Giano sat behind the dark velvet curtains once again, just as he had so many times before. He liked this point in the performance. He could hear the crowd slowly gathering together just yards away from him. Shuffling the brochures, whispering to each other trying to impress one another with their knowledge of his work; though he knew, not a single one of them truly understood It. They could hear, but they could not feel; as one who can smell a feast, but not eat it. No matter however, he knew It. Now was not the time to worry about things such as this, it was almost that time.
He stood up and slowly walked out onto the stage. He maintained his image, wearing the classic black and white vestments as tradition demanded of him. The black cape-like garment ending as a lizard’s tongue. Giano understood how little these things mattered to It, however, his expenses told him otherwise. After all, there was no harm in the show was there? As long as the focus of his work relied on the singular It, his performance existed to peak and maintain their interest. But how few understood. Now was certainly not the time to dwell on such intricacies. After all, he was providing an experience. He was providing happiness for those who had little. Or maybe they were only here for sophistication’s sake… Nonetheless, he would do his work as he had deemed he should. It was not the fault of his audience that he focused on It so much. They were here for a show and Giano Jotello was being paid to give it to them.
Finally, with a simple (yet surprisingly well practiced and intricately thought out) flourish of the curtails, he sat on the bench. Even to this day he had not overcome the sight of that which was before him. The white contrasted with black. The sleek look of the thing itself, it was something truly beautiful. But a sham of a creation compared to that which he was about to display. If ever an audience had been quiet before, the overarching silence was as a clamor compared to the hushed surrounding. Surely such silence and respect would never again come over a crowd of individuals until the second coming of the Christ.
Then his fingers lightly touched the keys of the piano. Not yet depressing them, he waiting (for just a moment), with a practiced hesitation which only a true master of showmanship could foreknow. And just before the audience grew impatient with his sloth-like process, he began. He would start slow. Every note brought about with such delicate intricacy as the average man could not comprehend to produce. The inextricable beauty of his compilation was almost angelic in its properties. But he waited here for only a moment. Soon his left hand moved from a simple repeating C, to a chord. At the same time, his right hand would begin to make use of eighth notes instead of the original quartered ones. Very soon his slow melody has become more complex.
The audience bought that which he had sold to them with ease. He led them on a rope from simple beauty, to a much more complex emotion. Even in this state of mind, they did not understand. For Giano, each note held its own story. If he only had the time, he would contemplate that note for its whole value. Absorb its emotion to understand It all the more. Then, he would deeply think of that one, then that one, then the next. And so on and so forth he would move until he knew each one intimately. Only then could he understand It as he wished. But no matter, the music reverberated through his being nonetheless. In it was contained majesty, love, mystery, but he could only portray the bare surface of these to those outside. If only they understood!
Just then he transitioned once again. This time he moved from the peak of the song, the moment in which his whole skill was displayed, down to the saddest piece he had ever penned. Its utter simplicity did not shadow the effect in the slightest. As if by use of remote control, the crowd was moved to tears on his command. The men and women alike reduced to a blubbering mess. But for what reason? Most of the women cried simply because they saw the same action performed by the societal elites. And the men, they wept to impress to women nearest them. They did not even have the vaguest recognition of It, but Giano did.
And so he played. Even if the only true audience in the amphitheater was himself, he played for the most captivated group he had yet seen. His heart taken captive by its own creation. His feelings so intense that he felt no real need to show them externally through tears or contorted expression. Rather he allowed his soul recompense through an internal rejoice only found in that beautiful, life-encapsulating wholeness he found only when he played his music. Giano once said that he could almost hear a melodious sound in that moment when he first met Him and that his work was merely a project of reconstruction of the most perfect harmony even he had ever known.
However, now was not the occasion in which to think of such things. Now was the time to focus. Time, once again, had flown by as only it could when he sat at the bench and the night had dwindled without giving him even the quietest warning. As he approached the finale, perfection was necessary. Were he to jar even one false note at this crucial time, he would lose his wonderful, (paying) crowd. He owed them something much more. Maybe he owed it to them to teach what It was…
Of all times, places and dates now was not the correct one to dwell. So, with once again practiced detail, he slowly quieted the song. All the while slowing the tempo. Reducing the complexity. He wound himself down to the end, and touched the last note with such an airy lightness as nothing else could project with vaguest utterance. And so he sat. He waited for the moment which he knew was to come. He counted the seconds. (Seven to be exact, just as he had projected.) Then started to turn towards the audience, his audience, as they burst into thunderous applause. He gracefully rose to his feet and bowed before them. Once, twice and then a third time, making sure to look certain individuals in the eye as he did so. Then slowly walked off the stage.
