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The Shack

Monday, February 2nd, 2009

So, the morning show team has been blogging about the book, The Shack. They’ve received some negative responses from those who have some great problems with The Shack.

I don’t care whether you read The Shack or not – I’m not here trying to catch on a campaign. Nor am I going to get embroiled in an argument about each individual issue on The Shack.

1. Presuppositions: I believe deeply that the Word is the ultimate authority – above all others. No one person, or author stands in the place of the Bible.

2. What you believe is important. Wha tyo ubelieve determins how you interact with God. If you believe He is a harsh judge, you will relate to Him that way. If you believe He is unknowable, You’ll interact with Him in a different way. What you believe is important.

3. There is ultimate truth. There is truth above all else. And that truth is God – as Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

With all that said, I read The Shack – and I enjoyed The Shack. It was a blessing to me.

Did I agree with everything in The Shack? No.

Do I agree with everything I read in most books – even Christian books? No. Max Lucado? Find things where I believe the Word does not agree with Max. Pick an author – I can challenge him with the Word.

Does that mean I should not read them? No! It means I should read them and test it in light with the Word and take what is true.

What I find most unique about The Shack is that IT IS A PARABLE. IT IS NEVER PRESENTED AS TRUTH. It is a PARABLE!!!!! And a parable is there to get a message across. The Shack was written to wrestle with the problem of bad things happening.

Even Jesus, in parables, uses story telling and does not give perfect theology. Look at the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16. Are Heaven and Hell really just separated by a big gulf – and those in hell can see heaven and vice versa? Is heaven really being in Abraham’s bosom? No! This isn’t the picture of heaven and hell anywhere else in the Bible. This is simply a story to make a POINT!

Now, there are a couple things that bother me about The Shack.

Open theology: There is an illusion to the concept of Open Theology when God says that they don’t look into the future so they can be in relationship. I don’t have a huge problem with that – maybe there are times God focuses on us -and how that happens, I don’t know. However, the concept of God not knowing the future is a belief – called Open Theology – that I deeply disagree with – and The Shack could seem as a step in that direction. On the surface I don’t have a problem with The Shack – but where it COULD lead – if someone is not studying the Bible is a problem.
Lack of Authority: The Shack also talks about how there is not authority in God’s world as there is in ours. I think the author is pushing our conceptions of God. However, there is authority in heaven and among the trinity – I’m sure we wouldn’t really understand it or recognize it… It’s much different than we understand.

These are things that simply put, are things people need to be reading the Word first – and they will understand truth. And then, let’s relax, read, and test things against the Word and be pushed back to the Word.

Are there things I don’t agree with in The Shack? Sure. But, if I get rid of everything that has things I don’t agree with in the Word I’d have to get rid of a lot of my books – and my friends!

Posted in Chaplain Rambling, Issues, Salvation, Theology | 3 Comments »

President Obama and Christians

Monday, February 2nd, 2009

I’ve gotten some feedback from my Chaplain’s Minute about the inauguration. I figured I’d write out more of my thoughts. This comes from an email I sent a listener who responded to me. I don’t suspect that my feelings will be completely accepted and agreed upon – however, I believe this issue is deeply important.

Christianity MUST think about their relation to government. I deeply believe that we have become innefective at communicating the gospel because we’ve forgotten the One Big Thing.

Every person and organization has the ONE BIG THING. The One over-riding thing that is super important that all other things take secondary position to.

You’re one thing may be a clean house; having friends; being organized; being spontaenous…. Your life lives out throught that paradigm.

What is the One Thing for God?

Very simply put – it’s lost people. The heart of God is passionate about YOU! His ONE thing is seeing humanity saved for eternity.

If I were an unbeliever looking in at Christians, I’d think that the One Thing for them was one of the following: The Republican Party; Being against Abortion; Being Against Homosexual Marriage – and for a few Christians right now – hating Obama.

