INSIGHT AND INTIMACY, part 2

2 Chronicles 1:7-10 – ⁷That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” ⁸Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. ⁹Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. ¹⁰Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

            David is described in Scripture as a man after God’s own heart. “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple…. Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.  My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord I will seek.” (Psalms 27: 4, 7-8)

            God so created us that life does not flow out of knowledge. What we do comes out of passion and desire. People generally find it uncomfortable speaking about affections yet Jonathan Edwards reveals this is the motivator of our lives.

            Since the Garden of Eden we have chosen to be insight-driven instead of intimacy-driven. We are more comfortable living a life knowing good and evil instead of living with total dependence upon God.

            A ramification of this decision is a craving for information. We have more information today than anyone can fully assimilate and it has not made any difference in the human condition. The heart is becoming increasingly wicked with every passing generation. From the Garden of Eden came a fear of intimacy and the pursuit of knowledge.

            Formulas and procedures are the only recourse for character development; “Ten steps to accomplish…” or “Twelve steps to fulfill….”  Programs fill daily organizers in preference to seeking God during the dark moments of life and trusting Him. 

            The inner core of a person is sustained by intimacy with God. Out of love emerges transformational living. Purpose flows out of the overflow of one’s relationship with God.

            David’s son Solomon is a testimony of being insight-driven. God appeared to him in a dream and asked a question few, if any, could adequately handle: “Ask for whatever you want Me to give you?”  He requested great wisdom.

            Solomon was the one man in history uniquely endowed by God with knowledge. The most insightful person to ever live, however, saw life as meaningless.

            Solomon built an extravagant palace and majestic temple. He attempted to leave a legacy through buildings and achievements. The ornate edifices left him feeling empty inside.

            Scripture does not record God ever coming to Solomon’s father with the same offer. How would David have responded? His testimony in Psalms 27 is of a person hungering after God and passionately seeking His face. He was intimacy-driven.

            Comparing these two world-changers, Solomon wanted wisdom and David wanted God.  Solomon’s choice was good. God affirmed his decision.  However, whenever a person asks for less than God, it is less then God intended.  Good is the greatest enemy of best.

            Achievements are measured by outcomes.  What was David’s accomplishment?  In spite of failures and sin, his legacy is a man after God’s own heart. What was Solomon’s realization?  With all his wisdom, he became a world-class skeptic. He experienced cynicism, emptiness, frustration and despair. Insight does not satisfy the search for meaning.

            In my opinion the Song of Songs was written by young Solomon, Proverbs written by middle-age Solomon and Ecclesiastes written by older Solomon. What thoughts captivated his mind near life’s conclusion?

Solomon’s growing sense of meaningless. (Chapter 1)

            “The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: ‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher, ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’” (Ecclesiastes 1:1-2) Within cynicism is a sense of hopelessness. He wondered, “Does anything really make a difference?”

            The earth seems to endlessly move on, generation after generation. Nothing changes. “What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?  Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.” (Vs. 3-4)

            In his wisdom Solomon watched the events of his day and could not find purpose in anything. A growing frustration developed. “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.  What is twisted cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted.” (Vs. 14-15)

            This is the end product of an insight-driven life. The more we rely on understanding, the more meaningless life appears. “I thought to myself, ‘Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.’  Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too is chasing after the wind.  For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.” (Vs. 16-18)

Solomon’s sinking sense of despair. (Chapter 2)

            To guard against a deep frustration consuming the soul, insight-driven people take elaborate means to fill their life. Solomon searched for meaning through enjoyment and amusement. “I thought in my heart, ‘Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.’  But that also proved to be meaningless.  ‘Laughter,’ I said, ‘is foolish.  And what does pleasure accomplish?’” (2:1-2)

            Solomon searched for meaning through intoxicating beverage and wild living. “I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly – my mind still guiding me with wisdom.  I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.” (V. 3)

            Solomon searched for meaning through building efforts and land conservation. “I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards.  I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.  I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees.” (Vs. 4-6)

