Psalm 19

But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
Psalm 19:12

I have been reading in Psalm 19 the past few days. In some ways Psalm 19 reads like a “mini” version of Psalm 119. You might recall that Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm and it contains references to God’s Word throughout each verse. Whether references speak to God’s precepts, ordinances, decrees, statutes or law, the message is the same. God’s Word provides a standard that is both righteous and dependable. In Psalm 19, we are told that God’s word is more precious than gold and sweeter than honey (v. 10). Then, suddenly, we are hit with the question in verse 12: “Who can discern their own errors?” The stark question seems a bit of a turn from the beauty of God’s word. But it fits, doesn’t it? Without the light of God’s word, how will we ever recognize our own faults? Without the illumination of truth, how will we discern error? Not to mention the fact that apart from God, we suffer from the malady of personal “blindspots” when it comes to what the Psalmist labels as “hidden faults”. So, if the word of the Lord exposes our faults and helps us discern our errors, than how does that bring joy to the heart? We don’t often relish the joy of having our hidden faults exposed. But, there is comfort. The things that are hidden can damage the soul. God exposes them so that they can be healed and forgiven. If ignored, a small wound can do great damage.

Awareness

We search for God in many ways. Through our sculptures and our scriptures. Through our pictures and our prayers. Through our writing and our worship. And through them He reaches for us. Our search for God and His search for us meet at windows in our everyday experience…In a sense, it is something like spiritual disciplines for the spiritually undisciplined. In another sense, it is the most rigorous of disciplines – the discipline of awareness.
Ken Gire

The Psalmist prayed, “Show me the wonders of your great love” (Psalm 17:5). When I read the prayer and reflect for a moment, I realize that God has shown His great love to me in so many ways, in so many places on so many occasions. But, do I possess the discipline that Ken Gire describes as “awareness”? God demonstrates His love toward me every day. Sometimes I move through the day relatively “unaware” of the many expressions of God’s love. More and more I am convinced that “awareness” is a spiritual discipline. I must cultivate my willingness to see what God reveals. I must be willing to acknowledge His work in my life and in the world around me. And I must be willing to combat the distractions of life that threaten my awareness.

Distractions

I have been studying the life of Gideon this week. Gideon's story is found in the Bible in Judges 6-8. The short biographical sketch provided in these three chapters reveals many facets of his leadership development. Overall, it is a fairly positive picture. His primary military campaign is a success. Not only that, Gideon demonstrates a keen ability to respond to distractions with wisdom and grace. Despite the temptation to be caught up in the emotions of conflict with his "allies", Gideon did not forsake his mission. That is exemplary leadership. However, in the end, his legacy is not positive. It seems that after the military campaign was over, Gideon lost some of his focus. It is a valuable lesson in the importance of purpose. Gideon was commissioned by God to fulfill a purpose. When he was executing his commission, he avoided distractions. When he "finished" his mission, Gideon allowed his decision-making to create a "snare" for his family and his legacy is tainted. Clarity of mission (both personally and organizationally) provides a strong basis to avoid distractions.

Humility or Pride

Judges 7:2
The LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’

God understands us. Our tendencies are obvious to God. As you make your way through the Bible, it’s not hard to pick up on one of our worst tendencies. Before Moses died, he warned the people…”when you have eaten and are full and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them…then you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth” (Deut 8:12,17). If you read Deuteronomy, the words of Judges 7:2 should not come as a surprise. We love to boast. We tend to take credit for what God has done. We tend to forget what God has done in the past. The Lord knew that Gideon’s army would say “My own strength has saved me” unless he trimmed the forces down to the point that it would be undeniable that God brought the victory. So God “helped” Gideon reduce an army of thirty two thousand soldiers to three hundred. We can learn some valuable lessons from Gideon’s experience. Pride grows when we take credit for God’s work. Humility grows when we trust in God and cultivate our trust in His provision and gratitude for His blessings.

Preschool Graduation

Today was a very special day for me. It was Heritage Preschool graduation. I am so proud of these graduates. During the graduation they shared many things they have learned. In addition they each shared a snapshot of their dreams. It's a common question that we ask children. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Their answers were inspiring. It was my favorite part of the ceremony. Even more inspiring to me than their answers is the deep truth behind their answers. Though they do not fully understand how it will happen, they anticipate "becoming". They plan to "grow up". If only we would hold on to our passion for development as we get older!

Promises of Progress

The progress of the technological world allows us to escape the real. Our computer screens and avatars simulate the life we want but not necessarily the life we have. The true us becomes hidden in exchange for our brighter online projection. But what does it mean to believe the promises of the world?
Timothy D. Willard and R. Jason Locy
Veneer, Living Deeply in a Surface Society

I’m not bemoaning the “progress” of technology. I’m not longing for the days when I could ink a devotional thought on a papyrus and commission a courier to carry it to you. I am stung by the closing question. What does it mean to believe the promises of the world? Our “progress” offers “promises”. These promises have created an evolution in thinking. Here’s my take. In recent times, we fought a battle over identity. It was the contrast between “who we are” and “what we do”. That’s a battle that continues to rage. But, technology has introduced another insidious battle. It is the battle between “who we are” and “what we have”. I’m not referring to material possessions. I am referring to information. “What we have” is an ever-expanding excess of access. It has never before been so easy to create, extend and receive messages about “who we are” with so little thought and care. Gone is the realization that identity is precious. The fingerprints of God quickly become smudged. That’s not progress. Instead, as stewards of the times, we must seize the opportunities that progress offers and hold fast to our true identity. I could never wish to be anything other than a child of God.

Guidance System

Our business is to present the Christian faith clothed in modern terms, not to propagate modern thought clothed in Christian terms…Confusion here is fatal.
J. I. Packer

When I pondered Packer’s statement, I was struck by the force of the final words, “Confusion is fatal”. It’s a reminder to me that our faithfulness to mission matters. When we drift from mission we drift from God. The two cannot be separated. To love God and honor God is to remain true to God. Presenting Christ in modern terms requires a dynamic faith. It is a living connection to a living God. I am learning more and more just how dependent I am upon the Holy Spirit. We need real-time help in order to see and respond to the growing complexity in the world around us. Without the guidance and discernment that God provides, confusion is inevitable. It’s much more than an ability to provide “answers” when our faith in Christ is assaulted with questions. It is the ability to reveal Christ in every situation. We face a choice every day. We will see the world through the lens of God’s truth or we will develop our own lens, our own interpretation. As a result, “we propagate modern thought” in Christian terms”. Modern thought, apart from God, can be temporarily soothing to a hurting soul, but it cannot give life.