Above Reproach

1 Timothy 3:2 - An overseer, then, must be above reproach...

The verse goes on to list a number of qualifications for overseers/elders/church leaders. And no matter what you call them or how many a church has, they are all called to be above reproach.

Philippians 2:15 - so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, amidst whom you appear as lights in the world

Here, all Christians are called to be blameless and innocent, above reproach.

But what does it mean exactly, to be above reproach. That question is partially answered just by looking at the phrase itself. Above reproach, above blame, blameless. Unfortunately, our very nature of imperfection keeps us from being entirely blameless. We can't be perfect, we can try, we can progress, but we can't be perfect. So how do we get to a point of being above reproach? The pursuit of perfection is the only way I see possible. We have to be so focused on perfection (things above!) that things deserving of reproach aren't on our minds at all. At least nowhere near the forefront of our minds. We need to be so set on perfection that we forget it's impossible to reach. It's so much harder than it sounds though. We doubt the perfect power of God to complete us, we doubt the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us, we doubt Jesus' power to fully forgive us.

It's just so hard to stay focused, to stay joyful and content and pure and disciplined and loving and peaceful and Christ-like. Partially because those things are a high calling, but also because of how we perceive that calling. As a burden instead of a joy. I think joy is a key component to being above reproach. We've gotta joyfully love and serve Christ, we have to joyfully submit to others, joyfully obey God and the authority He set up.

I think if we did everything in life with complete joy we'd end up being above reproach without even trying so hard to be above reproach. Just living life to its ultimate fullest. Its spirit-filled, joyful, above reproach, fullest.

Thanksgiving

What are you thankful for?

First "Real" Post

Now that this thing is pretty much set up, there are a few new and interesting features to tell you guys about.

On the right of the blog you'll find:
- A Bible Verse (subject to change weekly/monthly/over time)
- A little something about myself
- Our first weekly poll question (please feel free to answer)
- Recommended reading (books and blogs)

And at the bottom there's an archive so in the future you can always find previous blogs by date and title.

Now that that's out of the way, here it goes for the first thought-provoking and hopefully enjoyable entry on the blog:

Colossians 3:1 - Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Here it is Christians, a call to mental action. a call to set our minds on the "things above". To be focused on Christ and the things where He is. This verse has been a lot more personal than ever before in the past few months. This verse implies not only that we think about heavenly things, but that we continual seek those things, that we set and fix our mind on things above, and above all else. And to be honest, this is one of the most amazing, challenging, and beneficial experiences all at once. It's hard for me to think consciously 100% of the time, let alone be focused on good and excellent things all the time. It's also hard to find things to think on all the time when our knowledge of God is so limited and the time we spend in the word is so small relative to our time doing other things. It's hard to focus on things above when we have to focus on work and school and friends and family and food and the list goes on. It's hard to really focus on God and what He considers worthy to focus on. But it's so worth it when we make time to think about those things. It's so worth it to have peace and joy in our lives and minds. It's so worth it to be growing all the time. It's so worth it to glorify God even in the confines of our own minds. Setting our minds on what is above with Christ is not just something for "mature" or "older" Christians. It is essential for growth, enhancing to all other areas of thought, and amazingly joyful in its result.

Memorizing verses is one way that this has impacted me lately. Also, having an attitude like Christ's at work and school. It is possible to enjoy your job, and to enjoy it consistently.

As fellow believers, I would love to share and hear about all the ways, all the benefits, all the joy that comes from focusing on the things above. Comment away, tell me your thoughts, tell me how this is in your life, tell me ways to do this better, ways it's helped you, anything. This isn't a place for me to give a sermon or advertise my opinions. This is a place for all of us to engage in real, deep thought and conversation. To encourage one another. To be open. And hopefully to fuel our face-to-face interaction and fellowship with one another.

The Start

Hopefully the start of something new, something good, something big. I'd love for people to read the things I put on here. Not just for the sake of reading what I have to say, but because we need each other. We need each other for guidance, we need each other for interaction, we need each other to live life to its fullest. This blog isn't the answer to all those things, or even the best way to interact. This blog is only a way to share ideas, thoughts, insights. Hopefully this blog will be a place to discuss scripture, struggles, humanity, and life in general. Hopefully people read this.

Update: I added 2 boxes at the bottom so you can check whether or not you think the blog's a sweet idea.