Anatomy of Offense: What's In A Word

Rebecca and I were discussing the issue of offense the other night.  She was helping me to better understand the subject.  For me, the word offense or offended is too broad.  The word encompasses more than a single emotion.  Rebecca said that I should replace the word offended with the word hurt.  That helped a little, but the word hurt is too broad as well.  Think of it like this, a man comes into the emergency room screaming, “I am hurting, I am hurting.”  The doctors put him on a gurney and rush him to the operating room and proceed to remove his kidney.  The patent finally wakes and is flabbergasted!  “What have you done,” he cries, “I had a splinter in my big toe!”

Finding the source of the hurt, or the offense, is the only way to truly deal with the issue.  So what does the word offend mean?  There are at least 19 words or variations of words in the Greek and Hebrew that are translated “offend,” "offensive,” or “offended” in the NASB translation.  In the Old Testament the word can be applied to three different situations.  The first is in regard to religious law.  In Jer. 23:13 and Dan. 3:29 the word piggul means offensive smell, putrid and is related to offerings that have violated God’s proscribed practice.  They were sacrifices that were offensive to God.   Secondly, an offense was seen from a legal perspective.  Ashem meant one was guilty, and applied to both the offender and the offended in respect to the law. And the third area of offense was between fellow Israelites.  It was personal, as in Proverbs 18:19.  The brother of the offender has done something egregious, rebellious against the friendship.  This can be as extreme as Exodus 2:13 where one Israelite kills another Israelite, or as simples as having offense (loathsome) breath, Job 19:17.

In the New Testament “offended” is bait, a stumbling block, sin, transgression, one who stands beside, or an act of wickedness.  Jesus didn’t want people to take offense in regard to him (Matt. 11:6; Luke 7:23), yet they did (Matt 13:57; Mark 6:3).  In fact Paul in Romans says that Jesus was a fulfillment of prophesy, and that he would become a cause of offense to the Jews (Romans 9:32; 1 Peter 2:8).  People were offended on several occasions, not just with his person, but also with his message and action (Luke 15:12; Matt 17:27).  Understanding the nuance of an offense helps both the offender and the offended come to reconciliation.  When a person approaches an an individual and says, “I am offended,” What does he mean?  What is the feeling behind the offense? Was the offender offensive, speaking truth, or unconsciously being careless?  Does a kidney need taken out or a splinter.

Offense can be categorized in the following:

1. A transgression of the moral or divine Law.

2. To cause difficulties, discomfort, or injury.

3.  To cause dislike, anger, or vexation.

4. To violate or transgress – to cause pain or hurt.

5.  A stumbling block – to cause someone to sin or fall.

6.  To cause a feeling of resentment, usually by violation of what is proper or fitting.

In most instances in the scripture offense has to do with a direct desire to do harm to another person.

 John Bevere, in his book “The Bait of Satan,” makes this observation, “No matter what the scenario is, we can divide all offended people into two major categories: (1) those who have been treated unjustly or (2) those who believe they have been treated unjustly.  People in the second category believe with all their hearts that they have been wronged.  Often their conclusions are drawn from inaccurate information. Or their information is accurate, but their conclusion is distorted.  Either way, they hurt, and their understanding is darkened.  They judge by assumption, appearance, and hearsay.”

Once we understand that being offended is broad and complex, we can move on to another important question.  Are the feelings of offense legitimate? I am just saying….

I Am Offended: The Anatomy of Offense

During the last two presidential debates I was amazed when candidates started throwing out the phrase, “I am offended.” Governor Perry said, “If you’re saying that I can be bought for $5,000, I’m offended.” To which Mrs. Bachmann replied, “I’m offended for the all the little girls.”  She was referring to a mandated vaccine in Texas.  A prominent socialist said of Mr. Cain, “I am offended on behalf of all the veterans of the Vietnam War who joined, Mr. Cain.”  This was reaction to Mr. Cain’s offense at taking his book out of context.  Richard Dawkins, a prominent atheist, is offended by the notion of god and how religious people ignore “real” science. Christians are offended by Richard Dawkins.

