If you read this blog, you know that I am a big Red Sox fan and an even bigger Yankee hater. I have hated the Yankees since I started watching baseball almost 40 years ago. However, while I don't like the Yankees, I have tremendous respect for Mariano Rivera and what he has accomplished. I had the privilege of meeting him two years ago in the Dominican Republic. He's the real deal and a strong follower of Jesus.
This is a song for Mo set to the tune of Journey's Don't Stop Believing. It's pretty funny. This is for my Yankee friends out there.
May 15, 2012
May 9, 2012
Bravo Josh, Bravo...
Josh Hamilton has become my favorite baseball player for the past few years because of both his incredible talent and his unique story. He is a flawed hero who unashamedly uses his brokenness as a vehicle to tell others about Jesus Christ. He had a record night last night. Enjoy the video below.
May 7, 2012
Judging Rightly
My sermon yesterday was from Luke 6:37-45 on Jesus' teaching about judging other people's sin. This is often one of the most mis-quoted and misunderstood verses in the Bible. Almost everyone quotes this at one time or another. People who don't know any other verses of Scripture except "Jesus wept" are fond of pulling this one out whenever they need some sort of vindication or justification for their personal sin. However, is that what Jesus meant when he said "Judge not, and you will not be judged"? Was Jesus advocating an attitude towards others that never calls into question unwise decisions, misguided living, or blatant sin? Was Jesus advocating that each person's life is completely a personal matter and that nobody ever has a right to question another's lifestyle choices?
Certainly not. This is another classic example of not understanding Scripture in context and only taking one verse and building a theology off it. Jesus also taught in the verses following in Luke 6 about fruit and judging the health of a tree by the quality of its fruit. Our society and law requires an accurate system of investigation and judgment in order to maintain law. How do we justify that the pedophile who destroys many lives by his actions is guilty and deserving of punishment while the guy who unwisely drinks more alcohol than he should and destroys his personal life and relationships around him does not deserve some sort of correction? How do we say that the corporate head who leads his company in millions of dollars of unwise investments that cost taxpayers billions to bail out is worthy of condemnation while we should turn our eyes from the average Joe who cheats on his taxes? The reality of life is that because we are all humans, we are accountable to one another for our choices and actions because we do not live in a vacuum. All of our choices have consequences to ourselves and others.
Jesus does not condemn judging when it consists of accurately assessing a situation and then seeking to help someone who is making choices that are harmful to himself or others physically or spiritually. Its basic and inherent to the Christian heart that has been transformed by the gospel to want to be a conduit of grace and forgiveness to others. As a matter of fact, I believe if you are cold and indifferent to other people's sinful choices then you probably don't understand the gospel. What Jesus condemns is a cold, judgmentalism that seeks to justify yourself by constantly putting down other people, standing in a condemnation over them. This was the righteousness of the Pharisees. They were religious without grace. They wore their religious badges proudly, but missed out on the sessions about mercy and justice. Sadly, this is also what many in the unchurched culture see from those who attend church. They see us as piously looking down our noses in condemnation while we forget that at one time "we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another." (Titus 3:3). We forget the truth and power of Ephesians 2:3-4 which says:
How about you? How easy do you find it to judge without being judgmental? Do you lean too much to the judgmental Pharisee side or too much to the tolerant, non-confrontational side? Have you learned the tender art of speaking the truth in love?
Certainly not. This is another classic example of not understanding Scripture in context and only taking one verse and building a theology off it. Jesus also taught in the verses following in Luke 6 about fruit and judging the health of a tree by the quality of its fruit. Our society and law requires an accurate system of investigation and judgment in order to maintain law. How do we justify that the pedophile who destroys many lives by his actions is guilty and deserving of punishment while the guy who unwisely drinks more alcohol than he should and destroys his personal life and relationships around him does not deserve some sort of correction? How do we say that the corporate head who leads his company in millions of dollars of unwise investments that cost taxpayers billions to bail out is worthy of condemnation while we should turn our eyes from the average Joe who cheats on his taxes? The reality of life is that because we are all humans, we are accountable to one another for our choices and actions because we do not live in a vacuum. All of our choices have consequences to ourselves and others.