What does this mean? It means that in our concern to protect our culture and way of life we’ve gone into a cultural war. And once we’re in a cultural war, we can no longer connect or communicate – we are simply fighting. And we’re NOT fighting for the ONE THING that is important to God.

It has been said that my spot made the impression that we are now to support and pray for him. And that is very true. The question may be, what does it mean to support Obama? Does it mean that I agree with everything he stands for? Absolutely not – I don’t agree with everything he’s said and has done. However, I should still stand behind the man, and be an encourager, not a distractor. Put it through this filter – would what I have say about his politics open the door for me to share my faith with him, or distract from it? Would Obama be more inclined to dialoge with me about faith or less likely? Because the BIG THING is the BIG THING no matter the person’s position – president or pauper.

The other part of this conversation that I differ with many is that I don’t see this world as our home; nor do I see this nation or government as the bastian of morality or the hope of the world.

This nation and culture are not the answer, nor are they our future. As that old song says, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through….” So, I should not be amazed when things happen in this government that I don’t agree with. I should not be THAT worried about making it home now – it’s just a temporary place.

I’d love to hear your thoughts… Join in the conversation below!

Posted in Chaplain Rambling, Mission, Politics, Witnessing | No Comments »

Where we are… I’m excited!

Friday, November 21st, 2008

Okay, sneak peak at my sermon for this weekend…

We live in a scary time. Have you watched the new recently? A friend had their boss laid off today – the layoffs got close to home again. The stock market is more than a roller coaster – it’s sea sickness on the Titanic….

How did we get here? Are we scared yet?

For years, we’ve been fascinated with homeland security. What has made us secure?

1) A strong defense and offense. Tighten borders. Attack countries that seem a threat. Tighten our borders.

2) Build a strong economy. We do this by encouraging people to spend. We do this by making money available to them – your home value is going up so refinance and take money out; we get 0% credit cards in the mail; we have 0% car loans which puts money into the auto makers pockets. Bush said it after 9/11 – go out and SPEND!!! GO SHOPPING! And we have. My life is currently deficient because I ONLY have a Palm Centrino – not an iPhone; I have a decent sized TV- not a LARGE flat screen; and my newest piece of furniture came from Craigslist. That’s okay though – I have car loan and an SUV that I put part of on a 0% credit card (which is 0% no longer! – Dave Ramsey calls this stupid tax!)

3) Enforce our morality no matter what.

And yet, it’s all fallen apart. The word depression is now common on the news – bringing us flashbacks to visions of the Great Depression – which I wasn’t there for – but I’ve heard was scary bad. In haste to fix this, the government passed a $700 billion bailout – which about half of it has been spent – and I’m excited to tell you that it has fixed our economy and we are back on level footing!!! NOT!

So, as someone who wants to be a radical Christ follower, how do I respond?

Frankly – I am excited.

Now, I come from a conservative Christian tradition which places a huge emphasis on prophecy and end-time scenarios – and so all of my friends from back in the day will probably read this and think – “Yes, he’s excited because it means it’s the END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT!!! and Jesus is coming. Which is great for him, but I’m scared of the disaster that happens before it and what if I’m not ready and what if I mess up and GO TO HELL!!!”

Nope – that’s not why I’m excited. I hope Jesus comes back this month. But I don’t know if it’s right now or 6 months or 60 years… I think it’s coming soon – but I don’t have the holy script – (and – subject of a different note or something, but it seems when people do get “the script” they start living out of fear and control instead of faith and rest… – but I digress…)

I’m excited because I think that as a Christ follower I actually have something to say. And simply put, in this culture of fear, I have hope.

And my hope is simply this – we get to finally get our priorities in tact and get back to what God has been saying all along.

1) My kingdom is not of this world – otherwise my followers would fight. Funny, the fighting hasn’t worked. Time for something else. I am ashamed that Christians promote war. Government of the people, by the people, for the people is NOT a theocracy!!!!

