The Carpenter's Journal

Posted: May 23, 2018 by cjournalme Leave a Comment

Feeling the Animalousity

I’m gonna’ break one of my rules here and voice an opinion.

It’s grounded in a simple, deep-seated conviction that human beings were [and are] created in the image of God and are therefore dominant over every other living creature He formed in the universe.

We used to call that being more important.

Now some of my family and close friends would suggest that I don’t like animals because I rarely ever dote over pets. But nothing could be further from the truth.

When I was growing up, we always had a dog. Everybody had a dog. All the neighborhood dogs followed us kids around in a pack and played with us and we all knew whose was whose. Hardly anyone allowed their pet inside the house because they were filthy and rowdy and couldn’t figure out how to flush the toilet.

These were some of the happiest pets alive. When my twin brother and I were in our early teens, our family got a Dachshund which my parents allowed in the house from time to time. We loved to play with him and carried our “weiner dog” around with his back suspended between our hands which supported either end of his torso.

We called him Count.

Count was entertaining. He could never keep up with the other dogs because of his short legs. Nevertheless, he brought our family a lot of joy and companionship over the years. We’d talk to him and tease him. We’d throw a ball and hug and tickle him when he brought it back. We fed him. We took care of him if he got sick. To us kids, it was like having the ideal sibling around—one that never punched you back or tattled on you or stole your underwear.

We loved him. But, aside from those moments in time when he captivated us with his antics, our lives never revolved around him.

We all possessed varied degrees of affection for him. But when it came to developing meaningful relationships outside of the family, none of us felt it was prudent to include Count in the process. Nor did we feel it was necessary to include him in all the activities of our daily lives.

After all, he was a dog.

As much as we loved him, he didn’t have the capacity to develop and maintain cognitive interaction and respect at the human level. He had rights. He had the right to be loved, taken care of and protected from harm. But he didn’t know how to respect the rights of anyone else. As a result, it was impossible for any of us to try to connect with him on any other caliber than as a tamed animal.

After graduating from high school, I went on to receive a degree in Animal Science. I loved being around and working with livestock, but I never sought to initiate any kind of emotional attachment with an animal.

And I think this was about the time I started to notice that many people were [oddly enough] beginning to place a higher value on any relationships they might have had with animals rather than human beings. I didn’t think much about it at the time, although it was evident what was happening.

Dogs, cats, pets, etc., express gratification or needs through affection toward their caretaker, and it never comes with strings attached or emotional blackmail. They’re never a source of heartbreak to their human companion with their words and [hopefully] only on occasion through their actions. As long as their basic needs are met, they’re remarkably loyal and predictable.

What more could anyone ask for?

But it’s not like I’ve alway been immune to cheap emotional gratification. I used to stuff any thoughts of difficult relationships or memories below my threshold of pain. What I didn’t realize at the time was that, as I was suppressing those thoughts, I was replacing them with something more comfortable to think about.

It was an inherent human character flaw. I sought relationships with things that wouldn’t bite me back.

But they didn’t wear collars and rub their wet noses in my face. Unfortunately though, they did indeed bite back. They were cravings for unwarranted approval at any cost. They were the satiating effects of using alcohol, music or dabbling in immorality. I was no stranger to the same type of impulsive replacement behavior that still seems to run rampant in our culture today.

It took too many years for me to realize that the the Lord’s purpose for human beings to effectively communicate and interact with one another can never be modified, edited or replaced with substitute gratification. The inadequacy of any exchange or omission will eventually be exposed.

The greatest of all relationships are the ones our Creator desires to have with each of us and with each other.

I think we’d all do well to focus on that.

Just my opinion, of course.

Last Updated: July 5, 2024 by cjournalme Leave a Comment

Life Given is Worth Defending

I’ve noticed a disturbing paradigm shift in logic over the years.

When it comes to developing a realistic solution for law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families from random episodes of mass murder carried out in public places, every viable resolution digresses back to the subject of installing better door locks or to seeking to try to better understand the nature of erratic, violent behavior.

In other words, how do we second guess the unpredictable?

It’s as if any suggestion to teach potential victims that tactical physical resistance to criminal violence is completely out of the question.

Taking the offensive in a life-threatening situation has been re-defined as a barbaric, risky recourse to criminal activity, especially in a public setting. And, while it’s true that an unprepared response to violence can sometimes trigger a deeper crisis, men who claim to belong to Jesus Christ must seek to protect what is precious in His eyes.

