God's Buffering

"And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night" Exodus 13:21

If you are reading this, chances are you have somewhat of a working knowledge of computers. If you've ever watched a video with bad internet connection (it's improved a lot since the old dial-up modem days), you'll know that your computer will usually "buffer" the downloading video, resulting in delay of the video (and usually frustration). 

If you're even more computer-literate, you may know that buffering is your computer creating a temporary storage space, from which it then plays your audio/video file, rather than downloading direct from the internet. By doing this, there is less of a chance that the audio or video will stall or skip when there is network congestion. On most videos you can see the download progress as a colored bar below the video, compared with another bar which shows your viewing progress. If you get impatient and fast forward beyond the actual download, your video will (as mentioned) stall, skip, or may even cause your computer to crash. 

By now most of you probably see where I'm going with the buffering analogy. Yes, God is the grand "Bufferer" of our lives (speaking reverently). We are the computers with a bad internet (Holy Spirit) connection. God wants to impart (download) to us through the Holy Spirit wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17). When we go ahead of God' s "buffer", or leading (cf. Exodus 13:21) on our own initiative, we experience hiccups, stalls, or even crashes in our lives. 

God desires that we wait patiently before Him (cf. Psalm 37:7). He wants us to assimilate the truths of His Word until they are part of our very being and we are "equipped for every good work" ( 2 Timothy 3:17). 

Let us get "synched up" with the Lord and His timetable for our lives, that we may manifest His glory in all we do.

Perfectionism (Pt. 2)

" In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Those of us who have or have had young children are very familiar with the phrase: "enjoy this time because they grow up so fast", usually offered by a wizened parent of older children at a time when our own children have gone completely bonkers. 

Though initially annoyed by this admonition, I've grown to not only completely embrace this outlook (most of the time), but I've been looking to apply it to other areas of my life where things aren't quite the way I want them to be.

As I wrote in Perfectionism (Pt. 1), I have come to the realization (obvious to most) that perfection will not be realized in my lifetime. But just realizing something is wrong and forsaking the idea is not enough: action needs to be taken. (Often, some of us excel at the "don'ts" of the faith, but forget to apply the "dos") 

In this case, the action that I feel the Lord is asking me (and us) to take is to enjoy and appreciate this ride of life through its ups and downs, and learn to exalt God and maintain the joy of the Lord (cf. Nehemiah 8:10) during even the painful times. As Dan Schaffer writes in his book "Spiritual Fathers", during periods of doubt and trials, merely "staying in the battle" in a victory in itself. 

Let us therefore run this race of life with patience (Hebrews 12:1): patience with ourselves and with those surrounding us, rejoicing in the "ride", knowing that God with eventually perfect not only us (1 Peter 5:10), but all of creation (Romans 8:21).

An Attitude of Gratitude Pt. 2

"Freely you have received, freely give" Matthew 10:8b

I recently asked a group of children at my church whether they had ever received a gift they felt like they didn't deserve. Several raised their hands, all of them older. It's a shame to see this happen as a child grows. Although it is good that our children don't take things for granted, it's heartbreaking as a father to see a child struggling to receive a gift.

My yearly Bible reading plan puts me at this time of year in the book of Revelation. You may recall the second and third chapters of this book, in which the risen Lord Jesus both chastises and encourages seven churches in Asia minor, which also happen to represent Christians at various stages in their walk. The first church Jesus addresses is the Ephesians: those who have "lost their first love" (Revelation 2:4). Does this describe you today?

The Lord placed on my heart today a clear reminder of the feeling I had while I was "being saved" (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18).  So grateful and joyful, tears streaming down my face... I could remember it like it was yesterday.

What happened?

As the years go by, some of us just tend to get hardened. Whether it be by sin (cf. Hebrews 3:13), cultivating a Pharisaical spirit (cf. Luke 15:25-30), trying to please God through obeying the "law" (cf. Galatians 5:4), or simply the cares of this life (cf. Matthew 13:22), our heart becomes hardened and we no longer receive the gift of our salvation as a little child (cf. Mark 10:15). 

