Every day we face a multitude of decisions and choices. Most are mundane and we simply fall into patterns of habit and routine. I could choose to have Cornflakes or Rice Crispies for breakfast. But I have Rice Crispies because that's what I always do, and before the caffeine kicks in the fewer choices I need to make the better. But it wouldn't make any significant difference which cereal I was to choose, or whether I just had toast. Then every now and again a decision or choice comes along that comes into the 'life changing' category. I would include things like where to live, where to work, whether or not to marry and to whom as choices that fall into this category.
The people of Israel were faced with the most important of all decisions - were they going to choose to serve God or not (Joshua 24). And this was a decision that would impact the rest of their lives. A Christian is a person who is following Jesus, and has decided to serve God. But that is not a one off decision - it means that every decision and choice we face from that point on needs to be made in the light of the choice to serve God. That's why this might seem to some as an undesirable choice (verse 15) - because we all want the freedom to do what we want.
That is not to say that we need to pray about every decision. Certainly when making those life changing decisions we need to pray and be asking mature Christian friends and leaders for advice and help. At the other extreme I can still simply choose Rice Crispies for breakfast. But what about when someone cuts me up while driving home from doing the Christmas shopping - I have a split second to make my choice - do I angrily sound the horn, and shout at them (even though they can't hear) and allow my blood pressure to rise still further, or do I let it go (and maybe even pray that God will allow them to get home safely). When I hear that juicy piece of gossip at work do I quickly pass it on, or do I make the choice, 'this is going no further'.
Sometimes we will get it wrong but contrary to verse 19 we have a God who has promised to forgive us and give us a new start, when we confess our mistakes (1 John 1:9).
Showing posts with label Decisions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Decisions. Show all posts
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Have the Courage of you Convictions
When you make a decision or a choice, when you are asked for an opinion or what you think, do you respond with the courage of your convictions or are you swayed by other factors? Do you go by what you think is right or do you answer with the response that you think others want to hear. Are you influenced by peer pressure? Do you make choices at work based on getting promotion rather than what might be the right thing to do? Do you find it easier to simply go along with everyone else rather than stand out in the crowd?
Caleb had the courage of his convictions. And when he was asked his opinion he gave it even if that meant he was in the minority (Joshua 14:7). But even though he was in the minority he was right. And he was rewarded by God for the stand he took.
But do you even have any convictions? How are your convictions formed? The Christian should have their convictions based on the word of God, convictions which are shaped and formed over a life time of reading the Bible, spending time in prayer, and meeting with other Christians. But often we find that it is other influences in our lives that shape our convictions: our family background and upbringing, our culture, our friends, the programmes we watch on television... Pray that God will be shaping your convictions and that you will have the courage to act even if it means standing out from the crowd.
Caleb had the courage of his convictions. And when he was asked his opinion he gave it even if that meant he was in the minority (Joshua 14:7). But even though he was in the minority he was right. And he was rewarded by God for the stand he took.
But do you even have any convictions? How are your convictions formed? The Christian should have their convictions based on the word of God, convictions which are shaped and formed over a life time of reading the Bible, spending time in prayer, and meeting with other Christians. But often we find that it is other influences in our lives that shape our convictions: our family background and upbringing, our culture, our friends, the programmes we watch on television... Pray that God will be shaping your convictions and that you will have the courage to act even if it means standing out from the crowd.
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
To watch or not to watch?
Every now and again a film, book or play is released that draws the call for a boycott from some Christians and Christian groups. To watch or not to watch - that is the question.
But if we believe that our Christian faith should impact every area of life, and make us distinctive, then the question 'to watch or not to watch' is surely a question we answer personally on a daily basis. But how do we come to an answer and how come my answer and yours may be different?
Two verses spring to mind that bring us to different sides of the debate. In John 17:15 we see that even though we are not of the world we are called to be a part of it. We need to engage with those around us. If we withdraw from our culture how will people see Jesus? Then Philippians 4:8 tells us to think about those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and excellent - hardly the description of your average Hollywood offering!
