Whether it is a family, a Boy Scout troop, or a nation, leadership is one of the key's to peace, for unity, and for success. People need to be led. I'm not talking about having or being a boss. There are plenty of people who love to be 'in charge' because they like having power, who are not really leaders. It is easy to confuse holding an office with exercising leadership, but they are not one and the same. Observing any organization or group, we will find that there are bosses who claim to be 'in charge,' and leaders who really make the group function. Often they are not the same person or people. "How can they lead without having authority?" you might ask. Real leaders don't order people around, they spread influence! A leader is one who influences others - for good, perhaps, for bad!
If you're a leader, remember this -- leaders need to be led, too! A rogue leader who lives without a network of accountable relationships, who is not allowing herself to be positively influenced, will almost always eventually self-destruct and/or destroy the organization she leads as she begins to use more and more of its resources for her own purposes.
In the book of Judges, which tells stories from the earliest days of the Israeli nation's formation, two of the final chapters open with this line: "In those days Israel had no king." Both chapters recount events of social and spiritual chaos, of horrific crimes and recrimination. The message is - without leadership the people did not become who God wanted them to be. There was no one inspiring them to reach higher, to live better, to restrain the impulses of sin. To underscore the message, after these stories of spiritual failure, that book closes with this statement: "In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes." (Judges 21:25, NLT)
In the era of the Church, God calls men and women into leadership, giving them spiritual gifts that enable them to inspire His people with vision, to call His people to purpose. Here's how Ephesians talks about those leaders and their function: "He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-13, NLT)
Do you see anything in that passage about being 'the boss?' Neither do I! Church leadership is about helping others succeed, inspiring people to look past their self interest to see the whole of God's work and to come to a state of unity. Leaders, both those who are 'in office' and those who influence and inspire without an official title, are called to focus on creating an environment where God's people can become giants of faith; deep and mature in spiritual things, Christ-like in character. That's a high calling and it sounds like a lot of hard work, doesn't it? Those called by God to lead His Church, are called to something far more important than managing church work, which is what often passes for church leadership.
Are you called to leadership? Then serve well, humbly, and for eternal purposes, remaining under Christ's authority.
Are you being led? Make the work of those in leadership a joyful task. The Word requires this of each one of us. God says, "Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit." (Hebrews 13:17, NLT)
Let the chaos and misery of the time of the Judges be a lesson of what happens when there are no leaders. Pray that God would call godly men and women to provide visionary leadership to His Church - and if he calls you - respond humbly, "Lord, here I am, use me!"
Friday, February 17, 2006
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Hewn and fit in place
Do you 'fit in?'
Have you allowed God to shape you and place you where He wants, contented to be a part of His work, by His design?
Peter uses a rich and wonderful metaphor that captures my imagination: "you, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house." (1 Peter 2:5, NKJV) Reading that, my mind goes to the cathedrals built from common stone - often limestone which can be carved and shaped. Each stone, from the huge foundational ones to the intricately carved ones that decorate the tops of the walls, is carefully fitted into place, together becoming something beautiful. Ordinary blocks of stone, pulled from the quarry, of little worthy or beauty individually, are formed into an awe-inspiring place where God is worshipped.
That's what He wants to do with you and me! In immaturity, most of us seek to be 'known.' We work at differentiating ourselves from the crowd. That teen with the amazing hair-do or with all that hardware in his face is just trying to tell the world - "Hey, look at me. I exist! I am me!" As he matures, he will find his identity, grow comfortable in his own skin, and begin to meld himself into community. With intellectual and emotional maturity, he will realize the importance of being a part of something bigger than himself, of giving up some of his individuality for the sake of society.
Mature Christians realize that God has called them into the Body of Christ, that He wants to fit them into His temple - and it's not a terrible thing, either. God has to do some shaping, knocking off the sharp edges, preparing us for that place in His design. The Believer who's jumping up and down yelling for attention, who needs to be the 'super-star,' just needs to grow up in Christ, to be settled and secure - becoming "a living stone!"
