in vain: producing no result; ineffectual; useless
It’s long troubled me that we’ve understood “taking the Lord’s name in vain” as giving God a last name that rhymes with gamut.* Not that I’m in favor of using God’s name as an obscenity (or of frequently asking him to damn things**). It’s just that there’s so much more to the third commandment than a forbiddance to use the big GD — or his little brother, gosh. Continue reading
Filed under musings on the Word, obedience
If you’re looking for a proper July 4th post, you probable want to go to this Fourth of July Primer, or this (somewhat controversial) essay from last year. This post is indeed about freedom, but is written more as a question about Christianity and life in general than a discourse on our American Independence Day. Continue reading
Only when we realize mission can not be accomplished by our own authority should we turn our minds towards it. Evangelism is Jesus’ responsibility. And our participation in his mission is only possible because of our participation in him. Jesus does, however, by his authority commission us.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. – Matthew 28:19-20a
Perhaps it would be useful if we listed a few things to which Jesus does not call us in this passage. We are NOT commissioned to:
We ARE commissioned to make disciples. I’m not suggesting planting churches is wrong. Or that inviting a friend to worship with you on Sunday is a mistake. I’m only listing a few (a very few) of those things which have seemed to take precedence over disciple-making these days. Even my own mission team here in Tanzania is often referred to as a “church-planting team.” I much prefer the term “disciple-making,” because our focus isn’t on churches but on disciples.
So what’s a disciple?
Jesus, in this passage,* defines a disciple as a baptized person who is learning to obey all of his commands.
**********
You know Jesus never once used the word Christian? Actually, a pretty good (I think excellent) argument can be made that the word Christian, all three times it is used in the Bible (yes, a whopping three), is meant as a derogatory term for followers of Jesus — and was not how they referred to themselves. The term believers is used more often (I read 14 times), but never by Jesus.
Jesus only refers to his followers as disciples, students, or learners — all of those being translations of the same word (mathetes).** I wonder if there’s not something to that? Christianity has in many ways become about merely believing in Jesus, adhering to particular doctrines, and/or church attendance. Perhaps we’d be better off simply thinking of ourselves as students at the feet of Jesus?
Jesus’ description of a disciple is both straightforward and clear, but we must not confuse simple definitions with simple tasks. Jesus’ words absolutely necessitate obedience to his teachings — something many of our definitions of Christian don’t necessarily involve. I’m afraid we’ve so wanted to distance ourselves from works-based religion that we’ve muddled (if not ignored) the very words of Jesus.
Are we worried we don’t possess within ourselves the ability to be obedient to Jesus’ teachings? If so, I happily concede this point. This I see as one more reason it’s so very important we read The Great Commission within its context. Remember that Jesus couches our assignment (and his description of a disciple) in these words:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
and
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Obedience to Jesus is assumed in the life of a disciple. But so is the presence and authority of Christ. Just as participation in mission is made possible only through participation in Christ, so is obedience to his words.
Filed under discipleship, evangelism, mission, musings on the Word, obedience
“The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act accordingly. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined. How would I ever get on in the world? Herein lies the real place of Christian scholarship. Christian scholarship is the Church’s prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, to ensure that we can continue to be good Christians without the Bible coming too close. Oh, priceless scholarship, what would we do without you? Dreadful it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Yes, it is even dreadful to be alone with the New Testament.”
Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)
Danish Scholar
Filed under obedience
Are our churches made up of infants?
Unity is of utmost important in Christianity. We miss that sometimes. Which, perhaps, is not all that surprising when we look at Christianity as a prescribed set of doctrines to which we must adhere. Alter the interpretation of one passage, and a fence must be built — to separate us from those heathens on the other side. Or we overlook sin and immorality within our own tribe, because it is proper belief that demonstrates salvation — and not righteousness. I’m afraid we’ve placed too great of importance on knowledge and right belief, and too little on loving one another and being obedient to God.
Paul would call us a bunch of babies. No wait… Paul DOES call us a bunch of babies. In Ephesians 4.
In this chapter Paul encourages the church at Ephesus to seek unity. Unity is described as a function of the Holy Spirit, and it is realized as the body of Christ matures. Let me repeat that, because it’s worth repeating:
Unity in the church is the work of the Holy Spirit. And it is one of the most obvious and unambiguous indications that a group has reached maturity in Christ.
And we rarely exhibit it.
Perhaps I’ve got it all wrong. Maybe I’m being too critical. I certainly do want to join in with others in celebrating the unity we already possess — or at least toward which we’re making strides. And I’ve experienced incredible unity in some congregations; I thank God for those churches. But it seems to me these are the exceptions, rather than the rule. And look at the discord between congregations. Or worse yet, between denominations. What’s a Christian seeking unity to do?
