Do You Need an Alignment?

Do You Need an Alignment?

April 8, 2019 Alignment Spiritual Truth vs. Tradition 0

No, not for your car… Do you need a spiritual alignment? Often, we act like we’re on this giant spinning rock and alone in the universe. Perhaps it is because we have accomplished so much as a species that we think we understand the meaning of life and the nature of the universe. We present hypothesis as fact and theory as law. We post findings of correlation as if they represent causation (psychological and medical studies are misrepresented this way in the media all the time). But when push comes to shove, what is our frame of reference for our understanding of the world in which we live? Where is the level or the plumb line? Where is North from our present position and how do we know?

A Standard of Measure

Any good carpenter will tell you that you should measure twice and cut once. Why? Because you don’t want to be wrong when materials are scarce/expensive, and you want to get the job done right. When a carpenter builds something, he or she will often use a level to make sure the item is parallel to a flat surface (i.e. the ground). In each case, there is something that is being measured against or compared to something else that is the standard. The tape measure or level is the standard to which our future actions compared. In this situation, the tape measure or the level has the authority we need to properly establish the correct length, alignment, etc. There goes that word again…

Despite what we are often told, we are not the result of a cosmic accident. We are not self-existent. We are created beings with no frame of reference of our own. The things we imagine and create (most likely in an effort to shun our Creator) are what those in the psychological community refer to as, constructs. The easiest way to conceptualize a construct is as something someone invented or made up. In truth, even the tape measure is a construct because the inch, the centimeter, etc. had to be defined by someone and then agreed upon. That’s fine for measuring bookshelves but perhaps less than ideal for making decisions that affect your eternal destination.

What They Won’t Tell You

 

If you spend some time objectively watching television (news, shows with social or political messages), you will may notice that much of that they use as “proof” for their positions are consensus opinions of others (scientists, psychologists, physicians, politicians, clergy). Very seldom do you find anyone using anything concrete or immutable for context. Who decides what is right and what is wrong for society? How do you decide what is right and what is wrong for you and your family? When we try to teach someone the difference between right and wrong or we try to instill traits of good character in them (see your local elementary or junior highs school), but we do so without context, we are literally wasting our time. There has to be something definitive, certain, sure, concrete and immovable upon which we can base our actions – the stakes are simply too high for there not to be. The good news is, there is something we can use that fits these specific needs.

This is a simple truth: It is not enough for us to believe in our Creator; we must also bring our thoughts, views and actions into alignment with Him and His Word.

(1 Samuel 15:22, John 14:15, John 14:23, John 15:10, Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 9:27, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Hebrews 11:6, James 2:18-26)

This is where things get intense, perhaps even a little sticky for some. Our God is the omnipotent, omniscient, absolute and sole authority in the entire universe. It is the universe He created without consultation or collaboration. He alone is the self-existent one to whom all things in creation are ultimately subject. Your opinion, my opinion, even our collective opinions on what is right and wrong are completely irrelevant. There are no privately held, individual truths.

“Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me’”.

(John 14:5-6, NASB)

Our opinions on matters of morality, virtue, truth and our subsequent actions must be measured against and compared to God’s Word. Anything that diverges from that standard is problematic for us and necessitates repentance (confession, change of heart, reformation). How is it then, that we see so many self-described believers diametrically opposed to one another on so many moral issues? Why is it that we see public figures, our friends and everyone else arguing on social media proclaiming what is right and just? How do you know what is right and just unless you have consulted He who is alone absolutely right and just?

Welcome to the New Reality

I’ve written about partisan websites and social media pages that use scripture to justify their political ideologies. Whether it is twisting the Jewish scriptures to try to show Biblical support for abortion or to find ways to weasel out of rendering aid to the poor, this practice is wrong. Simply put, this practice is nothing short of idolatry and misrepresentation of scripture. If you are connected to or affiliated with groups that do this, you may wish to reconsider your affiliations.

We have watched this play out in federal election cycles for years. Unfortunately, it appears to be getting worse. The echo chamber of social media combined with for profit cable news channels that employ commentators to foment division and encourage conflict makes confirmation bias an ever-escalating problem. Without a doubt, you and I will see opposing political candidates, their supporting casts and their media arms claiming moral high ground on numerous issues and, in some cases, using the Bible to “support” their views no matter how errant they may be.

 

When you choose to follow someone, just know what you are getting yourself into. Over the last 20 years, I’ve seen otherwise reasonable and intelligent people turn into raving maniacs who ferociously support their candidate while vilify his/her opponent and viciously attacking the opponent’s supporters – regardless of whether that candidate held scriptural views. And let’s be real for a moment, most of these candidates claim to be believers.

The Real Deal

If you’ll pardon the expression – for you and me, faith should not inform our decisions, the God we serve should be the sole basis for our decision-making process. Some people may find that extreme or fundamentalist. Really, what they fear is that they are out of alignment and that coming into alignment will require a drastic and permanent shift in their beliefs, thinking and actions. The reality is, there is nothing to fear from a believer who has brought his or her life into alignment with God. In fact, this is the person you want in your boardroom, courtroom, classroom, operating room, etc. (Think about Daniel, Joseph son of Jacob and more). True believers who are connected to their Creator bring blessings with them. They do not cause chaos, calamity, destruction or anything else negative. That is, of course, unless the places in which they serve are fundamentally evil – just ask Belshazzar and Nebuchadnezzar. Of course, in those situations, the presence of God’s people was secondary. The Creator had already planned judgement for those individuals.

 

If you profess faith in Jesus but despise his teachings, how deep is that faith? If you believe in God but do not believe His Word to be true, what is the basis for your belief? If you know you will meet your creator one day, how will you give account for supporting something he abhors? If God is who He says He is (and He most certainly is), on what basis do we challenge His authority? From what place does the imperfect creation assert what it thinks is its superior authority in making moral judgements over its perfect creator? How do we align ourselves with God’s enemies and ask Him to bless us, prosper us or in any way shine His light on us? Are you what you say you are (a follower of Jesus) or have you crafted an idol (a false image of God that aligns with your political ideology)? The good news is, if you have bought into the enemy’s lies, you can still come home…

The good news is, He will forgive you and receive you. The good news is, you can put your life on track to be in alignment with Him right now. Is it difficult? Only as difficult as letting go of our egos, the garbage to which we cling and the terrible outcome to which they lead. If you are ready to come into alignment, I would recommend you start with reading His Word in its entirety – cover to cover. Disengage from what you’ve been told to think and what you think you know. Fast, pray, read and meet Him on His terms. You will most certainly not regret it.

 

 

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