How does the Kingdom of GOD operate differently from the world?
One major way is: GOD never judges His people for their weakness and limitations...the Scriptures are absolutely clear on this. You will not find a single time when GOD has punished or even criticized anyone for not being clever enough, not being skillful enough, not being strong enough, not being eloquent enough, or not being beautiful enough. Likewise, GOD never shows favoritism towards anyone because they possess impressive talents or abilities. In fact, Jesus said, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants....Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Mat 11:25, 18:3)
See, man looks at the outside appearance, but GOD looks at the heart. (1 Sam 16:7) No matter how smart we are, we will find we could have been smarter. No matter how strong we are, there are still things we cannot do. It is not physically attainable for any created being to become infinite in ability like GOD, without limitation or weakness. But GOD does want us all to become completely clean. (Eph 5:27) Purity is much more important in the eyes of GOD than size. A single cup of pure water is more valuable than 100 gallons of contaminated water. (Selah) Is it any surprise then that GOD often chooses to use the "foolish" and the "simple" to confound the "wise"? (1 Cor 1:26-29)
Has anyone been cast out because they weren't beautiful enough in the world's eyes? Is anyone afraid that their best will not be good enough? Jesus said: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Mat 11:28-30)
November 9, 2009
November 7, 2009
The Parable of the Axe Head (Grace in a Nutshell)
Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, "Behold now, the place before you where we are living is too limited for us. Please let us go to the Jordan and each of us take from there a beam, and let us make a place there for ourselves where we may live." So he said, "Go."
Then one said, "Please be willing to go with your servants." And he answered, "I shall go."
So he went with them; and when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, "Alas, my master! For it was borrowed."
Then the man of God said, "Where did it fall?" And when he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float. He said, "Take it up for yourself." So he put out his hand and took it. (2Ki 6:1-7)
This unusual incident actually illustrates an important lesson about sin and grace. Can you see it?
A man was chopping down a tree and the iron axe head "flew off the handle" and landed deep into the Jordan river. Unfortunately, the axe head was borrowed and the man was unable to retrieve the axe head. Also iron was an expensive commodity in those days so an iron axe head was quite expensive.
So what is the point of this unusual story? Notice that the man's physical inability to do the right thing did not excuse him. The man was clearly still responsible for returning the iron axe to his lender even though it was beyond his ability. Judging by the man's reaction (Alas! It was borrowed!) he knew this too.
At some point, every person finds themselves in the same situation as this man. The righteousness we need can not be earned through our best efforts. Most of us can live up to our society's standards through our efforts. Some of us can quit smoking or lose weight through our own willpower. But it is impossible for us to reverse our basic nature and our addiction to ego, sin, and self through our own resources. We have become "addicted" to sin, so to speak. Because our various sins have become such a part of our nature, even our best efforts are often have mixed motives and unclean methods. (Isa 64:6, Rom 3:11-23) "Can the Ethiopian change his skin Or the leopard his spots? Then you also can do good who are accustomed to doing evil." (Jer 13:23)
But righteousness is available to us, if we ask for it! We must ask because what is not possible with man is possible with GOD. (Luk 18:27) Our Loving Father would not withhold any good gift from us, His children. (Mat 7:11) But imagine if the man had reasoned thus: "Oops, the axe head seems to have fallen into the water! Well, it's ok. The guy who lent it to me will just have to understand... accidents do happen. He can certainly afford another one. Boy I'm glad I'm saved by the blood of Jesus and not by legalism!" Is that bringing forth fruits worthy of repentance? (Luk 3:8) What happened to the man at the wedding feast who did not dress himself in the clothes that were freely provided for him? (Mat 22:11-14, Rev 19:8-7)
Next, the man was told to "put out his hand" and "take it for himself." GOD put the axe-head within the man's reach, not in the man's lap. Notice that GOD did not take away the man's responsibility...instead He gave the man the tools he needed to fulfill his responsibility. Sometimes it will be easy. But sometimes the righteousness we ask for will require 100% of our focus, effort and resources to attain. (Mat 13:44, Mar 12:30, Luk 9:23-24, Rev 12:11) And it will be impossible to exert ourselves fully for GOD if our loyalties are divided with the cares of this world. (Luk 14:33, Mat 6:24, Mat 13:22, Jam 1:8) What did Jesus tell the rich young man was the "one thing he lacked?" (Mar 10:21)
What is being shown in this incident is grace. We are saved through both mercy and grace. Mercy forgives our sin and excuses our debt while grace gives us the ability to overcome our sin and pay our debt. They are different but both are needed! Mercy forgives us when we make a mistake, grace allows us to do better next time. The Grace of GOD does not mean we will never fall again. But it does mean we are given a new nature that is taking over our life completely. And when we do fall, the Mercy of GOD will forgive us, and the Grace of GOD will help us to stand again. For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity. (Pro 24:16) Who is left among us who hungers and thirsts for righteousness, with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength?
