Tag: Christian Living

Articles I have written specifically dealing with areas of Christian living.

It’s the Pitch of the Tent

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Christian Living

–May of 2002

It’s the Pitch of the Tent

“And Lot…pitched his tent toward Sodom.”

We are all in a constant state of movement.  Ask any parent and they will tell you their tumbling little toddler is running rapidly toward becoming a towering adult.  Ask any teacher and they will tell you that the first grader struggling to read small words and add simple figures will someday be reading the classics and doing calculus.  On the other hand, ask the doctor about aging, and he will tell you that we are moving away from strength to weakness, and from life to death.  For the Christian, Paul says we are, “being changed from glory to glory.”  (II Cor. 3:18)

We are all in the process of becoming.  We have moved from what we were and are now moving toward what we shall be.  The troubling thought about this is not that we are moving, but what we are moving toward.  Life refuses to let us be still.  We are either ascending or descending, mounting up or sinking down.

An important question in this process is, “What determines our direction?”  A.W. Tozer said, “We are becoming what we love.  We are to a large degree the sum of our loves and we will of moral necessity grow into the image of what we love most.”

No wonder the greatest commandment in the Bible is, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.”  (Matt. 22:37)  Jesus infers this in the Sermon on the Mount when He said, “Where your treasure is, there will be your heart be also.”  (Matt. 6:21)

You and I are being molded by our affinities and shaped by the things we love.  This is the reason behind Lot’s tragedy.  He held an affinity for the well-watered plains of Jordan and ended up a resident ruler in Sodom.  The closing scene of Lot’s life is a portrait of drunkenness and incest.  How did he get there?  He had his heart set on the wrong thing.

The law of moral affinity will either shape our life into a vessel of honor or else will mold us into something twisted and evil.  Both Jezebel and Judas were at one time pink-cheeked innocent children, but they set their affections on the wrong things and were carried down stream by a moral undertow.  There is no middle ground.  Its not where you are this moment, it is where you’re moving.  It is the “pitch of the tent.”  Just ask Lot!

The Clothes I Wear–Does God Care?

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Christian Living, Culture

–March of 2002

The Clothes I Wear – Does God Care?

Biblical Principles for Attire

Personal adornment is not one of the greatest issues of a godly life, but it is one of them.  With the rapid decline of Western culture and its abandonment of time-honored values and morals, the gap is widening between contemporary fashion and what is appropriate for a Christian.  The message that the fashion industry seeks to communicate through current fashion trends is often in direct conflict with what a Christian is comfortable in wearing.  For the Christian teenager, or for a new Christian, this conflicting viewpoint between the Word and the World may become the occasion of a temporary personal struggle which can distort the whole issue of dress entirely out of proportion to its true spiritual significance. To prevent this from happening, the church should faithfully teach each generation the Biblical guidelines for adornment.   Without this instruction, many will succumb to the pressure of a secular society’s imposing view or struggle with what may appear to be, and sometimes is, man-made rules.  Young people must know the difference between biblical principle and the traditions or convictions of the Church.  Knowing the difference will give them greater freedom to accept both.

At the beginning of this discussion it must be repeated that God’s Word and this present world present conflicting points of view about attire.  But it must also be noted that there is one thing that both the world and the Word agree on.

“THE CLOTHES YOU WEAR COMMUNICATE A MESSAGE!”

Fashion expert John T. Molloy said, “What you wear signals what you are.  Your clothes speak a body language.  You can elicit any effect you desire through the way you dress.  You can look successful or impoverished, honest or sinister, sexy or puritanical…all depending on what you wear”.   The business world uses this principle of dress to portray confidence, leadership, honesty and professionalism in its executives and sales staff.  The fallen world uses it to portray its message of lust and rebellion.  The Bible utilizes this principle as well.  When God wants to make a statement about the character, attitude or personality of an individual, He often uses a description of their attire to do it.

