Half-Monkey-Man-Morality

I overheard a discussion in the philosophy section of a bookstore the other day regarding the trustworthiness of the moral standard coming from the Bible. That a 3,500 yr. old book couldn't possibly speak into the lives of modern men and women.

They went on to describe the development of morality as it appeared in nature. Evolving along with the monkey-men hundreds of thousands of years ago. Half-man/half-monkey and various combinations therein slowly discovered right and wrong. What was acceptable and what was intolerable. Basic good and evil.

I find it interesting that these individuals find the moral aptitude of half-monkey-men living hundreds of centuries ago more acceptable than a coherent system of moral law recorded only 3,500 yrs. ago, without the help of the half-breed.

Hm. Interesting as well that half-monkey-men could figure out the basic tenets of good and evil and yet many of us, a much more evolved and advanced version of these creatures have come to the conclusion that there is no standard of right and wrong. That each person may define it for oneself.

Thanks monkey-man and your evolutionary counterpart...but I'll stick with the reality of the divine moral code written on our hearts, experienced in the world, recorded in Scripture and modeled in the Trinity.

Lord of...what the!?

Is it possible to be a follower of Christ, called to BE Christ-like - and yet hold to a low-commitment, low-involvement, low-investment attitude and lifestyle in the body, in your faith?

Now I'm not so sure this is a question of salvation, though that alone is a matter to be dealt with in 'fear and trembling.'

If Jesus is Lord of All 'with angels, authorities and powers in submission to Him' (1 Peter 3:22) - and if true disciples are called to such a high commitment as to hate their 'father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters' and thus 'carry their cross' after 'counting the cost' (Luke 14:26-28)...then a low view of Christianity isn't much of an option is it.

He is either Lord of all in which you count all as nothing or He is Lord of nothing in which you count yourself as all.

Have you counted the cost of discipleship? If you have concluded that you can fit Jesus into your schedule then I will boldly challenge that your calculator sucks. Your count is off. What if Jesus only half commited himself to his mission, to salvation, the kingdom, to you? What if Paul only squeezed in holiness when it fit into his schedule...sounds depressing and illogical right?

Check your: use of time - gut honest desires - legalistic tendencies - pragmatism in the church - cynical attitude - materialistic cravings - spiritual hunger and knowledge - love of God/others...

If you have counted the cost, or are wrestling with the price of salvation in a sanctified life...then the call to be a 'living sacrifice' is terrifyingly refreshing. Your schedule is shaped by Him. Your purpose abounds. Your heart transforms. Your passion grows. Your grace overflows. Your love for God and for others is on display. You are carrying the cross. You aren't perfect. You won't be perfect on earth. You will hit a low spiritual season. However you are highly-committed.

Word of Beard

'Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.' 2 Chronicles 19:7

Jehoshaphat appointed judges among the Israelites and called them to a terrifyingly healthy fear of God in light of their divine responsibility. The apostle Paul does the same in the N.T. assuring us that righteousness only comes through a healthy fear of the Lord and especially those in leadership who carry a heavier burden.

God is never wrong. Never forgetful. Never unjust, unfair or curmudgeonly. He is Holy. Period.

Paul & Piper

John Piper, in his blog, discusses the paradox of man's choice/Gods will in Philippians 2:12-13 - we work while God works.

This is a spiritual mystery we're actually capable of practicing in real time. We may not understand our role in salvation and sanctification as designed by God but Paul models it and the Spirit guides it...so we can faithfully trust this paradox and live it.

God powerfully works in us. (1:6)
We fearfully work towards Him. (2:12-13)
Paul divinely models it. (3:10-14)
His sovereign will is fulfilled eternally: past, present and future. (Rom. 8:28-30)

Starflyer, My Son & the Kingdom

My son ran into the kitchen the other day ridiculously excited about finding a toy saxophone. In and out of every room. Under the couch. Beneath his bed. Digging deep within a toy-box...and there it was.

He earnestly sought after it.

We had been listening to a favorite band of mine - Starflyer 59 - and he wanted to partake. He wanted to contribute to the song.

His excitement and joy reminded me of my own passion to be a part of what God is doing right here and right now. That I get to be a part of His story, His people, His work here on earth and into eternity. His song of creation, redemption, kingdom.

I don't always hear the song. It dissipates amidst clanging symbols, anxious groans and my own music charts. My son heard the music.

I don't just want to hear the music either. Like my son, I want to be a part of the band.

Paths

One of the most terrifying chapters in the Bible is found in the Book of Job. Bildad, in an attempt to crush Jobs apparent pride, describes the fate of the man who rallies against God, flounders in sin and falls short of righteousness...he will be:

snuffed out, the light in his home will burn out, weakened, his schemes ensnare him, calamity is hungry for him, disaster is ready when he falls, death's firstborn eats at his limbs, he will be marched off to king of terrors, burning sulfur engulfs his home, roots dry up, he is forgotten, driven to darkness, no survivors or offspring, to the East and West men are appalled by him...a trap lies in his path. (Job 18)

Job, however, is prepared in heart and soul and mind for such torment. He knows that 'the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.' (Job 17:9)

He is faithful and in turn is confident - not prideful - of his righteousness before God. The wicked may stumble along their path toward the 'King of Terror' - but Job will follow divine suffering down the path that leads to the Kingdom of Heaven.

This is a horrifying yet convicting chapter to read. Impossible to bypass without reflection on my own journey...my own path. I might ask you as well:

1. What path are you on? Do you walk by faith or by your own strength? (2 Cor. 5:7) - Not all 'paths' lead to the same destination. There are only two: that which Bildad describes and that which Job holds on to.
2. Are you in constant terror from the evil one?
3. As a believer you will suffer, yet have no reason to fear torment...Do you know that He protects you before and behind. (Psalm 139)
4. Cry out for Jesus. Repent. Seek Truth. Ask for divine justice and protection with an honest heart. (Romans 10:9-10) - And then rest in His salvation.

A Great Job

'My witness - advocate - intercessor - friend...'

Job is confident that his friends sitting with him in ash and dirt trying to comfort through confrontation are in the wrong. He's also confident that in the heavenly realms there is One who is working to right the unimaginable wrongs he is suffering through.

He doesn't abandon his faith because God has already proven Himself. He mourns, cries-out, pleads his case, defends his sinlessness, even hopes for death...but he doesn't abandon what he's known to be true.

As the apostle Paul said - there is One God, One Mediator between man and God...Jesus Christ, the One who is, was and is to come. The second person of the Trinity worked on Jobs behalf and is now interceding for us. For the good of all those who know Him and have responded to His call!

This is our God...a God who never changes.

From Job 16:19-21 NIV/NKJV