If we live in the Spirit of the Lord
Then let’s walk according to His Word
You and I can walk in love and truth
Live so they see
Our words and deeds agree
If we live in the Spirit of the Lord
Then let’s walk according to His Word
You and I can walk in love and truth
Walk in the light
‘Cause He is in the light
If we live in the Spirit of the Lord
Then let’s walk according to His Word
You and I can walk in love and truth
You say you do
Does your life prove you’re true?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Submit! Sit! Stay! Obey!
The Bible says that a wife is to submit to her husband. But how does that work in a godly marriage relationship? It would be easy to give a short, pat answer, but delving into that answer would not be quite as short.
Here’s the short, pat answer: Ephesians 5:22-33. That explains everything, doesn’t it?
The major element of that submission is that it is a willingness to do what the other sees as the best course of action. That statement can be badly misinterpreted, however, so I want to be clear what I mean by it.
It doesn’t mean that the wife is somehow inferior. It doesn’t mean that the wife should not protest the husband’s decision if she thinks it’s unwise. And it doesn’t mean that there are no areas in which she would rightfully carry authority; so in circumstances where her decision is appealed (by the kids, for example), there would be times when the only appropriate response from the husband would be “What Mom says goes.”
In the end, really what it comes down to is that while they would work side by side as equals – as one, and it shouldn’t be any other way – if anyone asked her “Who’s in charge?” she would point to her husband, and if anyone should say “You can’t do that. Who said you could?” she would point to her husband.
This submission doesn’t have to do with one of them having power over the other, or with the wife being like a servant to the husband. It does have to do with a recognition of how the authority structure in the family works, and it does have to do with the fact that God has created husbands and wives to interact a certain way, as a reflection of the relationship between God and men.
The marriage relationship is a joining of two into one, and so nothing really should be done by the one without the other – everything is no longer “yours” or “mine” but “ours” – and so that relationship is one where each wants the other to be a part of whatever task they have to do, as though they were the very best of friends (which they should be). But in that friendship, and in those tasks that they do together as one, one of them will generally need to take the lead, and scripture is pretty clear that that is the husband’s role.
An illustration comes to mind: There were a couple of guys who decided to go sailing, and since neither of them were “in charge” there were disputes about what they were going to do in some cases. Finally one told the other “Listen, I was the one who initiated this whole adventure, I was the one who let you come along, and you chose to join me – I’m the one in charge.” It wasn’t that the other guy was unfit to lead, but that he wasn’t the initiating force to begin with, and he had joined in with the understanding that he was joining, not leading – though he didn’t want to be mindlessly bossed.
Perhaps it’s a weak analogy for submission in marriage in general, but when a woman marries and has her husband as the authority, there is that aspect of willingly choosing to place herself under that authority. It is not that all of the sudden “Oh, I guess I have to listen to this guy now that we’re married,” but rather like how obeying Christ is part and parcel of becoming a Christian – not a sudden realization you have after you’ve decided to be a Christian – you choose to follow Christ knowing that that’s what’s involved. Submission is something that is wrapped up with marriage, not something that just kind of kicks in after you get married.
Submission doesn’t really have to do with “women being weaker vessels”, and there is no room for an attitude like
Above all things, godly submission must work with love, or else it doesn’t work at all. A wife must actively work towards her husband’s highest good, not just mindlessly doing whatever he tells her to do, and if she is going to work towards her husband’s highest good, she has to listen to what God tells her, not just what God tells him. She has to think for herself and share those thoughts, rather than just listening to her husband’s thoughts.
_________________________
[1] Steve Taylor, "I Manipulate"
Thanks to the friend (who remains anonymous) who helped me write this post.
Here’s the short, pat answer: Ephesians 5:22-33. That explains everything, doesn’t it?
The major element of that submission is that it is a willingness to do what the other sees as the best course of action. That statement can be badly misinterpreted, however, so I want to be clear what I mean by it.
It doesn’t mean that the wife is somehow inferior. It doesn’t mean that the wife should not protest the husband’s decision if she thinks it’s unwise. And it doesn’t mean that there are no areas in which she would rightfully carry authority; so in circumstances where her decision is appealed (by the kids, for example), there would be times when the only appropriate response from the husband would be “What Mom says goes.”
