A HOLE IN THE HULL

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How does a once great nation become just another casualty of the human race in cultural denial and decline? What role can the Church and Biblical Christian have in times such as these? Can either become complicit with the culture and begin to adapt and condone that which a Sovereign and Holy God has condemned? Where is the voice of clarity? Who will stand for that which is right and acceptable to the Lord of lords and the King of kings?  

The culture that has been adrift for several years has decided to cut a hole in the hull. If it was just one small hole, temporary repairs could be made to keep the ship of state afloat. However, when there is a persistence in cutting holes in the hull, it becomes an improbable and impossible to prevent the ship of state from sinking. For the past two generations, there has been a constancy of eroding values and dismissiveness of foundational principles and moral values in America. For a brief while, the ship of state seemed to be listing toward the left as it championed the removal of Prayer and Bible Reading in the Public Schools, the attempted removal of Christ from Christmas, the legalization of abortion on demand and the legalization of marijuana and likely other mood modifiers. This has brought the culture to another crossroad moment before the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), same gender marriage. What will the court do and what will they decide. This court is divided equally between the more liberal versus those who are mostly conservative. While the culture and Church has been sleeping, or attempting to play both ends against the middle, the dictionary definition (dictionary.com) has already been modified to define marriage as: “(broadly) any of the diverse forms of interpersonal union established in various parts of the world to form a familial bond that is recognized legally, religiously, or socially, granting the participating partners mutual conjugal rights and responsibilities and including, for example, opposite-sex marriage, same-sex marriage, plural marriage, and arranged marriage.”

They are not calculating that by so doing they will sink there own ship. Regarding the Solicitor General for POTUS and Company, Religion News Service (religionnews.com) reports: “Arguing on behalf of the Obama administration, Solicitor General Donald Verrilli framed the case — and the very nature of marriage — in the broadest possible terms. What I would suggest is that in a world in which gay and lesbian couples live openly as our neighbors, they raise their children side by side with the rest of us, they contribute fully as members of the community, that it is simply untenable...to suggest that they can be denied the right of equal participation in an institution of marriage, or that they can be required to wait until the majority decides that it is ready to treat gay and lesbian people as equals, he said. Gay and lesbian people are equal, said Verrilli. They deserve equal protection of the laws, and they deserve it now.”

In Jeremiah 50:33-40, we read about God’s condemnation and judgment of Babylon because of their cultural choices and their offensive ways. “Thus says the Lord of hosts…All who took them captive have held them fast; they refuse to let them go. Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is his name. He will surely plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, but unrest to the inhabitants of Babylon. A sword against the Chaldeans, declares the Lord, and against the inhabitants of Babylon, and against her officials and her wise men! A sword against the diviners, that they may become fools! A sword against her warriors, that they may be destroyed! A sword against her horses and against her chariots, and against all the foreign troops in her midst, that they may become women! A sword against all her treasures, that they may be plundered…For it is a land of images, and they are mad over idols…She shall never again have people, nor be inhabited for all generations. As when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring cities, declares the Lord, so no man shall dwell there, and no son of man shall sojourn in her.” Is this applicable to the United States of America and the cultural choices being made and the trends that are bringing about departure from the Lord and His standards? Have we become Babylon? Consider these things with me.

OPTICS AND ILLUSIONS

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One of the fascinating experiences is to observe a skilled Magician captivate his audience with his sleight of  hand technique and skill at diverting the attention of the audience away from the actual trick that is about to take place. This gives rise to the use of the term Optical Illusion. When applied in other areas of real life, the idea of Optics and Illusions has an entirely different use and meaning. An informed person will listen to a News analyst of a Politician and be subjected to their optics and version of events. It may not always be in agreement with that which is actually occurring but it is a narrative developed and stated in a way to divert attention away from Optics to that of Illusion. In other words, giving life and meaning to the phrase: “Are you going to believe your lying eyes or what I am saying?”

