ken castor

Pride and Donkey Ears

 

 

 

*I rediscovered this colorful gem tonight while skimming through notes from Systematic Theology I with J.I.Packer back in the Fall of 1996 at Regent College.  This is an excerpt ("Luther Concerning the Study of Theology") taken from Martin Luther's "Preface to the Wittenberg Edition of Luther's German Writings". Luther certainly wasn't shy with words! I'm glad for that. For his words remind me that God desires a contrite heart from me... one with ears tuned to his Word instead of the praise of others. Here, after years of wrestling and learning, writing and reforming, Luther considers the impact of pride on theological pursuits:

If, however, you feel and are inclined to think you have made it, flattering yourself with your own little books, teaching, or writing, because you have done it beautifully and preached excellently; if you are highly pleased when someone praises you in the presence of others; if you perhaps look for praise, and would sulk or quit what you are doing if you did not get it-- if you are of that stripe, dear friend, then take yourself by the ears, and if you do this the right way you will find a beautiful pair of big, long, shaggy donkey ears. Then do not spare any expense! Decorate them with golden bells, so that people will be able to hear you wherever you go, point their fingers at you, and say, "See, See! There goes that clever beast, who can write such exquisite books and preach so remarkably well." That very moment you will be blessed and blessed beyond measure in the kingdom of heaven. Yes, in that heaven where hellfire is ready for the devil and his angels. To sum up: Let us be proud and seek honor in the places where we can. But in this book the honor is God's alone, as it is said, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" [1 Pet. 5:5]; to whom be glory, world without end, Amen.

God's Anti-Aging Potion

Oh, if only there were a miracle elixir that would take off the years. Or a magical potion to re-grow my head hair. Or P90x without the P the 90 or the X.  

I realized today that I'm getting older. My colleague/friend, Dean Ericksen, and I were recounting an event in my life that I was thinking had occurred ten years ago.

"When did that happen?" he asked.

"Ten years ago in 1992," I said. 

"Uh, that was 20 years ago," Dean corrected.

"Thanks a lot Dean for helping me with my math," I muttered quietly when his stinkin' aging ears were out of hearing distance. :) 

Suddenly, a wave of realization hit me. The big FOUR OH is this year! I suppose I'm cool with that fact... but it is also occuring to me that in 2013 I turn 41... and after that comes 42 and then 43 and onward until I die. Fun, eh? (Not "fun-ny"!) This is just the way it goes. Numbers increase in age. See, I can do math.

So I guess, rationally, I'm not really after becoming younger... because that's actually agically (new word) impossible. So what is it that I really want in relation to my inevitable collision with elderliness (new word)?

Well, here it is. This year I suspect that I'll begin to better embrace an age-tested (as in eons of time) idea: The true test of  life is internal vitality... even during external advancement of age.

Some of the most inspiring people are those who have lived many years and yet remain young at heart. There is something miraculously encouraging about an older soul who is flourishing. You can see the spark in their eyes... the excitement of their passions... the resilency of their experiences... and the catalytic impact of their actions.

This is the anti-aging potion of God. Godly maturity: when the heart, soul, strength and mind integrate with God's heart, soul strength and mind.

I'm not suggesting that people who follow after God won't grow wrinkly or weathered or beaten down physically. No, I am suggesting that godly people, at whatever age they happen to find themselves in, draw up strength and vitality and vigorousness from an inexhaustive well. And I am beginning to believe more and more that after a lifetime of developing a pattern of drawing up God's nourishment... a youthful fruitfulness flourishes in the most mature of people.

I said that phrase very deliberately.

Biblically, maturity equals a youthfulness of faith. It does not equal "fully developed"... which is never possible on this earth (even though many of our church mission statements implore us to become "fully developed followers"-- thankfully we have eternity to learn that!).  Maturity, in reality on this earth, equals a continual pursuit of God in all things.  A "long obedience in the same direction" as Eugene Peterson has written. Maturity is a privileged undertaking reserved for any-aged believer... most contagiously and innocently by young children... but perhaps most profoundly and practitionally by those who have lived through many seasons of life. Maturity, biblically, equals a zeal, a passion, a hope, an abundance, a kenitic energy, an unbridled spring of faith... a childlike wonder and enthusiasm held in a quiet, but mighty, resolve which naturally seeds itself to others.

