Today is the three hundred and sixty-fifth day of my fifty-third year. At twelve midnight I shall be fifty-four. I never imagined that I would ever be this age. I always thought that these years were for my parents, or better yet my grandparents, but not me. Yet it is my face that is looking at the latter years, and it shows when I look in the mirror. Time has passed along so fast; my children are grown and now I have grandchildren who refer to me as Dadoo. It has now been thirty-six years since I graduated high school, and this fall will make thirty years since I was ordained to the Gospel ministry. There have been years of great productivity and years of great famine. There were years of great happiness and years of great sorrow and despair (even to the point that I didn't know which I would lose first, my mind or my life). I have often been my own worst enemy. I have been both a hero and a villain. Yet through it all God has been faithful. He has never left me nor forsaken me. When I have been faithless, He has always been faithful. When I have been stubborn, He has been long suffering towards me. He is making all things work together for my good and His glory (Rom. 8:28). He has shown me without a doubt that He does not change His mind when He gifts and calls someone (Rom. 11:29). He will restore what the locust have eaten (Joel 2:25).
Over this past year He has shown me that the latter years can be greater than the former, His mercies are new everyday and His grace is never ending. He has moved me from the comfort of the couch to the starkness of the street, from abstract concepts to concrete realities, from talking about discipleship to actually being one. It isn't easy, fear is always there trying to shout down faith and the desire for a secure future whispers into my ear not to venture into the unknown territory that God has set before me. Yet I have found something here that eludes all who are seeking the safe path on the wide plain...contentment (1 Tim. 6:6). I have no idea what year fifty-four holds, I only know that "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me"(Gal. 2:20).
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
This Is Real?
As I was driving down the freeway this morning my eyes were drawn to a billboard encouraging people to watch the brand new season of American Idol. There was a picture of an attractive young woman holding a microphone with tears streaming down her face. She had either been told some very good news about her singing talent, or had received the devastating critique that she didn't have the requisite talent to be a contestant on the show. What really caught my attention, though, was the subscript at the bottom of the sign which read, "#thisisreal."
This is real? I don't think so. I know it is a"reality show"populated by real people in a real contest to win fame, fortune and all the supposed goodness that comes with the proclamation of a winner. It is still a manufactured product made for the general public to consume and be distracted from that which is truly real. The purpose of this blog is not to put down American Idol. I have watched the show for several years, and I do enjoy seeing the amount of talented people that live in this country. We have become sanitized and pacified by the media to where we believe that the American Idols, X Factors, Honey Boo-Boos and Duck Dynasties are reality, when they are at their core, manufactured for your amusement (from Middle French, 15th century, which means to divert one's attention, to beguile or delude - Online Etymology Dictionary).
So, the question must be asked, what is real? Real is seen right outside the front door. Real is seen in the number of homeless people that live on the streets of our cities. Real is the twenty-right million people who are trapped in slavery worldwide, some of whom are being trafficked through Dallas and Fort Worth . Real is the children who are being abused physically and sexually in our neighborhoods. Real is the number of people who lack food, clothing and medical care and who die from treatable diseases. The thousands of people who are in prison and persecuted for religious and political reasons is real. The hurt and pain that you see in the eyes of your family, friends and neighbors constitute reality. Real is the number of people groups who have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is what is real.
Real people with real problems need real solutions brought by people who have found the real answer. Christ followers cannot and must not be content to sit on the sidelines and watch the world roll by like some reality television series. We have been mandated by our King to be ambassadors and heralds of His kingdom and to be the ones who advocate for mercy and justice in this broken world. There is hope for the poor, the captive, the abused and neglected. We are going to have to be willing to be involved and get our hands dirty. It is not up to someone else, it is up to us. Let us give our time, our money, ourselves into the lives of others. Real love, real hope, real freedom, real life all from a REAL SAVIOR!