In a rapidly changing and chaotic culture in a contemporary world, optics are more fabricated than actual. Politicians create a narrative about an opponent. Many times, the truth is sacrificed in the hope that the listening audience will believe the narrative (in this case, the illusion) rather the optics (that which is correct and true). In legal cases, the exceptional Lawyer can create a narrative about the defendant  and tell the Jurors a story he wants them to accept and believe. The idea is to create elements of doubt in some Juror’s mind so the defendant will be deemed not-guilty. On the other hand, the Prosecutor must dispel the Defense Attorney’s narrative by presenting the overwhelming facts and evidence that should cause the Juror to determine Guilt.

In the area of Religion, the use of Optics and Illusions is present in most churches. The influential and wealthy are deemed to be “heaven-bound-Christians” solely on the basis of their person and presence. It matters little if such individuals are authentic Biblical Christians. I was Pastor of a Church years ago where the most prominent individual in the congregation would refer to the ordinary people attending as “those little people.” As Treasurer of the Church, he would sometimes refer to them as the “dollar-giver people” and that if wasn’t for him the Church would not be able to maintain itself. As a brash young Pastor, I suggested he keep his money and that we would sink or swim with the “dollar people.” It was difficult to operate without the larger offering but the Lord met our needs and provided for His Church.

Matthew 25 affords one with a classic illustration of Optics and Illusions. It is the judgment scene where Jesus speaks of the separation of the sheep from the goats. In verses 41 through 45, those who were more oriented to “illusions” rather than the actual “optics” hear these words from Jesus Christ: “He will also say to those on His left, Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me. Then they will answer, Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You? Then He will answer them, Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.”  Are you a person who has invented a personal narrative to impress others that you are a self-made “Christian” (illusion) or have you come to Jesus Christ on His terms and the product of your life and actions model that you are a Biblical Christian (optic)? Consider these things with me!

TAXING TIMES

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One of the concerns of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is suggested by a study they have been doing on: “IRS - Understanding Taxpayer Compliance Behavior:  While the tax gap reflects the extent of taxpayer noncompliance, it is also important to understand why taxpayers are compliant or noncompliant.” There have been various studies undertaken that cover a broad area and include: “Econometric analyses; Lab experiments; Field or natural experiments; Other modeling.” In other words, they are developing ways and means for the administration of and compliance to an envisioned Behavioral Tax. To some degree, a behavioral tax is already in place. There is a Tobacco Tax and a Gasoline Tax (which some would like to increase greatly for “infrastructure” revisions (which was the idea behind the original tax), To control carbon emissions, one government motivation was to close down the coal industry. To accomplish this entailed increased environmental regulation and additional taxation. Two of the results are the unemployment of Coal Miners and the increased utility rates. Another discussed area is the imposition of a Sugar Tax suggesting that this will curtail certain health issues (such as, obesity and diabetes). 

More than one hundred years ago, the concept of Behavioral Modification became a reality in the area of Clinical Psychology. In 1911, Edward Thorndike wrote an article on: “Provisional Laws of Acquired Behavior or Learning.” In his article, there was frequent reference to “modifying behavior” through varying stimuli. A summary of his intent was a development of: “techniques for increasing adaptive behavior through reinforcement and decreasing maladaptive behavior through extinction or punishment (with emphasis on the former). One of the assumptions of ensuing studies is: “One way of giving positive reinforcement in behavior modification is in providing compliments, approval, encouragement, and affirmation; a ratio of five compliments for every one complaint is generally seen as effective in altering behavior in a desired manner and even in producing stable marriages.” There is much more to the article and studies. For further data, go to:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavior_modification.

When we think about the current taxing times, it conjures up the recollection of 1776 and the publication by Thomas Paine, titled: Common Sense. He communicated simply: “These are times that try men’s souls” as the American Revolution was about to take place. His broad appeal was to the common farmer as well as to the intellectuals. From a Biblical perspective, there are two considerations by which men’s souls will be assessed. 

