This is Love

If you know me at all, you know I am a stickler for doctrinal purity. You may also have recognized that God has given me the gift of teaching. I am happy to use my gift, and I enjoy doing it. There is one thing that sobers me, however. James cautions that teachers will come under stricter judgment than others because they present God’s Word with their teaching. Woe is me if I misrepresent the Word. This is why I read the Bible daily. This is why I have spent over fifty years in intense Bible study. This is why I learned Greek so that I did not have to rely on what someone else thinks the original text says. This is why I went to Bible college and then earned two graduate degrees in education from Christian institutions.

However, to echo Paul, none of that is worth a hill of beans if I don’t have love. I wrote recently that “love” in Paul’s Corinthian treatise on the subject is a verb in the original Greek. My point was that biblical love, agape love, is made evident by behavior. I am motivated by love for the Word and love for people to teach the Word as accurately as possible. Jesus did not say people will know I am His follower because I have pure doctrine; He said my love would show whom I follow. In my defense I will say that Jesus also said to love Him is to keep His commandments.

John stresses that in his second letter: “And this is love: that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. This person is the deceiver and the antichrist! Watch yourselves that you do not lose what we have worked for but receive a full reward.” John seems to be implying that the antichrist is anyone who teaches that we don’t have to follow Christ’s commandments. If that is the case, we have plenty of antichrists around today.

John Mac Arthur comments, “Often Christians are willing to compromise sound doctrine for the sake of loving others. They believe that doctrinal precision is somehow divisive and unloving.” To the contrary, doctrinal purity is pure loving. Granted, we are told to speak the truth in love, meaning I suppose that our approach and tone should not be merely accusatory. I know better than most how difficult it is to be corrective without being critical, judgmental in my tone. The reason Paul recommended speaking the truth is to avoid being “carried about with every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men, by craftiness with deceitful scheming.” (MEV)

Crafty, deceitful scheming is precisely what you find if you dig into the teachings of the LGBTQ+ “theologians.” It is what leads adulterous couples into thinking their sin is acceptable because they love one another. It is what allows liberal denominations to abandon the Bible and preach a feel-good social gospel. It is what prosperity preachers use to fleece their followers. Paul said that we are not ignorant of the devil’s schemes; I think we are.

I’m afraid we have let the world’s definition of love color our thinking about what true love is. We have taken the old saw that says, “Hate the sin, but love the sinner” and made it into, “Love the sinners, but don’t do or say anything that would offend them.” In other words, I think many have come to believe that loving someone biblically precludes telling them that they are wrong in their thinking or behavior. I have been accused of hating people because I have called their sin “sin.” I don’t think our perfect Savior, Jesus Christ, hated the people He came to save, but He did not refrain from calling out their sin. Remember His numerous interchanges with the Pharisees. He spoke some very harsh words to them; I believe He did it out of His love for them. He would have loved to see them come to the truth.

Paul’s admonition to, “Speak the truth in love,” might be understood as, “Speak the truth out of your love for the sinner.” It is not a loving thing to ignore sinful behavior in another person. We know that sin not only displeases God, but it also affects the sinner, often in immediate, physical ways (think AIDS or alcoholism or broken marriages.) It should go without saying that habitual, intentional sin also affects the sinner eternally. I’m not suggesting that pointing out sin in an unbeliever is a good evangelistic strategy. However, a believer involved in a sinful lifestyle might be in for a shock on judgment day. The loving thing to do for those believers is to remind them of the consequences of willful sinful behavior. Speak the truth. This is what love does. This is love.

Related Posts: Better Living Through Right Thinking; Fast Christians; The Bible on Homosexuality;  Sex is a Big Deal

What is the World Coming To?

Anyone with a smidgeon of moral sensitivity must be asking what is happening to the world. Jesus told the people things would get pretty awful at some point in their future. “And then many will be led into sin and will betray one another and will hate one another, and many false prophets will appear and will deceive many, and because lawlessness will increase, the love of many will grow cold.” Some people think He was talking about the end of the world which is still in our future. Others believe He was referring to the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish religious system. If that is what He meant, that is in our past. I think both could be true because there are other instances of dual fulfillment of prophecy in the Bible.

