"Did you see that? -- I can't believe it! The Road Warriors have turned on STING!
-- their own partner!"
So went the announcer -- on and on, as the crowd
"boo'ed" and cheered. In the center of the wrestling ring, two men called the
Road Warriors, had just "pulverized" the three-man opposing team, and were now
turning their tumbles, jabs, slaps, and what-have-you against Sting, the third
member of their own team!
Unlike, the perplexed announcer, I think it is
easy to figure out what was going on. The Road Warriors apparently saw better
opportunities on the "dark side" of the ring; better matches, more notoriety,
more money. Surely, even if you have seen only one wrestling match, you know
they are full of symbolism; good verses bad, nice verses mean, decent verses
deceitful . . . costumes and gimmicks give it away.
"Crossing over" is
nothing unique to wrestling. We see it in everyday human affairs. People will
often change their position or direction because of what "the other side"
offers. Loyalties, alliances, contracts -- all fall by the wayside as scruples
crumble and collapse under the attractive seductions of the
offerings.
Have you ever given in? At one time or another, we have all
given in. We have all felt the shame, the agony, and the guilt of failing to
hold fast. That all have fallen short of the glory of God is enough to
illustrate this truth. Paul said, "For you were once darkness, but now you are
light in the Lord. Live as children of light. (Eph. 5:8)
Others before us
have given in. There are several examples found in the Scriptures. One such
example is known even by the smallest child -- Adam and Eve; man's first
crossing over. Achan, in Joshua 7:19, caused the Israelites to lose a few
battles and the lives of some men because he gave in to temptation; keeping back
a few of the forbidden spoils of battle. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for
the insignificant amount of a bowl of stew (Gen. 25:34). And, King Solomon
started to falter when he began marrying foreign women. "As Solomon
grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not
fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had
been." (1 Kings 11:4)
Several examples can also be seen in
the New Testament. In John 6:66, many disciples are said to have "turned back."
Matthew tells of a rich young man who "went away sad" when Christ told him he
had to give up the world. (Matt. 19:22) And Paul writes the sad note of Demas,
one of his fellow workers, who turned back to the world he had left. (2 Tim.
4:10)
One example that stands out for me though, is Peter (John 18). How
do you think Peter felt as he heard the rooster in the distance? There stood
Peter, a man who had walked side-by-side with Christ in close companionship.
Instead of being at His side, Peter stood outside swearing that he knew nothing
about Him. And then -- as Christ had told him -- the cock crowed!
Many
men throughout time have given in or crossed over. Somehow the lure of riches,
power, position or popularity has clouded men's minds and has led them to
believe that they would benefit from altering their course. On a spiritual
level, this is like derailing a train -- off the track, the train won't go far,
and is destined for disaster!
For this reason, there are several
instances in which we are encouraged to resist temptation. Proverbs 1:10,
Proverbs 4:q4,, Romans 6:13, Ephesians 6:13, and 2 Peter 3:17, all instruct us
to resist temptation, but probably the best encouragement I've found is in 1
Corinthians 10:13:
"No temptation has seized you except what
is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond
what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so
that you can stand up under it."
The Lord wants us to walk
in the Light. When the world grasps hold of you and begins to wrestle, trying to
pull you over into darkness, don't forget to look for that "way out" God has
provided!
Feb 11, 2012
Fishing the Pond . . . and the Deep!
The last two summers I have tried to take up fishing again; I used to fish when I was younger. Wormy fingers and the smell of salmon eggs are nothing new, but I
seem to have forgotten the important things. By important, I mean the things
that go beyond the basics -- I know how to tie a line, bait a hook and all of
that -- I just don't remember how to get the fish to cooperate.
When I was growing up, I don't remember many Saturdays going by that my grandfather hadn't planned a fishing expedition up to Millerton Lake. Unlike me, my grandfather knew how to get the fish to cooperate; not only on his line, but on my line too! He'd say. "Looks like a big one right over there by that log. I'd cast, and sure enough, the fight was on!
This "fish-cooperation" technique he had seemed to rub on everyone in the boat. In fact, even today, my dad, uncles and cousins have the same ability -- I've got news clippings and photographs of the whale-like "stripers" they have pulled out of the backwaters of Millerton.
