THINK

When I was a kid, a long time ago, my brother-in-law Dan worked for IBM. Dan brought me a gift . . . a small, desk-top plaque with a simple message. Bold, black letters on a white face commanded me to “THINK.” I wish I had that valuable piece of memorabilia today!

At that time, IBM was on the cutting edge of modern technology . . . their manual typewriters were really hot! They were so much better than Smith Corona or Remington. Then came the IBM Selectric, a wonderful electric typewriter. You could actually change the type (aka: font) by changing a little attachment smaller than a golf ball! (Kid’s today would have a hard time understanding how revolutionary that was then!) Many of us had IBM desktop computers in the 80’s. “ThinkPad”, their first laptop, was introduced in 1992. Recently, I researched the history of IBM on www.IBM.com . . .

The roots of IBM actually reach into the 1880's. In 1911 the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company was founded, and they became the International Business Machines Corporation in 1924. That’s when “Think” became their “mantra.” Thinking is the process that enabled IBM to ride the waves of technology. By thinking, IBM actually MADE waves! IBM has survived over 120 years of unbelievable changes in technology, culture, and lifestyle.

Thinking is fundamental to spiritual life and growth. Radical (rooted) Christianity is not possible without serious thinking! A church cannot be “radical” unless its leaders and its people THINK. I’ll tell you why . . .

Most Christians appreciate the necessity of repentance. “Repent” is often defined as “turn around” or “about face.” But Strong’s Concordance defines the word as “think differently” or “reconsider.” When you trace the roots of the word, you’ll find the Greek word for “mind” or “intellect.” I like Dallas Willard’s working paraphrase or “repent” . . . “re-evaluate your plan for living.” The point is, you cannot repent without thinking! When we seriously consider (think about) the the truths of God's Word, the Gospel, or claims of the Lord Jesus, our lives will change! I do not believe repentance is not a one-time proposition. Anytime you read the Bible thoughtfully, you will be challenged to think differently. So, repent . . . THINK!

Paul warned the Romans about being “conformed to the world.” (That’s a warning we need to heed today!) Instead, Paul encouraged the Romans and the rest of us to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The word translated “mind” is the word beneath the meaning of “repent.” Only by renewing or renovating our minds are we able to test and approve the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God! “Renovation” reminds me of those television programs that take a house or a yard and make it new! Our prayer ought to be, “Lord, flip my mind . . . I need a make-over!” THINK!

We have been given a wonderful and amazing gift: The Bible! I believe it is the Word of God. It is “God-breathed and useful for teaching, reproving, correcting, and training in righteousness.” It is a “lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 1 says the man who meditates on God’s word will prosper. The Bible . . . we should read it, memorize it, meditate on it, study it, and share it . . . and that requires thinking. If you can read the Bible and not be changed by it, you aren’t thinking! A really radical Christian is one who is rooted in the Word of God . . . THINK!

THINK! Thinking will bring you back to the roots of spiritual reality and make you a radical Christian!

Radical Thinking

Here’s an huge understatement: what and how we think is extremely important.

Our lives are dramatically shaped, deeply affected by our thinking. Perspective can make an amazing difference. Radical thinking can revitalize your life! Consider a few examples . . .

The Apostle Paul suffered amazing hardships as a servant of the Lord Jesus. (Check out the list in II Corinthians 11:23-33.) Yet, a few pages earlier he wrote, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Then, a few lines later Paul expressed this perspective:

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” II Corinthians 4:16-18

Given the challenges Paul faced, he could have been bitter, discouraged, angry, and depressed, but no! He had a radical perspective, a view of life rooted in the promises of God. In Romans 8 he wrote, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” That’s radical thinking!

Stephen’s life was on the line as he stood before the council in Acts 7. His defense infuriated the Sanhedrin; “mad dog” looks were everywhere. Then, God gave Stephen a peak into the spiritual realm. Stephen announced, “Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” That changed his perspective . . . moments later, as they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." Stephen gained a fresh perspective from God. That’s radical!

A few weeks ago I greeted a brother as he walked out of his workplace. I asked, “How are you?” Tears welled up in his eyes as he answered, “I had a conflict with a fellow employee and the boss took his side, my wife is angry at me again. I’m not appreciated or needed at work or at home . . . everyone would be better off if I was dead!” I put my hand on his shoulder and said, “Brother, you are on a mission from God! God put you in that job and God gave you a wife, you’ve got a job to do and you just have to trust God.” I offered a brief prayer and he seemed encouraged. The next day he called me from work and said, “Hey, my boss just asked me to pray for him! I am on a mission from God!” Radical thinking revived that brother!