In today’s world, the message communicated is often a moral one. A person can convey the language of their soul through what they wear. They can make an outward statement about their inner-held values just by the way they adorn themselves

This explains why opinions are often formed about a person simply based on the way they dress.  More seriously, moral judgements are often made about people based on how they dress.  Clothing that overly accentuates or exposes the body can bring with it a moral judgement about a person’s character.  Teenagers with baggy, falling pants, heavy chains, studs in their ears and lips, brightly colored hair, with a cap perched on their head in the wrong direction, send out a message  they often gives them a low rating in areas of honesty, industry and morality.  Some styles of clothing are made deliberately to attest to the sexual perversion of the wearer.   Clothing styles that push the edge make anyone within mainstream civilization nervous or uncomfortable around the person that wears them.  Clothes communicate a message.

THE WORLD HAS A MESSAGE TO COMMUNICATE

Manufacturers of clothing must address the need for clothing in a way that makes the clothing both popular and profitable.  So, leading fashion designers are motivated by two things:  Money and message.  To insure that they succeed on both, they are guided by four principles.  First, the utility principle.  This principle addresses the need for various types of clothing.  For example: uniforms, athletic attire, seasonal clothing, etc. Second, the hierarchical principle.  This guides the designer to design clothing in such a way that appeals to human pride.  Designers seek to create styles and options that enable the wearer to feel proud and haughty when wearing them, giving him the feeling that he is better than others who do not wear this particular label.  Third, the autonomy principle.  The point here is to design clothing that gives the wearer the ability to feel free from all inhibitions; a sense of total self expression.  This allows the wearer to rebel against societal and Biblical norms, shocking his observer with the clothes that he wears.  Fourth, the seduction principle.  Sex appeal is the strongest motive of all in designing clothing, particularly women’s clothing. The point here is obvious.  Create clothing that accentuates the sexuality of the wearer. This principle is maintained from year to year by changing the area of exposure, called erotic zones.  Designers go from see-through clothes, to a tight wrap around, to mini skirts, to long skirts with long slits, or to a dress with serious cleavage exposure.

The last three of these principles are utilized to the extreme to communicate a message – the message of a fallen world.

GOD HAS A MESSAGE TO COMMUNICATE

God doesn’t make the issue of personal adornment one of the greatest issues in the Bible.  To elevate it to such a place is dangerous.  But He does raise the issue and lays down principles to govern the Christian’s adornment. To apply those principles in our lives is not legalism but love.

Before I offer this list of Biblical principles, let me preface them with some statements that are drawn from a logical study of God’s viewpoint on the subject.

  1. God speaks through basic principles rather than rules when it comes to our adornment.
  2. These principles are given in the context of Christian growth rather than as evidence of conversion.
  3. Individuals and Churches are responsible to take these principles and apply them to their lives through personal convictions (individual) or collective convictions (churches).
  4. The desire to look nice is legitimate and God-given.  An attractive and neat appearance is glorifying to God and an asset in all walks of life.
  5. The love of colors and variety is a God-given part of a person’s personality.
  6. Attention to current modes of dress is not necessarily wrong. (If so, we would have to adopt a uniform or settle on an antiquated style of attire.)  If current practices and Christian principle disagree, we must side with Christian principle.

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR DRESS

  • The principle of covering the body rather than exposing it.  II Timothy 2:9.  Clothes should never be worn that expose (see through), or unduly accentuate body parts, or do not cover our nakedness (Biblically we are naked when we expose the torso or thigh).
  • The principle to dress so as to identify the sexes rather than confuse them.  Deuteronomy 22:5.
  • The principle of stressing the inward rather than the outward.  I Timothy 2:9, I Peter 3:3.  The Bible tells us our beauty should not depend on outward adornment, but should flow from within from our spirit.  This is not to minimize adornment but to rather give it a very special place.  Adornment becomes a servant to us, used to reflect the grace of God within.
  • The principle of moderation and simplicity rather than ostentation and showiness.  I Timothy 2:8-10, I Peter 3:3-4.  Christian should seek to dress modestly and in moderately.  They should avoid an ostentatious display of riches, either to show off their social standing or to call attention to their person.  All extremes should be avoided.  In these two passages, the Bible clearly prohibits the ornamentation of the body.  Christians should be careful that they do not invest an unreasonable amount in clothes.
  • The principle to be transformed by the Word rather than to be conformed to the world.  Romans 12:2, II Corinthians 6:11-71.  The Bible is quite clear about separation, and that call to separation will ultimately find its way into the way we dress.
  • The principle of propriety.  Romans 14:16.  As a matter of good culture, some forms of clothing should not be worn in certain places and at certain times that may be appropriate under other conditions.

