Prepper Christian

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. ~ 2 Peter 3:9

Have you ever prayed like this? “Lord, please give me patience and give it to me now!” When we want ourselves and our society to be sanctified and won’t wait for the Spirit’s process to run its natural course, there will be consequences. Common sense informs us that impatience causes recklessness and is usually counterproductive. Peter’s 2nd letter urges Christians to press on toward godliness and yet discourages impatience for their arrival, because the LORD’s perfect wisdom and timeless plan concerns much more than today’s comforts. 

Early Christians proclaimed the soon return of Jesus to complete the work of salvation and punish the wicked. Their critics asked, “Where is this ‘coming’ Jesus promised?” They were understandably afraid the mockers might be right, so the new believers looked to the spiritual leaders who called upon the Apostle Peter. Now, we feel the same way sometimes. What’s worse is that many in our Christian family don’t really believe Christ is coming again. The Apostles called Christian Believers, then and now, to be patient and continually prepare for our Bridegroom. 

“Prepper” is a popular word for people who store up everything needed to survive disasters. They invest in learning and practicing pioneer skills; they create secret caches of supplies, and arm themselves against enemies that threaten their home and loved ones. Veteran preppers hone their skills and build their resources over years, patiently and quietly gaining what they need to be ready, survive, and thrive. Their mentors teach and preach in blogs, videos, and newsletters. They present workshops and sell resources at regular gatherings for like-minded people. They often say things like, “Don’t listen to the scoffers, the day you are preparing for will come, so don’t get discouraged.” Sound familiar?

Early Christians were preppers too. Maybe we should follow their example. They invested in learning and practical skills development. They met in secret locations where they stored essential resources for the Christian family, especially the widows, orphans, and others with acute needs. Christian Believers armed themselves against the Enemy, as their mentor instructed: 

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Galatians 6:11-17)

I remember watching a live report from Ukraine’s capital city, Kiev on February 23, 2022. In the streets behind the reporter, people parked cars, entered and exited shops, restaurants, and subways. A young boy played on his skateboard. People seemed unconcerned about the impending invasion about which the reporter was speaking. A few days later, I saw new reports with horrific images of soldiers in the same streets, destroyed buildings, dead young mothers and children, and, at least in my imagination, an abandoned skateboard. 

Beloved of God, your daily prayers, bible reading, holy conversations, weekly spiritual training, corporate worship and service to Christ are all integral in your preparations for the onslaught of the Enemy and the return of our Lord. Not doing so is like skateboarding in the streets of Kiev on the night before its near destruction. Please prepare yourselves and your loved ones by investing in your spiritual priorities. Christian salvation is not an insurance policy for after disaster, it is a way of life for vitality and confidence before the imminent things .

Are We Yet Alive?

Yet out of all the Lord hath brought us by his love; and still he doth his help afford, and hides our life above. “And Are We Yet Alive” UMH # 553 ~ Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

I used to get chills up and down my spine when a few thousand Methodists and I would stand and sing this hymn at the start of every annual session of the Indiana Annual Conference. The LORD had so completely called me to my new life as a pastor that I entertained idealistic images of a body of brothers and sisters bound by the common goal of serving Christ at all costs, that singing this hymn felt both like a victory anthem and mournful release of all who’d died for the cause. It didn’t take long to become disillusioned with the institutions and their dependents, but the idealism has only intensified. 

Being an idealist is costly and bound to produce loneliness. Even the ones who believe in your vision will grow weary of your single mindedness and relentless pursuit of the unattainable. The loneliness is due in part to the idealists’ tension between inspired leadership and disappointment with those who lack the same drive. There is a temptation to think, “if I can do it, anyone can.” Time and wisdom have softened my tone some and now I just try to avoid sources of tension and frustration. I am often afraid of what I might say or do to make things worse for a marginal believer rather than urge another saint along. Unchallenged assumptions by critics occasionally cause me great pain, and after playing out a few scenarios in my imagination wherein I set them straight, I ultimately pray for grace to abound. 

