REPRESENT

Last weekend we attended a local MMA fight. I wanted to go because several members of the Gym I train at were fighting that night. In addition, one of our trainers was fighting for a regional 155 pound title belt. While at the Fights I kept seeing T-shirts with our Gym Logo and the name of a fighter I had never heard of or even seen train in our Gym. It turns out that a local fighter had decided to make t-shirts for his “crew”, “posse”, “entourage”, whatever you want to call people who leach onto others in order to live off their fame. Not that this fighter is famous, he just decided to make himself known by printing many self promoting t-shirts. There is nothing wrong in a little self-promotion for an unknown fighter, but the problem was that even though he prominently posted the logo of our Gym on the t-shirts, he does not train at our gym. He has visited the gym infrequently, but he is not a team member by any means. And, no, he did not ask permission to use the Gym’s logo on his t-shirts.

So what is wrong with some un-requested free advertisement you may ask. In this case, a lot. First the local fighter in question lost the fight one minute into the first round via a choke. Second, after losing, in a very unsportsmanlike manner, he threw a fit and stomped off the ring, showing a lack of respect for his opponent, the ref, and the judges. Third, he had to be escorted by the police out of the venue hosting the event due to his post fight behavior. And finally, I heard that he was arrested later that night for getting rough with his wife. Not good exposure for the Gym. What made this situation particularly sad is that our Gym owner is very particular of who can fight under the Gym’s name. He only wants dedicated fighters, who train hard, are disciplined, respect the sport, are positive ambassadors for the sport/Gym, and are respectful & honorable in defeat or victory. Even though our trainer represented our Gym well by winning the 155 title belt, and being respectful and honorable in his victory, the actions of an “impostor” could have marred the reputation of our Gym.

The same is true with the Church and Christianity. The Church is full of people who appear to be Christians or claim to be Christians but their actions (fruits) are hurtful and negative to the message of Christ and Christianity. They wear the t-shirt, but are not members of the gym. There are many professing Christians who are doing more damage than good. They walk around with their “Christian” logo on their chest, while acting just like every non-believer out there in the world. For example, I just heard of a well known Christian Pop singer, Jennifer Knapp, who “came out of the closet” announcing that she is a homosexual in a lesbian relationship. She promoted Jesus, now she promotes her homosexuality. Christ changes lives. Once you accept Jesus as Lord and savior you are a New Creation, born again. Your life should reflect that change. If Jesus does not make a difference in your life, what difference does Jesus make?

2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Ro 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Col 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

“Christians” such as these stumble true believers and push non-believers away. Why should a non-believer trust in Jesus when the “believers” themselves don’t trust him. They might profess him as Lord and Savior, but they do not obey his word or his commandments. Professing Christ does not demonstrate faith or trust in him, anyone can profess Christ. Heck, even demons profess and believe that Jesus is the Christ.

Jas 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Lu 4:33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, 34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

Many may state that Jesus is their Lord, but very few truly trust in him. Why do you think the Church has all of the same social problems of the world system? If we were truly living as called to do by Christ, It wouldn’t. But we love the world, we covet, we desire stuff to make us feel “happy” or “good”, we disobey God’s commandments because they are too harsh, we don’t agree, or because I “deserve” it(whatever “it” is in your life), we seek the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, while saying “thank you Jesus”. Why should an unbeliever go to the Church if he is just going to find what is readily available in the World. Saying you are a Christian and wearing a Christian t-shirt does not make you a Christian. Going to Church, frequently or infrequently, does not make you a Christian. Obedience in Christ and his Word, which is shown/reflected by your actions (fruits), demonstrate that you are a Christian.

Jas 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Ro 2:13 For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

Mt 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Christ’s logo goes on the inside, it cannot be seen other than in its reflection through your life, your actions, your behavior, your fruits. Don’t tell me you are a Christian, show me!

Jesus wants more than a logo on your chest, he wants you. He wants to change you completely, so that you behave more like him and represent him well to the unbelieving world. Would the US Government keep an ambassador who constantly behaves like a fool and misrepresents the position of the USA? Don’t think so.

2Co 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.

Believers are called to represent Christ here in this World. We are ambassadors, in a sense we wear the T-Shirt with Jesus’ Logo. But, when you profess to be a Christian and behave like a worldly pagan, you are just like the fighter or ambassador I mentioned above. You are wearing the Gym’s logo without the consent of the owner (God), and every action you make reflects negatively on the Gym (Church) and those that attend the Gym (Believers). On the day of the fights, our Gym owner should have confronted the fighter and told him to take the shirts off. But in order to be “nice”, not cause an “issue” or maybe just compromise because the fighter did visit the gym every once in a while, he let it slide and it came back to bite him. Don’t we do the same in Church. We see alleged “believers” openly living in sin, encouraging politically correct ideologies that go against the Word of God, or just being a bad witness, yet we don’t say anything in order not to be judgmental, or because we don’t want to upset them, or offend them, or because we are afraid that they may leave and not come back.

God shows displeasure with those who misrepresent him and takes disciplinary action. From Moses hitting the rock in the wilderness, to the nation of Israel in it’s adultery with the world. Jesus also demonstrated his displeasure with the false prophets and false teachers who misrepresented God’s message to the people. Paul even ordered the men corrupting the Church to be thrown out.

See 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 Expel the Immoral Brother!

Tit 3:10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

2Ti 3:2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power (going to Church but no believing, disobedient ). And from such people turn away!

2Th 3:6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

2Th 3:13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Ro 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.

Mt 18:15 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.16 "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'17 "And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

True believers should stand up to those who claim to follow Christ with their tongue, but deny him by their actions. They should be confronted and corrected with the truth, before they go on a rampage, stumble new believers, and push away those seeking the truth.

In other words, they should not wear the t-shirt unless they are going to do it justice!

