Re: [TruthTalk] Intentional sin -- the Judas factor

[Lance Muir]

Wonderful addendum, John. Thanks  ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: December 19, 2004 12:10 Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Intentional sin -- the Judas factor In a message dated 12/19/2004 4:52:08 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:                                                                                                                                                     I believe that there exists in all of our lives a discontinuity between HEAD and HEART.While we do seek to minimize this split  yet the majority, approaching ALL, of our disputations on TT take place over our conceptual constructs of WHO GOD IS. Someone has said that 'the 'who' questions always take precedence over the 'what' questions'. Slade's illustration serves to make this point IMO. That cancer-sufferer may die while embracing a 'regulative belief' concerning Who God Is. If he's correct then: 1. God may be testing his faith unto death 2. God may heal him at the last moment 3. He may be wrong thus, die needlessly If we think of TT as a virtual room inhabitated by true and genuine believers then, we are totally unified until one simple thing takes place namely, speaking/writing. When we speak of that which we have done, we are reflecting WHO we believe God to be. The thoughts and intents of the heart are elusive even within ourselves not to speak of other's perceptions of us. Thus we come full circle, as all through all of our lives we seek (if we are disciples) to minimize the split between head and heart to the Glory of God. God grant that we may know who He is and live out of that knowledge Those who know us, truly know us, are more aware of this split (dualism) than those who do not. It, understably, aggrivates them. Family, friends, employers/employees/collegues. We cannot hide who we are from such over an extended period of time. Excellent, excellent.   I will add a comment concerning how I deal with the obvious discontinuity in my life among family, friends and collegues.   I am constrained to witness concerning my faith, what I truly believe.   Why?   Not because I am a dedicated evangel (although I am)?   But because of the issue stated above.   Sometimes I cuss on the job.  That's it.   I don't "fool around" after work.    I do all of my drinking  ( a red beer or two , three or four times a week) at home  --   never in public.  I put out 110 of the time on the job.  I get emotionally invested in the lives of those who don't or can't "get it right."  So on and so on.   That is who I am.   I do not want those who will know me the best to judge me based on my areas of weakness. So I tell them where I am and want to be.   I tell them to not confuse what I say in anger or frustration with me being in partnership with the world.    I have told my sons, on several occasions dealing with the problem of porn (and associated issues), when they get discouraged at the sins "that so easily beset" them  .................   "son, do not, do not allow your weaknesses and failures to define who you are and where you truly want to go.   Always understand that the shadow of the cross follows you everywhere and and at all times.  "   Thanks to LANCE CARL BARTH  MUIR. jOHN