“This is not a drill!” Those words are a wake up call to let the hearer know this is the real deal. Everything counts for real. There are no times for mistakes. This is no longer a rehearsal. Make everything count (get the point?). There are times when we get that call in life. Often it comes as a crisis event that causes us to realize how much we take this brief fragile life for granted. However, I am amazed at the number of people who still do not respond to their “This is not a drill!” call. Most continue poor health, social, emotional and spiritual habits and waste precious moments that we will never see again.
Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” This is an interesting choice of words. First we are told to make the most of every opportunity by being careful and wise. This is spiritual wisdom. One who is spiritually mature lives with care making wise choices to make the most of each moment for Godliness.
Don Whitney gives the following insight on the best use of time in his book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life: “To use time wisely "because the days are evil" is a curious phrase embedded in the inspired language of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:15-16: "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil" (NASB). Paul may have exhorted the Christians at Ephesus to make the most of their time because he and/or the Ephesians were experiencing persecution or opposition (such as in Acts 19:23-20:1). In any event, we need to use every moment with wisdom "because the days are evil" still.Even without the kind of persecution or opposition known by the Christians of Paul's day, the world we live in is not conducive to using time wisely, especially for purposes of spirituality and Godliness. In fact, our days are days of active evil. There are great thieves of time that are minions of the world, the flesh, and the Devil. They may range in form from high-tech, socially acceptable preoccupations to simple, idle talk or ungoverned thoughts. But the natural course of our minds, our bodies, our world, and our days leads us toward evil, not toward Christlikeness.
"Thoughts must be disciplined, otherwise, like water, they tend to flow downhill or stand stagnant. That's why in Colossians 3:2 we're commanded, "Set your mind on the things above." Without this conscious, active, disciplined setting of the direction of our thoughts, they will be unproductive at best, evil at worst. Our bodies are inclined to ease, pleasure, gluttony, and sloth. Unless we practice self-control, our bodies will tend to serve evil more than God. We must carefully discipline ourselves in how we "walk" in this world, else we will conform more to its ways rather than to the ways of Christ. Finally, our days are days of active evil because every temptation and evil force are active in them. The use of time is important because time is the stuff of which days are made. If we do not discipline our use of time for the purpose of Godliness in these evil days, these evil days will keep us from becoming Godly."
Most of us spend (or waste) so much time on things that do not matter in the end or improve the quality of life. James 4:14 reminds us how frail and brief life can be with the rhetorical question and answer, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” The older I get the more I realize this. I also realize the things that matter are those that will last beyond this life; love and relationships that we will carry into eternity. I love to have fun with my time, ask anyone who knows me and tries to follow or keep up with me, but like Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-13 I have learned the secret. So friends, as you go about life today and each day, as time and the days go by give thought to all you do, enjoy, make the most of the time, live abundantly (John 10:10) and whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
A Modern Day Parable
Three men were wandering in the woods. A lion came out of the woods and attacked the first man. He managed to get away and made his way to a hospital for help. The hospital was reluctant to admit him because he did not fit in. His clothes, skin and language were not like everyone else at the hospital. He also did not know how to follow all their rules as stated in the admission form they had used for years. So he went away and died. However, those who did fit in and knew the rules still thought this was a good place to find help.
The second man was wandering in the woods and was attacked by the lion. He too survived and went to a different hospital. They readily accepted anyone. However, they never dealt with his wounds. As they festered they covered them up, looked away from the symptoms of his illness and tried to make him feel accepted in his present state as much as possible. The more he suffered, the more they embraced him but his unattended wounds became infected and had increasingly destructive effects on his body. He finally died in their midst. They were all saddened but felt good that they accepted him as he was and that they loved him until he died.
The third man was wandering in the woods and was attacked by the lion. He was immediately approached by two people who said, “Can we help you? We know there is a deadly lion this wood so each day we come into the woods seeking people who need help.” They immediately addressed the wound and gave proper first aid to save him from dying. Then, they took him to their mobile medical unit nearby. It was built to care for victims who could not or did not make it to the other hospitals. In their care he began to recover. During their time together they also corrected other health problems he had developed over his life to give him a better life than he had ever known before. His life became so much better from their care and love and he felt so much like family with them that he asked if he could stay with them and be a part of their team. They also trained him to go into the woods daily with them to help others. He knew the dangerous lion was still at large and was a threat to others wandering in the woods.
