Got this article from a good friend. Check it out.
My request: Don't read it, say that was nice and then leave unchanged (unless you are living 100% they way you want to). Rather, apply it. The time is now...
http://inspirationandchai.com/Regrets-of-the-Dying.html
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Grace
Today's topic is grace and I'd like to bring it home.
There's the church definition (ethereal, heavenly, spiritual, etc.) but
what does that mean in real life? What is the real life application?
If we understand and are impacted by grace, how does it impact the lives
we lead and the people we interact with?
I think if the impact of grace fully hits/impacts us, then the
second part (how others are impacted by us) will naturally flow.
Let's start with grace, what it is and how it works. Let's
look at two very familiar Bible stories: 1) woman caught in adultery and
2) thief on the cross. Note that in both of these stories, there are two
main characters: in #1, it's the woman and Jesus. In #2, it's the thief
and Jesus. So before we get into either story, let me say that grace
begins between us (individually) and Jesus (nuff said).
These two stories are somewhat similar: Both have a sinner
being condemned by society. In the woman's case, Jesus' words turned the
crowd’s thoughts towards their own sin and slowly, one by one, they dropped
their accusations (starting with the older ones). Then, Jesus also,
forgave the woman of her sins, and asked her to go, and sin no more. He
forgave her and asked her to stop sinning because He knew that this would be
the BEST life for her (see John 10:10).
This is not in the Bible, but I imagine that if Jesus came through
that town 10 more times and was presented with that same woman, caught in that
same sin, I'm convinced that Jesus would respond lovingly, "your sins are
forgiven, go now, and sin no more". That my friends, is grace.
Now, on to the thief: Unfortunately (from an earthly
perspective) the people have already delivered the death sentence to the thief.
He is hanging, bleeding and dying. Sure, God could have removed him
from the cross, healed his wounds and said, "go now and sin no more".
Interestingly enough, the thief, did not even ask for that! The
words the thief chooses are profound and describe what he desires. Check
it out...
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling
abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and
us!” 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do
you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And
we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what
we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And
he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” 43 And
He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”
This my friends is grace. The first thief is mocking.
The second recognizes his sin and that he deserves to die. He also
recognizes, Jesus' innocence and yet they are both under the same death
sentence. Then, from a place of humility, all he asks is "remember
me when You come into Your Kingdom". In these few words, the thief
says that Jesus is King and asks to be remembered. This thief is saved
per Romans 10:9 "If you declare with your mouth 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe
in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
OK, so now we got the church definition of grace and we unpacked
two familiar Bible stories. Let's get down to brass tacks: How does
all this church stuff impact how we walk? I see three main facets:
1) Humbled 2) Justified & 3) Changed. Both characters in the
stories and ourselves (see Rom 3:23) are guilty of sin. From this place
of humility, guilt we are impacted/motivated to go and sin no more (end facet
1). Now that we have received the free gift of grace (see Eph 2:8) we are
justified 100% fully members of God's family, we are confident of our place.
This is a great place to be. We are forgiven, loved and can have peace
and joy in life/relationship to God. So now, to the third facet, how this
naturally flows into our lives at work, play, friends, family, etc.
What we have been freely given, we are to freely give. Love
one another (John 13:35). In humility, consider others over yourself
(Phil 2:3). Why do you look at the spec in your brother's eye? (Matt 7:3)
We have great power: If you forgive anyone his sins they are
forgiven (John 20:23). And lastly one reason we don't need to judge and
point out others sin is because the Holy Spirit is on it and will do it (see
John 16:8).
So how are you doing? I’ll
leave you with this: You can tell a tree
by it’s fruit (Matt 7:16). What fruit
are you producing? Can an observer of
your life tell that you are saved by grace and distributing love and
grace? What are some tangible ways this
is seen? What evidence is there?
Second question: Are you 1)
humbled? 2) Justified? 3) Changed?
Stay tuned for our next topic:
Talking about God vs. Talking with God.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
The Wisdom of Aging
Today we'll explore the various phases of life, how we learn, change & grow. Lots here that can apply to every phase of life (they overlap significantly).