Tomorrow he would perform again, to another audience which would laugh and cry. They would eat out of the palm of his hand, but would not begin to understand It. No matter the melody, no matter the tempo or perfection of playing style he could not make them know It. Never feel, only hear. Never taste, only smell. As he sat pondering these things, he heard a faint rustling. His curiosity aroused, and any distraction a blessing, he turned and peered out into the darkness expecting to see some distinguished gentlemen wishing to speak, but saw something he did not expect. There stood a small and filthy boy in the center of the room.
Giano slowly crept over to the boy, who looked no older than the age of ten and appeared frozen as a deer in the view of a car’s headlights. He asked the boy what it was that he wanted and the boy told him of his love of Giano’s music. The boy was inspired and wished only to be like him some day. And so, without a word, Giano walked him over to the piano and began to teach. Time passed as the dreamlike state continued, for neither wished to leave. They stayed and dwelled in the music, an inexplicable love born into each of them. Into the early hours of the following day they played. Finally, the boy found it necessary to depart (likely to avoid a stiffer beating) and the two said their farewells. But just before the boy left, Giano noticed something, the fire in his eyes. It was the same as in his. In all of his years, through all of his careful contemplation and expertise not one had understood. Through a few simple hours of melodic ramblings, the boy had grown to understand It. He could taste It. He could feel It.
Few would understand why Giano cancelled the next day’s show; none would comprehend why the next two months were made void of his performances. That is, none except for Giano himself. People looked down on him with contempt as they learned of him becoming a lowly piano teacher to children, when he could have accomplished so much. But Giano did not care about such opinions, for before he had only instilled the vaguest curiosities in his listeners. Now, with the investment of his life into others, with his willingness to sacrifice and love, others began to fully understand the Passion.
Monday, 30 November 2009
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Displaying Christian Passion
Passion is an interesting thing. Easily mishandled, frequently misused, but necessary for any level of true accomplishment. It is put up on display for others to see, but is extremely difficult, (or in many cases impossible) to teach.
Only a shell of a life can exist without It
From personal experience, I find it easier to discuss It through the portrayal of a lesser Passion. The Pianist performs for captivated audiences (at least that is his hope). They sit in awe delving into the emotive state he has created for them through his outpouring. They listen with the intensiveness only attributed to a willing crowd. His mastery of the art controls them, and they sit in wonder of that which he has created. Nonetheless, they hold only a fraction of the art within them. The carefully planned melody can drive them to tears (if they only try hard enough), or the booming fifths evoke the primordial fighting spirit in them.
But they don’t entirely understand It
To him each note holds its own specific power. He understands It, because he has crafted it from the individual parts. More than hear, he can feel. More than comprehend, he can understand. His investment has come back with great reward, because only now he sees It. Highly personal, a part of who he is. The crescendos and diminuendos a reflection of who he is. In a sense, some duty has been performed. He thinks “maybe just one was inspired to perform the art… now another must take It up inside of him.”
However, he wishes they understood It
And yes, even music (as all things do) relates itself to the realm of Christendom. Such Passion exists in the personage of Christ, that we could scarcely call ourselves Christians without holding It as a by-product as that Decision. For those who understand, It pushes Itself up from the hidden places in response to those who do no know Him. We can spend all our waking moments giving instruction as to the Christian condition, but still only permeate the head rather than the heart.
We just wish they could understand It
Passion is a thing only transmitted through shared lives, not solely shared knowledge. It is for this reason that the pews are filled with those that have belief, but do not Believe. And so we strive. We fill the air with our meticulously formulated didactic, but lack the conformity in our lives to allow them to understand. (Or at least, this is the case for you if you are anything like me.) Letting them understand the Passion of the Christ comes through a coming alongside; a sharing of lives and willingness to present oneself, soul exposed.
Only Passion Itself can teach them to understand It
Only a shell of a life can exist without It
From personal experience, I find it easier to discuss It through the portrayal of a lesser Passion. The Pianist performs for captivated audiences (at least that is his hope). They sit in awe delving into the emotive state he has created for them through his outpouring. They listen with the intensiveness only attributed to a willing crowd. His mastery of the art controls them, and they sit in wonder of that which he has created. Nonetheless, they hold only a fraction of the art within them. The carefully planned melody can drive them to tears (if they only try hard enough), or the booming fifths evoke the primordial fighting spirit in them.
But they don’t entirely understand It
To him each note holds its own specific power. He understands It, because he has crafted it from the individual parts. More than hear, he can feel. More than comprehend, he can understand. His investment has come back with great reward, because only now he sees It. Highly personal, a part of who he is. The crescendos and diminuendos a reflection of who he is. In a sense, some duty has been performed. He thinks “maybe just one was inspired to perform the art… now another must take It up inside of him.”
However, he wishes they understood It
And yes, even music (as all things do) relates itself to the realm of Christendom. Such Passion exists in the personage of Christ, that we could scarcely call ourselves Christians without holding It as a by-product as that Decision. For those who understand, It pushes Itself up from the hidden places in response to those who do no know Him. We can spend all our waking moments giving instruction as to the Christian condition, but still only permeate the head rather than the heart.
