I have mentioned several times in the past (before the end of 2011) that I had read Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas. To be totally honest, i wondered if I would ever get done. It started slowly as he laid the family groundwork, but then picked up steam. I had been finding only random moments to read early on, but when it picked up that steam, I began making time to read. At first I was just reading it to be reading it. Little did I know that I would walk away having shed tears, some smirks, and a whole bunch of other emotions…one of which is extreme admiration from this man I had heard so much about, but had never really “discovered.” His decision to serve God in spite of his circumstances; in spite of his fight with bouts of depression (a la Charles Spurgeon); in spite of the pain of separation from those whom he loved (and hoped to marry); in spite of the barbarianism of Hitler and Naziism, won me over. I began using a pen to make some lines and notations. Here is one that stood out to me.
Who stands fast? Only the man whose final standard is not his reason, his principles, his conscience, his freedom, or his virtue, but who is ready to sacrifice all this when he is called to obedient and responsible action in faith and in exclusive allegiance to God-the responsible man, who tries to make his whole life an answer to the question and call of God.
Talk about a gut punch! Here was a man, whom unbeknownst to himself, would be called on to do just that! Once he was taken by the Gestapo, he would never return home. He would leave all the people he loved behind. He would leave the woman he loved and planned to marry behind. He would leave his family behind. He found himself in a 7×10 foot cell. It featured a plank bed, a bench along one wall, a stool, a necessary bucket, a wooden door with a tiny circular window through which the guards might observe him, and a not-so-small window above his head providing daylight and fresh air. (All the amenities don’t you agree?) That was not so bad according to the author, but it would get worse.
Bonhoeffer’s words sure smack at the “easy Christianity” so many expect today. Motor homes bigger than some homes. Sleep number beds. Finest furniture. 2-3-4 bathrooms furnished to the hilt (think Home Improvement). The finest of comfort. After all, I am a “King’s Kid.” I deserve it! No…no we don’t deserve anything. That is the point about grace. We don’t deserve what God has given us-salvation or otherwise. When our allegiance is to God, and God alone, we find new values, new priorities, new everything.
Okay…sorry. Rant over. DB’s quote just struck me. What are your thoughts about the current state of “I deserve this” type of Christianity? Do you have any thoughts you care to share? I would love to hear them.
Bill:
I have always felt I did not deserve Gods grace but for some reason, He has been generous to me. For that I am most humbly greatful.
I have not read the book you mentioned yet but your highlighted statement has great merrit.
On the latest news, my latest test results from the last cat scan revealed no further infections or abcesses. the Liver is now clear and healed.
I can thank God for that result considering the condition I was in just a few months ago. Thank you for your prayers.
Humility brings us to the point of being overwhelmed by God’s grace Larry. Glad you are grateful. that is fantastic news about your liver! God is good. Thanks for sharing.
Larry…..Just had a quick look at your blog. Read a little about your trevails. Had to say I am truly grateful for your recovery.
Interesting story isn’t it John?
Larry: did you have your blog back up and running? I tried to access it just a couple of weeks ago and it said there was nothing. Very cool on bringing it back.
Yes Bill. I have had it up all the time. Just Google has a bad habit messing around with access to it.
Now it is time to get back writing and being open to a new ministry direction.
Looking forward to it.
Thanks John. God has been great to me over the years. For that I am very thankful.
Hi Bill,
You quoted Bonhoeffer’s bio as saying ‘…obedient and responsible action in faith and in exclusive allegiance to God’.
Exclusive allegiance. This is what God requires. We cannot meld and fold alternative worldviews into Christianity. We cannot worship God and worship something else besides.
We have examples of Paul in his teaching about circumcision to the Galatians in the NT. Become circumcized Paul says and Christ means nothing to you. In other words, there is no faith and salvation in Christ.
The Galatians were feeling the pressure from Jews to conform or meld the beliefs of the Jews about Moses and circumcision with their faith in Jesus Christ. Paul says in essence ‘it can’t be done, try it, and you will have left faith in Jesus Christ’. Really serious.
We also have teachings in the OT about combining mixtures such as cloth mixtures of linen and wool etc which was forbidden.
The nation of Israel was not to mix their worship of the LORD with the worship of the gods of the nations around them. When they eventually did this God abandoned them, and then the nation went into captivity.
It’s not how we start in Christ, but it’s whether we’re holding fast to our faith at the end of our days.
The story about Bonhoeffer seems to be a great story. A man who held onto Jesus all the way through his situations and trials until his death. He was executed by the Nazis less than one month before the war ended apparently. He kept the faith, and finished well.