There are 5 phases of aging:
1) Training
2) Apprentice
3) Pursuit/Establishment
4) Wisdom in living
5) Final years
1) Training (roughly birth through 22 yrs) is probably the most critical phase since it establishes the platform for the rest of life. These are the formative years where we learn potty training, how to share, who we are, what's good/bad. If our parents/society/college were successful we graduate this phase of life with the problem solving skills to make good choices.
2) Apprentice (roughly 22 though 27, but possibly 35 or the rest of your life): These years start when the young (~22) individual truly enters the real world. Probably includes a first "real" job (might call it the start of a career?). The main characteristic of this phase is a steep learning curve. Generally speaking, one example is the new college graduate. They've got the degree, but little to no real experience. In those first few years, they usually put things together at a quick pace. Note: this phase can be repeated with a significant life/job change.
3) Pursuit/Establishment (roughly 25-35, but can be significantly different): This one ties back to training (our values) and what society tell us (values). We're adults so we choose (to some degree) what values we embrace or discard. At a minimum, most individuals establish a home (apartment, house, etc.) and a routine. Some individuals establish a family (I'm not an expert on that, but I hear it's a pretty big undertaking (smile)).
There is a key choice during this phase which dictates how long it lasts. If you subscribe to materialism (more is better) and the american dream (I'll be happy if I'm always upgrading cars, houses, cabins, etc.) this could be a very long phase of life. If you are content with less and focused differently this phase can be shorter.
Before we get to the 4th phase (Wisdom in living), let's talk about the 1st Enlightenment: This is a milestone that typically is realized between 30 & 40 yrs. It may occur in Phase 3 or 4. 1st Enlightenment can be many things, but in a nutshell it is realizing our mortality in a more profound way which leads to many things: different perspective on time, money, things, people, relationships, family, etc. It can lead to a true purpose, vision or a calling.
4) Wisdom in living (roughly 35 to 65 years): This is the longest phase we've discussed so far. Hopefully there's some sense of arrival. You've been through training and the fast learning of the apprentice phase. During your pursuit/establishment phase you've established ____, ____ & _____. Hopefully you've had your 1st enlightenment which will guide you during this phase. Another way to think of the "wisdom in living" phase is to "keep on keeping on". We practice, test things, grow, apply our growth, try again, try new directions. As you can imagine, this phase can have ups, downs and significant changes of course. Keep on keeping on (smile).
5) Final years & 2nd Enlightenment (roughly 65 to 100 (expiration)): For today, I'll disregard finances & health and assume they are both non-factors which isn't the case, but to keep it simple... With 65+ years of experience and the world politics, economics & technology changing faster than ever, you now have TIME and the world at your finger tips. Not that you didn't accomplish and achieve great purposeful things in your first 65 years, but now you are financially free (asssumed healthy) but generationally set apart. Your kids are in one of the aformentioned phases and your grandkids are in training. So now what?!
So many paths from here, but the one thing remains constant in every phase of life is here too: Time and Money (the currency of life). Money is easier so we'll start with it... Make sure your money outlasts you, not the other way around. Plan for when you are gone to maximize the money that they (your kids or favorite charity) will get. Money is for spending and you can't take it with you. Spend it on good investments that build and provide a return: education, the young, charity, family, friends, start a foundation, invest in yourself (a trip, seminar, etc.), invest in others (contribute to someone elses phase of life).
Now on to time, the harder of the two... Actually it's not harder because the answer is the same!! Spend it on good investments that build and provide a return: education, the young, charity, family, friends, start a foundation, invest in yourself (a trip, seminar, etc.), invest in others (contribute to someone elses phase of life).
Write a book, teach a seminar (see note 1), but whatever you do with your time and money, make sure it's after your 2nd Enlightenment: Its not about you, your establishement or accomplishments. It never was! True enlightenment is to die to yourself daily. To pick up your cross daily. Not in the hopes that there will be enough left over for you at the end, but to be poured out completely, empty yet lacking nothing because you need nothing. Difficult to maintain this place of freedom, peace and contentment in a society that screams otherwise, but it can be done and its up to YOU!
