"Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool; Holy is He." -Psalm 99:5
This summer I take summer classes here at Moody before heading home in mid-June. It's the first summer I've been here and will likely be the last for practical reasons. It's been enjoyable to take advantage of cheap books sales in the library, getting to sit in on Pastor's conference and hear John Piper and soon John MacArthur along with the free book giveaways that us minority of students are able to join in on. One of the biggest blessings has been the Lord's provision in my being able to stay with a friend from school. His family has been so hospitable and provided me with everything I'll need and more as they've catered to my eating preferences with all generosity and sincerity. Today however I have made a grievous error. This summer class I'm taking has kept me up rather late. I have little time to anything other than eat and read. I haven't even been able to set aside a reasonable prayer time these past couple days and am in fact sacrificing to write even this blog. This is something I must do however. As I have spoken of being sleepy in class because of how late I've stayed up I've joked of the "nap spirits" tempting me to take a nap. A few hours ago a tried to counter that joke with something positive in saying the "Holy coffee" helped me to stay awake for classes today. I then took it a step further and tried to make a closer connection as I changed it to the "holy coffee spirit."
My friend shortly afterward entered my room and kindly explained the offensive nature of my joke to him, his brother also in the room, and potentially his father. After he left the Lord really showed how I may have spat in the face of my friend with this statement and even worse... does this reflect the degree of my view of God Himself? I understand that we are more tolerant of humor today in Christian culture... especially in America. As I approach this topic I tell you that I look at it sensitively and not through the lens of legalism, but from the purest motives. I immediately am flashed back to a time when I made a joke about biblical interpretation with my ex-girlfriend in the car one day and how she verbally expressed her frustration with me at this. How high is my view of God? How high is your view of God? I ask myself and you whoever may read this. I am immediately reminded of the jokes that often hover the dorm hallways at my own Bible college, the interest in Mark Driscoll and his sense of humor, a joke I was told by a full time evangelist that eluded to profanity that he told precisely because he felt comfortable telling me (why was he comfortable?!?!), etc. I look at these things and am forced by the Holy Spirit to ask myself, "How high is my view of God?"
Over the past few years I have wrestled much with these things. What is appropriate to laugh at? What is appropriate to say? Maybe I'm still wrestling and maybe I can't give you a bullet pointed list of answers to these questions. I know for certain I don't have the time here and now to do so. I do however at least raise the question. How high did the apostles view God? How high did the psalmists view God? The language of Scripture is not there for quaint devotional reading and quotable paper weights on our desks at work. Imagine the multitudes spoken of in Revelation surrounding the throne in worship all in unison saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy." Are we saying that here? We often use "every knee will bow" evangelistically, but are our own knees bowed? Will we experience shame when we bow before the Lord in His holy dwelling place as we are reminded of all the times our words and thoughts didn't match what we where now doing? There was a time in my life where I would tell myself to lighten up if I read my own blog today. The closer I come to God however I can see that genuine worship must maintain a high view of God. Everyday life is worship. Are we kneeling at His footstool or trying to pull up our own comfortable chair and casually put up our own feet on the stool of the one who created them?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
An introvert's heart... to his own and to women who know them.
While I know I've mentioned this before, it's appropriate here. Some time ago I was reading the book of Genesis in the mornings and was brought encouragement in the familiar story of Lot and Sodom in Genesis 19. I set out to study this passage and prepare to teach it at a Sunday night service at my home church in Texas. My pastor has been encouraging me with opportunities like this in the church as I prepare for the ministry. It was a rough night for a number of reasons and I could've done so much better, but praise the Lord... at least I did it! It can be terrifying to teach the Bible to nearly a whole church in the pastor's living room when you're doing it from a chair with no pulpit! I later had the opportunity to redeem myself when my former PCM asked me to preach for them at the retirement home. I was able to re-work the sermon after having had a preaching class and praise the Lord that people thought it was good that time. While I'm tempted to give you the whole thing, I must refrain because I have much to share. My encouragement was found in Genesis 19:15-16,
"15When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, "Up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city."
16But he hesitated. So the men (N)seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for (O)the compassion of the LORD was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city."
Often people throw Lot under the bus becuase of his actions in this chapter and boy did he mess up... it's true. He surely didn't put the Lord first in this story and there was no excuse for offering his daughters to the angry sex-crazed mob outside his door. I do believe it's wrong however to read too far into Lot's motives and intentions. Often people will take every little leap they can to paint Lot in the worst possible way. In 2 Peter 2:4-9 we're reminded that Lot was a "righteous" man. In Luke 17:26-29 Lot is linked with Noah in a positive fashion. How else could God spare his life and remain just in his destruction of Sodom? How else could God remain true in his promise to Abraham to spare the righteous from that city? Beyond this, in 2 Peter we're given a glimpse into Lot's motives as we're told, "(for by what he saw and heard that (AA)righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds)" (v.8). When God declares someone righteous they are righteous indeed! This gives us a clue to his responses back in Genesis 19. The angels told Lot to take his daughters and go! How does Scripture record his response? "but he hesitated." How did the Lord respond to his hesitation? God had "compassion" on him. The angels "seized" their hands and "put" them outside the city.
My heart was warmed at reading this. If we have no clear indication as to why he hesitated the best way to interpret this is from the only clue we are given to his motives... that they are those of a righteous man. I don't think Lot was admiring his earthly possessions in a materialistic fashion. I think Lot was asking the very same questions we'd be asking... "Lord, what about my daughters? They were pledged to be married and the men laughed at me when I said your angels were gonna destroy the city?! Lord, but how will we live if leave like this? Lord, what about this... that?" Lot was faced with a difficult decision and he froze. This is even more implied in God having compassion on him in this moment. For those of us who are prone to being timid and shy and introverted... we know there are times when our friends have had to give us a good kick to take a step out of our security to build a friendship, speak up on an issue we were passionate about, make a difficult decision, ask the person out/express our interest in them, etc. Sometimes this kick comes from God Himself as we take a leap of faith, say no to the tendency to overwork ourselves, as we take a step in a direction of ministry and perhaps close a door to one at the same time.
