I've talked to some friends lately. I've watched other people I know around. One of the big struggles I see is addiction. Addiction to drugs, addiction to alchohol, constantly sleeping with people... What is the root of all this, though? It would be easy to just dismiss this quickly as the "work of Satan" and try to pray through it. But, I've always been a believer of having to understand the roots of a problem before being able to deal with it. To me, I think that everyone has a fundamental unhappiness that they're trying to escape or deal with. That probably sounds like a oversimplified explanation; too easy for me to just label away but it's the truth. I've seen people say--"I'm never going to do drugs again" or "I quit drinking" and then sooner or later, they get right back to it. It's an emptiness that people have, that they want to fill or cover up even for a short time. It's a silent need, a longing, an un-expressed desire for more. How do I know? I've been there. I still struggle. It's a loneliness, the desire to be accepted and loved by others; not being satisfied with our direction in life, an un-fulfilled desire for meaning and purpose. "Why am I still single?" or "I've got friends, but why do I still feel lonely?" or "My life is not somewhere I'm happy with and I don't know what to do?" These things don't go away. The problem with just quitting the things we use to cover it up without dealing with the other larger issue, is we are still left with the need to escape the feelings that have been buried. Sometimes when people quit smoking, they need a patch. That substitutes for the physical need while we ease off the addiction. That just shows that you can't just quit these physical things.
I finally had to give it over to God. I don't have all the answers, but the thing is-- He loves me, He is looking over me, He comforts me. This is just a short life, and there is so much more left to come, and I can take comfort in that. I go back and read over the blog I posted from one of my Dad's sermons about peace a bunch. Go back and read it-- it's got some great scriptures that are almost like my "patch." I can have a beer, without worrying that I'm going to send myself to oblivion, because, I have no desire to go to oblivion. I have no need to sleep around, because I don't need the empty promises of a couple hours with a stranger. Don't get me wrong. I'm not glossing over some of the other physical aspects of addiction, but I really don't think we can get over that until these other things are filled. I think that that's one of Satan's worst lies--"I can just quit and I'll be alright"--Once the habit that we were using is gone, we're left staring at the gaping hole that you couldn't see a few days ago, although it was there anyway. Anyway, just some food for thought for the day...
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Friday, December 22, 2006
Is it really that simple?
Hmmm. Humanism. The word of the day. I expect that I'll talk about it a bunch in several posts. There's also modernism and post-modernism, which are another couple of words that come in when we talk about humanism and the church. It's almost ridiculous to try to encapsulate those words down to a sentence or two, but for purposes of this particular blog, I'm going to try. I'll talk about them more specifically in later posts.
Humanism is a word that gets thrown about a bunch and it has roots going all the way back to the renaissance. You can look up all sorts of definitions, but if you had to boil it down, what it basically consists of is a celebration of the works of man. We can discover anything, do anything if we (not just as individuals, but as a culture or species) put our mind to it. There often is a secular element to it, a rejection of the supernatural, an emphasis on man's ability to reason.
Modernism is a more recent development, it started in the late 1800's, and progressed on. I'm going to pull the first sentence out of the Wikipedia entry on modernism, it describes it about as well as anything:
"Modernism is a trend of thought which affirms the power of human beings to make, improve, deconstruct and reshape their built and designed environment, with the aid of scientific knowledge, technology and practical experimentation, thus in its essence both progressive and optimistic."
Post-modernism is a reaction to modernism; a basic rejection of all the promises of progress that it brought. A very cynical view, that in the absence of success, or a purpose, a vacuum is present. There is no absolute truth to a post-modernist.
How these two have affected christianity is a topic for later, but it's interesting to note that if you boil them down, it still comes back to Humanism and the belief in the power of man. I think about this a lot. If you watch T.V. much, you might notice that in relationships that are portrayed, there is constant drama and conflict. Often it is about nothing at all, one partner stirs something up because they feel like there is something wrong in the relationship, even though there isn't. Or watch some reality show like Survivor, and watch all the plotting and scheming. People tend to get voted off who are less scheming. If a contestant follows the golden rule (do unto others...) and just tries to survive and be friendly with everyone, the other players are annoyed and try to get the "miscreant" off. They would rather have players who would stab them in the back, than someone who does the right thing.
