XXXIII: Humility

19 November 2006

It is my hope that it will be profitable for many to spend some time on the matter of humility and the need the Christian has to be humble. Humility is one of those virtues that is very difficult for me. I constantly struggle with the temptation to exalt myself/be arrogant/be overly confident, however you want to put it. Perhaps that is why I avoid the issue, lest my hypocrisy be made evident. As we continue, then, please keep in mind that I struggle with humility just as much if not more than the next man.

Humility is not a popular virtue. Those who manifest confidence, even overweening confidence, are often chosen and more highly favored than those who manifest humility. This should not be surprising in our superficial world.

There are two main examples of humility that I would like to specifically address here: the humility shown by men in the presence of God and the humility of Christ Jesus.

I find it interesting how every time mankind is confronted with some manifestation of the glory of God, the natural and instantaneous reaction is to fall on one's face and to declare one's worthlessness.

Isaiah, when confronted with the glory of God, exclaims the following in Isaiah 6:5:

Then said I, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts."

As Ezekiel sees a heavenly vision, his reaction is recorded in Ezekiel 1:28:

As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

In the New Testament, as Jesus is transfigured, appears with Moses and Elijah, and the voice of God speaks, the response of Peter, James, and John is recorded in Matthew 17:6:

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

By now we can see a consistent pattern-- when we are confronted with even a slight manifestation of the glory of God, our utter nothingness as dust is made very clear, and all we can do is fall down on our faces and cry out how unimportant and nothing we are.

While we have little chance of having such a manifestation made to us while in the flesh, we must recognize that we are always in the presence of God. We have association with God, and He desires to hear our petitions (1 John 1:3, 1 Peter 3:12). The awesomeness of that fact should constantly humble us. We are but dirt; we have the opportunity to serve the living God. We would do well to have the attitude of the servants described in Luke 17:7-10:

"But who is there of you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say unto him, when he is come in from the field, 'Come straightway and sit down to meat'; and will not rather say unto him, 'Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?' Doth he thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded? Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do.'"

Our goal is to be obedient servants (Romans 6:16-18); that demands a position of humility, and we should be more than willing to accept it.

Jesus Christ, of course, is the ultimate example of humility. As it is written:

Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, (Philippians 2:5-11).

Let us strive to digest this passage for just a moment. God the Son was God. He was in the heavenly places. He willingly took on the form of a man. Not only did He humble Himself by being a man, He was a man of no esteem: the supposed son of a carpenter in the backwoods of Galilee (cf. Isaiah 53:2-3). Not only was He not a man of much esteem, He was never rich according to the standards of men, nor did He have much of a formal education (John 7:15). He taught the people, healed them of disease, did many other works, and for it was unjustly reviled and condemned, to die the worst kind of death that mankind could ever devise. Who can believe such a thing? It is small wonder that Paul speaks about how God has made void the wisdom of the world (1 Corinthians 1:17-20)! Because of His great humility, God raised Jesus and exalted His name above every name, to the glory of God the Father.

In the world, to be exalted you must exalt yourself. In the Kingdom of God, you must humble yourself if you desire exaltation on the final day (Matthew 23:12). This is counter-intuitive yet entirely necessary.

Let us consider the ultimate example of Christ's humility: washing the disciples' feet in John 13. In the ancient world, there was no lowlier position than the servant assigned to wash people's feet, and yet here is the Lord of the Universe washing the feet of His disciples, a group known to not understand the purpose of Jesus and constantly bickering over who was the greatest. His lesson is made manifest in John 13:12-17:

So when he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and sat down again, he said unto them, "Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, a servant is not greater than his lord; neither one that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them."

We often speak of humility in terms of a "heart issue": one must have it in one's heart to be lowly, and such is certainly a part of humility. Jesus, however, tells us that humility is also manifested in our deeds: as He has served us, we therefore should serve others. That is what Jesus taught the disciples, and such is what Paul taught later disciples in Romans 15:2-3:

Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, unto edifying. For Christ also pleased not himself; but, as it is written,
"The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell upon me."

