Category: Reflection on Life

Reflection on Life

Creation Tales of Today and the Lies They Tell

Bibs

An Essay

Introduction

The Big Bang Theory[1] and Darwin’s Theory of Evolution[2] both have proponents and critics in the scientific world today. Critics argue based on fossil findings or complexities that beg for an intelligent design rather than pure chance and natural selection[3]. Recently this theory of intelligent design has gotten attention, with scientists like Stephen Meyer bringing forth scientific evidence that point to an intelligent force behind the created universe[4]. While these efforts take a step towards theism, they do not acknowledge the Christian God or Christ Jesus as the author of life.

So I’d like to take a different angle in this short essay. Rather than approaching these theories from a scientific perspective, as intelligent design attempts to do, I will look at the lies that surface beneath the narrative of these theories, the effects on our lives if we believe them, and contrast them with the truth that I believe we find in God’s word.

No creator – Mere physics

The Big Bang Theory tells the story of a universe whose formation is the result of the laws of physics that by chance brought about the universe we can behold today. This includes us humans too. No supernatural force, no creator, mere physics. If chance is the governing principle behind our very existence, what deeper purpose do we have than to live today and die tomorrow? Being born blind, in poverty, or in an abusive home is just simply unlucky.

A person with a comparatively privileged starting point may have a stronger inclination to accept this narrative than a person with an “unlucky” starting point.  The latter may wonder about the “why” and pursue to find meaning while the former may be comfortable to rest on their privileges.

If we believe that all is born out of a series of “lucky chances”, what holds us accountable for the choices we make in life? The laws of physics that supposedly govern the creation process do not regulate human interaction. With no “higher force” there is no absolute morality, meaning that right and wrong are relative and subject to change. And if we agree on the premise that human reasoning is fallible, then so is their perception of what is right, wrong, and good.

Scripture provides a different narrative:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” – Genisis 1:1

“By wisdom the LORD founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens.” – Proverbs 3:19

In the beginning God.
A creator with a purpose, a will, and a plan.
All that is seen, and unseen is created out of “ex nihilo” – out of nothing.
Ironically, the very skies the Big Bang theory looks to for proof are the ones pointing to God:

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.”
– Psalm 19:1

If there is a wilful directed act of creation, everything receives a purpose.
No longer can the “privileged” person rest on his lot in life without wondering what his response should be while the “unlucky” person is encouraged that there is more to his circumstances than meets the eye.  God has given his creation a blue print for life and clarity as to what is right and wrong – absolute morality. There is no question about purpose or what may be good and true.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

Purpose is at the heart of what drives people. If we believe the lie that the heavens are merely a witness to observable physical principles and void of a creator, subject to chance and continuous change, there is no stability or accountability.

Not created – Evolved

Charles Darwin’s Theory claims that humans are a product of evolution and natural selection. What makes us humans different from other animals are evolved traits and the cognitive abilities that come with them. Based on these differences we carry a notion of superior worth, having evolved more favourably. We can see this mentality manifested in unequal rights that are found across species, genders, and ethnicities.

And herein lies the issue. If what makes us superior or have more worth is tied to a favourable natural selection, how does this shape my understanding of identity and other humans?  Is a person with a higher IQ or stronger physique worth more than a human born with a weaker build or more limited cognitive abilities? And where does this leave humans born with a disability? We may treat people, even subconsciously, based on our discernment of their worth and dignity. One person with more “favourable” traits may much enjoy their standing and this idea of natural selection and evolution while another may wrestle with their self-worth.

Believing that this sense of superiority that we claim over other species is tied to evolutionary processes, leaves people with an identity rooted in their superior standing (“being the fittest”) among others. A worth that is dependent on comparison and triggers competition.  

The Bible roots the worth and dignity of a person in the creator’s design.

“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.”  – Genesis 1:26-27

Created in the image of God – imago dei. The Bible is clear on the source of a person’s worth by linking it back to the will of the one who created them. There is no difference between men and woman in respect to their worth and divinely granted authority over the rest of creation. God makes it clear, that humans are a purposeful design and set apart from the beginning.

Rather than a sense of superiority, scripture encourages humility and wonder in view of our creation and relation to one another and God:

“ As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”
 – Psalm 103:13-14
“For you created my inmost being;  you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;  your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:13-14

Where we derive our identity from shapes how we relate to others and the world around us. Where is the sense of superiority or self-belittling, when we understand that we are purposefully created, set apart with an inherit unchanging worth, and far inferior to the one who created us? Rather than comparing ourselves to others and competing for more worth, there is a freedom in discovering our identity and worth in the creator God.

