Dear Salvationist, Does Freewill Conflict with God’s Foreknowledge?

We sing songs in our Army that speak of God’s plan for us.
We recognize that there is a plan in place…we just don’t always understand it.
A part of the question came becomes specific and personal – Is God’s plan specific, is that they way He works in every individual on the planet? Or is it more of a general plan that God has for every person – that all of them might choose Him and live according to His will?

There are some phrases that might suggest that God’s plan is specific. For instance, in the song “I’m in His hands”, the writes states: “The days I cannot see, have all been planned for me...” (Stanley Ditmer)

Does this suggest that God already knows the outcome of our lives? Is everything then, predestined to occur? Is every step that we take, every decision made, has it already been decided for us? Is free-will a farce? Or is this out of context? Is it specific to believers who have chosen to follow Christ? Is it more to do with Holiness than it is to do with the choice of man?

More to Ponder….

How do we understand passages like:
^“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Romans 8:29

and;

“Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,…” Ephesians 1:4-5 ESV

Does this cancel out our supposed freewill?
Do we really have a choice in this world?
How do we reconcile our Free Will and God’s Foreknowledge?

Undoubtedly someone will take me to task (again) for using a beloved song from The Salvation Army to ponder this question. Some might read only the first few sentences and assume I just thrown down some sort of gauntlet in the face of what is “Army”.

My Take:
Does it limit God when we consider that we have freewill?
Does this then mean that God is not all powerful and all knowing?
Can we really put limits on God like that? -Absolutely not, that sounds ridiculous doesn’t it?

Does Freewill conflict then, with God’s foreknowledge?
I do not believe this to be the case.
Can we have both a God who is omniscient and His creation who, through His amazing love, is given the freedom to choose? I believe so.
God can know us completely, even the decisions we might make in the future.
But, He doesn’t force us to make the decisions that He desires for us, and knows will bless and benefit us. This is truly the defining love of a wondrous God!

A Parent’s Perspective:
Your child is about to make a crucial decision in life.
You, being older and, perhaps wiser, can see the variables in each decision. You can see the outcomes that will transpire in each. Do you help them make the decision? Do you force them to make the right one and then they resent you for it? Or, out of love do you direct them, but ultimately leave the choice in their hands, which allows them to learn in the process?

Now we can begin to scratch the surface of this God – Creation/Human existence. We can begin to see how hard it must be for God to watch us make our choices sometimes.
He hopes that we choose Him. He hopes that He will be included in our life choices.
How it must break His heart for Him to see His children to go astray, knowing the choices that got them there could have been altered.

Ponder This:
Does Freewill and God’s Foreknowledge conflict with one another?
Are there really an Elected few? Those He specifically chooses?
Do we limit God when we perceive Him to not be omniscient?
And what of His involvement in our lives – does He have a specific plan for you and me, or is it more generalized? What do you think?

Please leave your feedback, ponderings and thoughts below or on this social media thread.
I look forward to hearing your take on this topic.

Something more for the Army world to Ponder today !

September 1, 2016 2

You’re a Liar, I’m a Liar – Here’s Why…

Whether we care to admit it or not, we are liars.
Go ahead, soak it up, take it in…
Some of you are probably offended by this accusation.
Some of you might be nervous – don’t be.

The Lies
The biggest lie that we tell ourselves is this: “I don’t need God.”
The second biggest lie that we tell ourselves is: “every thing is okay.”
And then there are those lies that we tell God – “Lord I promise if you get me out of this situation I will never do that (insert whatever “that” is here) again!” Or, we go to the altar at some fancy big church event and confess our sins in a big emotional altar call and make promises that only last that weekend…in essence we lie because deep down we know we don’t plan on changing.

We also lie to God by telling Him that He’s the only God in our lives, but let me ask you, how many hours a day do you spend on the internet or on social media? How many hours a day watching tv, netflix etc…? Are there other things that consume all of your time? Are there things that you would shamefully admit that you’re obsessed with? Now, there’s nothing wrong with any of this stuff, but when we spend hours and hours and hour a day gaming or web surfing or whatever – we have become consumed, and when we become consumed by something other than God – we have essentially set up idols to false gods in our lives. Basically, whatever takes the place of God – becomes our god…and we are then liars who claim we know God, but rather, we only know of God.