In the end, really what it comes down to is that while they would work side by side as equals – as one, and it shouldn’t be any other way – if anyone asked her “Who’s in charge?” she would point to her husband, and if anyone should say “You can’t do that. Who said you could?” she would point to her husband.
This submission doesn’t have to do with one of them having power over the other, or with the wife being like a servant to the husband. It does have to do with a recognition of how the authority structure in the family works, and it does have to do with the fact that God has created husbands and wives to interact a certain way, as a reflection of the relationship between God and men.
The marriage relationship is a joining of two into one, and so nothing really should be done by the one without the other – everything is no longer “yours” or “mine” but “ours” – and so that relationship is one where each wants the other to be a part of whatever task they have to do, as though they were the very best of friends (which they should be). But in that friendship, and in those tasks that they do together as one, one of them will generally need to take the lead, and scripture is pretty clear that that is the husband’s role.
An illustration comes to mind: There were a couple of guys who decided to go sailing, and since neither of them were “in charge” there were disputes about what they were going to do in some cases. Finally one told the other “Listen, I was the one who initiated this whole adventure, I was the one who let you come along, and you chose to join me – I’m the one in charge.” It wasn’t that the other guy was unfit to lead, but that he wasn’t the initiating force to begin with, and he had joined in with the understanding that he was joining, not leading – though he didn’t want to be mindlessly bossed.
Perhaps it’s a weak analogy for submission in marriage in general, but when a woman marries and has her husband as the authority, there is that aspect of willingly choosing to place herself under that authority. It is not that all of the sudden “Oh, I guess I have to listen to this guy now that we’re married,” but rather like how obeying Christ is part and parcel of becoming a Christian – not a sudden realization you have after you’ve decided to be a Christian – you choose to follow Christ knowing that that’s what’s involved. Submission is something that is wrapped up with marriage, not something that just kind of kicks in after you get married.
Submission doesn’t really have to do with “women being weaker vessels”, and there is no room for an attitude like
If you want to build a happy home,Godly submission is a description of how the two can and ought to best work together – the husband loving his wife, the wife loving her husband – being one flesh, serving God wholeheartedly with one heart, rather than two individualistic hearts.
Have you sacrificed a mind of your own?
‘Cause a good wife learns to cower
Underneath the umbrella of power...[1]
Above all things, godly submission must work with love, or else it doesn’t work at all. A wife must actively work towards her husband’s highest good, not just mindlessly doing whatever he tells her to do, and if she is going to work towards her husband’s highest good, she has to listen to what God tells her, not just what God tells him. She has to think for herself and share those thoughts, rather than just listening to her husband’s thoughts.
_________________________
[1] Steve Taylor, "I Manipulate"
Thanks to the friend (who remains anonymous) who helped me write this post.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Such People as Quakers are Needed Today
Oh! Better were it to be stripped and naked of all, to account it as dross and dung, and become a fool for Christ's sake, thus knowing him to teach thee in thy heart, so as thou mayest witness him raised there, feel the virtue of his cross there, and say with the apostle, I glory in nothing, save the cross of Christ, whereby I am crucified to the world, and the world unto me. This is better than to write thousands of commentaries, and to preach many sermons. And it is thus to preach Christ and direct people to his pure light in the heart, that God hath raised us up and for which the wise men of this world account us fools, because by the operation of this cross of Christ in our hearts, we have denied our own wisdom and wills in many things and have forsaken the vain worships, fashions, and customs of this world.
For these divers centuries the world hath been full of a dry, fruitless, and barren knowledge of Christ, feeding upon the husk, and neglecting the kernel; following after the shadow, but strangers to the substance. Hence the devil matters not how much of that knowledge abounds, provided he can but possess the heart, and rule in the will, crucify the appearance of Christ there, and so keep the seed of the kingdom from taking root. For he has led them abroad, lo here, and lo there, and has made them wrestle in a false zeal so much one against another, contending for this outward observation, and for the other outward observation, seeking C h r i s t in this and the other external thing, as in bread and wine; contending one with another how he is there, while some will have him to be present therein this way, and some the other way; and some in scriptures, in books, in societies, and pilgrimages, and merits. But some, confiding in an external barren faith, think all is well, if they do but firmly believe that he died for their sins past, present, and to come; while in the meant time Christ lies crucified and slain, and is daily resisted and gainsayed in his appearance in their hearts.
