"Reality TV" has slowly, but steadily crept up from novelty to mainstream status. No matter what channel we tune in to, and regardless of the time of day, we are bound to come across a laundry list of programs claiming to feature some sort of "reality." There are even entire cable channels dedicated to this genre of programming, including one called "TruTV."
Some of these programs make it harder and harder to draw the line between fantasy and fiction or to tell what is really real or truly true. In fact, in some cases, the lines are deliberately blurred. When we watch these shows, our eyes really do see what is shown, but what is shown may not actually show what really needs to be seen in each scene to see if what we are seeing is "real."
Take entertainer Chris Brown's recent "outburst" on Good Morning America. Even as I mentioned it in my last blog, I kept wondering if his ranting and storming off shirtless onto the street was nothing more than a publicity stunt to sell his album. Based on how well his sales have gone, his interview reaction and other recent actions may have indeed been mere acting.
If so, I'm not sure which is worse--boldly maintaining a rage problem in spite of domestic violence charges, or capitalizing off of his recent violent episode with Rihanna (something that occurred two years ago is not ancient history) to stir up a fan base and boost album sales.
What's probably just as bad as either of those scenarios is the fact that agents and media executives shamelessly bait talented people into giving up the reality of who they are in exchange for portraying themselves as whomever or whatever it takes to make a dollar, all while claiming to "keep it real." We see this displayed everywhere from the Maury show, to the Bachelor/Bachelorette, to the "Real Housewives" series. Whatever monetary gain these "real" people receive for their choreographed antics, I suspect it pales in comparison to what the executives and handlers behind the scenes rake in. Excuse me, but I have to keep it real. That sounds suspiciously like pimping. And, I guess, as long as we are buying it, they will keep selling it.
Friends, God tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:19 that the "wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." The world's media and entertainment executives have wisely and correctly concluded that people are so hungry for what is "real" in life that many are willing to accept any version of reality that is offered. But, those of us who answer to a higher authority need to utilize Godly wisdom and our God-given talents to help others see that some of the foolishness we are being fed through the airways of world is only dumbing us down and fattening us up for slaughter.
Those of us whom God has gifted in arts, entertainment and business need to be setting the standard, not getting swept away with the tide. "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10)
The reality is that many of us "used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God....All of us used to live that way, following the passions and desires of our evil nature...."(Ephesians 2:2-3). Although we have thankfully found a "more excellent way" to live our lives, once we are saved, we are not called to give up our gifts, but rather to give them over to God to use for His glory.
In these troubling times, the world desperately wants and needs to know what life is really all about. And, though we are called, like Jesus, to be in the world but not of the world, while we are here let's do whatever it takes to broadcast the Good News: That God has a plan for our lives; Jesus gave His life for us to live out that plan eternally; God's Holy Spirit empowers us to live out that plan and; we can experience the goodness of the Lord in this life. No monthly cable fees or hidden charges to tune into this program. It's a real deal and it's THE real deal.
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
A weekly posting of encouraging and challenging thoughts about life from Rev. Karen W. Curry, a pastor's wife and mother of two who is also --in her "spare time"-- a dynamic preacher, teacher, motivational speaker, facilitator, writer, reviewer, poet, MC, liturgical dance/drama consultant and storyteller. Contact Rev. Karen at BNcouraged247@msn.com to speak at your next service or retreat.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
It's All the Rage!
The phrase, "It's all the rage," usually refers to something that's new and "hot" or popular. It signifies that some sort of trend has caught on and is spreading wildly--you see it everywhere you look. The phrase is also sometimes invoked by someone who is wearing or doing something that seems out of the norm, in an attempt to explain their unusual choice of fashion or behavior: "Why are you wearing red mascara?" "Why, it's all the rage in Paris!"
There is a trend that has been swirling all around us for too many years to count that is definitely "all the rage." It's featured on television on a regular basis. Countless news stories are written about it. All sorts of "experts" discuss its origins and effects on the culture. In France, when something this big is all the rage, you will hear expressions like, "Ooh, la, la!" But, in this case, the expression would be more like, "Oh, no, no!" Why? Because "all the rage" I'm referring to is literally all the rage.
