One of my favorite quotes says, "I want to get the most out of this life because I am going to be dead a long time." That is not saying that I am not looking forward to the next life, Heaven, which will be better beyond description than this life that has been marred by sin. For me that quote speaks of all the things and experiences I enjoy from this life that I want to maximize by making the most of each day I am here.
I usually try to have fun each day with most every experience. I know that every event in life is not always fun. As a pastor, I am involved with crisis, sickness, tragedy and death on a regular basis. I have also had my own personal dealings with life's difficulties, both personal loss and health issues. My next surgery will be my tenth. However, there are many who are half my age who have trouble keeping up with me, physically and emotionally. It comes from a deliberate attitude to focus on the joys that God has given each of us each day. The Scriptures teach me that I fall short of God's plan (Romans 3:23) and my remuneration is death (Romans 6:23). However, that same verse tells me that God gives me the gift of eternal life in a relationship with Jesus. So each day I wake up with breath and life is a gift, and by following Jesus I have eternity when this life is over. Why not be happy? Ecclesiastes 3:4 says, there is "a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." In my heart I am a great dancer!
Years ago, I taught a Bible study using Minirth & Mier's book, "Happiness Is A Choice". Rick Foster & Greg Hicks have written an excellent book entitled, "How We Choose To Be Happy". However, long before those good books were published a guy named Paul wrote a book we call the book of Philippians where he wrote, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation." Remarkably, this sentence and the rest of this fascinating book was written from prison. Paul had not committed a crime, in fact, he was in prison on false charges and completely innocent. Yet he never complained but found reason to rejoice as he realized he was exactly where God wanted him and God was with him. He knew he could do whatever he needed to do and face whatever he needed to face as long as he knew Jesus who gave him strength.
As you go through the uncertainty of the day make a deliberate decision to make the most of each day and rejoice as often as you can. Make a deliberate decision to know Jesus on a personal basis, forgetting all the bad in the past and pressing on to all the good that is ahead, as did Paul (Philippians 3:10-14). Make a deliberate decision to rejoice always (see I Thessalonians 5:16). This is the only chance you get at this day. Why waste it not being happy?
Friday, August 13, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
What's Wrong With This Picture?
From time to time I read disturbing statistics concerning the church. Millions leave the church each year. 75-80% of the churches are not growing. Serving as a pastor in today's church creates so much stress that half of those who are serving as pastors considered leaving the ministry in the last few months. 50% of the ministers starting out will not last 5 years. 90% will NOT retire as a minister. Over 1,700 pastors quit each month. 90 percent feel they are inadequately trained to cope with ministry demands. As a professional minister of some 30 plus years and a believer of some 50 years I often wonder, “What is wrong here?” Not only do I have degrees in theology but I have a degree in marketing. To use marketing terminology, we have the best ‘product’ one can offer; eternal life, forgiveness of ALL sin, love of fellow-man and a personal relationship with the God of the universe. Why should we have such stress, conflict, anger and misery that drive people away?
Could it be that we are doing some things wrong? Ya think? The more I read the Bible the more I fail to recognize its influence and life changing truth in much of what we call church today. The Bible speaks of life changing peace that passes all understanding, love and grace for our brothers. There are and have long been many misunderstanding about church. Jesus only used the word twice (Matthew 16 & 18) in the New Testament. Once he spoke of the church when he founded it (16) and then he talked about the way we should relate to one another (18). The church He established is a gathering of transformed people who worship Christ and follow His mission. Transformation happens when God takes hold of a life. We are moved from darkness to light, orphan to adopted child, sinner to saint by the work of Christ. Every thought & action begins to change (II Corinthians 5:17). Values & attitudes soon follow. Our mission in life changes. This does not happen when one 'joins the church' as one does any other organization. The church Jesus established is a living body of transformed people who think, behave, relate, love, forgive & get along in a way the world cannot do nor understand.
Jesus did not establish religious institution, organization or denomination. He used the Greek word ECCLESIA in Matthew 16 when establishing His church. An Ecclesia was a political term, a call out assembly; an assembly called out for a purpose. We, followers of Jesus; His church are called out of our everyday lives to assemble for his purpose. His purpose is simple yet profound and life changing, to love God with all our heart, soul and mind and love our brother as we love ourselves. We are then called out to teach everything He commanded as we make disciples wherever we go. We are called out to be the living body of Christ on earth. As His church we are to be His loving hand, smile and word wherever we go.
