I heard two kinds of speech yesterday. In a memorial service, I heard words that were healing, hopeful, encouraging, and life-giving. Friends and family members told their stories about a humble man who loved the Lord and who showed his love for them in ordinary, yet wonderful, ways. As our tears fell together, healing for sorrowful hearts began. With just words, vivid pictures were painted in our minds of a man nick-named "Tiny" who would be better remembered as a giant for his willingness to do whatever was necessary to get the job done.
In a different setting, I overheard thoughtless words that cut deep. They weren't even about me, but they hurt me in their casual cruelty. Two people were discussing another's 'failure.' "If it were me, I know I would... Can you imagine not doing... It's just a shame..." I was saddened that the comments made by two professed Christians were so graceless. Since I know that the person they were discussing is going through an incredibly difficult time of life, I also knew that even if the lapses they asserted were true, there would ample reasons to extend understanding and grace. But their words revealed that they were absorbed by their own concerns to the extent that they could not empathize with the needs of the one they were destroying in their conversation.
James challenges us to remember the power of our words. He writes:
"A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.
This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can’t tame a tongue—it’s never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth! My friends, this can’t go on." (James 3:5-10, The Message).
It is true! Our tongues are wild, untamable things. Changing what we say on our own is impossible. Why? Because our speech reveals our heart, our deepest values and most private thoughts will eventually bubble to the surface if we babble on long enough. No one can make his heart new by his own efforts. If we are self-absorbed, insecure, or mean; it will always show up in our conversations.
That is why we need Jesus! He is a heart specialist. When His grace and love full into us and when we cultivate a day to day intimacy with the Holy Spirit, we are changed- from the inside out! I love the down-home illustration that our Lord used to make this point. “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. A tree is identified by the kind of fruit it produces. Figs never grow on thornbushes or grapes on bramble bushes. A good person produces good deeds from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil deeds from an evil heart. Whatever is in your heart determines what you say. (Luke 6:43-45, NLT) What fruit will others pick from your conversations today?
Listen to your words. Do they lift others up or tear them down? Do they encourage or take away hope? If you need to be honest about another's sin or failings, do your words reflect a gentleness that helps that person aspire to do better or are they crushing and judgmental?
Need to tame that tongue? Then get with Jesus and pray for a changed heart. Ask Him to wash out bitterness, envy, cynicism, unforgiveness, even hatred - replacing those evil fruits with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and good.
Use that gift of speech to bless others and to cause those around you to thank God for His grace, expressed through YOU!
____________________________
Friday, April 15, 2005
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Overflowing with grace?
Holding the magazine sweepstakes envelope with the promise of $10 million winnings trumpeted on it, I got lost for a few moments in a daydream. I saw myself buying this person a car, paying off that person's school loans, helping another get a business started, providing funds to a struggling ministry... it was fun, but fantasy! Then the Holy Spirit brought to mind a line from a story in the book of Acts- "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee." (Acts 3:6, KJV) I felt the challenge in my spirit- "Jerry, what are you doing with what I have given you, with the abundant spiritual wealth that is yours?"
Peter and John were going into the Temple to pray at 3 in the afternoon when a beggar called out to them for money. The man had been in that spot near the gate for years, crippled and dependent on the kindness of those who passed by. "Help me, show some kindness!" he yelled, holding out his hand pathetically. Peter stopped; looked right at him and said, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." (Acts 3:6, KJV) The crippled man "stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." (Acts 3:8, KJV)
You and I may not have access to great sums of money to bless others, but we have been given amazing grace, infinite love, abundant mercy, astonishing kindness... need I go on? People need to be gifted with those things, more than money! But a generous spirit is not a first impulse for most of us. It is the result of a transformational work of the Spirit in us. Naturally we tend to think about caring for ourselves; making certain that we have secured our place, our future, provision for our perceived needs.
Want to gauge your level of generosity? Start with the practical stuff of life! Think about how you tip those who provide services to you. Do you carefully calculate 15% or throw in an extra couple of dollars? When you write out your tithe (10% for God's work) do you divide it down to the penny, or do you round it up with joy? When you're in line do you carefully guard your position or quickly let the guy with a couple of items cut in front of you? Are you impatient with drivers who go too slowly in your lane, or cheerfully share the road?