Jesus does not condemn judging when it consists of accurately assessing a situation and then seeking to help someone who is making choices that are harmful to himself or others physically or spiritually. Its basic and inherent to the Christian heart that has been transformed by the gospel to want to be a conduit of grace and forgiveness to others. As a matter of fact, I believe if you are cold and indifferent to other people's sinful choices then you probably don't understand the gospel. What Jesus condemns is a cold, judgmentalism that seeks to justify yourself by constantly putting down other people, standing in a condemnation over them. This was the righteousness of the Pharisees. They were religious without grace. They wore their religious badges proudly, but missed out on the sessions about mercy and justice. Sadly, this is also what many in the unchurched culture see from those who attend church. They see us as piously looking down our noses in condemnation while we forget that at one time "we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another." (Titus 3:3). We forget the truth and power of Ephesians 2:3-4 which says:
"among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved - and raised us up with him and seated us in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."Jesus illustrated the kind of judgment we should exercise with the familiar illustration of the speck and the log. He said for us not to try and help remove the debris in other's lives until we are actively aware and removing the obvious debris in our own. This is why we all need an constant understanding of our personal depravity and the excessive goodness of God's grace. While God doesn't want us to dwell in self-pity because of the sinful choices we've made, he wants us to keep the reminder of what we have been forgiven of to motivate us to engage in aggressive and violent war against the sin in our members so we can have leverage by which to help others in their sin. This is the essence of judging rightly. People will be much more open to the reality of their sin and to the truth of the gospel when they see God's people come from a position of graciously forgiven sinners instead of pious, condescending Pharisees. This isn't easy though. The longer we move from our justification experience, the easier it is to forget the terror of standing before the righteous Judge. The more we craft an image of God as a gentle, benevolent grandfather, the harder it is to remember that our continuing sins are still a terrible affront to his holiness.
How about you? How easy do you find it to judge without being judgmental? Do you lean too much to the judgmental Pharisee side or too much to the tolerant, non-confrontational side? Have you learned the tender art of speaking the truth in love?
May 4, 2012
Apr 26, 2012
Come Sail Away
I'm sitting in a hotel room at New Orleans Seminary getting ready to head down to the pier later today to sail away on a 5 day cruise with my wife. I am such a blessed man. I have a gorgeous wife who has stolen my heart. I have four awesome sons who keep me busy but also challenge me to live for Jesus at home as well as in public. This November, Alison and I will be celebrating 15 years together. It literally has gone by way too fast. I love her more today than when I first married her. This is the first long trip we have taken together, without kids, for several years. Thanks a ton to my mom, Mimi, for taking care of the stooges while we are gone!
Neither of us have ever been on a cruise before. We are travelling with our friends Bill and Ginger Young. They are celebrating 25 years of marriage. We had a fun road trip down here yesterday and a great meal at Mother's Restaurant last night. Afterwards, we took a walk down to the French Quarter. It was both fascinating to see the history of the city and sad to see the decadence of Burbon Street. Today we are about to go have breakfast at Cafe du Monde (Beignets!) and then walk through the French Market. Then it's onto the pier and load up for the gulf and Cozumel!
Neither of us have ever been on a cruise before. We are travelling with our friends Bill and Ginger Young. They are celebrating 25 years of marriage. We had a fun road trip down here yesterday and a great meal at Mother's Restaurant last night. Afterwards, we took a walk down to the French Quarter. It was both fascinating to see the history of the city and sad to see the decadence of Burbon Street. Today we are about to go have breakfast at Cafe du Monde (Beignets!) and then walk through the French Market. Then it's onto the pier and load up for the gulf and Cozumel!
Apr 21, 2012
Well Done Chuck Colson! A faitful servant goes home
One of the most influential people on my Christian walk has been Chuck Colson. I first was introduced to him as a young seminary student when I picked up and read The Body. I was hooked on his writings and insights. He was a brilliant mind and one of the most compassionate men. I read Loving God, Kingdoms in Conflict, and many others.
Colson did a lot to keep Christians informed about the real issues at stake in the culture. While I didn't share his stance in the ECT: Evangelicals and Catholics Together, I admired him for the way he could bridge so many gaps. His ministry through Prison Fellowship was groundbreaking and biblical and has resulted in many men rightly condemned for their crimes to become God's children.
Here is a stirring video that Prison Fellowship has put together on his life.
Colson did a lot to keep Christians informed about the real issues at stake in the culture. While I didn't share his stance in the ECT: Evangelicals and Catholics Together, I admired him for the way he could bridge so many gaps. His ministry through Prison Fellowship was groundbreaking and biblical and has resulted in many men rightly condemned for their crimes to become God's children.
