For August 29, 2010
The apostle Paul’s theology is not all that complicated, even though some of his writings make it appear inscrutable. Much as Jesus, he was into relationships as the foundation for our faith life. In his letter to the church in Rome he lays out the role we are to play in our relationship with God. But we begin elsewhere.
The writer of Ephesians is thought by some to be written by the Apostle Paul. Regardless the person who wrote the letter certainly captured much of Paul’s theology we begin with words Paul certainly would endorse:
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. Ephesians 2:8-10
1. What is the basis for our relationship with God? What is not a part of that relationship? What is the sole requirement on our part for connecting with God?
2. How are we to be transformed by our bond with Jesus Christ? What does it prepare us for?
3. Who has taken the lead in our connection with God? How do you feel as you reflect on this assertion?
With thoughts like this Paul’s includes the word "therefore" in the beginning of our scripture from his letter to the church in Rome. Notice the imagery he uses to describe the transformation we should find ourselves making:
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1. What is Paul’s appeal to us? What meaning does being a living sacrifice have for you? How does he describe the kind of sacrifice it is to be? How is it possible for us to do this as mere humans? Are we to be cleaned up and shiny or will God take us as we are and work with us?
2. Why do you think that Paul describes this as an act of worship? Does this fit into your description or understanding of worship? Is this kind of worship evident in the life of our congregation?
3. What does Paul tell us we need to change? How are we to be transformed and what does it bring? Have you had your mind transformed; thought about something or acted differently because of insight, maturity, or experience? Has it happened in your faith life?
4. Can our minds be transformed in bad as well as good ways? Can you think of examples of those who appeared to be people of faith whose actions made it seem that their minds were transformed in a bad way?
5. How do we ensure that we are doing what is good and acceptable and perfect? What does he tell us is the starting point for good works, whom should we seek to please? By extension who should be secondary?
Paul continues:
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
1. What are we warned against? How are we to assess ourselves? What does evaluating ourselves with ‘sober judgment’ imply? What should we include as a part of making this evaluation?
2. Have you made a recent evaluation of your personal strengths and weaknesses? Where would you begin in evaluating your faith life? Is this something we should do on a regular basis?
Paul continues:
4For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, 5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. 6We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; 7ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; 8the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.
1. What analogy is used to help us understand who and what we are? What are some important criteria we should use as we assess who and what we are?
2. What does it mean to you that we are “members one of another”? What is critical in order for the body to function in this way?
3. What happens if parts of the body function poorly or are hyperactive? How would we know if we are fitting into one or both of these categories?
4. What do you consider to be God given gifts or talents? How did you discover them? How do you feel about using these gifts?
5. How have you been either encouraged or discouraged in using what you consider to be gifts or talents in a congregational setting? Do we have a responsibility to encourage one another in developing and using our gifts? How might a congregation improve member recognition and sharing of their individual gifts?
Closing Litany from Psalm 138
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;
before the "gods" I will sing your praise.
I will praise your name
for your love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
When I called, you answered me;
you made me bold and stouthearted.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O LORD, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.
Amen
Next Week’s Scriptures: Jeremiah 18:1-11 or Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 or Psalm 1, Philemon 1-21, Luke 14:25-33
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Good Lord! What Do You Want From Me?
For August 22, 2010
What does God want from us; what should we have as a vision for a vital spiritual life? Jesus gave us a shorthand answer when asked to identify the greatest commandment:
Matthew 22: 37-40 Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."
It seems that an important component of our spiritual life is made up of relationships. The primary and first is with God and the second and very closely tied to it is with "others" (our neighbor in most translations). This seems fairly straight forward but as we hear so often it appears that the devil is in the details. The writer of Isaiah 58 gives us God’s voice speaking to our relationship with Him. For purposes of our reflection you might substitute “congregation” for “nation” as you read Isaiah 58:1-3:
"Shout! A full-throated shout! Hold nothing back—a trumpet-blast shout!
Tell my people what's wrong with their lives, face my family Jacob with their sins!
They're busy, busy, busy at worship, and love studying all about me.
To all appearances they're a nation of right-living people—law-abiding, God-honoring.
They ask me, 'What's the right thing to do?' and love having me on their side.
But they also complain, 'Why do we fast and you don't look our way? Why do we humble ourselves and you don't even notice?'
Isaiah records God responding to the nation of Israel as it appears they have questions and concerns about their spiritual lives (and who doesn’t?).
