Being Humble

As I sit here and write, I think about humility and moments in my own life where I was humbled or displayed humility, I immediately feel like a hypocrite. Which ever way I turn I see myself. My own desires, my own ambition, my own safety. As I lay out even my greatest deeds of humility I cannot help but wonder if there was not some hidden intention of glory for myself. It is truly possible to be humble or are we only bi-products of being humbled who simply adapt?

To be humble. A simple yet profound beckoning that has floated around the cosmos since time began. Simple in the sense that anyone can do it. Even the youngest of children. Profound because humility is not the master of anyone. Humility can be found but is often disguised in ways that make it as fleeting as the vapor Solomon found in all of life’s luxuries. The antithesis of humility is pride. Pride is the master of the human heart. Quite simply because that is way we are inducted into this world. Our desires are our own and that goes on throughout history. Pride destroys relationships, careers, and worse of all, our communion and affinity to God. 

King David starts psalm 36 in a peculiar way. Different than any other psalm of his that I have come across. He begins:

I have a message from God in my heart
    concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:
There is no fear of God
    before their eyes.

In their own eyes they flatter themselves 

too much to detect or hate their sin.

I am going to make a futile attempt to define humility, but I do not think simply knowing the definition of something enacts any sort of change. I want to look at scripture to learn about my own heart. More specifically my own wickedness. Where I have lost the fear of God in my eyes and failed to hate my own sin. In doing so, I believe the curse of pride can slowly be lifted and I can begin to see my fellow human beings as equals. 

Gentle And Humble In Heart

There is not a person or community on earth that does not see humility as a positive virtue. Yet, I can’t help but wonder if we know the history and origins of the word. There are many different cultures and language that have their take on the word but looking at the Greek texts are more at my disposal. Like many Greek words there are multiple meanings and multiple root words. For example, one use of the word humility can be found in James 3:13 “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (NIV). This word is prautēs, which can also be translated to gentleness. Here, James is comparing this type of humility to wisdom. This may be related to Proverbs 15:33 where Solomon says, “Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor” (NIV). In Hebrew, the word humility means meekness or gentleness. This word is used in scripture when relating to someones actions. Paul uses this word in Galatians to explain how to handle a brother or sister that is caught in sin. He says, “restore that person gently” (6:1, emphasis added). The word for gently is the same word James uses for humility. 

So we can deduce that humility is not only a heart posture, it is required to take hold of our deeds. Humility is not only for the individual, it is something we are to give away to our neighbor. To the Colossians, Paul communicates that the church is to clothe ourselves in humility. This is a conscious decision that we are to make daily, just like putting on our clothes. It takes effort, but with all habits it will hopefully become as easy as putting on clothes. Now there is another word for humility that has less to do with our actions and more to do with our very being, and hopefully, our identity.

This word is tapeinos. The significance of this word is found in both the meaning and the use of the word. It means, “Not rising far from the ground” or the verb is “to make low” (tapeinoō). What makes this definition powerful is that this is how Jesus describes himself in Matthew 11:29. He uses both gentle (praus) which is very similar to the word prautēs, and humble (tapeinos). We see that in Jesus he exemplifies both uses of humility. Both in his actions and in his very being. 

The Gospel message holds the power and affect of this word for humility. God himself tapeinoō. He literally made himself “low to the ground”. The Creator of the cosmos, seas, and dirt subjected himself to these elements just like everyone of us. In his actions as well as his being. What I propose, is just like love, God does not just show us humility he is humility. The scandalous message in it all is that Jesus will give us rest. How? Through his gentleness and humility. Again, just as James and Paul were echoing to the church, this humility is for others. Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me” (NIV). This is something we must learn. It is a rewiring of our DNA as new creations. That if I am going to look more like my Rabbi, I must humble in deed as much as heart. 

Our Relationship With The Ground

These last few months have been very difficult for me. I have been avoiding my prayer and meditation time. I have chosen to pity myself and chalk it up to being God “teaching me humility." Ironically, I have felt God’s persisting presence very strongly. Despite my efforts to remain in a state of sulking. It has taken me at least three months to write this because of my passive resistance. What clicked for me is when I learned of the root word for humility. I have prayed and probably even taught on this idea of humility being something that I must receive from “out-there." God must give it to me because I am too far removed or distant to attain it. Mainly, I equated my feelings and emotions to humility or pride. Not to dismiss our emotions, but when I felt downtrodden I began thinking God was using humility to “punish me” or “teach me a lesson”. But if we are to find rest in Christ, and he is gentle and humble, then humility is not something we must ask for “out-there” but a choice to look more like Jesus. 

