There is not much that extinguishes a movement of the Holy Spirit, turns people away from church and Jesus more than immature church members. I am not speaking of new members that are in the early stages of their Christian pilgrimage into discipleship. They are usually eager to grow. I am referring to those who have been around for a while and are still like the little boy who was tucked into his bed by his father. As the father quietly reached the door leaving his son’s room he heard a thud and turned to see his son had rolled out of bed onto the floor. The boy looked up and said, “I guess I stayed too close to where I got in.” To grow in Christ one must move deeper into discipleship and become more mature as a member of the body of Christ.
Far too many church members stay too close to where they came in. It is these that Paul addresses in I Corinthians 3:1-3 saying, he “could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.” Once we make a decision to follow Christ and unite with his church we have made a commitment to deny self, and take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). The command to deny self and take up our cross daily to follow Jesus is a call to put self, ego, feelings, desires and anything that is personal to death. It is a call to put self completely and sacrificially aside to follow Jesus.
When church members remain immature they make themselves the issue and are often a continual source of conflict, disruption, distraction and hurt feelings needing to be pampered or enticed to attend or serve as if they were doing the Lord a favor by their presence or offering their service. Jesus, himself gave us the ultimate lesson on service in John 13. Verse three tells us when Jesus knew the Father had given him all authority he did not worry about his desire, plans, ego and feelings. He showed his disciples, then and now, the example of mature leadership and sacrificial action by ultimate humility in lowly servanthood performing one of the lowest and most menial tasks allowed in that culture, washing the feet of his disciples. His disciples were first stunned then amazed but he said, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” We are to learn and grow from his teaching to put ourselves (ego, agenda and feelings) aside for sacrificial service.
When we uncontrollably give ourselves completely to Jesus putting self totally aside we no longer are worried about our plans, agenda, feelings or ideas there is immense freedom, release and joy that religion absolutely cannot produce. We simply seek to follow Jesus by faith in total obedience through the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. Whatever he calls us to do, the Spirit equips and enables us to do and we move forward by faith as enjoy the ride while God works through us in miraculous unity. This is the body of Christ at its best. When believers do this there is harmony. If we are all following the same Christ there is no division, disunity or disruption in the unity in the body of Christ. We all remain different and unique but blend the different blessings and gifts the Father has given as we place ego aside and work together sacrificially for his glory.
When others see this they are amazed and realize they see something that can not be explained in human terms and they are drawn into the Kingdom. This is the answer to the prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane (John 17:20-26). Our mature submission and harmonious service to him answers his prayer. Our Spiritual maturity, our self-less submission and harmony is the answer to his prayer. We expect Jesus to answer our prayers but he leaves it up to us to be the answer to his. He is waiting for his prayer to be answered through us. Why not today?
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Without Jesus, Nothing Makes Sense
Every year we conclude November giving thanks for the wonderful blessings God has given us as a great nation then we descend into silly and sometimes divisive and angry debate over the next important holiday. For years we have misinterpreted our constitution and gone in the wrong direction with the foolish idea of political correctness in so many matters that common sense has long become uncommon. Mark Twain said. “Common sense is the simple knack of seeing something the way it really is and doing something the way it should be done.” Christmas without Jesus makes no sense!
The first six letters of the holiday are CHRIST. People can have holiday trees and seek to miss the point all they wish but the point of the HOLIDAY is JESUS! We celebrate God becoming flesh and invading history to dwell among us as our guide in life, as our saving sacrifice to pay the price for our sin and give us hope for eternity and peace among men. It is because we miss that point to such a great degree everyday that we do not have real joy and celebration in our lives, families and churches today.
He did not come to give us a holiday. He did not come to give us religion. As the holiday without Jesus makes no sense, actually religion without Jesus makes no sense either. That is why so many churches, denominations and religions are empty and failing. Far too many are simply clubs of religious acting people with their own rules and rituals that don’t have much to do with the teachings of Jesus, which majored on love and freedom from bondage of sin. The church he started was an Ecclesia, which was a common term in that day for an assembly called out for action. As his church we are called out of the world and called to him for action. We are called to be his body in this world. He is in heaven waiting for us so we are here as his body. Our assignment is to physically do as he would do bodily were he here. So look at what he did and who he hung around with and go for it.
