What do we do with unsafe people?  We avoid them.  We write them off.  We put them in a box.  We keep them at a safe distance.  We give them little to no space to change.

On the other hand, we are much more likely to give the safe people in our life more space. More space to be themselves.  More space to make mistakes.  We bring safe people near. We are more willing to overlook differences and hurts with people we consider safe.  We tend to be more patient and compassionate toward safe people.  We believe in safe people, but have our reservations about unsafe people.

While some labels are obviously justified because of experience, other labels keep some locked up in a box.

Take a minute to think about the unsafe people you have labeled in your mind and ask yourself this question.  What would happen if I gave them space to change?  

A little space may be the very thing they need to change.  And then again, it may be the very thing you need to change.  It may be that they have changed, but you just don’t see it because you don’t want to see it.

Most people are capable of change if they are given the opportunity and space to change.

In the evangelical world we like to throw the word truth around. We have been guilty of beating others up in the name of truth. We have been hurtful in the name of truth. We have killed in the name of truth. Sometimes we justify our lack of love and offensiveness in the name of truth. We convince ourselves that the gospel is offensive and that if we are not living an offensive life, then we are not following the cross close enough. We like to be right, but at what cost? The cost of a relationship? The cost of someone not hearing the gospel? What good is being right, when others want nothing to do with it?

It seems to me that humility takes a different path. I have seen a lot of harm and manipulation done in the name of truth. Do I believe in truth? Yes, but I believe that we have to be very careful in how we wield it. A lot of harm has been done in the name of truth. The Pharisees were a perfect example of this. They had truth but no love. This led them down a destructive path of elitism with zero tolerance toward those outside of their circle of truth.

At the end of the day, how do you recognize truth?  The true evidence of truth is a greater love for God and others.

What is truth producing in you?

Are you becoming harder and less intolerant of others who believe differently than you?  Or are you becoming softer and more respectful?

In the above text, Paul makes a case for faith.  He is arguing from the perspective of how one comes to Christ.  This is the subject of Galatians.  There were some Jewish teachers that had infiltrated the Galatian church claiming that faith was not enough.  These men were advocating a gospel that required circumcision in addition to faith.

Notice the wording of Galatians 3:23.  It is important that we pay close attention to the we here.  In our literal thinking, it is easy to read right through this text and miss the implication of the we.  Paul is distinctly connecting the we to himself and his fellow Jew.  It was the Jew who was imprisoned and guarded until the time of Christ.  The purpose of the law was to keep the Jew under lock and key, to keep them from getting into trouble until Christ came.

There are those who argue today from the basis of law, that one has to be beat up by the law and convinced of his sin and need before he can come to Christ.  Paul in this text, clearly argues on the basis of faith, that one can come directly to Christ without first being beat up by the law.

Further evidence is seen in verse 25 and following.  Now that faith has come:

1.  Jews are no longer subject to a custodian.  A custodian in ancient Greece and Rome was a person less than a teacher.  They were tasked much like a baby sitter with the role of keeping the children out of trouble and difficulties.  Many translations have inadequately translated the Greek pedagogue with the english word tutor instead of custodian. Regardless though, the implication remains the same.  The law no longer carries the same function for the Jew and it is possible to come directly to Christ outside of the law.  Thus there is no need for circumcision.

2.  We are all children of God through faith.  Notice the shift in Paul’s use of the word we with you.  He shifts from the Jew to the Gentile.  ”As many of you were baptized…” Anything added to faith is of a different gospel.  It is not faith and…do not be fooled into thinking anything different.  Faith is the only requirement to become part of the people of God.  There is no other requirement.  We come on the basis of faith and faith alone.

3.  There is no distinction between races -Jew or Greek.  There is no distinction between classes – slave or free.  There is no distinction between genders – male or female.  We are all one in Christ if He is the focal point of our faith.

Let me be clear.  While I am sympathetic of individuals who have same sex tendencies, I also believe in the sacredness of marriage as defined above.

As someone who believes in the sacredness of marriage have you considered your response to this issue?  Let me warn against quickly jumping on any band wagon simply because it sounds good or seems to support your value.  Take the time to think for yourself.  Be informed Biblically.

The subject of gay marriage is just one example of the tension we all live in.  This tension I am speaking of is real and always exists between people who think differently and have different value sets.  Could the question be then, not so much a gay question but rather a tension question?  If so, what do we do with the tension?  What do we do with people who don’t know Jesus or want to acknowledge the Bible as an authoritative voice?  In this case, should we try and force the state to adopt our values?  Some feel passionate about this and may take this stand.  One has the right to do so.  But what about the individual who doesn’t take such a stand?  Are they missing it?  Are they less values oriented?