It seems to me that we are the most offended people in the history of the world.  If you Google the phrase “I am offended” you will get 38,100,000 hits.  One hit was a blog entitled “I am offended because…” The blogger describes herself as “a frequently offended girl.”  I have heard the phrase “That offended me,” or “I am offended by” more this year than I can ever recall in the history of my ministry.  I am sure that I have offended someone just by saying so.

All this offense has gotten me a thinkin.  What does it mean to be offended?  Is offended and offensive the same thing?  If I am offended is there a responsibility of the offender to respond in a certain way?  Should I always make known my offended feelings?  How should I as the offender respond to an offense?  How should I as the offended respond?  Are there different levels or intensity of offense?  Are all offended feelings legitimate?  And the most important question, what does the bible have to say about offense, offenders, and our respective responses and responsibilities?

I have decided to take it upon myself to do some reading, research, and reflection on the issue of offense.  Over the next few blogs I am going to engage myself in a discussion on the biblical perspective of offense and the believer’s proper response.  So be forewarned.  If for some reason you approach me and say, “I am offended…” my mind will start to process a response, and I might get a glazed look on my face as I try and sort out the complexities of that simple statement.  I’m just saying…

I can do without Church

As much as I hate to admidt it, but my feelings are affected by the number of people who attend church on Sunday. I am eliated when it is full, and heavy hearted when it isn't. Neither is rooted in the spiritual welfare of those present or absent, it is merely how I feel. So, this is not a condemantion on anyone who wasn't there this past Sunday, because I am sure that each has a good reason.

However, it has made me wonder about myself. What if I weren't the pastor and didn't have to be in attendence on Sunday? Would I be gone as much as some? Would I find it easy to sleep in or be late? Would someone be concerned about me, and would my absence mean anything if the sanctuary is full? Rebecca reminds me that if I were employed outside the church that we might be traveling to visit children (really grandchildren). The question boils down to this, "Am I lost without it, or can I do without it?'

Now before you answer that question too quickly, mere attendance isn't the issue. It runs much deeper. You may attend church every Sunday but for all the wrong reasons. Your mom may have created such guilt in you as a child that not being in church weighs you down. You might not miss church because it is what you are "suppose" to do, and your habit is well established. You might even be at church every Sunday because you haven't anything better to do that makes you feel as good. The bottom line question is, "are you lost with out it?"

That is the question I am contemplating today, am I lost when I am not in the presence of God and in the company of His people? Can I take church or leave it, and if I can leave it why is that so? Though I do not desire to live in a country that is opressive to the Christian faith, the reality is that during persecution the metal of our faith is tested. The value of our time together is determined when the cost of losing it rises.

Being at church or in a small group is optional because there is always next week. Being with other believers isn't as important because I am surrounded by the people I love and that is sufficient to make me feel safe, secure, and fulfilled. We give a wink and nod to oneanother when we do attend, but don't really want to engage in our failures, or rather my failures. I am alway interested in listneing, but not sharing. And though we rejoice in visitors who fill up the church, but heaven forbid that we ask them to come home with us for lunch and ruin our routine. I mean the Packers are playing at noon. Am I lost without it?

I gues it depends on what "it" is. If "it" is the church, what value is there in church attendance that creates loss if I am not there? Can I not worship God, be a good Christian and not be bogged down with superficial religiousity? I can find more love, acceptance and grace at the local Pub. That's what many unchurched Christians will say.

When the early church swept across the Roman Empire it was a message of life to the opressed, hope for the down trodden, and freedom to those caught in sin. People gathered as a result of their common failings and the freedom they found in Christ. They didn't embrace sin, but didn't destroy the sinner. They confessed their failing to oneanother and rejoiced in the grace and mercy of God. They couldn't wait to be together because it was the only safe place to be, the only place of hope, the only place where God's expression of love was so gloriously expressed through their love for one another. They couldn't do with out it. I'm just saying.....

The Cult of Cultishness: Is Christianity a Cult?

