On Top of the World

It was May 28, 1970.  I sat with about 340 young men and women in metal chairs on the gym floor looking at our teachers on the platform and parents in the stands as we shouted triumphantly; “We’re The Best at S.D. Lee, The Mighty Class of 70!”  We were seniors, graduating from high school and we thought we were ON TOP OF THE WORLD!  We didn’t know what the future held but I will never forget that feeling of exhilaration knowing that I had made it!  I remember driving around town later just smiling and waving at everyone I saw.  One of the joys of growing up in a small town is that you know most of the people you see.  I had a huge grin that screamed; “I am a senior and I am ON TOP OF THE WORLD!”

50 years later I have arrived at the place Mark Twain supposedly described (when in doubt you can always credit Mark Twain with any quote) as ‘remembering things that never happened’.  For my 40^th reunion, we were asked to submit high school memories for a booklet.  I wrote; “I remember being 6’ 4” and 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.”  It got a laugh but I do have many serious memories that will always be valued.

I remember friends who did not get to celebrate our graduation as their life was cut short.  The first funerals I remember attending were classmates Alan and Bill who died in a tragic car wreck.  I remember Arnold who did not have a car due to his seizure disorder.  He rode a moped to school and we teased him because most of us had never seen a small motorcycle with pedals.  It was no longer funny when he didn’t make it to school one day because he didn’t survive that final major seizure.  There were others I also recall whose lives were shortened not long after graduation.  I will always remember Dobert calling me one Friday afternoon asking if she could ride with me if I was going home from college that weekend.  I told her I was not leaving until Saturday so she decided to drive home in her own car.  The next day when I passed the place on the highway where she was killed in a collision with a carload of students who had too much to drink, the feeling is still difficult to describe.  Ricky and I met on the first day of class in the first grade and remained best friends all through school.  He was probably the most talented and gifted person I have ever known.  He was only 52 when his life ended.  We all have similar memories of friends or family members who left us too soon. 

These memories taught me that life is uncertain, fragile, precious and fleeting.  That lesson is far more important than anything I ever learned in a classroom.  Joe, a good friend and fellow classmate, devised a ‘Roller Coaster’ philosophy of life; “Enjoy the slow climb to the peak because a sudden drop may be waiting.”  Every life truly has a mixture of joy and sorrow.  While there may be times of grief, sorrow and despair there will always be times when we reach a peak and have that feeling of being ON TOP OF THE WORLD!  It may be the time when you walked out of the church for the first time holding hands as husband and wife.  Or it may be the time when you held your new baby.  Whatever the moment may be, every life has moments that we need to savor and remember!

I am constantly amazed at how many people go through life clinging to anger, jealousy, negative memories, thoughts and destructive behavior.  If these years have taught me anything I have learned that life is indeed uncertain.  No matter what age or station of life we may attain our next breath could be our last.  So, why hold on to any negative emotion or action?  If someone has wronged you, forgive them as quickly as possible.  If you have wronged someone, apologize and ask for forgiveness without delay.  Life is too short to hold on to any destructive action, emotion or memory. 

God promised a few things that are certain in life.  He promised that no matter what happens He will never leave or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5).  He told me that no matter how I may feel about the way I look or feel (as the shortest boy in class I always wondered what it would be like to be tall), I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).  He also told me that I am precious and honored in His sight, and because He loves me (Isaiah 43:4). 

Now as this member of the ‘Mighty Class of 70’ approaches the age of 70.  I have priceless memories and lessons of life to remind me that every day should be savored.  Every friendship cherished.  Each day I wake (as a senior citizen I now wake before the sun rises) with an early morning exercise ritual.  I do one push-up if I wake on my face and one sit-up if I wake on my back.  Some parts wake slower than others but I treasure the fact that I am awake, alive and here.  Although the day ahead is uncertain and could even be my last, I will make the most of it because God will never leave or forsake me.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  I am precious and honored in His sight and He loves me.  Even though I am 50 years removed from that mountain top experience as a graduating high school senior, I still celebrate the gift of life today as I am a now senior (citizen) and I am ON TOP OF THE WORLD!