We just wish they could understand It
Passion is a thing only transmitted through shared lives, not solely shared knowledge. It is for this reason that the pews are filled with those that have belief, but do not Believe. And so we strive. We fill the air with our meticulously formulated didactic, but lack the conformity in our lives to allow them to understand. (Or at least, this is the case for you if you are anything like me.) Letting them understand the Passion of the Christ comes through a coming alongside; a sharing of lives and willingness to present oneself, soul exposed.
Only Passion Itself can teach them to understand It
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Who Am I?
(This was a note written to those in my Bible study, in hopes that they would better understand who I am.)
In order for people to better understand this group, it is necessary for them to understand who I am. I wouldn't even begin to pretend that the functionality of this group is dependant on my leadership skills or ability to teach, because in reality I have little experience with these kind of things. The only existing pretense I have to pioneer The Stand is a core temperature of 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit; a burning desire. Needless to say, I don't have it all down. Even when I'm at my best in my relationship with God I struggle to force my passion outside of the four corners of my mouth. Neverless I would have you all know what you see before you is a product of love. Nothing more, nothing less.
At times the center of all Christian thought might seem slightly cliche. It may even seem to be some kind of fraud or veneer used to cover something more sinister. If you think so I can't blame you. How many Christians do we have who only solidify the authenticity of the outside world's view of the Stained Glass Masquerade? To be honest, this is one of my greatest desires: to shatter the glass. We've grown so accustomed to our self-indulged infatuation with religious customs, that we've set up for ourselves some kind of false Christian faith. Why is it that people wear their Christian faith to "church" and take it off when they enter into the real world? It's because we've made "church" into some kind of facade. Some kind of holy place where we cover up who we truly are and try to act as God would have us for two hours a week. Why is it that so many pastor's have become so fake? Have we abandoned our search for God as we try to make people feel confortable? We worry so much about how church is "supposed to be done", that we're afraid to tell others about our problems and even, our triumphs in Christ's name. Who are we?
I guess I'm running free from the topic and should get back to telling you about me. Who am I? Actually, it's not particularly important where I fall on the scale. I am a beautiful mess. I am a degradate, lowly soul who is being raised up by God to dine with Him. And so are you... that is, if you proclaim Jesus Christ as your LORD and Saviour. Unfortunately, I'm still breaking glass in my own life, and never will finish 'til the day I die. I will grow closer to God until the day we meet. Soul exposed? Who is it that I strive to be like? Read the Bible and study Jesus for yourself, then you'll understand my role model.
Until that day when we meet seperate from all these circumstances, know this: I love God. Truly, I hold no other value than that alone. Any other things I have are only a bi-product of that one momentous truth. I have a passion for the lost, and just as much for those lost in their own faith. The believers that hold that Truth inside of them, but don't even realize the awesome glory of the mystery they've so thoughtlessly rationalized. This, at the true heart of all reality is the truth about who I am.
~Daniel
In order for people to better understand this group, it is necessary for them to understand who I am. I wouldn't even begin to pretend that the functionality of this group is dependant on my leadership skills or ability to teach, because in reality I have little experience with these kind of things. The only existing pretense I have to pioneer The Stand is a core temperature of 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit; a burning desire. Needless to say, I don't have it all down. Even when I'm at my best in my relationship with God I struggle to force my passion outside of the four corners of my mouth. Neverless I would have you all know what you see before you is a product of love. Nothing more, nothing less.
At times the center of all Christian thought might seem slightly cliche. It may even seem to be some kind of fraud or veneer used to cover something more sinister. If you think so I can't blame you. How many Christians do we have who only solidify the authenticity of the outside world's view of the Stained Glass Masquerade? To be honest, this is one of my greatest desires: to shatter the glass. We've grown so accustomed to our self-indulged infatuation with religious customs, that we've set up for ourselves some kind of false Christian faith. Why is it that people wear their Christian faith to "church" and take it off when they enter into the real world? It's because we've made "church" into some kind of facade. Some kind of holy place where we cover up who we truly are and try to act as God would have us for two hours a week. Why is it that so many pastor's have become so fake? Have we abandoned our search for God as we try to make people feel confortable? We worry so much about how church is "supposed to be done", that we're afraid to tell others about our problems and even, our triumphs in Christ's name. Who are we?
I guess I'm running free from the topic and should get back to telling you about me. Who am I? Actually, it's not particularly important where I fall on the scale. I am a beautiful mess. I am a degradate, lowly soul who is being raised up by God to dine with Him. And so are you... that is, if you proclaim Jesus Christ as your LORD and Saviour. Unfortunately, I'm still breaking glass in my own life, and never will finish 'til the day I die. I will grow closer to God until the day we meet. Soul exposed? Who is it that I strive to be like? Read the Bible and study Jesus for yourself, then you'll understand my role model.