He gives us the invitation and power to be his body. First we must be born into his Spirit (John 3). Then the Holy Spirit (God) will live in us and give us power greater than any human resource to say no to previous temptation and yes to being like Jesus (Galatians 5:23-23) with life changing power (II Corinthians 5:17). There is a difference in being born again and being religious. Many are religious and are faithful in following their church rituals and traditions. They are serious about them. The will argue and possibly fight over them.
It really comes down to truth. Which way is true? Which is the best way to live? Is Christmas a real holiday? Is Christianity true? Is Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, or other belief better or is it better to be an atheist and just enjoy the day as you see fit? I have studied the different faiths and ways to live. It seems to me that the best way would be to follow one who knew enough to conquer death. At the time I wrote this article Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius, Joseph Smith, and anyone else who started a religion was still dead. I have a strong suspicion they will still be dead when you finish reading.
Jesus is Alive! History proclaims it! The Bible not a written as a history book but it is the most accurate book of ancient recorded history we have. He was publically executed by the state, buried in a guarded grave but three days later over 500 witnesses, saw him walking around alive, talked with him, some touched him and ate with him! Before he went to Heaven he addressed a large crowd! He is still alive and changing lives. I talked to Him this morning! Life Without Jesus Makes No Sense! Humans have three basic emotional needs; we need to receive love, give love and have a sense of purpose. These three are only met completely in Christ. (John 1:4). So, have a Merry Christmas with Jesus. Have a great life with Jesus. He makes the difference. Without him nothing makes sense!
The first six letters of the holiday are CHRIST. People can have holiday trees and seek to miss the point all they wish but the point of the HOLIDAY is JESUS! We celebrate God becoming flesh and invading history to dwell among us as our guide in life, as our saving sacrifice to pay the price for our sin and give us hope for eternity and peace among men. It is because we miss that point to such a great degree everyday that we do not have real joy and celebration in our lives, families and churches today.
He did not come to give us a holiday. He did not come to give us religion. As the holiday without Jesus makes no sense, actually religion without Jesus makes no sense either. That is why so many churches, denominations and religions are empty and failing. Far too many are simply clubs of religious acting people with their own rules and rituals that don’t have much to do with the teachings of Jesus, which majored on love and freedom from bondage of sin. The church he started was an Ecclesia, which was a common term in that day for an assembly called out for action. As his church we are called out of the world and called to him for action. We are called to be his body in this world. He is in heaven waiting for us so we are here as his body. Our assignment is to physically do as he would do bodily were he here. So look at what he did and who he hung around with and go for it.
He gives us the invitation and power to be his body. First we must be born into his Spirit (John 3). Then the Holy Spirit (God) will live in us and give us power greater than any human resource to say no to previous temptation and yes to being like Jesus (Galatians 5:23-23) with life changing power (II Corinthians 5:17). There is a difference in being born again and being religious. Many are religious and are faithful in following their church rituals and traditions. They are serious about them. The will argue and possibly fight over them.
It really comes down to truth. Which way is true? Which is the best way to live? Is Christmas a real holiday? Is Christianity true? Is Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, or other belief better or is it better to be an atheist and just enjoy the day as you see fit? I have studied the different faiths and ways to live. It seems to me that the best way would be to follow one who knew enough to conquer death. At the time I wrote this article Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius, Joseph Smith, and anyone else who started a religion was still dead. I have a strong suspicion they will still be dead when you finish reading.
Jesus is Alive! History proclaims it! The Bible not a written as a history book but it is the most accurate book of ancient recorded history we have. He was publically executed by the state, buried in a guarded grave but three days later over 500 witnesses, saw him walking around alive, talked with him, some touched him and ate with him! Before he went to Heaven he addressed a large crowd! He is still alive and changing lives. I talked to Him this morning! Life Without Jesus Makes No Sense! Humans have three basic emotional needs; we need to receive love, give love and have a sense of purpose. These three are only met completely in Christ. (John 1:4). So, have a Merry Christmas with Jesus. Have a great life with Jesus. He makes the difference. Without him nothing makes sense!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Looking for God's will? Give thanks!