In these moments and before they even come (because I know they will) I have often prayed that God would show me "compassion." I pray that He would lead me when I am weak and carry me by His grace. But as I trust Him in that I also pray that He would break these chains of introverted bondage. I pray that He would alleviate my fear of man and his opinions. I pray that I would live as if the Lord is the only one watching. For me this means living in light of who God has sanctified me to be and not who my personality cages me into. Oh do I pray for this! My heart is not who I am on the outside. I want to be more real! My heart is one that desires to pray for others immediately when they ask unconcerned about the public eye (while discerning of course). My heart is one that desires to forsake my schedule for someone in need of counsel or encouragement. My heart is one that wants to be free to put homework down to help a friend with their sermon preparation. My heart is one that desires to sing out to the Lord in worship even if I can't hit the notes right. My heart wants to raise my hands in all sincerity as I seek the Lord in song and give Him due praise. My heart is one that loves people and continually prays that this love would grow in its outward expression. My heart is one that desires to be a shepherd, a gentleman, and a bearer of truth in whatever circumstance. These things are not easy. These past few weeks one of the things I've been seeking the Lord for is that He would break these chains. He has been gracious. He's allowed me to step outside myself and pay close attention to interpersonal relationships and friendly interaction. In preaching they say one of the worst things that can happen to you is becoming self-aware... that is to be in middle of the preaching event and actually realize what you are doing as you do it. After experiencing this enough I believe it's possible to make it work for you. This is especially the case when it comes to interpersonal relationships. If you can recognize that you are becoming self-aware, you must only accept what is useful about your thoughts and dismiss the rest. That is to dismiss all the paranoid concerns about what the other person is thinking of you. It's to dismiss the temptation to analyze when you should really be listening to the person you're spending time with. It's to dismiss the fears that you may fumble your words or miscommunicate. If these fears are overwhelming it would be better to pause, close your eyes, take a breath, and say something like, "I'm trying to put this into words" or "Can you hold on a second? I want to give you my full attention." Expressing yourself is better than risking misunderstanding. Doing this will allow you to be highly aware of what you're saying and perhaps communicate more effectively. This takes a lot of mental gymnastics that all has to happen in a flash, but I believe it's possible. It takes practice and failure. One could say it's becoming self-aware of being self-aware as it is happening.
I say all that to say God must be our first appeal in the struggle with timidity. Seek His help. We can only overcome things by the Spirit. Mental tactics are worth nothing if you don't have the strength to do them. Last night I went to a South Asian church service. The church was located in what is affectionately called the "Little India" of Chicago. Their ministry is primarily done in a Hindu and Muslim context. I was blessed by the genuine simplicity of these international Christians. They aren't getting caught up in church marketing techniques, mega-church business tactics, and all the frivolous things contemporary American Christianity has manufactured. It was an interesting experience for me on a number of levels. I didn't really know anyone there. My roommate didn't go and I took the trip on my own. The church filled about 16 of its 33 chairs in the congregation. It was thoroughly real. Out of all my appreciation with it however and even with the fact that it was my 2nd visit, it would quality as a new environment in my eyes.
As I can only share from my own experience, I would say that the more familiar and stable an environment is to me... the easier I can be myself. The more aware of the (1) environment I am the easier it is to function comfortably. This environment was loaded with another culture and I even went to dinner with them afterward to eat the food of the culture! My roommate prepared me a little, but I was very concerned about my actions and words so as to not offend the culture. Not only was the environment new, but the (2) people were new. While I had met a few of them they were essentially new. They were new personalities to examine. They were new living file cabinets of personal experiences to engage, interact with, and perhaps to learn from. They all had pasts and their own stories of how God had worked and molded them into who He has them today. The other Moody students that attended were all Missionary kids that lived life here through different lenses than my own American set of assumptions. More than the people, the (3) circumstances were new. I was there alone. I didn't know the area and had to take a walk to the restaurant (to which I didn't know the name). I could go on all day listing little particular things that entered my mind that I wasn't prepared for. My connection points were the fact that these were believers and we were of the same spiritual family, there were a few Americans that I could identify with, and that I was somewhat prepared for the evening by my roommate. Often when these factors come together in my introversion, it has taken an hour or more for me to readjust to a familiar environment, circumstances, and people. The Lord has been good in helping me to shorten that time frame more and more.
In class today I was telling a friend about my experience with this church last night and I told her that often in those moments I go into a form of autopilot. This means I can't think on my feet nearly as well or perhaps at all. I become detached from the situation and the rough knowledge and experience take over. Innovation, creativity, concentration, flow of thought, and decision-making all go out the window. These moments are not fun. Often I become angry at myself because I wanted to be a better help to someone or communicate effectively, but the chains of introversion remain until dissipation. My friend asked me, "how do you meet people then?" As I considered this question I would have to say if the proportion of these 3 external elements (mentioned above) sway more toward the familiar or toward certainty, I can handle meeting new people. This is an abundant frustration, but it is my thoughtful reality worked out.
All of this can be defined simply as a struggle with "uncertainty." I like knowing what's next. I like planning ahead. I don't like taking leaps of faith. I don't like relying on others. The honest truth is however that ministry is FULL of uncertainty. Last night a man I'd known for a few hours shared what God was showing Him and his struggle with it. He then looked at me, paused, and said, "So what's your counsel?" Imagine all of these things going on in someone's mind and then SURPRISE! Ministry moment! Do you see why I pray so hard? We have to pray.
Experience tells us that God can most be glorified when we take leaps of faith. In those times He is able to show off. He is able to provide in ways we never imagined. The more leaps we take the more leaps we're able to take. The more leaps we take in one area the more we can take in others. Take chances! Make the first move! Close your eyes and do it! Can I be honest? If you are an introvert and you want to build more friendships and do more for the Lord and take those opportunities we so often miss... ask yourself, "how sick of this am I really?" Life was not meant to be lived in a cage! We can't even legitimately seek the Lord's help in seriousness if we aren't willing to cooperate with Him and "do [the] good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." I wouldn't have sought Him if I wasn't sick of myself... sick of holding back who I am and being concerned about what people think... sick of being too shy to express my interest in a woman. I am sick! Therefore I am now ready to ask the Lord for opportunities and open doors and to WALK through those doors. If we fail... at least we tried. If we fail again... who cares? If we fail again... it probably went better than the first time. If we can trust God for the help we have asked of Him then we can take those leaps and believe for His faithful sovereign hand.
A FEW WORDS TO WOMEN WITH INTROVERTED GUY FRIENDS:
1. Be wise about your friendliness and be willing to tone it down.
-I think I am right in saying that you want good friendships with your brothers in Christ. This hopefully includes the shy guys. Because we spend so much time thinking, we often have much to offer that people don't expect. We are often very deep, emotional, analytical, sensitive creatures. I LOVE getting to know what's going in the lives of my female friends. I LOVE to listen to their heart and their strong opinions. I LOVE helping to bridge communication gaps between the sexes and try to understand where they are coming from, share with them where we are coming from... and to do that in a no-nonsense way. All of this is not easy however. We have all kinds of reputation concerns, taboos, unspoken rules, and junk that can be so ridiculous at times. This is illustrated well in a time when I told a guy friend that a female friend of mine had been confiding in me (no, I didn't share what she said). His immediate question was wondering if we were becoming more than friends. Why does that question even come up?!?