There is a lot of unchecked anger being toted about every day. Smiles or stoic expressions are often sported on the surface in an attempt to cover the seething rage that lurks only a skin prick away. Just look at entertainer Chris Brown's blowup following an interview on ABC's Good Morning America yesterday.
ABC News reporter Robin Roberts is said to have followed the usual protocol in securing permission from Brown prior to the interview to include questions about his physical altercation with singer Rihanna in 2009. However, when the questions arose, Brown's boiling point also rose. Immediately after the interview he was allegedly heard ranting loudly in a back room, and is also presumed to be responsible for throwing a chair or something and shattering a window. All this from a person who insists that everyone should completely forget about the violence of the Rihanna incident so he can put it behind him. I'm just glad Rihanna wasn't behind him when the chair went flying.
The "Bachelor's" recent star, Brad Womack may have also been sporting "all the rage." In fact, Emily Maynard, the woman Womack says he wants to spend the rest of his life with has been slowing down the wedding train, explaining, "We need to figure out how we fight, and how we deal with things, and how we communicate." It appears Womack may have anger issues, and Maynard may have jealously issues to sort out. If so, Maynard is wise to insist that those issues be worked through up front.
We know that anger is a human emotion that all of us will display in varying degrees. But God's Word clearly admonishes, "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you" (Ephesians 4:26).
Anger is not inherently evil, but the sources behind it can be. "For, wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere" (James 3:16-17).
"What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn't it the whole army of evil desires at war within you?" (James 4:1)
"Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor" (James 4:9-10).
Perhaps instead of getting irritated at inevitable questions and tirelessly pursuing F.A.M.E., Chris Brown and any of us who have been sporting "all the rage" should demonstrate heartfelt repentance and sensitivity regarding our actions and pursue honor, in accordance with James 4:9-10. That's not necessarily the natural thing for us to do, but God in His infinite power is able to give us the desires of our heart when those desires are in accordance with His will. If we really want to do better, God will help us do just that.
I am not condemning Chris Brown, Brad Womack, or anyone else who has had to live their life under the glare of the spotlight. But, I am challenging them and us to not be o.k. with not being o.k.
We are not o.k. if we have a temper, easily lose control, or anything else along those lines. It's simply not healthy for us physically, emotionally or spiritually. It may feel good at the moment to "get it out", but in the end, all temper tantrums really do is "get us out" of relationships and opportunities that can not withstand the constant explosions.
We have to get to a place where we love ourselves enough to deal honestly with the hurt, frustration and fears that often underly our anger instead of forcing those around us to tiptoe around our land mines. And, once we are free enough to examine our own faults and needs, we will stop blaming others for "making us angry."
Once we are free enough to admit that remaining on the path of anger is a choice, we can make a better choice. Once we are ready to put God in the driver's seat of our lives, we will finally stop driving away good people. Instead, we will finally be able to get rid of what's been driving us mad--it's not our families, not our jobs, not fame, fortune or the lack thereof. It's all the rage.
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Postscript
In the original version of this blog I made an interesting typo. Instead of referring to "Chris" Brown I typed his name as "Christ" Brown. Perhaps that was God's way of saying He wants us to sincerely pray that Chris will be more like Christ--which is what God wants from all of us! Intercessors, you have your assignment!
Rev. Karen
There is a trend that has been swirling all around us for too many years to count that is definitely "all the rage." It's featured on television on a regular basis. Countless news stories are written about it. All sorts of "experts" discuss its origins and effects on the culture. In France, when something this big is all the rage, you will hear expressions like, "Ooh, la, la!" But, in this case, the expression would be more like, "Oh, no, no!" Why? Because "all the rage" I'm referring to is literally all the rage.
There is a lot of unchecked anger being toted about every day. Smiles or stoic expressions are often sported on the surface in an attempt to cover the seething rage that lurks only a skin prick away. Just look at entertainer Chris Brown's blowup following an interview on ABC's Good Morning America yesterday.