Last thoughts

While intelligent design can offer competing scientific evidence and arguments challenging the two theories addressed in this essay, they do not offer answers to questions that arise regarding the larger narrative of life. Questions that move beyond a scientific understanding to our perception of self, others, the world, and this “intelligent designer”:

  • What is my purpose? / Why was I created?
  • How does this creator “force” relate to me?
  • What is my place in this creation?
  • Who am I?

Intelligent design and other theories end where faith begins and searches for answer to these existential questions. Scripture offers the same answer it did 2000 years ago:

“For in him (Christ Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” – Colossians 1:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3

[1] “The Big Bang Theory is a scientific definition of the origin of the universe that is widely accepted. This theory says that our universe began as a singularity. A point of extremely high temperature and infinite density and has been expanding ever since.” What is the Big Bang Theory? How did our universe begin? – Astronomy Explained

[2] “Charles Darwin was a British naturalist who proposed the theory of biological evolution by natural selection. Darwin defined evolution as “descent with modification,” the idea that species change over time, give rise to new species, and share a common ancestor.” Darwin, evolution, & natural selection (article) | Khan Academy

[3] Darwin’s Top 10 Arguments Against His Own Theory | Evolution News

[4] Where Darwinism Breaks Down | Discovery Institute

Reflection on Life

New, Exciting, just not this…

Bibs

Getting to the root of feeling stuck and waiting
on God’s “bigger” and “better”

Have you ever felt stuck. I mean really stuck in life. The kind where all around you there seems to be this beautiful momentum but your life is just on hold or at most a slow progression in some unknown space. Maybe you have just come out of some momentum of your own but now there just seems to be that same old routine and that initial fire for purpose has dimmed down to a quiet ember. And apart from the occasional encounter with someone or an inspirational message here and there it really doesn’t seem like your life is moving in the purposeful or epic direction you had hoped for.

Should any of this hit home, let me assure you, that you are in good company my friend. I would like to describe myself generously as a visionary. I am not the greatest at executing plans but man can I dream up an epic adventure. Hanging on to so many words and dreams that spoke into my life I have spent much time longing for that purpose, that mind-blowing adventure to commence. Now, of course I have had inspiring and purpose-driven seasons in life. Times where I have witnessed God move in crazy and exciting ways. But every one of those “take offs” was followed by a crash-landing back to daily life.
From spiritual high to spiritual low.

One look at scripture and you will see that this is not something that seems to be highly unusual. Some of the passages and stories in God’s word happen to include lengthy seasons of desert – literally. This is not to say that some of my own loss of momentum in life hadn’t been on account of my own error, but God’s design for our life with him does seem to include a desert every now and again. It’s in those desert places where the nitty-gritty character-shaping workout often takes place. Where God seems quiet, and your best efforts seem to be but hot air.

I wish I could tell you a bullet proof way of getting out of that place, a way to kick-start that epic-God-given-purpose you have been waiting for. Maybe something that you read today gives you that kick – great! – if not, allow me to at least give you a fresh perspective today. I want to share with you a bitter-sweet truth that I am currently processing. Most likely a truth you have heard before – but reminders never hurt. 

Last Thursday evening my small group met to exchange their thoughts concerning previous Sunday’s message “heavenly ambition”. Prompted by one of the guys in the group, we all shared what we believe to be our “heavenly” ambition. And as I was listening, I reflected on my own “Paul-sized” ambitions; being a missionary and visiting all our partnering churches, helping with youth programs in less fortunate countries, being a known teacher/speaker around the globe, leading and discipling youth and young women and so on… when all of a sudden God interrupted my dreaming with a question:

How can you get so excited about a ministry in another country but feel contempt about the place I placed you in right now? Why do you feel a love for the youth in Armenia, but lack that same passion for the youth in your neighbourhood?

Ouch.
Allow me to elaborate…
I had been serving in the youth ministry in my church but lately had just not seen a lot of momentum anymore. As a teacher at a local school my hope for a revival among students and teachers had slowly faded. And my prayers for the people around me had been largely replaced with prayers for my day to day worries and challenges. I had become increasingly discouraged. And with growing discouragement my commitment and passion had begun to fade and my desire and hopes for some “bigger” and “better” purpose had begun to consume my daily dreaming.

And this is where God met me. Right where I was at, with a simple but profound question.