This mindset can be easy for the introvert to fall into. It's not unusual for him to not have many friendships... especially with women. If he's shy on average it will only be amplified with a woman. Why? Because if he's single and desires to one day be married... he's probably been praying for that woman and anyone could be it, right? Even you! If you're too much yourself or too extroverted with him, it wouldn't be hard for him or take him long to be attracted to you. You see he's so shy that it's easier for him to interpret your care, concern, attention, and time spent as being interested in him. Why? Because he's absolutely terrified at the thought of doing what a guy is supposed to do: to pursue a woman. It takes much less work to contrive a string of situations together and connect dots that may not exist that can help him to build his own interest in you and come to a place where he KNOWS you are the one. This can all be done without your knowledge behind the scenes. If you simply want his friendship, be aware of this possibility from the beginning and order your steps wisely, choose your words wisely, and guard his heart. The best thing to do is to have a DTR up front. When you see the friendship becoming more than "hi...bye" in the hallways, put it all out on the table and discuss it as soon as reasonably possible. No one likes being hurt or hurting someone else. Forsake your apprehensions and just be out with it so it doesn't sneak up on you. As this is done however, don't make the guy feel weird. This is a delicate balance I know, but introverts can be more easily influenced than you think. Words and body language mean a lot. The worst thing you can do is to make it awkward. That's why the open communication is important. Keep the flow of communication open always. Pick your battles of course, but bring up stuff and talk through it while it's still relevant.
2. Remember they are real people.
-No one likes being a backup anything... or at least knowing they are one. It's not unusual for someone to be more comfortable being who they really are with a member of the opposite sex when they have no attraction to them. For ladies with introverted guys this can be dangerous. As conveyed above, if you're naturally extroverted... if you're the type to laugh with your whole body (if you know what I mean)... and you can do so without reservation because you have no interest in a guy, it may communicate exactly the opposite of what you feel. Be mindful of this. What can come with this though is a kind of security in going to the guy for counsel, to vent, or to relax. You can have this security because you don't think it will go anywhere. There's nothing wrong with that, but remember that he is a friend just like any other friend. He's not a friend that you'll only go to see at night like Nicodemus when he went to see Christ. He's a guy that you're free to say hi to in public even if he may hardly be able to say hi back. He's a guy that needs to see you as approachable and needs you to respond the same to him as anyone else regardless of his nervous body language, lack of eye contact, or whatever else. Don't put him in a another category, eliminate categories!
3. What if you are attracted to him?
-This is a hard place to be. While levels of introversion are different, pursuing a woman is scary for many guys. I've often struggled inside about when and how to pursue. My struggle and reasoning has been something like this: "How do I know to pursue if I don't know if it's mutual or not? I don't see any 'signs' (signs are a whole other discussion). I don't know how to pursue. What is too forward? What's a good time frame? I hope the friendship can remain unchanged if she's not interested." A friend said something very convicting to me as I thought about these things. He asked, "if the woman actively shows interest first, is she not initiating?" Ouch. Let the guy pursue you. Resist the temptation to flood his facebook wall with invitations to events and all the other things you ladies can do. If he is unwilling to take the leap the of faith to pursue you... imagine how hard it will be for him to lead in the relationship itself. Imagine how hard it will be for him as a husband... a father? This battle is his own.
Pray hard. Pray that if it's the Lord's will, that this guy's desire for you would well up in him so much that he must act. While I'm no expert, God has shown me that I must be the man he calls me to be. This is to be a man who can be "strong" and have "courage" and as I seek to be a pastor to be "one who manages his household well." These things can't be done if my introversion has such a hold on me that I can't even express my interest in a woman to begin with. This takes time, practice, and God's mercy. Thank the Lord for His mercy! On a side note as well... if you are confident that you're not attracted to the introverted guy and never will be (after all he's socially awkward at times and not your type anyway), you must remember the undeniable reality (as it applies of course!): You are both single and God is still sovereign. Be open to the Spirit's guidance... in whatever direction!
4. Encouragement never falls on deaf ears.
-Just as the Lord showed compassion to Lot through His angels, show compassion and be an encouragement to these guys. Encourage them to get out of their comfort zone. If you discern they can take it, it may even be helpful to "seize" them and "put" them in a situation that will help them grow. I hesitate in saying this however, because it's often not the case. I've lost count of times when my female friends have shoved me into a situation that only made me want to hide under a rock as my face turned red and I messed it up royally. Don't do this. It can destroy his confidence. I usually cave in just because she's a woman. Not sure how else to say that or explain it, but it's easier to say no to guys. Often ladies will have good intentions about this and they'll want their brothers in Christ to grow so they give the guy a nudge when it feels more like an 18-wheeler just pushed them onto a broadway stage to perform in front of thousands of paid customers. Most often the best thing to do is encourage and point out opportunities. I cannot stress enough that the majority of growth for an introvert has to come from Him taking his own leaps of faith. Encourage him to seek the Lord for the necessary courage.
This must be a personal thing. The relationship he has with his heavenly Father is where the strength will come from and that has to be done as he is alone with the Lord. He can be more free in his prayers, worship, and in the very motives of his heart best when he's alone before God. He needs to be unhindered by his introverted fears and worries that come when he's around other people. When you encourage his walk with the Lord in this area you will also take the focus off of yourself. The last thing many ladies would want is to have a prayer time with him about his struggles only for him to focus on their voice as they pray for him or for him to be romantically attracted to their spiritual maturity and willingness to pray. You wouldn't want to be his primary source of encouragement either because when failure comes he will go back to you. This can create a level of vulnerability and sensitivity that you may not want directed your way. This is pain and failure he needs to bring before the throne and wrestle with God about. Let him do that.
In Conclusion: God loves the timid and faint of heart. He has taught me so much in the past few years and especially the past few weeks. I hope it has helped you and will help someone in the future. As I grow the Lord is giving me a burden for the introverts among us. Is there a ministry for the introverted? Maybe there should be. This blog entry may have been a book to read in its length, but it's a testimony of God's grace and faithfulness and that's something that simply can't be short-changed.
"15When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, "Up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city."
16But he hesitated. So the men (N)seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for (O)the compassion of the LORD was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city."
Often people throw Lot under the bus becuase of his actions in this chapter and boy did he mess up... it's true. He surely didn't put the Lord first in this story and there was no excuse for offering his daughters to the angry sex-crazed mob outside his door. I do believe it's wrong however to read too far into Lot's motives and intentions. Often people will take every little leap they can to paint Lot in the worst possible way. In 2 Peter 2:4-9 we're reminded that Lot was a "righteous" man. In Luke 17:26-29 Lot is linked with Noah in a positive fashion. How else could God spare his life and remain just in his destruction of Sodom? How else could God remain true in his promise to Abraham to spare the righteous from that city? Beyond this, in 2 Peter we're given a glimpse into Lot's motives as we're told, "(for by what he saw and heard that (AA)righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds)" (v.8). When God declares someone righteous they are righteous indeed! This gives us a clue to his responses back in Genesis 19. The angels told Lot to take his daughters and go! How does Scripture record his response? "but he hesitated." How did the Lord respond to his hesitation? God had "compassion" on him. The angels "seized" their hands and "put" them outside the city.