ABC News reporter Robin Roberts is said to have followed the usual protocol in securing permission from Brown prior to the interview to include questions about his physical altercation with singer Rihanna in 2009. However, when the questions arose, Brown's boiling point also rose. Immediately after the interview he was allegedly heard ranting loudly in a back room, and is also presumed to be responsible for throwing a chair or something and shattering a window. All this from a person who insists that everyone should completely forget about the violence of the Rihanna incident so he can put it behind him. I'm just glad Rihanna wasn't behind him when the chair went flying.
The "Bachelor's" recent star, Brad Womack may have also been sporting "all the rage." In fact, Emily Maynard, the woman Womack says he wants to spend the rest of his life with has been slowing down the wedding train, explaining, "We need to figure out how we fight, and how we deal with things, and how we communicate." It appears Womack may have anger issues, and Maynard may have jealously issues to sort out. If so, Maynard is wise to insist that those issues be worked through up front.
We know that anger is a human emotion that all of us will display in varying degrees. But God's Word clearly admonishes, "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you" (Ephesians 4:26).
Anger is not inherently evil, but the sources behind it can be. "For, wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere" (James 3:16-17).
"What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn't it the whole army of evil desires at war within you?" (James 4:1)
"Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor" (James 4:9-10).
Perhaps instead of getting irritated at inevitable questions and tirelessly pursuing F.A.M.E., Chris Brown and any of us who have been sporting "all the rage" should demonstrate heartfelt repentance and sensitivity regarding our actions and pursue honor, in accordance with James 4:9-10. That's not necessarily the natural thing for us to do, but God in His infinite power is able to give us the desires of our heart when those desires are in accordance with His will. If we really want to do better, God will help us do just that.
I am not condemning Chris Brown, Brad Womack, or anyone else who has had to live their life under the glare of the spotlight. But, I am challenging them and us to not be o.k. with not being o.k.
We are not o.k. if we have a temper, easily lose control, or anything else along those lines. It's simply not healthy for us physically, emotionally or spiritually. It may feel good at the moment to "get it out", but in the end, all temper tantrums really do is "get us out" of relationships and opportunities that can not withstand the constant explosions.
We have to get to a place where we love ourselves enough to deal honestly with the hurt, frustration and fears that often underly our anger instead of forcing those around us to tiptoe around our land mines. And, once we are free enough to examine our own faults and needs, we will stop blaming others for "making us angry."
Once we are free enough to admit that remaining on the path of anger is a choice, we can make a better choice. Once we are ready to put God in the driver's seat of our lives, we will finally stop driving away good people. Instead, we will finally be able to get rid of what's been driving us mad--it's not our families, not our jobs, not fame, fortune or the lack thereof. It's all the rage.
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Postscript
In the original version of this blog I made an interesting typo. Instead of referring to "Chris" Brown I typed his name as "Christ" Brown. Perhaps that was God's way of saying He wants us to sincerely pray that Chris will be more like Christ--which is what God wants from all of us! Intercessors, you have your assignment!
Rev. Karen
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Some Assembly Required
I have a friend who loves to put things together. When she sees the words, "Some Assembly Required" she gets excited. Once she tears open a box and finds the instruction booklet, it's as if she has found a treasure map. She eagerly studies the pages and diagrams, checks to make sure she has all the necessary components, and gets right to work! She then works non-stop until the task is complete, regardless of how much time or energy the task requires.
Whenever she has finished assembling something, she beams like a proud mother. She has a generous heart and is especially pleased if whatever she has assembled is something that will make life better for someone else.
I admire her ability to work skillfully with her hands, because when I see the words, "Some Assembly Required," I start trying to figure out just how much assembly is required--because if it's too much, forget it!
That's how some of us view assembling at church. We want to give the absolute minimum effort because we are honestly not interested in putting in a lot of work. Sometimes, when we do attend church we get caught up judging those who are judging us and miss the whole point of the assembly.
We'll faithfully put in 50-60 hours if necessary at our jobs, put up indefinitely with the egos and insecurities of our supervisors and co-workers, sit through rambling 4-hour club/organization meetings, stay up all night studying for college exams, but go to church 1.5 times a month and start looking at our watches 30 minutes into the service.