Then one said, "Please be willing to go with your servants." And he answered, "I shall go."
So he went with them; and when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, "Alas, my master! For it was borrowed."
Then the man of God said, "Where did it fall?" And when he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there, and made the iron float. He said, "Take it up for yourself." So he put out his hand and took it. (2Ki 6:1-7)
This unusual incident actually illustrates an important lesson about sin and grace. Can you see it?
A man was chopping down a tree and the iron axe head "flew off the handle" and landed deep into the Jordan river. Unfortunately, the axe head was borrowed and the man was unable to retrieve the axe head. Also iron was an expensive commodity in those days so an iron axe head was quite expensive.
So what is the point of this unusual story? Notice that the man's physical inability to do the right thing did not excuse him. The man was clearly still responsible for returning the iron axe to his lender even though it was beyond his ability. Judging by the man's reaction (Alas! It was borrowed!) he knew this too.
At some point, every person finds themselves in the same situation as this man. The righteousness we need can not be earned through our best efforts. Most of us can live up to our society's standards through our efforts. Some of us can quit smoking or lose weight through our own willpower. But it is impossible for us to reverse our basic nature and our addiction to ego, sin, and self through our own resources. We have become "addicted" to sin, so to speak. Because our various sins have become such a part of our nature, even our best efforts are often have mixed motives and unclean methods. (Isa 64:6, Rom 3:11-23) "Can the Ethiopian change his skin Or the leopard his spots? Then you also can do good who are accustomed to doing evil." (Jer 13:23)
But righteousness is available to us, if we ask for it! We must ask because what is not possible with man is possible with GOD. (Luk 18:27) Our Loving Father would not withhold any good gift from us, His children. (Mat 7:11) But imagine if the man had reasoned thus: "Oops, the axe head seems to have fallen into the water! Well, it's ok. The guy who lent it to me will just have to understand... accidents do happen. He can certainly afford another one. Boy I'm glad I'm saved by the blood of Jesus and not by legalism!" Is that bringing forth fruits worthy of repentance? (Luk 3:8) What happened to the man at the wedding feast who did not dress himself in the clothes that were freely provided for him? (Mat 22:11-14, Rev 19:8-7)
Next, the man was told to "put out his hand" and "take it for himself." GOD put the axe-head within the man's reach, not in the man's lap. Notice that GOD did not take away the man's responsibility...instead He gave the man the tools he needed to fulfill his responsibility. Sometimes it will be easy. But sometimes the righteousness we ask for will require 100% of our focus, effort and resources to attain. (Mat 13:44, Mar 12:30, Luk 9:23-24, Rev 12:11) And it will be impossible to exert ourselves fully for GOD if our loyalties are divided with the cares of this world. (Luk 14:33, Mat 6:24, Mat 13:22, Jam 1:8) What did Jesus tell the rich young man was the "one thing he lacked?" (Mar 10:21)
What is being shown in this incident is grace. We are saved through both mercy and grace. Mercy forgives our sin and excuses our debt while grace gives us the ability to overcome our sin and pay our debt. They are different but both are needed! Mercy forgives us when we make a mistake, grace allows us to do better next time. The Grace of GOD does not mean we will never fall again. But it does mean we are given a new nature that is taking over our life completely. And when we do fall, the Mercy of GOD will forgive us, and the Grace of GOD will help us to stand again. For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity. (Pro 24:16) Who is left among us who hungers and thirsts for righteousness, with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength?
Licensed to Kill?
Does the Old Testament condone genocide? Didn't GOD command the Israelites to kill the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites? (Deu 20:17) Some say this is no different than terrorists and extremist groups today.
On the surface it may appear so, but there is a subtle and important difference. Jehovah never allowed the Israelites to decide for themselves who to go to war with. Joshua was ordered to fight against the Canaanites, but Ahab was ordered NOT to fight against the Syrians. GOD supported the Israelites against the Philistines, but then ordered the Israelites to surrender to the Babylonians.
