Buffer Zone

“A Holy Place is to be dedicated from this area in the form of a square measuring 500 by 500 cubits, with a 50 cubit buffer zone surrounding it.” (Ezekiel 45:2 ISV)

The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) between North Korea and South Korea is 4 km wide and 250 km long. Established in 1953, it has served as a buffer zone between these two countries which share similar ancestry but are now different culturally and philosophically. The DMZ itself has very little civilian activity; thus, it has become a haven for wildlife. With its forests and migratory birds, it can look deceptively peaceful. However, it is still an active war zone with hidden landmines. South Korea offers guided tours to the restricted parts of its side of the DMZ, but it warns everyone to not cross the boundary lines for any reason.

Buffer zones reduce the potential for conflict. In every area of life-- relationships, routines, finances, work, family, homes, private, social, spiritual, or worldly--transitional spaces mitigate friction. Boundaries are harder to manage without a certain amount of margin for the unavoidable trespasses. For example, I have a certain amount of time scheduled for prayer every morning. I leave a bit of a buffer zone around my expectations, knowing that on some days, things are going to come up. This reduces my angst and helps me set apart some time from inevitable daily demands.  Similarly, I establish a DMZ around relationships that have a history of antagonism. Even when things look amicable, there are hidden landmines waiting to explode. I know, from past experience, that it is wise not to cross this buffer zone for any reason. Demarcating a wide area around boundaries protects what is important. It cushions against competing interests. It shields what is sacred from invasion.

Regression Triggers

“Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.” (Proverbs 14:14 NLT)

Maturity is not linear. A certain amount of regression is a natural part of the growth process. If we are climbing a hill, two steps forward and then one step back leads to a gradual ascent; one step forward and one step back results in stagnancy; one step forward and two steps back ends up in regression. The more steps we can take forward and the less we slide back, the more we progress.

Backsliding is not intentional; in fact, it is the opposite. Progress takes deliberate activity, while relapses are a result of aimless passivity. Unless we become aware of our regression triggers and learn to avoid them, we are doomed to repeated setbacks.  Here are a few common conditions that may exacerbate weaknesses: reunions with relatives, physical exhaustion, emotional stress, travel, overbooked schedules, exposure to others who bring out dysfunction, and environments that pander to your addictions.

Every child at the playground knows that it takes more effort to go up the ladder of a slide than to slip down the smooth chute. Forward movement requires courage and forethought, especially when you have to break away from the herd. The journey can be lonesome, the path often unclear, the ascent arduous.  But in the end, the rewards of transformation are worth the struggle.

Giving and Receiving

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14 NIV)

While others may find pedicures, manicures, massages, and haircuts relaxing, I find these procedures uncomfortable. I don’t like to be touched by strangers, and by strangers, I mean anyone other than my closest family and friends. For many years, I never admitted this weird aversion to anyone, not even to myself. I just kept avoiding or putting off all appointments that required people getting physically close to me. One of my close friends must have figured this out, because she suggested that I let her do my hair. Even though I was comfortable around her, it was difficult for me to accept her kindness. I didn’t want to rely on her or take advantage of our friendship. After several days of repeated offers, I relented. She colored, washed, and dried my hair tenderly while we talked transparently about whatever happened to be on our minds. It felt therapeutic and relaxing.

Jesus taught us to wash each others’ feet--to minister to each other with humility and love. Serving others is complicated; it takes selflessness on the part of the giver and a suspension of self-consciousness on the part of the recipient. I had to humble myself to accept help from a friend, admit that I was lacking, and place myself in a position of vulnerability. I had to yield my sense of self-sufficiency. My friend had to give up her time and energy to minister to me. She had to push gently at my resistance. All of this took a great deal of persistence and grace on her part. Giving makes us feel noble, while receiving makes us feel humble. Thus, both require repeated practice.

Private and Public Gifts

“When someone speaks in tongues, no one understands a word he says, because he’s not speaking to people, but to God—he is speaking intimate mysteries in the Spirit. But when someone prophesies, he speaks to encourage people, to build them up, and to bring them comfort.” (1 Corinthians 14:2-3 TNT)

When I am with certain members of my extended family, I speak a language that is foreign to most of my friends. I don’t use this language in front of those who don’t understand it, because it feels rude to exclude anyone. Instead, I try to speak whatever language is most easily understood by those who are present.

