I’m passing on a sermon series from a church, not my own, that I like to attend when I can. It meets Sunday evenings, and I go more in the summer when I have less obligations. Last summer they had this series called, “It’s Complicated: Sex, Dating, Friendship and Boundaries” that I really enjoyed. However, I missed a later four-week mini-series during "It's Complicated" on the topic of authentic manhood and womanhood. I first listened to it just this week, when I noticed it online after referencing the whole series in conversation. All four messages of the mini-series were powerful, but the ones defining godly young men and women impacted me the most.
Relating to my recent entries on God’s Word, the top characteristic named for both godly men and women was knowledge of, and active obedience to, The Bible. As the pastor discusses, our generation of Christians, as a whole, lacks the understanding of God’s Word to live as fully devoted followers of Christ. We only change that through reading our Word daily out of more than just obligation, studying it in depth, and getting sound doctrinal teaching from our church communities and other resources God has given -- and then living what we learn. I'm excited about the movement of churches that are working to target these deficiencies in our generation in particular, and what God can do through us when, as The Apostle Peter said, we crave the sincere “milk” – spiritual food – that is The Word – and grow as a result!
I also found the series insightful for the individual challenges that were given in separate sermons to men and women. Many characteristics of godly men and women were listed, but a few were focused on for each. The characteristics highlighted for men made me stop and pray for God to grow my brothers in Christ in these areas. The characteristics for women made me evaluate myself, and reminded me of my deep burden to disciple particularly younger women to recognize their true worth in Christ and avoid compromising for “happiness.” All of it comes back to having God’s Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths.
I am thankful for the promises of God – given in His Word – that are The Power followers of Christ have even at our “lowest” points – and how it is the key to impacting our world. I really encourage you to take some minutes to listen to both challenging messages – they are worth it! Here’s the first part, and the second part, both of which you can stream or download. Or, if you have an iPhone, you can search podcasts for Frontline Messages > Frontline Teaching Team > Download Number 47 – Biblical Manhood & Womanhood, Part 3 and Number 46 – Biblical Womanhood, Part 4. All are free. Also, you can check out the whole, 11-week series by the same methods.
Happy, powerful listening!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
thank YOU.
A couple years ago around Easter I bought this CD called “The Wonderful Cross” that has hymns and contemporary worship songs on Calvary. Today, from the CD, I was listening to a rendition of the worship song “Above All” by Rebecca St. James (an awesome, exemplary woman of God and tireless, passionate advocate of purity who just got engaged in January, btw:)). A few lines in the chorus say,
Listening today I was more struck by the ad lib than I have been in recent memory. I thought it an understatement— but a wonderful one.
“Thank you for thinking of me” is the kind of thing we usually say in response to someone's act that took a measure of effort - such as getting us a little gift. It’s not often associated with something as big as the God of the Universe sending His only Son as a payment for all my sin – so I can have life forever. That Act of sacrifice – love – is so beyond thoughtful that the adjective doesn’t do it justice. At least in the chorus of "Above All" the statement “and thought of me” is preceded by the words, “You took the fall” – which highlights a little better how grand His death is.
But that also was the beauty of the ad lib "Thank you for thinking of me” –it’s another reminder that, to Our Creator, a thought is more than just something that pops into His head, resulting in merely a neat little token of appreciation. A thought to Him is something big, something huge, something that reaches humanity – an entire world. His Word highlights that His thoughts – including the ones for us, are so beyond what we can imagine. Isaiah 55: 8-9 says,
I’m not sure how much sense these thoughts have made, I’m putting them down after a long day of many relections, but it’s what has meant the most to me during this year's celebration of a Good, Good day.
Thank you for The Cross, My Friend.
Crucified, laid behind a stoneAt the end of the song Rebecca ad libs, “Thank you for thinking of me.”
You lived to die, rejected and alone
Like a rose, trampled on the ground
You took the fall, and thought of me
Above all
Listening today I was more struck by the ad lib than I have been in recent memory. I thought it an understatement— but a wonderful one.
“Thank you for thinking of me” is the kind of thing we usually say in response to someone's act that took a measure of effort - such as getting us a little gift. It’s not often associated with something as big as the God of the Universe sending His only Son as a payment for all my sin – so I can have life forever. That Act of sacrifice – love – is so beyond thoughtful that the adjective doesn’t do it justice. At least in the chorus of "Above All" the statement “and thought of me” is preceded by the words, “You took the fall” – which highlights a little better how grand His death is.
But that also was the beauty of the ad lib "Thank you for thinking of me” –it’s another reminder that, to Our Creator, a thought is more than just something that pops into His head, resulting in merely a neat little token of appreciation. A thought to Him is something big, something huge, something that reaches humanity – an entire world. His Word highlights that His thoughts – including the ones for us, are so beyond what we can imagine. Isaiah 55: 8-9 says,
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,Jeremiah 29:11 also says this about the thoughts God has for us:
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."