1. How does God describe his family? What is he making clear to and about them?
2. How do they and possibly others perceive them? (Insert congregation for nation to make it more relevant for us today) Are these worthy and important goals for congregational life? Whom do they turn to for guidance on “ the right thing to do”?
3. But there seems to be trouble in the family; how does God describe their quandary? Based on your spiritual journey what might be some examples of these concerns, issues we have in spite of seemingly living a life of faith? Have there been times of doubt, a sense that something is missing, or feeling the need to grow closer to God?
Jesus description of the greatest commandment point out an important reality for us - that our relationship with God will be played out in the quality of our relationships with the other (our neighbor). Isaiah 58 gives us God’s voice addressing the same issue, what can they do to address the sense that something is wrong:
6-9"This is the kind of fast day I'm after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed,
cancel debts.
What I'm interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray, God will answer. You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.'
1. What kind of fast day is described? What is your reaction to the four areas that God wants us to address?
2. Again, as in listening to Jesus describe the greatest commandment, we can all agree with what God is calling for, but what might be some things we need to consider more deeply:
• Who is experiencing injustice in my community? Does this go beyond issues with the legal system? Do you know anyone who is experiencing injustice or will you need to seek them out?
• Who is exploited in the workplace? Where do people work who might find themselves being taken advantage of?
• Who are the oppressed? How do you define oppression, is this just a criminal justice system issue or are there other ways people find themselves oppressed?
• Whose debts should be cancelled? Are debts limited to money issues or can it be interpreted more broadly?
You might want to seek prayerful answers for yourself in both identifying who might fit into one or more of these categories and how God might have us address them.
3. What is God “interested in seeing” us do? Which is the most difficult for you to imagine doing? For instance what might enter into your thinking in responding to “feed the homeless poor in your house”?
4. How does God tell us our lives will be changed if we incorporate them into our lives? Have you ever experienced any of these feelings after helping someone?
5. What does it seem that God knows we will need in order to live in this way? How is God prepared to help us deal with the many ramifications of responding to God’s call?
Jesus spoke over and over again living in this way and God’s presence in the doing of it. One example to close with is from John’s Gospel:
15:5-8"I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.
Living a spiritual life can be both fulfilling and frustrating. Because we are human we will always sense the reality that we have more potential for growth in our faith lives. But the good news is that the Spirit will be with us, if only we open ourselves to its presence.
Closing Prayer
O Holy Spirit, whose presence is liberty, grant us that freedom of the Spirit which will not fear to tread in unknown ways, nor be held back by misgivings of ourselves and fear of others. Amen. The Oxford Book of Prayer
Next Week’s Scriptures: Jeremiah 2:4-13 or Sirach 10:12-18 or Proverbs 25:6-7, Psalm 81:1, 10-16 or Psalm 112, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Unbinding The Gospel
For August 15, 2010
A challenge for most mainline Protestant churches is growth both in numbers and spirituality (better known as evangelism) particularly when compared to the Evangelical movement. We will take a look at some thoughts on addressing this issue by the writer of Ephesians and a more contemporary author.
From Ephesians:
3:20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.
1. What does this benediction tell us about God’s power? Do you think that the presence of the Spirit can help us do “far more than all we can ask or imagine’? Have you experienced this in a congregational setting? What made it happen? How can we connect with this power more often?
More from Ephesians:
1-3In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
4-6You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.
1. In what way does the writer address the congregation with his request? What might that say about the state of things with those whom he is writing? Do you think that he suppose that living this way is easy, the natural thing to do?
2. What attributes does he list as keys to living a worthy life? When has this been a personal or congregational challenge? What is the goal we should strive for in living a worthy life?
3. What seems to be the most important factor for us to move in the direction that God wants to lead us? Do you think that the quality of relationships that exist in a congregation are an important factor in its effectiveness?
In Unbinding the Gospel Martha Grace Reese suggests that there are three key relationships which result in a vital congregational life. Read the notes from her book below:
Martha Grace Reese served for five years as pastor of Carmel Christian Church (DOC). She led a national four year study of mainline churches which was funded by the Lilly Endowment. This initiative was designed to identify and analyze highly effective examples of evangelism by congregations in seven mainline denominations. The project focused primarily on the motivations for mainline evangelism across a broad geographical, cultural and theological spectrum, as well as the means, structures and systemic realities that encourage evangelism. It included 1000 interviews and surveys as well as congregational visits.