What do you do when life doesn’t go your way? Have you had times when you seem to dig out of a pit in life only to fall into a deeper hole? Are there days when it seems that you wonder, “Do I have a sign on me that says ‘Everybody Pick on Me Today? All of us have days when everything seems to go wrong and we wonder; “What’s happening? What did I do to deserve this? I feel like I am trying my best.” Christians will tell me, as a pastor and friend; “I am seeking God’s will…trying to find & do right thing but I am struggling.” Well, I hate to tell you (actually I really enjoy telling…it is just an old saying we Southerners use and I love being a Southerner) but finding God’s will is not that difficult. Finding the right job, spouse or your lost car keys may be more of a struggle but God’s will is revealed clearly in his word. Often people are more interested in seeking affirmation to do what pleases us than we are in seeking God’s will.
To find’s God’s will and the real answer to deal with life when things don’t go your way you can turn to John 3 and follow directions Jesus gave a religious leader 2000 years ago. You must be born again (Spiritually reborn). Being religious will not do. One can be so religious that one’s eyes can shine like stained glass windows but still not have spiritual resources to help in life. Religion is following rituals (admittedly this can be helpful for some). Religion will not change a personality or make a person new. Some of the meanest and most evil people I have met or read about are devoutly religious. Anyone in church is simply in a building or part of an organization but anyone in Christ is a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17). One must follow Jesus by faith and give self totally to Christ as Luke 9:23 tells us our desires, ego, feelings and agenda are to be given the death penalty. Once that happens we are able to think differently. Romans 12:1-2 tells us we have a renewed mind and do not act the way of the rest of the world…THEN we will know God’s good and perfect will. In other words after doing these things we will see, think and act in such a different manner that God’s vision, understanding and plan will be understandable to us. We will also have resources beyond our experiences, abilities, wisdom and explanation as the power of the Holy Spirit indwells us.
After total faith and commitment to Christ we will have a different attitude and life a life of giving thanks in all that happens as I Thessalonians 5:18 states is also God’s will for us who are in Christ. Being thankful and living a life in this manner unlocks joy and happiness that most seek but few find. Too often we look to circumstances to make us happy. That won’t happen. We live in a world warped by sin. Bad things happen to good people. Evil exists. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:45 injustices come to all. However those who are born again will be rewarded forever so justice prevails. So, even in difficult days we can give thanks that God has a plan for us for all eternity. Even in the difficult days we can give thanks that God is perfecting us for eternity through the difficulties that exist in this world. Even Jesus was perfected through suffering while here as we are told in Hebrews 2:10.
No matter what is going on in life one can look to God and find his will. It is first to be born of the Spirit. Then submit all completely to him. Once that is done you will develop a different perspective. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change. You will see his will is to give thanks IN all things. No matter what is happening you can and will find reasons to give thanks. Giving thanks IN all things is far different than being thankful FOR all things. It is not possible to give thanks FOR all things but IN all things one can be thankful that God has you in his hand for all eternity. He has an eternal plan for you. He is standing right beside you (II Corinthians 1:3-7). You have the power of the Holy Spirit within you to withstand anything the world can throw your way (Romans 8:1, 2, 9, 28-39). So with all this in your favor you can’t lose…Give thanks!