1 John 1:8-10 says; “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”

God Doesn’t Lie
What God says – He means.
What He says He will do – He will do.
God doesn’t break His promises to us – We are usually the ones who break our promises to Him. Do we need Him? Absolutely, and yet our ego at times convinces us that we can go it alone and we don’t need Him to “interfere”. Don’t lie to God, He’s not fooled. Also, don’t lie to yourself!

Stop The Lies
So what’s the point?
Do some soul searching in your life today.
Be humble,.in other words, put yourself low, look hard and deep at your own life right now – without any sugar coating or facades (which are lies that you have told yourself).

– Another lie we might hear in our minds from time to time is this: “I am not good enough to be called a Child of God, (or to be called a “Christian”)” We might buy into that lie because of guilt and shame, but God’s grace through Jesus Christ can remove that guilt and shame completely – making us totally covered by grace and completely forgiven! Don’t buy this lie anymore!! God loves you, and He wants you to know how valuable you are to Him!

We tell ourselves a lot of lies…and sometimes we start to believe them.
We also try and tell God lies too…but we aren’t fooling Him, He knows.

Be Honest.
Allow the Lord access to every part of your mind today…even the spaces in the recesses of your mind that you are ashamed of. He already knows, but we have to let Him in and allow His light to shine onto those dark, shameful places in order for healing, true healing to take place. Admittedly, this is a work in progress for all of us. There will be times when we lie, or believe a lie in our minds again. But the next time that happens, recognize it and within that recognition, plot and strive to change that behavior. Ask God to help you in those moments! True sincerity and admission/penitence moment by moment allow us access to God, and it also provides us with tangible spiritual growth.

Pray.
Lord, I confess my lies to you today.
Lies that I have told, and the lies that I have believed about myself.
I am weakened by these lies, but I know that with your strength I can be whole again!
Walk beside me today Lord, reveal to me the moments of my dishonesty to you and to those I come in contact with. Convict me when I live double-mindedly. Lord, I do not want this barrier to remain between us. I know this has stunted my spiritual growth, and I desire to be closer to you. Lead me Lord, I desire to give all there is of me to you – even those spaces in my life and mind that I am ashamed of. Wash me clean again. -Amen.

Something more to Ponder today.
To God be the glory!

August 26, 2016 1

3 Promises For Troubled Times

We all encounter trouble in our lives. Difficulties. Stress and sometimes heartache. Some have simply chalked this up to “life“…”well, life isn’t fair” they sometimes say. The fact that we know life has trouble and difficult days also carries with it a heavy, unseen burden. We sometimes look around the corner at the next thing, almost anticipating trouble because things are going too smoothly; or that was just “too easy”…

Life is not always fair.
The disciples of Jesus understood this better than anyone.
They followed Jesus, who would be tortured and executed like a criminal.
After His resurrection and ascension, they continued to follow Jesus, and to do His will on this earth – that led to their imprisonments, tortures and executions. Life certainly had its troubles for the disciples.

3 Promises For Troubled Times

1) The Presence Of God:
No matter where we are in life, whether we are currently in a chapter of distress or a chapter of peace, we do have an assurance of the constant presence of God with us. We truly are never alone when He is near. God’s Holy presence is with us, and the only times we are alone is when we are not spiritually connected to Him, not the other way round. He longs for constant fellowship with us. His promise to Joshua long ago is the same promise to us today: The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

2) The Protection Of God:
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Yes, we will face pains and hurts of life in all shapes and sizes, this we will not avoid.
But rest assured, we are not without protection from the arrows of the evil one. God’s presence with us means that we are protected by Him as well! Now, as I say this, we read many stories of Christians who are martyred for their faith around the world…does this mean that God’s protection wasn’t with them? Of course not! I believe God does protect us from the father of lies so that we are not tempted or lost to God’s will. We can choose to fall away, but when we walk with Him, the evil one has no claim on us. Remember too that though evil can befall humanity through acts of violence, the worst it can do is claim our lives which are temporary shells containing an everlasting soul. The evil one is held back by the protection of God upon His people, who are called Sons and Daughters – children of God.

