Monthly Archive for February, 2011

You Don’t Say

Published on February 27, 2011 in Uncategorized. 1 Comment

The Bible character Aaron did many amazing things.  Being appointed Moses’ spokesperson was quite an achievement, and having the position of first high priest of the nation Israel wasn’t too shabby either.  But what impresses me most about Aaron is the time that he said nothing.

 

Scripture records that Aaron’s sons took their priestly duties too lightly and got arrogant before God.  Not a good idea, apparently, as they were burned to death in the process.  Then Moses scolded Aaron for what his sons had done.  How did Aaron respond?  The Biblical account says “He remained silent.”

 

There are times when it’s appropriate to reply, to question, or even to lash back with emotion.  But knowing when to hold one’s tongue, and then having the maturity to do it, is a tremendous virtue requiring great depth of character.

 

Proverbs gives this advice: “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.”  How many times have I later wished I’d have just let something pass, rather than start a flood of emotion that wasted hours or damaged a relationship?

 

Aaron certainly earned my respect.  And he didn’t have to say a word.

 

We Owe Us

Published on February 20, 2011 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

In transactions involving money, there is a certain type of even exchange that takes place. You buy me an iced chai tea, I owe you $3.00 (or whatever.) I give you $5.00, you owe me $2.00. You give me back $2.00, we’re even. Of course at any time, one of us can declare that the debt is “forgiven”, which literally means “no debt owed” and the process ends right there. Either way, the deal was nice and tidy.


Not so when it comes to love.


In a letter to a group of Believers, recorded in the Bible, the apostle Paul wrote, “do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another.” Apparently, acts of love produce their own special kind of debt. Simple quid pro quo (this for that) is out the window. It’s quid pro quo pro quid pro quo pro quid pro quo … and on to infinity. And scripture is filled with commands for us to love one another, so paying up – or trying to – is not optional, it’s mandatory.


The phrase “one another” reveals an interesting dynamic as well. The command applies to every interpersonal relationship in the entire group. Everyone is obliged to everyone.


But what if no one treats me with love? Am I then absolved of the obligation? Not at all, for we’re also told that the true reason we love is in response to God’s love for us, which is indisputable.


Imagine being part of a community of faith where all those involved knew they owed each of the others a debt of love … and where they constantly sought to pay that debt, in obedience to the Scripture. Glory Hallelujah.


Wake Up And Smell The Miracle

Published on February 13, 2011 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

This morning I felt the hand of God.  How did this miracle happen?  I woke up.

 

David, who wrote most of the Psalms in the Bible, said it this way: “I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me.”  The implication is that if God didn’t sustain us, we wouldn’t wake up, at least not in this physical realm.

 

It would be great, I guess, to have some huge mountain-moving experience with the Almighty. Maybe just to witness a supernatural healing, or be close by when something seemingly impossible takes place.  But God has devised a simpler way to remind me of His presence.  For the time being, He lets me open my eyes every morning.  And if that ever changes, I’m sure He’ll sustain me some other way.

 

—– And here’s a Valentine’s Day bonus … Click here to read an Other Sheep post from a Valentine’s Day past.

 

“WE” Who?

Published on February 6, 2011 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

There’s a technique that some, (indeed not all, thankfully), Bible teachers use that concerns me.  Listen to the radio, watch TV, read some books, or just keep your ears open and you’ll run into it.  The method goes like this.  They say…

 

“The Bible tells us to (fill in the blank with something positive), but WE (emphasis on “we”) (fill in the blank with something negative that’s the opposite of the first blank.)”  For example: “The Bible tells us to forgive, but WE tend to hold grudges and even seek revenge.”

 

Here’s a question … Who’s “WE”?

 

Without exception, the people I know on the journey of faith are an imperfect bunch.  (I fit that description.)  But just about 100 percent of them are sincerely attempting to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. 

 

I’m keenly aware that I miss the mark.  The Lord Himself does a great job of exposing my shortcomings in just the right way at just the right time.  He uses relationships, His Word, caring teachers, and the very circumstances of life.  Simultaneously He loves me, extends immeasurable grace, and gently guides me to a higher position in Him, without badgering or rubbing my nose in the mire.

 

I know those Bible teachers mean well. Somehow they think they’re helping by declaring just how bad “WE” are.  I commend them for their sincerity … I really do.  Speaking frankly, though, I don’t think the approach is very effective.  And I refuse to be a “WE.”

 

 

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