I found an old post on a blog that I am unfamiliar with (and so do not endorse anything on it) that I found particularly insightful on lust.
See Life Differently: Dealing With Lust
The key section (in case the link gets broken) for me is:
"Wouldn't it be better if a woman in a bikini didn't even register on my radar because I am so in love with my own wife? Wouldn't it be best if I could actually overcome my lust altogether, rather than merely trying to control the sinful behavior that results from it?
How come no one's talking about how to change the heart? Hmmm?"
Some thoughts:
There actually are some people who are looking at heart change, rather than merely external boundaries. The people at CCEF have been dealing with this for years, and they don't get enough traffic, as far as I'm concerned. They have some fine resources on dealing with "how people change" that deals primarily with heart change.
If I might summarize to the best of my ability: we need to realize that we do, in each and every moment, exactly what we want to do. We always follow our greatest desire. The question is, how do we desire something else?
First, we must realize that what we want often kills us slowly. We ingest poison - poison that gives us a rush - and then wonder why we are deteriorating. We choose to swallow the lie, that thing offered to us that promises life, and find only once it gets into our stomach that it is bitter.
Second, we must realize that we undervalue Christ. We think the gospel is only for the moment of salvation and we're on our own to "make it the rest of the way" through life. We do not see that the Gospel is for ever day living. We do not see the all-surpassing glory of Christ that would far outshine these momentary pleasures if we would just look! Instead, we suppress our knowledge of Christ in order that we might pursue this created thing - or perhaps we have never had an accurate picture of the Glory of the Risen Christ!
Third, we fail to realize that we cannot change ourselves - or others. The one thing everyone needs - and the one thing no one can do for themselves or others - is a change in the heart. We can't reach into someone else and flip a switch, as it were, so that they crave the right thing. The best we can do is show truth to them, to hold up Christ in all His glory, and pray that he will draw this person to himself.
Fourth, we must see that life is a series of realizations that we have turned from Christ and to something else - that we have sought life in another. We then turn from the thing that has captured our affection and look to Christ. We need to deny ourselves this momentary pleasure for something far more satisfying. To paraphrase John Piper's words: we must stop dwelling on "our mud pies in the slums" and see the value in the "holiday at the sea" that is offered. We are far too easily satisfied.
Fifth, and perhaps this is out of order, we must realize that if we are united with Christ, our Sovereign Lord has arranged the details of your life so that you will continue to walk down the path of Christ-likeness. We are guaranteed to reach our destination, as the deposit of the Holy Spirit attests. We will one day be like Him - when we see Him face to face. Your life is bigger than your life, and the "Grand Play" going on around you will display the Lord in all His Glory. Your life is a part of that reality. There is nothing that happens to you by chance, by happenstance, by randomness (as if that were a force anyway) - every detail is arranged according to plan. The sovereign Lord speaks into all of life - and He cares far too much about His children to let them settle for mud pies. He will do whatever is necessary to free them from the power of sin - for if He has given us Christ, what good will He withhold?
No, for whatever reason, God does not see fit to perfect us in this life. But as we walk with Him, we will be more like Him. And I have a suspicion that when all is revealed, our joy and His Glory will be ever-intensified because of the path He has taken us through.
So, as we struggle with lust, remember:
1. We are falling for the trap and lie of the enemy that life is found in a sexual experience rather than fellowship with God
2. Lust is destructive and will destroy us
3. We do what we do because we want to
4. We need heart change, but are dependent on God for that
5. Christ's Glory far surpasses the mud pies we play with - so behold Christ!
6. Because we are united in Christ, one day this struggle will be over - but that day is not today
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Polycarp ... burned at the stake at 86
Polycarp, a direct pupil of the apostle John who lived between 70 and 155 A.D., was arrested on the charge of being a Christian -- a member of a politically dangerous cult whose rapid growth needed to be stopped. Amidst an angry mob, the Roman proconsul took pity on such a gentle old man and urged Polycarp to proclaim, "Caesar is Lord". If only Polycarp would make this declaration and offer a small pinch of incense to Caesar's statue he would escape torture and death. To this Polycarp responded, "Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and He never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" Steadfast in his stand for Christ, Polycarp refused to compromise his beliefs, and thus, was burned alive at the stake.
What will the world be like when I'm 86 - if I get to live out those years? What will be the great technological advances that will make life 'easier' for all of us? What will be the great political moves that will shape the world? What will be the new ways that men dream up to express their sin? What will my kids and grandkids be like then? What kind of world will this generation have left them?
What if there is great persecution coming - whether to the whole world or just my little corner of it? Will I be able to face death as faithfully as Polycarp? What would I do at the thought of facing being burned alive?