Rootedness producing fruitfulness. That's what I've decided I want to learn to better live out this fortieth year of my life.

"The godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted into the Lord's own house. They flourish in the courts of God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, 'The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is nothing but goodness in him!'" ~ Psalm 92:12-15

 *Image taken from here.

Generational Transference: It's a Two Way Street

The following article on Generational Transference was written by Jason Ostrander for Envision Culture. Good words!!

Go to article: http://www.alliancelife.org/article.php?id=674

GENERATIONAL TRANSFERENCE

It’s a two-way street

By Jason Ostrander

The role of Envision Culture in the C&MA is to mobilize the next generation for Kingdom change. Members of the Millennial Generation—those who are 18–30 years old (or who just think they are!)—desire very much to see change. Whereas Baby Boomers are motivated under the mantra of “serve the world,” the Millennials’ mantra is “change the world.”

This presents the Church with an opportunity that is dangerous, not only if we ignore the mindset, vision and dreams of the next generation but also if we focus too much on these aspirations. Ultimately, what needs to happen is transference—our denomination being handed from one generation to the next in a biblical manner.

We want this to happen in the way that Moses transferred leadership to Joshua. In that process, the younger man understood that for any generation’s vision to be fulfilled, its mem... {Go to article: http://www.alliancelife.org/article.php?id=674}

 

My workout with Richard Simmons

 

Most people don't believe me when I say that I've worked out with Richard Simmons, the father of the contemporary exercise movement. That's right, I once rubbed elbows (literally) with the man responsible for the field of entertainment workouts, the one who led to the eventual evolution of Billy Banx, P90x and Zumba.

 

Back then, 22 years ago this week, Richard visited our high school and led some of our students in a workout session. It was weird. And totally cool. Both weird and cool. Kinda like a lot of things.

We "worked those buns" and did leg kicks and got sweaty. Sounds weird.

But we also had the chance to learn that a celebrity was a real person who had actual personal struggles (as he shared with us some of his story regarding weight issues and esteem). That was cool.

I remember there were tears shed. That was weird.

And I also remember that he stank terribly with B.O. That was weird. And as a teenager... also kinda cool that I was close enough to notice.

Following the assembly at school, some of us were given the chance to get autographs and hang out with him for a few minutes. That's when the local Ft. Wayne newspaper snapped this photo-- where it looks like my 17 year-old self is happily taking a bite out of the shoulder of Richard Simmons.

There is not necessarily a deep spiritual formation piece to this post... except maybe to say that as followers of Christ we live in a real world surrounded by real people who cross our paths (as we cross theirs). That's weird and cool.

But the main point of this post is to dispell the doubts from those of you who didn't believe me when I said that I had once hung out with Richard Simmons.

Oh... and sorry to some of my old high school friends who might have rather forgotten this moment.

Register for Spark*

*Click on the postcards for full-size image.

*Go to www.crown.edu/spark to register. For individuals and/or teams. Only $19 (includes lunch).

Refreshing Day at Recharge 2012

We had a great time at Recharge today! Thanks to all the organizations, churches, ministries, and teams that helped make today an encouraging success. Tiger McLuen, Jeanne Osgood and the Youth Leadership folks were organizational masters.  St. Andrews Lutheran in Mahtomedi displayed inspiring hospitality. Heather Flies and Mark Matlock encouraged and challenged the sold out (750) crowd. And the workshops were excellent!  Thanks to stellar investments from Daniel White Hodge, Ginny Olson, Brian Pingel, Dan Rotach, Cesar Castillejos, Stefan Vanvoorst, Tim Coltvert, Jeff Carver and others.

Personally, it was a rich day. I needed it! For instance, every time I hang out with Brian Pingel (youth ministry faculty at North Central University) is a lift for me... though this is strangely the first time we've actually spent time in the Twin Cities (Louisville and Seattle before this!). Ginny Olson oozes encouragement- so I know it will be good to have her at Crown for Spark* in 1 month (Along with Daniel White Hodge and others. Toby Zook also represented Crown tremendously, by the way!). Great to meet some new friends like Cesar and Edrin... The particpation and feedback to my seminar (GROW DOWN) today was also a tremendous blessing... especially hearing stories of how God is working to raise up a new generation that knows and loves Jesus.