THANKS FOR READING!!!!
Note 1: Teaching from the "final years" phase can be difficult. Relevancy will escape you and if you do not adjust accordingly two things will happen: your audience won't get it and you will get frustrated. Similar to Nicodemus' question to Jesus "how can a man be born again when he is old?" you must delve into the prior phases, but not from your past, but from people's current experience (this may involve becoming a student yourself! It will be a roller coaster.). Learn and teach, but above all else put on love (see Col 3:14 and 1 Cor 13).
Discussion Questions (for individual or group reflection):
1) What phase are you currently in? What happened good or bad in previous phases that is making the road challenging or easy?
2) From your story, what would you add or change to the 5 phases listed above?
3) Have you had your 1st enlightenment? What was it? How is it impacting your day to day? How do you practically incorporate it into life? Can you give examples?
4) Same question for 2nd enlightenment.
5) Can you steal things from future phases and apply them in your current phase? Why or why not?
6) What was one nugget or item that stuck out to you as you read/reflected on these topics?
7) What are you going to try to do differently in the future? How will you apply this?
There are 5 phases of aging:
1) Training
2) Apprentice
3) Pursuit/Establishment
4) Wisdom in living
5) Final years
1) Training (roughly birth through 22 yrs) is probably the most critical phase since it establishes the platform for the rest of life. These are the formative years where we learn potty training, how to share, who we are, what's good/bad. If our parents/society/college were successful we graduate this phase of life with the problem solving skills to make good choices.
2) Apprentice (roughly 22 though 27, but possibly 35 or the rest of your life): These years start when the young (~22) individual truly enters the real world. Probably includes a first "real" job (might call it the start of a career?). The main characteristic of this phase is a steep learning curve. Generally speaking, one example is the new college graduate. They've got the degree, but little to no real experience. In those first few years, they usually put things together at a quick pace. Note: this phase can be repeated with a significant life/job change.
3) Pursuit/Establishment (roughly 25-35, but can be significantly different): This one ties back to training (our values) and what society tell us (values). We're adults so we choose (to some degree) what values we embrace or discard. At a minimum, most individuals establish a home (apartment, house, etc.) and a routine. Some individuals establish a family (I'm not an expert on that, but I hear it's a pretty big undertaking (smile)).
There is a key choice during this phase which dictates how long it lasts. If you subscribe to materialism (more is better) and the american dream (I'll be happy if I'm always upgrading cars, houses, cabins, etc.) this could be a very long phase of life. If you are content with less and focused differently this phase can be shorter.
Before we get to the 4th phase (Wisdom in living), let's talk about the 1st Enlightenment: This is a milestone that typically is realized between 30 & 40 yrs. It may occur in Phase 3 or 4. 1st Enlightenment can be many things, but in a nutshell it is realizing our mortality in a more profound way which leads to many things: different perspective on time, money, things, people, relationships, family, etc. It can lead to a true purpose, vision or a calling.
4) Wisdom in living (roughly 35 to 65 years): This is the longest phase we've discussed so far. Hopefully there's some sense of arrival. You've been through training and the fast learning of the apprentice phase. During your pursuit/establishment phase you've established ____, ____ & _____. Hopefully you've had your 1st enlightenment which will guide you during this phase. Another way to think of the "wisdom in living" phase is to "keep on keeping on". We practice, test things, grow, apply our growth, try again, try new directions. As you can imagine, this phase can have ups, downs and significant changes of course. Keep on keeping on (smile).
5) Final years & 2nd Enlightenment (roughly 65 to 100 (expiration)): For today, I'll disregard finances & health and assume they are both non-factors which isn't the case, but to keep it simple... With 65+ years of experience and the world politics, economics & technology changing faster than ever, you now have TIME and the world at your finger tips. Not that you didn't accomplish and achieve great purposeful things in your first 65 years, but now you are financially free (asssumed healthy) but generationally set apart. Your kids are in one of the aformentioned phases and your grandkids are in training. So now what?!