            Solomon searched for meaning by accumulating servants and possessions. “I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house.  I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me.  I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces.  I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well – the delights of the heart of man.” (Vs. 7-8)

            Even in a variety of admirable accomplishments, there remained a deep sense of barrenness. “Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” (V.11)

            Solomon was eventually shaken by a troublesome question: With his great achievements, what would his heir do? “What more can the king’s successor do than what has already been done?” (V.12)
            The king led with great wisdom – the beauty, wealth and political alliances he attained were complete. There was nothing for his descendant to finish. Solomon grieved that his accomplishments might be handed-over to an absolute fool. He was troubled with the thought of an incompetent offspring. His son Rehoboam affirmed his anxiety.

            Solomon sought a life of enduring and lasting value through insight. He worried at what would happen when he was gone. History reveals his great achievements (the best wisdom could produce) would eventually disintegrate into nothing.

            Solomon had a wealth of understanding yet his thoughts spiraled downward to gloom and despondency.

Solomon regains a sense of timing. (Chapter 3)

            “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven….” (Chapter 3:1) He then gives a comprehensive overview of life. Living includes things that are profound (birth and death) and mundane (mending and throwing away).

            Solomon is challenging people to fit in with the flow of life. Living is joyful and peaceful when things are done in the right season.

            How often do you say, “I don’t have time; I’m too busy!” You are convinced there is too much to do and not enough time.

            The lives of most people are characterized by a sense of rush. The activities demanding attention and energy may very well be good things. Every endeavor can be rightfully classified as important. Every venture is worthwhile and beneficial. Time is not wasted on frivolous things.

            There is enough time to accomplish everything God has designed for you. A wholesome and natural timing is achievable through an intimate relationship with God. With a failure of intimacy, we overload ourselves with things God never intended.

            Where does a sense of rush, pressure and stress come from? Doing things not planned for us and doing right things at the wrong time. When Solomon says there is a time for everything he is not merely referring to clock time (sufficient hours in a day) but fitting time (doing things at the appropriate moment). We bring stress upon ourselves when our timing is wrong. Everything ends up appearing meaningless.

            In frustration believers fight the things God is doing in them and bringing to them. Some refuse to be “sick” (treat an illness) and keep going. Could God be attempting to speak through the illness?

            One of the greatest tragedies is witnessing people load up their schedule instead of giving attention to the home. Solomon’s challenge is not only to do the right things but to do them at the right time. Our hearts are kept from frustration and anger when we remember that God has a sovereign plan and timetable for every experience of life.

            During my last year associated with Trinity Bible College, the decision was made to seek accreditation with the NCA (North Central Association of Colleges and Schools). The Academic Dean did a masterful job of coordinating the project.

            The school had a unique leadership arrangement. The President was a highly-successful, nationally-known television personality with an extensive traveling schedule, overseeing a private association. The Executive Vice-President gave oversight to the institution on behalf of the President. The configuration was not the norm in Higher Education. The NCA encouraged structural changes; they asked the College Board to consider a more traditional model.

            The President decided to become Chancellor and nominated me for the title President. I encouraged the Board of Regents to first perform due diligence and make a final determination at the next regularly scheduled meeting. This gave me the summer for reflection and prayer.

            Six months later the appropriate research was complete. After careful review they unanimously gave me the invitation to become President. I declined the offer. Many were surprised, both on and off the campus.

            What brought about this decision?

            Did I feel unqualified? Anyone asked to give leadership rarely feels qualified – there are too many unknowns. Leadership is best accomplished by total dependence upon God. The qualifying factor is the Lord. Personal deficiencies become neutralized when walking reverently before Him.

            Could I do the job? The President helped the Board of Regents define the mission of the college, used his sizable influence to recruit students, lent personal resources to promote the institution and expected me to provide hands-on leadership of the college. Out of our friendship and his encouragement I was already doing many presidential duties. I greatly appreciated and valued his trust.