Glad and exhausted to be here in the Twin Cities! Looking forward to the year ahead and how God will continue to stir His people here.

Adult Definitions

**Sorry--- here's a little rant I got on today. Not very "grown-up" of me I guess. :)

~~~~~~~~

ADULT 1: fully developed and mature : grown-up / 2: of, relating to, intended for, or befitting adults <an adult approach to a problem> / 3: dealing in or with explicitly sexual material <adult bookstores> <adult movies> ¹

So let me get this straight.  An "adult" is someone who is "fully developed and mature" and/or "dealing in or with explicitly sexual material". I suppose these two bookend statements explain the middle demarcation: "of, relating to, intended for, or befitting adults".  

We all know it is wrong for children to deal in or with explicit sexual material. Even our messed-up-confused-moral culture understands that involving children in or exposing children to explicit sex is sick. Any of us understands that there is something inherently wrong with adulterating children. Therefore, rightfully, the most severe grudges, hatred and punishments are directed towards those predators that mess with children.  

But is there ever truly an age that it becomes mature for someone to "deal in or with" explicit sex? Is there ever someone "fully developed" or "mature" enough to deal in or with distorted sexual interplays that are devoid of a fully developed and mature relationship? For some reason our society has come to believe that explicit sex is okay for adults... because by some form of definitive gymnastics we pretend that falsities and spoiled truths relate to, are intended for, and are befitting adults.

Really. "Fully developed and mature" in which way exactly? In what form of honesty does our society define "fully developed" and "mature" as engagement with perverse material? I don't blame the dictionary for describing what "we" mean by our language. It is not the dictionary's fault that we are so twisted up. 

We adults, after all, feel it is our right to define our own truth. We rate "adult" video games as "M" for "mature" - games filled with explicit gore, violence, language and sexual content. Culturally, we've made these "M" games the most enticing and luring so that our teenagers can't wait to play the "M" games... and many don't wait... and many adults buy those games for their kids... who are, according to the dictionary, not yet fully developed or mature... and our society pushes kids towards adulthood... as if we can't wait for our children to become like us.

Have you read The Hunger Games yet? You should. Your kids have read it. And they get the point... until adults desensitize and innoculate them some more.

Adults are the most selfish, temporal, insular, obsessive people I know. It doesn't take much observation to determine that what adults think befits adults demonstrates some rather childish tendencies in these so-called "fully developed" people. Adults are known for trying to get what they want when they want how ever they want.  And if adults aren't allowed to get what they want when they want they can be known to throw a good hissy fit. Adults have been known to take things from others, form cliques, shun outcasts, rule with distrust, talk behind backs, cut corners, give-in to addictions, and operate on emotional extremes.

Ironically, Merriam-Webster's definition of "childish" relates to, is intended for, and is befitting of many adults in our culture. Engage with this for a moment: The word "childish" is "marked by or suggestive of immaturity and lack of poise <a childish spiteful remark>."

~~~~~~~~

ADULTERY: voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between a married woman and someone other than her husband; also : an act of adultery.

