Greetings Brethren,
I know it has been some time since I last posted. It was not for a lack of trying.
Today, I want continue our discourse about idols. Specifically idols in the Black American community, and in the Black American church. I don't wish to step on your toes, but if I do, you may want to take a moment to examine your thinking through a biblical lens. I have done so myself, and the more I think about my own thinking through the light of the word of God, I find myself lacking.
It's funny how things work sometimes. Twice this week I have spoken with different people who mentioned in the course of conversation that they do not believe that God wants them to be unhappy. It was the first conversation that led me to post about this very topic. It was the second conversation that confirmed it.
The question on the floor is this: Is happiness an idol?
I see many television preachers selling happiness on TV, and I often wonder what happens when people send in their money and they do not receive the happiness promised. Why is happiness a goal for so many people? Should we be so focused on our own happiness? Does our preoccupation with being happy reveal a sort of selfishness within us?
Remember, our working definition of idol is bascially anything that replaces God in our hearts and minds, or anything that we 'worship.'
Many times I hear people say, if they just had this, or just had that then they would be happy. That a certain job, or relationship, or car, or degree would be the thing that makes them happy. And of course, if it makes you happy, then God must want it for your, because God wants us to be happy? Right?
Thus, we chase after the thing that will make us happy. Then we get it. Then we are happy. Then the thing gets old, or boring, or broken in some way and we are no longer happy. Then we fixate on something else to make us happy. Sound familiar?
Brothers and Sisters, if you are chasing after happiness, then happiness may be your idol. And it is a false idol, like all other idols. Like all other idols, happiness is temporary, and it cannot last into eternity.
I do not believe that God is concerned at all with our happiness. I believe that God is concerned with our salvation. Question, if everyone was happy all of the time, why would we ever need God? Why would we turn to God? Why would we seek his face, or his grace, if we were always happy?
When I think about my own salvation, it was due to me being very confused, very distraught, and very unhappy. That unhappiness was the thing that drove me into the arms of my lord and savior. To be completely transparent, when I am at my lowest points, I am closest to my savior. Read the following scripture written by Paul in reference to a 'thorn' in his flesh that the lord would not take away.
2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
If Paul, who wrote most of the New Testatament, had an ailment that God refused to take away, so that God's power would be made perfect in Paul's suffering---what makes you think God wants you to be happy?
Did you know that almost every apostle was murdered for Jesus? That they died horrible, terrible deaths, because they followed Christ? Was God concerned with their happiness?
What about David? David spent a large part of his life running from his enemies. Was God concerned with his happiness?
Consider Job, who was a faithful servant. Was God concerned with his happiness?
Brothers and Sisters, God wants us to believe in Jesus, repent of our sins, and spend eternity with Him. If we must suffer for that to be accomplished then so be it. It would be far better for us to suffer in this life than in the next, because if we suffer in the next life we will suffer for eternity.
I hope this is clear.
I hear too many Christians saying that God wants us to have life, and have it more abundantly. YES, HE DOES! What do we think that means? That means Jesus! It means Jesus came so we can have access 24/7 to the life that he gives---eternal life with Him. Read John 10:10 again, and see if it makes sense now. The life Jesus provides is Jesus, and communion with with Him, our savior. It does not mean we are going to be happy. It means that whatever is happening, we can always go to our High Priest with with it.
Lastly, I want to say this. A few chapters later, in John 14:6, Jesus says this: I am the way the truth and the life. You see, Jesus himself is what we need abundantly. He works all things together for our good. That is all things--happiness, sadness, poverty, prosperity, all things. So just because things didn't work out the way we planned--we know that we are being led to a good place by a good Sheppard; even if the way is rough.
I can say more, in fact I think I will next time. Until then, examine your thoughts, search the scriptures, and see what the word of God has to say about happiness. Maybe you are in a place where God wants you because he can work with you in this place. He can perfect you in this place. Maybe your trial is necessary to make you weak so his strength is perfected in you. Maybe we are too concerned with our own happiness and not concerned enough about His will. Remember, Thy will be done, not My will be done.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Black American Idol 4: BET Awards--Really Christians?
Brothers and Sisters, I know some of you think I'm just here to steal everyone's joy. To the contrary, I believe I must do this to increase everyone's joy---in the lord! Keep in mind, what I say I say out of love.