Building a godly family is crucial to sustaining any moral society and is an essential goal for any father in Christ’s Body. To be successful though, he must be able to convey Biblical principles about what’s right and what’s wrong to his children. More importantly, as the object of a male role model, a son will most likely adopt his father’s standards connected to the value of human life.

That would include teaching him about defending his own life and the ones he loves.

If a criminal somehow breaches the inviolable barriers of a family residence with the intent of stealing or harming the occupants, the godly father will engage him with deadly force, because he knows there’s no Scriptural basis for cowardice. The prudent father would already even have devised a rational plan for minimizing loss or injury and be sure everyone was properly trained for the unexpected.

He’d do whatever it takes.

A father is entrusted with the welfare of his children from his Creator. He’s accountable to the Lord for teaching them all he can about Him and His word primarily through his actions as a role model. If an evil man slaps his face, he turns the other cheek. If his neighbor sues him, he gives him more than is demanded.

But if someone wants to kill him, he knows it’s not right to just hand over the goods.

While the Christian model is to tolerate a reasonable degree of unreasonable behavior, neither Jesus Christ nor His disciples ever taught anyone to willingly give up his life to the cruelty of an unsound mind.

A wise father sleeps well knowing that a plan to secure the safety of his children in public institutions has been implemented. The authority of parents to execute whatever strategy is necessary for protecting their children is vested in them both legally and Biblically—regardless of where it is.

My fear is that too many young boys are being taught that violent, psychotic behavior is an ever-increasing fact of life against which there seems to be no recourse, and that when it happens, the only option is to run and hide.

Is it because the sanctity of life is an expendable asset in the face of fear?

May it never be!

Posted: December 24, 2017 by cjournalme 2 Comments

Realistic Visions of Paradise

Most of us look forward to some form of paradise.

But it can mean different things to different people. Some opinions are well-defined. Others are vague.

And most squabbles about what or where it is fall short of any realistic consensus, because traditional beliefs rarely sacrifice their sacred cows without a fight. Many of these visions contrived by men have been firmly embedded in teaching institutions and congregations for centuries.

As a result, the real impact of the term “Paradise” on God’s people is seldom experienced since the unchecked human imagination has no boundaries in the absence of Biblical exegesis.

So then, what can the texts of the Bible itself actually tell me?

Literally translated in the Bible, this Greek word παράδεισος [pará-dā-sôs] is defined as “a place of blessedness, from the base meaning of garden.” And nothing in the three instances of its usage in the New Testament suggests this term to indicate anything other than an incomprehensible but glorified existence or environment in the immediate presence of the Creator. [see: Lk.22:43, 2Cor. 12:4, Rev. 2:7]

So, what’s the important thing for me to understand about ‘Paradise?

In Luke’s gospel account of the crucifixion of Jesus, our Lord’s response to the criminal being crucified beside Him was profound on many levels:

“But the other [criminal being crucified with Jesus] answered, and rebuking him said, ‘Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You might come in Your kingdom!’ And He [Jesus] said to him, “Truly I say to you today, you shall [future tense] be with Me in Paradise.” [Lk. 23:40-43]

As an inductive reader, it’s critical for me to consider the context of the criminal’s question to Jesus in the preceding sentence. He was painfully aware that both he and this guy they called “King of the Jews” were on the brink of death, yet he made no petition for his “spirit” to be able to accompany that of our Lord’s on any journey into disembodied bliss.

There was, however, a plea to be remembered at the appropriate time, that is, whenever Jesus “might come into His kingdom.” The Greek grammar and the context of the conversation clearly indicate that both he and Jesus perceived His kingdom as something to transpire in the future.

The text reveals nothing about the two criminals regarding their knowledge of the Jews, the Scriptures or its prophesy. It only records one repentant man’s desperate appeal to share in something he could only hope for.

Paradise is surely the sum of unimaginable splendor soon be revealed in all fullness upon Jesus Christ’s return to the Earth, where God, the Father shall ultimately bring together all creation under His direct authority for the purpose of amplifying His glory and Divine objectives. [see: 1Cor. 15]

But perhaps the real significance of Paradise lies more in how it was used rather than its definition.

The Bible only records Jesus promising it to one person.

What kind of person was he?

Posted: November 17, 2017 by cjournalme 1 Comment

His Unkindled Wrath

It must be a signpost of what lies ahead.

The horrifying acts of violence and degenerate behavior have escalated into weekly episodes, searing the conscience of every Godly man, woman and child haplessly sewn up in a culture that continues to celebrate it.