Until that day when we meet seperate from all these circumstances, know this: I love God. Truly, I hold no other value than that alone. Any other things I have are only a bi-product of that one momentous truth. I have a passion for the lost, and just as much for those lost in their own faith. The believers that hold that Truth inside of them, but don't even realize the awesome glory of the mystery they've so thoughtlessly rationalized. This, at the true heart of all reality is the truth about who I am.
~Daniel
I'm So Sorry...
(This was a note written to those important in my life. Thought gave rise to the realization of my own reckless abandonment of those hopes instilled in me by Christ.)
I wanted to write to all of you, because I owe you an apology, but I also wanted to write to you because I hoped to create a sort of universal accountability in my life. For the past few years I have been living as a fraud. I have not acted as the person that I really am. Partially, it's because I want to fit in, but it's mainly just because that's how I've always acted.
Recently, I've been thinking almost constantly about the show that "the church" puts on. How we act, how we don't act, how we'll talk about someone's problems behind their back but not speak to them in love. I thought about those things, but in a classic way, I was merely shifting the blame which God was laying on my heart. You see, I have lived and helped to perpetuate that hypocrisy for so long.
In my mind I've been raging against my spiritual personality dysfunction. How in the world can I act the way I do, but love God as much as I do? Sold out doesn't begin to describe my passion for my LORD and saviour. I guess I thought that God wanted my time. He did, and I gave it to Him. Giving up tennis was one of the hardest things I've ever done. But then I realized that I wasn't giving God my life. What cross am I really bearing?
First, I want to apologize to all my friends at Antioch Bible Church. To all my leaders, all my pastors, everyone who have worked so hard to instill the love of Christ in me, because I've so ruthlessly abandoned my cross. To my friends, because I could have been there for you. Yeah, I prayed. Sometimes I said some encouraging things I suppose, but to act so separate from how I truly am... I can't really explain how much I mean that. To some of you, I honestly can't explain what you've meant in my life. Some of you that may not even know it have had a bigger impact than others... and I am so sorry for what I've done in light of that. Some of you barely know me, even if you've been around me for years.
I want to apologize to all my friends at school. To all of you I know who do not Christ, I've probably had some of the most ridiculous conversations with you, but know this: that's not who I am. No matter what you think of the Christian walk know that you cannot separate me from it. I love God with all my heart, soul and mind. If I've never told you about my passion for my saviour, then I am so sorry, I haven't been living as myself and as the man God called me to be.
To all those who go to The Stand at school. I have done you a huge disservice. I should be putting more effort into the group, and I am deeply sorry. But more importantly, as the leader of that group, I feel as though I should be a kind of role model. I wish that you could look at me and say "that is what God wants in my life", but that's not who I've been. Words can't express the passion I have for your well-being with Christ, and I hope to show that in the coming months.
God has been working on my heart and mind for quite some time now, coming at me from so many angles, just trying to intertwine Himself into the fabric of my life, but I've worked so hard to shut Him out. I cannot let 1 Corinthians 6:19 out of my mind. I am not my own. My cross to bear. My race to run. I have been crucified with Christ. These things penned by my saviour to take all that I am.
Actually, many of you have probably noticed what I write about. I only write about Christ and His church, His glory. Seems different than what I talk about doesn't it? Wow, just scrolled up... I wrote a lot didn't I? Hhmmm... there's no way I could express everything in writing. I desperately hope that I will be able to show you with my life.
There are so many people I would have to thank for my love for Christ, but there are just a precious few who I feel I need to thank especially. Scott Heatherington, you've had more of an effect than you could ever know. Paul, Philip, Taylor and Daniel for being my peers in this walk and for helping me through... I don't know where I would be without you guys.
LORD God help me to bear my cross for You. I love You, nothing less.
~Daniel
I wanted to write to all of you, because I owe you an apology, but I also wanted to write to you because I hoped to create a sort of universal accountability in my life. For the past few years I have been living as a fraud. I have not acted as the person that I really am. Partially, it's because I want to fit in, but it's mainly just because that's how I've always acted.
Recently, I've been thinking almost constantly about the show that "the church" puts on. How we act, how we don't act, how we'll talk about someone's problems behind their back but not speak to them in love. I thought about those things, but in a classic way, I was merely shifting the blame which God was laying on my heart. You see, I have lived and helped to perpetuate that hypocrisy for so long.
In my mind I've been raging against my spiritual personality dysfunction. How in the world can I act the way I do, but love God as much as I do? Sold out doesn't begin to describe my passion for my LORD and saviour. I guess I thought that God wanted my time. He did, and I gave it to Him. Giving up tennis was one of the hardest things I've ever done. But then I realized that I wasn't giving God my life. What cross am I really bearing?
