I don't know if there is any other undertaking I do on a regular basis that so commonly leads me to a selfish, impatient, angry attitude than driving. Commuting. What is it about driving that causes me to have such hatred and vindictiveness toward other people. It seems I can wait for someone slow in the grocery store line, but if someone doesn't step on it at a turning light, I just about lose my mind. Can't they see that their incompetence to drive will cause me to have to wait for another whole turning light?
And how about someone merging in, or trying to change lanes? Not in front of me buddy! And then I tailgate the guy in front of me just to keep him out.
Why can't we take the attitude of Christ when we drive? I have been trying to, but it seems to be exceedingly difficult. It is something I continue to work on. Can anyone identify?
I remember one incident that was particularly convicting. I was on my way to meet someone from the church, who I had not met before, except over the phone. I was almost at Denny's when some guy sort of cut me off. I almost gave him a big fat honk on the horn, but thankfully I didn't. But that's not to say I didn't cultivate some less than godly thoughts. The guy who cut me off pulled into the Denny's parking lot, and we both got out. It was evident that he was the guy I was supposed to be meeting. How awkward would it have been had I enacted my road rage on him? Wow.
But I suppose I should treat everyone on the road like someone from the church. My grace for them might abound if I knew I was going to see them on Sunday morning.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Contrition
Contrition, humility, openness, brokenness, vulnerability, submission - these are the things that must characterize the Christian's life. It isn't perfection, production or holiness that should define us. An increasing level of devotion and a steadily increasing change in our hearts and actions? Yes, but absolute holiness is impossible. My life, my body, my mind, will always bear the marks of my fallen state.
The key, rather, is to be at all times vividly aware of my weaknesses, my shortcomings and my need for the Lord. Especially when I sin, it is important to immediately run back to God and let Him straighten my posture. It isn't that sin isn't a problem - it is THE problem. But it is a problem that has been dealt with, at least in the spiritual realm. So, knowing the presence of Christ and His completed sacrifice, we should hastily return to throne of God and let Him correct us. "A contrite spirit, Oh Lord, you will not despise." (Psalm 51)
I know first hand the damage that is done to my relationship with God, and consequently, all of my relationships, if I put off dealing properly with my sin.
Under NO circumstances will we be turned away by God if our spirit is truly contrite! Hebrews 10:14: "...because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." The work before God has been done - we can approach Him at all times. In actuality we still sin, yet spiritually we have been cleaned. As Luther said, "we are like snow covered dung." Ephesians says, "God...made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions..." (2:5)
Maybe these thoughts aren't profound at first - yet I think it is a shame when the profound truths of the gospel become dull. But the more I think about this stuff, the more profound it becomes.
This attitude, too, is a more effective way of dealing with sin than all the focus and effort we often exert in avoiding it. Not that we shouldn't avoid it, but it is not as though we must overcome all sin before we are accepted. Rather, we should continually bring it before God, knowing of His power to forgive, cleanse, and renew.
The key, rather, is to be at all times vividly aware of my weaknesses, my shortcomings and my need for the Lord. Especially when I sin, it is important to immediately run back to God and let Him straighten my posture. It isn't that sin isn't a problem - it is THE problem. But it is a problem that has been dealt with, at least in the spiritual realm. So, knowing the presence of Christ and His completed sacrifice, we should hastily return to throne of God and let Him correct us. "A contrite spirit, Oh Lord, you will not despise." (Psalm 51)
I know first hand the damage that is done to my relationship with God, and consequently, all of my relationships, if I put off dealing properly with my sin.
Under NO circumstances will we be turned away by God if our spirit is truly contrite! Hebrews 10:14: "...because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." The work before God has been done - we can approach Him at all times. In actuality we still sin, yet spiritually we have been cleaned. As Luther said, "we are like snow covered dung." Ephesians says, "God...made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions..." (2:5)
Maybe these thoughts aren't profound at first - yet I think it is a shame when the profound truths of the gospel become dull. But the more I think about this stuff, the more profound it becomes.
This attitude, too, is a more effective way of dealing with sin than all the focus and effort we often exert in avoiding it. Not that we shouldn't avoid it, but it is not as though we must overcome all sin before we are accepted. Rather, we should continually bring it before God, knowing of His power to forgive, cleanse, and renew.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Proselytizer
pros⋅e⋅lyt⋅ize
to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte; recruit.
