Bible glitchers ∙

Bible glitchers ∙

The Scripture cannot be broken. – John 10:35

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

“Barbie” is a 2023 American fantasy comedy film that was released on July 21, 2023. Margot Robbie (as Barbie) and Ryan Gosling (as Ken) deliver standout performances in this imaginative and vibrant movie. The film masterfully combines lightheartedness, humor, creativity, pure fun, and dazzling visuals. It also ventures into some unexpected serious themes reflecting the human condition.

Set in the whimsical world of Barbieland, the story follows a spirited Barbie doll whose seemingly perfect life takes an unexpected twist in her fairy tale life. Struggling with intrusive thoughts about mortality, Barbie begins to question her world and existence. Described as “glitching in a bout of existentialism,” her internal conflict is poignantly underscored by Billie Eilish’s soulful and evocative song, “What Was I Made For?” Ousted for failing to meet idealized expectations, Barbie finds herself expelled from her own world.

Her journey leads her to the real world, where she begins an adventure brimming with self-discovery and introspection. Barbie ultimately concludes that true perfection lies within and that genuine happiness comes from belief in oneself and acceptance.

But what exactly does “glitching” mean? The term “glitch” originated in the early days of computing and technology. It was first popularized by astronaut John Glenn during the 1962 Friendship 7 mission, when he reported irregularities in the spacecraft’s systems, saying, “I think I just had a glitch.” Back then, it referred to a sudden, temporary malfunction in a system. Over time, the term expanded to describe minor errors in programs or devices.

In gaming, glitching specifically refers to exploiting bugs or flaws within video games. Players who engage in this practice are often called “glitchers.” Much like the malfunctions in technology, Barbie’s “glitch” serves as a metaphor for her existential struggle, offering a playful yet meaningful reflection on finding inner peace amidst imperfection.

Over time, the term “glitch” has expanded beyond its original technical roots to describe any unexpected issues, problems, errors, abnormalities, or imperfections.

Barbie, the fictional “ideal” young woman first introduced by Mattel in 1959, is portrayed as flawed and imperfect, a departure from the idealized image she represents.

Similarly, some people view the Scriptures as flawed or containing errors. These individuals might be called “biblical glitchers,” searching the Bible for inconsistencies or mistakes.

However, the traditional theological view holds that the Scriptures are inerrant. This means they are free from error or contradiction in their original manuscripts. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It provides accurate information in matters it touches upon, including history, science, and theology.

Biblical criticism, on the other hand, rejects biblical inerrancy. It assumes that the Bible is errant and not a dependable source of knowledge or truth.

Which perspective is correct? Let the Scriptures speak for themselves, and make your own decision.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Scriptures don’t need defending; they simply need to be shared. Charles Spurgeon once said, “The Bible is like a lion. Who ever heard of defending a lion? Just turn it loose, and it will defend itself.”

Father, we thank You for giving us Your inerrant Word, making it a trustworthy source of absolute truth and a guide for living.

INSIGHT

2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

The Greek word translated as “inspired by God” or “God-breathed” is theopneustos. Theopneustos combines two Greek words: theos (God) and pneustos (breathed), derived from pnein, meaning “to breathe.” The compound word means “God-breathed.” The Scriptures are God-breathed; hence, divinely inspired or inspired by God.

The term “inspired” means that God “breathed out” the Bible from Himself. The Scriptures are the product of God. He is the source behind their creation. While human authors wrote the words, God is the supernatural author behind them. He breathed it; writers wrote what they received. The word of God was inspired, not the writers of Scripture.

John 17:17 Your word is truth.

The Lord Jesus Christ refers to the Scriptures as God’s Word, originating from God Himself. They are not human opinions or philosophical musings but contain absolute and objective truth. They are unchanging, authoritative, and inerrant in all matters that they address. Because of this, they are trustworthy and provide a solid foundation for life and faith.

John 10:35 The Scriptures cannot be broken.

The Lord Jesus Christ emphasizes the unbreakable and infallible nature of the Scriptures, specifically the Old Testament. They are reliable, trustworthy, and stand the test of time. They’re not subject to human whims or interpretations.