1 Corinthians 14 stresses the difference between two gifts of the Holy Spirit: speaking in tongues and prophecy. Speaking in tongues is an intimate language between an individual and the Spirit. The rational mind remains disconnected while the soul communicates with God. Although speaking in tongues may advance your own spiritual progress, it does not do anything for others who are present. Prophecy, on the other hand, is intelligible and inclusive. It encourages people, builds them up, and brings them comfort. It can be used to instruct and strengthen others.

“When you conduct your meetings, you should always let everything be done to build up the church family. Whether you share a song of praise, a teaching, a divine revelation, or a tongue and interpretation, let each one contribute what strengthens others.” (1 Corinthians 14:26 TPT)

There is a place and time for every spiritual gift. Some are best suited for private worship, while others are more useful in group settings. Let us contribute whatever promotes faith and understanding in others, while also practicing every gift that connects us individually to God.

Source of Joy

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

This is a powerful verse. Unfortunately, ‘joy’ is one of those words that is so overused that its meaning has been diminished. Words like fun, pleasure, happiness, joy, enjoyment, comfort, and love are all conflated to express the same emotion. For example, most of the following words are often used interchangeably:

I enjoy buying new shoes.

I especially love trail shoes.

It’s a pleasure to run in them.

These shoes come in fun colors and are so comfortable!

New shoes make me happy.

They bring me joy!

The dilution of significant words prevents us from understanding God’s word. When transcendent ecstasy is placed on the same lower shelf with generic fun, ignorance becomes the norm while understanding remains an anomaly. In order to reverse this trend, we must carefully study scripture under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit. Take time to consider and weigh each word. Use every tool and method available. If it helps, rewrite each verse until you understand it from every angle.

Looking at Nehemiah 8:10 from this fresh perspective helps us to understand it more fully:

Your bliss is rooted in the Lord; thus, it is the source of your inner strength.

Your deepest satisfaction comes from aligning with the Lord’s purpose.

Fulfilling God’s will leads to elation and energy.

Spark Joy

“I take joy in doing your will, my God. “ (Psalm 40:8 NLT)

Marie Kondo, the popular organizing consultant, has convinced thousands of people to get rid of things that don’t spark joy. Her methods of tidying up are radical. It involves taking every item you own, deciding whether or not it sparks joy, and discarding everything that does not meet this criterion.

I wonder if a similar method can be used to declutter my spiritual life. Lately I have noticed a gradual accumulation of my own wants. My intentions and ideas have a greater influence over my choices than God’s will. My desire to be in control of my life and my environment has caused this disorder.

I would like to submit my life to God’s will so that I can be cleansed and sanctified. What if I let God go through my wants and take out anything that does not spark joy for HIM? How would my life change? What thoughts, attitudes, and behavior would have to be discarded? What routines and relationships would remain? What new practices would have to be added? What would it take to maintain this radical transformation?

Pleasant Activity Scheduling

“I have calmed and quieted myself...” (Psalm 131:2 NLT)

Behavioral therapists recommend scheduling a few pleasant activities daily to improve our mental health. When we are feeling low, many of us don’t have the energy to get out of the pit. This can make the situation worse. Scheduling recovery on a regular basis can prevent us from spiraling into darkness. The simpler these activities are, the more likely we are to do them frequently.

What is comforting to one person might be stressful to another. Thus, the first step is to figure out what each of us finds pleasant. Perhaps you find shopping, baking, cleaning, eating, walking, running, dancing, playing a musical instrument, online surfing, riding horses, socializing, etc. to be relaxing. Personally, I find it deeply satisfying to go into my bedroom, shut the door, draw the curtains, sit up in my bed, close my eyes, and contemplate. I enjoy quiet and privacy. Sometimes I feel guilty about taking this time for myself--even though I know it is deeply therapeutic. It is difficult for me to admit when I am drained and need some alone time. Planning ahead makes things easier. I use my prior experiences to predict how I may feel. For example, I know not to schedule anything that requires physical or mental energy after a long run, a trip, or overnight visits from guests. I schedule quiet times after exhausting events and social activities once I am recovered. Calm and quiet rejuvenate my soul.