Unbinding the Gospel details her findings and opinions about the characteristics of a vital, growing mainline congregation. The characteristic she used to identify a ‘strong’ church is one which performs an average of five or more adult baptisms a year over a five year period.
Relationship – from Unbinding the Gospel
I want to use the trinity of God as a metaphor for the way these (healthy) churches live, operate and do evangelism. These churches all have three sets of relationships that are distince yet which constantly interact and affect each other. These three set of relationships are 1 – with God, 2 – between church members and, 3 – with people outside the church.
God works powerfully through these three sets of relationships in healthy churches. These great churches, large and small, have a spider-web wholeness about them. Touch one area of the web, and ripples shimmer across the entire surface.
With God: We asked for the best piece of advice they could give someone who is trying to help people become Christians. One of the most frequent answers advised that our relationships with God are the foundation stone of who we are as Christians. Pastors often say, “As pastor, I can’t teach what I don’t know.”
Churches that emphasize a growing relationship with God for its members, board and pastor are different than “normal” churches. I don’t want to sound critical, but visiting one of these vibrant churches makes attending many of our mainline congregations feel like going to a Lions Club meeting – a good thing, certainly, but not the real thing.
Within the Church: Yet when people were asked to describe this congregation, the two most frequent responses were that it was ‘friendly’ and ‘its like family here.’’ Here’s the question; Do you tell people in your church what’s going on in your life? (Not could you, but do you?)
The more the Spirit is leading each person and each group, the more conflict recedes. The more the Spirit is leading, the more creativity, energy, and outward focus are freed to go into gear. People in love with God and serving each other live with joy.
Outside the Church: Evangelistic churches live out real life, real relationship – with God and with each other. And, contrary to what happens in other places, what happens in church doesn’t stay in church. Lives are transformed in the congregation. Those changes move out into everyone’s lives and in all their other relationships. The power of the living church can’t stop at the door, or it will turn inward and fade.
Some of Her Thoughts on Unbinding
In a … book I read as a girl, Miss Cornelia, staunch pillar of the Presbyterian church, asked one of her friends about another woman’s health. “Oh,” Susan said, “I’m afraid she is going to have to rely on the Lord now.” “Oh, no!” Miss Cornelia responded, “Surely it isn’t as bad as all that.”
How’s it going under your own steam? Is it time to try to hand this church to God? Things change when people surrender time, choices and decisions to God. Are you ready to try it? Whatever you try won’t be perfect… But there really is a God. And we need to decide if we’re going to let God work through us and do miracles that accomplish amazing, unexpected things among us.
4. What is your reaction to her assessment, where do you agree and what does not ring true for you? What would you like to see happen in your church based on the observations she made? What needs to change in order for a new direction to be set in our personal and congregational life?
Back to Ephesians:
7 But that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift...
11-13He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.
14-16No prolonged infancies among us, please. We'll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.
1. What seems to be God’s way for the power at work within us to manifest itself? What is the purpose of that work? What do we do well in encouraging the development and use of individual spiritual gifts? What good things have you seen come from individuals using their gifts? How might we encourage the stewardship of spiritual gifts?
2. What danger are we warned of by the writer? What are some things that get us as individuals and a congregation off the track of leading a life worthy of the calling?
Closing Prayer
Holy One, whose love has been poured into our hearts through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit, and who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish far more than we can ask or imagine, we pray that you would equip us for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. Amen.
A challenge for most mainline Protestant churches is growth both in numbers and spirituality (better known as evangelism) particularly when compared to the Evangelical movement. We will take a look at some thoughts on addressing this issue by the writer of Ephesians and a more contemporary author.
From Ephesians:
3:20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.
1. What does this benediction tell us about God’s power? Do you think that the presence of the Spirit can help us do “far more than all we can ask or imagine’? Have you experienced this in a congregational setting? What made it happen? How can we connect with this power more often?
More from Ephesians:
1-3In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
4-6You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.
1. In what way does the writer address the congregation with his request? What might that say about the state of things with those whom he is writing? Do you think that he suppose that living this way is easy, the natural thing to do?
2. What attributes does he list as keys to living a worthy life? When has this been a personal or congregational challenge? What is the goal we should strive for in living a worthy life?
3. What seems to be the most important factor for us to move in the direction that God wants to lead us? Do you think that the quality of relationships that exist in a congregation are an important factor in its effectiveness?