Is there any wonder why the word "adultery" means what it does? To lack fidelity in life isn't called "childry".  "Adultery", not "childry", simply takes the logical next step from our own definitions of "adult". To act like an "adult" is to engage in "adultery".  A "fully developed and mature" person, after all, should be able to do what he/she wants with whomever he/she wants and not worry about the consequences it causes to others or themselves. Adultery, after all, simply follows the linear progression of a fully developed self-absorption and a fully matured self-gratification system. Adultery lacks the innocent and uncorrupted heart of a child.

~~~~~~~~

ADULTERATE: to corrupt, debase, or make impure by the addition of a foreign or inferior substance or element; 

UNadulterated people are largely an exception today... and they are largely the topic of insults from leading adults. My grandparents are nearing their 70th anniversary. They have lived exceptional unadulterated lives marked by simplicity, love, trust, and unselfishness. They were like this when they were young... and they are like this now, while they are old. They would do anything for anybody. Their favorite time in life is when they can spend time with each other or with friends and family, playing, chatting, eating. They cherish the little things and fear the big. They relish loving gifts. They take responsibility in their community and live for the best in others. They are not perfect, and they are not fully developed. They have made mistakes and done some things they regret. But they would be the first to tell someone that they do not have everything figured out about life and there are times when they feel lacking to accomplish something or when they realize they didn't do the right thing. Their hearts keep turning, more and more, towards faithfulness. Together they each have almost 90 years of history in learning to embrace the heart of a child. Their age may mean physical deterioration, but it conveys a resolving purity and love.

UNadulterated people are those who live with purity and innocence. UNadulterated people have not been corrupted, debased, or made impure by harmful elements. It's not naievete or ignorance. It's a process of sanctifiying purity that is winning the war against fully developed impurity.  

The knowledge of good and evil does not make someone "fully developed" nor does it make someone "mature."  Instead, the knowledge of good and evil makes someone corrupt, debased, and impure.  In other words, adulterated lives have grown in the wrong direction.

One thing is clear to me. The pure of heart are not adults in the way that our society defines adults. They are so much better than that. They remind me of my six-year old daughter. Beautiful. Wonderful. Wide-eyed. Fighting against the eroding pressures of this world to remain true. Inspiring to me... a person who too often gives in to the complexities and needs a reminder to desire the simple truth of life.

Jesus said, "If anyone who causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck" (Matthew 18:6).  I think he was serious.

¹ Definitions taken from http://www.merriam-webster.com

Nursing infants silence enemies

I was startled recently by an obscure verse in a famous psalm. Usually, verse 1 and verses 3-9 of Psalm 8 get all the attention. They are marvelous verses describing the majesty of the Lord and the humble wonder of humanity. God is rightfully praised and humans are rightfully placed.  "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your Name in all the earth... What are mortals that you should think of us... For you made us only a little lower than Elohim (God)..." Etc. These are orienting verses that help us discover God and ourselves more clearly.

But verse 2 shocked my system a bit.  For some reason through the years I have skimmed over this verse.  This time, however, I became ashamed that I had so passively dismissed these words in the past. It reads like this:

"You have taught children and nursing infants to give you praise.  

They silence your enemies who were seeking revenge."

First, I am reminded that God places tremendous attention on young people. In a world that dismisses and neglects children, God intentionally teaches them.  God focuses time and energy to equip them to be proactive proclaimers. Most of us would naturally agree that babies and young children exude a sort of passive praise of God. Their innocence and fragility and sweetness emotes with the wonder of our Creator. But to think that God enables them to personally engage in the act of praise is a remarkable thought. God believes that children, even nursing infants, are able to praise Him. Again, as Scripture reveals repeatedly, we read that we should never hinder a little one from following God.

Secondly, I am startled that nursing infants and children have the power to silence God's enemies. No missles, no hidden nuclear program nor secret drones.  No government authority, no military advantage nor organized movement. These babies still rely upon their mothers for life and nourishment. They are weak and fragile.  Babies cannot yet completely control their fine motor movements. Babies poop in diapers... as long as someone has diapered them. Nursing infants and children are at the mercy of others who care for them. And yet, somehow, according to Psalm 8, they are able to pacify God's enemies.

It's quite a picture: God's enemies silenced by diapered, nursing infants.  Like Daniel in the den of lions, babies shut the mouths of devouring beasts.

How? Simple really. Astonishingly simple. God cares for young people and teaches young people to proclaim praise in the midst of the terrors roaming this earth. And in their fragile innocence and wide-eyed wonder, these children quell the rage of sin and shine hope to the nations.

Thank you, Jesus, for the unbridled wonder of the next generation!

Here's the entirety of Psalm 8 in the New Living Translation (taken from Bible Gateway):

