P.E. Not just locker rooms and dodgeball any more!!

I had a very encouraging conversation with my friend Adam (as I normally do) this past week. We get together to talk about what's going on in our lives and help each other talk through things. I believe that it is very important for guys to do that, practice regularly what can be uncomfortable. Any ways, we got to talking about this whole Christian phenomena of 'Quiet Time' and 'Devotions'. This activity which is designed for the individual believer to be more disciplined and purposeful about having a relationship with Jesus, has been a huge struggle (as for many) to do this in the way that one is 'supposed to'. I know this sounds skeptical but let me just make a few statements.

1. Relationships will never be a regular structured thing. (if its truly a relationship)
2. 'Quiet' is one mode of human attitude, some are more prone to this than others.
3. I have never read 'though shalt be quiet before the LORD' or any of its equivalents

Yes, I Know that Psalm 46:10 says 'be still and know that I am God'. But I hardly think that God was saying that the only way to be before him is still. Let's continue...

4. I have heard many times from the Christian culture (yes, literally heard from different believers in different settings) that preparing for a talk or doing theology or other biblical schoolwork is not Quiet Time, I would like to disagree.
5. I have also heard, specifically from theology professors, that theology is not properly commenced without the theologian, at least in attitude, first being on their knees.

What I am getting at is a call for change in our attitude and representation of this time spent with God. It is not just quiet time, it should be thought more of as encounter time. and there is an important aspect of our relationship that should be Personal Encounter time. But this should be emphasized. There is time for time alone, there should also be time for corporate time before God (duh!) There is a place for quiet time, and that should be encouraged for people at different times. (many Jr. Highers need more of that) But IT just bothers me that we restrict young believers to just one way to have a relationship with God

This concerns me not for those who I have gotten some of these ideas from, they obviously understand the relationship that they are trying to have with Our heavenly Father. I am concerned for those that are learning from these voices. What are they learning? that the only way to 'truly' have a relationship with God is if you spend 5 to 55 minutes a day in quiet prayer and reflection on God's word? That's not bad, but What honest sinner can do that everyday. In a word of Assignments, schoolwork, and demands for proper attention and calm dispositions, we are not helping God to find willing participants in a relationship with Him.

Yes, We need to be teaching new believers to study the word and pray and discipline and reflection, YES, YES, YES, Yes, yes, yes, all wonderful and good (I do mean that, don't mistake my many 'yes's for too much sarcasm) But I think that God has a more perfect way, in addition to and along with all that. 1 Corinthians 10:31 'so whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God'. Lets show them how to Seek God in Literally ALL things that we do. From brushing our teeth to caring for the broken hearted, lets hold the bar high and help everyone to hop over. But let's not settle and only focus on one way to encounter God.

The RIGHT Way?!

I have been reading through the book of John lately. As I read through the gospels I really try to read them not as inspirational or theological, though I know those things happen. I really try to connect with the person of Jesus himself, making him more personal. As I read through this and as I go through some of my seminary classes I have had some thoughts about Christians trying to find the right way to do all of this. (religion, relationship, theology, etc...) I am somewhat disturbed by the general attitude of people to feel the need to find ONE right way.(this is not specifically Christian, but human) As I look at Christ and the way that he seems to interact with people I notice that he does not address what we see on the surface. I know that He was God as well as man and that gave him the ability to see more than every other person. But, even beyond that I see that he almost refuses to address what the population is addressing. I see this attitude of "you just don't get it, and I am not going to go along with what you think you get!" Christ says 'you want to know this, well that's fine, here is the real issue'. People seem to always look for what is right and then once that is figured out then we can move on to try and live out that right way. Christ gives another way. Jesus Loves people first. And gives attention to the fact that no person ever gets it right, and looks to grace. We need to be more aware that life is a process and not a program. Yes, we are human and bound by certain constraints, but I see Christ addressing that as well. Somewhere between Matthew 5:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:23 I see Christ saying, "you can have your systems and religions and programs and processes, I don't see anything inherently wrong there, they can help you because of your physical and temporal limitations as humans, but there is no right way" rather as James says, religion that is acceptable to God is caring for the weak and the poor. But, let me say that I am making a distinction between basic gospel truth and our expression of that gospel truth. There is no right expression over any other expression that is in line with the essential gospel. That leaves to be answered, "what is the essential Gospel?"

Lord Jesus, be gracious with me as I assume to put words in your mouth, let your Holy Spirit accompany my words.......