The simple truth, my friend, is that God had called me to serve just where I was at and had no intention of giving me a “new” assignment just because my passion for his initial calling was growing dim. He had given me a vision for my youth at church, at school and for the people around me and this had not changed but my efforts surely had.

And while others in my small-Groupe finished sharing their take on “heavenly” ambition the round came to a close with some final reflections from the guy who had prompted us in the first place:

It seems that we often get lost in desiring some ambition that someone else may be walking in – ambition that seems so much more exciting and glorious than the one we feel called to. And when you add all the noise of social-media-comparison on top of that you find yourself in a fog unable to see where you should be going. Each of us has a unique calling and like the analogy of the body being made up of many parts (1.Corinthians 12:12-27) the ambitions God has for us may certainly not be the same as that of someone else. Furthermore, our ambitions are to serve the body (the church of Christ) as one and therefor are crucial to those around us. So, us desiring and dreaming about someone else’s ambition will confuse us and, in that space, we will fail to walk in the purposes of God for our lives and those around us.”

There it is. Simple and sweet and maybe a bit bitter.
I don’t doubt for a second that God is keenly interested in taking you onto an amazing adventure and using you most mightily for his kingdom purpose in this lifetime on earth. However, his word also reminds us that God is looking for those faithful stewards.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” – Luke 16:10

This is God’s kingdom principle. The most epic stories in the bible are testimony to this principle. Allow me to remind you of some:

  • David anointed to become king, first spent years tending to his family’s sheep and protecting them and leading an outcast army in the desert before being placed as king to protect and lead the people of Israel.
  • Joseph had only a dream to hold on, while serving faithfully and with integrity as a slave for years before being put in charge as second over the Egyptian empire.
  • Job had no glimpse of God’s working for 37 chapters as he wrestled through loss and despair yet finding a place to worship God regardless of it all. And then also was raised up and walked into God’s blessings for his life.

And these are but a few of so many lives governed by this principle. Now, I do hope that your journey will not include years of deserts, but it is in those times that God has equipped those he called. So, take heart and ignite that passion for the purposes set before you today. Be it praying for that person God had placed on your heart, serving in kids church, sharing Christ’s love with your grumpy co-worker, or encouraging that stranger you walk past every so often. I believe God is looking for obedient and faithful people. Yes, a people who desire and dream big-kingdom dreams, but also those who will humble themselves where God placed them.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
– 1 Peter 5:6

This then is my prayer for you. That you may take courage from God’s word and the testimony of those who have walked before you in God’s purposes. I pray that the Holy Spirit may remind you of the places God has called you and equipped you to serve today. That you may experience his favour in those places and his grace in the desert places. That you may clothe yourselves in joy and contentment as Paul “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstance” (Philippians 4:11) and throw off all discouragement and discontent.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Reflection on Life

There’s got to be more to life

Bibs

Longing for that freedom in Christ

It started with a simple question. “How do you see God?”
Then gradually a group of teenagers started to express with a deep sense of reference their frustration. Some expressed a sense of vast distance between them and God, while others felt a heavy weight regarding the expectations they felt were in place. Still others expressed doubt, that they even had anything that could be called a “personal relationship” with their creator, or Christ as they said. And in all of it a deep sense of feeling lost in a reality that seems so different to the ideal they believe in and try to convince others of.
I can relate.
Many times, sometimes still today, I would find myself faced with a reality of faith that seemed not to be the Gospel and good news that I was at the same time trying to share with others. This all together would make me feel much like a hypocrite and I assume, made me not a very convincing witness. In those times, spiritual disciplines such as praying, reading the Bible or even worshiping started to feel heavy – and tainted with a sense of duty, rather than joyous seeking.
This all would give me an awful sense of feeling like I was not measuring up; that somehow, I just needed to do more to get closer to God. During my teen years and early twenties, these crisis’ usually spiralled me into exhaustion, until I found myself just wanting to give up. Then I would calm down, get back up and start with a new sense of enthusiasm back into the same patterns – working my way into measuring up, working my way closer to God – always feeling that despite a conviction that my faith in God and Christ must be the true way and certainly full of beautiful aspects, there had to be more to life than this heavy religion.

God has done an amazing work in the last years. I still have ups and downs and occasionally will wind up trying to work myself into trying to prove myself to God; however, God has been leading me into a beautiful sense of freedom and peace.

Sometimes all I need these days is to take a deep breath…

and I am keenly aware again of the lightness which is grounded on my trust in God unlimited ability and love. Yet, while I tried to encourage this group of teenagers with this testimony, I began to wonder how I had gotten here. What had changed? And how could I avoid giving them just another well-intended recipe that would tempt them to work it out themselves?