Whew, That Was Too Close for Comfort

If Mississippi State University graduating students entered the auditorium according to grades with the highest grades first, I would have closed the door behind me.  Anyone with a lower GPA would not be able to graduate.  I have rarely told this story because it is not the type you put on your resume but it is true and I think there are some redeeming truths that can be learned.  So…

I had fun in college.  I was not a ‘party person’.  In fact, if alcohol was involved I was usually the one who stayed sober and took care of others.  I may have been the first designated driver.  However, there seemed to be endless opportunities for sports, games, pranks, or just stupid freshman college behavior in general.  I didn’t have a clue what I was going to do with my life so I majored in accounting, mainly because some of my friends did and I was told that there were good paying jobs in that field.  However, study was not a priority since I was not highly motivated in accounting as a career and, as stated earlier, I would rather play than study.  I was easy prey for any distraction.  Distractions are numerous for a freshman in college so my grades were nothing to write home about.  And I didn’t know that my mid-term grades would be mailed to my home.  My parents, who were paying for my ‘education’, were not impressed with 4 F’s and a C for my first mid-term report.  After a serious meeting with mom and dad I realized I needed to create a more effective study pattern.  I managed to pull up all the grades to a passing average for the end of the semester, but still went on academic probation because my first GPA was below 2 points.  MSU used the ‘four point system’, meaning anything below a 2 point Grade Point Average would not be a passing grade. 

I continued to hover in academic mediocracy for the next 3 years as there were always opportunities for fun or stupid behavior that had nothing to do with study.  I also was drifting because I didn’t really know what to do with my life so a dedicated academic focus on business classes was difficult.  There was always an underlying sense that God was going to call me into the ministry but I was so spiritually naïve and immature that I thought He would speak to me from a burning bush or a voice from Heaven.  So, until that event I would just rock along and enjoy life.  And I did…until my senior year.  I was able to do enough math to realize that my GPA was insufficient to the point that I needed to make the Dean’s List, which meant at least 3.6/4.0 (average of A- and A for all subjects), to qualify for graduation.

For the first time I really began to study…more than just enough to get by.  It paid off as I checked final grades posted for all subjects and there it was; William Harold Drees had made the Dean’s list and would graduate!  I was so overcome with joy that I went back to my dorm and celebrated by tossing all my books out of the eighth floor window of my dorm room, shouting; “I am never going to have to study again!”  Note to self; NEVER SAY, “NEVER”!

The feeling of joy lasted until a few days from graduation when I received a phone call at home from Dr. Rogers, the dean of the school of business.  I didn’t know much, but I knew that this was not normal so something was up.  My first thought was, “Oh man is this is about me throwing all the books out of the window?”  However, he informed me that there had been a mistake in the calculation of my grades and I was two quality points shy of the necessary number required for graduation.  He was apologetic as he stated that there was not much time to make up for the problem and suggested that I consult any professors where a borderline A minus may be boosted to an A to give me the two more points needed for graduation.  If that were not possible I could take a class in the summer.  That didn’t appeal to me.

I looked at my grades and my best shot with a borderline grade to possibly be boosted was in a class with a hard-nosed professor.  He agreed to meet and we sat in his office as I nervously watched him study my grades for the semester.  He looked up and told me that my grades were not close enough to be improved.  Even if he gave me credit for perfect attendance and took my cumulative test scores and used that for a final exam, which I did not take as an exempted member of the Dean’s list, he still did not have enough credits to give me the better grade.  My hopes sank as he sat silently for a few minutes with a contemplative look.  He then leaned forward, looked me in the eye and said, “In all my years of teaching I have never given any student anything that I thought they did not deserve…however, I am going to give you the higher A you need for graduation.”  I wasn’t that familiar with Psalm 145:8 then but that verse encapsulated my feelings; “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.”  This truth would remain prominent for me in my journey into spiritual maturity. 