Christ ushered in a new era with His coming.  He ushered in a New Covenant.  In the Old Covenant Israel acted as both a church and state.  They were set apart both ethnically and religiously as God’s people.  During the Mosaic covenant Israel acted both as a political and religious entity under a theocracy in which God spoke and directed Israel through priests until the time of their first king.  That form of covenant has ceased to exist.  The people of God now comprise every people group on the face of the earth who believe in and follow Christ.  The community that God now commands purity from is the church.  The church no longer functions as a political entity.  Believers are not the judges of unbelievers. This role is ultimately reserved for God (1 Corinthians 5:13).

It is this line of reasoning and Biblical understanding that has led me to present the following prospective for you to consider.

I believe that all people are created in the image of God and are therefore to be valued, loved, and respected even when we do not agree with their lifestyle.  I don’t always see this value expressed in response to a gay lifestyle decision.    

Is it possible that this is more of a civil issue than a Biblical church issue?  I believe that we are often guilty of mixing them because of our lack of understanding regarding the Old Testament.  What Israel was then, was unique and does not automatically equate to the church state today.  Need perspective?  You might consider looking at early church history and the destruction that was done in the name of God because the church was the head of the state.  This doesn’t mean however that we shouldn’t use our influence to steer toward Biblical values.

I’m not threatened by the law, nor do I believe that it threatens Christian influence in our state or that it will necessarily open a flood gate toward further moral decay.  I refuse to live in fear of such thinking.  We don’t have to be victims of our environments.  Jesus calls us to be salt and light regardless of the direction of state and national legislation.

Why has the evangelical church made such a big deal out of this issue?  Why do we not find churches picketing buffet lines or making a bigger deal out of cohabitation?  Hmm…a good question.

Thoughts?

Where do you see yourself?  Is the church a cold institution in your mind?  Are you indifferent?  Or is the spiritual movement in your life that comes from loving Jesus, transforming your very person?

The Greek word for church is Ekklesia, which means called out ones.  The church is not a building though we may meet in one.  The church is not an organization though it takes organization to mobilize and train people.  You don’t have to go to church to meet with God, though you may have an experience with him during a gathering.

Though we may go to church, let’s not miss the significance of this play on words.

The church is comprised of the people of God – people who put their faith and trust in Jesus.    If you are connected to Jesus, where you go, where I go – we go as the people of God, as His church, as His Ekklesia, as His called out ones.

This idea is described well by Peter in 1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

In this sense, the church will be no more passionate and devoted, no more authentic and giving, no more willing to love and respect others, and no more or no less hypocritical or judgmental than you and I are.

The biggest difference between a cold institution, indifference, and true spiritual movement has to do with an encounter or experience with Jesus.  When we truly encounter Jesus and begin to follow Him, the idea of being called out literally begins to transform our lives. And the result is amazing: we learn to love Jesus and our neighbor more and not less.

Possibly if more of us, the church, truly experienced Jesus, we would be less critical of the church and more likely to treat the people around us the way we want to be treated.

It seems to me, that this would get the attention of the world.  What do you think?

THE PROBLEM

The minds of young men are being digitally rewired in a totally new way.  The need for constant arousal has created disconnect in the traditional classroom – men are failing academically.  The impact is also being felt relationally.  They are missing it socially, especially with women.  I also question the affect of violence in gaming.  Is it producing a greater love for one’s neighbor, or is it causing numbness to the affects of war and bloodshed?

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Here are a few ideas I have on what we can do.  We need to be both aware and intentional with the environments we are raising our children in.  Are we aware of the consequences of such an addiction?  An intentional parent places limitations on the games and the amount of time spent gaming.  An intentional parent knows passwords, checks history, and holds their children accountable for their internet use.  Intentional parents also teach their children the value of using their minds and manual labor.  This means sending the kids outside to play on their own, finding jobs for them to do that requires effort, and getting them involved in things where interaction with others isn’t an option.

My 2 year old reminded me this week of the power of creativity and innovation.  It is amazing how creative and innovative we can be when we want something.  She stopped at nothing to figure out a way to get to the cupcake sprinkles in the upper cabinet.  I am often the same way when I really want something.

This week my domain name was deleted due to my misunderstanding.  It is back and up, but still trying to work out the bugs.  I wonder who has access to all the emails that never make it to their destination?  They must collect somewhere….but where?

The last movie I watched in the theater was The Help.  Loved it and walked away determined to love people more.  I like movies that make me feel hopeful about life and people.  What about you?