11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."The Greatest Future believers in Christ have is eternity with Him, a reality present only because of The Cross – the result of a thought that had our perilous condition in mind:
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5: 6-8.I love Good Friday for the special opportunity to reflect on the agony that Christ suffered so that we can live far more abundantly. Because of The Cross, I can love more, give more, serve more – be more than I could ever even think of being on my own.
I’m not sure how much sense these thoughts have made, I’m putting them down after a long day of many relections, but it’s what has meant the most to me during this year's celebration of a Good, Good day.
Thank you for The Cross, My Friend.
Monday, April 18, 2011
The OldT Awards, Preview (The Word, Part 7)
I’m 19 books into my read through the Old Testament, just starting the Psalms. I can honestly say it’s mostly been an exciting, eye-opening experience. I’m getting a clearer, bigger picture of God’s character and heart for His People after seeing the many times He forgave them despite the fact that they kept blatantly disobeying His instructions.
Reading the often colorful accounts involving real-life characters in the early part of the Old Testament, I’ve also felt as though I’ve been through dozens of scripts for Hollywood Blockbusters and Critic’s Choice Films (some of which have actually been adapted for the big screen – take, for example, “The Ten Commandments” with Charlton Heston from the 50s, which retells, with twists, Moses’ biography. As kids my little brother and I saw it so many times because it was one of the few films we could watch. We even did makeshift "performances" of scenes from the film for our mom during more than one summer break, lol.)
Anyway, beginning near the end of Genesis, I found myself scribbling notes about the most memorable stories in the back of my Bible in a fashion that borrows from several Hollywood award shows (think something like The People’s Choice Awards, MTV Movie Awards and The Oscars, combined). Here I’m dubbing them “The OldT” Awards, short for “Old Testament,” of course. The observations are my way of reflecting on my read in a hopefully entertaining way. I’ll probably be sharing them over several entries. Here’s a little preview…
BEST (OR WORST) REVENGE: JACOB's SONS (@ The Shechemites)- Genesis 34
These boys took the phrase “Brother's” – or, more appropriately — “Sister’s” Keeper - quite far.
(A little genealogy for anyone unfamiliar: Abraham, known as “The Father of Many Nations,” had a son named Isaac. Isaac had two sons, Jacob and Esau. Jacob later received the name “Israel” after his struggle with God. Through Israel would come the “Israelites,” whose 12 tribes were named for Israel’s, or Jacob’s, sons and grandsons.)
Some of Jacob’s sons would exact revenge for their sister Dinah, who was raped by Shechem, a man from the foreign land Jacob’s family was living in, Canaan. (vv. 2-3). When the brother’s heard, they were filled with both grief and fury (v. 7). After the rape, Shechem’s father went to Jacob to ask for Dinah’s hand in marriage, saying that Shechem loved her. Shechem’s father also suggested that their families intermarry and settle together permanently (vv. 6; 8-10). The Bible says that in response to Shechem’s father’s request, Jacob’s sons deceitfully replied:
"15 We will give our consent to you on one condition only: that you become like us by circumcising all your males. 16 Then we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We’ll settle among you and become one people with you. 17 But if you will not agree to be circumcised, we’ll take our sister and go.”
The Bible says that the proposal “seemed good” to Shechem and his father, and they had every male from their city circumcised (v. 24). However, Jacob’s sons had other plans:
25 Three days later, while all of [the men] were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male.
They also looted the city, seized all the wealth in it and the women and children. (vv. 27 – 29).
When Jacob learned about Simeon and Levi’s actions, he said to them,
“You have brought trouble on me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” (v. 30)
Simeon and Levi’s reply?
“Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?” (v. 31)
That’s how the chapter – and story – ends. You judge!
PURITY POSTER BOY (aka "LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD"): JOSEPH
In other entries I’ve discussed my admiration for Jacob’s second-youngest son (who had nothing to do with the shenanigans of his “aforementioned” brothers, who also sold him into slavery, btw), so I won’t rehash. I love the fact that he was upright, successful and good-looking, and knew how to flee temptation – literally. He also knew something about forgiveness and accepting God’s plan for his life, no matter how challenging. An awesome guy, and great role model for today’s Christian Men!
MOST RELUCTANT TO TAKE A GOD-GIVEN ASSIGNMENT (In the early Old Testament): MOSES, Exodus 3
Runner Up: Gideon – Judges 6
We’ve probably all read the story of Moses at the burning bush. At the bush, on Mount Horeb, God called Moses to lead His people out of Israel. He certainly did not jump at the task! The award-winning sequence between God and Moses:
First, Moses asked: “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (v. 11)
God’s reply: “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” (v. 12)
Moses needed a few more questions answered. He probed: “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” (v. 13)
God’s response: “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (v. 14)
The God of the Universe, G-O-D, said He would have Moses’ back, but Moses was not satisfied. Then, God gave Moses more reassuring words – He promised to bring His people out of Egypt to a land flowing with milk and honey (v. 17), that the elders of Israel would listen to him and Pharaoh would not, but God would work miracles to change Pharaoh’s mind (v. 18-19).