My heart was warmed at reading this. If we have no clear indication as to why he hesitated the best way to interpret this is from the only clue we are given to his motives... that they are those of a righteous man. I don't think Lot was admiring his earthly possessions in a materialistic fashion. I think Lot was asking the very same questions we'd be asking... "Lord, what about my daughters? They were pledged to be married and the men laughed at me when I said your angels were gonna destroy the city?! Lord, but how will we live if leave like this? Lord, what about this... that?" Lot was faced with a difficult decision and he froze. This is even more implied in God having compassion on him in this moment. For those of us who are prone to being timid and shy and introverted... we know there are times when our friends have had to give us a good kick to take a step out of our security to build a friendship, speak up on an issue we were passionate about, make a difficult decision, ask the person out/express our interest in them, etc. Sometimes this kick comes from God Himself as we take a leap of faith, say no to the tendency to overwork ourselves, as we take a step in a direction of ministry and perhaps close a door to one at the same time.
In these moments and before they even come (because I know they will) I have often prayed that God would show me "compassion." I pray that He would lead me when I am weak and carry me by His grace. But as I trust Him in that I also pray that He would break these chains of introverted bondage. I pray that He would alleviate my fear of man and his opinions. I pray that I would live as if the Lord is the only one watching. For me this means living in light of who God has sanctified me to be and not who my personality cages me into. Oh do I pray for this! My heart is not who I am on the outside. I want to be more real! My heart is one that desires to pray for others immediately when they ask unconcerned about the public eye (while discerning of course). My heart is one that desires to forsake my schedule for someone in need of counsel or encouragement. My heart is one that wants to be free to put homework down to help a friend with their sermon preparation. My heart is one that desires to sing out to the Lord in worship even if I can't hit the notes right. My heart wants to raise my hands in all sincerity as I seek the Lord in song and give Him due praise. My heart is one that loves people and continually prays that this love would grow in its outward expression. My heart is one that desires to be a shepherd, a gentleman, and a bearer of truth in whatever circumstance. These things are not easy. These past few weeks one of the things I've been seeking the Lord for is that He would break these chains. He has been gracious. He's allowed me to step outside myself and pay close attention to interpersonal relationships and friendly interaction. In preaching they say one of the worst things that can happen to you is becoming self-aware... that is to be in middle of the preaching event and actually realize what you are doing as you do it. After experiencing this enough I believe it's possible to make it work for you. This is especially the case when it comes to interpersonal relationships. If you can recognize that you are becoming self-aware, you must only accept what is useful about your thoughts and dismiss the rest. That is to dismiss all the paranoid concerns about what the other person is thinking of you. It's to dismiss the temptation to analyze when you should really be listening to the person you're spending time with. It's to dismiss the fears that you may fumble your words or miscommunicate. If these fears are overwhelming it would be better to pause, close your eyes, take a breath, and say something like, "I'm trying to put this into words" or "Can you hold on a second? I want to give you my full attention." Expressing yourself is better than risking misunderstanding. Doing this will allow you to be highly aware of what you're saying and perhaps communicate more effectively. This takes a lot of mental gymnastics that all has to happen in a flash, but I believe it's possible. It takes practice and failure. One could say it's becoming self-aware of being self-aware as it is happening.
I say all that to say God must be our first appeal in the struggle with timidity. Seek His help. We can only overcome things by the Spirit. Mental tactics are worth nothing if you don't have the strength to do them. Last night I went to a South Asian church service. The church was located in what is affectionately called the "Little India" of Chicago. Their ministry is primarily done in a Hindu and Muslim context. I was blessed by the genuine simplicity of these international Christians. They aren't getting caught up in church marketing techniques, mega-church business tactics, and all the frivolous things contemporary American Christianity has manufactured. It was an interesting experience for me on a number of levels. I didn't really know anyone there. My roommate didn't go and I took the trip on my own. The church filled about 16 of its 33 chairs in the congregation. It was thoroughly real. Out of all my appreciation with it however and even with the fact that it was my 2nd visit, it would quality as a new environment in my eyes.
As I can only share from my own experience, I would say that the more familiar and stable an environment is to me... the easier I can be myself. The more aware of the (1) environment I am the easier it is to function comfortably. This environment was loaded with another culture and I even went to dinner with them afterward to eat the food of the culture! My roommate prepared me a little, but I was very concerned about my actions and words so as to not offend the culture. Not only was the environment new, but the (2) people were new. While I had met a few of them they were essentially new. They were new personalities to examine. They were new living file cabinets of personal experiences to engage, interact with, and perhaps to learn from. They all had pasts and their own stories of how God had worked and molded them into who He has them today. The other Moody students that attended were all Missionary kids that lived life here through different lenses than my own American set of assumptions. More than the people, the (3) circumstances were new. I was there alone. I didn't know the area and had to take a walk to the restaurant (to which I didn't know the name). I could go on all day listing little particular things that entered my mind that I wasn't prepared for. My connection points were the fact that these were believers and we were of the same spiritual family, there were a few Americans that I could identify with, and that I was somewhat prepared for the evening by my roommate. Often when these factors come together in my introversion, it has taken an hour or more for me to readjust to a familiar environment, circumstances, and people. The Lord has been good in helping me to shorten that time frame more and more.
In class today I was telling a friend about my experience with this church last night and I told her that often in those moments I go into a form of autopilot. This means I can't think on my feet nearly as well or perhaps at all. I become detached from the situation and the rough knowledge and experience take over. Innovation, creativity, concentration, flow of thought, and decision-making all go out the window. These moments are not fun. Often I become angry at myself because I wanted to be a better help to someone or communicate effectively, but the chains of introversion remain until dissipation. My friend asked me, "how do you meet people then?" As I considered this question I would have to say if the proportion of these 3 external elements (mentioned above) sway more toward the familiar or toward certainty, I can handle meeting new people. This is an abundant frustration, but it is my thoughtful reality worked out.
All of this can be defined simply as a struggle with "uncertainty." I like knowing what's next. I like planning ahead. I don't like taking leaps of faith. I don't like relying on others. The honest truth is however that ministry is FULL of uncertainty. Last night a man I'd known for a few hours shared what God was showing Him and his struggle with it. He then looked at me, paused, and said, "So what's your counsel?" Imagine all of these things going on in someone's mind and then SURPRISE! Ministry moment! Do you see why I pray so hard? We have to pray.
Experience tells us that God can most be glorified when we take leaps of faith. In those times He is able to show off. He is able to provide in ways we never imagined. The more leaps we take the more leaps we're able to take. The more leaps we take in one area the more we can take in others. Take chances! Make the first move! Close your eyes and do it! Can I be honest? If you are an introvert and you want to build more friendships and do more for the Lord and take those opportunities we so often miss... ask yourself, "how sick of this am I really?" Life was not meant to be lived in a cage! We can't even legitimately seek the Lord's help in seriousness if we aren't willing to cooperate with Him and "do [the] good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." I wouldn't have sought Him if I wasn't sick of myself... sick of holding back who I am and being concerned about what people think... sick of being too shy to express my interest in a woman. I am sick! Therefore I am now ready to ask the Lord for opportunities and open doors and to WALK through those doors. If we fail... at least we tried. If we fail again... who cares? If we fail again... it probably went better than the first time. If we can trust God for the help we have asked of Him then we can take those leaps and believe for His faithful sovereign hand.