Working with people is not always easy, but I love what I do.

I figured out why I love to paint and find it therapeutic.  You can see and experience the transformation.  

Yesterday I took my 6 year old princess to DQ for an ice cream cone.  She got dressed up to spend time with dad.  I am blessed.  What is something simple that you have done for another person lately?

And…I am finding driving with my 15 fun and challenging.  Kind of wondering why I am getting most of the duty.  My wife seems to defer in this area quite a bit.  Her defense, I drive the car more often.

I get excited about the challenge of creating healthy environments that foster the together life.  The following quote from author Krister Stendahl pretty much sums up the challenge. “Christianity is an experiment in living together – and with a certain flexible ability to take differences into account without being divided.”

The experimental part of learning to live together is more productive and successful when:

1.  There is gracious interaction with one another.  Being gracious to others is always a choice. We can choose to be quick to hear and slow to speak.  We can choose to be quick to extend the benefit of the doubt.  We can choose to put ourselves in someone else’s skin.  We can choose to ask questions before we jump to conclusions.  Be intentional and choose to be gracious.

2.  There is appreciation for diversity.  While we tend to migrate toward comfort in terms of people, likes, and interests, there are many benefits to learning to appreciate and respect others who are different than us.  The differences in others can make us better people if we allow them to – if we are willing to listen, observe, and appreciate what others have to offer.  Humility says that we can learn from anyone.

3.  There is wide expression of patience.  Most of us are at different places in our journey. We need to be patient and respect the person who wants nothing to do with Jesus.  We need to be patient with the people who are at different places in their spiritual journey and lastly we need to be patient with people who process change at a different pace.  Some of us adapt easily and early, while it takes time for others of us.  Loving people where they are is not always easy, but it is necessary and it requires patience if we want to see them move closer to Jesus.

My daughter is learning how to drive in an area where generally speaking people are not real patient with other drivers.  I find myself somewhat defensive.  I want others to be patient with her.  Can we say this of each other?  May we encourage and model what it means to be patient with one another.

Can such an experiment really work?  I think it can if we are willing to be gracious, to be patient, and to appreciate differences.

We can learn something from the VW enthusiasts of the world.  It is not so much about the condition as much as it is about sharing the same interest.  As followers of Christ we share a common interest in experimental living.  The better we get at loving God and loving others, the closer we get to showing the world who He is and what He is like.

My youngest is 2 years old and full of life.  She is quite the talker and usually pretty easy to understand – if you are around her enough.  Occasionally I need my wife to interpret what she is saying.  The other day at Fred Myers I had the privilege of interpreting for the check out lady.

Sometimes we need a good interpreter to tell and show us how to lead spiritually.

I love the example of spiritual leadership in Acts 10.  A non Jew by the name of Cornelius is described as a devout man, as a man who gave generously and prayed often.  Cornelius is described as someone who feared God with all his household.  The devotion of his life left a mark on his household.  They were willing followers of the example he set.  His influence reached those closest to him.  This speaks to his leadership in the home.

Do you want to cause others to get closer to Jesus?  Do you want to lead well in the home and in the market place?

1.  Be devoted.  Leave little doubt concerning the things that are important to you.

2.  Be practical.  Pray with your wife.  Have spiritual conversations with your children.  Let your co-workers know that you are praying for them.  Become a more loving, caring, kind, patient, and compassionate individual.

When others see the devotion of your life and the practical ways in which you live out your devotion, credibility is established.  People are more open to being influenced and following someone they see as credible.

He assumed that because he had always played by the rules, that this entitled him to something.  What do you mean they are throwing a party for my runaway brother?

The pride of the older brother kept him from seeing the true state of his heart.  He couldn’t see the wretchedness of his own heart.  In his eyes, because he played by the rules, this somehow put him on a different level.  I imagine that he saw himself better, more deserving, superior.

He looked down on his brother and judged him unfit, undeserving of a party.

Who are the people we look down upon?  Who are the people we judge deeming unfit and undeserving of a party, of grace, of mercy?  Matthew 7:1,2 says, “Judge not lest you be judged.  For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

The next time you find yourself sizing someone up, looking down on another person, stop and consider the reality of this verse and then ask yourself.

“Do I want to be judged?”

One of the points of the story has to do with relationship.  Humility invites relationship while pride pushes against it.  Even though the younger son squandered part of his life on himself, he chose the path back home – the path of humility.  The older brother in turn chose the path of pride.

In the end, who do you think is right?

Which path are you taking?  The path of humility or the path of pride?