These are just a few examples of the folly of man. We tend to make things more complicated than it has to be. I think it springs from this desire to prove the incredible power and reason man has. Unfortunately, we don't feel we have proven it if it isn't complicated--we fall into the trap of thinking that complex is better than simple. Even look at the game of football (or any other sport), all the rules and revisions that constantly go on.
I prove my love for you if our relationship is complex. Complicated equals deep. I've got to be honest, I would be trying to simplify the football game, not adding rules. When we get to church, we've created so many doctrines, beliefs, organizational structures, types of worship... I could go on. Does anybody actually think that what God really values is our intricate designs? Nope. What God really values is our love and worship.
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-39
If the entirety of the Old Testament can hang on two sentences, then it can't be that complicated. Sometimes we get lost in the minutia of what we believe and how we worship that we lose the overriding principle. If you believe that Jesus is the son of God, and in his death and resurrection, and are saved (which is another post topic--lol), that's all it should matter. We can work out the other details later. There would be a lot less schisms in the church today. No voting people off the island; no church statements of faith that have to be published in a fully bound edition. Just a group of people loving God and loving their neighbor. It is really that simple.
Now talking about what exactly loving God and loving our neighbor entails, that's for another time... :)
Humanism is a word that gets thrown about a bunch and it has roots going all the way back to the renaissance. You can look up all sorts of definitions, but if you had to boil it down, what it basically consists of is a celebration of the works of man. We can discover anything, do anything if we (not just as individuals, but as a culture or species) put our mind to it. There often is a secular element to it, a rejection of the supernatural, an emphasis on man's ability to reason.
Modernism is a more recent development, it started in the late 1800's, and progressed on. I'm going to pull the first sentence out of the Wikipedia entry on modernism, it describes it about as well as anything:
"Modernism is a trend of thought which affirms the power of human beings to make, improve, deconstruct and reshape their built and designed environment, with the aid of scientific knowledge, technology and practical experimentation, thus in its essence both progressive and optimistic."
Post-modernism is a reaction to modernism; a basic rejection of all the promises of progress that it brought. A very cynical view, that in the absence of success, or a purpose, a vacuum is present. There is no absolute truth to a post-modernist.
How these two have affected christianity is a topic for later, but it's interesting to note that if you boil them down, it still comes back to Humanism and the belief in the power of man. I think about this a lot. If you watch T.V. much, you might notice that in relationships that are portrayed, there is constant drama and conflict. Often it is about nothing at all, one partner stirs something up because they feel like there is something wrong in the relationship, even though there isn't. Or watch some reality show like Survivor, and watch all the plotting and scheming. People tend to get voted off who are less scheming. If a contestant follows the golden rule (do unto others...) and just tries to survive and be friendly with everyone, the other players are annoyed and try to get the "miscreant" off. They would rather have players who would stab them in the back, than someone who does the right thing.
These are just a few examples of the folly of man. We tend to make things more complicated than it has to be. I think it springs from this desire to prove the incredible power and reason man has. Unfortunately, we don't feel we have proven it if it isn't complicated--we fall into the trap of thinking that complex is better than simple. Even look at the game of football (or any other sport), all the rules and revisions that constantly go on.
I prove my love for you if our relationship is complex. Complicated equals deep. I've got to be honest, I would be trying to simplify the football game, not adding rules. When we get to church, we've created so many doctrines, beliefs, organizational structures, types of worship... I could go on. Does anybody actually think that what God really values is our intricate designs? Nope. What God really values is our love and worship.