3) The Power Of God
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29)
Obviously this verse was written for a specific audience in mind, but it makes it no less true and relevant to us today. When we are weak – He is strong! God’s power is readily available to us when we humble ourselves and stop attempting life in our own strength. God will lift up the fallen. He will strength the weary…and if you and I are one of those today – we can take comfort in knowing that God’s power is here for us.

You may feel beaten up by life. You may feel like giving up, but know that He is presence is here, He will protect you, and His power is here to sustain you!!

2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” ThereforeI will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.“

He will lift you up, call out to Him, persevere through your trial, and know that you are loved and called son or daughter of the Most High!

I know a fount, 545

1.
Say, are you weary? Are you heavy laden?
Burdened with sorrow, weighted down with care?
Are you in bondage? Do you want deliverance?
Come, then, with me, there is refuge from despair.

Chorus
I know a fount where sins are washed away,
I know a place where night is turned to day;
Burdens are lifted, blind eyes made to see;
There’s a wonder-working power in the blood of Calvary.

2.
Are you still doubting power to keep from sinning,
Power that can change the heart and make it new?
Are you still longing for a full salvation?
You may receive it and live a life that’s true.

3.
Fettered and bound by chains of self-indulgence,
Missing the blessings God on man bestows,
Seeking for joy but only sorrow finding?
Come to the waters where grace and mercy flow.

4.
Wondrous Deliverer! Sin-forgiving Saviour!
Cleanser of hearts! Unfailing friend and guide!
No one has ever trusted unavailing,
No one has claimed of his love and been denied.

——————————————–
Something more to ponder today!
To God be the glory!

August 18, 2016 0

Book Review: “The Bard And The Bible”

I love going into bookstores.
For me, the feeling of being surrounded by books, perfectly placed on shelves in an array of multicolored backings and bindings is extremely appealing to me! And don’t even get me started on the smell of those pages and bindings, for I have been known to plant my face firmly within those pages as I try to capture the ever inviting fragrance bound there…I’m weird like that, and I won’t apologize.

As I usually wander around the isles of these book stores, I occasionally come across something unique. Something that grabs my attention and it compel me to pick it up and read it. Have you been there? Let me tell you about my recent find: I recently picked up the new devotional by Bob Hostetler that is entitled “The Bard And The Bible” and it’s not like any other 365 day devotionals that you have ever read.

A one of a kind devotional:
Usually, what I have found is that a 365 day devotional is typically a group of randomly selected spiritual thoughts bound together in one book. Well, this devotional isn’t like that at all. In fact, I am really enjoying The Bard and the Bible because of this uniqueness. Hostetler has brought the rich, eloquent phrases of Shakespeare together in a coherent devotional that sheds deeper meaning on many passages of the Bible that we’ve all grown up with.

Now I know what you might be thinking, “a daily devotional with quotes from Shakespeare, will I even understand this book? It sounds too complicated for me.” Let me ease your mind and tell you IT IS NOT! Believe me, this is a great devotional to get you thinking. Yes, it will challenge you, but in a good way! I love history, and in this devotional I not only experienced a spiritual challenge for the day, but I got to learn more about Shakespeare and his plays through the eyes of various characters.

This is a one of kind devotional that I think many will love! It’s one of those soon to be treasured keepsakes (in my opinion) that you will want to pick up with your morning coffee or tea and read. I recently bought my own copy, and I find myself already doing just that!

I give “The Bard and The Bible”

And I recommend you pick up a copy too!
Follow the hyperlink in the title above or go to these other links listed below:

B&N LINK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bard-and-the-bible-bob-hostetler/1123199233?ean=9781617957246

CHRISTIANBOOK.COM LINK : http://www.christianbook.com/bard-and-the-bible-shakespeare-devotional/bob-hostetler/9781617957246/pd/957246?product_redirect=1&Ntt=957246&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28138662-the-bard-and-the-bible?from_search=true&search_version=service

Something more to Ponder today.
God Bless you, and happy reading!