Real people with real problems need real solutions brought by people who have found the real answer. Christ followers cannot and must not be content to sit on the sidelines and watch the world roll by like some reality television series. We have been mandated by our King to be ambassadors and heralds of His kingdom and to be the ones who advocate for mercy and justice in this broken world. There is hope for the poor, the captive, the abused and neglected. We are going to have to be willing to be involved and get our hands dirty. It is not up to someone else, it is up to us. Let us give our time, our money, ourselves into the lives of others. Real love, real hope, real freedom, real life all from a REAL SAVIOR!
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
The Danger of the Monochromatic Church
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb!'" (Revelation 7:9-10)
The picture presented in Revelation chapter seven presents us with an inside view of the congregation of Heaven. It is a myriad of peoples and cultures and races all giving praise and honor unto the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! There is no segregation among these people. This is how the church is supposed to look, not just in glory, but today as well.
America has been called the great melting pot. This is a nation of immigrants, founded by immigrants, some immigrated by choice, others were brought over in ships against their will, some came seeking freedom from religious persecution while the most were just seeking a better life. The result is that we are one people united under one constitution and although we may not always get along, most are proud to be called Americans.
The church of Jesus Christ is also a melange of peoples and cultures. Although the original members were Jewish, we are told in the first chapter of Acts what this group was to eventually look like. "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8) This is reiterated in the second chapter on the Day of Pentecost when these 120 uneducated followers of a crucified itinerant rabbi began to speak in different languages from the surrounding nations. "And they were amazed and astonished, saying, 'Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians - we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.'"(Acts 2: 7-11) Luke, the author of Acts, chronicles those beginning years of the expansion of the Gospel as it left the area of Judea, into Samaria, Asia Minor, Africa and eventually into Rome itself. Along the way Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles were being called out of darkness into the kingdom of God, sharing the same Spirit and proclaiming the message that would go out into all the world and continues to this very day.
Yet if we look across the landscape of American churches, we don't see the rainbow of skin tones and voices should be a part of the family of God. The majority of houses of worship are composed of people who look, dress and talk alike. Many older established predominately white inner city churches are constructing new buildings and moving to the suburbs rather than adapt to the changing ethnicity of the neighborhood. It is reminiscent of the "white flight" that took place in the 1950s -1970s when, in reaction to forced school segregation, a large number of private schools were founded (many by churches). The new church plants that get the most attention seem to be those targeted to the upwardly mobile neighborhoods, where the incomes are higher and therefore more attractive to those who would contribute funds to such endeavors. While there are some great church planting efforts happening in urban areas, they often don't receive the attention as does the more "lucrative" outreaches in the 'burbs.
Why does this occur? Is it a form of subtle racism? Possibly, although I am sure that this charge would be accompanied by strenuous denials. Racism is a universal problem. It didn't originate with the marketing of human beings on the slave markets in Europe and North America in the 17th-19th centuries. It is evident all over the globe and throughout history. Jesus wasn't afraid to broach the subject, as evidenced in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Racism reared its ugly head in the early church. There were many in that first church in Jerusalem who were content to keep it as a Jewish body. Even though the church was birthed in Acts 2, there was no movement to take it outside of its regional locale until persecution arose after the stoning of Stephen and they were forced to take refuge in the countryside and in Samaria where they preached the good news to the despised Samaritans. Then in the tenth chapter the Lord sends Peter to go and preach the message to the gentile Cornelius and his household. Their resulting salvation and filling with the Holy Spirit was further evidence that God was bringing a people to Himself out of all nations, tribes and peoples, although some were still resistant. The false gospel that Paul confronts in the letter to the Galatians was being spread partly as a result of racism as well as theological ignorance.
I believe that people desire homogeneity. It is part of the human condition to want to be with people that are alike, both racially and culturally. Getting to know people from a different culture requires effort. It means that we will have to take the time to get know and understand them, their customs, dress and language, and share ours with them. There will be times when misunderstandings and offences (often out of ignorance) occur. The only time most people go out of their way to experience a different culture is when they go to a restaurant that specializes in that country's food. Getting to know people who are not like you also removes that most deadly reason for non-interaction, ignorance. Ignorance and fear go hand in hand. We fear that about which we do not know or understand.