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-39
If the entirety of the Old Testament can hang on two sentences, then it can't be that complicated. Sometimes we get lost in the minutia of what we believe and how we worship that we lose the overriding principle. If you believe that Jesus is the son of God, and in his death and resurrection, and are saved (which is another post topic--lol), that's all it should matter. We can work out the other details later. There would be a lot less schisms in the church today. No voting people off the island; no church statements of faith that have to be published in a fully bound edition. Just a group of people loving God and loving their neighbor. It is really that simple.
Now talking about what exactly loving God and loving our neighbor entails, that's for another time... :)
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Peace
This is not all that revolutionary, but boy has it been bugging me for a bit. I was supposed to be going to bed early, but I couldn't sleep, I was thinking about posting this blog. I guess I'm supposed to write it now, then. (I promise to get more controversial in later posts as we get going here!--lol)
There's been a bunch of people, including me, struggling with all sorts of issues lately. I guess that's nothing new, but for me things have been tough. Then I came across one of my Dad's old sermon outlines. It was about peace. Wow. I couldn't imagine how timely that was. I think God meant for me to find that. It's funny how things can take on a new meaning when they all of a sudden apply more to your life... (insert grin of irony here). Anyway, I'm going to try to piece the basic idea of this together for you, between the outline and some of my illegible notes from years ago. For brevity's sake, I'm not typing out all the scriptures, but let me encourage you to go along and look all these up, as you are reading this, not after. The journey is just as important as the destination. I hope it helps!
Prince of Peace (via Wayne Turner sermon outline)
1. The Promise of Peace
The Bible has a bunch of scriptures that talk about the promise of peace. Not that the promise of peace is the only theme in the Bible, or that God wrote a promise of peace into a third stone tablet, but there are plenty of places that talk about the peace we have in Him, or that He will "guide our feet into the path of peace." There's all sorts, read through these few, there are plenty others, but these will give you the idea:
Luke 1:79; 2:14; Isaiah 11:6; John 14:27; 16:33
2. The Paradox of Peace
What exactly is peace? Some definitions include: state of mental/physical quiet or tranquility, calm; the absence or cessation of war; public order; state of reconciliation after conflict; and freedom from mental anxiety. Is this what God is promising? Nope. Read all Matthew 10:34-36. Those verses actually indicate that the Gospel can bring unrest and conflict. Read what Paul had gone through in 2 Corinthians 2:12-13 and 11:23b-29. Beatings, jail, stonings, poverty, all that good stuff. So how do you have peace in the face of trouble, worry hardship and persecution? Contrary to popular thought, real peace is not the absence of difficult.
3. Real Peace
So what is peace, then? Real peace comes through God. You may have heard various quotes from the Bible, "the God of Peace," or "peace of God." The message or Gospel can also be known as the "way of peace." Real peace can come through adversity. Hebrews 12:11 talks about how struggle can produce a harvest of righteousness and peace.
So how do we find it? Peace begins with our relationship with God. His forgiveness, and our faith and trust in Him. We are "at peace" with God. Peace exists in us, in our hearts, minds, and in our lives. It is a "fruit of the Spirit." It shows and gives us strength in difficult times.
Real peace extends to those around us. We are called to be peacemakers. There are other passages that indicate that we should "live at peace with one another" Hebrews 12:14; 'keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" Ephesians 4:3.
So back to just Mike thinking again... that's a lot of stuff to digest. What I get out of it though, has lifted some of the weight from my shoulders. I'll have to keep working on it every day but I'll get there. I realized that many of us expect God to be our butler, nurse and magic genie. I do believe that God intervenes directly in our lives, but what about those times when we are beaten down, suffering, and God doesn't seem to be doing anything about our predicament? He IS!! That's the awesome part. The problem is, we just don't see it, because He's not doing what we expect Him to. What the verses above are saying is that God never promised us that we would all live lives free of hardship, conflict, and struggle. What they DO indicate is that God has something better that will get us through.
