This series on christianly thinking proposes that the world, through our participation with it, has been conforming Christians to its way of thinking since our childhood, through education, media, business, etc. For some time now, the church in the West has focused its attention on belief and behavior modification, leaving the formation of our minds to the secular humanists.
This error in judgment on the part of Christian leaders has allowed the de-Christianization of society and its institutions to have a more damaging effect than most Christians understand. The core of who we are as humans – our mindset and worldview – has been secularized. Indeed, most who would call themselves “Christian” live on the wrong side of Romans 12:2 in much of their lives.
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.
The way back from conformity with the world, both individually and corporately, will be a difficult journey. A band of soldiers trapped behind enemy lines and seeking to return to safety may be the best analogy. Motivation will be key; without it, the temptation to surrender, find a hole to hide in, or defect altogether will overwhelm us.
For some, recognizing the perilous nature of our situation will be enough to get them moving. For many, the conformity itself – its distractions, discouragements, and deceptions – will inhibit a sufficient response. For everyone who commits to the journey, inspiration to continue during difficult days will be required. We must find reason to press on, to face unknown danger, and to help our faltering brothers and sisters continue.
The purpose of this article is to provide an initial measure of motivation and encouragement for the journey – the “Why start?” – as well as truths to remember when the going gets tough – the “Why continue?” We hope the reader will discover additional inspiration and courage from the Lord, and share that with us.
Change Theory and Motivation
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2Corinthians 3:18
There are two motivations for spiritual transformation: The discomfort of our current state and the enticement of the future state. I have found in myself and in those to whom I minister an incredible and frustrating ability to put up with intense discomfort rather than venture out for new pastures. Most are not adventurers when potentially drastic life changes are involved. The grass may be greener, but only God knows what it will cost me to get there.
I’ve spent more than fifteen years attempting to motivate leaders in the workplace from a current state perspective: “God wants to give you the desire He has planted in your heart. He has a purpose for your life greater than the one you may be enjoying. He has commanded you to be transformed.” That sort of thing.
The results have been less than encouraging, and the increased discomfort experienced in the chaos of this decade has not made much of a difference (at least not yet, one-third of the way in). It is the nature of people to love their comfort and fear the unknown, and we are a resilient people. We would rather suffer the storm in willful ignorance than venture out in faith.
I am reminded of something a friend said the other day: Boats may find safety in the harbor, but they are made for the sea. So, how do we motivate ourselves to leave the perceived safety of our comfortable harbor? And how do we help others do the same?
The Lord, by His Spirit, has encouraged me to take a different approach – to offer a different perspective. What is it about the open ocean that beckons us to risk the journey? What (or Who) is waiting for us out there?
Our Destination
Seeking to know God intimately and pursuing maturity as a Christian – including maturity in our thinking – are much the same thing. You simply cannot have one without the other.
And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3
Knowing the Father and His Son is equivalent to having eternal life.
[God] will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality… Romans 2:6-7
Our maturity as Christians unto eternal life is a continual pursuit.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… Hebrews 12:1-2b
Furthermore, our seeking to know God intimately and our pursuit of Christian maturity are the same endurance race; those who endure to the end shall be saved (Matthew 24:13). If salvation were an event and there were no compelling reasons to be transformed, we would all languish happily in conformance with the world. But that’s simply not the case.
Why go there? Why leave our comfort for the unknown? Because there is where our Father in heaven, His Son, and the saving relationship they offer is found. Not here, there.
Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—
The sure mercies of David. Isaiah 55:1-3
There is where we enjoy the unimaginable relationship available to every human being. The world demeans fatherhood, despises authority, and scoffs at Christian education. We (should) know: The LORD is a good Father, a good King, and a good Teacher; good in the highest and holiest sense. The LORD is a just Judge, a compassionate Master, and a trustworthy Counselor. He is love – enduring, sacrificial love.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love… Ephesian 1:3-4
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are good, just, compassionate, and trustworthy in the highest and most powerful way. They desire to love, lead, and walk with us in the most intimate of relationships we can imagine. Throughout the Bible, They encourage and plead with us to receive Their offer of intimacy and the vast resources of heaven in exchange for the meager portions of this world.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46
Most of us know these parables – but do we know their meaning and believe their promise? Do we truly believe that the kingdom of heaven is worth more than anything the world has to offer?
Why go there? Because the offer is simply too good to turn down.
The Bird-in-the-Hand Deception
Our minds play funny tricks on us. We hear something that sounds logical – an often-spoken catchy phrase – and assume it applies everywhere. By-the-way, this is one form of conformity: assuming the world’s logic applies to the kingdom of heaven.
For example, the world has taught us that “the bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” Following this logic, we keep what we’ve got, rather than let go of it in pursuit of more. This is exactly the kind of thinking that feeds a negative response to the “Why go there?” question.
Exchanging the possibility of more for the certainty of something less may be logical in the natural world; but it is absolutely false and deceptive in the supernatural kingdom of God. First of all, in the context of Romans 12:2, the bird in the hand is not the same type as the birds in the bush. The bird in the hand is fundamentally the lusts of the world and the evil entanglements these allow and promote. The birds in the bush are the grace and blessings of God.
Secondly, the proportions – one versus two – are wrong and misleading. If the bird in the hand represents our current and conformed state, then there are millions of birds in the bush.
Thirdly, the birds in the bush do not require capture; you do not have to dive in after them. As we walk into the bush (i.e., the kingdom), they responsively come to us, hundreds of them, all blessings from the One Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think.
Lastly, choosing the bird in the hand is not a static choice. It is more like choosing a path – particularly the path of self and secular-humanistic sufficiency. More importantly, choosing the bird in the hand is not choosing the kingdom bush – a bush so big you cannot see its outer edges and so full of birds no one can count them – like stars in the heavens.
Ahh, star-birds! I like that!!
Why go there? The supernatural blessings of heaven await us there. Not here, there.
Kingdom Life is a Journey to More
In the world, people motivated by greener grass are a rare breed. In the kingdom, the very opposite should be true. Kingdom citizens should not need discomfort, chaos, and storms for motivation. The Comforter, Peacemaker, and Calmer of the Storms beckons us to come. How could we refuse so great a salvation?
Why go there? Because we were recreated – newly born of our Heavenly Father – for more. More of Him, more of His Son, and more of His Spirit. More hope, faith, and love. More healing, peace, and blessing. All the mores are there, there with Them.
If we will allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, transformation into the very image of the Lord will replace conformity with the world. Releasing the bird in our hand will become the most reasonable and wise thing to do. Going out to our Lord and Savior will become our only passion.
Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Hebrews 13:13-14
The journey did not end when we were redeemed, and it does not begin when we die and go to heaven. The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel (Mark 1:15).
God bless you with wisdom and courage for the journey.
Have a strong day in the Lord,
Rob
#iamjustthepen