Preaching and Praying

“God didn't send me out to collect a following for myself, but to preach the Message of what he has done, collecting a following for him. And he didn't send me to do it with a lot of fancy rhetoric of my own, lest the powerful action at the center - Christ on the Cross - be trivialized into mere words.” (1 Corinthians 1:17 MSG)

The verb ‘preach’ is often used pejoratively to describe tedious moralizing. Thus, media-savvy pastors have learned to entertain the masses by delivering motivational and humorous sermons. While this may fill the church and its coffers, it pushes Christ to the margins.

Preaching and prayer have a lot in common. Preaching, in its purest form, is lifting up Jesus so others can understand and experience Him. Intercessory prayer is lifting people and their concerns up to Jesus. Whether you bring Christ to the people or the people to Christ, the results are the same. Being in the presence of God allows us to know and experience Him.  

Sojourner Truth

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times.” (Psalm 119:18-20 ESV)

Isabella Baumfree was born into slavery.  She served several masters until she escaped to freedom in 1826. Shortly thereafter, she became a Christian. She changed her name to Sojourner Truth, because she felt called to go forth and speak truth. For the rest of her life, Sojourner Truth preached the gospel and spoke out against slavery, oppression, and inequality. As followers of Christ, we are all called to be truth speaking sojourners.

A ‘sojourner’ is a person who lives in a foreign land temporarily in order to be instructed. When we go to a foreign country, the immigration officials ask us the purpose of our visit. Most of us travel for vacation or business. On the contrary, sojourners live near different kinds of people in order to gain a new perspective. Speaking truth, especially when you are a foreigner, can be risky. Those who occupy positions of power do not like being challenged. Those who stand up against oppression, corruption, and injustice, especially if they are from a marginalized group, are often mistreated. Thus, truth speaking sojourners have to be brave and bold.

Agape

“Love is eternal. There are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; there is knowledge, but it will pass.” (1 Corinthians 13:8 GNT)

One day everything we value will cease to exist--family, friends, health, beauty, cognitive ability, balance, agility, strength, material comforts. Even spiritual gifts such as inspiration, charisma, and the ability to understand, interpret, and articulate Divine communication is temporary. Yet, one thing shall remain: Agape.

The ancient Greek word Agape refers to the highest form of love and charity between God and humanity.

“If we could imagine the love of one who loves men purely for their own sake, and not because of any need or desire of his own, purely desires their good, and yet loves them wholly, not for what at this moment they are, but for what he knows he can make of them because he made them, then we should have in our minds some true image of the love of the Father and Creator of mankind.” (Doctrines of the Creed, O.C. Quick)

Our natural tendency is to love conditionally with expectations of reciprocity. It’s difficult to imagine a love that desires only our goodness and wholeness. Agape is supernatural love that transcends our human instinct for self-preservation.  It is God’s love--eternal, unconditional, and limitless.

Reliable Guides

“Listen, you foolish and senseless people, with eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear.” (Jeremiah 5:21 NLT)

Teaching can be extremely rewarding as well as deeply frustrating. Under ideal circumstances, it is like discovering a cave full of treasures and leading someone else to it. The joy of shared enlightenment is indescribably amazing. But sometimes those whom you guide to the cave cannot comprehend what you are showing them.

 

“There are three different kinds of brains, the one understands things unassisted, the other understands things when shown by others, the third understands neither alone nor with the explanations of others.” (The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli)

This inability to understand certain things is not connected to intelligence at all.  It is more a matter of intuitiveness, perception, and recognition. For example, I have a friend who can walk into a room and notice if a picture frame is even a little bit crooked. Until she points it out to me, I don’t even notice. Sometimes the unevenness is so imperceptible, that I just agree with her even though I cannot see the asymmetry. I trust her eye for such things, because she has been right too many times. I know from experience that if we were to bring out a laser leveler, it would confirm her assessment. Although I am intelligent, my brain cannot see what her brain sees unassisted. Sometimes I cannot even see when I am shown.