We are to be more like a mission outpost being missionaries wherever we go rather than a religious institution that is likened to a permanent structure or an earthly organization. One of the best analogies I heard compared the church, a mission outpost, to a M.A.S.H. Unit rather than a sterile hospital, a permanent structure as a religious institution. The Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (M.A.S.H.) goes wherever hurting people are, spending time near the front lines, operating near the end of its resources to help those who can’t get help any other way. The permanent structure uses much of their recourses keeping the building ready to help those who are able to come in the doors. The mission outpost operates by faith, as the pastor equips workers to serve and release their Spiritual gifts so each one can do their part. The religious institution operates by tradition, rules, majority, constitutions, business models, Pastors & deacons serve as executive officers & directors. Actions are a priority. They are always busy. They want others to be busy, join and be ‘like us’. In a mission outpost relationships are the priority. One becomes a part of the family by having a relationship with Jesus as we become like Him. In His church we grow in relationship with Him and others by becoming real in our walk with Him as we are open and honest with others in accountable growing relationships. This church, His Church, is not failing. It just has not really been tried or practiced as much as we think.
Could it be that we are doing some things wrong? Ya think? The more I read the Bible the more I fail to recognize its influence and life changing truth in much of what we call church today. The Bible speaks of life changing peace that passes all understanding, love and grace for our brothers. There are and have long been many misunderstanding about church. Jesus only used the word twice (Matthew 16 & 18) in the New Testament. Once he spoke of the church when he founded it (16) and then he talked about the way we should relate to one another (18). The church He established is a gathering of transformed people who worship Christ and follow His mission. Transformation happens when God takes hold of a life. We are moved from darkness to light, orphan to adopted child, sinner to saint by the work of Christ. Every thought & action begins to change (II Corinthians 5:17). Values & attitudes soon follow. Our mission in life changes. This does not happen when one 'joins the church' as one does any other organization. The church Jesus established is a living body of transformed people who think, behave, relate, love, forgive & get along in a way the world cannot do nor understand.
Jesus did not establish religious institution, organization or denomination. He used the Greek word ECCLESIA in Matthew 16 when establishing His church. An Ecclesia was a political term, a call out assembly; an assembly called out for a purpose. We, followers of Jesus; His church are called out of our everyday lives to assemble for his purpose. His purpose is simple yet profound and life changing, to love God with all our heart, soul and mind and love our brother as we love ourselves. We are then called out to teach everything He commanded as we make disciples wherever we go. We are called out to be the living body of Christ on earth. As His church we are to be His loving hand, smile and word wherever we go.
We are to be more like a mission outpost being missionaries wherever we go rather than a religious institution that is likened to a permanent structure or an earthly organization. One of the best analogies I heard compared the church, a mission outpost, to a M.A.S.H. Unit rather than a sterile hospital, a permanent structure as a religious institution. The Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (M.A.S.H.) goes wherever hurting people are, spending time near the front lines, operating near the end of its resources to help those who can’t get help any other way. The permanent structure uses much of their recourses keeping the building ready to help those who are able to come in the doors. The mission outpost operates by faith, as the pastor equips workers to serve and release their Spiritual gifts so each one can do their part. The religious institution operates by tradition, rules, majority, constitutions, business models, Pastors & deacons serve as executive officers & directors. Actions are a priority. They are always busy. They want others to be busy, join and be ‘like us’. In a mission outpost relationships are the priority. One becomes a part of the family by having a relationship with Jesus as we become like Him. In His church we grow in relationship with Him and others by becoming real in our walk with Him as we are open and honest with others in accountable growing relationships. This church, His Church, is not failing. It just has not really been tried or practiced as much as we think.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Fenced Dogs Yapp Most
Someone asked me how should one respond to when others make negative comments and share or hold negative opinions about you. I guess they knew me well enough, as a pastor and a plain spoken person, that I must have had plenty of people who have had negative comments and negative opinions about me. First, we should not live our lives being concerned or directed by other opinions. There is only one that will judge me. As long as God is pleased with me I should be OK and not worry about what some other person says or thinks. As I love God with all my heart and I seek to share His love with my fellow man I will seek to treat all with the same love and respect. However, all will not respond in kind and will not hold the same opinion of me.
I once read that opinions are like arm pits, we all have more than one. Preachers are often like football coaches who get more praise than they deserve when the team does well and more blame than is theirs when things do not go as well as people think they should. All of us who do anything will receive comments and criticism from others. One should keep an objective ear to comments but never let the negative comments discourage you or keep you from doing your best.