It's not naturally easy to receive an enormous, un-repayable gift, but eternity rests on whether or not we are able to do so. Some of us need to get back to basics. Jesus goes on to tell the church at Ephesus to "remember from where they had fallen, and repent" (Revelation 2:5)

When we humble and stir ourselves to remember the gift within us (cf. 2 Timothy 1:6b), that gift is kindled afresh, and we will soon find that our once cold hearts will burn again with love for our Savior. Once we "freely receive", we are then able to "freely give",  eager to share God's unspeakable Good News with anyone who will listen.

An Attitude of Gratitude Pt. 1

"While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were going, they were cleansed. Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19

Recently on my drive home from work I was convicted by the Lord about how unthankful I am. I've got a great job, wonderful family, health, wealth, a good place to live, beautiful surroundings, friends... all a man could ask for. But recently I'd been focusing on the negative things in my life. It's something very easily fallen into in this life, unfortunately. Ingratitude is part of our fallen human condition.

I was also convicted in that I'd judged others in how "unthankful" they'd been in response to "ministry" I'd provided. How conceited! As we see from our passage today, even in the face of a full blown healing from the Son of God, nine out of ten people were unthankful. Should we expect any less? Rather we should be grateful that we get to share in our Lord's ministry to others. 

Recently my seven year old asked me which things in life are a "privilege" (he likes to ask deep philosophical questions like that). I had to think hard before responding, "well if you look at it one way, everything in our life is a privilege, down to the air we breathe, because life is a gift from God" (my actual response was a little more mumbling and faltering than that). 

This devotion may be a little late for our national holiday of "Thanksgiving", but it's never too late to cultivate an "attitude of gratitude". It may not be easy to be thankful when things aren't going well, but it is God's will for us: "...in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

A Dwelling Place (Pt. 2)

"And I will sanctify the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar: I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to minister to me in the priest's office. And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the Lord their God." Exodus 29:44-46

One of the subjects most rich with symbols for the New Covenant in the Old Testament is the Tabernacle (i.e., "dwelling place"). 

God's people, the Israelites, had been rescued from Egypt (i.e., sin), and were on their journey toward the promised land. The Ten Commandments had been given, and now God was going to instruct Moses to set up a way in which sinful people could approach a Holy God. 

The first article of furniture you came across upon entering the fenced-in area was the brazen altar. This is where you gave your offering to the priests to be sacrificed and burned. As a "layperson" back then, that was the extent of your involvement with the process! All you could do was acknowledge yourself a sinner, and bring your animal to atone for your sins. The priests took it from there. 

The second article was the bronze laver - a large vessel filled with water. Here the priests would ceremonially cleanse themselves in order to be fit to enter the Holy Place.The Holy Place was constructed of tent poles overlaid with linen and animal skins, and contained three articles of furniture: the lampstand (i.e., menorah), the table of showbread, and the incense altar. The lampstand had seven branches, and  was to be lit continually - using pure olive oil - to illuminate the Holy Place. The table of showbread was to be freshly stocked weekly with unleavened bread as a reminder of the Israelite's flight from Egypt. The altar of incense was thought to contain the prayers of the people. Behind this was a richly embroidered heavy curtain, beyond which lay the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was positioned, containing the Ten Commandments and Aaron's budded rod. This is where the actual Presence of God dwelt. 

Sometimes I think about how awesome it would have been in Holy Place. Quiet and muffled from the thick animal skins; dimly lit with the menorah as the only light; fragrant with fine incense. And the very presence of God on the other side of the curtain! I can well sympathize with David as he wanted to "dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple" (Psalm 27:4). 

The Bible is clear that Jesus has made a way for us to enter the Most Holy Place by his Body and Blood (see Hebrews 10:19-20), and that there is no longer need for the Tabernacle or the sacrificial system. Yet the Tabernacle setup can still teach us about how to approach God. 

First we come to the brazen altar. Here, being delivered from sin (i.e., Egypt), all we can do is lay down our lives as a living sacrifice (see Romans 12:1). But now there is more! Christ has made us priests to our God! (see Revelation 5:9-10). Having cleansed us with the washing of water with the Word  (i.e., the bronze laver, see Ephesians 5:26), we are now fit to enter the Holy Place. 

