Do You Practice Ritual or Reality?

Some time ago I caught a few moments of a televised 9/11 observance. A number of high level politicians attended to support the event. Some of the politicians were hypocritical. I say that because their publicized political stances and past records revealed their hatred of America. Their 9/11 ‘observance’ seemed to be little more than an obligatory outward ritual to pacify citizens who really did love their country. 

Before our nation’s flag they stood tall with somber, dignified faces giving patriotic speeches, exuberantly waving flags. Yet they had shown contempt for the constitution and the ideals of our forefathers, so, in reality, contempt for the flag. 

That reminded me of something I had read a while back about ancient Rome and her leaders. Rome once had a rich religious past but, by the time of Christ, only a hollow shell of religion remained. Historians tell us that the leaders of Rome believed that religion was good for society though they had no religious convictions themselves. They knew that the ‘gods’ were no gods at all. They only pretended to believe because the people still believed. Over time, some leaders realized that if Rome controlled religion, they could control the people. So, their involvement in religion was mere hypocritical showmanship. They believed in nothing but themselves, yet they went through the motions of religious ritual because it was ‘PC’ (politically correct). 

I felt smug in my reflections on the hypocritical leaders of ancient Rome and the political leaders of modern America. Then it struck me! What did I do last Sunday? 

How did God view my worship to Him? 

Is it possible that I had gone to a place of worship and merely sat through a religious ritual without really worshiping with my mind and heart? If my religion is little more than hollow ritual, am I not like those who participated in the solemn observance of a special day for America, yet who really hate America? If I simply go to a place of worship, sit among other worshipers, yet only go through the motions of worship, am I not like the hypocritical leaders of ancient Rome? 

Some of the rulers of ancient Rome thought that as long as they catered to the whims of the people they could do as they pleased. Were they really religious? 

Some of the rulers of America seem to think that as long as they look patriotic on Patriot Day (9/11) then they can do as they please. Are they really patriotic? 

Some who claim to be Christian act as if a Sunday communion service and motions of worship ritual will be satisfactory and allow them to do as they please the rest of the week. In reality, they are already doing as they please all week, even in their church ritual. However, God never wanted people to merely ‘go to church.’ His desire is for a heart that is deeply devoted to Him all day, every day. 

How can I know that God accepts my Sunday worship and my Monday-Saturday life? 

He has already revealed His expectations in His word. The only question is whether I wish to do as I please (and call it worship), or do as He pleases. 

Religious ritual is easy; you sit. True worship, on the other hand, is difficult; there are so many distractions. Yet, no distraction is more destructive than the deception of self-approval. Are your mind and heart engaged? Are you devoted every day??? 

“The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 
—John 4:23–24 (NASB95)

I am rethinking my worship. What about you?

Mark Stinnett

It Seems OK

I am writing with kids in mind, my kids, your kids. I think they won’t read this unless you ask. So, please ask! (I’m mailing a copy to my kids.)

How do you decide that something is OK? 

I am thinking about the things you do, the things you like, the people you call friends, and so on. How do you decide that one is acceptable (OK) and another is not OK?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that you didn’t like…and you knew deep down that you had made a dumb decision? Perhaps you admitted it. Or perhaps you tried to hide your poor choice. Or, perhaps you tried to make your poor choice look like a good choice.

So…how is it that you ended up in that poor situation?

How did you go about making choices that put you there?

Perhaps it was not all your fault, but I’m not thinking about fault and blame; I’m thinking about choices. How did you make your choices?

In the real world (as adults like to call it) crucial decisions are made every day. Large companies hire number-crunchers called statisticians to analyze the information from the past with the expectation of forecasting the future. On the other hand, there is the gambler who goes to the horse races and bets on a horse named ‘Pickle Fritz’ because his mother canned pickles and his father’s middle name was Fritz!