As a Christian, we are guided by the leadership of the Holy Spirit and a sincere desire to please God and obey His Word.  All earnest Christians want to reflect God’s objectives and biblical values in both their inner and outer person.  We should be motivated at all times to communicate the message of godliness and holiness in our walk, talk and spirit.

In evaluating this matter of what we wear, we should ask ourselves these two questions: First, “What do I want to say with my life?”  Second, “Do the clothes I wear communicate the Biblical values that I seek to live by?”

Biblical Principles for Music

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Christian Living, Culture

–March of 2002

Biblical Principles for Music

By Michael Avery and Rodney Sones

Music is one of the most powerful forces both in our culture and in our personal lives. Every kind of music that we choose to enjoy affects our lives in some way. Music has the power to inspire, encourage, and lift our souls to ecstasy. It can make us weep with sadness, passionate for romance or blind with anger. Such a powerful medium must be used with wisdom. Our choices regarding its use should be guided by good principles. We should choose music because we know it is good. For the Christian, the Bible is our guide and standard. What principles can a Christian use to discover good music?

Because music and the arts are inherently subjective, it is difficult at times to clearly identify what does or does not glorify God. But while the Bible does not describe the technical stylistic traits of good or bad music or give explicit rules on what music is acceptable, it does give us principles that we must apply to all of our lifestyle choices – choices such as the media we consume, the entertainment we enjoy, and the music we listen to.

In giving us principles, God has intentionally allowed a degree of freedom and variety in our musical expressions. This freedom gives us room to change and to grow. A wonderful variety of expression is seen between and within cultures. But with this freedom comes responsibility and opportunity.

Our responsibility is to honor the One who gave us these gifts and granted us these privileges of choice. It is to reflect His holiness in the choices we make. And the opportunity is to discover the joy that such choices bring, if we are willing to reach that level of living. This freedom allows us to grow as we orient our desires toward things that are of greatest value. The choice of our music reflects our inner values and mirrors our soul, just as the other outward expressions of our culture like clothing, language, and entertainment reflect our inner selves.

How, then, shall we discover and apply principles of godly living to our music? How shall we orient our lives toward pleasing God above all others? We must begin where God has spoken. We must saturate our soul with God’s Word. This will produce what we call a “Biblically-conditioned discernment” – a discernment that reflects God’s viewpoint, because it springs from Biblical principle. There is no substitute for Biblically-conditioned discernment if we desire the clear leadership of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Without this discernment, Christians often make life choices that are harmful to them spiritually without sensing any wrong in doing so. Many feel free to choose whatever music they like, because the Bible doesn’t directly identify a particular style as sinful. This approach to making lifestyle choices will lead to spiritual decay, because it naturally fills one’s life with things of lesser value.

But while discipline in our lifestyle choices is necessary and foundational to a life of joy, the choice of a disciplined lifestyle does not relegate us to boredom and starch! One of the things that God has put into our very soul is the conviction that whatever is good should bring with it a deep sense of satisfaction. So making careful choices in music does not mean choosing distasteful music over what we like. Rather, it means choosing what satisfies us most deeply at the center of our being, while we reject illegitimate or less worthy music in favor of finding this deeper satisfaction. The music we choose should be godly, interesting, and enjoyable!

The Biblical principles that govern our freedom to choose, then, spring from two balancing concepts: exaltation, which is the need to make choices that honor God; and edification, which is the corresponding need to fill our lives with things that are inherently wholesome and good. Please examine the following brief list of principles we can reference when applying these concepts. You may be able to list more.