To find’s God’s will and the real answer to deal with life when things don’t go your way you can turn to John 3 and follow directions Jesus gave a religious leader 2000 years ago. You must be born again (Spiritually reborn). Being religious will not do. One can be so religious that one’s eyes can shine like stained glass windows but still not have spiritual resources to help in life. Religion is following rituals (admittedly this can be helpful for some). Religion will not change a personality or make a person new. Some of the meanest and most evil people I have met or read about are devoutly religious. Anyone in church is simply in a building or part of an organization but anyone in Christ is a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17). One must follow Jesus by faith and give self totally to Christ as Luke 9:23 tells us our desires, ego, feelings and agenda are to be given the death penalty. Once that happens we are able to think differently. Romans 12:1-2 tells us we have a renewed mind and do not act the way of the rest of the world…THEN we will know God’s good and perfect will. In other words after doing these things we will see, think and act in such a different manner that God’s vision, understanding and plan will be understandable to us. We will also have resources beyond our experiences, abilities, wisdom and explanation as the power of the Holy Spirit indwells us.
After total faith and commitment to Christ we will have a different attitude and life a life of giving thanks in all that happens as I Thessalonians 5:18 states is also God’s will for us who are in Christ. Being thankful and living a life in this manner unlocks joy and happiness that most seek but few find. Too often we look to circumstances to make us happy. That won’t happen. We live in a world warped by sin. Bad things happen to good people. Evil exists. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:45 injustices come to all. However those who are born again will be rewarded forever so justice prevails. So, even in difficult days we can give thanks that God has a plan for us for all eternity. Even in the difficult days we can give thanks that God is perfecting us for eternity through the difficulties that exist in this world. Even Jesus was perfected through suffering while here as we are told in Hebrews 2:10.
No matter what is going on in life one can look to God and find his will. It is first to be born of the Spirit. Then submit all completely to him. Once that is done you will develop a different perspective. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change. You will see his will is to give thanks IN all things. No matter what is happening you can and will find reasons to give thanks. Giving thanks IN all things is far different than being thankful FOR all things. It is not possible to give thanks FOR all things but IN all things one can be thankful that God has you in his hand for all eternity. He has an eternal plan for you. He is standing right beside you (II Corinthians 1:3-7). You have the power of the Holy Spirit within you to withstand anything the world can throw your way (Romans 8:1, 2, 9, 28-39). So with all this in your favor you can’t lose…Give thanks!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
“Got any I.D.?”
That is a question often asked when young fresh faced people seek to purchase certain beverages, tobacco products or enter establishments that require age restrictions. When I was 18 I looked more like 14 on a good day so it was quite well that I usually stayed away from those situations for the most part. I made a commitment in a revival service in Jr. High and hung in there with it as people called me ‘straight laced’ and ‘preacher’ long before I was speaking in buildings with pointy roofs for a living. However, no matter how old we get we have an I. D. We are identified with a job, lifestyle, family, organization or especially by our behavior. Some of the ways we are identified are wrong like the false I.D.’s some once used in High School. However, the longer we hold to our behavior, character, organization, fellowships or actions the better the chance of the true I.D. being recognized.
Scripture tells us that bad company corrupts good character. One must watch their actions and company. When I was younger I realized I could have fun without drinking but I spent time being identified, on occasion, with the wrong places. Once I tried to drive a friend home, before the designated driver was fashionable we watched out for friends. However, he had seen me acting in such a manner, not much different than I do today having fun, that he said, “I’ve seen you tonight. You’re worse off than me!” I assured him I had only consumed three Dr. Peppers, which was my limit in those days, I can’t handle THAT many today! I then realized I needed to remove myself from some environments that adversely affected my witness, what people thought of me or my I.D.
How do people identify you? Have you ever wondered how others would describe you? You DO know they talk about you when you are not around! Gee, I hope I have not given you new information to upset you! You can’t completely control what others say but you can control what you do. As a minister I Timothy 3 tells me to live my life “above reproach”. The Greek really means one should not ‘get a handle on an accusation’. That means I am to conduct myself in such a public way that people may still say things about me, I can’t help that, but the character of my life is such that the accusations can not find a handle. Character and integrity as an I.D. will outlast any gossip, slander or accusation that has no basis.
Your I.D. is vital. Proverbs 22:1 tells us, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” I Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” In other words, if what & and how you eat, drink and do does not bring glory to God, you should not eat, drink or do it! Even a product of the Mississippi public school system like me can figure that one out!
