The Danger of December

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" Or, is it? Ever notice how during December there is a spike in suicide, domestic violence, and in our case, acting out? Why is that? Let's begin to explore some of the whys behind this phenomenon of "the most wonderful time of the year--NOT!" Then , of course, let us draw our hearts to the only true and lasting solution to this dilemma.

Perhaps the best starting point is the reality that December draws emotions to the surface--both good and bad. Why is that? Well, as I have been pondering what to write in this promised post, I have noticed a few things. Here goes..

You see an enormous emphasis on families and family get-togethers in this month. If you're like me, divorced and separated from your family, this really hurts. If you're single you may experience deeper loneliness and heightened longings for relational intimacy as you observe the "family thing" as I call it. Likely you observe an enormous contrast between what you see and what you have. This can produce immense internal pain. And, as you can imagine, our preferred methods for medicating can be so easily employed to "soothe" this pain. But you guys know the end game for this--that downward spiral of guilt and shame that digs you deeper into the pit of despair than before. Don't go there.

December is also a highly commercialized month. The emphasis in our particular situation is the temptation to medicate our hurt with things, or big-boy toys. This too is futile. When can you ever have enough? How long does the excitement of your new "toy" last? You know the answers.

Then there's the usual environmental factors that can make December a blue month--darkness come sooner, it's cold (except right now in Central Ohio--yea, all we can do is dream of a White Christmas--taint happening, guys!)...but back to the thought, the month can normally be a little cold and dreary. This can affect your mood and spirit.

OK, I am sure there is much more that I can cite. I think now is the time to turn our hearts toward some ideas for coping with and actually enjoying December.

First and foremost is to draw close to the Lord Jesus with an honest spirit. Admit where you are with December. Don't play games with your feelings. Be honest. Then start thinking about how Jesus entered the world. It was not a friendly place for him. I really honed in on this thought as I watched The Nativity Story movie this past week. There were so many factors against the very survival of the Christ child! He does understand the many challenges and infirmities we experience. Read around Hebrews 4:15 and 16 to get that sweet assurance. He understands and He cares.

Then do those things that nurture your intimacy with Christ. In my case I went to many different Christmas programs at several churches. I went to the movie I cited above. Some nights I turned out the room lights, lit candles, and listened to Christmas music. The centerpiece of my personal embrace of Christmas was the reading of the magnificent book by Dr. John MacArthur, God's Gift of Christmas. That book is richer than pecan pie, if you know what I mean! Do what works for you--but please do it! Draw close to the Savior. He wants to draw close to you...but He won't force you!

Say like the concluding line of that grand Christmas song, "O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for you."

God in a Box

How many times have we limited God and said (or implied) that God could not do something in today's world? I understand that we want to be Biblically correct and sound. I believe in the infallible, inspired Scriptures. They ARE the rule for faith and practice. Anything or anyone violating the clear teachings, principles, and precepts of God's Word is wrong, no matter how religious they or it may seem.

But what I am addressing today is our tendency to say that God doesn't do certain things He did in the past in today's world. This is such dangerous thinking. Believe it or not, it's almost as dangerous as the stuff cited in the first paragraph of this post. Why? Because we presume to speak for God. You and I know (though we sometimes act like we don't) that God can do anything within the parameters of His character. By that I mean He can do anything that is not sinful because sin is outside the parameters of His character.

How this affects us in the healing from our addictions is like this--we limit the healing power of God in the same way those cited in Matthew 13:58 did..."And He [Jesus] did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief." May it not be said of us! I believe in our heart of hearts that we want God to do "mighty works" in our lives. We just must exercise faith in Him for those "mighty works" to occur. Now the safeguard from falling into false theology about the "mighty works" of God is faith's origin--it comes by hearing. And this hearing comes by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). As long as the Scriptures act as the interpreter of the truthfulness of the "mighty works" we need not fear, no matter how phenomenal the "mighty work" may seem to us or others.

Reality check--you can't really put God in a box; but He will "box up" His "mighty works" until you and I are ready to receive them by faith. Who will join me in opening the box top and pulling out His "mighty works" of healing for our lives?

Who are you?

Careful! Don't be too hasty in answering that question. I am not asking who you want to be. I am not asking whom you are currently impersonating. I am asking, who are you? Hey, it's possible that you don't know. Even if you are a child of God you may not know.

What I am getting at today is the proposal to do away with the false self. Most of us are masters at operating in the false self. We do so because we fear that no one would like the real self if they truly knew us as we truly are. So, we live out of the false self until the facade falls, usually when we are found out for our acting out. Then what? Chances are we get more confused about our true self.

How about if we go back to what Paul said about this matter in I Corinthians 15:10..."But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." He said this just after he proclaimed his unworthiness, thus demonstrating how he was operating from his true self.