In the same passage, Peter (the nickname that meant 'the rock,' that Jesus gave to the man who was actually named Simon) reminds us of the secure foundation on which those living stones rest. "Come to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by the people, but he is precious to God who chose him. ... As the Scriptures express it, “I am placing a stone in Jerusalem, a chosen cornerstone, and anyone who believes in him will never be disappointed.” " (1 Peter 2:3-6, NLT)
So much of life is marked by change, by shifting priorities, by things temporary and passing.
Meditate today on the solidness of God's work - on the immoveable and unchanging character of Jesus. Praise Him for working to cause you to 'fit in,' and rejoice in the opportunity to be part of a great Temple where His Presence lives and is shown in beauty to the world.
Have you allowed God to shape you and place you where He wants, contented to be a part of His work, by His design?
Peter uses a rich and wonderful metaphor that captures my imagination: "you, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house." (1 Peter 2:5, NKJV) Reading that, my mind goes to the cathedrals built from common stone - often limestone which can be carved and shaped. Each stone, from the huge foundational ones to the intricately carved ones that decorate the tops of the walls, is carefully fitted into place, together becoming something beautiful. Ordinary blocks of stone, pulled from the quarry, of little worthy or beauty individually, are formed into an awe-inspiring place where God is worshipped.
That's what He wants to do with you and me! In immaturity, most of us seek to be 'known.' We work at differentiating ourselves from the crowd. That teen with the amazing hair-do or with all that hardware in his face is just trying to tell the world - "Hey, look at me. I exist! I am me!" As he matures, he will find his identity, grow comfortable in his own skin, and begin to meld himself into community. With intellectual and emotional maturity, he will realize the importance of being a part of something bigger than himself, of giving up some of his individuality for the sake of society.
Mature Christians realize that God has called them into the Body of Christ, that He wants to fit them into His temple - and it's not a terrible thing, either. God has to do some shaping, knocking off the sharp edges, preparing us for that place in His design. The Believer who's jumping up and down yelling for attention, who needs to be the 'super-star,' just needs to grow up in Christ, to be settled and secure - becoming "a living stone!"
In the same passage, Peter (the nickname that meant 'the rock,' that Jesus gave to the man who was actually named Simon) reminds us of the secure foundation on which those living stones rest. "Come to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by the people, but he is precious to God who chose him. ... As the Scriptures express it, “I am placing a stone in Jerusalem, a chosen cornerstone, and anyone who believes in him will never be disappointed.” " (1 Peter 2:3-6, NLT)
So much of life is marked by change, by shifting priorities, by things temporary and passing.
Meditate today on the solidness of God's work - on the immoveable and unchanging character of Jesus. Praise Him for working to cause you to 'fit in,' and rejoice in the opportunity to be part of a great Temple where His Presence lives and is shown in beauty to the world.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
His hair grew back!
Guilty! With that verdict comes shame, a sentence, and a mark for life. "Convicted felon" is a line no one wants to put in his resume. As a rule, our failures will be remembered far longer than our successes. Mention the name - Jimmy Swaggart - and see what people say. Will they speak of his gospel music, the Bible college he founded, the evangelistic efforts he carried out around the world, or the millions of dollars he gave to missionary work? Not likely. It will be his failures, his descent into lust and greed, that will fill most conversations about him.
God is different! Time and again, He promises redemption and restoration!
“This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. .... I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”" (Jeremiah 31:33-34, NIV)
"Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. You used to live ... full of sin, obeying Satan... But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s special favor that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead ... And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus. God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God." (Ephesians 2:1-8, NLT)
Yesterday, I wrote of the sad saga of a man named Samson, who became first the captive of his lust, and then the slave of his enemies. When the Spirit of God lifted from him, his strength was gone. The Philistines blinded him and made him turn the grinding wheel in the granary. What a picture of the Believer who lives in sinful disobedience! When we reject the leading of the Holy Spirit and grieve our God, our true strength is gone for the fellowship with the Spirit who gives us life is broken.