Yet Moses persisted in his questioning. Kicking off another round, he asked:“What if [the Israelites] do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘the Lord did not appear to you?’” (Ex. 4: 1)
God replied by giving Moses signs that he could use to show the people: a staff that could turn into a snake (vv. 4-5); a hand that could become leprous, or clean, by taking it in and out of a cloak (vv. 7-8); and the ability to turn water from the Nile River to blood (v. 9).
To those superpowers, Moses replied: “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” (v. 10)
And Jehovah said: “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (v. 12)
Finally, Moses cuts to the chase (i.e., says what he really means): “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” (v. 13)
At that point, God basically said, “this conversation is over,” but still gave Moses a little more ammo to overcome his reluctance:
14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you. 15 You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. 16 He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. 17 But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it.” (vv. 14-17)
Commentary
I do not give a nod to Moses to single him out as an “unbelieving" soul, but to point out the humor in reading it, and how like us Moses was in responding. We sometimes think that if God gave us “burning bush” or “fleece” signs, we would follow Him more. But, truthfully, if we have an unbelieving heart and intend not to do something He calls us to do, not even fire straight from heaven would be enough to change our minds (and not to mention the fact that we now have the Word of God, full of accounts like this one about the result of ordinary folks like us trying to deflect God’s calling).
Yet God, knowing how we are formed – remembering that we are dust- still meets us where we are in our disbelief and gives us tools to help overcome our doubt. However, at some point we have to make the choice to accept His guidance – or face the consequences. When Moses decided to go along with The God of the Universe, he was used mightily. When he later chose to go his own way out of frustration over his circumstances and struck the rock instead of following God’s instructions, he paid the consequence of not getting to enter the Promised Land. It’s a great reminder to inventory the areas in our lives where God is moving us in a direction yet we are finding every excuse to ignore His lead. In those instances, we’re the one who miss the amazing plans He has for us.
Despite the very reluctant Moses in Exodus 3, his story also is that of a man who had one of the most important “raw materials” that God uses: humility. Number 12:3 states, “(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth).” At several points in his leadership, the Israelites decided it would be a good idea not to listen to the instructions God had given through Moses. In response, God kept vouching for Moses, in the presence of his haters.
On one occasion, also from Numbers 12, his own siblings, Miriam and Aaron, started trash talking Moses out of jealously. God literally came down from heaven to handle that one:
PSA
I am so thankful for The Word of God to guide our paths – and the real-life adventures in its pages that entertain us in the process. It has all the makings of great movies – including an Awesome Writer & Director. His takes always end up with just the right cuts, designed to fill us with hope. All we need to experience them is pick up the masterful pages of that Work we call the Word.
Coming Soon: More Awards…
Reading the often colorful accounts involving real-life characters in the early part of the Old Testament, I’ve also felt as though I’ve been through dozens of scripts for Hollywood Blockbusters and Critic’s Choice Films (some of which have actually been adapted for the big screen – take, for example, “The Ten Commandments” with Charlton Heston from the 50s, which retells, with twists, Moses’ biography. As kids my little brother and I saw it so many times because it was one of the few films we could watch. We even did makeshift "performances" of scenes from the film for our mom during more than one summer break, lol.)
Anyway, beginning near the end of Genesis, I found myself scribbling notes about the most memorable stories in the back of my Bible in a fashion that borrows from several Hollywood award shows (think something like The People’s Choice Awards, MTV Movie Awards and The Oscars, combined). Here I’m dubbing them “The OldT” Awards, short for “Old Testament,” of course. The observations are my way of reflecting on my read in a hopefully entertaining way. I’ll probably be sharing them over several entries. Here’s a little preview…
BEST (OR WORST) REVENGE: JACOB's SONS (@ The Shechemites)- Genesis 34
These boys took the phrase “Brother's” – or, more appropriately — “Sister’s” Keeper - quite far.
(A little genealogy for anyone unfamiliar: Abraham, known as “The Father of Many Nations,” had a son named Isaac. Isaac had two sons, Jacob and Esau. Jacob later received the name “Israel” after his struggle with God. Through Israel would come the “Israelites,” whose 12 tribes were named for Israel’s, or Jacob’s, sons and grandsons.)
Some of Jacob’s sons would exact revenge for their sister Dinah, who was raped by Shechem, a man from the foreign land Jacob’s family was living in, Canaan. (vv. 2-3). When the brother’s heard, they were filled with both grief and fury (v. 7). After the rape, Shechem’s father went to Jacob to ask for Dinah’s hand in marriage, saying that Shechem loved her. Shechem’s father also suggested that their families intermarry and settle together permanently (vv. 6; 8-10). The Bible says that in response to Shechem’s father’s request, Jacob’s sons deceitfully replied:
"15 We will give our consent to you on one condition only: that you become like us by circumcising all your males. 16 Then we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We’ll settle among you and become one people with you. 17 But if you will not agree to be circumcised, we’ll take our sister and go.”