I learned an important lesson from my pets several years ago. I owned Cocker Spaniels that I kept in our fenced back yard. Early one morning I heard them barking loudly and aggressively. I went to the back door to investigate. I saw a large dog walking leisurely through the unfenced area of my back yard. My dogs, imprisoned by the fence, were yapping loudly at the free dog as he enjoyed his walk. He walked their way and looked, which drove them wilder, and casually walked away never barking once.
I walked away smiling at the lesson God gave me. Those who often ‘bark’ loudest are those who are least free. I try to live my life as the one who barks least and enjoys the free walk God gives through His grace. So, next time you hear the ‘yapping’ of those negative voices, think of my dog story. Walk over, sniff at them in their fence then turn and walk away. You need not respond to all the yapping. The negative voices of those yapping in their fences will grow more faint and distant as you walk away enjoying your freedom.
I once read that opinions are like arm pits, we all have more than one. Preachers are often like football coaches who get more praise than they deserve when the team does well and more blame than is theirs when things do not go as well as people think they should. All of us who do anything will receive comments and criticism from others. One should keep an objective ear to comments but never let the negative comments discourage you or keep you from doing your best.
I learned an important lesson from my pets several years ago. I owned Cocker Spaniels that I kept in our fenced back yard. Early one morning I heard them barking loudly and aggressively. I went to the back door to investigate. I saw a large dog walking leisurely through the unfenced area of my back yard. My dogs, imprisoned by the fence, were yapping loudly at the free dog as he enjoyed his walk. He walked their way and looked, which drove them wilder, and casually walked away never barking once.
I walked away smiling at the lesson God gave me. Those who often ‘bark’ loudest are those who are least free. I try to live my life as the one who barks least and enjoys the free walk God gives through His grace. So, next time you hear the ‘yapping’ of those negative voices, think of my dog story. Walk over, sniff at them in their fence then turn and walk away. You need not respond to all the yapping. The negative voices of those yapping in their fences will grow more faint and distant as you walk away enjoying your freedom.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Graduation Day
I just returned from my 40th High School class reunion. It was my first. Life’s events kept me away for the previous 39. It was wonderful to see friends I had not seen in such a long time. We caught up on old times & swapped memories, as we could at our age. Before the reunion the planning committee sought to gather information to form a booklet to help class members catch up on one another. One section of the information sheet asked for ‘Memories’. Still being somewhat mischievous and realizing that others laugh at me so I might as well get a head start, I wrote my memories as follows; “I remember being 6’ 4”, being elected Most Handsome, Wittiest, Most Likely to Succeed, Captain of the Football & Basketball team, Valedictorian and Mr. Lee High. However, I have taken a lot of prescription medication and consumed a number of Diet Dr. Peppers with aspartame over the years so I may have forgotten a thing or two. Funny, I looked back in the yearbook and they only listed me as Sports Editor.”
Obviously those memories are a bit exaggerated but I thought it would give a chuckle to those who bothered reading the book after the reunion. Little did I know the MC began the program & and my introduction, as the class member who would pronounce a blessing or Invocation on the evening, using my ‘memories’. She then introduced the 6’4” ‘Pastor Billy Drees’ to pronounce the Invocation for the evening. I walked up to the microphone, barely taller than the MC and former head Cheerleader to an immediate call from the crowd to “Stand Up!” It is great to be humbled before all your friends. I loved it!
As I turned to the more serious Invocation I referred to Ecclesiastes 11:9 as the Scriptures tell us to be happy in the days of our youth and relish those days as we follow the ways of our heart. The night was to be a night of being happy, remembering and relishing those days. I also touched on the importance of relationships. Our relationship with Jesus determines our eternal destiny. I received several positive comments on my remarks. I was shyer in High School. Many would be surprised that I could stand and speak in front of a few, especially Mrs. Brewer, my former speech teacher. I also received much good natured ribbing about being 6’4”. On my best day, I am 5’7”. Several girls my height, or taller, had photos taken as they stooped to make me look tall. The best moment was Larry Swartz, one of the real athletes who is a legitimate 6’6”, walking over for a photo. I was a little taller than his belt. It was great!
It was a wonderful night as it was meant to be. I didn’t share the rest of the verse that evening as the evening was intended to be a totally fun evening. Ecclesiastes also tells us there is a time for everything. That evening when the band got too loud for me to visit Cathy and I danced. A friend said, “Is a Baptist preacher going to dance?” I reminded him of Ecclesiastes 3:4 (“...a time to dance.”). Now it’s time to complete the invocation & verse 9 as it tells us to enjoy our youth following the desires of our heart, “But know also that not just anything goes; You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.”