As I meditated on this during my week, God’s spirit reminded me of scripture; bringing in the right messages; and opening my eyes to truth that I had not yet understood.
And so, I would like to share God’s word and reflect on a message about the freedom we have in Christ.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

This is the verse that sprung first to my mind when listening to these teens last Sunday. Weariness and a feeling of being burdened is exactly what I can relate to and seems to be what the teenagers are experiencing. So, what can we gather from this verse?
Let me begin with Jesus first words, which resound as an invitation “Come to me”. A commentary pointed out: “Many times Jesus said, “Come after (follow) me,” but only here does he say, ‘Come to me.’” A similar call precedes Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:29). We see him stepping out of a boat and walking towards the one who called him. As the story goes, you might remember this “walking on water” went great until his focus shifted to the waves.[1]  The same Peter, after having expressed his utmost loyalty to Christ, becomes painfully aware of his limitations regarding his love for Christ a few chapters later. Yet, faced with his limitations Jesus calls him to join into a great purpose – not a heavy load – but a glorious and grand commission. In the same way Jesus encourages us in this verse in Matthew to come to him with our limitations and simply answer his call.

We get messed up when we try to work things for God instead of working with God.

And the motivation might as well be love towards God when we try to do something grand for him; If I am honest, many times my hidden motive for doing a righteous work for God was and is a desire to be worthy of his love; To be good enough. But He is not asking for us to work for him but with him.
It’s a shift of focus.
We look to Jesus Christ and not our own strength; to his teaching and not our own figuring it all out. My biggest challenge DAILY is to look to Christ and simply walk with him rather than working my way to him. And in essence that is what all reflection of this week has pointed to – look to Him.

Does that mean we don’t have to read our bibles anymore, pray or practice any kind of discipline[2]?

No. Spiritual disciplines are keys that help us unlock a deeper understanding and fuller life in faith – when practiced out of a sense of purpose rather than wanting to proof ourselves. There is a life where discipline and freedom do not contradict. A life where disciplines can turn into desires, and the walk is an adventure and not a chain of endless frustrations.
My best friend once said:

“Wherever your focus is there is your centre of gravity and all the weight will be pulled towards it.”

So, when I focus on myself, and make my relationship with God depended upon my works, all the pressure will be on me. But when I focus on Christ and his works the centre of gravity shifts and I step into a lightness, finding myself practicing spiritual disciplines with a sense of joy.

I used to think there had to be more to life than a constant struggle and God feeling distant. More than feeling like I had to be something else, something better before being able to live the life God called me to live; A deeper and more real relationship with Jesus. What if the answer is simple? As simple, as going to Jesus, as we are, not with a desire to proof ourselves, but rather with a willing heart and an awareness of our own limits, trusting in his leading. So, when we are burnt out on religion, we find a gentle Lord and Friend. 

As it all comes together beautifully Jesus calls us to “come”, to “lay down” all that is heaviness, to “follow” him, to “find” life and purpose and freedom, and to “soar on wings like eagles”.

A simple gospel.

I pray that this message may encourage you. Encourage you to take a deep breath and lay down your burdens. To find rest for your soul in the freedom that we have because of all that Christ did and all that he is. Encouraged to learn from him as you dive into scripture and walk with him daily. To simply come and meet him. Encouraged that there is an abundant life God has desired for us, and a destination that goes beyond all we see here on earth. Encourage to rest in his grace and his mercy, knowing that he is fully able; Knowing that HE will finish what he has begun in you. Encouraged that his gospel will become the beat of your life and a testimony to the world. Look to him, bring a willing heart, and do not let fear and doubt rob you of a beautiful sense of peace in Christs love for you.

If you would like to comment on something that stood out to you in your studies or if you would like to share your testimony within these truths – you are welcomed to reply by leaving me a message.

Truths to meditate on…

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2.Corinthians 3:17

“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. […] As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:5; 9-12

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

[1] See also “A little faith”

[2] Discipline: choosing what we want most, over what we want now.

Reflection on Life

Don’t look back!

Bibs

What we can learn from Lot’s wife – approaching the new year.