But, Samson's story doesn't end in the prison granary! There is a line that makes me smile in the symbolism it contains, "But before long his hair began to grow back." (Judges 16:22, NLT) Samson's long hair was a outward sign of his vows to God. As his hair grew over time, his heart turned back to God and he discovered the miracle of restoration and redemption that is available to us all - because of the Lord's mercy! Between the lines of the story, we can see the man broken in body, becoming strong in spirit. As he strained to turn the grinding wheel, though his eyes were gone - he began to really see. No longer could he gaze on the beauty of the women that once captured his attention, but he could 'see' the beauty of the Lord. And with the growth of his hair, his return to devotion to God returned, and with that came renewal of his strength. In the end, this hero of Israel, triumphed in death.
What a price his sin exacted from him! That is the tragic part of willful disobedience to God, Believer. He is rich in mercy, a Redeemer who 'raises us from the dead,' but the scars of sin are never erased. Yesterday's sin can be forgiven, the guilt removed by Christ Jesus forever, but the consequences... ah, those residual effects, they remain part of our lives until we enter into Eternity.
So, if you've fallen - listen for the Spirit's invitation. Receive God's grace and mercy and be restored! "Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the people turn from their wicked deeds. Let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7, NLT)
If you're being tempted - run, don't walk, to the Presence of God where there is strength. Don't abuse His grace. "Keep step with the Spirit," and avoid the regret, the pain, the shame that can mark the rest of your life.
________________________
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above;
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
Title: Great Is Thy FaithfulnessAuthor: Chisholm, Thomas O. / Runyan, William M.Copyright: 1923. Renewed 1951 Hope Publishing Company
God is different! Time and again, He promises redemption and restoration!
“This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. .... I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”" (Jeremiah 31:33-34, NIV)
"Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. You used to live ... full of sin, obeying Satan... But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s special favor that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead ... And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus. God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God." (Ephesians 2:1-8, NLT)
Yesterday, I wrote of the sad saga of a man named Samson, who became first the captive of his lust, and then the slave of his enemies. When the Spirit of God lifted from him, his strength was gone. The Philistines blinded him and made him turn the grinding wheel in the granary. What a picture of the Believer who lives in sinful disobedience! When we reject the leading of the Holy Spirit and grieve our God, our true strength is gone for the fellowship with the Spirit who gives us life is broken.
But, Samson's story doesn't end in the prison granary! There is a line that makes me smile in the symbolism it contains, "But before long his hair began to grow back." (Judges 16:22, NLT) Samson's long hair was a outward sign of his vows to God. As his hair grew over time, his heart turned back to God and he discovered the miracle of restoration and redemption that is available to us all - because of the Lord's mercy! Between the lines of the story, we can see the man broken in body, becoming strong in spirit. As he strained to turn the grinding wheel, though his eyes were gone - he began to really see. No longer could he gaze on the beauty of the women that once captured his attention, but he could 'see' the beauty of the Lord. And with the growth of his hair, his return to devotion to God returned, and with that came renewal of his strength. In the end, this hero of Israel, triumphed in death.
What a price his sin exacted from him! That is the tragic part of willful disobedience to God, Believer. He is rich in mercy, a Redeemer who 'raises us from the dead,' but the scars of sin are never erased. Yesterday's sin can be forgiven, the guilt removed by Christ Jesus forever, but the consequences... ah, those residual effects, they remain part of our lives until we enter into Eternity.
So, if you've fallen - listen for the Spirit's invitation. Receive God's grace and mercy and be restored! "Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the people turn from their wicked deeds. Let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7, NLT)
If you're being tempted - run, don't walk, to the Presence of God where there is strength. Don't abuse His grace. "Keep step with the Spirit," and avoid the regret, the pain, the shame that can mark the rest of your life.
________________________
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above;
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
Title: Great Is Thy FaithfulnessAuthor: Chisholm, Thomas O. / Runyan, William M.Copyright: 1923. Renewed 1951 Hope Publishing Company
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
What's it really cost?
The true cost of an item is often obscured. We 'forget' to factor in things like taxes, depreciation, and maintenance costs.
The true cost of sin is often hidden as well. Sin is so attractive - on the surface - isn't it?
Drinking looks so sophisticated in the movies. The very cool frat boys throw parties; everybody gets smashed, and hilarity results. But many of those same frat boys turn into alcoholics that can't function without a stiff drink. Then, too, the stories of the girls who are date-raped while they are too drunk to know what they doing or what's being done to them are seldom told.
