We Strive, He Provides

   I just finished reading Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God by John Piper (the Kindle version is on sale for $2.99 at Amazon by the way).  In this book, Dr. Piper centers his thesis around two passages of Scripture:  2 Timothy 2:7, "Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything." and Proverbs 2:1-6, which basically boils down to "If you ... raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver ... then you will ... find the knowledge of God.  For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding".  His point is that we as Christians should be making intellectual effort; we should be thinking.  And the reason given for this is that God gives understanding and wisdom.  It is essential that we do the effort of thinking, but it is God who gives the knowledge.  In Dr. Piper's words, "They go together - our seeking understanding and God's giving it.  Seeking it like silver is essential to finding.  But finding is a gift of God".
   It strikes me that this same principle applies in the question of sanctification.  We often discuss whether we should be making effort in our sanctification, or if it is God who produces holiness in us.  It seems to me the answer to this question is "yes".  We should be making an effort in our own sanctification and the reason, at least in part, is that God provides growth in holiness.  This principle is portrayed in Philippians 2:12b-13: "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."  The latter part of verse 12 here, "work out your own salvation" is referring to our effort in sanctification; striving to produce character and outward behavior in consonance with our already achieved salvation.  The "for" that I have underlined gives the reason for this effort just as it does in 2 Timothy 2 and Proverbs 2.  The reason given is that God works in us both to produce the will to work and the work itself.  The "for his good pleasure" clause could be taken as referring either to God's work in us or to our work.  I think both are appropriate.  It pleases God to work in us; and, our work in sanctification should be to please him.
   So, they go together - our striving for holiness, and God's giving it.  Working for holiness is essential to growing in it.  But, growing in it is a gift of God.

External behavior gives evidence of the heart's inclination

A fairly controversial discussion has been lighting up the blogosphere:  Should Christian husbands be interested in the external appearance of their wives, and should Christian wives feel like they should cater to that interest?  I have only had time to read some of the discussion:  This article from Tim Challies, and this article from Mary Kassian.  I am in general agreement with both of these articles.  However, many of the comments in both threads, I think, are misguided.  The below is the comment that I posted on Mary's blog as my contribution to the discussion:

The importance of his wife's outward appearance to a husband lies not in the appearance or beauty per se, but in what it says about the inclination of her heart towards, or away from, her husband.  It is analagous to the importance of our obedience to Biblical commands as Christians.  Our obedience is not what makes us right with God, it is evidence of a heart that is already inclined toward Him.  So, knowing that outward appearance carries at least some importance to her husband, it seems a wife would want to pay some attention to it - out of love for him.  Similarly, if I know that clean dishes and a clean house are important to my wife I will do the dishes and pick up my dirty socks.  I know that it is not the clean dishes and tidy bedroom that are as important to my wife as what the fact that I cleaned them says about the inclination of my heart towards her in love.  I could say that she should just get over it and accept the fact that I prefer to leave my dirty clothes in a pile in the corner.  She should love me in spite of that.  But, what would that say about my love and ocmmitment to consider her needs before my own? 

So, if we grant the assumption that some level of attention to outward appearance is appropriate, what level is that?  I would agree that if a husband expects his wife to live up to the beauty standards of the world and look like the cover of a magazine, he probably has some heart issues of his own.  And, to any godly husband it is beauty of character that should be of primary importance.  But, that does not mean that outward appearance is of no importance.  It seems that all a husband would could expect is that his wife make a reasonable attempt to do the best she can with what God has given her.  And, this is a general, overall trend.  This does not mean that a husband would consider his wife as failing in this regard if she wears an old tshirt and sweatpants as she does housework.  But, to use the opposite end of the spectrum, he might be disappointed if he sets up an anniversary date at a nice restaurant and his wife comes to the date in those same clothes.  Again, not primarily because of how she looks at that point, but because of what it indicates about her heart and her relationship with her husband.