Why does this matter? By way of analogy, consider the government. Most governments have been given the right to regularly confiscate a certain amount property from nearly every private citizen. This process is called taxation. If a citizen were to confiscate the property of another citizen, that process would be called stealing. But here's the key point: the government also has the right to hire a regular citizen as an agent to collect taxes on its behalf. What is the difference between a legitimate tax collector, and a thief? A duly appointed tax collector is working on behalf on the government and can only collect taxes from specific people, at the specified time, for the specified amount. This is the same difference between the Israelites and an extremist group.
Imagine if you were the owner of an apartment building. You have many tenants, and some of them aren't even paying rent. You alone have the right to evict any tenant, especially if they mistreat the other tenants. (Mat 21:33-42) However, tenants do not have the right to evict each other. But you may choose hire one of the tenants to be your representative, including serving eviction notices to other tenants.
With GOD, it is the same principle but on a higher scale. GOD is the landlord because He created the apartment building. In fact He created the tenants too. GOD has the sovereign right to give life and to take it away any time He wants, but He can also delegate this responsibility to His workmen. Sadly, many throughout history have falsely claimed to be GOD's workmen. Some of them used the name of GOD to legitimize their bid for power. Others really believed they were doing GOD's will. (Mat 7:21-23) Instead of working for GOD, they have falsely shed the blood of anyone they considered to be an enemy. But either way, these misguided activities do not change the reality of GOD and His actual appointed workmen one bit. And how can there can be peace if the people of GOD can not or will not distinguish between the two?
On the surface it may appear so, but there is a subtle and important difference. Jehovah never allowed the Israelites to decide for themselves who to go to war with. Joshua was ordered to fight against the Canaanites, but Ahab was ordered NOT to fight against the Syrians. GOD supported the Israelites against the Philistines, but then ordered the Israelites to surrender to the Babylonians.
Why does this matter? By way of analogy, consider the government. Most governments have been given the right to regularly confiscate a certain amount property from nearly every private citizen. This process is called taxation. If a citizen were to confiscate the property of another citizen, that process would be called stealing. But here's the key point: the government also has the right to hire a regular citizen as an agent to collect taxes on its behalf. What is the difference between a legitimate tax collector, and a thief? A duly appointed tax collector is working on behalf on the government and can only collect taxes from specific people, at the specified time, for the specified amount. This is the same difference between the Israelites and an extremist group.
Imagine if you were the owner of an apartment building. You have many tenants, and some of them aren't even paying rent. You alone have the right to evict any tenant, especially if they mistreat the other tenants. (Mat 21:33-42) However, tenants do not have the right to evict each other. But you may choose hire one of the tenants to be your representative, including serving eviction notices to other tenants.
With GOD, it is the same principle but on a higher scale. GOD is the landlord because He created the apartment building. In fact He created the tenants too. GOD has the sovereign right to give life and to take it away any time He wants, but He can also delegate this responsibility to His workmen. Sadly, many throughout history have falsely claimed to be GOD's workmen. Some of them used the name of GOD to legitimize their bid for power. Others really believed they were doing GOD's will. (Mat 7:21-23) Instead of working for GOD, they have falsely shed the blood of anyone they considered to be an enemy. But either way, these misguided activities do not change the reality of GOD and His actual appointed workmen one bit. And how can there can be peace if the people of GOD can not or will not distinguish between the two?
October 17, 2009
A Different Nature - Pt 1
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "
(Mat 5:13-15)
In this case, Jesus uses the analogy of Salt and Light to describe His people. Salt and Light have properties which are unique unto them, and can not be substituted by another.
A "house" provides residence and shelter, but so can a hut, a barn, even a cave, though maybe not quite as well. But the essential function of shelter can be still be met by other things, it is only a question of degrees.
A "bowl" can contain flour for cooking, but so can a cup or a pot, or even a pitcher.
A "chair" can provide a place for a person to sit, but so can a stump, a bed, a log, or even a rock. It is just a question of degrees.
But there is no substitute for salt or light. They contain a special nature that is unique unto them. So it is with the people of GOD.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "
(Mat 5:13-15)
In this case, Jesus uses the analogy of Salt and Light to describe His people. Salt and Light have properties which are unique unto them, and can not be substituted by another.