There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call--one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph. 4:4-6) The Gospel is good news for all people. Jesus said to make disciples of all nations (Greek - ethnos, can also mean tribes or people groups). Our cities are made up a myriad of nations, tribes and cultures, who need to hear and believe this message. If we are to fulfill our duty as the body of Christ, we are going to have to be intentional about reaching out to everyone. This will not be easy, and may require us to be honest with ourselves about both our prejudices and distrust of those who are different than us. May we have the courage to go to our Father and confess our weaknesses and fears to Him and seek racial and cultural reconciliation in our churches. Lord Jesus,forgive us for our monochromatic tunnel vision and create in us a passion to be an earthly version of that heavenly congregation!
The picture presented in Revelation chapter seven presents us with an inside view of the congregation of Heaven. It is a myriad of peoples and cultures and races all giving praise and honor unto the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! There is no segregation among these people. This is how the church is supposed to look, not just in glory, but today as well.
America has been called the great melting pot. This is a nation of immigrants, founded by immigrants, some immigrated by choice, others were brought over in ships against their will, some came seeking freedom from religious persecution while the most were just seeking a better life. The result is that we are one people united under one constitution and although we may not always get along, most are proud to be called Americans.
The church of Jesus Christ is also a melange of peoples and cultures. Although the original members were Jewish, we are told in the first chapter of Acts what this group was to eventually look like. "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8) This is reiterated in the second chapter on the Day of Pentecost when these 120 uneducated followers of a crucified itinerant rabbi began to speak in different languages from the surrounding nations. "And they were amazed and astonished, saying, 'Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians - we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.'"(Acts 2: 7-11) Luke, the author of Acts, chronicles those beginning years of the expansion of the Gospel as it left the area of Judea, into Samaria, Asia Minor, Africa and eventually into Rome itself. Along the way Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles were being called out of darkness into the kingdom of God, sharing the same Spirit and proclaiming the message that would go out into all the world and continues to this very day.
Yet if we look across the landscape of American churches, we don't see the rainbow of skin tones and voices should be a part of the family of God. The majority of houses of worship are composed of people who look, dress and talk alike. Many older established predominately white inner city churches are constructing new buildings and moving to the suburbs rather than adapt to the changing ethnicity of the neighborhood. It is reminiscent of the "white flight" that took place in the 1950s -1970s when, in reaction to forced school segregation, a large number of private schools were founded (many by churches). The new church plants that get the most attention seem to be those targeted to the upwardly mobile neighborhoods, where the incomes are higher and therefore more attractive to those who would contribute funds to such endeavors. While there are some great church planting efforts happening in urban areas, they often don't receive the attention as does the more "lucrative" outreaches in the 'burbs.
Why does this occur? Is it a form of subtle racism? Possibly, although I am sure that this charge would be accompanied by strenuous denials. Racism is a universal problem. It didn't originate with the marketing of human beings on the slave markets in Europe and North America in the 17th-19th centuries. It is evident all over the globe and throughout history. Jesus wasn't afraid to broach the subject, as evidenced in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Racism reared its ugly head in the early church. There were many in that first church in Jerusalem who were content to keep it as a Jewish body. Even though the church was birthed in Acts 2, there was no movement to take it outside of its regional locale until persecution arose after the stoning of Stephen and they were forced to take refuge in the countryside and in Samaria where they preached the good news to the despised Samaritans. Then in the tenth chapter the Lord sends Peter to go and preach the message to the gentile Cornelius and his household. Their resulting salvation and filling with the Holy Spirit was further evidence that God was bringing a people to Himself out of all nations, tribes and peoples, although some were still resistant. The false gospel that Paul confronts in the letter to the Galatians was being spread partly as a result of racism as well as theological ignorance.
