RAW. It's how I like my carrots but far from how I like my steak. It's great when it comes to onions but quite awful when it comes to eggs. Some things are just far better raw than when they're cooked. This principle works not only with food, but also with people.
I am drawn to people that are closer to raw than overcooked. I have never been fond of falsehood or pretense. I would rather spend time with an all-out sinner who knows that's where he's at than with a half-baked believer who pretends he's got it all together. I also love to be around those true believers that are earnestly seeking after more of God. So when it comes to people, I guess the "rawness" for me is not about how close you are or are not to Jesus, but how honest you are about where you're at.
I once worked with a girl named Kimberly. She was a tall black woman with long braids in her hair. She had a commanding presence and spoke her mind. One day I asked her why she had bells dangling from the bottom of her floor-length skirt. "To scare the demons away!" was her reply. And so we were catapulted into that misty land of spiritual things. I boldly and lovingly shared my faith with her. She boldly and not-so-lovingly shared that Jesus was a crock and she wouldn't believe in him even if it cost her very soul!
Kimberly was raw.
I had the ...um... pleasure… to spend a little time with a red-headed guy named Russell. He was a self-proclaimed Christian and an arrogant know-it-all. He thought that he had every answer to every question that could ever be asked. He had a head knowledge of the scriptures and could probably quote half the Bible from memory. He was intelligent and he knew it. He was also cocky, pretentious and 'perfect' in his own eyes. Russell was about as overcooked as they come.
Each of us must choose whether to be as raw as a rare steak or as cooked as a burnt one. But we must not confuse being overcooked with being "well-done". Throughout the scriptures we see that the values of the Kingdom include honesty, transparency, authenticity and purity. This is the kind of rawness I'm talking about. We know that Jesus likes His children "well done". But in the Kingdom, "well done" actually means being closer to raw than being overcooked.
Friday, August 24, 2007
It's The Wind That Moves The Trees
Golden waves rippled over the surface of the winter wheat. It shimmered as it danced in the sunlight. Loose twigs and timid sticks were forced to the ground as the steady winds pushed and shoved at the trees. And nearby, the sweet rhythmic song of the wind chime provided the theme song for the show.
This scene played out before me on that beautiful, blustery day. And in the midst of the swirling air, surrounded by the melodious chimes and swaying trees, I was more than just a spectator. For as the wind blew, the warmth of it didn't just affect the things around me and leave me untouched. The breeze caressed my face. The gale grazed my skin. The gust stroked my hair.
We often like to think that we can be the ones to move God. We stubbornly believe that by our much-speaking or deep wanting, we can force God to move in a way that fits our will. But, the Lord is continually teaching me the truth in this quote from Michael Slaughter: "It is not the trees that move the wind, but the wind that moves the trees."
We may pray: "…your kingdom come, your will be done" (Matthew 6:10) but we usually mean something quite different than what was originally intended. We usually mean something like: "I don't know a lot about your kingdom, God. And when I say 'your will be done', I'm really hoping it's the same as mine..." We, as the trees, like to think that we can move the wind.
But, Jesus has given us an example to follow. And in the midst of a blowing gale, in a hurricane of grief and dread, He demonstrated what it looks like for the trees to yield to the wind. "Then He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and began to pray, 'Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me—nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.' " (Luke 22:41-42)
The One who created both the wind and the trees knew that He had to submit to the Father's will. Even when it was going to hurt… Even when the road was riddled with fallen limbs… Even when the wind of God's will was blowing Him straight to a tree shaped like a cross…
We would do well to let the wind of God's Spirit blow through our wills. The sooner we understand that it is God who moves us- and not the other way around- the sooner we can do great things for Him. Let's feel His soft breath on our faces and the touch of His breeze in our hair. Then, let's dance and sway to his will like the winter wheat to the wind.
This scene played out before me on that beautiful, blustery day. And in the midst of the swirling air, surrounded by the melodious chimes and swaying trees, I was more than just a spectator. For as the wind blew, the warmth of it didn't just affect the things around me and leave me untouched. The breeze caressed my face. The gale grazed my skin. The gust stroked my hair.