My grandfather was a successful fisherman because he knew how a fish thought. Sounds silly, but it's true. He knew what a bass liked, given the condition of the lighting, the weather and the time of day. He would float along, suddenly pick up his pole, cast out, and sure enough, a five-pound bass would jump right out of the water holding Daddy Jim's top water lure in its mouth! He had developed the skills he needed to keep my grandmother's frying pan full.
In today's world, fishing-for-food has given way to fishing-for-sport. Not many people have to fish to survive, so few people have developed fishing to such an art form. Instead, we have developed great systems for providing the fish we eat. Commercially-produced fish are practically farm-raised now, and the fish in the lakes are left alone.
For instance, I remember a restaurant not far from campus when I was in college that advertised "pond-raised" catfish. Just think about it -- pond-raised --that means there is no trouble to get the fish. "You say you want catfish for supper? Well, wait just a minute while I go out back and rustle you up one!" no waiting on the bank in the hot sun for the fish to make his decision. No skill needed to bait the hook or cast the line. No trouble hitching up the boat and driving to the launching ramp.
So, what's my point? Well, fishing is a Biblical topic. Peter and Andrew had been out on the lake all night when Jesus told them to try once more in deeper water. They had hardly caught a fish that night, but when they cast out as Jesus told them, they hauled in so many fish that their boat was beginning to sink. (Luke 5:1-7) Then, Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." (Luke 5:10)
From that day forth, Christ's disciples have been fishing for men. From the church of the first century, to the church of today, the disciples have had the responsibility of following in the footsteps of the Master. (Matt. 28:18-20)
Somehow, though, we have begun to follow the techniques of the commercial fishermen. Most new converts in our congregations today are pond-raised. The typical new converts now are our own children! Now, don't misunderstand me, I think that if we are unable to convert our children, we would be failing in our responsibilities to both them and the Lord. But, perhaps we need to look at what kind of emphasis we are putting on evangelizing the rest of the lost -- those whom are in the deep and dark waters of the world.
Stop and examine our practices. Are we spending most of our effort in converting the "easy catch?" Think about the last evangelistic effort you were involved in. What inroads into the community were made? Most of our gospel meetings and lectureships are designed more for us than for the non-Christian. Few of the youths attending our youth rallies and forums are from "outside."
Please, don't mistake this for an indictment of any particular congregation -- I simply want to draw attention to what practices we are unknowingly falling into; harvesting a few from the pond, feeling satisfied that our creels are full, leaving the lakes and rivers full of others still in their lost and weary condition. Because of this, we run the risk of no longer developing the necessary skills of fishing for men.
If many of us were honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that we expect the evangelism to be carried out by someone besides ourselves -- like we expect our fish to be brought to market. Many of us take great comfort in knowing the "minister" is there -- after all, "isn't that his job?"
Today's pews hold many who are like I am in my fishing; knowing some of the basics, but lacking in experience and skill. If the church is to harvest beyond what the pond will bear, we all need to develop our skills of true evangelism -- not the gimmicky stuff that tends to draw the curious who play at the "fancy" lure, but the kind that presents the gospel of Christ -- letting it draw those who are seriously looking for the answers to their needs; those who will grab it and hold on tight! (1 Tim. 5:12; 2 Tim. 4:1-4)
When I was growing up, I don't remember many Saturdays going by that my grandfather hadn't planned a fishing expedition up to Millerton Lake. Unlike me, my grandfather knew how to get the fish to cooperate; not only on his line, but on my line too! He'd say. "Looks like a big one right over there by that log. I'd cast, and sure enough, the fight was on!
This "fish-cooperation" technique he had seemed to rub on everyone in the boat. In fact, even today, my dad, uncles and cousins have the same ability -- I've got news clippings and photographs of the whale-like "stripers" they have pulled out of the backwaters of Millerton.
My grandfather was a successful fisherman because he knew how a fish thought. Sounds silly, but it's true. He knew what a bass liked, given the condition of the lighting, the weather and the time of day. He would float along, suddenly pick up his pole, cast out, and sure enough, a five-pound bass would jump right out of the water holding Daddy Jim's top water lure in its mouth! He had developed the skills he needed to keep my grandmother's frying pan full.
