Are you a fast food Christ-follower?

      Having grown up in the United States, I have continually heard many aspects of our culture voiced and expressed through catchy slogans or trite sayings, that have been present since I can remember. Above all I have heard one theme, put different ways, but ultimately leading me down the same disheartening path; “you can be whatever you want to be” or “if you put your mind to it, you can do it.” While, at first glance, it seems that these platitudes are encouraging, I believe that they are actually leading to a social-identity that is not consistent with what God has intended for our lives; independent, individuality. Paul admonishes us that we, as Christ-followers, are called to be one body; a community of believers (1 Cor. 12:12-14).      
     However, I believe that we are swayed by the common cultural value that our differences are more important than our similarities. Consequently, I see our individuality cutting into our family time, our fellowship time, our worship time, and in every crevice our lives as humans; ultimately we seek the good of ourselves rather than the good of the whole.            
     It is important that I make a distinction here that individuality remains, as it must, in a community of believers. However, the mindset should always be one focused on the good of the whole, rather than part of it. While each of us has our individual talents and spiritual-gifts, it is important that they are not only used for the good of the community of believers, but ultimately to the glory of God.            
     As I see individuality winning, as a valued attribute in the culture of the United States, I believe that this value has permeated into modern worship in ways that look identical to our fast food restaurants; we drive in, place our order, and get out as quick as possible. With so much to do, and our priorities seemingly reversed, it seems that the good of the whole is the last thing on our minds and instead we have become fast food Christ-followers. Wait, but if this is how we are, are we really following Christ at all?            
     I see Christian worship as a Thanksgiving meal, everyone brings a dish (typically their best) to pass, and enjoys the Smörgåsbord of nourishment that the community has set, on one table, for the good of the whole group. So, too, our worship should be to bring the best of ourselves, for the good of the whole, to worship and penultimately to give thanks to God for His providence of grace in our lives. 

Consider a few questions for yourself:

1) How has your individuality helped your community of believers? Harmed?
2) How does your individuality affect others' worship practices?

The Greater Identity in Christ

In Philippians 3:5-7, Paul is illustrating what a life dedicated to the flesh looks like, even one that is seemingly righteous and upright to the Jewish leaders of the day; but he counts it all for loss. Paul is making a point that, in his upright living and his dedication to the Law, he had become an enemy of God. His allegiance was not to Christ, but to his Jewish heritage.

     Paul is not arguing against his Jewish identity, but identifying it as less than his Christian one, that is where qal wahomer (lesser to greater) is a helpful argumentation style. He speaks of the "lesser" (his Jewish identity) as being outweighed by the "greater" (his Christian identity), therefore rendering his Jewish identity dependent upon the Christian one.

     Paul is showing the Gentiles of Philippi that, just as his Jewish identity is the lesser, so too is their Gentile identity. It does not mean that their identity is irrelevant, but is secondary to their life in Christ.

Love is "Imperfect"

So here is the truth, Valentines day brings out a lot of emotions; some of joy, some of pain, and some of apathy. Often, it creates on occasion for husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, grandmas, and grandpas to convey the love they have for one another. But, is a 24-hour period enough time to portray this message? Does it mean more on a specific day? Is it a punctilious occasion?

To me one day doesn't cut it for these actions and words, it must occur over a lifetime. The way I look at it, and experience it for that matter, the only perfected love is that of the God of Heaven, His Son beside Him, and the Holy Spirit among us. My love is far from perfect, more aptly put it is "imperfect" so to speak.

Consider this grammar study of Greek Verbs:

Within the Greek Verb system lies a verb tense known as the imperfect tense, it signifies a continuous, progressive action in past time that has not yet been completed; as if you were close-up to a parade while it is going by (it is unfolding before your eyes). Although the English language doesn't have an imperfect tense, but rather a simple paste tense (i.e. I knew  you), I like to think that the imperfect can still be applied to my language and actions as a husband.

This is how I view my love for my wife Elisabeth, as "imperfect," it is a progression; unfolding before our eyes. I am not perfect, nor do I claim to be and neither is the love that I display to Elisabeth. But, looking at it in this light helps me realize that love is not only an action, but an unfolding one, occurring and progressing over several months, years, and most likely decades. This thinking helps me to be patient and learn the many intricacies and needs in our relationship; it is freeing in a way.

So instead of simply saying I LOVE you, which signifies a punctiliar moment with a beginning and an end. Wake up everyday and tell that special person: "I am loving you" to convey a sympathy and action of progression in your "imperfect" love. Does it sound funny? Yes. Will it fix all the problems that exist? Probably Not. Will it change the way you look at and think about your love? Absolutely.

Be Loved

I felt that, considering this week celebrates "love," I would post something from an incredibly wise man; Dr. William Thrasher of Moody Theological Seminary.

Dr. Thrasher encourages that we should think rightly about our state of being, and our bodies at large. He continues that we should celebrate the truth of who we are as Christians. Here are some of the ways Dr. Thrasher encourages Christians concerning the Holidays:

"Join me in praying that all of God’s people would feel His love for them in new ways this Valentine’s Day. One of the ways to celebrate this day is to let God’s liberating truth replace any of Satan’s cruel lies. Let me offer a few examples from my book Putting God Back into the Holidays."

What I feel or think about myself	What God says about me as a Christian according to Scripture
“I am unworthy and unacceptable.”	“I accept you.” Rom 15:7
“I am alone.”	“I’ll live in you and you’ll never have to be alone as I had to be when I died on the cross for you.” (Gal. 2:20; Heb. 13:5-6)
“I am not special to anyone or loved/”	“You are a precious person to Me, and I am continually thinking about you.” (Psa. 139:17-18)
“I do not have what it takes to be successful in life.”	“I’m continually devoted to you and will provide all your need to fulfill My purpose for you.” (Rom.  8:31-32, 38-39)

It is so easy to allow today's culture to sway our thoughts about love, self-worth, and success as a whole. But, if we rest in these truths, the ones the Lord found important enough to include in His Word, we'll have a much happier and abundant existence. This perspective encourages us that Christ is the cornerstone of our lives and our love, not the faulty misconceptions of the "fallen" around us. 

Be loved. Truly.

The Gates of Hell shall not prevail...

     I am attempting to get a head-start on reading for Greek II. The chapter's exegetical insight, which occurs at the beginning of every chapter, is talking about the imperfect-indicative verb. This is a past tense verb that shows linear action, and can sometimes portray a repeated attempt at a specific action (I was studying) as in sometimes I am continually studying Greek to no avail. Galatians 1:3, with Paul speaking, says, "For you have heard of my previous ways of life in Judaism, how I violently persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it." Both of the verbs, persecuted and tried to destroy (tried to is included as part of the Greek verb), are imperfect verbs. The first shows that Paul repeatedly, and continually persecuted the church. The second verb, tried to destroy, indicates a continued but failed attempt to destroy the church.

     The Greek language makes it clear that even Paul, an evidently steadfast and determined man, could not destroy the Church of God. It reminds me of Matthew 16:18 which says, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

     I am thankful to you God for the perpetuity and continuity of your church, that nothing outside of you can destroy this gathering that you have created. I am thankful for the faithfulness with which you have instituted an ultimately life changing place of fellowship, where believers can meet to learn, worship, love, sharpen, and admonish one another, because of your love. Until you come back father, I pray that your Church will revive, so as to revive and quicken the spirits of all the dead. Truly.