So many paths from here, but the one thing remains constant in every phase of life is here too: Time and Money (the currency of life). Money is easier so we'll start with it... Make sure your money outlasts you, not the other way around. Plan for when you are gone to maximize the money that they (your kids or favorite charity) will get. Money is for spending and you can't take it with you. Spend it on good investments that build and provide a return: education, the young, charity, family, friends, start a foundation, invest in yourself (a trip, seminar, etc.), invest in others (contribute to someone elses phase of life).
Now on to time, the harder of the two... Actually it's not harder because the answer is the same!! Spend it on good investments that build and provide a return: education, the young, charity, family, friends, start a foundation, invest in yourself (a trip, seminar, etc.), invest in others (contribute to someone elses phase of life).
Write a book, teach a seminar (see note 1), but whatever you do with your time and money, make sure it's after your 2nd Enlightenment: Its not about you, your establishement or accomplishments. It never was! True enlightenment is to die to yourself daily. To pick up your cross daily. Not in the hopes that there will be enough left over for you at the end, but to be poured out completely, empty yet lacking nothing because you need nothing. Difficult to maintain this place of freedom, peace and contentment in a society that screams otherwise, but it can be done and its up to YOU!
THANKS FOR READING!!!!
Note 1: Teaching from the "final years" phase can be difficult. Relevancy will escape you and if you do not adjust accordingly two things will happen: your audience won't get it and you will get frustrated. Similar to Nicodemus' question to Jesus "how can a man be born again when he is old?" you must delve into the prior phases, but not from your past, but from people's current experience (this may involve becoming a student yourself! It will be a roller coaster.). Learn and teach, but above all else put on love (see Col 3:14 and 1 Cor 13).
Discussion Questions (for individual or group reflection):
1) What phase are you currently in? What happened good or bad in previous phases that is making the road challenging or easy?
2) From your story, what would you add or change to the 5 phases listed above?
3) Have you had your 1st enlightenment? What was it? How is it impacting your day to day? How do you practically incorporate it into life? Can you give examples?
4) Same question for 2nd enlightenment.
5) Can you steal things from future phases and apply them in your current phase? Why or why not?
6) What was one nugget or item that stuck out to you as you read/reflected on these topics?
7) What are you going to try to do differently in the future? How will you apply this?
Sunday, December 9, 2012
I'll be "home" for Christmas?
Will you be "home" for Christmas? This word "home", where is it anyway? How do we get there? Should we stay there? I've heard "home is where the heart is". Is that true? Where is your "home"?
I'm going to define "home" as that comfortable, safe place. Where we are content, we have perspective. Home is where you are accepted, just as you are. No striving, just peace. You may not have everything you want (or think you need) but you are content. In fact, home to you might be a place of thankfulness.
Now that we have a definition, let me ask: When was the last time you were home? When were you last in that place of peace? How long did you stay? What was it that took you away from "home"?
For me, places where I'm home include with my wife, in my home office or in the outdoors. Another "home" for me is when I pause, take a deep breath and let it out slowly. It's amazing the perspective I can regain by taking a 15-20 second break. Another place where I'm home is blogging. When I take time to think, reflect, process & share. Yep, I'm home right now. (smile)
What places are "home" to you?
In contrast, what places are less homelike? Where or when are you when it is less homelike?
What do we do (or not do) to be and stay home? Where do we go (physically or emotionally) or not go to stay "home"?
More questions than words in today's Blog. I'll leave you with this closing thought...
STAY HOME. BRING HOME WITH YOU. GIVE YOUR HOME AWAY.
Yes, stay home, keep your self in that place. Bring that place with you everywhere you go and give away your home, your peace, contentment, thanks, acceptance. You may find that you have a VERY BIG home indeed.
Additional Reading: Col 3:1-4 Set your mind on the things and priorities above, where your true home is. Matt 6:10 May your Kingdom come, here on earth, in my life, work, relationships. Home is big. Very very BIG.
Application: The holidays are coming up. Right around the corner. Sometimes homecoming can be stressful or anxious. Try to bring your home with you and keep it and share it.