WORLD'S FASHION

With Mother’s day right around the corner I started to think about my spouse and how blessed I am that God chose her and placed her in my arms. I do not want to boast, but my wife reminds me of the wife in Proverb 31. Trustworthy, hardworking, wise, strong (physically, mentally, and spiritually), giving, sacrificial, honorable, kind, loving, faithful and fruitful. My wife willingly left a job with a three-figure salary in order to start a family, stay home, and raise our children. She chose to fulfill the role of a homemaker and teach our children at home. She finds time to volunteer to help out in church, minister to younger mothers & women, do the soccer mom thing, and deal with an immature, hyperactive, and grumpy husband.

Proverb 31:10-31 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth [is] far above rubies.11The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.18 She perceives that her merchandise [is] good, And her lamp does not go out by night.19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household [is] clothed with scarlet.22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing [is] fine linen and purple.23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.24 She makes linen garments and sells [them], And supplies sashes for the merchants.25 Strength and honor [are] her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue [is] the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband [also], and he praises her: 29 "Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all."30 Charm [is] deceitful and beauty [is] passing, But a woman [who] fears the LORD, she shall be praised.31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Is my wife perfect, no. None of us are, we are all sinners saved by grace. She has her faults, same as me. (Though, I have many, many more). Before she met Christ, my wife was a completely different person, more like the women in Isaiah 3:16-26. She lived for herself pushing others away or using them in order to fulfill her agenda. But, once she accepted Christ, as Lord and Savior, she slowly changed, up to the point that she is a very different and better person now.

Am I writing to boast about my wife? No, I am writing because I worry that the Church instead of encouraging women to be like the wife in Proverb 31, they are accepting the modern “politically correct” world view of women, and even encouraging the worldly behaviors condemned in Isaiah 3.

Isaiah 3:16 Moreover the LORD says: "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, And walk with outstretched necks And wanton eyes, Walking and mincing [as] they go, Making a jingling with their feet,17 Therefore the Lord will strike with a scab The crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, And the LORD will uncover their secret parts."18 In that day the Lord will take away the finery: The jingling anklets, the scarves, and the crescents;19 The pendants, the bracelets, and the veils;20 The headdresses, the leg ornaments, and the headbands; The perfume boxes, the charms,21 and the rings; The nose jewels,22 the festal apparel, and the mantles; The outer garments, the purses, 23 and the mirrors; The fine linen, the turbans, and the robes of a sweet smell there will be a stench; Instead of a sash, a rope; Instead of well-set hair, baldness; Instead of a rich robe, a girding of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty. 25 Your men shall fall by the sword, And your mighty in the war. 26 Her gates shall lament and mourn, And she [being] desolate shall sit on the ground.

Modern women, like the women described above in Isaiah, pride themselves in being independent, aggressive, empowered, open and proud of their sexuality. You clearly see this in the music industry and Hollywood. Where women seem to be the more famous and powerful, the less clothing they wear, the more sexually aggressive they are, and the more times they have been divorced. Don’t believe me? Look at Madonna (I know she’s getting old, but she was a pioneer at this), Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Angelina Jolie, Pink, etc.... Many of these high profile women start out relatively modest, but realize that it is easier to get what they want by being shocking, sexually aggressive, putting all behind in order to succeed as a independent woman. At times they even fulfill the role of a temptress in order to gain attention and therein success.

For example, I just heard that Miley Cyrus, a.k.a. Hannah Montana (the idol of many pre-teen girls) has taken this route. Her new video will be sexually charged. (I guess they need to address the teenage boy market).These high profile powerful women all have something in common. They imitate the women in Isaiah 3. They are haughty, wanton, charming (not in a good way), drawing attention to themselves, proud of themselves and using their sensuality as a way to get what they want (power, money, fame, acceptance, happiness, love). I find it amusing that every time one of these liberated “independent women” want to empower themselves they use their sexuality/sensuality. They don’t use their intellect, they don’t point to their hard work, they just lower their cleavage and wear tighter clothes. Please explain to me how does that make men respect them, threat them as equals, and not just look at them as an object. It is just plainly amusing to hear one of these Hollywood divas talk about women rights, when all the do is become rich by propagating the view that women are just sexual objects for men. Sadly, these are the women that society (the World) looks up to. They are the spoke persons for politicians, “just causes”, political correctness, social change movements, etc. They are the women our boys want to date and our girls want to be like. It has gotten to the point that when a conservative woman hits the spotlight, she is attacked and demonized for not being more like Madonna. The world is upside down.

Pr 2:16 To deliver you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words. 17 Who forsakes the companion of her youth, And forgets the covenant of her God. 18 For her house leads down to death, And her paths to the dead;19 None who go to her return, Nor do they regain the paths of life-

The Church, instead of separating itself from the world, is accepting this modern view point of women, even condoning it. How you ask? Here are three examples.

First, modern churches are obsessed with outward appearances (specially the looks of women). Instead of bible studies they have sumba classes. Instead of devotions they have dieting tips. Instead of teachers they have personal trainers. (I am not against being healthy, but the reason behind these “church” programs is not health, but looks, i.e, sensuality. A slimmer waist and better butt).

1 Tim. 4:8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

Second, many Churches offer day care for working moms. Disclaimer: I know that there are single moms out there and some families in which they have no choice, but for the spouse to work. I understand that things are rough and sometimes a family needs both spouse to work in order to simply survive. My problem is not with those families or mothers, as a matter of fact I feel for them. My problem is with families in which both spouses work so that they can buy the BMW or the fancy house. They drop off their kids in the Church day care all day, pick him up at the end of the day, tired, feed him, put him to bed, and do it all again the next day so that they can live “luxuriously”. Who is raising that kid? The day care worker or mom? The Day care worker spends more time with the kid so that mom can pick him up in the Lexus. That is sad, why have kids so that someone else can raise them.