I believe that people desire homogeneity. It is part of the human condition to want to be with people that are alike, both racially and culturally. Getting to know people from a different culture requires effort. It means that we will have to take the time to get know and understand them, their customs, dress and language, and share ours with them. There will be times when misunderstandings and offences (often out of ignorance) occur. The only time most people go out of their way to experience a different culture is when they go to a restaurant that specializes in that country's food. Getting to know people who are not like you also removes that most deadly reason for non-interaction, ignorance. Ignorance and fear go hand in hand. We fear that about which we do not know or understand.
There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call--one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph. 4:4-6) The Gospel is good news for all people. Jesus said to make disciples of all nations (Greek - ethnos, can also mean tribes or people groups). Our cities are made up a myriad of nations, tribes and cultures, who need to hear and believe this message. If we are to fulfill our duty as the body of Christ, we are going to have to be intentional about reaching out to everyone. This will not be easy, and may require us to be honest with ourselves about both our prejudices and distrust of those who are different than us. May we have the courage to go to our Father and confess our weaknesses and fears to Him and seek racial and cultural reconciliation in our churches. Lord Jesus,forgive us for our monochromatic tunnel vision and create in us a passion to be an earthly version of that heavenly congregation!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New Years Day 2014
This is a day of beginnings. We begin a new year. Many of us begin new diets. There are new goals, new plans, new hopes and new dreams. One area which we should all address is our relationship with our Creator. Do you have a relationship? If you do, are you on speaking terms? If you are how often do you converse with Him? I believe that the answer to these questions will have a direct correlation as to whether or not your other goals, dreams and resolutions will be realized.
Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount speaks to the wide variety of concerns that we humans have, clothing, shelter, food etc., in Matthew 6. He eloquently points out the Father knows all about our needs, even the needs of the smallest part of creation. His answer to the concerns is for us to seek the kingdom of God first and his (God's) righteousness, then all these things (that we have worries, fears or concerns about) will be added to us (Matt. 6:33). So how do we seek this kingdom and this righteousness?
In order to seek the kingdom of God, we must also seek his righteousness and that's where we encounter out problem. Righteousness eludes us. We are all broken. Some more than others, but none of us are righteous. God's standard is perfection, and we all fall short. What are we to do? How are we to gain access to this perfect being?
God provides the answer Himself in Jesus. In John 10:9, Jesus himself tells us, "I am the door. If anyone enters by me he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." In verse 11 he says, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." Jesus the good shepherd, who is also the door to the kingdom and righteousness gave up his life for the sheep, as well as took it up again three days later, so that all who hear His voice and turn from their sin and embrace His death and resurrection on their behalf by faith, shall enter into the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Now you have a relationship with the Sovereign of the universe as an adopted child to present acceptable worship and petitions to your Abba (an Aramaic word which is sometimes translated Papa or Daddy), as well as hear from Him through the avenue of His Word, the Bible.
So now dear reader, I ask you, where do you stand with God on this first day of 2014? Are you a child of the Great King? If not, you can call upon him confessing your sin and your need of a Savior in Christ's finished work on the cross and enter into that relationship that is missing in your life today. And if you are a believer, I would ask how is your relationship with your Father? Do you talk to Him and listen to and obey His Word? If not, what better day to start than today?
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Jesus in the Park
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'" (Matt. 25:31-40 ESV)
The weather was cold, but the smiles were warm. The worship was sincere and God honoring. Even a broken guitar string could not stop the voices and hearts of these people who had gathered for the purpose of glorifying God and serving their neighbor. This is not an area of Fort Worth that I had ever frequented. In fact, this is the kind of neighborhood that many folks would avoid or make sure their car doors were locked as they quickly drove through this area close to downtown. When we pulled up we saw people sleeping on the sidewalk and many others milling about with everything they owned strapped to their backs or shoved into carts. These people were homeless, cold and hungry. It doesn't really matter what circumstances brought them to this place in life, for a lecture about getting off drugs or drink and getting a job will not fill their bellies tonight. They need food and they need Jesus.