Today I had someone say to me, "I don't like being proselytized." It was an interesting conversation with someone I don't know particularly well. I was questioning this person's beliefs about God (they are an atheist) and what they believed about our origins. This person got offended when I presented some basic arguments against atheism. I didn't mean to be too forward or pushy, but apparently I was.
The comment made me realize something, or at least it reinforced what I already knew - arguments and debates don't generally win people to Christ. More often, I think the heart is reached by kindness and love. "They will know we are Christians by our love." Not by our well reasoned, polished arguments. Although I'd like to have those too.
Well, this blog can't be considered proselytizing, cause you chose to read it!
to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte; recruit.
Today I had someone say to me, "I don't like being proselytized." It was an interesting conversation with someone I don't know particularly well. I was questioning this person's beliefs about God (they are an atheist) and what they believed about our origins. This person got offended when I presented some basic arguments against atheism. I didn't mean to be too forward or pushy, but apparently I was.
The comment made me realize something, or at least it reinforced what I already knew - arguments and debates don't generally win people to Christ. More often, I think the heart is reached by kindness and love. "They will know we are Christians by our love." Not by our well reasoned, polished arguments. Although I'd like to have those too.
Well, this blog can't be considered proselytizing, cause you chose to read it!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sin
Calvin Miller, in his book, "Into the Depths of God", writes:
"The inner lie is 'I'm OK.' The outer lie is 'You're OK.' The cultural tomfoolery is that everybody's OK. There are two ways to deal with our sin. The first is to look at it and say, 'I'm OK.' The second is to say, 'Well to be entirely honest about it, I'm not OK, but that's OK because Christ is more than OK, in fact, he's all sufficient.'"
Someone once said that the sign of a maturing believer is a greater awareness of our own sin. What a contradiction to the message of our age, of popular humanism, that we can do it all if we try hard enough. That the human heart is above all good, and contains all we need for success and happiness. How many times have you heard the phrase, "the power of the human spirit"? It bothers me.
The human spirit is depraved, selfish, and utterly lost. Someone else once said (I can't remember whom), that the mind can be totally overcome by dwelling on two things: The glory of God and the sinfulness of man. I am overwhelmed sometimes, when I consider the brokenness, even just around me - things like broken marriages and addictions, never mind stuff like child trafficking, sexual slavery, and genocide.
I watched a documentary on sexual slavery in Europe and Russia. It was one of the saddest things I've ever seen. How could humans become so hardened, so cruel, so ugly? But I suppose, when we shut out the light of God, we are left only to look inward, and harvest the fruit of all our selfish desires. Like Jesus says in John 3:19, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." People still love darkness. And isn't it all the more easier, when we are surrounded by a multitude of people who would rather meet their own sinful desires, for us to do the same?
I guess that's why Jesus said that the path is wide that leads to destruction, and many follow it, but the path that leads to eternal life is narrow, and few follow it.
But it all begins and ends with the blackness of the human heart. And if I don't everyday recognize the darkness of my own heart without Christ, that day will be forfeit for the kingdom of God.
"The inner lie is 'I'm OK.' The outer lie is 'You're OK.' The cultural tomfoolery is that everybody's OK. There are two ways to deal with our sin. The first is to look at it and say, 'I'm OK.' The second is to say, 'Well to be entirely honest about it, I'm not OK, but that's OK because Christ is more than OK, in fact, he's all sufficient.'"
Someone once said that the sign of a maturing believer is a greater awareness of our own sin. What a contradiction to the message of our age, of popular humanism, that we can do it all if we try hard enough. That the human heart is above all good, and contains all we need for success and happiness. How many times have you heard the phrase, "the power of the human spirit"? It bothers me.
The human spirit is depraved, selfish, and utterly lost. Someone else once said (I can't remember whom), that the mind can be totally overcome by dwelling on two things: The glory of God and the sinfulness of man. I am overwhelmed sometimes, when I consider the brokenness, even just around me - things like broken marriages and addictions, never mind stuff like child trafficking, sexual slavery, and genocide.