A look at the historical record shows that much of what Jesus prophesied did take place when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem after a seven-year siege. Jesus predicted that there would be wars. Rome waged war on Jerusalem. Historians record that many Jews acted treacherously during the siege, taking advantage of one another, and even going so far as to kill their children to avoid starvation. Jesus said that many would come falsely claiming to be the returning Messiah. That too is found in the historical record. I believe the events around 70 A.D. could be a fulfillment of what Jesus predicted.

I also believe that we are seeing many of the features of Jesus’ prediction in our day. The idea of many false prophets leading people into sin is sad commentary on the state of the church in the West today. One obvious example is the way some so-called Christians label other Christians as hatemongers because they disagree with their biblical interpretation. I have written many articles about the deception being perpetrated by people who call themselves Christians but deny that God forbade homosexual relationships. Another example I have mentioned previously is preachers who deny the existence of hell. They prefer not to recognize that while God is love personified, He is also a holy and righteous judge who will find it necessary to condemn some people to an existence apart from His benevolence: hell.

It is clear that the moral state of not just unbelievers, but sadly, the church fits Jesus’ prediction of the last days – whenever that may be. I will defer to my fellow believers who wish to follow the Darby/Schofield scheme of the end times. I have written about that ad nauseum for many. They may be right. I choose to believe that most of the book of Revelation is in our past. That does not mean that God cannot make similar things happen again to bring about a second fulfillment. Whatever the case, they and I believe that Jesus is coming again to judge the world. The timing of those final events is less important than belief in their finality. God will judge the earth and its inhabitants someday, and what follows will be our eternal destiny based on our earthly decisions.

I have written far too many words as an introduction to my topic. (Yes, that was an introduction.) I have been reading through Jeremiah in my through-the-Bible reading plan. I was struck by the number of times “the earth” is mentioned. There are numerous passages that seem to refer to the earth as the actual, physical ground itself. Here is one example: “For the land is full of adulterers; for the land mourns because of a curse.” Without getting too deep into the Hebrew language of the Old Testament, I will say that the Hebrew word for “land” is broad in its meaning. It sometimes clearly means dirt or earth. It sometimes refers to a land as a country. “This land is my land; this land is your land, etc. – you know the song.”

What got me thinking is that in other verses, Jeremiah uses a different word for “land” that really does mean dirt. “Turn back please, each one from his evil way, and from the evil of your deeds, and live on the land that Yahweh has given to you and to your ancestors from a long time back and until forever.” The Hebrew word Jeremiah uses for land in that verse is “adamah” which is, as you might see, the same word that God used in Genesis to explain where Adam came from – the dust. If the dirt “mourns because of a curse,” we might need to rethink our understanding of just how sentient our planet really is.

I wrote previously about Peter’s explanation of what happens on “the Day of the Lord.” That phrase is usually interpreted to mean the last day of the earth’s existence. I discovered that Peter’s prediction may not have anything to do with the physical earth. He may have been alluding to the destruction of the evil spirits that influence evil people to commit evil acts. The earth itself may be reserved for another special treatment.

I think of what Paul mysteriously said in Romans. “For the eagerly expecting creation awaits eagerly the revelation of the sons of God. For the creation has been subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of the one who subjected it in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its servility to decay, into the glorious freedom of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans together and suffers agony together until now.” The subjection Paul refers to was initiated by Adam when he sinned. He brought the curse on the whole earth.

The “eagerly expecting creation awaits eagerly” makes it sound like creation itself is sentient. We know that Old Testament personification has trees clapping their hands, and stars singing. Jesus said that if He silenced the people on His triumphal entry, the rocks would cry out. What if all that is not just poetic language but reality we have dismissed? What if “creation” is just as anxious for the revealing of the redeemed as we are? I am looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where I will live forever in the presence of God Himself. I believe that is what the world is coming to. Are you as eager as I am?