A FEW WORDS TO WOMEN WITH INTROVERTED GUY FRIENDS:
1. Be wise about your friendliness and be willing to tone it down.
-I think I am right in saying that you want good friendships with your brothers in Christ. This hopefully includes the shy guys. Because we spend so much time thinking, we often have much to offer that people don't expect. We are often very deep, emotional, analytical, sensitive creatures. I LOVE getting to know what's going in the lives of my female friends. I LOVE to listen to their heart and their strong opinions. I LOVE helping to bridge communication gaps between the sexes and try to understand where they are coming from, share with them where we are coming from... and to do that in a no-nonsense way. All of this is not easy however. We have all kinds of reputation concerns, taboos, unspoken rules, and junk that can be so ridiculous at times. This is illustrated well in a time when I told a guy friend that a female friend of mine had been confiding in me (no, I didn't share what she said). His immediate question was wondering if we were becoming more than friends. Why does that question even come up?!?
This mindset can be easy for the introvert to fall into. It's not unusual for him to not have many friendships... especially with women. If he's shy on average it will only be amplified with a woman. Why? Because if he's single and desires to one day be married... he's probably been praying for that woman and anyone could be it, right? Even you! If you're too much yourself or too extroverted with him, it wouldn't be hard for him or take him long to be attracted to you. You see he's so shy that it's easier for him to interpret your care, concern, attention, and time spent as being interested in him. Why? Because he's absolutely terrified at the thought of doing what a guy is supposed to do: to pursue a woman. It takes much less work to contrive a string of situations together and connect dots that may not exist that can help him to build his own interest in you and come to a place where he KNOWS you are the one. This can all be done without your knowledge behind the scenes. If you simply want his friendship, be aware of this possibility from the beginning and order your steps wisely, choose your words wisely, and guard his heart. The best thing to do is to have a DTR up front. When you see the friendship becoming more than "hi...bye" in the hallways, put it all out on the table and discuss it as soon as reasonably possible. No one likes being hurt or hurting someone else. Forsake your apprehensions and just be out with it so it doesn't sneak up on you. As this is done however, don't make the guy feel weird. This is a delicate balance I know, but introverts can be more easily influenced than you think. Words and body language mean a lot. The worst thing you can do is to make it awkward. That's why the open communication is important. Keep the flow of communication open always. Pick your battles of course, but bring up stuff and talk through it while it's still relevant.
2. Remember they are real people.
-No one likes being a backup anything... or at least knowing they are one. It's not unusual for someone to be more comfortable being who they really are with a member of the opposite sex when they have no attraction to them. For ladies with introverted guys this can be dangerous. As conveyed above, if you're naturally extroverted... if you're the type to laugh with your whole body (if you know what I mean)... and you can do so without reservation because you have no interest in a guy, it may communicate exactly the opposite of what you feel. Be mindful of this. What can come with this though is a kind of security in going to the guy for counsel, to vent, or to relax. You can have this security because you don't think it will go anywhere. There's nothing wrong with that, but remember that he is a friend just like any other friend. He's not a friend that you'll only go to see at night like Nicodemus when he went to see Christ. He's a guy that you're free to say hi to in public even if he may hardly be able to say hi back. He's a guy that needs to see you as approachable and needs you to respond the same to him as anyone else regardless of his nervous body language, lack of eye contact, or whatever else. Don't put him in a another category, eliminate categories!
3. What if you are attracted to him?
-This is a hard place to be. While levels of introversion are different, pursuing a woman is scary for many guys. I've often struggled inside about when and how to pursue. My struggle and reasoning has been something like this: "How do I know to pursue if I don't know if it's mutual or not? I don't see any 'signs' (signs are a whole other discussion). I don't know how to pursue. What is too forward? What's a good time frame? I hope the friendship can remain unchanged if she's not interested." A friend said something very convicting to me as I thought about these things. He asked, "if the woman actively shows interest first, is she not initiating?" Ouch. Let the guy pursue you. Resist the temptation to flood his facebook wall with invitations to events and all the other things you ladies can do. If he is unwilling to take the leap the of faith to pursue you... imagine how hard it will be for him to lead in the relationship itself. Imagine how hard it will be for him as a husband... a father? This battle is his own.
Pray hard. Pray that if it's the Lord's will, that this guy's desire for you would well up in him so much that he must act. While I'm no expert, God has shown me that I must be the man he calls me to be. This is to be a man who can be "strong" and have "courage" and as I seek to be a pastor to be "one who manages his household well." These things can't be done if my introversion has such a hold on me that I can't even express my interest in a woman to begin with. This takes time, practice, and God's mercy. Thank the Lord for His mercy! On a side note as well... if you are confident that you're not attracted to the introverted guy and never will be (after all he's socially awkward at times and not your type anyway), you must remember the undeniable reality (as it applies of course!): You are both single and God is still sovereign. Be open to the Spirit's guidance... in whatever direction!
4. Encouragement never falls on deaf ears.
-Just as the Lord showed compassion to Lot through His angels, show compassion and be an encouragement to these guys. Encourage them to get out of their comfort zone. If you discern they can take it, it may even be helpful to "seize" them and "put" them in a situation that will help them grow. I hesitate in saying this however, because it's often not the case. I've lost count of times when my female friends have shoved me into a situation that only made me want to hide under a rock as my face turned red and I messed it up royally. Don't do this. It can destroy his confidence. I usually cave in just because she's a woman. Not sure how else to say that or explain it, but it's easier to say no to guys. Often ladies will have good intentions about this and they'll want their brothers in Christ to grow so they give the guy a nudge when it feels more like an 18-wheeler just pushed them onto a broadway stage to perform in front of thousands of paid customers. Most often the best thing to do is encourage and point out opportunities. I cannot stress enough that the majority of growth for an introvert has to come from Him taking his own leaps of faith. Encourage him to seek the Lord for the necessary courage.
This must be a personal thing. The relationship he has with his heavenly Father is where the strength will come from and that has to be done as he is alone with the Lord. He can be more free in his prayers, worship, and in the very motives of his heart best when he's alone before God. He needs to be unhindered by his introverted fears and worries that come when he's around other people. When you encourage his walk with the Lord in this area you will also take the focus off of yourself. The last thing many ladies would want is to have a prayer time with him about his struggles only for him to focus on their voice as they pray for him or for him to be romantically attracted to their spiritual maturity and willingness to pray. You wouldn't want to be his primary source of encouragement either because when failure comes he will go back to you. This can create a level of vulnerability and sensitivity that you may not want directed your way. This is pain and failure he needs to bring before the throne and wrestle with God about. Let him do that.