August 16, 2016 0

Imprisoned By Fear?

There is all sorts of types of fear.
Fear that propels you into action.
Fear that keeps those you love safe.
Fear that weighs the outcomes of decisions yet to be made.
Irrational Fear
Phobias…

When we say the word “fear” sometimes it evokes different interpretations and understandings of this little four letter word. Some see it as a challenge, while others dread.

Fear, when used right can be helpful, but when it is not it can imprison, immobilize and prevent all forms of progress in life.

Our Faith Walk:
The Apostle Paul, after taking those first step in following Christ, post his roadside theophany, could have fear what others thought of him. He could have been held captive by fear following the first time he was thrown in prison or flogged for his outspoken faith…but he didn’t. He rejoiced while in prison. He and Silas sang songs well into the night. Although Paul was imprisoned, he certainly wasn’t imprisoned by fear.

How about us?
How is our faith walk?
Do we find ourselves shouting “Amen” during Sunday church service, meanwhile on Monday at work we whisper to a quivering fearful heart? Does fear hold us back? Are we afraid of how others might perceive us if we professed our faith out loud? What about our attitudes and intentions toward others? Isn’t it harder to remove self from situations than it is to be selfish? So it is with overcoming fear and replacing it with faith. It is not that the fear is removed completely, no, instead we learn to use that fear to our advantage. We recognize when that fear is rising in us and we must consciously decide to step out in faith…or leap. Harnessing fear places us “out on that limb”. We say, yes, I am afraid, but I will trust in God to lead me and direct me. I do not know where this path will lead me, but I will follow the Lord…I will put my trust in Him.

…“I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; I will sing Your praises in the congregation.”13And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” Hebrews 2:12-13

Make this your prayer today:
Lord, where you lead me I will follow.
I am afraid, I admit that…but I will not run from
your calling on my life.
I want to live for you in every moment of today.
Lord, take this fear of mine and use it
motivate me into action.
Let me love those around me.
I will become less and you, dear Lord become more.
I struggle with trusting you with all there is of me,
but I acknowledge this and I ask you to remind me of your presence with me
today.
Grant me your boldness, your courage, and your love
as I walk this path that I cannot see.
Lead me Lord.
-Amen.

No Longer Slaves

August 11, 2016 0

Dear Salvation Army -4 Ways To Include “Outsiders”

The Preamble:

Like any Christian organization or church, there is a sense of familiarity which comes from “belonging”. By that I mean there are elements that we come to expect in worship; there are things we do to make ourselves feel comfortable – including those we involve within our “circles”. You know what I mean – those with whom we share those familiarities with. We have history. We have commonality…but what about the outsider?

The Outsider
What do I mean by “outsider” you may ask?
Consider these questions:
Does this person go to my corps?
Am I familiar with them?
Do I even know the first thing about them?
Have I taken the time to get to know them, let alone include them in my circle?

If the answer to any of those questions is – “no”, then perhaps that person is an outsider and your group/corps is not as inclusive as you once thought.

Why Be Inclusive To Outsiders?
Now say that question above ^^ out-loud
-That question is about as dumb as asking the following questions:
Why be nice to people?
Why walk that old lady cross the street?
Why help the poor?

It’s pretty obvious isn’t it?
We were never created to be a “members only” social club.
An outpouring of our faith is works, and those works include helping the poor and welcoming outsiders into our groups within our corps and Christian social circles.

To help us become more conscious of our inclusion of “outsiders”, here are 4 ways to include others. Obviously there are many more ways, but perhaps this is a primer of sorts in an effort to help us oil the cogs of our brains.

4 Ways To Include Outsiders:

1. Be Intentional:

Go out of your way to welcome new comers into your small group, corps, youth group, bible study class etc. Remember it takes more courage, strength and intelligence to be welcoming than it does to maintain a fickle group or clique. Take extra effort to get to know the new member or visitor, even if they are different from you and your friends. When we make it a point to be welcoming and inclusive of others, we begin to bring to mind the feelings and fears of these visitors in our midst, and in so doing, we stop viewing them as outsiders altogether.

