Thursday, March 29, 2007

The Importance of Your Weltanschauung

What does it mean to have a Christian worldview? The German word "weltanschauung" stands for the idea of a "worldview" and many of the noted philosophers are known for very strong worldviews that influenced many to live in such a way that reflected a particular worldview. Adolf Hitler, for one, was tremendously influenced by Nietzche, and World War 2 was a result.

I think many of us underestimate the importance of having a God-centered worldview as we consider the various aspects of life. For many, the issue of education, vocation, marriage, parenting, and even the role of church in life is governed by what a person's worldview is.

For many who grow up in an Asian culture, there is a very strong undercurrent of Confucian ideology that governs the mindset of how one values the importance of various things in life and it is especially seen in the parent/child relationship. Though some parents would claim to be Christians, even as leaders in a church, there is a strange absence of a high view of God and often there is a manipulating of Scripture to serve a man-centered goal, whether it be related to the pursuit of a particular major in college or the pursuit of a specific vocation, namely those of the "doctor, lawyer, engineer" variety. Not that those roles are inherently wrong in themselves, but it is the motivation and intention behind the pursuit of such roles that often reveal the greed and the self-serving mindset that pursues the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life as warned in 1 John 2. There are even times when some might appeal to the glory of God being served by pursuing such ends. But down the road we often see what is revealed to be the true heart and intention behind the pursuit of success. It is not the glory of God. It is the pursuit of self-glory and self-fulfillment at the expense of the glory of God.

I would see this happen many times working with college students who would enter their first year idealistic and would even go as far as to admit that they were not balanced in how they handled their spiritual priorities but would always reassure me that they would take care of them later after they graduated, got settled in their jobs, and became successful. They would often add that they would give a lot of money to God, assuming that they would make a lot of money. But this is sadly not the case. I have seen what success does to people and it more often draws them away from God rather than toward God. And this is due to their worldview ultimately being about themselves in the center.

It is also seen in addressing the issue of marriage, where instead of seeking to honor God by reflecting the love relationship between Christ and His church, marriage is seen as a self-seeking opportunity for social-economic advancement. There is little preparation and education given regarding the biblical purpose for marriage and it is no wonder that many marriages suffer immediately with much trauma, often leading to stale relationships that teeter on the brink of divorce, often tipping over when the differences become "irreconcilable."

What really draws some ire from my perspective is when I see so-called Christian parents, who in the name of "thinking of their child's best" would show absolutely no concept of God's glory being at stake. Rather there is some "practical" advice about a certain criteria having to be upheld to "protect" their child when in fact it is all about their own pride.

It is not wrong for someone to go to a good school. It is not wrong for someone to choose a particular vocational path. Neither it is wrong to marry within your own ethnicity or age range. But to insist that certain things are "God's will" when they really are not, I believe, is a travesty that many parents are imposing on their children, often with a subtle (or even not so subtle) threat of disownment. It is portrayed as an issue of "honoring" parents, even "obeying." Now I am not suggesting that there should be a full-scale rebellion just thrown back. But I think there must be a line clearly drawn when a worldview is being revealed for what it is, a man-centered pursuit of worldly success and approval as opposed to God's kingdom and righteousness.

More about this later. Our Single Life retreat this weekend will be on "My Father's World - Building a Biblical Worldview" so I'll have a lot more to say about this in the days to come.

Three entries in one day!! I'm starting to feel like Al Mohler =) But no way can I keep up with his pace. I'll stay at being John Kim, one of many.

Reading Good Books Part 1

As it has been quite some time since I have made entries for this blog, I read over some of the past entries and saw that Pastor Patrick had given a list of favorite books that impacted his life. He mentioned that I would do the same at some point so I am going to try and catch up a bit by naming some of the books that have impacted my life.

1. The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I first read this in high school and it challenged me immensely to the whole idea of what it meant to follow Jesus. I recently read a new translation of it with some college guys and I was again impacted by the depth of commitment that Bonhoeffer not only wrote about but lived out in his own life, even to the point of martyrdom. While Bonhoeffer's theology in other areas might be a bit questionable, this is one area where he was very clear and to the point. Discipleship means that you follow Jesus. This is not optional, this is what it means to be a Christian. If you don't genuinely follow Jesus, then what are you?

2. Disciplines of a Godly Man, by R. Kent Hughes. I remember using this book when it first came out and it has become a staple in recommending to men in discipling relationships. Hughes writes in such a clear and straightforward manner that is both warm and yet hard-hitting in calling for application.

3. Found God's Will, by John MacArthur. This little book has provided a simple foundation of determining God's will - Are you saved? Are you Spirit-filled? Are you sanctified? Are you saying thanks? Are you submissive? Are you suffering? Then step forward as you will be in the path of God's will as you live a life that is focused on His purposes and glory.

4. How to Interpret the Bible for Yourself, by Richard Mayhue. This simple approach to hermeneutics has been another staple of ministry in helping people learn what it means to dig a little deeper into God's Word and mine the riches that are to be found when you go beyond the surface.

