Walking Papers

23And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,We can do our jobs for Christ, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
Colossions 3: 23 - 25 NKJV

I came across a article this week from a cranky pulpit pounder who was bemoaning the fact that many in his church had grown tired and weary of attending church.  Therefore, those who were in turn serving God and doing the traditional work of the church were diminishing.  Indeed, there is that mindset in the modern institutional church that we are to put our best efforts out there to show Gods love unto the world.  Well, the solutuion this pulpit pounder came up with to deal with ever declining church attendance was...to quit church.  That's right, we're to give up going if we are not going to do Gods work.  Now, most who have read this page know that I am not a huge fan of the institutional church in the first place.  In fact, the article this guy wrote only confirms the very reason why I myself left the church.  Don't get me wrong, I would love to hear a sunday sermon proclaim that as Christ Jesus lives through us, we ourselves show the love of God each and every day {Galations 2:20}.  Indeed, the world never would have known the love of God if not for Christ Jesus {John 14:9}.  We are, in fact, but vessels for the Spirit of Christ Jesus who lives through us.  So, how is it that we are not doing the work of God if He is working through us in all we do?  Of course, this was coming from a institutional pulpit pounder.  I get it.  There have been many times I have heard the call from the pulpit that as Gods children we need to step up to the plate and do Gods work in our own community.   Well, I would counter to say that each time we reach out to someone we ARE doing Gods work.  Is not Christ Jesus living through us?  Everything we see and experience we do as Christ.  Indeed, I would expect some push back from from many church goers for even proclaiming this.

12No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 13By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 4: 12 - 16 NKJV

I often wonder when I see a pastor wondering as to why his attendance numbers declining if he really knows the reason behind the decline.  I mean, if I can see it can't he?  For myself, I came to a point where I simply wasn't getting out of church what I used to.  There was something missing.  It wasn't until I read of the truth of Christ which Paul writes about in Galations that I began to see what it was I had been missing for so long.  I didn't need to be reminded constantly to do the Fathers work.  I didn't need to be beaten over the head each week to seek Gods forgiveness over some sin I had dabbled in years earlier.  No, I was no longer in bondage to sin, but a new man in Christ Jesus {Romans 6:6}.  For me, the reason for the decline in church attendance is as clear as day.  We have been washed by the sacrafice of Jesus on the cross.  Not only that, but we now have a most intimate relationship with Him as He lives through us.  We have no need to "be more" like Jesus...WE ARE Jesus!  We are Jesus in all we do each and every day, how much more of "Gods work" can we do?

7“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” 8Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?10“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
John 14: 7 - 11 NKJV

~Scott~

A False Relationship

19Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body gand in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6: 19 - 20 NKJV

One of my deepest desires for some time was that I would on day be a husband and a father.  This isn't anything new, people have been aspiring to marriage for generations.  Ever since our heavenly Father created a helper suitable for Adam, Gods children have yearned for that marriage relationship {Genesis 22:24}.  Jesus Himself commented on the sanctity of that marriage relationship as well {Matthew 19:6}.  However, I believe that one aspect of the marriage covenant which has been lost over time is just how I described it, as a relationship.  A relationship between two of Gods children based on love.  The same love which God has bestowed upon His children.  It is no secret that when we exhibit love, we are simply exhibiting He who dwells within us {Galations 2:20}.  Indeed, the only way that the world today will see Christ is through the lives of those in whom He lives.  Yes, I believe that it is the relationship aspect which we have lost over time.  Far too often it is the needs of one spouse that will take center stage over the needs of the other.  I should know, for this is what happened to the relationship between my own parents.  My own father chose his own needs over those of his wife and family.  Eventually, he turned to a false relationship of adultry to satisfy what he percieved he was lacking in his own life.  In my opinion, what he was lacking for all of those years was not the physical affection he so desperately sought, but Christ Jesus.  For in Christ he would have found what he searched so long to find.  I did.  It is in Jesus which we will always find the Love, acceptance and sense of belonging which we all desire.  Yes, we can indeed find our own soul mate, but our relationship with our own spouse will ultimately be incomplete if our own relationship with Jesus is lacking.  This is how it was from the begining.  God saw there was no helper comparable to Adam so He created one for him.  Out of Adam God created Eve.  The very word we use today to describe a female should be a good indication.  Woman..."from man."

