Worthless idols

“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”- Jonah 2:8

In Chapter 4 (“The Age of Reckoning- Symptoms of a Deeper Problem”) of Finding God in the Ruins, Matt Bays notes that one phrase from Jonah 2:8 really impacts him- could be.  Pastor Bays interprets the phrase to mean that something is expected of us.  It’s asking for our help.

Eliminating worthless idols (in Matt’s case, alcoholism) requires discipline.  Matt describes the importance of discipline:

“Not many of us love the word discipline, but it is a critical prerequisite to our journey inward.  Discipline  expects something out of us we are not always sure we have to give. . . . If you did, discipline would not be knocking on your door.  It’s there to pinpoint what you’re lacking and then find a way, whatever it takes, to get that lacking thing inside you.”

Pastor Bays observes that when the foundational who we are is wrecked and we can’t seem to shake it off so we can get to what life could be, the temptation is to resign ourselves to that broken reality.  Fear keeps us from committing to true and lasting change.  We are afraid being pushed into alignment will be difficult.

In fact, a painful breaking must occur.  And our lack of knowing how to change is not a free pass to remain the same.  Susan Howard points out that internally we always will know the truth:

“We can never entirely silence the inner voice that always tells us the truth.  We may not like the sound of the truth, . . . but when we pay attention to it, it lead us toward wisdom, health, and clarity.  That voice is the guardian of our integrity.”

Today’s question (from Matt): What is the “worthless idol” you use to avoid real life?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “A theology of no more pain”

Worthless idols

The undisputed boss

“Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”- Ephesians 5:15-16

“My schedule is far less about what I want to get done and far more about who I become.”- Bill Hybels

Several years after Bill Hybels became a Christian at the age of seventeen, an older gentleman from his church began mentoring him.  One day, near the end of lunch, the gentleman asked Bill: “How would you spend your time if God were in charge of it?”  With that the older man paid for the meal and left.

The question stirred something in Bill’s heart.  Up to that point, Bill admits, he had been “the undisputed boss” of his time.  Ever since that day, however, that question continues to inspire a lifelong discipline for Bill.  Every day he asks himself: How would God have me spend my time today?

In order to stay spiritually centered, in tune with God’s whispers and able to listen to His guidance throughout the day, Pastor Hybels advises protecting those quiet, peaceful, and uninterrupted beginning hours to our day- surrendering them to God.  The author concludes that in rewriting our schedules, we’ll be making choices carrying far greater implications than we imagine:

“I’m of the opinion that the thoughtful arrangement of your daily and weekly calendar is one of the holiest endeavors you can undertake.”

Today’s question: How would you spend your time if God were in charge of it?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “Your one-word commitment”

The undisputed boss

Point-blank questions

When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”- John 5:6

Mark Batterson begins Chapter 11 (“Self-Fulfilling Prophecies”) of The Grave Robber by reporting that, in November of 2004, a group of elite medical researchers met at Rockefeller University in New York City.  They ultimately determined that most of our health problems are caused by factors under our control.

Most of our major health problems, Pastor Batterson notes, could be solved by making a few minor changes.  However, a wish or a whim won’t result in lasting change.  We have to want to change.  Mark offers his working definition of want: “the sanctified desire and matching discipline to do what needs to be done, no matter how hard it is or how long it takes.”

Jesus elevated formulating the right question to an art form.  Some of Jesus’ most poignant ones are the point-blank questions.  One was the catalyst for His third miracle.  Jesus didn’t assume the invalid really wanted to get well.  Only someone who wants help truly can be helped.

Mark points out that it’s easy for us to become accustomed to our crutches.  Our situation won’t change if we keep sitting on our security blanket, choosing safety over transformation.  Yet, every blessing from God comes with the responsibility to steward that blessing.

Today’s question: Following your vocation loss, what crutches or security blankets do you need to throw away?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “The law of requisite variety”

Point-blank questions

God"s workmanship

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”- Ephesians 2:10

In Chapter 4 (“Discerning God’s Will: Finding Purpose in the Uncertainty”) of Waiting on God, Charles Stanley states he’s found over his lengthy pastoral ministry that believers are most concerned about God’s will during times of waiting.  We desperately want to know what God is planning and whether He will answer our prayers.  We would be greatly comforted if we knew with certainty that we were waiting for something definite- that God’s answer to our fervent prayers isn’t an outright, “No!”

Dr. Stanley assures us that the Father wants us to know the path He has designed for us.  However, in order to accomplish the good things God wants us to achieve, we need to know what He has called us to be and to do.  Just like a shepherd lovingly guides a lamb that is prone to wandering, Jesus trains us to listen to His voice, protects us, and even disciplines us to keep us on the right path.

We can be exceptionally confident, Dr. Stanley asserts, that God is working all things together for our good during our delay- that everything He does to lead us is for our ultimate benefit.

Today’s question: What Scriptures have been most meaningful in helping you to discern God’s will following your vocation loss?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: the new Short Meditation, “Lost in Your beauty”

God"s workmanship