“And are we yet alive?” The question takes on new meaning when asked sincerely among like-minded, Spirit-filled servants of Christ. The question is more focused on spiritual health than on temporal affairs. Is my zeal still intact? Am I provisioned, trained, and dedicated to a long walk? “Alive” implies general well-being and vitality. I dare say, it isn’t the case anymore when United Methodists gather to sing Charles Wesley’s beloved hymn. But, when a small band of idealists gather to pray, sing, read Scripture, and witness, there is life. Can I be vulnerable with you? I’ve been craving that sort of bond since I was very young and still haven’t found it. I admit it is partly my problem because of my trust issues and idealistic rhetoric, but when I plead with you to create and/or take part in small groups, it’s because I know from personal experience that an inspired Christian Believer cannot function completely without encouragement and accountability from Spirit-siblings of Christ Jesus.

John and Charles Wesley were so idealistic as to believe entire sanctification is attainable and they felt that “Methodists” weren’t entirely alive unless holiness from God marked their days and years with visible signs — “let us make our boast of his redeeming power, which saves us to the uttermost,

till we can sin no more.”

“And Are We Yet Alive” UMH # 553 ~ Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

1. And are we yet alive, and see each other's face? Glory and thanks to Jesus give for his almighty grace! 2. Preserved by power divine to full salvation here, again in Jesus' praise we join, and in his sight appear. 3. What troubles have we seen, what mighty conflicts past, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last!

4. Yet out of all the Lord hath brought us by his love; and still he doth his help afford, and hides our life above. 5. Then let us make our boast of his redeeming power, which saves us to the uttermost, till we can sin no more. 6. Let us take up the cross till we the crown obtain, and gladly reckon all things loss so we may Jesus gain.

Righteous Sons

 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. ~ Proverbs 23:24

    Father’s Day is coming up and this proverb suits the occasion well. There are very interesting differences between the celebration of mothers and the celebration of fathers in our land — “just sayin.” It is what it is, so my primary aim is to write about how fathers can raise up wise children as the proverb says.
   The theme of this section of Proverbs is caution and encouragement for sons. Parents should lead both daughters and sons to truth and wisdom, discipline, and understanding because it pleases God and brings joy to parents. Training in the truth and gaining understanding means developing the perception and practical knowledge of the truth. Parents who neglect it tacitly allow others to assume this vital leadership. Impressionable youths will soak it up like a sponge, in part because they crave understanding, respect, and attention from their parents — especially sons from fathers.
    Sons are often mirrors of their fathers in matters of righteousness or godliness. It isn’t what you say that matters, Dad, but what you do or don’t do. They see and mirror your attention to them, to their siblings, and mothers. Sons make a thousand micro-memories of your character every week. The youthful need for justice and approval compels them to validate you or dismiss you. They compare your religion to your hobbies, your work, your habits, and tastes. They notice with fine detail whether you are trying to validate yourself through them, or striving to serve them as a loving mentor, protector, and worthy example. Even if your colleagues, associates, and friends laud you, your son will note the differences between your public character and your nature at home. Fathers, you have an enormous responsibility that is easy to reject because it will cost you much.
    “Dan! I thought this was supposed to be encouragement.” I hear you saying. Yeah, it is, and here it comes. Before I can encourage you in raising godly sons, I must urge you to take up the entire burden. Then you will need all the help you can get, and that’s the point. A father who joins other Christian men, just like bands of brothers, fighting for each other in war, has a unity of purpose and witness to his sons that will gain precious territory in their hearts and minds. Fathers who submit to Christ’s authority and devote time and resources to His service show devotion to selflessness that leaves room for sons in their priorities. Servant leadership at the cost of a father’s flesh’s desires teaches sons about an eternal endgame rather than a race to satisfy every want in a race against time. A dad’s respect for the wisdom of elders, spouses, and children shows sons a parental standard that offers room for questioning and testing — who would you rather he discuss the issues of the day with? 
    Good fathers do these things for the sake of their legacy; Great fathers do so for the glory of the Heavenly Father. The righteousness of your sons will cause the LORD to rejoice and honor your faithfulness. You will feel His pleasure and realize that you are enough when you open yourself to God’s love and then pass it on. 