We often like to think that we can be the ones to move God. We stubbornly believe that by our much-speaking or deep wanting, we can force God to move in a way that fits our will. But, the Lord is continually teaching me the truth in this quote from Michael Slaughter: "It is not the trees that move the wind, but the wind that moves the trees."
We may pray: "…your kingdom come, your will be done" (Matthew 6:10) but we usually mean something quite different than what was originally intended. We usually mean something like: "I don't know a lot about your kingdom, God. And when I say 'your will be done', I'm really hoping it's the same as mine..." We, as the trees, like to think that we can move the wind.
But, Jesus has given us an example to follow. And in the midst of a blowing gale, in a hurricane of grief and dread, He demonstrated what it looks like for the trees to yield to the wind. "Then He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and began to pray, 'Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me—nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.' " (Luke 22:41-42)
The One who created both the wind and the trees knew that He had to submit to the Father's will. Even when it was going to hurt… Even when the road was riddled with fallen limbs… Even when the wind of God's will was blowing Him straight to a tree shaped like a cross…
We would do well to let the wind of God's Spirit blow through our wills. The sooner we understand that it is God who moves us- and not the other way around- the sooner we can do great things for Him. Let's feel His soft breath on our faces and the touch of His breeze in our hair. Then, let's dance and sway to his will like the winter wheat to the wind.
Renewing My Vows
We fight so hard against "The World" and "The Flesh" - and rightly so. But, I believe that Jesus followers have another mortal enemy hiding right in front of our eyes. This threat is hidden in plain view - mocking us, tempting us, derailing us, smothering us and emasculating us. This enemy is "Church".
Notice that I did not say "The Church". For, I believe that "The Church" - Christ's active, living, loving body on earth - is a God-ordained gift. My issue is with the charlatan replacement that is standing in her place - the false system that is propositioning believers to come away from the real thing.
As believers, we fight so hard to convince the world (and maybe even ourselves...) that Christianity is not a 'religion'. Oh no! What we have is something different. It is a 'relationship'. Is there real truth in this declaration or is it mere self-righteous semantics?
If we are not in a religion, then why is there a dress code? Why are some trivial things demanded while other meaningful things are disallowed? If 'religion' means empty ritual, vain repetition, dead orthodoxy and the absence of true transformation, then how many Christians would seem to be more into a 'religion' than in a loving 'relationship'? Perhaps far more than any of us would care to admit...
But as I sit here tapping out judgment with my digital pencil - I wonder... which do I have? Is there a two-way interaction with the risen Lord at the base of my faith? Or is there a discarded corpse - the leftovers of what I thought was a relationship? Is there an inseparable bond between me and my lover? Or are there only the sad remains of what was once a vital, thriving relationship which has emaciated down to mere dust and ashes?
And when I check in with my Jesus- I feel those sparks, get that tingle in my gut and know this is far more than some dead religion. I refuse to trade my fresh, alive, vibrant relationship with my loving Savior for some one night stand with a set of pompous rules. God forbid that I sell out the love of my life for 30 pieces of church-plated silver!
I want the real thing- the true Lord. I want the long walks, the deep talks, the easy laughter and the heartfelt tears. That sleazy, glitzy religion has never had much appeal to me. Yet, her seduction is slow and subtle and we can find ourselves taking a second glance at a flash of her leg before we even know what has happened!
So, this is a renewing of my vows. Not a commitment to a structure and its organizing, shackling, adulterous, lip-licking - but a pledge to the love of my life.
Jesus, I love you and only you. I'll continue to do all I can to make this relationship work, but when it comes down to it - it's all up to you. I want to keep my heart pure, but you know my eyes stray...You chose to chase after me in the first place and I sure enough played hard-to-get. Now, with all that is in me, I am indeed chasing you back.