And, yes, this principle about external appearance applies to the men too.  Men should not assume that because external appearance is known to be generally more important to men than women that it is entirely unimportant to their wives.  A man’s disregard for his own appearance, a failure to make a reasonable attempt to do the best he can with what God has given him, likewise gives evidence of a heart that is not inclined toward his wife as it should be.  I think I Corinthians 7:4 does apply here.

So, the bottom line here is that any external behavior, whether care for appearance or doing dishes or giving gifts, between husband and wife is important, first of all, for what evidence it gives of what is going on in the heart.

Christian... and Patriot

As a Christian and a military officer, one of the things that I have had to think through is the relationship between my patriotism to my earthly country and my allegiance to the kingdom of God.  This weekend is Memorial Day in the USA.  It is a time that we show appreciation for members of our military, especially those who have been killed in the service of their country.  It is, then, an appropriate time to share this article from Kevin DeYoung, which is helpful in thinking through the issues of allegiance to our earthly country and God's kingdom.
To summarize, his points are:
1. Being a Christian does not remove ethnic and national identities.
2. Patriotism, like other earthly “prides,” can be a virtue or vice.
3. Allegiance to God and allegiance to your country are not inherently incompatible.
4. God’s people are not tied to any one nation.
5. All this leads to one final point: while patriotism can be good, the church is not a good place for patriotism.

read the rest here.

Run to the sound of the guns

“If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at the moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved and to be steady on all the battle front besides, is mere flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point.”

- attributed to Martin Luther, quoted by Francis Schaeffer in The Great Evangelical Disaster

(HT: Trevin Wax)



Running the race

I enjoyed this post from Triablogue:

"The Christian pilgrimage is a paradox. At one end, when we begin the race, the journey is intimidating. We have such a long journey ahead of us. So many miles to cover. So many years to travel. And we will pass through so many strange towns and cities, side-streets, crowded freeways, and deserted highways on the way to our hoped-for, longed-for destination. It’s a daunting prospect.

On the other hand, when we begin the race, we’re young and strong. Fresh and vigorous. We have energy to burn. Snappy reflexes. Brimming with optimism. In the very prime of life. There’s so much to do, but we have so much in reserve.

At the other end is the aging runner. He has far less ground to cover. So many miles behind him. So few ahead. His destination is so much closer than when he began. And that’s encouraging.

On the other hand, he’s bone-weary. Every step is effortful. He’s fallen down so many times. Been injured so many times. Where he used to sprint, he limps. He’s hot and dry and breathy. His feet ache. His knees ache. His eyes are bleary.

The remainder of the journey is brief, but it takes more effort to cover less ground. Every hill may be the last, or every hill may be the next to last. He only knows by going.

Some of his fond old companions have gone ahead. Disappeared over the distant hills and ridges. Others fell behind. Dropped out of the race. Settled for a way station.

At that sparse stretch in the race he is far from the verdant valleys of his earthly home, yet he hasn’t arrived at the outskirts of his heavenly destination. There’s no going back, but he can’t skip ahead to the finish line. He’s learned from sad experience that short-cuts take longer. So mile-by-mile and day-by-day he must press ahead, one step at a time. Yet whenever he feels on the verge of collapse, something unexpected keeps him going. A spring rain. A sudden breeze. A cooling stream. Wild blackberries.

Then one morning he gets up, just like any other day, only this day is not just any other day. As he heaves and pants his way up another interminable hill, he catches a glimpse of the heavenly spires, gleaming in the everlasting dawn. And as he rounds the hill, a cloud of witnesses is standing at the finish line to welcome him home."

My response:
I also like to imagine that when we get to the heavenly city there are running trails along the banks of the river that flows from the throne. I can run there, for enjoyment now, on untiring legs. Sometimes, one who runs on nail-pierced feet even joins me for a few miles. Light is everywhere, so there is no shadow. It is the light of glory so there is no need or desire for shade. However, I imagine that it will still be enjoyable to run beneath the boughs of the trees whose leaves are for the healing of the nations.