I watched a documentary on sexual slavery in Europe and Russia. It was one of the saddest things I've ever seen. How could humans become so hardened, so cruel, so ugly? But I suppose, when we shut out the light of God, we are left only to look inward, and harvest the fruit of all our selfish desires. Like Jesus says in John 3:19, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." People still love darkness. And isn't it all the more easier, when we are surrounded by a multitude of people who would rather meet their own sinful desires, for us to do the same?
I guess that's why Jesus said that the path is wide that leads to destruction, and many follow it, but the path that leads to eternal life is narrow, and few follow it.
But it all begins and ends with the blackness of the human heart. And if I don't everyday recognize the darkness of my own heart without Christ, that day will be forfeit for the kingdom of God.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Some Contemplation
Life is such a jumbled mess of choices, distractions, tangents, desires, emotions, joy, pain. For some it includes the search for truth, for others, the search for something that will drown out the voice ringing in their heart that this is not all there is.
Maybe after a long while running in the other direction, of drowning out the divine message rather than examining what it says, all the stuff used to cover it up becomes like white noise, and silence is the result. But only percieved silence. Like white noise when it ceases, so it is when we are faced with stillness and reflection. The knowledge that we are not alone is built into our heart. But we were made to know not only of God - but to know him.
I am beginning to understand that knowing God is not simply reading the scriptures and talking to him. It isn't summed up in going to church. It is the gradual realization and understanding of truth, of reality. By examining the world we see God. I don't just mean seeing the light of creation, although creation practically shouts the existence of God. In our desires, joy, pain, the glory of whole relationships and the tragedy of broken ones, we see God. Every perversion necessitates a possibility of wholeness. Every misuse means there must be an intended use. We see in every human society to ever populate the earth, in government, the church, work, war, money, and in every appetite - food, drink, sex - the possibilites for brokenness. History is a summation of them all. But like I said, brokenness necessitates a possibility of wholeness. It is only a question of how to get there. It is not a question of the reality of good or evil - evil is all to apparent. Rather, it is the question all religions have sought to answer - how do we fix us?
The Bible is the only book, and Christianity is the only worldview, to adequately address human brokenness. Only under the direction of scripture and the power of the cross can we begin to straighten our posture.
Divine intervention. It is the only hope for humanity, and God has given it. All other systems either ignore the complete fallenness of humanity, or assert our ability to come back from the brink, to attain godliness despite our unfortunate starting point. Think of all other belief systems, even systems close to Christianity. They all prescribe a mix of living a life worthy of heaven, of attaining to godliness, of climbing high enough, try hard enough to be saved. What could we possibly have that God might want? What could we possibly do that might impress him? What could we give the very one that made us, so as to elicit his acceptance of us?
No, the only thing left to do for us is decide. God has extended his hand, all we are left with is to reach out the hand of a beggar (thank you Hank Hanegraff) and recieve the free gift.
Some thoughts for today.
Maybe after a long while running in the other direction, of drowning out the divine message rather than examining what it says, all the stuff used to cover it up becomes like white noise, and silence is the result. But only percieved silence. Like white noise when it ceases, so it is when we are faced with stillness and reflection. The knowledge that we are not alone is built into our heart. But we were made to know not only of God - but to know him.
I am beginning to understand that knowing God is not simply reading the scriptures and talking to him. It isn't summed up in going to church. It is the gradual realization and understanding of truth, of reality. By examining the world we see God. I don't just mean seeing the light of creation, although creation practically shouts the existence of God. In our desires, joy, pain, the glory of whole relationships and the tragedy of broken ones, we see God. Every perversion necessitates a possibility of wholeness. Every misuse means there must be an intended use. We see in every human society to ever populate the earth, in government, the church, work, war, money, and in every appetite - food, drink, sex - the possibilites for brokenness. History is a summation of them all. But like I said, brokenness necessitates a possibility of wholeness. It is only a question of how to get there. It is not a question of the reality of good or evil - evil is all to apparent. Rather, it is the question all religions have sought to answer - how do we fix us?
The Bible is the only book, and Christianity is the only worldview, to adequately address human brokenness. Only under the direction of scripture and the power of the cross can we begin to straighten our posture.