In our western American evangelism, we have leaned more into a theology of escapism. We have simplified the Gospel to “going to heaven” or not. Waiting out until Christ’s return. The Gospel and Biblical narrative is quite the opposite. It is of God entering into the chaos and mess sin has created. Adam was created from the dust, but Jesus chose to dive into it. He lowered himself to the earth (tapeinoō). So as his church (and I believe this is what James and Paul were getting at) we are to reflect Christ in this way. Humility is not only being gentle in our deeds but humble in heart. We as the church should not so much be escaping the earth but lowering ourselves to the ground to be with our neighbors, for our neighbors. Christ does not use humility to teach us a lesson, he uses himself to teach us about humility. This is how we find rest and this is how the church can look more like Jesus. We must not be people with our heads in the clouds, but like our Lord, we must lower ourselves to the ground in service. 

References:

Galatians 6:1; James 3:13; Matthew 11:28-30; Proverbs 15:33; Psalm 36:1-2

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4240&t=NIV

https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/mat/11/29/t_conc_940029

What Reward Will You Get?: Fair vs. Unfair

As the eldest child there are naturally recompenses and pitfalls. While in one hand, the mistakes and shortcomings I may have had came with swifter and harsher chastening, the other hand supplied me with the first tastes of freedom and responsibility. Experiences that my sisters at the time could only dream of. While maneuvering through childhood and being handed more and more libations of freedom I quite frequently heard my sisters mutter, whimper, or sometimes cry out, “That’s not fair”. A lot of the time we are emotionally charged. This intrinsic reaction to strike balance in the universe so that all is right in the mind and spirit. Or so we like to think.

The seventh principle in Dr. Henry Cloud’s book is Don’t Play Fair. A chapter title worth taking pause, especially for a Christian. His main point however was to point out a simple truth about life. It isn’t fair. We have heard these words said many times, and to use my childhood as the example, we have heard them from our parents. When Dr. Cloud talks about not playing fair he is not referring to cheating, stealing, lying, or deceiving. He puts forward another instinct we humans have which actually is the horse that pulls most of the actions mentioned forward. This is the need to get revenge or get even. We take it upon ourselves to “set the score”. Bring balance to what we believe is fair and right. 

How many movies have we seen where this is the outline? Even to the point of taking the law into ones own hands. This inclination is so strong in us that we praise the outlaw, the rebel, the punisher, the Batman, and any figure that goes about making things right no matter what the cost. There is however a big difference between what I and Dr. Cloud are talking about and justice. Scripture is clear on fighting injustice and standing up for the oppressed. Jesus is very clear on this in his teachings as well as his life lived. Fairness and unfairness are much more objective. It is a slippery slope believing I know exactly what is fair and unfair, especially when it pertains to me. 

This is why I propose that this idea of fair and unfair go hand in hand with more intrinsic feelings. Comfort and discomfort. Jesus was criticized (and ultimately killed) because he himself criticized the status quo. His Sermon on the Mount both wowed and stymied his listeners because they were hearing things with authority and conviction they have never heard before. A portion of this was a reversed characteristic of getting revenge, payback, and hating your enemies. I am going to wrestle through this idea of fairness and comfortability and why it can stifle our growth.

What if?

When reading Matthew 5:38-48 (or all the Sermon on the Mount for that matter) sometimes we walk away with more questions than answers. Questions about who our enemies are, who an evil person is, what turning the other cheek looks like, and what being perfect looks like. All of which are what makes Jesus the most brilliant teacher to walk the face of the earth. He taught us to constantly ask these questions that will constantly morph, change, and come to life the longer we breath his air. 

Questions I found myself asking were a rabbit hole of hypotheticals. I naturally try to prepare myself for every circumstance. I will have fake discussions in my head just to prepare myself for them (You may be surprised to hear they almost never really happen). This can be unhealthy and I am working on it. I did find myself thinking through Christ’s words and thinking of specific situations that might play out. Is this resisting an evil person? Is this turning the other cheek? Is this loving my enemies? What I came to discover is this need to figure these things out stemmed from this need for comfort. I needed to know because I didn’t want to be caught off guard. I didn’t want to find myself in a situation where I was saying, “This isn’t fair”. 

