Perhaps you have, at some point in your life, really wanted to pay someone back for something they did to you that you felt you didn't deserve. I have.
Last week, my Sunday School class at church had a talk about revenge--and, since we knew what the topic was going to be a week ahead of time, I decided to do a little research. I visited BibleGateway.com and did a few searches on revenge and its synonyms to see what might be deduced from Scripture. You want a summary of the results? Well, "revenge" (in the context for which I was searching) came up 11 times; "avenge" appeared 46 times; "vengeance" came up in 25 different verses; and "repay" was found 29 times throughout the Bible. Totally, the topic seems to have appeared 91 times (but check my math).
I don't know how that compares to other topics. It's actually pretty irrelevant to my point.
Do you know what interested me most? The people in the Bible who exact revenge are not usually the most savory characters. Let's see, we have Samson (Judges 15:7), King Saul (1 Samuel 18:25), someone's enemy (Psalm 44:16), a jealous husband (Proverbs 6:34), and Philistia (long-time enemies of Israel--Ezekiel 25:15), among others (like "evil men" and "treacherous friends"). Now, remember with me that no one in the Bible is perfect except for Jesus Christ--but, really, is this a list of names that we'd like to join? Didn't think so.
Instead, God says several times that "It is mine to avenge; I will repay" (quoted in both Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30). It's just that, somehow, we don't feel that this is quite adequate. For one thing, as one of my Sunday School classmates mentioned, we like to see their punishment, just to know they're getting it. One of the best ways to see it, though is to give it, so we exact our revenge.
But, have you considered the implications of our attitudes, in this case? God has already claimed vengeance as His area of expertise; so, when we decide to take matters into our own hands, we are putting ourselves into God's place--making ourselves gods. Ouch.
And that's not all! God doesn't take it upon himself to avenge for that momentary fulfillment like we do--you know, that fleeting feeling of having given our enemies their just desserts. God is not like us, no matter how much we try to pretend that He is. God is just--completely. This means that he does not accidentally send the innocent to jail while letting the guilty go free. He knows everything--including the exact reward for every action. It's when we don't quite believe this truth that we decide to repay others according to what we think they deserve; in other words, we don't trust God to be what He says He is.
God has reserved vengeance for Himself because He alone is just and can repay according to deeds. He uses people and nations, sometimes, but when people or nations take vengeance into their own hands, it's as if they're taking God's place in His seat of judgment and don't trust that He is just.
So, next time, instead of trying to give someone else what you feel they deserve, follow God's example: "He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities" (Psalm 103:10 NIV). Surprise them by turning the other cheek.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
What I've Learned in College
You hear a lot about the two kinds of people these days, so I won't claim that there are just two kinds. But I do think that the kids who graduate from college can be lumped into two broad categories: those who emerge from college having learned everything, and those who have learned how much they don't know.
The first group is easy to explain: they know it all, and to tell them any differently is futile.
I want to be in the second group, really, and I think I'm well on my way.
Don't get me wrong: you can learn a lot in college--and I have. Lots of good stuff about literature, and authors, and anthropology, and education, and psychology--some good stuff.
But I thank God that what I've learned most in college is just how much I don't know.
I wasn't always on this path, however; I have myself been on the way to becoming the know-it-all. One Sunday on Production Team at Elevation, the producer was trying to explain to me how to complete a task I had never done before--hooking up VGA (video) cables or something like that. To me, the task seemed fairly self-explanatory, so I ended up finishing her sentences, rather presumptiously. Here's an example of how the conversation would go:
Producer: Once you've plugged this end into the output box, the other end goes to the--
Me: TV!
That sort of thing happened a few times that same day, and at first I felt pretty good about myself. Then, the more I thought about it, the less of a good thing it seemed. After all, there is really so much I could learn about VGA cables if I were more teachable and less precocious.
Honestly, there's a lot more for all of us to learn; if we knew it all, we would be God. But, don't let anyone fool you: you're not God. So don't presume to know everything. Instead, find an older, wiser person to teach you, to be a mentor. Parents tend to be fairly wise, no kidding; teachers also may be, and pastors, and churches tend to be pretty well stocked with people older and wiser than us teenagers/young adults.
Be teachable, or you may end up laughable. Or worse.
The first group is easy to explain: they know it all, and to tell them any differently is futile.
I want to be in the second group, really, and I think I'm well on my way.
Don't get me wrong: you can learn a lot in college--and I have. Lots of good stuff about literature, and authors, and anthropology, and education, and psychology--some good stuff.
