By Faith ~ Baggage

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the things that we do as Christ followers is add baggage to faith.  We insist that there need to be things we do to prove we have faith.  I need to be clear that faith is evidenced by what we do.  It is also necessary for us to do things that show we have faith.

This does not mean that we do what others say we “have” to do to prove to them we have faith.  We do not need to subscribe to what a denomination or church says we must be to prove our faith.  Jesus requires that we love and act in loving ways.

We are required to be holy, righteous, and set apart for God.  That does not mean that I get to deiced how that is lived out for you.  It means that I am responsible to live it out for the sake of showing the Father that I love him.  Obedience is evidence of love. 

What I must not do is add baggage to faith.  I must not tell others they must do this or that.  I must constantly direct them to do what is loving and kind.  I must echo specific things that Jesus tells us not to do but I must do so without judgement or condemnation. 

I must have faith that the Father will make all things right.  I must have faith that the Son will draw ALL people to him as he promised.  I must not add any baggage to faith even for the purpose of helping others follow.  The purpose of redemption is freedom.  The way of redemption is faith.  I must follow in faith.  I must not carry anything that is not connected to this.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Too Much Baggage for the Journey – Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

The road home is a long one.  We are all on a journey back to the Father and all that he has for us.  The things we carry physically, emotionally, and spiritually only slow us down.  Putting too much baggage into the Gospel is perilous.

I have felt homeless most of my life.  I am a vagabond who does not wander.  I am a homebody without a real home.  What I need to remember is that I am passing through.  The comfort needs to be in that I carry my home with me.  Christ has promised to be our home and our sufficiency.  It is in him that we live and move and have our being.

We have two compass points to follow in the journey:  Love the Father with all of our heart, soul, and mind and love my fellow travelers unconditionally.  Everything else is subject to this.  Everything that violates these two commands is baggage we do not need.  It is a burden and should be cast off and discarded.

The mountain tops seem taller lately.  The valleys seem deeper.  I am lonely for some former fellow travelers.  When I pause to worship I wish they were there.  When I pray for them I long to see their faces and laugh with them again.  That time will come again but not until we all get home. 

For now I am going to assure that I shed my journey of the unnecessary baggage others put into the Gospel.  I have opinions, thoughts, and questions on many issues.  I will continue to process them here with you Dear Reader.  I will not, however, be indulging in hatred, judgement, or condemnation.  I will not dismiss anyone because they do not agree with the way I believe, worship, or practice my faith.

The road is long enough without carrying too much baggage.  I will not carry it nor will I require others to do so.  Walk with me when you can Dear Reader.  I cherish you companionship.  Let me know if I can help you drop any burdens.

I Will Bring You Home – Michael Card

Though you are homeless

Though you're alone

I will be your home

Whatever's the matter

Whatever's been done

I will be your home

I will be your home

I will be your home

In this fearful fallen place

I will be your home

When time reaches fullness

When I move my hand

I will bring you home

Home to your own place

In a beautiful land

I will bring you home

I will bring you home

I will bring you home

From this fearful fallen place

I will bring you home

I will bring you home

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Too Much Baggage for the Journey – What to Pack

Greetings Dear Reader,

When I was in primary school we would play a game.  It was called “When I pack my kit.”  We would go around a circle and say “When I pack my kit I will take my pillow.”

The next person would then say, “When I pack my kit I will take my pillow and my tooth brush.”  The third person would repeat the first two items and add a third and so on.  Miss Smith, my second grade teacher used this game to encourage us that we could remember and we could learn.  She would always end the game by saying we should never over pack our bags.

So what baggage do we need for the journey?  What is vital to take?  I must take only what is necessary.  I need the love of Christ in my heart.  I need the grace, mercy, and kindness for others that I so desperately need for myself.  I have seen over and over how I need the Word of God in my heart and mind. 

It is not a journey that can easily be made with too much to carry.  It is the weight of rules and practices unnecessary to the Gospel that slow us down.  The road is long and fellow travelers are precious.  I will never understand why some feel the need to burden others with more baggage that Christ requires. 

My responsibly is to explain and exemplify the freedom that is in Christ.  The entire journey has sufficient burdens without my adding to them with meaningless laws and rituals.  Pack love and truth and Jesus promises to provide the rest if we follow in faith.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Too Much Baggage for the Journey - A Windup God

Greetings Dear Reader,

My Grandfather used to say, “You cannot sew wild oats six nights a week and then pray for crop failure on Sunday.”  One of the great lies we believe even if we believe is that we can compartmentalize our faith.  We do not have a windup God that we trot out for our pleasure on Sundays. 

We seem to constantly recreate God in our image.   Perhaps this is the greatest form of idolatry.  There are so many ways to say it but it comes down to treating God like a convenient buddy instead of the Creator and Sovereign.  It is not our place to treat him in this way.

There is so much of what we do that has nothing to do with following Christ.  The problem with that is that there is nothing that is not part of choosing to follow Christ.  There are no secular issues.  There is no moment that is not a moment where I must choose whether or not to follow Christ and his example.