A "house" provides residence and shelter, but so can a hut, a barn, even a cave, though maybe not quite as well. But the essential function of shelter can be still be met by other things, it is only a question of degrees.
A "bowl" can contain flour for cooking, but so can a cup or a pot, or even a pitcher.
A "chair" can provide a place for a person to sit, but so can a stump, a bed, a log, or even a rock. It is just a question of degrees.
But there is no substitute for salt or light. They contain a special nature that is unique unto them. So it is with the people of GOD.
A Different Nature - Pt 2
The question was once asked: What really sets a Christian apart? In other words, what actions truly define a Christian? Well, Christians are supposed to do many good things for the benefit of those around them. For example: Prayer, Go to Church, Giving to the poor, Helping our neighbors, Encouraging others, Working productively, Reading the Bible, and the list goes on....
But don't non-Christians also do those same things? Almost everyone prays at some point in their life. UNICEF also helps the poor children. Some non-Christians are better versed in the Bible than the average Christian.
So what actions are actually unique unto Christians?
So what actions are actually unique unto Christians?
(1) Christians show LOVE to those who HATE them.
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
(Mat 5:46-48)
It is very rare to see an individual that shows love from their heart to someone who is deliberately trying to hurt them. This is not talking about being a doormat or being unwilling to stand up for what is right. This is talking about letting go of our own self-centered egos and following the heart of GOD as exemplified by JESUS CHRIST. The love of man comes and goes, but GOD LOVES ALL THE TIME, even in His Wrath. Because GOD'S VERY NATURE IS LOVE and He changes not.
2) Christians would rather honor others than to be honored
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.
(Mar 10:42-44)
Would you rather respect others, or be respected?
Would you rather show appreciation to someone else, or be appreciated?
Would you rather love others, or be loved?
3) Christians seek the Kingdom of GOD above everything else
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
(Mat 6:31-33)
In a recent poll, over one hundred people were asked "What would you pick if you could have just one wish?"
Responses ranged from a million dollars, to never getting sick, to peace on earth, to more wishes. However, not one person wished to better know the GOD who created them, or even to become a better person (although some wished that other people would stop hating).
As good as health, peace on earth, or a million dollars can be, without the knowledge of the infinite GOD these are just short-sighted measures, which cannot bring everlasting life and success. We are just trading in one set of problems for another.
October 12, 2009
Love is a Two-Way Street
Love is a two-way street. GOD created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. All life owes its existence to GOD and GOD loves all of His creation, especially HIS children. He wants all of His children to love Him with all their heart, soul and mind and to love each other, just as GOD loves them with all of His own Heart, Soul, and Mind.
As we put GOD first in our heart, He puts us first in His--this is the correct way. The sinful way is for us to put first our own needs and wants...while expecting GOD to also put first our needs and wants. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but yet only that which is clean can be joined to Him.
As we put GOD first in our heart, He puts us first in His--this is the correct way. The sinful way is for us to put first our own needs and wants...while expecting GOD to also put first our needs and wants. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but yet only that which is clean can be joined to Him.
What is Holiness?
Holiness is a “double-edged sword” with two aspects. The first aspect of Holiness is to be “sanctified” and “set apart” for a purpose and calling of the Lord. The second aspect of Holiness is Wholeness, Completeness, and Unity within that purpose, lacking nothing. The Sabbath was “set apart” because in its rest, the purposes of the previous “week” have been completed.
For example, consider the natural body. Every cell is a separate entity that is “set apart” yet they all work together as one, for the purpose of giving life to an individual. The stomach must be separate from the liver in order for them both to do their jobs, yet they must be unified under the overall purpose of giving life.
Now consider the Body of Christ. Like the natural body, the spiritual Body of Christ has many diverse members and roles. Yet Jesus had prayed that the disciples may all be One, just as Jesus and the Father are One. (John 17:17-22) “For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” (1Co
GOD’s people have been placed on Earth to benefit the nations, but yet must remain spiritually distinct and set-apart from the nations. “You are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD'S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (1Pe 2:9) “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2Co
Unity of the Body does NOT mean that everyone needs to bare their soul to everyone else all the time, or become clones that are assimilated into a hive-society, or that there is no longer any place for privacy. How to we tell the difference between a proper boundary (e.g. Husband and wife, a support group, 12 apostles, etc) and a divisive faction that separates the body?
