Fidelity

What's Happening With Fidelity?

Am I the only one, or does it appear to you that virtues are slowly being stripped from society? By virtues I mean those qualities that reflect the presence of God in our lives. I realize that this can't be forced on the world, or godless people, but wasn't character something to be protected at one time? The virtue, or strength of character, that comes to mind is fidelity.

Recently in the news we've had stories of elected officials that have shown themselves unfaithful. News reports have come to us of adultery committed by top ranking state officials. That sad part is that this has become "business as usual". Nothing more is thought of it than a minor infraction. However it discloses a deeper trouble.

The commitment made in any marriage is the second most important promise made. The first being our commitment to Yahweh. I think that if the marriage promise can't or won't be honored, what lessor promises of faithfulness will also be tossed to the wayside? If our elected officials can't be trusted in these larger areas, will they also be untrustworthy in others?

What is really sad is that there isn't much of a difference between the Church and the world. This goes to the question of separation and holiness. Those outside of Christ won't understand the need for godly living until they are brought face to face with Jesus. Yet those in the Church should show a higher standard, because of the higher calling we've received, to walk in a manner that is worthy of what Yahweh has granted us.

In respect to fidelity, here is what scripture tells us;

"It's better not to vow than to vow and not pay" (Ecclesiastes 5:5). Part of the response to the question in Psalm 5 about who would live in Yahweh's tabernacle or holy hill, David says, "He who swears to his own hurt and does not change (his mind). How acceptable has it become to change our minds when a better option presents itself? It's not that way for God's people. When we make promises we have eliminated all other options. When we've promised our lives to another in marriage, all other options for a life mate have been removed. If we promise time for our children, then all other options for that time are gone.

Here is my paraphrase of 1 John 4:20: "If someone says, I'm faithful to God and isn't faithful to his brother, he is a liar. Because he who isn't faithful to his brother, who he has seen, cannot be faithful to God, who he hasn't seen."

Our actions are the light that shines in the darkness. In part it is our determination to fidelity that will set us apart. Here is where the world will see Christ in you. The world, with its decaying virtues, needs to have a positive role model. That would be us.

The world's wisdom is foolishness as far as Yahweh is concerned, so I think it is wise to be faithful especially when the world thinks you're foolish by doing so. To love more, forgive more, and be more generous than the world thinks is wise, is a good path to follow. The world isn't our teacher, Jesus is.

As we lament the world's conditions, watch our own. Keep a sharp and distinct line of separation that shows we, like our Savior, are not of this world.

Blessing be on you
Chuck Jones

 

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Worship

I've been giving time recently to the topic of worship. I've spent time in prayer, conversations, and reading on this subject. What comes to mind is, "the more I learn the more I don't know!" I want to share some of my thoughts, questions and conclusions with you for your consideration.

My thoughts began along the lines of wondering if people who attended our church service experienced Yahweh? This opens the discussion about why people assemble on Sunday morning. I wondered if the songs touched their hearts? Were they engaging in private prayer? Were their souls stirred by the scripture lesson? Did they reach out to bless someone on Yahweh's behalf? If all these questions were answered in the affirmative that would be great.

Yet I'm not so naive to think that while people are setting in a service of worship other thoughts aren't running through their minds like; next weeks activities, who's late, will the service run overtime, where to have lunch, and so on. You can probably add some from your own experience.

Another thought I had was; Should worship be thrilling and exciting? I was thinking of something akin to a rock concert, or a night club act. Perhaps it should be quiet, subdued, or reserved. I've seen people get excited over ball games and chess matches. Is it the function of worship to get the congregation excited about Yahweh? Or is it Yahweh that excites the congregation to worship? I'm leaning toward the idea that if it's necessary to make worship exciting, perhaps Yahweh isn't there. I've heard this comment, "We have to have toe-tapping, hand-clapping music or the people won't come." So I think that it is possible to have a service about Yahweh, tailored to draw people in, that Yahweh doesn't attend. In my mind, it falls into any number of secular concert and entertainment venues that make someone a lot of money. That's not what I'm after.

I'm not making an argument against any type of music, style, songs, or instruments. What I want is a workable, usable understanding of what worship is and what it accomplishes. Gaining this understanding may make it necessary to change what I've been doing. That speaks to traditions.

What if Yahweh broke through to us and our traditional way of worship was changed? Would that be acceptable to us, if it was acceptable to Yahweh? Would His influence be enough to cause us to forsake some traditions? I don't have any in mind at this point, I'm still investigating the issue. However the question is; Is what I'm comfortable with more important than what is right?

I thought that if I could discern how the early church "did church" it might give me some insight. I've read that in or about AD 150 a typical service included reading from the Apostles and Prophets, an exhortation on the texts, prayers, communion, and a collection was taken for the needy. We could adopt their methods but it won't insure anything beyond conformity.

I believe it's beyond methods or styles, hymns or choruses, equipment or instruments. Today, my workable definition of worship is "verbalizing what is great about Yahweh". This includes what He has done in the past, what He's doing in the present, and what He has promised to do in the future. Whether this is verbalized in song, poems, conversations, or weeping, I'm coming to the conclusion that this is what constitutes worship!

When we focus on Yahweh's might, faithfulness, mercy, and promises and express our joy, we are worshiping. It can be done anywhere. A pastor asked a man why he didn't come to church. The man replied that he went to the woods and worshiped God there by himself. "After all" the man said, "isn't God there too?"

The pastor didn't want to loose this debate, so he insisted that the man give him some scripture that taught this way of worshiping. The man replied, "It says in Revelation 22:9, 'Worship God alone'. So that's what I do, I go out somewhere I can be alone".

Whether we worship in a group, or alone, it is a good practice to engage in. Spend some time thinking of those three things, what Yahweh has done, what He is doing, and what He will do. You'll find yourself worshiping before you know it.

Blessing be on you
Chuck Jones

 

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