            Why not take the title? During the months spent thinking and praying my home came to mind. My oldest daughter went through High School while I was helping the college. Serving on eighteen committees, chairing nine of them, there was little time for attending her school events. I was traveling frequently, promoting the school. With three more children to raise it was wrong to continue being an absent father. My life no longer had the joy associated with doing something meaningful.

            I declined the offer because the time was not right for this young family man. I would not have been able to adequately address the critical demands of college leadership and the needs of the home.

            Do I feel it was the right response? A few months after relocating to Chicago, the church’s statewide superintendent was at our home for a meal. During the course of table talk he asked our youngest son what he liked most about Chicago. We thought he would say something about attending major league sporting events, amusement parks or world-class museums. He replied, “I get to see my dad more.” The correct decision was made.

            Being President of Trinity Bible College would have been a great privilege. Investing in the lives of young people was rewarding. Influencing world-changers was humbling. However, the legacy of a parent is their children. The four offspring, entrusted to Brenda and my stewardship, love the Lord and are deeply engaged in Kingdom work.

            I once again have the exciting opportunity of investing into young lives; this time by coaching High School Volleyball. The joy of hanging out with impressionable minds and helping to shape their future is closely associated with timing.

            When designed by God, there is a time for every experience in life.

Solomon’s refreshing sense of intimacy.

            The meaninglessness, emptiness, frustration and despair prevalent in many people can be dealt a decisive blow through intimacy with the Lord. “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Chapter 12:13)

            What cannot be resolved by insight becomes finalized through intimacy. There will be no loose ends, nothing left undone, when life is built on a love relationship with the Lord. He is the only explanation for everything involved in life. Insight will never do what intimacy is designed to do.

            If you are struggling with a sense of worthlessness, it could be a testimony of pursuing insight at the sacrifice of intimacy.  The emphasis of Scriptures is not “understand and know” but “trust and obey.” The quest for meaning is through friendship with God.

INSIGHT AND INTIMACY, part 1

Psalms 27: 4, 7-8 – One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple….  Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. ⁸When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, O LORD, I shall seek.”

            Psalms 34:1-4 – I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. ²My soul will make its boast in the LORD; the humble will hear it and rejoice. ³O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. ⁴I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.

            When reading about the great men and women of Scripture, it is not their power or courage that leaves the greatest impact.  The intriguing part of their life is the intimacy with which they walked with God.

            Enoch “walked with God: then he was no more, because God took him.” (Genesis 5:24)  Abraham was called God’s friend. (2 Chronicles 20:7)  God knew Moses by name. (Exodus 33:17)  David was a man “after His own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14)

            What will be stated about you when your life is over?

            David’s life, as recorded in Scripture, leaves little wonder about why he loved the Lord.  In the midst of his weakness was God’s strength.  In the midst of his enemies was God’s protection.  In the midst of his sin was God’s mercy.

Psalms 34 is one of the few Psalms that discloses the circumstances surrounding its creation:  “A Psalm of David when he feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him away and he departed.”  In the crucible of life’s trials, in personal pain and agony, many songs of worship are born.

            The book of Psalms shows David with inflamed desires and heightened passions for God.  His connection with the Lord was a zealous love relationship; filled with expressive devotion.  The praises for his Beloved were continually on David’s lips; God’s name was the delight of his heart.

            This is the kind of union God desires with all His children.  He seeks a bond with us like a Lover with His beloved.  He longs for a relationship that is intimate, passion-filled; flowing out of truth and goodness.

            David and Solomon’s approach to a friendship with God were clearly different.  They show the contrast between the richness of an intimate-based relationship and the folly of an insight-based relationship.  The approach someone takes will determine how fulfilling life will be.

Lifestyle does not flow out of insight.

            All that we are and do flows out of passions and desires. God has designed us to be passionate people. Those things that you purpose to do come from the heart (desires), more than from the mind (reason).