The company is ‘objective’ in making its business decisions. When a person is objective he looks at the facts. He trusts concrete evidence to lead him to a conclusion. He relies on information that can be verified as reliable. Intelligence, reasoning, and research are key elements.

The gambler is ‘subjective’ in his decision. When a person is subjective he listens to his heart, feels it in his gut, trusts his feelings. He is easily swayed by emotion and easily influenced by coincidental connections.

Some people trust their lucky rabbit’s foot or a lucky number or a lucky cap (when their team is in the baseball World Series). They take fortune cookies and horoscopes seriously. They often ignore reason because their subjective thinking seems OK.

God warned the ancient Israelites about witchcraft, sorcery, divination, astrology and similar things. These were ‘arts’ used by kings and others to figure out whether one decision was better than another. In contrast God wanted His people to rely on Him alone.

This is where most adults in my past would draw a conclusion, adding an exclamation point: You cannot trust emotion; trust intellect!

Well, that’s half right. When it comes to morality and spiritual matters, intellect is just as faulty as emotion. Don’t let anyone trip you up by pitting intellect against emotion. Both are unreliable. You want proof?

How many scientists, archaeologists, geologists, etc. have found God through all their research: digging, plotting, probing, and prodding?

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son....”
--Hebrews 1:1-2

This scripture is about revelation. God revealed Himself to mankind in various ways, most recently in the form of a human, Jesus of Nazareth.

People use revelation as a valid way of giving and receiving information on a daily basis. Here is a simple example, names being revealed:

“Hello, my name is Mark.”
“I’m pleased to meet you. My name is Fritz.”

Do you want to know God? Look at Jesus.

Do you want to truly know right from wrong? Look at Jesus.

Do you want spiritual understanding? Look at Jesus.

Do you want to know how to make good choices? Look at Jesus.

To some people revelation seems subjective. After all, you might not be able to trust the person who is revealing something to you.

Yes, that is the key: Trust.

So, does God lie? Has he revealed falsehood? Who is the father of lies?

Some people do not trust God, not because He is untrustworthy, but because they do not want to submit to God. They want do things their way and God stands in their way. So, they excuse their choice by subjectively claiming that revelation is subjective and cannot be trusted. (Brilliant!!)

Yet, God is trustworthy, so His revealed word is trustworthy. That means that as long as your Bible is a closed book, you will be making spiritual and moral decisions based only on what seems to be OK (as if you are so wise). You will not have the advantage of the divine revelation of God. Kids, I don’t want you to wake up to reality when you are old wishing you had not made yet another dumb decision. Open The Book…and keep it open. 

(And don't forget to tell your kids….)

Mark Stinnett (Dad)

A Good Example

Math teachers know the importance of examples. Without examples many students are unable to understand mathematical concepts.

A basketball coach calls his team together and asks for the ball. “Look how I position my hands on the ball. Look at my feet; see my stance? Watch as I follow through with the shot.” He is an example.

Blueprints for buildings, maps, patterns for clothing, pictures, sketches: We look at them, study them, follow them. There are many different kinds of examples that guide us in life.

Good examples insure success. Jesus was the supreme example of life. By following His example we are able to please God and live better lives.

The Apostle Paul referred to the Old Testament as an example for our learning. For example: We can study the characters whose lives are recorded in the Bible and learn from their faith, their righteousness, their humility, their goodness, but also from their mistakes.

Peter encouraged the elders of the early church to be examples; visible representations of right living. Paul, was an example to the preacher Timothy.

Not only do we find examples in Scripture, many good examples are right here, at home.

Who in your life stands as an example...

• of service?
• of courage?
• of mercy?
• of humility?
• of love?
• of prayer?
• of wisdom?
• of patience?
• of joy?
• of holiness?

Who in your life stands as an example of marriage? 

We commonly mark significant milestones in marriage, such as a 50th wedding anniversary. We might enjoy a celebration with cake and punch, fun photos featuring fond memories, and other festivities. Such celebrations are good. I wish there were more.