When Christ says, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.” He is not correcting scripture, he is correcting how the scripture was being perceived. This is a quote from Exodus 21:24. The context of the Mosaic law was describing civic duties of the nation. The pharisees at the time had manipulated this text to prescribe it to peoples personal lives and relationships. So when Jesus says to not resist the evil person, he is inquiring that people do not pursue personal revenge. 

This plays into turning the other cheek, being sued, and going an extra mile. In all these things do not pursue pay back or revenge because of a self diagnosed hankering for fairness. Now these words of Jesus in turn separate getting back at someone for a personal need for fairness and justice. The Exodus context dealt with justice. Jesus dealt with justice. The Pharisees dealt with personal vendettas and self-righteousness. Which I would argue self-righteousness plays well into our fight for comfort.

So this requirement I have to ask the “what if” questions draws me right back to the center of Christ’s teaching. I have this desire for fairness which scratches my desire to be comfortable. While Christ teaches that in our pursuit of comfort we actually miss the reward. We miss opportunities not only to grow, but to shine more like Jesus in the world. 

I think it is necessary to single out Christ’s words of being compelled to go two miles rather than just one. At that time, Judea was occupied by the unyielding force of the Roman Empire. It was common that a Roman soldier would command a jewish citizen to help carry the soldiers pack. This was required of the jewish citizen by law. If they denied, it could mean jail. So, jews would do it, but begrudgingly and bitterly. Christ however, is flipping the script saying not only should you do what is asked of you, but go above and beyond. Not out of spite, but our of love. This blows the concept of fair and unfair out of the water. But that is in fact what the Gospel does.

Perfect Practice

When I played baseball, I had a coach that loved to quote Vince Lombardi saying, “Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” This quote has always stuck with me for a number of reasons. One of which is that even when I was a young adolescent I wasn’t sure I agreed with the quote. How can you measure what a perfect practice is? Especially when you are practicing something you yourself are not an expert in. Secondly, now as a (relatively) mature adult I have come to the conclusion that only God is perfect and unfaltering. Unmoving and unchanging. 

Thus Christ’s final words of the chapter, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”, seems like a mountain too steep to climb. Early in Christ’s sermon he tells that if ones righteousness does not surpass that of the pharisees then the kingdom of heaven will not be opened to them. So what hope is there? Is this, like my baseball coach’s claim, a call to not only a perfect performance but perfect practice? 

For many religious sects and zealots there is a call to perfect performance. But to interpret it that way would be to miss the heart of God entirely. Christ is and always will be the fulfillment of the Law. As we see here, he is quoting it as well as teaching its true purpose and meaning. The Law itself is perfect because God created it. However, what was the Laws true purpose? To expose our sinfulness. Both conscious and unconscious (Romans 3). 

The pharisees, in all their knowledge, missed the purpose behind the Law and therefore Christ’s means of fulfilling it. The Law exposed sin and condemned it. Which you, I, and no other human could fulfill it, because our sin would always be pried out of us and displayed before men and God. Christ knew no sin, but he displayed his righteousness before men and God and on the cross starved sin of its cyclical power (2 Corinthians 5:21). 

Through Christ, the Law no longer condemns us because it has been fulfilled. However, there is still the ringing call to perfection as well as practice. This perfection and practice is reversed engineered into the hearts of men and women. We do not practice the ways of Jesus to become perfect, we practice from perfection. We now know more than what the pharisees did. Christ being God, perfected the Law and fulfilled it perfectly, so he could free us from the power of sin and death. 

To practice the ways of Jesus is to be perfect. Does this mean we will always do it perfectly? Absolutely not. But Christ sums it up this way, “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” (46). Practicing the ways of Jesus (turn the other cheek, walking two miles, love your neighbor, etc.) comes with its rewards. That is to become more like Jesus. The author of life itself. The Teacher of what a flourishing life looks like. 

To the world, and sometimes to christians themselves, this does not look fair. It certainly isn’t comfortable. Everything Christ says in verses 38-48 is a sacrifice, or more simply put, an inconvenience. But to be perfect, in every sense of our identity, is to take the unfairness of the world and use its momentum against it. To crawl through the mire hand in hand with your enemies when the world tells you to abandon them. That is perfect. That is the Gospel. 

