Back when I served as pastor in East Texas, I felt the LORD leading me to preach through 1 Corinthians. It was a great experience, and it helped me gain a better understanding of how we as followers of Christ are supposed to relate to each other. But chapter 13 had the most profound impact, and it started me on a path that I am still trying to understand.
I highly recommend you read 1 Corinthians 13 before reading this post. And I mean all of it. Don't just assume you know what it says. That's what I did at first, and then when I actually studied it, I was floored.
1 Corinthians is a letter from Paul to the Corinthian church that addresses several problems that had arisen among them. In Chapter 12 he spends a great deal of time discussing the importance of unity and how now one person is more important than the other. He uses the imagery of a human body and how all the intricate parts work together. And then he closes the chapter with "And now I will show you the most excellent way." In other words, as important as what he just said is, what's coming is even more so.
The first three verses of Chapter 13 are often quoted as evidence that the sign gifts are still around. But I don't think that's the point. I think the point Paul is making here is that it doesn't matter how gifted he is at anything, if he does not have love, then those gifts are pointless. Love is supreme; without it nothing we do is effective. It doesn't matter if we have perfect doctrine, strong ministries, beautiful buildings, or skilled pastors--if we do not have love, then we're nothing.
Nowadays that seems to be the first thing to go. I know several men and women who can quote the Bible backwards and forwards, know church history almost better than American history, and can give seamless arguments based on the Bible of why abortion, homosexuality, and evolution are not Godly positions. But when it comes to people who love others, and love others to the extent that Christ has commanded us...
I can think of maybe four people. And none of those four people is me.
So if Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, says that love is the most important thing a follower of Christ can have--so much so that nothing else matters without it--but it is the thing that we are least known for in modern day Christianity, then clearly we've missed the boat somewhere.
The next questions to come up is, "Well, what does it look like to love? How am I supposed to love other people?" Enter verses 4-7. You all can probably quote it with me. "Love is patient. Love is kind...etc." That's what love looks like. Where does it say love judges hearts? No where. Where does it say love ridicules in the name of good doctrine? No where. Where does it say love means telling people to be more like me? No where. In fact, everything I read about love suggests that you put other people before yourself.
And yes, I did read where it says, "Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." But that does not say we get to be mean about the truth. If, when Christopher Hitchins died, your reaction was, "Ha! Bet he's not an atheist now!" then you were not showing love...you were delighting in the evil of watching a man created by God perish. If, when Joel Osteen supposedly left the faith, your reaction was, "Ha! I'm not surprised. He wasn't a real Christian anyway," then you were not showing love...you were delighting in the evil of watching someone lose their faith in God. We have to be able to have our beliefs without being buttholes about them. Why? BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS TO DO!!!
Finally, Paul makes the point that love is the only thing that will last forever. All the things that we think are so important will one day pass away. There will come a time when even Scripture will be obsolete. When Jesus returns, we'll have no need for Bibles, because the very Word of God will be standing before us (John 1:1). The only thing that will endure into eternity is love. "But these three remain: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love."
It was from here that some thoughts started churning in my mind. Those will have to wait for another post. For now, chew on this, and if you have any comments, please feel free to share.
Remember, it doesn't matter how right you are, if you do not have love for the person you speak to when you speak truth, then you might as well not speak at all.
I leave you with a quote that a good friend of mine shared on his Facebook wall. "Truth without love is merely facts, and facts have never set anyone free."
Keep Soaring,
B
Showing posts with label theology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label theology. Show all posts
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
A More Light-Hearted Post...
Looking back on my posts, I realize that the past several have been extremely heavy. I feel like I need to spend some time talking about what good is going on in my life.
Leaving my position as pastor is proving every day to be a good decision. It was a hard one to make, and not one that I made whimsically or even happily. But the returns from that decision, and the rest I've gotten because of it, have been much needed and wonderful.
I spent yesterday afternoon rolling on the floor playing with Brayson and Mandy. I watched him laugh at the goofy faces I made, trip over himself as he slowly tried to understand the mechanics of walking (not there yet, but getting close!!), and give the biggest grin when he heard his Mama talk. He was twenty pounds of pure joy, and I soaked up every second of it that I could.
