain to politics. Collectively there is frustration. But each individual has something that they would like see change or improve in terms of how the government should function and respond to the people. I do not wish for this to be a political medium but would like to offer a thought uttered by a former president. James A. Garfield shared these words:

“Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature....If the next centennial does not find us a great nation ... it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces” [Garfield, The Works of James Abram Garfield, Vol.2, 486, 489].

His words are prophetic and revealing. I shared with my frustrated friend that politicians are a product of their environment. You and I are as well. It is inescapable and undeniable. President Garfield’s assertions are spot on. For the populace to expect their elected officials to somehow uphold their campaign promises once elected would be like wishing for the sun to somehow cease from rising in the morning. It is impossible. Why? Our elected officials will continue to behave the way they do unless society as a whole changes drastically in favor of godliness. Someone once said, you can take the boy out of the country, but you cannot take the country out of the boy. If the populace is not in favor of the principles and standards that one finds in God’s Word, such a people will be reckless, corrupt and will tolerate ignorance. What can be done then? For a society to experience high quality representatives, God has to penetrate the hearts of every man, woman and child. Now, think about the role of the church. Think about your role as a Christian. How can you make a difference?

“The Pilgrim”

John Bunyan (1628-1688) lived in England in a time of religious turmoil and civil war. Ignoring the magistrates order to stop preaching, he was imprisoned over a period of twelve years. John Bunyan was a man who had very little education. Yet, he has touched millions of lives over the centuries and inspired millions with his writings. Sometime around 1653, Bunyan became involved with preaching and several years later, he was arrested—not because of the content of his message, (though one could make a strong case) of things, preaching without a license. I guess if the Apostles were around in the 1600’s, they would’ve been arrested as well. Consequently, Bunyan spent twelve years in prison for the crime. An edict was issued in 1672 that saw Bunyan released from prison. But then in 1673, the “Declaration of Indulgence” was revoked and Bunyan was once again imprisoned. During the second imprisonment, Bunyan penned his masterpiece, “The Pilgrim’s Progress”—which was published years later. to understand the power of Bunyan’s masterpiece, it has been said “The Pilgrim’s Progress” is second only to the Bible in terms of publication. Bunyan passed away in 1688, but his work lives on. In prison he wrote these stirring words of courage.

Who would true valor see,
Let him come hither;
One here will constant be,
Come wind, come weather;
There’s no discouragement
Shall make him once relent
His first avowed intent
To be a Pilgrim.

Whoso beset him round
With dismal stories
Do but themselves confound;
His strength the more is.
No lion can him fright,
He’ll with a giant fight,
But he will have a right
To be a Pilgrim.

Hobgoblin nor foul fiend
Can daunt his spirit;
He knows he at the end
Shall life inherit.
Then fancies fly away,
He’ll fear not what men say;
He’ll labor night and day
To be a Pilgrim.

(Christian Values: Briscoe, 20; The Pilgrim’s Progress, 7)

“Change?”

It seems like the word ‘change’ has become the defining word for most people today. In almost every conversation—change inevitably dominates the discussion. Indeed, one would be hard pressed to deny that ‘change’ is in the air. A simple Google search will unearth this startling reality: America, as well as the World, are engaged in a massive shift that will define not only our generation but future generations as well. In fact, President Barack Obama ran on ‘change’—leaving quite an impression on many during his campaign. The fact that President Obama invoked change and was embraced by the people is impressive. It is especially impressive when you consider that ‘change’ doesn’t necessarily excite people. People are uncomfortable with change. Of course I am aware that some changes are healthy, but for the most part people are uncomfortable with it. In America today, change is evident, and it is widespread. For example, from an economic viewpoint, gas prices dominate—fluctuating at speeds that deserve a citation. From a societal perspective, one will find that crassness is fast defining the folks’ point of reference. Morality continues to bleed uncontrollably, paving the way for immorality, the dominating force of our day. From a political vantage point, the upheaval is not that difficult to decipher. The Blue does not like the Red and unfortunately the bickering and fighting is endless. Much is on hold until the sides can agree on something. Meanwhile, religious change is deafening. It is becoming more and more unacceptable for anyone to advocate Christian principles, especially in public, because many find it repugnant and offensive. Christianity as a dominating point of reference (a point of reference by the way, which dominated the Founding Fathers’ thought process) is making way to a more ‘proper’ way: Religious equality. This simply means that Christians should embrace other religions like, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, etc., instead of thinking of themselves as ‘exclusive.’ Now, from a technological perspective, the benefits are enormous. The improvements in communication are exciting, while computers continue to amaze with the ability to process information. Change, is inevitable. Change is sometimes warranted, whether we like it or not. Change is a part of life. There are changes currently taking form and shape in your lives as I write this. Some of you in the last few years have had to endure some difficult times in your lives. Some have had to make some significant adjustments in the last year or so; some good, while others were hard to accept. Some of you have had to endure the loss of a loved one, while others lost jobs and have had to search for new ones. Through all of these changes, I am sure we have all questioned God’s loyalty and awareness of our situations. I don’t know why certain things happen the way they do. I wish I did. But I know this one thing: God is faithful and God is good. Whatever changes you are entrenched in currently, know this: God is with you, all the way through to the end. I leave you with these powerful words, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” [Deut. 31: 8].