Wayne McLaren, if you're over 35 you'll remember him as the Marlboro Man, was the epitome of cool! His rugged good looks and ever present cigarette lured millions to start smoking cigarettes. He died of lung cancer at age 51, but not before appearing at a stockholders meeting of Philip Morris, the tobacco company, with a plea for them to change the way cigarettes were advertised!
I read a tongue-in-cheek treatment of the cost of a 4 month long affair recently. (This is not intended to minimize the pain associated with infidelity, so please do not read it that way.) The author went through a long list of costs including motel rooms, gifts, phone cards, loss of promotion for lack of focus on the job, legal fees for the divorce, etc. Total cost for the affair = $25,664.00 After the long list, he concluded - "Hardly seems worth it, does it?" And he didn't factor in the loss of self-respect, the loss of relationship with children and family, and the offense to God - which is most significant!
Revenge tastes so sweet when we're angry, doesn't it? We are capable of plotting another's destruction with scarcely a thought for the pain our words and actions will cause.
Indolence is so inviting. "Take it easy. There's always tomorrow. Put it off, play! Go, ahead, goof off- let the mess alone." But do we count the compounding costs of neglect - how hard it will be to do today's work and tomorrow's work when the crunch time arrives?
I read the story of one of the 'cool' characters of the Bible this morning. He became a national leader of Israel. From his childhood everyone knew he was uniquely blessed. In fact the Bible says, that while he was still very young "The Spirit of God began working in him." (Judges 13:25, The Message) He was witty, could really tell a story, and was amazingly strong - especially when the Spirit of God rested on him. But, he had a longing for women that he never really conquered. For 20 years he managed to balance his lust and his anointing. Don't ask me to explain that! It's what the Bible tells me. Yes, his name is Samson. One day he was down in Gaza where he saw a woman well versed in seduction, she was a prostitute, named Delilah. He was captivated by her sensuality and slept with her. He wasn't worried. After all, he had 'managed' his lust and remained in power for all these years, what's the problem with one more sin? But, Delilah wasn't just any woman. She was greedy and a collaborator with those who wanted Samson's destruction. She whined and pled with him while he played the fool, gazing at her with love-sick eyes. After he finally revealed that it was his relationship with God that gave him his amazing abilities, she was quick to tell his enemies. One of the saddest verses in the Bible is: "Delilah cried out, “Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!” When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the Lord had left him." (Judges 16:20, NLT)
Believer, temptation is common to us all! You're not a bad person because you feel the magnetism of disobedience to God. We all do at one time or another. "Remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience." Don't be amazed that those desires arise in you. Just remember the rest of that passage. "God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT)
Ask the Holy Spirit to be your accountant, to help you factor in all the costs of sinful disobedience; then, serve God with faithfulness. Factor in the rewards for the righteous, too. They are rich and plentiful, though not always immediate.
"Throw out anything tainted with evil.
May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole,
put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ.
The One who called you is completely dependable.
If he said it, he’ll do it!" (1 Thessalonians 5:22-24, The Message)
The true cost of sin is often hidden as well. Sin is so attractive - on the surface - isn't it?
Drinking looks so sophisticated in the movies. The very cool frat boys throw parties; everybody gets smashed, and hilarity results. But many of those same frat boys turn into alcoholics that can't function without a stiff drink. Then, too, the stories of the girls who are date-raped while they are too drunk to know what they doing or what's being done to them are seldom told.
Wayne McLaren, if you're over 35 you'll remember him as the Marlboro Man, was the epitome of cool! His rugged good looks and ever present cigarette lured millions to start smoking cigarettes. He died of lung cancer at age 51, but not before appearing at a stockholders meeting of Philip Morris, the tobacco company, with a plea for them to change the way cigarettes were advertised!
I read a tongue-in-cheek treatment of the cost of a 4 month long affair recently. (This is not intended to minimize the pain associated with infidelity, so please do not read it that way.) The author went through a long list of costs including motel rooms, gifts, phone cards, loss of promotion for lack of focus on the job, legal fees for the divorce, etc. Total cost for the affair = $25,664.00 After the long list, he concluded - "Hardly seems worth it, does it?" And he didn't factor in the loss of self-respect, the loss of relationship with children and family, and the offense to God - which is most significant!