To our left stands the menorah, or, the sevenfold Holy Spirit (see Revelation 4:5), constantly and lovingly convicting our consciences , refining us, and lighting our path. To the right stands the Table of showbread, containing Christ's life-imparting body. We offer our now-acceptable prayers at the altar of incense, and have boldness to enter the holiest place. 

As I lamented in A Dwelling Place (Pt. 1), how carelessly we treat God's presence! The unlimited access God grants us should thrill our hearts toward a burning love toward our Savior. 

Let us enter boldly into the most holy place, and never take for granted the grace by which we stand, rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God! (Romans 5:1-2)

The Washing of the Word

"...that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word" Ephesians 5:26

Those of you who appreciate music may be familiar with the debate of "analog" versus digitally recorded music (if not, think LP records versus CDs). One website summarizes the difference this way: "Digital signals must have a finite set of possible values. That's the big difference between analog and digital waves: analog waves are smooth and continuous, digital waves are stepping, square, and discrete." Rock musician Neil Young described this difference as, instead of water pouring over you (analog), ice cubes are being poured over you (digital). Rock guitarist Carlos Santana similarly describes music as being "a complete ocean".

In our passage above (and elsewhere in the Bible), God's word is likened to water, and there is an ocean of water for us to swim and be cleansed in (cf. Ezekiel 47:1-5). Though we are cleansed from sin by the precious blood of Jesus, it is the daily reading, meditating, and applying this word to our lives that causes the "washing" and renewing of our minds (see Romans 12:2) Paul the apostle speaks of.

Unfortunately, some of us are still having an "ice cube" experience with God's word. We have a patchwork understanding of the bible, verses here and there clunking around in our heads, but no real organic, life-changing understanding. 

The apostle Peter tells us to "desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2). The Lord's brother James puts it this way: "receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21). 

So therefore we are to 1) desire God's word, and 2) approach it humbly. 

When by the Lord's grace I became "saved", God put in me an intense desire to study his word. I couldn't get enough of it. The universal testimony of Christians throughout the centuries is that a strong desire to read and understand God's word is felt. Unfortunately in today's churches many do not desire to read God's word, and the church suffers accordingly.

For those who do desire the word, however, the word is often not received with meekness. As I grew in my faith I developed spiritual pride, and interpreted the bible as I wanted to, which led me off course. The word translated "sincere" in the passage from Peter means "unadulterated". Although loose translations of the Bible have value, I believe someone only using loose translations will not ultimately be transformed, because too much of man's thought has already been inserted. We must approach God's "pure" word with our preconceived ideas set aside. 

The final step to keep us on track is to compare scripture against itself (see 1 Corinthians 2:13) to make sure we are not taking passages out of context.

The washing of God's word is a wonderful, ongoing experience that should be shared by all Christians. I leave you with a quote from a great scientist and medical doctor, Dr. Howard A. Kelly (professor of Gynecology at Johns Hopkins University from 1889 through 1940): "The very best way to study the Bible is simply to read it daily with close attention and with prayer to see the light that shines from its pages, to meditate upon it, and to continue to read it until somehow it works itself, its words, it expressions, its teachings, its habits of thought, and its presentation of God and His Christ into the very warp and woof of one's being."

Being a Fool for God

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence." 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

For anyone following this blog, this is another barefoot running post (exit now if you wish). For anyone unfamiliar, I run barefoot, for reasons I won't completely get into but can be partly found here if you're interested: A Firm Foundation. 

One of the reasons (if not the main reason) I gave up barefoot running years ago was that I feared what people would think of me (when I think of the alternatives I tried, from sandals to socks with rubber sprayed on the bottom, honestly I wonder what I was embarrassed about!). But recently as I got into running again and tried yet more "minimalist" footwear, I perceived that, for whatever reason, this was something God was testing me on. 

We often think God will test us in something heroic where everyone will look and say: "wow, what a man (or woman) of God!" I don't know about you, but my experiences aren't like that. God seems to test me in (seemingly) ridiculous little things, where even those closest to you don't understand what you're up to. Thus, you end up being a "fool".