Closing Thoughts On Fairness And Comfort

 The scandalous message of the Gospel is what separates its power from all other religions. God, the Almighty, the Ancient One, the Creator, willingly chose ridicule, suffering, and death. When all other breathing things deserved it. Was it out of comfort or fairness? No. But out of love. The truth is love is not fair. Love is not comfortable. Love draws out the things we hate most about ourselves. Love forces us to sacrifice our most selfish possessions on the altar. Love allows us choose to be faithful in a covenant relationship.

So when Christ was separated from the Father completely while hanging on the cross was it out of fairness? Or was it out of an internal pursuit and promise that he will love us and never forsake us? As recipients of this love and mercy we are to be the wise builders. Who not only hear Christ’s words but put them into practice. 

The words of Jesus are the only way to fight the need to be comfortable and fair. If God only operated within what was comfortable and fair our fate would only end in destruction.  But we are called to love like Him and live like Him. Which breaks down all walls and hedges. What reward is in living for comfort? When perfection lays beyond borders yet discovered. 

References:

Cloud, Henry. (2004). ‘9 Things You Simply Must Do: To Succeed In Love And Life’. MJF Books.

Matthew 5:38-48; Exodus 21:24; Romans 3; 2 Corinthians 5:21

Break a Leg

I have zero problems admitting I was a die hard fan of Professional Wrestling for several years of my adolescent life. My brothers and I loved the WCW (World Championship Wrestling), my favorite wrestlers were Sting, Goldberg, and Diamond Dallas Page. We would cut out cardboard versions of the belts, create a ring in our living room, or at church in the youth room, and battle it out. We were hopped up on Surge and hardcore Christian rock. I didn’t believe in Santa, I believed in the Four Horsemen and the NWO.

Now as much as I loved watching the soap opera of modern-day titans unfold every week... reality slowly crept in and the luster faded. It was entertaining, but when you realize the stakes aren’t what they seem, suddenly your conscience isn’t fooled as easily anymore.

Compare this with martial arts or hand-to-hand combat training and you suddenly realize what a fight is really like. Wrestling an opponent to submission is a whole lot different than acrobatics and a 1-2-3 pin. It is intense, personal, and usually a hard-learned lesson, even when you’re simply training. There’s no script, there’s no choreography, it is two opponents giving everything they have for a split second of advantage in order to defeat the other.

Wrestling with God

In Genesis 32:22-32, we are in the middle of Jacob’s story. Jacob, the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham, is sleeping alone next to a river.

*Note that a lot has happened in Jacob’s life up to this point, and it’s important to know his whole story. So if you are unfamiliar with it I recommend giving it a read.*

While Jacob is sleeping we get a somewhat bizarre exchange where some “person” comes to wrestle Jacob. They seem to be evenly matched, as the fight goes on until sunrise. The assailant then damages Jacob’s hip to gain the upper hand. Jacob probably realizes he’s losing control and he hangs on even tighter. The mystery man tells Jacob to let go and Jacob agrees, but only if the man blesses him. So clearly Jacob has realized something that we don’t, because that is a terrible tactic for winning a fight.

Then, the man asks Jacob his name, to which he answers, and in response the man gives Jacob a new name: Israel, “Because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” (Gen 32:28)

Now hopefully you have a decent translation or study Bible, because it turns out that this person wasn’t a person at all but was actually the Lord himself (further evidenced in Hosea 12:3-5). What I want to point out is in verse 31 we see that Jacob now has a limp from what God did to his hip while they wrestled. Jacob would forever be changed from this interaction.

Well, it seems we’re left with more questions than answers. By no stretch am I a Bible scholar, but as I consider what this could mean and what benefit it is to me, one possibility sticks out like a sore hip:

When God comes to wrestle, you will come away changed and humbled. 

(and pray you escape with only a limp)

He wants to test your strength - strength of conviction, strength of understanding, strength of humility, etc. This is obviously a more abstract or metaphorical viewpoint, but it seems that’s implied in the text as well when God points out that, yes Jacob literally just wrestled with God, he has also been wrestling with humans his whole life. Again, acquaint yourself with the whole story to get the most out of this.