Humility is not an easy tendency for most of us: we have a natural desire to elevate oneself, especially when we go about doing good. By serving others, however, it is easier to have our hearts in the right place. We must constantly remember that we serve a great and awesome God, and that we are as nothing before Him. We must keep the example of our Lord in mind, recognizing that if we humble ourselves we can be exalted on the last day. Let us consider Galatians 6:3-4:

For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor.

Let us consider ourselves properly, and let us be as unprofitable servants, doing only that which we are supposed to do, and all boasting and glory are Christ's for His love and His suffering on our behalf.

ELDV

XXXII: The Dispute Over Web Communities

13 October 2006 Common Era

The history of the Internet is in many ways a history of fads. Recently we have seen the development of community fads: weblogs (blogs) developed into weblog systems which have now morphed into web communities. MySpace, of course, has the highest profile name in web communities; among the plethora of smaller communities includes Pleonast, of which many Christians are members. Recently, and not entirely unpredictably, these web communities have come under scrutiny by people striving to live by God's Word. There is certainly much that is concerning in a forum like MySpace: immorality and ungodliness are present in many parts of that particular community, and few are those who do not have some associate or associate of associate without any objectionable material on their MySpace page. While Pleonast is not being charged with such difficulties, questions about the profitability of spending time on the forum is also being questioned. While the people who are highly critical of such forums do have good reason to be concerned, many times their criticisms go a bit far and would restrict where God has not made any such restriction. It is not my desire to apologize for immorality in any way, shape, or form; however, I do feel compelled to make a defense for those who choose to participate in such web communities and strive to do so in a godly manner.

First of all, if one feels that participating in a web community indicates association with the world and they do not feel comfortable doing so, then by all means they should not do it and violate their consciences (Romans 14:23). That much is clear. On the other hand, outright condemnation and casting of aspersions of matter of Biblical liberty is likewise Biblically intolerable (Romans 14:1-4).

There are two main criticisms often posed that I would like to address. The first is that MySpace in particular should be assiduously avoided because of the presence of immorality. Yes, immorality is not only present but is rampant on MySpace. Immorality is also present in many other places on the Internet. Immorality is present in the real world also. Immorality is staring me at the face at the checkout lane at Wal-Mart. We live in a world saturated with immorality.

If one is tempted by the immorality present in MySpace, then absolutely, one should have no part of it (1 Corinthians 10:13). We should consider to make sure that by engaging in the liberty of using that forum that we are not causing another to stumble by joining and then engaging in actions that are sin to them (1 Corinthians 8). To say, however, that everyone should avoid MySpace because of immorality being present is rather inconsistent with life, because if we took this to its natural extension we would need to leave the world, that which we cannot do (1 Corinthians 5:10).

In this discussion I am reminded of Colossians 2:20-23:

If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to ordinances, Handle not, nor taste, nor touch (all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.

The direct context is telling the Colossians to avoid perhaps some proto-Gnostic concepts of asceticism, that somehow fasting and celibacy could lead to removing temptation. Paul debunks this theory as void: asceticism has no value in stopping the desires of the flesh. If you're tempted to over-eat, fasting is not going to temper that temptation. As Roman Catholicism attests, imposed celibacy does not temper the temptation for sexual immorality.

I believe this passage's message applies here: avoiding MySpace or any other such forum in and of itself is not going to do anything when it comes to learning how to stop temptation. One cannot think that one has gained the victory over any temptation to sexual immorality by avoiding a web forum.