2) Money is not where peace comes from. Peace does not come from a 401K; peace does not come from financial security. Peace comes from a spirit of Thanksgiving because we were lost and God rescued us before – and He will do it again; peace comes from presenting all our petitions to GOD – not our financial adviser or mortgage company.

3) Romans 1 says that God gave them over to their sinful desires. Since we cannot change people – why are we going to war with them? Maybe what they need is Jesus looking into their eyes saying “neither do I condemn you! Go and sin no more…”

So, I’m excited. I’m excite that we may see an amazing true spiritual revival of something that means something to people and makes a difference in their lives. I’m excited that we get to present hope when everything else has fallen apart. I’m excited that we get to remember that money and control never satisfy and we are pushed to rest in God taking care of us!

And that is my rant for tonight…. What do you think? Put up some comments….

Posted in Chaplain Rambling, Economy, Faith, Politics, Spirituality, Witnessing | 1 Comment »

An Open Letter to (Christian) Politicians

Monday, November 10th, 2008

Dear politicians,

Well, the 2008 campaign is over – we have a new president; we’ve elected and re-elected congressmen; spent a lot of money on campaign adds, and just had a glorious time as a nation!

But now the dust is settling, the clouds are clearing – so can we talk for a couple minutes? I know you have an economic nightmare to fix; two wars to keep and eye on; and millions of people like me who are a bit grumpy.

Did you notice that it seems like people have gotten a bit fatigued by political campaigns? Have you noticed that sometimes the vibe on the street is one of resentment or tiredness with elections?

I’d like to suggest a couple things… And these are from my heart – not from a poll (I don’t have the resources to pull off a big poll!); not from extensive research with consultants – this is just me and my heart.

Please remember that you carry the name of Jesus. As I looked at my local politicians, most claimed to be Christian, church-going, God-fearing people. I’m glad! I’m excited that someone who is responsible for leading is connected to the Ultimate Leader!

However, what place does your faith play in your campaigning? Remember those old bracelets? What Would Jesus Do? How would Jesus campaign? Remember, He’s the guy who just stood silent at false accusations – when He could have spoken and ripped them a whole new identity based on all their secret sins! But, He remained silent! How would Jesus run a campaign?

Sometimes it feels to me like winning is more important that how you win. And I’m sure that you care passionately about the issues you support. I’m sure that you are incredibly passionate about the causes you champion. However, when you win at all costs, you end up loosing your number one priority in life – and that is the fame and reputation of God. If you carry the name of Christ, your mission is greater than your political campaign and career.

If you are NOT a Christian, don’t claim it. I know, I know, many evangelicals and Christians can’t seem to vote for someone who is not a Christian. But, for me, I’d rather vote for an atheist who is honest, courteous, positive, and will represent my position on issues than a Christian who is an arrogant jerk! Claiming the name Christian and going to church are radically different than being a real disciple of Jesus Christ.

While I’m on this, there’s one issue that has bothered me more in this past campaign than any other. It’s called lying. Lying ticks me off. Lying leads to every sin in the book – or is the result of every sin in the book. Lying kills relationships. Lying destroys hearts.

I’ve been married for 6 ½ years. And let me tell you, I would have never married my wife if I didn’t think she was honest and trustworthy. And yet, you want me to vote you into office to run my country, determine my children’s future, and handle my money through taxes – and it seems to me that to do it, you lie!

A couple times over the campaign I went to www.factcheck.org – and each time I was amused, entertained, but also saddened and jaded by the exaggerations, misleading, and outright lies that were being told by both sides.

It’s funny, because the Bible says that God hates lies! The book of Hebrews says God cannot lie! It’s all through the Bible! So, it’s funny to me that someone can be taken down in a sex scandal, but if someone lies, it’s just politics!

In my house, if some of the stuff that’s gone on in this campaign had happened in my house – if my kids had tried to pull the stunts on me that ya’ll have pulled on each other, there would be strong consequences.