The big question for the Republican Candidates this past week was, “is Mormonism a cult?”  The reactions are varied from, “OH! Yes!” to “I’m not running for Theologian and Chief,” my favorite.  Pastor Jefferies, First Baptist Church of Dallas, is taking a lot of heat for his words.  And then there is the President of Fuller Seminary saying, “No, Mormonism isn’t a cult like Jehovah Witnesses and Hare Krishna.”  What? How does that Make Jehovah Witnesses feel?

I think it is important to get some perspective and definition.  The term cult can have at least three applications.  First, it can relate to a religious system of a particular people.  The cult of Judaism, the cult of Islam, the cult of Isis would all refer to a religious system with its respective customs, priests, and scripture.  Sociologist often uses the term cult when they talk about ancient people and their respective religious systems. 

The second use is directed toward those belief systems that break away from a larger religious group, having similar beliefs, yet, with major shifts on important doctrines.  In this sense Christianity is a cult of Judaism.  Jehovah Witnesses and Mormonism would be considered cults of Christianity.  Some would even consider Islam a cult of either Judaism or Christianity or both.  A case could be made that it is a completely different religion, but their roots with Abraham, their acceptance of certain facts of Christianity have strong connections.

The third use of the term cult is directed toward groups of people who use isolation and mind control to manipulate their followers.  Groups connected with people like Jim Jones or David Koresh would be an example.  Some eastern mystic groups like the Moonies and Hare Krishna would fall into this category.   

Is Mormonism a cult?  The answer is yes.  They are a cult in the sense that they broke away from mainstream Christianity and changed important doctrines that are central to orthodox Christian faith.  There I have said it.   

The problem with the political media is that they are less concerned about the accuracy of their terminology then they are in stirring an emotional pot.  It seems more interesting to talk about the candidates’ religious differences then it is to talk about policies.  This doesn’t discount the question as to how a candidates faith effects their policies, but it puts to rest the childish questions asked of other politicians as to what they think is valid or invalid about another candidates faith.

One objection to what I have said above revolves around revelation.  Christians will say we are not a cult of Judaism because Jesus has given us further revelation, and so will the Muslims, Mormons, Witnesses, and so forth.  I have addressed the issue from a definitions perspective and will address the matters of revelation and validity at another time.  I’m just saying…..

Steve Jobs Who?

I have been an Apple fan from the beginning.  I have enjoyed almost every version of Apple commuter and technology that has presented itself.  Yet, until the last couple of years I haven't ever heard the name Steve Jobs.  Now, in his death, his name is strewn throughout the media.  His glories, in the area of Technology, are proclaimed, and questions of his philosophy and beliefs are questioned. 

There is no doubt about his technological brilliance.  But, in the end, his own words ring true, "death is the greatest invention of life, it takes out the old and allows room for the new."  Or as the bible says, "For it is appointed unto man to die once, and then the judgment."

It is the second part of the bible passage where Steve Jobs finds himself today.  Whatever we want to say about his accomplishments and beliefs, this one thing is true, he stand before a Holy, Just, Loving, and Merciful God, who will judge him not on his efforts in this life, but on the object of his faith.  Steve Jobs had said that we must believe in something, and in a sense that is true.  We have been created for faith and it is natural for us to believe in and place our trust in something.  That does not mean, however, that every object of faith is of equal value.

When we stand before God he judges us, not on our faith, but on the object of our faith.  He will not judge us on our sincerity, but on our commitment to Christ.  There is only one name, the bible says, by which a man may be saved from the wrath of God, and that name is Jesus.  It is only through the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ that God's punishment for sin can be satisfied. 

Death does make way for the new.  As we die to self and live for Christ, the old way of sin and death pass, and the new way of life and love takes form.  We no longer see things from the eyes of the world, but through the lens of our Savior.  In Christ the slave is free.  In Christ the oppressed find release.  In Christ the poor find hope.  In Christ life finds meaning.  In Christ all the glories and riches of heaven are ours.  In Christ men and women, young and old, rich and poor, American and Arab, Russian and European, African, Asian and Hispanic are equal and brothers. 