When we possess the riches of God, not just in word but in our hearts, we are freed from the need to grasp tightly what we perceive belongs to us. We will gain a liberal heart, a generous spirit that overflows. We will take notice of the hurts, the sorrows, the pain of those around us and give them from the store of love that we have received from the Lord. We will readily absorb the insensitivities and insecurities that cause others to slight us without the least care because we are so rich in the Father's love!
The Word observes the principle of reciprocity -
"It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything. The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:24-25, NLT) Jesus states it simply -
"Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”" (Luke 6:38, The Message)
For a few moments, right now, thank God for the riches you have been given in Christ Jesus. Meditate on this statement: "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV)
Then, go-- and give it away! Have fun blessing people with love, kindness, mercy, goodness - from the rich storehouse to which God has given you the key!
__________________
Lavish love abundant beauty
Gracious gifts for heart and hand
Life that fills the soul and senses
All burst forth at Your command.
Lord, our Lord, Eternal Father
Great Creator, God and Friend
Boundless power gave full expression
To Your love which knows no end.
Who am I that You should love me
Meet my every need from birth?
Why invest Yourself so fully
In a creature made of earth?
In Your loving heart You planned me
Fashioned me with greatest care;
Through my soul You breathed Your Spirit
Planted Your own image there.
I am Yours, Eternal Father
All my body, mind and heart.
Take and use me to Your glory
Form Yourself in every part.
Lord, Your love brings joy and gladness
Flowing forth within my soul.
May my very breath and being
Rise to You, their source and goal.
© 1986 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Peter and John were going into the Temple to pray at 3 in the afternoon when a beggar called out to them for money. The man had been in that spot near the gate for years, crippled and dependent on the kindness of those who passed by. "Help me, show some kindness!" he yelled, holding out his hand pathetically. Peter stopped; looked right at him and said, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." (Acts 3:6, KJV) The crippled man "stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." (Acts 3:8, KJV)
You and I may not have access to great sums of money to bless others, but we have been given amazing grace, infinite love, abundant mercy, astonishing kindness... need I go on? People need to be gifted with those things, more than money! But a generous spirit is not a first impulse for most of us. It is the result of a transformational work of the Spirit in us. Naturally we tend to think about caring for ourselves; making certain that we have secured our place, our future, provision for our perceived needs.
Want to gauge your level of generosity? Start with the practical stuff of life! Think about how you tip those who provide services to you. Do you carefully calculate 15% or throw in an extra couple of dollars? When you write out your tithe (10% for God's work) do you divide it down to the penny, or do you round it up with joy? When you're in line do you carefully guard your position or quickly let the guy with a couple of items cut in front of you? Are you impatient with drivers who go too slowly in your lane, or cheerfully share the road?
When we possess the riches of God, not just in word but in our hearts, we are freed from the need to grasp tightly what we perceive belongs to us. We will gain a liberal heart, a generous spirit that overflows. We will take notice of the hurts, the sorrows, the pain of those around us and give them from the store of love that we have received from the Lord. We will readily absorb the insensitivities and insecurities that cause others to slight us without the least care because we are so rich in the Father's love!
The Word observes the principle of reciprocity -
"It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything. The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:24-25, NLT) Jesus states it simply -
"Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”" (Luke 6:38, The Message)
For a few moments, right now, thank God for the riches you have been given in Christ Jesus. Meditate on this statement: "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV)
Then, go-- and give it away! Have fun blessing people with love, kindness, mercy, goodness - from the rich storehouse to which God has given you the key!
__________________
Lavish love abundant beauty
Gracious gifts for heart and hand
Life that fills the soul and senses
All burst forth at Your command.
Lord, our Lord, Eternal Father
Great Creator, God and Friend
Boundless power gave full expression
To Your love which knows no end.
Who am I that You should love me
Meet my every need from birth?
Why invest Yourself so fully
In a creature made of earth?
In Your loving heart You planned me
Fashioned me with greatest care;
Through my soul You breathed Your Spirit
Planted Your own image there.
I am Yours, Eternal Father
All my body, mind and heart.
Take and use me to Your glory
Form Yourself in every part.
Lord, Your love brings joy and gladness
Flowing forth within my soul.
May my very breath and being
Rise to You, their source and goal.