What brutalities would be possible for this pluralistic, secular world? What things would they do to try to snuff out any allegience to the Lord? Could such a thing ever be possible? Despite the advance3s in technology, the human heart has not changed. Is it possible? You can count on it unless God restrains the evil in the heart of men still longer ... What kind of future do my descendents have to look forward to?
In you alone, O Lord, will I put my trust!
What will the world be like when I'm 86 - if I get to live out those years? What will be the great technological advances that will make life 'easier' for all of us? What will be the great political moves that will shape the world? What will be the new ways that men dream up to express their sin? What will my kids and grandkids be like then? What kind of world will this generation have left them?
What if there is great persecution coming - whether to the whole world or just my little corner of it? Will I be able to face death as faithfully as Polycarp? What would I do at the thought of facing being burned alive?
What brutalities would be possible for this pluralistic, secular world? What things would they do to try to snuff out any allegience to the Lord? Could such a thing ever be possible? Despite the advance3s in technology, the human heart has not changed. Is it possible? You can count on it unless God restrains the evil in the heart of men still longer ... What kind of future do my descendents have to look forward to?
In you alone, O Lord, will I put my trust!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
“What do I want?”
This is a great question to ask yourself, and to ask of others. It’s simple and straightforward, and yet the desires, thoughts and motives of our very core can be displayed by honest answers to this question. It fits just about any moment of any situation. What is it that is driving me to say, do, feel and think the things I do right now?
This question is in essence a summary of some of the work of Jonathan Edwards as he considered God’s Word. He spoke at length to the desires we all have in his work “The Freedom of the Will.” Edwards’ thesis in this work is that “we are free to choose that which we most desire.” Why do you do what you do in each and every moment of your life? Because you want to – you desire to. Even when we have competing desires, we will always pursue that which is greatest. This is why the things we do reveal our hearts – even though no one can see our inner motives.
“Wait,” you say, “I know there are times I would rather be fishing than at work, or times I do the dishes for the thousandth time when my back hurts.” How can you say that I always follow my greatest desire when so often I feel like I must do something out of a sense of duty, if nothing else? It is true that sometimes we do have a desire to do something other than what we are doing that seems greater. But it is not just these two desires competing, but a third (at least) enters the picture. You know that to abandon work (not speaking of vacations) is to put you job in jeopardy, and your job is how you provide for your family, support the work of your church and other causes you value, and that on occasion, it really does provide you with a sense of purpose. Thus your desire to protect your family, help others, and have a sense of accomplishment with the talents you have been given overrides the momentary desire to be fishing. Thus, even though you’d rather be fishing – you really would rather be faithful to the other causes more important to you than your own enjoyment. So even when we think we are sacrificing a greater desire, we are really doing it in service to a greater desire yet.
“Following our greatest motivation” thus highlights why sin is so offensive. When we sin, we do it because we want to do it – in spite of God’s desire for us. We believe the lie that life is found in this other thing we want rather than in God’s plan for us. This is why sin is so insidious – it promises to us exactly what we want, but hides the price we will pay. Even as Christians – people committed to Christ and His Glory – we often trade the life he offers for a momentary pleasure or power or comfort.
Next, this shines light on the reality that we are not all tempted by exactly the same things. Yes, we are tempted by the similar categories of sin – i.e. pride, lust, greed, self-centeredness, etc. – but the actual things that “hook” our hearts may be different. The things that set off pride for a businessman may be different than for a pastor or a stay-at-home mother – yet they all struggle with pride. The things we want may be as different as our hobbies, careers, or tastes in food – but it is the desire that is in our heart that tempts us (James 1:13-15). Thus, what tempts me may be perfectly innocent for my brother, and we must be careful not to assign our struggles to someone else.
The final thing this points to is the fact that external remedies (isolation, boundaries, fleeing etc.) may be of some value in the moment, but ultimately the thing we need the most is heart change (and it’s the one thing none of us can do for another or even ourselves). We need to desire different things. I am not kept pure merely by the avoidance of situations that may tempt me – although it is Biblical and wise to flee moments of temptation rather than to fall into sin – but by the change of my desires from the things of this world (yes, even good things out of proportion) to the things that please God’s heart. Monasteries were a fine idea – until humans were let in. In spite of their extremely rigorous rules and ascetic conditions, monasteries still found the same sins present as in the rest of the world. The human heart will find ways to go on its own, to chase its own desires. We don’t need a better environment, ultimately – we need a Savior. Christ is yet our example: when the “pressures” of all He went through in his crucifixion and separation from the Father, look at what came out of his heart. When the sponge is squeezed, the liquid that comes out was what was already in there. What comes out of your heart when the pressures of the moment squeeze you?
