Holy Discontent
I would like to bring to light a idea that is starting to spread among those in the Christian Church. Bill Hybels has coined it as "Holy Discontent" ("HD"). Bill Hybels founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Church describes it as "...a firestorm experience" and that which "....precedes vision".
No matter the exact definition or terminology attached it seems that there is always a defining moment in peoples lives that is a catalyst for action. Some may see this as an apples to oranges comparison but in the same manner we seek the requirements of our daily existence such as food, drink, etc.. I believe the new Adam within us seeks remediation of the pain and suffering inflicted by a sinful nature.
It is a by-product of coming back to our maker who has been calling us into his arms since the fall. Everything we experience in life is preparation for what God has planned for us. The situations we encounter, the trials we face, the times we fall all happen within the the great sea of God's sovereignty. Because of this, nothing happens without His knowledge, and therefore when you feel your "HD", it is no accident.
Obviously not every ill in the world is your "HD", but when you finally run up against it, you will know. I have been pondering this question for some time now, and believe that the Spirit has revealed to me my "HD".
What causes me great frustration and angst is the complacency of a good man. A man who knows what is right and yet does not do it, a man who sits on his haunches as sin and destruction overtake the world around him. That is what posseses my mind and frustrates my conscience. I recognize that God allowed me to experience this in the lives of those around me and myself as well. Nothing brought more pain and suffering to my life than when I knew what God wanted me to do in a given situation and I did the contrary.
What gave me solace through those times was the fact that my conscience was fighting back, proof that my soul longed to be reunited with it's creator along with every word and deed that flowed from my being. Through the power of the blood of Jesus Christ I was able to stamp out the demons that have so plagued my life with evil desires, and the same can be true for all that seek his face.
The one who stands at the edge of the greatest journey and triumph of their lives and do not make that leap are the center of my "HD". The Bible suports the rebuking of such behavior among believers. I the book of Mark Christ showed his disappointment with Peter in a very aggressive way.
Mark 8:33 (New International Version)
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
While Christ's love for Peter never waned for a moment, he said what he had to say and moved on. This is how open and comfortable we should be with our brothers and sisters in the community of faith. People often do not hold their fellow Christians accountable for what they say and do for fear of retaliation, rejection, and a whole host of things that may impact the balance of the relationships they have with friends and family. I am often reminded of Christ's words as recorded in the book of Matthew.
Matthew 10:34-36 (New International Version)
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn " 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'
He did not come to sow discourse as some may plainly interpret this passage but to put enmity between those who oppose the Lord and those who serve and glorify him with all of their being. When we share the love of Jesus Christ with someone who has been unaware of the gospel truth, that is something to be handled with care.
1 Peter 3:15-16 (New International Version)
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Even though a seasoned follower should be burdened with sharing the gospel he must be more mindful of his daily walk with Him. It is a labor of love, honor and faithfullness, perpetuated by the ingesting of Holy Scripture, the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, and the fellowship of the saints. If not cared for it can be more destructive than having not known Christ at all. Revelation is very clear on staying the course and the consequences of wavering in the faith.
Revelation 3:15-16 (New International Version)
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
We must accept the Challenge the Christ has given us. To fear the Lord and to do what is right is to live a Godly life. To exhibit these things in all that we do, no matter how small or insignificant the matter is to obey Christ to the fullest.
Acts 10:34-35 (New International Version)
Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right".
To look upon the world through the eyes of the believer is to see what is true, noble , right, pure, lovely, and admirable. When we lose the focus on Christ and the redemptive work he has done for us that is when our "vision" starts to break down and we become distracted and led into temptaion.
Philippians 4:7-9 (New International Version)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I firmly believe that when your life is in line with Christ you will be blessed with a peacefull life. Do we not want peacefull lives for ourselves and our brothers and sisters? We would be fools to say otherwise. Scripture is not only usefull but neccesary for correcting ones relationship with the living God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New International Version)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
We must always remember to examine ourselves first, and most critically I believe. There is a process of conflict resolution that must be thought out before action is taken. A system that is biblical, healthy, and neccesary for restoring a fellow brother (sister) to a orthodox walk with the Lord.
#1. SELF EXAMINATION AND PURIFICATION
Matthew 7:1-5 (New International Version)
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
This scripture is key to engaging in the process of correction and instruction. It does give license to engage your Christian brother's (sisters) when it becomes evident that they are disobeying God, but it is conditional. Clean up your own backyard first. How is it possible to guide someone through the darkness when you yourself are blind? This happens all to often today and leads to more trouble than what you started with. Set aside the fact that God knows the condition of your heart and will ALWAYS hold you accountable. When those who look to you for wisdom and guidance root out the hypocrite within, you have destroyed trust that is not easily restored.
Always purify yourself first. Seek the Lord in repentance and for strength, you will be delivered from your sins.
