Salvation Space

Safe Salvation Space

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” -Philippians 2:12-13

We often view salvation as a one-and-done experience. This verse casts doubt on that assumption. But what does Paul mean by "work out your salvation," and how do we apply it? I believe much of it comes down to making all the aspects of the gospel fit together, without neglecting anything. For example, the current church seems to be split on whether forgiveness or obedience is more important. But if we want to experience that promised ever-increasing glory, we must recognize that they depend on one another. (2 Cor. 3:18) So no one side is more important than the other.

For example, the legalist who is all about obedience. While they may recognize that we need God’s grace to wipe the slate clean so that we may start over as flawless. However, they are hesitant to offer any more forgiveness beyond that. Never allowing that "safe space" to stumble and skin our proverbial knees from time to time as we learn to walk with Jesus. If they had worked out their salvation themselves, they would have dealt with that plank in their own eye. Then they would know how to assist others in their walk of salvation, instead of just condemning and criticizing them for their failures. (Matt 7:3-5) Clearly, they have only whitewashed their hearts in their own strength to avoid judgment (Matt 23:27-28) rather than be vulnerable with their own brokenness. In the end, obedience-centered churches only teach each other how to repeatedly whitewash the cracks that keep coming back to the surface. This is not the path that leads to fulfilling his "good purposes." Consider this: the verses above are part of a broader passage about Christ-like humility, something most legalists lack. Plus, Paul acknowledges that they were already obedient. Yet apparently obedience alone did not make their salvation complete.

This more recent phenomenon of grace-centered churches is a response to the legalists. They recognized the problem, only to overcorrect. Often getting into an endless cycle of failing in the same way, but never learning anything from it. This frequent backsliding often leads to completely ignoring righteousness and obedience altogether. Putting the forgiveness that they are so grateful for on a pedestal, but never using it for its intended purpose. To start over with Godly wisdom and strength that leads to more consistency. That eventually leads to the glory of being set apart for his "good purposes."

Ultimately, the church needs to be a place of support where we can work out our salvation, inevitable falls, immature beliefs, and all. (Romans 14) Since experience is often the best teacher, with the Lord directing our steps and all. (Proverbs 16:9) But do we allow the church to be that? More often than not, we see opposite extremism. All because we want to control our own path, and the paths of others. A course that tries to take shortcuts around the sensitive issues we would just assume avoid.

The grace extremists seem to want just enough salvation to keep them out of hell, but nothing more. They don’t want anything interfering with their own plan for prosperity. Including letting go of the sinful emotional pain-killers they use to mask the brokenness that they don’t want to face. But is obviously holding them back. When the chips are down, they just won’t put their heart on the line for any kind of transformation, let alone service. (Romans 12:2)

Where the obedience extremists are too caught up in their Old Testament frame of mind. Do what I say that God says, or be destroyed. This only feeds their pride, self-righteousness, superiority complex, and their desire to seek and condemn the lost. They don't want to get involved in the messy lives of others, since it reveals the whitewash over their own mess. Try reading all of Matthew 23. The average legalist has made so many of the same mistakes that the Pharisees did. Proving they are not nearly as righteous or obedient as they claim. That they fail in their own rigid Biblical standard, and show they need the additional grace that they deny others.

This isn't even the half of it. The fact of the matter is, many churches have plateaued in their spiritual immaturity. Stuck in the incomplete foundational truths of the gospel. Unsuitable for building his "good purposes" upon. (Hebrews 6:1) Yet we wonder why the church seems so powerless. 

The Visual PARABLEist

Broken Legs

Be Kind. . . or else!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28

Good is a rather broad and vague word that can mean many things. For example, if we only look at the first part of the verse above, we may want to assume that good means easy or pleasant. However, if you take note of the second part about being called to purpose, we will realize this is not a self-centered form of good. Fortunately, the original Greek gives us some insight. That indicates a beneficial form of good.

So if we go back just a few chapters, we find this. “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. -Romans 5:3-4

While character and hope are certainly beneficial. It also reveals that we may have to suffer to obtain that benefit. So this good that Paul speaks of in Romans 8 is not necessarily easy or pleasant.