© 1986 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
The least of these
Last night, an organization called Family Promise used our fellowship hall to present an opportunity for ministry to the homeless in our county. Over 60 local churches were invited to attend. About 30 persons actually showed up, representing just 9 different congregations! I guess I should be thankful for that, but in truth, I am saddened by it. There were exactly 2 pastors present. I wonder how many congregations would have found a representative to attend if the meeting were about a program that promised to bring 10 new familiese into their sanctuaries this year, and to add 15% to their income stream? Compassion, genuine caring for those in need- that's the mark of the Church, the proof of a real experience of Christ's life in the Believer. Well, it used to be- before we became obsessed with getting ourselves religiously comfortable and creating programs that are attractive to those people who are emotionally together, physically clean, and able to make a regular contribution in the offering.
Imagine the difference that Christian churches could make in this community if they actually did Christ-like things! But most churches spend almost 100% of their time, energy, and volunteer resources serving those within the walls, Christians comforting Christians! We claim we have no time to minister to the homeless, conduct a nursing home service, commit to a regular prison ministry, build a pantry to feed the hungry, provide mentoring to a fatherless boy, or take time to teach a young woman the skills she needs to support her baby. And we don't, because we have to keep the people happy who want climate controlled buildings, lavish youth programs, scintillating Christian education ministries, and well produced worship services.
I just wonder if our kids would be more convinced about the reality of Christianity if, in addition to teaching them doctrine in nicely decorated rooms with expensive, colorful literature that they discard before they reach home- we took them to do yard work or to read to a lonely elderly person, had a homeless ministry where they could play with poor kids and help to make dinner for them, or provided them opportunities to do other kinds of self-sacrificial service? Maybe they would learn what too many of us have forgotten... that faith without works is dead!
I have to give my parents some credit here. Every Sunday, when I was growing up, we got dragged to a nursing home to sing, talk, and love the people there. I hated it! While other kids got to play sports, I had to sit in an ugly basement chapel at Garden Nursing Home. I was deprived, or was I? Many of the residents smelled badly, tried to kiss me, and wanted me to sit by them so they could hold my hand. That's not cool when you're 12! But I learned to love outside of my comfort zone and, over time, learned that I was loving Jesus when I cared for those who were forgotten, lonely, and 'marginalized' by society. (I didn't realize my parents were conducting Sunday School in a with 'hands on' curriculum before that term was in vogue!) Then too, my parents were active in loving the needy all the time, not just on Sunday. Our house always had somebody in it that was in recovery, homeless, or otherwise in need. I thought that was just what Christians did. Later I learned that the majority of Christians talked about such caring and then paid for somebody else to do it, earning a tax deduction at the same time. That way they could 'love the needy' without getting their hands dirty.
Jesus told a story about the Judgment, when we stand before God. Interestingly, He doesn't say we will recite the Westminster Confession or the Apostle's Creed to receive the Father's commendation! In fact He doesn't mention that we earned a nearly perfect attendance record for Sunday worship gatherings or that we built a great building that was architecturally interesting. You know that, right? Here's what He does say: "Then the King will say to those on the right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’" (Matthew 25:34-36, NLT)
But how can we do those things for Jesus? Where is He hungry, or needy, or an alien in need of shelter? That's what those at the Judgment asked, too. And here's how Jesus replies: “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’" (Matthew 25:37-40, NLT)
I am crying at this moment as I think about how little of the money that is collected, in the name of doing God's work, from my congregation actually feeds the hungry, serves the poor, or shelters the alien. I'm not crying with joy, but with shameful sorrow. What will I tell Jesus when I stand there? How will I explain the way the churches I shepherded in His name squandered the opportunities for ministry that existed all around us? I can only groan, "God, forgive us. Help us to please you by opening our eyes and our hearts to Jesus where He lives among us. Amen."
Imagine the difference that Christian churches could make in this community if they actually did Christ-like things! But most churches spend almost 100% of their time, energy, and volunteer resources serving those within the walls, Christians comforting Christians! We claim we have no time to minister to the homeless, conduct a nursing home service, commit to a regular prison ministry, build a pantry to feed the hungry, provide mentoring to a fatherless boy, or take time to teach a young woman the skills she needs to support her baby. And we don't, because we have to keep the people happy who want climate controlled buildings, lavish youth programs, scintillating Christian education ministries, and well produced worship services.