In school there comes a day of accounting for action, graduation. If one does not do the proper work and does not make the grade one does not graduate. I almost learned those lessons the hard way. I must confess a love to have fun & joke than a love to study in those days. I finished near the bottom of the class of 70. In college those finishing with lower grades than me in 1974 graduated in 1975. God got my attention when He called me to seminary. I was a much better student gaining my Master’s and Doctorate degrees.
Here is the point. In all pursuits, there will come a day of accounting, graduation, judgment. Life is no different. As I visited my hometown and had fun with friends of my past I also visited a future site, my cemetery plot. That may sound morbid but I live each day reminding myself that I am headed toward a final graduation in this life where I will have to answer for how I have lived. Romans 8:1 tells me there is “now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! A life lived by faith in Christ is proper preparation for that graduation. He is the only way to prepare for the final exam! That is a fact not a shaky memory. Trust me, I AM a doctor and that is on my diploma not just in my memory.
Obviously those memories are a bit exaggerated but I thought it would give a chuckle to those who bothered reading the book after the reunion. Little did I know the MC began the program & and my introduction, as the class member who would pronounce a blessing or Invocation on the evening, using my ‘memories’. She then introduced the 6’4” ‘Pastor Billy Drees’ to pronounce the Invocation for the evening. I walked up to the microphone, barely taller than the MC and former head Cheerleader to an immediate call from the crowd to “Stand Up!” It is great to be humbled before all your friends. I loved it!
As I turned to the more serious Invocation I referred to Ecclesiastes 11:9 as the Scriptures tell us to be happy in the days of our youth and relish those days as we follow the ways of our heart. The night was to be a night of being happy, remembering and relishing those days. I also touched on the importance of relationships. Our relationship with Jesus determines our eternal destiny. I received several positive comments on my remarks. I was shyer in High School. Many would be surprised that I could stand and speak in front of a few, especially Mrs. Brewer, my former speech teacher. I also received much good natured ribbing about being 6’4”. On my best day, I am 5’7”. Several girls my height, or taller, had photos taken as they stooped to make me look tall. The best moment was Larry Swartz, one of the real athletes who is a legitimate 6’6”, walking over for a photo. I was a little taller than his belt. It was great!
It was a wonderful night as it was meant to be. I didn’t share the rest of the verse that evening as the evening was intended to be a totally fun evening. Ecclesiastes also tells us there is a time for everything. That evening when the band got too loud for me to visit Cathy and I danced. A friend said, “Is a Baptist preacher going to dance?” I reminded him of Ecclesiastes 3:4 (“...a time to dance.”). Now it’s time to complete the invocation & verse 9 as it tells us to enjoy our youth following the desires of our heart, “But know also that not just anything goes; You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.”
In school there comes a day of accounting for action, graduation. If one does not do the proper work and does not make the grade one does not graduate. I almost learned those lessons the hard way. I must confess a love to have fun & joke than a love to study in those days. I finished near the bottom of the class of 70. In college those finishing with lower grades than me in 1974 graduated in 1975. God got my attention when He called me to seminary. I was a much better student gaining my Master’s and Doctorate degrees.
Here is the point. In all pursuits, there will come a day of accounting, graduation, judgment. Life is no different. As I visited my hometown and had fun with friends of my past I also visited a future site, my cemetery plot. That may sound morbid but I live each day reminding myself that I am headed toward a final graduation in this life where I will have to answer for how I have lived. Romans 8:1 tells me there is “now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! A life lived by faith in Christ is proper preparation for that graduation. He is the only way to prepare for the final exam! That is a fact not a shaky memory. Trust me, I AM a doctor and that is on my diploma not just in my memory.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Always on Mission
I love mission trips. I often tell people the best definition I have found defining a Christian missionary is, “Anyone who is born again who goes anywhere to tell anyone about Jesus.” Now, I must admit some prejudice for that definition since I wrote it but it simply reminds us that each born again follower of Jesus is a missionary every day & everywhere. Recently we took a team of mission volunteers to KY and soon we will take a team to Trinidad. I tell each mission team things I have shared and learned over the years as a life-long missionary.