But, when I cheat (for I will cheat) forgive me. Love me all the harder. Overlook my lustful heart. Remind me of your great love for me. Please, please invite me back into your loving arms! Let some other 'John' have that trampy kind of religion. An authentic relationship with you is what my soul is longing for.
Notice that I did not say "The Church". For, I believe that "The Church" - Christ's active, living, loving body on earth - is a God-ordained gift. My issue is with the charlatan replacement that is standing in her place - the false system that is propositioning believers to come away from the real thing.
As believers, we fight so hard to convince the world (and maybe even ourselves...) that Christianity is not a 'religion'. Oh no! What we have is something different. It is a 'relationship'. Is there real truth in this declaration or is it mere self-righteous semantics?
If we are not in a religion, then why is there a dress code? Why are some trivial things demanded while other meaningful things are disallowed? If 'religion' means empty ritual, vain repetition, dead orthodoxy and the absence of true transformation, then how many Christians would seem to be more into a 'religion' than in a loving 'relationship'? Perhaps far more than any of us would care to admit...
But as I sit here tapping out judgment with my digital pencil - I wonder... which do I have? Is there a two-way interaction with the risen Lord at the base of my faith? Or is there a discarded corpse - the leftovers of what I thought was a relationship? Is there an inseparable bond between me and my lover? Or are there only the sad remains of what was once a vital, thriving relationship which has emaciated down to mere dust and ashes?
And when I check in with my Jesus- I feel those sparks, get that tingle in my gut and know this is far more than some dead religion. I refuse to trade my fresh, alive, vibrant relationship with my loving Savior for some one night stand with a set of pompous rules. God forbid that I sell out the love of my life for 30 pieces of church-plated silver!
I want the real thing- the true Lord. I want the long walks, the deep talks, the easy laughter and the heartfelt tears. That sleazy, glitzy religion has never had much appeal to me. Yet, her seduction is slow and subtle and we can find ourselves taking a second glance at a flash of her leg before we even know what has happened!
So, this is a renewing of my vows. Not a commitment to a structure and its organizing, shackling, adulterous, lip-licking - but a pledge to the love of my life.
Jesus, I love you and only you. I'll continue to do all I can to make this relationship work, but when it comes down to it - it's all up to you. I want to keep my heart pure, but you know my eyes stray...You chose to chase after me in the first place and I sure enough played hard-to-get. Now, with all that is in me, I am indeed chasing you back.
But, when I cheat (for I will cheat) forgive me. Love me all the harder. Overlook my lustful heart. Remind me of your great love for me. Please, please invite me back into your loving arms! Let some other 'John' have that trampy kind of religion. An authentic relationship with you is what my soul is longing for.
The Wild Blue Yonder
My feet had fallen asleep due to the awkward, cramped position. I was 10,000 feet in the air - strapped tightly to a virtual stranger. My adrenaline was pumping. My heart was racing. And that was before the airplane door even flew open. The fear probably would have paralyzed me if I wasn't too frightened to realize that I ought to be scared! And with one simple roll to the right, we were plummeting towards the earth.
The wind rushed by. The clouds swirled around us. We flipped, rolled and spun as we hurtled through the sky. The ice crystals in the clouds ripped away at my face. I could barely hear my instructor above the roar of our descent, "Arch! Arch!"
I thrust my arms and legs out and arched my back just like I had been trained. We stopped flipping end-over-end and leveled out. Our freefall slowed to a mere 120 mph as we broke through the clouds. There was no sense of falling, just a steady rush of wind as the ground moved closer and closer. My instructor yanked the cord and our chute deployed. We suddenly jerked to a slow drift and found ourselves in an immediate, peaceful silence. We floated there in the beautiful stillness between the earth and the clouds.
Some people have called me crazy for jumping out of a perfectly good plane. Others have expressed a deep-seated fear that would hinder them from ever skydiving themselves. Even though I was scared at the time, my determination and desire to go through with the jump were even greater than the fear.