I bring this up because we have a similar conundrum in the 21st century with the word "kind." Both progressive politics and certain segments of the church have adopted a mantra of “be kind and accept everybody,” As if this is our only goal, because that alone should fix everything. All because there is a similar false assumption behind it. That kindness is always easy and pleasant. Let me put this into perspective with a few quotes.

“Charity is injurious unless it helps the recipient to become independent of it.” -John D Rockefeller

Providing for the poor may be good in the short term. Yet if it only enables generational poverty, it is far from beneficial. Education is not easy, and maturing is not always pleasant, but it is a benefit in the long run when it delivers us from poverty. So who is kinder in the end? The one who only supplies your needs on a day-by-day basis, keeping you dependent on them for their good? Or the one who prepares you to fulfill your own needs, so you can live independently of charity?

“Certainly, no sane person enjoys hurting another. But we must be willing to risk hurting one another as well as being hurt, if we are to bear life to our relationships. A surgeon, for example, is not a knife-wielding thief. In fact, what surgeons do intentionally causes pain—and we pay them to do it, because we all agree that the immediate pain of the operation is preferable to the long-range pain of continued illness.” -Gordon Dalby

True healing often comes very painfully. This is true of not just flesh, but of emotions, and the spirit as well. Yet under this “be kind” mantra, we are unwilling to risk questioning anyone for any reason so as not to hurt their feelings. Only to allow these spiritual cancers to fester and destroy us slowly from within. Again, what is most important here? Short-term delicate politeness, or long-term and unpleasant emotional healing?

Here is the caveat. This directly follows the last verse. “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” -Romans 5:5

To maintain the healing metaphor, shame is like performing surgery without anesthesia. So it’s only natural to distance ourselves from the excessive and unnecessary pain of shame, even if it’s supposedly intended for good. Shame is a poor motivator that way. Yet I see so many on both sides of the fence trying to reshape the world by shaming people into submission. Hence, people embracing this “be kind” mantra. Even if they are just as willing to wield shame like a madman with a machete, if you don’t apply kindness the same way that they do. Hence my title, be kind. . . or else! Such people are not really following the Spirit of love this way, despite their claims to the contrary.

Ultimately, God's discipline is there to help us succeed, not to condemn anyone. We should have the same attitude towards others. But if we take more pleasure in shaming people in our self-righteousness than helping them to succeed, we are only serving our pride, not God’s truth.

“Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers.” -Psalms 141:5

The Visual PARABLEist

The sword is a Biblical symbol of God's authority. The significance of a double-edged sword is that one edge always points towards self. We have no business holding others accountable to a standard we don't hold ourselves to. Accountability makes us less hasty in drawing blood, so to speak. 

Musing Psalm 51

I mentioned watching a sermon series on the Psalms of Lament last time. Yet what I didn’t mention is my own drawing series based upon the Psalms. A series I let slip because I got stuck on 48. However, these sermons inspired me to pick it back up again. This time, focusing only on what genuinely inspired me rather than trying to be exhaustive. Then I got to 51, which kicked the inspiration into high gear. After making two separate drawings on 51, I recalled drawing inspiration from 51 before. Technically, I made the drawing first to express a feeling, only to find a verse that matched it soon after. Upon realizing this, I read it again, only to be inspired to do two more drawings. Even as I write this, I feel the urge to do more. So here I am sharing the experience.

51: A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. . . Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. -verses 1-2 & 7-9

While two separate sections, they relay the same thing. David humbling himself before God. The repetition indicates a deep level of honest regret. Owning his sin without anymore excuses. We should follow this example.

Cleanse me with Hyssop

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For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. -verses 3-5

This defies the pop-culture notion that “people are basically good.” That the sinful nature is, in reality, inherent. Not every sin stems from a past trauma; sometimes it’s just plain selfish want. We need to be honest with ourselves on this one and deal with our issues accordingly if we want to overcome.

