Restoration

In my class last week my professor shared with us how important it is to remain humble as leaders in the church. He referenced Galatians 6:1 which says, "Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted."

As I read the verse a few times, I noticed an important connection with being humble. Paul explains that we must look at ourselves in light of the restoration of others who have trespassed. The word restore caught my eye and I decided to do a little more exploration with this passage.

Restore in the original Greek language is katartizo. It means to render, to fit, to make sound, or to complete. It is also used to describe fishermen mending their nets. In the context of Galatians 6:1, Paul is explaining that we are to mend or to make sound those who have fallen. This must be done in a spirit of gentleness and humility.

I sometimes wonder why there seems to be so much condemnation within the church from those who claim to be "spiritual." Personally, I was raised in a fear based Christian context where punishment ruled over grace. Yet, clearly Paul states that those who fall should be put back together and restored in grace and humility by those who are able to look at themselves and understand that they are no better than the person who is currently struggling.

I feel that all believers should heed Paul's words here. Restoration is vital to building up the body of Christ and we all need to be able to gently help people who stumble because we all will stumble at some point.

Reflection Day

September 21st. Today would have been my mom's birthday. Over the last 3 years, this day has been a day of reflection for me. I think it is great to have a day to reflect on the life that my mom lived. She was such a great person and she had such a passion for God's kingdom.

My mom was a 3rd grade teacher. Going to the same school as her and being in the same district as her through my 8th grade year meant that I spent a ton of time in her classroom after school (it was cheaper than a sitter). I remember some days, she would take my brother and me with her to grab groceries and food for families in her class. At the time I used to not fully understand what was going on (quite frankly I wondered why we were simply not going home so I could eat and watch tv). Yet looking back I realized that she cared for people and she desired to show the love of Jesus through caring for hurting people.

There were always meals being cooked at our house (really tasty ones) and I would get excited because I always thought they were for me. Turns out, the tasty meals were for some other family in need and our family dinner was in the refrigerator. My mom worked hard not just for her family, but for other people.

These are the memories that I have thought about today. Emotionally this has been the easiest year thus far. I still miss my mom and wish that she was still here. Yet I have seen the impact of one person and how God uses someone who is willing and undaunted by the world.

Pure in Heart

Reading the beatitudes this morning, one stood out more than the others: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

I was drawn to the word pure, which in Greek is transliterated as katharos. This word of course means to be pure, clean, and undefiled. Interestingly, the word is also used as a similitude for describing a vine which has been pruned and thus fitted to bear fruit.

Blessed are those who are fitted to bear fruit, for they shall see God (my translation).

After reading through the definition, I remembered Jesus' teaching in John about the vinedresser. Jesus explains in John 15 that the Father is the vinedresser. He prunes the vines so that they may bear more fruit.

Pruning the vine is something supernatural. The beatitudes are about supernatural living. Being pure in heart is only something that God can do in you and me. Being poor in spirit is the realization that we need God in our lives. It is only when we realize our need for God and when we position ourselves for God to transform us that we allow God to prune away the things that do not bear fruit. By allowing God to prune, we are able to fully experience a pure heart and, as a result, see God in it.