I get this hilarious image in my head of a small klutzy child (I was definitely one). However, Mom and Dad can't bear to see their child get hurt, so they surround the kid with foam, styrofoam peanuts and packing tape (or the "Bubble Boy" now that I think of it). But, the kid never learns how to be independent, and never experiences anything good either. That's the situation in God's relationship to us--if He were to always step in, to keep all of us worry and trouble free He'd have to control everything and everyone. Not that He couldn't, but we'd lose all free will in the process. So what instead?
God has shown us what real peace is--We're never alone; He will always love us, even when noone does; If we die, we have somewhere we go, so this is not the end; money is not the important part of life--in Heaven, it is worthless; No matter what we've done, He will forgive us; I could go on. Once we accept real peace into our lives, it will spread. We've all heard the stories about someone wanting to know what so-and-so had that no-one else did, because they were different. That's real peace showing. I'm longing to get there myself, I don't know if my own life is there yet, but it's something I'm working on... hope it helps someone else, too!
There's been a bunch of people, including me, struggling with all sorts of issues lately. I guess that's nothing new, but for me things have been tough. Then I came across one of my Dad's old sermon outlines. It was about peace. Wow. I couldn't imagine how timely that was. I think God meant for me to find that. It's funny how things can take on a new meaning when they all of a sudden apply more to your life... (insert grin of irony here). Anyway, I'm going to try to piece the basic idea of this together for you, between the outline and some of my illegible notes from years ago. For brevity's sake, I'm not typing out all the scriptures, but let me encourage you to go along and look all these up, as you are reading this, not after. The journey is just as important as the destination. I hope it helps!
Prince of Peace (via Wayne Turner sermon outline)
1. The Promise of Peace
The Bible has a bunch of scriptures that talk about the promise of peace. Not that the promise of peace is the only theme in the Bible, or that God wrote a promise of peace into a third stone tablet, but there are plenty of places that talk about the peace we have in Him, or that He will "guide our feet into the path of peace." There's all sorts, read through these few, there are plenty others, but these will give you the idea:
Luke 1:79; 2:14; Isaiah 11:6; John 14:27; 16:33
2. The Paradox of Peace
What exactly is peace? Some definitions include: state of mental/physical quiet or tranquility, calm; the absence or cessation of war; public order; state of reconciliation after conflict; and freedom from mental anxiety. Is this what God is promising? Nope. Read all Matthew 10:34-36. Those verses actually indicate that the Gospel can bring unrest and conflict. Read what Paul had gone through in 2 Corinthians 2:12-13 and 11:23b-29. Beatings, jail, stonings, poverty, all that good stuff. So how do you have peace in the face of trouble, worry hardship and persecution? Contrary to popular thought, real peace is not the absence of difficult.
3. Real Peace
So what is peace, then? Real peace comes through God. You may have heard various quotes from the Bible, "the God of Peace," or "peace of God." The message or Gospel can also be known as the "way of peace." Real peace can come through adversity. Hebrews 12:11 talks about how struggle can produce a harvest of righteousness and peace.
So how do we find it? Peace begins with our relationship with God. His forgiveness, and our faith and trust in Him. We are "at peace" with God. Peace exists in us, in our hearts, minds, and in our lives. It is a "fruit of the Spirit." It shows and gives us strength in difficult times.
Real peace extends to those around us. We are called to be peacemakers. There are other passages that indicate that we should "live at peace with one another" Hebrews 12:14; 'keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" Ephesians 4:3.
So back to just Mike thinking again... that's a lot of stuff to digest. What I get out of it though, has lifted some of the weight from my shoulders. I'll have to keep working on it every day but I'll get there. I realized that many of us expect God to be our butler, nurse and magic genie. I do believe that God intervenes directly in our lives, but what about those times when we are beaten down, suffering, and God doesn't seem to be doing anything about our predicament? He IS!! That's the awesome part. The problem is, we just don't see it, because He's not doing what we expect Him to. What the verses above are saying is that God never promised us that we would all live lives free of hardship, conflict, and struggle. What they DO indicate is that God has something better that will get us through.