When we load the Gospel with our own baggage we are making God our puppet, buddy, or less than he is.  We build a hedge of constructs and rules around the Gospel that makes it hard to see who Jesus really is. 

I know I participated in this for a time.  Part of my daily practice is to shed this.  If I truly believe that Jesus will draw all to himself then I do not need to judge, condemn, or reject anyone.  If I truly believe that Jesus is who is claims to be then I need to obey his command to love everyone.  Perhaps the narrow way is narrow because it does not have room for all our baggage.

I do believe all this.  Jesus is not the kind you have to wind up on Sunday.

 Wind Up – Jethro Tull

When I was young and they packed me off to school

and taught me how not to play the game,

I didn't mind if they groomed me for success,

or if they said that I was a fool.

So I left there in the morning

With their God tucked underneath my arm --

Their half-assed smiles and the book of rules.

So I asked this God a question

And by way of firm reply,

He said -- I'm not the kind you have to wind up on Sundays.

So to my old headmaster (and to anyone who cares):

Before I'm through I'd like to say my prayers --

I don't believe you:

You had the whole damn thing all wrong --

He's not the kind you have to wind up on Sundays.

Well you can excommunicate me on my way to Sunday school

And have all the bishops harmonize these lines --

How do you dare tell me that I'm my Father's son

When that was just an accident of Birth.

I'd rather look around me -- compose a better song

‘Cause that's the honest measure of my worth.

In your pomp and all your glory you're a poorer man than me,

As you lick the boots of death born out of fear.

When I was young and they packed me off to school

and taught me how not to play the game,

I didn't mind if they groomed me for success,

or if they said that I was a fool.

So I left there in the morning

With their God tucked underneath my arm --

Their half-assed smiles and the book of rules.

Well you can excommunicate me on my way to Sunday school

And have all the bishops harmonize these lines –

When I was young and they packed me off to school

and taught me how not to play the game,

I didn't mind if they groomed me for success,

or if they said that I was a fool.

So I left there in the morning

With their God tucked underneath my arm --

Their half-assed smiles and the book of rules.

So to my old headmaster (and to anyone who cares):

Before I'm through I'd like to say my prayers --

Well you can excommunicate me on my way to Sunday school

And have all the bishops harmonize these lines –

I don't believe you:

You had the whole damn thing all wrong --

He's not the kind you have to wind up on Sundays.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Too Much Baggage for the Journey – What to Think

Greetings Dear Reader,

Thomas Traherne wrote, “To think well is to serve God in the interior court.”  If you have not read Centuries of Meditations then I highly recommend it.  Too often we add baggage to following Christ that is unnecessary.  One of those is telling people what to think instead of teaching them to think critically. 

Too often we tell people who to think about other faiths, the practices of others, and the world in general.  I have dear friends who have walked away from faith because of being told things that just are not true about following Christ.  Those lies have cost the church the support of good people.  Some of those people carry emotional damage that hinders their ability to believe.

The Father promises us that we will find him if we seek him with all or our heart.  If what I believe is true I do not have to invent constructs to manipulate the thinking of others.  If my faith has merit then I need not fear truth and open discussion.  Whether it is the Spanish Inquisition or social programming hatred based on fear telling people to think in any way other than loving others is too much baggage for the Gospel.

We can face the questions others have about our faith without fear, anger, hatred, or manipulation.  We can trust that God is true. If we obey his command to reason with others through love we can show that our faith has merit.  There are enough false representations of who Christ is without needing to manipulate the thinking of others.

Honest rational thinking may at first seem to draw us away from faith.  If we continue to seek the truth with integrity it leads to the conclusion that faith is vital, reasonable, and honest.  The journey is long enough without carrying the baggage of dishonest thinking.  The Gospel can stand on its own in the light of honesty.  After all if we let God be true then it he will show himself if we seek him. 

I do not want to tell anyone what to think.  I want to live a good example of following Christ and insist that others think honestly.  

Centuries of Meditations - Mediation 10 – Thomas Traherne

To think well is to serve God in the interior court: To have a mind composed of Divine Thoughts, and set in frame, to be like Him within. To conceive aright and to enjoy the world, is to conceive the Holy Ghost, and to see His Love: which is the Mind of the Father. And this more pleaseth Him than many Worlds, could we create as fair and great as this. For when we are once acquainted with the world, you will find the goodness and wisdom of God so manifest therein, that it was impossible another, or better should be made. Which being made to be enjoyed, nothing can please or serve Him more, than the Soul that enjoys it. For that Soul doth accomplish the end of His desire in creating it.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Too Much Baggage for the Journey – What to Build

Greetings Dear Reader,

The church I attend has been in its current building for eight years.  It is a beautiful structure but it is not ostentatious.  The floor of the large hallway is poured concrete coloured to look like marble.  The building is in almost constant use.