Here is a stirring video that Prison Fellowship has put together on his life.
Feb 21, 2012
When Something Crashes Your Normal
My friend Michael Kelley has written a new book about his family's journey though his son's leukemia and the spiritual lessons they learned. Michael is a gifted writer and theologian whose experience with his son Joshua has taught him deep spiritual truths that we as the body of Christ need to absorb. I have closely followed this family's journey as Michael has lived the story on his blog. I have lifted many prayers for this little boy who is a living example of God's sustaining grace in times of darkness. I think Michael has an important story to tell in a church society where we tend to equate God's goodness with prosperity and the freedom from pain. I haven't gotten my copy of the book yet, but I can't wait to dive in. Get this book and plant its message deep inside your soul.
Feb 15, 2012
Real Marriage (A Book Review)
Real Marriage is an appropriate title. In this book, Mark and Grace try to get very honest and candid. They deal with some very difficult subjects and questions that many books on marriage don't deal with or do so very lightly. Some have asked if this is the kind of book you want your children to read about marriage. My answer is "Probably not when they are teenagers, but they aren't thinking marriage anyway." However, I wouldn't have a problem recommending this book to a 20-something who was looking at marriage. It is frank and raw, but I think many young couples are looking for that. I appreciate the Driscoll's honesty about all the flaws that were in their marriage for many years. I appreciate Grace's vulnerabilty to talk about her abuse and how it affected her marriage and her understanding of the gospel. I think the Driscoll's chapter on "Sex: god, gross, or gift?" is a very helpful look at a subject that is rampantly destroying our culture and many marriages.
One of the most helpful parts of the book is the premise that the Driscoll's have that marriage should be about building a friendship. This is an area that isn't covered in most books on marriage and consequently many people go through their marriages as "partners" in raising kids and splitting money, but not as friends. Many times we marry someone we feel like is almost a best-friend and then we don't spend time working on that friendship once the wedding cake is gone and the bird seed is swept up.
The chapter that raises the most eyebrows and concerns is called "Can We _____?" and covers questions that the Driscoll's get often on sex and marriage. I wouldn't agree with all their conclusions. I don't think everyone will. However, there is much more in this book that is very profitable outside of that chapter. It's written in a style that is raw and will be received well by many people. It's a readable and doable book. It's an honest book. It's one that I would be happy to recommend to most people (probably with a caveat at first).
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Feb 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day...
As I start this post, I wish my wife of soon to be 15 years a Happy Valentine's Day. I got her flowers and candy yesterday and am about to go home to cook steaks for tonight. I love the fact that I get to show her how much I love her. However, I shouldn't have to feel compelled to do it one day out of the year. I should be more inclined to show her daily by being a servant and spiritual leader. I think periodic moments of getting off my rear watching TV to sweep the floor or wash the dishes does much more (and is much cheaper) than flowers and candy and steaks. My wife is so awesome, she deserves both.
Unfortunately, Valentine's Day is one more example of the tendency in our culture to go to commercial extremes. It's a day we feel pressured to perform acts of love. However, true love is not a performance. It shouldn't be about commercialization. In addition, Valentine's Day has a tendency to feed that fallen part of our nature that believes that the measure of love is to be made much of by someone else. Our hearts are idol factories and many times the chief idol we worship is "me." This becomes a problem when we don't have someone to make much of us - when our loved ones are taken away, when we are single, etc. When the idols of our love and affection are taken away from us, they often reveal how shallow our understanding of love really is.
If you are a follower of Christ, I would encourage you to find your identity in the gospel and know that much has already been made of you, not because of anything you bring to the table, but because "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The cross of Jesus is the ultimate display of God's love. Not because it makes much of you, but because it shows the brutal price God paid to redeem you of your sin. A friend of mine said it well today on Facebook, "
Unfortunately, Valentine's Day is one more example of the tendency in our culture to go to commercial extremes. It's a day we feel pressured to perform acts of love. However, true love is not a performance. It shouldn't be about commercialization. In addition, Valentine's Day has a tendency to feed that fallen part of our nature that believes that the measure of love is to be made much of by someone else. Our hearts are idol factories and many times the chief idol we worship is "me." This becomes a problem when we don't have someone to make much of us - when our loved ones are taken away, when we are single, etc. When the idols of our love and affection are taken away from us, they often reveal how shallow our understanding of love really is.