“Excellent—restored!”

Moses provided one of the most audacious statements in the Bible: “Then God looked over all that he had made, and it was excellent in every way” (Gen 1:31 LB). I used audacious simply because of the magnitude and breadth of Moses’ claim—that God, Almighty God, created something remarkable. Often times, in conversation, I am captivated by people who try to imagine what heaven will be like; for instance whether or not they will see their loved ones or what questions they wish to ask God. I don’t know what the questions will be, but I know this much, I don’t have any comprehension of what the experience of heaven will be like. I do know that we will be in God’s presence with no more tears, no more death, no more crying, no more pain, and the surroundings will be brand spankin’ new (cf. Rev 21:3ff). While I thank John and others for their attempts to describe heaven, I am somehow certain that we are only given a speck of the real deal. On the same note, please do not ask me to explain what earth, prior to the fall, must’ve been like. I could try to imagine what Moses meant by excellent, but unfortunately, my imagination would fail me because words cannot describe what God calls excellent. I will only limit what it was like if I attempt an explanation. My job, however, is to marvel. And that too—is a very complex thing, trying to marvel at God’s creation—which was succinctly called, excellent. This seemingly obvious conflict is because we live in a broken world. We were born into a world humbled and wearied by suffering, brokenness, pain, sorrow, trouble, heartache, and burdened by death. Creation, as we know it, simply does not represent what God called excellent thousands of years ago. This is not the same reality that God was pleased with before the creation of man (Gen 1:25). Unfortunately, we live in a world marred and saturated in sin. What about restoration? That is what Christ did for you and me, as Paul asserted in his letter to the Corinthians, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor. 5:17). This new reality is simply amazing. God’s purpose never changed. Though the world as we know it today may not be the excellent one that God fashioned thousands of years ago, God has restored excellence through you and me, ardent supporters of Almighty God through Jesus Christ. Though we live in a broken world, the reality is that the Son of God brought restoration for all who choose the Cross as the central landmark in their lives. Consequently, the excellent is no longer defined by external realities, but rather, by the Cross of Christ. I pray that you will recognize the intentional restoration taking place within each of us daily. Indeed, David was right when he said, “Lord our Lord, your name is the most [excellent] name in all the earth” (Ps 8:9 NCV). Rejoice therefore, for we wear the name, this most excellent name, because of restoration guaranteed by the Cross!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Happy Birthday C.S.Lewis

"Every Christian would agree that a man’s spiritual health is exactly proportional to his love for God" ~ C. S. Lewis

"We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and privacy: and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship" ~ C. S. Lewis

"Those that hate goodness are sometimes nearer than those that know nothing at all about it and think they have it already" ~ C. S. Lewis

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable." C. S. Lewis

Making it count...

Several centuries ago, the apostle Paul made this powerful remark: "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:15-16). And when you add Peter's rejoinder, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." (1 Pet. 3:15)--one can clearly get a sense of what is required of us.

But what is the meaning of these statements? Clearly, the intent and content of these powerful assertions cannot be overlooked. These verses represent a unifying call, by those who walked with Jesus, of the usefulness of His message. The message of the Cross! In a time when the Cross continues to come under massive assault, what is even more startling and scarier is the silence emanating from Christians, followers of Jesus, who are themselves struggling with their identity in Christ. This silence of course is a failure to provide a counter response to the secularization that has now come to define society. The Bible, over and over again, reminds us, and demands us, to stand up for Christ. To defend Him! After all, didn't Paul remark that we take advantage of every opportunity? So then, what are doing about it?

Dan Plyler, articulated a reason for our hesitancy and pointed to our "being unlearned and uninformed." One way to defend the faith, hope that we have in Christ, is by indulging in His Word in order for us to understand His provisions for us. And given the fact that we are living in an era where people want for their to be meaning without subscribing to God, the call to take advantage has never been greater and louder.

However, there is caution, in that we can do all of these and more--but the one thing that we have to remember is: "[r]egardless of how well we present and defend the truth of God (as Scripture clearly calls us to do) none of our efforts are what ultimately changes the heart. That task is for God's Spirit alone as he is the only one capable" (Plyler). Meanwhile, let us to what we've commissioned to do--the rest is up to God.