Radical thinking is keeping our eyes on Jesus, “who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Yes, even Jesus had a radical perspective . . . He was rooted in the will of the Father, and that enabled Jesus to live and die. We are beneficiaries of His faithfulness.

We need radical thinking today! Get back to your roots . . . you’ll find them in the pages of God’s word!

I’ll have more to say about radical thinking in the days ahead.

The Radical Church

Roots . . . think roots. Don’t think “extreme” or “wild.”

And don’t confuse “the Church” with the building on the corner where Christians gather, the non-profit corporation, or the organization that promotes religious activities in your neighborhood. If these entities summarize your concept of the church, you really need to think “radical.”

The Church is a spiritual organism including and encompassing all true believers of all generations, races, tribes, and nations through the centuries since Jesus founded the church by His own death, burial, and resurrection. It is equivalent to “the body of Christ” into which every believer is baptized by the Holy Spirit. Get your mind around this truth . . . this is where our roots are! The New Testament provides ample theological insight into this spiritual nature of the Church, and we must embrace those scriptural truths in our quest to be the “radical” Church.

We must continually remind ourselves that the church is not a building. While we commonly refer to attending a Sunday service as “going to church,” that expression is not really accurate. How many times I have I heard this . . . “We’re looking for a church that has children’s church and a youth ministry.” Buildings, gatherings, and ministries may be an appropriate expression of the church, but they do not capture the essence of the real Church! They are not “radical.”

Of course, the Church has an earthly and physical manifestation. While we are spiritually joined together in Christ, we are still physical people “living in a physical world.” So, the very earliest physical or practical manifestation of the church will help us return to our roots and thus be radical. That will take us back to the book of Acts!

I know, you are thinking, “Well, duh!” But listen! Although we regularly read and study Acts, we still seem to miss it . . .

In our practice of “church” today, we tend to value the very things that are conspicuously absent from the record of the early church! There were no church buildings in the early church. It’s hard to tell when and where the church met. There’s no mention of worship teams . . . I can’t find a reference to music in Acts. No youth ministries, no children’s churches, no . . . well, it’s hard to find any of the stuff promoted in church bulletins today in Acts. Oh yeah, no church bulletins! The apostles were woefully ignorant of church growth principles!

And yet, the spread of the good news, the large and varied number of signs and wonders, the resultant multitude of changed lives, and the growth of the church has never been matched through the Centuries since Acts 28.

The roots of the Church are in the Gospels and in Acts, and we must find transferable, timeless truths that will enable the church today to be radical! If we could capture and apply the essence of what was important in the early church, we would abandon our feeble efforts to be “extreme” in order to draw a crowd and grow a church!

We need a radical church today!

Radical Christianity

Radical Christianity.

(Continued from the previous post, “Radical, Dude!”)

Since the first definition of “radical” offered by Merriam-Webster.com is “of, relating to, or proceeding from a root,” real radical Christianity must be that which reflects the biblical roots of Christianity. Biblical Christianity is rooted in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The relevant roots of Christianity have nothing to do with the culture of the First Century. We’ve all had fun with the idea that being like Jesus involves wearing sandals and robes . . . I’m wearing sandals right now, but I would like to think that I am like Jesus in more meaningful ways! Many beatniks and hippies of the past were very much like Jesus in that respect! “What would Jesus do?” is an appropriate question . . . “What would Jesus eat?” and questions like it are interesting, but irrelevant when it comes to being a radical Christian.

Being like Jesus is the fundamental issue in radical Christianity. Everyone who claims to be a Christian should have a heart to be like Him in every way possible. Being like Jesus naturally leads us to “do like Jesus.” Christ-like character produces Christ-like conduct. But, those of who have tried to be like Jesus, in character, conduct, or both, know how frustrating and futile such efforts can be. How do we become more like Jesus?

Let’s back up a bit . . . there is a sense in which the roots of Christianity do not take us back to Jesus Christ himself. We must acknowledge that Christianity is rooted in another reality. Acts 11:26 tells us that the first people called “Christians” were disciples. Prior to that time, which was 10 to 12 years after the birth of the church in Acts 2, no one was called a Christian. Most considered themselves Jews who believed in Jesus as Messiah. They were called disciples, believers, or brothers and sisters. As a whole or in groups, they were called the church. Then, someone in Antioch described a disciple of Jesus as a Christian. That term seems to have stuck through the years, but there’s only one other time in Acts that the term is used. So, a quest for radical Christianity forces us to recognize the priority and precedence of discipleship.

