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The Delusion

Posted on April 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Delusions occur when a false belief is accepted, or a judgment is made about an external reality. Author Chester Kylstra refers to this as ungodly beliefs in his book Restoring the Foundations. One of the best illustrations of a delusion happens in the film Rudy. Waiting for a bus to take him to Notre Dame, Rudy’s father tries to stop Rudy from chasing his childhood dream. According to Rudy’s father, he’s not smart and talented enough. This delusion prevented Rudy’s father from ever achieving his full potential in life.

If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us [does not dwell in our hearts], 1 John 1:8.

Ungodly beliefs are not the only delusion that human beings endure. As sin enters your life in the form of enticement or lust, when the seed of sin is planted in your minds it’s only a matter of time before you will give into temptation, James 1:13-15. Unfortunately, to make yourself feel better, you might compare yourself with other people to conceal your own spiritual condition, Romans 2:1. This delusion comes in the form of justification and rationalization like the apostle Paul’s own struggle in Romans 7:15.

And by unlimited seduction to evil and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing (going to perdition) because they did not welcome the Truth but refused to love it that they might be saved. 11 Therefore God sends upon them a misleading influence, a working of error and a strong delusion to make them believe what is false, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11.

The apostle Paul alludes to full blown sin in the passage above, James 1:15. Like an addict struggling to unhook their lives from an unhealthy substance, seduction is another delusion that you must confront. Anyone who has failed to break a bad habit understands the helpless feeling of compromise, asking God for forgiveness before indulging sinful passions. One of the lies of the Devil is that you’ll never change. Yet, if you follow Paul’s advice in 1 Corinthians 10:13, God does provide a way out of temptation as long as you are willing to break free from sinful delusions.

by Jay Mankus

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When Believing Leads to Belonging

Posted on October 18, 2021 by expressyourself4him

From the earliest days on earth, children tend to become like a sponge, soaking up everything they see and hear. When what adolescents come to believe deviates from the Bible, this is defined as an ungodly belief. In the film Rudy, following the death of his best friend, Rudy goes to a bus stop, about to leave for Notre Dame to follow his childhood dream. Afraid his son is about to make a big mistake, Rudy’s father tries to talk him out of going. Within the attached scene, Rudy is told about the limitations of the Ruettiger family lineage. Rudy is told he’s not big enough or smart enough and that he doesn’t belong at Notre Dame.

I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21 [Therefore, I do not treat God’s gracious gift as something of minor importance and defeat its very purpose]; I do not set aside and invalidate and frustrate and nullify the grace (unmerited favor) of God. For if justification (righteousness, acquittal from guilt) comes through [observing the ritual of] the Law, then Christ (the Messiah) died groundlessly and to no purpose and in vain. [His death was then wholly superfluous,] Galatians 2:20-21.

The Church at Galatia had their own ungodly beliefs to overcome. However, this time adult Christians who could not let go of their Jewish upbringing would not let go of following the Torah. Subsequently, a religious sect known as the Judaizers were forcing Gentiles to become circumcised. As their doctrine developed over time, Judaizers were equating the act of circumcision with a necessary step to be saved. According to the apostle Paul, Barnabas and Peter were led astray by this teaching as they began to separate from non-Jewish Christians. This is not the type of belief consistent with Jesus’ teaching.

But now that the faith has come, we are no longer under a trainer (the guardian of our childhood). 26 For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith. 27 For as many [of you] as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ. 28 There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male [b]and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus, Galatians 3:25-28.

One of the inspirations for writing Galtians is to address and correct this spiritual lie. The two passages above highlight the importance of faith. First, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Paul uses similar language in Colossians 3:1-9 where Christians are called to leave their old self and practices. Until human beings purge and put to death the addictions and bad habits of their past, belief in God is hard to maintain. However, as Christians begin to live by faith by putting on spiritual attributes of Jesus, a sense of belonging and purpose enters your life. When you join a church body, believing leads to belonging.

by Jay Mankus

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Attitude Trumps Ability

Posted on December 20, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Acceptance, mentality and outlook creates a culture for attitude.  Depending upon the environment you allow yourself to be surrounded by will influence how positive or negative you become.  According to former Colorado University football coach Bill McCartney, attitude is four times more powerful than someone’s overall ability.  This statement is played out in the 1993 film Rudy based upon the true story of Rudy Ruettiger’s unlikely quest to make the University of Notre Dame football team as a walk on.

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, Philippians 2:14-15.

Sometimes the most talented individuals never come close to reaching their full potential due to poor attitudes.  Complacency, pride and being spoiled can cause the best to lose their edge.  Meanwhile, less gifted athletes take their place at the top, fueled by a hunger for greatness.  During one scene from Rudy, Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian played by Jason Miller makes a confession to Sean Astin, “Rudy, I wish God would put your heart into some of my star players.”  In this example, attitude trumps ability.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him, Colossians 3:17.