But I thank God that what I've learned most in college is just how much I don't know.
I wasn't always on this path, however; I have myself been on the way to becoming the know-it-all. One Sunday on Production Team at Elevation, the producer was trying to explain to me how to complete a task I had never done before--hooking up VGA (video) cables or something like that. To me, the task seemed fairly self-explanatory, so I ended up finishing her sentences, rather presumptiously. Here's an example of how the conversation would go:
Producer: Once you've plugged this end into the output box, the other end goes to the--
Me: TV!
That sort of thing happened a few times that same day, and at first I felt pretty good about myself. Then, the more I thought about it, the less of a good thing it seemed. After all, there is really so much I could learn about VGA cables if I were more teachable and less precocious.
Honestly, there's a lot more for all of us to learn; if we knew it all, we would be God. But, don't let anyone fool you: you're not God. So don't presume to know everything. Instead, find an older, wiser person to teach you, to be a mentor. Parents tend to be fairly wise, no kidding; teachers also may be, and pastors, and churches tend to be pretty well stocked with people older and wiser than us teenagers/young adults.
Be teachable, or you may end up laughable. Or worse.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Boundaries
Towards the end of the book of Numbers, while God is explaining the boundaries of Israel’s inheritance and how the people should divide the land, He introduces an intriguing concept: Cities of Refuge. These, He explains, are places that people can go if they have accidentally killed someone, and within its limits they have immunity from avengers. Outside the city limits, though, they’re free game. (This is all laid out in Numbers 35, if you want to check it out.)
I think it’s safe to say that most of us don’t like limits. We want freedom; we have rules. At home, it may be a curfew; in schools, it’s the dress code; in your community, it’s the speed limit.
God has an established game-plan, almost like a personalized set of rules, for us Christians; it’s a little something we usually call His will. And His will is like a City of Refuge: if you remain inside of it, He will protect you—but if you should wander off into the Great Unknown (aka rebel), He won’t. It’s dangerous out there, because Satan lurks “like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV), and Jesus said “the thief [that’s Satan again] comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10 NIV). The devil’s the avenger, and we’re the prey he wants. But, within the boundaries God has established for each of us—His will for our lives—we have His protection. Not an easy life, mind, and probably not even a painless one. Remember the apostles? A lot of them were killed because they remained in God’s will, spreading the Gospel to areas that weren’t exactly user-friendly. Sounds like a tough gig, doesn’t it? And where was their protection? Their eternity is sure.
And maybe they’d read Psalm 5:11: “let all who take refuge in you [God] be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you” (NIV).
Remain in God’s City of Refuge. It's safer there; God guarantees it.
I think it’s safe to say that most of us don’t like limits. We want freedom; we have rules. At home, it may be a curfew; in schools, it’s the dress code; in your community, it’s the speed limit.
God has an established game-plan, almost like a personalized set of rules, for us Christians; it’s a little something we usually call His will. And His will is like a City of Refuge: if you remain inside of it, He will protect you—but if you should wander off into the Great Unknown (aka rebel), He won’t. It’s dangerous out there, because Satan lurks “like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV), and Jesus said “the thief [that’s Satan again] comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10 NIV). The devil’s the avenger, and we’re the prey he wants. But, within the boundaries God has established for each of us—His will for our lives—we have His protection. Not an easy life, mind, and probably not even a painless one. Remember the apostles? A lot of them were killed because they remained in God’s will, spreading the Gospel to areas that weren’t exactly user-friendly. Sounds like a tough gig, doesn’t it? And where was their protection? Their eternity is sure.
And maybe they’d read Psalm 5:11: “let all who take refuge in you [God] be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you” (NIV).
Remain in God’s City of Refuge. It's safer there; God guarantees it.
(Really) Random Thoughts
I’ll never claim to be the very best Creative Media Team Leader known to man. (In fact, if I ever do, just mention “InDesign” and I’ll be sufficiently humbled.) However, I will claim to have learned a lot about being a Creative Media Team Leader, and one of my first lessons was to carry a notebook. I have one specifically for Revive that I try my very best to carry at all times, because you never know when a great idea will hit you, or how long it will last. I’ve been using it ever since my first assignment in March, and it’s not quite half-full yet. In it, I’ve jotted some ideas, some words, some names, and some song titles, and I just thought I’d share a few of my (really, truly) random thoughts (and remember, these just represent a selection of the total):
IDEAS:
--candles
--ping pong balls
--construction paper
--huge felt board
--claymation
--glitter
--shoes
--texting
--voice cards
--paint stirrers
QUESTIONS:
--What materials do we already have?