I'm going to define "home" as that comfortable, safe place. Where we are content, we have perspective. Home is where you are accepted, just as you are. No striving, just peace. You may not have everything you want (or think you need) but you are content. In fact, home to you might be a place of thankfulness.
Now that we have a definition, let me ask: When was the last time you were home? When were you last in that place of peace? How long did you stay? What was it that took you away from "home"?
For me, places where I'm home include with my wife, in my home office or in the outdoors. Another "home" for me is when I pause, take a deep breath and let it out slowly. It's amazing the perspective I can regain by taking a 15-20 second break. Another place where I'm home is blogging. When I take time to think, reflect, process & share. Yep, I'm home right now. (smile)
What places are "home" to you?
In contrast, what places are less homelike? Where or when are you when it is less homelike?
What do we do (or not do) to be and stay home? Where do we go (physically or emotionally) or not go to stay "home"?
More questions than words in today's Blog. I'll leave you with this closing thought...
STAY HOME. BRING HOME WITH YOU. GIVE YOUR HOME AWAY.
Yes, stay home, keep your self in that place. Bring that place with you everywhere you go and give away your home, your peace, contentment, thanks, acceptance. You may find that you have a VERY BIG home indeed.
Additional Reading: Col 3:1-4 Set your mind on the things and priorities above, where your true home is. Matt 6:10 May your Kingdom come, here on earth, in my life, work, relationships. Home is big. Very very BIG.
Application: The holidays are coming up. Right around the corner. Sometimes homecoming can be stressful or anxious. Try to bring your home with you and keep it and share it.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
The Big Questions
Let's tackle the big questions today:
1) Who is God?
2) Who are you?
3) What does God want from you?
(yes, this may be redundant, but worth a reminder read either way)
1) Who is God? Well, my understanding is that God created everything (creator) and God is perfect. I think that's enough for now.
2) Who am I? Well, I'm mortal, moody, emotional, irrational (at times) and POWERFUL. I have the power to create (and to destroy), the power to build up (and tear down). I was built in the image of my creator (which could be a whole study in and of itself). And this POWER to create/destroy can be used EVERYWHERE such as work, home, grocery, etc. The POWER is more important (and also most powerful) in our close relationships (spouse, parent, child & close friends).
3) What does God want from you? I'd say first and foremost that we know God and we know who we are (see questions 1 & 2). We could stop here since it all comes from here, but we'll go on just a bit...
From 1 & 2, I think God wants us to forget the mistakes of our past and move on into the future (not making mistakes again) and live life to the fullest (full of purpose & intention). Jesus' ministry on earth as a man was only 3 years and I think God wants us to continue that ministry. I think God wants us to give 100% of ourselves, our lives, our jobs, our time, our money to God's values and priorities which are to love God & neighbor (Matt 22:37-39) and to look after widows & orphans (Jam 1:27). God summarizes what is required in Micah 6:8 "do justly, love mercy & walk humbly with God".
I'll end with an excerpt from C. S. Lewis. This is good stuff!
(from his book "Mere Christianity" Book IV Chapter 8)
The Cost of Discipleship
The ordinary idea which we all have before we become Christians is this. We take as a starting point our ordinary self with its various desires and interests. We then admit that something else--call it "morality" or "decent behaviour" or "the good of society"--has claims on this self; claims which interfere with its own desires. What we mean by "being good" is giving in to those claims. Some of the things the ordinary self wanted to do turn out to be what we call "wrong": well, we must give them up. Other things which the self did not want to do, turn out to be what we call "right": well, we shall have to do them. Be we are hoping all the time that when all the demands have been met, the poor natural self will still have some chance, and some time, to get on with its own life and do what it likes. In fact, we are very like an honest man paying his taxes. He pays them all right, but he does hope that there will be enough left over for him to live on. Because we are still taking our natural self as the staring point.
