God is all about relationships?

Today, the church often preaches about how God is all about relationships and as such so must the church.  We therefore have become accustomed to filtering what we do through the lens of relationships.  For instance, we only have the right to speak into another persons life once we have a relationship with them.  This is despite the fact that our very presence can be enough to affect another person's life, without have ever spoken a word to them let alone having met them.

We have also made our theology of God all about relationship.  God is the father, son, and spirit in continual relationship.  Occasionally, some believers will take the bold step and suggest people are invited into this relationship.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not opposing the importance of relationships.

But what I am pointing out is two things.  First, treating relationship this way is like the story of the elephant, where different people describe the elephant according to which part they were looking at: a leg, a trunk, an ear etc.  And as such they each spoke of the elephant in terms of the piece they could see.  Alternatively, what if the elephant is up a tree?  What if what we are describing looks like what we would expect a certain part of the elephant to look like, but we our expectations keep us distracted from looking up?

If we are doing this with God in terms of relationships, then what are we making the cornerstone of our faith and why?

Thus, the second point.  Could it be because our culture and society lack genuine relationship causing it to be the cry of our collective heart?  Could there be something more than what we experience through individualism?  Irony, in a desire to overcome individualism, we segment God into parts, father, son, spirit and then resolve this in terms of relationship, where we relate to one or more as our needs determine.

Again, not disregarding or diminishing relationship, trinity, or God's attributes. Just wanting to prompt us to consider what we doing and why.

Oneness

Jesus prayed that we be one like he and the father are one.  Is there distinction?  We are called to mature so we may be as the full stature of Christ.  We are to be in him and he in us... etc

This is like describing the colour green.  Yes we know and can show that yellow and blue are the component parts, and in a sense when we interact with green, we interact with mixed parts of yellow and blue.  But the truth is when you look at a frog or a leaf, you don't think or behave like that.  You only treat it as green.  We are not even contemplating how the bits work together.

Again, it is like when we send a christmas card to a household or a wedding gift.  Though we recognise each person involved, our focus os on the family, the couple.  Our love is for them as a whole.  Indeed, you may even sign off using your own family's surname.

The mystery that is God, the Church, etc...  Breaking him/us down while not 'bad', misses something.  And if we are doing this because of something we are missing in ourselves, communally or individually, then hmmm.

I pray that we are resolved in ourselves on this matter so that we may be one with one another and one with God.  And as such, just One.

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whose revelation?

It is essential we always start with God and end with him.  But all too often, people, myself included are so enthusiastic that we start acting before we have sought him.

What does this mean?  Basically, God was at work before we arrived and will still be even once we have left.  Also, it his his will, his heart, his ways, his character, etc that we need to pursue and discover agreement to.  Easy?  Not always.  We are so used to living in ways that are familiar, safe, and make sense, that we forget to start with him.  Often we only do this after we have started acting and then seek him to confirm or justify what we are doing.  I know I have and still do.

revelation           ...the act of revealing or making something known
interpretation    ...the act of explaining something
application         ...to bring into action

So, while we cannot afford to withdraw into endless prayer and contemplation, we must shift our gaze, and change our approach to him.

God is always making himself known (revelation) ... so seek ... knock ... look ... listen

He is never hidden

The question is then since God is always revealing himself, stand back and allow Him to explain himself.  I am learning, and yes I am a slow learner, to ask him questions like "why", or "what is your heart" etc.  Doing so helps bring light to the world around me and in me

As a result, acting often becomes simple.  Easy?  Didn't say that.  But simple, clear... copy him or don't.  Get it perfect?  Maybe...

Let us give it a go.

Let us ask him to reveal himself.  Either in a part of his written word.  In a part of your walk with him in which we struggle.  Or from a blank slate, that is, be open to anything.  Then ask him to explain.

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covering and accountability

Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow for that certainly wouldn't benefit you (Hebrews 13:17).

warning

The following comments are not intended for anyone who lead or instruct people with a focus of wellbeing and growth for their students.  Instead they are for people whose interest is more about being followed (Jude 1).

introduction

When it comes to requiring people to do what the leaders of churches ask of them, Hebrews 13:17 (top of page) is the number one bible quote. The way it is then usually applied is:

• Obey your spiritual leaders, do what they say, because
• They are accountable to God for watching over your soul
• Do this so their work is joyous and
• If they don't feel you are doing as asked, it proves your spiritually immaturity

a moment

Is it possible for a church leader (e.g. pastor, priest, elder) to say something you don't understand?  Is it possible for them to teach something that contradicts what is in the bible? Is it possible for them to ask you to do something that goes against your conscience?

If yes, so should you agree with them anyway, hide your disagreement from others, or ask for clarity and maybe argue the alternative? What is going to help bring understanding: ignoring the disagreement, obeying something you disagree with, or asking questions and discerning intentions behind the request.

a question

Now pretend you have sought clarity from the leader, asked God, read the bible, spoken with others, etc to work out why the disagreement exists and if it is worthwhile to hold your stance.

Then pretend the leaders tells you that your actions and views proove you are immature or rebellious because God has entrusted them to look after you, and as such, ignoring their advice is therefore ignoring God.

Yes, their heart may be in the right place, motivated by the idea that one day they will stand before God and share how they looked after you.  And in a sense this is true (Mt 18:1-10). But it is true for all (leader or otherwise) who choose to point someone else in a direction to follow.