            Jonathan Edwards, the brilliant scholar used by God to bring a spiritual awaking to America, wrote a classic treatise called “The Religious Affections.” Although no longer the way we normally communicate, look carefully at the following:

            “If we be not in good earnest in religion, and our wills and inclinations be not strongly exercised, we are nothing.  The things of religion are so great, that there can be no suitableness in the exercises of our hearts to their nature and importance, unless they be lively and powerful.” [The “exercises of our hearts” must be powerfully engaged if we are to be earnest in our pursuit of God.]

            “And such, when they receive the Spirit of God in his sanctifying and saving influences, are said to be ‘baptized with the Holy Spirit, and with fire,’ by reason of the power and fervor of those exercises the Spirit of God excites in their hearts, whereby their hearts, when grace is in exercise, may be said to ‘burn within them;’ as is said of the disciples.” [The workings of the Holy Spirit excited the hearts of the disciples and His grace caused their passions to become inflamed.]

            “Wherever true religion is, there are vigorous exercises of the inclination and will towards divine objects: but by what was said before, the vigorous, lively, and sensible exercises of the will, are no other than the affections of the soul.” [True spiritual expression and faith flows out of intimacy with God.]

            People are generally uncomfortable speaking about affections but regularly show them. Men and women are passionate about sports. Men are often passionate about vehicles. Women are often passionate about clothing.

            A believer’s heart is to be burning with excitement for God. Our relationship with Him is to be affectionate. Principles and insights, however, have become the preferred way of being associated with God. We are more comfortable talking about goals and objectives (measurable things) than about tenderness and fondness (passionate things).

            Designing a plan for spiritual development is proper and essential. Regular Scripture reading and prayer, faithful attendance at worship gatherings, meaningful involvement in a faith community, telling the unchurched about Jesus are beneficial. Problems occur when a person places more confidence in spiritual disciplines than in intimacy with God. By putting more emphasis on strategy than love a believer actually causes spiritual weakness. Programs for spiritual advancement end up the object of adoration.

Why are many insight-driven instead of intimacy-driven?

            The answer is linked to the Garden of Eden. God placed Adam and Eve in an environment of beauty and fullness; a place to enjoy the wonders of creation. He invited them to be co-workers. They were to stimulate into greater fruitfulness what He had made.

            Two trees were located in the middle of the garden; the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. God called Adam and Eve to eat from the Tree of Life. God would then be the source of their needs in every dimension of life; spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and physically. God would pour Himself into them as they ate of the tree. Abundant life would be found in Him; the only place it can be found.

            God warned them to not eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil; if they did, they would die. Being instructed to eat from one tree and forbidden to eat from the other reveals one of the most basic, protective truths of all time. God was telling them, “It is better to know Me than to possess the sum of all the knowledge and information this world can give you.”

            The first couple ate from the wrong tree and every generation since then has made the same choice. People are still feeding on the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

            What is the fruit of this choice? We live in the midst of the greatest explosion of knowledge this world has ever seen. We cannot assimilate knowledge as fast as we are gaining it. In the field of computers, medicine and space exploration, we have become overwhelmed by the information we possess.

            Has all this knowledge and information made any difference in the human heart? Has it affected what is happening in the war-torn and poverty-stricken areas of the world? Has it brought justice to the oppressed and peace to the depressed?  Not at all!

            With all our knowledge, the heart is still becoming more and more depraved with every passing generation. We know more and are increasingly wicked.

            In the Garden of Eden intimacy was sacrificed for information. Since that day we have become insight-driven.

            God designed us to find fulfillment in the relationships of life; with Him and with one another. People often take an insight-driven approach to the Ten Commandments. They are referred to as “principles to live by.” This was not their intended purpose.

            Being insight-driven the Ten Commandments are measured by the Golden Rule: Do unto others what you want done to you. We refrain from such behavior as murder and stealing because we do not want the rules violated against us.