In anticipation of a Divine remedy, prayers abound and weapons are stockpiled as the frightened masses cry out to their Creator. The evangelical community frantically witnesses the Good News to an impatient audience, warning them to trust in Jesus because it’s only gonna’ get worse.

And they need to.

Because it is.

But is the Lord’s due process never administered in real time? In other words, will all repayment for evil conduct be set aside until the day of the “white throne” Judgement the apostle John envisioned in the Book of Revelation? [Rev. 20:11-15]

Or is it not true that the consequences of ungodly conduct in this age very often accompany or quickly follow its commission? For example, at the pinnacle of his reign, King David of Israel poached his good friend’s wife and eventually murdered him to hide the offense. As a result, the Lord took his illegitimate child’s life in return. [2Sam. 11:27, 12:10-14]

On the other hand, it’s also very obvious that the Lord’s scales of justice are routinely set in motion without direct Divine intervention.

If I were to begin reading the apostle Paul’s letter to all who [were] beloved of God in Rome, called as saints, I’d first note that God’s wrath is revealed to everyone He’s made Himself known to but chooses to conceal this knowledge. These individuals refuse to acknowledge the Lord for who He is by exalting Him or giving thanks. As a result, each becomes compromised in his capacity to discern right from wrong. [vss. 1:18-21]

So what does God do about it?

Nothing.

Instead, He “gives them over” to revel in the perversions they can’t seem to part with. As a consequence, they continue to remain well-pleased by “their bodies being dishonored among them,” or with “receiving in themselves the penalty of their error.” [vs. 1:27] [my emphasis]

The Greek grammar here suggests this act of “receiving” isn’t something to be experienced in the future, but rather being experienced in the present.

In other words, they’re constantly experiencing the penalty.

It’s interesting that Paul develops the context of these sentences by focusing on the specific issue of homosexual behavior by example. Maybe this was the most effective way of illustrating a natural principle of God’s created order, that is, that there are serious, real time consequences for seeking insatiable freedom in anything. Consider also that homosexual behavior is perhaps the most abominable attack against the sacred institution of marriage the Lord ordained in Gen. 2: 24-25. [see also: Lev.18; 22; 1Cor. 6:9; 1Tim. 1: 8-11]

But perhaps God’s wisdom to allow swift and painful judgement in the present is characteristic of His merciful nature. Those who choose to turn away from depravity and worship Him are not only saved from the penalty of the second death [Rev. 20:14], but are also viable witnesses in this age for Jesus Christ and the good news about His Kingdom—just like the apostle Paul was.

For the Lord God’s anger has yet to burn in its full fury.

So, I pray that they’ll choose to partake in the heavenly calling and endure until the end in the hope of being transformed into the likeness of their Firstborn Brother and Savior.

I pray they’ll have ears to hear.

“The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance. He will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. And men will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous, surely there is a God who judges on earth!” [Psa. 58:10-12]

Posted: November 6, 2017 by cjournalme 2 Comments

Happy to Be Sad

Check it out next time and see for yourself.

Whenever the word “sin” is dropped in casual conversation, the reactions are usually all over the board, ranging anywhere from hysterical snorting to awkward navel-gazing.

I know this because my reactions have been anything but consistent over the years too. But any giggling has become a thing of the past, because I’ve come to understand that sin isn’t a funny topic to the man who really understands the consequences of it.

On the other hand, I’ve learned to salt any knowledge of a brother’s ungodly behavior with a few grains of optimism. Because if he’s done some of the same stupid things that I’ve done, it’s possible the Lord would also allow the necessary circumstances needed for him to decide to change the direction he’s headed—that is, to repent.

[What exactly is repentance? see: Climbing the Ladder of Repentance]

So repentance provides the spiritual infrastructure for the faithful disciple of Jesus Christ to build and demonstrate the changes he professes to have made.

But sorrow is necessary to start that ball rolling.

In his second letter to “the church of God which is at Corinth with all the saints who are throughout Achaia,” the apostle Paul clarified the value of repentant sorrow:

“For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. I did regret it, for I see that that letter caused you sorrow—though only for a while. I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance, for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.

For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you. What vindication of yourselves. What indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter.” [2Cor. 7:8-11] [my emphasis]

The saints in Corinth had shown that they were “innocent in the matter.” In context, the “matter” was godly sorrow, the kind that brings a man to his knees in repentance. Paul used the Greek word ἁγνός [ãgnõs: pure, holy, chaste, innocent] to suggest that they had set themselves apart—or made themselves pure as a result of the sorrow they’d experienced.