First, I want to apologize to all my friends at Antioch Bible Church. To all my leaders, all my pastors, everyone who have worked so hard to instill the love of Christ in me, because I've so ruthlessly abandoned my cross. To my friends, because I could have been there for you. Yeah, I prayed. Sometimes I said some encouraging things I suppose, but to act so separate from how I truly am... I can't really explain how much I mean that. To some of you, I honestly can't explain what you've meant in my life. Some of you that may not even know it have had a bigger impact than others... and I am so sorry for what I've done in light of that. Some of you barely know me, even if you've been around me for years.
I want to apologize to all my friends at school. To all of you I know who do not Christ, I've probably had some of the most ridiculous conversations with you, but know this: that's not who I am. No matter what you think of the Christian walk know that you cannot separate me from it. I love God with all my heart, soul and mind. If I've never told you about my passion for my saviour, then I am so sorry, I haven't been living as myself and as the man God called me to be.
To all those who go to The Stand at school. I have done you a huge disservice. I should be putting more effort into the group, and I am deeply sorry. But more importantly, as the leader of that group, I feel as though I should be a kind of role model. I wish that you could look at me and say "that is what God wants in my life", but that's not who I've been. Words can't express the passion I have for your well-being with Christ, and I hope to show that in the coming months.
God has been working on my heart and mind for quite some time now, coming at me from so many angles, just trying to intertwine Himself into the fabric of my life, but I've worked so hard to shut Him out. I cannot let 1 Corinthians 6:19 out of my mind. I am not my own. My cross to bear. My race to run. I have been crucified with Christ. These things penned by my saviour to take all that I am.
Actually, many of you have probably noticed what I write about. I only write about Christ and His church, His glory. Seems different than what I talk about doesn't it? Wow, just scrolled up... I wrote a lot didn't I? Hhmmm... there's no way I could express everything in writing. I desperately hope that I will be able to show you with my life.
There are so many people I would have to thank for my love for Christ, but there are just a precious few who I feel I need to thank especially. Scott Heatherington, you've had more of an effect than you could ever know. Paul, Philip, Taylor and Daniel for being my peers in this walk and for helping me through... I don't know where I would be without you guys.
LORD God help me to bear my cross for You. I love You, nothing less.
~Daniel
Monday, 2 November 2009
Christian Versatility
Right now, is a time in my life in which I have more opportunity to serve God than I have ever had before. It's strange though, because it's when God has given me great responsibility that I wish I could just worship. Just escape to a remote area and pray and worship God. Unfortunately, the Christian life doesn't precipitate comfort. On the other hand, I frequently endure periods of extreme silence and pray for adventure. I am a Christian schizophrenic. It's interesting that in the very depths of my existence, I fervently desire the presence of God, but I bar His entrance from my life. No matter where I am, Christ thrusts Himself into community with me, but immediately I turn and attempt to traverse another pathway. Always looking for God. Always looking.
In contemporary Christianity we focus with urgency upon direct action. I often wonder if we lack the correct perspective. Around the country conferences are held, retreats are managed and mission trips transpire, oftenly with the sole purpose of inspiring action in the individual. Not that this is wrong in the slightest, but maybe there's something more to be done. How can a person hope to change the world for Christ, if he doesn't love Him? Although acting under the authority of God could lead an individual to come closer to Him, maybe the better road is the one less travelled. After all, the new Christians are often the most passionate. They have not yet lost themselves to mere action. When a person comes to Christ, goes out and proclaims the gospel with every waking breath, it is because he understands. He understands the significance of his freedom in bondage. How often evangelism is stressed but passion is put aside! To accomplish God's work is to love the heart of God.
Walking with God is simple, but sitting with Him requires hard work. Becoming a versatile Christian is difficult, because it necessitates patience. When there is time: time to study His Word, time to worship. You need an extraordinary well of patience to wait for the adventure of the faith. But when God lays work: always present, tension-building, never ceasing work at the doorstep, founding oneself in hope can seem impossible. So, in effort to never sit with God. In some vain attempt to always vacillate between the extremes we forget to sit with God in the moment. In God's omnipresence we are always looking for Him. Always looking. The brave, courageous few sit and let Him lead. As for them, they remain in Him. Always finding.
In contemporary Christianity we focus with urgency upon direct action. I often wonder if we lack the correct perspective. Around the country conferences are held, retreats are managed and mission trips transpire, oftenly with the sole purpose of inspiring action in the individual. Not that this is wrong in the slightest, but maybe there's something more to be done. How can a person hope to change the world for Christ, if he doesn't love Him? Although acting under the authority of God could lead an individual to come closer to Him, maybe the better road is the one less travelled. After all, the new Christians are often the most passionate. They have not yet lost themselves to mere action. When a person comes to Christ, goes out and proclaims the gospel with every waking breath, it is because he understands. He understands the significance of his freedom in bondage. How often evangelism is stressed but passion is put aside! To accomplish God's work is to love the heart of God.