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.Proverbs 14:1

Churches with daycare condone this by offering the service so that the mom (who does not need to) can go to work. What’s wrong with living more humbly, with one salary, and spending time with your children and actually raising them? The wife in Proverbs 31 works, but she also watches over the ways of her household. The Church should lead women to be like the wife in Proverbs 31, not like the “independent successful women” of the world system.

Tit 2:3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things- 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

Finally, “Fashion” (or should I call it “Pride”) can also become an issue. I am not a prude who believes women should wear long skirts and button-up shirts to church, but there has to be a limit. When the worldly dress code of “believers” is causing others to be stumbled, that is a problem.

1 Timothy 2:9-10 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

I remember having a close friend admit that he was stumbled by the way some of the girls dressed in church. I could have judged him as being weak, or accused him of not walking in the spirit, but he was right. It was hard not to have wondering eyes when everywhere you looked you saw low cleavage, extra tight low waist jeans, short skirts, and butt cracks.

1 Cor 8:12-13 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food (clothing) makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat (wear that), lest I make my brother stumble.

I do not want to sound like a Pharisee or extra holy, but I do remember at times keeping my head low, staring at the floor as I walked and avoiding talking to certain girls because of the way they were dressed. I do not think all of the girls who wear these revealing clothes where trying to be vixens or to purposely tempt the weak men in the church.(That would be all of us). I like to think that they were just ignorant, adopting the ways of the world and wearing the fashions dictated by the world system. You know, the stuff the liberal Hollywood crowd or the elite NYC jet set wear and tell women to wear in order to look “good”, as seen on TV, movies & magazines. If the women wearing these clothes are believers, they should mature and stop behaving like babies. Let’s not lie to ourselves, the purpose behind wearing such tight revealing clothes is to draw attention to the body, specifically a woman’s sensual parts. Apparently this has become acceptable in Church, like it had become acceptable in Israel. Israel was meant to be a separate nation that would evangelize the world through their faithfulness and obedience to God. The Church was also meant to be a separate entity, in the world, but not of the world, full of believers imitating Christ, not imitating the world. Israel did not fulfill God’s will. It started to be influenced by the practices of the pagan nations around them. It was a slippery slope that led to God’s intervention and captivity in Babylon.

As described in Isaiah 3, the women in Israel became materialistic, proud, and heavily influenced by the pagan cultures around them. They wore bells on their feet so as they mingled by men (and other women) they would look at them. They wore all these bracelets, rings, headdresses, leg ornaments, headbands, charms, nose, purses, etc, to draw attention to themselves. They were proud in the way they looked and wanted others to notice. This type of attention is always negative as it is based on outward looks and appearances, not godly actions and behavior. As you can read in Isaiah 3 , God condemned this type of worldly behavior. The wife in Proverb 31 is not concerned in making others look at her waistline, she is focused in living out her faith and letting her actions demonstrate her faith. The world is concerned about appearances, what car I drive, what house I own, what clothes I wear, how good do I look, etc.. Christ is concerned about our hearts.

1 Samuel 16:7 “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearances, but the lord looks at the heart.”

Don’t get me wrong being healthy is good, feeling good and even looking good can be good thing. I like it when my wife looks good and I want to look good to her. But I don’t want her to be stumbling other men or women by the way she dresses. (Ok, I also do not want other men staring at her). But ultimately she demonstrates her love for me, and her trust in Christ, by being faithful, honorable, and humble. Like the woman in Proverbs 31, not the women in Isaiah 3.

Prov. 31:30 Charm [is] deceitful and beauty [is] passing, But a woman [who] fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

As Christians we should set the example, lead the way, change the world and not just adopt the World’s definitions of what is attractive or empowering. We should have non-believers saying “these Christians are turning the world upside down” or is it right side up!

Acts 17:6 “… , These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.”

ADVENTURE

Life is an adventure. Or so they say. But, it sure does not feel like an adventure from my desk. Trapped in front of a computer for eight hours a day, five days a week, writing reports, memoranda, and preparing charts. I have a good job, don’t get me wrong. But I clearly remember proclaiming in high school that I would never, ever have a desk job. Too boring. I always thought that I would live life to the max. I used to dream of traveling to foreign lands seeking adventure. Racing the Paris-Dakar. Riding a bicycle across Europe. Racing the Baja 1000. Or at least join the Marines. This is what I perceived to be freedom. To pursue adventure with no burdens, no strings attached, no serious commitments. How far did I get into my pursuit of adventure? Not very far.

What happened? How did I end up here? It did not happen overnight. It was a gradual process. Slowly, but surely, as I grew up and matured the burdens of life started to choke my dreams of adventure. It all started when I made a commitment. I fell in love with a girl in High School. She became my dream and I compromised on my pursuit of adventure. I rationalized that I should have some one to share the adventure with. We talked about going to Europe, backpacking together, moving to a desolate tropical island and race rally cars together, I would drive and she would provide the pace notes.

As for the adventure part, it did not go well. I followed her to college. We submerged ourselves into school so we could graduate early and hopefully start our adventure. Upon graduation we both started to work, got married, and subsequently bought a house. We could not afford the rally car or the trip to Europe anymore. And even if we could afford it, we did not have the time anymore. We were too busy with work. Regardless, I tried my hardest to seek adventure. Throughout our early marriage I raced motorcycles, BMX, and cars. We would load the pick up truck, drive to the race track and spend the weekend racing and sleeping in a tent. It was fun, but reality set in when we could not afford it anymore. Truthfully, I was average and made no money racing. It was a just a black hole, sucking money and time. It got too hard to do every weekend, and slowly the pursuit of what was an already dying dream ended. Five years into our marriage, we had settled for trips to Florida, instead of backpacking Europe or riding my bike on weekends, instead
of pursuing a racing career.

