"CLAIMING THE HIGH C'S"
PART III
THE BANQUET
He has taken me to the banquet hall,
And His banner over me is love.
(Song of Solomon 2:4, NIV.)
|
CHAPTER 5
CHARISMA
|
Eating is a BIG part of life. Solomon wondered if there was anything better than eating and drinking (Ecclesiastes 2:24, 5:18, 9:7). As the richest man on earth, he tasted it all. But the feast on the voyage of the High C's is far superior to anything available to that king.
This banquet that God lays before us is beyond what we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20) and its bounty baffles Satan. He could never in his wildest imagination ever think or understand that God would be so generous and loving. God's Grace was never expected and thus it changes the course of history... it takes away all fear of death and judgment (Hebrews 2:14-15, I John 4:18), loneliness and despair (Hebrews 13:5-6). To each of us this Grace is given (Ephesians 4:7).
And then comes dessert! What a spread! Dish after dish filled with spiritual gifts: so many that it's impossible to count. And to each of us, Christ has given these gifts (Ephesians 4:8).
This marvelous love is God's Grace: greater than all our sin and shame. Will you come and eat with us? Taste and see; this is good. This is joy! |
"My Savior's Love" |
 I stand amazed in the presence,
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner con-dem'd, unclean.
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Savior's love for me!
by Charles Gabriel |
CHAPTER 5
CHARISMA
Releasing the hidden gifts…
in your marriage and family.
Coasting:
The act of making progress along the sea-coast of any country.1
|
There is a different way to live your life. Come to the banquet. God is calling all of us, including you and me, to come.
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou annoinest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
(Psalm 23:5, KJV.)
Can you just imagine the table? It will have to be immense and incredibly sturdy. When we think about this table it will be very long, maybe stretching out the door.
Charisma is the great banquet at the Captain's table. It's only served when the ship is in order: when commitment, caring and communication are in place, and then the Captain comes to lead it.
Charisma is defined as favor or grace shown, or a special gift or power divinely conferred, such as the gifts of prophecy or hospitality.2 Charisma is from God, the Almighty, the Lord of Hosts, the Father of Jesus Christ.
|
"WHAT CAN GET IN THE WAY OF CHARISMA?"
FUNCTIONAL AND DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES |
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Add to these differences human nature and personalities and just see the disruptions in interactions. Things don't always go smoothly. Words don't always convey intentions.
CO-DEPENDENCE...
In the 1980's and 1990's, the term co-dependent became a catch phrase for almost any type of family dysfunction. The word sin almost became taboo. If anything was wrong with a family, it wasn't due to sin but due to co-dependency. Books were written, films were taped, classes and groups were started. And many churches opened their doors to this information and thereby became focal points to bring people into health and freedom. But still the problems continued. All adult children did not reach their full potential; problems continued.
Reasons for this continuance are many. Generational patterns cannot be easily broken. It can take many years to eradicate the destructive power of over dependence and unhealthy habits. Even accepting the "hierarchy of human needs", as first complied by Maslow, 1962; then Miller, 1981; Weil, 1973; and Glasser, 1985, does not guarantee success, because sometimes "something" gets in the way. Recovery is dependent upon many factors. Charles Whitfield, MD, and other leading psychological specialists, all began to point to spirituality as the highest order of needs (mingled with nurturance, freedom, and unconditional love).4 |
Sin and spiritual warfare are
the causes of dysfunctional
families. |
Co-dependency and other catchwords that will come in the twenty-first century will only be euphemisms for the reality in which we live. Sin is reality. Spiritual warfare is part of that reality.
Sin and spiritual warfare are the causes and realities of dysfunctional families. The great deceiver, Satan, will continue to work his confusion and mischief until the return of Christ. But this reality is not meant to paralyze or disempower: it is Truth that needs to be acknowledged. Then we can move ahead across the seas with the charisma of God and His Christ. Then we are equipped and ready for life. |
FOCUS ON FAMILIES |
EXAMPLE 0NE
In June of 2002, the authors were fortunate and blessed by God to attend a conference in Cannon Beach, Oregon. This beautiful seaside community hosted as special speakers the Donner family. Husband and wife and three children gave the keynote address for a group of Christian business leaders from Oregon and Washington.
The Donners shared their failures and shortcomings; their hopes and dreams; their attempts to keep the family together. Each member of the family spoke and openingly shared how their problems were resolved. Whether it was a dad who was too busy with work, yet loved to be in control of everyone else; a mom who at first let helplessness overwhelm her; older children who wanted to come out from under the shadow of their parents; and the youngest who often felt unnoticed and unheard.
This family shared how Christ brought them all back to His model of love and unity. Each was accepted as unique and special, made purposefully by God for His Will and glory. Yes, the parents did 90% of the work, they set the tone of love and understanding, but everyone enjoyed the benefits. Hallelujah!