The Dean told me that since the change was made so near the graduation ceremony that my diploma may not be printed in time.  He told me not to worry, I would receive the folder that contained the diplomas like all the rest of the students, just be careful looking inside and don’t be surprised if it is empty.  It would be mailed to me later.  However, when my name was called and I walked across the stage Dean Rogers handed me the diploma folder and gave me a wink.  I peeked and saw my diploma!  I made it...but, whew, that was too close.  Learn a lesson Bill!!! 

This experience taught me a great deal about life, work and the grace of God.  I became more dedicated to walking closer with God and was able to hear His voice more clearly, without it coming from the clouds or a burning bush.  I would indeed become a better and more focused student in seminary and in my life to follow.  In addition to Psalm 145:8, I later found much comfort in 2 Corinthians 12:9; “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 

God showed me that I could enjoy life but I also needed to work more on the things that required seriousness and discipline.  I came to know a God who is rich in mercy and grace that is powerful in overcoming my weaknesses.  All these years later, God still reminds me of His loving grace and mercy and I believe I can see Him saying; “Remember I am gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.  My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…(then I think I see Him smile, nod, wink and say) but, don’t push your luck!”

  

A Lesson in Trust

40 years ago today, I stood on stage in a very large auditorium wearing a black gown and an unusually flat hat with a tassel hanging in my face waiting for my name to be called.  I walked to the center of the stage and shook hands with the president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He smiled and handed me my Master’s Degree.  I smiled back and walked off the stage with the diploma that represented a theological education from the largest protestant seminary in the world at that time.  Who’da thunk it?

Academics were never a priority for me in my youth.  I finished in the bottom third of my class in high school and was dead last in my graduating class in college.  That wild story will be explained on the 46^th anniversary of my college graduation next week.  I was primarily known as a quiet little guy who just wanted to have fun rather than assume the responsibilities and realities of adult life.  I got over being quiet but still hold fiercely to the desire to have as much fun as possible.  However, when I finally figured out and followed God’s plan for my life I learned that being a responsible adult and having fun can both be possible.  In fact, there is nothing more fun than doing what you were placed on this earth to do.  I learned many theological principals In seminary that still guide me today.  However, God taught me a couple of truths that before and outside any classroom attendance.

First, God taught me that if I trusted Him with my life He would take care of my needs.  When I finally realized that God was calling me into the ministry I was guided to Southwestern by reliable friends who knew more about seminaries than me, meaning about all I knew was how to spell the word seminary correctly.  As I investigated I realized that the cost could be an issue.  My parents put me through college, I couldn’t ask them to finance 3-4 years of graduate school.  I also had incurred a few thousand dollars of debt since graduating from college.  I bought a new car and I also had to buy a suitable adult wardrobe for work.  My college attire consisted of Levis and multiple football jerseys.  So I decided to go to seminary after working a while to pay my debts and save some money.  I had a decent job with a company car and decent salary for a recent college graduate.  However, I was wisely advised not to delay and follow God’s leading and trust Him to provide for what He directed in my life.  I swallowed hard, prayed harder, quit my job and headed west to begin the greatest adventure in my life. 

Without going into details, after a year of paying school and living expenses I was also debt free.  No, I did not pledge to a Televangelist and receive a large check in the mail.  I got a job working the graveyard shift at a cabinet plant for minimum wage ($6 an hour then, which was a lesson in spiritual humility for a college grad).  It was low wages but allowed me to work at night, go to class in the mornings, study in the afternoon and grab a nap before going to back to work at night.  I was younger and more energetic in those days.  After my first year when I received my W-2 form God showed me that if I followed Him I could also trust Him to provide what I needed, even when I couldn’t figure out how.  My earned wages amounted to about the same amount of the debt that I had retired that same year.  However, in addition to being able to retire my debt, I had also paid for tuition, books, apartment rent, food and all other living expenses.  I studied accounting in college and the math does not work but somehow God made it happen.  From that time own I realized I could trust Him to provide for my needs if I followed His direction for my life.  For the rest of my career I never asked or worried about salary.  The only issue was deciding whether or not this was where God was leading.  I was never able to afford the yacht or the villa in France for a summer home but He has done OK in providing for me and my family over these years.  Whenever I would begin to worry about finances I would think back to that first year of seminary and be reminded that He would provide if I followed and trusted Him. 