Again, is it a problem? Yes. Should parents be aware of the difficulties that may be present with MySpace? Yes. In the end, however, should we try to build fences based on parental authority or should we try to work with our children to try to help them live in the world and yet avoid immorality? One often used illustration is apt, although not for the intended reason: the comparison is often made regarding using "antibacterial" soap to get rid of germs. Ironically, science is now showing that the constant use of "antibacterial" soap is actually making people more prone to illness, first because bacteria are beginning to become resistant, but also because the immune system is never challenged and therefore does not develop properly. The same is true spiritually: does anyone actually think that by attempting to fully shield a child from any opportunity of sin that such will help the child grow and learn how to live in this difficult world? Yes, I know that parents must be there and be the voice of wisdom, and there are many children who in many ways need direction from their parents and enforced direction at that; I am equally concerned, however, about children sanitized from sin entering this diseased world and then overcome. It happens more often than anyone wants to realize.

Furthermore, let us consider the following:

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, "Why eateth your Teacher with the publicans and sinners?"
But when he heard it, he said, "They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what this meaneth, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners," (Matthew 9:10-13).

Jesus ate with sinners. He was willing to have the social stigma of showing social association in the form of a shared meal with sinners, and His motive was to redeem the lost. We must realize, of course, that we are not Jesus, and we can enter temptation, and that we ought not be foolish; however, if we expect to save some sinners, we must meet the sinners where they are. MySpace happens to be one of those places. We can use MySpace as easily as e-mail and as easily as physical social interaction in a school or workplace to show the light of Christ and to preach the Gospel in word and in deed (Matthew 28:18-20).

Is there danger and risk? Absolutely, and I do not want anyone to think that I am trying to minimize that. On the other hand, MySpace is really not much different from the Internet at large. It is a tool. The tool can be used for good or for evil. We can choose to use it for good, for evil, or not at all. We need to encourage one another, assuredly, and work to not fall. To act as if one can make decisions for all Christians and say, "stay away from MySpace," however, is beyond the authority of any one of us. We must all make the determination for ourselves regarding what we should do or not do, and we ought to make informed choices.

The other criticism that is often alleged is that one can easily spend too much time on Internet web communities and do so to the neglect of one's obligations and contacts in the "real world."
First of all, let me say that I do recognize that as with all things, the Internet and web communities can be abused. Self-control is necessary in all things, as it is written (Galatians 5:22-23). On the other hand, let us consider the value of web communities, in particular those that involve many brethren of like precious faith. As it is written:

They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need. And day by day, continuing stedfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved, (Acts 2:41-47).

I wonder where all the early Christians in Jerusalem "found the time" to be together and doing all these things; after all, they were doing it "day by day"! How many Biblical commands are there to build one another up, to have association with one another, and to be there for one another (Galatians 6:1-2, Hebrews 10:24, etc. etc.)? Not all Christians have the luxury of living in Christian-saturated zones of the United States. Those "in the wilderness" greatly appreciate having a network of Christians to lean on and build up. Such communities, like Pleonast, have been a great blessing in the lives of countless Christians, giving people the opportunity to renew old friendships, to cultivate current friendships, and to make new ones. Younger Christians in particular have an outlet that involves fellow brethren, and can spend time talking to other Christians as opposed to perhaps finding trouble with worldly friends (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:33). Furthermore, the web community can be there to help encourage in times of trouble, and time can be spent considering how to build one another up to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). In truth, Christian association in many ways would be benefited by being more like web communities like Pleonast. I say that because many times one can know the strengths, struggles, and life of one's brethren online than in one's own congregation!

Again, I recognize that few if any are condemning brethren having association with one another in a clean web community. On the other hand, I for one will not judge one who derives great spiritual benefit from having online association with brethren through this forum, and I have no desire to see anyone throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater because of some potential for abuse and the immorality constantly pressing upon us.

We need to avoid the things of the world while being in the world. No one said it was going to be easy. What did Jesus say?

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven,"(Matthew 5:13-16).

He who said that we must be the "salt of the world," and therefore distinct from the world, also said that we are to be a "city on a hill" and the "light" that is not to be hidden. He was able to live in the world yet not be of the world, and while we will stumble we ought to strive for the same. Brethren, let us be wise concerning our handling of one another, and let us not condemn and censure where God presents a liberty.