The Bible says that the proposal “seemed good” to Shechem and his father, and they had every male from their city circumcised (v. 24). However, Jacob’s sons had other plans:
25 Three days later, while all of [the men] were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male.
They also looted the city, seized all the wealth in it and the women and children. (vv. 27 – 29).
When Jacob learned about Simeon and Levi’s actions, he said to them,
“You have brought trouble on me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” (v. 30)
Simeon and Levi’s reply?
“Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?” (v. 31)
That’s how the chapter – and story – ends. You judge!
PURITY POSTER BOY (aka "LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD"): JOSEPH
In other entries I’ve discussed my admiration for Jacob’s second-youngest son (who had nothing to do with the shenanigans of his “aforementioned” brothers, who also sold him into slavery, btw), so I won’t rehash. I love the fact that he was upright, successful and good-looking, and knew how to flee temptation – literally. He also knew something about forgiveness and accepting God’s plan for his life, no matter how challenging. An awesome guy, and great role model for today’s Christian Men!
MOST RELUCTANT TO TAKE A GOD-GIVEN ASSIGNMENT (In the early Old Testament): MOSES, Exodus 3
Runner Up: Gideon – Judges 6
We’ve probably all read the story of Moses at the burning bush. At the bush, on Mount Horeb, God called Moses to lead His people out of Israel. He certainly did not jump at the task! The award-winning sequence between God and Moses:
First, Moses asked: “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (v. 11)
God’s reply: “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” (v. 12)
Moses needed a few more questions answered. He probed: “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” (v. 13)
God’s response: “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (v. 14)
The God of the Universe, G-O-D, said He would have Moses’ back, but Moses was not satisfied. Then, God gave Moses more reassuring words – He promised to bring His people out of Egypt to a land flowing with milk and honey (v. 17), that the elders of Israel would listen to him and Pharaoh would not, but God would work miracles to change Pharaoh’s mind (v. 18-19).
Yet Moses persisted in his questioning. Kicking off another round, he asked:“What if [the Israelites] do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘the Lord did not appear to you?’” (Ex. 4: 1)
God replied by giving Moses signs that he could use to show the people: a staff that could turn into a snake (vv. 4-5); a hand that could become leprous, or clean, by taking it in and out of a cloak (vv. 7-8); and the ability to turn water from the Nile River to blood (v. 9).
To those superpowers, Moses replied: “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” (v. 10)
And Jehovah said: “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (v. 12)
Finally, Moses cuts to the chase (i.e., says what he really means): “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” (v. 13)
At that point, God basically said, “this conversation is over,” but still gave Moses a little more ammo to overcome his reluctance:
14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you. 15 You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. 16 He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. 17 But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it.” (vv. 14-17)
Commentary
I do not give a nod to Moses to single him out as an “unbelieving" soul, but to point out the humor in reading it, and how like us Moses was in responding. We sometimes think that if God gave us “burning bush” or “fleece” signs, we would follow Him more. But, truthfully, if we have an unbelieving heart and intend not to do something He calls us to do, not even fire straight from heaven would be enough to change our minds (and not to mention the fact that we now have the Word of God, full of accounts like this one about the result of ordinary folks like us trying to deflect God’s calling).
Yet God, knowing how we are formed – remembering that we are dust- still meets us where we are in our disbelief and gives us tools to help overcome our doubt. However, at some point we have to make the choice to accept His guidance – or face the consequences. When Moses decided to go along with The God of the Universe, he was used mightily. When he later chose to go his own way out of frustration over his circumstances and struck the rock instead of following God’s instructions, he paid the consequence of not getting to enter the Promised Land. It’s a great reminder to inventory the areas in our lives where God is moving us in a direction yet we are finding every excuse to ignore His lead. In those instances, we’re the one who miss the amazing plans He has for us.
Despite the very reluctant Moses in Exodus 3, his story also is that of a man who had one of the most important “raw materials” that God uses: humility. Number 12:3 states, “(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth).” At several points in his leadership, the Israelites decided it would be a good idea not to listen to the instructions God had given through Moses. In response, God kept vouching for Moses, in the presence of his haters.
On one occasion, also from Numbers 12, his own siblings, Miriam and Aaron, started trash talking Moses out of jealously. God literally came down from heaven to handle that one:
4 At once the LORD said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, “Come out to the Tent of Meeting, all three of you.” So the three of them came out. 5 Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the Tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them stepped forward, 6 he said, “Listen to my words:Our challenge is to, like Moses, humble ourselves in His sight despite our human mess so that He can use us for His glory.
“When a prophet of the LORD is among you,
I reveal myself to him in visions,
I speak to him in dreams.