Unfortunately, in some races – especially the Presidential campaign, it didn’t seem to matter – both major candidates’ campaigns were lying! Not to mention vice-presidential antics (I was against the Bridge-to-Nowhere! I was against it! Oh, okay, I was really for it until it became unpopular, then I was against it!) You see, that’s a LIE in my book! It’s still deceit!). But, I’ll tell you what, if there were a candidate that I didn’t agree with – but they were HONEST and didn’t LIE, then I would have voted for them simply for their character!

So, do you want to see some respect come back to politicians and politics? Do you want to hold your head up high and be proud of who you are –and people – well at least me – be proud to have you as my advocate in office? Then please, remember, you carry the name of Jesus. Remember, there are things more important winning – and please, don’t lie… Be painfully honest. As a Christian, pastor, chaplain, dad, husband, and a part of this great

America… Please, let’s let this be the last “normal” political election.

Posted in Chaplain Rambling, Election 2008, Faith, Politics | No Comments »

Three Things To Remember About the Great Ten

Monday, October 6th, 2008

I grew up in a tradition that valued the 10 Commandments. The 10 Commandments were important – they were the basis of sin, God’s expectations on us, and all kinds of fun stuff.

A few years ago, the 10 Commandments got a lot of press time here in the Treasure Valley. The 10 Commandment Monument; 10 Commandment signs on people’s lawns; the list goes on.

There are three things that most 10 Commandment conversations miss completely.

1) I talked about this in my last blog post – the Ten Commandments are based in God saying, “I am the Lord YOUR God!” We can’t forget the relationship that God puts Himself into with us!

2) He then says in Exodus 20:2, “who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.” Notice when the Ten Commandments are given – AFTER the Israelites have been rescued from Egypt.

You see, the Ten Commandments are given for saved people! They don’t make much sense until you realize the God has taken you out of the Egypt of your depression, pain, bondage, addictions, mediocre life, and passionless existence. Remember, God has given you freedom already!

Beyond that, the Ten Commandments are not given as conditions of acceptance. They are given because you are accepted! You are already accepted! You are already chosen and loved. You are the beautiful bride that God saw and chose and said, “YES! You are MINE!” You have been picked, loved, and freed!

Then, it’s time for the third truth we often miss about the 10 Commandments:

3) The Ten Commandments are written as promises! I’ve always believed they were things I HAD to do and NOT DO! Don’t swear, don’t kill, don’t kill, etc, etc. But, they are actually PROMISES! Check this out:

To my surprise I found that the Ten Commandments in Hebrew grammar (lo’ plus the imperfect tense of the verb) can either be translated as negative commands—prohibitions, or the same Hebrew grammar—those same words—can be translated as emphatic promises. Even the fourth and fifth commandments, that are not in negatives when it says, “Remember the Sabbath,” it doesn’t use the imperative, which is the normal way of giving a command. Those of you that are Hebrew buffs, the fourth (as well as the fifth) commandment uses the infinitive absolute which is often used for a promise in the Hebrew Bible. “You will remember, I promise you, you will remember the Sabbath.” And so it could be translated either way …

As a child I was taught the Ten Commandments starting with verse 3, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” That’s not where the Ten Commandments start. That’s not where God starts speaking. It starts in verse 2 where He says, “I am the Lord your God who has brought you out of the house of bondage. I’ve redeemed you by the blood of the Lamb. You’re already saved and now I’m going to promise you power to keep My law.” And if you start in verse 2, the rest of the commandments are promises. I promise you, you won’t want to have any other gods before you. You won’t want to take My name in vain. You’ll want to remember the Sabbath. You’ll want to honor your father and mother. There is not a negative in that law! – From Love Song for the Sabbath, pages 36-37, by Richard Davidson

These are PROMISES! This is the same thing that is meant throughout the Bible:

· Jeremiah 31:33
“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

· Ezekiel 11:19
And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, 20 so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.