Revenge tastes so sweet when we're angry, doesn't it? We are capable of plotting another's destruction with scarcely a thought for the pain our words and actions will cause.
Indolence is so inviting. "Take it easy. There's always tomorrow. Put it off, play! Go, ahead, goof off- let the mess alone." But do we count the compounding costs of neglect - how hard it will be to do today's work and tomorrow's work when the crunch time arrives?
I read the story of one of the 'cool' characters of the Bible this morning. He became a national leader of Israel. From his childhood everyone knew he was uniquely blessed. In fact the Bible says, that while he was still very young "The Spirit of God began working in him." (Judges 13:25, The Message) He was witty, could really tell a story, and was amazingly strong - especially when the Spirit of God rested on him. But, he had a longing for women that he never really conquered. For 20 years he managed to balance his lust and his anointing. Don't ask me to explain that! It's what the Bible tells me. Yes, his name is Samson. One day he was down in Gaza where he saw a woman well versed in seduction, she was a prostitute, named Delilah. He was captivated by her sensuality and slept with her. He wasn't worried. After all, he had 'managed' his lust and remained in power for all these years, what's the problem with one more sin? But, Delilah wasn't just any woman. She was greedy and a collaborator with those who wanted Samson's destruction. She whined and pled with him while he played the fool, gazing at her with love-sick eyes. After he finally revealed that it was his relationship with God that gave him his amazing abilities, she was quick to tell his enemies. One of the saddest verses in the Bible is: "Delilah cried out, “Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!” When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the Lord had left him." (Judges 16:20, NLT)
Believer, temptation is common to us all! You're not a bad person because you feel the magnetism of disobedience to God. We all do at one time or another. "Remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience." Don't be amazed that those desires arise in you. Just remember the rest of that passage. "God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT)
Ask the Holy Spirit to be your accountant, to help you factor in all the costs of sinful disobedience; then, serve God with faithfulness. Factor in the rewards for the righteous, too. They are rich and plentiful, though not always immediate.
"Throw out anything tainted with evil.
May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole,
put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ.
The One who called you is completely dependable.
If he said it, he’ll do it!" (1 Thessalonians 5:22-24, The Message)
Monday, February 13, 2006
Show a little kindness
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. If you had forgotten, there's still time to get a gift or card. To be sure, the day is exploited by those who print cards, arrange flowers, or manufacture jewelry. According to Hallmark Cards, about 190 million cards will be sent on Valentine's Day, second only to Christmas in numbers. That doesn't include the little packaged cards that school kids pass around, either. At an average cost of $3 per card, that a staggering sum of money. Add in chocolate, flowers, and diamonds and it is obvious why a segment of the retail world loves St. Valentine.
As with every gift-giving occasion, there will be multiple motivating factors for the exchange of cards or flowers. There will be 'pay-offs,' the 'gifts' presented in the hope of settling some old emotional debt. There will be manipulative presentations, something given in the hope of gaining advantage. A lot of roses will be sent by dutiful husbands just because 'it's the right thing to do.' And, there will be cards exchanged that were lovingly chosen for the message they carry; gifts given to delight the recipient.
I am glad for the reminder to love. Last time I checked, love was in short supply in a world full of criticism, impatience, war, greed, and power struggles! Don't you agree? So, it's great to celebrate caring. Valentine's Day is not just for romance! The origins of the celebration are murky but most sources agree that they were about a priest who resisted injustice and raised awareness of the importance of caring for each other. Whether you're romantically 'in love' or not, you can celebrate Valentine's Day, showing concern for others.
Take the opportunity to write a note of appreciation for that person who has served you faithfully this year - your child's teacher, a coach, a good friend whose been there when you needed her. Tip the wait staff extra and express your appreciation for the way they make your life a bit more pleasant. Expressions of caring don't always have to be grand or cost $100! Back in 2000, Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt acted in a movie that told a story about caring, Pay It Forward. A boy's Social Studies teacher encourages his students to search for a project to make their world a better place. The boy decides to do three acts of kindness with the only payment being that the person do three acts of kindness for others. Sounds sappy, right? It's much better than I describe it! It's worth the rental cost.