The Sinful Nature

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Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. . . Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. -verses 6 & 10

With that being said, verses 3-5 were never meant to be used as an excuse. We have also been given the means to overcome, and those things come from the hand of God, not mere willpower. While the rest of the Psalm is seldom quoted, verse 10 is often cited outside the context of the chapter's honesty and transparency. Here lies a huge problem in the current church. A desire for the benefit, without the discipline and humility it takes to succeed. (1st Peter 5:6-7) This is one of the reasons why we backslide.

The Secret Place

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Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. -verses 11-12

When we feel far from God, our spirit can grieve. We often feel obliged to stay away from God out of guilt in these moments. However, that’s the exact opposite of what we should do. The weakness of our flesh tends to drag down our spirits. Only God can lift them back up again, so seek his face rather than retreat. (Matthew 26:11)

Stand in the Rain

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Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. -verses 13-15

Much like what Matthew 7:3-5 indicates. It’s only by overcoming the trial for ourselves can effectively teach others to do the same. Instead of merely defining a standard, we never lived up to it. We all struggle to live up to righteousness in our own strength due to our inherent sinful nature. That is why whitewashing is still so prevalent today. We keep it from the one who wants to help.

He also blurs the line between correction and praise. Indicating that we need to stop compartmentalizing worship away from holiness. This is a Psalm after all. Imagine someone writing a praise song about the tribulations of adultery today. Yet scripture sets the precedent. Would it not be fair to say God would be more pleased with sincere repentance than empty words? 

Teaching of Righteousness through praise

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You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. -verses 16-17

On the surface, David is technically violating Mosaic law by not making a sin offering. But if we look deeper, you may realize that animal sacrifices were meant to teach us that sin brings death into the world, and costs us something. Something he was already experiencing through his dying child of said adultery. He had already had nine months to repent; he should have made that ritual sin offering before Bathsheba gave birth. His reluctance to confess up to this point only made it all worse. Also, David knew the truth behind the practice of ritual sacrifice: sincerity. A rote transaction would have done no good at all. We would do well to be as remorseful and honest in our repentance.

Contrite Heart

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May it please you to prosper Zion, to build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, in burnt offerings offered whole; then bulls will be offered on your altar. -verses 18-19

Why is David bringing up Zion and Jerusalem all of a sudden? As king, he acknowledges that his position is not just a privilege, but a huge responsibility. That his sin has had consequences beyond just himself. He uplifts the nation of Israel, for whom he is responsible, so they may not suffer for his mistakes. Have we learned from his mistake by accepting responsibility for our own actions as well? Or do we just say our choices are our business alone, despite how it may be trickling down onto others?

Spill Over

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This Psalm is all the more poignant in an age that shuns correction and absolutes. That wants to rationalize self-destructive behavior. As well as marginalize consequences wherever we can. But nothing can erase the harm to our immortal soul other than God's grace. We should ask ourselves, what is our Bathsheba? What are we doing to try to hide or make excuses for it? Why don’t we just admit that our reluctance to face it honestly is greatly hindering our walk with Christ?

The Visual PARABLEist

Whitewashed planks

I had been watching a sermon series online about the Psalms of Lament. Or sorrow and mourning, to use more common speech. One-third of the Psalms fit into this category. The seldom quoted and rarely preached upon third. Only to follow up with something far more straightforward, in the words of the minister. Which makes me wonder if his church didn’t respond very well to it. As unsurprising as this is, we still need to ask ourselves why.

Scripture says it so many times, and in so many ways, that righteousness and wholeness are internal. (Matt 12:33-37, 23:25-26 & 15:19-20) Yet we seem so reluctant to go there and face ourselves. Many even seem to act as if it is wrong. All because that is where the root of our sorrow lives, and we assume it’s for the best to just leave it alone. Granted, some seem to be addicted to their misery and are only looking for excuses, not solutions. Yet, the very fact that the Psalms of Lament exist indicates that you really do have to face it to heal it, instead of shunning your sadness altogether.