I just wonder if our kids would be more convinced about the reality of Christianity if, in addition to teaching them doctrine in nicely decorated rooms with expensive, colorful literature that they discard before they reach home- we took them to do yard work or to read to a lonely elderly person, had a homeless ministry where they could play with poor kids and help to make dinner for them, or provided them opportunities to do other kinds of self-sacrificial service? Maybe they would learn what too many of us have forgotten... that faith without works is dead!
I have to give my parents some credit here. Every Sunday, when I was growing up, we got dragged to a nursing home to sing, talk, and love the people there. I hated it! While other kids got to play sports, I had to sit in an ugly basement chapel at Garden Nursing Home. I was deprived, or was I? Many of the residents smelled badly, tried to kiss me, and wanted me to sit by them so they could hold my hand. That's not cool when you're 12! But I learned to love outside of my comfort zone and, over time, learned that I was loving Jesus when I cared for those who were forgotten, lonely, and 'marginalized' by society. (I didn't realize my parents were conducting Sunday School in a with 'hands on' curriculum before that term was in vogue!) Then too, my parents were active in loving the needy all the time, not just on Sunday. Our house always had somebody in it that was in recovery, homeless, or otherwise in need. I thought that was just what Christians did. Later I learned that the majority of Christians talked about such caring and then paid for somebody else to do it, earning a tax deduction at the same time. That way they could 'love the needy' without getting their hands dirty.
Jesus told a story about the Judgment, when we stand before God. Interestingly, He doesn't say we will recite the Westminster Confession or the Apostle's Creed to receive the Father's commendation! In fact He doesn't mention that we earned a nearly perfect attendance record for Sunday worship gatherings or that we built a great building that was architecturally interesting. You know that, right? Here's what He does say: "Then the King will say to those on the right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’" (Matthew 25:34-36, NLT)
But how can we do those things for Jesus? Where is He hungry, or needy, or an alien in need of shelter? That's what those at the Judgment asked, too. And here's how Jesus replies: “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’" (Matthew 25:37-40, NLT)
I am crying at this moment as I think about how little of the money that is collected, in the name of doing God's work, from my congregation actually feeds the hungry, serves the poor, or shelters the alien. I'm not crying with joy, but with shameful sorrow. What will I tell Jesus when I stand there? How will I explain the way the churches I shepherded in His name squandered the opportunities for ministry that existed all around us? I can only groan, "God, forgive us. Help us to please you by opening our eyes and our hearts to Jesus where He lives among us. Amen."
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Encourage
Bob paid tribute to his circle of friends telling them that they added so much to his life. "You," he said to the little circle of people at his 41st birthday party, "have helped me and encouraged me." There was real emotion in his voice as he thanked us. It made me ask myself - "On the whole, am I a giver or a taker, a critic or an encourager?" Life is full of critics who are quick to take note when our work is less than stellar, when we sin or fail, when we are not who they expect us to be. The little lights in all that darkness are those precious few who see the good, send the 'thank you' note, who believe in us and help us to achieve more than we would if left to ourselves.
Several years ago, at a time when I was experiencing some real inner doubts about my effectiveness as a pastor, there was a Pastor Appreciation Day in our church. People were given the opportunity to write a note of thanks and the bundle was presented to me along with gifts. The gifts were nice, but the notes were like water poured on a parched plant. As I sat and read through them, some scrawled in childish handwriting, others written in flowing prose - I just wept! God used the kind words of several dozen people in that congregation to tell me, "Jerry, I can use even you to accomplish My work in this world. You're making a difference." I kept that little bundle of encouragement around for a long time and when I was feeling low, would read some of them again. They were like medicine for my soul.
The Bible tells us that as Believers we need to keep meeting together, and we should"encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25, NIV) In another passage, we are told pointedly- "If your gift is to encourage others, do it!... And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." (Romans 12:8, NLT)
Watch out for flattery which is defined as 'excessive or insincere praise.' Some will 'encourage' you but for their own purpose or gain. They will fill your ear with words that are ultimately manipulative. If we are in need of affirmation, we will be tempted to believe those flattering words and, in the end, will be hurt when we figure out we were used. I'm sure everyone of us can think of a time when we let somebody 'sweet talk' us into doing something or being somebody that we really were not. Proverbs, that treasure trove of practical wisdom, calls flattery a "a net for his feet." (29:5, NIV) It trips us up!