Some Christians have the erroneous idea that a being a disciple is in some way distinct from being a Christian; the assumption is that a disciples is someone who has answered a call “above and beyond the call of duty.” Some believe that Jesus only had twelve disciples, and therefore, discipleship must be an exclusive relationship reserved for a “super” Christian.

Considering the sad state of Christianity in much of the world today, a true disciple might be something super. Polls and surveys have shown that the moral thought and behavior of those who call themselves Christians in the United States is not much better or higher than the rest of society! But a Christian should be a disciple . . . and disciples should be dramatically different morally, ethically, and spiritually in comparison to the average unbeliever!

Therefore, a “radical” Christian is one who has embraced the call to be a disciple, for a disciple is one who has entered a learning relationship with a “master” in order to become like his or her “master!” There’s so much to say about discipleship . . . but first, I want to respond to the other question raised in my last blog . . . What is the really “radical” church?

Radical, Dude!

People who call themselves “Christians” really need to be more radical.

That which we call “the local church” needs to be radical too, encouraging and nurturing those who desire to become “radical Christians.”

Fact is, God has been calling me to be radical, dude!

The images from the 60’s and 70’s are still relatively clear in my memory. I still see radical students and professors disrupting universities with rallies, sit-in’s, and various other activities. Demonstrations, fires, and angry people with long hair are in the mix. These images of what “decent” people probably considered lawless and revolutionary activities have been called “radical.”

Radical sports have caught the attention and imagination of young people more recently. Anything involving a young person flying and flipping through the air with some piece of recreational equipment would be considered “radical.”

When a diseased or infected part of the anatomy must be removed by physicians, the procedure might be called “radical.”

All in all, “radical” doesn’t sound particularly positive or healthy . . . so how could a nice, decent guy like me endorse “radical” religion?

I’m not the first to use “radical” and “church” in the same sentence. Recently I read of a pastor who was using radical strategies and events to reach more people. The article described young people riding motor scooters through the aisles inside a place of worship during a Sunday gathering. The same article mentioned the pastor’s recent bungee jump from a considerable height! These and thousands of other activities planned by churches across the country are described as “radical” . . . I’ll just call them “crazy!”

The popular connotation assigned to the term “radical” is “extreme,” “WAY out of the box,” and beyond mere innovation.

I am not promoting bungee jumping Christians or motor scooters in the sanctuary. I have something far more exciting in mind, something extreme in its own way.

If you research the roots of the word “radical” and you’ll find that it is related to the word “radish.” The radish is not one of my favorite roots . . . I prefer carrots! But, the word “radical” and “radish” both share the same root meaning. “Root” is the root of “radical”. Both “radish” and “radical” come from an old Latin word, radix. The first definition of “radical” offered by Merriam-Webster.com is “of, relating to, or proceeding from a root.”
In fact, the popular connotations are in fact radical departures from the word’s true and original meaning!

So what is “radical” Christianity? What is the really “radical” church?

To be continued . . .

Man of a Certain Age

I think I’ve handled growing older fairly well. I look in the mirror and take note of the silver hair . . . silver sounds so much better than gray. The wrinkles and sags . . . I take it all in and tell myself, “You’re only as old as you feel!” Then I remember how terrible I feel! But, all in all, I’ve been fairly calm about my approaching 61st birthday.

I was calm, that is, until Friday. Someone asked to use the phone at the parole office.

“I can’t let you use the phone,” I replied, “but I will make a call for you. Write down the number.”

Having the number in hand I asked, “Whom should I ask for, and what should I tell them?”

I dialed the number. A female answered the phone and I asked for John.

“OK,” she said. She must have turned to hand the phone to John, but I clearly heard her say, “It’s an older gentleman.”

John said “Hello?” and I said, “Did she say ‘older gentleman’?” He paused, and said sheepishly, “Yeah . . .”

Gathering my composure, I delivered the message, and ended the call.

OLDER gentleman! I was not the least bit impressed with the thought that she called me a gentleman . . .

I called my son . . . “Hey, Son . . . do I sound old?” He was kind, but I was not reassured.

I called my wife . . . “Sandra . . . do I sound old?” She said . . . well never mind what she said!

Age. As a state employee, we are regularly reminded that we must be sensitive in our dealings with people when it comes to issues like gender, ethnicity, national origin, physical handicap, age, and other factors. When it comes to employment issues, I am protected. That’s my job with the state . . . the work I do to support my pastoral ministry.