#2. SEEK THE LORD'S WISDOM
John 14:23-26 (New International Version)
Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
In everything seek the Lord's boundless wisdom. The Lord will put the words on your tongue and the opportunity in your lap for correction. If you seek these things in prayer and petition you will not be unprepared.
#3. SEEK TOTAL HUMILITY
Ephesians 4:1-3 (New International Version)
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Serving the Lord in total humility is the only way to effectively serve the body of Christ, and your fellow brother (sister). If you truly humble yourself and bury your pride it will be evident to whom you are trying to correct by your actions. Faith without works is dead my friend. Salt water cannot come from a fresh water stream. Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up. Always approach a brother (sister) with a humble heart.
#4. SHOW GENTLENESS, LOVE, AND AFFIRMATION
Colossians 3:12-14 (New International Version)
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Exhibit love in all that you say and do. Just as Christ rebuked Peter in love so should you rebuke the the brother (sister) in error. I know this to be true in my own life.
I have a friend who wandered far from God. He did'nt give a rip about what the Holy Spirit or his brothers in Christ had to say about it. So two of his best friends in the world put it on the line one evening, I drove an hour, and our other friend an hour and a half to meet him at his home after work. He did not show up right away even though he knew we were there. But that is because he knew why were there.
When he finally arrived we told him we thought what he was doing was wrong. Not because of our own convictions, but because we were convinced by Holy Scripture that he was headed down a path of destruction. Being close brothers in Christ we felt the need to rebuke him, and so the conversation went. He acknowledged what we said as truth but his response was "I know God will punish me someday, but that wont change my mind right now". At that he drove off. From then on the two of us and many others prayed for his deliverance form the grip of satan.
Our prayers were honored. One night he awoke sometime before dawn and felt as though God was going to smite him from this earth. The Holy Spirit worked in him until he felt a conviction even he could not resist.
Since that day he has had a new outlook on life, he has been born anew. Forged through the of purification of his soul.
Together we all must fight the good fight. We must stand with one another and correct one another. Do you want to stand before the God of ages and explain why you let your brother slip into darkness? I can tell you that I do not.
I believe these verses in Matthew bring it all together. You will recognize those who have fallen away by their fruit. God does not find that acceptable, and neither should we.
Matthew 7:15-23 (New International Version)
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Do not allow those you hold dear to be cut down and thrown into the fire. Do you want to hear the Lord say to them "'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!"? Stay the course my brothers (sisters). Together through the power of the blood of Jesus Christ we can take satan and his demons to task, and push back the darkness.
No matter the exact definition or terminology attached it seems that there is always a defining moment in peoples lives that is a catalyst for action. Some may see this as an apples to oranges comparison but in the same manner we seek the requirements of our daily existence such as food, drink, etc.. I believe the new Adam within us seeks remediation of the pain and suffering inflicted by a sinful nature.
It is a by-product of coming back to our maker who has been calling us into his arms since the fall. Everything we experience in life is preparation for what God has planned for us. The situations we encounter, the trials we face, the times we fall all happen within the the great sea of God's sovereignty. Because of this, nothing happens without His knowledge, and therefore when you feel your "HD", it is no accident.
Obviously not every ill in the world is your "HD", but when you finally run up against it, you will know. I have been pondering this question for some time now, and believe that the Spirit has revealed to me my "HD".
What causes me great frustration and angst is the complacency of a good man. A man who knows what is right and yet does not do it, a man who sits on his haunches as sin and destruction overtake the world around him. That is what posseses my mind and frustrates my conscience. I recognize that God allowed me to experience this in the lives of those around me and myself as well. Nothing brought more pain and suffering to my life than when I knew what God wanted me to do in a given situation and I did the contrary.
What gave me solace through those times was the fact that my conscience was fighting back, proof that my soul longed to be reunited with it's creator along with every word and deed that flowed from my being. Through the power of the blood of Jesus Christ I was able to stamp out the demons that have so plagued my life with evil desires, and the same can be true for all that seek his face.
The one who stands at the edge of the greatest journey and triumph of their lives and do not make that leap are the center of my "HD". The Bible suports the rebuking of such behavior among believers. I the book of Mark Christ showed his disappointment with Peter in a very aggressive way.
Mark 8:33 (New International Version)
But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
While Christ's love for Peter never waned for a moment, he said what he had to say and moved on. This is how open and comfortable we should be with our brothers and sisters in the community of faith. People often do not hold their fellow Christians accountable for what they say and do for fear of retaliation, rejection, and a whole host of things that may impact the balance of the relationships they have with friends and family. I am often reminded of Christ's words as recorded in the book of Matthew.
Matthew 10:34-36 (New International Version)
"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn " 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'
He did not come to sow discourse as some may plainly interpret this passage but to put enmity between those who oppose the Lord and those who serve and glorify him with all of their being. When we share the love of Jesus Christ with someone who has been unaware of the gospel truth, that is something to be handled with care.