Fortunately, I have been given a different gift: the ability to discern character. I can sense when someone is genuine and trustworthy. I also know my strengths as well as my weaknesses. In my areas of deficiency, I am able to find reliable tutors who have good judgment. I depend on these guides to direct me through the murky parts of my life’s journey.

Steps to Follow

“I have appeared to you, because I have chosen you to be my servant. You are to tell others what you have learned about me and what I will show you later." (Acts 26:16 CEV)

Pay Attention. Learn. Teach.

Pay Attention to what the Lord reveals. The universe is a chalkboard filled with lessons--truths scribbled by the Divine hand. The waves on a beach, an interaction with a stranger, a quote, a book, a song, a new hobby, a deep-seated fear, a lasting struggle--there is an unlimited amount of material in God’s lesson plans.

Learn from God’s revelations. He presents truth in myriads of ways. He sends us guides who point out what is important. They help us understand what we cannot figure out on our own.  It’s up to us to study, take notes, and internalize the material.

Teach others what you have learned. You don’t have to be an expert; just freely share the lessons you have grasped thus far. Illustrate the inexplicable; unveil the hidden; point out truth; show by example.

Remember that this is a continual process. Return to square one. Repeat. Pay attention. Learn. Teach.

Harriet Tubman

“Then the LORD said to Moses, "Get up early in the morning and confront Pharaoh as he goes to the river and say to him, 'This is what the LORD says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” (Exodus 8:20 NIV)

The Lord called Moses to confront the Egyptian ruler about the oppression of His people. The Egyptians had been using the Israelites for hard labor. The slaveholders benefited from the system; the slaves did not. Understandably, those with privilege were loathe to make changes. Many of the Israelites, who had lived in bondage for generations, were also reluctant to leave their familiar turf. They didn’t know any other way to live. Moses had his work cut out for him.

Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist and activist, was considered the ‘Moses of her people’. She escaped slavery but then returned to lead other slaves to freedom. She used what she had learned to help others escape bondage. However, she found it difficult to convince some slaves who had never experienced liberty to make the dangerous journey.

I have several friends who lead studies on different topics related to recovery, codependency, boundaries, and ministry. They teach these classes to different groups every few years. Most of us who participate in these classes are unaware of our shackling thoughts and self-sabotaging behavior. We have been in bondage all our lives and don’t know any better. However, our guides, who have traveled this path before, show us the way out of slavery. And we, in turn, become guides to those who come up behind us.

“Each time one of us takes a step forward, we pull the entire group forward.” (Language of Letting Go, Melody Beattie)

Inspirational Living

“Keep your eye on the healthy soul, scrutinize the straight life; there’s a future in strenuous wholeness.” (Psalm 37:37 MSG)

I used to belong to a women’s ministry affiliated with a church. There were Bible studies, retreats, social events, day trips, faith-based conferences, service opportunities, and fundraisers. All of these tasks filled up my calendar but drained my soul. I knew several of my friends thrived in this environment. However, I could sense that my spirit needed something different. Even though it felt selfish to do so, I gradually pulled away from these church-group activities.

Once I got out, I started noticing other women who operated on the outskirts of corporate religion. Like frontier women of old, they led lives of strenuous wholeness. There was no competition, gossip, or showing off. They focused on supporting and encouraging everyone they met. They spoke truth, even when it made them unpopular. They served without publicity. They were brave, kind, and generous at the same time. I was inspired by these healthy souls. I followed their example whenever I could. I learned how to minister to others outside the confines of church groups.

I watched how they dealt with hardships, pushback, and grief. I listened to their insights. They taught me that God was not out there, but within me. They showed me how to go deep--to hack through the weeds and brush that obscured the interior path. And now I pass on these lessons to others who arrive at the frontier, looking to forge their own way in the wilderness.

Busy vs. Productive

“But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42 ESV)

What’s the difference between convex and concave lenses? Magnifying lenses are convex--thicker in the middle than around the edges. When light passes through these lenses, the rays converge into one focal point. Concave lenses are thinner in the middle. When light passes through them, the rays diverge or scatter in different directions.