If you are a follower of Christ, I would encourage you to find your identity in the gospel and know that much has already been made of you, not because of anything you bring to the table, but because "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The cross of Jesus is the ultimate display of God's love. Not because it makes much of you, but because it shows the brutal price God paid to redeem you of your sin. A friend of mine said it well today on Facebook, "
Feb 10, 2012
It's not fair...
Recently I have been thinking a lot about the word "fair" and how much we talk about it. Being a father of four children under 13, I am accused a lot of not being fair. I really don't worry about it much because I have come to the conclusion that life is not a matter of fair and the sooner my kids learn that truth, the better they will function in life. The dictionary defines fair as "free from bias, dishonesty, or injustice". That would be a great understanding of fair. I would agree that we should all strive for freedom from dishonesty and injustice in our dealings with everyone. I don't know that we can accurately be without bias. I have beliefs and those beliefs create "biases" in me that shape my decision. It's the bias that causes us to feel and scream "unfair", especially when the bias goes against us. But isn't that the way life is? Isn't it unrealistic to believe that I can live without bias? Shouldn't I naturally be more biased with my sexual inclinations towards my wife than other women? Shouldn't I naturally be "biased" that my children should seek for excellence in their lives and expect them to rise above the standards of this world? If I really believe what Christ says in the Bible is true and that the gospel is the only hope of salvation for mankind, shouldn't I be biased towards that opinion and shouldn't it influence my relationships with other people?
Here's another problem I have with "fair." Fair "dumbs" everything down to the "lowest common denominator." This is what is happening in our culture in America right now. We used to believe in a society where people had a strong work ethic - where we rewarded hard work and applauded the financial success that followed. Now we gripe that the rich "should pay more taxes than me because they have more money than me." We've created government programs that either foster a mindset that people should expect something for nothing or that creates a system that even if they wanted to rise above their circumstances, they can't afford to. A couple of years ago our church was doing mission work in the Appalachian area of Kentucky. One of the missionaries there told us that they had a program to train some of the women in the area to clean houses for income. One young lady went through the program and began to get some income. Then, she suddenly quit. Why? She told the missionary that when her income increased, she lost all her government benefits and free childcare and it cost her more to work than it did to stay home and let the government take care of her. She wanted to work, but she couldn't afford to. That's what a system that caters to the "lowest common denominator" creates. Fair; whether in a society, a business, or a church, has a tendency to reward mediocrity and stifle creativity and excellence. Ironically another definition of fair in the dictionary is "neither excellent or poor, moderately or tolerably good." THERE IT IS! That's fair in our society. Fair breeds mediocrity. Take one look at where we are right now and tell me that we are not just a mediocre group of people. No one wants a steak that is "neither excellent or poor". A mediocre steak might fill your stomach, but it doesn't make you want to come back for more. Nobody goes out and rents a "mediocre" movie that they've seen before.
Spiritually, fair brings condemnation and means that we all go to hell because that is what we deserve. This is the problem when fair is brought into the church. When we deal with God, we don't want fair - we want mercy and grace. Fair cheapens grace. Fair attempts to paint God as some sort of socialist grandfather rather than a holy God who in an outstanding act of grace takes upon himself the sins of the very people he forgives. Fair doesn't adequately explain the existence of evil and its consequences. Fair doesn't motivate me to worship. Fair doesn't create in me awe and majesty.
Ultimately, the essence of leadership is the art of learning how to rise above "fair". Instead of asking what is fair, here are a couple of other questions to ask instead:
I've come to the conclusion that the only thing "fair" is good for is to be a place where we get to go to get some cotton candy and ride the Tilt-a-whirl. Fair is good for cattle auctions and car shows. Otherwise, let's stop spending so much time on trying to find "fair" and instead be people of grace who strive for excellence and expect others to do so as well. Let's quit dumbing ourselves down and through the grace of God start rising up. This doesn't mean that there isn't a time and place to make a "fair" decision when we are referring to justice. God always expects us to be just because he is just. But let's allow our vision of fair to be colored by the justice of God and not the opinions of men.