To put it simply, divisions and factions within the body arise from distrust, jealousy and sin. Healthy boundaries arise from the life-giving purposes of GOD.
A young woman was engaged to be married. She loved her fiancée very much. Although he had sin and was imperfect, she loved him anyway and was kind to him. Sometimes he would say unkind things that hurt her, but she always forgave him and continued to see the best in him. Therefore her fiancée also loved and admired her very much and was eagerly anticipating their marriage.
One day, her fiancée’s father came to visit. The father said the young woman would not make a good wife for this young woman is not of good character because she does not come from a good family background. He said the reason she is trying to get married so quickly is because her parents were divorced. However, the father did not see that the young woman had just walked into the room behind him and heard everything he said. But the fiancée could see her as she quietly leave the room.
Afterwards, the fiancée went over to the young woman to apologize for his father’s words. “You must understand…my father is very traditional” he explained. Although she was hurt, she never used the angry tongue, the slandering tongue, the gossiping tongue. After they were married, she never spoke badly about her father-in-law, either openly or secretly, but showed only kindness to him. She would sometimes go out of her way to do thoughtful things for him.
Finally, the husband asked her “You know my father does not treat you well. He has said many bad things about you before and even today does not show kindness to you. Why do you treat him so well?”
April 7, 2009
What is Humility?
The fulfillment of the LAW of EQUITY is HUMILITY.
Humility is NOT despising oneself. Humility is NOT lack of boldness of conviction. Humility is NOT weakness or lack of confidence. What is humility then?
Humility is thinking outside of oneself. A soldier fighting with all his heart and soul to defend his brethren without thought of glory or recognition is displaying humility. For example, a humble man is often free to be more courageous than a proud man because a humble man does not have a fragile self-image to protect. A proud man is stifled by his own ego and dignity, and is scared to take any risk that may threaten his self-image. A humble man is a peace-maker who is able to see beyond his own desires. (2 Sam 6:12-22, Prov 22:4)
Humility is the opposite of pride. A humble man does not delight in seeing himself elevated above those around him. A humble man delights to lift up his brothers and sisters, and will lay down his life for their sake. A humble man understands the value of power, of honor, of authority, but does not covet them. Just as one can understand the value and purpose of money without being greedy. Or understand the value of food without being a glutton. (Php 2:5-7)
A humble man understands that GOD LOVES HIS CHILDREN equally. A humble man understands, as almost everyone does, that people should be treated fairly. However, people commonly react much more violently when they themselves are insulted or cheated than when others around them suffer the same insult. It is the opposite with the truly humble man. He is becoming increasingly desensitized to insults against himself, and thus is becoming increasingly sensitive to the hurts of others. He is willing to forgo his rights because his ego is being replaced with empathy. Humility does not strain upwards towards positions of glory, but instead reaches down and strains towards the people around him. Especially to those who have nothing to offer us or anybody else in return.
In following this path, he is drawing nearer to the HEART of GOD HIMSELF. He is able to endure injustice and iniquity because he knows that GOD will not allow a cosmic injustice to continue uncorrected. He knows at the end, GOD has promised to correct and judge every temporary and hurtful wrong committed by man upon the earth, with more truth and accuracy than he ever could. He knows that it is not his responsibility to judge his brothers or sisters, because the responsibility of vengeance belongs GOD alone. (GOD may delegate the responsibility of judgment or vengeance to his servants at His choosing, but it is not fitting for any man this upon himself.) Like David at the hands of Saul, he commits his soul into the hands of GOD who judges righteously. (Lev 19:18, Deu 32:35, Psa 18:48, 1 Sam 24:10-12, Rom 12:19, Heb 11:16, 1 Pet 2:23)
Only when our obedience is complete, can we judge disobedience. For example, how many nations throughout history have represented themselves with the emblem of a roaring LION (versus a loyal dog, a dependable worker bee, or a protecting oak tree)? Did they choose the emblem of the lion or the dragon because dragons are known to be kind, fair, and good? How many have coveted power of the dragon or the lion, while totally missing the spirit that is required to wield it responsibly. GOD will not entrust anyone with the power and authority of the LION until we first have the heart of the LAMB. Is that not common sense? If any man wants to become first, he must first be a servant of all. (2 Cor 10:6, Heb 2:6-8, Php 2:3-11, Rev 5:12)
Is true humility not a rare and beautiful character, incorruptible as pure gold?
You have heard that it was said, 'AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.