Principle 1: EXALTATION

If the music is Christian, do the music and lyrics exalt God? We begin with God, because He is first. While not all music will be objectively focused on God Himself, the music should not glorify people, their talents, and experiences, etc, above God.

If the music is secular, do the values expressed glorify God? Even music that is not about God or Christian living should be in harmony with what is right and true. (I Cor. 10:31; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16.)

Supporting Principle: Harmonization

Do the lyrics express truth I believe is in harmony with God’s Word? (1 Tim. 1:10; 2 Tim. 3:15-17.)

Principle 2: EDIFICATION

Does the music edify me spiritually and mentally? We should choose value over immediate pleasure. We get satisfaction from choices made to simply gratify our fleshly desires. But this kind of satisfaction is shallow. It pales when compared to the deeper joy one can find in things of enough worth to be accepted by our Father. (Col. 3:1, Phil. 4:8, Col. 3:16.)

Supporting Principles: Transformation, Separation, and Sanctification

Can I take delight in this music and at the same time be conformed to the mind of Christ? Does the culture that surrounds this music conform to the mind of Christ? Does it reinforce the lifestyle that I believe best reflects principles of godly living?

The culture in which this music is born, packaged, and promoted should reflect Christian values and culture. (I Thess. 4:3, 7, 5:23; Col. 3:17; 2 Cor. 6:14; Psa. 139:21; 1 John 2:15-16; Eph. 5:11-12; Rom. 12:1; Col. 3:10; Matt. 7:17-18; 2 Cor. 6:14-15.)

What about CCM?

The very concept that anything is contemporary assumes that things have changed over time. All modes of culture are subject to change: styles of dress, styles of speech, and styles of musical and artistic expression. In each generation godly people must assess the new expressions of culture and apply the principles by which they live to the decisions these new expressions present.

Changes in musical style have often been a challenge for the Church. As a conservative institution, the Church is naturally wary of change, especially when new musical styles are influenced or created by those who are secular in their purposes or not trained Biblically or theologically. The danger is evident when changes are not driven by godly purposes but by the desire for innovation or personal pleasure.

Yet there is a natural need for refreshment in the expression of our worship to God. Development and change in music are good and wholesome, since our creativity reflects the image that God, our Creator, imprinted on us. Church music has reflected these changes over the centuries. Musical styles have progressed from Gregorian chant through metrical psalms and Wesley’s hymns to the amazing variety of choices at our disposal today. So there is a healthy tension between the need to preserve our heritage and the need to express ourselves in a new way.

Also the nature of music itself ensures there will be constant change in its forms and styles. Music is a cultural expression. Therefore it reflects the changes in values that are a part of its creators’ culture. And music is creative, so it is constantly being transformed by its creators as they seek new ways of expression. These natural forces ensure that there will always be – as there always has been – contemporary (or new) Christian music (CCM). All of what we sing today was new music in its own day. So new is not necessarily bad! We must be careful, in our enthusiasm, not to consider all new music to be worldly! God is not stuck in history.

There are at least three major criticisms leveled toward CCM:

(1) The evident influence of secular pop music in its musical style.

(2) The reflection of popular culture in that culture that surrounds the music (style of dress and speech, general atmosphere at concerts, etc.).

(3) The shallowness and theological emptiness of the lyrics in some CCM.

The first of these differences may be the one most evident to the uninitiated listener. The influence of secular popular music is evident in the restlessness of the musical style. This restlessness is produced by relentless rhythmic drive and harmonic stress. While there is great variety in pop musical styles, these traits are fairly consistent in the various styles we lump together as CCM. The question on which much philosophical debate hinges is whether or not that musical structure can carry a cultural message that conflicts with the message of the Gospel and the values of holiness. The definitive answer to that question is beyond the scope of this short article. But it is our opinion that all products of a culture reflect the values of that culture, and therefore carry its influence in some way.

The second of these criticisms – the reflection of popular culture in the culture that surrounds CCM – is of particular concern to people who have chosen careful disciplines of lifestyle.

The third of these criticisms is perhaps the one we have the most difficulty applying with equal honesty to our favorite styles. It is unfortunate that much of the criticism of CCM has been based on dislike of the unfamiliar, rather than on application of principles!