When it comes to the church, we handle things differently. Age IS an issue. Those hiring pastors and staff members need not be apologetic . . .

“You’re 61 years old? There’s no way I’m hiring you to be my Jr. High pastor!”

“Well, we’re looking for a pastor in the mid 30’s with 20 years of experience . . .”

“We really need someone who will reach the young people.” This is frequently the position taken by a church that is full of old people . . . like a “young” guy can turn it all around over night!

As a pastor, I see two attitudes in Churchdom that make me uncomfortable.

First, I see pastors who are looking forward to retirement.

Second, I see churches that think they need a “young” pastor.

Maybe the first attitude is fed by the reality of trying to find a viable opportunity to serve when you have “gone over the hill!”

I don’t understand retirement from ministry. I’ll retire when Jesus comes or when I die. Heaven will be my retirement. I want to serve Jesus Christ as long as I live. Maybe I’ll slow down a bit or assume a ministry with limited responsibility, but retire? Never!

I also believe the premium placed on youth by many pastoral search committees and others hiring ministers is regrettable. Someone has to wake up and realize that enthusiasm and energy are not necessarily lost with age. An “older gentleman” may not work harder or faster . . . but he may work smarter!

So, next time you talk to me on the phone, humor me . . . tell me how young I sound!

In Pursuit of Pleasure

In Pursuit of Pleasure

Growing up in a traditional Pentecostal church, I received considerable instruction concerning the "worldly pleasures" I should avoid. I do not recall any suggestion that a Christian might find pleasures in the "heavenly realms." Thus, the very word “pleasure” gathered a negative connotation. Sacrifice and suffering seemed to be the lot of Christians, not pleasure!

Further, after years of Christian life and ministry, I have concluded that the pursuit of pleasure does dominate the lives of most unbelievers while contending continually for the attention of many believers. It’s very easy for me to believe that these are the “perilous times” of the “last days” of which Paul spoke, days in which people are in fact “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” It makes sense that lovers of God would not be lovers of pleasure!

How about another look at pleasure? Two preliminary thoughts . . .

First, our God understands pleasure. He frequently stepped back from His creative handiwork and said, “It is good!” The Word of God reports many people, events, and circumstances in which God found pleasure. The New Testament encourages Believers to “please” God. No problem with the possibility of giving God pleasure!

Second, we human beings seem to be wired for pleasure. I believe the capacity for pleasure is one of many features we have gained from being made in His image and likeness. The first man and woman were placed in a garden designed for their pleasure. Eden must have been a pleasant place. Grandma Eve recognized the potential for pleasure while gazing at the forbidden fruit. That’s when pleasure revealed its dark side.

Has pleasure become altogether evil, or just the pursuit of it?

My thinking has been jostled by John Piper in his book entitled Brothers, We Are Not Professionals. (The book was a gift from my friend, Keith Heermann.) In the seventh chapter, he used the phrase “Christian hedonism”, a concept he introduced in a previous book. It made me think!

The "Westminster Shorter Catechism" begins with this: "Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever."

Enjoy God? I don’t ordinarily look at the Christian life from that perspective, but considering the wealth of scripture offering and encouraging joy and rejoicing, it really does make sense.

Could the life of a fully devoted disciple of Jesus be legitimately described as “the pursuit of pleasure in the heavenly realms”? Is this what Jesus was encouraging with “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness”? Is there truly unparalleled pleasure in the kingdom that is “at hand” still today?

This is what the Spirit had in mind when the Psalmist wrote, "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:11) Let’s not assume this speaks only of a future condition, after life as we know it on earth. We enjoy his presence now! We are now at His right hand in Christ.

Can I pursue pleasure in the realm of the effective reign of my Heavenly Father without jeopardizing or minimizing His pleasure in and over me?

I have found that Sandra, my dear wife of 40 years, is a source of great pleasure. But, I have experienced the greatest pleasure in Sandra when I have been relatively successful in pleasing her. (I’m not talking about sex, although the principle applies.) Pleasure is actually something we share, with mutual responsibility and privilege.

In Romans 12, Paul’s appeal is twofold . . . offer yourselves completely to God as living sacrifices AND be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The promised result is, “Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” I have generally assumed that the words “good, pleasing, and perfect” were for God’s benefit, but the “good, pleasing, and perfect” are for us too!

Worldly pleasures? Bah, humbug! The pursuit of pleasure finds its richest fulfillment in a life devoted to the will of God!

What do you think?