The first people identified with the name ‘Christian’ were in Antioch. Originally it was pegged upon them as a name of ridicule. “Oh look at the way they act they are acting like ‘little Christ’s”. They were not ridiculed at all and took the name with pride. That was their purpose, to act completely like Jesus in all they did. When people looked at them they wanted them to think of Jesus. People are looking and I.D.ing you. So the question is not; “Got any I.D.?” You do have one. The question is; What is your I.D.?
Scripture tells us that bad company corrupts good character. One must watch their actions and company. When I was younger I realized I could have fun without drinking but I spent time being identified, on occasion, with the wrong places. Once I tried to drive a friend home, before the designated driver was fashionable we watched out for friends. However, he had seen me acting in such a manner, not much different than I do today having fun, that he said, “I’ve seen you tonight. You’re worse off than me!” I assured him I had only consumed three Dr. Peppers, which was my limit in those days, I can’t handle THAT many today! I then realized I needed to remove myself from some environments that adversely affected my witness, what people thought of me or my I.D.
How do people identify you? Have you ever wondered how others would describe you? You DO know they talk about you when you are not around! Gee, I hope I have not given you new information to upset you! You can’t completely control what others say but you can control what you do. As a minister I Timothy 3 tells me to live my life “above reproach”. The Greek really means one should not ‘get a handle on an accusation’. That means I am to conduct myself in such a public way that people may still say things about me, I can’t help that, but the character of my life is such that the accusations can not find a handle. Character and integrity as an I.D. will outlast any gossip, slander or accusation that has no basis.
Your I.D. is vital. Proverbs 22:1 tells us, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” I Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” In other words, if what & and how you eat, drink and do does not bring glory to God, you should not eat, drink or do it! Even a product of the Mississippi public school system like me can figure that one out!
The first people identified with the name ‘Christian’ were in Antioch. Originally it was pegged upon them as a name of ridicule. “Oh look at the way they act they are acting like ‘little Christ’s”. They were not ridiculed at all and took the name with pride. That was their purpose, to act completely like Jesus in all they did. When people looked at them they wanted them to think of Jesus. People are looking and I.D.ing you. So the question is not; “Got any I.D.?” You do have one. The question is; What is your I.D.?
Saturday, October 3, 2009
People Can Be A Strange Bunch
Someone once said, “There are two kinds of people. Those who put people into two categories and those who don’t.” (Have you ever noticed how often speakers and writers quote ‘SOMEONE’ when they don’t have a good way to kick-start their topic? Well someone did say that this time whether you believe it or not and whether they said it or not (whoever ‘THEY’ are?), we all categorize people from time to time and when we do we often get it wrong. People are far too complex to fit into most general categories.
I will use myself as an example. I have been living with myself for most of my life and am fairly well acquainted so I feel comfortable giving myself permission to be an example. I am from Mississippi. Right away some people will wonder if I am wearing shoes. Well, I am typing this in the comfort of my home so answering that may be misleading, however I still do have all my teeth, but the fact that I was born in a state that has a reputation for several negative stereotypes does not make me ignorant, bigoted, obese or have a blushing neck.
According to a sign in front of a building with a steeple I am the pastor of a church. Many people will assume several things about me as a pastor of a certain denomination. Most of those who meet me find out that many of those assumptions are wrong. I am quite serious about proclaiming the truth of the scriptures and living by them, however I have discovered though years of diligent study and experience that much has been misunderstood, misinterpreted and the life Jesus gives is much more fun than most realize when properly followed.
People can be prejudiced in so many ways. Educated people often are biased against those who lack education. Uneducated often feel inferior and have a bias against those who have more education. Rich people often are prejudiced toward the poor and the poor often envy the rich. Whether it is race, gender, economics, politics or the sports team we favor we seem to find more and more reasons to categorize and divide ourselves.