Walking with God is simple, but sitting with Him requires hard work. Becoming a versatile Christian is difficult, because it necessitates patience. When there is time: time to study His Word, time to worship. You need an extraordinary well of patience to wait for the adventure of the faith. But when God lays work: always present, tension-building, never ceasing work at the doorstep, founding oneself in hope can seem impossible. So, in effort to never sit with God. In some vain attempt to always vacillate between the extremes we forget to sit with God in the moment. In God's omnipresence we are always looking for Him. Always looking. The brave, courageous few sit and let Him lead. As for them, they remain in Him. Always finding.
It's in the times of solitude I want to praise God with my noise and when I've made my clamour, I desire to fall on my knees at the top of some forgotten mountain. But still God meets me where I'm at, even though I've shunned all versatility.
Saturday, 31 October 2009
The Church Over the Churches
Over the years, the majority church has been revamped and remodeled. As if there is some separate sect of Christian spirituality which has been specifically devised for each type of people. Although this isn't wrong of itself, from it has grown innumerable consequences. As a whole, we have divided from one another. Always seeking to advance "our" church (which oftentimes we grew up in), rather than focusing on the truth of the gospel to guide our actions. Where did the Church go? We spend too much time choosing our favorite form from the spiritual smorgasbord, and not enough time living as the Bible would have us live. There are enough different denominations to comfort each individual personality, but maybe that isn't as important as we've made it out to be. The basic fundamentals are shared in most Christian churches, but beyond the authenticity of the Bible and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we've placed far too much value on theological specifications.
The primary cause of this divisiveness within the Church lies in the focus. Some claim emotionality, while others dictate rationality; the balance between the two is unsteady to be sure. In the modern age of scientific exploration and reason, we find apologetic important to those saved and unsaved, but oftentimes we place our faith in logic rather than God Himself. The world was never created to be fully explained. On the opposite side of the spectrum, some hold the Bible with a grain of salt and place their experiences on par with the Word of God. This end I find more dangerous than the other, but both still hold repercussions which are unseen by the unaided eye. We seem happy to choose which path to follow, which denomination, which style, but without some consensus on the necessary course a Christian man or woman should take, we are disoriented pathfinders. We are supposed to be a light to the world, but tend to illuminate with some perplexing shroud of mixed emotions and wavering values.
What needs to take place is for the Church to take control of the churches. The people themselves need to realize their church isn't what's important, but rather their heart. To be sure, church is important for people to grow and to deepen in their walk with Christ, but we tend to mask the reason for the church, with the actual organization itself. As Christians it is vital that we attempt to stop this divide before it grows out of hand, and the only way to do so is to bring the churches together. We need to go to other youth groups, visit other services and commune with believers from other churches. It is ridiculous that we allow trivial issues to force our community apart. Now, it is the perfect time in history to bring the power of Church back under the control of God.
The primary cause of this divisiveness within the Church lies in the focus. Some claim emotionality, while others dictate rationality; the balance between the two is unsteady to be sure. In the modern age of scientific exploration and reason, we find apologetic important to those saved and unsaved, but oftentimes we place our faith in logic rather than God Himself. The world was never created to be fully explained. On the opposite side of the spectrum, some hold the Bible with a grain of salt and place their experiences on par with the Word of God. This end I find more dangerous than the other, but both still hold repercussions which are unseen by the unaided eye. We seem happy to choose which path to follow, which denomination, which style, but without some consensus on the necessary course a Christian man or woman should take, we are disoriented pathfinders. We are supposed to be a light to the world, but tend to illuminate with some perplexing shroud of mixed emotions and wavering values.
What needs to take place is for the Church to take control of the churches. The people themselves need to realize their church isn't what's important, but rather their heart. To be sure, church is important for people to grow and to deepen in their walk with Christ, but we tend to mask the reason for the church, with the actual organization itself. As Christians it is vital that we attempt to stop this divide before it grows out of hand, and the only way to do so is to bring the churches together. We need to go to other youth groups, visit other services and commune with believers from other churches. It is ridiculous that we allow trivial issues to force our community apart. Now, it is the perfect time in history to bring the power of Church back under the control of God.
The Product and the Process
I recently realized that thoughts are hard to contain when they only exist in the deepest corners of your mind, so, finding this idea important (leastwise to myself, if not to others), I decided to write it out. I apologize in advance for any spelling errors, or whatever else may be wrong with it (such as its incredible length), but this was mainly for me to keep my thoughts in one place.
There are times in your life when you have important realizations. Often, these come because of a stupid act you have committed and only discover what you could have done when it was too late, but at other times realizations can be given to you as a gift. I was recently given one of the latter. These kinds of realizations are from God, because otherwise they could just as easily lead you in the wrong direction as they could in the right. I spoke to one of the wisest people I know, about my youth group, its direction and the path which should be taken to lead in such a direction. To strengthen a youth group, I thought, you should have events, plan fund-raisers and call people without ceasing. This was all good and well, but up this point I did not fully understand the relationship between these small events and the vision which the youth group should hopefully soon acquire. There is one vision. There can be one future for the youth group which could be so bright that people could see nothing besides it hoping only to move in its direction.