The spiritual adaptation of Common Sense has at least two components. The first is II Corinthians 5:17, where there will be a dramatic behavioral modification: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” The old things have the broad reference to the lusts of the flesh and eyes, along with the boastful pride of life (I John 2:15-17). The second is found in I Peter 1:3-9, “(God the Father)…who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,..In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ…” Even though there may be “Taxing Times” because of one’s faith in Jesus Christ, one will be “protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” Regardless of taxing time, have faith and confidence in the Living and True God. Consider these things with me.

HUMILIATION

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It is sometimes difficult to watch and listen to the news and commentary about significant events that have or are taking place. Last evening, on The O’Reilly Factor, the host was on a rant about his theme of humiliation. It was in his reference the President and a series of current events that are occurring: Russia sending a state of the art Missile Defense System; Iran repudiating his interpretation of the Nuclear Treaty; a US Senate Committee voting unanimously to be involved in any final treaty proposals; the removal of Cuba from the State Terror list; the movements of the Russian Fleet and intimidating tactics of its Air Force; the lack of sufficient involvement and interest in the struggle of Ukraine; and the negative sense of Jordan and other Middle East nations about his detachment from pressing issues pertaining to ISIS and Iranian intrusion into several surrounding countries.

What is humiliation on a personal or national scale? When used as an adjective, one of the definitions is: “having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience” (dictionary.com). When used as a verb, one meaning is: “to lower in condition, importance, or dignity; abase.” One of the Synonyms indicates: “to subdue, crush, break. Humble, degrade, humiliate suggest lowering or causing to seem lower. To humble is to bring down the pride of another or to reduce him or her to a state of abasement.” Humiliation carries with it a sense of one being ignored,  disrespected, marginalized and disregarded. Such a one may arrogantly continue on with a chosen agenda but the effort in speech or negotiation is merely tolerated and actually ignored. By extension, a nation whose word was once its bond is now ignored. The national interests and presence no longer causes fear or respect by others. The trust factor has been diminished and words no longer are believed or appreciated. The national and international response to this nation and its elected officials is a serious concern. It has placed the nation and its allies at risk.

There was a far more important event that occurred regarding humiliation. Theologically, it is referenced as The Humiliation of Jesus Christ.” After Martin Luther arrived at a place of understanding of the just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17), he would later write a Catechism that covered the basics of Christ’s purpose and accomplishment when He came to this earth. In Question 127, he asks and answers: “What was Christ's humiliation? Christ's humiliation was that as man He did not always or fully use His divine powers. Philippians 2:5-8, Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (NKJV). In Question 131, he asks and answers: “What do the Scriptures teach about Christ's life, suffering, and death? They teach that Christ endured poverty, contempt, and persecution in His earthly life; 2 Corinthians 8:9 Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich; Matthew 8:20, Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head; Isaiah. 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.” His answer also includes reference to: “He suffered great agony of body and soul under Pontius Pilate and He died in excruciating agony on the cross.”n

In Isaiah 53:3-8 (NASB), we read about The Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ and His Humiliation: “He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him…He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away…” The thrust of Easter is that Jesus arose triumphant. Death no longer had its sting. The grave no longer had its victory. The sad reality regarding our nation is that the claim continues to be made that the United States indicates it is 80% Christian! When the survey question is asked, How many evangelicals are there in America, the response is: “There are about 2,154,000 evangelical/born again Christians in America as of 2008. This is according to the 2010 Statistical Abstract of the U.S. Census Bureau, which sourced its data from the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) 2008.” Sadly, most people think they will go to heaven when they die. However, they lack a substantive response to What/Who is a Christian. Are you a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ? Is it evidenced by your commitment to Jesus Christ and your obedience to His Word? Consider these things with me!  