So off I went up the hill on my lunch run, sans shoes. To my surprise however, as my colleagues slowly found out, I got more respect and curiosity than mocking. So one lesson I've gleaned from the experience is that most of our fears are unfounded (we are entering into the winter, however, and the "feet shall hit the road" so to speak as I see the reactions as I continue into the cold weather!). 

Another result I've reaped in this endeavor (other than increasing fitness and sheer fun) is that I find I'm emboldened in my witness for Christ (i.e., if you can handle running past a crowd of people barefoot during a winter day you can certainly talk to people about God!) Actually I believe this to be the main reason God was testing me: to lose some of my inhibitions.
 
Let us be clear, we are not being fools for foolishness' sake, we are simply being obedient. Some will mock us to be sure: this has been promised us (see 2 Timothy 3:12). However, many will be attracted to our "foolishness", wondering what is behind it when they see our unconcern for what others think. Those who never let themselves become "foolish" for God will only have their "boast" in themselves, not in God. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to become fools for Your Name sake, that we may boast in You alone and attract others to You. Amen.

God's Frequency

"If any man have ears to hear, let him hear." Mark 7:16

I have an amateur interest in frequencies: AM radio, shortwave radio, VHF scanners, you name it. I even have a frequency generator "app" on my phone which gives the corresponding tone to a frequency. Sometimes I see if I can guess the frequency to the note I'm hearing in my head (weird, huh? This is the kind of stuff that drives my wife crazy). 

We've all had cheap radios where it's frustrating to tune in to the station we want to, and I swear they're getting cheaper. Most of them don't have the "fine tuning" dial any more, and you're forced to accept whatever frequency the manufacturer has pre-programmed. Add to this all the competing frequencies in the air. If we can't tune in what do we get? Static. 

As "baby" Christians, we were "cheap radios". God's knew we didn't know what we were doing, so He "pre-programmed" some easy-to-find stations with music that was sweet to our ears, and we were happy and content. Then all of a sudden some of those stations didn't work anymore. He replaced our "pre-set" buttons with a manual knob, and we needed to search harder to find a clear station. And when it was clear, it was not what we wanted to hear! What's more, there was some evil radio programmer jamming the airwaves with hurtful garbage! (see Ephesians 2:2) Some of us became annoyed with the Designer of the instrument, but what we didn't know is that we were being re-built into fine instruments capable of hearing the softest sounds (see 1 Kings 19:12). 

The Body of Christ(i.e., the church) today is suffering from what I would call "spiritual static". We have many supposed leaders running to and fro, without any real discernment as to what we should actually be doing. This is because we are not in tune with God's "frequency". 

When we think of frequencies and "getting in harmony", unfortunately these terms have been hijacked in the spiritual realm by New Age religions. But God is the originator of these these! It's time the Body of Christ takes these terms back. For example,recently I've run across a harpist on the internet who claims to know the original pitch (i.e., frequency) King David was playing in, and that this specific frequency (A=444 Hz for you musicians) was given by God and (at least partly) responsible for the healing power David achieved with his harp (see 1 Samuel 16:23). Although I'm extremely wary of the idea of using frequencies for healing, I'm finding the concept interesting, to say the least. (Needless to say, I've begun tuning my guitar to 444!)

Regardless of frequencies in the physical realm, however, God's aim is for us to be more and more attuned to His will. May we allow Him to make us fine-tuned instruments of His, capable of hearing the softest whisper in an age of static.

On the Fence

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Romans 12:1

I've heard it said that there are only two truly happy kinds of people in this life: those who have given themselves fully to God, and those who have given themselves fully over to the pleasures of this world. Everybody else in between is basically operating at different levels of misery. I tend to agree with this assessment.

Of course judgement awaits the second group of people (in addition to not truly being "happy"), but scripture tells us that those of us "on the fence" will have to give account of our lives to God (see Romans 14:10). 

The Bible is full of messages for us to "get off the fence". Joshua famously told the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land to "choose you this day whom ye will serve" (Joshua 24:15). Elijah told the people during the reign of the wicked Ahab: "How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal (i.e., Satan), follow him.."(1 Kings 18:21). And the risen Lord Jesus told the church of Laodicea: "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16). 