When I began seminary I realized that although I had grown up in church my knowledge of the Bible was still somewhat limited.  A respected pastor once said, “The problem with most church members is that the bump of Bible knowledge on their heads is actually a dent”.  I had heard a lot of sermons and studied Sunday School lessons but had never read the entire Bible.  I was going to be teaching and preaching the Bible so I needed to read it.  I set up a schedule to read it in a few weeks.  It took more than an hour each day, in addition to my classroom study requirements, but I discovered several things that I had never heard in church as well as some things I had heard that were taught incorrectly.  I learned never to trust anything without checking it out for yourself!  That was an important lesson but it’s not the second truth I want to share that I learned outside the classroom, so that one is free! 

In my adventure of Bible reading I learned that God could guide my life far better than I can (DUH!)…again if I trusted my life and works to Him.  While reading Bible for the first time in its entirety several new verses and truths were revealed, however one seemed to express exactly what I needed at that time.  It is funny how clearly God can speak through His written word.  When I read Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established” it seemed that God was telling me personally; “I have an established plan for you that will be revealed as you commit your works to me!’

We never really know what the future holds but I learned that can trust God to provide and guide every step of the way as we commit our life.  As I move closer to the end of my 7^th decade of life I am still amazed at what He has done in, with and through the life of this quiet kid who just wanted to have fun.  So, I learned a lot gaining my Masters of Divinity degree but I also learned that no matter what our stage or vocation in life may be, God will provide and guide as we commit our trust completely in Him!

Finding & Keeping Hope

I had just finished meeting with my staff when my secretary told me there was a man in the waiting area outside my office “needing to talk to a minister”.  Over the years I learned that “needing to talk to a minister” could mean any one of numerous things; someone seeking counsel on spiritual, relationship or financial matters.  In my experience, most of the time strangers came to the church ask for money.  However this situation would prove to be different. 

I introduced myself and invited the gentleman into my office.  He did not respond by giving his name.  That wasn’t unusual.  People seeking counsel from a minister other than their own usually want to remain anonymous.  I asked how I could help and he responded with this question, “If a person commits a terrible sin just before dying will they still go to Heaven?".  This immediately got my attention as it was August 12; the morning after the comedian, Robin Williams, had committed suicide.  I knew the real question was; “If I kill myself will I go to Hell?”  This man was contemplating suicide. 

I have studied, taught and shared this misunderstood query over the years.  People have asked if their loved one, who took their own life, also lost their way to Heaven with the act of suicide.  The correct theological answer is NO!  The last act a person commits, no matter how sinful, does not determine one’s eternal destiny.  That is determined by a person’s faith relationship with Jesus.  But this was not the time to discuss theological technicalities.  I needed to keep this man from harming himself. 

When a person indicates that they are contemplating suicide every counselor obviously seeks gently to guide the person away from such action.  I told him I would answer his question but first I asked him to tell me a little about what was going on in his life.  This man was not really seeking a lesson in theology.   He needed someone to give him hope.  I listened and then we began looking at reasons to have hope and move past the discouragement and despair of the moment.  He never told me his name but thanked me for helping him and we prayed before he departed.  I prayed again after he left.  I tried my best to give him the help he needed to keep from harming himself but since he wanted to remain anonymous and I knew I had no way to check up on him.  So, I prayed him into God’s care and had to leave it there. 

I always enjoyed walking around the sanctuary before the worship service started, speaking to members and greeting visitors.  Several months after the encounter described above I noticed a lady sitting on the end of the pew next to the isle.  I had never seen her before and began to approach and welcome her when I noticed the gentleman sitting next to her.  I knew I still needed to honor his desire for anonymity so I greeted him and his wife as if I had never met either of them before.  As I welcomed them to our church she reached out her hand and as I extended mine (mother taught me that a gentleman always waits for a lady to extend her hand first) she held my hand gently and looked at me with a knowing smile of gratitude and said, “Thank you so much for everything!”  Without any other words the three of us silently rejoiced in hope that had been found and restored.