- Matthew 5:38-42
The Story of a Highly Dysfunctional Family
A woman has a large family of twelve children. The children are of all different ages, and each child has a different personality and make-up, but their mother loved them all dearly. One day she had to leave for a little while so she told the oldest son to babysit his brothers and sisters. He was to make sure that the ones in school did their homework, they all got lunch, and he was to watch each of them to make sure they stayed safe. If the children started fighting, he was to break it up and all the kids were told to obey their older brother.
However, this was a highly dysfunctional family. The older brother started to enjoy the fact that his brothers and sisters looked up to him and would do whatever he told them. He began to lord his authority over them. He told them that he was put in charge over the rest of them because of his anointing.
Now the mother was gone for many days. When she returned, she was shocked and barely recognized the household she left. He had divided his brothers and sisters into two groups called Babysitters and Sub-Children. And the children were no longer calling their brother by his first name, but instead called him Elder Brother (or Elder One if they prefer). He had turned the living room into his private bedroom and only members of his inner circle (the Babysitters) were allowed access to the refrigerator. He did make sure his brothers and sisters were fed lunch each day, but Elder Brother always took care to eat his meals separately with his Babysitters apart from the Sub-Children. Elder Brother (with the help of his Babysitters) was busy adding new rules every day to better manage the Sub-Children. Of course, the Sub-Children were very grateful to the the Babysitters because, after all, without the them the Sub-Children wouldn't even able to get into the refrigerator.
This is obviously a ridiculous story….except if it were actually happening throughout the world in various forms.
Did you notice the true uncleanness in this story? The true sin in this story is neither the discipline nor the organization. Nor is it hierarchy or authority. In large groups, organization, leadership, authority and discipline become essential for success. However the true uncleanness here is Spiritual…it is called Pride. A good caretaker should protect, nurture, and grow his brothers and sisters. Because he knows that even though they are temporarily placed in his care, they are his brothers and sisters, and are loved equally. But in our story, the excessive bureaucracy was simply a means to protect the privileged status of the older brother and his Babysitters. What is clearly absurd in a small family somehow becomes accepted and normal in a large one.
Does a hospital exist for the sake of sick people, or does a hospital exist for the sake of doctors, nurses, and hospital administrators, to give them a job? Likewise, does a church exist for the sake of the congregation, or to give ministers and clergy a job? A true Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Jesus said COME TO ME, ALL WHO ARE WEARY AND HEAVY-LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST. TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU AND LEARN FROM ME FOR I AM GENTLE AND HUMBLE IN HEART. Jesus came humbly (as a Lamb) unto His own people, but was not accepted. But in the future, when one comes in his own name, will he be accepted instead? Who can distinguish between the clean and unclean? How many Sub-Children will Elder Brother need to gather beneath him before onlookers stop laughing at him, and start speaking of him in reverent and hushed tones? Selah.
Humility is NOT despising oneself. Humility is NOT lack of boldness of conviction. Humility is NOT weakness or lack of confidence. What is humility then?
Humility is thinking outside of oneself. A soldier fighting with all his heart and soul to defend his brethren without thought of glory or recognition is displaying humility. For example, a humble man is often free to be more courageous than a proud man because a humble man does not have a fragile self-image to protect. A proud man is stifled by his own ego and dignity, and is scared to take any risk that may threaten his self-image. A humble man is a peace-maker who is able to see beyond his own desires. (2 Sam 6:12-22, Prov 22:4)
Humility is the opposite of pride. A humble man does not delight in seeing himself elevated above those around him. A humble man delights to lift up his brothers and sisters, and will lay down his life for their sake. A humble man understands the value of power, of honor, of authority, but does not covet them. Just as one can understand the value and purpose of money without being greedy. Or understand the value of food without being a glutton. (Php 2:5-7)
A humble man understands that GOD LOVES HIS CHILDREN equally. A humble man understands, as almost everyone does, that people should be treated fairly. However, people commonly react much more violently when they themselves are insulted or cheated than when others around them suffer the same insult. It is the opposite with the truly humble man. He is becoming increasingly desensitized to insults against himself, and thus is becoming increasingly sensitive to the hurts of others. He is willing to forgo his rights because his ego is being replaced with empathy. Humility does not strain upwards towards positions of glory, but instead reaches down and strains towards the people around him. Especially to those who have nothing to offer us or anybody else in return.