Matthew 5:18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

The Father has a grand and comprehensive plan for redemption. Nothing can prevent His plan from being actualized. Every detail of His Word will be fulfilled, and nothing can stop it. It will be fulfilled; nothing can prevent it. God’s Word is unchanging and reliable.

1 Peter 1:10-11

10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries,
11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.

The prophets prophesied about the coming of the Messiah. They were not the source of the words that they spoke. Instead, the Spirit of Christ worked within them and produced the prophecies.

The prophets carefully examined their own prophecies, trying to understand their meaning. Yet they were often puzzled, as these prophecies revealed a Messiah who would be both a suffering servant who would die and a glorious King who would reign over the kingdom of God on earth. How is that possible? They could not fully grasp how these two roles could coexist.

2 Peter 1:20-21

20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding,
21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

The prophets didn’t speak from their own understanding or initiative. Instead, they were guided and carried along by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was the guiding force that moved the writers to create the Scriptures. God Himself is the ultimate authority and source of all that was written.

This process can be compared to how the wind fills a sailboat’s sails and steers it forward. Similarly, God directed and “carried” the human authors as they wrote His Word.

While some critics argue that the Bible contains historical inaccuracies, archaeology has provided significant evidence supporting its reliability. Although archaeology cannot definitively “prove” the Bible, its findings consistently affirm the Bible’s historical accuracy.

Renowned archaeologist Nelson Glueck once said, “It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made, which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible. And, by the same token, proper evaluation of Biblical description has often led to amazing discoveries.”

The Bible is indeed like a lion. It has roared and declared for all eternity that it is the infallible, inerrant Word of the living God.

Pause and consider yourself. Your conclusion determines the trajectory of your life.

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© Dr. H 2024

Confidence from within ∙

Confidence from within ∙

The Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”- Acts 23:11

Acts 9:10-17

10 Now, there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied.
11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now.
12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”

15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.
16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Does it sometimes seem like everyone around you is confident and sure of themselves? Chances are, they have doubts, just like you. So what’s the secret they’ve discovered about how to be confident? They know that confidence is not something you have, it’s something you create.

Being confident is nothing more than a feeling of certainty that you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to. Confidence comes from within. You can find ways to believe in yourself.

Creating confidence is not about knowing it all; it’s about trusting that no matter what happens in a particular situation, you’ll be able to handle it and learn from the outcome.

You must change your perspective and mindset and choose to be confident. Part of achieving this is believing—building certainty—that you are confident. It is all about becoming the master of your emotions (Tony Robbins).

Children of the King are encouraged to be confident. However, their confidence is not merely in themselves but rather in the character and promises of the Father.

Paul had the privilege and honor of hearing directly from the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ on several occasions. He had absolute confidence in what he was told, and as a result, he passionately carried out his calling in complete faith.

He sets the high bar for the rest of us. However, any child of the King can seek to emulate him.

1 Corinthians 11:1 You should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

REFLECT & PRAY

Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Father, thank You for speaking truthfully and for having eternal plans for each child of the King. Thank You that I can have complete confidence that what You have promised, You will also perform.

INSIGHT

The apostle Paul was called for a specific mission to share the Good News with the Gentile world and the Nation of Israel.

Acts 9:15-16

15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.”
16 “And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

He was also tasked to share the Good News in Rome.

Acts 23:11 The Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”

The Father determined that Paul would go to Rome and present the gospel. Because the Father shared His plan, Paul had complete confidence that the Father would preserve him no matter what happened so that he might accomplish his mission. The Father had provided additional revelation to Paul via an angel. When the life-threatening storm occurred, as recorded in Acts 27, Paul had complete confidence that he would be preserved along with all of the crew members if they followed his advice.

Acts 27:18-44

18 The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard.
20 The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.
21 No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss.
22 But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down.

23 For last night, an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me,
24 and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God, in his goodness, has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’
25 So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.
26 But we will be shipwrecked on an island.”