I've seen many Facebook comments about the BET Awards. Some saying they liked this performance, or they liked that performance. Some saying a certain performer looked like a 'hot mess.' I say, if you watched that idol worship, that work of the devil, then you need to repent. Yes You! Many of the same people who watched that mess post comments every week about going to church on Sunday.
The bible clearly states that you cannot serve two masters. You cannot worship the world and God. So what, then, 'Christian' are you doing watching the BET Awards? It is nothing but the world celebrating itself. If you are a 'Christian' why are you participating in the world celebrating the world, when you are not supposed to have anything to do with the world besides being salt and light to the world.
That's right, I said it. Call me to complain. But you so-called Christians are wrong and someone needs to say it. Those people on that show worship the world system, and many who idolize---yes idolize---those folks are being drawn into their world view. What's worse is that Christian adults are sitting back watching it with their children teaching them to be world worshippers too. I say don't support people in their wrong doing. But as usual, Black folks, even so-called Christian black folks love to look at the spectacle so they can run their mouths the next day. Yes, I said, because it needs to be said. You all can hate me all you want, I don't answer to you. And you know in your heart I'm right. I didn't have to watch the awards to know what they are all about. You didn't either. Are you mad? Good. So am I.
Think about this the next time you even consider wasting your God-given time on that mess. God gave all of those wonderfully talented people on the BET Awards incredible gifts. Those same people have taken those gifts and used them to advance the kingdom of God's enemy. Talk about a slap in the face. To add insult to injury, God's people are sitting up watching his enemy's team perform their work and loving every minute of it. If you don't think those people on the BET are doing the devil's work for him, print out the lyrics and compare them to the word of God. I dare you!!!!
Christians, and so-called Christians, the next time you want to look at that mess, think about what Christ did for you. The intense suffering he willingly endured for you, so you can have eternal life. After you have thought on that, then try to turn around and applaud while His enemy wins an award. C'mon folks, you know in your heart it is wrong, so stop. You have 500 other channels to watch.
I've seen many Facebook comments about the BET Awards. Some saying they liked this performance, or they liked that performance. Some saying a certain performer looked like a 'hot mess.' I say, if you watched that idol worship, that work of the devil, then you need to repent. Yes You! Many of the same people who watched that mess post comments every week about going to church on Sunday.
The bible clearly states that you cannot serve two masters. You cannot worship the world and God. So what, then, 'Christian' are you doing watching the BET Awards? It is nothing but the world celebrating itself. If you are a 'Christian' why are you participating in the world celebrating the world, when you are not supposed to have anything to do with the world besides being salt and light to the world.
That's right, I said it. Call me to complain. But you so-called Christians are wrong and someone needs to say it. Those people on that show worship the world system, and many who idolize---yes idolize---those folks are being drawn into their world view. What's worse is that Christian adults are sitting back watching it with their children teaching them to be world worshippers too. I say don't support people in their wrong doing. But as usual, Black folks, even so-called Christian black folks love to look at the spectacle so they can run their mouths the next day. Yes, I said, because it needs to be said. You all can hate me all you want, I don't answer to you. And you know in your heart I'm right. I didn't have to watch the awards to know what they are all about. You didn't either. Are you mad? Good. So am I.
Think about this the next time you even consider wasting your God-given time on that mess. God gave all of those wonderfully talented people on the BET Awards incredible gifts. Those same people have taken those gifts and used them to advance the kingdom of God's enemy. Talk about a slap in the face. To add insult to injury, God's people are sitting up watching his enemy's team perform their work and loving every minute of it. If you don't think those people on the BET are doing the devil's work for him, print out the lyrics and compare them to the word of God. I dare you!!!!
Christians, and so-called Christians, the next time you want to look at that mess, think about what Christ did for you. The intense suffering he willingly endured for you, so you can have eternal life. After you have thought on that, then try to turn around and applaud while His enemy wins an award. C'mon folks, you know in your heart it is wrong, so stop. You have 500 other channels to watch.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Black American Idol 3- Are you branded
I apologize in advance to those who are about to be offended. Please know that it is out of love and concern that I write this.
How many of you know that when you talk on your cell phone in a car that everyone else in the car is listening to your conversation? I was carpooling yesterday with a coworker who had a conversation on the cell phone. In the context of that conversation the coworker told the vocie on the other end that as black adults we tend to still act like infants who need pacifiers. The difference is what we pacify ourselves with. I marvelled at that statement,and the truth it contained.