Thus, from a sense of this blindness and ignorance that is come over Christendom, it is that we are led and moved of the Lord to constantly and frequently to call all, invite all, request all, to turn to the light in them, to mind the light in them, to believe in Christ, as he is in them: and that in the name, power, and authority of the Lord, not in school-arguments and distinctions, (for which many of the wise men of this world account us fools and mad-men) we do charge and command them to lay aside their wisdom, to come down out of that proud, airy, brain-knowledge, and to stop that mouth, how eloquent soever to the worldly ear it may appear, and to be silent, and sit down as in the dust, and to mind the light of Christ in their own consciences; which, if minded, they would find as a sharp two-edged sword in their hearts, and as a fire and a hammer that would knock against and burn up all that carnal, gathered, natural stuff, and make the stoutest of them all tremble, and become Quakers indeed: which those that come not to feel now, and kiss not the Son while the day lasteth, but harden their hearts, will feel to be a certain truth when it is too late.
To conclude, as saith the apostle, All ought to examine themselves, whether they be in the faith indeed; and try their ownselves: for except Jesus Christ be in them, they are certainly reprobates. (II Cor 13:5)
____________________________________
The above is from Robert Barclay's "Apology for the True Christian Divinity."
Surely, if those called by the name "Christian" have such a focus on outward observances and such a faith wherein they may sin daily and yet still believe they are bound for heaven, such men and women as the Quakers were are desperately needed today. I will be one of them. I must be, so long as Christ, who lives in me, moves me to urge people away from their sinfulness, off of their outward rituals, and down from their selfishness.
For these divers centuries the world hath been full of a dry, fruitless, and barren knowledge of Christ, feeding upon the husk, and neglecting the kernel; following after the shadow, but strangers to the substance. Hence the devil matters not how much of that knowledge abounds, provided he can but possess the heart, and rule in the will, crucify the appearance of Christ there, and so keep the seed of the kingdom from taking root. For he has led them abroad, lo here, and lo there, and has made them wrestle in a false zeal so much one against another, contending for this outward observation, and for the other outward observation, seeking C h r i s t in this and the other external thing, as in bread and wine; contending one with another how he is there, while some will have him to be present therein this way, and some the other way; and some in scriptures, in books, in societies, and pilgrimages, and merits. But some, confiding in an external barren faith, think all is well, if they do but firmly believe that he died for their sins past, present, and to come; while in the meant time Christ lies crucified and slain, and is daily resisted and gainsayed in his appearance in their hearts.
Thus, from a sense of this blindness and ignorance that is come over Christendom, it is that we are led and moved of the Lord to constantly and frequently to call all, invite all, request all, to turn to the light in them, to mind the light in them, to believe in Christ, as he is in them: and that in the name, power, and authority of the Lord, not in school-arguments and distinctions, (for which many of the wise men of this world account us fools and mad-men) we do charge and command them to lay aside their wisdom, to come down out of that proud, airy, brain-knowledge, and to stop that mouth, how eloquent soever to the worldly ear it may appear, and to be silent, and sit down as in the dust, and to mind the light of Christ in their own consciences; which, if minded, they would find as a sharp two-edged sword in their hearts, and as a fire and a hammer that would knock against and burn up all that carnal, gathered, natural stuff, and make the stoutest of them all tremble, and become Quakers indeed: which those that come not to feel now, and kiss not the Son while the day lasteth, but harden their hearts, will feel to be a certain truth when it is too late.
To conclude, as saith the apostle, All ought to examine themselves, whether they be in the faith indeed; and try their ownselves: for except Jesus Christ be in them, they are certainly reprobates. (II Cor 13:5)
____________________________________
The above is from Robert Barclay's "Apology for the True Christian Divinity."
Surely, if those called by the name "Christian" have such a focus on outward observances and such a faith wherein they may sin daily and yet still believe they are bound for heaven, such men and women as the Quakers were are desperately needed today. I will be one of them. I must be, so long as Christ, who lives in me, moves me to urge people away from their sinfulness, off of their outward rituals, and down from their selfishness.