In Conclusion: God loves the timid and faint of heart. He has taught me so much in the past few years and especially the past few weeks. I hope it has helped you and will help someone in the future. As I grow the Lord is giving me a burden for the introverts among us. Is there a ministry for the introverted? Maybe there should be. This blog entry may have been a book to read in its length, but it's a testimony of God's grace and faithfulness and that's something that simply can't be short-changed.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
My Testimony
I grew up with one parent who had a Roman Catholic background and the other with a Lutheran background. I was baptized Lutheran as a baby. My parents never practiced anything actively and only went to church when we visited my grandparents in Kansas on Christmas. No one in my immediate family nor very likely my extended family is saved. I began journaling at age 13 and still own most of those journals. At that age I decided I was an Atheist because of all the emotional pain in my life. Most of my early childhood I exhibited signs of what I now believe was bipolar depression. This was probably inherited from my mother. I mocked God for years in my supposed intellectual Atheistic freedom. A friend and I would blaspheme the name of God for fun when we knew Christians were in the same room. Where the rubber met the road however I found myself in secret crying out to God to show Himself in my moments of pain. If He existed I hated Him. The problem was that He had already shown Himself so many years ago and even gave us an extensive record of it.
At around 16 yrs. old I met a girl who was and probably still is a cultural Christian, but not a true believer. I began an immoral relationship with her that went on and off for about 4 years. I was what people would now call a "goth." My life was defined by my hobbies, Metallica, Marilyn Manson, etc. Somewhere in that time I took a step to believe in a god. My reason was that it at least would stop the Christians I knew from getting emotional and arguing with me so angrily, but for the degree of hardness that was in my heart this decision could only really have been motivated by the supernatural drawing of the Holy Spirit. I began attending church with her and FOR her. At about age 18 I came to a point where I understood the facts of the gospel and prayed to receive Christ. This was followed by a worthless baptism and a mere outward attempt at morally reforming my life. I called myself a Christian and wore the proper name tag for months without ever having a divine change of heart and true regeneration.
One morning I believe I attended church alone and the pastor said something God used to demolish my fake faith. The pastor said, "Jesus' message is this: 'If you follow me, I'll take care of you. If you follow yourself or someone else... you're on your own.'" The Lord used those words to show me that maybe I was still on my own. Not long afterward was a period of roughly 2 weeks where I cried out to God in true repentance toward Him. My mind AND heart had changed so much so that I turned away from my faith in myself, the sins I so loved, and toward faith in Christ alone. The defining moment when I had assurance of salvation was when my sin weighed so heavily upon me that I had the same feeling as the feeling you have when you have hurt the person you love the most. I hurt the Lord with my sin and I knew it. I literally trashed or sold all kinds of junk in my life that defined me... who I WAS, but who I now was not. God put a desire in me to soak up His Word and I attended as many Bible studies as possible.
I eventually ended that relationship. God used my greatest idol (infatuation and a false concept of love) to bridge the gap between He and myself. Within the next few years God put a burden on me to lead His people despite my overwhelming introversion and gave me the desire to see others grow in their faith. I am 24 now. Within the past few years God has healed me of my bipolar depression and shown me that I have an Advocate in Jesus Christ as I struggle in the Christian life. I applied to Moody and got in on the first try. The Lord has provided miraculously to keep me here and I can only be grateful and pray that I glorify Him first in all that's written here and all to come. My family is still walking in darkness and headed for the lake of fire and I take every opportunity to share te gospel clearly with them and answer their questions.
May God be glorified in your reading of this and may the many "I's" and "me's" in the paragraphs above be overtaken by the work of Christ displayed in them!
At around 16 yrs. old I met a girl who was and probably still is a cultural Christian, but not a true believer. I began an immoral relationship with her that went on and off for about 4 years. I was what people would now call a "goth." My life was defined by my hobbies, Metallica, Marilyn Manson, etc. Somewhere in that time I took a step to believe in a god. My reason was that it at least would stop the Christians I knew from getting emotional and arguing with me so angrily, but for the degree of hardness that was in my heart this decision could only really have been motivated by the supernatural drawing of the Holy Spirit. I began attending church with her and FOR her. At about age 18 I came to a point where I understood the facts of the gospel and prayed to receive Christ. This was followed by a worthless baptism and a mere outward attempt at morally reforming my life. I called myself a Christian and wore the proper name tag for months without ever having a divine change of heart and true regeneration.
One morning I believe I attended church alone and the pastor said something God used to demolish my fake faith. The pastor said, "Jesus' message is this: 'If you follow me, I'll take care of you. If you follow yourself or someone else... you're on your own.'" The Lord used those words to show me that maybe I was still on my own. Not long afterward was a period of roughly 2 weeks where I cried out to God in true repentance toward Him. My mind AND heart had changed so much so that I turned away from my faith in myself, the sins I so loved, and toward faith in Christ alone. The defining moment when I had assurance of salvation was when my sin weighed so heavily upon me that I had the same feeling as the feeling you have when you have hurt the person you love the most. I hurt the Lord with my sin and I knew it. I literally trashed or sold all kinds of junk in my life that defined me... who I WAS, but who I now was not. God put a desire in me to soak up His Word and I attended as many Bible studies as possible.
I eventually ended that relationship. God used my greatest idol (infatuation and a false concept of love) to bridge the gap between He and myself. Within the next few years God put a burden on me to lead His people despite my overwhelming introversion and gave me the desire to see others grow in their faith. I am 24 now. Within the past few years God has healed me of my bipolar depression and shown me that I have an Advocate in Jesus Christ as I struggle in the Christian life. I applied to Moody and got in on the first try. The Lord has provided miraculously to keep me here and I can only be grateful and pray that I glorify Him first in all that's written here and all to come. My family is still walking in darkness and headed for the lake of fire and I take every opportunity to share te gospel clearly with them and answer their questions.
May God be glorified in your reading of this and may the many "I's" and "me's" in the paragraphs above be overtaken by the work of Christ displayed in them!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Familiar Thoughts
Working with Tom Thumb/Safeway/Dominick's for a number of years one of the main things that was beaten into my head was customer service. One of the primary features of this is to greet every customer within hearing distance. We actually can get "talked to" if we miss greeting a customer. I remember a few times that I greeted an older gentleman as he came through the department. Very often people answer a greeting with "fine, doing well, great, good" and the like. This man wanted to shake things up. He wanted to have a little fun with people who greeted him. His standard answer was "terrible!" with a smile. I liked that man. It occurred to me today that my Melancholy comes out even when I'm asked, "How are you?" My standard answer is "not too bad." Saying that looks similar to "I'm doing bad, but not that bad." So my tentative goal is to use words that are honest, yet a bit more positive and reflective of what I'm really trying to communicate....lol.
