Monday, April 8, 2019

Savor the Moment

Over the years I have studied many, if not most, religions and philosophical beliefs.  In doing so I have discovered that while there are extreme differences in many of these beliefs, they also have some commonality.  Every religious or philosophical belief is actually seeking a way to best navigate this life.  Some seek different religious or faith pathways while others seek more secular or logical direction but all are actually pursuing a way to make sense or come to terms with the best or better way to live out our time on this planet. 

I have also come to observe, at least in my opinion (which may make sense or be disagreeable to you but since I am writing this and am somewhat prejudiced toward my opinion I think it has merit), that there is one approach that is best no matter what religion or philosophy one cherishes or follows.  Jesus teaches us not to worry about tomorrow.  The Apostle Paul speaks of forgetting what is behind. RenĂ© Descartes’ expression, "I doubt, therefore I think, therefore I am", summarizes that even in the midst of extreme doubt about every belief and everything the very fact that we are able to express a conscious thought at a specific moment verifies our existence.  There are many other expressions and quotes from religion and philosophy but (again, in my humble opinion), the best way to pass through this life is to ‘Savor the Moment’.  Think about it; no matter what faith, scientific belief or philosophy one holds most dear the only reality we have is the present, this very moment…right now!  

I have lived most of my life by faith in Christ, however no matter how strong our faith in a particular religion or philosophy, we can only ‘believe' if we don't have the evidence to truly ‘know'.  If we had the actual evidence to prove our belief, it would no longer be ‘faith’.  Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as being “sure of what we hope for and certain of what cannot see”.  The Authorized King James Bible (which some say is the only one that God personally endorsed) uses the words “substance” and “evidence” but it still comes down to believing something that cannot be proven as a solid fact.  However, to many, declaring: “I believe” is never an adequate substitute for being able to say, “I know”, and faith is largely centered around belief because it relies on second, third, fourth (and so on) accounts of things that may or may not be true.  But the point is not to question anyone's faith, but to simply present you with what is real. And the only thing we know to be real is this very moment.
 
Even the scientist who only believes what can be proven with evidence can only know what the evidence proves at that moment.  We have seen cases where evidence changed or new evidence was discovered and things that were once proven to be factual in a scientifically established conclusion were now proven wrong or changed.  So, whether one is a logical thinking atheistic scientist or a deeply faithful religious believer all one can really ‘know’ is what one is experiencing at this very moment.  This is life! It may not exist past this moment so we must cling to and savor the sacredness of this moment.  Whether you believe in life after death or that death will be the end of any and all existence, you know that you have this moment!  So, no matter what belief or philosophy makes the most sense to you, savor this moment!

And how does one best savor this moment?  Well, once again in my humble opinion (and remember, I am somewhat biased in the opinions of this writer) the best way to savor the moment is to be kind and loving to those around you at this moment and seek to enjoy and have as much fun as you can in this moment.  You may not be able to control who is around you and their behavior may not be kind or positive but you can make the most of the moment for yourself by being kind and loving to them.  Jesus told us to even love our enemies.  We may not be able to control their actions but we can control ours.  We can forgive and forget as quickly as possible to let go of any anger or grudges.  It is amazing how often a kind word or a simple smile can diffuse a difficult moment.   

The situation of the moment may not be pleasant.  In fact, it may be difficult or emotionally and physically painful.  However, one can make the most of the moment by seeking to find and share joy as much as possible no matter what is going on.  Even in the midst of terrible pain or grief sharing love can bring joy. 

I have found this approach to always work in helping me make the most of each moment.  Even when I was being prepared for serious life-threatening surgery I sought to make myself and those around me more relaxed and comfortable by being pleasant, kind and joyful.  If this was to be my last moment of life I certainly didn’t want to have a bad time of it.  As they put me under anesthesia I knew I would wake in Heaven or the recovery room but I knew that was out of my hands.  The only thing I could do was savor the moment, even if it was to be my last on this planet...especially if it was to be my last moment on this planet!

By the way, according to the dictionary, savor means: to give flavor to: SEASON, to have experience of: TASTE, to taste or smell with pleasure: RELISH, and/or: to delight in: ENJOY.  All of those apply to my suggestion that you savor the moment!  All describe the best way to make the most of your life, which is the experience of this moment!  Right now is what you have…make the most of it!