21And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He hmade into a woman, and He brought her to the man. 23And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of jMan.” 24Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and bek joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Genesis 2: 21 - 25 NKJV

Growing up I promised myself over and over that I would never be the man that my own father was.  I would never be that one to forsake my own marriage  relationship for the false relationship of another.  In many ways I have succeeded in evading that path which my father chose for himself, but there are those areas where, sadly, I have followed directly into his footsteps.  Like father like son, right?  While I have never been married, I have still dabbled in those false relationships which my own father once found himself.  For him it was adultry, for his son it was pornography and strip clubs.  It was here where I falsely convinced myself that I would find a relationship that would satisfy me.  Of course, without Christ in the picture, I would NEVER be satisfied no matter what it is I did.  Each time I would visit a strip club I would do so with the intent of seeking that relationship which I desired.  Not surprisingly, it never happened.  My point is this, while it is totally pleasing to God that I would seek a relationship, it goes against all that He is for me to seek that relationship out of the desires of my own flesh.  In other words, if I am seeking a relationship simply based on the satisfaction of my own desires, then I am doing nothing more than my own father before me did.  How is it that a one sided relationship, void of Christ, can survive?  I don't profess to know that answer, nor do I want to find out.  For myself, my desire is to find that which my father never did, a healthy, Christ centered marriage relationship.
I asked a good friend sometime ago upon his 50th marriage aniversery how it was that his own relationship has lasted so long.  His answer was simple and to the point.  Back then divorce was never a option.  I guess I'm not that much like my dad after all.

9In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4: 9 - 11 NKJV

~Scott~

True Accountability

23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.24And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,25not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10: 23 - 25 NKJV

A friend of mine sent me a article this week which at first glance a good church going christian might consider to be a sure fire cure for sexual sin.  The writer tells that in those times when we see ourselves snared in that desire of our own flesh, that we should immediately...pick up the phone.  Yes, when we are tempted into that sexual sin, we need to immediately make a call to a trusted christian brother/sister and bare our souls before them.  Friends, this isn't my first venture into the practice of accountability, I've seen this movie play out before.  Not only that, I've tried, and more often than not failed in my own attempts at curing my own sexual sin through a few accountability relationships of my own.  Now, there may be those who will remind me that perhaps I did not try hard enough.  Maybe God Himself was trying to lead me somewhere.  Perhaps the Lord was angry with me and was allowing me to venture through this hell to somehow teach me a lesson.  Trust me, I've heard a lot of the excuses people use in defense of accountability relationships.  I'll lay out the typical scenario for you.  After one too many times falling victim to the bad behaviors of my flesh, I sought out the advice of a few christian pastors and friends.  Well, one of the very first remedies they would recommend was to become involved in a accoutability relationship with a good christian brother.  Not knowing any better, I fell into the accountability trap.  After getting up the courage to ask a fellow brother if he would help to hold me accountable (which was hard enough), I began my journey.  sure enough, as it always will, those feelings of desire soon overcame me once again.  So, I did what I was asked to do, I called my accountability brother.  Well, after so many times of hearing how wrong these feelings were in Gods eyes and how God heates the very presence of sin, I gave up and sank deeper into my issues.  Does it sound like accountability cured me?  Well, if you think that somehow trying harder, praying more or making more phone calls would have changed the overall result then I have some ocean front property in Iowa to sell you!

17As iron sharpens iron,So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27: 17 NKJV

So, why is it that this idea of accoutability relationships seldom works?  Well, as I told my friend this week, rarely will guilt, shame and condemnation change behavior.  Guilt and shame you say?  Yes, for this is one of the by products of a accountability relationship with one who is more focused on scripture and institutional teachings than on the truth of Christ in us {Galations 2:20}.  See, we cannot and will not change ones response to sexual desires by simply tossing scripture and Sunday sermon talking points at them.  We can never help a brother out of the muck of sin by simply telling them how bad they have been behaving.  Remember, I've been down that road already.  What we CAN do to help a brother in the grips of the battle of the flesh is to urge them to see the love of Christ that is already within them.  It is not that we are somehow not trying hard enough or have somehow fallen out of favor with God.  No, God is closer to us now than He has ever been.  When we struggle with our desires of the flesh, it is Christ Jesus in us who is walking that road with us.  Everything we see and experience daily, we experience AS Christ.  Does this sound like a  God who has somehow become angry when we can't control our own desires?  Friends, it is God who created you in His own image.  He knows your very makeup.  Every habit and weakness we will ever have is devinely known by our heavenly Father who created us.  He knows the roads of temptation we face, and His desire is that we walk them with Him {John 17:21}.  We must come to the realization that the only "change" we will ever need is to be changed by the indwelling Spirit of Christ Jesus within us.  One of the truest, most productive accoutability relationships I've ever had is with a pastor friend of mine.  Recently, after struggling with my desires once again, I asked his forgiveness for my failure.  Yes, he went against the grain and threw a scripture quote from Jesus at me, but it was all I needed at the time.  Nor do I condemn you.