When Christ is lifted up in all His Glory, he not only draws men to himself for salvation, but captures more and more the hearts of his children. I am convinced that what I need more often than not is a true, vibrant mental picture or understanding of the glorious appeal of Christ for who He is so that the trinkets of earth that so easily amuse me fade into dust in comparison with Him. I need not just to shun sin, but to desire Christ more!
If the gospel has any power – and it does – then it is the answer for us not only when we first come to Christ, but for living life every day thereafter. “What do you want?” – a simple, but powerful spotlight on your heart.
This question is in essence a summary of some of the work of Jonathan Edwards as he considered God’s Word. He spoke at length to the desires we all have in his work “The Freedom of the Will.” Edwards’ thesis in this work is that “we are free to choose that which we most desire.” Why do you do what you do in each and every moment of your life? Because you want to – you desire to. Even when we have competing desires, we will always pursue that which is greatest. This is why the things we do reveal our hearts – even though no one can see our inner motives.
“Wait,” you say, “I know there are times I would rather be fishing than at work, or times I do the dishes for the thousandth time when my back hurts.” How can you say that I always follow my greatest desire when so often I feel like I must do something out of a sense of duty, if nothing else? It is true that sometimes we do have a desire to do something other than what we are doing that seems greater. But it is not just these two desires competing, but a third (at least) enters the picture. You know that to abandon work (not speaking of vacations) is to put you job in jeopardy, and your job is how you provide for your family, support the work of your church and other causes you value, and that on occasion, it really does provide you with a sense of purpose. Thus your desire to protect your family, help others, and have a sense of accomplishment with the talents you have been given overrides the momentary desire to be fishing. Thus, even though you’d rather be fishing – you really would rather be faithful to the other causes more important to you than your own enjoyment. So even when we think we are sacrificing a greater desire, we are really doing it in service to a greater desire yet.
“Following our greatest motivation” thus highlights why sin is so offensive. When we sin, we do it because we want to do it – in spite of God’s desire for us. We believe the lie that life is found in this other thing we want rather than in God’s plan for us. This is why sin is so insidious – it promises to us exactly what we want, but hides the price we will pay. Even as Christians – people committed to Christ and His Glory – we often trade the life he offers for a momentary pleasure or power or comfort.
Next, this shines light on the reality that we are not all tempted by exactly the same things. Yes, we are tempted by the similar categories of sin – i.e. pride, lust, greed, self-centeredness, etc. – but the actual things that “hook” our hearts may be different. The things that set off pride for a businessman may be different than for a pastor or a stay-at-home mother – yet they all struggle with pride. The things we want may be as different as our hobbies, careers, or tastes in food – but it is the desire that is in our heart that tempts us (James 1:13-15). Thus, what tempts me may be perfectly innocent for my brother, and we must be careful not to assign our struggles to someone else.
The final thing this points to is the fact that external remedies (isolation, boundaries, fleeing etc.) may be of some value in the moment, but ultimately the thing we need the most is heart change (and it’s the one thing none of us can do for another or even ourselves). We need to desire different things. I am not kept pure merely by the avoidance of situations that may tempt me – although it is Biblical and wise to flee moments of temptation rather than to fall into sin – but by the change of my desires from the things of this world (yes, even good things out of proportion) to the things that please God’s heart. Monasteries were a fine idea – until humans were let in. In spite of their extremely rigorous rules and ascetic conditions, monasteries still found the same sins present as in the rest of the world. The human heart will find ways to go on its own, to chase its own desires. We don’t need a better environment, ultimately – we need a Savior. Christ is yet our example: when the “pressures” of all He went through in his crucifixion and separation from the Father, look at what came out of his heart. When the sponge is squeezed, the liquid that comes out was what was already in there. What comes out of your heart when the pressures of the moment squeeze you?
When Christ is lifted up in all His Glory, he not only draws men to himself for salvation, but captures more and more the hearts of his children. I am convinced that what I need more often than not is a true, vibrant mental picture or understanding of the glorious appeal of Christ for who He is so that the trinkets of earth that so easily amuse me fade into dust in comparison with Him. I need not just to shun sin, but to desire Christ more!
If the gospel has any power – and it does – then it is the answer for us not only when we first come to Christ, but for living life every day thereafter. “What do you want?” – a simple, but powerful spotlight on your heart.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Ultimate Questions
Whenever human beings spend time thinking about "ultimate questions" - "what is the meaning of life," "why am I here," "what is my purpose," "what lies beyond death," etc. - we all approach them in certain ways. Most people approach these questions from the "bottom up" - that is, they start out with themselves (or other people) and their own thoughts and experiences. That is the way the world approaches these things - primarily because they see no ultimate authority outside of themselves.