I tell them to “Be Flexible”. One never knows what God has in store. We make our plans but Isaiah 55:8 reminds us that our thoughts and our ways are not the same as His. The trees that are more flexible survive the highest winds and most severe storms. The more flexible we are in life, the more we are able to be missionaries, servants and experience the joy that God has in store for us as this sin-scarred world blows unexpected storms our way. We must remember, as His missionaries, His plan is for us to follow His wind no matter where it may blow us as Jesus told us through his conversation with Nicodemus. “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)
I also tell them, "The mission trip starts ‘right now’ now when we arrive at the site or our destination". We need to be ready to reflect the light at all times. On the way to Kentucky we made our first stop for lunch at Wendy’s (my teams go first class). As we were traveling and trying to make time we breezed in for a quick lunch but a group of outsiders from another state always attracts attention. My wife & I were last in the line and a local man sitting at table with a friend asked where we were from. I told him Columbia, SC. He responded saying, “I know where that is. My son got shot there.” Well, that opened the door for conversation but another sentence spoke volumes. He told us his son-in-law committed suicide that very morning. After that stunning declaration he said, “He was a good man and a deacon in the church. I hate that he won’t go to heaven now.” This let Cathy and me know he misunderstood Biblical salvation. At that moment our bus driver came to get me with a problem. As the leader I had to be called away. As a missionary Cathy got to explain that one’s faith in Christ not one’s actions whether good or bad determines one’s eternal destiny. When anyone places their faith in Christ and becomes born in the Spirit their eternal destiny is determined by what Jesus did on the cross. We planned to swing into a fast food restaurant for a quick lunch and get back on the road. God had a divine appointment for a missionary that had eternal results. In our life as a missionary every day we need to be open, attentive, ready, flexible and willing to be used when God gives us the daily opportunity to be missionaries.
Today I was completing a hospital visit and headed to my car when I noticed a lady who seemed confused as she was receiving more confusing instruction from an attendant to the Sumter Street parking garage. I was parked in that garage so I interrupted (my wife corrects me for interrupting but she was not with me and I thought it would be OK this time) and said, “Follow me!” I pulled my Clergy badge from my pocket to let her know I was safe and was not hitting on her. (I stuff my badge in my pocket after my visits so no one looks at me funny when I get lost…preachers should know their way around hospitals. But, I get lost in my own thoughts and miss turns when I drive or walk…kinda like now). Anyway, as we walked to the parking garage she told me about her elderly mother whom she was visiting. She had recently moved her mother here to be her caretaker and it was becoming stressful.
II Corinthians 1:3 tells us our God is the “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles; so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” As we walked to her car I told her of our recent experience moving my dad from MS to become his caretakers and was able to comfort her in her trouble with the comfort I had received from God in my recent “troubles”. I thought I was “being flexible” to do a good deed to help a lady find her way out of the parking lot but I wound up being a missionary to a sister who was struggling to find her way through a more puzzling corridor.
As believers we are simply ‘Beggars showing other beggars where we found bread’. Be flexible. The mission trip starts as soon you leave the door each time you leave the house. You are on a mission trip. Jesus is your passport!
I tell them to “Be Flexible”. One never knows what God has in store. We make our plans but Isaiah 55:8 reminds us that our thoughts and our ways are not the same as His. The trees that are more flexible survive the highest winds and most severe storms. The more flexible we are in life, the more we are able to be missionaries, servants and experience the joy that God has in store for us as this sin-scarred world blows unexpected storms our way. We must remember, as His missionaries, His plan is for us to follow His wind no matter where it may blow us as Jesus told us through his conversation with Nicodemus. “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)
I also tell them, "The mission trip starts ‘right now’ now when we arrive at the site or our destination". We need to be ready to reflect the light at all times. On the way to Kentucky we made our first stop for lunch at Wendy’s (my teams go first class). As we were traveling and trying to make time we breezed in for a quick lunch but a group of outsiders from another state always attracts attention. My wife & I were last in the line and a local man sitting at table with a friend asked where we were from. I told him Columbia, SC. He responded saying, “I know where that is. My son got shot there.” Well, that opened the door for conversation but another sentence spoke volumes. He told us his son-in-law committed suicide that very morning. After that stunning declaration he said, “He was a good man and a deacon in the church. I hate that he won’t go to heaven now.” This let Cathy and me know he misunderstood Biblical salvation. At that moment our bus driver came to get me with a problem. As the leader I had to be called away. As a missionary Cathy got to explain that one’s faith in Christ not one’s actions whether good or bad determines one’s eternal destiny. When anyone places their faith in Christ and becomes born in the Spirit their eternal destiny is determined by what Jesus did on the cross. We planned to swing into a fast food restaurant for a quick lunch and get back on the road. God had a divine appointment for a missionary that had eternal results. In our life as a missionary every day we need to be open, attentive, ready, flexible and willing to be used when God gives us the daily opportunity to be missionaries.
