This month, we take a look into the concept of being angry at God, and Jim answers some matters around the culture of “shipping” and “stirring”.
To check out last episode’s questions click here, and for Jim’s foreword on answering these questions click here.
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QUESTION 1.
ARE WE ALLOWED TO BE ANGRY AT GOD? WE ARE TOLD WE CAN BRING OUR SORROWS TO HIM, BUT IS GETTING ANGRY AT GOD IMPLYING THAT HE IS IN THE WRONG, WHICH IS NEVER THE CASE?
If the question was, “Is it good or right to be angry at God?”, the answer most certainly would be, “No.” As the question already included very wisely, that would imply accusing God of being “in the wrong, which is never the case.” However, in our limited knowledge and in our woefully imperfect state, we are quite familiar with the emotion of anger. Especially when we feel out of options, we often direct our anger against God whom we assume could have done something about the situation for which we find ourselves blaming Him. He is after all, sovereignly responsible for everything!
Interestingly enough, as a patient Heavenly Father, He does often allow it. The fact that we are quite often angry at God and the world still has not yet come to utter destruction is an obvious testimony to His patience. Especially in the Old Testament, the most frustrating and thankless job was that of being a prophet. Jonah was angry that God’s righteous anger did not burn against the Ninevites. But in [Jonah 4] we find a great discourse on the topic of anger with God. Instead, the Ninevites gladly received Jonah’s prophecy and repented and received mercy and forgiveness of God. Jonah’s generation was not the time for their judgment. Later is another story. Later Zephaniah prophesied their destruction [Zeph.2:4-15]; and then the prophet Nahum describe their complete and final destruction.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
Elijah, after defeating the prophets of Baal, fled from Jezebel who put a bounty on his head. He was also angry and dejected. But it is God’s patience and tenderness that restores him.
[James 1] is also clear about God’s innocence and sovereign wisdom.
Scriptural evidence shows that God does not invite you to be angry at Him. It is our lack of understanding of the fuller picture that unjustly directs anger and blame towards God of perfection and holiness. However, it is also abundantly clear, that He allows it for a time because He is gentle and merciful. But since it’s not good or right for us to stay in that anger towards Him, He also provides trust and faith for us to understand [Rom.8:28] and overcome [1Cor.10:13] eventually. In the end, we find greater resolution in the deeper and more profound faith based on the character of God.
QUESTION 2.
THE CULTURE OF '“STIRRING” OR “SHIPPING” IS SOMETHING THAT I HAVE FOUND QUITE PROMINENT IN CHURCHES (INCLUDING HCC) AND MINISTRIES. THIS CULTURE CAN BE EXTREMELY UNHELPFUL AND IN SOME CASES MAY DRIVE BROTHERS AND SISTERS AWAY FROM PLATONIC BONDING, SO HOW CAN WE AS A CHURCH AND INDIVIDUALS ADDRESS THIS?
This was a fun question. I wondered with a few others what “stirring” and “shipping” could possibly mean. From the context of the question, and gathering from several contributing opinions, I take it to mean “setting people up for dating and potential marriage.”
Well, you’re right. It does happen in churches, and it can be unhelpful—extremely even. And particularly negative is when heightened mode of these activities drive a wedge between godly, brotherly/sisterly “phileo” relationships. I do agree with you and grieve over this last thing in particular. So, how do we address this? Well, in a few eudaemonistic ways, like much of proverbs. Divine wisdom is needed for when and how we apply several related principles and understandings for maximum happy result. So, pray and seek the Spirit’s guidance as we consider the following.
Setting up young people and providing wisdom, insight, opinions both for and against certain unions is what happens in communities—in any society. After all, we don’t all live in individual islands. Church, where people gather, is a community; and HCC happens to have a lot of young singles. Community input, especially from godly Christian folks is, can be, a good thing. And yes, too much is too much. And yes, sometimes, even “collective wisdom” can get things wrong. But the record shows that sometimes we also get it right, by God’s grace!
“We are collectively responsibly for the culture around us.”
In a bigger picture, while some are annoyed by all the “stirring”, some might actually wonder why there is no stirring around them?? This is a delicate dance that started since the very beginning.
We are collectively responsible for the culture around us. But also, we are not helpless victims. We can speak into it, as well as stand up to it graciously. Sometimes, it’s great fun to consider the exciting prospects; but sometimes we just need to say ‘no’ and ‘not now’ and ‘not for awhile’. At any given point, what you think and feel may not be the same as everybody else’s. If it were, then shifting the collective culture would be a swift process. Because every individual is on a different schedule, one mode does not rule fair for everyone. You individually have a choice and can make a difference.
Sometimes we just need to say, “Let’s just enjoy the godly fellowship of all people regardless of gender, age, and other differences. Let’s celebrate the common union in Christ!” And sometimes we don’t need to say anything at all, and just do it. But sometimes, it’s okay to “stir” as the Spirit leads, as long as the intention is honorable before God, that it isn’t to stir trouble or to get your nose where it does not belong.
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(Questions presented on this page have been edited for length and clarity.)
If you have ever wondered about topics such as these, are curious about the how’s and why’s of Christianity or have any other questions in general ask Pastor Jim anything here.