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Watch how you treat everyone...others are already watching.

A deacon from my first pastorate was having his 90th birthday.  The invitation was sent to let us know of the celebration.  They were not really expecting us to make the 11 hour drive and personally attend.  They just wanted to let us know of the event.  Although we have been away for over 30 years we have precious memories and special relationships from that church so we decided to go. 

That meant Cathy needed to see her hairdresser before the trip.  I don’t need to explain.  Ladies, you all understand and men don’t get it and don’t care.  Anyway, as she arrived for her appointment her hairdresser was just finishing with another customer.  As the customer was paying the hairdresser Cathy immediately recognized her first grade classmate.  Although they had not seen one another in over 50 years, she approached Cathy and gently placed her hand on her shoulder saying, “You have been a blessing to me!”  Cathy tried to jog her memory to remember why she would have been a blessing to someone over so many years.  Heck, I’m impressed that she remembered the name of a classmate from 1st grade.  I need name tags for people I saw last week…or sometimes yesterday…or earlier today.  Anyway, the woman looked Cathy in the eye and said, “I was chubby in those days and you were always kind to me.”  Elementary school can be cruel for those who are easy targets for name calling and bullying.  Cathy’s kind behavior, at age 6, was remembered as a life-long blessing to this lady. 

When she came home and told me of this encounter I thought, “WOW, what a great testimony of how a small act of kindness can go a long way!”  Cathy has the Spiritual gift of mercy and helps.  She was already a believer at age 6 and was practicing her gifts of the Spirit.  God seems to draw her attention to those who need a touch of mercy, kindness or help.  She goes out of her way to be kind and show attention to those who are often overlooked and bypassed by most as we hurry about our lives.  In our often unnecessary and self-created frenzy we fail to notice and show human kindness to the one who takes our order in a restaurant, the boy who bags our groceries or the custodian quietly doing their work.   She notices those who seem forgotten and may need an encouraging word.  Even those, like me, who have different gifts can learn and practice more kindness by watching the kind and compassionate acts of others.  I know because I have been watching what she has been doing for some 40 years. 

As we made the journey and arrived at the birthday celebration we were blessed to see so many special friends.  Most of whom we had not seen in over 30 years but we picked up exactly where we left off.  It was a joy to see so many who accepted a young fledgling minister and loved him as one of their own family.  That is what church and Christian’s are supposed to do.  We are to ‘love our neighbor (fellowman) as we love ourselves.’  We are to love one another no matter what ethnic, economic or educational group that may define any of us.  I must admit that there were some who were not thrilled with my time there as their pastor.  There are always those whose favorite pastor is the last one or the next one.  However, it was gratifying as people came and expressed how much we meant to them while we were there.  Treating people the way that Jesus treats us is never forgotten. 
  
I learned early and continue to learn from the Parable of the Sower or Soils (either name is correct).  This was one of the favorite parables of Jesus.  He repeated it in 3 of the 4 Gospels.  The same sower sows the same seed on four different soils.  Among many other truths I learned from the parable, I understood that I am to treat everyone the same way.  I also realized that everyone will not have the same response.  Three of the four different soils had a negative response to the same seed from the same sower.  There are some, like the unproductive soils, who are clinging to too much baggage, too much hardness or too many other interests in their lives to be kind, positive and productive.  Everyone will not respond in kindness but if you treat everyone with the same love and compassion you will be blessed by the response of those who are ‘the good soil’.  They make it all worth the effort. 

I will close with one more example of how we need to watch how we treat others because others are already watching us.  Cathy was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis early in our marriage.  It is an incurable chronic digestive disorder.  There are not many medical tests or exams that are enjoyable but, as you can imagine, the tests required to discover such a disease are not pleasant.   We had been in the hospital for several days and were both weary.  I was trying to be the dutiful compassionate new husband sleeping in the recliner but she was the one enduring the difficult series of tests. 