Everyday, people are wandering about all around us. In fact, all of us at one time or another feel like we may be wandering in the 'woods or wilderness' of life as we go through the ups and downs of life. We all have a spiritual enemy seeking anyone he can attack. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devower." We need to be aware and help each other as best we can. The real purpose of the church Jesus established is not to just to gather and feel good about what we do one day of the week but to go out daily in our everyday lives to (seek) befriend each other as we struggle, (with the attacks of the enemy), help one another (witness, lead to salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit), help one another become completely well (Spiritually whole and mature) and assist each other as fellow helpers (disciples). Which of these situations best describes your church? He, who has ears to hear, let him hear!
The second man was wandering in the woods and was attacked by the lion. He too survived and went to a different hospital. They readily accepted anyone. However, they never dealt with his wounds. As they festered they covered them up, looked away from the symptoms of his illness and tried to make him feel accepted in his present state as much as possible. The more he suffered, the more they embraced him but his unattended wounds became infected and had increasingly destructive effects on his body. He finally died in their midst. They were all saddened but felt good that they accepted him as he was and that they loved him until he died.
The third man was wandering in the woods and was attacked by the lion. He was immediately approached by two people who said, “Can we help you? We know there is a deadly lion this wood so each day we come into the woods seeking people who need help.” They immediately addressed the wound and gave proper first aid to save him from dying. Then, they took him to their mobile medical unit nearby. It was built to care for victims who could not or did not make it to the other hospitals. In their care he began to recover. During their time together they also corrected other health problems he had developed over his life to give him a better life than he had ever known before. His life became so much better from their care and love and he felt so much like family with them that he asked if he could stay with them and be a part of their team. They also trained him to go into the woods daily with them to help others. He knew the dangerous lion was still at large and was a threat to others wandering in the woods.
Everyday, people are wandering about all around us. In fact, all of us at one time or another feel like we may be wandering in the 'woods or wilderness' of life as we go through the ups and downs of life. We all have a spiritual enemy seeking anyone he can attack. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devower." We need to be aware and help each other as best we can. The real purpose of the church Jesus established is not to just to gather and feel good about what we do one day of the week but to go out daily in our everyday lives to (seek) befriend each other as we struggle, (with the attacks of the enemy), help one another (witness, lead to salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit), help one another become completely well (Spiritually whole and mature) and assist each other as fellow helpers (disciples). Which of these situations best describes your church? He, who has ears to hear, let him hear!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Religion Can Be Deadly
Every Sunday many people religiously go to a place set aside for worship and go through actions that are designed to lead them to a worship experience. However, the growing evidence seems to indicate that the road to real worship or having a real experience of connecting with God, having a relational experience with God is narrow and few are finding it. As an attendee, member and leader in worship services most of my life in churches around the world I have come to the conclusion that one of the greatest hindrances to people connecting with the living God in a vibrant life-changing relationship is often organized religion. In fact, it may not just be a hindrance it could be deadly.
A look through history will show that people are serious about their religion. They will fight over it. If you think about, the first murder was committed over an act of worship. Able's gift to God was more acceptable to God than Cain's so Cain got mad and killed his brother because Able's worship experience was better. Some may already be uncomfortable with me and with my words this early in this article. Wars have long been fought over religious beliefs. Today many of the radical acts of violence by terrorists have religious foundations. Before you are ready to cast the first stone at me remember it is always the radicals that lead any movement, right or wrong. However, religious people seem to historically lead the way in close minded anger. The religious leaders led the opposition and began plotting for the death of Jesus. People were so angry about this new ‘way’ that the followers of Jesus were proclaiming that they picked up rocks and killed Stephen. Saul of Tarsus was in on that deal until he had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Then he wound up on the receiving end of those death plots. John Wycliffe so incensed the religious community of his day as he called them to follow more closely to scripture that they burned his books and forty years after his death exhumed his body to burn the remains. Talk about holding a grudge! William Tyndale, who first printed the New Testament in English, was tied to a stake, strangled and burned because he did not go along with the church backed by the government. History is filled with stories of martyrs. Again, acts of terror are committed today regularly by fanatics in the name of their religion. Religion in itself can be dangerous.