20“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who jwill believe in Me through their word;21“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23“I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 24“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
John 17: 20 - 24 NKJV

~Scott~

As One

21And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. 23And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” 24Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Genesis 2: 21 - 25 NKJV

What is that purpose of marriage?  Let me try that agian, what is Gods purpose for marriage?  I get the entire life partner, help mate thing, but what is the ultimate goal here?  I've had more than a few conversations with a coworker who argues with his buddy each and every time he mentions the fact that he and his wife are...one.  In fact, we are told in Genesis that God indeed intended this to be.  That is, that a man and a woman, a husband and wife shall be one flesh.  Now, to phrase my friends argument, how is it at all possible that two individual people can indeed be one flesh?  Well, I believe that first we need to understand that we have never been independent from our heavenly Father.  So, in that respect we never have been invividuals.  However, we were all indeed created in our Lords image despite being unique in our own way.  So, yes, in some ways we are different.  But does this relate to that marriage relationship which God has created for his children?  Was Gods intention for marriage that it be as fragile and disposable as we have made it today?  I'm thinking not.  I'm thinking that God created this union between a man and a woman to be one of the most cherished, closely held relationships we would ever enter into.  I have friends who have celebrated more than 50 years of marriage recently.  Imagine that, fifty years of being in a relationship with the same person.  In an age where both personal and online relationships are tossed aside without a single thought, this seems like almost a impossible feat.  However, this was not our Lords intention for His children.  For as Jesus prayed in the garden that all of Gods children would be one with He and the Father, so it is with our own marriage relatinships.

4Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not bpuffed up; 5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7 NKJV

So, what is this whole thing which my friend refers to as he and his wife being one?  The closest anyone has come to explaining this to me was a pastor friend of mine who simply asked the question of if we have ever known what our wives were thinking or feeling without having to ask.  Since I have yet to be married, I could not profess to answer this question.  However, a few of my friends acknowledged that indeed they have felt this intimate knowledge of their mates from time to time.  This, explained the pastor, is the "one" part of our marriage relationships.  I'm assuming that this also refers to that "one flesh" description which we see in Genesis.  Two people, in some ways seperate, but ultimately joined as ONE.  The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that the husband does not have authority over his own body but his mate does {1 Corinthians 7:4}.  Likewise, a wife does not have authority over her own body...her husband does.  Two people joined as one.  Of course, we have over time bastardized what God intended to be one of the most significant relationships we would ever enter into.  From 99 dollar divorces to throw away marriage relationships, we ourselves have cheapened what our Lord meant for good.  Of course, that doesn't surprise me at all.  This isn't just a modern issue, for man has been fighting with this issue of marriage for centuries.  I have often wondered if we would ever get back to what God intended for our marriage relationships.  Growing up in a single parent home, I've seen the bad side divorce can have on a family.  I don't feel that there will ever come a time where when marriage will be seen as a cherished relationship by our society.  However, I do see the opportunity for Gods children to cherish that which He has created.

1Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. 3Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 4The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
1 Corinthians 13: 1 - 4 NKJV

~Scott~

Stop And LIsten

19So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1: 19 - 20 NKJV

There is a popular belief out there that at times many of us will hear the words of those around us, yet will only truly listen to a few select people.  This can be especially true with children.  I've often heard from parents that a child will often hear the passing words of a parent, yet they will listen to another family member with an interest not shown to the parents.  So, what is really the difference between one who listens and the one who truly hears the words of others?  Well, we've all heard that old saying, in one ear and out the other?  This is how it is for those who are simply hearing those around them.  We've all been in those situations where someone close to us will speak something to us so often that eventually we tune out their words.  We are not listening, but hearing.  Some people call it background noise, which they all too often hear without paying much attention to the words.  I have a coworker who will often start into a conversation about the virtues of finances and how people need to "set themselves up" for retirement.  Now, I'm not saying that this is not VERY sound advice, but the truth is that I've heard the speech so often that I often find myself tuning him out.  I find myself hearing but not listening.  I've also heard the catch phrase some personal behavior gurus have taken to calling "active listening."  In my opinion, all this means is that we are actually showing an interest in the words of others...we're listening and not simply hearing.  I believe that this is what our Lords brother James was refering to as he instructed us to be slow to speak and swift to hear.  Don't believe me?  Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone who was trying to talk over you?  Not so easy is it?  Indeed, if each of us would simply took the time to listen to the words of those around us we might just learn something.  Then again, each of us already knows more than someone else, right?