Life became predictable, the beginning of the end for someone seeking adventure. Bigger job opportunities came up and with them came more money. Of course that meant more responsibility, a bigger house, new cars, and ultimately kids. I now have a huge mortgage and a 30 year school loan. I live in the suburbs, have three kids, two dogs, a savings account, a 401K, health insurance, life insurance, and drive a station wagon. I do not own a motorcycle anymore, my wife drives the soccer mom SUV and we have not traveled to Europe. So here I am surrounded with all the trappings of a suburban life. Am I upset? Do I have any regrets? Actually, no. While it may not be as glamorous as traveling through Europe, or riding a motorcycle wide-open across the desert. My suburban life is actually a bigger adventure. How is that, you may ask? How can living a mundane, predictable suburban life be an adventure?

You see, along the way my definition of what is an “adventure” changed. What I called “adventure” was nothing more than the pursuit of an adrenaline fix, an attempt at getting away from reality. What I was seeking was not adventure but an escape. A lot like the reason why people immerse themselves in entertainment, or use alcohol and drugs, to escape reality because they are unhappy or unsatisfied with their life.

Many of us yearn for an adventure that is grand, heroic, and apparently beyond our reach. But, your apparently mundane suburban family life is actually an adventure, fraught with potentially disastrous or gloriously heroic outcomes. I did not realize this until my eyes were opened to the fact that that this world is temporary and we live with a yearning for our real home, heaven. We all have a yearning for something bigger than us, some fulfill it with consumerism, others with adventure, others do drugs or have affairs, some pursue fame or wealth, but it is all fruitless. Nothing on this earth can fulfill our yearning to be in the presence of God. The day I realized that I was a sinner with no hope of recovery and that the only solution to my condition was what Jesus did for me on the Cross, was the day that the adventure I always sought really started. Yes, looking from the outside I still live a mundane suburban life, but thanks to how Christ has changed me, every day is now an adventure. Not an escape from reality, but reality itself.

First, I live every day looking forward to being in the presence of my Savior, therefore I try to live an Honorable and Heroic daily life. A lot like an ideological medieval Knight or a Samurai. Trying to live life with an Honor code straight out of the bible. I try to take the high road, not the easy way out. I try to be humble, help others, put myself last. I try to stand up for the righteous, and stand up to the wicked. Is not that what the heroes in the movies do? (I say “I try” because in this sinful body it is not an easy thing to do)

Second. I now view myself as a Provider, a Shepherd, and a Warrior. A King who provides and protects his kingdom. As a father, God has given me a flock to guard, protect, & provide for. My wife and children trust and rely on me to protect them from evil and to provide them with shelter, clothing and their daily necessities. They rely on me go to work early in the morning and to come home every night after a hard day’s work. When they hear a sound in the night, it is up to me to grab my sword (it’s usually more like a baseball bat) and go check it out. Like a good Shepherd it is up to me to protect them from Wolves, Bears and Lions. Not just physically, but also spiritually. Let me ask you fathers, how many times have your children drawn you with a crown on your head and a sword on your side, like a King or a Knight? If you are doing your fatherly duties as onto the Lord, I am sure they have done it many times.

Third. As a spouse you are to Love your wife. Love is not the mess they call love on TV, the Movies, or Hollywood. Love is a choice, it is a decision. That may not sound romantic, but believe me that is what your spouse wants. She want’s to be assured that you have chosen her. That you have chosen her over others. That you have chosen to provide for her. That you have chosen to protect her, and that you have chosen to be by her side. Remember that oath you took? In the good and the bad, in sickness and in health, in wealth or poor. Sounds a lot like the oath a Knight takes before his King! Emotions change, you fall in and out of feelings. Like the movie stars who marry, divorce and marry, as their feelings change. A Knight makes a decision and sticks to it because he is a Man of Honor. Believe me, there is no honor in leaving your wife or children for another woman. That is a sign of weakness. Like a Shepherd who runs away from the wolf leaving his sheep behind to be killed and eaten.

Finally, as a subject of the Kingdom of Heaven I am also a Priest to my family. I am to teach them and guide them in the ways of the Lord. I am to model Christ (as far as I am able in my sinful body). I am to teach my sheep about their maker. I am to lead them in the right path and show them how to eat from his pastures and drink his living water. I am not to lead them astray.

Isn’t life an adventure? As a Christian every day you are in a battle, shield and sword in hand. The daily battle is harder than any adventure you may have imagined. In a sense it is harder to wake up on a Monday, obey God, and to go to work to provide for your family, than to wake up and go on a bicycle ride, kayak trip, hunting, etc...

Choose to live a real adventure, follow Christ and fulfill your role as a King, Shepherd, Warrior, and Provider.

MUSTANG

This weekend, after Church, I took my family to my local Ford Dealer to try to convince them that I need to buy the left over 2009, Dark Blue, 5-speed, Mustang GT on the lot. I have been eyeing the Mustang for a while now. Driving by, getting out, looking at the sticker price, checking out the interior, and running back to my car before the sales guy intercepts me. The Mustang is now on sale, you know making room for the 2010 model. The price is really good and I can actually afford it. I tried hard to convince my family, but they did not buy my logical reasons for needing a two door, 300 + horse power, gas guzzler.

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Ever since I have been able to drive I wanted a Ford Mustang. I remember lusting after the 1990's Mustang 5.0 GT as a 16 year old. All throughout my life I have actually gone on several occasions, money in hand, to purchase a Mustang (used). I recall every Mustang I have test driven. All 5-speed. All V8. One of my most vivid memories is test driving a modified red 5.0 notch back. It would smoke the tires and get sideways in third gear. But, due to practical reasons, insurance rates, advise from wise elders (my dad), not to mention self-preservation, I would always walk away with some sort of a practical front wheel drive hatchback.

