Charmed

This weekend I shared a message entitled Dismembering Sin. The gist of the message is found in the way in which David decapitated Goliath, though he was already dead. Our disdain for sin must be just as serious and passionate. In the opening of the message, I recalled my youth pastor’s lack of judgment in biting the head off of a live rattlesnake. Thinking of this morning’s devo, I recalled this post I wrote in one of my first blogging sessions on October 6, 2006. May you be challenged by it as I was then and am today.

This just in today…Snakes in the news: Cobra-kissing record set. It seems that while most of us were enjoying the normal activities of a weekend, some Thai guy was working on a world record…in how many snakes he could KISS! Personally, I have adjectives that I like to use for such brilliant individuals that like to play with death. But I will omit them from this report. Of course I could always quote the great theologian Napolean Dynamite, “IDIOT!!”

Yea, it seems kind of crazy that someone would want to play with deadly snakes. However, it is perhaps even more mesmerizing that the someone could actually lull a lethal animal into a such a lethargic state that they could kiss it. Maybe that is where the absurdity lies.

This morning I was reading in the book of Proverbs and was confronted by a passage that made me realize how often the enemy lulls me into complacency. I began to think about how powerful God has made me in Christ and how often I allow the enemy to mesmerize me with the things of this world. He so charms me with riches, pleasures, and temporary things that he lulls me into such a stuppor that he can kiss me before the audiences of heaven and hell. In that moment I have become the fool; a public spectacle of my own stupidity.

Researching this natural process of snake charming I found this…

In a “charming” situation, the cobra seems to be hypnotized by the pleasant sounds of the flute. Scientists say that cobras cannot hear the way people do. However, they are very sensitive to vibrations and, perhaps, are able to feel the music. Indeed, the cobra responds to the sight rather than to the sound of the flute. What the snake actually does is matching the movements of the snake charmer.

Probably, the strangest thing is how the snake charmer manages to take control of the venomous snake so that it does not inflict a deadly bite. •Herpetologists• explain this with the fact that cobras are defensive, and not aggressive. “Cobras are generally reluctant to strike, and many specimens will rear up for a considerable period of time when cornered, but will not attempt to strike,” says Wolfgang Wuster. “Second, the flute is a rather hard object, and once the cobra has bitten it a few times, it will probably learn that this is both painful and futile, and desist in future.”

From this thought, I felt God saying to me…

1) Don’t allow the movement of the world to charm you where you cannot hear the message of the charmer. My greatest problem is that I focus on the movements of the world and not the subtlety with which the enemy is distracting me and nullifying the power God has placed within me. So often I am not listening to the messages of the enemy…to kill, steal, and destroy. In the end, I become the one who is played for a fool.

2) Don’t be on the defensive…be the aggressor. As I read the article posted above, I thought how true it is that I choose to be passive in my approach of the enemy. I often wait for him to start the music and then strike at the flute. Maybe the reason I am seeing less victory in my life and less of the power of God revealed is found in the fact that I am striking at the movement of the instruments of the enemy and not the enemy himself. This is why legalism has never worked. Legalism is always addressing the instruments of sin and never the charmer behind the instrument.

I have a lot to learn about avoiding the charming vices of the enemy. Perhaps we all do.

Prayer:
Father, today help me to become as wise as a serpent. May I not fall prey to the charming ways of Satan any longer. May I know his ways and strike against him in the power of Jesus Christ and not just at the instruments he uses to lull me to sleep. I want to be found awake when You return…not in a Satan induced trance. May Your Spirit empower me today and show me where I may be charmed that I may repent today. In Jesus name. Amen.

Response to Hawaii Bill 444 (HB444)

Throughout the history of our movement, Christianity has had to take hard stands on tough issues that are often accepted in the lands around us. This difficulty was no less of a struggle for ancient Israel. As they marched into lands who served gods unlike their own, who had customs unlike their own, and embraced immoral sexual relationships unlike their own, God repeatedly sent His messengers to remind His people to stay their course. Regardless of how unpopular it became or how difficult it was, God’s people, both then and now, are called to live their lives differently. We do not detest the people who are unlike us; we detest the wicked, immoral, and destructive acts they engage in.

While there are many areas where Christianity and the current acceptable practices of our culture clash, none is more on the forefront than is the issue of homosexuality. As a local body of believers, we scripturally and fundamentally find the practice of homosexuality to be sin. Holding the Word of God as authoritative in our lives, we find multiple references denouncing this perversion of God’s design for the family and perpetuation of humanity (Lev. 20:13; Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim. 1:10).

Understanding this, please read closely the following commitments we hold as a local body:

1. We scripturally and fundamentally love people. Regardless of one’s activity, we love people. This does not mean we condone their activities or sinful lifestyles. It does mean we are as committed to the inmate as we are the elderly saint among us. We love people regardless of their activities.
2. We scripturally and fundamentally disagree with sin. Be it homosexuality, adultery, lying, drunkenness, lust, or pride, according to Scripture we must disdain sin’s activity. Beyond the type of sin, we disagree with its presence in all people’s lives, whether they are in our fellowship or across the world. Again, we love the people but disagree with sin.
3. We scripturally and fundamentally disapprove of laws that condone sin and have the potential to affect an entire nation. In the matter of homosexuality, we strongly oppose the passing of a bill accepting civil union just as we would oppose a law that would legalize drugs for those who are addicted or the acceptance of sexual deviations for a pedophile. Our disapproval is consistent and not sexual, gender, racial, or sin specific.

