Moving to markkakkuri.com
I'm moving to markkakkuri.com. Won't you join us?Dear reader,
I’ve moved my blog to markkakkuri.com. C’mon over and check it out.
And say “so long” to kakkuri.wordpress.com.
Mark
Present Grace Series, Part 5
Prov. 31:30: Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
My dear daughter,
This verse may be one of the most difficult for you to believe. Of course, without the Holy Spirit changing your heart, you won’t believe any of the truths in Scripture. For a young girl, however, it may be most difficult to believe the Bible’s truth about what is truly beautiful and praiseworthy.
The world says to you:
- Do everything you can to make your face and body attractive and beautiful — so that people will praise you and you will feel good.
- Do everything you can to charm — using good looks and attractive actions to get other people to do what you want them to do.
- Do everything with the goal of serving and glorifying yourself.
The Bible, however, has a very different message for you:
Charm is deceptive — Not only is charm temporary (it doesn’t last; it goes away as time goes on), using good looks and attractive actions to get other people to do what you want them to do is like lying. It is manipulative and selfish because the change it seeks is based not on truth but on good looks and flattering words.
Think with me for a minute: What kind of change should you want other people to make? Why?
Beauty is vain — that is, spending too much time and effort trying to look good is not worth it. Why? Because outward beauty is temporary. We are always growing older and beauty tends to disappear with age. Being beautiful will not save your soul or have any godly importance for you while you are alive. So don’t spend too much time worrying about what you look like or trying to be beautiful. Yes, take care of yourself and try to look neat and clean and appropriate. But don’t believe the world’s lie about chasing after outward beauty. It is vain — that is, it has no spiritual value.
Think with me for a minute: What does God think is beautiful in a young girl?
The verse ends with, “… but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Don’t try to charm people with your looks and words. Don’t spend too much time chasing after beauty. Both charm and beauty usually lead to selfish thoughts. Instead, you should spend a lot of time trying to be a young girl (and eventually a woman) who fears the Lord. A woman who fears the Lord seeks after the Lord by reading the Bible, praying, going to church, obeying and honoring her mother and father, and … what else?
Notice, too, that living a life of godly fear is worthwhile for your whole life. Honoring God is the best because it gets better as you get older!
And notice what a God-fearing woman deserves: praise. That’s right! There is a right kind of praise that may come from other people because you fear and worship God. Now that’s beautiful!
Think about the questions I’ve listed above, discuss these with Mom, and we’ll talk about them later, okay?
Much love,
Dad
Young Warriors Series, Part 5
Dear boys,
Joshua is an excellent leader, isn’t he? Well, keep reading! He only gets better! But notice that Joshua’s good leadership is based on obedience to God. Can it be that simple?
Today we’ll take a look at Joshua chapter 5. Get your Bibles and turn there now and read the whole chapter.
Verses 1 – 9 deal with the circumcision of the men. We already talked about that strange, painful, but necessary event.
Verses 10 – 12 deal with the people’s celebration of the their first Passover in Canaan and their enjoyment of the fruit of the land.
It’s verses 13 – 15, however, that will have our attention for today.
13 When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” 14 And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” 15 And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Notice Joshua’s words and actions in this text.
First, Joshua went to him. He wasn’t afraid. In fact, he was being strong and courageous, as the Lord had commanded him.
Second, Joshua questioned the man to determine his purpose. I would guess that if the man had said he was for Joshua, Joshua probably would have welcomed him. And if the man had said he was for Joshua’s adversaries, Joshua may have killed him where he stood.
Third, once Joshua learned who the man was, he acted appropriately:
- He fell on his face on the earth — this means he laid face down on the ground to show his reverence for the Lord.
- He worshiped him — by the position of his body but probably also by calling out words of praise, honor, and reverence.
- Joshua in essence says to the Lord: “I will do whatever you want me to do; just say the word.”
Now notice what the Lord says. He tells Joshua to take off his sandals because he’s standing on holy ground. Joshua of course obeys. The point, however, is that the key to God-honoring leadership is obedience and reverence to God.
In the first chapter, the Lord raised up Joshua as a leader and told him to be strong and courageous. Now the Lord shows Joshua what strong and courageous Christian leadership looks like — on your face before the Lord, showing holy reverence to the Lord, awaiting the Lord’s next command.
Boys, as you grow up in this world, you’ll see leaders come and go. The vast majority will have no interest in the Lord, let alone reverence for the Lord. And the world gives all of the glory to the leader. You’ll soon have your own opportunities to lead — in many different ways. So consider these questions for a moment…
- How are you a leader right now? Or, in what ways do you lead right now?