I get this hilarious image in my head of a small klutzy child (I was definitely one). However, Mom and Dad can't bear to see their child get hurt, so they surround the kid with foam, styrofoam peanuts and packing tape (or the "Bubble Boy" now that I think of it). But, the kid never learns how to be independent, and never experiences anything good either. That's the situation in God's relationship to us--if He were to always step in, to keep all of us worry and trouble free He'd have to control everything and everyone. Not that He couldn't, but we'd lose all free will in the process. So what instead?
God has shown us what real peace is--We're never alone; He will always love us, even when noone does; If we die, we have somewhere we go, so this is not the end; money is not the important part of life--in Heaven, it is worthless; No matter what we've done, He will forgive us; I could go on. Once we accept real peace into our lives, it will spread. We've all heard the stories about someone wanting to know what so-and-so had that no-one else did, because they were different. That's real peace showing. I'm longing to get there myself, I don't know if my own life is there yet, but it's something I'm working on... hope it helps someone else, too!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
First Post, Faking...
I love my Mom and Dad, I know I can disagree with them sometimes, but it does always make me think. I come from a discussion with them wiser for it, and usually better able to articulate what I'm trying to say. One of the things I love about Mom is that she always forwards me these articles, sometimes from the news, or sometimes some religious article that she found that I might like or mean something to me. In the course of one of these forwards, I happened on an article on the same site as the piece she sent me. It struck me, and I just thought I'd share. This topic has been on my mind for a while and I expect that I'm not finished with it. However here's a good start:
From the Christianity Today website:
Faking Church
Do we really want to serve God..or is it more rewarding to just look the part?
by Dan Schaeffer
Ned sits down next to his wife, Tanya, in the church his family has called home for many years. He smiles, waves, jokes, and engages in friendly banter with everyone around him. He is a fixture in the church, having been involved in leadership for many years. Ned is well known, well liked, and deeply admired for his spiritual life. Frank, one of the men he has discipled, waves to him from across the church. Ned smiles and waves back. He remembers sharing with Frank how to live the Christian life. Suddenly he feels a pang of guilt.
Who Are We Serving?
It happens slowly, subtly. Most Christians aren't even aware of it when it happens. The "it" is a spiritual deception. What others see of our faith and service to Christ has become distorted..inevitably in our favor. We've become fakers.
Years ago I was in a church where a new and exciting ministry was opening up. I was hoping to be chosen to lead the ministry. I felt I was the best qualified and was sure I would be chosen. I wasn't. I was frustrated, angry, and jealous. Of course, I didn't show it.
I see it clearly now, how I was motivated by ego, pride, and ambition. But these are "hidden" sins, so very easily cloaked. This is not to say I did not love God. I did. But sadly, I wanted to serve me more than I wanted to serve Him.
By withholding this opportunity, God was working to dislodge a destructive attitude that would threaten to destroy any sincere ministry I might attempt. I had forgotten that my gift had not been given to me for my personal glory.
When you represent God so visibly, such as with a teaching gift, it can be nearly impossible for anyone to detect you're a fake. You're saying such great things about God that you outwardly appear to be the picture of sincerity. No one may ever know. Except for God.
You may read your Bible regularly, listen to Christian radio programs frequently, or watch Christian television religiously. You may read Christian books by the most popular Christian authors, go to Promise Keepers or Women of Faith conferences faithfully. You may be a popular leader in your Christian circles. You may even feel very spiritual at times, but you're a fake, an imposter.
Secret Identities
I have, on numerous Sunday mornings, preached a message that deeply moved members of the congregation. Ironically, I had "prepared" for ministry that morning by arguing with my wife on the way to church, or made life miserable for my children because they were making us late. But years of practice came to the rescue, and I easily morphed into "Pastor Dan." I was instantly compassionate, holy, and spiritual. I was faking church.
When Jesus sent out His disciples on the first mission, they came back and exclaimed with great excitement "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." He encouraged them, but also warned them: "Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:17-20). It is addicting to be the center of attention in ministry.