5 December sees the release of the widely anticipated and advertised 'The Golden Compass', clearly targeting the highly lucrative Narnia, LOTR and Harry Potter market. This is one of those films, that even though it is a children's film, has brought calls of a Christian boycott. Not so much for the content of the film but more because of the book on which the film is based, 'The Northern Lights' by Philip Pullman, the first in his 'His Dark Materials' trilogy. The concern is that unsuspecting parents will allow their children to see the film and they will then want to read the books.
Many who have read, or watched, C.S. Lewis' 'Narnia' stories, especially, 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' will not have missed the Christian images and values that Lewis promotes in his writing, for Lewis was a Christian. Pullman, on the other hand, is an atheist - and he uses his writing to promote his beliefs. According to Wikipedia, Pullman is a supporter of the British Humanist Association and an Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society. He has been described as one of England's most outspoken atheists. It is my understanding that towards the end of his trilogy 'god' is killed and a republic of heaven is established. Pullman says,
"We're used to the Kingdom of Heaven, but you can tell from the general thrust of the book that I'm of the devil's party, like Milton. And I think it's time we thought about a republic of Heaven instead of the Kingdom of Heaven. The King is dead. That's to say I believe the King is dead. I'm an atheist."
According to the Channel Four website review of the film, 'The subtext of the novels [His Dark Materials] is fiercely critical of religion - involving the overthrowing of God'.
But you may not pick this up from the film. Film makers after all are there to make money. And therefore making a film that would be potentially boycotted by Christians - particularly right-wing Christian America and the worldwide Catholic Church would not be a good economic move. Therefore many references to God and the church have apparently been stripped out, in favour of a more general attack on large powerful institutions.
Not long ago I blogged about Dawkins' 'God Delusion'. One thing we can be sure of is that atheism and secularism are not going to go away. If anything they are becoming more 'popular' - at least their public intolerance of anyone with a religious viewpoint is becoming more vocal and more acceptable. I have since got a copy of Dawkins' book - but not from Borders (who have missed out on all my Christmas shopping this year!) - but not read it yet. But I do not anticipate this book shaking my faith - certainly if the section on miracles is anything to go by!
But what should our response as Christians be? As Christians we are called to be in the world but not of the world. The people we meet each day, and the children our children go to school with are soaking up an increasingly atheistic and secular worldview without even realising it. And films and books like this simply add into that melting pot. This is why I don't feel that a blanket call on Christians to boycott this film is helpful. Clearly every individual, and parent, needs to take what they believe is the right decision for them and for their family. But for those parents who feel that it is appropriate for their children to watch 'The Golden Compass' I would want to encourage them to watch it too (not necessarily together!) and read the books behind it. And then engage with their children and the bigger themes from a biblical perspective.
A Christian is a person whose mind has been transformed and renewed (Romans 12:2). Therefore we no longer think the world's way and so whatever we read and watch - whether Neighbours, Eastenders, James Bond or The Golden Compass - we should be aware of those messages that are not consistent with the Bible and our Christian faith. A Christian has had their mind renewed - not removed!
Our Christian young people will come across the atheistic/secular worldview sooner or later no matter how hard we might try to 'protect' them. And they need to know that their faith has nothing to fear. The atheist believes that God is dead. Sometimes I get the impression that some Christians believe that too and they are desperate to keep the secret hushed up. As if films like 'The Golden Compass' or 'The Da Vince Code' will bring down a faith that people have died for for thousands of years.
But people today do believe that God is dead - at least they live that way. Isn't the release of this film more of an opportunity than a threat? "You believe that God is dead? Let me tell you how I know He is alive."
But if we believe that our Christian faith should impact every area of life, and make us distinctive, then the question 'to watch or not to watch' is surely a question we answer personally on a daily basis. But how do we come to an answer and how come my answer and yours may be different?
Two verses spring to mind that bring us to different sides of the debate. In John 17:15 we see that even though we are not of the world we are called to be a part of it. We need to engage with those around us. If we withdraw from our culture how will people see Jesus? Then Philippians 4:8 tells us to think about those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and excellent - hardly the description of your average Hollywood offering!