Looking into the faces of the people who were taking their plates of pizza, salad, cookies and soft drinks, I saw myself. These people are made in the image of God just like me. They have dreams and desires for their lives and their families as I have. I know what it is to have your dreams smashed by the toils of this world and because of my sinful choices. I understand addiction, for it almost destroyed me. Still there are many differences between us. I have never gone hungry, unless I was on a diet. I have always had a roof over my head and a bed on which to lay down at night. I have two cars that I can drive and discretionary funds with which I can buy things that I want and not just what I need. The greatest need we all share is to know the liberating grace of God found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The cross is the great equalizer, for it the only hope that humanity has for escaping the wrath of God upon sin. These people don't need pity, they need compassion directed to both their physical and spiritual needs. That is why we came here.
As satisfying as it was to be here in person serving, it was an absolute joy to have my wife, daughter and two of our grandchildren here as well. Both Christian and Destiny took part in passing out food and plates to the area's residents. When a family arrived late, and the pizza was already gone, they gave their extra slices to them on their own initiative. As we left, Christian saw some of the people bedding down for the night and was concerned for how cold they were going to be throughout the night. Here in the words of an eight year old boy was the concern and compassion that should resonate in the hearts of all those who claim to be followers of Jesus. Our Lord said, when we have served the "least of these" we have done it unto Him, which means that Jesus was sleeping in the park last night in the cold. What will you do?
The weather was cold, but the smiles were warm. The worship was sincere and God honoring. Even a broken guitar string could not stop the voices and hearts of these people who had gathered for the purpose of glorifying God and serving their neighbor. This is not an area of Fort Worth that I had ever frequented. In fact, this is the kind of neighborhood that many folks would avoid or make sure their car doors were locked as they quickly drove through this area close to downtown. When we pulled up we saw people sleeping on the sidewalk and many others milling about with everything they owned strapped to their backs or shoved into carts. These people were homeless, cold and hungry. It doesn't really matter what circumstances brought them to this place in life, for a lecture about getting off drugs or drink and getting a job will not fill their bellies tonight. They need food and they need Jesus.
Looking into the faces of the people who were taking their plates of pizza, salad, cookies and soft drinks, I saw myself. These people are made in the image of God just like me. They have dreams and desires for their lives and their families as I have. I know what it is to have your dreams smashed by the toils of this world and because of my sinful choices. I understand addiction, for it almost destroyed me. Still there are many differences between us. I have never gone hungry, unless I was on a diet. I have always had a roof over my head and a bed on which to lay down at night. I have two cars that I can drive and discretionary funds with which I can buy things that I want and not just what I need. The greatest need we all share is to know the liberating grace of God found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The cross is the great equalizer, for it the only hope that humanity has for escaping the wrath of God upon sin. These people don't need pity, they need compassion directed to both their physical and spiritual needs. That is why we came here.
As satisfying as it was to be here in person serving, it was an absolute joy to have my wife, daughter and two of our grandchildren here as well. Both Christian and Destiny took part in passing out food and plates to the area's residents. When a family arrived late, and the pizza was already gone, they gave their extra slices to them on their own initiative. As we left, Christian saw some of the people bedding down for the night and was concerned for how cold they were going to be throughout the night. Here in the words of an eight year old boy was the concern and compassion that should resonate in the hearts of all those who claim to be followers of Jesus. Our Lord said, when we have served the "least of these" we have done it unto Him, which means that Jesus was sleeping in the park last night in the cold. What will you do?
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Life Interruptions
I wonder if Abram liked living in Ur? Was he happy there and did he have a life in that land he enjoyed? Surely he was established in the community. He probably had friends and others that he spent time with and enjoyed eating and laughing on many a starry evening. Did he think that God was being unreasonable when He asked ol' Abe to pack up his wife and extended family and start on a journey to an unknown land among unknown people? The Bible doesn't tell us how he felt, just that he got up and went. Likewise we are not told how Abraham felt when God told him to take Isaac the child of promise and sacrifice him to Yahweh. And what about Moses minding his sheep in the backside of the desert for forty years, then God interrupts his life at the age of eighty to begin a new phase of life?