Conclusion

Currently our Community Group is covering a study that entails reframing the way we think about the Bible, its audience, translation, and meanings. The study itself is incredibly interesting but also very challenging. This is evidenced by how many times we have all said at one point or another, “I’m really going to wrestle with this.” Which I would say is pretty common church-jargon for illustrating the struggle we face when confronted with a new way of thinking or behaving.

One time, after hearing a member of our CG use the phrase “wrestle with”, I thought of the clever response, “and hopefully you’ll come away with a limp.” In reference to the limp Jacob received from the Lord.

But I’m afraid that I tend to treat my spiritual “wrestling” like the superstars of Professional Wrestling. Oftentimes it feels like a choreographed drama, a rote pantomime of deep internal struggle, discovery, and repentance. It’s tidy. And even though it looks and truly feels like a battle, I know that in the end I’ll lose so let’s just cut to the chase and I’ll take some notes and try harder next time. When I should be allowing myself to contend with the most difficult parts of living for the Lord and serving others. God already knows He has the answer, what He wants is for me to see that his strength is better than mine, he wants me to see that my best formulated arguments or beliefs will always need to be tweaked or strengthened.

While I’m forming my own personal beliefs and principles, God may come and give me a shot at the title, pitting my conclusions against his inescapable truth. Thank goodness that He does this! This is loving guidance. 

Consider the words of a prominent psychotherapist as summarized: We should want to bring forth our theories and ideas to the scrutiny of truth, even if, or even because, they can be smashed to bits. 

I should prefer that a faulty belief be tested and scrutinized before it becomes a behavior, a habit, or a part of my character. If I’m wrong then let me find out sooner rather than later. I think of the words of David in Psalm 139:23-24:

“Search me, God, and know my heart;

Test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

And lead me in the way everlasting.”

Note

It may be implied, but I want to point something out just in case. Jacob did receive the limp, an injury, but he also received a blessing. Personally, I don’t read this story as some sort of punishment or correction against Jacob, but simply a hard lesson to strengthen his already improving character. 

I say this because for me, one of the reasons I avoid wrestling with God is because I’m afraid that I do need changing - It’s like avoiding an x-ray because I don’t want to know that my leg is broken. I feel that if God has to change something it means that I’ve been doing something bad or sinful and then He’ll punish me. So I have to remember that The Almighty will always have something to change, and it’s in His graciousness that He gives me time to learn, adopt, and adapt His way into mine.

He is a good father and He understands us. Sometimes we get to test out our theories and ideas; then sometimes He’ll come by and wrestle with it. Afterwards we can move forward with a little more understanding, humility, confidence, and hopefully it will change the way we walk.

Hate Vs. Love

Principle six of Dr. Henry Cloud’s book was the most insightful chapter yet. Why? Because I didn’t agree with most of it. Through wrestling with his points and doing my own research I learned a lot. For that, I am grateful. Let me be clear, I understand Dr. Henry Cloud is, well, a doctor and I am not. He is also a psychologist and I am not. However, purely speaking from a theological stand point I had some questions about his sixth principle. 

The chapter was titled, Hate Well. He uses an example of a new partner he had who quickly found some debts in the accounting that should have been paid off a long time ago. The new partner gathered the employees together and said he “hates surprises”. Dr. Cloud discusses that the partner was calm and didn’t lash out but made his point on what he hated. This is a jumping off point to discuss how successful people have things that they hate and hate well. 

He uses examples of clients he had in therapy that didn’t hate well, and he discusses some scripture to back his points, but I want to parallel this idea with what I think is the antithesis of hate. Love. Dr. Cloud does discuss the difference between subjective and objective hate, which there is objective and subjective love. What does scripture tell us about Christ’s love? It is unconditional, which transcends both subjective and objective love. Subjective means someone’s feelings and opinions affect their views, while objective means their feelings and opinions don’t affect their views. 

Dr. Cloud argues subjective hatred is wrong and we must turn our hatred into objective.  I understand where he is coming from, but when you stand hatred side-by-side with love this doesn’t make sense. From a follower of Jesus perspective. Christ didn’t turn his love for us from subjective to objective or vice versa. Cloud states, “Transform it to the kind of hate that solves problems, protects things that you value, and stands against the things that you don’t want in your life” (153). I am all for that. But I don’t believe we transform hate into another form of hate, I think it’s transformed into something entirely different. 