FALDERAL

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With technological advances, the public is subjected to a continuous and seemingly endless flow of words, including idioms and nuances. Terminology is expressed that is oftentimes disconnected from reality or fact. Definitions are altered that confuse and the so-called talking points of politicians and pundits can easily blur one’s understanding and confuse the one hearing or reading the designed remarks. While one is tempted to relegate this form of communication to politicians or attorneys, it does manage to infiltrate the areas of philosophical theology in general and religion in particular. If one accesses any number of religious groups on social media, there will be many instances of opinion offered rather than clear exegetical fact. That which causes one to receive an opinion offered rather than the fact of the matter depends upon how the words make one feel. It rests upon how it resonates with one’s personal opinion or desired and chosen lifestyle. 

What then is Falderal? It is defined as: “mere nonsense, foolish talk or ideas; trifles.” In other words, it all depends subjectively on the one who spends little time in regular reading and studying to determine that which is real and true versus that which imagined and false. Proverbs 17:27-28 (KJV) shares this word of wisdom and guidance for one’s understanding: “He that has knowledge spares his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed as a man of understanding.” The NLT renders these verses: “A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” A similar thought is shared in Ecclesiastes 5:2, “Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.” There is another valuable principle regarding one’s use of words. It is given in James 1:19-20 (NASB), “But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” One of the most difficult lesson one has to learn, especially those who are part of the collective clergy, is to be known as one who is “quick to hear and slow to speak (or respond).” 

James has offered good counsel in his epistle in terms of words used and the accompanying falderal, emptiness and meaningless. For instance, in James 2:14-15, “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and be filled, and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” Another illustration is given in James 3:5-10, “So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet  it boasts of great things…And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell…But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.” James is addressing the hypocrisy of one’s words and how often a person is complicit in that which is falderal.

Are you an individual whose words are meaningless and empty? Are you a person who is preoccupied with trifles rather than with that which is substantive? Are you one whose talk is valued because  your walk is consistent with what you have said and expressed as your belief? In James 1:22, we read: “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” Jesus had previously made a similar point in Luke 8:21, “My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” Are you a genuine doer of God’s Word? Consider these things with me.

INTRANSIGENCE

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At one time or another, all of us have encountered an Intransigent Person. It may have been in a place of employment, a classroom, a military tour of duty, or in the Church. In the area of politics, while compromise is often used as a word or concept, it is rarely applied in such a way that it finds uniform agreement with those who elected them to office. A classic example would be a President who bypasses the Congress, ignores the Constitution and dares to govern by Executive Orders. 

When such a pervasive attitude is allowed to dominate within the Church, it will always diminish the thrust and mission of the Church. Whatever is attempted will have to be approved by the “rule or ruin” personality or he will threaten to cut off his financial support or just leave and go to a different Church. Such a person is easy to detect. Overall, they project an persona, “it is either my way or the highway.” Those who would do an objective assessment would identify such a one as having a "rule or ruin" modus operandi and attitude. On the flip side, such a person is characterized by his “refusing to compromise or agree, and persistent inflexibility.”

There is a pattern and model that those within the Church should be committed to following. Two of the passages in God’s Word state it clearly. First, Philippians 2:3-8 (NIV), “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross!” These words are very clear and precise regarding one's attitude, namely, “have the very same mindset (attitude) as Christ Jesus.” Does that characterize who you are and how you conduct yourself in all interpersonal relationships?

Secondly, we have the compelling words recorded in Hebrews 12:1-3 (NASB), “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” The directive is abundantly clear, We are to “lay aside every encumbrance (weight) and the sin which so easily entangles us.” Those encumbrances and sins are categorically described in I John 2:15-17 (NASB), “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever." The areas addressed are “lust” and “pride.” Lust is a strong desire, drive or craving that is like a fire burning within one’s spirit and soul until personal satisfaction is achieved, despite or regardless of the cost(s).  Pride is “a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in conduct.” Such a one ignores the words of warning in Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Are you an Intransigent Person or one who has learned the Biblical objective for one’s life, Micah 6:8 (NLT)?  Be guided by, “The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Consider these things with me!