In today's world, fishing-for-food has given way to fishing-for-sport. Not many people have to fish to survive, so few people have developed fishing to such an art form. Instead, we have developed great systems for providing the fish we eat. Commercially-produced fish are practically farm-raised now, and the fish in the lakes are left alone.
For instance, I remember a restaurant not far from campus when I was in college that advertised "pond-raised" catfish. Just think about it -- pond-raised --that means there is no trouble to get the fish. "You say you want catfish for supper? Well, wait just a minute while I go out back and rustle you up one!" no waiting on the bank in the hot sun for the fish to make his decision. No skill needed to bait the hook or cast the line. No trouble hitching up the boat and driving to the launching ramp.
So, what's my point? Well, fishing is a Biblical topic. Peter and Andrew had been out on the lake all night when Jesus told them to try once more in deeper water. They had hardly caught a fish that night, but when they cast out as Jesus told them, they hauled in so many fish that their boat was beginning to sink. (Luke 5:1-7) Then, Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." (Luke 5:10)
From that day forth, Christ's disciples have been fishing for men. From the church of the first century, to the church of today, the disciples have had the responsibility of following in the footsteps of the Master. (Matt. 28:18-20)
Somehow, though, we have begun to follow the techniques of the commercial fishermen. Most new converts in our congregations today are pond-raised. The typical new converts now are our own children! Now, don't misunderstand me, I think that if we are unable to convert our children, we would be failing in our responsibilities to both them and the Lord. But, perhaps we need to look at what kind of emphasis we are putting on evangelizing the rest of the lost -- those whom are in the deep and dark waters of the world.
Stop and examine our practices. Are we spending most of our effort in converting the "easy catch?" Think about the last evangelistic effort you were involved in. What inroads into the community were made? Most of our gospel meetings and lectureships are designed more for us than for the non-Christian. Few of the youths attending our youth rallies and forums are from "outside."
Please, don't mistake this for an indictment of any particular congregation -- I simply want to draw attention to what practices we are unknowingly falling into; harvesting a few from the pond, feeling satisfied that our creels are full, leaving the lakes and rivers full of others still in their lost and weary condition. Because of this, we run the risk of no longer developing the necessary skills of fishing for men.
If many of us were honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that we expect the evangelism to be carried out by someone besides ourselves -- like we expect our fish to be brought to market. Many of us take great comfort in knowing the "minister" is there -- after all, "isn't that his job?"
Today's pews hold many who are like I am in my fishing; knowing some of the basics, but lacking in experience and skill. If the church is to harvest beyond what the pond will bear, we all need to develop our skills of true evangelism -- not the gimmicky stuff that tends to draw the curious who play at the "fancy" lure, but the kind that presents the gospel of Christ -- letting it draw those who are seriously looking for the answers to their needs; those who will grab it and hold on tight! (1 Tim. 5:12; 2 Tim. 4:1-4)
Trusting In A Two-By-Four
Most of us know, and can easily identify a
piece of lumber known as a “two-by-four” when we see one. I’ve been around them
in one way or another since as far back as I can remember. They are seen
everywhere, and people use them to build almost everything. In fact, you are
probably within a few feet of one right now, though it might be hidden from view
behind sheet rock or plaster.
Every carpenter and contractor out there would identify the same board as a “two-by-four”. Two-by-fours are a mainstay and building block, so to speak, of the construction industry. If you want to go into carpentry and can’t identify a two-by-four when you see one, I think it would be good idea to consider choosing a different line of work.
Not only do professionals and Do-It-Yourself guides identify the piece of wood as a “two-by-four,” also, if asked, almost anyone will tell you it gets its very name because of the measurements attributed to it – two inches by four inches.
I find it interesting that so many of us know a two-by-four when we see one, and yet few of us know that it isn’t really a two-by-four at all.
“What do you mean?” I can hear you say. Well, let me explain . . .
Though we all call it a “two-by-four”, if you were to measure it, I am confident that you will find the measurements to actually be one-and-a-half inches by three-and-a-half inches. Try it.
You may have known this little fact all along – especially if you have had to measure projects accurately, and have had to make accommodations for the actual size of the wood. But, I am safe in saying that most people don’t know that the common “two-by-four” is really an imposter.