--How many videos do we need?
--What are sermons/songs to be about?
--What is the setting?
--How can we get Revive into the community before the event?
--How long should a video be?
--Are there errors in grammar/spelling?
--What are the first things you look for in potential team members?
--How are brainstorming sessions conducted?
SONG TITLES:
--“Ignition” by TobyMac
--“Youth of the Nation” by POD
--“Come Together” by Third Day
--“You Know My Name” by Chris Cornell
--“Secret Crowds” by Angels and Airwaves
--“Pork and Beans” by Weezer
--“Broadcast” by Fee
--“Beat It” by Michael Jackson
What does any of this have to do with Revive? you may wonder. IDK. I guess you’ll have to show up to find out. :)
IDEAS:
--candles
--ping pong balls
--construction paper
--huge felt board
--claymation
--glitter
--shoes
--texting
--voice cards
--paint stirrers
QUESTIONS:
--What materials do we already have?
--How many videos do we need?
--What are sermons/songs to be about?
--What is the setting?
--How can we get Revive into the community before the event?
--How long should a video be?
--Are there errors in grammar/spelling?
--What are the first things you look for in potential team members?
--How are brainstorming sessions conducted?
SONG TITLES:
--“Ignition” by TobyMac
--“Youth of the Nation” by POD
--“Come Together” by Third Day
--“You Know My Name” by Chris Cornell
--“Secret Crowds” by Angels and Airwaves
--“Pork and Beans” by Weezer
--“Broadcast” by Fee
--“Beat It” by Michael Jackson
What does any of this have to do with Revive? you may wonder. IDK. I guess you’ll have to show up to find out. :)
The Past
I’m a history buff, so I like the past. There have even been times when I really wished I lived in the 1700s—until I seriously considered the lack of amenities, like running water, electricity, and contacts. You can imagine, I’ve given up on that idea.
But, just recently, I traded it for another era. See, I studied abroad in England in the spring of 2008, and I found almost as soon as I had returned that I wanted to go back. No kidding—I think as soon as I boarded the plane for my return flight, I regretted it. And, for almost an entire year afterwards, I dwelled on that experience, mentally reliving the memories and wondering what my British friends were doing and even, sometimes, checking their Facebook profiles to see if anything interesting was going on in their lives. I began wishing myself back (much to the dismay of my mother), recalling how much healthier I had been overseas, how much I had grown spiritually, and how much more money I had seemed to have while there. I had a breakdown at Christmas, wishing I were there—and another, smaller one at Easter, recalling my Easter in Britain just a year earlier. It was bad.
But I didn’t realize just how bad until I ran across Numbers 11. In this passage, we find the Israelites making the journey from Egypt, the land of slavery, to Canaan, the land of promise. But, by this time they are tired of eating manna—the bread from heaven—and complain to God about it. “The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, ‘If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!’" (verses 4-6 NIV). Ignoring the blessing they’re receiving in the present, they long for their past—in slavery. Granted, I wasn’t in slavery in England—but their language struck me instantly, because it sounded exactly like what I was complaining about. And, in all my comparing my past to my present, I was ignoring God’s work in the here-and-now! It has probably been the hardest lesson I’ve ever had to learn—but it will also probably be the one I remember the most.
Certainly, God tells us to remember our pasts, to remember where we’ve come from. In fact, the Bible includes whole books devoted to reminding the Israelites of their past. But God does not want us to do so in order that we might pine for the way things were. Instead, He wants us to see His working in our pasts to remind ourselves that He is faithful in our present and can be trusted with our futures. “Forget the former things,” He says, and “do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV). Instead of watching the road behind you, try looking ahead for the streams in your wasteland. It’s much more worthwhile.
But, just recently, I traded it for another era. See, I studied abroad in England in the spring of 2008, and I found almost as soon as I had returned that I wanted to go back. No kidding—I think as soon as I boarded the plane for my return flight, I regretted it. And, for almost an entire year afterwards, I dwelled on that experience, mentally reliving the memories and wondering what my British friends were doing and even, sometimes, checking their Facebook profiles to see if anything interesting was going on in their lives. I began wishing myself back (much to the dismay of my mother), recalling how much healthier I had been overseas, how much I had grown spiritually, and how much more money I had seemed to have while there. I had a breakdown at Christmas, wishing I were there—and another, smaller one at Easter, recalling my Easter in Britain just a year earlier. It was bad.