Sorrow is an inevitable consequence of living in this age. However, enduring godly sorrow doesn’t make a lot of sense to the world.

But for the disciple of Jesus Christ, there’s only one river where the water of life flows.

And the cup of sorrow is one he had to drink from.

Posted: October 27, 2017 by cjournalme Leave a Comment

The Art of Becoming

It’s finally arrived.

That long-awaited aura of “getevenwithemism” is gaining ground in the American culture today.

We’re quickly regressing to what many of us remember to be a more comfortable era when we didn’t have to walk on eggshells in the course of normal conversation for fear or offending someone with our choice of words or expressing our personal opinions based on core values.

And the change is welcomed. Just ask anybody and they’ll tell you:

“Everybody’s gettin’ too sensitive about stuff.”

I agree. This push to reshape the easily offended mindset of the day is legitimate for the most part because the outrage usually amounts to nothing more than whining and is grounded in ulterior motives.

But to what degree does the faithful disciple of Jesus Christ set his brother straight yet continue to defend his own personal habits under the auspice of his freedom in our Lord?

How easily could this pendulum of sound reasoning cut too wide a path swinging in the other direction, crushing a fragile Christian conscience in the process? After all, we’ve all been vulnerable to unnecessary correction at one time or another. And the reasons were varied and complex.

In his letter to the church of God which [was] at Corinth, to those who [had] been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place [called] on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours…, the apostle Paul warned the reader:

“But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak…for through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. [1Cor. 8:9, 8:11-12] [my emphasis]

It seems that the word to remember here is “somehow.” There’s no process set in stone. Nor are there any pocket-sized flowcharts or smart phone apps to help determine when to bring the hammer down and when to let it slide.

So, here’s another thought—not mine, of course:

“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more…to the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I might by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I might become a fellow partaker of it. [1Cor. 9:19, 9:22-23] [my emphasis]

Far from being vague in his technique, Paul demonstrated the very essence of what our Lord did for all men and women by being born a man and living on the Earth.

He didn’t act like he was all things to all men. He became those things.

That’s what partakers do.

“Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.” [1Cor. 10:32-33]

Last Updated: July 13, 2024 by cjournalme Leave a Comment

LIFE IN THE BALANCE: Living in Its Source

Life’s what it’s all about!

The desire to live is inherent, whether in the present or in the future.

That’s why essentially every religion that was ever fabricated by the human mind promises some form of rewarded supernatural existence in an “afterlife.” And they all contain a fundamental premise. To be specific, divine authority is prominently established in a sovereign entity.

Yet, any provision to actually experience real fellowship or intimacy with that sovereign authority is mysteriously absent.

[Do you know life’s Source? see: LIFE IN THE BALANCE: Knowing Its Source]

Every created soul longs for a genuine connection to something greater than himself. But even though the hope of Jesus Christ’s disciple lies in a future resurrection of the righteous dead, he seeks reliance and fellowship with the Holy Spirit Himself in real time.

His God doesn’t exist in a shroud of obscurity, only to show up in some form of paradise to repay his behavior. His God has an ongoing, relational investment in him whom He chose to accomplish His own will. And He’s able to demonstrate His very presence in his life for that purpose.

So, if his life is indeed bound up together with his God, what would it look like to the rest of the world?

It would surely be emblematic of the One whose Spirit he chooses to be led by.

Though the world despises the Christ and the ones who love Him, it can’t seem to explain the spectacle of joy and peace so visible in the lives of those it otherwise loathes. It simply cannot comprehend the current magnificence of something which traditions and myths predict to be a future event.

Thus, we rejoice that what Jesus referred to as “life eternal” isn’t merely something we look forward to, but something we presently experience on a certain level.

[What’s “life eternal?” see: The Precious Pearl of Life.]

In his letter to Timothy, [his] true child in the faith, the apostle Paul urged him to convince Christ’s disciples to “store up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they might take hold of that which is life indeed.” The Greek verb ἐπιλαμβάνομαι means to take hold, catch, trap or seize. Nothing in the grammar suggests this to be an action exclusive to the future.

As Jesus Christ’s disciple, my ability to get my hands on this life seems to parallel the sanctifying [or cleansing] process going on in me right now as well as any desire I might have to abide in HIm. To abide in Him means to adhere to the principles He taught.