New Years is usually a time I reflect on the year gone by and all that has happened. This year is certainly no exception. While my ponderings take me through the highs and lows, there is something beautifully different this year. My mind does not linger as it used to, on the painful memories or regretful moments. Somehow in all the craziness of this year, my mind and spirit are quickened by God’s sovereignty in all of it. It’s as if I can see God’s fingerprint in all that has taken place this year. And so, my annual reflection turns into a song of praise for all the beauty and wonder that God has worked out this year. It’s this kind of remembering of God’s goodness that we are encouraged to do in scripture:

Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. – Isaiah 46:9

Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. – Lamentations 3:21-23 

When we remember what God has done, what he has promised and spoken, our faith is strengthened, and fear and doubt lose their power in our lives. I believe that this remembering must be actively encouraged and practiced. I personally do this by journaling, reading scripture and sharing God’s faithfulness with my friends and family. So, when fear has a grip on me, it will be a reminder shared by a friend, a scripture or my own writings that break those chains and give me faith to move beyond doubts.

As much as I could go on about the importance of remembering God’s goodness, it is not the central thought that prompted me to write this post – or the title for that matter. It’s very relevant, yes, but my inspiration finds its beginning with a scripture I read in Luke:

“Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.” – Luke 17:32-33

The verse is found amid Jesus warning his disciples about the time to come – the time of God’s kingdom. While there is much that can be said about these verses, what caught my attention was Jesus’ reference to Lot’s wife.

Lot was the nephew of Abraham and he lived with his wife and daughters in Sodom. God had decided to destroy both the city of Sodom and Gomorrah but sent Angles to warn Lot and urge him to leave the city. As the family is taken by the angles and sent on their way, they receive this warning:

“Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!” – Genesis 19:17

However, as the family reaches safety and burning sulfur begins to rain on the cities, well…

“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” – Genesis 19:26

A pillar of salt. She didn’t get struck dead or consumed by fire – as it’s found in other occasions in scripture. No, she turned into a solid pillar of salt. A passage I have heard and read about several times, suddenly got me questioning:

  • Why did turned into a solid pillar?

A solid pillar is unable to move, it is “stuck” in one position. I believe Lot’s wife symbolizes what happens to us, when we look back in our lives. We get stuck. I am not refering to times we recount events with people or try to remember an occasion in the past. Rather, it’s the moments when we find ourselves unable to let go of what was, maybe even long to return to a different time in our lives, that we get stuck. We no longer move forward, but instead are held in a space in the past by an an invisible force. And while the world keeps turning our minds and hearts are frozen in time. 

In my life, this has happened with the end of a relationship or any undesirable change in my life. My mind would then get lost in memories of the past, going through all kinds of “What if’s” and “If onlys”. And while the changes would ripple into forward movement around me, my mind would be stuck. Until I’d find a place and the strength to let go, to turn forward, to trust God and move on. Easier said than done, I know. It’s nevertheless, the vivid image I take from Lot’s wife.

It’s not just this image of a solid pillar that I have pondered on. As I was walking this evening, I had another question:

  • Why a pillar of salt?

Why not a pillar of stone, marble, or any other solid material? Well, after some praying and pondering here are my thoughts:

  • Salt was and is used as a preservative. It keeps things from expiring or in our example from further developing.
  • Salt dissolves in water. Which means, that after some rain, a pillar of salt would have dissolved into the ground, no longer to be seen or remembered.

So, this is what I took from the pillar of salt: When we live in the past – look back – we no longer move forward. We are preserved in the past and no longer develop. And as we cease to impact the world around us, which is moving forward, well… in the worst case, we slowly dissolve.

Going back to the passage in Luke 17. Jesus urges his followers, that whoever tries to keep their life will lose it. And whoever loses their life will preserve it.
(see the play of words here 😉 “preserve” – “salt”?)

I used to look back to my rebellious days with almost a sense of longing or at least feeling as if that part of my life deserved to be remembered as a part of me. The consequence of this, was an ongoing battle with past sins and thought patterns.

At some point God showed me that holding on to this part of my life was keeping me from moving into what he had for me.

For he promises:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2. Corinthians 5:17

It was when I began to let go of that part of my life – losing it – that I found a beautiful new life. We all can have excuses for holding on to our past. And change is not always easy to embrace. However, when we believe that God’s will is good, and he is for us, all knowing and all loving, we should find our eyes, eagerly gazing ahead. For the fulfilment of his promises and his providence, they are before us. And so, approaching this new year, I challenge you:

Don’t look back!

Remember God’s goodness in your life. Let go. Find his truth and promises for your life in his word. And then, take a leap of faith into the unknown.

Happy New Year.