The celebrations, however, are just that, celebrations. They last a few hours. The celebration is not the marriage; it applauds the marriage.

Think about it: Fifty years.

Fifty years of marriage is a long and wonderful time.

I have attended a few 50th celebrations and I have enjoyed the memories of family members. Their stories might make you think that those fifty years were easy. Yet anyone acquainted with life understands that every marriage is made up of good times and difficult times; joys and trials.

Relationships are difficult: different individual needs; different wants. It takes dedication to the Lord, commitment to each other, and self-sacrifice in order to make a marriage last fifty years.

Some in our church family have reached a milestone of 50 or 60 years of marriage. What an accomplishment! Some of our widows and widowers enjoyed long marriages that would have made it to ‘50’ were it not for the death of their spouse. All of these Christians are worthy examples of marriage for all who are younger.

Paul has reminded us that the marriage relationship of a husband and wife is like the relationship of Christ to his bride, the church (Ephesians 5). So, when we look at the marriage examples of the Christians couples in our congregation, they are teaching us two things:

• The meaning of honor and devotion to the Lord as well as to their marriage vows; and
• The relationship of Christ and his church.

We are being shown steadfast love, commitment, and sacrifice. We should hold these individuals up as present-day visible examples. We should follow them as they are following Christ.

We must each commit to being a good example for others to see and follow.

Mark Stinnett

Greed Is No Laughing Matter

Greed seems like a filthy word.

I have a few books containing famous quotations and cleverly written wise sayings. Several entries featured greed but they were never the witty kind. Comedians have made humor out of hurtful things, vulgar things, even sinful things, but not greed. Greed is not funny.

Greed stretches out to grab. Greed does not care who gets in the way. Greed simply desires and greed does not stop until desire is satisfied. Yet, greed is never satisfied.

Greed is filthy. Greed is ugly. Greed is pure selfishness.

What kind of people are greedy?

Wealthy people who are greedy may be more visible; their riches glitter, flash and dazzle. (Bling!) Wealthy people who are greedy confuse everyone else. After all, they are already rich. Why are they always grabbing for more?

However, greed is not about what a person has, but what they desire. Greed is about one’s attitude, not their net worth.

Have you ever met a poor greedy person. It is just as ugly. They too have an insatiable desire for more. They are takers, not givers. They excuse their greed because they lack. Yet, they share the same attitude with the wealthy person who is greedy: More, More, More!

Poverty never stopped a person from giving. Do you remember the widow with the two copper coins (Mark 12:41-44)? The churches in Macedonia, in their affliction, were generous in helping other Christians (2 Corinthians 8).

Now, think for a moment…
Does greed only involve money?
Absolutely not!

Greed grasps at money OR any physical possession, fame, influence, power, social status, educational achievement, award, and so on. In fact, that is the basic meaning of ‘mammon.’

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. 
—Matthew 6:24 (NKJV)

It is not a sin to be rich. Think about Abraham or Job, both righteous men who were extremely wealthy. Nor is it a sin to be poor. (Think: The poor widow mentioned above, if you really need an example.) Yet, greed is offensive to God whether you are rich or poor or in between.

Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.
—Ephesians 5:3 (NLT)

In his divine character God is marked by grace, which is evident in his outpouring of blessings, benevolence, gifts, charity, and love. Greed is the opposite of God.

So put to death your worldly impulses: sexual sin, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). It is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. 
—Colossians 3:5-6 (ISV)

Are you a giver or a taker? Godly or greedy?

It doesn’t require money to be a giver, just a godly attitude. Choose ‘God-like-ness.’

Mark Stinnett

Possessing Joy

A joyful heart is good medicine,
But a broken spirit dries up the bones.
--Proverbs 17:22

Some folks try to find joy as if it is something obtained and then put into the heart. The reality is that ‘joy’ is not something received from an external source. A motivational speaker cannot give you joy. Circumstances do not produce joy.