· Romans 3:31
Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.

As we look at God’s heart through the Ten Commandments, we’ll be looking at them with new eyes – we’ll be looking at them as Ten Promises of a New Life!

Posted in 10 Commandments, Chaplain Rambling, Salvation | No Comments »

10 Commandments – The Beginning…

Monday, September 29th, 2008

We’re going to start a new series here on the chaplain blog and radio spots.

I believe the 10 Commandments are very important. They are talked about all through the Bible. However, they have often been more of a curse than a blessing. Which is weird, when you think of how David talked about them:

Psalm 119:97 – Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.Psalm 119:163 – I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law.Psalm 119:165 – Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

How is it that David can say – I love the commandments? I mean, I hate rules! I don’t want someone telling me what to do!

One of missing component for most of us in thinking of the 10 Commandments is that Christians have traditionally IGNORED the first part of the 10 Commandments – it’s verse 2 of Exodus 20, “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.”

The first part of this is, “I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD!”

Now, if I were God, I would say, “I am the LORD, and you are MINE!” This is my basic attitude toward a lot of stuff in my life. I have MY bike – it’s there to serve me; it’s there for me to ride on. I have MY computer which I take everywhere and beat to death. I have MY IPOD that I use all the time and is scratched. That’s what I might expect from God.

In fact, that’s kinda the way many people – including myself – have at times felt about the law. It’s God USING us. And yes, it’s for our good, and it’s wonderful, but in the end, it’s God telling me what to do – and I don’t always like that.

So, when I hear, I am the Lord YOUR God – that’s huge! That’s God putting Himself into relationship, accountability, and connection with ME! Not that I am equal, but He is putting Himself into a give and take relationship with ME!

This is a lot more like my relationship with my wife. More than 6 years ago I stood before her and committed to her that I was hers – end of story. I am hers – and she is mine. That’s amazingly powerful to me! It’s similar to the way – at the beginning of the 10 Commandments God says, “I am YOURS!!!!!!”

Let’s journey in these commandments together – I’d love to hear your thoughts – even your frustrations or misunderstandings about them! Post your comments here! If you’d like to hear a sermon I did on this, check this out:
Listen Online — July 26, 2008

Posted in 10 Commandments, Chaplain Rambling, Spirituality | 7 Comments »

Day 5 – It is done!

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008

Day 5

Well, actually, as I write this, it’s actually day 8 – but that’s beside the point. Due to popular demand, or at least my brother asking for it, I’ll finish my blog of the ride.

The night of Day 4 we stayed at the school where KTFY is located. The church made us supper (some great pasta salad). The people of the

Magic Valley are so wonderful and hospitable.

Eastside Baptist Church gave us lunch on Day 4; they also sent their bus to help transport us on Day 5; and of course the Hagerman Valley Water Company were amazing hosts as well.

So, Day 5 we wished we had kept riding Day 4. We had crossed the big bridge in

Twin Falls and rode the highway to Shoshone in a terrible head wind. In Shoshone we turned east – which if we HAD kept riding we would have had a beautiful tail wind which would have just pushed us down the road. Unfortunately, we called it a night. We should have kept riding. The next day we made that turn and then got HIT by another HEAD/SIDE wind! Oh it was not fun!

Craig got on and rode on day 5 – he had a good time!

As we neared the end of the ride, things got more fun – at least for me. I got paced pretty quickly on, and rode by myself for quite a while. But, after our “lunch” stop (melon, energy bars, etc.) I caught up and rode with some of the faster guys – and ended up getting in front of some of the front riders. Only Daniel, Jeff #1, and Cowboy were in front of me. I got in front of Armand and Darren. This was a great accomplishment!

We stopped on the side of the road and waited for the bus to show up – Daniel was switching to the tandem to ride with his whole family (wife and unborn son); and Craig was getting off the bike. We got in a pace line and I was in the front. It was the last 5 miles or so until we were to regroup with the whole group in Bellville. I didn’t want them to leave me, so I kept pushing, afraid I would get passed.