As long as we are thinking that way, one of the other of two results is likely to follow. Either we give up trying to be good, or else we become very unhappy indeed, for, make no mistake: if you are really going to try to meet all the demands made on the natural self, it will not have enough left over to live on. The more you obey your conscious, the more your conscience will demand of you. And your natural self, which is thus being starved and hampered and worried at every turn, will get angrier and angrier. In the end you will either give up trying to be good or else become one of those people who, as they say, "live for others" but in a discontented, grumbling way--always wondering why the others do not notice it more, and always making a martyr of yourself. And once you have become that you will be a far greater pest to anyone who has to live with you than you would have been if you had remained frankly selfish.
The Christian way is different: harder, and easier. Christ says, "Give me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work; I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there. I want to have the whole tree down. I don't want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked--the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself; my own will shall become yours."
Think about it.
Thanks for reading.
1) Who is God?
2) Who are you?
3) What does God want from you?
(yes, this may be redundant, but worth a reminder read either way)
1) Who is God? Well, my understanding is that God created everything (creator) and God is perfect. I think that's enough for now.
2) Who am I? Well, I'm mortal, moody, emotional, irrational (at times) and POWERFUL. I have the power to create (and to destroy), the power to build up (and tear down). I was built in the image of my creator (which could be a whole study in and of itself). And this POWER to create/destroy can be used EVERYWHERE such as work, home, grocery, etc. The POWER is more important (and also most powerful) in our close relationships (spouse, parent, child & close friends).
3) What does God want from you? I'd say first and foremost that we know God and we know who we are (see questions 1 & 2). We could stop here since it all comes from here, but we'll go on just a bit...
From 1 & 2, I think God wants us to forget the mistakes of our past and move on into the future (not making mistakes again) and live life to the fullest (full of purpose & intention). Jesus' ministry on earth as a man was only 3 years and I think God wants us to continue that ministry. I think God wants us to give 100% of ourselves, our lives, our jobs, our time, our money to God's values and priorities which are to love God & neighbor (Matt 22:37-39) and to look after widows & orphans (Jam 1:27). God summarizes what is required in Micah 6:8 "do justly, love mercy & walk humbly with God".
I'll end with an excerpt from C. S. Lewis. This is good stuff!
(from his book "Mere Christianity" Book IV Chapter 8)
The Cost of Discipleship
The ordinary idea which we all have before we become Christians is this. We take as a starting point our ordinary self with its various desires and interests. We then admit that something else--call it "morality" or "decent behaviour" or "the good of society"--has claims on this self; claims which interfere with its own desires. What we mean by "being good" is giving in to those claims. Some of the things the ordinary self wanted to do turn out to be what we call "wrong": well, we must give them up. Other things which the self did not want to do, turn out to be what we call "right": well, we shall have to do them. Be we are hoping all the time that when all the demands have been met, the poor natural self will still have some chance, and some time, to get on with its own life and do what it likes. In fact, we are very like an honest man paying his taxes. He pays them all right, but he does hope that there will be enough left over for him to live on. Because we are still taking our natural self as the staring point.
As long as we are thinking that way, one of the other of two results is likely to follow. Either we give up trying to be good, or else we become very unhappy indeed, for, make no mistake: if you are really going to try to meet all the demands made on the natural self, it will not have enough left over to live on. The more you obey your conscious, the more your conscience will demand of you. And your natural self, which is thus being starved and hampered and worried at every turn, will get angrier and angrier. In the end you will either give up trying to be good or else become one of those people who, as they say, "live for others" but in a discontented, grumbling way--always wondering why the others do not notice it more, and always making a martyr of yourself. And once you have become that you will be a far greater pest to anyone who has to live with you than you would have been if you had remained frankly selfish.
The Christian way is different: harder, and easier. Christ says, "Give me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work; I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there. I want to have the whole tree down. I don't want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked--the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself; my own will shall become yours."
Think about it.
Thanks for reading.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Our Image of God
Our image of God. We all have one. Today we will look at it, what it does, where it comes from and, of course, what we should do with it.
We all have one. From Billy Graham to Marilyn Manson, every single person on this planet thinks something about God. Could be that there is no God (the atheist position) or maybe there is…
Everyone has an image of God (or that there is no God) (see Rom 1:19) and it significantly impacts every life choice that we make.