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.” -2nd Corinthians 7:10-11

Sorrow, like so many other things, has two sides to it. Yet if we make no distinction and shun all of it for fear of the bad side. We also lose its benefits. So, have we inadvertently turned Jesus into a whitewash for the planks we don’t want to deal with? (Matt 7:3-5 & 23:27-28) Meaning we just use him as a broad blanket answer for everything. Without any applicable advice on how to put the transformed born-again life into actual practice. Especially if it means facing the brokenness within. Leaving so many unchanged and nothing to offer the lost but more whitewash. We can’t give what we never had after all.

“. . . first take the plank out of your own eye, and THEN you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” -Matthew 7:5

If a repairman told you that your foundation is collapsing, would you just repaint the house and call it good enough? Of course not, that would be ridiculous. So why are we effectively doing the same with our spirits? True wholeness, for which your holiness is dependent, requires overcoming the brokenness in our hearts. Until we do that, our faith is mostly just a facade.

“Discipline without healing doesn’t work real well over time, and it can do great damage to our hearts. . . ” -John Eldredge

Here is the good news. God wants to be part of a real solution. This isn’t a clean yourself up so you can become worthy of approaching him, as in the Old Testament. It’s about seeking him through study and honest prayer so he can cast a light on those dark places you’ve been avoiding. Then he will show you what to do about it beyond mere camouflage. 

So let me remind you of something I always teach about prayer. Expect anything. People can have tunnel vision with prayers when we assume they have to be answered in a particular way. Especially when praying about the rotten fruit of our sin, because God will likely redirect you to the wounds that they take root in. So if you find your mind wandering during prayer, you don’t necessarily need to abruptly stop and get back on track. Consider what it has wandered to, and how it may relate to your issues. It may just be God nudging you towards real answers.

The Visual PARABLEist

A few Psalms of Lament 6, 13:2-3, 25:16-18, 27:9-10, 31:9-12

Seek and WHAT the Lost?

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” -Luke 19:10

Jesus made this rather straightforward statement in reference to one of the lowest in that culture. Despite that, many church people often have a tendency to implement a seek and destroy mentality towards the undesirable, just as the world does. While we can’t be that surprised that the world submits to the sinful nature of the flesh this way. We should be aghast when Christians make the same rationalizations.

“Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” - Ecclesiastes 9:4

Once it’s over, there are no further chances to repent. So who are we to take that from anyone? To act otherwise just tells me that many believers are more concerned with their comfort in this world than the treasures in heaven that await us. (Matt 6:19-21)

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are Spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”-Galatians 6:1-2

Tempted to what? It doesn’t specify, but what are our default reactions? Impatience, unkindness, rudeness, criticism, condemnation. Everything but help people with their burdens until they are strong enough to stand on their own.

“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” -Romans 12:19

Do we truly have faith that God is in control? Or are we just trying to play God when we show contempt for the lost? All because we are too eager to see people experience punishment.

“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.” -Proverbs 24:17-18

Again, we shouldn’t be too surprised when the world does this. They care not for God’s approval after all. However, we should guard our hearts when they reveal what they truly have stored within them. Recent events have proven that it only stirs up more anger and animosity. (Proverbs 4:23, Luke 6:43-45, James 1:20)

“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”-Matthew 7:2

Are you judging with grace, mercy, and understanding, or just malice, wrath, and disgust? Whatever measure we use, it’s destined to come back on us. Is that a good thing?

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” -Romans 12:14

Imagine if we really did this. Took the time to pray for those who want our destruction. Doing so without assumption, judgment, or trying to control the outcome. Treating our own blessing as secondary in a truly Christ-like way.

Let’s face it, the church has been fast and loose with a lot of these verses. This has only enabled the world to play the victim, making it hard to correct anybody anymore. Perhaps it's time to back off and allow room for God to move on this one. Until the world suffers the consequences of its own actions, rather than just our vicious tongues. They are never going to have reason to reconsider their choices until it’s the choice itself that bites. Then it will be our time to offer a hand up, rather than a condemning lecture. Which only inspires a flame of seek and destroy to emerge in their heart.

“Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.” -Proverbs 9:7-8

Let me close by asking you this. When did Jesus win over anyone by reason alone? He frequently tried to reason with the Pharisees and teachers of the law. Yet it never yielded a thing. While he had to do that for the sake of future generations, he must have known their hearts were too hard to turn. Maybe that’s why he framed so much through parables and figures of speech. (Matt 13:34, John 10:6) It encourages people to look beyond their initial reactions and preconceived notions. It’s surely why he put so much effort into offering mercy and care to the lost instead. These are the people he reached. Still, modern teachers waste their time trying to reason with the unreasonable. Never stopping to consider that behind every unreasonable person is a broken and hurting person just wanting a little understanding.

The Visual PARABLEist

“The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’”
-Matthew 25:40

Temple of the bootstrap

One thing that I have learned as a Christian educator, which they may not address directly in seminary, is to consider your audience. I’ve noticed that ministers tend to try to gather people where they are, instead of meeting the church where they are. Often forgetting that it took them years, or even decades, to get where they are. Only to assume that they can get the church up to speed with one sermon. I myself have been guilty of this in my younger years. However, I think the reason is more complicated than being arrogant about our abilities as teachers.

Obstacles. I’ve worked with my fair share of churches and ministers. Most have made some sort of push on outreach. They spend weeks or sometimes even months outlining their vision. Only for a few to step up, if anyone at all. Clearly, there is some sort of personal obstacle in the way. Yet nobody ever wants to consider that, let alone identify these obstacles. They will double down on their vision, perhaps even triple. Yet they never want to take a step back and ask why. Let alone deal with these issues that keep people spiritually paralyzed. Maybe this stems from impatience. Perhaps they just don’t know how to address planks that they themselves have not dealt with. (Matt 7:3-5) At best, these ministers get frustrated and move on. At worst, they blame and accuse their church. What good is it to tell people to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps if they have been cut off at the knees? Nothing good comes from this.

Body of Christ. As Paul says in 1st Corinthians 12:12 “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.” Each part has its place and function. If a given minister is a hand in the body of Christ. He is naturally going to attract other hands. Teach them how to be better hands. Yet the body of Christ needs to be more than a hand. While some may recognize the wrists, arms, and elbows that assist them directly. They may not realize where the legs fit into their vision and neglect them. Yet at the same time, they wonder why the arm-centered church can't get into the right position. A clear sign they are using human wisdom, instead of following the Spirit.

In short, the universal church is suffering from tunnel vision. Making them blind to certain heartaches and the talents needed to address them. Consider this quote, which addresses a specific form of tunnel vision, to illustrate the ramifications of the problem.

‘When the Bible tells us that Christ came to “redeem mankind” it offers
a whole lot more than forgiveness. To simply forgive a broken man is like telling someone running a marathon, “It’s okay that you’ve broken your leg. I won’t hold that against you. Now finish the race.” That is cruel, to leave him disabled that way. No, there is much more to our redemption.’ -John Eldredge

About a year ago, I had the chance to guest speak at a church. One that has fallen on difficult times. So I made a point to meet them where they are, rather than where I am. I received such a positive response that I was invited back immediately. I eventually transferred my membership there. Not because I thought it would serve me and my vision. Rather, it was a place I could serve others with my actual talents, rather than someone else's. Not that I can save it all by myself. But if I can cast a few broken legs where needed, they will be one step closer to genuine redemption. Nobody needs a teacher who expects people to perform with broken hearts. So don't be that kind of disciple. 

The Visual PARABLEist

Working Backwards.

In a previous post, I made this statement. "Faith is ultimately a journey. As much as we may realize that we need to be at point D, we need to complete A-C first. That can be hard to do when everyone around you is fixated on points E or F and pushing you to meet them where they are. Disrespecting the process of Ever-increasing Glory. (2nd Cor. 3:18) Yet they never consider that so much lies beyond point F." Why do so many try to start at the end and work backwards? Especially since the results have been so poor. Let's elaborate by going through some verses.