The faster riders were all riding with me – and I found out later they were tired and wondering why we were pushing that hard. In fact, a couple of guys said it sounded like a Lamaze class in the back of people panting trying to keep going.

We regrouped at a gas station in Bellville and we put Lisa in the front to lead us to the church where we were ending. We all gave Lisa a ton of respect for her great riding and growth.

It was a great feeling to ride in together and finish this ride. Sore tails; sore legs; sore pretty much everything…. It was amazing!

And, the best part is money is still coming in for Genesis World Mission. Read Steve’s response to one of my earlier posts telling Genesis’ response to this ride.

And again, I encourage you…. Do something crazy. Take a challenge. Do something that pushes you into something you never thought you could do. I’ve never been a physically fit person, but I’ve done it – two years in a row……..

And Sunday – I rode

Bogus Basin again. When I started riding last year, it took me 5+ hours to climb

Bogus Basin. July 4 this year it took me 2 hours 45 minutes. Sunday it took me about 1 hour 42 minutes. If I can do it, you can do it!

Posted in Bridge the Gap, Chaplain Rambling | 1 Comment »

Day 3 – Day 4

Friday, August 22nd, 2008

Well, we just finished day 3. I’m dead tired. We’ve eaten. We’ve met some great people. I’m dead tired. I must sleep. Here’s my blog posting from last night:

I felt great today. Got on the bike and RODE! Daniel – crazy biker guy – took off, and I stayed with him. Great feeling. We rode out of

Bruneau Dunes State Park and hit it up

Idaho 78. We stayed ahead of the crazy biker guys for a while…. And then they caught up and we formed a pace line (for the non-biker that’s the line you see of bikers all riding together with about 6” between tires – it’s great for working together, helps you go faster, work less, etc, etc).

The leaders shifted a couple times – and then Cowboy took the lead – and I was behind him. I’m feeling good. We’re riding for a while – and I’m feeling great – I’m riding with the big guys. And then, I decide, I should take pictures and video of this! So, I grab my camera – and at that moment, my brother – who is near the back at this point with Daniel – decide it’s time to turn up the heat.

They nail it – and I’m not in a position to sprint – I’ve got a camera in one hand… And they leave me in the dust. And I’m dead. And I chased them for the rest of the day.

Today was the day of pain. Cowboy’s been hurting – he’s not used to riding multiple days. Armand’s knee was hurting today in the morning. My tendon under my left knee started hurting last night. It’s all good.

The crazy boys missed one turn today. They rode a few extra miles – missed part of the Kings Hill area – the big climb. They ended up at a dead end by I84. I came up to the turn – which I recognized from last year because I had to borrow a nice person’s house to use the restroom – and called Craig asking if we were to turn – and told him to call Jack to make sure the fast guys had turned.

After that climb Daniel turned back and put the entire Lewis family on the tandem and rode with them the rest of the way in (the whole family being his wife Sarah and his son – who Sarah is carrying with her everywhere until hopefully December when he’ll be born!).

We stayed tonight at some wonderful people’s home. They supply water to KTSY and KTFY – they bottle spring water here. They also have a fish farm. They grilled trout, hamburgers, veggie burgers, had corn on the cob, baked potatoes, chips, salad, watermelon and it was AMAZING!

We’re ready to hit the road tomorrow. Hopefully the pain will be a little lessened and we’ll have a great day. We’re supposed to see the Twin Falls CBS station tomorrow – and head to Shoshone!

Oh yeah – totals – my average today was about 16.1 mph; total mileage was about 58 miles.

Posted in Bridge the Gap, Chaplain Rambling | 1 Comment »

Naked Came I Into the World… Naked I Lived in the World?