 

We are living in some stressful and uncertain times.  I often tell people that life on this planet is always uncertain and the only thing that is really certain is the reality of uncertainty.  We just don’t realize it unless there is a sudden reminder, such as the current pandemic or an unexpected phone call with bad news or a medical exam that did not give a positive response.  In those times we are smacked in the face with the reality that the future is uncertain.  Rather than becoming discouraged or hopeless we must seek to do as my anonymous friend and I did in my office that Tuesday morning several years ago.  Instead of looking into a black hole of gloom and hopelessness we must always seek reasons for life and hope.  

I am re-reading ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’, Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl's memoir and descriptions of life in Nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival.  Frankl speaks of the importance of finding a reason to live no matter how difficult and discouraging life can become, and I don’t think too many of us can even truly imagine the horrors of being a prisoner in a Nazi death camp.  Friedrich Nietzsche, long before those horrors, spoke of the importance of overcoming negative and discouraging situations by having a reason to live; “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”

Again, I know we are living with much uncertainty today.  However, there is not better ‘why to live for’ than Easter gives us.  There is no better hope than that given by the bodily resurrection of Jesus.  That power to restore life to a cold dead body is still available to restore hope and give a reason to live abundantly no matter what the circumstance may be.  This is why the Apostle Paul wrote the following while unjustly imprisoned; “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”  (Philippians 4:11-13)

I have to admit that I was never as inspired or as eloquent as the Apostle but I have been fond of telling people that; “We need to remember that we are the people of the resurrection!  We are the people of the empty tomb.  I recently checked and all the founders of major religions such as Mohammed, Siddhārtha Gautama (better known as Buddha), Confucius, Joseph Smith, etc. are all still dead.  Only one has an empty tomb.  Jesus is the only one in history who actually borrowed a tomb.  He only needed it for the weekend.  When we look to Jesus and place faith in Him there is eternal hope and reason to live abundantly.  The worst that can happen for a believer is that we die and go to Heaven forever!”  

Now I can live with that!

Staying Home

Years ago I asked God to give up on providing me opportunities to learn patience.  You know how it works, you are running late on a two lane highway and the car in front of you drives ridiculously below the speed limit…and there is no safe place to pass.  Or you run in the store for three quick items and get in the ‘Express Check-Out’ line (15 items or less) since you only have three items and the person in front of you clearly can’t count!  My Gosh, how can you think a 47 items are the same as 15 or less?  And yes I counted them all!  I had plenty of time while I had to wait on you to buy a month’s worth of groceries in the EXPRESS LINE!!!  And how can you still not figure out how to use the credit card device???? You just swipe or insert the card in the chip reader!!!   Come ON!!! 

I think you get the point of my struggle.  So, I certainly do not have the patience to ‘shelter-in-place’.  Why not just say, “Stay Home”?  I guess ‘shelter-in-place’ sounds more official.  I should have more patience with the terminology we often use also.   I understand that we are in very unusual times and we have to try to keep ourselves and one another well.  However; for those of you, like me, who are social animals and who also get ‘cabin fever’ about every 15 minutes here are a few of the ways I try to keep my sanity (what’s left of it) in these days of staying home.  Maybe you will find some helpful ideas for yourself. 

There is always ‘binge watching’ TV programs.  I would suggest keeping away from the news other than catching a brief summary of necessary information.  I begin each morning by checking with several national, international and local Internet news sites.  I can quickly click on information and filter out the politically and agenda driven ‘news’ and then I can sort out  the truly helpful information.  However; if you are hyper, like me, there is only so much time you can sit and watch anything. Then I turn it off and seek to move to positive activities for my body, mind, soul and spirit. 

Since the gym has closed I have returned to walking the streets in my neighborhood.  As an early morning person I find it physically and spiritually refreshing to take a brisk two mile walk as I watch the sun rise on a new day of life.  Our front porch faces the setting sun so, at the end of the day, we enjoy sitting in our rocking chairs waving at neighbors who are walking in the evening while we read or catch up with friends and family on the phone.  Social distance is not an issue when you FaceTime!