I am now reaching my forties and I still have not owned a Mustang. I really have no excuse not to buy one. I have a good job, I am a more mature driver, and I could actually afford the insurance rates. And with a little bit of sacrifice I could even afford to buy a new one. Yes, I admit there are several reasons not to do it. It’s only a two door and my girls will be uncomfortable in the back seat. It’s a gas guzzler. I would have a monthly car payment. It sucks in winter (snow). My wife would be upset at the expenditure. But there is one particularly good reason why I really should not buy it. I do not think it would please the Lord... not at this time anyway.

Let me explain. First of all, I do not believe there is anything wrong with buying a Mustang or other sports/muscle/luxury car as long as you can afford it (not go into debt), still cheerfully give to the Church, at least, 10% of your income, and be willing to just give it way, lose it, trade it without any attachment whatsoever. But as I sat at my local Ford Dealership lusting over the dark blue, 5-speed, GT, I had allowed it to become my idol. It had slowly started to replace God in my mind, and my life. You see, the Mustang was all I could think of. At home I would be on the internet for hours checking out Mustang sites, at work I would convince myself that I work hard and deserve the Mustang, at Church I would catch myself day dreaming of driving the Mustang on a curvy country road or a racetrack. Unbeknownst to me, the Mustang started to completely consume my thought life. I would be trying to read the bible and drift off into what wheels would look good on the Mustang. I would literally have to bring every thought of the Mustang into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

2 Cor. 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

But, instead of focusing on Christ, I would just replace my lust for the Mustang with other stuff! OK, if I cannot have the Mustang, I’ll get a Harley, or a new bicycle, or I’ll modify my front wheel drive hatchback. At the end of the day, my problem was not the Mustang itself, but the fact that I was trying to fill some gap in my life/soul with a thing/toy. You see, back where we used to live, I was heavily involved in ministry. I had good fellowship with fellow Christian men. I didn’t have time to lust after things, because I had to prepare weekly bible studies for the High School Ministry, home bible studies, or always be ready to serve in some capacity at Church. In addition, I met with my brothers in Christ at least once or twice a week. We spent weekends together, we served in church events, we hung out together, we did retreats, we basically kept each other and our lives focused on our Lord. Not to mention that where we lived was an adventure every day. A fertile mission field. My mind was focused on the Lord and in serving him. But, the Lord called us to an affluent part of the United States, where I would be making more money, where material things (such as vehicles) are cheaper, and just about everybody professes to be a Christian. God is so faithful that he even warned me of the new temptations I would face in this new land. The day our family got on the airplane to come to our new home the Lord said to me (through his word):

Deut. 6:10 And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he swore unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou built not, 11 And houses full of all good [things], which thou filled not, and wells digged, which thou digged not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou planted not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; 12 [Then] beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

I know that this passage was originally for Israel and is in the context of their entry into the promised land. But on the day of our departure it was my random devotional reading and the Lord spoke it to me. The day I read the passage it sounded more like this.

And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought (me and my family) into the land which he swore to you (God had previously confirmed that we were going to be moving to this new place), to give thee great and goodly cities (we moved to a mid-size city with a large State University in the middle of the bible belt), which thou built not (my family has no ties to this city, we have no friends, no connections, no church, nor any ministerial connections here), And houses full of all good [things], which thou filled not (we moved to a new house, full of new stuff, we did not build), and wells digged, which thou digged not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou planted not(I moved to a position someone else had established); when thou shalt have eaten and be full (we ended up living a more affluent lifestyle due to the lower cost of living and higher income); [Then] beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of (my old home), from the house of bondage (my previous home is a land full of blessings, but compared to our new location it is full of violence, murders, fear, hedonism, immorality, alcohol abuse, espousal abuse, and rampant drug use).

I remember thinking, that’s not going to happen, how could I forget thee, LORD. But you see the enemy is wise. I was prepared and waiting for a huge falling away, a full frontal assault to my faith. You know: a Bathsheba, a temptation in the desert, a rooster’s crow after a denial. No, the enemy is smarter than that, he just slowly attacked my mind with thoughts such as “you have no friends here”, “you won’t find a good Church here”, “there is no ministry for you here”, “God did not send you here”, “your job here is not as satisfying”, “you can’t serve in ministry here, Churches here demand a seminary degree”, “just settle down, be comfortable, let others do the work”, “enjoy life, it’s good and easy right now”, “get fat and lazy”.

Luke 12:19 And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, [and] be merry."

In just under six short months, the enemy had slowly isolated me and tried to distance me from God’s plan & will for bring us here in the first place. That liar, he is pretty darn good at what he does. While I thought I was serving the Lord, by unenthusiastically attending church, reading the word half asleep, raising half-hearted praise & prayers, he was really slowly tempting me with the luxuries of the world, the lust of the eyes. My fervor for the Lord was slowly being replaced by my youthful passions for Mustangs, or Motorcycles, or bicycles, etc... Thereby instead of focusing on the Lord, and seeking his will, I started to become lukewarm and double minded. Like many of the “Christians” around this area. My zeal for the Lord and his ministry was slowly being replaced by a zeal for my earthly passions/lusts. I started to spend more time looking at car magazines than reading the Word. I started to spend more time researching the internet for Mustang stuff rather than studying my growing pile of Christian books/literature. Instead of praying in quiet moments, I would just daydream of the dark blue Mustang. I would talk less to others about the Lord and more about Mustangs. I even had dreams involving the Mustang.