14How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” 16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “LORD, who has believed our report?” 17So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10: 14 - 17 NKJV

My coworker and I had a conversation the other day about those who seemingly "listen" to that false inner voice and make misguided decisions.  Of course, this may very well be in error for those who have the Spirit of Christ in them.  The apostle Paul tells us that it is no longer we who live, but that Christ Jesus lives through us {Galations 2:20}.  So, if the Spirit of Jesus indeed lives through those who know Him, how is it that listening to His voice within us can ever be a bad thing?  Yet far too many christians adhere to this line of thought in their daily lives.  God is leading me in a wrong direction, God is telling me to go somewhere I know is wrong.  When is the last time God ever guided one of His children to do something wrong?  This simply never happens.  Now, I'm also not so naive that I cannot believe that many a christian would follow the lead of the flesh.  I should know, I've been down that road before.  I also believe that as we seek the words of our Lord Jesus within us, that we do well to heed the words of James, that we be slow to speak and swift to hear.  When we truly listen, we will know those words Jesus is speaking to us.  Obviously, when we follow the path of our flesh, we are not heeding the words of Jesus.  I believe that anything that is not of Christ is simply not for us to act on.  That is, if I perceive those desires within me that are not in line with love, mercy and grace, then I can honestly trust that they are not what Jesus desires for me.  I used to think that this whole listening for Jesus concept was something that required much training.  However, when we realize that we are now in union with He and the Father, we can be assured that we are closer to Him than we ever thought possible.  Instead of hearing and following the desires of the flesh, we can listen to the words of He who first loved us.

42Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43“Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45“But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46“Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47“He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”
John 8: 42 - 47 NKJV

~Scott~

My Fathers World

 18‘I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19“and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’ 20“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22“But the father said to his servants,‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23‘And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24‘for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.
Luke 15: 18 - 24 NKJV

My dad was a complex person to understand.  At times sarcastic while at others he would be helping a neighbor who needed to find his lost chainsaw.  He would often lose himself in alchohol.  So much so that at times it seemed as if liquor was his closest friend in this world.  This was my fathers world.  For some time I gave him a pass on these behaviors for as I got older and wiser I came to understand just where he came from.  See, my dad grew up in a house where his own father was more overbearing than supportive to his own children.  All too often, dad would be the subjected to my grandfathers condemnation for one reason or another.  This is just how things were in my dads world.  I came to understand just why he left home early to join the navy and, when his days in the service ended, signed up for a job with the local county sheriff.  Growing up I really didn't understand too well why it was that dad didn't enjoy visits to my grandparents.  These days I can see why this would trouble him.  It seemed to me as if he were trying to distance himself from that part of his own life.  I don't blame him.  I've reflected on these memories for more than a few reasons since my dads passing.  See, my dad grew up in a different time than his son has.  I have heard men of his time refered to as "that greatest generation."  Indeed, these were the men who guided our world through a world war as well as the hell that was Vietnam.  I cannot imagine the world that my dad grew up in.  Sure, we have history books that tell us in great detail of the events which changed our nation, but our opprtunity to hear from those who lived it is growing shorter with each passing day.

9Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12‘I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be dhumbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 18: 9 - 14 NKJV

If I were to describe my dad in one word it would be...arrogance.  See, to him all of the things he did were the hallmarks of what a man really was.  The alchohol, women and abusive behavior were all that it took to be a man in his world.  I've often thought about how my dad would see me...would I even be a man in his eyes?  Of course, I know in my heart that I have long since crossed that threshhold of my life.  Still, each day I come across those of my dads generation who still hold to those old ways of manhood.  I have a coworker who, for all his strengths, is a transplant from the old days.  When I see his behaviors and how it is he treats his family it's almost like I'm seeing a movie of my own fathers life.  So, what is it that makes a man?  Granted, that question may be open to more than a few opinions.  For me, a man is more of how we see ourselves than how others view us.  I have often heard Jesus refered to as "the man" Christ Jesus.  We accept that Jesus was indeed a man.  In fact, many a christian book has been written on how we can use the example of Jesus to be a real man in our world.  Even though I agree, we need to understand just how much of man Christ, and we ourselves, are.  The apostle Paul tells us that it is Christ who now lives through us {Galations 2:20}.  That person who we used to be is now gone, replaced by the Spirit of Christ Jesus.  So, as much of a man as Christ was, so we are through Him.  This is why I need not strive to uphold the standards my dad set forth for being a man in someone elses eyes.  I am a man in Christ.  I'm not too sure just how my dad would have taken to his son relishing in such "bogus" religion.  Truth is, I never had the opportunity to ask him.

20“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2: 20 NKJV

~Scott~