Do you believe in God?

Do you believe in God? What kind of God do you believe in or perhaps reject? What percentage of the Australian population do you think believes in God?

I went surfing on the internet to try and find an answer to the last question. It was harder to answer and more controversial than I realised. Here are some of the facts that I found:

“Fewer than half of Australia's Generation Y (born 1976–90) identify with a traditional religion, a three-year study of youth spirituality in Australia has found. Belief: 48% of Gen Y participants believe in ‘a god’, 20% do not and 32% are unsure. Two-thirds of those who do not believe in a god, or are uncertain, believe in some kind of ‘higher being or life-force’. Spirituality: Three main strands of spirituality were identified among Gen Y participants: Christian (44%), Eclectic (17%) and Humanist (31%). ‘Eclectic’ spirituality indicates belief in two or more New Age, esoteric or Eastern beliefs and/or participation in alternative spiritual practices.” (The Spirit of Generation Y project–quoted on www.youthfacts.com.au)

“At the 2001 Australian census 75% of people claimed a religious affiliation of some kind.”

“Most Australians believe in God. A recent survey found that 61% believe in a personal God, a figure that goes up to 79% if the idea of God is broadened to include a 'higher power'; only 13% identified as agnostic and 9% as atheists.[Christian Research Association survey 1995]”

Painful life experiences can shake our belief in God. A friend of mine was arranging the funeral of a young man who had committed suicide. In her grief and anger his mother said, “I don’t believe in God anymore”. He didn’t try to preach at her or argue. Instead he asked her if she would “describe the God she didn’t believe in”. She responded with a picture of a harsh, uncaring being who couldn’t or wouldn’t stop her son taking his life. My friend said to her, “I don’t believe in that kind of God either”. He then shared about the loving God he trusted.

Christianity is not simply about believing that there is a God. As James points out, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder.” (James 2:19) The Good News about Jesus Christ takes us beyond the general idea of a Supreme Being. It invites us into a personal and communal relationship with a God who can be known. This contrasts with the fearful sacrifices offered by many ancient tribes to please “the gods”. It also challenges the idea of “God the vending machine” who gives us whatever we ask for.

The Bible tells us that “No-one has ever seen God, but God the Only Begotten (Jesus) has made him known” (John 1:18) Jesus goes on to say, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father (God)” (John 14:9) Do you “believe in God” or do you know God in a personal way?

Faith in action

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” (James 2:14-18 NIV)

Perhaps you've heard the saying, "talk is cheap". James develops this theme as it relates to the idea of faith. He challenges the notion that a person can claim to have faith but do nothing about it. He gives the example of someone who needs food and clothing. The so-called "person of faith" wishes them well but does nothing to help them.

Several years ago, I attended a large Christian conference at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney. As our bus drew near to the venue two of my friends noticed a man's legs sticking out of a shelter used to house garbage bins. Dozens of people were walking right past the man in the shelter and ignoring him. When our bus pulled up they ran back to the man. The shelter was his home. His clothing was dirty and his hair dishevelled. On the ground next to him was a bottle in a brown paper bag. It contained methylated spirits which he was drinking. After some persuasion they were able to encourage him to get on to our minibus. We took him to the Matthew Talbot hostel for men where he had a shower and was given a clean set of clothes and a hot meal. Sadly, the next day he was back at the shelter.

This experience challenged me in several ways. It reminded me that it is much harder to live the Christian faith than simply to talk about it. It also reminded me that change doesn't always come quickly in a person's life. "Walking the road" can take time and costly commitment. James describes this as one of the hallmarks of true Christian faith.

I have also come to realise that God doesn't expect us to change the whole world by ourselves. Putting our faith into action isn't meant to be a "guilt trip". Instead it is intended to be a grateful response to the goodness of God in our own lives. We're not asked to give what we don't have. But we are told to be generous when we can. In the words of Proverbs, “Do not withhold from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbour, ‘Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow’-when you now have it with you." (Proverbs 3:27-28)

Are you a person of faith? How do your actions reflect what you believe? Who are the people that God has given you the power to help? What are you doing about it?