The story of David, who rose from a country shepherd boy, the least in his family, to become a great king, had people who encouraged him along the way. He was greatly gifted, had a deep faith and loads of courage, yet he needed people who spurred him on to greatness! As a young man, Jonathan was a key person whose encouragement helped David get through some awful times in the palace. Later on in his life he gathered several men around him that the Bible calls "David's mighty men." Isn't that rich? These guys believed in him and served alongside of him in the campaigns he waged for Israel's safety. During his reign there were others who advised and encouraged him. What would he have been without these people? Only God knows.
Be an encourager today!
You have a choice today as you deal with others- to dwell on the disappointments or to think on the good things. If you focus on those moments when you're needs and desires have been unmet, you will become a bitter, cynical critic who sucks the life out of every situation and relationship. If you seek the good, you will be an encourager, and, the encouragement you give will, in the end, come 'round to you again!
"Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." (Philippians 4:8, The Message) _______________________________________
Lord God, the world teaches me to be a critic.
The talk show hosts, the movie critics, the political pundits, and even some preachers, fill the world with angry words, hurtful words, negative words.
Lord, their attitude sticks to me and makes me critical, too.
I pray that you would do a work in my heart and mind.
Help me to see the best, to choose to forget myself, and to lift up somebody today who needs to be encouraged.
Make me a bright light of hope in a dark world of despair, a source of refreshing words that bring life to the dry desert of someone's life.
As you have loved me, help me to love others, for Jesus' sake.
In His holy name I pray. Amen.
Several years ago, at a time when I was experiencing some real inner doubts about my effectiveness as a pastor, there was a Pastor Appreciation Day in our church. People were given the opportunity to write a note of thanks and the bundle was presented to me along with gifts. The gifts were nice, but the notes were like water poured on a parched plant. As I sat and read through them, some scrawled in childish handwriting, others written in flowing prose - I just wept! God used the kind words of several dozen people in that congregation to tell me, "Jerry, I can use even you to accomplish My work in this world. You're making a difference." I kept that little bundle of encouragement around for a long time and when I was feeling low, would read some of them again. They were like medicine for my soul.
The Bible tells us that as Believers we need to keep meeting together, and we should"encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25, NIV) In another passage, we are told pointedly- "If your gift is to encourage others, do it!... And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." (Romans 12:8, NLT)
Watch out for flattery which is defined as 'excessive or insincere praise.' Some will 'encourage' you but for their own purpose or gain. They will fill your ear with words that are ultimately manipulative. If we are in need of affirmation, we will be tempted to believe those flattering words and, in the end, will be hurt when we figure out we were used. I'm sure everyone of us can think of a time when we let somebody 'sweet talk' us into doing something or being somebody that we really were not. Proverbs, that treasure trove of practical wisdom, calls flattery a "a net for his feet." (29:5, NIV) It trips us up!
The story of David, who rose from a country shepherd boy, the least in his family, to become a great king, had people who encouraged him along the way. He was greatly gifted, had a deep faith and loads of courage, yet he needed people who spurred him on to greatness! As a young man, Jonathan was a key person whose encouragement helped David get through some awful times in the palace. Later on in his life he gathered several men around him that the Bible calls "David's mighty men." Isn't that rich? These guys believed in him and served alongside of him in the campaigns he waged for Israel's safety. During his reign there were others who advised and encouraged him. What would he have been without these people? Only God knows.
Be an encourager today!
- Don't flatter, but give praise.
- Take note of those who are often 'invisible' to the world, make eye contact, and say a sincere 'thank you.'
- If you know of someone who is struggling to keep their head above water - give them a call and pray with them, briefly and sincerely, for God's strength for this day.
- Has someone helped you make it through a hard time that is due a note? Then, tell them TODAY!
You have a choice today as you deal with others- to dwell on the disappointments or to think on the good things. If you focus on those moments when you're needs and desires have been unmet, you will become a bitter, cynical critic who sucks the life out of every situation and relationship. If you seek the good, you will be an encourager, and, the encouragement you give will, in the end, come 'round to you again!
"Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." (Philippians 4:8, The Message) _______________________________________
Lord God, the world teaches me to be a critic.
The talk show hosts, the movie critics, the political pundits, and even some preachers, fill the world with angry words, hurtful words, negative words.