When I counsel with someone and she or he tells me how great a listener I am and how much I have helped, it feels good. When I teach and I am praised for my insight or delivery, it feels good. When I visit the sick and they express their appreciation, it feels good. Doing good is not often as rewarding to me as looking or feeling good. I can do some really good things for some really lousy reasons. Feeling needed, respected, wanted, and significant can become as great a motivation as love for Christ.
A. W. Tozer once wrote, "Many a solo is sung to show off; many a sermon is preached as an exhibition of talent; many a church is founded as a slap to some other church. Even missionary activity may become competitive, and soul winning may degenerate into [something] to satisfy the flesh."
We're all fakes. Oh, we're not all fakes all the time. In fact we can spend a good deal of our time truly and genuinely serving. But most of us would admit that the spiritual image others have of us isn't always accurate. It is a fearful thing to let others in on the dark secret.
Like Ananias and Sapphira
I don't want to suggest that we never truly serve Christ. More to the point, we begin to serve ourselves just a little more than we serve Him. And over and over again the story of Ananias and Sapphira is played out..in the church and in us.
In Acts 5 we read the story of this couple in the early church who, on seeing the generosity of other believers who gave up land and possessions to be sold to give to the poor, decided that was a great idea..in principle. What they were really attracted to was the increased spiritual standing that each of these people who so unselfishly gave received.
Ananias and Sapphira are the original church fakers. They decided to sell a piece of land they owned, but secretly gave only half the proceeds. They wanted a spiritual reputation, but they didn't want to pay retail. This deception, revealed by the Holy Spirit, was dealt with severely. Fortunately, their secret defection now serves as a warning to us.
We are taught to loathe their example, but I'm afraid we've often copied it. There is a great deal more of Ananias and Sapphira in me than I care to admit. The answer to this dilemma does not lie in removing ourselves from our ministries or positions, or our churches. Church is the ideal haven for fakes and sinners of all kinds. We simply need to be willing to admit we've been faking it. I have found that the Holy Spirit can very effectively reveal my less-than-noble motivations upon request. I have also begun to discover the much more fulfilling ministry of genuine service.
We need to ask God to begin to reveal to us improper motivations for service and spiritual reputations we do not deserve. This is at first depressing. But it is also freeing, as the truth always is.
Faking church will always be tempting, but when we admit the truth, it becomes a temptation we can resist.
Adapted from Moody (July/Aug. 2003), © Dan Schaeffer. Schaeffer is co-pastor of Shoreline Community Church in Santa Barbara. He expands on this theme in his book Faking Church (Barbour).
The original article that my Mom sent me on Gentleness:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/areas/biblestudies/articles/061206.html
From the Christianity Today website:
Faking Church
Do we really want to serve God..or is it more rewarding to just look the part?
by Dan Schaeffer
Ned sits down next to his wife, Tanya, in the church his family has called home for many years. He smiles, waves, jokes, and engages in friendly banter with everyone around him. He is a fixture in the church, having been involved in leadership for many years. Ned is well known, well liked, and deeply admired for his spiritual life. Frank, one of the men he has discipled, waves to him from across the church. Ned smiles and waves back. He remembers sharing with Frank how to live the Christian life. Suddenly he feels a pang of guilt.
Who Are We Serving?
It happens slowly, subtly. Most Christians aren't even aware of it when it happens. The "it" is a spiritual deception. What others see of our faith and service to Christ has become distorted..inevitably in our favor. We've become fakers.
Years ago I was in a church where a new and exciting ministry was opening up. I was hoping to be chosen to lead the ministry. I felt I was the best qualified and was sure I would be chosen. I wasn't. I was frustrated, angry, and jealous. Of course, I didn't show it.
I see it clearly now, how I was motivated by ego, pride, and ambition. But these are "hidden" sins, so very easily cloaked. This is not to say I did not love God. I did. But sadly, I wanted to serve me more than I wanted to serve Him.