Paul happens to offer some very practical advice in Ephesians 4. If you’ll allow me, I’d suggest the keys to allowing the Spirit to bring unity are:
1. Individuals should live as followers of Christ ought to:
2. Within the body, we should love one another. This means:
Some won’t like that I’ve written as if knowledge always stands in conflict with the above behaviors. They want it to be both/and –not either/or. And they’re right to desire such; I’m there with them. Knowledge does not always stand in opposition to love and obedience. Godly knowledge never does. And this knowledge from God is desperately needed for us to reach unity. Paul indeed says as much in Ephesians 4.
My argument today, though, is simply that our knowledge is too often not a Godly knowledge — despite the fact that we come to it by means of Bible study. I learn from Paul (in Ephesians 4) that if ours is a knowledge which does not build the church up to maturity AND together in unity, then it is not a Godly knowledge. It is the knowledge of man — counted as trickery, deceitful scheming, and mere winds of doctrine.
I don’t wish us to do away with knowledge. But no amount of Bible study alone is going to make us into the people Paul describes in Ephesians 4. Nope, that will take 1) the Holy Spirit at work in us and 2) our willingness to be obedient to the teachings of Jesus. Too often this is an unpopular answer. But it’s the right one.
Spiritual potty-training. That’s what we need.
image courtesy of reverendmom
Rahab lied to the king’s men in order to save the lives of two Israelite spies. We find her faith commended in Hebrews and her actions applauded in James — though neither writer explicitly states that Rahab was correct to lie.
Is it ever right to lie? Do we ever find ourselves in situations in which we’re forced to choose between two evils? Or between two sins? How do we make sense of situations like these?
Now we’re firmly in the realm of ethics. I’m no expert, but I’m going to offer the three most accepted options — and dispose of the first two:
The moral value of an action is based on happiness and pleasure for the largest number of people. While vastly popular today — and the underlying theme of many an action-suspense thriller – utilitarianism denies the presence of absolute good or evil. Rather, the nebulous “greater happiness” is considered (and often referred to as the “greater good”).
My problems with utilitarianism (aka consequentialism) are many. In the first place, it would seem quite difficult to calculate and quantify “happiness.” I also have serious problems with the idea that a majority is allowed to simply decide what is right and wrong based on what they happen to enjoy. Utilitarianism also ignores the individual’s motive and intention, and places all importance on an outcome which (in most situations) could never have been known.
[One note of interest, pointed out to me yesterday by Teammate Carson, is that the first example above is generally accepted to be true in modern America -- even among Christians. Then the evil done is attributed to God himself, with cries of, "But I'm certain God wants me to be happy."]
The emphasis here is not placed on results or actions, but rather on virtues. In virtue ethics, there are particular character traits that are viewed as inherently good or evil, and morals are determined based on “being” rather than “doing.” While I appreciate the question practitioners are forced to ask — “What kind of person should I be?” — I believe virtue ethics falls short as a complete ethical theory.
First, virtue ethics gives no clear guidance as to how to act in a specific situation. This doesn’t seem useful to me as far as ethics go. Is courage more important than compassion today and in this place? What if our cultures disagree as to whether pride or humility is the higher virtue? What about virtues that change over time within a given culture; is a woman to be reserved, submissive, and modest — or outgoing, independent, and self-assured?
More problematic, though, is that, in order for virtue ethics to be a complete ethical theory, it requires the use of another theory; it cannot stand on its own. Virtue ethics (like utilitarianism) requires that there be no absolute rules — yet there are believed to be absolute virtues. There is no absolute rule concerning telling lies, yet honesty is revered as a virtue. That makes no sense.
I believe virtue ethics to be useful, but only because there do exist underlying rules which are absolute. Virtue ethics has no way of determining what are and are not virtues without an underlying theory of absolute rules. I am of the mindset that, at their core, virtue ethics and deontological ethics (see below) are quite similar — and make a useful theory when viewed side by side. However, I would argue that “doing” is what creates “being,” and such should be acknowledged.
The ethical theory which I find most compelling is this one:
There exist moral rules, and it is our duty or obligation to adhere to these rules. There is an intrinsic good, and we are obligated to act in accordance with this good. Our motivations, then, are taken into account and are more important than the consequences themselves (which can rarely be known in full).