Battle Wounds

I am in a desperate battle.  Most of the members of my unit are in captivity to the enemy.  Of those who are free, most are too frightened to do anything about it, or just don't think it is important enough to try.  However, there are some few who, with me, are trying to rescue the captives, to bring the great power of our high command against the strongholds of the enemy. 
Things were actually beginning to shape up.  We have been setting the conditions for a future success.  Then, all of a sudden, my right-hand man in this mission was grievously wounded.  What now?  My heart aches for the pain he is feeling.  My skills in first aid are limited but I do what I can.  I call out for help from high command, and I know it is on its way.  But, full healing will take time.  Meanwhile, the battle still rages.  Will he be able to continue in the fight?  He is going on courageously for now but his capabilities will have to be affected.  It is too early, yet, to know exactly to what extent.
So again, what now?  I can't leave him behind.  We don't do that in my outfit.  And, I need his particular skills for this mission.  Besides, he is my friend.  I will carry him myself if I have to.  We will make it work somehow.  We must.  Our commander has assigned us this mission.  We will press on.  We will be provided assistance and reinforcements when they are needed.  It will not be easy.  Further wounds will likely be suffered; though, I hope none so deep as this one.  With the help of our high command, we will succeed.

Various thoughts

Sorry it has been a while since I last posted.  Not that I think anyone missed it, since I have all of one or two readers who show up every once in a while.  Rather, I am trying to stay disciplined and not doing very well.  It isn't that I haven't had thoughts that I could blog about, I just haven't taken the time to sit down and write.  So, a few updates on things recently...
- Started geocaching recently.  Lots of fun for the whole family.  Hikes with a mission.
- Had an earthquake today... 5.4, just south of Palm Springs.  We could feel it pretty strong where we live.  Pretty weird to feel the ground/floor moving under your feet.
- Speaking of the ground shifting, this article from Al Mohler took my breath away (in a bad way)... just amazing how sinful we humans can be.
- When they say leadership involves spending 90% of your time with 10% of your people, they speak truly.  It makes it all the more a joy to sign good conduct medal and promotion certificates.  It reminds me that the majority of my Marines are motivated professionals who want to do the right thing.

Paradox

I am a paradox.  I am a sinner - at least I sin a lot, yet I am a redeemed, cleansed, child of God.  I loathe myself in my sin, yet I selfishly want to sin more.  I think I am the worst of people - a recipient of God's grace who yet spurns that grace by continuing in sin, yet I pridefully think of myself as the best of people - at least better than that guy over there.  I have been made a new creature in Christ, yet I act like the old monster.  My spirit is made new and yearns to draw upward into the embrace of God, yet my flesh still yearns to go down and wallow in the muck of the world.  I am torn apart.  I am at war in myself.  We talk about fighting the battles between good and evil in our society and culture, but what am I to do about that battle in me?  In both places I know who will ultimately win, but that doesn't change the battle that rages each day.  Who will set me free from this existence of sin and death?  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!  I look forward to that day when His work in me is finally complete.