People are a funny sort of lot to study and observe. I have been living among them and observing them in their natural habitat for a lifetime and have come up with a few conclusions. While they are fearfully and wonderfully made they can lower themselves to the lowest common denominator in behavior in a short time when left to their own resources or they can rise to wonderful heights that can stir emotions beyond words. They are capable of great evil that is unspeakable as well as good that boggles the mind. They can cause great pain or give great joy. Much of that is left to our response. We can not control what people do but we can control our response. We can hold on to anger, hurt and sorrow and live miserable lives no matter what surrounds us or we can forgive, forget and live with joy no matter the circumstances.
Yes, people can be a strange lot but they can be fun to live with when they get along and share all their diversity. Jesus prayed for us to be “one” then he gave his life to pay the price for all our mistakes. Wouldn’t it be worth it to fulfill his prayer and forgive the mistakes of those who offended you, those with whom you feel separated, and those with whom you feel alienated and live the rest of your days enjoying and exploring the rich differences in all the people that surround your life? They are always saying (Here ‘THEY’ go saying stuff again), “You don’t get many second chances in life”…well, maybe you do!
I will use myself as an example. I have been living with myself for most of my life and am fairly well acquainted so I feel comfortable giving myself permission to be an example. I am from Mississippi. Right away some people will wonder if I am wearing shoes. Well, I am typing this in the comfort of my home so answering that may be misleading, however I still do have all my teeth, but the fact that I was born in a state that has a reputation for several negative stereotypes does not make me ignorant, bigoted, obese or have a blushing neck.
According to a sign in front of a building with a steeple I am the pastor of a church. Many people will assume several things about me as a pastor of a certain denomination. Most of those who meet me find out that many of those assumptions are wrong. I am quite serious about proclaiming the truth of the scriptures and living by them, however I have discovered though years of diligent study and experience that much has been misunderstood, misinterpreted and the life Jesus gives is much more fun than most realize when properly followed.
People can be prejudiced in so many ways. Educated people often are biased against those who lack education. Uneducated often feel inferior and have a bias against those who have more education. Rich people often are prejudiced toward the poor and the poor often envy the rich. Whether it is race, gender, economics, politics or the sports team we favor we seem to find more and more reasons to categorize and divide ourselves.
People are a funny sort of lot to study and observe. I have been living among them and observing them in their natural habitat for a lifetime and have come up with a few conclusions. While they are fearfully and wonderfully made they can lower themselves to the lowest common denominator in behavior in a short time when left to their own resources or they can rise to wonderful heights that can stir emotions beyond words. They are capable of great evil that is unspeakable as well as good that boggles the mind. They can cause great pain or give great joy. Much of that is left to our response. We can not control what people do but we can control our response. We can hold on to anger, hurt and sorrow and live miserable lives no matter what surrounds us or we can forgive, forget and live with joy no matter the circumstances.
Yes, people can be a strange lot but they can be fun to live with when they get along and share all their diversity. Jesus prayed for us to be “one” then he gave his life to pay the price for all our mistakes. Wouldn’t it be worth it to fulfill his prayer and forgive the mistakes of those who offended you, those with whom you feel separated, and those with whom you feel alienated and live the rest of your days enjoying and exploring the rich differences in all the people that surround your life? They are always saying (Here ‘THEY’ go saying stuff again), “You don’t get many second chances in life”…well, maybe you do!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
You Don't Look Like A Preacher
We had a guest musical group in our church. My music minister and I were greeting them as they were arriving in the sanctuary early before the service. I said “Hi, I’m Bill, we are glad you are here.” After a few moments of chatting the leader of the group asked, “Are you the Sound man?” I guess he expected the Senior Pastor to be more formal, taller, more handsome, who knows? I had fun telling the congregation how perceptive he was, most people wait until after hearing me preach to think I should be doing something else.
On a previous occasion a former Deacon who was a member of the state legislature invited me and another church member to a political event with a wide range of people from many social sections of the community. As we mingled a man walked in the room and my fellow church member said, “Now he looks like a preacher!” To which I replied, “And I guess that means I look like chopped liver?” Now that meant I had to conduct a scientific experiment to discern who was the real deal in this situation. I carefully worked my way across the crowded room until I met the well dressed man with carefully combed hair. I introduced myself and made small talk and eased the conversation to, “So what do you do for a living?” He smiled and replied, “I am an undertaker.” I went back to my church member and said, “You are right he does look like a preacher!”