In Unbinding the Gospel Martha Grace Reese suggests that there are three key relationships which result in a vital congregational life. Read the notes from her book below:
Martha Grace Reese served for five years as pastor of Carmel Christian Church (DOC). She led a national four year study of mainline churches which was funded by the Lilly Endowment. This initiative was designed to identify and analyze highly effective examples of evangelism by congregations in seven mainline denominations. The project focused primarily on the motivations for mainline evangelism across a broad geographical, cultural and theological spectrum, as well as the means, structures and systemic realities that encourage evangelism. It included 1000 interviews and surveys as well as congregational visits.
Unbinding the Gospel details her findings and opinions about the characteristics of a vital, growing mainline congregation. The characteristic she used to identify a ‘strong’ church is one which performs an average of five or more adult baptisms a year over a five year period.
Relationship – from Unbinding the Gospel
I want to use the trinity of God as a metaphor for the way these (healthy) churches live, operate and do evangelism. These churches all have three sets of relationships that are distince yet which constantly interact and affect each other. These three set of relationships are 1 – with God, 2 – between church members and, 3 – with people outside the church.
God works powerfully through these three sets of relationships in healthy churches. These great churches, large and small, have a spider-web wholeness about them. Touch one area of the web, and ripples shimmer across the entire surface.
With God: We asked for the best piece of advice they could give someone who is trying to help people become Christians. One of the most frequent answers advised that our relationships with God are the foundation stone of who we are as Christians. Pastors often say, “As pastor, I can’t teach what I don’t know.”
Churches that emphasize a growing relationship with God for its members, board and pastor are different than “normal” churches. I don’t want to sound critical, but visiting one of these vibrant churches makes attending many of our mainline congregations feel like going to a Lions Club meeting – a good thing, certainly, but not the real thing.
Within the Church: Yet when people were asked to describe this congregation, the two most frequent responses were that it was ‘friendly’ and ‘its like family here.’’ Here’s the question; Do you tell people in your church what’s going on in your life? (Not could you, but do you?)
The more the Spirit is leading each person and each group, the more conflict recedes. The more the Spirit is leading, the more creativity, energy, and outward focus are freed to go into gear. People in love with God and serving each other live with joy.
Outside the Church: Evangelistic churches live out real life, real relationship – with God and with each other. And, contrary to what happens in other places, what happens in church doesn’t stay in church. Lives are transformed in the congregation. Those changes move out into everyone’s lives and in all their other relationships. The power of the living church can’t stop at the door, or it will turn inward and fade.
Some of Her Thoughts on Unbinding
In a … book I read as a girl, Miss Cornelia, staunch pillar of the Presbyterian church, asked one of her friends about another woman’s health. “Oh,” Susan said, “I’m afraid she is going to have to rely on the Lord now.” “Oh, no!” Miss Cornelia responded, “Surely it isn’t as bad as all that.”
How’s it going under your own steam? Is it time to try to hand this church to God? Things change when people surrender time, choices and decisions to God. Are you ready to try it? Whatever you try won’t be perfect… But there really is a God. And we need to decide if we’re going to let God work through us and do miracles that accomplish amazing, unexpected things among us.
4. What is your reaction to her assessment, where do you agree and what does not ring true for you? What would you like to see happen in your church based on the observations she made? What needs to change in order for a new direction to be set in our personal and congregational life?
Back to Ephesians:
7 But that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift...
11-13He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.
14-16No prolonged infancies among us, please. We'll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.
1. What seems to be God’s way for the power at work within us to manifest itself? What is the purpose of that work? What do we do well in encouraging the development and use of individual spiritual gifts? What good things have you seen come from individuals using their gifts? How might we encourage the stewardship of spiritual gifts?
2. What danger are we warned of by the writer? What are some things that get us as individuals and a congregation off the track of leading a life worthy of the calling?
Closing Prayer
Holy One, whose love has been poured into our hearts through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit, and who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish far more than we can ask or imagine, we pray that you would equip us for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. Amen.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Just What Is It Am Supposed To Change?
For August 8, 2010
It is helpful to use this blog as a discussion starter for two or more people but it will also stimulate some thoughts if used by one reader. The material is used by a Sunday Study Group at Hamilton Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri.
Needs of Love, Affection and Belongingness
When the needs for safety and for physiological well-being are satisfied, the next class of needs for love, affection and belongingness can emerge. Maslow states that people seek to overcome feelings of loneliness and alienation. This involves both giving and receiving love, affection and the sense of belonging.
