Libertarianism is not a Christian Worldview (not even close!)

The recent surge of Ron Paul in the Iowa Caucuses has brought the Libertarian philosophy once again into the spotlight. Even though this perspective has always been on the fringe of American politics, some evangelical Christians have embraced this line of thought. This is tragic. Why? Because Libertarianism is far from being a Christian worldview. To be sure, the conservative and liberal philosophies are not explicitly Christian. Nevertheless, the Libertarian approach is especially troublesome. Here are a few examples:

“Moral Issues” – Libertarians have a hands off approach on many moral and social issues. This is clearly a rebellion against authority. These people want to be the master of their own fates. They are repulsed at the idea of a government restricting certain kinds of behaviors. In fact, this is surely one of the main God-appointed roles for government. The Libertarian rejects this. Their outlook reminds a person of the time of the Judges in the Old Testament. The blunt assessment of that time was that people did what was right in their own eyes. 

“Foreign Policy” – Libertarians have an extreme isolationist attitude regarding America’s involvement around the world. Not only does this lack practicality, but it is also inherently selfish. Humanly speaking, the United States has historically done much good around the world. America needs to continue this tradition. For sure, these actions need to be intermingled with discernment and wisdom. Nonetheless, America cannot isolate itself and be content to let the rest world to crumble.

“Economics” – Libertarians have an irrational approach to the economy of the United States. They believe the solution is to have little or no involvement from the government in regulating or influencing the economy. The vast majority of Americans do indeed believe that the government is too heavy-handed. However, the solution is not to go to the extreme of having no government involvement.

This is certainly a broad summary of the dangers of the Libertarian philosophy. Thankfully, it will always remain on the fringe of American politics. The real concern is that some true Christians are willing to embrace such a way of thinking. Libertarianism seems to be an arrogant, selfish, and independent approach to government and society. If so, it has no place within the Christian community. Rather, we should strive to please God by understanding and respecting the role that government can play in the sovereign purposes of God.

Lack of Community

There are sadly many uneasy situations in church gatherings. One that I have often seen is when people are asked to share a testimony of what God has done in their lives or of what God has been teaching them lately. Then there is an eerie silence as people are looking down at their feet to avoid this uncomfortable situation. To be sure, I have done this myself. I am also sure many pastors get frustrated at the lack of response from their people. I think this sample scenario is actually indicative of a much more serious problem.

The problem is the lack of genuine community in the local church. There is scarcely the interconnectedness that should pervade the local church. There is not the necessary investment in each other lives. This is clearly not what the new covenant community should look like. The New Testament picture of the local church is one where all believers encourage and exhort one another with much frequency.

Thus, when believers, for example, are asked to share in front of a group of fellow believers, there is immense timidity to do so. Why? Because, they are accustomed not to do so. In fact, there are none or very few avenues within the local church to develop relationships with fellow believers that are eternally helpful to one another. As a result, people are not likely to share personal information in front of others whom they scarcely know, and thus, trust to care about and safeguard the content of their testimony.

Church leaders cannot expect “testimony” times to be robust if they do not promote and model real community within the local church. No doubt, this is extremely difficult. The people will often demonstrate tangible resistance. However, pastors and other leaders must relentlessly press on to establish an atmosphere in the local church where people truly, truly love one another and thus glorify God in a very radical way.

I often pray for initiative and boldness in proclaiming the gospel to unbelievers. Even more so, I am beginning to pray more for initiative and boldness in creating and sustaining relationships with other believers that God clearly demands of us for our good, the good of others, and for His glory.

Kudos to Pastor Sam Storms

I really appreciate Sam Storms, who is a pastor at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City. He has penned helpful books on the Christian life, the doctrine of election, the theology of Jonathan Edwards, and “devotional” books on Psalms, 2 Corinthians, Colossians, and Revelation 2-3. Sam Storms has a fascinating blend of theological convictions. Most notably, he is fully Calvinistic and Charismatic. One rarely sees this combination. Many Calvinists are tragically part of the “frozen chosen.” Not Sam Storms! He steadfastly believes that if worship in heaven is uninhibited (Rev 4-5), then we should surely experience glimpses of it here on earth. In the same vein of John Piper and Jonathan Edwards, Sam Storms pursues Jesus Christ as his greatest Treasure and Satisfaction in this life as the greatest means of glorifying God.

However, the thing I most admire about Sam Storms is his willingness and labor in mentoring young men for the Christian life and future ministry. I have noticed that He has had an internship program at his church for the last two years. Specifically, he has picked seven young men to spend profuse time with in reading and discussing theology, the Christian life, and church ministry. There are also opportunities for hands-on training. This is a fantastic endeavor. I would recommend this type of training over Bible college or seminary in a heartbeat. Kudos to Sam Storms for his eternally helpful work here.