But I didn’t realize just how bad until I ran across Numbers 11. In this passage, we find the Israelites making the journey from Egypt, the land of slavery, to Canaan, the land of promise. But, by this time they are tired of eating manna—the bread from heaven—and complain to God about it. “The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, ‘If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!’" (verses 4-6 NIV). Ignoring the blessing they’re receiving in the present, they long for their past—in slavery. Granted, I wasn’t in slavery in England—but their language struck me instantly, because it sounded exactly like what I was complaining about. And, in all my comparing my past to my present, I was ignoring God’s work in the here-and-now! It has probably been the hardest lesson I’ve ever had to learn—but it will also probably be the one I remember the most.
Certainly, God tells us to remember our pasts, to remember where we’ve come from. In fact, the Bible includes whole books devoted to reminding the Israelites of their past. But God does not want us to do so in order that we might pine for the way things were. Instead, He wants us to see His working in our pasts to remind ourselves that He is faithful in our present and can be trusted with our futures. “Forget the former things,” He says, and “do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV). Instead of watching the road behind you, try looking ahead for the streams in your wasteland. It’s much more worthwhile.
Worthwhile
I was doing something really menial this afternoon, cutting out shapes for a Sunday School classroom, and I asked myself, “Why do I care if the lines are straight? Does it really matter? Is anyone else going to care?”
And, suddenly, I remembered that verse in the Bible that says “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV). So, it mattered that the lines were straight not because others might notice, but because I was serving God, not humans. (There’s a similar verse in Ephesians, my favorite book: Ephesians 6:7.)
But, really, everything? I mean, the beginning of the verse even goes so far as to include eating and drinking. I read that and think, “Really, Paul—really?”
So, until recently, I’ve taken that verse as an example of supreme exaggeration, assuming that Paul couldn’t have really meant that Christians should do every little thing as if they were serving God. But, recently, I’ve found that serving God is the most abundant way to live! So why on earth would we not want to think that way? I’d encourage you to try it, even if just for a day, to start.
But this may not just mean changing the way you think about the things you do throughout your day; it may also mean changing what you do. Some things you just can’t do for the glory of God or as if you were serving Him—like sinning. Those two ideas really don’t jive. But, there’s more. I wonder, if we took a look at what we really do throughout the day, if we’d find most things to be worthwhile or worthless? So I tried it:
· sleeping: worthwhile (I need sleep to function, after all)
· sleeping late (worthless—that time could have been spent better)
· eating breakfast (worthwhile—good nutrition, if you can get it, keeps you in shape to minister)
· quiet time with God (worthwhile—need I explain?)
· bath/shower (worthwhile—BO can be a real turnoff to nonbelievers)
· surfing the Facebook for new pictures and status updates (worthless—Facebook can be an awesome tool, but that half-hour was wasted)
· reading a book about leadership (worthwhile—personal development)
· watching Black Beauty (worthless—sometimes you can get an illustration or idea from movies, but I just watched this one for nostalgia this time)
I hope you get the idea by now, but I’m afraid that to take you through the entire day would just be—well, worthless.
Now, I’ve made this list simply as an example of this exercise, so let me remind you that it’s not so much the activities you do that make them worthless, but your reasons for doing them. For example, I also use Facebook in a constructive way, to keep up with friends overseas. That is worthwhile. Relationships are important. Additionally, if you watch a movie with your family, that time may very well be worthwhile, because I find that movie nights with my family help build us together and give us some wicked inside jokes. On the other hand, sometimes eating can be worthless—like if you eat just because you’re bored, or are stressed, or something. It’s not what you do, it’s why.
So, when we start doing things because we want to serve God, I can almost guarantee that our lives will change. Try it with me.
And, suddenly, I remembered that verse in the Bible that says “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV). So, it mattered that the lines were straight not because others might notice, but because I was serving God, not humans. (There’s a similar verse in Ephesians, my favorite book: Ephesians 6:7.)
But, really, everything? I mean, the beginning of the verse even goes so far as to include eating and drinking. I read that and think, “Really, Paul—really?”
So, until recently, I’ve taken that verse as an example of supreme exaggeration, assuming that Paul couldn’t have really meant that Christians should do every little thing as if they were serving God. But, recently, I’ve found that serving God is the most abundant way to live! So why on earth would we not want to think that way? I’d encourage you to try it, even if just for a day, to start.