Lord, their attitude sticks to me and makes me critical, too.
I pray that you would do a work in my heart and mind.
Help me to see the best, to choose to forget myself, and to lift up somebody today who needs to be encouraged.
Make me a bright light of hope in a dark world of despair, a source of refreshing words that bring life to the dry desert of someone's life.
As you have loved me, help me to love others, for Jesus' sake.
In His holy name I pray. Amen.
Monday, April 11, 2005
"skubalon"
(What follows is not original with me. I owe my 'inspiration' to Alan Nelson, a pastor in Arizona. If this TFTD offends you, please know I'm not sending it to be mean or even just to be humorous. There is a point buried in it ... which just might stick, if you'll read all the way to the end!)
Can you say the vulgar word for "manure" if you're a pastor? I didn't think so... OK, so I'll use the Biblical term, "skubalon." (Dung, if you want to look it up.) You might say I have a Ph.D in the stuff-- yeah, piled high and deep-- 'cause I grew up on a farm where I scooped tons of it into the wagon that carried it to fertilize our fields. I just had no idea I'd have to scoop so much of it as a pastor! Here's what I mean. I get a whiff of skubalon during meetings I attend when a personal agenda overtakes God's agenda. The distinct odor drifts out of notes from people who are angry over this or that in their church. During most conversations that include the famous line - "Pastor, God is leading us to another church," I start looking around for a shovel. One of the big problems with church is that we spend way too much time trying deny or sanctify skubalon instead of just shoveling it out the door. In many places the wonderful treasure of the Gospel get buried in it and the sweet fragrance of Christ is obscured by the stench of selfishness and self-righteousness coming out of the church.
We need to call it what it is. When we over-react, let's just call it skubalon instead of making excuses. When we are trying to impress someone with our overblown story or tragic tale, somebody needs to sneeze, -skubalon! and bring us back to our senses and the truth. When pettiness and political pomp are hindering real progress we need to send for the skubalon wagon to haul it away so God's work can continue unhindered by phoniness. Ultimately, it doesn't matter what you call it. If it looks like skubalon, smells like skubalon... more than likely it is skubalon.
Skubalon happens! That's life. But ignoring it, renaming it, or even playing around with it in conversations or gripe sessions, just isn't right! Identify it. Clean it up, and move on. Ever been drawn into a conversation where the ministry of another person is being coated with critical comments that stink like skubalon? Did you stop it or nod in agreement, piling it on? Ever been part of a gripe session where somebody's skubalon was hurled at at undeserving leader, just because of personal reasons or preferences? Of course, this pastor is the first to admit to the need for the golden rule principle in this discussion. I've flung more than my fair share of skubalon from time to time; and I repent for letting myself deal in such base stuff! It's kind of difficult to point out the pile in your front yard when mine is stinking under the sunshine, but.... if we all commit to telling the truth and start to deal with the skubalon in our lives, the world will be a better place.
From the summit of Mt. Midlife, my skubalon detector has become more sharply honed. I am told that the Busters (born between 1965-1980) and the Millennials (born in the 80's and 90's) have particularly keen skubalon detection skills and that if we are not willing to be authentic, they are quite willing to discard our Christian faith as so much skublaon, and they will head for the door of our church without looking back! They quickly see when somebody's position, power, or prestige has become more important than the truth, than Jesus' will, or loving people! They will shake the skubalon off their feet. Tragically, they often turn their backs on the Truth, too. Jesus has a word for those who let the stink of the skubalon in their lives drive others away from Him and His community: "if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck." (Matthew 18:6, NLT)
Lest you think that I've become overly coarse, let me share what Paul, the Apostle, wrote. He apparently had little tolerance for skubalon after his transformational meeting with Jesus Christ on the road to Damacus. He wasn't polite in his description of his B.C. (Before Christ) days. Here's what he wrote-- "What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung (skubalon), that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:" (Philippians 3:6-9, KJV)
Just in case you're having a little trouble with the old English... here's the heart of that passage from The Message. "Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him."
The glorious Truth is that God, the Spirit, offers a powerful disinfectant to us that can rid us of even the odor of skubalon in our lives! We don't have to live in lies, traffic in deception, or serve self any longer. Because we are powerfully loved, we can face the truth even when it stinks! Once we call the stinky mess what it really is, God can help us deal with it effectively!