When people actually find out that I do make my living as a preacher they then mistake me for a very religious person. Although I am in church enough to have a steeple growing out of my bald spot I may not be as religious in the way people expect. I am also OK with that. Jesus was not as religious in the way people expected. In fact it was the most religious sect in society that had the most trouble with him and finally arranged for his death. Religious intolerance is not new. Religion can be a practice of following certain traditions, rules and rituals that men have devised, modified and amended over the years. Some of these traditions can be very helpful. Some are simply meaningless habits others can be harmful. Problems arise when one has to follow such traditions, rules, rituals, etc. to be accepted or acceptable. Religion can then become exclusive and even dangerous.
I like following and preaching Jesus rather than religion, politics or opinion. He seeks to draw all to him and his tradition, rules and habits are grounded in love for Him and fellowman. In thirty years of being a preacher I have had several occasions of hearing, “You don’t look/act like a preacher” but I have never had anyone say you don’t look or act like Jesus. If I am not aligned with the image of the everyday preacher that is OK, I would rather be aligned with Jesus. No matter your vocation you can act like Him and let others see him in you. Many will not go to church, in fact most don’t. Many have a wrong idea about church or church members but they will watch you. What do people see when they watch you? I leave you with a favorite poem.
‘The Gospel According to Me’
Lord help me remember,
When others I see,
That they are reading the Gospel,
According to me.
Matthew, Barnabus,
Peter and Paul,
The world looks upon them as names,
That’s all.
For verses of scripture,
Men merely grope,
But my life goes under the microscope.
So make me a text Lord,
Easy to see,
When men read the Gospel,
According to me!
On a previous occasion a former Deacon who was a member of the state legislature invited me and another church member to a political event with a wide range of people from many social sections of the community. As we mingled a man walked in the room and my fellow church member said, “Now he looks like a preacher!” To which I replied, “And I guess that means I look like chopped liver?” Now that meant I had to conduct a scientific experiment to discern who was the real deal in this situation. I carefully worked my way across the crowded room until I met the well dressed man with carefully combed hair. I introduced myself and made small talk and eased the conversation to, “So what do you do for a living?” He smiled and replied, “I am an undertaker.” I went back to my church member and said, “You are right he does look like a preacher!”
When people actually find out that I do make my living as a preacher they then mistake me for a very religious person. Although I am in church enough to have a steeple growing out of my bald spot I may not be as religious in the way people expect. I am also OK with that. Jesus was not as religious in the way people expected. In fact it was the most religious sect in society that had the most trouble with him and finally arranged for his death. Religious intolerance is not new. Religion can be a practice of following certain traditions, rules and rituals that men have devised, modified and amended over the years. Some of these traditions can be very helpful. Some are simply meaningless habits others can be harmful. Problems arise when one has to follow such traditions, rules, rituals, etc. to be accepted or acceptable. Religion can then become exclusive and even dangerous.
I like following and preaching Jesus rather than religion, politics or opinion. He seeks to draw all to him and his tradition, rules and habits are grounded in love for Him and fellowman. In thirty years of being a preacher I have had several occasions of hearing, “You don’t look/act like a preacher” but I have never had anyone say you don’t look or act like Jesus. If I am not aligned with the image of the everyday preacher that is OK, I would rather be aligned with Jesus. No matter your vocation you can act like Him and let others see him in you. Many will not go to church, in fact most don’t. Many have a wrong idea about church or church members but they will watch you. What do people see when they watch you? I leave you with a favorite poem.
‘The Gospel According to Me’
Lord help me remember,
When others I see,
That they are reading the Gospel,
According to me.
Matthew, Barnabus,
Peter and Paul,
The world looks upon them as names,
That’s all.
For verses of scripture,
Men merely grope,
But my life goes under the microscope.