5 December sees the release of the widely anticipated and advertised 'The Golden Compass', clearly targeting the highly lucrative Narnia, LOTR and Harry Potter market. This is one of those films, that even though it is a children's film, has brought calls of a Christian boycott. Not so much for the content of the film but more because of the book on which the film is based, 'The Northern Lights' by Philip Pullman, the first in his 'His Dark Materials' trilogy. The concern is that unsuspecting parents will allow their children to see the film and they will then want to read the books.
Many who have read, or watched, C.S. Lewis' 'Narnia' stories, especially, 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' will not have missed the Christian images and values that Lewis promotes in his writing, for Lewis was a Christian. Pullman, on the other hand, is an atheist - and he uses his writing to promote his beliefs. According to Wikipedia, Pullman is a supporter of the British Humanist Association and an Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society. He has been described as one of England's most outspoken atheists. It is my understanding that towards the end of his trilogy 'god' is killed and a republic of heaven is established. Pullman says,
"We're used to the Kingdom of Heaven, but you can tell from the general thrust of the book that I'm of the devil's party, like Milton. And I think it's time we thought about a republic of Heaven instead of the Kingdom of Heaven. The King is dead. That's to say I believe the King is dead. I'm an atheist."
According to the Channel Four website review of the film, 'The subtext of the novels [His Dark Materials] is fiercely critical of religion - involving the overthrowing of God'.
But you may not pick this up from the film. Film makers after all are there to make money. And therefore making a film that would be potentially boycotted by Christians - particularly right-wing Christian America and the worldwide Catholic Church would not be a good economic move. Therefore many references to God and the church have apparently been stripped out, in favour of a more general attack on large powerful institutions.
Not long ago I blogged about Dawkins' 'God Delusion'. One thing we can be sure of is that atheism and secularism are not going to go away. If anything they are becoming more 'popular' - at least their public intolerance of anyone with a religious viewpoint is becoming more vocal and more acceptable. I have since got a copy of Dawkins' book - but not from Borders (who have missed out on all my Christmas shopping this year!) - but not read it yet. But I do not anticipate this book shaking my faith - certainly if the section on miracles is anything to go by!
But what should our response as Christians be? As Christians we are called to be in the world but not of the world. The people we meet each day, and the children our children go to school with are soaking up an increasingly atheistic and secular worldview without even realising it. And films and books like this simply add into that melting pot. This is why I don't feel that a blanket call on Christians to boycott this film is helpful. Clearly every individual, and parent, needs to take what they believe is the right decision for them and for their family. But for those parents who feel that it is appropriate for their children to watch 'The Golden Compass' I would want to encourage them to watch it too (not necessarily together!) and read the books behind it. And then engage with their children and the bigger themes from a biblical perspective.
A Christian is a person whose mind has been transformed and renewed (Romans 12:2). Therefore we no longer think the world's way and so whatever we read and watch - whether Neighbours, Eastenders, James Bond or The Golden Compass - we should be aware of those messages that are not consistent with the Bible and our Christian faith. A Christian has had their mind renewed - not removed!
Our Christian young people will come across the atheistic/secular worldview sooner or later no matter how hard we might try to 'protect' them. And they need to know that their faith has nothing to fear. The atheist believes that God is dead. Sometimes I get the impression that some Christians believe that too and they are desperate to keep the secret hushed up. As if films like 'The Golden Compass' or 'The Da Vince Code' will bring down a faith that people have died for for thousands of years.
But people today do believe that God is dead - at least they live that way. Isn't the release of this film more of an opportunity than a threat? "You believe that God is dead? Let me tell you how I know He is alive."
Sunday, 28 October 2007
Choices, Consequences and Conclusions
Last week we thought about the God who chooses - this week we're looking at the fact that God gives us freewill and every day we have choices and decisions to make. Once we're a Christian we acknowledge that 'Jesus is Lord'. This means that we will want to do what God wants rather than what we want.