Monday, August 31, 2009
I Don't Know (Song for the Quakers)
I don’t know what I should do with my life
I don’t know if I should mar-ry me a wife
Or be single
I opened up my Bible and listened real hard
I listened and ah listened ‘til I grew real tahred
An’ I don’t know
(chorus:)
I listened and I read
But all it ever said
Was “boy, whatever you’re doin’ with your life
Do it to the Lord and you can do it right.”
Seems scripture alone can’t come alongside
Seems scripture just don’t help me decide
What I should be
(chorus:)
I listened and I read
But all it ever said
Was “boy, whatever you’re doin’ with your life
Do it to the Lord and you can do it right.”
(2nd chorus:)
I guess I need a friend
Who can tell me more than
Just “boy, whatever you’re doin’ with your life
Do it to the Lord and you can do it right.”
Who can ah ask tuh show me the right way
Who but the Spirit o’ God can show me today
And say more than
Just “boy, whatever you’re doin’ with your life
Do it to the Lord and you can do it right.”
I don’t know if I should mar-ry me a wife
Or be single
I opened up my Bible and listened real hard
I listened and ah listened ‘til I grew real tahred
An’ I don’t know
(chorus:)
I listened and I read
But all it ever said
Was “boy, whatever you’re doin’ with your life
Do it to the Lord and you can do it right.”
Seems scripture alone can’t come alongside
Seems scripture just don’t help me decide
What I should be
(chorus:)
I listened and I read
But all it ever said
Was “boy, whatever you’re doin’ with your life
Do it to the Lord and you can do it right.”
(2nd chorus:)
I guess I need a friend
Who can tell me more than
Just “boy, whatever you’re doin’ with your life
Do it to the Lord and you can do it right.”
Who can ah ask tuh show me the right way
Who but the Spirit o’ God can show me today
And say more than
Just “boy, whatever you’re doin’ with your life
Do it to the Lord and you can do it right.”
Monday, August 24, 2009
Escalator
Climbing up a down escalator
Eventually you will make it
Just before you meet your undertaker
Live in hope now
Climbing up a down escalator
Is this really how God made it
Always going to be holy later
Feel okay now?
Climbing up a down escalator
Just as you die, you will make it
No-one told you 'bout the elevator
Going up now?
Gradually getting better
Little by little you lose your fetters
One day you'll be dead
And then
Only then
Will you be truly alive
No hope to thrive
In this life
Hah. Wait until you're dead
Eventually you will make it
Just before you meet your undertaker
Live in hope now
Climbing up a down escalator
Is this really how God made it
Always going to be holy later
Feel okay now?
Climbing up a down escalator
Just as you die, you will make it
No-one told you 'bout the elevator
Going up now?
Gradually getting better
Little by little you lose your fetters
One day you'll be dead
And then
Only then
Will you be truly alive
No hope to thrive
In this life
Hah. Wait until you're dead
Saturday, August 8, 2009
A "Hell"ish Inconsistency
Often, we think it a very grievous offense against God when someone speaks lightly of hell. One may say, "to hell with that idea," expressing their disgust, for example, and we would count it to him as blasphemy.
However, why do we not think it a very grievous offense against God when someone speaks lightly of heaven? Should one say "that's positively heavenly," expressing their delight, we think it to be no offense at all, and yet they have treated God's authority with respect to eternal destiny no less lightly than if they had used "hell" in their dialogue.
If someone says "Oh hell!" because they are frustrated, we would condemn them for using "bad language." But if someone says "Good heavens!" because they are surprised, we think nothing of it.
How can we so slight the good things of God, as to care not how or what people ascribe to the blessed state, and yet concern ourselves greatly with people's ascriptions of the state of the damned? Do we really truly believe that God is not concerned equally with His authority and glory and rightful attribution with respect to both sides of His office as eternal judge and arbiter?
This inconsistency is not right. We should either count expressions on both sides as equally harmless, or as equally serious offenses. We cannot count them harmless, for it is indeed a serious thing to usurp God’s authority; we must therefore guard our tongues (and our friends’ tongues) carefully, so that we speak without offense to God.