Examples (a very small sample):
Atheist: Since there is no God, these people often fill the gap with a purpose. Could be good (helping the widow/orphan) or bad (self indulgence in the American dream). Typically people in this group can be as zealous as anyone, but the “why” behind it can widely vary (see discussion questions below on “where/when” our image of God came from).
Christian: God created everything; is perfect and I am not perfect. I have a tough time accepting grace because it doesn’t add up (not rational). I waver between peaceful acceptance and guilt from my own imperfection.
It’s pretty easy to see how our image of God impacts our life decisions big and small. Here’s a deep thought on this which we may explore another day: Did you know that you reflect your relationship with God to your relationships with others? Let’s go on this quick and substantial tangent… If you are in a place of peace and acceptance of God’s grace and others fail you, hurt you or let you down, you will respond with grace and forgiveness. To the degree that you judge/condemn yourself you will judge/condemn others. The linkage could not be more direct and when operating correctly we are building the kingdom (spreading God’s grace, truth, love, etc.) and when we judge/condemn we are not (nuff said). See also Rom 12:18.
So we all have an image of God, it has direct impact on all of our choices so it’s FRIGEN IMPORTANT!
So, let’s get into a few discussion questions:
Q1: What is your image of God? If God were to ring your doorbell and want to spend some time with you, what would it be like? Does He have a list of what you’ve done in the past week, month, years and he wants to review it with you OR is He overjoyed that He caught you at home and beamingly looking at you with the affectionate eyes of a proud creator? There’s a stark contrast between these two examples. Maybe it’s no surprise that He showed up at your door because you’ve been with Him all day? Take some time and think about your answer: What is your current image of God? How do you see Him? How does He see you?
Q2: When and where did you form your image of God? How does it or has it changed over the years? This is a good reflective introspective question. As the therapist asks, “tell me about your childhood” it can be very useful to study our past and what events and experiences lead us to believe and think the things we do and the way we do. Consider yourself an archaeologist and study the past, specifically your past. From the place you are now, are the lessons learned (subconsciously) the right lessons that you want to keep applying now (consciously or subconsciously)? Think about it.
Q3: How is your current image of God impacting your life choices? The big, the small, the conscious, the subconscious.
Moving on. Let’s spend a little time on correcting or re-calibrating our image of God. We did a little of that in Q2 above, but there’s more than just that. I see three main sources: 1. The Bible. 2. Community 3. From within.
1.The Bible is one of my main sources of truth. It says in Col 1:15 that He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God (pretty dang relevant to our topic today). Yeah, it can be hard to have an image of God especially when He’s invisible, omnipresent, etc. Fortunately we have a plethora of tangible images from Christ’s time on earth in human form (see Matthew, Mark, Luke & John). Check em out!
2. Community is another key source of truth and perspective for me. It’s hard to describe and quantify the value of thinking intentional people in my life. Sometimes I try to limit my friends and hear only what I want to hear. Fortunately, if I shut up long enough, my wild card friends can open my mind to things I would have never thought of. Most importantly, in the community area, is accountability and challenging each other to think it through and live intentionally by God’s values, not the world’s (Rom 12:2) in every area of life.
3. From within: We are created in God’s image (Gen 1:27) and he wants us to know Him (1 Tim 2:4). He’s planted the seed within us and from our desire (Rom 12:2) we can choose to water that seed (1 Cor 3:12-13). God has prepared things in advance for us to do (Eph 2:10) so let’s make sure we’re calibrated so that we can do those things (insert smile here).
HOW TO: How do we correct and re-calibrate our image of God? The answer is simple: Continually. We are sinners living in a sin filled world so we gotta keep correcting our course and keeping it on track (Psalm 23:3, James 1:27, 2 Tim 2:4-6).
So, in conclusion, my hope, key takeaways… We all have an image of God which significantly impacts our life choices so it’s important to get it right.
THANKS FOR READING!!!!