Without a vision

"Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
but blessed is he who keeps the law". (Proverb 29:18 NIV)

Introduction
The first part of this proverb is often translated as, "Where there is no vision …”. The Amplified version of the Bible expands on this idea with the phrase "redemptive revelations". The Message version of the Bible puts it this way, "When people can't see what God is doing …”

The sense behind the words is that God is constantly revealing himself and his purposes to his people. However, we are not always aware of this. Through the blinding power of sin and the spiritual oppression of the evil one we may fail to discern God's revelation of himself. When this happens, "the people cast of restraint". This is also translated variously as "the people perish" or "the people dwell carelessly”. The Message says, "people get off the track".

"Revealing God" through education
Whether we work in a government school, Christian School or independent school we have the opportunity to be an agent through whom God reveals himself to people. I want to suggest today three specific ways in which this can happen based on Romans chapters 1 to 3. I call them the "three C”s”. They are,

a. Creation
"Ever since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." (Romans 1:20 NIV)

The teaching of key learning areas and specific subjects provides us with opportunities to highlight the wonder and order of God's creation. For example, mathematical formulae, learning pi to 100 decimal places.

Our purpose is not to honour the creation but to point our students to the one who created it. Diligent preparation, conscientious teaching and a personal enthusiasm for our subjects, and learning in general can all bear witness to our Creator.

b. Conscience
"(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God will judge men secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares." (Romans 2: 14-16 NIV)

The teaching of what is now popularly called “values education” is an opportunity to prophetically challenge the "dominant consciousness" of our society. Encouraging students to question the prevalent values of our culture is an important pre-evangelistic task. It is also an opportunity to stir the moral conscience that God has placed within each of us. This is the second means that God has provided to humanity by which to reveal himself.

c. Christ
"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:22-24 NIV)

God's ultimate revelation of himself comes in the person of Jesus Christ. Depending on our context we may have varying degrees of freedom when it comes to openly sharing our faith in Christ. But whatever our setting, we can offer some witness to his importance in our lives.

2. On track or in trouble?
The proverb goes on to spell out the implications of two alternative lifestyles. The first describes the absence of God's revelation. It is characterised by a lack of restraint, a loss of direction and ultimately destruction. The second lifestyle, is characterised by blessing which flows from obedience to God's laws.

The consequences of these two alternatives offer profound motivation to Christian teachers who want the best for their students.

When I survey students the top question I am asked is, "what is the meaning of life?" Students are looking for meaning and purpose in a world which is increasingly offering superficial and dissatisfying answers.

Unless the Christian Church and Christian people offer a thoughtful, substantial and credible response to their seeking after truth and meaning they will be seduced or disillusioned by lesser gods.

This requires both intellectual rigour and emotional engagement. Lowering the challenge or commitment required does not make it easier. It simply devalues the call of Jesus and brings it into contempt. It is my observation that students are moved to respond when they see integrity, compassion and commitment in those who proclaim Christ.

Mercy triumphs over judgement

“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," n also said, "Do not murder." n If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”(James 2:10-13 NIV)

A good friend of mine was saying the other day how angry and frustrated she gets with young, speeding drivers. She has taken to shouting out and waving her fist as they overtake or speed past her on the freeway. She knows that they are going way too fast because she is already travelling at 10-20km over the speed limit herself!

It is so easy to see the faults of others and fail to see our own. James reminds us that keeping a part of God’s law isn’t enough. One person may commit adultery. Another may be a murderer. Whether it is stealing, lying or bullying we are all in the same boat. The short term consequences of our actions may be lesser or greater. But we are all still “lawbreakers” in the eyes of God.

Jesus said that God’s standard is perfection. (Matthew 5:48) This means keeping God’s law perfectly all the time. If we can’t do that, which none of us can, we need another way to relate to God. This way is the way of mercy. Mercy has been defined as, “not getting what you deserve”, especially as it concerns punishment. Because of Jesus death on the cross our sin has been judged but God has paid the price. This is mercy.