In the past few months the Lord has interrupted our life and informed us that we have to leave our place of comfort and stability and venture to a new place to do a new work. After much debate with the Sovereign of the universe (Hint: It didn't work any better for me than it did for Moses), we are readying for a move to the DFW area (Grand Prairie) to begin a Bible Study in the home of our daughter and son-in-law. We don't know what we are doing only that we are following where God is leading. So at the age of fifty-three I am about to learn a new lesson in faith. I don't know how everything is going to work out, only that if we are in God's will then it is the best place to be.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Cinematic Nehushtan
"There is nothing so abominable in the eyes of God as idolatry, it renders to the creature the honor that is due to the Creator." (Blaise Pascal)
I never set out to be an idolater. I doubt many Christians consider themselves idolaters, although most of us are. We love Jesus, or think that we do, all the while we also love something else more than Him. It could be a job, or it could be a sports team, or it could even be a spouse. If there is anything that takes precedence over the worship and glory of Christ, it has become an idol. These have become as Tim Keller calls them, "counterfeit gods." Over the course of my life I discovered that there have been many idols in my life. Some were very visible to me and easy to acknowledge. For many years it was very easy to see that I had made the love of food an idol in my life. The extra 150-200 lbs were a clear indication that food was of primary importance to me, especially considering that while I couldn't make time to spend with God in prayer and study of the Word, I could sure find time to feed my face with sugary poison!
Other idols, which may appear clearly visible to others have not been so easy for me to acknowledge. Recently, I had to come to grips with and acknowledge that one of my favorite pastimes was an idol in my life. From the time I was a wee one, I have had a fascination with the cinema. Thomas Edison's invention has given me countless hours of voyeuristic pleasure over the years. This is not a diatribe against movies. I am a staunch advocate and supporter of all things artistic. The ability to create works of beauty is a hallmark of being image bearers of God. And yet, when the pursuit of the artistic becomes more important than your pursuit of the "holiness without which no one shall see the Lord." (Heb. 12:14) then that which is a good gift has become an idol.
A biblical example of this is seen in 2 Kings 18:4 during the reign of King Hezekiah. The young king was instituting radical reforms in the kingdom of Judah in an attempt to turn the nation back to the worship of Yahweh. During this time of worship renewal it had come to the king's attention that the people had taken to worshiping the bronze serpent that had been used during the exodus to cure those who had been bitten by the poisonous serpents sent by the Lord to punish them for their grumbling and complaining. Now centuries later, that which was used for a good and holy purpose had now been cheapened by the misplaced adoration of the people, so that when Hezekiah destroyed it, he said it was Nehushtan, which means "thing of brass."
I can look back over the course of my life and see how this principle has been a working example of my sinful nature. Starting in my preteen years, I discovered that if there was a movie that piqued my interest, that I would go to almost any length to see it. I have lied in order to see films. I have spent money that should have been spent on needful things to go to films or to purchase DVDs. I would set my schedule around the next big movie premiere. There have been occasions when I would more quickly argue for the merits of a certain favorite film, before I would argue for the merits of Christ. In short, the world of cinema had become "nehushtan" in my life. This was a sobering realization to say the least. I was worshiping celluloid, instead of the eternal, self-existent One, Creator of heaven and earth! Something had to be done and right now!
As with the discovery of all sin, the beginning point is to repent and acknowledge the sin to the One offended. After repentance comes surrender to the Holy Spirit's power to break the chains that this idol has in your life. Only then will you be able to take the next step, which is to get rid of the idol. Its power in your life needs to be destroyed. There is to be only one Sovereign in the life of the Christian. When that is restored a proper balance for the good gifts of life will be in evidence. That which has become an idol can be redeemed from being "nehushtan" by putting it in its rightful place.