The sun was rising as the oncologist entered her hospital room.  It seemed that he was making his morning rounds earlier than normal.  We were just waking from another restless night.  He was gazing at her file in his hand as he asked, “How are we this morning?”  Cathy did not respond, as would most, telling the doctor of her ailments and restless night.  She surprised him with, “I’m OK.  How are you?  You look tired!”  Stunned, he paused and looked up saying, “Thank you for asking.  I am tired.  It was a long night.  I lost one of my patients last night.”  Not many people ask or really care how their doctor is doing when they are sick and hospitalized.  However Cathy took her attention away from herself and noticed that her doctor seemed tired.  She looked past her discomfort and saw a man grieving the death of one he had cared for and tried to heal.  The doctor now needed care and a healing touch.  He got it from one who took the time to notice and share the compassion of Christ.  I sat in up in the recliner in the corner of the room as I, the young minister, watched and learned how we should always look to serve others even as we are being served.  We need watch how we treat everyone…others already are watching. 

Today, as you go about your daily activities slow down and notice the people around you.  Look at those who are often overlooked.  Even if it takes you out of your normal routine try to show kindness, and compassion reflecting the love of Christ to everyone you come across.  You never know how much they may need it or how it may impact them.  Kindness to a ‘chubby girl’ in the 1st grade over 50 years ago was remembered as a lifetime blessing. 

We need watch how we treat everyone…others already are watching. 

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

The Paradox of Life


It was a notable weekend.  On Friday Randy Pausch died.  He was a little known young (age 47) college professor who came to fame as his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer became a launching pad for his book; ‘The Last Lecture’.  Randy looked at making the most of each moment his rapidly ending life saying, “We don't beat the reaper by living longer, we beat the reaper by living well and living fully.”   I like that philosophy but I love 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.”  It’s no coincidence that John 10:10 was the text of my first sermon some 40 years ago.  It remains the philosophy of my life to this day.   

Age has slowed my velocity from racing through life like a sprinter to taking the pace of a marathon runner who seeks to maintain the energy for a good finish.  A friend once asked me why I was so driven.  I take God seriously when He says what we do matters now and for all eternity.  I want to make the most of each moment.  I don’t know which moment will be my last so it’s vital to make each one count.   I have preached, taught and studied much over my life on the indescribable life God has awaiting his children after this life is over.  However, there are things I enjoy now that I think I will miss.  There is no mention of ice cream, cookies or pasta in Heaven.  I am reminded of a ministers’ conference where the speaker was speaking on the way fear chokes the joy of life for many.  He asked us to make a list of the things we fear.  People around me were writing furiously as they expanded their list of fears.  The person next to me noticed that I had stopped writing.  My list had one sentence, “I’m afraid that I might miss something!”  As I am fond of saying, “I want to enjoy every day of life on this earth as much as possible because I am going to be dead a long time.” 

Back to that weekend, Randy Pausch died on Friday.  On Saturday I addressed the crowd of some 500 people who had gathered because a young mother (age 45) had died suddenly in a tragic automobile accident.  Although the memorial was held because she died we really were there because of the way she lived.  There were tears indeed but the focus was on her lasting smile, zest for life and the eternal reflection of Christ that embodied her daily life.  She was being remembered for the way she lived a loving and joyful life. 

The next day, Sunday, I preached a sermon previously planned and prepared long before I knew of the events that would occur on the previous two days, 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 making the most of life through all the turmoil in this imperfect world.  As an illustration I shared that life’s best vessel is more like a sail boat or a kayak following the flow and often unexpected changes of life brought on by following what I call the “wind of the Spirit” (from John 3:8).  Life can certainly give us some unexpected turns and we never really know what may be around the bend.  I learned to enjoy kayaking during my seminary days as I was learning how to deal with and teach others to navigate the changing currents of life. 

It is better to have a life vessel (philosophy or belief system) that allows one to maneuver and adjust quickly rather than the institutional bulk of an aircraft carrier that has the stuff to survive most storms but can’t turn and be as flexible as life often requires.  It’s that flexibility that allows one to navigate and enjoy the rough waves and find joy in the still waters and turbulent waves of life.  The same river can contain smooth peaceful water and dangerous rapids, both of which may come unexpectedly and in rapid fashion.  Such can be the journey of life. 