Divine intervention. It is the only hope for humanity, and God has given it. All other systems either ignore the complete fallenness of humanity, or assert our ability to come back from the brink, to attain godliness despite our unfortunate starting point. Think of all other belief systems, even systems close to Christianity. They all prescribe a mix of living a life worthy of heaven, of attaining to godliness, of climbing high enough, try hard enough to be saved. What could we possibly have that God might want? What could we possibly do that might impress him? What could we give the very one that made us, so as to elicit his acceptance of us?
No, the only thing left to do for us is decide. God has extended his hand, all we are left with is to reach out the hand of a beggar (thank you Hank Hanegraff) and recieve the free gift.
Some thoughts for today.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Thoughts on the Following
Let me preface this post by letting you in on a little secret. My laptop (I used to call them lab tops - don't know why) is a little schizophrenic, and every, oh, 20 seconds it moves my cursor out of my script b*ox and on to another part of the screen. The asterisk (asterik?) you see in the word box will signify* when it does it, and conseque*ntly how annoyed I am. Thought I would let you all out there in internet * world in on my secret.
So, last night I posted my* first ever blog post. It was thrilling. Today I thought of no less then probably* 30 random subjects that have been ruminating in my mind, ready at a moments notice to be shared in the blogosphere. So, in the interest of keeping you* all engaged, here are some of them that I can think of. In radio it is called a teaser (up next, we'll tell y*ou blah blah). So here is my teaser blog post. A very long teaser.
In the following days, *weeks, months, maybe years, you can expect posts on the following subjects from the mind of Allan (in no particu*lar order):
1. Free Will - why our human free will is the stamp of God's imag*e, and of his endorsement of us as the crowning jewels of his creation (thank you Hank Hanegraff).
2. God's Sovereignty (not juxtaposed to free will - not the predestination debate. I want to discuss my thoughts on how pain, bad events, and circumstances are viewed, especially by believers, and how we might* best view our existence in light of our Creator)
3. Why sports are so compelling, and how the success or failure of our team can be so connected to our happiness. I don't mean this facetiously - I really find the effect of sports on peoples (and my*) moods, happiness and identity fascinating.
4. Prosperity Theology - Even more than I find it errant and ridiculous, I find it alarming that people can be su*cked in by a set of doctrines that are so obviously false.
5. Denominationalism - why do we divide the church over issues that should not constitute irreconcilable differences for believers, over things other than the main and plain things of the gospel?
6. Perspective - why happiness in life is determined, more than anything, by our perspective and therefore our expectations.
7. Our Calling - the fascinating reality that, unlike religions and cults, following Christ means something very unique for every individual.
8. Forgiveness - why we are bound to forgive at all times, as disciples of Christ.
9. Questions about Heaven - I wonder many things about heaven, like will the world be void of risk? Could we feel a thrill without a risk? Will physical pain exist? Not disease, of course.
10. Am I really talented or really average?
11. Why death is necessary
12. How we change in the context of different relationships.
there you go, followers! Looking back at this list, it seems like something from the back of the hymnal (Evelyn, you would know what I mean). In the church I grew up in, the Christian Reformed Church, the hymnals contain a full set of doctrines in the back. I hope this isn't a boring blog! Oh well. I think I will still enjoy writing it.
Late
So, last night I posted my* first ever blog post. It was thrilling. Today I thought of no less then probably* 30 random subjects that have been ruminating in my mind, ready at a moments notice to be shared in the blogosphere. So, in the interest of keeping you* all engaged, here are some of them that I can think of. In radio it is called a teaser (up next, we'll tell y*ou blah blah). So here is my teaser blog post. A very long teaser.
In the following days, *weeks, months, maybe years, you can expect posts on the following subjects from the mind of Allan (in no particu*lar order):
1. Free Will - why our human free will is the stamp of God's imag*e, and of his endorsement of us as the crowning jewels of his creation (thank you Hank Hanegraff).
2. God's Sovereignty (not juxtaposed to free will - not the predestination debate. I want to discuss my thoughts on how pain, bad events, and circumstances are viewed, especially by believers, and how we might* best view our existence in light of our Creator)
3. Why sports are so compelling, and how the success or failure of our team can be so connected to our happiness. I don't mean this facetiously - I really find the effect of sports on peoples (and my*) moods, happiness and identity fascinating.