7 But this is not true of my servant Moses;
he is faithful in all my house.
8 With him I speak face to face,
clearly and not in riddles;
he sees the form of the LORD.
Why then were you not afraid
to speak against my servant Moses?”
PSA
I am so thankful for The Word of God to guide our paths – and the real-life adventures in its pages that entertain us in the process. It has all the makings of great movies – including an Awesome Writer & Director. His takes always end up with just the right cuts, designed to fill us with hope. All we need to experience them is pick up the masterful pages of that Work we call the Word.
Coming Soon: More Awards…
Thursday, April 07, 2011
MEDITATE (His Way) (The Word, Part 6)
Meditation: it’s a word with many meanings.
Celebrities such as Russell Simmons, Tina Turner and Richard Gere have advocated for forms of daily meditation they practice. Simmons in particular has practiced various types over more than a decade, such as transcendental meditation, during which practitioners sit still and silently repeat an assigned Sanskrit word, or mantra, for 15-20 minutes in the morning and evening in efforts to reach a “deeper level of consciousness.” Closing an article praising this and other types of meditation he practices, Simmons called meditation a “path” to overcoming personal suffering and experiencing life as “intended,” which he described as “an ocean of energy, intelligence, and bliss.”
But comparing Simmons’ and other common forms of meditation to biblical meditation, they are at sharp odds. And the stark contrast is another reminder of how God’s Words and ways are so different from our world’s.
BIBLICAL MEDITATION v. POPULAR MEDITATION
Recently, I’ve read, watched and discussed topics that have led me to reflect on the meaning of various popular forms of meditation as compared to biblical meditation.
Many types of meditation are rooted in New Age philosophy, which is commonly accepted in our culture but contradicts Scripture.
In my mind “New Age” is somewhat of an amorphous concept. Although I know some about the philosophy and can identify many of its manifestations, I cannot carefully articulate it neatly in my own words. However, it has been described, (only somewhat neatly:),) as “a non-religious Western spiritual movement that…draw[s] on both Eastern and Western spiritual and metaphysical traditions and…infus[es] them with influences from self-help and motivational psychology, parapsychology, consciousness research and quantum physics. It aims to create a spirituality without borders or confining dogmas that is inclusive and pluralistic.”(In other words, its an amalgamation of ideas!)
A cornerstone of New Age philosophy is pantheism, the view that “God is in everything and everyone and that everyone and everything is God.” From that perspective, through engaging in various “self help” methods New Age teaching promotes, a higher, enlightened state can be reached – a “god” state. The common idea of being “spiritual but not religious" is often tied to New Age philosophy.
In contrast, Scripture teaches that there is only one God, and Jesus is the only way to Him. Further, believers in Christ are to follow God only and commit themselves to a study of distinct “dogma” – i.e., biblical doctrine, for spiritual growth.
Relating the philosophy to meditation, New Age teaching borrows from Eastern religious meditative practices, such as Buddhism. A major goal of the Buddhism is to put humans on a path to ending personal suffering, physical or mental, by eliminating desire, or craving, which is the “driving force of dissatisfaction” that breeds suffering. When the “craving is dispensed, suffering comes to an end and nirvana…a feeling of bliss and excitement” can be attained. Sean O’Callaghan, “The Compact Guide to World Religions,” pgs. 149, 151. The “Eightfold Path” to ending suffering includes the concepts of “right awareness” and “right concentration,” which call on people to make “right choices,” achieve peace and an increased sense of happiness through meditation. This relates to the feeling of experiencing life as “an ocean of energy, intelligence, and bliss” that Simmons has discussed.
Moreover, popular forms of meditation, also borrowing from Eastern religions such as Buddhism, teach that one gains a “spiritual awareness” from careful concentration of the mind that, in turn, allows the person to see things “as they really are.” In other words, achieving a “higher consciousness” is the impetus for revelation through meditation.
Biblical Meditation
Biblical meditation differs from meditation derived from New Age or other similar philosophies in several important ways.
“Material” Differences
First, the meditation “material” is different. While popular forms of meditation generally require a person to focus on a particular word, phrase or object, biblical meditation has far more material on which to focus. In the NIV (©1984), there are 16 references to the word “meditate.” Every single one describes meditation as focusing on aspects of God’s character, works, Word, or ways. Further, most of the references speak to meditating on His “statutes,” “laws” or “decrees,” meaning His Word. Some examples:
Joshua 1:8
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Psalm 1: 1-2
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 119: 15
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
Psalm 48: 9
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.
Psalm 77: 12
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
(The 16 uses of the word “meditate” in the NIV (©1984), all found in the Old Testament, are linked here)
“Method” Differences
Also, the method of biblical meditation is different. The Bible does not prescribe a specific “formula” or object for meditating on His Word – in fact, we are told to do it day and night – any and everywhere! We can be in a quiet place reading His Word, or we can memorize it, in public or private; reflect on it in prayer, spoken or written; listen to it through a song or a message. When we ingest it in several ways, all day long, we learn to set our minds on things above rather than earthly things, and to think excellent, praiseworthy things.