Brayson's 11 months old today. 1 month short of the Big Time!!
I've spent a lot of time asking some hard questions about my faith. And the answers I've found have been enlightening. I think my relationship with Christ, although difficult and a struggle at times, is the best its been in years. I don't have all the answers, and some answers I may never have, but the journey to find those answers has been edifying so far, and I look forward to where it will lead me and my family next.
Every time I'm asked to step out on faith, there's always that nagging fear that maybe I'm wrong, that things are about to fall apart. But so far, things have actually been falling together. I feel....aligned...in ways I haven't in a long time.
God is good, both in the land that is plentiful and the desert place. Even if nothing was going right, God would still be good. But, for now, He has chosen to place me in the plentiful land. And I am grateful for it.
Leaving my position as pastor is proving every day to be a good decision. It was a hard one to make, and not one that I made whimsically or even happily. But the returns from that decision, and the rest I've gotten because of it, have been much needed and wonderful.
I spent yesterday afternoon rolling on the floor playing with Brayson and Mandy. I watched him laugh at the goofy faces I made, trip over himself as he slowly tried to understand the mechanics of walking (not there yet, but getting close!!), and give the biggest grin when he heard his Mama talk. He was twenty pounds of pure joy, and I soaked up every second of it that I could.
Brayson's 11 months old today. 1 month short of the Big Time!!
I've spent a lot of time asking some hard questions about my faith. And the answers I've found have been enlightening. I think my relationship with Christ, although difficult and a struggle at times, is the best its been in years. I don't have all the answers, and some answers I may never have, but the journey to find those answers has been edifying so far, and I look forward to where it will lead me and my family next.
Every time I'm asked to step out on faith, there's always that nagging fear that maybe I'm wrong, that things are about to fall apart. But so far, things have actually been falling together. I feel....aligned...in ways I haven't in a long time.
God is good, both in the land that is plentiful and the desert place. Even if nothing was going right, God would still be good. But, for now, He has chosen to place me in the plentiful land. And I am grateful for it.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
The whole Gay Marriage thing...
I posted this as a comment on a friend's facebook and thought it would make a good blog post:
Marriage, as defined by the Bible, is a relationship between a man and a woman. That is how God designed it from the beginning, and that is how we as his creation should view it as. Homosexuality is defined as a sin, no better or worse than any other sin a person could commit. It isn't the unpardonable sin, but it is still sin.
Now, my thoughts on where my faith and gay marriage collide:
To me, the authority behind marriage is God. When a man and a woman promise themselves to each other, making that promise with God as their witness is what makes them married. The paperwork that everyone signs at the end is just the government recognizing a civil union between two people. That civil union carries with it certain tax benefits and such that are relevant to the way our system works.
If a government wants to extend the civil union to same sex couples, that is their choice. I would not call it marriage, because the government is not the ultimate authority on marriage. It is, however, the authority on what it defines as a civil union between two people. So, if Obama wants to recognize civil unions between same sex partners, our government has created ways for him to pursue that vision, and as an American, I am obligated to honor that decision. But I wouldn't call it marriage.
As far as homosexuality being a sin...yes, I believe it is a sin. But you know what? This morning, when a student smart mouthed me and I yelled at him, I was angry with him. Guess what? That was a sin. When we tell our bosses we're sick when we're really not just to stay home, that's a sin. When we judge people who are different than us and assume that we are better than them, that's a sin. Homosexuality is not an alternative lifestyle; it's a sin, but it's not any worse than any other sin a person can commit on a daily basis.
As a follower of Christ, its my hope that in dealing with same sex couples, I would be able to show them the same love and compassion that Jesus did. He was very good about loving people while not condoning the evil they committed, and I want to do the same. So I don't think that homosexuals are subhuman people...they're just sinners like the rest of us, who need Jesus like the rest of us. So, to paraphrase some picket signs, God made Adam and Eve, and He even made Steve. And while all three of them have sins on their hearts, God loves all three of them. That's why Jesus came in the first place.