What’s the difference between being busy and being productive?  Both may look similar at first glance, but they are vastly different. Busywork is like a concave lens that scatters energy. Productivity, on the other hand, is like a convex lens; it focuses energy on what is important. Busy people appear active, but they are seldom effective. They are overcommitted and overextended. These capable multitaskers try to take care of everything and everyone. Not only are their plates full, but they are also juggling several of them at one time. This constant divergence of energy leads to anxiety, burnout, and resentment. Productive people realize early on that they can only do so much, so they learn to prioritize. They are willing to miss out on lots of good opportunities in order to carve out time for what is truly meaningful. At a cursory glance, these deep thinkers may appear less motivated, yet they are clear about their purpose. They efficiently channel their energy to meet their primary goal.  Their daily decisions, actions, and associations converge into an overarching theme that meets at a single point. They remain laser-focused on what is genuinely essential.

Reflecting His Glory

“All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 GWT)

A magnifying glass can be used to start a fire outdoors. The key is to hold the lens at the proper angle to the sun’s rays so that it concentrates the light on the dry tinder. Once you find the right position, you have to hold the magnifying glass steady until the fire gets going.

All of us were created to reflect the glory of the Lord. We are magnifying glasses that are able concentrate God’s light. However, we must allow the Spirit to hold us steadily in the right position in order for this light to stream through us and start a fire. The Lord can use us as a tool to transform humanity into His likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.

Competition and Divisiveness

“First, I get this report on your divisiveness, competing with and criticizing each other.” (1 Corinthians 11:18 MSG)

Football fans can be fiercely loyal to their favorite teams. A certain amount of good-natured ribbing among fans of opposing teams is to be expected. However, violence among fans is hard to comprehend. Other than the colors of their teams’ jerseys, most football fans probably have much in common.

Divisiveness usually stems from competitiveness. Group identification, while providing a sense of unity and purpose among those who belong, can also lead to enmity and conflict with those who are seen as other. Racism, prejudice, hate crimes, misogyny, nationalism, jingoism, and xenophobia are extreme forms of this disorder. A sense of anxiety or inadequacy can lead members of one group to vilify and attack those whom they see as a threat to their status quo. The desire for status, privilege, wealth, and influence is nothing new. The practice of those in power subjugating the minority has also been practiced in every civilization.

Most of us, in our sober moments, can acknowledge that preying on the powerless is inhumane and uncharitable. As followers of Christ, we believe that God created people of all races, genders, and abilities, and that we are equally loved and accepted. Other than our exteriors, we have much in common. Symbols of hatred and aggression misrepresent Christ.  Thus, let us put aside apparel and behavior that represent territorialism and oppression. Instead, may we choose to clothe ourselves in love, acceptance, and virtue.

Sharing Relief

“Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.” (Luke 15:9 NIV)

Once upon a time, a woman invested in a business venture with one of her family members. She shared in the initial planning and costs, although the business was not in her name. Her intentions were not motivated by a desire for personal profit but to be helpful and supportive. For the first year, the business operated at a loss. She continued to invest in the failing business. It took several years for the business to become profitable. She received a great return for her investment. The best dividend came in the form of shared joy and relief.

When we pray with someone, we invest in their concerns and share their burdens. As we go about our day, our mind frequently goes back to those for whom we pray. Our perspective is colored by their struggles. This level of commitment can be physically and emotionally draining. Thus, prayer partners deserve to know when there is a breakthrough. This is when we get a return on our investment!  We get to share in the subsequent relief and joy. It encourages our faith. Most importantly, it allows us to praise and thank God together.

Prayer-medics

“Some men were bringing a paralyzed man on a stretcher. They were trying to take him into the house and place him in front of Jesus.” (Luke 5:18 ISV)

What do you do when you have an issue that you cannot solve on your own? Some of us pretend everything is fine while others open up their burdens and analyze them. In my circle of friends, we have developed the habit of asking for prayer as soon as a concern pops up. The request is usually sent out in the form of a short text message. Details are unnecessary. We place the whole situation on a mat and carry it to the Lord.  

We are like paramedics who pick up patients and take them to a hospital. We know our role is not to heal the sick but to stabilize and transport them quickly. We are volunteer prayer-medics. As soon as the call comes, we move quickly into action. We stop whatever we are doing. We lift up the concern and take it to Jesus in prayer.  

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged,

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

(Lyrics by Charles Converse)