31 But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, “You will all die unless the sailors stay aboard.”

41 But they hit a shoal and ran the ship aground too soon. The bow of the ship stuck fast, while the force of the waves repeatedly smashed the stern and began to break apart.
42 The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to make sure they didn’t swim ashore and escape.
43 But the commanding officer wanted to spare Paul, so he didn’t let them carry out their plan. Then he ordered all who could swim to jump overboard first and make for land.
44 The others held on to planks or debris from the broken ship, so everyone escaped safely to shore.

What was the source of Paul’s confidence? He believed that what the Father had spoken would undoubtedly come to pass. By faith, he knew he would make it safely to Rome.

Acts 27:25 So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.

The Greek word translated as “take courage” or “be encouraged” is euthumeo. Euthumeo means to be inspired with confidence, given hope, or courage. It also means to take courage or be of good cheer.

In the movie Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell knows that it is the Father’s strength that surges within him. The Father’s power gives Eric his supernatural drive, will, and the force to win against seemingly impossible odds. Liddell triumphs by tapping into the reservoir of the Father’s great strength, which courses within and bursts forth as needed.

His motivation and driving force are summed up in one statement, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

Sadly, many children of the King are confused about the Father’s role in our lives. He does not exist to serve us. We exist to serve the Father. Everything about us has been designed by the Father to equip us for the work He preordained long before our birth. The Father created us for His purposes. He has equipped every child of the King to serve Him in some fashion. He has a unique desire for each of us. We serve at His pleasure (Stanley).

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© Dr. H 2024

Being in the way ∙∙

Being in the way ∙∙

Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who has not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren. – Genesis 24:27- KJV

Genesis 24:4-27

4 [Abraham said] go to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac
7 For the LORD, the God of heaven . . . will send his angel ahead of you, and he will see to it that you find a wife there for my son.

12 “O LORD, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham.
14 This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ – let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.”

15 Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out . . .
17 Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”
18 “Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink.
19 When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.”

26 The man bowed low and worshiped the LORD.
27 “Praise the LORD, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The LORD has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.”

Life was once relatively simple, but as we moved into the latter part of the 20th century and now into the whirlwind of the future-shocked 21st century, it has become almost overwhelmingly complex.

The Getting Things Done (GTD) system offers a method to organize and boost productivity amidst this chaos. GTD simplifies the process of managing to-dos, priorities, and schedules, making them more manageable. It helps you clearly see your obligations and decide what to tackle next. Transferring your tasks from your mind to a structured format frees you from mental clutter and enhances efficiency (https://lifehacker.com).

The aim is to streamline necessary tasks to free up more time for activities you truly enjoy. The system emphasizes capturing, organizing, and prioritizing your work.

GTD outlines five steps to help you stay organized:

  1. Capture everything: Record your tasks, ideas, and recurring responsibilities in a notebook, a to-do app, or a planner. Jot them down as they occur to avoid thinking about them until it’s time to act.
  2. Clarify tasks: Instead of vague goals like “Plan meals,” break tasks into actionable steps to eliminate barriers to completion.
  3. Organize by category and priority: Assign due dates, set reminders, and ensure tasks are categorized and prioritized correctly.
  4. Reflect on your list: Review your to-dos regularly to determine your next step. Monitor progress and adjust priorities as necessary.
  5. Engage and act: Select your next task and dive in. With tasks prioritized and categorized into manageable steps, you can efficiently work through your plan.

In biblical times, how did the Father’s servants get things done? God’s servants went about their tasks in varied ways. Luke was a meticulous planner, while Peter was more spontaneous. Abraham’s servant, on the other hand, executed his task with both organization and reliance on divine guidance. Charged with finding a wife for Isaac, he had specific criteria: a woman who was generous, caring, and loyal. His approach was focused and specific, not left to vague hopes or solely seeking God’s “best,” but rather making precise requests; he depended on the Father for guidance and intervention.

Genesis 24:12, 14

12 He prayed, “O LORD, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success today.
14 This is my request. I will ask one of them [the women coming to draw water], ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ – let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.”