EXAMPLE TWO
Have you ever heard of Billy Graham? Do you know that he has a family? Yes, all of his children are grown and have their own families. Most of his children are in some form of ministry. His wife, Ruth Bell Graham, though a noted author and speaker, devoted her time and attention to her family so that God could fully use her husband to reach millions around the world. She recognized that even in her own life, despite hard and lonely times, she had to keep her eyes focused on Christ. "We are all prodigals,"5 she writes, because she had felt that pull to demand her own way.
In his later years, Pastor Graham noted that he wished he had spent more time with his children. But the time he did spend with them was laid upon the firm foundation of Jesus and his awareness that each of his children, though different in size, shape, temperment, and gifts, was truly special. He daily lifted each of them up to the Lord and asked God's blessings upon them and his precious wife.66
EXAMPLE THREE
Bill and Karen Luce have a family, too. We have four adult children, their spouses, four grandchildren, extended family members, one dog, and one fish. Our family has never been perfect, because we carried sins into our marriage and then into our relationships with our kids. Bill took the path of an easy-going nature to actually distance himself from family disapproval and judgments. He never felt like he measured up to his parents' expectations or his siblings' achievements. Karen took the path of anger and depression to deal with unhealed abuse issues: she protected herself by yelling or distancing from people.
Though their personal relationships with God and Christ was present from childhood, though they endeavored to make God an active and vital part of their home, it is only in later years, as their children reached adolescence and maturity, that Bill and Karen realized how special and spiritually gifted each child truly was. As Karen studied psychology and spiritual development, as Bill actively led churches, as they both read and studied Scripture… the reality of charisma, and its effect in marriage and family, was finally seen.
EXAMPLE FOUR
God designed and created the human family. He first made Adam, and then He made Eve. They were the very first family. And yes, there was sin and "dysfunction" in their home! Even before children!
It's amazing, isn't it, to think that the very first people on this earth chose to sin. And their sin, their abject humanness, enabled sin to grow in their children, too. Their elder son committed the first murder and then cried about how unfair it was to be judged. Though Adam and Eve were not held responsible for their son's sin, they felt the sad consequences.
God also created angels. These beings, the heavenly host, also had problems. Were they co-dependent? Were they filled with unmet needs? No, these creatures were in daily communion with God… all their innermost needs were met. But then pride and selfishness entered. Sin took hold of them, too. Satan was an angel, called the "angel of light". And when he rebelled, he took 1/3 of the heavenly host with him.
There is just no such thing as a "perfect" family…
For all have sinned
and come short of the glory of God.
(Romans 3:23, NIV.)
EXAMPLE FIVE
All families will have trouble. Do you think that a family of Christians will be perfectly at peace? Perfectly united? Perfectly wanting and acting the best for each other? Jesus said,
Do you think I have come to give peace to the earth?
NO!
Rather, strife and division!
From now on families will be split apart,
three in favor of me, and two against-
Or perhaps the other way around.
A father will decide one way about me;
his son, the other;
mother and daughter will disagree;
and the decision of an honored mother-in-law will be spurned
by her daughter-in-law.
(Luke 12:51-53,TLB.)
SET BOUNDARIES
Learn that setting boundaries may sometimes mean saying "NO". There will definitely be times in your life that you need to refuse a request. Not out of fear or trepidation, but because of spiritual leading through connection with God (through prayer).
Saying "No" can help you avoid poor gift "matches". Such a match would be like someone asking you to sing a solo, when you really don't have the ability or giftedness. Or finally being badgered into helping with the nursery, when your gifts are centered in administration. Sometimes we can try and force our children into doing something for which they are not gifted. Spiritual discernment is important here. Yes, we are called to edify and build up the body. But first we really need to know what gifts God has given us and then ask for the discernment to know how He would desire us to use them.
One other aspect of healthy boundaries is recognizing when you are doing too much. "Burn out" is a real accompaniment to a stress filled, harried life. Acknowledge that you are just one person, and even with the help and assistance of your family, there is only so much that you can do. Keep life in balance! Remember that even Jesus would sometimes leave the maddening crowd and go off by Himself, just to be with His Father God. And the early Church leaders also set boundaries. They prayed and listened to God, and sometimes they did not pursue ministry. Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to stay out of Asia (Acts 16:6). Another time Paul left an "open door" to go and be with his friend Titus (II Corinthians 2:12-14.) Read these examples and open your heart to the possibility of God working all things for His triumph and glory.
Boundaries are healthy, especially when they are set after prayer. No individual is called by God to do everything. He works through and in His Church: the Body of Believers. |
HOW CAN YOUR FAMILY
BE A BLESSING
FOR TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES? |
God wants His gifts used. He makes that really clear in Jesus' parable of the talents. The message: use your gifts or lose them. But how far do we go? How brave and courageous should we be? We as Believers in Jesus are called the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). We are admonished in a child's song not to hide that light, but to...