- How can you make sure a right reverence for the Lord comes before your acts of leadership and service?
Think about these questions and your answers, write down some notes, and we will discuss later, okay?
Love,
Dad
Present Grace Series, Part 4
My dear daughter,
Today we’re going back to Proverbs 31 for a verse about what a Christian woman should be.
Take a look at v. 27:
She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. — Prov. 31:27
This verse is talking about a grown woman who is a wife and mother. The Proverb writer describes her in two ways:
- She looks well to the ways of her household.
- She does not eat the bread of idleness.
Both of these go together but let’s look at them one at a time.
First, when a Christian woman “looks well to the ways of her household,” it means, for example, she knows and understands how her household works. She knows when the day starts, when everyone rises from their sleep, what needs to happen first in the house, what needs to happen to prepare lessons or meals or events in the house. In other words, she is wise and careful and organized and is able to think about needs before they actually become needs. This woman’s first concern is not for herself; it is for the others in her house: her husband, her children, maybe even her parents, if they live with her.
Mom and I don’t require these kinds of abilities from you but we would like for you to start thinking about these things now. In fact, you already do! You know how to empty a dishwasher, set a table, and make some foods. You know how to clean and sew and even care for your younger sister. Can you think of some other ways you could look out for our household?
Second, a Christian woman should not eat the bread of idleness. This simply means that you should not sit around, being lazy or wasting time. Find something to do that serves others and the household! Avoid watching too much television. Avoid eating because you’re bored. Avoid eating while watching television!
You do so many good things around the house right now! Keep it up! And let’s you and I talk with Mom about how you can keep growing into the Christian woman in these verses.
Love you,
Dad
Young Warriors Series, Part 4
Dear boys,
One of my favorite things to do is see what kinds of stones you find in our backyard or in Grandpa and Grandma’s fields. And certainly you’ve found some interesting fossils and shiny minerals and more.
Today I’ve got a story about stones from our study in Joshua. So get your Bibles and read Joshua 4.
No, really — read the whole chapter and then come back to this. 
Okay. Joshua and the Israelites crossed the Jordan River — on dry ground — and the Lord commanded Joshua to take 12 stones out of the river in order to construct a memorial of the event. The point was to create some kind of significant visual or graphic image to remind them of the Lord’s leading and provision and care for the people. He had brought them into the Promised Land! As such, they needed to remember the details of the event!
The Book of Joshua records other similar memorials; watch for these as you read! For now, however, we’ll just talk about this one.
Notice Joshua 4:6:
… When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’
as well as v. 21:
… “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’…”
As you can see, the whole point of the stones was to cause the people, and specifically the children of the people, to ask what happened. This would ensure that the story of God’s leading would get passed down from generation to generation — from dads to sons, and from those sons to their sons and so on. Of course the mothers participated in this as well.
Now, think about whether we do anything like this today. Don’t think about stones, though. Think about how mom and I pass along stories to you… What do we use to help show you what God has done in our lives? Here’s a hint: What’s hanging on our walls? What fills our scrapbooks?
While mom and me continue to tell our stories of God’s guidance and provision (our “stones”), you are both at an age where you should begin looking back on your lives and thinking about your own “stones.” What are the significant events in your lives? What has God done for you? How has he blessed? When you think of some of these things, find “stones” to help you remember them. [Ask me before you haul any real boulders into the house, okay?]
Let’s be aware of God’s constant mercy and help in our lives and let’s find ways to remember those things.
With love,
Dad
A couple nights ago, my wife and I watched Fireproof – finally! — and enjoyed it so much we watched it the next night as well. For me, the main appeal lies in the fact that the producers, actors, and actresses take on an important issue in an enjoyable film on a very tight budget.
The movie offers much to viewers. One of the strongest parts was the interaction between Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) and his dad, John Holt (Harris Malcom). Their relationship provides six lessons worthy of our consideration:
1. The older generation must lovingly and patiently declare the truth to the younger generation. And the younger generation must listen. John Holt’s care and concern for Caleb manifested itself in long conversations on the phone, long trips to visit, and long walks in the woods — all underscoring the need for and effectiveness of face-to-face communication and significant amounts of time when truth and love needed to be dispensed. Thankfully, Caleb mostly heeded his father’s advice and, unlike the stereotypical man, even called his father to vent his frustration and get help.
2. Sending a package by mail demonstrates commitment and investment to the recipient. This is so simple and yet so profound. John told Caleb he was going to send him something in the mail. It arrives, Caleb gets it out of his mailbox and opens it, and … The point is that John took time to wrap an object of value and mail it to Caleb. Caleb received and could hold this item in his hands. Who doesn’t enjoy receiving a package in mail? Especially when you’ve been told that something’s coming — something important and valuable and helpful.