“Revelation” Differences
Further, the “revelation” is also different. Popular meditation puts power in the exercise of meditation itself as a means of reaching a “higher consciousness” and gaining so-called revelation. By contrast, God has put Revelation in His Word, which is revealed to us as we read and memorize it in our present consciousness. Also, there is no “power” of revelation transferred by saying, or repeating, a particular word or phrase in the Bible as an "exercise" or "chant," or any “magic” from merely picking it up. Rather, when we meditate on God’s Word, we do it to understand, in our present consciousness, what God has said in it. In turn, His Spirit shows us how to apply it to our lives.
“Goal” Differences
Additionally, the goal is different. The objective of most non-biblical methods of meditation tends to be achieving things such as relaxation or calmness, happiness (i.e., “overcoming” suffering), or being more “balanced” or “centered.”
However, as God’s Word teaches, as Christians our goal in life should not be calmness; happiness or the sort of “balance” spoken of (however defined), but, instead, to bring God glory. The Bible also teaches that through suffering God’s glory is often revealed. The Apostle Paul, who suffered for preaching the Gospel to the ends of the earth, said that his personal suffering helped him fellowship with – understand – Christ better; experience God’s power in his own weakness; know His character more and live as an example for others.
Further, Jesus said that victory over suffering comes from Him. As He counseled His disciples on how to live, He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jesus was victorious over the ultimate suffering for us – no meditation “exercise” can do what He did! And because of what He did on the cross, He gives us the strength to handle any situation in life, no matter how difficult.
Moreover, when we meditate on His Word, we are able to make the right decisions by following His guidance that if we seek Him first, His kingdom and righteousness, He will help us through every other aspect of our lives. That’s incomparably greater than what any “balance” or “centering” activity can achieve!
OUR RESPONSE
What should a Christian’s response be to non-biblical forms of meditation? I believe the Bible is clear that Christians have to be extremely careful what ideas or practices we follow, and that we are not to subscribe to any that contradict Scripture. Because most, if not all, forms of non-biblical meditation are done for the explicit purpose of achieving some form of “enlightenment” as defined by religions and philosophies that contradict Scripture, we should avoid them.
From the Word
Scripture teaches that anything that contradicts God cannot stand with God. Right now I‘m seeing this truth exemplified in my read through the Old Testament. After entering the Promised Land, the Israelites disobeyed God by worshipping other gods, baals, that the Lord had commanded them not to worship. Yet they also claimed to be worshipping God at the same time. God used the prophet Elijah at Mount Carmel to show the Israelites the error in their ways. Before a showdown between God and the Baals after a three-year drought in Israel, Elijah challenged the Israelites about their bifurcated “worship”. In I Kings 18:21, he asked, pointedly:
“How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”
My commentary says this about the verse: “Elijah stood before them and challenged them to end their double-mindedness, wavering between two opinions. It was not good to try to ‘walk the fence’ worshipping two gods. Apparently the Israelites thought that if Yahweh [God] let them down they could turn to Baal, and vice versa. Elijah was saying that if One is the true God and the other false they should follow the true One wholeheartedly and forget about the impotent impostor.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary, p. 526.
I love the description of worshipping God and other gods as “waver[ing] between two opinions.” In our context, as we often hear, an idol is anything we place before God. But, as described in I Kings, it is also anything we subscribe to that presents a different “opinion” that contradicts God. Many common forms of meditation, including New Age, present positions that are at odds with Scripture, as described by comparing New Age philosophy to biblical theology; common forms of meditation to biblical meditation. Scripture is clear that we must choose one – or the other – we cannot be in between.
We may be tempted to think that activities such as non-biblical meditation rooted in philosophies conflicting scripture “enhance” our lives, as the Israelites thought a different “opinion” could for them. But if we want our spiritual growth as followers of Christ to flourish, we have to choose God alone and reject anything rooted in a contradictory philosophy.
In the New Testament The Apostle Paul also explains how we are to get our “fullness” – all we need in life – from God. He tells the Church of Colosse these very relevant words:
NAVIGATING
Is it wrong for Christians to learn about different philosophies or religions that contradict scripture? I would say no– I believe that, as long as a Christian has a solid understanding of Scripture and is meditating on The Word daily, knowing about other ideas can actually help us understand and reach our world for Christ better. However, as Scripture points out, we are not to practice ideas or philosophies that oppose Christ.
Today, common forms of meditation rooted in New Age philosophy and other ideas contradicting Scripture have seeped into our culture through areas such as media, physical activity, counseling– it’s everywhere. As Christians, we need to have the discernment to recognize what we should stay away from. We only gain that wisdom through studying God’s Word. Romans 12:1-2 tells us not to be conformed to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by renewing our minds. Our minds are renewed by meditating on Scripture, which helps us know what His good, acceptable, pleasing, and perfect will is. Let’s meditate on God’s Word, night and day – and not get taken by hollow and deceptive philosophy.