Deontological ethics differs from utilitarianism in that a right action might not bring happiness to the greatest number of people (happiness is not deemed to be intrinsically good, as it is possible for humanity to derive happiness from that which is actually evil — see Roman gladiator entertainment). An action may very well be right and good because the individual acted in accordance with moral rules, fulfilling his obligation to do what was right — even if the result was lessened happiness for many.
In most deontological systems, these moral rules, duties, and obligations are determined by a higher being, and doing what is right is a matter of obedience to that being. I would argue that God has determined what is right and wrong based on his own nature. And that, when we are obedient to him, our nature becomes more like his.
There is a strong correlation here, in my mind, between deontological ethics and virtue ethics. I might argue that God’s virtues are what we seek to embody, and that we do this based on a God-given system of moral rules. The more obedient we are, the more virtuous we become. So I see these two theories as a sort of puzzle… of the “which-came-first-the-chicken-or-the-egg” type.
I believe the virtues came first (in the nature of God), but that these virtues are incapable of guiding our everyday decision-making processes until we actually possess them. I am able to embody these virtues, though, through continued obedience to moral rules and by the transformation of the Holy Spirit in my life. Over time I actually become an honest person, rather than an individual who merely follows the rules of honesty. The rules are necessary, but the importance of the ethical system begins to diminish as I am transformed to be more like God. [One of my major problems with virtue-based ethics theories is that if I don't possess a particular virtue, it is impossible for me to act in keeping with that virtue without first extrapolating (a) rule(s) from that virtue.]
As with any ethical theory, there are problems with deontological ethics. Many. For instance, what do we do when we are faced with a situation such as Rahab’s? There is a moral rule not to lie. But it conflicts with the moral rule to revere and save lives. Many would at that point choose the “lesser evil.” And they would then be employing utilitarianism (or something like it) to determine what is right (or less wrong). Also, was Jesus ever faced with a situation in which he had to choose the “lesser evil?” And yet he remained sinless?
In my next post, I intend to divide deontological ethics into three categories. And, of course, I’ve chosen to support one of these three sub-theories.
image courtesy of ecosherpa.com
[This is the first post in a series on famous exchanges in the Bible. There are more to come.]
A: Yes, I’m sure, woman. That’s the one. The tree we’re not allowed to eat from. How many times do I have to tell you?
E: Okay, so you say this is the one. But do you really think it’s that big of a deal? I mean if The Almighty really didn’t want us eating strange apples from this one tree, don’t you think he would have told me about it, too? Why are you the keeper of all commands? The guy who goes to the grocery with a list that reads milk, eggs, and People magazine — and comes home with a box of ice cream and 8 Totino’s pizzas. We don’t even have a freezer. Or an oven. And God chooses YOU to relay this monumental command to me and the rest of the world?! Are you sure it’s this tree, the one right here in the middle?”
A: Yes, I’m sure, Eve.* And The Great One picked me to tell because you weren’t around back then. You were yet but a sparkle in his eye and a rib in my endoskeleton. I’m telling you, we will die if we eat those weird looking apples. And don’t get me started on the supermarket thing. YOU were supposed to be MY helper — and here I am, being sent to the store for you… and sometimes for feminine products. It’s not right. It’s just not the way The Big Guy intended it.
E: Well, I don’t know… this talking serpent says we won’t die if we eat the kindaish-apples. Instead we’ll just get vast amounts of knowledge. We’ll know the difference between good and evil, Adam. We’ll be like God. Think of what we could do with all that knowledge — how good we could be at TicTacToe, how well our children could perform on their ACTs. They could go to college, Adam. At good universities. On scholarship. Lord knows we can’t pay for school with fig leaves and fruit. And Cain is really interested in a career in geology; shouldn’t we encourage him to use his love of rocks for good and not evil? And how are we even supposed to know the difference between the two without eating from that tree? See, we need to, Adam. We have to.
A: Uh… Eve, I’m pretty positive we’ll die if we eat the appley fruits from that tree. The Man Upstairs said so. And, although we don’t know exactly what this word death means, I think you’ll agree that it doesn’t sound like a walk in the garden. And, besides, what do we need with more knowledge and greater intelligence? Didn’t you hear me a second ago? I used the word endoskeleton.
E: Yeah. Impressive. Now I’m going to have a bite of this apple. Do you want me to save you some?
A: I really don’t think you should, Eve. I mean it’s not like he gave us all that many rules. We’re supposed to obey only two commands: this one about the peculiar apples and that other one to multiply and fill the earth — and it’s not like the second one’s a chore! Let’s just stick to the fruit we know and are allowed and commanded to have.
E: But I want to be sophisticated. Do you want any of this bizarre apple or not? [A crunch, followed by chewing.] Mmm… delicious.