While there are obvious differences between today’s CCM and yesterday’s new music, the criticisms we level against it could often be leveled equally against some of the music styles of the recent past. Examples of shallowness and trite musical style are found within all styles of music, including the camp meeting music of the early nineteen hundreds, Southern gospel, and the “inspiration and praise” music of today. Some styles, however, seem to easily lend themselves to triteness.

Many people who are shocked by CCM readily accept other music marked by doctrinal carelessness, cheap grace, me-focused lyrics, and which is focused more on style or performance value than on godly values. It is hypocritical to apply a more severe standard to music we do not like than we apply to our favorite style.

What are some characteristics that may mark music as worldly?

(1) Music that seeks to conform me to this fallen world’s values. Music that expresses the attitudes and values of this fallen world’s music or that exhibits degenerate patterns, the rhythm and beat of a fallen world.

(2) Music that contains poor theology. Popular Christian music often emphasizes cheap-grace theology and fails to encourage holy, victorious living.

(3) Music that reflects packaging and marketing techniques that mirror a fallen secular music society. Today’s CCM often glamorizes a lifestyle contrary to Christian values. It is marked by secular, sensual marketing techniques like that of the music produced by a fallen world.

Fortunately, time has proven that most of yesterday’s froth and most of today’s CCM will fade away and be forgotten. The church has a way of purging itself of all but the best. The great hymns and other solid gospel songs have survived the test of time. The best of the new songs will surely find their place alongside the old.

New Year’s Resolutions, Anyone?

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Christian Living, Holiday

–Winter of 2002

New Year’s Resolutions, Anyone?

How long has it been since you’ve heard anyone talk about New Year’s resolutions?  It has been years since I’ve actually penned a list of resolves that I wanted to give special attention to throughout the New Year.  This year, I’ve decided to dust off this time-honored tradition and join my fellow pilgrims who will take up the challenge of change as the calendar year rolls over to 2002.

To insure that my resolutions do not melt away with February’s final snow, I’m putting them in print for all the Revivalist family to read.  Furthermore, I’m going to pledge to you an article on each one of these areas in the coming Revivalist year.

 RESOLVED: To gain an understanding of corporate worship

My holiness tradition has taught me much.  Yet, somehow, I missed the all important matter of worship.  Since coming to GBS, I have had more opportunity to experience church from a pew rather than from a pulpit.  To be honest, that has not been an altogether pleasant experience.  In saying that, I do not blame the church, but myself.  I have approached church far too often with the spirit of a discriminating consumer (what’s this doing for me?), rather than a grateful creature seeking to praise his Creator.  As a preacher, I have found myself being more of a sermon critic than a truth consumer.  I have left church thinking, “I don’t believe I got anything out of this service,” rather than wondering, “Was God pleased with my worship of Him today?”  I fear that I’m not alone.  The single-most complaint I hear about church is the inability to worship while there.  I believe the church at large has lost the art of worship.  As for me, I want to know how to worship God corporately in a way that truly honors Him.

 RESOLVED: To enlarge my understanding of spiritual authenticity

A question that has probed my thinking for years is, “What does it really mean to be spiritual?”  In the holiness tradition, spiritual experience is given a prominent place.  So much so that we have found it easy to think that a personal momentary religious incident that leaves us ecstatic or astonished is far more genuine and satisfying than the hard work of developing spirituality.  This thinking has produced Christians who are easily destabilized if removed from spiritual feelings and emotions.  The conversion of the soul does happen in the miracle of a moment, but the making of a saint is the work of a lifetime.  Spiritual experience can be found in shallow, fickle people, but spirituality is only found in the unshakable saint who makes God’s Word and the pursuit of godliness the passion of their life.

