Yep, I have arrived. There’s nothing in scripture that I struggle with and the world is not a temptation. I am raising my kids perfectly and everything is blessed that I put my hands to. I correctly discern scripture accurately and authoritatively like I hear Jesus telling me exactly what He meant.
Do you ever think that? I am sure that’s the desire of every full blooded believer. I really want to… but, obviously I can’t (can anyone really?). In fact, I would have to say that even though I feel the joy of victory over my own soul and salvation…I worry, I fail, and I really struggle. Don’t get me wrong…I think I can honestly say that I have been severely, catastrophically, phenomenally blessed. Even in the tragedies I look back and see a few building blocks that God has laid down in the construction of my life and building of my character. But, there are those things that just resonate a fear or a doubt or a question. Not often about my faith..but, about things of faith. Things that only conviction seems to speak to. No one can come up to you and say “yes” or “no” to these types of topics. Well, I guess they can, but they are often dismissed as legalistic zealots.
Here are some examples:
Fruit of the womb – it’s clear that the Lord considers children a blessing. Is there a directive that we give Him the womb? Is birth control good or bad?
You are what you eat – there are many dangers and unknowns with certain foods and God warns us of those. Is there are requirement that we avoid them or is there freedom to enjoy? Or both?
Sanctification – being set apart. Are we still to be Holy? What is the requirement of Holiness? What does Holiness look like in 2008.
While I believe that God is full of good advice to the health of our bones and joy in our lives (among many other things)…We often just pick and choose what we want. Things that we think will benefit us. But there are so many questions. God even says it’s easy…His yoke is easy, His burden is light…but, if we are doing whatever we want to do…what are we laying at the feet of Jesus? What burdens are we casting upon him? The burden of diet coke or water? Or, the burden of being yoked by what to eat and what not to eat?... To wear a costume or give candy or separate yourself from something with the appearance of evil? What is the burden really?
I have seen a few of the Ron Bell (or Rod) Nooma videos. This is a guy that is attracting the younger generation with his teachings…one thing that I’ve noticed from that is that he encourages people to be more worldly and get along with the world. It seems that so many totally dismiss being a stumbling block because it’s not their problem. From my observations, most of the folks that disregard what the world, believers or not, think believe that they have it “figured out” or have grown past a faith that has “rules”. The principle argument being justification due to others weaknesses and not knowing who they might cause to stumble. In one of the videos from Bell, he was basically chastising the man telling people they are sinners because nobody wants to hear that. So, we’ve arrived at catering to the emotions of the lost…to their own demise in fear of hurting their feelings.
Well, I am starting to ramble some… but, here are some lyrics to a song that seems appropriate for how I feel about this (specifically the 5th line from the bottom to the bottom)
What this world needs is not another one hit wonder with an axe to grind
Another two bit politician peddling lies
Another three ring circus society
What this world needs is not another sign waving super saint that's better than you
Another ear pleasing candy man afraid of the truth
Another prophet in an Armani suit
What this world needs is a Savior who will rescue
A Spirit who will lead
A Father who will love them in their time of need
A Savior who will rescue
A Spirit who will lead
A Father who will love
That's what this world needs
What this world needs is for us to care more about the inside than the outside
Have we become so blind that we can't see
God's gotta change her heart before He changes her shirt
What this world needs is for us to stop hiding behind our relevance
Blending in so well that people can't see the difference
And it's the difference that sets the world free
Jesus is our Savior, that's what this world needs
Father's arms around you, that's what this world needs
That's what this world needs
The song is by Casting Crowns and is called “What this World Needs” .. the song has a really cool speaking part too..very relevant to this post.
Watch this video…the guy that’s talking is an aethiest…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INttODEPzp0&eurl found this on a friends blog…good stuff.
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