So make me a text Lord,
Easy to see,
When men read the Gospel,
According to me!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
A Mule Can't Kick When It Is Plowing...
I grew up in a small town in Mississippi. My grandfather had a farm in Alabama. I remember the joy of going to visit and ‘help’ plow with mules. Mules are bred as a work animal. When in the harness pulling a plow they were invaluable. When in the pen they could get fussy and kick(childhood memories resurfacing). The point of this article, and title, is found in the proper service of talents to avoid conflict and maximize potential or as we used to say, “A mule can’t kick when it is plowing and it can’t plow when it is kicking.”
We elect people to serve us in government and they often lose sight of uniting with other political servants to ‘plow’ together and wind up ‘kicking’ against one another serving no one well in the long run. Church members also get distracted on their purpose doing greater harm as their disservice has eternal consequences. People are often turned away from Spiritual truth and church in large numbers due to fighting and ‘kicking’ that goes on far too often when people who claim to be brothers and sisters should be ‘plowing’ together.
What causes the ‘kicking’? James 4: 1 asks the question “What causes fights and quarrels among you?” He then answers in verse 2 saying, “You want something but don't get it.” It is pretty simple. We want things our way and have our own ego to serve. We do not GO to church to have things our way. We ARE the church as we go the way of the Father uniting to follow him as he sends us. Let’s go back to the country. My grandfather had a team of mules (two). They worked best when they were matched and were placed in the harness to work together. One worked best on the right and the other on the left. Rather than letting differences cause conflict their differences made them stronger as they pulled together.
I have noticed that those who make the most conflict in churches and communities are often the ones who are doing the least to pull together, and are not doing their share of the work. Remember one can’t kick and plow at the same time. God has blessed me to take mission teams around the world assisting third world countries and victims of disaster. One gains new perspective when one gets out of their own comfort zone to assist others. It is hard to argue or think about selfish ideas when you are in a genocide museum, killing field, sitting in a mud hut sharing a meal or helping people restore a home destroyed by a hurricane.
D.T. Niles described what we do as “One beggar showing another beggar where he found bread.” Those who go across the street or across the ocean to share bread with a fellow beggar are too busy plowing and scattering seed to kick. Try to match up with fellow brothers and sisters as Ephesians 4 urges and enjoy plowing together. It is what we are really made to do.
We elect people to serve us in government and they often lose sight of uniting with other political servants to ‘plow’ together and wind up ‘kicking’ against one another serving no one well in the long run. Church members also get distracted on their purpose doing greater harm as their disservice has eternal consequences. People are often turned away from Spiritual truth and church in large numbers due to fighting and ‘kicking’ that goes on far too often when people who claim to be brothers and sisters should be ‘plowing’ together.
What causes the ‘kicking’? James 4: 1 asks the question “What causes fights and quarrels among you?” He then answers in verse 2 saying, “You want something but don't get it.” It is pretty simple. We want things our way and have our own ego to serve. We do not GO to church to have things our way. We ARE the church as we go the way of the Father uniting to follow him as he sends us. Let’s go back to the country. My grandfather had a team of mules (two). They worked best when they were matched and were placed in the harness to work together. One worked best on the right and the other on the left. Rather than letting differences cause conflict their differences made them stronger as they pulled together.
I have noticed that those who make the most conflict in churches and communities are often the ones who are doing the least to pull together, and are not doing their share of the work. Remember one can’t kick and plow at the same time. God has blessed me to take mission teams around the world assisting third world countries and victims of disaster. One gains new perspective when one gets out of their own comfort zone to assist others. It is hard to argue or think about selfish ideas when you are in a genocide museum, killing field, sitting in a mud hut sharing a meal or helping people restore a home destroyed by a hurricane.
D.T. Niles described what we do as “One beggar showing another beggar where he found bread.” Those who go across the street or across the ocean to share bread with a fellow beggar are too busy plowing and scattering seed to kick. Try to match up with fellow brothers and sisters as Ephesians 4 urges and enjoy plowing together. It is what we are really made to do.
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