End note 1: A good friend once told me that he didn’t want to serve the God he created or the one that felt right. He was compelled to serve the true God (Jer 10:10) no matter what he looked like or what I thought of Him. (thankfully He is good (Ps. 34:8))
End note 2: The title of this is interesting “our image of God” because really, how silly is that? Who do we think we are?! The potter or the clay? Funny how we tend to get that reversed and put ourselves on the throne and judge God rather than seeing ourselves as we are, the created and affectionately loved by the creator.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Vision
Just had a Birthday. I’m also reflecting on my first year of marriage.
Long story short: Life is good.
So anyway, to the topic: VISION
Why? Without vision, purpose, a higher calling, what are we here for? Unlike rabbits and hawks, there’s more to our life. We have more potential, so I’m setting out to define my vision (and in this case, me = we since I’m now married. We’ll see what my other half thinks later.)
Another important reason to have vision is without it, we can chase so many things. Vision can ground us so that the minute and mundane are building blocks to the profound (they didn’t build the pyramids in a day, so let’s make sure our day to day adds up to a life well spent).
First rule (or guideline if you prefer) is to make it timeless. Your vision should not be specific to your current position in life or phase of life. Rich or poor, healthy or sick, a vision should be timeless. Your vision should be something a 10 year could own or a 100 year old. A millionaire or a poor person.
Universally applicable: Life is full of events, ups, downs, birthday parties, weddings, funerals, births, deaths, school, family, kids, financial plenty, financial hardship, relational bliss, relational hardship, etc. etc. Make sure your vision is applicable in every situation. It’s who you are and how you are and you need to be you in every situation.
Simple: Don’t use fancy words and terms. Keep it simple so you can remember it, own it, share it.
Specific & Personal: This is for you and only you. Sure you can share it, but that’s not where it starts. This is for YOU. Make it specific. What are you passionate about? What legacy do you want to leave behind?
Flexible/Adaptable: Yes, I know I said it should be timeless and now I’m saying flex or adapt it. That’s OK, sometimes things change. Maybe you don’t agree with your original vision or it’s a different priority. That’s OK. Now, if you told all your friends/family/neighbors (see paragraph above) you might want to take this opportunity to explain it and why it changed, but that could be a good opportunity too, could really solidify it for you.
Measureable/Impactful/Tangible/Real/Observable: In a nutshell, you should be able to ask yourself the following question: In the last day/wk/month/year how have I lived out my vision and made the impact I wanted to? If your vision is simple, specific, etc. you should easily be able to answer that question. If the answer is, “I haven’t done much” then I’d ask why not?! This is your life, live it the way you want to.
Remind yourself (if it’s not a habit already) daily, weekly, hourly. One idea I have it to literally carve my vision in stone. Maybe a waste of money and certainly hard to change, BUT if it helps me live it out more fully each day, how much is it worth? Certainly more than the cost of carving it in stone.
Work it out: So, let’s say you have a great vision. Now what? Work it out! Don’t put your vision in a frame on the wall and keep living life as it comes to you, but take life by the horns. Direct your sails and rudder and steer your ship the way you want to! (see below for example)
Complete: This is a hard one, but does it leave anything out? If so, work it out, maybe add some detail OR adapt it so that it is complete. It might not be complete without the added detail, so ADD THE DETAIL so that it is.
Here’s a draft of my vision:
Give generously – of my time, money, skills, heart, abilities, passions. Serve others. Be mindful of the needs of others, not just your own needs (note, this is a balance because if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be of great use to anyone else, so give generously to yourself too).
Trust completely in God’s promises: See Bible for list of God’s promises.
Live radically – don’t fit in, don’t worry about what people say or think. They may not understand or share the same values/passions/thoughts you have. That’s OK, many parts one body. Don’t judge them for being different. If they judge you, don’t let it change you.
LET’S TEST IT…
Timeless? Yes, I think so.
Universally applicable? Certainly can be.
Simple? Just 3 points. I think I can remember that.
Flexible/Adaptable: Time will tell.
Measureable? Can I answer the question? Yes.
Complete? I think so, but not without the additional detail behind the three bullets.
WORK IT OUT: I was going to ask the questions and see how I’m doing well and where I can improve, but I’ll wait till we sit down for a meal or a bonfire. Let’s talk about it then.
Sincerely with love,
Ben
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