Offensive Love

Well, I've been thinking lately. What does offensive love look like? Recognize first that offensive has two connotations. The first is in the context of causing insult. The second is in the context of moving towards a victory. One cannot escape the fact that one of the body of believers' predominant characteristics is to be love. There is also a sense in which the church has received "marching orders" and that the ". . . . gates of Hell will not prevail against it". This suggests an offensive rather than defensive posture. So, again I ask the question.

What does offensive love look like?

When we're put in a position to take a stand because we are different, what should that look like? Do we say, "I'm sorry, I can't be a part of this." and withdraw, or, "I will not do this and I will keep doing what I have been doing." until we are forced to leave. How do we live out ". . . . in this world but not of this world".

How do I ". . . overcome evil with good"?

We live in a time when we are to be tolerant and accepting. Is that part of God's strategy for a triumphant church? Can I be tolerant and accepting without condoning? Can I be tolerant and accepting while confronting? Should Christians be intolerant?

Is it possible to be countercultural and yet culturally relevant? (more on that later)

What are your thoughts?

Repentance?

Well, I've been thinking lately. Maybe repentance isn't all it's cracked up to be. There have been times when I was repentant; at least I thought I was. It wasn't just an intellectual repentance (i.e.. this is wrong, and I need to stop), but involved an emotional element as well (God, how did I end up here? I know this displeases You.). How do I know when I am repentant? Is it only by looking back at some point in the future and seeing that my behavior has changed?

Certainly God values repentance (Psalm 51:17).

I'd like to tell you that I've always been able to look back and see a change. But alas, all too often, I look back and see a return to the same pattern. Have I not repented? Was it insufficiently remorseful? Or is there a possibility that not even repentance brings about change? If it doesn't, what's the value of it? Or more importantly, what does bring about change?

Here's what's even more troubling:

It's this whole thing of slavery to or freedom from sin. It seems that the apostle Paul says in Romans 6 that salvation sets us free from sin. That before salvation we are powerless to do anything other than sin. Verse 22 indicates that after salvation our present reward is holiness. But then there's the last portion chapter 7. Paul speaks as though this is his present or at least his recent condition. At best, it ends in Christian schizophrenia (verse 25).

Before I was saved, I did what I pleased. Now, after salvation, I don't seem to be able to do what I want to do (the things that please God). I feel more of a slave to sin now than before I was saved. I think Paul felt the same. Before he was saved (Philippians 3:4-6), he was blameless. He was a self-empowered man. After his salvation, he expresses frustration over not being able to lead a totally righteous life (Romans 7:24). Wasn't Paul expressing his repentance?

Am I missing the boat? Does anyone else out there share these thoughts?

I understand that Paul says there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. That's nice. In fact, it's great! But there are numerous references in the new testament to living a life worthy of Christ, or His calling, or of the gospel. Is holiness an unobtainable ideal? What about Hebrews 12:14? Is imputed holiness my only shot? If so, why would Paul begin the verse with "strive". It seems to indicate it's doable. If it isn't, none of us will see God. Refer back to Romans 7.

What do you think?

Well, I've been thinking lately. What is the function of scripture in our lives? How much should we struggle to plumb its depths in the attempt to better understand God? Should we spend our time digging and digging to try and derive its absolute meaning and in the process miss all the ministry divine appointment opportunities God places in our path? Certainly we are admonished to spend time there - to "hide it in our hearts", but to obsess about it is what the Pharisees did. I've often thought it unfortunate the old and new testament writings were not in the same language. I have no problem with the infallibility of scripture, but I do have a problem with the infallibility of translation or interpretation. In and of themselves, scripture achieves nothing; for many more have read than believed. Paul said that "the word of God was active and living". Could it be that the exact same words will say different things to different people at different times? That does not make God's word contradictory, it is just a tool of His Spirit to accomplish His purposes.

Should not our time be better spent considering if we are controlled by His Spirit? Are we living in the age of the Holy Spirit or the age of scripture? Do we have the cart before the horse?

Well, I've been thinking lately. Jesus' ministry spanned roughly 3 years, but he spent 20+ years as a carpenter. Hmmmm. If you've ever been to Israel, you know that the land is almost completely devoid of trees. Carpenter - scarce wood - Hmmmm. I mean if Jesus set out to train the disciples to be "Fishers of men", why didn't God line up an earthly father that was a fisherman? There must be something for us (and Christ) in the fact of his time as a carpenter. Having done some woodworking myself (although I still have all my fingers), I can speculate. I think it had to do with "building" the church (universal).

In Israel where wood was scarce, every piece of wood was precious and would need to be utilized to its full potential. Today when I go to Lowe's to get some wood, I start sorting through the pile and laying aside all the "unacceptable" or "flawed" pieces of wood. Not so back then. Doesn't it seem that today in building the church we look for nothing but good "studs"? I've made some 2X4 furniture. It's sturdy and functional, but not much to look at or comfortable. Back then if a board were warped, you would probably apply steam and place the board under pressure until the board was made true. Rotted sections would be cut out rather than disposing of the entire board. Perhaps a knot or burl would be highlighted to add artistic value rather than covered to leave a sterile appearance. I think you undertand the analogies.

None of us are perfect "studs", but God uses us anyway to confound the wise (I Cor 1:27). We may be used as we are, or God may apply "pressure" of some sort until we are suitable for the purpose He has chosen.