Related Posts: The Cry of Sin; Alternate Realties; What Happened in the Fall; Selling Heaven on Earth

Love is a Verb

Most translations of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 use adjectives to express what love is. Paul used verbs in his original Greek. The English teacher in me sees this as a significant difference. Paul didn’t just describe what love is; he detailed what love does. This fits perfectly with his theme throughout his writing, as well as all Scripture, that actions display intentions. If I say I intend to wash my car, but never get the hose and bucket out, my intention is meaningless. If I say I have love, Paul says, but never do loving things, my love is meaningless. Worthless.

This is some of what Paul says love does in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7:

1. Love perseveres. It hangs in there no matter how tough the going gets. If there is a desired behavior or circumstance one is hoping for, the one who loves waits patiently. My wife loves me so much that she waited patiently (for years) for me to figure out what it means to be a good husband. She didn’t stop loving me; she persevered. (Her perseverance paid off; I’m still not perfect, but through God’s grace and her loving patience, I am much better than I used to be.)

2. Love does the useful thing. Most versions translate Paul’s word as “love is kind.” The root of the Greek word he used is serviceable. That means that to love is to do what is necessary or needed in any situation. My wife had back surgery recently, and she is in a long process of healing. Out of my love for her, I have been doing things that she needs done but cannot do for herself. It would be very unkind of me to sit around and let the dishes pile up in the sink. She cannot stand long enough to wash them; I can.

3. Love does not brag or become self-important. A loving Christian understands what Paul said to the Corinthians, “What do you have that you did not receive? But if indeed you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” I don’t go around boasting about my ability as a teacher and writer. My main spiritual gift is teaching, and that is clearly a gift from God. The fact that I learned to write well is a combination of my natural talents (God given) and years of education and experience (ordained by God).

4. In that same vein, love is not self-serving. As with all spiritual gifts, mine is not given to me for my benefit. My gift is to be used for the benefit of the body of Christ. If you read 1 Corinthians 12-14 you will see that the church was making their individual gifts a matter of personal pride. Chapter 12 ends with Paul’s corrective: let love be the most important factor governing the exercise of spiritual gifts.

5. Love does not provoke another or keep an account of wrongs. My wife could have written a book of all the things I did wrong in our early marriage. If she had kept reminding me of them it certainly would have provoked me; one of my problems was pride, and if she had suggested that I was not the perfect husband, had she listed all the ways I failed her, it would not have made for a happy moment. Because she loved me with the love of God, she bit her tongue. I would offer this caution: sins borne must be forgiven and laid at Jesus’ feet or they will fester into a root of bitterness. Again, love is the antidote to bitterness.

6. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices at the truth. Truth is that which matches God’s design; wrongdoing is that which ignores God’s design. Sin is simply that which brings chaos whereas right living brings peace. A perfect example of this is what has happened in America with the chaos of sexual perversion that is being rejoiced over by some. Some are glad that the traditional family is being destroyed in favor of “alternative lifestyles.” They even think that such destruction is a loving thing; they call their opponents hateful. Hello Chaos.

7. Love anticipates good things. Back to my wife: she spent years anticipating my discovery of what a good husband should be like. She hoped I would learn to love her as Christ loved the church. She bore up under the disappointment I caused. This kind of love is what makes it possible to love our fellow Christians despite their unchristian behavior. Church is messy; look at the Corinthians. Someone said that church would be a fine thing if it were not for the people in it. We know that in the resurrection, we will all be glorified; until then we live in anticipation.

The prophet Jeremiah was given a message for the people of Judah: “I am Yahweh, showing loyal love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for in these things I delight, declares Yahweh.” If we would be pleasing to God, we must be doing the right things, the things He has modeled for us. Jesus said that love for one another would be the hallmark of His disciples. Jesus was love personified. We are predestined to become like Jesus. Jesus lived love perfectly. He demonstrated that love is a verb. So, in the words of that famous advertisement: just do it.

Related Posts: Don’t be a Poser; Are You Qualified?

What Were You Thinking

I am starting a new full-time job this month. This means I am un-retiring for the third time. It is not because I was unhappy with retirement. On the contrary, I was mostly happy with my situation. My wife and I were living the dream as far as many people would see it. We own a large RV which is stationary in Arizona, and we have a smaller trailer that we travel with during the hot summer months. This allows us to visit friends and family in Michigan and to see the sights across the country.