Monday, July 14th, 2008

The Setting:

So, last week I was on “staycation!” One day we took the family to Roaring Springs. Fun for the family! Jossi, our 2 ½ year old loved the teeter-totters in the kiddie area (until they had to clear the kids’ pool…) and so off I went to ride rides with my bigger girls (aged 10 and 13).

A great summer challenge in my household is the purchase of swimsuits for my older girls. Finding something “appropriate” yet fashionable is an almost impossible task.

A Rude Awakening to a Modest Issue:

While at Boondocks, it became apparent to me that it is time for a new call to an honest discussion about what is appropriate and modest. We walk a fine line. I get tired of people who are finding something horrible behind every issue and simply seem alarmist. On the other hand, we should explore if there are some Biblical precedents for what we wear.

I don’t want to be in a position of judging and condemning – rather I want to explore what the Bible has to say about clothing at Boondocks!

Biblical Precedents for Clothing:

To talk about clothing we have to go back to the first mention of clothing in the Bible. That’s back in Genesis. Genesis 2:25 says, “The man and his wife [Adam & Eve] were both naked, and they felt no shame.”

So, in the beginning, clothing was not an issue! They didn’t wear any! Temperature was moderate enough, and people’s hearts were pure – and they lived in intimacy with each other, so there was no need for clothing.

Now, you may be saying, “See, if we were really with God, we wouldn’t wear any clothing! Nakedness is the sign of being pure!” Hold on – keep reading!

Adam and Eve sinned – you probably know the story of Genesis 3 – Eve being deceived by the serpent and Adam following suit. As soon as this happened the Bible says, (vs. 7) “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.”

Then God shows up, and what does He do? Vs 21, “The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.” Check this out. CLOTHING WAS MADE BY GOD!

Adam and Eve tried to cover themselves. They masked up their nakedness; they tried to make it look like they weren’t naked. God comes and clothes them.

Get this down – CLOTHING IS FROM GOD!

Nakedness is the state of being sinful and vulnerable. God gives clothing. (A quick Bible study on robe or garments and you’ll find the spiritual significance of Christ’s robe of purity that He gives to us because of the death of Jesus Christ).

Purpose of Clothing:

So, what is the purpose of clothing? Well, obviously, to cloth nakedness, as we’ve already seen.

Therefore, our first Biblical principle of clothing is:

Clothing should not draw attention to that which should be covered.

Take a quick look through fashion magazines, swimsuit designs, or just take a walk down the street and do a quick poll – how many outfits draw attention to parts of the body that should be covered?

So, how do we determine what should be covered?

1 Peter 3 takes us even farther gives us a good indication:

3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

What shows the Spirit of God – the inner self? The face; the hands that do the works of Jesus… These are the things that draw people to God.

Do you want your clothing – or your body to be what people think of when they think of you, or that they’ve seen Jesus Christ in you?

Call to Action:

I challenge you, first of all, to take a hard look at what you wear – is it drawing attention to you and your clothing or to the Spirit of God working in you? I challenge you to deal radically with this question.

Secondly, I challenge you to teach your children. Use teachable moments (like Roaring Springs or things they are exposed to in the media) to ask questions and instruct them.

It is time for radical followers of Jesus Christ to take a radical stand on glorifying God through clothing.

Practical Observations:

It’s often said that men are visual creatures. I don’t think there is any way to convey to a woman how a man is wired – or what the effect of seeing hints of a woman’s body that should be covered. It’s not just “cute” – it’s a battle that a man must face with lust. How many women have no idea that their outfits are creating a battle for men?
Be very careful with your teens. I watched teen couples at Roaring Springs last week – and that state of undress that swimming outfits often express (seriously, is a bikini much different than wearing undergarments?) puts kids at a disadvantage in the fight for both mental and physical purity. This will takes some serious, deep, rational conversations to help them understand.

Challenge 2:

I would love to see some dialogue on this topic. Do you see this Biblically? What do you find in the Word about modesty?

Posted in Bible, Chaplain Rambling, Clothing, Family, Modesty | 2 Comments »

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