Needs for Esteem
When the first three classes of needs are satisfied, the needs for esteem can become dominant. These involve needs for both self-esteem and for the esteem a person gets from others. Humans have a need for a stable, firmly based, high level of self-respect, and respect from others. When these needs are satisfied, the person feels self-confident and valuable as a person in the world. When these needs are frustrated, the person feels inferior, weak, helpless and worthless.
Reality Check:
Luke 12: 29-32 "What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.
33-34 "Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can't go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bank robbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.
Paul’s Hierarchy of Needs
It is helpful to use this blog as a discussion starter for two or more people but it will also stimulate some thoughts if used by one reader. The material is used by a Sunday Study Group at Hamilton Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri.
Human Nature and Faith
One of the theames of the bible is to put aside our normal cares and concerns with the confidence that God will provide for our needs. Today we will look at one persons theory about human nature and compare it to a lifestyle that Jesus urged us to take up. First, a take on human nature:
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
One of the theames of the bible is to put aside our normal cares and concerns with the confidence that God will provide for our needs. Today we will look at one persons theory about human nature and compare it to a lifestyle that Jesus urged us to take up. First, a take on human nature:
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
From Psychology- The Search for Understanding by Janet A. Simons, Donald B. Irwin and Beverly A. DrinnienWest Publishing Company, New York, 1987
Physiological Needs
These are biological needs. They consist of needs for oxygen, food, water, and a relatively constant body temperature. They are the strongest needs because if a person were deprived of all needs, the physiological ones would come first in the person's search for satisfaction.
These are biological needs. They consist of needs for oxygen, food, water, and a relatively constant body temperature. They are the strongest needs because if a person were deprived of all needs, the physiological ones would come first in the person's search for satisfaction.
Safety Needs
When all physiological needs are satisfied and are no longer controlling thoughts and behaviors, the needs for security can become active. Adults have little awareness of their security needs except in times of emergency or periods of disorganization in the social structure (such as widespread rioting). Children often display the signs of insecurity and the need to be safe.
When all physiological needs are satisfied and are no longer controlling thoughts and behaviors, the needs for security can become active. Adults have little awareness of their security needs except in times of emergency or periods of disorganization in the social structure (such as widespread rioting). Children often display the signs of insecurity and the need to be safe.
Needs of Love, Affection and Belongingness
When the needs for safety and for physiological well-being are satisfied, the next class of needs for love, affection and belongingness can emerge. Maslow states that people seek to overcome feelings of loneliness and alienation. This involves both giving and receiving love, affection and the sense of belonging.
Needs for Esteem
When the first three classes of needs are satisfied, the needs for esteem can become dominant. These involve needs for both self-esteem and for the esteem a person gets from others. Humans have a need for a stable, firmly based, high level of self-respect, and respect from others. When these needs are satisfied, the person feels self-confident and valuable as a person in the world. When these needs are frustrated, the person feels inferior, weak, helpless and worthless.
Needs for Self-Actualization
When all of the foregoing needs are satisfied, then and only then are the needs for self-actualization activated. Maslow describes self-actualization as a person's need to be and do that which the person was "born to do." "A musician must make music, an artist must paint, and a poet must write." These needs make themselves felt in signs of restlessness. The person feels on edge, tense, lacking something, in short, restless. If a person is hungry, unsafe, not loved or accepted, or lacking self-esteem, it is very easy to know what the person is restless about. It is not always clear what a person wants when there is a need for self-actualization.
Food for Thought
When all of the foregoing needs are satisfied, then and only then are the needs for self-actualization activated. Maslow describes self-actualization as a person's need to be and do that which the person was "born to do." "A musician must make music, an artist must paint, and a poet must write." These needs make themselves felt in signs of restlessness. The person feels on edge, tense, lacking something, in short, restless. If a person is hungry, unsafe, not loved or accepted, or lacking self-esteem, it is very easy to know what the person is restless about. It is not always clear what a person wants when there is a need for self-actualization.
Food for Thought
Imagine the above as a pyramid depicting the level of human needs, psychological and physical. When a human being ascends the steps of the pyramid he reaches self actualization.
1. What do you think about Maslow’s theory; does it in any way fit with your life’s experience? What happens if we get stuck at any given level, how can it affect our lives, what might our feelings be?
2. Do you think that there is a natural instinct which causes us to both move up the pyramid and fight to not fall back a step or two?