We are in our thirteenth year of full-time RV living, having taken a one-year break from the road to attempt the creation of a sober living home for women. (For details see “Grace Realized”) When we began travelling, my wife had retired, and I was teaching part-time at a college that had quarterly terms, so I could take one term off during the winter to escape the snow. We went through about forty of the lower forty-eight states in our first few winter excursions. On one of our early trips, we followed Route 66 as far as Kingman, Arizona. (See Route 66 Adventure) We spent the first three winters in Mesquite, Nevada. After one winter in Salt Lake City to help our daughter with her new baby, we settled in the Kingman/Golden Valley area of Arizona as our winter getaway.

From Golden Valley, it is a short climb through Union Pass to Bullhead City. We did much of our shopping and restaurant visiting there, so we looked for a place to park more permanently. The first place we looked was managed by a thoroughly Christian couple who were endeavoring to build a Christian community in the park. They “just happened” to have a fifth-wheel trailer for sale which would suit our needs for a more permanent winter home. We worked out a deal that very day, but we couldn’t fully pay for the trailer until we closed on the sale of our Michigan sober living house. We drove away thinking the deal would be in limbo, but fifteen minutes later, the manager called to say a small downpayment would hold the trailer for us. We said thank you Lord and signed the deal.

When we returned that October, we were fully convinced that God wanted us in Bullhead City at that park. We visited some churches and eventually found one we believe is God’s place for us. We continued looking for opportunities for ministry, but nothing substantial turned up despite putting our several feelers in local ministries. After four years, we decided that we wanted to move back to Michigan as our “permanent” home with travel back to the area as snowbirds in the future. Our Arizona home didn’t sell. For two years. During our fifth year I offered to substitute teach at a local Christian school. They were happy to have me as qualified subs were difficult to come by. I spent a few days in elementary classrooms as a sub and enjoyed it immensely.

At my sub interview they asked me if I would consider teaching full time, and I said no. After I had subbed a few times, the Assistant Principal asked me again if I would like to take a full-time position in the coming fall. I said no. Again. A couple weeks later, as I was filling out my pay voucher he asked again. I said I just didn’t see how it could work. We were going to Michigan for the summer with numerous plans that could not be changed, and I couldn't imagine how I could make it to a teaching job in August. Shortly after that, I received an email from the Assistant Principal telling me that there would be several openings in the fall, and he wanted to know if I would consider taking one.

At that point, I looked at my wife and asked if we were missing something. Was this God telling us why we were still in Bullhead? We both shrugged, sighed and resigned; this must be why we have been kept here by God. I said I would take a position but there were certain limitations to my availability throughout the summer. I was granted exceptions and offered a contract. When I received my contract, I looked at the salary offering; I had not even considered salary as a factor. I had to lift my jaw off the floor. I had agreed to offer my services as a teacher because I believed that was what God wanted. God, in His inimitable way, would bless us for being obedient to His call.

This has been primarily an autobiographical post. I told this personal story because I believe it has application to many of my fellow believers. I have written several articles over the years about how to know God’s will for us individually. Sometimes it is crystal clear; sometimes it is not. The main idea in what I have written and taught in the past is that we should pray, study the Scripture, and press on knowing that God is in control. Take the next step; as I wrote recently, roll the dice. Our Sovereign will fold our decisions into His will in miraculous ways. (Sidebar: a teacher at my new school has just taken National Institute for Learning Disabilities (NILD) training for helping struggling learners. My wife is a certified NILD therapist. Huh?)

Letting go and letting God take control of my life has always been difficult for me. You too? In my head I know that it is as Isaiah said, “My ways [God’s ways] are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” It still takes a Herculean effort on my part to let go. My flesh wants to rule. This experience has given my wife and I a large-as-life example of what it means to live in the Spirit, to be led by the Spirit. I get it. I’m down with that. But, when I realize that means getting up at 5:00 on weekday mornings, I ask myself, “What were you thinking!?”

Related Posts: Forget Not His Benefits; The Meaning of Sovereignty; Be Careful How You Pray; What’s Your Ministry; Mounting Everest; Grace Realized