Keep Soaring,
B
Marriage, as defined by the Bible, is a relationship between a man and a woman. That is how God designed it from the beginning, and that is how we as his creation should view it as. Homosexuality is defined as a sin, no better or worse than any other sin a person could commit. It isn't the unpardonable sin, but it is still sin.
Now, my thoughts on where my faith and gay marriage collide:
To me, the authority behind marriage is God. When a man and a woman promise themselves to each other, making that promise with God as their witness is what makes them married. The paperwork that everyone signs at the end is just the government recognizing a civil union between two people. That civil union carries with it certain tax benefits and such that are relevant to the way our system works.
If a government wants to extend the civil union to same sex couples, that is their choice. I would not call it marriage, because the government is not the ultimate authority on marriage. It is, however, the authority on what it defines as a civil union between two people. So, if Obama wants to recognize civil unions between same sex partners, our government has created ways for him to pursue that vision, and as an American, I am obligated to honor that decision. But I wouldn't call it marriage.
As far as homosexuality being a sin...yes, I believe it is a sin. But you know what? This morning, when a student smart mouthed me and I yelled at him, I was angry with him. Guess what? That was a sin. When we tell our bosses we're sick when we're really not just to stay home, that's a sin. When we judge people who are different than us and assume that we are better than them, that's a sin. Homosexuality is not an alternative lifestyle; it's a sin, but it's not any worse than any other sin a person can commit on a daily basis.
As a follower of Christ, its my hope that in dealing with same sex couples, I would be able to show them the same love and compassion that Jesus did. He was very good about loving people while not condoning the evil they committed, and I want to do the same. So I don't think that homosexuals are subhuman people...they're just sinners like the rest of us, who need Jesus like the rest of us. So, to paraphrase some picket signs, God made Adam and Eve, and He even made Steve. And while all three of them have sins on their hearts, God loves all three of them. That's why Jesus came in the first place.
Keep Soaring,
B
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Parents, Pagans, and Pentecost
I read an article this morning. Here's the link: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/01/18/pagan-mom-challenges-bibles-in-north-carolina-school/
Now, normally I don't get involved with politics. They never have solved any problems and I doubt they ever will. But this is something that I've given a lot of thought to, and I feel the need to share my opinion just this one time.
In reading this, most of the evangelicals are going to be up in arms, saying that Gideons should have every right to distribute Bibles to students. And in the same breath, they'll say that children shouldn't be exposed to that "Satan-worshiping garbage" that Wiccan books promote. I understand the sentiment, but we can't have our cake and eat it too.
Let me clarify. I want Gideons to come to my high school. I want Bibles handed out to every student. I want every person that walks my campus to know about the redemptive power of Jesus Christ and that we are reconciled to God by His death and Resurrection. And I feel very strongly that as an American, the Constitution protects my rights to try to achieve that.
Here's the thing: Those same rights that allow me to tell everyone about my Christian faith allow everyone else to tell me about their faith. Gideons should be allowed to pass out Bibles to the students that want one, but Wiccans and Muslims and Buddhists and everyone else should be allowed to do the same. That's what the founding fathers had in mind when they designed "separation of church and state." It doesn't mean that there is no religion. It means that the government can't pick a favorite religion, even if its a religion that I believe in. (Btw, that also means they can't pick a most-hated religion either).
Given the choice between everyone can share their faith or no one can share their faith, I would pick everyone at the drop of a hat. If you don't want your children to bring material home from another religion, tell them not to go to the booth. Or better yet, educate them so that they recognize the difference between what they believe and what that "other book" says. In my experience, the only people that refuse to educate themselves on other beliefs are the people who are afraid their own beliefs will be proved wrong.
I want to be able to share my faith in Christ without having some civil liberties group breathing down my neck. The only way that's going to happen is if everyone gets the same treatment, Christian and non-Christian alike. And you know, hearing other people's beliefs isn't all that horrible. You might find it helps you understand why you believe what you believe.
So, that's my two cents on the topic. Feel free to comment, disagree, or agree wholeheartedly. Just keep it cordial.