Sanctifying the Plank

Hence it is, that those believers who are not convinced of the deep corruption of their hearts, or but slightly, and, as it were, notionally convinced, have little concern about entire sanctification.. ~ John Wesley 1758

I am reminded of some verses from a favorite hymn as I prepare to write today. “How Firm a Foundation” attributed to John Francis Wade, contains these two relevant phrases: When through the deep waters I call thee to go, the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; and, When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply. - This is my prayer. Amen.

It is “Pride Month,” which arouses tensions both within and without the Body of Christ. Responses range from mild contempt to outrage as opposing ideologies struggle for respect and recognition. Unfortunately, Christ our Lord gets batted around by combatants like a tennis ball that shouts “please listen to me!” amid the thumping, whizzing, and bouncing. How can Christian Believers find a balanced approach to this volatile topic? 

The source of contention seems to lie in the fear of being forced or violated. If you disapprove of everything Pride Month stands for, then you probably resent having the message forced upon you everywhere you look. You feel violated because its proponents do not give you a choice. Those who support the Pride movement can reasonably argue the same things. In fact, they would likely say they’ve suffered far worse for generations.  

To begin, you must seriously consider your lifestyle and personal sanctification. The plank in your eye may need attention before attempting to extract a speck from your opponent’s. (Matthew 7:5) I worship and serve Christ in the Wesleyan way, in part, because it requires an intentional pattern of spiritual growth. Its goal is personal holiness and even perfect love (for God and humanity). The expectation is clear: we will strive to be more like Christ every day, and hopefully substantially resemble Him in the future because of His Spirit and our discipleship.  

It separates you from Christ and His Body when you spend precious resources on rumination over your fears and criticizing those who threaten you. Jesus said, “This is my command to you: Love one another. If the world hates you, understand that it hated me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.…” (John 15:17-19) Note that it was not a suggestion. Christians have experienced unprecedented liberties in America up to the 21st Century and, frankly, most have become too comfortable and lethargic, which often makes them sanctimonious or licentious like the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’s incarnation. Now is the time for true accountability for our discipleship to Jesus. We must follow Christ as Spirit-filled Believers to overcome the ire and angst in our nature. 

John Wesley taught sin’s “canceled power” as a gift from God received through faith in Christ, which is also a gift. While sin no longer condemns or oppresses, it is something to be resisted throughout the Christian journey. You can only resist it and experience sanctifying grace through Christian discipline enhanced by the Spirit. If you honestly consider the goal of perfect love, you realize that you have too much to do for your personal plank removal process to be obsessed with how other people are doing. 

To be sure, there will be times when you have to take a stand. The LORD will use your discipleship for His ends. That means you can expect to bear witness to God’s sovereignty and grace; His eternal purpose in and through Christ the Son, and His life altering power through the Holy Spirit. You will serve the LORD best when you talk about what you know - that’s what a witness’s testimony is, after all. You can avoid embarrassing yourself and misrepresenting the LORD best this way, too. Jesus said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. 26It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,…” (Matthew 20:25-26)

How will you serve Christ the King, your Christian family, and the world of lost and broken, oppressed people living in chaos? How will your journey of personal holiness honor and participate in Christ’s glory? 