How did that work out? Flawlessly! The servant was wise and knew how to get things done. He skillfully balanced making plans with listening for the Father’s guidance and praying. His prayer life was effective because he allowed the Father’s insights to shape his thoughts and plans. The Father had input into his thinking. He collaborated with him in small steps, guiding him with specific actions and ensuring their completion. Moreover, the Father moved in the hearts of all the necessary individuals, influencing them to fulfill His perfect plan.

Genesis 24:27 captures this beautifully: “Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who has not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me.”

Each time the Father acted, the servant responded with gratitude and prayer, worshiping and praising Him for what He had done.

But there’s more. Rebecca proved to be an extraordinary woman, willing to go beyond what was requested. Instead of doing the minimum, she excelled, taking each request and elevating it to a higher level. She “supersized” them.

REFLECT & PRAY

Isaiah 65:24 states, “I will answer them before they even call to me.”

Father, thank You for Your constant work in our lives and for inviting us into Your plans. Even as we pray, You have already set the answers in motion.

INSIGHT

As servants of the Father, we should see our relationship with Him as a long journey that ends in our Father’s house, our eternal home. The Lord Jesus Christ has gone ahead to prepare a place for each child of the King (John 14:2).

Servants have one task: to serve their masters loyally at all times. But there’s something special about this anonymous servant. He was utterly devoted to Abraham and lived only to please him. His favorite name for Abraham was “my master” (Wiersbe). Being anonymous was just that. He didn’t even get an honorable mention.

Servants have one primary duty: to serve their masters with unwavering loyalty. However, this unnamed servant stands out. His complete devotion to Abraham was evident; his sole purpose was to please him. He fondly referred to Abraham as “my master,” and despite his anonymity, he didn’t seek recognition.

As a servant, he took directions directly from his master without questioning, suggesting alternatives, or altering them. He asked a few clarifying questions and then committed wholeheartedly to obeying. Abraham’s servant was “all in.”

He held a steadfast faith that the Father would ensure the completion of his task. While he carefully formulated his plan to get things done, he relied on the Father for empowerment. He intentionally set aside time for prayer, seeking guidance and direction. He repeatedly prayed and watched to see what the Father would do. In a remarkable biblical twist, even as he prayed, the answer was already on its way. Before he finished his prayer, the Father responded.

Isaiah 65:24 captures this beautifully: “I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers.”

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© Dr. H 2024

Be nice ∙

Be nice ∙

You must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. – Colossians 3:12

2 Corinthians 6:6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.

Proverbs 3:3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.

Acts 9:36 There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to be too nice? According to a study titled “8 Benefits of Being a Nice Person, which showed you can almost never be too nice (psychologytoday.com, November 8, 2022). In the realm of personality psychology, the quality of being “nice” is often synonymous with the trait of “agreeableness.” Agreeableness is “the personality trait primarily concerned with helping and building positive relationships with others” (Ones and Wilmot). Another term for agreeableness is “love.” As noted in 1 Corinthians 13:8, Love never fails.

Agreeableness encompasses key sub-facets: trust, compassion, and politeness. Compassion can further be broken down into graciousness and tender-mindedness, which involves gentleness towards others. Politeness includes attributes like cooperativeness, straightforwardness, and modesty.

There are eight notable benefits to being agreeable. Demonstrating kindness can significantly enhance your well-being, especially when exercised wisely. These benefits include:

• Self-transcendence: A drive to care for others and engage in spiritual or religious practices.
• Contentment: The ability to accept and adapt to life’s challenges.
• Relational investment: A desire to build and sustain strong relationships.
• Teamworking: The empathic ability to align your goals with those of others.
• Work investment: A readiness to diligently tackle tasks.
• Lower results emphasis: A tendency to be forgiving and lenient.
• Social norm orientation: A natural inclination to follow rules and meet societal expectations.
• Social integration: Being well-adjusted in society and avoiding antisocial behaviors.

A bit of personal reflection indicates that these qualities describe the ideal friend, colleague, or marriage partner.