We can be thankful, that in the common grace of God, people like Steve Jobs have brought technologies that make our lives easier and connect us in new ways.  But as the bumper sticker says, "The man who dies with the most toys, still dies."  What lasts is our relationship with Christ, for in him is life, and that life is eternal.  For this who knew and loved Steve Jobs, my prayer is that you find peace, comfort, and compassion in the good news that God, through Christ, has a bright future for you, and all who believe in, and confess the name of Jesus.  I'm just saying....

Solid Rock

When we first moved to Houston, in 2005, we were greeted with a hurricane.  With 3 million other people we fled the city.   The storm downgraded and the destruction was less then expected.  It created a resolve, however, that if another hurricane came, they would stick it out.  We were one of those people.  If the next hurricane was less then a level four, we were staying put.

Another hurricane came and strengthened only to a level three, and we bunkered in for what turned out to be a very long night.  Rebecca had us all safely barricaded in the downstairs hallway.  We were away from most windows, under multiple supports, and huddled together.  As the winds picked up we could see debris begin to fly.  The sky was an eerie color and the electoral boxes on the outside poles were buzzing, popping, and sparking, all together creating and ominous atmosphere. 

Mysti, my poor dog, paced and panted making it hard for everyone to sleep.  So, I sacrificed myself and took here upstairs, where I slept in the bed while she paced the floor.  The rest of the family restlessly slept downstairs.

The wind beat against the house, the trees beat against the roof, and occasionally lawn furniture would fly by.  Then it all stopped.  It was the eye of the storm.  It was ghostly and unnerving.  You knew the storm wasn’t over by you felt relief.  But then it picked up and again the wind assailed against the house, but from a different direction.  The wind had shifted.  It was as if it were trying a new tactic to get into the house.

Eventually morning came, and though electricity was out, there was little damage to our house.  We had weathered the storm, I thought, as I drowsily walked down the stairs. 

Jesus said that when the winds come, if we have not built our lives on a rock, a sure foundation, the house would fall.  First, Jesus doesn’t diminish the fact that the winds will come.  Conflicts between people, marriages with difficulties, rebellious children, wars, murders, greed, hatred, and immorality will beat against the house of God.  Then, when we least expect it, the wind will shift, come from a different direction, try to find our weakness and bring us to our knees.  Secondly, Jesus expects hope for people.  If our foundations are good the storms are temporary problems.  The damage will be different for each of us, but in the end the house will not fall. 

The only strong foundation is Christ.  Jesus said that if we bring our anxieties to him, cast them at his feet, that he will give us peace, hope, and a future.  The winds will still come, but the house will remain.  I’m just saying…..

Fighting The Battle Together

I have been preparing for my sermon on spiritual warfare, and I have been meditating on the nature of the battle. Popular books have given us demon skulking, fear provoking, aboritions that hide behind every nook and cranny of lives. The spiritual nature of the conflict is difficult for me to wrap my head around. Paul speaks about powers and authorities but he doesn't paint a picture of what it looks like. We are left to our imaginations. What he does is refer to his schemes, as if those schemes are obvious, and they are obvious. In Ephesians, he has spent the whole book talking about the importance of who we are in Christ and how we should live in community. The Schemes of the Devil is to thwart and destroy the community of believers. His tactics are many, and our defense is specific.

The spiritual armor, that Paul describes, is an illustration from the military uniform of the Roman soldier. Often, believers take the admonition to donn the armor seriously in order to stand firm and resist. However, the soldier in the Roman army never went into battle alone. He was a part of a unit, a division, a cohort, and a legion. They marched and fought as a well oiled machine. Their ability to fight as a whole caused fear in the heart of their enemies. They could fight individually, but they were at their best when they were fighting in unison. They literally had each others back.