3. Personal and significant gifts are better gifts. John’s journal [surely you've discovered by now that the gift was the journal] was a simple notebook with a leather cover containing pages of his handwritten notes. Caleb, although in despair over his marriage and perhaps a bit doubtful about the content of the journal or his dad’s purpose in sending it, at least seems to understand its significance. While the notes are simple and clear and personal, they resound with wisdom and truth. Producing such a journal obviously took time and demanded significant thought and careful penmanship.
4. True life change starts with thoughtful meditation on the Word of God. Each journal entry contained a verse of Scripture along with some commentary — truths for Caleb to consider in handling his marriage. Caleb kept the journal with him and read it on schedule. Most importantly, the entries in the journal provided a window of opportunity for John to witness to Caleb and get to the deeper heart issue of whether Caleb was trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior.
5. True life change continues with heart change and then action! In addition to the biblical meditations in the journal, the entries also suggested a course of action. These weren’t intended to be the only outworkings of the Scriptural truths, but simply common sense ideas about what to do next. They are, however, excellent ideas. John wanted Caleb to connect truth to heart change to visible action. All three must be present! Truth and action without heart change is hypocrisy. Truth with heart change but no action is a dead faith. Heart change and action without truth is more than likely just selfishness.
6. Effective discipleship demands gracious listening and follow up. John’s helping of Caleb wasn’t a formula; it was a relationship. In addition to John’s exhortation to Caleb to take a disciplined approach to the material in the journal, John followed up appropriately. He always responded to Caleb’s pleas for help and made concerted efforts to bring the truth to bear in Caleb’s life.
The end of the movie provides a unique twist on the relationship of Caleb’s parents and the role of the journal which only serves to underscore the beauty of John and Caleb’s father-son interaction.
In warning against the temptation to sin, Jesus Christ cited the awful reality of hell (e.g., Mark 9:42-48). He referred to it as the unquenchable fire and a place where the worm does not die. Further, in the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19 – 31), the unbelieving rich man ended up in a place of torment, fully aware that this would be his eternal condition.
In an age of tolerance and pluralism, it seems the only thing the world finds more annoying and “rejectable” than absolute truth is the absolute claim that hell is a real place that awaits those whose lives prove that they reject Jesus Christ as Savior.
- The Bible warns the world of the reality of hell and the world shrugs and says, “I just don’t believe it.”
- The Bible warns the world of the torment of hell and the world labels that as judgmental and unloving.
- The Bible warns the world of the consciousness of those who are in hell and the world looks forward to what they think will be a party with all their good friends there.
- The Bible warns the world of the eternality of hell and the world pushes back with the notion that the punishment doesn’t fit the crime.
Notice the underlying philosophy of the world when it rejects the Bible in these things:
- For the world, truth is found in you, not in an external authority.
- For the world, God, if he’s allowed to exist, is far more “love” than he is “justice.”
- For the world, there’s nothing after death. And if there is, it’s sort of a dreamy existence where everything is just fine.
- For the world, being “destroyed” in hell means that any punishment will be limited in scope.
Because eternal destiny is an ultimate issue, the topic of hell as an “ending point” is a good starting point for exploring various worldviews. Clearly the philosophies of the world stand against the truths of the Bible. Which will you believe? And on what basis? The relativism of this world is popular but it is an intellectually dishonest and morally bankrupt position.
So the Bible warns the world … but it also warns those who profess to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord. If you are a Christian, do you warn the world with the truths of the Bible? Do you consider the reality of hell as a means of fighting the temptation to sin? When was the last time you meditated on the reality of hell and the fact that you are saved from the wrath of God? Does the reality of hell enter into your evangelistic dialogue?
For the non-Christian: Questions about eternal destiny, how you determine truth, and how you determine what is right or wrong are of course related to other big questions such as “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” They’re good questions and you should think through some kind of answer. Remember, too, that God commands all men everywhere to repent because judgment is coming (Acts 17:30 – 31). God’s command to repent is an act of mercy but don’t miss the urgency or try to sidestep the matter by saying hell is not real. Consider this now and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation!
The third in a multi-part blog on the Christian’s appearance…
Susan Boyle stuns the world with her performance on Britain’s Got Talent and now has a Fan Site and the support of Perez Hilton. Meanwhile, Carrie Prejean, Miss California, honestly answers a question, loses a pageant, and gets slammed by Hilton and the media.
Prejean further defended and upheld her beliefs in a biblical definition of marriage on Matt Lauer’s show–media coverage Prejean herself says wouldn’t have happened unless she said what she did. Let’s hope her Christian witness not only gets more air time but also encourages other Christians to speak boldly of their faith!