In following this path, he is drawing nearer to the HEART of GOD HIMSELF. He is able to endure injustice and iniquity because he knows that GOD will not allow a cosmic injustice to continue uncorrected. He knows at the end, GOD has promised to correct and judge every temporary and hurtful wrong committed by man upon the earth, with more truth and accuracy than he ever could. He knows that it is not his responsibility to judge his brothers or sisters, because the responsibility of vengeance belongs GOD alone. (GOD may delegate the responsibility of judgment or vengeance to his servants at His choosing, but it is not fitting for any man this upon himself.) Like David at the hands of Saul, he commits his soul into the hands of GOD who judges righteously. (Lev 19:18, Deu 32:35, Psa 18:48, 1 Sam 24:10-12, Rom 12:19, Heb 11:16, 1 Pet 2:23)
Only when our obedience is complete, can we judge disobedience. For example, how many nations throughout history have represented themselves with the emblem of a roaring LION (versus a loyal dog, a dependable worker bee, or a protecting oak tree)? Did they choose the emblem of the lion or the dragon because dragons are known to be kind, fair, and good? How many have coveted power of the dragon or the lion, while totally missing the spirit that is required to wield it responsibly. GOD will not entrust anyone with the power and authority of the LION until we first have the heart of the LAMB. Is that not common sense? If any man wants to become first, he must first be a servant of all. (2 Cor 10:6, Heb 2:6-8, Php 2:3-11, Rev 5:12)
Is true humility not a rare and beautiful character, incorruptible as pure gold?
You have heard that it was said, 'AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.
- Matthew 5:38-42
The Story of a Highly Dysfunctional Family
A woman has a large family of twelve children. The children are of all different ages, and each child has a different personality and make-up, but their mother loved them all dearly. One day she had to leave for a little while so she told the oldest son to babysit his brothers and sisters. He was to make sure that the ones in school did their homework, they all got lunch, and he was to watch each of them to make sure they stayed safe. If the children started fighting, he was to break it up and all the kids were told to obey their older brother.
However, this was a highly dysfunctional family. The older brother started to enjoy the fact that his brothers and sisters looked up to him and would do whatever he told them. He began to lord his authority over them. He told them that he was put in charge over the rest of them because of his anointing.
Now the mother was gone for many days. When she returned, she was shocked and barely recognized the household she left. He had divided his brothers and sisters into two groups called Babysitters and Sub-Children. And the children were no longer calling their brother by his first name, but instead called him Elder Brother (or Elder One if they prefer). He had turned the living room into his private bedroom and only members of his inner circle (the Babysitters) were allowed access to the refrigerator. He did make sure his brothers and sisters were fed lunch each day, but Elder Brother always took care to eat his meals separately with his Babysitters apart from the Sub-Children. Elder Brother (with the help of his Babysitters) was busy adding new rules every day to better manage the Sub-Children. Of course, the Sub-Children were very grateful to the the Babysitters because, after all, without the them the Sub-Children wouldn't even able to get into the refrigerator.
This is obviously a ridiculous story….except if it were actually happening throughout the world in various forms.
Did you notice the true uncleanness in this story? The true sin in this story is neither the discipline nor the organization. Nor is it hierarchy or authority. In large groups, organization, leadership, authority and discipline become essential for success. However the true uncleanness here is Spiritual…it is called Pride. A good caretaker should protect, nurture, and grow his brothers and sisters. Because he knows that even though they are temporarily placed in his care, they are his brothers and sisters, and are loved equally. But in our story, the excessive bureaucracy was simply a means to protect the privileged status of the older brother and his Babysitters. What is clearly absurd in a small family somehow becomes accepted and normal in a large one.
Does a hospital exist for the sake of sick people, or does a hospital exist for the sake of doctors, nurses, and hospital administrators, to give them a job? Likewise, does a church exist for the sake of the congregation, or to give ministers and clergy a job? A true Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Jesus said COME TO ME, ALL WHO ARE WEARY AND HEAVY-LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST. TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU AND LEARN FROM ME FOR I AM GENTLE AND HUMBLE IN HEART. Jesus came humbly (as a Lamb) unto His own people, but was not accepted. But in the future, when one comes in his own name, will he be accepted instead? Who can distinguish between the clean and unclean? How many Sub-Children will Elder Brother need to gather beneath him before onlookers stop laughing at him, and start speaking of him in reverent and hushed tones? Selah.
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