Pinched Where the Corn Is

"A hypocrite may show some mettle at hand, some courage for a spurt in conquering some difficulties; but he will show himself a jade at length. He that hath a false end in his profession, will soon come to an end of his profession when he is pinched on that toe where his corn is -- I mean, called to deny that which his naught heart aimed at all this while. "

The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall

Quiet: A Book Review

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

by Susan Cain

A very interesting book on the idea of a quiet personality. Whether or not the categories of introvert/extrovert are correct, I don’t know, but I do know I found myself relating to and identifying myself in the descriptions of the introvert. Some of the studies fascinating to me, especially how the brain and the chemicals in our bodies react differently in different people in the same situation. Though I can’t speak for the validity of the research, I can identify with most of the characteristics of the introvert that were listed and believe I have benefited from some of the practical suggestions that were given.

But I had two problems. The first is that there is no place for the soul in the book. It is all about the body and our physiology. Tenderheartedness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit of God. And though, by God’s common grace, there may be some that are more sensitive than others – this is not a chemical, evolutionary attribute but because we are made in God’s image, some are more tenderhearted than others. But, the extroverted believer, indwelt by the Spirit, walking in the Spirit, will also be tenderhearted. The reverse is true – sin isn’t excused by “I was born this way” which was subtly hinted out in a few places. 

The other issue (since I said I had two) is Cain really didn’t have anywhere to hang her introverted hat. Meaning there were was nothing solid to hang her assertions on and no solid ground for  her exhortations. A Biblical view would be that God has created us, knit us together in our mother’s womb to be the person that we are. I am what I am by the grace of God. There are places that my quiet personality can be used for God’s glory, and there are places that the outgoing will be used for God’s glory.

If we take the introvert/extrovert personality types for granted as correct categories, then we should realize that each person is a depraved introvert/extrovert, and will be selfish with what God has blessed them with. The extrovert will, at times, selfishly make himself the center of attention and bull over the quiet and the quiet will, at times, selfishly keep and withhold good from his neighbor. Those who are quiet and thoughtful will not express concern, warnings, and show love while those who are extroverted may take and take without being quiet, listen, and receive. All through the book, I my mind kept coming back to the book of proverbs and thinking "the answer is here! This is a spiritual issue!"

I learned a lot from the book, both when I agreed and disagreed. I don’t know that I would recommend the book, but I would urge you to do a thorough study of the mind, soul, and personality from scripture before picking up this book.

Strike that. Whether or not you read the book, do the study anyway. 

Grace & Peace

John Bunyan on Family Worship

“Concerning the spiritual state of his family; the father ought to be very diligent and cautious, doing his utmost both to increase faith where it is begun, and to begin it where it is not.  Therefore, he must diligently and frequently bring before his family the things of God, from His Holy Word, in accordance with what is suitable for each person.  And let no man question his authority from the Word of God for such a practice.”

Homosexuals, Shellfish, and Leviticus

Do you know how to answer the charge that Christians are inconsistent when it comes to the laws of God? Or the accusation that we pick and choose what we will obey from the Old Testament? Unfortunately, many Christians do not understand the law of God and either fall prey to antinomianism, in which they throw out the whole of the Old Testament, or just don't know the difference between dietary laws and moral laws.

In the sermon below, I offer an explanation of the law, its purposes and its uses in the book of Leviticus (even for the Christian) and show there is no inconsistency in the Biblical position.



Grace & Peace,

Doug

Growing up God’s Way for Boys: Book Review

Growing up God’s Way for Boys

By Dr. Chris Richards and Dr. Liz Jones

The talk. Parents try to avoid it, dread it, pass it over to the government to explain, or ignore it – but if you have children, you must have it if you are going to be faithful to your calling as a parent. Written for boys (there is a girls edition) the purpose is to explain to the boy what is going on and help through puberty.

I like the organization of the book most of all. The authors lay a great foundation of a sovereign God before building up into the discussion of puberty and sex. Changes are happening, but God is in control and has ordained this for you. Then, as a shocker to modern sensibilities, it moves from the fact that there will be changes, to the purpose for these changes is for marriage. The authors start with God’s plan, then to God’s purpose before getting to what one would expect in explanation of the physical. The book closes with some practical exhortations and guidance in marriage, dating, and purity.

Who would be helped by this book? As I read, I thought that this would be a great resource for mothers who are raising boys and the Dad is not around. This could also be helpful for a Dad who may be entering the discussion with a bit of fear and trepidation to read over, review, or perhaps use like a textbook.

The book was written for the young man to read, however I would caution parents not to let the book do the talking. Don’t let this fine work be a substitute for yours. Do you own work, and use this tool to assist you. Your son needs you.

The book is a good resource that approaches the subject from a godly perspective. Teaching a child, full of changing hormones in a Darwinian construct can lead to disaster. This book makes plan that Christ is Lord of all, even our bodies.

It is also helpful that it views sexual relations in marriage as a God given gift. The boundaries God has given to us is not to keep joy from us, but to give us joy. H. L. Mencken famously defined Puritanism as "The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy." That is not the view of Christianity (nor was it the view of the puritans). God’s way of marriage and the marital relationship is the way to true and satisfying happiness. Teaching about sex without boundaries and can be just as bad as teaching boundaries without purpose.

My thanks to Cross Focused Reviews for the review copy.