To that coworker, things we use to get through life are pacifiers. I will call them what God calls them, idols. To many of us, our idols are our brands---those things that we believe make us who we are. Branding is new to the common vocabulary. It seems to be the idea that our stuff, or certain aspects of our physical bodies make us who we are. I will submit to you that every one of those things we rely on to give us an identity is a filthy idol, and God hates it because people will put those things before God.
Brothers and sisters we are to have our identity in Christ. He is the potter! He can shape us, smash us, reshape us, smash us again and make us anew. Our efforts should be focused on making ourselves like Him, not creating ourselves as a brand so we can resemble the world (world=evil).
So, when you say brother, 'I gotta keep me a fresh pair of Jordans', or 'I gotta have the baddest ride,' or 'I cant be seen without my jewelry' what you are really saying is- "My identity is not in Christ, it is wrapped up in these sinful things that have become idols."
So, when you, sister, spend hundred of dollars on a purse, but cannot seem to tithe (read Malachi 3:8) what are you saying to God? When you, sister, spend countless hours in the mirror, or in the beauty salon to create the perfect look; but you cannot seem to find time to read the word of God, what are you saying to God?
Brothers and sisters, we are an ignorant people, and we are an ignorant church. We can rattle off 50 fashion designers, cars, shoes, stores, but we cannot remember 5 of the 10 commandments. What kind of worship is that? What kind of honor is that to a God that has given us everything? We can identify every Jordan shoe from 1985 to 1999, but we cannot tell you where Paul was when he had his conversion, nor the signifigance of it. We excel in those things which are unimportant to God, and we are woefully deficient in those things that God values. Look at our homes, our families, our children! But we are going to look good, arent we. The kids cannot read. The young men cant do anything but play video games. But we all look good!
These are everyday things that we do as a church! A church! A people who say we surrender all to God. It is foolish for us to think that a Holy God is going to grant entry into eternal bliss to a bunch of worldly folks who go to church. It has gotten so bad that I hear people say things like, yes, I'm a Christian, I go to church. News flash, going to church does not make you a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage makes you a car.
Time is short folks. Let us all pray that God reveal the idols in our lives and give us strength to tear them down. Let us all repent of our pridefullness that leads to our idol worship and ask God to humble us and make us as clay in his hands. Let us all pray that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven, whatever that will is. Let us pray that the groom returns soon to claim his bride, because this whole world is a mess.
How many of you know that when you talk on your cell phone in a car that everyone else in the car is listening to your conversation? I was carpooling yesterday with a coworker who had a conversation on the cell phone. In the context of that conversation the coworker told the vocie on the other end that as black adults we tend to still act like infants who need pacifiers. The difference is what we pacify ourselves with. I marvelled at that statement,and the truth it contained.
To that coworker, things we use to get through life are pacifiers. I will call them what God calls them, idols. To many of us, our idols are our brands---those things that we believe make us who we are. Branding is new to the common vocabulary. It seems to be the idea that our stuff, or certain aspects of our physical bodies make us who we are. I will submit to you that every one of those things we rely on to give us an identity is a filthy idol, and God hates it because people will put those things before God.
Brothers and sisters we are to have our identity in Christ. He is the potter! He can shape us, smash us, reshape us, smash us again and make us anew. Our efforts should be focused on making ourselves like Him, not creating ourselves as a brand so we can resemble the world (world=evil).
So, when you say brother, 'I gotta keep me a fresh pair of Jordans', or 'I gotta have the baddest ride,' or 'I cant be seen without my jewelry' what you are really saying is- "My identity is not in Christ, it is wrapped up in these sinful things that have become idols."
So, when you, sister, spend hundred of dollars on a purse, but cannot seem to tithe (read Malachi 3:8) what are you saying to God? When you, sister, spend countless hours in the mirror, or in the beauty salon to create the perfect look; but you cannot seem to find time to read the word of God, what are you saying to God?
Brothers and sisters, we are an ignorant people, and we are an ignorant church. We can rattle off 50 fashion designers, cars, shoes, stores, but we cannot remember 5 of the 10 commandments. What kind of worship is that? What kind of honor is that to a God that has given us everything? We can identify every Jordan shoe from 1985 to 1999, but we cannot tell you where Paul was when he had his conversion, nor the signifigance of it. We excel in those things which are unimportant to God, and we are woefully deficient in those things that God values. Look at our homes, our families, our children! But we are going to look good, arent we. The kids cannot read. The young men cant do anything but play video games. But we all look good!