God says in Psalm 37:4,5 ‘Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
I think walking with God is not about getting things, it’s about being provided for by God and having the things that we need to find ourselves in the place where Christ is at the end of our days.
Good comment Linda. Bonhoeffer held fast. He was executed about 3 weeks before Hitler committed suicide. What a contrast! Thanks for coming by.
the Bible talks about Abel (Adam’s son) still speaking… (I think that’s in Hebrews) I think we can safely say that Bonhoeffer is still speaking…. what an awesome thing. He didn’t waste his life, he gained it. Can’t wait to see his rewards when he stands before God at the resurrection. Awesome.
i want to live that kind of life-one that speaks though he is dead.
I think it’s the time and place we live here in America. Our kids (and most adults) have all the toys they want. There is such a spirit of entitlement in our country today.
i think you are absolutely right Jon. Thanks for the comment.
When things get tough, I find myself reminding me that my circumstances will never ever come even close to what Jesus suffered for my sake. Me doesn’t always listen to myself, but I should.
We are living in the war zone. The fighting continues even though the battle has been won by Him. We are told over and over again in the scripture that we are in a war. We never know when the next AK-47 will let fly in our direction. We do, however, have a promise from the Captain of of our souls:
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:4-6
Every difficult passage we go through is a small death; every triumph through Christ over that small death is a kind of resurrection. In these relatively small experiences with pain, we come to know Him better. because of
Evidently I hit Reply too soon. Sorry…
🙂
You’re right Susan. We do live in a war zone-one that we cannot take lightly. If we do then we will fall.Thanks.
It’s a real gut check isn’t it? But to your question: There certainly is an entitlement issue with many people today. And it can drive them crazy.
Agreed Michael. It can drive them crazy until they know the Real Answer. Thanks.
This attitude is prevalent partly because of the idea of “Name it and Claim it” and partly because “selfishness of the human flesh”. We do not need stuff but we need God to fill us. I am reminded of Jesus and the Rich Young ruler and the question of – do you have stuff or does the stuff have you?
Good thoughts.
I wanted to say that about the “Name it and Claim it” bunch but ran out of space. Also feeling like I had hit that before. Glad you mentioned it Jim. Good reference to use with Jesus and the RYR. Thanks.
Great quote! Make my whole life an answer to the question and call of God. Wow…think I am printing this one out. Thanks Bill!
That struck me also Tom. Thanks for the comment.
I agree with Jon’s comment about entitlement. It goes beyond the church to just people in general. Having a 12 & 13 year old keeps me on my toes. “I deserve this because I breath air!” is the underlying message in today’s generation.
You are right in saying we don’t deserve anything. Jesus promised He’d take care of our needs…not all of our wants 🙂
Have I said lately how glad I am that my children are adults? 😛 you have my admiration Craig. Thanks.
I cannot begin to imagine someone experiencing the Holocaust, but I believe this man illustrated what my Mother always told me. She said I would learn to “hate” this life and she was right. We, as Christians, “talk the talk”, but how many really know in our hearts that our future home is a reality. Once the realization hit me, I began focusing on life beyond this life, just as Paul said Jesus did. I wish He would come back today. I can’t wait for the Judgement. There can be no doubt, God gave this man a glimpse of what was to come so he could endure.
I shiver John whenever I think of that-Jew or Gentile. The unbelievable hatred is beyond my scope of imagination. Hating this life and longing for the next is to be our goal. thanks for the comment.
Guilty.
I want earthly rewards for doing “good” yet I read about David, Paul, Luther, Bonhoeffer, and others whose names are not recorded and know that is not always the case.
Thanks for the post Bill! I’m praying for you today.
Guilty also Jim. I cannot even begin to fathom the depth of love Bonhoeffer had that I am missing. You’re welcome and thanks.
My favorite quote of his…sums my thought Bill. Bless ya!
“Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession…. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
That sound you hear is the ooomph from the hit to the gut I just took Jay. I have never read that book. I have started it but never read it. Maybe it is time. Thanks.
I have that book on my bookshelf. I haven’t picked it up yet, but will soon (I’m now reading the meaning of marriage by Tim Keller).
We don’t deserve riches, or glory, or nothing. Not even God. Deserve is like saying, I have paid the price to earn this or that. We earn nothing. Not even our breath.
Our relationship with God is so lopsided it isn’t even funny. We are all recipients, we can’t add anything to what God gives us.
I saw a strong man die once. Sick in his bed, so fragile, fighting for each breath. So… weak. That smacked me in the face. We can portray all the wisdom, strenght, glory, money, etc. But when God taketh away… we are nothing.