What this has meant for me is that since late January, I have not attended a feature film, or viewed one on DVD (they are all boxed up and put in storage). I don't know how long this will last, but I know I am not there yet. As the summer movie season is approaching, I feel an idolatrous voice in my head urging me to compromise and make excuses so that I can go and enjoy the films that I have been eagerly anticipating for the last year or two. One day I may have the freedom to enjoy this expression of the arts when it has been subdued to the Lordship of Christ. For in the end, what really matters is not how much pleasure my flesh is afforded in this life, but how much "Christ is honored in my body, whether by life or by death." (Phil 1:20)
I never set out to be an idolater. I doubt many Christians consider themselves idolaters, although most of us are. We love Jesus, or think that we do, all the while we also love something else more than Him. It could be a job, or it could be a sports team, or it could even be a spouse. If there is anything that takes precedence over the worship and glory of Christ, it has become an idol. These have become as Tim Keller calls them, "counterfeit gods." Over the course of my life I discovered that there have been many idols in my life. Some were very visible to me and easy to acknowledge. For many years it was very easy to see that I had made the love of food an idol in my life. The extra 150-200 lbs were a clear indication that food was of primary importance to me, especially considering that while I couldn't make time to spend with God in prayer and study of the Word, I could sure find time to feed my face with sugary poison!
Other idols, which may appear clearly visible to others have not been so easy for me to acknowledge. Recently, I had to come to grips with and acknowledge that one of my favorite pastimes was an idol in my life. From the time I was a wee one, I have had a fascination with the cinema. Thomas Edison's invention has given me countless hours of voyeuristic pleasure over the years. This is not a diatribe against movies. I am a staunch advocate and supporter of all things artistic. The ability to create works of beauty is a hallmark of being image bearers of God. And yet, when the pursuit of the artistic becomes more important than your pursuit of the "holiness without which no one shall see the Lord." (Heb. 12:14) then that which is a good gift has become an idol.
A biblical example of this is seen in 2 Kings 18:4 during the reign of King Hezekiah. The young king was instituting radical reforms in the kingdom of Judah in an attempt to turn the nation back to the worship of Yahweh. During this time of worship renewal it had come to the king's attention that the people had taken to worshiping the bronze serpent that had been used during the exodus to cure those who had been bitten by the poisonous serpents sent by the Lord to punish them for their grumbling and complaining. Now centuries later, that which was used for a good and holy purpose had now been cheapened by the misplaced adoration of the people, so that when Hezekiah destroyed it, he said it was Nehushtan, which means "thing of brass."
I can look back over the course of my life and see how this principle has been a working example of my sinful nature. Starting in my preteen years, I discovered that if there was a movie that piqued my interest, that I would go to almost any length to see it. I have lied in order to see films. I have spent money that should have been spent on needful things to go to films or to purchase DVDs. I would set my schedule around the next big movie premiere. There have been occasions when I would more quickly argue for the merits of a certain favorite film, before I would argue for the merits of Christ. In short, the world of cinema had become "nehushtan" in my life. This was a sobering realization to say the least. I was worshiping celluloid, instead of the eternal, self-existent One, Creator of heaven and earth! Something had to be done and right now!
As with the discovery of all sin, the beginning point is to repent and acknowledge the sin to the One offended. After repentance comes surrender to the Holy Spirit's power to break the chains that this idol has in your life. Only then will you be able to take the next step, which is to get rid of the idol. Its power in your life needs to be destroyed. There is to be only one Sovereign in the life of the Christian. When that is restored a proper balance for the good gifts of life will be in evidence. That which has become an idol can be redeemed from being "nehushtan" by putting it in its rightful place.
What this has meant for me is that since late January, I have not attended a feature film, or viewed one on DVD (they are all boxed up and put in storage). I don't know how long this will last, but I know I am not there yet. As the summer movie season is approaching, I feel an idolatrous voice in my head urging me to compromise and make excuses so that I can go and enjoy the films that I have been eagerly anticipating for the last year or two. One day I may have the freedom to enjoy this expression of the arts when it has been subdued to the Lordship of Christ. For in the end, what really matters is not how much pleasure my flesh is afforded in this life, but how much "Christ is honored in my body, whether by life or by death." (Phil 1:20)
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