There is a difference in religion, which Webster defines as “a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith” and a life-changing relationship with the God who created all things. One can be religious and hold fast to their system of beliefs while having an angry evil spirit. However, one can not have a relationship with a Lord who is alive and a resurrected savior who gave his life for his created loved ones without being changed from the heart. That does not mean followers of Jesus are perfect, but we are steadily moving in that direction in love, joy peace patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22 & 23).
When people see church members arguing over their tradition, buildings, order of service, color of carpet, styles of music and the like as so often happens it is not a wonder that so many are staying away from church. I can take you to a church that has argued over which type of toilet paper to purchase for the bathrooms. Personally, I prefer going to church that uses Charmin but that is just me.
God did not create mankind to start a religion. God created us for relationship. Read Genesis 1:27. He said, “Let us make man in our image”. Who is the “our” and “us” he was referring to and who was he talking to anyway when he asked that question? Remember we have a triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is in constant relationship with himself. God loves relationships. That is why he later said “it is not good for man to be alone.” We are made for relationships, with each other but primarily for a growing relationship with God. True worship connects us with God in a living vibrant life-changing relationship.
Jesus did not enter human history to live, die and start a new religion with rituals and regulations (there were many already). He came to seek and save the lost and open the door for a new relationship between God and mankind. That is why the Word (Jesus) became flesh to dwell among us in a personal manner. There is a difference in a religion and a relationship. Religion is static as it emphasizes structure, ritual, and tradition. While a relationship is fluid, growing, changing maturing and developing as parties spend time with one another. Religion is observed. Relationship is nurtured. One conforms to religion, while a relationship transforms a person. Religion can (and does) worship the dead. Relationships are only for the living.
Again for all who think I am down on religion, don’t throw your stones at me yet. I have been a professional minister for some thirty years. I have received training and have degrees from esteemed religious institutions attend church regularly and am a member of religious organizations. However, one can be religious with degrees, attend church so often a steeple grows from their bald spot and one can hold memberships in religious organizations and still be against God (check out the life of Saul of Tarsus before he had a relationship with the living Christ). However, one can be religious and have a great life if one’s religion does not get in the way of a certain relationship (Check out the life of Paul the Apostle after a life-changing encounter and growing daily relationship with Jesus). One is better off having a life-changing living relationship with the one who is the resurrected rock upon whom their religion stands than trying to resurrect a dead religion with rules and rituals once is forced to follow. When people who get that come together church is what is it was meant to be!
A look through history will show that people are serious about their religion. They will fight over it. If you think about, the first murder was committed over an act of worship. Able's gift to God was more acceptable to God than Cain's so Cain got mad and killed his brother because Able's worship experience was better. Some may already be uncomfortable with me and with my words this early in this article. Wars have long been fought over religious beliefs. Today many of the radical acts of violence by terrorists have religious foundations. Before you are ready to cast the first stone at me remember it is always the radicals that lead any movement, right or wrong. However, religious people seem to historically lead the way in close minded anger. The religious leaders led the opposition and began plotting for the death of Jesus. People were so angry about this new ‘way’ that the followers of Jesus were proclaiming that they picked up rocks and killed Stephen. Saul of Tarsus was in on that deal until he had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Then he wound up on the receiving end of those death plots. John Wycliffe so incensed the religious community of his day as he called them to follow more closely to scripture that they burned his books and forty years after his death exhumed his body to burn the remains. Talk about holding a grudge! William Tyndale, who first printed the New Testament in English, was tied to a stake, strangled and burned because he did not go along with the church backed by the government. History is filled with stories of martyrs. Again, acts of terror are committed today regularly by fanatics in the name of their religion. Religion in itself can be dangerous.
There is a difference in religion, which Webster defines as “a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith” and a life-changing relationship with the God who created all things. One can be religious and hold fast to their system of beliefs while having an angry evil spirit. However, one can not have a relationship with a Lord who is alive and a resurrected savior who gave his life for his created loved ones without being changed from the heart. That does not mean followers of Jesus are perfect, but we are steadily moving in that direction in love, joy peace patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22 & 23).
When people see church members arguing over their tradition, buildings, order of service, color of carpet, styles of music and the like as so often happens it is not a wonder that so many are staying away from church. I can take you to a church that has argued over which type of toilet paper to purchase for the bathrooms. Personally, I prefer going to church that uses Charmin but that is just me.