Some of us will wait longer for a table at a restaurant then we are willing to spend in church.
Somehow, we have missed the point that in order to truly live out the Christian faith, Some Assembly is Required. As Hebrews 10:24-25 explains, "let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." The way the earth is groaning, we truly see the day approaching.
What if we adopted the attitude of my friend who loves assembling things? What if we eagerly read through our instruction manual--the Bible--and viewed it as the treasure map that it is? What if we took inventory to make sure we had all of the components necessary to successfully build our life in the Lord--a God-led Pastor, Bible/Bible Study, active prayer life, fellowship with other believers, service to those in need?
What if we were generous with our time and energy, willing to regularly worship God in spirit and in truth, doing whatever was necessary for our spiritual growth and the spiritual growth of others?
If we changed our attitude about assembling, we would be able to proudly beam, like my friend does, at what emerges. In our case, that which emerges would be the new creation God is putting together in us individually and collectively.
Self-guided tours, independent studies and solitude all have their place--Jesus certainly sought opportunities to pray in solitude. But, as evidenced by His teaching, preaching and feeding large numbers of people, as well as His regular communing with a committed group of disciples, Jesus understood the importance of Hebrews 10:25. We are not saved to live isolated from the body of Christ. When we are saved, we become a part of the body of Christ, and in order for the body to fully function "Some Assembly is Required."
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
Whenever she has finished assembling something, she beams like a proud mother. She has a generous heart and is especially pleased if whatever she has assembled is something that will make life better for someone else.
I admire her ability to work skillfully with her hands, because when I see the words, "Some Assembly Required," I start trying to figure out just how much assembly is required--because if it's too much, forget it!
That's how some of us view assembling at church. We want to give the absolute minimum effort because we are honestly not interested in putting in a lot of work. Sometimes, when we do attend church we get caught up judging those who are judging us and miss the whole point of the assembly.
We'll faithfully put in 50-60 hours if necessary at our jobs, put up indefinitely with the egos and insecurities of our supervisors and co-workers, sit through rambling 4-hour club/organization meetings, stay up all night studying for college exams, but go to church 1.5 times a month and start looking at our watches 30 minutes into the service.
Some of us will wait longer for a table at a restaurant then we are willing to spend in church.
Somehow, we have missed the point that in order to truly live out the Christian faith, Some Assembly is Required. As Hebrews 10:24-25 explains, "let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." The way the earth is groaning, we truly see the day approaching.
What if we adopted the attitude of my friend who loves assembling things? What if we eagerly read through our instruction manual--the Bible--and viewed it as the treasure map that it is? What if we took inventory to make sure we had all of the components necessary to successfully build our life in the Lord--a God-led Pastor, Bible/Bible Study, active prayer life, fellowship with other believers, service to those in need?
What if we were generous with our time and energy, willing to regularly worship God in spirit and in truth, doing whatever was necessary for our spiritual growth and the spiritual growth of others?
If we changed our attitude about assembling, we would be able to proudly beam, like my friend does, at what emerges. In our case, that which emerges would be the new creation God is putting together in us individually and collectively.
Self-guided tours, independent studies and solitude all have their place--Jesus certainly sought opportunities to pray in solitude. But, as evidenced by His teaching, preaching and feeding large numbers of people, as well as His regular communing with a committed group of disciples, Jesus understood the importance of Hebrews 10:25. We are not saved to live isolated from the body of Christ. When we are saved, we become a part of the body of Christ, and in order for the body to fully function "Some Assembly is Required."
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Dropping Out of THIS School is Wise
There is a school that is arguably THE most successful school in the world.
It boasts the highest enrollment and graduation rates, yet it also boasts the highest number of repeat students. Despite the success of this world-renowned school, entrance into it is not at all competitive. There are no application deadlines and the school features rolling admission.
In addition, every course offered is considered an elective--you only take what you sign up for. A steady stream of students are constantly transferring into to the school, and very few transfer out of it. This school is incredibly popular--so popular that once some students enroll there, they actually refuse to leave, earning the school the highest retention rates.