I was still having troubles trying desperately to understand the significance of this concept, when a packet of sugar was poured out on the table in front of me. "These", he said pointing at the minuscule granules of sugar splayed out on the table, "are the events, the fund-raisers and the phone calls." The first thought that came to my mind was that he had made a horrible mess. "This", he said pointing towards a coaster sitting on the table, in size, towering in comparison to the shiny crystals of Splenda, "is the vision of our youth group." Gesturing once again towards the white splash of sugar on the table, he said "These dots of sugar are only useful if they lead towards this", another time pointing out the coaster. Only after the fact, did I realize what this means in the youth group. Every event, every conversation and meeting, is not advantageous if used only for the sake of business, but rather is worthwhile if it is carefully planned in such a way as that it may lead towards an inspired vision. After all, is the youth group for my own sake, or for that of God?
This is in fact, only a facet of the larger image which I saw. The larger image which I am speaking of is quite simply, my life. Every thought I formulate, every conversation I mold and every action I take while I am stuck in the flesh of my body, is sugar. Every thing I do is in and of itself is without value. The architect can spend years of his life carefully erecting walls and pouring cement, but unless he has a final product, or rather, unless he focuses his work in only one direction, that direction being his vision of what the building could be in its final stage, what can he accomplish? The architect knew all along that he was constructing a building, but until he realized the vision of what that building would look like when it was complete, he could do nothing. Similarly, I have come to realize that I know what I am building. I am working to build a biblical representation of the man of God in myself. However, I need to have vision of what that looks like as I leave the dust of the Earth to pass the gates of heaven. Just as the architect must look ahead to the final stage of his building, so must I look to see what vision I have for who I will be in the finality of life (or the start depending on your interpretation of life as physical or spiritual).
On the conversation of sugar, what does this entail? If I have no vision, then I can accomplish nothing, because I may be building walls in the right places, or I may not, but my life is something I would not like to leave up to chance. How then, do you conform your life to the vision, the powerful final image you behold which contains in it the answer to "is this all there is?". You must be deliberate with every granule of sugar you possess. We live eighty years, ninety if God should give us the time, but really, is any of this time expendable? Although not every conversation needs to be "deep" and not every action needs to be "serious", every action must be deliberate. Some conversations may simply be to uplift, some others to comfort and others to provide fellowship, but yet they must be working to the common vision which is shared solely between you, and your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Many people know what they wish to do, but few know what they desire to do with their life. The difference between these functions is that of the equation used in an algebra problem and the problem itself. You could know every equation formulated to this point in time, but accomplish nothing if the problem is not known. The mathematician must study the problem itself thoroughly to understand which formula to use; but beyond this, he must have purpose in deciphering the problem itself. Few would abandon themselves to an equation without first having a reason to find the solution. Similarly, few would bother in life with the sugar, when there is no coaster on the table to create a pathway to. This coaster brings on a further question, the vision rather than the acts; the product rather than the process. Where then is the incentive to bother with the process, when there is no product? From the Christian frame of mind, a general direction is assumed – life eternal with the Creator – but is salvation the only necessity placed on a Christian? If so why would life end so slowly? Due to these implications, rather than find the Creator cruel for his lack of ability to provide a quick end resulting in a great gain, I assume that I myself am unwise to a greater calling. If this is true, what is the process and, (in line with this discussion) more importantly, what is the product that we are called to?
The Great Commission is this: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The Great Commission is the process by which we attain the product. This process is of itself, two-fold: We are called to spread the Word of God throughout the nations of the world, that others may observe to do the things which our Savior commanded of them. The other side is this, nothing of value should be taught hypocritically. Therefore, the process contains the way in which we should encourage others to act and also the way in which we should ourselves act. This process however, no matter how noble and pure, is of itself without meaning (except in the form of obedience to God). Every refined end must be attained through the work of pure means. The end that is gained through these means is that of providing others with the opportunity to worship and love God. What does this mean then? That the vision of the Christian life is to submit to God out of love.
On the conversation of sugar, work for each granule with purpose, striving always for the coaster on which we place the hope of our lives. Remember always the interconnectedness of the formula and its quotient. On this day, you may only have a smidgen of sugar, but on another day, much. However, over time, these small, seemingly unimportant crystals will produce a road either towards the coaster or off the table. These things change the importance from the ingredients, to the dish and must not be taken lightly. Every school and every corporation has a mission statement, what must ours be, and how must we behave to reach it in its fullest significance? Discover the vision, and diligently strive in its direction.