1 Cor. 10:25 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.

Worldly thinking would reason that I should just get the Mustang and I will stop obsessing over it. But we all know this is just futility. As soon as I get the Mustang, it will be worse. Like a junkie on heroin. Once you try the heroin, you want more, not less. Buying the Mustang would lead to endless expenditures in useless modifications, whole weekends ignoring my family as I thinker and detail the Mustang in the garage. Skipping ministry opportunities to go worship my dark blue idol behind the wheel. Had I given in to temptation and bought the Mustang my mind would have been even more focused and consumed by it. I could even see myself losing my temper and yelling at my loved ones for touching my recently waxed idol or dirtying its seats.

1 Cor. 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God [is] faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear [it]. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

The last day I drove by the Ford Dealer with my family was a game changer. A wake up call. I asked the kids, expecting a big yes, would you like daddy to buy that Mustang? I received a resounding “NO”. What? You don’t want a Mustang? They responded by reminding me that I have a reliable, paid-off, car and don’t need a Mustang. My wife just said, why? Her inquiry was like a double edge sword penetrating deep into my heart & soul. I went home thinking, why? Why am I lusting for this car? Why the sudden “need” to have it? The why question became a what question. What need am I trying to fulfill by buying this car? I went to bed and tossed and turned, I had dreams involving the Mustang, and my mind raced all night. I was restless and woke in the middle of the night, realizing that I was trying to fill a God shaped hole with a car. I had slowly started to backpedal from God’s will for us in our new home, to try to fulfill my will, my wants, my lusts. The temptation was so slight that I did not see the path I was taking until I was at
the edge of the cliff. The Lord he gave me a warning and a way of escape. Thanks to him my eyes were opened before I took a bite of the apple, possibly changing or even damaging God’s will for my life & family.

Me and the Mustang may still someday have our day, but only after I mature and learn that the Mustang, nor anything in this world, can fulfill my life. Only following God and his will, can fulfill the innermost desire all of humankind has: to be in fellowship with God. Stop seeking after the things of this world, seek the Lord’s will for you life, and God will fulfill the desires of your heart. No Mustang can do that!

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

STAND

As I sat on the dinning room table I saw the whole thing unfold. Three little girls, 5, 6 and 8, trying to catch a 12 year old (human years) Jack Russell Terrier. He evaded them as best he could for a while, but suddenly he found himself cornered. Behind him a wall, in front of him the three little girls, determined to catch him. No escape route, the fight is over. Right? What I saw next inspired me. The terrier, true to his nature, put his head down and rushed straight toward the girls. He bounced off a leg or two, pulled himself through their grips, and came out on the other side ready to fight another day.

I know, it was not as dramatic as I make it sound. But the determination of the Terrier to take a final stand and fight his way out of a sure onslaught of hugs and kisses made me think about our determination as Christians. When we are between a rock and a hard place, what do we do? Do we give up or do we put our head down and take a stand. I hope we have the character and determination like that of the Terrier.

The Bible encourages us to stand and fight. Nor give any ground to the enemy. And if placed in a bad situation, put our heads down (or up) and fight our way out. Of course we are talking in a spiritual sense.

2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

In a battle, you do not give up the ground gained. Giving up hard earned ground would make all the effort, blood, sweat and tears for naught. Moreover, it would be a tactical mistake. Thereby, the ground gained is defended. Soldiers dig in and hold position. The only proper movement is forward. To retreat is the same as conceding defeat. This holds true in our spiritual walk.

Php 3:8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

The best defense is a good offense. Look at boxers, when they are moving forward, jabbing, attacking, and have his opponent on the defensive, moving backwards, against the ropes, the offense is limited, if not completely eliminated. I think Paul (who runs not with uncertainty and fights not as one who beats the air) is calling Christians, the Church, to take stand, stand fast, dig in, move forward and grow, in their faith, knowledge, insight, discernment, and love.

Php 4:1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

If we do not move take a stand, put our heads down and push forward in our faith & knowledge of the Lord, we will never grow or mature. Thereby we will remain babies, useless in spiritual warfare. Not only are spiritual babies useless in warfare, but they are a liability to mature spiritual soldiers. They unnecessarily slow down the advance of mature Christians, wanting to retreat, rather than to go through the growing pains of maturing.

1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;3 for you are still carnal.

As believers, we are under attack daily. Temptation, our secular culture, the media, lusts, greed, jealousy, anger, selfishness, Satan. The attack is so bad that our worse enemy is ourselves; our sinful nature & our flesh. It’s too hard, so the easy thing to do is to give in, give up, retreat, stay a baby and be bottle fed. You know… to compromise a little, be friendly with the world, water down the word, not offend anyone. Right? NO! If you are in Christ you are now a new creation, so put away the old self, which is corrupted by its deceitful desires, and put on the new self.

Ro 6:6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

Don’t look back, don’t retreat. Christ fought hard for your salvation. He did not give up, he did not retreat. He took a stand on Calvary. Thereby, you stand fast in your faith, don’t give the enemy any ground. Not an inch. You have been given freedom, why voluntarily enslave yourself again. The foundation you stand on (Christ, the Rock) was fought for and won at a hefty prize. The sacrificial blood of The King! Why would you retreat, give up, and give that holy ground back to the enemy, for what?

Col 1:21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight--23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

We have no excuse. Christ has provided us with the tools (Holy Spirit) and the means (the Word of God) to live the Christian life, to stand fast & keep moving forward. We just need to train, prepare, mature, trust, and hold the ground gained, not give it back to the enemy.

1Co 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

If you do not think you can hold on because you are too weak. You are right! We are weak, we are worthless. But we have Christ in Us. Thereby, we have NO EXCUSE, not to stand our ground.

Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Therefore, like the above mentioned Terrier. When your back is against the wall, don’t give in, and don’t give up, put your head down and charge forward. Stand your ground in that foundational stone that is Christ, our LORD!