The judging of these women — whether on Britain’s Got Talent or on the Miss America Pageant or by the media or by you — relates to the discussion about appearance: Consider for a moment the world’s response to these two women, both initially (i.e., based only on appearance) as well as after hearing from them (based on much better understanding of who they are). Consider your own response, before and after. Are your responses similar to the world or different?
If you have a minute, check out Cal Thomas’ article, “Pretty Woman” … on Susan Boyle. Then, note that Susan Boyle plans to get a “makeover”.
My guess is that Boyle and Prejean are on their 10th and 14th minute, respectively, of their “15 minutes of fame.” I do hope, however, that we are changed for the better on how we judge others and our assumptions about style and substance.
Part of a multi-part blog–how many, I don’t know–on the Christian’s appearance
Pre-faded jeans for $59.50 at Dillards–fine or shabby?
A friend who happens to be a pastor was quick to respond to the initial part of this blog series with a handful of verses that address the Christian’s appearance. This is the kind of feedback I am looking for and hope to continue receiving. Surely you have a thought or opinion on this matter. Maybe a question? If so, please write to me.
Before talking about what we might wear to church, let’s consider our attitudes towards what others wear to church.
One of the Bible’s texts that address appearance is James 2:1-13. Really the point of the text is to address judgmental attitudes but the object of the judgmental attitudes is “fine” vs. “shabby” clothing on those who have come to a Christian assembly. In summary, when Christians give preferential treatment to someone on the basis of their high social status or wealth, which often is evident from their clothing, that is sinful.
Back in James’ day, people generally dressed based on their wealth. The fine-clothed person was rich; the shabby-clothed person was poor (v. 3). We don’t need to get too hung up on the details of what exactly they wore; the point is that Christians must not show preference for a rich person or a person of high social status.
The modern twist on this is that current clothing trends may not allow us to distinguish a person’s social status or wealth–which could be a blessing. If I am following the culture accurately, some forms of shabby clothing are quite popular and even command premium prices in stores. The faded jeans you can buy at Dillard’s for just under $60 represent a modest price. Some jeans cost far more and look much more shabby.
What would James write if he got a peek into today’s evangelical American church?
For if a man wearing faded Cremieux jeans comes into your assembly, and a poor man wearing Levi 501 Original jeans also comes in…
The point for Christians is not to show preference for someone based on their social status or wealth. But, knowing that you can tell something of a person’s lot in life based on how they dress, James challenges Christians accordingly:
5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
So Step One in this matter of understanding how to think about the Christian’s appearance is for Christians to examine whether they cast judgment on others at church based on their clothing. Do you show preference for those who dress “rich”? Do you show disdain for the “poor” — those who can’t afford to wear the most trendy clothes? Consider what the Bible says about the rich and the poor (too many references to list) and how Christians should think about and treat others in church.
A multi-part blog on the Christian’s appearance
Writer Daniel Akst recently opined in the Wall Street Journal that the wearing of denim – as much a part of American culture as baseball and apple pie — is, well, just plain awful for host of reasons. Akst, who as far as I can tell is not a Christian, in another essay asks this question:
Ever wonder why most Americans look like slobs?
Your initial reactions (and mine) probably range from: Who does this guy think he is? to Finally! Someone who understands that it’s nice to look … nice!
In his WSJ opinion column, Akst cites Alison Lurie from her book, The Language of Clothes. She notes:
The sort of garments that become fashionable most rapidly and most completely are those which were originally designed for warfare, dangerous work or strenuous sports.
Language was first published in 1981. Yet, in 2009, camouflage, denim, and workout clothes are still popular. Add to that how these kinds of clothing are worn. For example, if it’s denim jeans, then they are worn baggy and with the waistline well below the waist, with whatever undergarments showing. And the denim should be distressed or even torn. And so on.
With that backdrop, now comes the dangerous part: discussing, as Christians, what is appropriate in terms of appearance, not just for everyday life, but for church.
So here is a first swipe at the considerations and questions. Whether you are a Christian or not, feel free to consider, answer, challenge, or add to them. Post comments here or e-mail me (see About & Contact page). I’ll continue to blog on this.
- What is the essence of the Christian life?
- What is the essence of the Christian’s church going?
- If Christians are “in” the world but not “of” the world, then how, if at all, does that affect their appearance?
- In terms of appearance, should a Christian blend in to the world or stand out from the world?
- What do you wear to church and why?
- What’s your experience with your parents on this matter?
- What’s your experience with church people on this matter?
- How important is external appearance to you?
To be continued…