But, how does asking you to do as they say, because they hold a particular role, fit into the broader context of the bible?  Especially considering:

• God's Spirit is continually reminding and teaching us of everything Jesus taught (Jn 14)
• We are asked to personally embrace God’s word (Jn 15:1-17)
• We are encourage to seek God's counsel ourselves (Mt 21:22; Lk 11:1-13)
• What if God speaks to us directly? (John 14; Mt 1:20, 2:12; Acts 2:17)
• Are there any other mediators between you and God than Jesus? (1Tim 2:1-7)

Do we ignore these things just because one or more people desire us to listen to them? Furthermore, and ultimately, regardless of the role God gives us:

• We are all equal and need to treat each other with love and humility (ref)

in other words

Surely humble leaders hope those they nurture will embrace what is shared.  Not because it came from their mouth, but because their heart dwells in God's life.  Also, they would  see their own failings inluding a capactity to misunderstand what God shares or bias it with their own expectations.

Being a leader or instructor of God's ways does not rely upon saying "I am a leader of ..."  Nor does it rely upon people agreeing with you, following your wisdom, or even seeking to be in your presence.  Being a leader simply means encouraging people to seek God and copy him.  Maybe you will get to instruct how to do this.  Maybe not.

**

What does this have to do with covering and accountability?  Basically, no matter how fine they sound, it is difficult to read anything in scripture to support the way local churches define and apply them.

covering

Covering, in the church, is when a person watches over the well being of another by taking spiritual guidance for the one they are caring for. It tends to operate in a hierarchy of people watching over the ones 'beneath' until the most senior church member is reached, and then God (see figure).  In the case of a local church, this person is the head pastor or priest.  In some denominations, this continues through to leaders from the parent church. A familiar example is the pope of the Catholic church.

Does the bible support any of this?

• Are we asked to care for one another as community or due to spiritual seniority? (Mt 22:37-40; Jn 15:9-17)
• Should pastors or any other role be elevated above or to the exclusion of another? (Eph 4; 1Co 13)
• Should people who instruct others be questioned about what they say? Why? (1Co 12:10; 1Jn 4:1-6)

Yes, we need to listen and consider, but because it is God gifting, not because we owe them something.  Indeed, any gift requires giving without expectation of a return to the person, but to God himself.  Thus the notion of covering seems to be a result of adapting scripture to suit circumstances we created for ourselves.

accountability

Accountability is the system where you are watched and held responsible for your actions by someone else.  Therefore, if Christ is our one and only mediator, there cannot be anyone else who can fulfill the role.  Assuch, is it possible for church leaders to perform a 'covering' role without inserting themselves as a mediators.

When you hear someone advise you to work within the system that exists, please query them.  Ask why they are prepared to live in a way God doesn't want just because that's all there is available right now.

• Should you be accountable?  Yes, but to God alone.  Indeed let your yes be yes and your no be no.
• Should you submit to people in a role of authority?  Yes, but not due to their title but because they are family.  Likewise submit to everyone.
• Should we vulnerable to one another?  Yes, but not because of someone's gift, role, experience, etc, but because our freedom was purchased, equally, by the sacrifice Jesus made (Eph 1:3-14)?  What are some examples of how we could be vulnerable to others?  (e.g. Eph 4:32; Gal 6:1-3; Jam 5:16)

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hypocanthus

I heard and wrote this spelling ... hypocanthus, has something to do with the brain

Googled and discovered that this spelling is probably the same thing as hippocampus

Both referred to the same definition.  And both could be spoken/heard in the same way.

... the portion of the cerebral hemisphers in basal medial part of the temporal lobe. This part of the brain is important for learning and memory . . . for converting short term memory to more permanent memory, and for recalling spatial relationships in the world about us.

Now the other imagery that came with this was a dozen plus red laser dots scouring a dark shape, they did not settle anywhere, just kept moving on and beyond it.

Please recall I do work with people with dementia so there may be a link there when interpreting this.

Also, note that God often uses imagery I am familiar with to give structure to what he os trying  to share about a matter of his heart.  It must therefore apply, in that context to people generally, including his people, and me.

So to repeat, this vision revealed a bit of our brain responsible for converting short term memory to more permanent memory, and for recalling spatial relationships in the world about us.

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is buddhism a better option?

Having a chat with a colleague today who shared something very interesting.  She grew up within the Anglican church, then known as the Church of England, she attended every Sunday as was Sunday school teacher for many years.  However, over time she saw the hypocrisy and institutional nature of the church.  Not wanting to abandon God or Jesus who she still loves dearly, she discovered the Buddhist faith to which she now adheres.

This discussion is unfinished, but what stood out was NOT a rejection of God, but a deep desire to stay true while the church of man world around her failed.

Yes, it could be argued she should have persevered, or her faith was weak, etc.

But was it?  Is it?

I believe what she is sharing is a GREAT desire to be in God's kingdom.  However, the culture of the man's church demands or expects certain things of us we just cannot swallow.  And as there are few to no real, authentic alternatives, some people look further afield.

Jesus said when he was on earth that Gods flock was scattered and without a shepherd.  He also asks his people to share that work, both in the old and new testaments.

What would it be like to live in a world where people are like shepherd without a shepherd?  Would Jesus see this in the same light as he did the Pharisees and Sadducees?  Is this lady alone in her plight?

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rope, window, wall

Location ... Canberra bus interchange waiting for bus to work

Saw three images in quick succession as if overlayed with the real world...

1. A rope or cord, twined red and gold, dropped from the sky, remaining connected mid air, but enough to rest upon the ground.

2. A window sill of a red brick building.  The sill was rounded.  Along this and others was a golden seal so as to prevent air from entering or exiting as a draft.

3. A panelled white wall caused a closure between the pulpit and congregation seats. 

Both sides were empty before and after the wall appeared.  The exact location of the wall was immediately behind the front row.

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