1Co 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

NOT OF THIS WORLD

1Corinthians 2:11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

We often ask; how do I know I am saved? I have heard many different responses to this age old question. But I think the answer lies in the above mentioned verses. You see, many people don’t feel a difference when they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Maybe, they were “good people”. You know, church going, God fearing folk. They had no immediate transformation from say being a junkie (drug user) to a saint. They made their profession of faith and their lives pretty much remained the same. I recently was speaking to someone about our testimony as Christians. It should have three elements: 1) Who you were (how you behaved); 2) How & when you met Christ (when did you accept Christ as Lord and Savior); 3) How Christ has changed your life (If Jesus has not changed your life, what difference does Jesus make). This person was a “good” Church going person. No dirty habits, no blaring sinful behaviors, an honest to goodness good person. This person realized that being good was not enough and professed Christ as their Lord and Savior, i.e., accepted His redemptive sacrifice on the cross. But, other than the profession of faith, his life has pretty much remained the same. So where is the third element of his testimony he asked! From the outside his life before Christ and after Christ was pretty much the same. This is where 1Corinthians 2:11-16 comes into the picture.

Let’s recap for a moment. Once you accept Christ you become a new-creation.

2Co 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

You are indeed born again.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

You stop being of “this world.”

Php 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
And,

1Co 5:9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.

Thereby, we are pilgrims, ambassadors, foreigners, in this world. But we must still live in it! Be salt and light to it!

Therefore, as a new-creation, the one palpable change that I believe all should have when saved, regardless of how they were before and after Christ, is the one described in 1Corinthians 2:11-16. In other words, once saved and spirit filled your WORLDVIEW should also change. You should start thinking through God’s wisdom, the mind of Christ, through his WORLDVIEW, not man’s, not your old worldview. This subtle but life altering change should function as testimony, evidence of a truly saved, Holy Spirit filled soul.

1Co 1:20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

You see I have met many church going “Christians” whose Worldview is man’s worldview. For example: one man can solve the world’s problems; one political party can solve our problems; women should have a right to choose; don’t judge others, live and let live; don’t proselytize others, let them believe in what makes them feel good; all religions lead to God; who am I to judge their lifestyle; God wants you to be happy, get the divorce; etc… Should I go on? I think you get the picture, they claim to be followers of Christ, do and say the right things, but still think like the world thinks. You see, that is the one change all true believers should undergo once they are transformed by Christ. Their way of thinking, stops being worldly. All of a sudden they think with the mind of Christ and only God’s worldview, as revealed by the Holy Spirit and his Word of God, makes sense.

Ro 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

1Pe 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct 16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."

Col 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,

All of a sudden, there is a third element to your testimony. How did Christ change me? He changed my whole WORLDVIEW.

I can only use myself as an example. Before Christ I was liberal in many areas: abortion, homosexuality, alcohol, pre-marital sex, divorce, pornography, family, raising children, marriage, servant hood, entertainment, etc… But suddenly, after Christ something strange happened, my thinking & viewpoints changed. Unlike College, where professor’s tried as hard as they could for 4 years to “liberalize my thinking,” the Holy Spirit in an instant changed my whole viewpoint in life. All of a sudden I just knew that my old viewpoints of abortion, homosexuality, divorce, pornography, abuse of alcohol, pre-marital sex, family, etc… were all wrong. Nobody had to teach me. Nobody had to indoctrinate me. I did not even know God’s word good enough to know & understand why my old Worldview was wrong. But, once Christ entered my life, through the power of the Holy Spirit, his wisdom/mind entered my mind and my perspective on life, my WORLDVIEW instantly changed. I could now see the world’s wisdom for what it is: LIES, FOOLISHNESS.

As we discussed our testimonies with the previously mentioned believer, he realized the same. His life before and after Christ did not change a lot as he already was a pretty good guy. So how did he know that he was saved? His WORLDVIEW, how he thought about the things of this world, completely changed. So now he can say: 1) by the world’s standards I was a good person, but I though like the world; 2) I accepted Christ as Lord & Savior; 3) Now I may look like the same "good person", but I have the mind of Christ. He changed my whole Worldview. Now I think like him, not like the world!

Therefore, I challenge you! How has Christ changed you? Do you still think the same way about life, the world, as you did prior to Christ? If you do, check yourself!

Mt 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

The GYM

When I first saw the bible verse on the wall of the Mixed Martial Arts
(MMA) gym I though “great these guys are believers”. The gym wall has in large black letters “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.” Psalm 144:1.

I was overjoyed by the fact that these guys had so much respect for the Word of God that they put it on their wall as a reminder of the One who gives us the strength to live. A reminder that what is impossible to man on his own strength is possible with God and his strength.

Mt 19:25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

How disappointed was I when I realized that the verse was not on the wall to remind us that we need Christ in order to have eternal life, that he did it all for us, a free gift, not of works or to remind us that we should not rely on ourselves but should rely on our Lord.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Here I was thinking, life, salvation, submission to our Lord, King, Commander in Chief, while they were thinking “that sounds cool.” You see, just like the killer in the movie “Pulp Fiction” selectively misused the word of God to scare the people he was about to kill, our gym also misuses the word of God and places it out of context in order to inspire it’s fighters to prepare. (Disclaimer: I am not endorsing “Pulp Fiction”, I saw it a long time ago and in my humble opinion it is a movie that glorifies violence for the sake of entertainment).

The gym is great MMA gym, I have learned a lot about boxing, grappling, Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, etc…, but as a spiritual training center, well it is lacking to say the least. You see, I naively assumed that because God’s word is prominently painted on the wall, the guys in the gym were Christians and would behave as such. I mean, why else would you put the word of God in your gym? Well, after innumerable F-bombs, curse words, improper conversations, locker room talk, etc... I was brought back to the reality that because someone says he is a Christian, wears a cross on his chest, has a Jesus bob-head on his dash, a cross tattooed on his chest, wears a Jesus didn’t tap shirt, selectively choose which verses to follow and which to dismiss, and goes to Church when convenient, i.e., when there is nothing better to do on Sunday morning, does not mean that he is a believer or a true follower of Christ.