However, why do we not think it a very grievous offense against God when someone speaks lightly of heaven? Should one say "that's positively heavenly," expressing their delight, we think it to be no offense at all, and yet they have treated God's authority with respect to eternal destiny no less lightly than if they had used "hell" in their dialogue.
If someone says "Oh hell!" because they are frustrated, we would condemn them for using "bad language." But if someone says "Good heavens!" because they are surprised, we think nothing of it.
How can we so slight the good things of God, as to care not how or what people ascribe to the blessed state, and yet concern ourselves greatly with people's ascriptions of the state of the damned? Do we really truly believe that God is not concerned equally with His authority and glory and rightful attribution with respect to both sides of His office as eternal judge and arbiter?
This inconsistency is not right. We should either count expressions on both sides as equally harmless, or as equally serious offenses. We cannot count them harmless, for it is indeed a serious thing to usurp God’s authority; we must therefore guard our tongues (and our friends’ tongues) carefully, so that we speak without offense to God.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Things
“Things,” material, physical objects – stuff – are interesting. Looking at the world we live in, I can’t help but realize more and more how it is so perfectly set up to be a trial period – we come, we stay a while, we get a chance to do some stuff, and then we’re gone – for the most part, none of us leave anything behind, except what may be used or admired by others. Someone else will live in the house we build, someone else will hang our painting on their wall, someone else will drive our car.
If, then, all this stuff is here for us to use, what are we supposed to be doing with it? It isn’t dependent on us – it’s here whether we use it or not – we can’t increase it in any way, there’s no way we can get more of it, or say “mankind has increased the amount of matter in from 10 bazillion tons to 110 bazillion tons.” Things, then, are really inconsequential…but what then are we here for? It’s interesting how people use things as a means of relating to one another – we steal or share, we restrict privileges, we tax, we give welfare, we adorn ourselves with gold, silver, and precious stones, we hold hands, we have sex, we babysit kids…the list goes on and on. The common theme, however, is that things are the means by which we relate to other people; this is the trial, not what we “accomplish” with the things we have, but how we use those things in relationship to others. Do we hoard “our” stuff, or are we generous? Liberal or possessive? Caring, sharing, and honest, or malicious, stingy, greedy, and dishonest? Selfish? Or charitable?
This is why Jesus can say “by their fruits ye shall know them.” It is not about what we have, what we “achieve,” or how much we can collect, but rather that we use what we have to show that we do indeed love others as much as we love ourselves.
Now, because this life is a trial, we must give due allegiance to the Trier. This means more than merely acknowledging His existence – it means we must know Him and follow His instructions. If we have failed the test, He is the only one who could ever say “I forgive you, now you can start again.” We must, at all costs, honour, love, and obey Him, if we are to live this life so that we pass the test.
He has given us two great commandments: to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love thy neighbour as thyself.
If, then, all this stuff is here for us to use, what are we supposed to be doing with it? It isn’t dependent on us – it’s here whether we use it or not – we can’t increase it in any way, there’s no way we can get more of it, or say “mankind has increased the amount of matter in from 10 bazillion tons to 110 bazillion tons.” Things, then, are really inconsequential…but what then are we here for? It’s interesting how people use things as a means of relating to one another – we steal or share, we restrict privileges, we tax, we give welfare, we adorn ourselves with gold, silver, and precious stones, we hold hands, we have sex, we babysit kids…the list goes on and on. The common theme, however, is that things are the means by which we relate to other people; this is the trial, not what we “accomplish” with the things we have, but how we use those things in relationship to others. Do we hoard “our” stuff, or are we generous? Liberal or possessive? Caring, sharing, and honest, or malicious, stingy, greedy, and dishonest? Selfish? Or charitable?
This is why Jesus can say “by their fruits ye shall know them.” It is not about what we have, what we “achieve,” or how much we can collect, but rather that we use what we have to show that we do indeed love others as much as we love ourselves.
Now, because this life is a trial, we must give due allegiance to the Trier. This means more than merely acknowledging His existence – it means we must know Him and follow His instructions. If we have failed the test, He is the only one who could ever say “I forgive you, now you can start again.” We must, at all costs, honour, love, and obey Him, if we are to live this life so that we pass the test.
He has given us two great commandments: to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love thy neighbour as thyself.
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