2. Be Mindful Of Insider Jokes, and social tendencies that tend to exclude:
New comers in your midst will not understand your “inside” jokes or even “catch phrases” you might use within your circle. Keep these things in mind as you begin to integrate these new comers into your groups. Newcomers have a learning curve already as they settle into this new environment, so help them by limiting your insider interactions which will alienate them and make them feel as if they do not belong. Also, our “army” jargon may be a part of this. Keep this in mind as you help them acclimate to this new place, and perhaps explain things to them in a way they will understand.

3. Become a student of other people:
Study new comers. This requires us to give special attention to them, their mannerisms and personalities. When we take the time and effort to study people, we will become more in tune with what may help them become a part of the group. Assimilation is never easy, but we can help them decide whether we are worth them investing themselves in our corps and/or group.

Remember, welcoming new comers doesn’t stop at shaking their hand at the beginning of the service – no, perhaps invite them to sit with you, don’t point them to a chair that seems like the “outsider’s section”.

4. Flip The Script:
Pretend for a second that you are the outsider looking in.
Would you understand some of the terminology that we use in The Salvation Army? Would you comprehend what a DC, YPSM, LOM, CO or CSM means? Take a moment and pretend that you are an alien and that you know nothing about church, let alone The Salvation Army. How would you feel as you experience this army scene for the first time? Would you feel intimidated by the sea of blue or the words we use? Can you honestly say “I feel at home here?” Don’t get me wrong, I imagine there are places one might feel welcome in our corps and other “Army” places, but it helps to flip the script and imagine what might be going through a visitor’s mind as they experience the army for the first time.

New comers will pick up on the cliques and the groups of friends. They will immediately recognize if you are being genuine or providing a faux-friendliness. If we want others to come join our army, we have to be a warm sunny day, not a frigid mid-winter.

Colossians 3:11 In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.

Questions To Ponder:
Am I intentionally making newcomers feel welcome?
Are there cliques that I belong to that prohibit outsiders either intentionally or unintentionally?
If so, how can I/we change that?
Do I need to flip the script so I can relate to outsiders?
Do I even want to welcome newcomers?
If not why do I feel this way?
Am I comfortable with newcomers?
How can I become a better student of people and help them acclimate to this “Army” environment?

Hebrews 13: 1 Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.

So How About it?!
Am I overthinking this topic or do you think this is an issue in the Army?
You tell me! I would love to hear from you! Please join the conversation and tell us your opinions & comments!

Something more for the Army world to ponder today!
To God be the glory!

August 8, 2016 2

A Psalm Of Ascent…

Psalm 131

A song of ascents. Of David.

¹My heart is not proud, Lord,
    my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
    or things too wonderful for me.
²But I have calmed and quieted myself,
    I am like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child I am content.

³Israel, put your hope in the Lord
both now and forevermore.

Read this scripture passage again and envision all of the things in your life right now that distract you from connecting with God. Are there “great matters” in your life that trouble you, that seem to pull you under, things that toss you about and make you live in constant tension? What is this life truly about? Do we struggle for a paycheck to pay for the things we want and things we can’t afford? Is life only about the jobs we want, the trips we long to take and the acclaim we long for? Doesn’t that sort of get old after a while? I mean, what happens when you achieve that next goal, and that next promotion? Or…what happens when you don’t? Is this what life is all about?

I’m not saying that we don’t work hard and we don’t care for our families – we should. But there has to be more to life than just those important things. We were created to have fellowship with God. We were created to consider who He is to us. In the Bible within the collection of Psalms are psalms known as the psalms of ascent. These Psalms of ascent were used to help worshipers prepare their hearts and minds to enter into the Temple – there place where God’s presence would dwell. So as they went up to the temple, these verses would be read or brought to mind through memorization. Is it no wonder there are powerful lines like: “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where will my help come from?” (Psalm 121:1) The worshiper would keep these verses in mind and on their heart as they prepared themselves to be in the presence of God.

How are we preparing our hearts?
Howe are renewing our minds?
Are we consumed with pride?
Are there areas of our lives that we do not allow God access to?
Can we come to God as little children – totally vulnerable?