The kindness we show reflects the heart of the Father. Because we have been treated and dealt with according to His kindness, we are liberated to follow after Him and live out and demonstrate kindness to others. Genuine kindness is produced through the work of the Holy Spirit within. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

As 2 Corinthians 6:6 reminds us, we demonstrate our character through purity, understanding, patience, and kindness, all nurtured by the Holy Spirit within us, complemented by sincere love.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father calls us to put on His spiritual garments, not just leave them hanging unused in the scripture’s closet. They must be worn to benefit us truly.

Father, I acknowledge that I am a work in progress regarding kindness. Encourage and empower me to be gentle and as harmless as a dove. Help me fully embrace my new identity in Christ.

INSIGHT

Colossians 3:12 encourages us to embody tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

The Greek word translated as “kindness” is chrestotes, which signifies being “warmhearted,” “considerate,” “humane,” “gentle,” and “sympathetic.” It embodies goodness and integrity, akin to being “harmless as a dove.” Chrestotes pervades one’s nature and disposition. Such a lifestyle is developed over time. Those who are truly kind have mellowed with age in a fashion similar to fine wine (Luke 5:39).

Proverbs 3:3 advises, “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.” The Hebrew word translated as “kindness” is hesed. Hesed is also rendered as “lovingkindness,” “reliability,” “mercy,” and “loyal love.” Rather than insisting on our own way, it implies walking humbly with God, aligning our desires with those of the Father, and doing what He wishes us to do.

Hesed is one of the most beautiful and fascinating words used in the Old Testament to describe the Father. The Father has many attractive characteristics, personality traits, and attributes. One of the most delightful of all is His quality of hesed. It is used to express and focus on His lovingkindness. Becoming children of the King introduces us to a new way of living, shedding old priorities and behaviors for new ones. As Paul suggests, “New character demands new characteristics” (Richison). Paul encourages us to live out our new life in Christ. The logic is simple. “God expects us to approximate our daily condition to our heavenly condition. He wants us to live out the ideals and attitudes of our new nature” (Richison).

Kindness reflects a calm and gentle approach to life, embracing forgiveness and avoiding anger or hostility when faced with wrongdoing. It’s “the art of being dear” (Lord Hailsham). Kindness is the manifestation of empathy, love, and compassion. Kindness is to be seen in both our demeanor and acts of kindness. Kindness is expressed through practical care and helpfulness. It manifests itself in a sweet disposition and thoughtful interpersonal dealings (Constable). There was a child of the King in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She consistently did kind things for others and helped the poor (Acts 9:36).

Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

The Greek word translated as “easy is chrestos. Chrestos has the sense of “being soft and mild,” “gently pleasant,” that is “kind,” not harsh, stern, or severe. Kindness has a transformative quality.

Romans 2:4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

The Lord Jesus Christ describes His yoke: “My yoke is easy [chrestos].” Kindness is listed in Galatians 5:22 as a fruit of the Spirit and thus is a result of the work of the Spirit in the life of the child of the King.

“One of the most beautiful pictures of kindness in the Bible is King David’s treatment of the crippled prince, Mephibosheth (see 2 Samuel 9). David desired to show ‘the kindness of God’ to King Saul’s family because of his own love for Saul’s son, Jonathan. The young man chosen was Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, a poor cripple.”

“If David had acted according to justice, he would have condemned Mephibosheth, for the man belonged to a condemned family. But David acted on the basis of love and grace” (Wiersbe).

David sought out Mephibosheth and assured him not to be afraid. He invited Mephibosheth to live in the palace as a member of his family and to eat at the king’s abundant table. This exemplifies the kindness of God! As children of the King, we have experienced an even more incredible kindness, for we will live with Him in heaven forever! (Wiersbe)

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© Dr. H 2024

Monsters from the Id ∙∙

Monsters from the Id ∙∙

I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead – Philippians 3:13

Philippians 3:3-11

3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God . . .We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort,
6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.
7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.

8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ
9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,
11 so that one way or another, I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

The 1956 science fiction film Forbidden Planet stands as a groundbreaking precursor to modern sci-fi cinema. In this movie, a mysterious and destructive force brings death and destruction in its wake. Ultimately, the source of this force is revealed: it originates from within sentient beings themselves, manifesting as Monsters from the Id.