            Look at the Ten Commandments from the intimacy-driven approach of the Tree of Life: The first four are about a love relationship with God and the last six are about a love relationship with others created in His image. The commandments are not about breaking rules; they are about ruining relationships.

            The Fall of Adam reveals the outgrowth of knowledge is fear – hiding from the God of relationships; a fear of intimacy. The only thing left to pursue, the only other alternative to gaining a measure of fulfillment, is information.

            David, with intimacy, wrote, “⁴I sought the LORD, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalms 34:4)

The outgrowth of the Garden of Eden is a formula-driven mindset.

            The natural recourse of the Fall is for pragmatism to become part of faith. Pragmatism is the mindset that “if it works it is right.” Ever since Satan said to Eve, “You do this and you will be like God,” we are convinced that if someone tells us how to correctly do something, we can accomplish it. We believe that if someone will insightfully tell us the rules, we are able to do anything we determine in our minds.

            Many live convinced that, within ourselves, we have all the resources we need. People prefer a “how to” kind-of-life but still feel something is missing and end up unfulfilled. It is only natural in the information age that “how to” books quickly become best sellers.

            Formulas for Christian living and basic procedures for character building are very appealing. “Ten Steps to a Successful Marriage” or “Twelve Principles for a Winning Career” are far more attractive than “trust God in the dark times.”

            One minister stated, “It is interesting to me as a pastor that the two things people want most from me are insight into something God is doing and a formula to get out of the struggle of spiritual development.  The mysterious workings of God often do not allow me to give either one.”

            The trouble with pragmatism is that it appears to be successful. While it makes a great deal of sense and in some ways gets the job done, we lose more in the process than we gain. While great things are happening around us, even though they might seem right, we can very well be drying up inside. The inner core of our being is sustained only by intimacy with God. Out of intimacy flows His life and His work, which transforms us in eternal ways. Everyday existence should come out of the overflow of our link with God.

            Describe to yourself your relationship with God?  Is He an occasional visitor, a counselor-on-call, a teacher of principles, or is your relationship like a Lover with His beloved?  Is your relationship characterized by knowledge or filled with passion?

            What is your first waking thought in the morning?  Who do you think of most frequently during the spare moments in a day?  How much time is spent intimately with God through meditation and prayer?

            While involved in youth ministry I was a judge during a Bible Quiz’s State Finals competition. One of the stronger teams in the tournament was led by a brilliant young coach. His group was thoroughly trained in Bible knowledge.

            During one of the matches a team member answered a question incorrectly. The Quiz Master’s decision was contested by the coach. He approached the Judges Table and presented his argument. Even with the correct answer in front of us, he nearly convinced us to give a favorable ruling. His defense was extremely logical.

            Ten years later, while serving as Executive Vice President of Trinity Bible College, a church in the same State where I had been a youth minister invited me to speak. I attended Sunday School before the worship service. A poorly-dressed man, appearing to be a street person, came late to class. Just before ending our session the teacher acknowledged him as a guest and asked his name. He told us who he was and then said, “I used to be a Bible Quiz coach; I just decided to come to church today.”At that moment I recognized him. Although worn, weary and weathered by life, he was once the brilliant young coach of a very competitive Bible Quiz team.

            After the closing prayer I approached him and said, “I remember you. You coached that great team in the State finals.” He looked away sadly and no longer gave eye contact.

            “What happened?” I asked.

            After a long pause, he said, “I don’t know; I just don’t know!”

            We prayed before he left.

            His knowledge of Scripture was indisputable but it failed to translate into an abiding love for God.

The Holy Spirit longs to help you love God, more than simply know rules to live by and formulas for success.  The Holy Spirit wants to keep you, by His grace, from sacrificing intimacy for insight; regardless how appealing it is to understand the confusing and perplexing circumstances of life.

David’s passionate hunger for intimacy with God enabled him to endure the most devastating afflictions, pressures and pain. Passionate love for God will give you the ability to endure your pressure moments, as well.

            Next we look at Solomon’s approach to knowing God.