Strong words from "gentle Jesus, meek and mild"! The overall theme of these scriptures is for us not to take God's great salvation for granted. 

But why are we so reluctant to give ourselves fully to God? 

Some of us are afraid of what our friends might say. Some have fallen for Satan's lie that all earthly enjoyment will be taken away. Still others of us hold on to those one or two "precious" sins we refuse to let go of (though we may rationalize it away as not sin - see Luke 18:18-23). 

Friends, this is no kind of life to live during our short time on this earth. What we are essentially doing is choking the flow of God's Spirit in our life. His purpose for us will never fully be realized, and if we continually harden our heart, we risk joining those going to perdition (see Hebrews 6:4-6). 

God has great plans for us (see Jeremiah 29:11). The Promised Land Joshua (i.e., Jesus) was leading his people to in the Old Testament represents not life after death as some believe, but eternal life beginning now. God is looking for full commitment from His people, so they can live in victory each day, and be a "sweet savour" of His presence (2 Corinthians 2:14-16) wherever they go. Let us give ourselves fully to Him so we may have this honor and let His purpose be fully realized in our lives. 

Happiness

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

 As an early Christian (and certainly before) I wasn't always a very "happy" person. I was very moody - some would say depressive - and I had no problem letting my face show it. If someone had quoted the above verse to me I probably would have muttered an expletive under my breath.

Most of you probably have heard a sermon on, or are familiar with the concept of "joy" versus "happiness". We are usually told that "joy" is something within that is constant and not necessarily expressed outwardly, as opposed to "happiness" which is a fleeting feeling expressed by our face, etc. 

I would agree with this observation, but I would also suggest to you that "joy" and "happiness" are one in the same, and the problem is in our idea, as well as source, of happiness. 

I just did a word search for "rejoice" in the Bible (New American Standard Version), and I was surprised to find many entries in the book of Deuteronomy, all of which were expressed in the form of a command to "rejoice" over God's provision.  I then looked up the Hebrew definition of the word to make sure I wasn't missing something, but the word literally means "to be brighten up", or "to be cheerful". Now I don't know if you can draw a distinction between "cheerfulness" and "happiness", but I can't. The Greek word for "rejoice" has pretty much the same meaning, as does both the Hebrew and Greek word for "blessed", and scripture tells us it is a perennial state we are supposed to be in.

Therefore we are to be happy all the time. This is where our society-defined concept of "happiness" has missed the mark, I believe. It's more than just a feeling, or something our facial muscles are doing. We don't need to sport a ridiculous smile on our face all the time: anyone can do that (although we certainly aren't to be walking around frowning all the time!*). Our happiness comes from within rather than circumstances, and the source of it is none other than God himself. 

Therefore if God's command to us is to "rejoice", happiness is more of a choice we make than a specific feeling. I wish I had known this when I was a depressed Christian. Instead I just became passive and waited for something or someone to lift me out of it. This is not the scriptural way to happiness. The scriptural way is found in Romans 15:13: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Happiness was just around the corner, I just needed to look up. 

Looking "within" for happiness, as the world tells us, is just a "rabbit hole" of concentric circles where we just get more and more wrapped up in ourselves. But when we look up to God the source of happiness, He will fill us with joy and peace, and the ability to pass that happiness on to others. 

* like a "racoon sucking on a lemon" my former pastor used to say

A Dwelling Place (Pt. 1)

"I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob." Psalm 132:4-5

All of us have had that experience of something being "not right" within us. Work and our daily tasks seem impossible to do because we are unsettled and can't focus. We usually deal with this feeling in one of two ways: we press pass the feeling through busyness until the state is forgotten, or we take time before God to find out what it is that's troubling our soul. 

Many of you probably know that the Old Testament is rich is allegory with the spiritual truths of the New Testament. One prominent symbol or "type" in the Old Testament is the ark of the covenant. During the period of which King David was speaking in the Psalm above, the nation of Israel was in a state of unrest. King Saul had proven himself unworthy for the throne, and the nation sort of "informally" followed David, as he led them in battle. But Israel didn't yet have an "official" kingdom set up . Only when the ark came to its rightful place - the temple in Jerusalem - could God's kingdom be set up on earth. David knew this, and wouldn't rest until it was so.