Solomon describes joy as something that resides in the heart. As ‘good medicine’ it has an affect on circumstances, not the other way around. Joy transcends trials, bad circumstances, lost opportunities, negative people, confusion, and uncertainties.

So, the real question is, how do I obtain this kind of joy?

Read the words of King David in Psalm 13. Look for the reality of his distress. Take note of his circumstances. Most of all, look at the strength of his joy and its source.

Psalms 13
How long, O LORD?
   Will You forget me forever?
   How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
   Having sorrow in my heart all the day?
   How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;
   Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
And my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
   And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken.
But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness;
   My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the LORD,
   Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

The joyful heart of King David was rooted in his trust in God’s lovingkindness and salvation. His knowledge of God brought about confidence even when his personal circumstances were difficult.

When we try to generate joy by changing our circumstances or by mankind ourselves act joyful, we know intuitively that we do not possess real joy. That kind of joy cannot be sustained without repetitious doses, just like medication that only treats symptoms.

Do you ever act joyful just so people will think you have joy in your life? If so, how long can you keep up the act?
Do you find joy in buying things? If so, how much can you afford? You know you'll have to keep buying, buying, buying!
Is joy found in a hobby or activity? What will happen when you can no longer engage in that activity? Or, when you lose interest?

Manufactured joy is nothing more than an illusion; actually a distraction from reality. In contrast, joy based on the knowledge of the reality of God's love and salvation is real joy and is sustained by faith in the reality of our everlasting God.

Do not fall for illusions. And, how can you identify the illusions? As one person described, “It is like a hot shower. It feels good as long as you are in it, but you cool off quickly as soon as you step out."

A person cannot simply act joyful and expect joy to develop. Joy is not produced by gimmicks and tricks or by a forced change of attitude. Joy is ultimately a result of faith, a result of the Spirit of God.

Joy is found in one’s confidence in God's steadfast love, in His salvation and in His promised blessings.
Anything else is illusion.


Mark Stinnett

Invaluable Thoughts

Have you ever read Homer, as in The Iliad or The Odyssey? What is their value?

Perhaps ancient epic poems are not your interest.

Did you get that? . . . Interest.

Some folks are 'interested' in Homer's writings, most are not.
Some folks love to read Shakespeare, most do not.
Some folks enjoy modern literature.
Some folks prefer the newspaper or online gossip.

For some folks, the Bible is not much different. Or you might say that some people are interested in the Bible; others are not. It is all just a matter of taste. Pickles, corn on the cob, fried chicken...taste. The Bible...just a matter of taste.

Enough said?

May be not...

What did Homer claim about his writings? What about Shakespeare and others? What was their purpose in writing? The value of their writings?

Some writings are intended to help, influence, change, or direct people. Some writings merely document personal experiences. Others are for simple enjoyment.

God expressed his thoughts with intent and expectation. He was not merely recording ideas and events that would be added to a narrowly defined category of interest. Think about this claim...

All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
--2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Creator of mankind has the intention that His creation will possess a certain quality of character that involves doing good things. His expectation defines the purpose of a Christian and His word equips us to carry out his expectation.

Do we understand? Do we believe? 
The thoughts of God which He has revealed are able to equip us to do the very thing that God created us to do.

Yet...*sigh*...It seems unlikely that such an old writing is still relevant today. After all, things change over time, and things have really changed since ancient times. But wait...

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
--Hebrews 4:12

From a purely human point of view the Bible is old and outdated. It stands as one volume among a vast library of literature, ancient and modern. Yet, it holds a unique position because it is living and active...still today. It changes lives...still today. It gives the ability to discern things in life without a college degree and endless research.

Do we recognize what has been given to us?
How does that affect your view of God?

God has not given mankind the 'silent treatment' but has revealed His mind! And his thoughts are invaluable!

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
--Proverbs 9:10

Mark Stinnett