Here's another problem I have with "fair." Fair "dumbs" everything down to the "lowest common denominator." This is what is happening in our culture in America right now. We used to believe in a society where people had a strong work ethic - where we rewarded hard work and applauded the financial success that followed. Now we gripe that the rich "should pay more taxes than me because they have more money than me." We've created government programs that either foster a mindset that people should expect something for nothing or that creates a system that even if they wanted to rise above their circumstances, they can't afford to. A couple of years ago our church was doing mission work in the Appalachian area of Kentucky. One of the missionaries there told us that they had a program to train some of the women in the area to clean houses for income. One young lady went through the program and began to get some income. Then, she suddenly quit. Why? She told the missionary that when her income increased, she lost all her government benefits and free childcare and it cost her more to work than it did to stay home and let the government take care of her. She wanted to work, but she couldn't afford to. That's what a system that caters to the "lowest common denominator" creates. Fair; whether in a society, a business, or a church, has a tendency to reward mediocrity and stifle creativity and excellence. Ironically another definition of fair in the dictionary is "neither excellent or poor, moderately or tolerably good." THERE IT IS! That's fair in our society. Fair breeds mediocrity. Take one look at where we are right now and tell me that we are not just a mediocre group of people. No one wants a steak that is "neither excellent or poor". A mediocre steak might fill your stomach, but it doesn't make you want to come back for more. Nobody goes out and rents a "mediocre" movie that they've seen before.
Spiritually, fair brings condemnation and means that we all go to hell because that is what we deserve. This is the problem when fair is brought into the church. When we deal with God, we don't want fair - we want mercy and grace. Fair cheapens grace. Fair attempts to paint God as some sort of socialist grandfather rather than a holy God who in an outstanding act of grace takes upon himself the sins of the very people he forgives. Fair doesn't adequately explain the existence of evil and its consequences. Fair doesn't motivate me to worship. Fair doesn't create in me awe and majesty.
Ultimately, the essence of leadership is the art of learning how to rise above "fair". Instead of asking what is fair, here are a couple of other questions to ask instead:
- Is there a "right" thing to do in this situation? If so, do it no matter the cost. Sometimes there is no definitive "right". Right is not based on your opinions, but God's standards.
- What is the "wise" decision? In the lack of a right, the best question to ask is about wisdom. I owe a great deal to Andy Stanley and his book "The Best Question Ever" on this one.
- Instead of asking what is the "fair" thing, ask "What is the "just" thing to do?"
- What decision will lead the organization best to accomplish its mission and lead towards a culture of excellence?
- Even if this decision doesn't seem "fair", what will be the cost of inaction?
I've come to the conclusion that the only thing "fair" is good for is to be a place where we get to go to get some cotton candy and ride the Tilt-a-whirl. Fair is good for cattle auctions and car shows. Otherwise, let's stop spending so much time on trying to find "fair" and instead be people of grace who strive for excellence and expect others to do so as well. Let's quit dumbing ourselves down and through the grace of God start rising up. This doesn't mean that there isn't a time and place to make a "fair" decision when we are referring to justice. God always expects us to be just because he is just. But let's allow our vision of fair to be colored by the justice of God and not the opinions of men.
Feb 4, 2012
Josh Hamilton and Public Failure
News came out late Thursday that this past Monday Josh Hamilton had a relapse in his ongoing battle against drug and alcohol addiction. Yesterday he had a press conference to explain his side of the story. I can't find the video to post here yet. However, Josh did an excellent job at public contrition and repentance. As a matter of fact, the media wasn't sure how to react at the sight of real biblical repentance. We are so used to a blame-shifitng, vicitimization society that when someone publically admits personal responsibility, the wrongness of the action, and the need for accountability we as a society don't know what to do. However, Josh Hamilton is a real man. He did everything a real man is supposed to do. He rejected passivity over his actions. He accepted responsibility for both the choices and the consequences. He owned up to his leadership over his family, his team, and his public ministry. Bravo Josh, Bravo.
Here is a video of Josh from "I am Second". This is the key for Josh to remember now in his repentance and recovery. This is the real Josh Hamilton, not the guy who childishly ran away from a fight and decided to drown his problems in a bottle.
Here is a video of Josh from "I am Second". This is the key for Josh to remember now in his repentance and recovery. This is the real Josh Hamilton, not the guy who childishly ran away from a fight and decided to drown his problems in a bottle.