I don’t deserve what I have. I don’t deserve God. But I will offer my continual praise for that He has given, His Son.
Not much more to add to your comment Moe. You wrapped it all up in what you said. Undeserving. Amen!
I know from time to time, I’m guilty of this. But, like you said, grace is unmerited favor…we don’t deserve anything. The quote definitely struck a chord within me.
One thing that really irks me though is that prosperity gospel stuff that some people preach about…
I think it is easy to get caught up in this Jon. The point is to recognize it and repent of it. You are also right to be concerned about the prosperity un-gospel. This is their bread and butter. Thanks.
Gut punch is right! I think one of my goals this year will be to read more on Bonhoeffer. People like him, even Mother Theresa, challenge me deeply, to forsake all for the surpassing goal of knowing Jesus Christ fully. Then the tension of worldly pursuits like paying bills and buying Christmas gifts, and going on a “much needed” vacation enter in and distract.
There has been mention of the entitlement mentality of most in our society today. I believe that mentality is fed by the pursuit of the great idol, Entertainment. I could start on a whole rant about that, but I won’t here ;-). At any rate, the pursuit of entertainment in its various forms and the idea of entitlement do feed each other in a vicious cycle.
Reading about Bonhoeffer is one of my goals too Tammy. I’ve tried to find the movie that was done about his story, but haven’t so far. I found it available to buy online but I’m hoping for a sale 🙂
I will be checking more seriously at the neo-libraries for Bonhoeffer’s books especially the bio mentioned here by Bill. It seems that these kind of books are not commomly found in public libraries. Too much Christianity in them I guess 🙂
Tammy: thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I apologize for taking so long to reply to all of you. Found myself out of the office and unable to even use my phone from 11-4:30. Don’t want you are anyone else to think I am ignoring them. The challenge you mention from Bonhoeffer was most definitely there in the book. Absolutely no doubt that entertainment is a big culprit. Thanks again for coming by. 🙂
I don’t think the problem is “I deserve this” Christianity per se. I think it’s “this world is all that really matters to me” Christianity.
I know it sounds trite and “obvious” in a way, but living it out is totally profound.
You make an interesting point Loren, and one that needs looked into. I agree with the living it out part. Thanks.
I feel like I deserve so much, when I deserve little.
you and me both.
My 21 year old son is reading this book right now. I can’t wait to hear his reactions. I do think we live in a culture that feels entitled to everything, but I don’t think that it is just starting with this generation. My father would have said, and did many times, that my generation felt the same way. I think it is a multi-generational issue.
You make an excellent point Sele. My parents also had that feeling, as did/do I.
We simply don’t understand what it is to go without these days. Bonhoeffer and many of his generation lived in what I can only imagine was great fear that they would be disoovered and executed, but inbetween they also lived with the knowledge that their death was only a door away.
The way we are going, we don’t even deserve grace today, but Thank God we have it. Maybe if we didn’t have all the luxuries we would be sensitive to those who don’t. We always have to remember that at some point in our lifetimes, we will lose it all.
Totally agree with your first statement Ed. We don’t understand. We even start out wanting everything RIGHT NOW what our parents had. I, for one, am thankful for God’s unlimited grace.
So often we have a “I Deserve This” mentality. We look at our surroundings and want to keep up — “Everyone else has it, so why shouldn’t I?”
Guilty. Especially lately as we have considered moving to a bigger house (we got a growing family, though? right?).
Unfortunately Dustin, you have put your finger on a lot of our problem. Greed. As for the house: I would say if it is needed and can be afforded without being strapped, then go for it. 🙂 Thanks for coming by.
I never seem to hear the prosper doctrine people speak to this story or even Peter and Paul’s lives. To live in the flesh, blinded by our senses is to not understand our call from God. Christ himself told us directly, “IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE”! They only want to quote the second part of the verse, “But take heart for I have overcome the world.”
God’s will is all about Him and His plan, we’re called to rely on Him to see us through the tough times. I believe God only uses the strongest among us to accomplish the most difficult things in this life. Sometimes I’m grateful for being a weaker soul…
That is the whole problem with the prosperity un-gospel. They have Scriptural back up. To talk about Peter and Paul and hardship is not in their ballpark, unless to say, “See they didn’t have and now they do. (Phil.4:19).” What a misrepresentation of Scripture! His plan is the one we follow and fulfill. Great comment floyd.