Celebrities such as Russell Simmons, Tina Turner and Richard Gere have advocated for forms of daily meditation they practice. Simmons in particular has practiced various types over more than a decade, such as transcendental meditation, during which practitioners sit still and silently repeat an assigned Sanskrit word, or mantra, for 15-20 minutes in the morning and evening in efforts to reach a “deeper level of consciousness.” Closing an article praising this and other types of meditation he practices, Simmons called meditation a “path” to overcoming personal suffering and experiencing life as “intended,” which he described as “an ocean of energy, intelligence, and bliss.”
But comparing Simmons’ and other common forms of meditation to biblical meditation, they are at sharp odds. And the stark contrast is another reminder of how God’s Words and ways are so different from our world’s.
BIBLICAL MEDITATION v. POPULAR MEDITATION
Recently, I’ve read, watched and discussed topics that have led me to reflect on the meaning of various popular forms of meditation as compared to biblical meditation.
Many types of meditation are rooted in New Age philosophy, which is commonly accepted in our culture but contradicts Scripture.
In my mind “New Age” is somewhat of an amorphous concept. Although I know some about the philosophy and can identify many of its manifestations, I cannot carefully articulate it neatly in my own words. However, it has been described, (only somewhat neatly:),) as “a non-religious Western spiritual movement that…draw[s] on both Eastern and Western spiritual and metaphysical traditions and…infus[es] them with influences from self-help and motivational psychology, parapsychology, consciousness research and quantum physics. It aims to create a spirituality without borders or confining dogmas that is inclusive and pluralistic.”(In other words, its an amalgamation of ideas!)
A cornerstone of New Age philosophy is pantheism, the view that “God is in everything and everyone and that everyone and everything is God.” From that perspective, through engaging in various “self help” methods New Age teaching promotes, a higher, enlightened state can be reached – a “god” state. The common idea of being “spiritual but not religious" is often tied to New Age philosophy.
In contrast, Scripture teaches that there is only one God, and Jesus is the only way to Him. Further, believers in Christ are to follow God only and commit themselves to a study of distinct “dogma” – i.e., biblical doctrine, for spiritual growth.
Relating the philosophy to meditation, New Age teaching borrows from Eastern religious meditative practices, such as Buddhism. A major goal of the Buddhism is to put humans on a path to ending personal suffering, physical or mental, by eliminating desire, or craving, which is the “driving force of dissatisfaction” that breeds suffering. When the “craving is dispensed, suffering comes to an end and nirvana…a feeling of bliss and excitement” can be attained. Sean O’Callaghan, “The Compact Guide to World Religions,” pgs. 149, 151. The “Eightfold Path” to ending suffering includes the concepts of “right awareness” and “right concentration,” which call on people to make “right choices,” achieve peace and an increased sense of happiness through meditation. This relates to the feeling of experiencing life as “an ocean of energy, intelligence, and bliss” that Simmons has discussed.
Moreover, popular forms of meditation, also borrowing from Eastern religions such as Buddhism, teach that one gains a “spiritual awareness” from careful concentration of the mind that, in turn, allows the person to see things “as they really are.” In other words, achieving a “higher consciousness” is the impetus for revelation through meditation.
Biblical Meditation
Biblical meditation differs from meditation derived from New Age or other similar philosophies in several important ways.
“Material” Differences
First, the meditation “material” is different. While popular forms of meditation generally require a person to focus on a particular word, phrase or object, biblical meditation has far more material on which to focus. In the NIV (©1984), there are 16 references to the word “meditate.” Every single one describes meditation as focusing on aspects of God’s character, works, Word, or ways. Further, most of the references speak to meditating on His “statutes,” “laws” or “decrees,” meaning His Word. Some examples:
Joshua 1:8
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Psalm 1: 1-2
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 119: 15
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
Psalm 48: 9
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.
Psalm 77: 12
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
(The 16 uses of the word “meditate” in the NIV (©1984), all found in the Old Testament, are linked here)
“Method” Differences
Also, the method of biblical meditation is different. The Bible does not prescribe a specific “formula” or object for meditating on His Word – in fact, we are told to do it day and night – any and everywhere! We can be in a quiet place reading His Word, or we can memorize it, in public or private; reflect on it in prayer, spoken or written; listen to it through a song or a message. When we ingest it in several ways, all day long, we learn to set our minds on things above rather than earthly things, and to think excellent, praiseworthy things.
“Revelation” Differences
Further, the “revelation” is also different. Popular meditation puts power in the exercise of meditation itself as a means of reaching a “higher consciousness” and gaining so-called revelation. By contrast, God has put Revelation in His Word, which is revealed to us as we read and memorize it in our present consciousness. Also, there is no “power” of revelation transferred by saying, or repeating, a particular word or phrase in the Bible as an "exercise" or "chant," or any “magic” from merely picking it up. Rather, when we meditate on God’s Word, we do it to understand, in our present consciousness, what God has said in it. In turn, His Spirit shows us how to apply it to our lives.