How has this come about? Rest assured, it isn’t a conspiracy by the people at Home Depot, or some long standing joke to get at the ignorance of the woodworking novice. Before being milled at the saw mill, the rough piece of wood actually does measure two inches by four inches. In the milling process, the piece looses a quarter-inch of material in both directions.
“So what?” you say. “Who cares?”
Probably no one in particular; as long as the people building with them know their real size, there is really no big issue. However, how many other “truths” have you come to accept because you have never bothered to check their “measurements?”
I truly believe that most religious error has not come from intentional deception, but by the same means that a two-by-four is named a “two-by-four” -– convenience –- and a lack of attention to details. Some time in the past, someone decided it was much easier to say, “Hand me another two-by-four,” than to say, “Hand me another one-and-a-half-by-three-and-a-half.” I can’t say I disagree; it’s a mouthful, for sure. But, exchanging the more complex “baptism” found in scripture, for the more convenient “Sinner’s Prayer”, for instance, is another matter entirely.
Though we may never see anyone actually watching over our shoulders, we need to be responsible in how we handle the Word of God. Who knows when it maybe you, taking a break from your diligence, that begins to call a one-and-a-half-by-three-and-a-half a “two-by-four!” Where would we be today if Timothy had not heeded Paul’s words when he wrote to him in 2 Timothy 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
Personal “measuring” is a must. Hadn’t scholarship been telling you the boards were “two-by-fours”? Hadn’t history and even common knowledge lead you to believe it? What is it that has changed your mind about them? -- Holding them up to a standard – a measuring tape.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Let the Word of God always be the standard by which we measure all things – as it was for the Bereans. “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11.
Every carpenter and contractor out there would identify the same board as a “two-by-four”. Two-by-fours are a mainstay and building block, so to speak, of the construction industry. If you want to go into carpentry and can’t identify a two-by-four when you see one, I think it would be good idea to consider choosing a different line of work.
Not only do professionals and Do-It-Yourself guides identify the piece of wood as a “two-by-four,” also, if asked, almost anyone will tell you it gets its very name because of the measurements attributed to it – two inches by four inches.
I find it interesting that so many of us know a two-by-four when we see one, and yet few of us know that it isn’t really a two-by-four at all.
“What do you mean?” I can hear you say. Well, let me explain . . .
Though we all call it a “two-by-four”, if you were to measure it, I am confident that you will find the measurements to actually be one-and-a-half inches by three-and-a-half inches. Try it.
You may have known this little fact all along – especially if you have had to measure projects accurately, and have had to make accommodations for the actual size of the wood. But, I am safe in saying that most people don’t know that the common “two-by-four” is really an imposter.
How has this come about? Rest assured, it isn’t a conspiracy by the people at Home Depot, or some long standing joke to get at the ignorance of the woodworking novice. Before being milled at the saw mill, the rough piece of wood actually does measure two inches by four inches. In the milling process, the piece looses a quarter-inch of material in both directions.
“So what?” you say. “Who cares?”
Probably no one in particular; as long as the people building with them know their real size, there is really no big issue. However, how many other “truths” have you come to accept because you have never bothered to check their “measurements?”
I truly believe that most religious error has not come from intentional deception, but by the same means that a two-by-four is named a “two-by-four” -– convenience –- and a lack of attention to details. Some time in the past, someone decided it was much easier to say, “Hand me another two-by-four,” than to say, “Hand me another one-and-a-half-by-three-and-a-half.” I can’t say I disagree; it’s a mouthful, for sure. But, exchanging the more complex “baptism” found in scripture, for the more convenient “Sinner’s Prayer”, for instance, is another matter entirely.
Though we may never see anyone actually watching over our shoulders, we need to be responsible in how we handle the Word of God. Who knows when it maybe you, taking a break from your diligence, that begins to call a one-and-a-half-by-three-and-a-half a “two-by-four!” Where would we be today if Timothy had not heeded Paul’s words when he wrote to him in 2 Timothy 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
Personal “measuring” is a must. Hadn’t scholarship been telling you the boards were “two-by-fours”? Hadn’t history and even common knowledge lead you to believe it? What is it that has changed your mind about them? -- Holding them up to a standard – a measuring tape.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Let the Word of God always be the standard by which we measure all things – as it was for the Bereans. “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)