God did not create mankind to start a religion. God created us for relationship. Read Genesis 1:27. He said, “Let us make man in our image”. Who is the “our” and “us” he was referring to and who was he talking to anyway when he asked that question? Remember we have a triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is in constant relationship with himself. God loves relationships. That is why he later said “it is not good for man to be alone.” We are made for relationships, with each other but primarily for a growing relationship with God. True worship connects us with God in a living vibrant life-changing relationship.
Jesus did not enter human history to live, die and start a new religion with rituals and regulations (there were many already). He came to seek and save the lost and open the door for a new relationship between God and mankind. That is why the Word (Jesus) became flesh to dwell among us in a personal manner. There is a difference in a religion and a relationship. Religion is static as it emphasizes structure, ritual, and tradition. While a relationship is fluid, growing, changing maturing and developing as parties spend time with one another. Religion is observed. Relationship is nurtured. One conforms to religion, while a relationship transforms a person. Religion can (and does) worship the dead. Relationships are only for the living.
Again for all who think I am down on religion, don’t throw your stones at me yet. I have been a professional minister for some thirty years. I have received training and have degrees from esteemed religious institutions attend church regularly and am a member of religious organizations. However, one can be religious with degrees, attend church so often a steeple grows from their bald spot and one can hold memberships in religious organizations and still be against God (check out the life of Saul of Tarsus before he had a relationship with the living Christ). However, one can be religious and have a great life if one’s religion does not get in the way of a certain relationship (Check out the life of Paul the Apostle after a life-changing encounter and growing daily relationship with Jesus). One is better off having a life-changing living relationship with the one who is the resurrected rock upon whom their religion stands than trying to resurrect a dead religion with rules and rituals once is forced to follow. When people who get that come together church is what is it was meant to be!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
“It’s About Livin’”
Last night I watched one of my favorite movie mini-series, Lonesome Dove again. It is the saga of two old Texas Rangers who go on one last adventure. Woodrow Call is a stubborn workaholic. Gus McRae is a fun loving character who loves to “talk philosophy” and share his pearls of wit and wisdom as he aggravates his lifelong companion Woodrow. There are several scenes where Gus shares wisdom that is worthy of remembering. One especially reminded me of a philosophy of life and an old article I had written about this time a year ago about a couple of lives and a week that caused me to reflect on that philosophy. Although the article is a year old, it is still current in meaning. Here is that article:
A few weeks ago I addressed a crowd of nearly 500 people who had gathered because a young mother, age 45, had died suddenly in a tragic automobile accident. Although the memorial was called because Debbie Boughman died we were there to celebrate the way she lived. There were tears indeed but the focus was on a lasting smile and the eternal reflection of Christ. That should be the testimony of each believer. That week-end was filled with such an emphasis for me.
The day before I preached the memorial service Randy Pausch died. He was a little known young (age 47) college professor who came to fame as pancreatic cancer was not as much a death sentence but a launching pad for his now world famous, ‘Last Lecture’. Randy said, “We don't beat the reaper by living longer, we beat the reaper by living well and living fully.” I liked that but I loved the way Jesus said it better; “The thief comes to rob, steal, kill and destroy. I come that you may have life and have it more abundantly.” I guess it is no coincidence that John 10:10 was the text of my first sermon over 30 years ago.
I preached that memorial service on Saturday. The next day I preached a sermon in church that I had previously prepared long before I knew of the coming memorial, such is the way of God leading pastors with their messages. The title of the message was ‘Enjoy the Ride’. It focused on trusting God with life and enjoying the ride through all the up’s and downs of this sin-scarred world. As an illustration I shared that the vessel for life is more like a sail boat or even a kayak following the flow of the “wind of the Spirit” from John 3:8 rather than the institutional bulk of an aircraft carrier that has the of stuff to meet all needs but can’t turn and flow. I illustrated the ‘theology’ of the Snake River Kayak Rules as a guide for life:
1. Go with the flow & don’t get addled-lean back
2. If the worse comes, let go of everything you’ll come up
3. Danger is part of the trip. Enjoy the ride.
If we have trusted our lives to Christ we can and should go with the flow (Holy Spirit). Follow and trust the leadership of the Holy Spirit in life. Read Galatians 5 and memorize verses 22 & 23 as your behavior pattern for a great reaction to all that happens in life. If and when the worst comes, as it will, we can let go and trust Jesus as our life preserver. I love telling congregations that the worst thing that can happen to a believer is that we die and go to Heaven forever! How bad is that? I realize bad things happen to good people. I make hospital, nursing home visits and preach funerals and do crisis counseling on a regular basis however, I also realize that when the worst comes resurrection follows for believers. It is all good! And finally we must always remember that this is a sin-scared world. Danger does exist. There is no safe place in this world or live except in the center of the will of God. The best thing one can do is follow God's plan daily. Enjoy the ride!
As Gus McRae, the fun loving cowboy everyone enjoyed being around in my favorite movie ‘Lonesome Dove’, told Woodrow Call, the hardworking boss who made everyone uncomfortable, when they were once talking about the death of a woman they both knew; “You still don’t get the point, it ain’t dying I’m talking about, I’m talkin’ about livin!”
There are those who are marking time until they die not getting the the most of each day or life. Each day or moment is precious. We are here to live. Jesus came that we may live abundantly. Make the most of each day. Enjoy the ride in Christ!
A few weeks ago I addressed a crowd of nearly 500 people who had gathered because a young mother, age 45, had died suddenly in a tragic automobile accident. Although the memorial was called because Debbie Boughman died we were there to celebrate the way she lived. There were tears indeed but the focus was on a lasting smile and the eternal reflection of Christ. That should be the testimony of each believer. That week-end was filled with such an emphasis for me.
The day before I preached the memorial service Randy Pausch died. He was a little known young (age 47) college professor who came to fame as pancreatic cancer was not as much a death sentence but a launching pad for his now world famous, ‘Last Lecture’. Randy said, “We don't beat the reaper by living longer, we beat the reaper by living well and living fully.” I liked that but I loved the way Jesus said it better; “The thief comes to rob, steal, kill and destroy. I come that you may have life and have it more abundantly.” I guess it is no coincidence that John 10:10 was the text of my first sermon over 30 years ago.
I preached that memorial service on Saturday. The next day I preached a sermon in church that I had previously prepared long before I knew of the coming memorial, such is the way of God leading pastors with their messages. The title of the message was ‘Enjoy the Ride’. It focused on trusting God with life and enjoying the ride through all the up’s and downs of this sin-scarred world. As an illustration I shared that the vessel for life is more like a sail boat or even a kayak following the flow of the “wind of the Spirit” from John 3:8 rather than the institutional bulk of an aircraft carrier that has the of stuff to meet all needs but can’t turn and flow. I illustrated the ‘theology’ of the Snake River Kayak Rules as a guide for life:
1. Go with the flow & don’t get addled-lean back
2. If the worse comes, let go of everything you’ll come up
3. Danger is part of the trip. Enjoy the ride.
If we have trusted our lives to Christ we can and should go with the flow (Holy Spirit). Follow and trust the leadership of the Holy Spirit in life. Read Galatians 5 and memorize verses 22 & 23 as your behavior pattern for a great reaction to all that happens in life. If and when the worst comes, as it will, we can let go and trust Jesus as our life preserver. I love telling congregations that the worst thing that can happen to a believer is that we die and go to Heaven forever! How bad is that? I realize bad things happen to good people. I make hospital, nursing home visits and preach funerals and do crisis counseling on a regular basis however, I also realize that when the worst comes resurrection follows for believers. It is all good! And finally we must always remember that this is a sin-scared world. Danger does exist. There is no safe place in this world or live except in the center of the will of God. The best thing one can do is follow God's plan daily. Enjoy the ride!
As Gus McRae, the fun loving cowboy everyone enjoyed being around in my favorite movie ‘Lonesome Dove’, told Woodrow Call, the hardworking boss who made everyone uncomfortable, when they were once talking about the death of a woman they both knew; “You still don’t get the point, it ain’t dying I’m talking about, I’m talkin’ about livin!”
There are those who are marking time until they die not getting the the most of each day or life. Each day or moment is precious. We are here to live. Jesus came that we may live abundantly. Make the most of each day. Enjoy the ride in Christ!
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