Anne Lamontt writes about the paradox of life and truth in her latest book, ‘Almost Everything.’  The book describes how, ‘Despair and uncertainty surround us in the news, in our families, and in ourselves.  But even when life is at its bleakest, the seed of rejuvenation are at hand.’  She says, “I am stockpiling antibiotics for the apocalypse, even as I await the blossoming of paperwhites on the windowsill in my kitchen.  All truth really is paradox, and this turns out to be a reason for hope.  If you arrive at a place in life that is miserable, it will change.”  ‘That is the time when we must pledge not to give up but, “in the Wendell Berry words, ‘be joyful though you have considered all the facts.” ‘  

I concluded my sermon and that notable weekend with some of my favorite ‘theology’ and philosophy for life that I learned from the Snake River Kayak Rules:
1. Go with the flow & don’t get addled-lean back.
2. If worse comes, let go of everything you’ll come up.
3. Danger is part of the trip. Enjoy the ride. 

If we trust our lives to God we can and should go with the flow (following the wind of the Holy Spirit).  When the worst comes, we can trust Jesus as our life preserver.  Always remember that this is a sin-scared world.  Good and bad things can happen, often in short succession or even at the same time.  However, in the midst of the paradox of the topsy-turvy life on this planet, there is no place safer than trusting God and being smack in the middle of His will. Enjoy the ride! 

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Press On


Hi, my name is Bill and I have a secret confession to make.  I have been in a ‘spiritual funk’ for a while.  That is not a term I learned at seminary but I believe it is one with which many can identify, even if it is difficult to admit in public.  Most of us, especially those who profess to be Christian, are led to believe that we should always present a positive spin and outlook no matter what is going on in our lives or in the world around us.  I can remember being puzzled and confused years ago by what I called ‘Praise the Lord Anyway’ people at seminary and church.  You may know the type.  I think they mean well but it seems that they never get past a superficial smile, a trite saying or shallow quote and never seem to have a thought deeper than the first step of a wading pool. 

They are the type who will pat you on the back when you are going through a devastating time and say something like; “It will be OK!”, “God has a plan.”, “All things happen for a purpose.”, or “God must have a lot of faith in you to give you such a burden.”  You may want to write my seminaries and seek to have my Masters and Doctorate ministry degrees revoked but there are times when I would like to smack those words with a 9 iron.  In my anger I would probably swing too hard and miss with my driver.   After a more civil breath I really just want to respond with; “No, it will never be OK.  Things will never be the same.  I know God always has a plan and purpose but at this moment I am struggling and in pain and I WOULD LIKE SOME KIND OF A CLUE!” 

There are times when life gives us such a punch in the gut that no matter how sincere we may be in our faith we know things will never be the same in our lives again.  We may find ways to cope and go on and sometimes we believe we will eventually find a blessing in the mess but for now we just wonder “Why?” or we just need to cry and be sad.  Being sad in sad situations is OK.  In fact, it is natural.  I went through a long period of sadness when my mother died suddenly at age 68.  I still have sad times when I miss her and think of the things she missed that she would have loved.  I was saddened to see my father decline as he came to the point where he could not take care of himself and moved into our home.  It was sad to see the man who was my childhood hero, who seemed to be able to do anything he set his mind on doing now not being able to do menial things in taking care of himself.  I am saddened as we see the same deterioration with my father and mother-in-law.  I admit being sad and sometimes having my faith shaken when I know the testimonies of faithfulness exhibited by my parents and that of my wife’s parents and see how they deteriorated and still suffer in their last days.   

While I am at it, I might as well admit I also become distressed when friends and family members die at an early age.  I guess it is hard for me to realize that I am at that age…you know the one our elders used to joke about…when you read the obituaries and don’t see your name, you know it is a good day.  However, it seems that when I arrived in my mid-60’s the obituaries regularly contain the names of friends and family…many my age or younger.  The latest was two days ago.  She was 6 months older than me.  It’s not really that I am afraid of dying.  I like the Woodie Allen quote, “I am not afraid of dying.  I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”  I just get tired of seeing the effect on those family members and loved ones left behind. 

As I make this confession of periods of struggles with my faith, I don’t think I am alone.  In fact, I know that others struggle with the same or similar issues and questions of faith.  Mother Teresa wrote letters that revealed a 40 year crisis of faith.  She wrote of feeling unwanted & unloved by God.  She even admitted that she had begun to doubt the existence of heaven and God.  In one missive she wrote, “I call, I cling, I want, and there is no one to answer, no, no one. Alone. Where is my faith? even deep down right in there is nothing. I have no faith. I dare not utter the words and thoughts that crowd in my heart.”  Anyone who has even the slightest heart of compassion cannot avoid such questions when faced with human suffering in any form. 