The first week in the new structure I sat with my family as the pastor celebrated the new place.  He explained to us all that the building was to be used.  He pointed out how it was just a building set aside for building a community of Christ followers so they can reach a community who is lost without him.  He promptly poured coffee on the brand new platform carpet.

So many gasped whilst I noticed that my family laughed.  Many got it.  Many did not.  The point is that the building is just a building.  There are those who think it needs to be adorned with gold and jewels.  I have worshiped from mahogany pews and folding chairs.  It works either way. 

Too often we put more into the edifice than we do the people.  Do not get me wrong.  I am amazed at the beauty and grandeur of great cathedrals.  I would tear it all down if I could use the gold and jewels to feed the hungry.  I would love to see the church understand the purpose of gold.

The gospel does not carry the baggage of buildings.   Instead it carries the idea of using our resources to help those in need.  We use them to show generosity and mercy to others.  We are to use them to meet the needs of others so that they can see their need for Jesus.

The church forces the Gospel to carry too much building baggage.  It demands that the world see its abundance whilst the world is hungry.  This cannot be sustained.  Until we remember that the building is just dust and it is the people that matter we will not gain ground in reaching the physically and spiritually hungry.  What we need to build is their trust in our mission.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Too Much Baggage for the Journey – What to Wear

Greetings Dear Reader,

This may seem ridiculous to you Dear Reader but I assure you it exists.  There are factions of the church that actually tell their members what to wear.  They forbid women to wear pants.  They do not allow real bathing suits.   Some even go so far as to say that men and women should not swim together. 

There are more extremes but I think you get the image.  Instead of focusing on the love of the Gospel they focus on minor issues.  More attention is given to the outer appearance than to the soul.  They take the idea of separation to an extreme that causes division and judgment.

The problem is that it creates a hedge around the Gospel that hinders access.  It is the responsibility of all Christ followers to create as few barriers as possible.  We are to give people as little reason as possible to not consider Christ.

This does not mean that we are not to have standards.  We are to be separate and holy.  We are not to reject people to do so.  Telling people what they have to be in things like dress and hair length is not how we share our faith. 

We live it out in love.  We are kind and generous.  That is the only baggage we are to put into the Gospel.  I do not need to hinder it by telling people how to dress or what values they should embrace socially.  This extends to so many other social questions.

I do not have to accept or participate in things that I cannot do in good faith.  I am forbidden from dictating what others should do.  If I follow Christ in faith and do my best to love others as he does that is enough to carry.     

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Too Much Baggage for the Journey – Earning Favor

Greetings Dear Reader,

A dear friend who has hiked the Appalachian Trail (AT) told me about how she would pick up and drop off items as needed along the way.  The AT refines what you need to carry and what is unnecessary. 

It is a living example of the journey.  So many people think that they have to earn God’s favor.  They believe that he wishes us to tip some kind of cosmic balance in our favor by doing certain tasks or adopting a lifestyle.  Like a system of weights and measures we categorize good and evil by degrees.

We keep moving from faith to deeds to add baggage to the Gospel.  We consistently increase or vary the good deeds that must be done to earn the favor of our deity.  Like a common TV ad says; that is not how it works.  Not only do we not need to earn God’s favor; we cannot.

Should we do good to exhibit our faith?  Should we do what is good out of love for the Father?  A resounding yes is the answer to all of this.  What we must not do is put further burden on the Gospel.  There is no way for us to earn God’s favor.  Rather, he gives it to us freely when we follow in faith.

God loves us unconditionally.  He wishes for us to see that he gives us this without hesitation or condition.  He asks us to follow in faith.  He asks that we love him in return.  We cannot demand that others earn his favor.  It is asking the impossible. 

As I consider my journey I must not take on tasks that hinder my progress by overburdening me.  I must do everything out of love.  That is the only baggage required of me.  At times it is burden enough.  Most of the time, however, it is a joy to carry.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Too Much Baggage for the Journey – Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

When I was much younger I planned my first hiking trip for my dad and I.  I had a good lightweight backpack, sound camping gear, and no experience whatsoever.  I packed so much more than I needed for our three day trip including canned goods.

In the summer heat of Georgia I was carrying too much baggage for the conditions and my needs.  I was young and inexperienced.  I was also stubborn and determined.  The situations in which my dad had time for me were rare.  I was bound to not end this one.  I kept my suffering secret until I got sick from the heat and effort.  Our trip ended abruptly with my losing my lunch and sorely dehydrated.

As I ponder the ailments of the church in my pursuit of Christ I think it too has over packed for the journey.   We burden the Gospel with too much baggage and too little true supply of what is needed.  The journey is long.  It is fraught with danger.  We were warned by Christ what to pack what to leave behind.

If I am going to faithfully follow then I must assure that what I carry on the journey is necessary and of value.  I must also be vigilant over what I pick up along the way.  Whether it is opinions, practices, or possessions my baggage must contain only what enhances the journey.  Please walk with me Dear Reader and as always, I value your thoughts.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)