The reality is that people use God and the word of God as a lucky charm, nothing less and nothing more. In the same manner you see people wear beautiful gold or silver crosses around their neck while blatantly and purposely sinning. Shameless, at least take the cross of your chest so you don’t stumble others. For example, here I am talking to my neighbor. He is recently divorced, living with a yet to be divorced younger girl, and no they are obviously not married. Now, I have nothing against my neighbor, I try to love him regardless of his lifestyle, as Jesus has commanded. But as we talked sports, all I could do is focus on the expensive designer gold and silver cross necklace prominently & proudly hanging from his neck. On the outside of his shirt of course, so all could see.

It made me cringe to think that he wears a symbol of Christ dying for his sins while blatantly & purposely living a sinful lifestyle. Did I mention the yet to be divorced live in girlfriend wears a fish necklace, you know the fishermen of men type. Pun not intended. By the way, don’t get me wrong I am a sinner, I mess up. But there is a difference between messing up and blatantly & purposefully living in sin while displacing your meaningless symbols of Christianity.

No wonder non-believers, atheists, agnostics, and followers of other religions, think Christians are all just a bunch of hypocrites. No wonder people question the veracity of the Word of God. How can an atheist or agnostic believe there is a real God when the people that allegedly follow him (you know the ones who wear the Cross on the outside of their t-shirts) don’t seem to believe it themselves. I mean, if they truly believed God’s word they would follow it, obey it, right? Am I crazy to think this? I mean, if you believe in something you would endorse it, follow it, and promote it. If you believe in a product, you would use the product as directed, right? Sure, even people who believe in false concepts follow them blindly, just ask Al Gore!

So why do “Christians” use God as a lucky charm. I mean, if they don’t truly believe in Him to the point of obeying his word, then why bother to wear a cross, why bother to have God’s word written on a wall.

It seems, that Christianity in America has reached the same level as Judaism did with the Pharisees. The Pharisees believe they were saved because they were descendants of Abraham. Americans seem to believe they are saved because they were, cue Bruce Springfield, “Born in the USA”. The Pharisees believed that God would accept them because of their religious actions, i.e., sacrifices, outward appearances, selective application of God’s Word, dress code, etc... Americans believe God will accept them because “God is good”, God is love, they go to church when they can or better yet are members of a church, they listen to Christian radio, wear a cross, are generous in a disaster, self sacrifice every once in a while, selectively apply God’s Word, and have a fish sticker in their car. Oh did I forget to mention sometimes wearing a Christian themed T-shirt? (Ok, I admit it, I got a few of those. Three words “Truth-Soul-Armor" look it up!)

God clearly wants obedience. Not the appearance of obedience, but actual obedience, devotion, straight from the heart.

Ps 51:16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart-These, O God, You will not despise.

Anything else is plain unacceptable.

Mt 15:7 "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.9 And in vain they worship Me,…”

Let’s go back to what started my rant, the MMA gym. Ok, so having “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.” in a gym where they train you to fight sounds cool (I admit it’s pretty cool), but that in and of itself does not make it right. You see misusing God’s Word minimizes its importance, its truth, it throws a blanket over the light.

The whole Psalm 144 reads:

[A Psalm of David.]
Blessed [be] the LORD my strength, which teaches my hands to war,[and] my fingers to fight:

My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and [he] in whom I trust; who subdued my people under me.

LORD, what [is] man, that thou takes knowledge of him! [or] the son of man, that thou makes account of him!

Man is like to vanity: his days [are] as a shadow that passes away.

Bow thy heavens, O LORD, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.

Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.

Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children;

Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand [is] a right hand of falsehood.

I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery [and] an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.

[It is he] that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.

Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand [is] a right hand of falsehood:

That our sons [may be] as plants grown up in their youth; [that] our daughters [may be] as corner stones, polished [after] the similitude of a palace:

[That] our garners [may be] full, affording all manner of store: [that] our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets:

[That] our oxen [may be] strong to labour; [that there be] no breaking in, nor going out; that [there be] no complaining in our streets.

Happy [is that] people, that is in such a case: [yea], happy [is that] people, whose God [is] the LORD.

When the occasional fighter wannabe (by the way I classify myself as a wannabe) reads the first verse of Psalm 144 on the gym wall he probably thinks: “yeah, God (that would be the version of God that he conveniently invented; you know the one that lets you do whatever you want but still will let you into heaven because deep inside you really are a good person and after all God is love so he won’t judge you too harshly) will bless my hands, he will help me train and win fights, awesome.”

Yet Psalm 144 is not about us, but about GOD. How he is our goodness, our fortress, our high tower, our deliverer; our shield. The Psalm is about how even though we are nothing, worthless sinners, this Almighty Creator, this Holy God cares about us. About how he has given us a salvation we do not deserve, protects us, and provides for our needs when he should just let us die. The Psalm summarizes that joy comes from knowing the Lord and putting your trust in him. If the wannabe fighter actually understood what the Psalm is really about, he would not say “God is giving me the strength to fight and win”, instead he would go on his knees and bow before the one who gave him, life, health, salvation, and thank him for the ability to walk, let alone fight.

God is not a lucky charm, God’s word is not to be used as a pre-fight pep talk. David wrote Psalm 144 as a King who had fought wars for God. A warrior who acknowledged that God had given him the victories, not his training, nor his abilities. David’s actions were not for game or sport, but part of God’s plan. David’s actions were not all glorious as they carried burdens and consequences, i.e., he could not build the Temple because of all the blood he spilled. Yet we take David’s words of worship & devotion and like a meaningless cross on the chest of a faithless “Christian”, we turn it into a slogan for a gym.

Shameless.