This is a great time to call elderly family, friends and church members.  I found, during my pastoral career, that the elderly who are primarily home-bound even during normal times battle loneliness more than we realize.  Many have lost their spouses and were truly energized when the pastor came to visit.  It also energized me as they have so much wisdom and experience in life to share.  In these days when older adults are wisely encouraged to stay home, a phone call from a friend or loved one can truly lift their spirits…and yours as well. 

We have also enjoyed finding new recipes and taking the time to cook at home more now that restaurants are limited to ‘take-out’ or delivery.  However, I would encourage moderation or you may have to take an extra lap around the neighborhood. 

This is also a great time to catch up on reading.  While many libraries may be closed there are many resources on the web to find books.   Most libraries have free apps like Hoopla, Overdrive, Nook, etc.  There is also a book that is already in most homes (and easily available on the Internet) that could be helpful for the soul and spirit in these difficult and uncertain times. 

One of my seminary professors gave me a plan that allows the follower to read through the New Testament in one month.  Even a slow reader, like me, can do this in about thirty minutes a day.   A common failing even among Christians is lack of Bible knowledge.  This plan calls for reading the New Testament through every thirty days if the reader desires to do so. 

However, if that is a little too much for you, have no fear I am a master at seeking something simpler.  Remember I am a product of the Mississippi public school system.  I grew up saying, “Do we have to read all of this?”  I counted and there are 89 chapters in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John).  I also noticed that there are 30 days in a month (I know about February…don’t get too technical).  I know you didn’t know math was going to be included but hang with me…So, if you read 3 chapters a day, you can read through the four Gospels in a month.  Jesus told us to teach (and follow) everything he commanded us.  To know what he commanded, we must become familiar with his teachings and life.  So each day one should read three chapters on the corresponding day to complete the reading each month.  Hey, they don’t give out Doctorate degrees to chimps!  Seriously, this is a great way to become more familiar with the life and teachings of Jesus as an inspirational and uplifting activity that only takes a few minutes each day. 

Anyway, I hope some of this has been helpful as we seek to ride out the days of this pandemic.  Hang in there until we can get together again ASAP.  Until then, pray for one another and stay well. 

Practicing Generosity, Peace and Valuing the Right Things

I live in the county that has been called the epicenter of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in my state.  Yesterday I went to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription…no I am not sick or contagious.  You will not catch any disease by reading this.  I needed to renew an old prescription of a daily medicine.  Many of us older folks take some kind of pill on a daily basis.  Anyway, as I approached the drug store I noticed a sign on the door communicating that they were not allowing anyone in the store for the health of their employees.  The sign had the pharmacy number to call and they would fill the prescription and bring it to your car.  OK, I am getting used to this.  I had the same treatment at the local library. 

However, as I sat waiting for my curbside prescription delivery I noticed that the package store next door had no such policy.  People were going in and coming out at will with their purchase.  I mentioned this to my wife who has been lecturing me because I believe we are living in too much of a panicked atmosphere.  She told me that this was probably because many sick people go into the drug store and they did not want to take a risk of catching and/or passing along viruses.  I responded, “So, I guess it is better for your health to consume alcohol than to purchase medicine?”  Forgive me for failing to learn not to comment on certain things even at my advanced age.  I won’t go into the rest of the conversation because that is not the subject of this moment.  However, I also noticed that the hardware store across the street had the same open door policy as the liquor store. 

Forgive me again but I still did not see the logic of being able to walk in a store to buy nails or liquor and not be allowed to go in to my local drug store to purchase or speak to a pharmacist about medicine.   I did manage to keep my next sarcastic remark to myself…see, I’m learning.  Oh, what the heck, here it is; “So, I guess it is ok to go in and those stores and buy enough nails and liquor to board myself up in my house and drink until this is over?”  See why I should learn to keep certain thoughts to myself?