Even Jesus, when in the midst of unjustly being tortured and executed on the cross with the suffering of all humanities’ sin placed on him, felt forsaken by God as he cried out; "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).  So don’t fret if you, like me, go through some of these times and feelings.  There are times when, like Mother Teresa, that these dark times seem to linger too long. 

The word crisis comes from the Greek KRISIS (decision) and KRINEIN (decide). A crisis of belief is a turning point where you must decide what you believe about God.  Paul writes about dealing with his ‘crisis of faith’ in Philippians 3 where he admits that he does not have it all worked out yet; “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

So, if/when you have times like Paul and me when you have those ‘dark nights of the soul’ and have not got it all worked out yet or when you feel that God has forsaken you, like Mother Teresa, Jesus, and I have felt don’t give up.  In those times, remember that you are not alone.  Also, like Paul, all I know that I (we) can do is “Press On” and…gosh I can’t believe I am saying this…”Praise the Lord anyway!”

Saturday, January 12, 2019

Whose Boy Are You?


I was filling my gas tank when Mr. Willie More Dison stepped out of the store and began staring at me.  I was the new pastor of Old Saline Baptist Church.  I was 29 and was getting to know my way around the small rural community of Saline, Louisiana.  I grew up in a medium sized county seat city in Mississippi.  Cathy grew up in a large capital city in SC.  We were a young couple with our first baby and now adjusting to the pleasant life in rural Louisiana.  We lived 50 miles from our hospital and pediatrician.  There were a few small stores in the town but no stop light.  You could get gas and a few items but any major shopping required a 50 mile round-trip drive.  While we did not grow up in such a small community we were learning to love it and still look back with fondness as some of our happiest times.  However, I need to get back to Willie More trying to figure out who I was.

As the new pastor of Old Saline Baptist Church I learned that a creek divided the Old Saline and Pine Grove church communities.  People who lived on one side of the creek normally attended Pine Grove while people who lived on the other side of the creek usually attended Old Saline.  Mr. Willie More Dison had lived his whole life in the community and was now one of the senior statesmen.  Mr. Willie More was a member of the neighboring Pine Grove Baptist Church and he had not yet had the occasion to meet the new pastor of Old Saline church.  He identified the younger folks by their parents.  He looked at me for a while and couldn’t place me in a family and finally asked, “Whose boy are you?”  I smiled and answered, “I am Jack and Dot Drees’s boy but that won’t answer what you really want to know.” I then told him that I was the new pastor at Old Saline.  He was satisfied and would now know me when we bumped into each other again.

I have often thought about that encounter and the way we are regularly identified with our parents and ancestors, whether we like it or not.  I was very fortunate to be born into a good family.  I always enjoyed returning to my home town and hearing; “Aren’t you Jack and Dot’s son?” usually followed by some pleasant and respectful memory of my parents.  I was indeed lucky to have them as my parents and am still always proud to be identified with their name and memory.  I avoided some of the typical stupid adolescent and teen behavior because I never wanted to disgrace the good family name they worked so hard to build.  Whether we are aware of it or not, people are watching us, even when we do not realize it…and often they know who we are.  So, our behavior is always important.  It not only is a reflection on us but also it is a reflection on those whom we may represent. 

People often identify us with our family or ancestors.  When overseas, I was identified with my American heritage.  That can be good or bad depending on the legacy of our nationality or culture.  However, if one behaves as a true child of God one never has a problem being accepted or embraced wherever one may be or with whomever one may encounter.  The same cannot be said of all religious affiliations.  All of the world’s religious organizations and institutions have some stain or blemish on their history.  All have offended or abused others at some point in history.  However there is a real difference in being a member of a religious organization and being a true child of God. 

The 12th and 13th verses of the first chapter of John’s gospel tell us that those who believe in and receive Jesus become children of God.  All humans obviously are ‘born of man’, having a physical birth, but those ‘born of God’, having a Spiritual birth are different.  They/we know and see a different world with a different purpose for existence.  Those who have been ‘born of the Spirit’ have a Spiritual nature, insight and understanding that no religion on earth can teach, give, manufacture or really comprehend.  By the way I am intentionally using a capital S as I am referring to the Holy Spirit rather than a good or benevolent human spirit. THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE!