"let it shine, let it shine, let it shine".
How do we do that? How do we let our light, the light of Christ, shine?
PRAYER
Begin with prayer. Here we are, back to prayer again. But it is such an important aspect of the Christian life. Nothing can ever be accomplished without connection to the power source. This power is eternal; it will not end. So hook into God through prayer, before you attempt anything. Even take your ideas and dreams to Him. Let Him in truth be the Captain of your course.
Delight thyself also in the Lord;
and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the Lord;
trust also in Him;
and He shall bring it to pass.
(Psalm 37:4-5, KJV.)
SPIRITUAL MAPPING
Mapping the spiritual elements in your town is a new idea related to church planters and community transformation efforts.7 Look at your city from a spiritual perspective. Meet with a group of Christians and pull out a physical map of the neighborhoods. Where are the different churches? Are there one or two central locations where Christians live? Are there any other positive spiritual locations in the community like the YMCA or crisis pregnancy centers?
Next look for the forces of darkness in the community. Are there adult bookstores or clubs? Where are the taverns and casinos? Are there areas of occult activity? Where is the area of known drug activities? Also locate the areas of high population concentration like the city center and schools. With this map before you, the churches are nearly prepared to wage spiritual warfare.
A spiritual map is an eye opener and it's critical to know the spiritual terrain as you develop strategies to transform your community. It will assist in developing action plans to reduce and confront the darkness. How can you, your family, schools and churches be protected from these areas and forces of evil? How can the Christian influences be expanded, and broadened to win entire communities? "Mapping" is an exciting endeavor for you and your family of God to gain knowledge and perspective. Along with prayer, at least two other elements are needed.
UNITY OF CHURCHES
The most critical element for transforming communities is to unite the churches. Confusion and conflict or inaction and apathy in Christiandom are Satan's good friends. The task of uniting churches into a cohesive positive spiritual force in the community is one of the most difficult and yet most important programs for transformation. Your family can be involved by encouraging your church to take a leadership role in this unity. You can then talk to your friends and associates in the neighborhood and encourage them to do the same in their local church.
This is not to be confused with ecumenical movements of the past that have endeavored to meld all theological differences into blandness. No, this is Christians uniting in Christ to bring defeat to Satan and his powers of darkness.
Unity for this purpose will result in a concerted and effective effort of disarming authorities and powers of spiritual darkness. The first task is to unite in prayer. The spiritual map should be a common tool for developing strategies and programs for action. The power of united Christians in a town is a great witness and evangelism experience for winning your community to Christ.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that ye all speak the same thing,
and that there are no divisions among you;
but that ye be perfectly joined
together in the same mind
and in the same judgment.
(I Corinthians 1:10)
SPIRITUAL GIFTS FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE
We have encouraged you and your family to discover and use your spiritual gifts for the Lord. Community transformation allows you to unite with the Christians in your community to use your combined spiritual gifts in spiritual warfare.
You may be the only one in your family and church with a particular spiritual gift. However, within the Christian community, united for spiritual warfare, you will find yourself surrounded with those who have your gifts and many more. The power of God's spiritual warriors using their spiritual gifts and weapons to transform a community for the Lord is an exciting vision that we hope you, your family, your church, and the churches in your community can accomplish. |
CONCLUSIONS |
The banquet table has been set. Christ as Captain has checked His ship... it is properly fitted with commitment, caring, and communication. You are now being seated at the Captain's table and "Oh, what beauty and joy you are experiencing".
God has placed His charisma right before you. Look, do you see the spiritual gifts He's offering? Can you smell the Holy flavor? Are you ready to taste sweet grace and spicy fellowship, and enjoy His salty presence? Now is the time to invite your family to come with you. There will be enough at this banquet for everyone.
Come and enjoy the blessings: watch them flow over the table. The Captain is calling each of us to come and taste and see. What He offers is indeed good. Charisma gets our hearts and minds ready. We are about to take our voyage. Let the blessings flow.
|
CHAPTER FIVE NOTES
1 Glossary of Nautical Terms (Circa 1814).
www.psych.edu.au/vbb/woronora/maritime/Glossary.html
2 Guralnik, David. 1974. Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language. Second College Edition. New York: William Collins World Publishing Company, Inc. pg. 240.
4 Whitfield, Charles. 1987. Healing the Child Within. Deerfield Beach, Florida: Health Communication, Inc.
5 Graham, Ruth Bell (1991). Prodigals and Those Who Love Them.
Colorado Springs, Colorado: Focus on the Family Publishing.
6 Graham, Billy. 1997. Just As I Am. The Autobiography of Billy Graham. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco and Zondervan
7 The Sentinel Group. 1999. Transformations: A Documentary. Video. Global Net Productions.
|
|
|