I just got back from a rap concert on campus put on by students here at Moody. I continue to be amazed at how God uses people and culture to bring glory to Himself. Since the DVD is only $5 I'm planning to pick one up and show friends back home. When the Bible and rap come together awesome things happen. I can see why Paul Washer speaks at many Christian rap concerts supporting those like Ambassador, Cross Movement, Lecrae, 116 Clique, and others. I was reminded of who I am tonight at this concert though...lol. I'm just not the type to sway, bounce, and wave my arm to the music. I think I identify with John Piper who was once compared to Mark Driscoll in a panel discussion. Driscoll is said to go to comedy clubs and I think when Piper was asked why he doesn't go to things like that his reply echoed my heart at its core. He said, "John Piper is weak." Such a conscience (while not always) is commonly attached to those who are more reserved and bookwormish. Maybe I made that connection more easily in my head than in writing... hopefully you see somewhat where I'm going. My point is that personalities can be telling in certain circumstances. Speaking of Piper I hear an interview recently with he and Mark Dever about his calling to the pastorate. Piper actually went from a professor at a Bible college to a pastor when it usually goes the opposite direction. He fundamentally said God made it impossible in his own heart for him to remain a professor. It was a wonderful little 6 minute story.
God is so good. As I returned back from Spring Break weeks ago I was told that my Chicago job couldn't afford to take me back and that I should look elsewhere. So I've been out of work and trying to focus on my studies a bit more and attend school events. I've applied to a few jobs for next semester, but it doesn't seem promising to find a job that will let me leave for summer in about 6 weeks and then come back. So I've been trying to trust God. He has paid for the rest of my semester, the summer classes, and all of next semester. Beyond that, our house sold back home and my dad will now be able to continue helping me pay for school. I really hope those numbers are not where my confidence is found. Lord I must look only to you!
As I try to keep so many of those I know in prayer I continue to pray for my future wife. The Lord has been humbling me lately in revealing my own inadequacy and my continued need for His divine intervention and ordering of circumstances. If it was up to me I would ruin everything...lol. I can hardly have a meaningful friendship with a woman, who knows what would happen if I actually fell for one at this stage in my life. With His help I've been able to guard my heart appropriately and hopefully be an encouragement and a sober mind to the few sisters I know. Through all this I'm reminded (with a half smile) of all those times growing up that I could easily build friendships and be there for the women in my daily life when they needed to talk, but the curse of the hopeless romantic basketcase is that the answer to his heart's desire remains in the unknown. For the Christian this unknown is not unknown, but in the capable hands of a sovereign God. While I love ministering to my sisters in Christ a chunk of me continues looking into the heavens with one eye and wondering, "when will it be my turn, Lord?" I enjoy the song, "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller from the movie, Fireproof. Like the song says I will worship and take every step in obedience... I will serve Him.... while I'm waiting. There's little point in spending too much time being concerned with something God has not chosen to do yet.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Why did she say No? and "Pop-Culture Church"
Things have been somewhat busy lately. I haven't written in some time however and feel the need to do so today to share some of the things going on in my life recently... while they may be a scattering of different things.
-First I want to share something that is an ever-present reminder of the redeeming nature of God's salvation. I think I've mentioned in an earlier entry that it's been a blessing to have helped mentor a friend of mine in high school as he shares his faith in that the public school. I mentioned how it's a blessing to (in a way) be able to be a part in reaching out to the public high school through him when I never had that opportunity. I was still far from God then. In that sense and a more general one, we sang a song today in church that just magnified the grace of God and His work in my life. In Chris Tomlin's (not Hillsong's) song, "This is Our God" a few words in the first verse really captured this for me...
"He will wipe away your tears and return your wasted years. This is our God."
I think of all those years I could reached out to those in my midst if I had been saved at an earlier age. I think about how I could have begun my growth process in Christ and perhaps be even closer to Him now than I am... if only I were saved then. The beautiful thing about the Lord is that He "returns our wasted years" however. I won't get those exact years back, but God has used me to reach out to them in other ways. Beyond that, He will continue to use me where He has me now in ways I may never know until I get to heaven. This is our God.
-For general updates... school is going well enough. Grades are alright. I'm keeping up with classes somewhat sufficiently. I have a big paper due next Monday on identifying the 24 elders of Revelation. I was recently given Halo for the computer and have since beaten it and sometimes play the online internet Halo games. It has been a small distraction, but I suspect boredome with it will soon surface. Speaking of boredome... it has combined with frustration to help choose to stop going to the gym regurlarly. It was becoming boring to go. I wasn't going with anyone and couldn't even develop a consistent enough time to do that anyway. One Saturday was the catalyst for me however. On Saturdays they close at 4pm and the locker room is closed off also due to the basketball games they frequently hold. this causes one to either come dressed in workout clothes (which is often too cold for me to want to do) OR change in the restroom. I trek up to the restroom only to find that the only stall in the men's room was occupied. That did it. I left and haven't looked back. I suppose what will seal the deal is when I start wearing my workout shoes on the street. It hasn't happened yet however... pray for me? lol. I've also began reading a chapter each week on Sunday mornings from Alistair Begg and Derek Prime's book, "On Being a Pastor." I'm on chapter 5 and have been very encouraged by this book. This week the chapter spoke about the role of prayer in the life of the pastor's personal life and as he relates to those he shepherds. A good reminder for me as I often don't give prayer the attention it deserves in many cases.
-Another item that comes to my intention in writing this blog is the Junior/Senior Banquet here at Moody. For the longest time my roommate has been threatening to set me up with someone. He may still do so. The banquet is such that we pay for it in our school bill whether we go or not. So I say then, why not go? My initial thought was to think to see if there is anyone would be best to ask on a date for such an event. Some people go in groups, some alone, and others... with dates. Obviously this can be as friends or in an actual relationship or as something that may lead to an actual relationship. All that being said, I don't talk to many people and I hardly have anything close to a social circle. I'm a homeworkaholic who stays in his room. This limited my "candidates" if you will to ask to this banquet. My roommate and I have been bouncing names off eachother... I don't really know the ladies he's referring to and he pretty much knows all the ones I have referred to. So... the list is rather short.
It came down to someone he recommended who I've yet to have any real conversation with and a friend I've had in a few classes who carries a personality that (in my estimation) is one that seeks humility. The more I think about what I find most attractive in a woman... the more I begin to eliminate fickle preferences of personal appearance, any other external factors, or even my own hobby horses that I wish every woman would agree with me about, but what it seems to come back to for me is that I want a woman who has a sincere desire in seeking after patience with people and humility before God. The rest flows out of these things for me. So beyond those two choices, it broke down to those I know a little less and have had fewer meaningful interactions with and beyond that... no one. I tend to have fewer close friendships and much less acquaintances. The trouble is... I have VERY few close friendships and even fewer of those are with women. I planned twice to meet and talk to the former of the two ladies and God didn't allow that to happen. SO... yesterday I met with the latter of these two and asked her out. It's been probably 3 years or more since I've asked someone out and at least 2 years since I've been on a date. The Lord was with me in boldness however as my heart beat heavily in my chest. I'm coming more and more to the conclusion that beating around the bush with these things is simply a waste of time and emotions. If I'm gonna say it... I need to just say it. And I did.