Recognizing these core commitments, we are now called to action in our own state and community. We stand to respond to the following:

Currently, the Hawaii Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a bill that is considering the legalization of “civil unions“. This bill, known as Hawaii Bill 444 (HB444), seeks to license “same-sex” couples to enter into a legal union, which “shall have all the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities under law… as are granted to spouses in a marriage…” Despite the expressed concern of the people of Hawaii in the “marriage amendment” ratified in 1998, which clearly states the legislature has “the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples“, the Senators have before them a bill that if passed would overrule the will of Hawaii’s people.

To be clear, this bill is not about benefits. For the Reciprocal Beneficiaries (RB) Act allows for benefits to those outside of “traditional” marriages. In this same act, “the legislature finds that the people of Hawaii choose to preserve the tradition of marriage as a unique social institution based upon the committed union of one man and one woman.” Furthermore, this bill only applies to individuals of the same-sex.

For those who were with us on Sunday, you will recall that I gave a rather weak disapproval to HB444. There are two primary reasons for my less than dogmatic response:

1. I have a very difficult time marrying politics and the church. In an extremely political environment, Jesus sought not to usher in another political kingdom. Instead, He focused on the transformation of individuals. In our volatile political environment, many over zealous religious responses do more damage than good for the Kingdom and the cause of Christ. Thus, I seek to be a responsible doer versus a loud blabber. 
2. I did not understand the significance of this bill. From the media attention given and focus of discussion, I perceived HB444 as a “benefits” bill. However, after an informative meeting yesterday and taking the time to read this 8 page bill, it is clear this bill is written specifically as a homosexual marriage agenda. Given the legal rights and benefits of “traditional marriages“, it is clear the next step will be for the agenda to find it’s way into other areas, such as our educational system.

Recognizing the significance of this bill and our scriptural and fundamental beliefs, I am now writing to encourage the body of Christ, specifically the Hilo Church of God, to vehemently oppose HB444. Listed below is a plan of action for responding responsibly, scripturally, and lovingly. Please take a moment, follow the links where applicable, and follow-through as a concerned believer and citizen. Much is at stake.

• Pray. Our battle is not fleshly but spiritual. We are not standing to argue with men, but are battling a much larger battle than mere flesh and blood. Prayer is the key to preparing our hearts to speak and the hearts of men to receive. 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Eph. 6:12 

•  Speak out. Prayer is key, but we also need to voice our concerns to those who represent us. It has already been shown that minds are being changed by the response of the community of faith. Through prayer and dialogue, some who were supportive of the bill have changed their views this week. 

For those of us in Hilo, our Senator is Dwight Y. Takamine. We believe that he is a supporter of the bill. Please use kindness, respect, and dignity when sharing your beliefs. In all manners of communication, always state your address. Begin by expressing appreciation for his service, recognizing the delicate and stressful decisions they are facing in all areas of their business. Then politely, but firmly express your concern. While we wholeheartedly disagree scripturally, refrain from quoting a barrage of scriptures. For those who do not believe the Word of God to be authoritative, it is merely quoting opinion and often enables defensive responses and closed minds. The precedence of the “marriage amendment“, mentioned above, is a solid, legal, and democratic argument that must not be violated. To do so, crumbles the entire democratic process. After sharing, respectfully commit to pray for Sen. Takamine and his colleagues.

Here are three ways you can speak your voice:

• •  Phone. Call your Senator’s office repeatedly. Not harassingly, but consistently.

Example: “ Good morning. This is _____________ (your name). I live on _____________ (street) in______________ (city). Please let Senator Takamine know that I strongly oppose all bills related to Civil Unions including, but not limited to HB 444, SB 458 and HB 878. I would like to encourage him to protect traditional marriage and say “NO” to civil unions. Just as a reminder, the people of Hawaii have already spoken overwhelmingly against same-sex marriage. Thank you very much.”

• •  Email. Send an email to your Senator. Consider personalizing and customizing the following example.

Example: “ Aloha. This is _____________ (your name). I live on _____________ (street) in______________ (city). I am writing to let Senator Takamine know that I strongly oppose all bills related to Civil Unions including, but not limited to HB 444, SB 458 and HB 878. I would like to encourage him to protect traditional marriage and say “NO” to civil unions. Just as a reminder, the people of Hawaii have already spoken overwhelmingly against same-sex marriage. Thank you very much.”

• •  Letter. Again, take the information given within this email and the examples above and personalize your response opposing this bill.
  •  Pass this information along. Please get the word out to everyone you know, especially in the Hilo/Hamakua district.

Below you will find the respective Senators for the Big Island. In addition, please note the addition of the Senate President and Senate Judiciary Chair. Both of these individuals need to hear our voice as well.

Senator Dwight Takamine
(Hilo, Honoka’a, Laupahoehoe, Hamuka, Waiakea Uka, Keaukaha, Waimea)
Toll-Free: (808) 974-4000 ext. 67335
Email: sentakamine@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Russell Kokubun
(Waiakea Uka, Kalapana, Volcano, Puna, Kahuku)
Toll-Free: (808) 974-4000 ext. 66760
Email: senkokubun@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Josh Green, M.D.
(North & South Kohala, North & South Kona)
Toll-Free: (808) 974-4000 ext. 69385
Email: sengreen@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Colleen Hanabusa (Senate President)
Toll-Free: (808) 974-4000 ext. 67793
Email: senhanabusa@capitol.hawaii.gov

Senator Brian Taniguchi (Senate Judiciary Chair)
Toll-Free: (808) 974-4000 ext. 66460
Email: sentaniguchi@capitol.hawaii.gov

Thank you for reading this response. May you prayerfully respond to this important issue facing our state. If you have questions, please feel free to call upon me.

Sincerely,

Allen