Some approach ultimate questions in a "generational approach" - that is, "I believe it because my family taught it to me." Such beliefs are not founded on any evidence beyond my family ties - and thus, while sincere, will have little influence on others outside the family.
Others approach these questions in a "traditional approach." By this "tradition," some dominant group or influence is pointed to as the authority backing up what I believe and why. These two approaches have probably dominated much of human culture and history, and fall under the category of "peer pressure" (not meant disparagingly). In the last few centuries, other approaches have come onto the scene.
With the enlightenment came "rationalism" - we can only know what we can use the scientific process to show and what "reason" leads us to. Therefore, we can't know anything about the unseen.
Later came the idea of the experiential - one can only know what one can experience, and experience can't be refuted. "There must be a god because I feel it is so" and "There is no god because I feel it is so" are both experiential arguments.
Yet finally come the "irrational" - language only has meaning as I understand it. My impressions are true because they are mine. I define reality for myself.
Notice again that these approaches are all "bottom up" - they start in some way with man and his perception of the world and reality. Unbelievers (and I'm including those of other faiths) have no other way of approaching life. In reality, none of us have any other way of approaching life - unless there is a God and He takes the initiative to reveal himself to us. Because God is infinite and we are finite, we have a problem trying to understand God. We also have a problem in that we are fallen - and the fall has not only affected our thinking, but has affected our willingness to think right thoughts. If humanity tries to "understand" who God is in this condition, separate from His revelation, we will end up with an inadequate and imperfect view of God. This is the essence of idolatry.
The conclusion hen, and the grounding of all good theology, is that we have an utter dependence on God to reveal himself to us - God must speak! All of the above approaches are ultimately fruitless in humanity's search for God, and they are yet fruitless when brought into the church as a defining authority. But when we are His, He gives us His Holy Spirit and the Word of God and reveals Himself to us. Good Theology is "thinking God's thoughts after Him" and remaining true to what God has revealed about Himself - whether it is out of line with what our families believe, the traditions we have, the experiences we interpret, or how I want to view life. Good Theology helps us to know Him as He truly is and not as the idol our fallen, finite minds make Him out to be. Good Theology, in short, leads to overflowing praise and the enjoyment of the One who has saved us!
Some approach ultimate questions in a "generational approach" - that is, "I believe it because my family taught it to me." Such beliefs are not founded on any evidence beyond my family ties - and thus, while sincere, will have little influence on others outside the family.
Others approach these questions in a "traditional approach." By this "tradition," some dominant group or influence is pointed to as the authority backing up what I believe and why. These two approaches have probably dominated much of human culture and history, and fall under the category of "peer pressure" (not meant disparagingly). In the last few centuries, other approaches have come onto the scene.
With the enlightenment came "rationalism" - we can only know what we can use the scientific process to show and what "reason" leads us to. Therefore, we can't know anything about the unseen.
Later came the idea of the experiential - one can only know what one can experience, and experience can't be refuted. "There must be a god because I feel it is so" and "There is no god because I feel it is so" are both experiential arguments.
Yet finally come the "irrational" - language only has meaning as I understand it. My impressions are true because they are mine. I define reality for myself.
Notice again that these approaches are all "bottom up" - they start in some way with man and his perception of the world and reality. Unbelievers (and I'm including those of other faiths) have no other way of approaching life. In reality, none of us have any other way of approaching life - unless there is a God and He takes the initiative to reveal himself to us. Because God is infinite and we are finite, we have a problem trying to understand God. We also have a problem in that we are fallen - and the fall has not only affected our thinking, but has affected our willingness to think right thoughts. If humanity tries to "understand" who God is in this condition, separate from His revelation, we will end up with an inadequate and imperfect view of God. This is the essence of idolatry.
The conclusion hen, and the grounding of all good theology, is that we have an utter dependence on God to reveal himself to us - God must speak! All of the above approaches are ultimately fruitless in humanity's search for God, and they are yet fruitless when brought into the church as a defining authority. But when we are His, He gives us His Holy Spirit and the Word of God and reveals Himself to us. Good Theology is "thinking God's thoughts after Him" and remaining true to what God has revealed about Himself - whether it is out of line with what our families believe, the traditions we have, the experiences we interpret, or how I want to view life. Good Theology helps us to know Him as He truly is and not as the idol our fallen, finite minds make Him out to be. Good Theology, in short, leads to overflowing praise and the enjoyment of the One who has saved us!
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