In the story of Jacob and Esau (we're looking at Genesis 27 this Sunday) some bad choices were made. We have already seen how Esau sold his birthright for a pot of stew - giving up the things that God had for him in favour of instant gratification. In this passage Isaac made some bad choices. Whereas Esau was careless, Isaac was senseless (sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste as well as common sense!). All his senses made him suspicious that something was not right but he went ahead with the blessing regardless - why not just call in one of the servants who could see properly and ask him or her how this was before him?
Making decisions and choices can be difficult, especially when we want to do what God wants. An older, more mature Christian once gave me the following advice. According, Advice, Able, Available, Activate. Is the thing you're thinking about in accordance with the Bible? Have you sought the advice of older more experienced Christians - who can not only talk with you but also pray with you and for you? Are you able to do it? (It is unlikely God is calling me to apply be a brain surgeon (even if I can dress the part)!) Are you available to do? (If you work 9-5 it is unlikely that God wants you to respond to the request for a helper for the toddler group which starts at 1pm - unless He is also asking you to change working hours or job). Finally does it activate you? (Sometimes when I am talking with people and they start to talk about what they think God might be wanting them to do they 'come alive'. Their face, body language, voice etc become so much more expressive and excited. It's like someone has turned on a switch.
God has promised to forgive us for our mistakes (1 John 1:9), but that is not the same thing as taking away the consequences. In the story of Jacob and Esau we might think that Rebekah and Jacob got away with their scheme. But the consequences of Rebekah's plan was that the son that she loved was sent away to stay with her brother and find a wife - she thought this would only be a short time until Esau calmed down. But it was to be for years and Rebekah was never to she her son Jacob again. That was quite a price to pay. God does forgive us but sometimes we have to deal with the consequences of our mistakes.
One of the amazing things about this story is how through all the human scheming, deception and lies God is still able to work out His promises and purposes. These characters made unwise and ungodly choices and yet still the ultimate plan of God is worked out. God is at work behind the scenes. When we look at our lives and wonder with everything that is going on 'where is God in all this?' we can take encouragement that God is working out His purposes (Romans 8:28) - it's just we don't have a clue what He's up to or why He's allowing it to happen this way!
Listen to this message from Pastor Keith from 28 October 2008.
In the story of Jacob and Esau (we're looking at Genesis 27 this Sunday) some bad choices were made. We have already seen how Esau sold his birthright for a pot of stew - giving up the things that God had for him in favour of instant gratification. In this passage Isaac made some bad choices. Whereas Esau was careless, Isaac was senseless (sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste as well as common sense!). All his senses made him suspicious that something was not right but he went ahead with the blessing regardless - why not just call in one of the servants who could see properly and ask him or her how this was before him?
Making decisions and choices can be difficult, especially when we want to do what God wants. An older, more mature Christian once gave me the following advice. According, Advice, Able, Available, Activate. Is the thing you're thinking about in accordance with the Bible? Have you sought the advice of older more experienced Christians - who can not only talk with you but also pray with you and for you? Are you able to do it? (It is unlikely God is calling me to apply be a brain surgeon (even if I can dress the part)!) Are you available to do? (If you work 9-5 it is unlikely that God wants you to respond to the request for a helper for the toddler group which starts at 1pm - unless He is also asking you to change working hours or job). Finally does it activate you? (Sometimes when I am talking with people and they start to talk about what they think God might be wanting them to do they 'come alive'. Their face, body language, voice etc become so much more expressive and excited. It's like someone has turned on a switch.
God has promised to forgive us for our mistakes (1 John 1:9), but that is not the same thing as taking away the consequences. In the story of Jacob and Esau we might think that Rebekah and Jacob got away with their scheme. But the consequences of Rebekah's plan was that the son that she loved was sent away to stay with her brother and find a wife - she thought this would only be a short time until Esau calmed down. But it was to be for years and Rebekah was never to she her son Jacob again. That was quite a price to pay. God does forgive us but sometimes we have to deal with the consequences of our mistakes.
One of the amazing things about this story is how through all the human scheming, deception and lies God is still able to work out His promises and purposes. These characters made unwise and ungodly choices and yet still the ultimate plan of God is worked out. God is at work behind the scenes. When we look at our lives and wonder with everything that is going on 'where is God in all this?' we can take encouragement that God is working out His purposes (Romans 8:28) - it's just we don't have a clue what He's up to or why He's allowing it to happen this way!