“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. -Romans 14:1

Do we truly accept the one whose faith is weak? Or do we push people to meet us where we are in a quarrelsome way? If our faith is genuinely strong, why are we acting as if threatened by the weak? Rushing anything doesn’t exactly produce strength and quality. So, what is our motivation in defying this verse? One thing I now realize, looking back, is that I had to learn or experience some basic things first before I could truly accept certain higher truths. Or let go of some false assumptions, as the case may be. God knew that, even if everyone around me wanted me to take a shortcut for the sake of their comfort. So I try to keep that in mind as a teacher.

“And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” -1st Thessalonians 4:10-12

Do we lead a quiet life, or are we always shooting off at the mouth? Do we mind our own business and focus on our walk? Or do we neglect our responsibilities by micromanaging everyone else’s work? Granted, somebody needs to lead and coordinate everything, but is that person you? Are you building your church with a proper foundation, walls, plumbing, electrical, and a roof? Installing everything in proper order. Or are you pushing everyone to be an electrician because that is your gift, and you don’t want to work alone? Even if there are no walls to run your wiring through yet. Let’s face it, the outside world is scrutinizing everything the church does. Trying to find fault with anything they can. All the more reason to live a quiet life of example until we are mature enough to handle the scrutiny.

“Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” -Jude 1:22-23

Yes, we must correct people, but are we doing it with mercy? Doubt can't be alleviated by force after all.  Do we recognize that their battle with their flesh is the cause of their "dirty clothes?" The lack of mercy indicates a lack of patience and love on our end. So why aren’t we working on our merciless hearts and seeking help for our obvious issues first? Rather than be the blind person trying to lead the blind. Changing only the stained clothing repeatedly instead of addressing the corrupted flesh at the core of the issue. Then again, maybe if you surrounded yourself with fellow blind people, no one would expect you to move past your willful spiritual blindness to the real problem.

We can go deeper into this by reading Matthew 7:1-5. There, we will see that it is by overcoming that we learn how to help others do the same. Not by simply defining it. Yet what do we see more often, definitions or practical help? It’s a sign we are trying to lead people to places we have not been. Fixating on behavior and not where the behavior comes from. Never getting to the root of problems that inevitably spring back up repeatedly.

“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” -Mark 10:13-16

The disciples acted as if the children brought to Jesus were not good enough. Yet Jesus flips the script and exalts those being dismissed. So, what is the critical variable here? A child’s faith is very pure and uncomplicated. Is this not what adults take issue with? Children don’t understand with the same sophistication as adults do, to the same level that we think they should. Are adults not the same with each other? Trying to establish dominance in an utter lack of humility. In the end, we should consider that even complex theologies often come down to very simple application.

““I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.””-John 4:17-18

Consider how Jesus responds to the Samaritan woman. He focuses on the truth she told, not what she omitted. Most people these days would have fixated on the deception, only to put people in a defensive stance. Jesus is wise and loving enough to avoid this so he can continue engaging not only her but all of Samaria. Psychologists call this “the framing effect.” The basic gist is that how we present information can have a great impact on how open the receiver will be. It’s not hard to understand, yet so many allow their sinful nature to present everything so negatively, which only pushes people away. Granted, Jesus could be tough, but he was always hardest on the highly educated religious people. Yet offered the most grace to the lost. Why do church people often do the opposite?

“Love (agape) must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. (Phila) Honor one another above yourselves.” -Romans 12:9-10

Systematic methodologies don’t exactly produce sincerity. So why are we trying to make a formula about the application of everything? Especially things like agape love. Are we ultimately honoring others above ourselves in devotion to brotherly love? Or do we interpret, hate what is evil, as hate who is evil? Honoring self above others as a result.

When teaching or correcting, we must first and foremost be patient. Growth takes time. A baby doesn't learn to walk without falling many times, and we certainly don't criticize them when they do. We should be no different with a babe in Christ.  Then ask ourselves these questions of our own heart. Are you trying to do what’s right, or just be right? Are you really trying to build others up, or just establish your superiority? Are you really doing God’s will, or are you only serving your own comfort and convenience? These simple questions could greatly affect our teaching and correction for the better. Allowing us to play the long game. Keeping it from being utterly ineffective. (2nd Peter 1:1-11)

The Visual PARABLEist