These are everyday things that we do as a church! A church! A people who say we surrender all to God. It is foolish for us to think that a Holy God is going to grant entry into eternal bliss to a bunch of worldly folks who go to church. It has gotten so bad that I hear people say things like, yes, I'm a Christian, I go to church. News flash, going to church does not make you a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage makes you a car.
Time is short folks. Let us all pray that God reveal the idols in our lives and give us strength to tear them down. Let us all repent of our pridefullness that leads to our idol worship and ask God to humble us and make us as clay in his hands. Let us all pray that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven, whatever that will is. Let us pray that the groom returns soon to claim his bride, because this whole world is a mess.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Black American Idol 2
This post is a painful, personal testimony. I have learned firsthand that God hates idols. I have also learned that God loves his people. Because God hates idols, and God loves his people, then God will sometimes allow the idols in the lives of his people come to ruin so that his people will have no choice but to love God with all their heart, all their mind and all their strength.
My idol was a relationship. At the time it meant more to me than anything, even God. I put that person above all other things, including God. At the time I did not recognize what I was doing. Then God blew on the relationship and it fell apart. That was probably 3 years ago. For 21 months and counting I have taken no meat, nor sweets as a fast. I pray daily and ask God to restore the relationship. He has yet to answer my prayer. Though the pain is real, and at times (today is one of those times) crippling and maddening; it has revealed to me the kindness God has shown me in my suffering. But I am getting off topic.
Brothers and Sisters, be warned if your idol is a person. Be warned if you have compromised a single step of your walk with God for anyone. Be warned if you believe in Jesus, repent of your sins, are a member of the body of Christ; and you have a person who you love more than God. Be warned I say!!!!!
I have learned this and I hope someone reads this and also learns--God will not be mocked, and he will not be second place!!!! Your foolish idol worship may carry a price tag you are not willing pay. Yes, I know, we are under grace and Jesus paid it all. But God still punishes sin and chastises his children as every loving father does.
Black people, we love our folks. We love our wives, children, husbands, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, sisters, brothers and play cousins. We are a people with great emotional ties to people. We love our celebrities too. We love our pop singers, rappers, actors, pastors, and our President. It's a holiday weekend, so I will keep this short. Don't ever love a person more than you love God. People enter our lives, exit our lives, and come back into our lives, but God is constant. Don't ever worship someone because they can sing, act, preach, or read a teleprompter. God gave them those talents, so why praise the gifted when you can worship the gift maker and the gift giver?
Remember, brothers and sisters, keep God first.
My idol was a relationship. At the time it meant more to me than anything, even God. I put that person above all other things, including God. At the time I did not recognize what I was doing. Then God blew on the relationship and it fell apart. That was probably 3 years ago. For 21 months and counting I have taken no meat, nor sweets as a fast. I pray daily and ask God to restore the relationship. He has yet to answer my prayer. Though the pain is real, and at times (today is one of those times) crippling and maddening; it has revealed to me the kindness God has shown me in my suffering. But I am getting off topic.
Brothers and Sisters, be warned if your idol is a person. Be warned if you have compromised a single step of your walk with God for anyone. Be warned if you believe in Jesus, repent of your sins, are a member of the body of Christ; and you have a person who you love more than God. Be warned I say!!!!!
I have learned this and I hope someone reads this and also learns--God will not be mocked, and he will not be second place!!!! Your foolish idol worship may carry a price tag you are not willing pay. Yes, I know, we are under grace and Jesus paid it all. But God still punishes sin and chastises his children as every loving father does.
Black people, we love our folks. We love our wives, children, husbands, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, sisters, brothers and play cousins. We are a people with great emotional ties to people. We love our celebrities too. We love our pop singers, rappers, actors, pastors, and our President. It's a holiday weekend, so I will keep this short. Don't ever love a person more than you love God. People enter our lives, exit our lives, and come back into our lives, but God is constant. Don't ever worship someone because they can sing, act, preach, or read a teleprompter. God gave them those talents, so why praise the gifted when you can worship the gift maker and the gift giver?
Remember, brothers and sisters, keep God first.
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