A: I really don’t think this is a good idea, Eve. But, then again, I’ve read studies about the myriad family problems associated with wives having higher levels of education than their husbands. Hand it here; I’ll have a bite.
**********
It was on this day that the people of God first exchanged obedience for knowledge. And it’s been one of the favorite activities of Christians everywhere since then.
Last week I wrote about the importance of both spiritual leadership in the family and obedience to God in Bible study. [The two go very much hand in hand. That post is here: one obedient step.] I mentioned that Deuteronomy 6 is an abundantly practical instruction booklet on how to raise a Christian family.
Deuteronomy 6 — Very Abridged (and somewhat Christianized) and In My Own Words
What I’ve Learned
If you haven’t set a text for your next Bible reading time — or if you just want to read a chapter that addresses raising children — you really ought to work through Deuteronomy 6. It will be a blessing to you and to your children.
Filed under family, musings on the Word, obedience
I’m often found peddling the 3-column bible study method, or at least extolling its virtues — I suppose I’ve never taken money for my counsel. I am indeed quite the advocate, but I realize I don’t often share with you guys what I myself am studying and how I’m being obedient to those texts. [I don't intend to post an actual 3-column study here today -- though if you want to know more, please read this post on how to do a 3-column study and this post of an actual 3-column study. If you do, and you put it into practice, I believe you will be blessed.]
But I figure what better news for a Christian to share on his blog than how his life is being changed by God through Bible study? Setting my words to publish can be quite the accountability partner as well. Plus, it certainly doesn’t hurt to occasionally provide a testimony of God’s faithfulness as we read his word.
Two weeks ago I began reading from Deuteronomy 6. It is an incredible chapter. I won’t use this post to go into detail today about all it contains (but I will use this one), but instead will let it suffice that I believe Deuteronomy 6 to be an abundantly practical instruction booklet on how to raise a Godly family.
As I reflected on the passage written in my own words, I began to realize I was not doing a very good job of leading my family spiritually. My wife and I pray together every night before bed, occasionally discuss what we’re reading in the Bible, and sometimes sing praise songs with Baylor — but only the evening prayer has been done with any real intentionality. While I believe it is indeed my responsibility to be the spiritual leader in my family, it was not this issue of obligation or duty that struck me so clearly as I read the text. Rather, it was a question of opportunity.
Was I letting slip through my hands my chance to help my wife be all that God intends? Was I missing the occasion to teach my daughter how much God loves her? Was I, by not leading my family well, choosing for us to live uninspired lives, full of mediocrity instead of peace and joy? How many blessings of God might I cost my wife and daughter by not taking advantage of my role in our family? How many blessings might my grandchildren and their families fail to receive because of my inaction?
And so I came to my “I will” statements. In the beginning I committed to pray about my role in our family and that God would show me how to lead better. And I committed at that time to do whatever it was he would show me.
A few days later Christie and I spent an evening at the home of Sam and Nancy Shewmaker, missionaries in Rwanda. At the breakfast table in the morning, as we ate our meal of pancakes and fresh fruit, Sam read aloud from the Bible. It wasn’t a difficult thing to do, nor was it new or fresh or exciting. But he read the Word of God as we ate together.
Every morning, now, I make it a point to be at the breakfast table when Christie and Baylor sit down to eat. [That's new for me.] I read a section of scripture (we began in Matthew) and then, based on our reading for the morning, I pray for our family. It’s not a difficult thing to do. Nor is it always new or fresh or exciting. But I am being obedient to God, and I believe my family is being blessed as a result.
This is how God changes lives. One obedient step after another.
**********
Let me share with you with a few words from John King, one of the shepherds at our sending church:
Discipleship is a series of changes. It is a process of hearing from God in this one thing and being obedient. As that process of obedience picks up steam over time, we realize we’ve undergone significant transformation and even that realization motivates us to hearing more, obeying more and being more amazed at what the Holy Spirit is accomplishing.
I pray that you are being amazed at what the Holy Spirit is accomplishing in your life. And if you’re not, I pray you will commit to working with him to bring that transformation. May your life be changed, and may our God be glorified.
This Sunday I’ll be preaching on John 14 in the village of Bilyahilu (I’m driving a truck this time). And this passage (vv. 30-31) in particular stood out to me during my studies:
I can’t talk with you guys much longer, because Satan’s coming; I’ll need to get going. It’s not that he’s more powerful than me — Lord (that’s me) knows that’s not the case. It’s just really important for the world to see how much I love my Father. That’s why I do everything he says, because I love him.
My Thoughts
What I’ve Learned
Filed under evangelism, musings on the Word, obedience