Keep Soaring,
B
Now, normally I don't get involved with politics. They never have solved any problems and I doubt they ever will. But this is something that I've given a lot of thought to, and I feel the need to share my opinion just this one time.
In reading this, most of the evangelicals are going to be up in arms, saying that Gideons should have every right to distribute Bibles to students. And in the same breath, they'll say that children shouldn't be exposed to that "Satan-worshiping garbage" that Wiccan books promote. I understand the sentiment, but we can't have our cake and eat it too.
Let me clarify. I want Gideons to come to my high school. I want Bibles handed out to every student. I want every person that walks my campus to know about the redemptive power of Jesus Christ and that we are reconciled to God by His death and Resurrection. And I feel very strongly that as an American, the Constitution protects my rights to try to achieve that.
Here's the thing: Those same rights that allow me to tell everyone about my Christian faith allow everyone else to tell me about their faith. Gideons should be allowed to pass out Bibles to the students that want one, but Wiccans and Muslims and Buddhists and everyone else should be allowed to do the same. That's what the founding fathers had in mind when they designed "separation of church and state." It doesn't mean that there is no religion. It means that the government can't pick a favorite religion, even if its a religion that I believe in. (Btw, that also means they can't pick a most-hated religion either).
Given the choice between everyone can share their faith or no one can share their faith, I would pick everyone at the drop of a hat. If you don't want your children to bring material home from another religion, tell them not to go to the booth. Or better yet, educate them so that they recognize the difference between what they believe and what that "other book" says. In my experience, the only people that refuse to educate themselves on other beliefs are the people who are afraid their own beliefs will be proved wrong.
I want to be able to share my faith in Christ without having some civil liberties group breathing down my neck. The only way that's going to happen is if everyone gets the same treatment, Christian and non-Christian alike. And you know, hearing other people's beliefs isn't all that horrible. You might find it helps you understand why you believe what you believe.
So, that's my two cents on the topic. Feel free to comment, disagree, or agree wholeheartedly. Just keep it cordial.
Keep Soaring,
B
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Pencils, babies, Youtube, and kindergarten...
So a quick update on happenings of late:
Mandy got me a pencil set and sketch pad for Christmas. I picked up a drawing set and tried my hand and utilizing the various shades made the varying hardness on the lead. The result? I had a lot of fun, and I don't think I'm going to draw the same ever again.
Went to another doctor appointment yesterday. Brayson arrives in 85 days, assuming he gets here on schedule. I find myself filled with excitement and a little fear. Fatherhood is one of those experiences I always knew I'd go through, but actually being in it is something I can't begin to describe. Looking forward to next month so that I get to see him on the sonogram again.
I'm sure you've all at least heard about the "Why I love Jesus but hate religion" video. It's stirred up a lot of talk. I gotta say I'm glad that at least some of his critics are handling their issues with grace. Its okay to disagree. Just be sure you do it in such a way that it shows love.
I've had to use some very elementary school style tactics to get my kids to behave. The sad thing is--it worked. Perhaps I've been overestimating the maturity of my students.
Until next time...
Keep Soaring,
B
Mandy got me a pencil set and sketch pad for Christmas. I picked up a drawing set and tried my hand and utilizing the various shades made the varying hardness on the lead. The result? I had a lot of fun, and I don't think I'm going to draw the same ever again.
Went to another doctor appointment yesterday. Brayson arrives in 85 days, assuming he gets here on schedule. I find myself filled with excitement and a little fear. Fatherhood is one of those experiences I always knew I'd go through, but actually being in it is something I can't begin to describe. Looking forward to next month so that I get to see him on the sonogram again.
I'm sure you've all at least heard about the "Why I love Jesus but hate religion" video. It's stirred up a lot of talk. I gotta say I'm glad that at least some of his critics are handling their issues with grace. Its okay to disagree. Just be sure you do it in such a way that it shows love.
I've had to use some very elementary school style tactics to get my kids to behave. The sad thing is--it worked. Perhaps I've been overestimating the maturity of my students.
Until next time...
Keep Soaring,
B
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