Feb 3, 2012
The Lure of Conformity
I always feel this need to conform to expectations around me. I think all of us do. Let me illustrate. The other day I came across a fellow pastor in my city. He's a new guy in the area and he had that look of a pastor: dress pants, shined shoes, pressed blue shirt, yellow tie, distinguished glasses, and closely cropped hair. Me? I had on blue jeans, polo shirt, tennis shoes, and a three-day growth of stubble on my face. He looked like a pastor. I looked like one of those guys who sits around playing video games and eating oreos. I began to think to myself, "You need to do a better job looking like a pastor when you go out." There is a group of pastors that meet on Monday in my town and when I go to their meetings I usually put on khakis and a golf shirt or something business casual. When I went to the Dominican I brought all athletic pants and Under Armor shirts because I knew all the guys were baseball guys and coaches. I wanted to look the part even if I wasn't the part. When I go to a gospel conference in April, everyone will be dressed in the standard YRR attire (except for Al Mohler who will still be sporting the suit and tie seminary president look).
The lure of conformity is a powerful thing. It doesn't go away when we graduate from high school. Peer pressure isn't just something teenagers face. We all face it everyday. There's pressure to conform to the fashion trends of our tribe. There's the pressure to conform to the large-scale SUV when you have two kids and live in suburbia. There's pressure to preach like Andy Stanley, have music like Louie Giglio and Passion, and have a church big enough to transport people in golf carts across the parking lot. There's pressure to get your son or daughter lessons so he or she can be as good or better than all the other kids at baseball or soccer. There's pressure to be on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and every other social site to be relevant.
Even those who say they are non-conformists have their pressures to conform. Ever seen a skinhead with long blonde locks? If you want to be a "non-conformist" you need to have multiple piercings, a long goatee, like wearing black, and have an angry demeanor most of the time.
The issue really isn't whether it's wrong to feel the pressure to conform, but what you are being conformed too. The things we conform to can often times reveal to us what our functional idols really are. My need to dress more like a pastor can possibly be signaling a need to be validated by external measurements rather than spiritual ones. My desire for new golf clubs might be a sign that I want people to be impressed with the "Callaway" on my 9-iron. (However, I really think it's because my current clubs stink.) When my need to conform is driven by other people's expectations or acceptance rather than my personal convictions, it will usually lead me down the path of idolatry and be less fulfilling.
The real question is "Why do I feel so strongly the pull to conform to those around me, but don't always feel the need to conform to Christ-likeness as strong?" It's not my desire to conform that bothers me but the things I desire to conform to and my struggle to conform to Christ-likeness. The Bible says I am "predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son." It will happen eventually. That's the plan of God for me. The word also says "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance." It's my choice what I conform to. When I allow myself to be conformed to the pattern of this world, I show my ignorance of the gospel and all the things that God has done for me already in Christ. I think that word "ignorant" best describes much of the conformity I see in my life and in the lives of those around me. That's what I think bothers me the most.
Anyway, let's all conform (which is a statement asking you to conform) to the things that really matter in this world or the next. And let's pay careful attention to the lure of conformity and ask ourselves why we feel so drawn to what we are.
Now I got to go press my slacks. I have a pastor's meeting to go to...
The lure of conformity is a powerful thing. It doesn't go away when we graduate from high school. Peer pressure isn't just something teenagers face. We all face it everyday. There's pressure to conform to the fashion trends of our tribe. There's the pressure to conform to the large-scale SUV when you have two kids and live in suburbia. There's pressure to preach like Andy Stanley, have music like Louie Giglio and Passion, and have a church big enough to transport people in golf carts across the parking lot. There's pressure to get your son or daughter lessons so he or she can be as good or better than all the other kids at baseball or soccer. There's pressure to be on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and every other social site to be relevant.
Even those who say they are non-conformists have their pressures to conform. Ever seen a skinhead with long blonde locks? If you want to be a "non-conformist" you need to have multiple piercings, a long goatee, like wearing black, and have an angry demeanor most of the time.
The issue really isn't whether it's wrong to feel the pressure to conform, but what you are being conformed too. The things we conform to can often times reveal to us what our functional idols really are. My need to dress more like a pastor can possibly be signaling a need to be validated by external measurements rather than spiritual ones. My desire for new golf clubs might be a sign that I want people to be impressed with the "Callaway" on my 9-iron. (However, I really think it's because my current clubs stink.) When my need to conform is driven by other people's expectations or acceptance rather than my personal convictions, it will usually lead me down the path of idolatry and be less fulfilling.
The real question is "Why do I feel so strongly the pull to conform to those around me, but don't always feel the need to conform to Christ-likeness as strong?" It's not my desire to conform that bothers me but the things I desire to conform to and my struggle to conform to Christ-likeness. The Bible says I am "predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son." It will happen eventually. That's the plan of God for me. The word also says "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance." It's my choice what I conform to. When I allow myself to be conformed to the pattern of this world, I show my ignorance of the gospel and all the things that God has done for me already in Christ. I think that word "ignorant" best describes much of the conformity I see in my life and in the lives of those around me. That's what I think bothers me the most.
