Pastor Steve's thoughts

The phrase is overused (and therefore "thinking outside the box" is now in the box??)

However, when an organization uses this term it is not meant to say that they are throwing out all the laws, guidelines, and ethics that apply to them, but rather to think about new ways of approaching an issue while still adhering to these important laws, etc.

In the same way, when Christians are asked to think in this way, we are still bound by laws, guidelines, and ethics. For example, God says his people are to take care of the poor. This does not mean that we can disregard other commands, such as not to steal, in order to take care of the poor. It does mean we should look for fresh ways to provide care.

So, what's the value (point?) of "thinking" differently if actions never follow? I don't believe I'm suggesting we just go crazy here, but half the battle may be taking the first step to act outside my safe little box. As long as my actions are loving.

Maybe the real issue is defining what these proverbial boxes are that we are talking about.

Dave: Good distinction between creative thinking and actions. I wish I would have thought of it earlier. Steve

I think one thing keeps being overlooked in this discussion. The phrase is "thinking" outside the box. Many of the concerns raised are based on actions. Almost all of the time thinking should be encouraged. In the context of this phrase, trying to see past our preconceptions, I would say it should always be encoruaged.

Tom,
I just read your comment. For some reason, your comment is out of order...I mean by chronology. I found your comment to be very in order as to content :) I agree with you that our culture can't save anyone. I think every culture is tainted by sin and therefore morally bankrupt. In other words, culture is not nuetral. I liked the way you made the issue Jesus Christ and what a person does with Christ.

As to the culture is my box. I hadn't thought about that one. I have no doubts that I'm a product of my culture. Sooooo maybe we need to think out of the box and at other times recognize the moments when we need to be in the box. Steve

Hmmm...Sheri
Very hypothetical; what if the box does not? On the other hand, God gave us the gift of creativity. It would seem to me that creativity is good and must be used for good. Doing something immoral with our creativity would be out of the box. I think?

One confusing box we find ourselves in is the box of culture. Some groups, Christian and non-Christian, base their lives on a desire to "save" their culture -- to keep it from changing, or at least to slow it down. We get our culture mixed up with our faith. Some missionaries in the past have erred in trying to bring their CULTURE to a people, as if western culture (or any culture) could save anyone. There's no doubt that a culture will change as individuals within that culture are changed by Christ, but is it up to us to change cultures externally -- outside the hearts of men? And I think we need to see it the same way here in the US. We must not assume a defensive position that the way it was is best, and we don't want any changes. "Don't mention sex to my kids, don't say evolution, and let me pray out loud to my classroom of kids coming from many different belief systems." We may have our own beliefs about these things, but grappling with society at this external level isn't toucing them at all -- it's not even slowing the inevitable. What men and women need is to yield their lives to Jesus Christ. Once the sin issue is dealt with for eternity, then the holy spirit will show them what they should and shouldn't do. Then REAL change can begin to take place. So I guess I am indeed INSIDE the box of my culture, yet I feel I need to learn to separate my Christianity from the culture I'm in so that I can clearly communicate the good news to someone in another culture (eg, the U of O campus. At the same time I need to learn how to wisely apply Christianity to my own life within my own culture.

So I've gotta be thinking IN the box and OUT of the box at the same time. wadayathink?

So Steve..another thought...perhaps assuming the box supplies the freedom for the creativity to go outside.

Here's an example I thought of.

Jesus told us to pray and to ask for things (matthew 7). However, I think there are some conditions to keep in mind.

A young christian man would like to get married. Are there any limits? Can he think outside the box? In this case, I think the boundaries of the box are clear. The scripture gives us some guidelines from 2 Cor. 6 "unequally joined together"

The young man's box will help him make a wise choice.--Steve

When you think of that life example please post it.

I agree on the absolute standard thingy, but how does thinking inside the box help to see how god might/might not act?

Great question and comment. God has acted outside of my expectations several times. I think it's great to think outside of our usual mindsets. Great things can happen when we do. I'm just wondering if it's helpful to remember that God has some absolute standards. I'm trying to think of a real life example but I can't. I'm still pondering.

So when is it ok to think outside the box? Sometimes I have seen god act outside my box. Help!