The question is: why are not more pastors today doing the same thing? Sadly, the answer is that most are either clueless or selfish. They either do not see the immense benefit of such labor or they do see it, but they would rather do other things. All these pastors are doing a real disservice to the Body of Christ because of their negligence. And what a blessing they are missing out on.

Personally, if God grants me a pastorate in the future, I would make this type of mentoring one of my top priorities. To be sure, there are great preachers out there who are worth imitating. I indeed want to improve constantly on my preaching and teaching. Nevertheless, I would rather want to imitate someone like Storms, who not only is a good preacher, but also is actively discipling men and training them for ministry.

The Theology of Golf

I have played lots of golf in my life. Have I played too much? Maybe. Nevertheless, I have immensely enjoyed many facets of the golfing experience. However, like anything in life, the most crucial question is: Has this truly glorified God through Christ? Have I played golf at times when I did not glorify God? Absolutely! Thankfully, all those sins are covered as I embrace Christ as my God-given substitute. Golfing can indeed glorify Christ. I suggest the following ways that it can magnify God in my life.

1. Golfing can be a worshipful experience of our majestic Creator. Being outside in various weather patterns basking along side the green grasses, lush vegetation, and different forms of water can all excite the soul to praise our wonderful God.
2. Golfing can be great exercise. It is obvious, that while we are able, we should be very active with our bodies. The good effects are plentiful. While renting a golf cart is sometimes unavoidable, walking can be sheer pleasure. Walking 18 holes (hopefully straight down the fairway!) is usually a 4-5 mile walk.
3. Golfing can be a meaningful time of reflecting on God and on myself. That is, occasionally, I golf by myself. As I have 2-4 hours of quiet time, this can be a perfect time to think about glorious truth and pray earnestly to our all-sufficient God.
4. Golfing can be a meaningful time to interact with others. I have played much with friends and strangers. To be sure, during the 2-4 hour time span, there is some actual talk of golf, but there is certainly a limit to that discussion. Thus, the conversation can often take a Godward direction. This takes initiative on my part. Do I always do this? Sadly, no. That is to my shame. God has appointed these times with friends and strangers. I can’t waste these precious opportunities.
5. Golfing can surely be a means of growth in our maturity in the Christian life. In playing golf, I have very tangible opportunities to grow in humility, patience, self-control, and other traits that are the fruit of the Spirit working in me. In addition, the many aspects of the golf game are a terrific analogy of our life experience.

If these things are transpiring while I play golf, I can definitely glorify God through Christ, which is the ultimate aim of life.

Where is Ben Davis?

This is the wife of Benjamin Davis...wondering when Ben will post again???????  I suppose I will use this opportunity to say a few words about my husband since he has neglected to post in almost FOUR months!

This list is in no particular order:
1.  Ben is always on time.
2.  Ben is light-heartedly humorous, yet heavy-heartedly serioius about sin.
3.  Ben is growing a goatee for me - thanks Ben!
4.  Ben is a fan of the Oregon Ducks, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Portland Trailblazers.
5.  Ben is interested in sports and politics.
6.  Ben is a great communicator.
7.  Ben is a man humble before his God.
8.  Ben is careful with his words.
9.  Ben is faithful to take care of and look after his parents into their old age.
10. Ben is a golfer who has a handicap of 6 on a good day.

There is much more to say about Ben, but I will leave that for future posts.  We miss you Ben!

A Tribute to My Wife, Elizabeth

Today, February 23, is the third anniversary of my marriage to my wife, Elizabeth. It would only be fitting to publicly affirm and praise her. Like all living followers of Jesus Christ, she has much remaining sin. However, God’s saving and transforming grace is surely evident with her. And I am confident that the Spirit of God will continue to change her more into the image of Christ through the rest of her days in this life.

Here is simply a sampling of the things that I find immensely desirable about her (in no particular order):