Anyway, let's all conform (which is a statement asking you to conform) to the things that really matter in this world or the next. And let's pay careful attention to the lure of conformity and ask ourselves why we feel so drawn to what we are.
Now I got to go press my slacks. I have a pastor's meeting to go to...
Feb 2, 2012
Just A Little Laugh...
I loved Gary Larson's humor in The Far Side. From time to time, I'll post one of them here.
Jan 25, 2012
Go Bowlin
These guys are funny and super creative. An ode to one of the greatest haircuts of all time.
Jan 19, 2012
T4G - A Conference for Gospel Faithfulness
I am excited about attending this conference in Louisville, KY in April. Looking forward to catching up with some old friends and hearing some gospel-centered preaching.
T4G 2012 Trailer from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.
T4G 2012 Trailer from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.
Jan 13, 2012
Something to Cook - Beef Tips and Rice
I like to cook. My wife hates it. So, I get to cook a lot. Now, I don't "LOVE" to cook. I don't sit around conjuring up dishes in my kitchen in my spare time. However, I do like the art of cooking. And my wife is not a bad cook. She's actually gotten pretty good lately. She just doesn't like cooking and has no patience in the process. So from time to time I thought I might give you some things I have tried that my family seems to enjoy.
Tonight, we're having beef tips and rice. I realized about 4 months ago that I really liked beef tips but had no idea how to make them. I also wanted to find a recipe I could cook in a crock-pot because I didn't want to have to tackle it when I came home. So I researched the internet and read through about a dozen recipes on beef tips in a crock pot. I combined what looked good for me and this is what I came up with.
3-4 pounds of beef tips or stew meat (They are usually cut pretty big so I cut them in half)
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 can Golden Mushroom or Beefy Mushroom soup (depends on what your grocery store carries)
1 packet Lipton Onion Soup mix
3 cans of beef broth
Salt and Pepper
Season the beef tips with salt and pepper (and maybe some Cajun Seasoning) and dredge in some flour. Lightly brown the tips in a skillet in some vegetable oil. Put the dry onion soup mix, Golden Mushroom soup, and Cream of Mushroom soup in the crock-pot and mix in one can of beef broth. Add the browned beef tips and cover with remaining beef broth. Cook on low 8-10 hours or high 4-5 hours. Serve over rice. Enjoy!
This is one of my kids favorites. Now I'm hungry and going to eat some!
Tonight, we're having beef tips and rice. I realized about 4 months ago that I really liked beef tips but had no idea how to make them. I also wanted to find a recipe I could cook in a crock-pot because I didn't want to have to tackle it when I came home. So I researched the internet and read through about a dozen recipes on beef tips in a crock pot. I combined what looked good for me and this is what I came up with.
3-4 pounds of beef tips or stew meat (They are usually cut pretty big so I cut them in half)
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 can Golden Mushroom or Beefy Mushroom soup (depends on what your grocery store carries)
1 packet Lipton Onion Soup mix
3 cans of beef broth
Salt and Pepper
Season the beef tips with salt and pepper (and maybe some Cajun Seasoning) and dredge in some flour. Lightly brown the tips in a skillet in some vegetable oil. Put the dry onion soup mix, Golden Mushroom soup, and Cream of Mushroom soup in the crock-pot and mix in one can of beef broth. Add the browned beef tips and cover with remaining beef broth. Cook on low 8-10 hours or high 4-5 hours. Serve over rice. Enjoy!
This is one of my kids favorites. Now I'm hungry and going to eat some!
Around the Internet
Here are a few of the best blogs and articles I have come across the internet the last week.
Jared Wilson's Response to Jesus>Religion - There's a new video circulating around Facebook and the internet by an artist named Jefferson Bethke where he conveys why being in love with Jesus is better than just being religious. It's very creative and thought-provoking. It also can be misconstrued to advocate an alarming trend that we can love Jesus and live the Christian life outside of the church. While many American churches have become self-serving institutions and guardians of the moral police, it is also the institution that Christ created and that he died for. Wilson does a great job looking at some of the deeper issues raised by this popular video.