As a former professional golfer, commentators refer to this sport as being 75 to 90 percent mental.  Talent to drive the ball, hit consistent iron shots and develop a strong short game is important.  However, I found that my mood going into a round of golf often dictates the end result.  Staying in the moment, remaining positive and moving on to the next shot are crucial for success.  Yet, without a good attitude, clubs will be tossed, curse words will fly and regret will occur post round.  Whether you are talking about a career, hobby, job or sport, attitude trumps talent.  May times of humility help you to develop a Christ like mindset in the future.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Places Where Dreams Die

Posted on December 10, 2015 by expressyourself4him

According to the 1993 film, Rudy Ruettiger was an average athlete and middle of the road student with dreams that seemed far fetched.  Thus, Rudy took a job at a local Steel Mill, buying some time.  When his best friend Pete dies in an accident at the mill, Rudy finds himself at a crossroads.  During the funeral Rudy comes to the realization, “if I don’t leave now my dream will never happen,” dying at a dead end job.  Standing at a Greyhound Bus Station, Rudy’s father shares a series of ungodly beliefs, filled with negativity, hoping his son stays.  Deep down Rudy Ruettiger sensed that remaining in his hometown was another place where dreams can die.

For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear, Ecclesiastes 5:7.

Meanwhile, Homer Hickam faced his own set of struggles illustrated in the 1999 movie October Sky.  Playing the role of the younger brother, Homer could never escape the shadow of big brother Jim, a football star destined for a college scholarship.  Despite his efforts, Homer was unable to compete with his brother’s popularity or talents.  After his father’s work related injury, Homer drops out of high school to become a coal miner attempting to follow in the footsteps of his dad. Yet, Homer’s new job couldn’t quench a passion for rockets.  Fueled by his teacher Miss Riley, Homer leaves the occupation where his dream would have died in the mine to participate in a science fair that altered the course of his life.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, Ephesians 3:20.

Unfortunately, most people fail to become famous, rich or successful, ending up in a place where their dreams disappear.  Some are forced by financial constrains to keep multiple jobs just to survive, fighting a losing battle with debt throughout life.  Others endure destructive relationships that often end with another mouth to feed, divorce or years of regret.  Within all these distractions, time flies by causing dreams to be altered, downgraded or pushed back until nothing is achieved.  If you have ever reached this point like me, you need an inspirational friend like Pete who speaks words of encouragement.  Or a mentor like Miss Riley who will uplift your spirits, challenge you and instill in you perseverance to press on through places where dreams die until you taste the abundant life Jesus promises, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Making Sense of Hollywood

Posted on November 18, 2012 by expressyourself4him

In his book Restoring the Foundations, former engineer Chester Kylstra has developed a cutting edge theology which helps Christians better understand Hollywood.  If Ephesians 6:12 is true, one must begin to fully grasp and understand the spiritual forces which influence an individuals’ actions, behavior and choice of vocabulary.  In today’s blog, I will use the 1993 sports classic Rudy to illustrate RTF’s biblical principles.

According to Kylstra, a person’s life experiences form and shape what they end up believing.  Beliefs in turn create specific expectations, if I do something good, blessings will result, Leviticus 26:1-13.  However, if I choose to do the opposite of what I believe, bad things will follow, Leviticus 26:14-45.  When belief expectations are not met, individuals face a crisis of faith often rebelling from God.  Finally, these expectations influence behavior, which explains to a certain point why people in Hollywood act as they do.

In the case of Rudy’s father, he was abandoned by his own dad when he was a teenager.  Therefore, when Rudy was about to get on a Greyhound Bus to follow his dream of playing football at Notre Dame, Rudy’s dad tried everything in his power to stop him.  Rudy’s father had developed an ungodly belief which led him to think he would never see his son again if he got on the bus.  Abandonment had become a routine expectation in the mind of Rudy’s father.  Thus, when you examine this spiritual perspective, you start to comprehend the thought process behind the father’s self-destructive words toward Rudy.

Whether we like it or not, everyone has ungodly beliefs and a set of life expectations.  When you pray to God, you expect to be heard and receive an answer.  As you work hard in your present occupation, you will eventually expect a raise or promotion.  Unfortunately, if any of your expectations are shattered, you can easily turn into Rudy’s father.  “You’re not good enough!  Your not smart enough!  You don’t belong there!”  This is precisely why the apostle Paul urges believers to put on the whole armor of God, not just the parts you feel like putting on, Ephesians 6:10-11.  As you wage war against the powers of darkness, tempting you to erupt, follow the words of Romans 13:12-14 to avoid losing control like Rudy’s father.

by Jay Mankus

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