By now some of you are eager to find out exactly which school I'm referring to. Actually, it's one that we are all too familiar with--The School of Hard Knocks.
Almost all of us, at one time or another, have found ourselves strolling the halls of this infamous school. Perhaps it was when our friends and family tried to warn us about a relationship we were so sure was "sent from above" yet ended up dragging us through that place "down below."
Perhaps while we were there, we majored in jumping from the arms of one person to the next, never stopping long enough to allow that lonely void inside to be filled by the only one who can fill it to overflowing--Jesus.
Maybe we unwittingly signed ourselves up for an Advanced Placement course in "Root of Bitterness" and didn't realize that our bodies would become the laboratory where that root would be incubated, filling our hearts and minds with enough bitterness to carry us all through adulthood.
Perhaps we hastily signed up for the class, "Patience? Who's Got Time for That?!" and have a trail of bad decisions, broken promises and unfinished business to show for it.
Or, maybe we enrolled in the school's signature class (I used to sit in the front of this one!), "One Foot in the Word, One Foot in the World," even though, as the gospel group Forever Jones sings, God "... wants it all today," plus we know that "a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways" (James 1:8).
Some of us are still enrolled in the School of Hard Knocks because we have yet to grasp the depth of the love God has for us and unyielding truth found in God's Word. We keep thinking there is another and better way to live this earthly life other than the plan God has for us. If we are honest about it, some of us even believe, as actor Charlie Sheen does, that we are different, that we have "tiger blood," or that we can journey deep into the wild side and leave enough bread crumbs to find our way back out before it's too late.
We forget, however, that "as a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly" (Proverbs 26:11). We can leave all the bread crumb trails and clues we want, but we often don't ever make our way out of the woods because as soon as we are out of danger, we yield to temptation and go right back in (snacking on those bread crumbs along the way).
Proverbs 14:16 explains that "A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident." With that in mind, I say we protest against the School of Hard Knocks and lead a massive walkout! Let's "depart from evil" by getting rid of our allegiance to this madhouse and cancelling our enrollment. Let's not be foolishly confident that this is where we are destined to learn life's lessons.
Despite our mistakes of the past, we don't have to continue learning everything the hard way, for Psalms 111:10 tells us, "Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey Him. Praise His name forever!" In the words of the old hymn, "Trust and obey, for there's no other way...."
Today, some of the lessons learned through the School of Hard Knocks are downright deadly. I know. I've attended or presided at the funerals of far too many graduates from this school. Those of you who've been in this school so long that you are finally ready to graduate, I urge you to throw away that cap and gown and let God replace it with a robe and crown, because despite how much time and energy you've already invested in it, dropping out of THIS school is wise.
It boasts the highest enrollment and graduation rates, yet it also boasts the highest number of repeat students. Despite the success of this world-renowned school, entrance into it is not at all competitive. There are no application deadlines and the school features rolling admission.
In addition, every course offered is considered an elective--you only take what you sign up for. A steady stream of students are constantly transferring into to the school, and very few transfer out of it. This school is incredibly popular--so popular that once some students enroll there, they actually refuse to leave, earning the school the highest retention rates.
By now some of you are eager to find out exactly which school I'm referring to. Actually, it's one that we are all too familiar with--The School of Hard Knocks.
Almost all of us, at one time or another, have found ourselves strolling the halls of this infamous school. Perhaps it was when our friends and family tried to warn us about a relationship we were so sure was "sent from above" yet ended up dragging us through that place "down below."
Perhaps while we were there, we majored in jumping from the arms of one person to the next, never stopping long enough to allow that lonely void inside to be filled by the only one who can fill it to overflowing--Jesus.
Maybe we unwittingly signed ourselves up for an Advanced Placement course in "Root of Bitterness" and didn't realize that our bodies would become the laboratory where that root would be incubated, filling our hearts and minds with enough bitterness to carry us all through adulthood.