The Id is a concept from psychoanalytic theory, initially developed by Sigmund Freud. It represents the most primitive part of the human psyche, housing our basic instinctual drives and desires. The Id seeks gratification of its urges without consideration for reality or social appropriateness. It is uncoordinated and impulsive, lacking the rational thought processes that are found in other parts of the mind, like the Ego and Superego, which help mediate and control these instinctual impulses.

Without a relationship with the Father God, we lack the essential elements for spiritual health and vitality. The Father designed us to find true fulfillment and contentment only when He is actively present and involved at the core of our being. Without Him, we’re left to navigate life solely on our own. Many are keenly aware of their darker side. But for others, it is way too easy to block out the fact that they possess a dark side and ignore the existence and its haunting presence of their own Monsters from the Id.

The apostle Paul exemplified a complex blend of humanity’s best and worst traits. In terms of righteousness achieved through human effort, he was nearly flawless and took pride in his accomplishments. Yet, when it came to the righteousness offered solely by God, Paul fell short and was totally deficient. In fact, without the saving grace of Jesus Christ, Paul considered himself the greatest sinner of all time.

In 1 Timothy 1:15, Paul states, “This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them!”

Paul was burdened with deep regrets. Reflecting on his past, he undoubtedly felt overwhelming guilt and shame for his skewed, distorted thinking and the havoc it had caused. But everything changed when he came face-to-face with the Lord Jesus Christ. In his journey with Christ, as he walked with Him, Paul discovered the open secret of how to overcome his regrets.

He did a mental calculation, reevaluated his life, and deemed both his greatest achievements and the haunting memories of his past worthless, mere rubbish, garbage, and waste. Paul resolved that his base subconscious memories and desires would no longer dominate him. Instead, he learned to master and control them.

He consciously chose to leave his past behind, striving for a profound, personal, and intimate relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ. His focus shifted from seeking worldly success and obtaining the things that it offered to knowing and experiencing the Father.

Philippians 3:8-10 captures his transformation:

8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,
9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,
10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.

REFLECT & PRAY

Haunting memories from the past can linger in our minds. We have the choice to either give them power, nurture them, and let them grow, or disavow them and revoke their power and control over our lives.

Father, my nightmares often feel like personal “Monsters from the Id,” and I yearn for freedom. Through your mighty strength, I choose to reject and dismantle their hold and oppression.

INSIGHT

Philippians 3:8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

The Greek word for “count” is hegeomai, which literally means to lead or go before. Metaphorically, it involves forming an opinion after considering the facts to think, regard, reckon, or esteem. As Bob Dylan might say, it’s about “changing your way of thinking.”

Paul’s decision was a result of careful consideration, free from emotional sway, whether positive or negative. It wasn’t made in haste, but after deep reflection on the truths, he had come to understand. With this clarity, he decided where he was going to take his stand and stood fast. He never had to look back again. He firmly chose his path and never wavered, setting his sights on the future that lay before him.

The Father had invited him to participate in His kingdom work. His journey was now defined by Paul’s earnest desire to fulfill his calling.

As stated in Luke 9:62, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Paul accepted the Father’s invitation to engage in His kingdom’s work, and his present and future were now firmly anchored in his calling.

Through trial and error, Paul learned to cultivate a profound friendship and fellowship with the Father. He no longer sought righteousness through his own efforts but received it as a gift of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Once considered the chief of sinners, he became a committed and devoted bondservant of Christ.

The Greek word translated as “rubbish” or “dung” in the King James Version is skubala. In everyday language, skubala refers to waste discarded to dogs, while in medical terms, it means excrement.

Does your past haunt you? Perhaps it’s time for a personal evaluation of your failures and achievements. It might be time to put the past behind you once and for all. In the end, like Paul, you will gain much more than you lose.

Ultimately, this is the Father’s way of helping you extinguish the haunting Monsters of the Id.

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© Dr. H 2024