I had a conversation today with a friend about the current economic crisis that our country is enduring and the upcoming election. Throughout this seemingly difficult (and in many ways, historic) time, God has continued to remind me of two basic truths. First, we have to live out of and exemplify the hope that is within us. At times like these, it is easy to decry the man-made institutions that we all know are severely flawed. In many respects, it is true that our economic and political systems do not reflect God's heart and intention for humankind. Hopefully none of us are blind to the reality that these world systems thrive upon the principles of wealth equating to power and "might making right." (As one of my favorite teachers, Richard Rohr puts it, our world systems look like pyramids, in which all relationships are eventually defined in terms of superiority (the "elite" at the top of the pyramid) and inferiority (the faceless masses at the bottom of the pyramid), whereas Jesus' system looks like a circle, within which honest human relationships of equality exist, as exemplified in the Trinity.) As much as we are tempted to openly criticize these world systems at every opportunity, God does not call us as believers to subscribe to and perpetuate the "doom and gloom" rhetoric that often defines cycles of economic and political upheaval like our nation is currently facing. Rather than advancing a cynical viewpoint, God calls us to bring His kingdom reign to bear upon our current world systems. This involves seeking real (tangible and intangible) change by imprinting Christ's message of redemption, reconciliation, peace, mercy, justice, love and grace upon every interaction we have with others during these difficult times and filtering our own decisions, both economically and politically, through this lens. Carrying the reign of God into our world does mean choosing to reject the world system of never being satisfied with what we have (e.g., overextending ourselves financially) and defining relationships in terms of what we can get from them (i.e., whom we can exert power and influence over and/or striving to falsely flatter those who possess power over us for our own personal gain). Conversely, I believe we must not "bury our heads in the sand" so as to avoid any semblance of allegiance with our current economic and political systems. I believe God calls us to educate ourselves about these world systems so that we can more effectively bring God's reign to bear upon them. That includes exercising our right to vote our conscience and taking reasonable measures to protect our family's finances in the long-term, i.e., being good stewards with what God has graciously given to us (as opposed to building up our own "storehouses" out of anxiety or distrust of God).
Second, the end result of our struggling should be to further glorify God. Therefore, how we react to "Wall Street's effect on Main Street" in our everyday lives, and the financial struggles it may produce for us in the short-term (or long-term), should ultimately bring glory to our Father. This includes speaking a word of peace, hope, and encouragement into others' lives in the midst of chaotic situations. It also means continuing to be faithful in helping our "neighbor," even when we are unsure of our finances. As the speaker at Mars Hill, Leroy Barber, taught us this weekend, putting others ahead of ourselves means "walking while your neighbor drives your car" (when your neighbor's car breaks down or he can't afford the gas).
Finally, I was led to Psalm 67 this week. Verses 5 through 7 say (in the NKJV), "Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him." I have read an interpretation of these verses which states that the phrase "yield her increase" reflects the coming of God's kingdom as marked by a vast increase in production. But it also speaks to me that in our present life of "Kingdom-dwelling," our praise to God, despite hard times, calls forth the abundance of Creation that God desires to impart to us. Not just in a physical sense, but also the many spiritual blessings and abundance that God longs to give us in relationship with Him. Then God will be glorified in our nation, and our friends, colleagues, and neighbors will long to have the "peace that passes all understanding" that they see in our lives.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Change
I woke up this morning thinking about change. Maybe because its autumn now and as I look out my window, I see the yellows creeping into my neighbor's maple tree...or maybe because this past year has been one of the greatest seasons of change in my own life to date! Whatever the case, one thing is certain - change is inevitable.
If change is inevitable, why do we sometimes have such an aversion to it? Why does it seem most of us are predisposed to resisting change instead of embracing it? Granted, I understand that not all change is positive, but God can use all change for our good (see Romans 8:28). Even change brought on as the result of our fallen nature - broken relationships, poor choices, and the like. To resist ALL change is to resist the growth and transformation that God intends for us as His children.
I believe that our ability to cope with change is inextricably linked to our faith in God. Do I believe that God is FOR me? Do I believe that God has my best interest in mind even when going through difficult periods of change?
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 says, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we...are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
We cannot expect to be "transformed into his likeness" without undergoing a measure of change. So the question becomes, do we trust God enough to let Him change us? Are we willing to let go of people or situations in our lives that have caused us pain and enter into the freedom that He has for us on the other side?
Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:9-10, and Romans 12:2 are just three instances in Scripture where God exhorts us to leave the old behind and put on the new nature. This is change! And it does not come automatically! WE are told to "put on the new self". WE are told to "transform our minds". It is our responsibility as a Christ-follower to trust God with our lives and embrace the God-driven change He has for us in Christ Jesus.
But the choice is ours. He will not force change upon us. Nor will He grant the growth that comes from change unless we choose to embrace it. Oh, change WILL come. The only question to be answered is, "How will we be moved by it?"
God-driven change will always move us forward, toward God. Self-driven change (or the resistance of God-driven change) will always keep us exactly where we are or, worse yet, move us farther away from God.
The most common example of this that I see as a pastor and counselor is the issue of unforgiveness. God's heart is for us to walk in forgiveness. Forgiveness is the cornerstone of the Good News of Jesus Christ! Forgiveness is why He came! For me to resist the positive change that comes from forgiveness is a greater statement about my faith and trust in God than it is about the person or situation by which I was offended. I'm basically telling God that I'm the lord (small "l" intended) of my life and I would rather stay where I am, thank you very much! To walk in unforgiveness means that I would rather have the illusion of being in control of my life than embrace the growth that comes with change.
The problem is, I don't just stay where I am. Unforgiveness WILL turn into bitterness. And bitterness allows Satan a base of operations in my heart out of which to steal, kill and destroy me and those around me. (see Ephesians 4:17-32; John 10:10)
Can having Satan loosed in my life through unforgiveness possibly outweigh the freedom that comes from change?!? I don't think so.
The life of a disciple is a life of change. And our attitude toward change is about trust. Change requires an element of risk...which is just another word for faith. The servant in Jesus' parable of the talents was not cast into outer darkness because he did anything illegal or immoral. He simply did not trust his Master's heart.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
God's heart is good toward you! So, how are you handling change these days?
Pastor Marc
If change is inevitable, why do we sometimes have such an aversion to it? Why does it seem most of us are predisposed to resisting change instead of embracing it? Granted, I understand that not all change is positive, but God can use all change for our good (see Romans 8:28). Even change brought on as the result of our fallen nature - broken relationships, poor choices, and the like. To resist ALL change is to resist the growth and transformation that God intends for us as His children.
I believe that our ability to cope with change is inextricably linked to our faith in God. Do I believe that God is FOR me? Do I believe that God has my best interest in mind even when going through difficult periods of change?
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 says, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we...are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
We cannot expect to be "transformed into his likeness" without undergoing a measure of change. So the question becomes, do we trust God enough to let Him change us? Are we willing to let go of people or situations in our lives that have caused us pain and enter into the freedom that He has for us on the other side?
Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:9-10, and Romans 12:2 are just three instances in Scripture where God exhorts us to leave the old behind and put on the new nature. This is change! And it does not come automatically! WE are told to "put on the new self". WE are told to "transform our minds". It is our responsibility as a Christ-follower to trust God with our lives and embrace the God-driven change He has for us in Christ Jesus.
But the choice is ours. He will not force change upon us. Nor will He grant the growth that comes from change unless we choose to embrace it. Oh, change WILL come. The only question to be answered is, "How will we be moved by it?"
God-driven change will always move us forward, toward God. Self-driven change (or the resistance of God-driven change) will always keep us exactly where we are or, worse yet, move us farther away from God.
The most common example of this that I see as a pastor and counselor is the issue of unforgiveness. God's heart is for us to walk in forgiveness. Forgiveness is the cornerstone of the Good News of Jesus Christ! Forgiveness is why He came! For me to resist the positive change that comes from forgiveness is a greater statement about my faith and trust in God than it is about the person or situation by which I was offended. I'm basically telling God that I'm the lord (small "l" intended) of my life and I would rather stay where I am, thank you very much! To walk in unforgiveness means that I would rather have the illusion of being in control of my life than embrace the growth that comes with change.
The problem is, I don't just stay where I am. Unforgiveness WILL turn into bitterness. And bitterness allows Satan a base of operations in my heart out of which to steal, kill and destroy me and those around me. (see Ephesians 4:17-32; John 10:10)
Can having Satan loosed in my life through unforgiveness possibly outweigh the freedom that comes from change?!? I don't think so.
The life of a disciple is a life of change. And our attitude toward change is about trust. Change requires an element of risk...which is just another word for faith. The servant in Jesus' parable of the talents was not cast into outer darkness because he did anything illegal or immoral. He simply did not trust his Master's heart.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
God's heart is good toward you! So, how are you handling change these days?
Pastor Marc
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