God desires fellowship with us every moment of every day…how much time are we willing to give Him?

Something more to ponder today.
God Bless you!

August 5, 2016 0

Should Christians Be Outliers?

Jesus was popular, but He wasn’t mainstream…
The disciples that Jesus called were certainly not insiders…
Many times they did the unexpected, the unusual, the unprecedented, they were outliers.

Jesus even reinforces this when we says: “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15:19)

As Christians we are called to be outliers in society…ones who are set apart, not blindly accepting of all things, but perhaps viewing everything through the lens of holiness, or the vantage point of Christ-in us. Does this change things, perception of how we see theworld around us? Absolutely! This vantage point doesn’t make us “holier than though!” or better than others, instead it grants us the very compassion of Christ in us to love those around us. In essence, true Christian outliers are completely humble to God and are willing to submit all for His holy purposes on this earth regardless of the outcome. “He must become more and I must become less” should be our mantra, our aim, our goal.

If our goal is to merely become an outsider or outlier and it is devoid of full submission to God, we are fooling ourselves and our purpose will be misaligned. Being an outsider just to be different isn’t the purpose at all…the same can be said for merely becoming counter-cultural in practice – does not make one holy or even a Christian. These things can exist apart of from God’s purpose for us…but if we approach this faith with the understanding that God will have all there is of us – we will be on the right path, a path marked with sacrifice, suffering and even death sometimes. I do not say this to scare anyone, but we must acknowledge that granting God access to the entirety of who we are is a scary proposition. For in that declaration we will be led to and from places we never would have dreamed or even wanted to go. God desires an obedience that isn’t founded in part-time Christianity , but rather is rooted and formed in the servant heart which is sold-out and fully submitted.

Dare I say, many will call themselves outliers and Christ-followers, but few are truly willing to mean these words found in an old time song:
“Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.”
Adelaide A. Pollard, 1907

Something more to ponder today!

August 2, 2016 0

Dear Salvationist, Does Nepotism Still Exist In Our Army?

From the start, some of us might shirk at the idea that nepotism still exists in The Salvation Army. But we must recognize that even the Booths promoted family to places of authority. William Booth viewed his Generalship to be something he would pass along to his children, and perhaps his children’s children. Could it be that this sort of family promoting still occurs in our Army today? And if so, should it? Are there checks and balances in place to prevent nepotism in our Army?

Growing up in the Army, I recall many times where my parents were extremely cautious with even the appearance of favoritism towards my sister and me.

Speaking of Favoritism…can this type of behavior come into play with promotions and appointments in our army? Should it? Another question to ask along this line of pondering is – if favoritism does occur in our army – aren’t we then shortchanging our movement of possible movers and shakers who could make a difference, but some have chosen to choose people who are familiar and even safe?

The argument can be made that we in the Army ought to trust and leave this up to God to sort out and perhaps these appointments are “His will”. Honestly, I don’t know how I feel about that. I have sincere faith in a Mighty God that He can make something that was meant to harm into something beautiful. I believe God makes all things new, and He provides in spite of our own efforts and human decisions. But I don’t know if I really trust human authority as I do God’s authority (nor do I feel we should)…for that matter what defines “God’s Authority”? I’m curious what your answer might be to that. I’m not looking for a fight, I’m genuinely interested in how we define this! I have to be honest, I have always been suspicious of human authority in the guise of being 100% God’s authority. It’s not that I’m overly cynical of leaders and authority, I just question sometimes if our personal feelings do not play into many of the decisions that are made on the behalf of others – and thereby we sometimes or often show favoritism.

Submission to Authority
Does this mean that I do not submit to authority? Absolutely not! We are told to submit to authority in numerous scripture verses. For example:1 Peter 2:13-17 says; “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority:whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, ¹⁴or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. ¹⁵For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. ¹⁶Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.¹⁷Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.“

Does this mean that we aren’t allowed to query decisions and ask pertinent questions? Of course not! It does, however depend on our attitude and motivation! I am certainly not proposing that we become rebellious by any means, please do not come away thinking that at all! I will say that as a leader of sorts in my own right, I do recognize that I will never please everyone by the decisions that I have to make from time to time. This is the heavy mantel of responsibility and leadership that is thrust upon us. It does take a toll, and I would ask you to be in constant pray for your leaders, whether it be at the corps level, the divisional, territorial, national and international levels.