“Goal” Differences
Additionally, the goal is different. The objective of most non-biblical methods of meditation tends to be achieving things such as relaxation or calmness, happiness (i.e., “overcoming” suffering), or being more “balanced” or “centered.”
However, as God’s Word teaches, as Christians our goal in life should not be calmness; happiness or the sort of “balance” spoken of (however defined), but, instead, to bring God glory. The Bible also teaches that through suffering God’s glory is often revealed. The Apostle Paul, who suffered for preaching the Gospel to the ends of the earth, said that his personal suffering helped him fellowship with – understand – Christ better; experience God’s power in his own weakness; know His character more and live as an example for others.
Further, Jesus said that victory over suffering comes from Him. As He counseled His disciples on how to live, He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jesus was victorious over the ultimate suffering for us – no meditation “exercise” can do what He did! And because of what He did on the cross, He gives us the strength to handle any situation in life, no matter how difficult.
Moreover, when we meditate on His Word, we are able to make the right decisions by following His guidance that if we seek Him first, His kingdom and righteousness, He will help us through every other aspect of our lives. That’s incomparably greater than what any “balance” or “centering” activity can achieve!
OUR RESPONSE
What should a Christian’s response be to non-biblical forms of meditation? I believe the Bible is clear that Christians have to be extremely careful what ideas or practices we follow, and that we are not to subscribe to any that contradict Scripture. Because most, if not all, forms of non-biblical meditation are done for the explicit purpose of achieving some form of “enlightenment” as defined by religions and philosophies that contradict Scripture, we should avoid them.
From the Word
Scripture teaches that anything that contradicts God cannot stand with God. Right now I‘m seeing this truth exemplified in my read through the Old Testament. After entering the Promised Land, the Israelites disobeyed God by worshipping other gods, baals, that the Lord had commanded them not to worship. Yet they also claimed to be worshipping God at the same time. God used the prophet Elijah at Mount Carmel to show the Israelites the error in their ways. Before a showdown between God and the Baals after a three-year drought in Israel, Elijah challenged the Israelites about their bifurcated “worship”. In I Kings 18:21, he asked, pointedly:
“How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”
My commentary says this about the verse: “Elijah stood before them and challenged them to end their double-mindedness, wavering between two opinions. It was not good to try to ‘walk the fence’ worshipping two gods. Apparently the Israelites thought that if Yahweh [God] let them down they could turn to Baal, and vice versa. Elijah was saying that if One is the true God and the other false they should follow the true One wholeheartedly and forget about the impotent impostor.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary, p. 526.
I love the description of worshipping God and other gods as “waver[ing] between two opinions.” In our context, as we often hear, an idol is anything we place before God. But, as described in I Kings, it is also anything we subscribe to that presents a different “opinion” that contradicts God. Many common forms of meditation, including New Age, present positions that are at odds with Scripture, as described by comparing New Age philosophy to biblical theology; common forms of meditation to biblical meditation. Scripture is clear that we must choose one – or the other – we cannot be in between.
We may be tempted to think that activities such as non-biblical meditation rooted in philosophies conflicting scripture “enhance” our lives, as the Israelites thought a different “opinion” could for them. But if we want our spiritual growth as followers of Christ to flourish, we have to choose God alone and reject anything rooted in a contradictory philosophy.
In the New Testament The Apostle Paul also explains how we are to get our “fullness” – all we need in life – from God. He tells the Church of Colosse these very relevant words:
Spiritual Fullness in ChristI think verse eight is especially key (i.e., “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ”). It sounds a lot like the purpose of New Age philosophy and its attempt to reach some “spiritual” height or dimension while rejecting Christ. God’s Word is clear that Christ has all the spiritual fullness we need – and more!
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. NIV © 2011; Colossians 3:6-10.
NAVIGATING
Is it wrong for Christians to learn about different philosophies or religions that contradict scripture? I would say no– I believe that, as long as a Christian has a solid understanding of Scripture and is meditating on The Word daily, knowing about other ideas can actually help us understand and reach our world for Christ better. However, as Scripture points out, we are not to practice ideas or philosophies that oppose Christ.
Today, common forms of meditation rooted in New Age philosophy and other ideas contradicting Scripture have seeped into our culture through areas such as media, physical activity, counseling– it’s everywhere. As Christians, we need to have the discernment to recognize what we should stay away from. We only gain that wisdom through studying God’s Word. Romans 12:1-2 tells us not to be conformed to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by renewing our minds. Our minds are renewed by meditating on Scripture, which helps us know what His good, acceptable, pleasing, and perfect will is. Let’s meditate on God’s Word, night and day – and not get taken by hollow and deceptive philosophy.
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