Christians in the military

  I got in a bit of a discussion today about whether a Christian may serve in the military.  This has been answered before by many people smarter than I using rationale such as God identifying Himself as a mighty warrior; His praise for David and Joshua, who were warriors; and the absence of condemnation toward soldiers by John the Baptist and Jesus when given the opportunity.  One of the arguments often given by those claiming Christians should not serve in the military is that the governmental authorities may use the military to do something unjust or immoral.  I grant that the occasion may arrive in which a Christian would have to choose to disobey military orders in order to stay true to Biblical principles.  However, I get annoyed with those who make a facile assumption that they know why a country is taking a particular military action. 
  Take as given for the moment that it is not prohibited for a Christian to serve in the military of a secular government (no prohibitions were given to the centurion who impressed Jesus or to Cornelius).  This government will make most of its decisions to employ the military using self-serving Machiavellian motivations, not generally God-honoring motivations as if it were a God-centered theocracy.  God's chosen people, Israel, weren't even able to stay true to God-honoring purposes in the use of their military.  There may occur moments when a nation will openly state wicked purposes for engaging in military action.  The military may be ordered to invade another nation to take possession of its land and to exterminate the population in the process.  That would be one of the more obvious cases where a Christian soldier would have to make a choice between his vocation and the God he serves.
  However, it is not usually that obvious, at least in the modern era.  In the case of two of the more maligned recent conflicts, Vietnam and Iraq, people like to glibly say they were about oil or money or whatever.  However, in both cases the stated reason was to neutralize a threat to the United States and to support and enable the local government (in Iraq that second reason came in after Saddam Hussein was deposed).  For the service member in the military, there is no obvious reason to object to the strategic mission.  Sure, we could all second guess various aspects and claim various hidden agendas but, really, we don't have sufficient evidence to go against our orders.  Then, military commanders at various levels could interpret or apply their mission in ways that contradict Biblical principles.  That could happen in business or other organization as well.  As members of a military unit, we know that if an immoral order is given, such as happened at Wounded Knee or My Lai, we have the right and the obligation to refuse the order and to report the incident.  In 99.9% of situations, the actions of American military, at least, are consistent with Biblical injunctions and what would be expected of being part of the sword wielded by the state.  Those that are not usually violate the law of war set forth in the Geneva Conventions and/or the Uniform Code of Military Justice and those individuals are punished.
  All that having been said, I am not happy with the direction the national government is currently headed and the implications that will have for the military.  I can imagine it will become more difficult in years ahead for a Christian to serve in the military in good conscience.  And if that happens the absence of salt and light can cause a downward spiral that is difficult to reverse. 

Discipline: FAIL

So, one of the main reasons I decided to start this blog was to try to develop some discipline in writing, to make myself sit down and put my thoughts (some of them) in writing.  Obviously I am not doing very well.  I am finding it very difficult to make the time after a full day of work and needing to spend time with my family when I get home.  I have thoughts that seem worthy to put in a blog post fairly frequently, but they are not at a time when I can actually put them in writing.  Most often, it seems, they happen while I am commuting.  And then, when I do finally sit down at the computer I can't think of what seemed so good to blog about.  So, maybe blog posts won't be as frequent here as I was hoping for.  Or, maybe I can develop some discipline to keep writing.  It would help if I got more comments so I would see feedback on what I write.  I guess it takes time, though, to build up enough of a reader base that comments are regular.  I'll just keep taking one day at a time and try to write more often.  We'll see what happens.

Insurgency and Counterinsurgency

OK, I'm back.  I was in a class on counterinsurgency all last week, getting ready for my deployment next year.  By the time I finally got home each evening I didn't have the energy to write a blog post.  One random thought from the class was was the applicability to the Christian life.  Metaphors abound that compare the Christian life and evangelism to military action.  So, I wondered, is the Christian life more like insurgency, or counterinsurgency?  On the one hand I thought it is like an insurgency:  Satan is the Prince of this world and he holds the reigns of power from our perspective.  We Christians are a minority and we are trying to undermine the legitimacy and power of the evil one.  On the other hand, I considered that it might be more like a counterinsurgency.  God is the legitimate sovereign government and Satan and his minions are the insurgency.  Christians in this model are like a special forces team behind enemy lines, trying to win the hearts and minds of the population and restore governmental control.  Of course, neither metaphor is perfect.  If anyone is still reading this blog, which do you think fits better, and why?

More on Franklin Graham

Just to clarify on my previous post about Franklin Graham... I really appreciate his clear, public stand for the Christian faith.  I applaud his clear, uncompromising stand - which is what got him uninvited in the first place.  I just think it was unnecessary for him to react offended and to make comments that appear to be playing power politics.

