Archive for September, 2009
Finding Happiness in 2 Corinthians 10
Today, I want to share a thought that comes from one of my favorite core exercises from “Hundredfold Now” which is to “take captive every thought.”
I think it is a step to the illusive “finding happiness.” Now, there could be a whole separate discussion on what I mean by “happiness” but stay with me with this much.
For now, I’m working with the notion of “hundredfolding” in the areas of our life we most care about would be a source of security and happiness. I believe that is Jesus’ intent and part of what He calls the “abundant life.”
Here’s a concept: is experiencing “hundredfolding” after putting Jesus above all things something you need to wait for to happen?
I came to the realization that the Kingdom of Heaven is “within” and “among” us, and that if we seek Him — meaning putting the important relationships in our lives and God’s commands — first, we will not be far off from the Kingdom of Heaven.
That’s about as close to saying that our lives, even with the brokenness and junk, can be perfect right now. It comes from:
1) Seeking God’s work right here, right where you are
2) Seeking God in the people, even the crappy, mean, messed-up people (doesn’t mean you have to hang around them, but that’s a whole different thing)
3) Seeking and accepting that, as you are, with the flaws and fears, you are loved and made in God’s image
One. Two. Three. Perfection (well…close to it in the sense you experience a glimpse of the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth) in three steps.
But to get there, you need to take control of the thoughts that don’t follow this prescription.
This takes time. It takes transformation.
Are you your authentic self?
On the last section of our program, we devote ten lessons on the ’soul’ which always prompts some questions, such as, “What is the soul?”
We open it with Mark 8 31-38 which can be boilied down to: “Don’t gain the world and lose your soul.”
Granted, there’s a lot in that passage, but the core is very consistent with what a “hundredfold” life is. In fact, it is a cautionary tale of taking on the trapping, thoughts, behaviors and values of the world at the expense of letting Jesus lead and shape us.
This is very counter-cultural. By its very definition, I believe that it takes constant vigilance and, in fact, radical tuning to stay on track.
The Message translation says, “What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?”
The “authentic self” is one that isn’t driven by fears created in the world but one that can trust in the intimacy and the purposes of God. Think about it: aren’t there times we think, “I don’t know the real me” when we are in certain situations, maybe stressed or in scarcity mode?
The power of this lesson is that people who turn to God and say, “I am turning to You when finding my true self, finding my authentic self” may need to turn away from what they perceive to be the foundations of their “life.”
One of those is freedom from suffering. Again, I don’t believe we are destined to have to have day-in and day-out of suffering. I don’t see Scripture supporting that (whereas other religions do). It takes work, prayer, exercises, and a program to beat back all the craziness in our lives.
The benefits of having an authentic self go back to what Jesus says will be hundredfolded: relationships and resources. But we need to not let them rule our lives but to take to heart what Jesus says in this passage: “You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.”
2 Corinthians 12 – Hundredfold Parenting?
I received an inquiry from someone who takes cares of kids and deals with their parents. She was seeking parenting advice which, while isn’t the primary area of expertise, and there are definitely plenty of better, more targeted articles on parenting that are out there, I was up to the challenge!
Is living in accordance to a “hundredfold” life consistent with our understanding of good parenting?
After all, doesn’t it say to pursue Jesus above not only homes and fields but of our key relationships — brother, mother, father, wife, or children — to get back a hundredfold?
In fact, would anyone with their patience tested with the children they have want a “hundredfold”? 
First, as I often say, “hundredfold” is metaphorical without limiting the literal when appropriate. There are some people who take such to heart Jesus call for the orphans and, in seeking Him first, probably do literally care for a hundredfold children. If anyone can provide “tips for parenting” it would be those people!
I have chosen to address where to experience hundredfold rather than a scarcity of time and patience drawing from the lessons found in Day 25, with the key verse from 2 Corinthians 12:5-10 “My power works best in your weakness.”
When we focus on what we don’t have and how overwhelming the children are, by definition, our mind and our heart will see all the shortfalls, all the gaps, and feel weak.
This often, deep down, disheartens parents so that frustration, self-doubt, even anger towards their children emerges. Nobody likes feeling weighed down with failure.
But let’s step back: according to this verse, our weaknesses or challenges, whether true battles like “thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me” or the broader application of our own weaknesses to handle challenges, our limited energy, attention, and patience, keep you from becoming proud.
Well, you may say, “I’ll take being proud over having these obnoxious, rowdy kids anyday!” Yes, but he says, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
In your weakness, where is it you are weak? Define those and within that see how can God show up.
For example, some people’s weakness (actually the most people, which is why we spend an entire section on our thought-process in according to Scripture) focus on what is wrong with their children and expend energy.
If you draw on God’s strength, what does He do? While He does correct, He also does see the “workmanship” You are, the things that are good, forgives for all offenses, encourages when you stumble.
What if you incorporated that into your parenting, drawing on God’s strength instead of leaning into your weakness? Apply that into the life, when seeing a child doing, even just slightly, the very thing you wish they were doing all the time, shower them with encouragement in that moment, not shame.
Again, we could have a whole series on christian parenting, but I would start there to hundredfold: don’t spend time within your weakness, let God show you His strength in what to do, let Him show your the strengths He gave you, and know His grace is sufficient.
Hundredfold Insights Into Finance
Hi, here is an interview with Bob from Christian PF. This is a Christian Personal Finance site that can begin to add some helpful information in how you get a handle of your finances.
I believe knowing some of these basic things, in combination with transforming the way you think and feel in accordance with Scripture, will result in tangible changes.
Personal finance is one area which I believe is important to get a hold of. But I believe to take these wise steps in the right context: first seek the Kingdom of God, release your need to hold onto any financial possessions, and come to them in the right posture, understanding it all belongs to God.
I know this sounds difficult, which is why I put the entire process together over a 40-day period. But I also know that many readers have been struggling with debt, so wanted them to be able to take actions, which are an important part in the 40 days.
So, enjoy, and take notes!
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