There is much that confuses me today; hoarding toilet paper probably tops the list!  I have always done much of the grocery shopping in our family.  I was a bachelor for several years and bought groceries before marriage.  Even today when we go to the grocery store she grabs the shopping cart and says, “I’ll push.  You get” (the groceries we need).  We are in the stores often because we never have been people who ‘stock-up’ when buying groceries.  Since I am not good at ‘stock-up’ grocery shopping, I certainly don’t understand the current ‘hoard-shopping’ (my word for panicked virus shopping)! 

I know we live in uncertain times and they can be scary times for many.  However, as I shared in my previous blog, we do not need to live in anxiety or fear.  Fearful hoarding prevents people who actually may need certain items (especially medical items) from being able to acquire them when they are unnecessarily hoarded by others.  In uncertain times we need to be especially mindful of our behavior, toward ourselves and others.  When we live in fear or selfishness we are not able to enjoy life or the day that we have been given.  I know these are serious times but we need to be “wise” or “shrewd” and be “innocent, gentle and harmless” in our dealings with others as Jesus recommended in Matthew 10:16.

So if these times are causing anxiety leading to hoarding, selfish attitudes, wondering what to hold onto or value or worrying about things that can pass away in a blink or things over which you have no control (like your retirement savings); don’t be anxious, fearful and illogical!  Wash your hands, practice social distancing, stay home if you don’t feel well and pay close attention to what those who know more than we do about the best, healthiest, safest and anxiety free way to live…especially Jesus!  I will give Him the last word on hoarding, worrying and knowing what is really valuable in life.  I like the way the Contemporary English Version translates Luke 12:16-34 (the separation and titles are mine).

Hoarding

So Jesus told them this story: A rich man’s farm produced a big crop, and he said to himself, “What can I do? I don’t have a place large enough to store everything.” Later, he said, “Now I know what I’ll do. I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones, where I can store all my grain and other goods. Then I’ll say to myself, ‘You have stored up enough good things to last for years to come. Live it up! Eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.’” But God said to him, “You fool! Tonight you will die. Then who will get what you have stored up?”  “This is what happens to people who store up everything for themselves, but are poor in the sight of God.”

Anxiety and Worry

Jesus said to his disciples: I tell you not to worry about your life! Don’t worry about having something to eat or wear. Life is more than food or clothing. Look at the crows! They don’t plant or harvest, and they don’t have storehouses or barns. But God takes care of them. You are much more important than any birds. Can worry make you live longer? If you don’t have power over small things, why worry about everything else? Look how the wild flowers grow! They don’t work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn’t as well clothed as one of these flowers. God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. Won’t he do even more for you? You have such little faith! Don’t keep worrying about having something to eat or drink. Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father knows what you need. But put God’s work first and these things will be yours as well.

Treasures in Heaven

My little group of disciples, don’t be afraid! Your Father wants to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give the money to the poor. Make yourselves purses and wallets that never wear out. Make sure your treasure is safe in heaven, where thieves cannot steal it and moths cannot destroy it. Your heart will always be where your treasure is.

Fear Not

I grew up in Mississippi.  I have not found the documentation yet but I firmly believe the old joke about the last words of a redneck originated in my home state.  Surely you don’t have to Google it…”What are the last words of a redneck?  Hey Y’all, watch this!”  While that joke/statement is not always funny or followed by a funeral it is usually followed by a silly stunt that has not been well thought out…if thought out at all.  My first experience with this tradition of yelling that famous phrase to a group of friends before throwing caution and common sense to the wind was concluded with a mad dash to the emergency room and a large cast on my broken left arm.  I was almost certain that although I had never tried it, I could perform that Olympic Gold medal gymnastic somersault on the swing set in the yard.  It looked fun and easy on TV.  I was 8 years old. 

As I grew older I learned, perhaps a little slowly but remember I am from Mississippi, that there is often a fine line between being courageous and being just plain stupid.  For example, trying to do a flip on water-skies just moments after being upright on them for the first time is not courageous.  Some of us take longer to learn the difference between bravery and stupidity.  I was a teenager then and at least I had learned that the water would break my fall better than the ground broke my arm as an 8 year old. 