Listen to this message from Pastor Keith from 28 October 2008.
Friday, 12 October 2007
The God who Guides
I'm sure that most Christians would agree that part of what it means to be a Christian is that now you try and do what God wants rather than what you want. But how do we know what it is that God wants? In some things the Bible helps. For example, Matthew 5:44 tells us that we are to love our enemies...Mark 8:34 tells us that the life of the disciple is the life of self denial...Leviticus 19:15 tells us that we are not to show favouritism but treat everyone fairly...Leviticus 19:19 tells us that we shouldn't wear clothes made with two different kinds of material! Okay - so maybe that isn't as straight forward as some people would want us to believe. But what about those questions of guidance that the Bible has nothing specific to say - which university should I go to...should I get married...who to...which job should I take...where should I live...?
This Sunday morning we're looking at Genesis 24. I'm sure some of us read this kind of story and wish that God would guide us as clearly. I'm also sure that when some of us ask about guidance what we really want is a quick and easy fix - the guide to instant guidance.
In Abraham's story so far we've found him to be obedient to God, someone who believed God, someone who feared God and someone who would not keep anything back from God. I think that this is the backdrop in front of which God guides Abraham and his servant. Romans 12:1-2 reveals that discovering God's will follows self sacrifice, resistance to the ways of the world and having a renewed mind that thinks God's way (e.g. the first will be last ... death=life ... )
Then we find Abraham and the servant planning and praying, and the servant got on the road and started walking and praying. Sometimes we're paralysed by the fear of doing the wrong thing and so we end up doing nothing. But we should be proactive. In order to steer a vehicle that vehicle needs to first of all be moving somewhere. But as we push doors to see what will happen we must remember that God will never ask us to do anything that is against His word. Then we should remember that we were created for community and God invented the church - we're not here on our own - and there are other, wiser, older, more mature Christians that we can talk to about what wethink God might be calling us to. If they all think it is a bad idea then listen to them.
But the context in which we push doors, write letters, go to interviews, go on a date must be that Romans 12:1-2 attitude. If that is our heart attitude then as we push doors I believe that God will guide us and keep us from those paths that He wants us to avoid. Some people will say that it was a coincidence that Abraham's servant found Rebekah but there is no such thing as a coincidence with God.
Click here to listen to this message from Pastor Keith, 14 October 2007.
This Sunday morning we're looking at Genesis 24. I'm sure some of us read this kind of story and wish that God would guide us as clearly. I'm also sure that when some of us ask about guidance what we really want is a quick and easy fix - the guide to instant guidance.
In Abraham's story so far we've found him to be obedient to God, someone who believed God, someone who feared God and someone who would not keep anything back from God. I think that this is the backdrop in front of which God guides Abraham and his servant. Romans 12:1-2 reveals that discovering God's will follows self sacrifice, resistance to the ways of the world and having a renewed mind that thinks God's way (e.g. the first will be last ... death=life ... )
Then we find Abraham and the servant planning and praying, and the servant got on the road and started walking and praying. Sometimes we're paralysed by the fear of doing the wrong thing and so we end up doing nothing. But we should be proactive. In order to steer a vehicle that vehicle needs to first of all be moving somewhere. But as we push doors to see what will happen we must remember that God will never ask us to do anything that is against His word. Then we should remember that we were created for community and God invented the church - we're not here on our own - and there are other, wiser, older, more mature Christians that we can talk to about what wethink God might be calling us to. If they all think it is a bad idea then listen to them.
But the context in which we push doors, write letters, go to interviews, go on a date must be that Romans 12:1-2 attitude. If that is our heart attitude then as we push doors I believe that God will guide us and keep us from those paths that He wants us to avoid. Some people will say that it was a coincidence that Abraham's servant found Rebekah but there is no such thing as a coincidence with God.
Click here to listen to this message from Pastor Keith, 14 October 2007.
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