Today I was completing a hospital visit and headed to my car when I noticed a lady who seemed confused as she was receiving more confusing instruction from an attendant to the Sumter Street parking garage. I was parked in that garage so I interrupted (my wife corrects me for interrupting but she was not with me and I thought it would be OK this time) and said, “Follow me!” I pulled my Clergy badge from my pocket to let her know I was safe and was not hitting on her. (I stuff my badge in my pocket after my visits so no one looks at me funny when I get lost…preachers should know their way around hospitals. But, I get lost in my own thoughts and miss turns when I drive or walk…kinda like now). Anyway, as we walked to the parking garage she told me about her elderly mother whom she was visiting. She had recently moved her mother here to be her caretaker and it was becoming stressful.
II Corinthians 1:3 tells us our God is the “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles; so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” As we walked to her car I told her of our recent experience moving my dad from MS to become his caretakers and was able to comfort her in her trouble with the comfort I had received from God in my recent “troubles”. I thought I was “being flexible” to do a good deed to help a lady find her way out of the parking lot but I wound up being a missionary to a sister who was struggling to find her way through a more puzzling corridor.
As believers we are simply ‘Beggars showing other beggars where we found bread’. Be flexible. The mission trip starts as soon you leave the door each time you leave the house. You are on a mission trip. Jesus is your passport!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Lessons of a Life (not yet finished)
Fifty eight years ago I began a journey on this planet that has given me more adventure, experiences, love, joy, pain, heartache and grace than I could have imagined. Life’s lessons are learned through all those emotions, feelings and experiences. I don’t know how many more years (or moments) I will have left. I am one of the few who would like to know how much time I have (one week before I go I would go on a strict diet of Oreo’s, Cobbler and Ice Cream). Regardless of that last statement, I do think I have learned some valuable lessons in my 58 years. Come to think of it because of statements like that, I have learned some things as well.
Socrates at his trial for heresy said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” While never accused of heresy of on the level of Socrates I am an obsessive thinker and I try to think and learn from everything. I hope I have picked up a thing or two in my day(s). I have seen people search far & wide for purpose & meaning in life. Many seek purpose or meaning in relationships, success, power. These pursuits usually lead to emptiness. Others become frustrated and escape in depression, drugs and other methods of avoidance. Oscar Wilde said, “In this world there are two tragedies. One is not getting everything one wants, the other is getting it.”
As a pastor I have been with people in enough difficult situations, end of life moments and preached enough funerals that I have learned that life is precious and fragile. Psalm 90:12 tells us our days are numbered. We don’t know the number so we need to live each day is if it may be the last. You never know which breath, word or deed may be the final one. The only way to make sure you leave this world and your loved ones with a good word, deed or smile is to try to have a good word, deed or smile every moment.
I have learned it’s important to keep close relationships with family and friends. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
I will always remember the 1st funeral I preached, as a young seminary student in my 20’s. The funeral home called to have a ‘minister’ because the deceased man was virtually unknown. There were only 8 people present. The man in the casket looked to be in his 50’s. I did my best. Afterward the only one of the 8 attendees in a suit, the one who paid for the funeral, came to thank me and told me, “He was a cousin we rarely saw who lived a hard life and I didn’t want him buried alone.” How sad that his closest family, at his funeral, did not really know him. What a lonely life. I once saw a forgettable movie but remembered a scene where a somewhat sensitive hit-man contemplated life. One can learn from many avenues. He said the following, “Look, in my business you’re surrounded by loneliness and finality. Now I don’t care what your take is on an afterlife, when people die its scary and they go alone. Now the people that I send off that have experienced love, they’re a little less scared. I mean they’re still scared but there’s calmness to ’em. I think that comes from a knowledge that somebody somewhere loved ‘em and cared for ’em and will miss ‘em.” It is vital to keep and maintain close relationships with friends and family. It is important to know and love people and know you are loved.
I have also learned over the years that pain is a part of life. There is a human tendency to avoid pain by any avenue (pills, drinking, denial, isolation, etc.) Avoidance is also a great way to avoid pain. God often uses painful situations to transform and teach. Read Hebrews 2:10. What is my loving Father teaching here? I used to be embarrassed easily so I avoided the pain of embarrassment by avoiding situations with that potential. I missed a lot of fun in the mix. Now I add my red cheeks to the fun. My wife saw a cute guy with red cheeks and found them attractive and was drawn to me and it became a plus. Sometimes going through the pain brings positive results.