Reflection on Life

I played my drum for Him

Bibs

What a drummer boy taught me about true worship

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum.
A newborn King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum
So to honour Him, pa rum pum pum pum
When we come”

– Little drummer boy

Chances are that you read the verses of this classic Christmas song with the melody playing in your head. Growing up, this was one of my favourite Christmas songs. So much so, that I convinced my parents to give me a drum one Christmas. Not sure how long it took before they found themselves regretting giving their child such a noise-making Christmas-gift. The song, however, was just one aspect of my excitement regarding the drummer boy. The movie from 1968 and its heart-warming ending was a yearly must-watch for me. A boy full of bitterness and hurt encounters the new-born Christ King, plays the drum for him, and finds his heart warmed with love.
20 years later, I find myself on YouTube re-watching this childhood-classic and teary-eyed I am captivated yet again by the final-scene and song. As it is, I was left listening to variations of the song up and down over the next days, only to be surprised at my spirit’s response in worship to the words of the song. So, I listened. Listened to the words I knew so well. Listened, and marvelled at the heart of worship that I found within those few lines.
Allow me to share a deeper look into this Christmas-classic and the revelation about worship found within.

One of the things that humbled me about these first few lines, is this heart acknowledging that Christ is nothing less than our eternal King. Not only a Good Shepherd or Merciful Saviour, no, also our king deserving of “finest gifts” and honour. As this sinks in, there is a heaviness on me. I think of the revelation of Christ in the New Testament writings and become painfully aware of how little I have to offer to One who is crowned with glory above all the earth.

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”- Hebrews 1:3-4

And in this painful awareness I sing the next lines of the song:

Little Baby, I am a poor boy too. I have no gift to bring that’s fit to give a King. Shall I play for you on my drum?

Now, I do not know how to play the drum, nor do I own one anymore. Yet, I have found that the heart of worship is not limited to any instrument, nor any song or harmony for that matter. Rather, we bring the very thing we have – in the case of our drummer boy it was his talent and drum. God himself revealed to the prophet Isaiah that true worship is not a matter of words or rules but the condition of our hearts:

“These people come near to me with their mouth and honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” – Isaiah 29:13

And so, the next lines of the Christmas-classic resound:

Mary nodded, the ox and lamb kept time. I played my drum for Him. I played my best for Him. Then He smiled at me, me and my drum.

We do not just “play our drums for him”, we play our BEST for Him. This is where the song gets me every time. When was the last time gave Christ my absolute best? If I take this beyond my hand-lifting praise in church extending this notion to my service in the youth-ministry, my fellowship with friends and family, my work… What if worship is more than a song, more than a church service, more than financial giving and acts of service?

What if our BEST extends to every aspect of our lives? – A life of worship.

Let’s go back to our drummer boy, who full of bitterness and hate, offered the very best he had – all he had. And in this act of worship he found himself transformed – transformed by the child’s smile. No longer did he hold on to the bitterness and pain of his past but found love deep within his heart.
True worship changes us.

And whether with a drum, a voice, or an act of service[1], worship that honours God is worship that is in spirit and the truth[2]:

“The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” – John 4:23-24

I believe if we worship in “spirit and truth” our stubborn heart and mind are transformed by the revelation of God’s might, love and mercy, which is in Christ. And as Christ poured out his life for us as a fragrant offering of worship, true worship overflows into every aspect of our lives, allowing us to give our BEST by pouring out our lives to the glory of God.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1

May these thoughts inspire you to reflect this Christmas on God’s desire for worshippers; find your life transformed as you learn to worship in spirit and truth, giving every aspect of your life to God in worship; redirect your gaze to Jesus Christ and all He is. All your bitterness and pain, they diminish in the light of Him. May you grow in knowledge and insight of His truth, through His Holy Spirit.

Merry Christmas


Some further thoughts on a “a life of worship”:

The first thought that comes to mind when I think of a life of worship, is King David. Not only did he write most of the Psalms and Songs found in the old testament, but was a man who is remembered for shamelessly longing to honour God with all his might:

“And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might” – 2. Samuel 6:14

And yet, David’s life was flawed by sin, just like God’s people, whose story of devotion and sin, we follow, all the way to Christ; to a King, born in a manger, who lived a perfect life of worship and poured out his very BEST – his own life. As our eyes are opened to really see our perfect King, suddenly mere songs of worship are transformed into something much more, a fragrant offering of a righteous life – a life of worship.

[1] as Billy Graham pointed out “The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service”

[2] To worship in “spirit and truth” involves our spirit connecting with God’s Spirit, and our love and reverence of God being expressed with in all sincerity.
«the truth» is found in God’s word referring to the Person of Jesus Christ, as well as the Gospel and God’s word.