1 Peter 3:15-16 (New International Version)
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Even though a seasoned follower should be burdened with sharing the gospel he must be more mindful of his daily walk with Him. It is a labor of love, honor and faithfullness, perpetuated by the ingesting of Holy Scripture, the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, and the fellowship of the saints. If not cared for it can be more destructive than having not known Christ at all. Revelation is very clear on staying the course and the consequences of wavering in the faith.
Revelation 3:15-16 (New International Version)
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
We must accept the Challenge the Christ has given us. To fear the Lord and to do what is right is to live a Godly life. To exhibit these things in all that we do, no matter how small or insignificant the matter is to obey Christ to the fullest.
Acts 10:34-35 (New International Version)
Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right".
To look upon the world through the eyes of the believer is to see what is true, noble , right, pure, lovely, and admirable. When we lose the focus on Christ and the redemptive work he has done for us that is when our "vision" starts to break down and we become distracted and led into temptaion.
Philippians 4:7-9 (New International Version)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I firmly believe that when your life is in line with Christ you will be blessed with a peacefull life. Do we not want peacefull lives for ourselves and our brothers and sisters? We would be fools to say otherwise. Scripture is not only usefull but neccesary for correcting ones relationship with the living God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New International Version)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
We must always remember to examine ourselves first, and most critically I believe. There is a process of conflict resolution that must be thought out before action is taken. A system that is biblical, healthy, and neccesary for restoring a fellow brother (sister) to a orthodox walk with the Lord.
#1. SELF EXAMINATION AND PURIFICATION
Matthew 7:1-5 (New International Version)
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
This scripture is key to engaging in the process of correction and instruction. It does give license to engage your Christian brother's (sisters) when it becomes evident that they are disobeying God, but it is conditional. Clean up your own backyard first. How is it possible to guide someone through the darkness when you yourself are blind? This happens all to often today and leads to more trouble than what you started with. Set aside the fact that God knows the condition of your heart and will ALWAYS hold you accountable. When those who look to you for wisdom and guidance root out the hypocrite within, you have destroyed trust that is not easily restored.
Always purify yourself first. Seek the Lord in repentance and for strength, you will be delivered from your sins.
#2. SEEK THE LORD'S WISDOM
John 14:23-26 (New International Version)
Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
In everything seek the Lord's boundless wisdom. The Lord will put the words on your tongue and the opportunity in your lap for correction. If you seek these things in prayer and petition you will not be unprepared.
#3. SEEK TOTAL HUMILITY
Ephesians 4:1-3 (New International Version)
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Serving the Lord in total humility is the only way to effectively serve the body of Christ, and your fellow brother (sister). If you truly humble yourself and bury your pride it will be evident to whom you are trying to correct by your actions. Faith without works is dead my friend. Salt water cannot come from a fresh water stream. Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up. Always approach a brother (sister) with a humble heart.
#4. SHOW GENTLENESS, LOVE, AND AFFIRMATION
Colossians 3:12-14 (New International Version)
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Exhibit love in all that you say and do. Just as Christ rebuked Peter in love so should you rebuke the the brother (sister) in error. I know this to be true in my own life.
I have a friend who wandered far from God. He did'nt give a rip about what the Holy Spirit or his brothers in Christ had to say about it. So two of his best friends in the world put it on the line one evening, I drove an hour, and our other friend an hour and a half to meet him at his home after work. He did not show up right away even though he knew we were there. But that is because he knew why were there.
When he finally arrived we told him we thought what he was doing was wrong. Not because of our own convictions, but because we were convinced by Holy Scripture that he was headed down a path of destruction. Being close brothers in Christ we felt the need to rebuke him, and so the conversation went. He acknowledged what we said as truth but his response was "I know God will punish me someday, but that wont change my mind right now". At that he drove off. From then on the two of us and many others prayed for his deliverance form the grip of satan.
Our prayers were honored. One night he awoke sometime before dawn and felt as though God was going to smite him from this earth. The Holy Spirit worked in him until he felt a conviction even he could not resist.
Since that day he has had a new outlook on life, he has been born anew. Forged through the of purification of his soul.
Together we all must fight the good fight. We must stand with one another and correct one another. Do you want to stand before the God of ages and explain why you let your brother slip into darkness? I can tell you that I do not.
I believe these verses in Matthew bring it all together. You will recognize those who have fallen away by their fruit. God does not find that acceptable, and neither should we.
Matthew 7:15-23 (New International Version)
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Do not allow those you hold dear to be cut down and thrown into the fire. Do you want to hear the Lord say to them "'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!"? Stay the course my brothers (sisters). Together through the power of the blood of Jesus Christ we can take satan and his demons to task, and push back the darkness.
posted by Richard E. Prahl Jr. at 4:17 PM
2 comments
