There all sorts of topics being talked about in the world. The ‘juicy’ ones are the ones that are ‘shocking’. They are the ones where the movie star has some sort of love affair or secretly has an eating disorder. If you don’t believe me, when’s the last time you were in a check out line at your local grocery store? While checking out, you have your choice of a bounty of ‘fresh kill’ ready to meet the craving within our natural value system.
Most anyone exposed to Biblical teaching, preaching or personal study has heard the word ‘Agape’ being used. No one would disagree that ‘Agape’ is the Greek word for ‘Love’ when used as a noun. The study is extensive so I’m not attempting to ‘can‘ what it means. Often, we also use the word ‘Love’ (Agape), when we attempt to ‘describe’. In those cases, the word ‘agape’ is being used as an adjective or adverb. The descriptive word (adjective or adverb), as defined by Merriam-Webster means, “having the mouth open because of wonder, surprise, or shock”.
Not very interesting so far, but this is why distinguishing the difference between noun and descriptive words are important. If our definition of ‘Agape Love’ does not leave us with our mouths open, in shock; it is not Agape Love. God’s Love is so radical and so complete that it offends our flesh. To the flesh, it’s the end of it’s own value system; it’s death. An example of this is that I was not saved 35 years ago; I was saved 2000 years ago when He finished the ‘work’. Actually, it all happened from the foundations of the world. Our lack of presenting Truth as it is, waters down Grace. When presented in-correctly, it leaves people with a choice on whether to ‘get saved’ or not. There is a decision to make but it isn’t whether to ‘get saved’ or not. The decision is to taste and see what He already did. I guess right now I just wanna say, “Preach the Truth Church! If your presentation of Truth doesn’t leave people with their mouth open, in shock, it isn’t Truth. God loves radically and the things we think separate us, may be the things that draw Him nearer.”
Okay, so everything that leaves our mouths open and in shock is not Truth either. Of course. My point is that we should be slow to speak from a position of instruction. When we do speak, it should be of our real experience with God and of the Grace He has given. We find it so uncomfortable talking about our own frailty and issues that it leaves me wondering if most of what we know as leadership in ‘The Church’ has even made the choice to taste themselves. How would we know if someone is tasting of God’s goodness? I can’t say for sure, but I can tell you what it looks like in Paul, and sometimes myself. In Paul, he boasted in his weakness, so that Christ’s power might rest in Him.
Okay, one final rant, “Don’t worship the placenta!” Look for the Baby coming through our natural organizations and our natural lives. He comes to get us where we are, but it would be dysfunctional if we were to attempt to keep the placenta along with the baby. Discard the placenta as unimportant and fulfilling it’s function! Prophecies and speaking in tongues are the same way. Our quest for knowledge will no longer be important once we grasp our real connection with God.
I titled this little article as “It’s Shocking and Will Leave You with Your Mouth Open”. Just remember this the next time you flinch when someone is sharing their experience with God. Also, be aware if you don’t have this experience when they claim they’re telling you about God’s Love, because it may not be.
Peace2U, David
Not being talented when it comes to music doesn’t keep me from enjoying it. For the most part, it’s all beautiful to me, especially when creative authors have lyrics with deeper (or parallel) meanings. I guess that’s what I find so beautiful in my relationship with God. For so long, I lived in a cage, thinking God was stale, and unapproachable, until He opened my eyes to see the parallel world He speaks, all through His Word.
Experiencing Grace has little to do with walking down an aisle, saying a prayer, asking Jesus into your heart, then reading your Bible… all to learn about what you are committing. The whole point of God’s Grace is that He committed to you. All we have to do is agree with Him. Now, that’s not all that controversial, but what happens next may be. So far, it sounds warm and fuzzy, like a soft pillow. If that’s what you’re hearing, you didn’t hear the powerful impact of what God has done (for) you.
Man’s experience on Earth is one where sin urges the need to be in control, in order to make sense out of everything. For the believer, that is where you will find ‘your‘ cross. Our egos need control but Spirit is what leads by Love, Peace and Joy. You’ve been given a personal Via Dolorosa. Your life was designed by God to teach others The Way. Don’t miss the mark; don’t navigate around everything that doesn’t ‘feel’ good. Our need to control can be defeated by simple, child-like faith, but it may not be pretty. It may often be filled with sorrow and loneliness.
different sides reach a point where it’s impossible to reach agreement. When a jury is ‘hung’, they’ve reached an impasse. What if the whole world were to be on a collision course, a hung jury, where everybody ‘knows’ they are ‘right’. Class, patriotism, race, religion, economic warfare… Imagine all these different opinions (and many more), seeking coalition together, and standing their ground at the same time? That’s what’s happening and God is the instigator.
By the measure you are open to God, the same is true with intimacy in your relationships, neighborhood and community. You can not connect with God and remain dis-connect-ed with your neighbor.
of performing on the stage of life. What’s expected can easily become our most important thing. Transparency and willingness to be open are key to breaking free. Our homes and families are much healthier when we are fully ourselves, even though it can seem difficult, or even impossible.
Him, allowing His mind be your mind. Your interpretation of Truth is subject to your current mindset. If you’re open to God, you’ll receive openly, seeing from His point of view. If you are not open to God, your perception of Truth is cloudy.