True children of God receive and reflect the love of God as a natural outpouring of who we are to all we encounter.  Religious people usually try to compel people join their way of religious life or reject them as outsiders.   Often religion can lead to kind and benevolent actions but even those activities can be done in a self-serving or condescending manner.  God and his children love and seek to treat everyone with the same devotion.  

I write this as an encouragement for everyone to make certain of their Spiritual heritage.  One may claim membership or affiliation with a specific church, religious organization or tradition but one’s continued and eternal behavior is the true indicator of one’s Spiritual heritage.  Over many years I have discovered that there is a common element found in all who cause conflict and turmoil in churches, religious organizations and society.  They are like Nicodemus (John 3) and Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9).  They may be well versed in religion; however they have not yet had a life-changing encounter with Jesus.  There is a huge difference in being a member of a church or religion and being ‘born of the Spirit’.  A true child of God has a Spiritual nature that reflects the true image of God to everyone they encounter everywhere they may go and no matter what situation they may encounter.    
We just completed the season of the year when we often the hear the Christmas song; ‘What Child is This?’  It is a beautiful song but the more important question may be, “Whose child are you?”   

Sunday, January 6, 2019

Happy New Day


Preachers are often asked a lot of questions.  Over my career of nearly 40 years I was asked some doozies.  Once after church a man who rarely stayed awake during the sermon and was usually proud of being cantankerous came to me and said, “Preacher, I’ve got a question.” I thought, “This is great, he finally listened and something peaked his interest.”  He looked serious and said, “Was the heater working today, I almost froze to death?” 

There are other times when preachers are asked really tough questions. Some try to trick the minister, as the Pharisees did with Jesus, but most are truly seeking answers for life’s difficult struggles.  I have known long-time active church members to struggle with serious issues in their marriage, family, personal life, finances, and old habits that just won’t seem to go away.  I am often reminded of a book from my days as a young Christian; If God loves me, Why Can’t I Get My Locker Open?  No matter what age we may be there seems to be recurring questions that many of us wrestle with; “Why am I, as a Child of God, having all this trouble?”  “Preachers preach about life changing power so why is it that there are so many things in my life are the same and sometimes seemingly worse?”

Biblical Christianity is not about following rules, rituals or attendance at religious events and receiving blessings…no matter what you may hear.  Some struggles we encounter in life are there for our growth & perfection (Hebrews 2:10).  Too often we give up & believe change is impossible.  Human behavior experts tell us that after age 30 we rarely change.  Some habits, addictions and scars are too deep.  However we are not talking about human behavior.  The Gospel is the power to change anything in your life, at any time. Romans 1:16 and II Corinthians 5:17 are just two examples.        

Let’s look at ‘Life Changing Power’ as referred to in II Corinthians 5:17 and break it down word for word and phrase by phrase.  Therefore” refers to the previous verses (14, 15), the additional consequences of identification with Christ in death & resurrection.  Christianity is not for the casual observer - it requires complete surrender.  However, it is available to “Anyone”, as John 3:16 tells us that ‘whosever believes’ “In Christ” which is a favorite term for Paul.  Paul doesn’t say ‘in church, in a denomination, movement, or experience’; but “in Christ”!  This implies a personal daily involvement and relationship with the risen Lord.  ‘In Christ’ means all things that are Christlike in you: love, joy…the fruit of the Spirit as defined in Galatians 5:22.  If this Fruit is not demonstrated in your life, it may be evidence of the absence of Christ.  One can be in church and be unchanged; this is not so if one is in Christ!

Paul then speaks of a “New Creation”.   There are two Greek words for new: NEOS & KAINOS.  NEOS refers to the most recent production.  For instance, “I broke my red pencil so I got a new green pencil.”  It is new but it is still a pencil like the old one.  However, KAINOS means new as to form or of a different nature from the old.  Here is an example of Kainos; “My old mode of transportation was a bicycle.  My new mode of transportation is a Ferrari.”  This ‘new’ is not comparable with anything from my past. Here is why this Greed stuff is important; Paul uses the word, KAINOS to describe the newness that comes from being ‘in Christ’.  This is what ‘new in Christ’ means…it is incomparable with anything from the past. It is not just trying to be a better person.  It is being a person who is completely changed ‘in Christ.’  