Wonderful news about Larry!! And I love the scripture verse that Susan quoted. It seems like your blogs have been right along with my thoughts & prayers lately. 🙂 I was just talking with God yesterday, thanking Him for all these material things He has blessed me with, that I deserve none of them, & praying that I don’t store up treasures on this earth, that I remember my treasures are stored up in Heaven. I don’t deserve any of His love, mercy, grace, forgiveness or material blessings, yet He loves me & blesses me with all of that. On the other side, I was just having a conversation with Caleb(20 yr.old) and his attitude of entitlement, this has been a big discussion with us, his generation seems to have that attitude that they are owed something. He said to me, “well, all we do is live & go through hard times & then just die”. I told him when we die, that’s when our wonderful life begins! He is struggling with why he tries to do good for people & he gets treated badly. Why does God let him go through all this hardship? I try to answer his questions, sometimes those are hard to answer. (sorry, I digress!)
It breaks my heart what people went through with Hitler & the Nazis. I have watched a couple of documentaries about that and it’s absolutely horrible. Very good blog Bill.
It is great news Jan! I am thrilled to know God intervened. As for the blogs being right along with your thoughts: should we tell them now that you are the one who is really writing them? 😉 Caleb has this gens mentality: “eat, drink, be merry for tomorrow you may die.” I keep praying for your kids. ‘Course they aren’t kids any more. They are all adults. And the horrors of Nazi Germany is awful. Thanks for visiting Jan.
Ouch. It’s an easy trap to fall into – all the “After all, my Dad made this world, yannow?” thinking…
At the same time, as always, there should be a balance. While we definitely should not just want to live an easy Christianity (besides being not true, it’s also boring), we should not despise God’s blessings.
My country is predominantly Orthodox and to be honest, if all I knew of Christianity was Orthodoxy, I might not be a Christian. I look at women – they resemble mice – seriously – pale, with a constant look of sadness on their faces, always wearing something gray or brown or some other depressing colors. I might be stepping on some toes, but I don’t think that’s what Christ wanted. He said He brings us JOY, and sometimes I think we believe that being happy is a sin – after all, there’s so much pain and suffering in the world and people who don’t know God, etc., etc., etc…
*Ahem…* So… yeah, cutting the rant short, all I want to say that while the earthly riches and pleasant stuff is not what we should be after (that is pointless), we still can enjoy what comes our way…
At least that’s my Ukrainian point of view…
you make a good point Zee. I am not saying that Christ-followers should forego all the comforts and benefits of living in the world (unless God calls them to do that). I, too, have seen the “ghost people” who sort of just wander through life. I welcome your Ukrainian viewpoint lil sis. 🙂
Unless God calls them to do that – yes – that’s also a very important point… Because there are times when He does call us to give up something (and most of the time, in order to get something even better from Him) 🙂
Is it just me, or trying to balance life is akin to walking a tightrope?
If you are asking my opinion I would have to say, “Look out below!” 🙂 I don’t do tightropes very well so I fall easily. For me it is a constant battle to maintain proper focus.
Well, wipe that smile off your face and act like a Christian.
😛
mm?
I think he meant it sarcastically. Least I think…
Have to admit, I stole that line from our preacher. It illustrates how non-Christians view the Christian lifestyle, or what they believe to be the Christian lifestyle. The only reason I get grumpy is because humans have a tendency to make most of life harder than it is. Most, if not all of our woes as a nation are self inflicted. The author you mentioned had risen above the common even though his circumstances were horrific. Jesus did not have his chin on the ground and never worried for Himself. How happy you are is a good indication of your spiritual condition. (preaching to myself, too)
Most of my life, when I’ve said “I deserve this.” it is something bad that has happened. I suppose in one sense that is true. In another sense, it sounds like Maude’s “God will get you for that.” Though hers was tongue in cheek.
Funny you should say that. One of the things that turned my thinking around is the Scripture that states, “it rains on the just and the unjust”. It is a very profound statement that should be studied carefully.
I know I have said that from time to time. i sin and then something happens later and I think, “I deserved that.” It is high time to get away from that type of thinking.
I’m still in the groundwork phase of the book which is interesting but like you said, not arresting. I started reading the book because I wanted to read about someone who stood up when it would have been infinitely easier to stay quiet and compromise. We see that in scripture but I believe there will be more cause for it in our world (that’s not pessimistic, but I want to be found faithful). Anyway, great thoughts. There’s no such thing as ‘easy Christianity.’ Thanks Bill.
Stick with it jason. you will be glad you did as you keep reading and then get to the end of it. it is funny how he tired of American “Christianity” while he was here. You are right: there is no such thing as easy christianity. Thanks for the input Jason.
God can only use those who fully surrender to his calling and who are willing to sacrifice for His name. What an amazing quote.
Yours is pretty good also Dan. But I definitely agree with the quote. 🙂 Thanks.