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by a stringed instrument.^[a]

 ¹ O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.

 ² You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength,^[b]
   silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.

 ³ When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
      the moon and the stars you set in place—
 ⁴ what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
      human beings that you should care for them?^[c]
 5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God^[d]
      and crowned them^[e] with glory and honor.
 ⁶ You gave them charge of everything you made,
      putting all things under their authority—
 ⁷ the flocks and the herds
      and all the wild animals,
 ⁸ the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
      and everything that swims the ocean currents.

 ⁹ O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 8:1 Hebrew according to the gittith.
2. Psalm 8:2 Greek version reads to give you praise. Compare Matt 21:16.
3. Psalm 8:4 Hebrew what is man that you should think of him, / the son of man that you should care for him?
4. Psalm 8:5 Or Yet you made them only a little lower than the angels;Hebrew reads Yet you made him [i.e., man] a little lower than Elohim.
5. Psalm 8:5 Hebrew him [i.e., man]; similarly in 8:6.

 

Fidelity over Accountability

It seems that everywhere I turn in the North American Christian subculture there are "accountability partners."  That's great.

For a while.

The short term intensity of an accountability partner can be just the kick in the pants that we need to accomplish that elusive task or to stay clear of that overwhelming temptation.  

But after the initial intentions, promises and letdowns, I believe that most "accountability" relationships suffer an inevitable lull in passion and purpose.  Accountability can be draining, for both partners.  The one tired of being answerable to another failing human being.  The other tired of having a relationship based on checking-up.

The reason so many accountability arrangements lose their effectiveness over time is that accountability relationships are based almost purely on negativity.  Yes, the desire is to do well, to succeed, to overcome, to stay pure, to quit messing up... ALL GOOD STUFF, yes.  BUT, that doesn't change the fact that "accountability" partnership exists in order to address the tendency towards failure.

Accountability presumes failure.  Without a repeated tendency towards failure there is no need to be held accountable.  Accountability partners are chosen precisely because people are convinced that without external input they will mess up.  Accountability is based on the negative fall-short-comings of our lives.

Fidelity is much better.

Fidelity is optimistic.  It presumes trust and loyalty.  Distrust and letdown are unfamilar words.  Fidelity promotes simplicity, innocence and unselfish passion.  Fidelity creates an ever deeper groundswell of life directed towards others.  Fidelity is a freeing relationship.  It equips and releases and encourages and doesn't hold back.

So why do we keep searching for accountability when fidelity is what we are truly after?   I believe it is because accountability is our natural fall back.  Accountability is what we resort too... because we don't trust ourselves and we don't trust others to have fidelity.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I believe we must have accountability relationships built into our lives.  But they should never be considered the ultimate in relationships... as if because we have an "accountability partner" that we are somehow more spiritual... or more together... or more "good" in the eyes of God and others.  In fact, having an "accountability partner" reveals to everyone that we need help being faithful... that we are struggling to do what is right... that we are adulterers in life... tending toward disloyality to our values or goals or responsibilities... that we regularly hand ourselves over to our lusts or whims or impatiences or worries.  Accountability partners reveal our lack of faithfulness perhaps more than our fullness of faithfulness.

But the person who lives with fidelity is free.  There is nothing owed, nothing stolen, nothing abused by their hands.  No one needs to step in to confront the faithful man or woman.  In fact, their example inspires the faithfulness of others.  Fidelity relationships are contagious... people are amazed and enthused when they see faithful living with their own eyes... or when they hear high fidelity with their own ears.

Fidelity is an other-centered lifestyle.  Accountability is an ego-focused relationship.  Giving faithfulness to someone is a powerful gift.  Fidelity is the foundation of marriages, it is the heart of families, it is the structure of communities, and it is the soul of the Gospel.  

Can I trust myself to live with fidelity?  In all things?

No?  Not completely?  Then I will need accountability in my life... but only so that I can learn the pattern of faithfulness.  I must not be held accountable for ever... for eventually I must break the clutches of shame and embrace the run of freedom. The goal is not nor should it ever be "accountability."  So I'd like today to hold our obsession with accountability accountable. The end goal, the prize, the telos in this life both now and forever is fidelity.

Spark* Youth Workers Conference

Crown College is hosting Spark* - a refreshing one-day conference for youth workers (paid or volunteer) on February 11, 2012.  Spark* offers fresh resources, networking, and an encouraging environment. It's a great event for youth ministry leadership teams. Speakers include Daniel White Hodge, Ginny Olson, Eric Iverson, Matt Reeve, Jack Mackinnon, Meg Murphy, Gary Newton, and Brad Palsma. Minnesota Teen Challenge and Youth Specialties will also have resources on hand.

Cost: $19 includes registration, seminars, snacks and lunch.

Register: Online at www.crown.edu/spark

Facebook Event Page