 Creation” comes from a construction term (the act of establishing or building).  A completely new thing or being is established. A person reborn in Christ is the fulfillment of God’s original purpose in creation.  We were created in His image.  Our life is to be a reflection of Christ. (Matthew 5:14). 

What happens after we become a new creation? Well the “Old Things” (Archia in Greek, from which we get our word,Archaic’ meaning outdated, belonging to past times) are passed away.  Old things, refers to unregenerated ways, acts of sinful nature (Galatians 5:19-20).  All ways or actions that do not reflect or glorify Christ are passing away. “Passed Away” is translated from a Greek tense that we do not have in the English language or grammar.  Sorry to get bogged down in a Greek lesson but try to stay with me.  I promise you it is worth it in the end…and there is not going to be a test…at least not from me. 

In the English language we have three tense forms in our sentence structure; past, present and future.  The Greek verb has three VOICES, the active, middle, and passive.  There are four MOODS, the indicative, subjunctive, optative, and imperative. There are seven TENSES, the present, imperfect, future, aorist, perfect, pluperfect, and future perfect.  There are three PERSONS, 1st person, 2nd person, and third person.  Now you know why some guys drop out of seminary rather than study
Greek.  Maybe you should have more respect for those of us who stuck it out with all this stuff. 

Anyway in this passage the Aorist tense is used rather than the Imperfect tense which would normally be used.  The Imperfect tense implies continuous action in past time; ‘I was eating lunch.’  This leaves the action open because, ‘I may continue eating later.’  However the Aorist tense implies finished action; ‘I ate supper.’  ‘I’m done with this and moving on!’  This implies leaving sin as a way of life.  Sinful ways either going or gone.  I don’t need them anymore. “Behold”; here is a note of triumph! Because of the life of triumphant changing power…“All Things Become New”.  This is expressed in the Greek perfect tense which means three things;
  1. It refers to action in continuous progress – This is not one time event, God is not finished with you yet! Each day is part of my journey where old ways that are not Christlike are passing away and each day I am becoming a new creation ‘in Christ’,
  2. It refers to a process that is coming to a point of culmination – I will become completely like Jesus in Heaven
  3. It exists as a completed result – When you are ‘in Christ’, Jesus has already done all He needs to do in you!  You just need to continue in Him by faith each day.   
Now, I don’t know what you got out of all this (if you didn’t quit reading) but here is what it meant to me.  As a perfectionist I would often get down and depressed when I continued to struggle with old habits that did not ‘honor Christ’.  I would question my faith and salvation wondering if I was truly a child of God since I seemed to struggle so much with my ‘old nature’.  However, when I realized that becoming ‘new’ is a continuous process it seemed to whack me in the forehead and I realized that each day is a new day and moves me toward the completed result.  I am no longer frustrated when I fall short of the perfection of Christ, but I realize that I am a work in progress.  I begin and end each day thanking God for the day.  No matter what has happened in the past or will happen in the future, I am moving forward and becoming new!  Happy New Day!

Friday, December 21, 2018

Peace on Earth?


The Christmas story begins with an Angelic pronouncement; “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).  I have wondered  about this over the years.  We talk and sing about peace, especially at Christmas.  The Bible is filled with references to Jesus as the Prince of Peace but there hasn’t been peace on earth or good will among men in my lifetime or before.  We see war among nations, violence against fellowman.  Road rage is one of the latest examples of our downward spiral.  Even churches are not always strongholds of peace.  All too often there is heated conflict is a place that should be the most peaceful place on earth. 

Our social life, homes, marriages & families are not always peaceful.  Before you finish reading this, if you don’t get bored and quit before the end, 15 people in our country alone will be sexually assaulted.  Somewhere in America a woman is battered every 15 seconds, usually by her boyfriend or spouse.  These alarming statistics do not mention emotional bullying that goes on in homes.  Not only is God’s peace aborted but there are lasting scars from such conflict

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”?  Has He forgotten us?  Has He intended to leave us to be at the mercy of this sin scarred world?  NO!  The door to sin in this world was opened by mankind.  We are all part of keeping that door open.  Romans 3:23 tells us that we are all prone to sin and conflict with our fellow man.  This is not something new.  Genesis tells us that Cain killed his own brother.  There were only four people on the planet at that time.  If he couldn’t get along with his brother he could have moved to France or Italy.     