Here's a great word to meditate on today: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:1-4, NKJV)
Take the freedom from the stink of sin that is offered by Christ. Let's breathe the fresh clean air that is blown into our lives by the Holy Spirit and the glory of the Gospel, the beauty of Jesus, and the power of the Spirit will become evident to all who see what God has done!
Can you say the vulgar word for "manure" if you're a pastor? I didn't think so... OK, so I'll use the Biblical term, "skubalon." (Dung, if you want to look it up.) You might say I have a Ph.D in the stuff-- yeah, piled high and deep-- 'cause I grew up on a farm where I scooped tons of it into the wagon that carried it to fertilize our fields. I just had no idea I'd have to scoop so much of it as a pastor! Here's what I mean. I get a whiff of skubalon during meetings I attend when a personal agenda overtakes God's agenda. The distinct odor drifts out of notes from people who are angry over this or that in their church. During most conversations that include the famous line - "Pastor, God is leading us to another church," I start looking around for a shovel. One of the big problems with church is that we spend way too much time trying deny or sanctify skubalon instead of just shoveling it out the door. In many places the wonderful treasure of the Gospel get buried in it and the sweet fragrance of Christ is obscured by the stench of selfishness and self-righteousness coming out of the church.
We need to call it what it is. When we over-react, let's just call it skubalon instead of making excuses. When we are trying to impress someone with our overblown story or tragic tale, somebody needs to sneeze, -skubalon! and bring us back to our senses and the truth. When pettiness and political pomp are hindering real progress we need to send for the skubalon wagon to haul it away so God's work can continue unhindered by phoniness. Ultimately, it doesn't matter what you call it. If it looks like skubalon, smells like skubalon... more than likely it is skubalon.
Skubalon happens! That's life. But ignoring it, renaming it, or even playing around with it in conversations or gripe sessions, just isn't right! Identify it. Clean it up, and move on. Ever been drawn into a conversation where the ministry of another person is being coated with critical comments that stink like skubalon? Did you stop it or nod in agreement, piling it on? Ever been part of a gripe session where somebody's skubalon was hurled at at undeserving leader, just because of personal reasons or preferences? Of course, this pastor is the first to admit to the need for the golden rule principle in this discussion. I've flung more than my fair share of skubalon from time to time; and I repent for letting myself deal in such base stuff! It's kind of difficult to point out the pile in your front yard when mine is stinking under the sunshine, but.... if we all commit to telling the truth and start to deal with the skubalon in our lives, the world will be a better place.
From the summit of Mt. Midlife, my skubalon detector has become more sharply honed. I am told that the Busters (born between 1965-1980) and the Millennials (born in the 80's and 90's) have particularly keen skubalon detection skills and that if we are not willing to be authentic, they are quite willing to discard our Christian faith as so much skublaon, and they will head for the door of our church without looking back! They quickly see when somebody's position, power, or prestige has become more important than the truth, than Jesus' will, or loving people! They will shake the skubalon off their feet. Tragically, they often turn their backs on the Truth, too. Jesus has a word for those who let the stink of the skubalon in their lives drive others away from Him and His community: "if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck." (Matthew 18:6, NLT)
Lest you think that I've become overly coarse, let me share what Paul, the Apostle, wrote. He apparently had little tolerance for skubalon after his transformational meeting with Jesus Christ on the road to Damacus. He wasn't polite in his description of his B.C. (Before Christ) days. Here's what he wrote-- "What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung (skubalon), that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:" (Philippians 3:6-9, KJV)
Just in case you're having a little trouble with the old English... here's the heart of that passage from The Message. "Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him."
The glorious Truth is that God, the Spirit, offers a powerful disinfectant to us that can rid us of even the odor of skubalon in our lives! We don't have to live in lies, traffic in deception, or serve self any longer. Because we are powerfully loved, we can face the truth even when it stinks! Once we call the stinky mess what it really is, God can help us deal with it effectively!
Here's a great word to meditate on today: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:1-4, NKJV)
Take the freedom from the stink of sin that is offered by Christ. Let's breathe the fresh clean air that is blown into our lives by the Holy Spirit and the glory of the Gospel, the beauty of Jesus, and the power of the Spirit will become evident to all who see what God has done!
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