Now... of all the answers that could be given for a question like this (Yes, No-I'm not interested in you, No-I'm interested in someone else, No-I'm dating someone else, No-I'm married)... there's one I would have NEVER expected. It came out to be No-I'm called to singleness. Now I've only met about 2 people in my Christian life that could say the same so this was certainly a surprise to say the least. Apparently my roommate says this answer is not so uncommon, especially among women who desire to do mission work. I told her I wholeheartedly respect her decision to devote her life to pleasing God and I would certainly keep her in prayer. I sat back in my chair yesterday afternoon and simply laughed. I looked up to the heavens and laughed in astonishment at the sometimes ironic nature of God's sovereignty. I've devoted much time to praying that if there's too much of me in "finding a date" that God would shut it down before I have a chance to mess it up further and tear into an old category of emotional wounds. I've often rested purely on God's sovereignty and timing when it comes to the thought of my future wife. Does this mean I am to continue waiting? More immediately... does this mean I am to go alone to JSB? Should I find a friend to go with me instead? Should I find an acquaintance? To these questions I yet have no answer.
The reality remains that registration is at the end of this week. What shall I do? What shall I do, indeed? My roommate suggest I continue to search. Part of me wants to and part of me does not. I'm not here to find a wife but to study God's Word. That has always been my first priority. My roommate says at the very least I should keep my eyes open... that I will do, while casually. My friendship with the latter young lady will continue unchanged on my end. I praise God there are absolutely no hard feelings and hopefully no awkwardness. Things are cool. This morning at church God also reminded me of His watchful eye and workings in my life as we happened to sing Blessed Be Your Name as the last song. The last time that song had significance for me was when I came to the restful realization of sovereign God's hand after my last breakup a couple years ago. I'll never forget the words in the chorus of that song, "He gives and takes away. He gives and takes away. [So] my heart will choose to say, blessed be Your name!" He certainly does give and take away, doesn't He? And sometimes He even prevents. I cannot forget this truth. It's as if God reminded me of His own sanctifying work in my life to show me that last time this song comforted me it was in a spirit of utter despair and emotional collapse. This time however it comforts me in a spirit of pure rejoicing that God knows what He is doing and that my longings are not unknown to Him. My desires are not foreign to Him... afterall I've made them known to Him more times than I can count. No, there's no need to worry Joseph. There's no need to analyze. I laugh to myself. I am so small and God is so big. It's only by His sanctification that I find myself more joyful that one of His children has decided to devote her life to Him and not to some man. This brings joy... because it's all orchestrated by God's capable hands. May the Lord bless your ministry my prayerful sister in Christ...
-Something else I want to discuss is that I've been greatly encouraged by the comments of Martyn Lloyd-Jones in his book, "Preaching and Preachers" written in the 70's. One of the things he spoke of was when he visited a church once and the preacher was doing a series on Jeremiah. He was speaking on the text where Jeremiah could refrain no longer but had a "fire in his bones." Lloyd-Jones said the one thing that was entirely missing in that service was "fire." He said of the preacher, "the good man was speaking about fire as if he were sitting on an iceberg." I love it! Another thing Lloyd-Jones often rants about is the nature of how contemporary for my lack of a better word the church had become in his day. While he comes from a "high-church" Presbyterian perspective and I don't agree with everything he speaks about, there's something to be said about this aspect he portrays in his book. We would do well to pay attention to see if we as a Church universal and church local are becoming more than Paul's "all things to all men so that some might be saved" than Paul intended or expected to happen in our day.
There is constant pressure these days on church leaders and pastors to adopt methodologies, develop programs, run the church like a well-oiled corporate machine, and perhaps more prevalent and yet along those lines... to bring this empty, advertisement-oriented, trendy set of offerings of spiritual growth to people. These come in the form of "the next big thing" in "your Christian life." When I was new to the faith I remember this all too well. A church would announce the next 6-week series of Bible studies and say something like, "THIS will CHANGE... YOUR... LIFE." They would play a clip in the main service from a pre-packaged DVD small group Bible study set with some kind and promised results for those who attend. Or they would mail out somethig to the surrounding community about it and call this outreach. Results are promised seemingly without consideration of how God may or may not work in the individual lives of the people who may or may not attend. Perhaps you go and are blessed by the "study." Perhaps you go and have to sift through mediocre teaching from some mega-church pastor who is so far removed from your situation (often in another zipcode) that you wonder how the group leader can simply push a play button and ask discussion questions without ever opening the Bible (themself) and teaching with any reasonable depth of exegetical insight or application that is birthed out of knowing those to whom they minister. Even that though says you sifted and got something from the experience. Or perhaps you had the experience I often had... you came to hear and discuss things you already knew with perhaps different words, maintaining your routine until you finally admitted to yourself you were simply let down, left unchanged, and based how good it was on anything but you actually learning truth and the Holy Spirit speaking through that truth.
A friend of mine termed this "Pop-Culture Church." I think that's rather fitting. This could also come out in something the pastor promotes or emphasizes you to do with the same promise of growth. Sometimes it's worded in guilt-trippy phrases like, "you should only do this if you want to grow closer to God. If you don't want to grow closer to God, don't do this." This causes the faithful church member or attendee to come up to the front and grab their free devotional, their I AM LOVED pin, or who knows whatever else it may be and sit back down thus accomplishing what appears to be success in the eyes of the leadership and causes them to write about it in their newsletter, the pastor perhaps piously but subtly brags about it when speaking at other churches and with other pastors only for them to modify it or adopt it in their church because it works... right? This also comes in the form of vision statements that seem to change every few months and be forgotten or even annually to be shelved and probably re-used and/or re-packaged years later. I look at all this and shake my head in utter dismay wanting to stand up in my seat and read Ecclesiastes in a street preacher's voice until we get the point or I'm thrown out. It's all meaningless. Christ did not commission the apostles so that Christian leaders could ignore their example and become eloquent businessmen that carry a Bible, but to "give [their] attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word" (Acts 6:4). The apostles did not establish the church so it could become the latest set of Super Bowl commercials with a Christian logo at the bottom right corner in the smallest font, but so that they would "devote themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). It's that simple! We don't need more than that! We need more OF that!
May God help the church today and may He instill such a high view of Himself in us and in whatever ministry to which He has called us so that we may fall to our knees and repent before our High Priest and Great Shepherd who says He wants His people taught and built up... He wants the gospel proclaimed in no-nonsense clarity... and He wants us to seek Him in prayer as we do it.
Lord help Your Church today!
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