5. The Peacemaker, by Ken Sande. I still remember the first time I heard him speak at a conference on managing conflict in the church. It was the first time I had heard anyone address the issue of conflict management from a biblical perspective and I was overwhelmed with how crucial an issue it is, not only in church, but in any relational context. It was so life-changing that it was one of the first books that we went through here at Lighthouse for discipleship. The four principles of the Peacemaker's Pledge are still a part of our membership commitment: Glorify God, Get the log out of your own eye, Gently confront, and Go and be reconciled.

6. Jonathan Edwards: A Life, by George Marsden. After taking a seminar with Dr. John Hannah of Dallas Seminary this past winterim at The Master's Seminary, I was inspired to read what had initially been a difficult read but now I would have to say has been a challenging and inspirational story of a man who although was flawed like any other human, had to be the most God-entranced individual that I have ever read about. If I were to follow his footsteps for even a small portion of the path that he trod, I would be a hundred times more the man than I am now.

7. The Gospel According to Jesus, by John MacArthur. As I shared with the FOF 2 class a few weeks ago, this was a very real life issue for me while I was in college and was faced with a very significant group of people at the fraternity that took a "no-lordship" view and was quite militant in expressing their views, even to the point of calling me a heretic! I remember going to my college pastor, Chris Mueller, and he was able to secure for me a pre-release draft of the first chapter that John MacArthur was writing and I was incredibly encouraged, both by my college pastor's overwhelming support and in knowing that my senior pastor was going to address it in a major league way. I have never forgotten the trials that I went through at that time but the lessons that I learned have reinforced the message of the gospel - to be a genuine Christian means that you love and follow Jesus, having repented of your sin and embraced Christ in faith by trusting Him as Lord and Savior. Your works don't save you, your faith doesn't save you. It's God that saves you. And if Jesus Christ truly reigns as Lord in your life, you'll follow Him, not perfectly, but lovingly and humbly.

There are a number of biographies that I will add later but for those who are looking for a good entry level set of biographical sketches, I would highly recommend John Piper's set "The Swans Are Not Silent", of which there are four very worthy trios of biographies given: 1) The Legacy of Sovereign Joy: God's Triumphant Grace in the lives of Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Calvin; 2) The Hidden Smile of God: The Fruit of Affliction in the lives of John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd; 3) The Roots of Endurance: Invincible Perserverance in the lives of John Newton, Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce; 4) Contending for Our All: Defending Truth and Treasuring Christ in the lives of Athanasius, John Owen, J. Gresham Machen.

There are many more books that I have found to be significant reads and I'll probably update this particular theme a number of times as I have a chance to sift through my library and remember what books were standouts. But one thing is for sure - I do appreciate good books that have challenged me to consider how I might live for God's glory. Stop spending so much time watching "Lost," "American Idol," "24" and whatever else shows how lost your hours are in worshipping false gods. Read some good books and enrich your soul. =)

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Psychological Irresponsibility

When I was attending UCLA and studying psychology (after a two year bout with pre-med bio), there was one thing that started to stand out about all that I was hearing. There seemed to always be a reason to deflect personal responsibility for "abnormal behavior." Taking abnormal psych revealed that EVERYONE is abnormal so it really is not our faults because it is either society's fault, our parents' faults, our cultural upbringing, the trauma we had coming through the birth canal, and a host of other possibilities where we could conveniently place the blame for why we are the way we are.

The Bible is clear in that the primary reason for all our "abnormal behavior" is really because we are sinful creatures that are prone to rebellion against God's design and we are quick to point the finger at what others do. Or maybe worse yet, we blame God.

Wives blame husbands, husbands blame wives, parents blame children, children blame parents, church members blame the pastor, the pastor blames the church members, neighbors blame the "bad" neighbors, employees blame the boss, boss blames the employees, and the list can go on ad nauseum.

There is a simple response to all this psychological irresponsibility. Admit that YOU are the one responsible for YOUR sin. Yes, others might make it difficult and even tempting, but in the end, we make the choices to sin. Others do not force us to sin, even if they were to threaten us with violence. We still have a choice to make.

Do you take responsibility for YOUR sin? Or will you just try to deflect it to others? Maybe for some of you, you don't want to even admit that you sin. Take a look at Scripture and see what God says:

"If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." 1 John 1:8-10

Let's stop blame-shifting and start taking responsibility for ourselves. But it doesn't end with just trying to beat ourselves up. Consider 1 John 1:9 - we look to the character of God as we respond humbly in confession.

This is why there is always hope. God is faithful and righteous. He will never change. So let us rejoice in hope (Romans 12:12).

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Spiritual Leadership

"At the outset of any study of spiritual leadership, this master principle must be squarely faced: True greatness, true leadership, is found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you" (J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership, 15).

Recently, I have been re-reading Spiritual Leadership, by J. Oswald Sanders, and I am glad to have picked it up again. It has been almost a decade since I last read it, and I am realizing that so much of the book has been forgotten, it is like reading it for the first time. Picking it up again has been a great encouragement and challenge to me. I highly recommend this book to anyone who aspires to spiritual leadership, and I suggest that those in positions of leadership who have not read this book do so soon.