Perhaps we hastily signed up for the class, "Patience? Who's Got Time for That?!" and have a trail of bad decisions, broken promises and unfinished business to show for it.
Or, maybe we enrolled in the school's signature class (I used to sit in the front of this one!), "One Foot in the Word, One Foot in the World," even though, as the gospel group Forever Jones sings, God "... wants it all today," plus we know that "a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways" (James 1:8).
Some of us are still enrolled in the School of Hard Knocks because we have yet to grasp the depth of the love God has for us and unyielding truth found in God's Word. We keep thinking there is another and better way to live this earthly life other than the plan God has for us. If we are honest about it, some of us even believe, as actor Charlie Sheen does, that we are different, that we have "tiger blood," or that we can journey deep into the wild side and leave enough bread crumbs to find our way back out before it's too late.
We forget, however, that "as a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly" (Proverbs 26:11). We can leave all the bread crumb trails and clues we want, but we often don't ever make our way out of the woods because as soon as we are out of danger, we yield to temptation and go right back in (snacking on those bread crumbs along the way).
Proverbs 14:16 explains that "A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident." With that in mind, I say we protest against the School of Hard Knocks and lead a massive walkout! Let's "depart from evil" by getting rid of our allegiance to this madhouse and cancelling our enrollment. Let's not be foolishly confident that this is where we are destined to learn life's lessons.
Despite our mistakes of the past, we don't have to continue learning everything the hard way, for Psalms 111:10 tells us, "Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey Him. Praise His name forever!" In the words of the old hymn, "Trust and obey, for there's no other way...."
Today, some of the lessons learned through the School of Hard Knocks are downright deadly. I know. I've attended or presided at the funerals of far too many graduates from this school. Those of you who've been in this school so long that you are finally ready to graduate, I urge you to throw away that cap and gown and let God replace it with a robe and crown, because despite how much time and energy you've already invested in it, dropping out of THIS school is wise.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Grow Up!
Growth and maturity are essential to human development. The earlier we begin taking in the proper mental, physical and spiritual nourishment, the stronger, faster, wiser, and overall happier we will grow up to be.
When I was a child, I couldn't wait to grow up. I thought that when I grew up, I would be amongst other grown-ups and we would all know and be able to do all the "right things." I assumed that lying, jealously competing, being a "copy cat", pouting, throwing temper tantrums, and behaving recklessly would all cease and desist once everyone grew up. Reality was a big disappointment.
What I found, instead, was that we all certainly do grow, just not necessarily "up." Some of us grow bitter, others grow stagnant, too many of us grow fat, and sadly some of us never grow anything except chronologically older.
Some of us think that growing up means throwing away all of the rules and guidelines that we learned in childhood. The problem is, if we never internalized those things that were designed to help us grow "up", when it's time to step up, we have nothing to draw upon.
Being "grown" doesn't mean living wild and recklessly ala Charlie Sheen because we think no one can tell us what to do. A fully mature adult doesn't need anyone to tell them what to do, not because they are "grown," but because internal signals from the Holy Spirit and life experiences guide him or her to where they need to be. Remember, self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, not the fruit of "grown up" flesh.
"There is a way that seems right unto man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 16:25). God's Word is so true. How many more examples of this do we need to see? All of the fallen celebrities, musicians, ministers and even some of our own friends and family who have met untimely deaths or lived wasted lives should make it painfully obvious that being "grown" by the world's standards can put us on a deadly path.
Time and time again we've seen the effects of unbridled greed/pride, excessive anger, arrogance, reckless spending, unhealthy relationships, unplanned pregnancies, carefree use of drugs/alcohol, violent behavior, selfish thinking, and other traps used by the enemy to steal, kill and destroy our ability to grow up and experience healthy, joy-filled lives.
So, why do we think we can travel down those same one-way, dead-end streets and somehow think things will turn out differently for us? Some of us will grieve over a friend killed from drunk driving, yet still go and get wasted. (Take a moment to really think about the depth of that term, "wasted"). Oh, I forgot. We can handle it, because we're "grown."