But in order to do that, I not only need the presence of His Spirit, but also the support and encouragement from His Body. Without this spiritual sustenance, another false doctrine could easily reveal itself as a shinier marble.

The offer from the Source of life isn’t just a promise–like a promissory note to be tucked away and redeemed at the proper time.

But I can certainly take it to the bank.

Last Updated: July 13, 2024 by cjournalme Leave a Comment

LIFE IN THE BALANCE: Hearing Its Source

I know that life is good.

It has to be. It was created, and everything the Lord God created was good. [Gen. 1:31]

The author of Genesis illustrated the Source of life to the reader through the image of a fruit bearing tree in the middle of a perfect environment. In the same manner, our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated that same Source to be only through Him existing in the center or our lives.

But nothing in the texts of the New Testament reveals many details concerning what His term “life” actually consisted of. It would, however, be reasonable to assume that most everyone He taught already had some understanding of what He meant by it.

[What’s “eternal life?” see: The Precious Pearl of Life.]

In fact, the Gospel accounts suggest that any interest in the subject probably surfaced as an inquiry about how to get it rather than what it was. [see: Mk. 10:17, Lk. 10:25]

But does the present day disciple of Christ actually perceive life in the same way that the Teacher Himself and the apostolic authors did?

For example, consider Jesus’ response to a group of the Jews during a feast in Jerusalem as recorded in the gospel account of John:

Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.

For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, in the same manner, the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, so that all might honor the Son even as they honor the Father.

He who is not honoring the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who is hearing My word, and believing in Him who sent Me, possesses eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has moved out of the death into the life.

Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear shall live. For just as the Father has life in Himself, in the same manner, He also gave to the Son to have life in Himself; and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.

Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.” [Jn. 5:19-29] [my emphasis]

The first conclusion I could draw from this passage would be that a distinct, unshared capacity to give life exists in the Father, Who has life in Himself. Also, the Father gave that same ability to have life in Himself to the Son, Who does everything in like manner of His Father.

I’d also be careful to note Jesus’ words concerning exactly who actually “possesses life” and recognize the continuous aspect of the phrases “hearing my words” and “believing in Him,” indicating that Jesus considered anyone possessing life to be demonstrating a consistent, obedient lifestyle as a testimony to the principles He was teaching.

But what could I expect as a result of possessing life? Having “moved” out of death into life, can I consider myself immortal at that point?

[Are God’s people immortal? see: Bridging the common gap of fear.]

I could, but I’d have to totally disregard the obvious. Both Jesus and the Biblical authors often defined this term “life” using the adjective “eternal,” suggesting that immortality defines an ultimate quality of living meant to be experienced only through the miracle of a life-giving resurrection.

A popular translation of Jn. 5:24 reads:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”

It’s easy to assume that this sentence confirms that I will never die if I already understand it to mean that when I read it. But the context neither addresses nor cancels the inevitability of human death. Jesus was asserting that the one who in fact “has” [or who is possessing] life shall not be judged on the basis of his belief. And, that, on that basis, he’s able to regard himself as one in custody and ownership of that possession.

As a result, he shows the Son—and the world, that he does indeed possess that life through his words and actions. His possession is in the form of a type of down payment, to be fully realized beginning with a miraculous future life-giving event confirmed by the Author of life Himself. [read: Jn. 5:29 again]

Can you hear what the Source of life says? How many chances will I get to lay my hands on that life which only the Son can give back?

And who will deny Him that sole authority?

Last Updated: March 9, 2024 by cjournalme 1 Comment

LIFE IN THE BALANCE: Knowing Its Source

Look carefully.

Because the most effective counterfeit is the closest to the truth. Whether it’s currency or ideology, every good fraud requires an adequate level of authenticity in order to make it believable.

In fact, history confirms there’s no limit to the amount of deceit the human mind can submit. But the real tragedy lies not so much in its origin as it does in the results.

Considering the number of times Jesus Christ was recorded in the Bible as having spoken about “life” to His disciples, it seems to be a subject worth investigating. So, it only makes sense that an accurate definition of life should be relevant to my life.

But everyone knows what life is…right? It’s the opposite of death. What else do I need to know? Perhaps the account of our Lord’s creation of the universe could shed some light on just what this term meant from the beginning:

“Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. The Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil….

…The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”” [Gen. 2:7-9, 16-17] [underscore mine]

The text confirms only One wellspring of life-giving capability for human beings as being generated by the Creator’s “breath.” And, interestingly enough, the sole provision for sustaining this remarkable gift to its full potential is recorded as a familiar and well-rooted source of nutrition known to Mankind—the tree.