The modern, American Christian, lives in isolation from other believers. I know we go to church together, we learn in Sunday School good things, and we even get involved in serving others by giving our time and money. But there seems to be something missing. We wrestle with the deep hurts and temptations of our lives in secret. We are too proud to confess our sin before each other, and we fight genuine accountability. Celebrating blessings is often difficult because we are afraid of being thought too proud. A transformed life is a meditative life lived in concert with other believers. We fight best the Spiritual Battle when we do it together, when have intimate prayer together, when cry together, when strive together, when we seek God together, and when we proclaim His goodness together. This doesn't happen in isolation. This takes effort and defining life changing priorities.

Not everyone will find intimate, authentic, community of value. Our lives are so defined by the neccisity of work and family that we neglect the importance of biblical community. We give our individual time to God, when God would have us find joy in the working of His body in community, and its not just about going to Sunday services. I want to know my brothers and sisters have my back. That doesn't happen accidentally. It happens through living the disciplines of the Christian life in such a way that we stand shoulder to shoulder. It happens when we have God's vision for the world and strive together through prayer and sweat to see God work. It happens when we fight against the evil one's attempts at disunity. It happens as we lift each other in life giving prayer. I am so glad I don't have to resist the Devil by myself. I'm just saying....

Being Occupied With God

Recently I spent a few days alone with the Lord meditating and seeking His presence and direction.  One of the themes of my time alone was “being occupied with God.”  What does it mean, what does it look like, how does it happen?  Being occupied with God isn’t something that comes naturally.  The Spirit of God indwells us, but most of the time we are very good at pushing His presence to the background.   We are occupied by so much, and so many things are vying for our attention, and they are not all bad.

However, good things that take the place of God are idolatrous.  So what does it mean to be occupied with God?  One day I was riding my motorcycle home and it began to rain.  Rain and motorcycles can be a dangerous combination.  The wind from trucks pushed me from side to side.  Standing water threatened to cause my tires to hydroplane.  Spray from cars splashed my helmet visor obscuring my vision.  These treacherous conditions were like perfidious predators, crouching to pounce at any moment.  The key was concentration.  I had to occupy myself with nothing but the task of riding my motorcycle.   There was no any room for watching the passing scenery.  I could not allow errant thoughts to distract me from this one task.  The stakes were too high.  One slip and the bike would slide out from under me and the results would be disastrous.  Every muscle, every skill, every thought was dedicated into one action – riding the motorcycle. 

Being occupied with God is similar.   Peter says that the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he might devour.  Even in our best moments he desires to bring destruction to our lives.  When we let our guard down, when we become occupied with anything but God, we are open to his schemes.   All our spiritual skills, disciplines, and thoughts must be occupied with the one task of knowing God and being occupied with Him. 

Whenever I have imagined a total, God occupied person pictures of monks praying in continuous silence come to mind.  We need not cloister ourselves away to be occupied by God.  In fact the disciplines of occupation are a mixture of isolation and presence in the community of believers.   In a fast paced culture there is a need to be isolated from its distractions so that we can be totally focused and occupied with God.  Silence and meditation is a lost discipline in the Christian life.  We rush, rush, rush and think that we can find God in the seconds we offer Him each day.  We have bought into the lie that 5-minute devotions are sufficient to hear the voice of God.   We need to spend extended time thinking deeply on His Word and listening to His voice.  For most of us this can’t happen everyday.  But regular times of silence and meditation are essential to truly hear what God has to say.

Silence and mediation, however, are not enough to keep us from the devils schemes.  To truly be occupied with God we are called to live in authentic, healthy community.  Most Christians don’t live in healthy community.  We pick and choose what we want from a smorgasbord of activities and walk away losing out on true community.  The New Testament letters were either written to churches or to leaders who were leading communities.  American Christianity reads the New Testament as a letter to them personally and they tend to apply it in isolation to the community.  The reality is that these letters were written to communities of people, and though individuals will apply the principles, it should be done within the context of community.  We are occupied with God when we are occupied with His body.  Jesus said that when we minister to the least of these we are ministering to Him. 

This does not exclude our involvement with work, family, and leisure.  Never the less, if our focus is not on the disciplines and practices of being occupied with God, we have elevated good things to the status of idols.  So how do the two worlds collide?  That is for another blog.  I’m just saying….