ELDV

XXXI: The Word of the LORD Remains Forever

08 November 2006

Yesterday saw the US midterm elections, and the results show that the Democrats have taken over the House of Representatives, and if current trends hold in the Montana and Virginia Senate races, the Senate also. Many Christians are disturbed by this turn of events. I would like to present for such persons the following message.

Do not freak out.
Do not panic.

This is not going to make America any more or less "moral" than it already is or isn't.

If you think that Democrats are now going to be able to legalize gay marriage, let terrorists do whatever they want, to tax and spend to their heart's content while taking away your guns, or any other such thing, you've listened to partisans too long.

First of all, Bush is still President, can still veto things, and the Democrats do not have a super-majority.
Secondly, many of the Democrats who did win would be considered more centrist/moderate/conservative. Many are pro-life and would have no chance at re-election if they focused on the far left Democratic platform.
Thirdly, let's face it: if the Republicans, for whatever reason, could not do much of anything about anything with the Presidency, majorities in both houses, and the courts moving right, why should we expect the Democrats to get much done with only a third of that benefit?

This election was about accountability/checks-and-balances and a vote of no confidence in the way Republicans have been running the country. In 1994, Republicans took over control of the legislative branch with the "Contract with America," an actual coherent set of ideas. The Democrats did not win in 2006 with a coherent set of ideas. They won because many Americans are angry and tired of the way things are. As it was in the latter part of the 1990s, hopefully it will be again: a time of compromise. Neither extreme gets much of anything, everything done is more moderate and centrist, and neither parties' pet issues get the forefront while substantive things that most people can agree on can finally get done.

Hopefully the Democrats will actually focus on the future and not spend two years trying to question and tear apart the past six. That is not going to help much of anything.

In the end, I think the past six years have shown that we cannot trust or expect the government to enforce Christian morality for us. God never expected government to do such a thing anyway. As it is written:

The voice of one saying, "Cry."
And one said, "What shall I cry?"
"All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the breath of the LORD bloweth upon it; surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever," (Isaiah 40:6-8).

Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are accounted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing, (Isaiah 40:15).

These passages were first directed at the Israelites suffering under the hands of Assyria and/or Babylon, and God is reassuring them that such powers come and go, but their strength and confidence, God, remains forever. Modern America is no Assyria or Babylon; God still calls us to remain faithful to Him and to trust in His power. As it is written:

"Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!" (Isaiah 31:1).

God was displeased with Israel because they trusted in politics and not Him. They trusted in Egypt or in the power of their own chariots, and not in Him and His might, and Israel was led to destruction. Let this be an object lesson for us: we cannot trust in our politics and expect our preservation to be within this government's system. We must trust in Him and the power of His might.

Abortion will never end because a law is passed against it; it will only end when people return to God and seek His will. This truth has hit home this year since South Dakota voters shot down the total abortion ban bill in their state; if such cannot make it in a state like South Dakota, where will it succeed?

Likewise, gay marriage will cease to be an issue when the people of this land return to God, not because state constitutions outlaw it.

We could go on and on.

This country may last for some time, or it may pass away. Let us not forget that no matter what the vicissitudes of politics may bring, we must stand on the Rock and look there for our standards and morality. Such is similar to what America's Founding Fathers expected: a government that did its best to protect the citizens with the expectation that the citizens themselves would hold themselves to moral standard independent of that which a government would establish.

Never has Christian morality, in its fullest form, been politically popular (Matthew 7:13-14), and it should not surprise us that the Republican party found itself not willing to put their political futures on the line for the past six years in order to pass legislation to appease the religious right. We cannot expect politicians to make this country more Christian. Only we, by going out and presenting the Gospel to our fellow man and allowing the Word to convict them (Matthew 28:12-20, Hebrews 4:12), can fill the country with more Christians.

ELDV