4. Prosperity Theology - Even more than I find it errant and ridiculous, I find it alarming that people can be su*cked in by a set of doctrines that are so obviously false.
5. Denominationalism - why do we divide the church over issues that should not constitute irreconcilable differences for believers, over things other than the main and plain things of the gospel?
6. Perspective - why happiness in life is determined, more than anything, by our perspective and therefore our expectations.
7. Our Calling - the fascinating reality that, unlike religions and cults, following Christ means something very unique for every individual.
8. Forgiveness - why we are bound to forgive at all times, as disciples of Christ.
9. Questions about Heaven - I wonder many things about heaven, like will the world be void of risk? Could we feel a thrill without a risk? Will physical pain exist? Not disease, of course.
10. Am I really talented or really average?
11. Why death is necessary
12. How we change in the context of different relationships.
there you go, followers! Looking back at this list, it seems like something from the back of the hymnal (Evelyn, you would know what I mean). In the church I grew up in, the Christian Reformed Church, the hymnals contain a full set of doctrines in the back. I hope this isn't a boring blog! Oh well. I think I will still enjoy writing it.
Late
My Very Own Followers
Hello, faithful followers! A big thank you to all of you who have steadily supported me through this incredible blog journey. It has indeed been a fun ride, hasn't it? .
Ok, so I have three followers. One is my sister, the other is my wife, and the other is Carrie, who is like family. But STILL!!
Ok, I am exiting this post, so I can make a meaningful one.
Late
Ok, so I have three followers. One is my sister, the other is my wife, and the other is Carrie, who is like family. But STILL!!
Ok, I am exiting this post, so I can make a meaningful one.
Late
Monday, January 18, 2010
My First Blog
7 minutes ago I turned to my wife and said, "I would like to blog." So she prompted me to do it. Being that it is late, and we are sitting in bed waiting for our 6 week old daughter to finish nursing so we can sleep, I have no excuse not to start blogging! Sleep won't come for atleast another 20 minutes.
So, why blog? In some ways I feel sort of foolish. It seems like one of those things that is for nerdy, introspective folk. I might qualify I guess. But I think it will be a good outlet for me. Every day I have many ideas, feelings, thoughts, convictions, and questions bouncing around my brain. "Your bwain...?" (name that movie anyone?) I need to express them somehow. Sometimes I trouble my wife with my many queries about life. It goes one of two ways: Either she just listens, and says nothing. Sometimes I feel crazy when I am just spouting ideas and she is staring blankly. Or she makes a valiant effort to engage with me on an intellectal level (which I appreciate) but can only do so for a little while before blowing a circuit herself. And my topics of discussion usually involve philosophy, the Bible, God, the nature of life, and so forth.
So, hopefully my "blog" can allow for some creative expression, pontification, and possibly some feedback.
It has been 20 minutes, and sleep is approaching. Coming soon folks, an "about me" section, crazy theological ideas, the meaning of life, and MORE!
PS. I feel like the girl from Julie and Julia because she blogs throughout the whole movie. I am, however, not a moody late twenties female seeking higher meaning through cooking.
Later!
So, why blog? In some ways I feel sort of foolish. It seems like one of those things that is for nerdy, introspective folk. I might qualify I guess. But I think it will be a good outlet for me. Every day I have many ideas, feelings, thoughts, convictions, and questions bouncing around my brain. "Your bwain...?" (name that movie anyone?) I need to express them somehow. Sometimes I trouble my wife with my many queries about life. It goes one of two ways: Either she just listens, and says nothing. Sometimes I feel crazy when I am just spouting ideas and she is staring blankly. Or she makes a valiant effort to engage with me on an intellectal level (which I appreciate) but can only do so for a little while before blowing a circuit herself. And my topics of discussion usually involve philosophy, the Bible, God, the nature of life, and so forth.
So, hopefully my "blog" can allow for some creative expression, pontification, and possibly some feedback.
It has been 20 minutes, and sleep is approaching. Coming soon folks, an "about me" section, crazy theological ideas, the meaning of life, and MORE!
PS. I feel like the girl from Julie and Julia because she blogs throughout the whole movie. I am, however, not a moody late twenties female seeking higher meaning through cooking.
Later!
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