Finally, remember that all things matter. Live each moment as if someone is watching and everything counts. Because someone is watching it does matter, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 tells us that all things matter, even the things that we think no one sees. God never misses a trick…even the ones we hope no one saw. In those cases, we confess, repent and allow the work Jesus performed on the cross to wipe the slate clean. It is all good! Make the most of each moment living it as if it could be your last, connecting to people as much as possible, living and learning life’s lessons from pain knowing that all things matter! Have a great one!
Socrates at his trial for heresy said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” While never accused of heresy of on the level of Socrates I am an obsessive thinker and I try to think and learn from everything. I hope I have picked up a thing or two in my day(s). I have seen people search far & wide for purpose & meaning in life. Many seek purpose or meaning in relationships, success, power. These pursuits usually lead to emptiness. Others become frustrated and escape in depression, drugs and other methods of avoidance. Oscar Wilde said, “In this world there are two tragedies. One is not getting everything one wants, the other is getting it.”
As a pastor I have been with people in enough difficult situations, end of life moments and preached enough funerals that I have learned that life is precious and fragile. Psalm 90:12 tells us our days are numbered. We don’t know the number so we need to live each day is if it may be the last. You never know which breath, word or deed may be the final one. The only way to make sure you leave this world and your loved ones with a good word, deed or smile is to try to have a good word, deed or smile every moment.
I have learned it’s important to keep close relationships with family and friends. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
I will always remember the 1st funeral I preached, as a young seminary student in my 20’s. The funeral home called to have a ‘minister’ because the deceased man was virtually unknown. There were only 8 people present. The man in the casket looked to be in his 50’s. I did my best. Afterward the only one of the 8 attendees in a suit, the one who paid for the funeral, came to thank me and told me, “He was a cousin we rarely saw who lived a hard life and I didn’t want him buried alone.” How sad that his closest family, at his funeral, did not really know him. What a lonely life. I once saw a forgettable movie but remembered a scene where a somewhat sensitive hit-man contemplated life. One can learn from many avenues. He said the following, “Look, in my business you’re surrounded by loneliness and finality. Now I don’t care what your take is on an afterlife, when people die its scary and they go alone. Now the people that I send off that have experienced love, they’re a little less scared. I mean they’re still scared but there’s calmness to ’em. I think that comes from a knowledge that somebody somewhere loved ‘em and cared for ’em and will miss ‘em.” It is vital to keep and maintain close relationships with friends and family. It is important to know and love people and know you are loved.
I have also learned over the years that pain is a part of life. There is a human tendency to avoid pain by any avenue (pills, drinking, denial, isolation, etc.) Avoidance is also a great way to avoid pain. God often uses painful situations to transform and teach. Read Hebrews 2:10. What is my loving Father teaching here? I used to be embarrassed easily so I avoided the pain of embarrassment by avoiding situations with that potential. I missed a lot of fun in the mix. Now I add my red cheeks to the fun. My wife saw a cute guy with red cheeks and found them attractive and was drawn to me and it became a plus. Sometimes going through the pain brings positive results.
Finally, remember that all things matter. Live each moment as if someone is watching and everything counts. Because someone is watching it does matter, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 tells us that all things matter, even the things that we think no one sees. God never misses a trick…even the ones we hope no one saw. In those cases, we confess, repent and allow the work Jesus performed on the cross to wipe the slate clean. It is all good! Make the most of each moment living it as if it could be your last, connecting to people as much as possible, living and learning life’s lessons from pain knowing that all things matter! Have a great one!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
When Everything You Trusted Goes Wrong!
Do you remember where you were when you first realized the world was not a just and righteous place and life is not fair, when your realized your government lied to you, your theology may be wrong, those your trusted had betrayed you and all you had once believed in may not be true? For some it was standing in a hospital when the test results literally caused our knees to weaken. Others had that moment when an action, discovery, letter or confession caused you to discover your spouse is found not to be the person you always thought they were. Perhaps your priest or pastor is found in a discretion that is unexplainable or the government leader who seemed so honest is found in the midst of a scandal. These are a few general examples of events when life tumbles in and the things you seemed to trust are now turned upside down.