Foolishness and Evil

 

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. ~ James 1:19-20

I recently read a blog by Carey Nieuwhof wherein he cited clinical psychologist and best-selling author Henry Cloud, “who points out in his book, “Necessary Endings” that there are essentially three kinds of people in life and leadership. Wise People, Foolish People, Evil People.” Honest consideration causes pain when we dare to think anyone we know is evil or foolish. When you measure his/her output, or the fruit, his/her words and deeds bear, and it reveals an absence of wisdom, what’s left? If wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment, then it is a relative thing. Some people are wiser than others, but the absence of wisdom results in foolishness and evil. (https://careynieuwhof.com/now-that-youre-online-far-more-how-to-handle-the-critics-trolls-and-weirdness/)

Foolishness and evil exist wherever people congregate for the sake of a shared affinity, like sports, music, food, art, hobbies, or even religion. You will always encounter outspoken, dominant persons whose demeanor oppresses others, especially those who just want to enjoy the topic and/or fear confrontation. Passive participants quietly endure bullying, highly opinionated remarks, and displays of arrogance as long as it doesn't become too frequent and overwhelming. If so, passive persons usually quit the group or venue rather than attempt to guide their oppressor toward a better way, and so, stiff-necked, hard-hearted bullies only get worse. They become so accustomed to this pattern that they take it as approval and praise and then instinctively dislike those whose confidence and poise might pose a threat to their delusion of superiority. Bullies often preemptively attack the potential opponent with subtle insults, blatant criticisms, and passive-aggressive character assaults.  

Church bullies are often participants in circles from the larger community whose members share common roots in vanity and social status that often date back to primary and high school cliques. Sometimes bullies emerge in church because they feel powerless or disrespected in every other area of their lives, so they desperately cling to a perceived authority and respect in the local church. It is a lifeline for self-loathing that teeters on the brink of despair. The need is so significant that it is better to subvert the greater good and even commit character assassination for the sake of preserving the illusion of social superiority. Inner brokenness and a desperate need drive bullies and it is a matter of life and death to their spirit. Many local churches suffer and divide because of this sort of person and a lack of godly leadership. Imagine an entire denomination held hostage by such persons?!

Consider the Book of Numbers, chapter 16, wherein Korah and Dathan, “well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council,” opposed Moses and Aaron. It was the quintessential example of the sort of bullying referred to here. Unfortunately, it ended up bringing destruction to the two men’s clans and great suffering to the people of God. The men and their passive followers might have been correct in their criticisms and could have been essential to God’s plans, but their attitudes, methods, and ill-temper were their undoing.

           No wonder Jesus said, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:3–5) And, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

James admonished, “Be quick to hear.” How often have you witnessed discord, outrage, and character assassination after a few unfounded remarks led to a few more and then aroused ire? How would it have been different if someone had the tenacity to question assumptions and calmly investigate for the sake of truth? What would be different if one was slow to speak and slower still to become angry? Remember that most violence, if only violent speech, stems from fear — Any word or deed that inflicts pain on another person without warrant is violence. Bullies are usually afraid and they lash out as if they were a cornered animal. Sometimes the bully reacts violently to indirect threats, perhaps after witnessing assertive leadership in another situation that suggests such authority would direct it against them next. Therefore, listen to the words you hear; watch the eyes, face, and extremities of the one who provokes undermining criticism, and anger. What are their motives, and what do they fear? Are their eyes bright, but not with laughter? Does their smile look more like a strained effort to hold back rage or pain? Are hands and feet active, but not from joy? Familiar expressions become masks developed over time to hold back powerful emotions. 

            "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ((Isaiah 41:10) If you are passive, pray for the courage to help end oppression and chaos, since the LORD despises both. Realize that such unrighteousness does not honor the LORD. Unrighteousness, in this case, is a matter of pretentiousness. We witness it in one who seems to be determined to honor God, who is actually serving God’s enemy. Such people act for the sake of their vain pursuit of reputation and self-serving affection. As we strive for independence from the denominational leaders who want us gone, but not without punitive actions and the satisfaction of “winning,” we must remember what sort of people we’re dealing with. Their insecurity and vanity make their flesh insatiable. They are friends of chaos and oppression and its author. There is a well-known quote that says, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” While its originator is contested, the saying’s truth rings clear: we must resist oppression. A Christian must not assume passivity honors Christ. Non-violent, assertive, peace-making leadership that is guided by the Holy Spirit brings order to the chaos and liberty to the oppressed.