The reader can easily conclude that life, in its most perfect dimension, was accessible from only One Source of the renewable produce in the garden, and that from day one, any inclination to secure life has always been regarded as a choice.

Over three thousand years later, the Lord Jesus Christ urged His disciples to exercise the same type of good judgement when making personal decisions:

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who are finding it.” [Matt. 7:13-14] [my emphasis]

Neither the author nor Jesus Himself must have felt it necessary to provide some deeper explanation about what “life” meant in this narrative. For, in one respect, life was something everybody breathing and listening to Him did indeed have. But, on the other hand, receiving “life” was a chronic, unfading ambition of God’s people in the First Century.

[How did the first disciples perceive “life?” see: The Precious Pearl of Life.]

And this passage below, from the book of Genesis, lays fairly close to the needle of a common thread of thought woven into the Scriptures. That is to say, a conditional offer, submitted over and over again, and always coming from the same life-giving Source:

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” [The Lord’s words spoken to His people through Moses; Deut. 30:19-20] [my emphasis]

[What’s a common thread? see: Common Threads are Common]

Over two-thousand years have passed since Jesus Christ walked on the Earth and spoke in an open and straightforward manner to His disciples about a path that leads to something He referred to as “life.” And, in as many years, some men have taken His expression, often with the best of intentions, and poured for themselves what they considered to be a more compatible foundation upon which to build Christ’s path to life—one the world can live more comfortably with.

As a result, counterfeit teachings have seeped quietly through cracks in the Lord’s congregations. The Master of Deception never sleeps, and his lies are music to the ticklish ear.

Sadly, the Only One who can truly give life, sustain it, take it back, then give it again is unwittingly profaned through the most innocent stroke of a pen or flap of the tongue.

One thing is certain.

Life is good.

This topic obviously covers a lot of ground, and The Carpenter’s Journal will attempt to walk through it in the coming weeks.

“In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.” [Jn. 1:4]

Last Updated: May 11, 2023 by cjournalme 1 Comment

A Sufficient Degree of Separation

How important are my choices of friends and business partnerships?

Probably more than I realize. The apostle Paul told the church of God which [was] at Corinth, with all the saints who [were] throughout Achaia:

Do not become yoked together with unbelievers, for what commonality [has] righteousness and wickedness? Or what fellowship [has] light with darkness? And what harmony of Christ [is acheived] with Belial [or the Devil]? Or what part [has] faith with unbelief? [2 Cor. 6:14] [my emphasis]

[ἑτεροζυγέω: (hê-têr-ô-zū-gā-oh) to yoke together in a mismatch; to be mismated]

The idea of being properly “yoked together” with someone might be a puzzling concept for many of Jesus Christ’s people today.

But it doesn’t have to be.

This Greek verb ἑτεροζυγέω was commonly used to describe two of something being mismatched as a team, such as a pair of oxen. And any First Century citizen of Corinth would clearly have understood that if two animals having different values about work performance were hitched together, an unreliable ox would directly hinder the productivity of the other.

But the amount of time they spent together was also an important aspect of Paul’s illustration. A team of oxen were carefully paired together with the intention of cultivating a long-term apparatus of productive labor. If they were paired up appropriately, either animal eventually came to be aware of the other’s weaknesses, compensating for, or receiving needed support as necessary.

Paul used the term “unbelievers” in these sentences to describe a people with objectives far different from anyone who sought to exalt and obey Jesus Christ. So, if I allow myself to become mismatched indefinitely with someone who doesn’t share my values, I won’t be able to effectively carry out my work as a faithful disciple.

And It’s very likely he won’t be open to picking up the slack if I stumble.

To become distracted from the goal of living for Christ is sometimes a necessary burden for His people. Jesus Himself would go to great lengths to dine and communicate with people He felt would benefit from what He had to share.

But nothing in the Bible suggests He made any attempt to bond [or “yoke”] Himself to anyone who wasn’t on board.

By definition, true discipleship demands that I set myself apart from the contamination that the world often holds in high regard. And being friends with someone who holds a conflicting viewpoint shouldn’t necessarily diminish the value of that relationship.

However, a sufficient degree of separation should always be sought.

For this reason, “Come out from their midst and be set apart, says [the] Lord,” and do not touch [what is] unclean, and I shall receive you” [2Cor. 6:17]