Especially since I have been preaching through 1 Corinthians 8 and 9, the principle of setting aside personal freedoms and rights in order to serve others in love has been particularly highlighted these past few weeks. Even when something is your "right" in the Lord, if it would cause others to stumble in sin, it would be better to refrain so as not to stumble your brother. The general principle involved is that we are to look not merely after our own interests, but also to the interests of others (Phil. 2:4).

In the first chapter of Spiritual Leadership, Sanders astutely reminds his readers that leaders are held to this general principle with a higher accountability. Leadership is all about serving others and not just looking after your own selfish ambition or desires. It is giving up of yourself in love. This instruction from Sanders' book is not new, but a timeless principle that I know I need to be constantly reminded of. Especially if you are in leadership, how are you using your position to serve others in the Lord? How are you giving up of yourself in love for others?

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Standing on Biblical Convictions

As I was searching through the news today, I came across an interesting article about Indianapolis head coach, Tony Dungy. He is apparently, but not surprisingly, taking a lot of heat for accepting an invitation to speak at a banquet for the Indiana Family Institute, which is supported by Focus on the Family. The group is one of the strongest opponents of same-sex marriages in the state and a firm supporter of the state marriage amendment.

Regardless of how I might feel about the Indianapolis Colts, I cannot help but hold Coach Dungy in high regard and great admiration. Nowadays, one hears much of alleged Christian athletes, but apart from a spattering of WWJD bracelets and an occasional prayer after a touchdown, not too many of these celebrities are seen making bold stands for clear biblical values. Coach Dungy obviously knew he would face much animosity because of his association with the IFI, but still courageously stood up for what he viewed as the "Lord's side" on the marriage issue.

Too many Christians today shy away from taking the same kinds of stands. Certainly as the culture we live in becomes more and more tolerant of lifestyles and practices that are blatantly against Scripture, it will become proportionately more difficult to have biblical convictions without facing harsh attacks from those around us. We are living in an age where those who speak up about certain biblical convictions are labeled as promoting hate speech. Christ's words are becoming more evident with each day, "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you" (John 15:18).

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Reflections from Shepherds Conference

While some might see it as just jumping on the bandwagon, I do not take for granted what I have been privileged to receive over the years through the ministry of Grace Community Church. Growing up since 8th grade at Grace, I was privileged to be under the preaching ministry of John MacArthur. Listening to him twice every Sunday, once in the morning service and then again in the evening service, I was given a rich foundation upon which I have been able to build not only my personal spiritual growth, but also the pastoral ministry that God has graciously granted me over the years.

The blessing in recent years has been to take various leaders and members of Lighthouse to the Shepherds' Conference and show them what it is like to get a veritable wealth of teaching through such faithful preachers as John MacArthur, R. C. Sproul, Al Mohler, Mark Dever, J. Ligon Duncan, John Piper, Eric Alexander, Jerry Vines, C. J. Mahaney, as well as the Grace Church pastoral team and the faculty of The Master's Seminary. I can't think of a better conference to attend where not only is the teaching rich, but the fellowship is warm, the singing is incredible, the music is enriching, and the service of the members of Grace Church is exemplary. I know there is no perfect church and having been a pastoral intern at Grace, I was able to see some of the inner workings that showed its frailties and weaknesses. Nevertheless, I would have to say that for a church as big as it is and as long as it has been around, there has been a legacy of faithfulness that has been carried which I know is hard to find.

Why do I share this? Because my hope is that Lighthouse could be such a church where a legacy of faithfulness to a high view of God and the sufficiency of His Word would be carried on for generations. I hope to see my children and my grandchildren be able to grow and be ministered to as well as minister in continuation of a family commitment to serve the Lord. Just as Joshua proclaimed boldly, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," it is my hope that my family will be able to carry on from one generation to the next the greatness of God (Psalm 145:4). I will also hope to be more faithful to share my thoughts and bring encouragement and exhortation to those who would make the time to read such humble offerings in light of the other high level entries that one can find elsewhere.

The Great Trump Card

Pastor John mentioned to me this afternoon that Al Mohler posted an article on his blog about the church and the home. This is a tremendously helpful article for anyone trying to find the balance between ministry and family. Much of what Dr. Mohler shares is what Pastor John has already been sharing for the past few years, but sometimes it helps to hear it from a respected seminary president from outside our church.

It is a challenge to families to consider having a higher view of church in a practical sense. It is easy to talk about loving Jesus and living for Him. It is understandable that believers should be studying the Bible regularly, praying, and attending church on Sundays. These things are obviously going to take up some measure of a family's time. Many families today complain, however, when the church puts additional activities on the calendar because they infringe upon "personal family time." Considering all the other things families are typically involved in and committed to, it is no wonder little time is left for the church. Families must consider what is important in the end. What kind of message do we want to give our children about what are the right kinds of priorities? People wonder why there is a moral decline in the lifestyles of children in the church, and why children today seem more and more disinterested in church! Perhaps it is because parents have not demonstrated to their children that church is more important than music lessons, sports, shopping, and weekend trips.