Slap in the face

From USA Today: "If President Obama fails to intervene to allow controversial evangelist Franklin Graham to lead a National Day of Prayer event Thursday inside the Pentagon, 'it will be a slap in the face of all Christians,' Graham said Tuesday."
What?! Why is he so worried about this? If we are slapped, shouldn't we just "turn the other cheek"? Should we be concerned as Christians to be respected by our national government? We already know they don't respect us. Indeed, much of what they do is antithetical to what we believe. How is acting offended over this slight going to help advance the Gospel?
Of course we should be involved as good citizens in the activities of our government the the extent we are allowed. And, of course we should pray for our nation, not just on one particular day, but continually. We don't need to be invited to some event at the Pentagon to pray effectively for our nation. In fact, I would argue that prayers at such an event may even be less effective because of all the political trimmings and trappings.
Why would President Obama even care whether he offends "mainstream evangelicals". It has been obvious in his campaign and following that he is courting votes from completely the other end of the spectrum.
By all means, pray for America. We have turned our backs on God and are completely deserving of His judgment. We need His mercy more than ever. But, we don't need some official event or the sanction of our government to pray. Just ask Daniel.

Being Comes Before Doing

I need to read Scripture daily to be reminded of who I am in Christ. Then, I need to act like who I am.  Justin Taylor says it better at his blog.

The Gospel...

...is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe.  If we really believe that we will act like it and the gospel will fairly ooze out our pores.  If we don't really believe it we will think we need to help the gospel in evangelism by attracting people with glitz and action or by helping the gospel in our own lives by adopting a legalistic attitude toward rules.  Check out another good post on this by Jared Wilson.

Do you love the Church?

A friend of mine recently posted on his blog that lately he doesn't much like going to church, and he is in full-time ministry.  I can relate to his feeling because churches can sometimes seem so dysfunctional, and the members can sometimes be so messed up and even mean.   The following is a slightly adapted version of my comment in response. 
Christianity is not about feelings, it is about Truth.  We have to act in accordance with our truth commitments despite what we feel.
So, what is true in this matter?
Well, God's Word says in Hebrews 10:25 not to neglect meeting together.  Why?  So we can stir one another up to love and good deeds and encourage one another.  I know that, unfortunately, the churches we know today do not do these things.  But, you cannot help improve something unless you take part in it.  And, it is still a command.
Another thing that is true is that you cannot say you love Jesus if you do not love His Bride, the church, and all your fellow members thereof.  John the Apostle, speaking to the Church, writes of this in his first epistle. (I John 2:10-11; 3:10; 4:7-8). 
Marriage is a useful analogy here.  In marriage, there are many times that you don't feel "in love" with your spouse, that you don't feel like being around the one you have committed your life to.  But, having made a commitment, you choose to love that person anyway.  You choose to do what is best for him/her. 
There is certainly a lot that is broken in our modern Church.  Jesus knew that, but He loved us anyway.  How can we do any less?

Means and Ends

Speaking of putting experience over theology, I had an experience with that just yesterday. In his sermon, using John 7:37-39 as his text, the preacher at my church spoke of the possibility of the Holy Spirit being active in our lives. He said that Jesus wants to give us more. He said that it is not coming to church that we need, it is not more Bible reading that we need, it is not Bible studies that we need. We just need Jesus. We just need to experience more of Him.
Now, this is a message I have heard before and, quite frankly, it irritates me. How, exactly, do they expect us to "experience Jesus"? Should I sit on a mat in the lotus position with my eyes closed? Should I go about my normal business and wait for Him to "show up"? If He did, what would it look like? (We are usually told that you just know).
What the preacher was doing, along with many others who convey a similar message, is confuse the ends with the means. It is true that our Christian life is not about "doing stuff" like Bible reading and going to church meetings - it is about a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And, these speakers are right to try to turn our focus to the ultimate purpose that needs to be in view. But, you can't leave out the means to achieving that end. One experiences Jesus by reading the Bible, spending time in prayer, meeting with others who love Him, etc. I don't think it is helpful to tell people that these things aren't important.  It is important to teach that they should not be an end in and of themselves, but they are a means to an end, namely experiencing Jesus.
Sorry, this hasn't been my most organized post - I know I rambled a bit.  The important thing is that we do develop an intimate relationship with our Lord Jesus (experience Him) through Bible reading, prayer, fellowship with other believers.