Eventually I did grow older, more careful and hopefully wiser however; I still never wanted to live a life in fear.   I may not have been a Rhodes Scholar but I had learned that fear and anxiety can choke the joy out of life.  Many years after surviving those foolish days of my youth I was in a conference with my wife.  The speaker was addressing an auditorium filled with ministers and their wives on ways to overcome fear and anxiety in the ministry and life.  He asked us to use the pad that was provided and take a few moments to list all the things that cause anxiety and fear in our lives.  Everyone in the room began writing furiously making their list.  After a few moments my wife noticed that I was not writing.   I was finished…after listing only one item that caused me to have fear and anxiety; “I am afraid I will miss something!”   She rolled her eyes…not the first time for that reaction but this time I was really not trying to be macho or funny.  That was my honest answer. 

I have always wanted to live life to the fullest and experience the most that God has for me each day.  My first sermon text, John 10:10, was very intentional.  It has been my guide in life ever since I was that young blonde kid growing up learning about life, fear and faith.  Jesus was contrasting the destructive work of Satan with His way of abundant and full life.   “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”  Fear and anxiety cannot exist in the same realm as an abundant full life. 

Thankfully, although I did my share of stupid things growing up, I did eventually learn that while it is never wise or spiritually mature to live or act in a foolish manner, it is always wise and spiritually mature to trust God and live without fear or anxiety.  It may not be the easy pathway but when we trust our lives to God and are content with His direction and outcome we can always find peace which leads to an abundant and full life. 

God never does anything on impulse and is never caught off guard by anything that happens.  I have searched the scriptures far and wide and consulted with religious leaders from different faiths in different parts of the world and have never found God saying; “Wow!  I didn’t see that coming!”   I have discovered that all that happens in our lives is not caused by God.  The source of many, if not most, of the problems we encounter in life can be found in the mirror.  However, if we will seek to trust and follow God’s will and wisdom through and in all things that happen we can find His peace and comfort. 

God is always sending us messages to calm anxiety and give us peace.  Why do you think He created angels?  The Greek word άγγελος or ángelos; from which we get our word, angel literally means "a messenger" (from the word angello, "to deliver a message").  So an angel is literally a direct messenger from God with a message for the moment straight from God.  I used to say an angel is like a telegram from God. Wow, does that show my age?  Now I would say an angel is like a text directly from God. 

Again, it is not by accident that the first words of an angel are always; “Fear not!”  I think there is a two-fold reason for this initial consistent angelic proclamation.  First, I think it was initially uttered as calming statement.  An unexpected angelic encounter could be quite startling.  Can you imagine that group of shepherds watching their sheep one night, thinking it was only the sheep and them alone in the field when the quiet night was suddenly interrupted by a choir of angels singing “Glory to God in the highest”?  Of course, the primary message of the angels was the birth announcement of a savior being born that evening in Bethlehem but they also brought the timeless message from God…”Fear not!”   God never wants us to live in fear or anxiety. 

We live in a world that has been inhabited by sin which means that life can be difficult, scary and uncertain at times.  However, God continues to tell us that we don’t have to live under those circumstances.  Fear and faith cannot occupy the same space.  That is the message of John 10:10.  While there is a destructive and evil force in this world there is also a savior who was sent to give us an abundant and full life.  God gives us countless communications to move from fear and anxiety to trust and abundance in everyday life.  I would encourage you to find a favorite message and memorize it.  One of my favorites is found in Philippians 4:6-7.  I like the way the Contemporary English Version states it; “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.”

If something simpler would be helpful, remember I am a product of the Mississippi public school system.  Simple is always good!  Here is something I learned from a young child.  EVIL is actually LIVE spelled backwards.  So when the difficulties of life in this sin-scarred and often evil world seem to be coming in every direction causing fear and anxiety that are choking out the joy of living a full and abundant life remember that God has always been in the business of turning EVIL around so we can LIVE!