By withholding this opportunity, God was working to dislodge a destructive attitude that would threaten to destroy any sincere ministry I might attempt. I had forgotten that my gift had not been given to me for my personal glory.
When you represent God so visibly, such as with a teaching gift, it can be nearly impossible for anyone to detect you're a fake. You're saying such great things about God that you outwardly appear to be the picture of sincerity. No one may ever know. Except for God.
You may read your Bible regularly, listen to Christian radio programs frequently, or watch Christian television religiously. You may read Christian books by the most popular Christian authors, go to Promise Keepers or Women of Faith conferences faithfully. You may be a popular leader in your Christian circles. You may even feel very spiritual at times, but you're a fake, an imposter.
Secret Identities
I have, on numerous Sunday mornings, preached a message that deeply moved members of the congregation. Ironically, I had "prepared" for ministry that morning by arguing with my wife on the way to church, or made life miserable for my children because they were making us late. But years of practice came to the rescue, and I easily morphed into "Pastor Dan." I was instantly compassionate, holy, and spiritual. I was faking church.
When Jesus sent out His disciples on the first mission, they came back and exclaimed with great excitement "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." He encouraged them, but also warned them: "Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:17-20). It is addicting to be the center of attention in ministry.
When I counsel with someone and she or he tells me how great a listener I am and how much I have helped, it feels good. When I teach and I am praised for my insight or delivery, it feels good. When I visit the sick and they express their appreciation, it feels good. Doing good is not often as rewarding to me as looking or feeling good. I can do some really good things for some really lousy reasons. Feeling needed, respected, wanted, and significant can become as great a motivation as love for Christ.
A. W. Tozer once wrote, "Many a solo is sung to show off; many a sermon is preached as an exhibition of talent; many a church is founded as a slap to some other church. Even missionary activity may become competitive, and soul winning may degenerate into [something] to satisfy the flesh."
We're all fakes. Oh, we're not all fakes all the time. In fact we can spend a good deal of our time truly and genuinely serving. But most of us would admit that the spiritual image others have of us isn't always accurate. It is a fearful thing to let others in on the dark secret.
Like Ananias and Sapphira
I don't want to suggest that we never truly serve Christ. More to the point, we begin to serve ourselves just a little more than we serve Him. And over and over again the story of Ananias and Sapphira is played out..in the church and in us.
In Acts 5 we read the story of this couple in the early church who, on seeing the generosity of other believers who gave up land and possessions to be sold to give to the poor, decided that was a great idea..in principle. What they were really attracted to was the increased spiritual standing that each of these people who so unselfishly gave received.
Ananias and Sapphira are the original church fakers. They decided to sell a piece of land they owned, but secretly gave only half the proceeds. They wanted a spiritual reputation, but they didn't want to pay retail. This deception, revealed by the Holy Spirit, was dealt with severely. Fortunately, their secret defection now serves as a warning to us.
We are taught to loathe their example, but I'm afraid we've often copied it. There is a great deal more of Ananias and Sapphira in me than I care to admit. The answer to this dilemma does not lie in removing ourselves from our ministries or positions, or our churches. Church is the ideal haven for fakes and sinners of all kinds. We simply need to be willing to admit we've been faking it. I have found that the Holy Spirit can very effectively reveal my less-than-noble motivations upon request. I have also begun to discover the much more fulfilling ministry of genuine service.
We need to ask God to begin to reveal to us improper motivations for service and spiritual reputations we do not deserve. This is at first depressing. But it is also freeing, as the truth always is.
Faking church will always be tempting, but when we admit the truth, it becomes a temptation we can resist.
Adapted from Moody (July/Aug. 2003), © Dan Schaeffer. Schaeffer is co-pastor of Shoreline Community Church in Santa Barbara. He expands on this theme in his book Faking Church (Barbour).
The original article that my Mom sent me on Gentleness:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/areas/biblestudies/articles/061206.html
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