But this may not just mean changing the way you think about the things you do throughout your day; it may also mean changing what you do. Some things you just can’t do for the glory of God or as if you were serving Him—like sinning. Those two ideas really don’t jive. But, there’s more. I wonder, if we took a look at what we really do throughout the day, if we’d find most things to be worthwhile or worthless? So I tried it:
· sleeping: worthwhile (I need sleep to function, after all)
· sleeping late (worthless—that time could have been spent better)
· eating breakfast (worthwhile—good nutrition, if you can get it, keeps you in shape to minister)
· quiet time with God (worthwhile—need I explain?)
· bath/shower (worthwhile—BO can be a real turnoff to nonbelievers)
· surfing the Facebook for new pictures and status updates (worthless—Facebook can be an awesome tool, but that half-hour was wasted)
· reading a book about leadership (worthwhile—personal development)
· watching Black Beauty (worthless—sometimes you can get an illustration or idea from movies, but I just watched this one for nostalgia this time)
I hope you get the idea by now, but I’m afraid that to take you through the entire day would just be—well, worthless.
Now, I’ve made this list simply as an example of this exercise, so let me remind you that it’s not so much the activities you do that make them worthless, but your reasons for doing them. For example, I also use Facebook in a constructive way, to keep up with friends overseas. That is worthwhile. Relationships are important. Additionally, if you watch a movie with your family, that time may very well be worthwhile, because I find that movie nights with my family help build us together and give us some wicked inside jokes. On the other hand, sometimes eating can be worthless—like if you eat just because you’re bored, or are stressed, or something. It’s not what you do, it’s why.
So, when we start doing things because we want to serve God, I can almost guarantee that our lives will change. Try it with me.
What Excites a Brand-New Creative Media Team Leader
I got really excited today about some pretty mundane things. Well, mundane to the rest of the world, I guess—but when I stumbled upon them, they became extraordinarily good finds, and I got worked up enough to take at least half-an-hour to calm down. No kidding. (I try really hard not to exaggerate.)
You want to know what did it? Sure, I’ll tell you:
1) While browsing www.stevenfurtick.com, I discovered that Elevation Church is hosting an event for church-planters and like-minded folk (like-Revive-folk :) ) about the church-planting process. I got so excited, though, not just because I go to Elevation Church, but because I know what to expect. They hosted a similar event just this spring, and some of our Revive staff even had the chance to volunteer and glean some (literally) valuable information from the talks; that one was called “Thr3e.” This one will be “Impart.” And I am totally ready to be a part.
2) I’m currently reading a book, on recommendation of our Director, called The Creative Leader by Ed Young. He hosts annual C3 conferences (Creative Church Conferences—sorry to be redundant there) at his church in Dallas. His is a creative church. So it seemed like a good idea to visit the website he mentioned in his book: www.creativepastors.com. Once there, I saw all the stuff about C3 and how they’re promoting God’s work in the church by giving each attendee a new pair of shoes, and I got all excited and clicked on the “Register here” link—only to find that registration had closed. Bummer! But only a little. On the other hand, by subscribing to receive updates and a newsletter, I guaranteed that I can get great deals and cool ideas. Bingo!
It’s been a good day.
You want to know what did it? Sure, I’ll tell you:
1) While browsing www.stevenfurtick.com, I discovered that Elevation Church is hosting an event for church-planters and like-minded folk (like-Revive-folk :) ) about the church-planting process. I got so excited, though, not just because I go to Elevation Church, but because I know what to expect. They hosted a similar event just this spring, and some of our Revive staff even had the chance to volunteer and glean some (literally) valuable information from the talks; that one was called “Thr3e.” This one will be “Impart.” And I am totally ready to be a part.
2) I’m currently reading a book, on recommendation of our Director, called The Creative Leader by Ed Young. He hosts annual C3 conferences (Creative Church Conferences—sorry to be redundant there) at his church in Dallas. His is a creative church. So it seemed like a good idea to visit the website he mentioned in his book: www.creativepastors.com. Once there, I saw all the stuff about C3 and how they’re promoting God’s work in the church by giving each attendee a new pair of shoes, and I got all excited and clicked on the “Register here” link—only to find that registration had closed. Bummer! But only a little. On the other hand, by subscribing to receive updates and a newsletter, I guaranteed that I can get great deals and cool ideas. Bingo!
It’s been a good day.
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