Let's THINK about that

After I suggested a solution to a minor problem somebody said, “That’s why they pay him the big bucks.” We all laughed! There are no ‘big bucks’ and what I offered required no particular knowledge or skill. But, there are times when it is helpful to have somebody outside of the situation help with the process of thinking. The consulting business is huge for that reason. Consultants can bring a fresh perspective and offer insight. How easy it is to react to life instead of taking time to think deeply enough to choose a new way.

Jesus came into the world to teach us a whole new way of living! In Matthew 5-7, a passage we call the ‘Sermon on the Mount,’ repeatedly Jesus used this presentation: “You have heard it said, … but I tell you.”  He challenged those who followed Him to stop chasing power, pleasure, and perks. “True life,’ He said, “is found in serving, loving, and giving.”  One by one, He took on their assumptions.

·         You think that adultery is just climbing into bed with someone? Think again. Adultery begins with your fantasies! 

·         You think that murder is taking somebody’s life? Think again. Murder begins with contempt for another person.

·         You think that an ‘eye for an eye’ is justice? Think again. Real love absorbs the hurt and changes the world with self-sacrifice.

·         You think scrupulous religious acts that others can admire also please God? Think again. When you truly want to please Him, forget about making sure others notice.

·         You think that worrying about things solves problems? Think again. “Seek first the kingdom of God and He’ll take care of the things that others fret about.

For many, Christmas will be another occasion to indulge in Self. They will hear the Story but miss the message. Jesus’ birth and the Gospel will get turned inside out and somehow, some way will become about getting fatter and happier, with more things in our already crowded closets. Let’s think about that! He did say  "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10, NIV) And, He re-defined what fullness is. We gain by giving, win by losing, and find righteousness with God by giving up on our own goodness.

Luke’s record of Jesus’ birth includes this little line tucked into the corner: "But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19, NKJV) Shepherds appearing at her baby’s makeshift bed with stories of angels singing in the skies made her wonder at this boy child’s true identity. For nine months, her life had been turned upside down by an angel’s announcement of her pregnancy. It was all strange and wonderful, promising and painful; so she pondered! Thirty-three years later, it would all come together one terrible weekend as she would watch Him die a terrible death and then, just when all hope was gone, come back from the grave, the Resurrected Lord. But, on that first Christmas, all she could do was ponder the mystery.

Are you working with some challenge in your life today?  Invite the Spirit of God to give you insight. Even if you do not understand everything He says take Mary’s example to heart and ponder… listen … think.

Here’s the word from the Word. "We live by faith, not by sight. … So we make it our goal to please him." (2 Corinthians 5:9, NIV)

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O come all ye faithful

Joyful and triumphant

O come ye O come ye to Bethlehem

Come and behold Him

Born the King of angels

Yea Lord we greet Thee

Born this happy morning

Jesus to Thee be all glory giv'n

Word of the Father

Now in flesh appearing

O come let us adore Him

O come let us adore Him

O come let us adore Him

Christ the Lord

O Come All Ye Faithful

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