3. According to this theory when are we really able to move beyond being self centered and reach out beyond ourselves?
4. Can some of the seemingly aberrant behaviors of individuals and even nations be explained by this theory?
2. Do you think that there is a natural instinct which causes us to both move up the pyramid and fight to not fall back a step or two?
3. According to this theory when are we really able to move beyond being self centered and reach out beyond ourselves?
4. Can some of the seemingly aberrant behaviors of individuals and even nations be explained by this theory?
Reality Check:
If Maslow is to be believed we are all hard wired with these innate needs and will strive to fulfill them. Think of a time when you were sick and how it impacted the other aspects of your life and dominated your thoughts and concerns. There have also been a number of very famous people, Michael Jackson, who took huge risks with medications, to the point of risking death, to overcome sleep deprivation. Note the highest state is self-actualization, firmly placing us as individuals and our needs in the forefront. In reading the Apostle Paul’s letters you will find Maslow’s hierarch of needs described as living by the flesh.
Jesus’ Hierarchy of Needs
Jesus’ Hierarchy of Needs
Luke 12: 29-32 "What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.
33-34 "Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can't go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bank robbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.
Paul’s Hierarchy of Needs
Romans 12: 1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Constructing a Faith Based Pyramid
1. What do the scriptures urge us to forget, pass over, disregard in Maslow’s theory and how are we to be able to do it?
2. What can you pull out of the scriptures that might be included in the base of a pyramid which this scripture urges us to live by? What else might be added?
3. What would you fill in as the bottom of a pyramid that Jesus might be describing? How many levels would it contain? What would be included as we ascend?
4. Should we include some spiritual disciplines which might be the basis for moving up the pyramid of faith?
5. What goes into the apex of the pyramid, what does the scriptures tell us about the way in which we should experience life?
2. What can you pull out of the scriptures that might be included in the base of a pyramid which this scripture urges us to live by? What else might be added?
3. What would you fill in as the bottom of a pyramid that Jesus might be describing? How many levels would it contain? What would be included as we ascend?
4. Should we include some spiritual disciplines which might be the basis for moving up the pyramid of faith?
5. What goes into the apex of the pyramid, what does the scriptures tell us about the way in which we should experience life?
This is one groups attempt to describe the faith hierarch we are called to take up by Jesus and Paul. The journey begains as a Seeker and builds on that foundation:
God or Spirit Actualized
A Follower
A Doer
A Seeker
Focus on spiritual questions, listening and asking questions, some form of bible study, seeking a faith community
A Follower
Baptism, set example, offering self to God, participating in rituals like communion, experimenting with , prayer, learning to turn to God
A Doer
Giving and sharing, concern and action against injustice, sensitive to others needs, serving, engaging others in personal faith stories, meaningful prayer life
Recognizing what God wants & responding, focus on others, changedfrom the inside out, a credible example, confident in God’s presence, able to resist cultural influences
Closing Prayer
O God, be my refuge in every time and circumstance of need. Be my guide thru all that is dark and doubtful. Be my guard against all that threatens my Spirit’s welfare. Gladden my heart with your peace. Amen By John Baillie
Next Week’s Scriptures: Isaiah 5:1-7 or Jeremiah 23:23-29, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 or Psalm 82, Hebrews 11:29 - 12:2, Luke 12:49-56
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Paul's Motivational Words
For August 1, 2010
In some ways Paul seems to be motivating us, Christ’s team, to get out on the field, use what we have learned in practice, and give an all-out effort to be winners. The words are clearly intended to speak to us as individuals but can give us some ideas about living our congregational life.
In some ways Paul seems to be motivating us, Christ’s team, to get out on the field, use what we have learned in practice, and give an all-out effort to be winners. The words are clearly intended to speak to us as individuals but can give us some ideas about living our congregational life.
Read the complete scripture:
Colossians 3:1-11
1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.
3-4 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
5-8 And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.
9-11 Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
From The Message
1. Paul dictated his letters, what picture do you have of him if he spoke them in front of us today? Was he lecturing, motivating, or something else?
2. The fact that words like these seeming appear repeatedly in scripture tell us about the reality of living life as a person of faith? What are some positives you get from hearing them and what questions do they raise?
Colossians 3:1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.
1. What seems to be the important in living ‘this new resurrection life? What does his advice to “pursue things over which Christ presides” mean to you?