10 Thoughts on Tim Tebow mania - I love Tim Tebow. My wife absolutely loves Tim Tebow! She has become an NFL and Bronco fan just because of Tim Tebow. He has become a polarizing figure in our society that reflects a larger reality of the divide between those who follow Christ and those who follow the philosophies of this world. Nathan Busenitz wrote a very good article on 5 positive things about Tebow-mania and 5 concerns. Very much worth a look.
If Jesus Tweeted - My friend Chad Gibbs is one of the most creative and humorous guys I know. He has a great blog and put together a funny look at what Jesus' Twitter profile might look like.
Mark Driscoll on Rick and Bubba -Mark Driscoll has a new book on marriage and a conference tour. I have a copy of the book I hope to read and review later. He appeared on a radio interview with Rick and Bubba. Here is the interview and gives you a good idea of the contents of the book. Sounds like it's definitely worth a read.
Loving Movies (or anything else) more than Jesus - I saw this link on someone's facebook this week. It's a blog post from John Piper on our tendency to elevate our love and affections for created things over the Creator. It's not overly critical, but a very positive and encouraging article.
Jared Wilson's Response to Jesus>Religion - There's a new video circulating around Facebook and the internet by an artist named Jefferson Bethke where he conveys why being in love with Jesus is better than just being religious. It's very creative and thought-provoking. It also can be misconstrued to advocate an alarming trend that we can love Jesus and live the Christian life outside of the church. While many American churches have become self-serving institutions and guardians of the moral police, it is also the institution that Christ created and that he died for. Wilson does a great job looking at some of the deeper issues raised by this popular video.
10 Thoughts on Tim Tebow mania - I love Tim Tebow. My wife absolutely loves Tim Tebow! She has become an NFL and Bronco fan just because of Tim Tebow. He has become a polarizing figure in our society that reflects a larger reality of the divide between those who follow Christ and those who follow the philosophies of this world. Nathan Busenitz wrote a very good article on 5 positive things about Tebow-mania and 5 concerns. Very much worth a look.
If Jesus Tweeted - My friend Chad Gibbs is one of the most creative and humorous guys I know. He has a great blog and put together a funny look at what Jesus' Twitter profile might look like.
Mark Driscoll on Rick and Bubba -Mark Driscoll has a new book on marriage and a conference tour. I have a copy of the book I hope to read and review later. He appeared on a radio interview with Rick and Bubba. Here is the interview and gives you a good idea of the contents of the book. Sounds like it's definitely worth a read.
Loving Movies (or anything else) more than Jesus - I saw this link on someone's facebook this week. It's a blog post from John Piper on our tendency to elevate our love and affections for created things over the Creator. It's not overly critical, but a very positive and encouraging article.
Jan 11, 2012
The Jesus Mission (Book Review)
Last month I received a copy of the book The Jesus Mission by Steven Scott to read and review. Personally, I was a little skeptical before I read it. I had never heard of Steven Scott before. His bio in the dust jacket talks about how he "learned the laws of success by studying the book of Proverbs" and lists his successful business ventures. The book says that Jesus has "4 missions He assigned you." At first glance, I thought this was going to be another Joel Osteen or Prayer of Jabez "secret to personal success" type book. I was wrong.
Steven Scott writes from a very strong theological and biblical background. His writing reflects someone who has deeply studied Scripture and has invested a lot of time in personal study of God's word. This is no "pull out a verse and then show how God has promised to bless you" type book. The author makes no apologies for the power of God's word and its necessity in the life of a follower of Jesus. He does a solid treatment of describing salvation and what it truly means to be "born again". He challenges modern-day Christianity that teaches people to rely on past experience, walking an aisle, being baptized, etc. as the basis for proof of salvation. He does and excellent job of challenging readers to "count the cost" of following Jesus.
Every chapter in this book is loaded with advice that is directly from the pages of Scripture and a solid exegesis of those passages. By his own admission, the author spent two years reading and organizing all of Jesus' statements in Scripture into 1900 commands and teachings. He then categorized them into 225 topics and wrote a book about it. He uses those Scriptures that he has immersed himself in as a spiritual compass. The reader is invited in to discover what God wants and in doing so finds himself challenged to reject easy, passive religion and embrace the cost of following Jesus and being obedient to his teachings and commands.
I would highly recommend this book for personal study, for a Sunday School class, for new Christians, and for those who are looking for something with some substance in a Christian book marketplace that is full of self-help pablum. Put this book on your reading list this year!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
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