God often calls us to do crazy things that bring us face-to-face with our fears. He may call us to take on a new ministry role. He may nudge us to share His good news with a complete stranger. (Or maybe even scarier - our closest friend...) He may even call us to go against the grain, to fight for a deeper sense of right, irregardless of what all others think. These are definitely scary challenges to take on.
"You're afraid? So what! Everybody's afraid. Fear is the common ground of humanity. The question you must wrestle to the ground is 'Will I allow my fear to bind me to mediocrity.'" Andy Stanley, The Next Generation Leader
We can all look back on times in our lives when we let fear keep us from jumping out of the plane, trying something new or speaking up when we knew we should. Hopefully, we can also remember even more times when we wrestled that fear to the ground and let God use us inspite of our fright.
"...so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong." Zechariah 8:13 (NIV)
It may seem a lot safer to sit on the ground and watch the chutes of others flare open above you. But the ground is where the dirty fog of mediocrity settles in. At some point very early in my Christian walk, God moved me to quit watching and start jumping. Has it been scary? You better believe it! At times it has even been almost-pee-in-your-pants scary! Yet still, I have found that it is far better to strive for a trust in God's faithfulness than to suffer the regret of staying on the ground when I knew I should have jumped.
The challenge that God places before us is to strap in, push through the fear and lunge out into the wild blue yonder. And if the chute doesn't open and you hit the ground - oh well! At least you went out with a bang instead of slowly choking to death on that dirty fog of mediocrity. The chances are in your favor that God's faithfulness will flare open like the millions of times before. And when it does, you'll get to experience that beautiful stillness that's only found in the wild blue yonder.
The wind rushed by. The clouds swirled around us. We flipped, rolled and spun as we hurtled through the sky. The ice crystals in the clouds ripped away at my face. I could barely hear my instructor above the roar of our descent, "Arch! Arch!"
I thrust my arms and legs out and arched my back just like I had been trained. We stopped flipping end-over-end and leveled out. Our freefall slowed to a mere 120 mph as we broke through the clouds. There was no sense of falling, just a steady rush of wind as the ground moved closer and closer. My instructor yanked the cord and our chute deployed. We suddenly jerked to a slow drift and found ourselves in an immediate, peaceful silence. We floated there in the beautiful stillness between the earth and the clouds.
Some people have called me crazy for jumping out of a perfectly good plane. Others have expressed a deep-seated fear that would hinder them from ever skydiving themselves. Even though I was scared at the time, my determination and desire to go through with the jump were even greater than the fear.
God often calls us to do crazy things that bring us face-to-face with our fears. He may call us to take on a new ministry role. He may nudge us to share His good news with a complete stranger. (Or maybe even scarier - our closest friend...) He may even call us to go against the grain, to fight for a deeper sense of right, irregardless of what all others think. These are definitely scary challenges to take on.
"You're afraid? So what! Everybody's afraid. Fear is the common ground of humanity. The question you must wrestle to the ground is 'Will I allow my fear to bind me to mediocrity.'" Andy Stanley, The Next Generation Leader
We can all look back on times in our lives when we let fear keep us from jumping out of the plane, trying something new or speaking up when we knew we should. Hopefully, we can also remember even more times when we wrestled that fear to the ground and let God use us inspite of our fright.
"...so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong." Zechariah 8:13 (NIV)
It may seem a lot safer to sit on the ground and watch the chutes of others flare open above you. But the ground is where the dirty fog of mediocrity settles in. At some point very early in my Christian walk, God moved me to quit watching and start jumping. Has it been scary? You better believe it! At times it has even been almost-pee-in-your-pants scary! Yet still, I have found that it is far better to strive for a trust in God's faithfulness than to suffer the regret of staying on the ground when I knew I should have jumped.
The challenge that God places before us is to strap in, push through the fear and lunge out into the wild blue yonder. And if the chute doesn't open and you hit the ground - oh well! At least you went out with a bang instead of slowly choking to death on that dirty fog of mediocrity. The chances are in your favor that God's faithfulness will flare open like the millions of times before. And when it does, you'll get to experience that beautiful stillness that's only found in the wild blue yonder.
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