Back to the initial question:
Does Nepotism and Favoritism still exist in our Army?
My short answer is yes it does…
But I would also caution anyone from making rash judgments unless you have all of the information.

Questions to Ponder:
Does Nepotism still happen in our Army?
Should it happen?
If so, what does this say to those who aren’t related or chosen for specific duties or tasks?
How can we sidestep issues like this? Is it possible to sidestep them?
What about favoritism?
Could showing favoritism diminish the ranks our ranks and morale?
Can we submit to authority and still question?
How do we reconcile some experiences of flawed human authority with the expectations of God-led authority?
Am I praying fervently for my Corps Officer, Local Officer, Divisional, Territorial, Leader?

I look forward to your constructive conversation on this topic!
Something more for our Army world to ponder today.
*Disclaimer: The thoughts and views of the writer are not necessarily the thoughts and view of The Salvation Army, reader discretion is advised.*

August 1, 2016 6

Dear Salvation Army, Is Holiness The Cure?

The cure to what?
Sickness?
Loss of Soldiers & Officers?
Depression?
Loneliness?
Defeat?

What do you mean?

Here’s A Calculated Guess:
Holiness is not preached and or emphasized enough in our Army today!
I think before we answer the “cure” question we have to consider why we are not making Holiness a priority anymore? Why does it play second fiddle to elaborate musical numbers in our corps and the other modern “elements” of worship? Is what we do on Sunday mornings still fit to be called “Holiness Meetings”?

I would venture a guess that perhaps the statistics of decline in the pews can, in some places, be lined up with the lack of holiness preaching and teaching. This sounds like an oversimplification of a wider spreading problem in most protestant churches, but the truth of the matter is Holiness has, in many places, taken a backseat to other things.

The Cure?:
So how does Holiness cure us you ask?
How could it possibly fix what is broken in our lives and in our corps?
Perhaps the answer is that as we shift our focus from the problem to being Set-apart once more. As we do this, we change our mindset, we are no longer living for just ourselves; our own pleasures; our own desires and selfish gains; No, we begin to understand and comprehend this deeper, more lasting calling in our lives! Holiness supplants our old way of looking at things and our entire lives and replaces it with the desire to be what God has called us to be through and through – the very image of Christ.

Some wonder if this is even possible in THIS life – and many Holiness theologians would say that it is indeed. We often get this notion that in order to be entirely sanctified – we have reach human perfection, and this misnomer holds many back from even pursuing Holiness. Many believe that holiness is an impossible task and that perfection is beyond them. And if Holiness = Human Perfection, then I would completely agree with those people. None of us would or should pursue holiness, because human perfection is unreachable, it is unobtainable. BUT, what if Holiness and even entire sanctification, for that matter, isn’t human perfection at all? Ah, then we have something tangible, something realistic to pursue and reach for.

Yes, this is the work of the Holy Spirit, but we are also required to make certain steps in dying to our old ways of life and embracing fully this new life. And when we fully embrace this new life and run after it with reckless abandon, we will then recognize that this world and its problems will become less and less, and that we have never been alone in our human struggles at all! You see, Holiness is the cure to much of our plight in our Army struggles and in our personal struggles! When we fully embrace what needs to happen, what must become our daily, even moment by moment pursuit, we open up our minds and hearts to the Eternal, and in doing so, we can begin to see things around us more clearly.

I am not saying that immediately our problems will evaporate, we may have to, like Paul, endure thorns in the side, we may have to endure hardships, but our focus will no longer be trained on hardships and our pains, but on the prize and on this pursuit.

Mark my words, if Holiness becomes extinct in our halls, corps and territories, we too will soon follow its path…

So how about it?
Do you want the cure?
Will you seriously pursue Holiness?
It’s not human perfection – it is God’s very presence living in us – longing for us to live for HIM through and through…one step at a time!