Friends, I don't know about you, but I am "growing" tired of us falling for the same old tired tricks of the enemy to confuse us about where to find real joy in life. Real, lasting joy is not in a dollar. It's not in a bottle. It's not in a pill. It's not in someone's bed. It's not in our titles or positions. And, no matter what we see on television, there are not enough tatoos, piercings, or sexy clothes in the world to fill the voids some of us have.
All of those things are external and temporary. They are not even big enough or strong enough to contain the supernatural joy that God can give. "This joy that I have, the world didn't give and the world can't take it away!"
How do we get lasting joy? By looking up-- "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills...my help cometh from the Lord" (Psalms 121:1). By keeping up with the Lord's commandments--"Keep my commandments and live..." (Proverbs 7:2). By speaking up--when we simply ask God to direct us (pray), we find that "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence [is] fulness of joy; at thy right hand [there are] pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11).
God promises to do "exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20). In other words, God wants us to experience mind-blowing joy--with no strings and no regrets! All this is awaiting those of us who are willing to leave the schoolyard once and for all and finally Grow Up!
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
When I was a child, I couldn't wait to grow up. I thought that when I grew up, I would be amongst other grown-ups and we would all know and be able to do all the "right things." I assumed that lying, jealously competing, being a "copy cat", pouting, throwing temper tantrums, and behaving recklessly would all cease and desist once everyone grew up. Reality was a big disappointment.
What I found, instead, was that we all certainly do grow, just not necessarily "up." Some of us grow bitter, others grow stagnant, too many of us grow fat, and sadly some of us never grow anything except chronologically older.
Some of us think that growing up means throwing away all of the rules and guidelines that we learned in childhood. The problem is, if we never internalized those things that were designed to help us grow "up", when it's time to step up, we have nothing to draw upon.
Being "grown" doesn't mean living wild and recklessly ala Charlie Sheen because we think no one can tell us what to do. A fully mature adult doesn't need anyone to tell them what to do, not because they are "grown," but because internal signals from the Holy Spirit and life experiences guide him or her to where they need to be. Remember, self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, not the fruit of "grown up" flesh.
"There is a way that seems right unto man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 16:25). God's Word is so true. How many more examples of this do we need to see? All of the fallen celebrities, musicians, ministers and even some of our own friends and family who have met untimely deaths or lived wasted lives should make it painfully obvious that being "grown" by the world's standards can put us on a deadly path.
Time and time again we've seen the effects of unbridled greed/pride, excessive anger, arrogance, reckless spending, unhealthy relationships, unplanned pregnancies, carefree use of drugs/alcohol, violent behavior, selfish thinking, and other traps used by the enemy to steal, kill and destroy our ability to grow up and experience healthy, joy-filled lives.
So, why do we think we can travel down those same one-way, dead-end streets and somehow think things will turn out differently for us? Some of us will grieve over a friend killed from drunk driving, yet still go and get wasted. (Take a moment to really think about the depth of that term, "wasted"). Oh, I forgot. We can handle it, because we're "grown."
Friends, I don't know about you, but I am "growing" tired of us falling for the same old tired tricks of the enemy to confuse us about where to find real joy in life. Real, lasting joy is not in a dollar. It's not in a bottle. It's not in a pill. It's not in someone's bed. It's not in our titles or positions. And, no matter what we see on television, there are not enough tatoos, piercings, or sexy clothes in the world to fill the voids some of us have.
All of those things are external and temporary. They are not even big enough or strong enough to contain the supernatural joy that God can give. "This joy that I have, the world didn't give and the world can't take it away!"
How do we get lasting joy? By looking up-- "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills...my help cometh from the Lord" (Psalms 121:1). By keeping up with the Lord's commandments--"Keep my commandments and live..." (Proverbs 7:2). By speaking up--when we simply ask God to direct us (pray), we find that "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence [is] fulness of joy; at thy right hand [there are] pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11).
God promises to do "exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20). In other words, God wants us to experience mind-blowing joy--with no strings and no regrets! All this is awaiting those of us who are willing to leave the schoolyard once and for all and finally Grow Up!
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
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