There are times in your life when you have important realizations. Often, these come because of a stupid act you have committed and only discover what you could have done when it was too late, but at other times realizations can be given to you as a gift. I was recently given one of the latter. These kinds of realizations are from God, because otherwise they could just as easily lead you in the wrong direction as they could in the right. I spoke to one of the wisest people I know, about my youth group, its direction and the path which should be taken to lead in such a direction. To strengthen a youth group, I thought, you should have events, plan fund-raisers and call people without ceasing. This was all good and well, but up this point I did not fully understand the relationship between these small events and the vision which the youth group should hopefully soon acquire. There is one vision. There can be one future for the youth group which could be so bright that people could see nothing besides it hoping only to move in its direction.
I was still having troubles trying desperately to understand the significance of this concept, when a packet of sugar was poured out on the table in front of me. "These", he said pointing at the minuscule granules of sugar splayed out on the table, "are the events, the fund-raisers and the phone calls." The first thought that came to my mind was that he had made a horrible mess. "This", he said pointing towards a coaster sitting on the table, in size, towering in comparison to the shiny crystals of Splenda, "is the vision of our youth group." Gesturing once again towards the white splash of sugar on the table, he said "These dots of sugar are only useful if they lead towards this", another time pointing out the coaster. Only after the fact, did I realize what this means in the youth group. Every event, every conversation and meeting, is not advantageous if used only for the sake of business, but rather is worthwhile if it is carefully planned in such a way as that it may lead towards an inspired vision. After all, is the youth group for my own sake, or for that of God?
This is in fact, only a facet of the larger image which I saw. The larger image which I am speaking of is quite simply, my life. Every thought I formulate, every conversation I mold and every action I take while I am stuck in the flesh of my body, is sugar. Every thing I do is in and of itself is without value. The architect can spend years of his life carefully erecting walls and pouring cement, but unless he has a final product, or rather, unless he focuses his work in only one direction, that direction being his vision of what the building could be in its final stage, what can he accomplish? The architect knew all along that he was constructing a building, but until he realized the vision of what that building would look like when it was complete, he could do nothing. Similarly, I have come to realize that I know what I am building. I am working to build a biblical representation of the man of God in myself. However, I need to have vision of what that looks like as I leave the dust of the Earth to pass the gates of heaven. Just as the architect must look ahead to the final stage of his building, so must I look to see what vision I have for who I will be in the finality of life (or the start depending on your interpretation of life as physical or spiritual).
On the conversation of sugar, what does this entail? If I have no vision, then I can accomplish nothing, because I may be building walls in the right places, or I may not, but my life is something I would not like to leave up to chance. How then, do you conform your life to the vision, the powerful final image you behold which contains in it the answer to "is this all there is?". You must be deliberate with every granule of sugar you possess. We live eighty years, ninety if God should give us the time, but really, is any of this time expendable? Although not every conversation needs to be "deep" and not every action needs to be "serious", every action must be deliberate. Some conversations may simply be to uplift, some others to comfort and others to provide fellowship, but yet they must be working to the common vision which is shared solely between you, and your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Many people know what they wish to do, but few know what they desire to do with their life. The difference between these functions is that of the equation used in an algebra problem and the problem itself. You could know every equation formulated to this point in time, but accomplish nothing if the problem is not known. The mathematician must study the problem itself thoroughly to understand which formula to use; but beyond this, he must have purpose in deciphering the problem itself. Few would abandon themselves to an equation without first having a reason to find the solution. Similarly, few would bother in life with the sugar, when there is no coaster on the table to create a pathway to. This coaster brings on a further question, the vision rather than the acts; the product rather than the process. Where then is the incentive to bother with the process, when there is no product? From the Christian frame of mind, a general direction is assumed – life eternal with the Creator – but is salvation the only necessity placed on a Christian? If so why would life end so slowly? Due to these implications, rather than find the Creator cruel for his lack of ability to provide a quick end resulting in a great gain, I assume that I myself am unwise to a greater calling. If this is true, what is the process and, (in line with this discussion) more importantly, what is the product that we are called to?
The Great Commission is this: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The Great Commission is the process by which we attain the product. This process is of itself, two-fold: We are called to spread the Word of God throughout the nations of the world, that others may observe to do the things which our Savior commanded of them. The other side is this, nothing of value should be taught hypocritically. Therefore, the process contains the way in which we should encourage others to act and also the way in which we should ourselves act. This process however, no matter how noble and pure, is of itself without meaning (except in the form of obedience to God). Every refined end must be attained through the work of pure means. The end that is gained through these means is that of providing others with the opportunity to worship and love God. What does this mean then? That the vision of the Christian life is to submit to God out of love.
On the conversation of sugar, work for each granule with purpose, striving always for the coaster on which we place the hope of our lives. Remember always the interconnectedness of the formula and its quotient. On this day, you may only have a smidgen of sugar, but on another day, much. However, over time, these small, seemingly unimportant crystals will produce a road either towards the coaster or off the table. These things change the importance from the ingredients, to the dish and must not be taken lightly. Every school and every corporation has a mission statement, what must ours be, and how must we behave to reach it in its fullest significance? Discover the vision, and diligently strive in its direction.
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