Peripeteia is the term that describes the turn of events in a Greek tragedy where the hero suddenly finds that everything he thought he knew was wrong. There comes a time in most lives when we are smacked in the face with the terrible reality when the things and people in which we once placed confidence now are gone and we know the lost feeling of ‘Peripeteia’. When that time comes to our life what do we do? How do we move forward? Where do you find trust and security when you have been betrayed and everything you trusted or believed seems wrong or confused?
This may be the time when the real adventure of your life begins. When the things once trusted fade away one can finally look past illusions, superficiality, hopes, dreams and find real truth. It may be harsh but knowing real but truth will give you freedom. Once you know real truth you will never be dissapointed, dissalusioned, misled, abandoned or misguided again. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” If you think that quote sounds too good to come from me, actually it does. Jesus said it and John recorded it in his Gospel (chapter 8, verse 32).
In fact, not only is that statement truth but the author of that statement ‘IS’ truth! He is the only one in whom you will never be dissapointed, dissalusioned and he will never abandon you. People, governments, institutions (even religious institutions) will all fail because they are human & founded on human beliefs and run by humans. Try as we may, we have faults and are finite. Our best efforts fall short. When we choose role models, ideals, institutions to idolize we set ourselves up for failure and dissapointment. However, once we find that feeling of ‘Parapettio’ we are free to look beyond the superficiality of all we once trusted and find real truth, brutal as it may be at times.
Real brutal truth tells us that as much as we exersize and eat right, eventually our bodies are going to be food for maggots (how is that for a start at harsh reality?). Real brutal truth tells us the only way we can experience love is to continue to open our hearts to be broken. Real brutal truth tells us the only way we can overcome being hurt is to forgive and forget, as God has forgiven us. Real truth tells us that the best we can do is have faith in God who teaches us to love Him with a love that goes beyond understanding and love our neighbors, ALL OUR NEIGHBORS, as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40). Real brutal truth comes when you realize you don't have to put on an act, pretext or seek to please anyone because it is only what God thinks of you that really matters. Real Brutal truth is being completely honest with God, knowing He is real, honest with you and you don't have to put on a front with Him. Real brutal truth is found in facing the mirror first thing in the morning and seeing what Jesus sees and realizing He honestly said, “That is a face I would die for!”
Peripeteia is the term that describes the turn of events in a Greek tragedy where the hero suddenly finds that everything he thought he knew was wrong. There comes a time in most lives when we are smacked in the face with the terrible reality when the things and people in which we once placed confidence now are gone and we know the lost feeling of ‘Peripeteia’. When that time comes to our life what do we do? How do we move forward? Where do you find trust and security when you have been betrayed and everything you trusted or believed seems wrong or confused?
This may be the time when the real adventure of your life begins. When the things once trusted fade away one can finally look past illusions, superficiality, hopes, dreams and find real truth. It may be harsh but knowing real but truth will give you freedom. Once you know real truth you will never be dissapointed, dissalusioned, misled, abandoned or misguided again. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” If you think that quote sounds too good to come from me, actually it does. Jesus said it and John recorded it in his Gospel (chapter 8, verse 32).
In fact, not only is that statement truth but the author of that statement ‘IS’ truth! He is the only one in whom you will never be dissapointed, dissalusioned and he will never abandon you. People, governments, institutions (even religious institutions) will all fail because they are human & founded on human beliefs and run by humans. Try as we may, we have faults and are finite. Our best efforts fall short. When we choose role models, ideals, institutions to idolize we set ourselves up for failure and dissapointment. However, once we find that feeling of ‘Parapettio’ we are free to look beyond the superficiality of all we once trusted and find real truth, brutal as it may be at times.
Real brutal truth tells us that as much as we exersize and eat right, eventually our bodies are going to be food for maggots (how is that for a start at harsh reality?). Real brutal truth tells us the only way we can experience love is to continue to open our hearts to be broken. Real brutal truth tells us the only way we can overcome being hurt is to forgive and forget, as God has forgiven us. Real truth tells us that the best we can do is have faith in God who teaches us to love Him with a love that goes beyond understanding and love our neighbors, ALL OUR NEIGHBORS, as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40). Real brutal truth comes when you realize you don't have to put on an act, pretext or seek to please anyone because it is only what God thinks of you that really matters. Real Brutal truth is being completely honest with God, knowing He is real, honest with you and you don't have to put on a front with Him. Real brutal truth is found in facing the mirror first thing in the morning and seeing what Jesus sees and realizing He honestly said, “That is a face I would die for!”
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