God has, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, decided to set up His holy temple in the human heart today.  For anyone familiar with the lengths to which the ark of the covenant had to be carefully treated, this should strike fear and awe (as well as joy) in our hearts. With what carelessness we deal with God's presence! Our number one priority should be to make sure our temple is prepared and "in it's right place" for the "ark of the covenant" (i.e., the Holy Spirit) to occupy it.

We prepare ourselves for God's presence and assure that we are "right with God" by living a "lifestyle of repentance". That is, we are continually turning from sin and to God in our daily lives. Even the altar of God's presence was cleansed with blood (for the sins of the people). Once we have done this (i.e., believe the blood of Christ has cleansed our sins), we may enter the "Holy of Holies", and experience communion with God. (See Hebrews Ch. 9) It really is as simple as that.

Let us be clear, however, that it is not "feelings" we go by to determine whether God is "with us" or not , for they are deceitful (see Jeremiah 17:9). It is by the communion of our spirit with God's Spirit that we know we are "right" with God as well as "standing upon" what His Holy Word says, when our thoughts and feelings are in contradiction. . Thus not every time we are "feeling bad" are we "out of sorts" with God. We need, therefore, to distinguish between natural and spiritual troubles*.  This is the deeper life of walking with God, and it is a lifelong process.

David knew the only way the nation of Israel could be "right" was if God was in His rightful place in their lives. Let us prepare our temples to let God have full reign in our lives, so His kingdom come and will be done here on earth. 

*  It is my experience that people in general are quick to assign "natural" causes ("tired", "something they ate", e.g.) to their problems, and are simply wanting a quick fix.

Renouncing All You Have

“So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” Luke14:33

I was recently struck by the above Revised Standard Version (RSV) translation of this verse. Did a word jump out at you, too? The word I’m thinking of is “renounce”. 

Most bible versions translate this word (Greek: apotassomai) as “forsake” or “give up”. These are indeed acceptable translations, since the word literally means “to say adieu” to something. But words like “forsake” or “give up” give the idea that we are supposed to literally give all our earthly possessions away (or at least be willing to). 

On the other hand, the word “renounce” is defined in Webster’s dictionary as: “to disown; to disclaim; to reject; to refuse to own or acknowledge as belonging to”; and I believe this is the attitude God wants us to have toward our possessions. 

At first this may seem like a cop-out or twisting of scripture: “Yay, we get to keep the wide screen TV!” But in reality I think the concept of renouncing is even more demanding. You see, the idea of giving things away and living a simpler, even ascetic life is not specific to Christianity, and may even be desirable for some (i.e., some of us might just want to get rid of our junk!). But the idea of renouncing at its heart really means to put everything we have on this earth at the Lord’s disposal.

The next word in the passage I want to look at is “cannot”. Most translations word it this way, but really the Greek literally means “to not be able to”. This may not seem different to you than “cannot”, but listen to it in context: “...whoever of you does not renounce all that he has will not be able to be my disciple”. Notice the difference? To me it means, rather than God making a decision of whether or not we are disciples, the onus, or, responsibility, is on us. 

It is human nature to avoid responsibility. A common question Christians get asked is “why would a loving God send people to hell?” A careful student of the bible will know that scripture does not teach any such thing. Everyone will be held responsible for their own decisions. Anything less is not free will. 

In the same way God calls us into a relationship with Him which the Bible calls being a disciple, or “learner” of Christ. He does not compel anyone to do this, nor does the Holy Spirit “control” anyone, but He lovingly beckons the person, and lets them make their own decision. The only question is whether they will follow.

We may preach about giving or "stewardship" in our churches, but at its root it’s all about discipleship. In reality discipleship supersedes the stewardship issue, because from our scripture we can see that a church full of [Jesus’ definition of] disciples doesn’t need to worry about its finances, because everything has already been laid at the Lord’s disposal! 

God is lovingly calling us to be disciples of Christ. Will we heed the call?