Christ Jesus invests Himself in us, and asks us to 'pay it forward.' He says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." (John 15:9-14, NIV)
At the risk of stating the obvious, let me remind us that Christian love is much, much more than sending a card or buying some flowers.
It is a deeply other-focused way of life that actively attempts to serve, to care, to be involved. It is costly! Jesus died for us for love's sake. So, here's a suggestion. Sharpen your human caring skills this week. Let all the Valentine's stuff be a prompt that causes you to ask, "How would Jesus want me to react, to respond, in this situation? How can I show real love?" As you do this in a Spirit-inspired way, people will take note and Jesus said the quality of our love will be THE mark that we belong to Him.
Meditate on this today ---
"This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” (John 13:35, The Message)
______________
Father, I sing about your love, receive the benefit of your love, and
often am almost completely unaware of how blessed I am to be loved so wonderfully.
I worship You for the gift of Jesus Christ, a gift of love that changed me forever.
Spirit of God, work in me today - deeply, profoundly,
causing me to love others, the unlovely as well as those who love me.
Lead me to people who need to know of their worth in Your sight and
teach me how to pour out what You have poured into me.
In this, may Jesus Christ be honored, glorified, and receive all the praise.
Amen."
As with every gift-giving occasion, there will be multiple motivating factors for the exchange of cards or flowers. There will be 'pay-offs,' the 'gifts' presented in the hope of settling some old emotional debt. There will be manipulative presentations, something given in the hope of gaining advantage. A lot of roses will be sent by dutiful husbands just because 'it's the right thing to do.' And, there will be cards exchanged that were lovingly chosen for the message they carry; gifts given to delight the recipient.
I am glad for the reminder to love. Last time I checked, love was in short supply in a world full of criticism, impatience, war, greed, and power struggles! Don't you agree? So, it's great to celebrate caring. Valentine's Day is not just for romance! The origins of the celebration are murky but most sources agree that they were about a priest who resisted injustice and raised awareness of the importance of caring for each other. Whether you're romantically 'in love' or not, you can celebrate Valentine's Day, showing concern for others.
Take the opportunity to write a note of appreciation for that person who has served you faithfully this year - your child's teacher, a coach, a good friend whose been there when you needed her. Tip the wait staff extra and express your appreciation for the way they make your life a bit more pleasant. Expressions of caring don't always have to be grand or cost $100! Back in 2000, Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt acted in a movie that told a story about caring, Pay It Forward. A boy's Social Studies teacher encourages his students to search for a project to make their world a better place. The boy decides to do three acts of kindness with the only payment being that the person do three acts of kindness for others. Sounds sappy, right? It's much better than I describe it! It's worth the rental cost.
Christ Jesus invests Himself in us, and asks us to 'pay it forward.' He says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." (John 15:9-14, NIV)
At the risk of stating the obvious, let me remind us that Christian love is much, much more than sending a card or buying some flowers.
It is a deeply other-focused way of life that actively attempts to serve, to care, to be involved. It is costly! Jesus died for us for love's sake. So, here's a suggestion. Sharpen your human caring skills this week. Let all the Valentine's stuff be a prompt that causes you to ask, "How would Jesus want me to react, to respond, in this situation? How can I show real love?" As you do this in a Spirit-inspired way, people will take note and Jesus said the quality of our love will be THE mark that we belong to Him.
Meditate on this today ---
"This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” (John 13:35, The Message)
______________
Father, I sing about your love, receive the benefit of your love, and
often am almost completely unaware of how blessed I am to be loved so wonderfully.
I worship You for the gift of Jesus Christ, a gift of love that changed me forever.
Spirit of God, work in me today - deeply, profoundly,
causing me to love others, the unlovely as well as those who love me.
Lead me to people who need to know of their worth in Your sight and
teach me how to pour out what You have poured into me.
In this, may Jesus Christ be honored, glorified, and receive all the praise.
Amen."
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