Sadly, it is too easy for us to forget that we have received God’s mercy. One of the signs of this is that we begin to judge others while ignoring our own faults. (Just like my speeding friend). When we fail to show others the same mercy that we have received we are in danger. James tells us that those who judge without mercy will be treated in the same way.

Jesus echoes these thoughts in the parable of “the unmerciful servant”. (Matthew 18:21-35) A servant who owed millions of dollars to his master was freely forgiven. But then he put a fellow servant in jail who owed him a few dollars. When his master heard about it, he put him in jail. Jesus says this is what happens when you refuse to “forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:35)

Do you think that you are perfect or less of a “lawbreaker” than someone else? Have you received God’s mercy? Are you sharing it with others by forgiving rather than judging them?

The richness of the poor

“Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong? 8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbour as yourself," n you are doing right. 9 But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” (James 2:5-9 NIV)

Walking around the streets of Manilla the capital of the Philippines was an eye opening experience. Our hotel was comfortable and the food was plentiful. Outside adults and children were begging. Some people slept in cardboard boxes. At the traffic lights little children with big brown eyes would appear from nowhere pressing their faces up against the taxi windows. Just out of town a whole community lived on the local rubbish tip, “Smokey Mountain”. They would scavenge through the debris to scrape out a living.

Even though the experience was several years ago it continues to impact and challenge me. So, too did attending an outdoor Christian worship service. Forty thousand people attended. They sat and stood for six to ten hours in the middle of a typhoon, praising God and listening to teaching from the Bible. Many of them had little in the way of material wealth. But they were hungry for the truth and reality of Jesus Christ.

As my friends and I walked the streets we held our cameras and wallets close. Even McDonalds had multiple security guards with rifles. The wealthy lived in walled compounds to keep out the desperate and the dangerous. When the plane touched down in Sydney we breathed a sigh of relief to be “safe” again. The experience made me look at our materialistic culture very differently. We are so busy earning a living or maintaining our possessions. Consequently, we often have little time for God or other people.

The book of James asks a disturbing question to rich people like us,

“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”(James 2:5)

Being poor is not necessarily a virtue. But being rich can be an obstacle to seeking God and putting him first in our lives.

Do you share God’s concern for the poor of our society and world? In what ways does living in a materialistic culture distract you from loving and serving God?

Playing Favourites

“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here's a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:1-4 NIV)

How do you feel when someone else is given special treatment at your expense? Do you know anyone who “plays favourites”? Have you ever met someone who ignored you because you were different to them? Or, perhaps they were friendly for what they thought you could give them? Governments have attempted to deal with these kinds of attitudes through law making. Anti-discrimination legislation attempts to stop favouritism based on things like age, gender, race, religion etc. But it can’t address underlying thoughts and feelings. It can’t change people’s hearts.

So, how do you decide who to befriend and who to ignore? If we are honest, most of us make some kind of judgement based on how other people look. We might also choose our friends in terms of what they have to offer us. We may befriend the people that we think are “like us” and avoid the people who are “different”. But Jesus Christ models a different way of living and calls his followers to live like him.

One of the features of a true follower of Jesus is that they don’t show favouritism. What does this look like? James gives us an example of the opposite attitude. He describes a situation where a rich, well-dressed person gets special attention while a poor person is ignored or put down. He says that such treatment is a form of discrimination. It comes from “evil thoughts” which judge people’s worth on how they look or how wealthy they are.

In contrast, Jesus says that God sends his rain on the “just and the unjust”. He blesses us even when we don’t deserve it. He showed us his love while we were still sinners fighting against him (Romans 5:8). This is a reflection of God’s grace, his free and undeserved favour. It is wonderfully illustrated and featured in a recently released movie. “Amazing Grace” is the story of William Wilberforce and his campaign to abolish the British slave trade. It is also the story of his minister and mentor John Newton. Newton, the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace”, was for many years the captain of a slave trading ship. An encounter with Jesus Christ changed his life. The hymn expresses his experience of God’s grace which he found in Jesus. The movie shows the power of this grace to change the way that we view and treat other people.

Recommended Viewing: “Amazing Grace – the movie”, in cinemas now