 RESOLVED: To invest more in the relationships that matter most

Ruth and I have shared so much life in the past 23 years of marriage.  We have experienced an abundance of love and happiness.  We brought two boys into the world and parented them into fine young men.  Together we have poured an unbelievable amount of our lives into them and plan to continue doing so until God calls us home.  Together we have pastored, promoted and presided over various aspects of God’s work.  We have shared sorrows, stress and misunderstandings.  We haven’t always agreed, but we have always been committed to loving on and going on.  Ruth has allowed me to invest a huge amount of myself and time in others without complaint.  Yet, I’ve been convicted over the need to invest more of myself in her —  more encouragement, counsel and love —  more prayer and time — more of my energy and effort to build her up emotionally and spiritually.  Our relationship matters, and I want my commitment to it to reflect its importance.

 RESOLVED: To live a better balanced life

I’ve never been afraid of hard work and time-consuming jobs.  As a matter of fact, I’ve thrived on being busy.  But a well-balanced life also makes time for physical and emotional renewal.  I need to laugh more.  Laughter is medicine for the soul and body.  It can relieve tension and restore perspective to life.  I need to exercise more.  My work taxes me emotionally, spiritually and mentally— but it doesn’t keep my muscles pounded into shape!  I need to exercise more on a regular basis.  Exercise relieves stress, stimulates the mind, and reduces the body’s need for rest.  A strong body and a stress-free mind make for a more effective ministry and longer usefulness.

Sharing my New Year’s resolutions with you is one way to encourage you to make some new resolves of your own.  Our journey to Heaven must be punctuated with times of fresh wind and fresh resolve.  Why don’t you resolve right now to strengthen some resolves in your life?

Triumphing Over Tragedy

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Christian Living, Church, Theology

–November of 2001

Triumphing Over Tragedy

America has been awakened from decades of secure slumber by a terrorist nightmare of monumental proportions.  In a series of murderous assaults, our sense of territorial invulnerability has been shattered, our economy shaken to its heels, and our carefree way of life halted in its tracks.  The American psyche was clearly rattled on September 11, 2001.

Our response to this national horror has been interesting.  Rescue workers became heroes in swift succession as they braved the burning buildings only to be entombed with those they sought to save.  Congressional leaders closed ranks, made speeches, and allocated funds to relieve the victims and to capture the attackers.  The talking heads in the media marshaled the experts and discussed everything from Islamic fanaticism to World War III.  The average American, however, went to his knees in prayer, stood in line to give blood, and opened both his heart and his purse to thousands of widows and orphans.

My greatest disappointment came from the religious media personalities.  They blamed every segment of sinner it was safe to blame (though Scripture says judgment must begin at the house of God), predicted the end of time, and offered specials on their latest prophecy book.  These are the same religious leaders who promised dire consequences for the world just because our calendar was changing was from 1999 to 2000.  In their haste to capitalize on another “ministry opportunity” they stooped once again to interpreting the Bible through the newspaper, instead of interpreting the newspaper through the Bible.

A very bright spot for me came from two things that our President did.  First, he led America to the place of prayer.  Second, he stood atop the rubble of the World Trade Center and announced to the world that America’s soul had not been torn asunder for it rested on something far more permanent than concrete and steel.  He reminded all of us that terrorists may destroy our infrastructure, but they could never damage our spirit.  I don’t believe our President was grand standing.  He was simply voicing his core beliefs.

President Bush offered the church a great object lesson as he stood atop that pile of rubble.  During times of crisis the church must possess and project a discerning faith that looks beyond the fleeting shadow of the moment to the abiding substance of eternity; beyond things shaken to the things that are unshakable.  Jesus told His church not to fear anyone or anything that could destroy the body (the passing), but fear Him that could destroy both body and soul (the permanent).

The men of this world despair when buildings topple, bodies are broken, and lives are snuffed out.  But the child of God stands amid the encircling gloom of a desperately troubled day, lifts his eyes to Heaven, and remembers “this world passeth away but He that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”

In times of tragedy the greatest responsibility that the church may have is simply to live up to its greatest convictions and beliefs.  Oh yes, we must be there offering our hands to dig through the debris.  We must be there offering our hearts to comfort those that mourn.  We must be there giving of our means to provide shelter and food for those who are needy.  But, we must also be there standing atop the broken dreams of this present world letting our faith point the way to the only world that really lasts.