Not only are we prone to conflict with our fellowman but we are engaged in conflict with ourselves; Paul gives a startling self-confession in Romans 7:15 stating; “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”  Raise your hand if you could have written that sentence.  My hand is already up so you might as well be honest also. 

But wait, don’t accuse me of ruining your Christmas mood yet, while we were sinners God loved us (Romans 5:8) and provided a solution, a savior.  This is why we sing “Glory to God in the highest”.  Christmas not really about presents, decorations, etc.  It is about the most spectacular event ever; God interrupted and invaded and human history!  It is this invasion/interruption that provides salvation, our hope for peace and good will.  Peace on earth is available but only by repenting and following this savior, Jesus by faith.  Jesus IS the Prince of Peace.  But, what kind of peace does he promise?
Jesus came at a time when there seemed to be peace…well sorta.  There was what was known as Pax Romania (Latin for "Roman peace").  Rome was such an overwhelming world power that no one dared to oppose them so this was a time of relative peace in the world…unless Caesar woke up in a foul mood.   

Many families practice such a peace today.  One person is so dominant that all others fall in line to keep peace thus creating family systems (dysfunction) to have ‘peace’.  Don’t bother daddy when he is…tired, busy, drinking, etc.   We don’t mess with momma cause when momma ain’t happy”…well you know the rest of the sentence.  Or there is the well-known, “Let the children do whatever keeps them from fussin’!”  Outside the family we create systems that isolate and blames others for problems.  That school/church doesn’t understand my child.”  They don’t know what they’re doing at work” (or church and especially in government).   Living in this type of ‘peace’ actually creates future conflict.

Real internal and eternal peace is not found by any human, family system that creates temporary quiet with latent unrest.  It is not found by any religious/church action that may ease conscience but does not deal with real problem.  We are all sinners who need grace/transformation/salvation.  Real internal and eternal peace is only comes from God through faith in Christ.

So if you find yourself still struggling to find that lasting peace in your life/world look again at the verse.  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  His peace comes to those “on whom his favor rests”.  There is much said that is often incorrect about God’s favor.  When in doubt always look to see what Bible says.  Genesis says that “the Lord looked with FAVOR on Abel and his offering”. A bit later on it declares that “Noah found FAVOR in the eyes of the Lord.” God said to Moses, “I know you by name and you have found favor with me.” One of the primary prayers of David was “May the FAVOR of the Lord our God rest upon us.”  The chief theme lifted up in the Bible concerning the childhood and youth of Jesus is that He “grew in wisdom and stature and in FAVOR with God and men.”  And Jesus inaugurated His public ministry by saying that He had come to proclaim the year of the Lord's…what? That’s right, “FAVOR.”  God proclaimed at the baptism of Jesus and the Transfiguration, “This is my Son upon whom my favor rests.”

The Bible makes clear that God seems to look with FAVOR upon those who are obedient to His commands and calling.   Peace on earth, peace in life begins with peace with God.  Peace with God comes to those on whom his favor rests.  So how and to whom does his favor rest?  His favor rests on those who have been reconciled (brought to peace with God in Christ) living a lifestyle of sustained obedience to God’s desires– not a momentary bowing when you need his help or a once a week attendance to a religious service, but a day-by-day humble commitment to discovering God’s desires and then doing those things. Check out the following verses; Matthew 6:10: “Thy will be done”,  Luke 22:42: “Not my will but thine be done!” and  Luke 9:23: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”  God’s Favor, and peace, comes only when we surrender our ego to him.  Those familiar with my preaching are familiar with my acrostic to better understand and define ego;
E dge
G od
O ut
When we follow our EGO we Edge God Out and the results are never as good as when we allow Him in.  When there is peace with God, there is inner peace.  When there is inner peace, there is peace with your fellowman.  Living and sharing this peace is contagious.  I hope you find and share this peace today, tomorrow and every day for the rest of your days.