Good grief! Why are we such posers? Christ died for our sins, made us His children, guaranteed an incorruptible inheritance for us in heaven, gave a mandate of how to live according to His purpose, indwelt us with His Spirit, showed us the way with His Word, etc. What more do we need? For cying out loud, we are children of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!

Yes, I know the root of our posing--FEAR! But remember, God has not given us the spirit of fear. Rather He has given us the spirit of power, love, and a sound (healthy) mind. Let's live in the true self operating on these truths. THEN we will truly know who we are!

I'm just too tired to care...

Been there? I know I have. Those that personally know me are not used to seeing that attitude in me. Honestly, I am very passionate about life and making it count for Christ. But there are days I just don't care. Maybe you can relate, too.

Here's practical help. I am indebted to Charles Stanley of In Touch Ministries for reminding me of this truth. Here goes:

Never allow youself to get too:

HUNGRY
ANGRY
LONELY
TIRED

Looking at the first letter of each word you should spell HALT. Here's Stanley's advice--HALT when you are experiencing any of the four things listed above and address the matter(s) before proceeding with life.

You will come to find out if you have not already--we can't live well when any of the four things above are out of line.

In the battle with your addiction, be sure you address each of these areas before proceeding in the battle. Yes, HALT!

What is truth?

Hmmm...where have I heard that question before? Oh, yea, it was that Pontius Pilate guy. And millions of others since him. Why don't we take a look at the same question in today's post?

We live in a postmodern age. All that means is that truth has been retooled to fit man's desires. Postmodernism's end game simply says--"What's true for you may not be true for me." In other words, truth circumstantially defines itself rather than being absolute through all ages and all circumstances. Rather than having a fixed center, postmodernism's truth has a movable center. I have a problem with postmodernism's truth model, especially in light of our desire to use truth to break the bondages of our addictions and achieve inner wholeness and healing. The fluidity and instability of postmodern truth does not give us the tools to overcome our addictions and heal our brokenness.

Let's look at a silly illustration. Please notice the disclaimer. The illustration is silly. OK--here goes.There are three guys in a airplane getting ready to do a jump. Two of the guys have parachutes on. One guys doesn't. When that guy is asked why he doesn't have a chute on he simply says that in his mind gravity will not be a problem for him. He acknowledges that the other two guys' belief about gravity is good and fine for them. He just doesn't hold that belief himself. All three jump. The service for the guy without the chute will be held on Tuesday.

Absurd, you say? On the surface it may seem so; however, this is an accurate description of the postmodern truth model as taught in most all of our secular institutions of learning. Some churches and seminaries are even opting for variations on the postmodern truth model.

Let's go back to Jesus' words..."you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) He would also teach that He is The Truth (John 14:6). We need to let the Word of God stand as is. It is the fixed center upon which we can get the tools to overcome our addictions and heal our brokenness.

Uh, oh! I think I know.

Perhaps the Lord has recently shown you what your root of brokenness is. Now what? Do you run away from it skrieking in horror? Do you start the denial game? Or will it be a round of blame game? I think we all have to admit that we are quite good at playing these games. But, unfortunately, in these games there are no winners

All right, then--what now? Here it is--find the truth that matches your brokenness, embrace it, and ask the Holy Spirit to help carry out that truth in your daily life. Sounds simple, right? It is and it isn't. No, that's not double speak. It's just life. But I can assure you that is is possible and doable (if that's a word).

Come on, this is what Jesus wants! He said that we can know the truth and that it will set us free. He prayed for us that we would be sanctified by the truth. Then He even identified the truth--God's Word! Could it be any clearer?

But, in the end, it comes down to our "want to" if we are going to be delivered. We've got to want it to win it. And as the old cheer completed itself...and we want it more. Really? I certainly pray so!

Truth rules! (and we'll talk more about that at another time...)

Now what?

If you're at all like me, one of the hardest things you have to learn is to wait on the Lord. Ouch! Those of us who are active, on-the-move, in-charge types absolutely hate this vital part of spiritual growth. But learn to wait we must!

I think what happens is something like this...as you seek to wait on the Lord, he slowly reveals how badly you have to let go of the controls. You learn that the world can do just fine without your frenetic energy stirring up the scene. God Himself appears to become more powerful and truly reveals how much He is in charge of every situation in your life. Yes, you can actually come to trust Him from learning to wait. Imagine that!

So, what will it be? Will we make a spiritual "smoothie" of Isaiah 40:31 and Proverbs 3:5, 6 and thereby be delighted and refreshed? Or will we continue to "munch" through life eating the rice cakes, so to speak, with nothing spread on them, much like life lived by our own dry self-efforts? Hmmm...

Hey, don't look at me! I've have lots to learn...but that "smoothie" sounds so good about now!!