• Elizabeth strongly embraces the sovereignty of God in all of life, including the salvation of sinners. This can, by no means, be underestimated. It is so essential to a strong and enduring marriage. My wife, Elizabeth, is one of the very few men and women who are humble enough to adhere to this precious reality. I am so thankful to God!
• Elizabeth is so diligent in the so-called, “spiritual disciplines.” She is disciplined enough to get up before 6:00 am on the weekdays to read the Word of God and to pray. (I am sure she looks at Facebook, too!). I am so thankful to God that He inclines her to nourish her soul with His awesome Word. She doesn’t speak about it much, but she also memorizes lots of Scripture. God will certainly bless her profusely for such diligence.
• Elizabeth possesses intense love for her family. She surely honors her parents and has a healthy relationship with her siblings and their families. If needed, she would do whatever it would take to provide for them and to protect them physically and spiritually.
• Elizabeth deeply cares for the lost. I often see her anguish over those who are rejecting Christ and are on a path to hell. Her passion for the glory of God in the salvation of sinners is such an inspiration to me.
• Elizabeth exemplifies biblical submission to me, her husband. I can scarcely remember a time where she has challenged my leadership. In fact, when I fail in leading her, she often exhorts me to pursue the biblical mandate for a husband.
• Elizabeth is independent enough, by nature, and content enough in the Lord, by a supernatural work, that I am confident that she would be more than okay, if God caused me to die early in our marriage.
• Elizabeth is an absolutely gorgeous woman. Her face, smile, hair, skin, and other features J are so satisfying. Most men would envy me because of the beautiful woman that God has given to me.
• Elizabeth is such a hard-worker. Whether at work or at home, she represents Christ very well in her excellence and organization.
• Elizabeth is so frugal for the glory of Christ. Unlike many wives, I have complete trust in her in her handling of money. In fact, I occasionally have to prod her a little to indulge in various God-ordained pleasures.
• Elizabeth loves children. In this age where many women have abandoned God’s will for their femininity, Elizabeth joins many other Christ-following women through history in her delight and care for children, including the unborn. I have no doubts that she would be a fantastic mother.
• Elizabeth enjoys God’s spectacular creation. She puts me to shame with her energy in going on hikes, bike rides, or other activities in this dazzling world that God has made. At the same time, she always directs this wonder to the God behind all this beauty.
• Elizabeth is amazingly creative and romantic. Before we got married and during our marriage, Elizabeth has surprised me often with creative and thoughtful presents that have extremely touched me. I want to strive to just have a measure of her creativity, so that I can reciprocate all the satisfaction she has given me these last three plus years with her thoughtfulness. 
• Elizabeth shows much patience with me. Even though I disappoint her often, she is careful in voicing her disapproval. I am sure she is aware of God’s continual work in me. I am also certain that she earnestly prays for me that God will strengthen me to be a more obedient follower of Christ and to be a husband who leads, protects, and provides for her for her ultimate good and for the glory of Christ.
• Elizabeth demonstrates her genuine love for other believers in a variety of ways. For instance, she is deeply concerned about the welfare of a former boyfriend that she had a long and deeply emotional relationship with. While others might harbor irresistible bitterness in such a scenario, I see the love of Christ radiating through her.
• Elizabeth is constantly battling sin which blocks greater affection for Jesus Christ in all of life. She understands the gravity of sin and the terrifying prospect of the hardening of her heart if sin is left unchecked in her life.
• Elizabeth is not afraid to die. She knows that death is simply a gateway to paradise with Christ. She is not so attached to the things of this world, that she would hesitate to give it all up (including me) if it meant being in the literal presence of Jesus Christ.

Again, this is a sampling of the things that I commend Elizabeth to my readers. I could definitely list more. May the Spirit of God continue to powerfully work in Elizabeth as she passionately pursues Jesus Christ as her all-satisfying Treasure.

Happy 3^rd Anniversary My Luscious One!

The Theology of Pets

To have a thoroughly Christ-entranced worldview, nothing must be excluded from its sway. Everything must be filtered through the lens of coming from satisfaction in God, through the will of God, and for the eternal good of others and the ultimate glory of God. Is this difficult to accomplish? Absolutely yes! My remaining sin is so evident in regard to failing in possessing a thoroughly Christ-immersed worldview. Others believers in Christ fail constantly, too. One area that is often overlooked is the category of pets.

So, what would a theology of pets entail? First, there is no indication that pets are prohibited by God. There are indeed benefits from owning and caring for pets. For instance,

• Pets could provide some measure of companionship to those who are lonely, especially for the elderly.
• Pets can be useful for children in teaching them about responsibility of things outside of themselves.
• Pets can certainly serve pragmatic purposes such as dogs protecting people and property and cats controlling rodents.

However, as is the case with most things in our fallen world, there is a flip-side to owning pets. What are the downfalls? They would include,

·    Pets are often an escape route in the difficult world of relationships with fellow human beings. Most pets adore their masters and they never talk back. Nevertheless, this is utterly unrealistic in the real world. The real world is tough! We cannot use pets (or, for that matter other things, such as computers, video games, hobbies, leisure, etc) to seclude ourselves from others who are actually made in the image of God.

·    Pets can surely be a strain on a person’s financial resources and time. It is simply astronomical to see how much money people will spend on their pets. Just as I need to learn how not to waste my money for the glory of Christ, others need to do likewise with their pets. Also, the maintenance of pets should never impede on serving others. For example, if one cannot go out for the evening, invite others over to their home, or take an extended trip because of their pets, then they should rethink their priorities.

·    Pets can sometimes be a litmus test of how we literally love our neighbors. A follower of Christ should always look out for the interests of their neighbors above their own. Pets can often be an immense irritation to neighbors. To remedy this, if this means having no pets or curtailing the activities of their pets then, this must happen at all costs.

These are a few of my thoughts. Again, there is nothing inherently wrong with having pets. However, it deeply saddens me when people, especially Christ-followers, do not have a Christ-exalting worldview concerning their animals.

O Sovereign Lord, may you convict your children (myself, included) of lacking a worldview that is completely enthralled with you in all aspects of our daily lives.