2. Can you relate to the shuffling along, eyes to the ground allusions? How might this reality affect things like practicing spiritual disciplines, relationships with others, sharing our faith?
3. Are we liable to find ourselves shuffling along in our congregational life? What might be some signs that we are off track?
4. What is the antidote to shuffling? What does his advice/admonition mean to you? Do you have any issues or questions about his words?
Colossians 3:3-4 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
1. Paul speaks of old and new life, how does he describe this new life? What questions does it raise?
2. What has made the idea of a new life real for you in your spiritual journey? What are some examples of things you have seen die and come to life?
3. We are in a time of reflecting on a new life for the congregation at this point? Do you think that we have incorporated any of his encouragement in carrying out our discernment process? What are some important components of the process so far we need to continue and what might we add as we continue on?
Colossians 3:5-8 And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.
1. We hear words to this effect over and over again during our spiritual journey. As you read them does anything strike you as a truth or a new insight?
2. Why do you think that words about changing our behavior is a constant theme? What truth does it reveal about us as human beings who are seeking a spiritual life?
3. What do you think might need to “killed off” in our congregational life? How have we gone about doing that so far and what might we need to add to increase our spiritual vitality?
Colossians 3:9-11 Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
1. How important is honesty to our spiritual lives? Who do we need to be honest with? What keeps us from being honest?
2. How do you like Paul’s allusion to new clothing? How can the clothing we are wearing at any given time affect us, our attitudes, and our behavior? Have you had occasion to feel spiritually dressed differently, closer to God, during your journey?
3. What have you heard during our discernment process that you think will help us dress differently, wearing something “custom-made by the Creator?”
Closing Prayer
O Holy Spirit, whose presence is liberty, grant us that freedom of the Spirit which will not fear to tread in unknown ways, nor be held back by the misgivings of ourselves or fear of others. Amen Oxford Book of Prayer
Next Week’s Scriptures: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 or Genesis 15:1-6, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 or Psalm 33:12-22, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40
Colossians 3:1-11
1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.
3-4 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
5-8 And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.
9-11 Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
From The Message
1. Paul dictated his letters, what picture do you have of him if he spoke them in front of us today? Was he lecturing, motivating, or something else?
2. The fact that words like these seeming appear repeatedly in scripture tell us about the reality of living life as a person of faith? What are some positives you get from hearing them and what questions do they raise?
Colossians 3:1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.
1. What seems to be the important in living ‘this new resurrection life? What does his advice to “pursue things over which Christ presides” mean to you?
2. Can you relate to the shuffling along, eyes to the ground allusions? How might this reality affect things like practicing spiritual disciplines, relationships with others, sharing our faith?
3. Are we liable to find ourselves shuffling along in our congregational life? What might be some signs that we are off track?
4. What is the antidote to shuffling? What does his advice/admonition mean to you? Do you have any issues or questions about his words?
Colossians 3:3-4 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
1. Paul speaks of old and new life, how does he describe this new life? What questions does it raise?
2. What has made the idea of a new life real for you in your spiritual journey? What are some examples of things you have seen die and come to life?
3. We are in a time of reflecting on a new life for the congregation at this point? Do you think that we have incorporated any of his encouragement in carrying out our discernment process? What are some important components of the process so far we need to continue and what might we add as we continue on?
Colossians 3:5-8 And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.
1. We hear words to this effect over and over again during our spiritual journey. As you read them does anything strike you as a truth or a new insight?
2. Why do you think that words about changing our behavior is a constant theme? What truth does it reveal about us as human beings who are seeking a spiritual life?
3. What do you think might need to “killed off” in our congregational life? How have we gone about doing that so far and what might we need to add to increase our spiritual vitality?
Colossians 3:9-11 Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
1. How important is honesty to our spiritual lives? Who do we need to be honest with? What keeps us from being honest?
2. How do you like Paul’s allusion to new clothing? How can the clothing we are wearing at any given time affect us, our attitudes, and our behavior? Have you had occasion to feel spiritually dressed differently, closer to God, during your journey?
3. What have you heard during our discernment process that you think will help us dress differently, wearing something “custom-made by the Creator?”
Closing Prayer
O Holy Spirit, whose presence is liberty, grant us that freedom of the Spirit which will not fear to tread in unknown ways, nor be held back by the misgivings of ourselves or fear of others. Amen Oxford Book of Prayer
Next Week’s Scriptures: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 or Genesis 15:1-6, Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 or Psalm 33:12-22, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40
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