As Christians, I do not think we’re called (or taught by Jesus) to transform hate into a different hate. I believe we’re called to transform hate into love. More specifically the love of Christ. 

This post is going to be short, but I want to continue this conversation with my community because I think it is fascinating as well as important. 

I Love Lamp

If you were a teenager or older in the mid 2000’s then you have probably seen the movie Anchorman:The Legend of Ron Burgundy. In this film, there are a number of household named comedians that really took off. One of them is Steve Carell. In a scene where Ron Burgundy (Ferrell) Brick (Carell) Champ Kind (David Koechner) and Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) are sitting in Ron’s office asking him about love, Brick starts looking around the room and saying he loves everything he sees.

Brick Tamland: “I love … carpet. I love … desk.”

Ron Burgundy: “Brick, are you just looking at things in the office and saying that you love them?”

Brick Tamland: “I love lamp.”

Ron Burgundy: “Do you really love the lamp, or are you just saying it because you saw it?”

Brick Tamland: “I love lamp. I love lamp.”

Behind this hilarious bit there is a glimmer of reality. We throw the word love around very loosely without a clear definition of what it means or is. 

I can say that I love coffee. Not just the pick-me-up it gives me but the flavor. Grinding it every morning and pouring it in my Chemex. I also love Jenn. When I say I love Jenn it is different than when I say I love coffee. Because if I say I love both but not equally, then I am either diminishing my love for Jenn or my love for coffee, or overstating my love for coffee or for Jenn. 

The truth is, I may love coffee but it is conditional. I love what coffee does for me. I love Jenn, but my love is (or attempt to make it) unconditional. I don’t love her simply because of what she does or doesn’t do, I love her simply because of who she is.

Tim Keller in his book, “The Meaning Of Marriage” discusses this idea in more detail. He mentions he does his best not to constantly name reasons for why he loves his wife. For example, “I love you because you’re pretty.” Or “I love you because you’re funny.” He points out, this conditions people to think that they are only loved when they are pretty, funny, smart, or whatever else it may be. 

If I told Jenn I loved her because she was funny every day, how would she feel if she wasn’t feeling funny? How would she feel if I didn’t laugh at her jokes? She would associate my love for her with how funny she is being. That is not unconditional love, that is not Christ’s love.

The Other Side

If we flippantly use the word love, then do we flippantly use the word hate? Absolutely. Whenever I or my sisters said we hated something my dad would usually respond, “Hate is a strong word.” When looking up the definition in Websters I can see what he meant. The noun is, “intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury” or “extreme dislike or disgust.” The verb is, “to feel extreme enmity toward : to regard with active hostility.”

Neither of these definitions are something followers of Jesus should strive for. Now I am aware that the word hate is used in scripture. Proverbs, psalms, and in Romans chapter 12 Paul even tells Christians to “Hate what is evil” (9). However, in every part of scripture, the writer always points to the Lord’s judgment, not our own. Paul does say hate what is evil, but he also says “Bless those who persecute you” (14). He then goes further saying, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (18).

So what if hating what is evil is less an outward expression but an inward one. What if what Paul is saying, and what Jesus taught (i.e Sermon on the Mount) is that we are all inherently evil and we must hate that evil in ourselves. And what we practice is “Be devoted to one another in love” (10). The evil we hate is inside ourselves, but we allow Christ to transform that to an outward expression of love and peace. 

Rather than saying how much I hate bad drivers or how I hate being stuck in traffic (all driving related, I know) I could reflect on why I am having these feelings of animosity and see if their is any evil in my own heart. Because if I don’t, I am doomed to repay evil with evil and that is what God hates. 

Think of Cain and Abel. Cain had hate stirring up in his heart and God warned him. God gave him a chance to repent. “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it” (Gen. 4:7). We all know how that went. 

The truth is there are things God hates. I encourage you to read and study them in Proverbs 6:16-19. In my studies, I have found that God sees when someones character transfers from a repentive to an unrepentive heart. God hates an unrepentive heart. Someone who will not acknowledge and confess their sin. I would argue this is the reason for most, if not all of God’s judgment on mankind. He sees more than we can fathom and sees the person who repents of the evil in their heart and he sees those who won’t repent. 

This is where things get weighty and above my pay grade but I believe it is an important thing to talk about. Not to blow our heads up, but to discuss confronting the evil and hate in our own hearts. Figuring out how to transform that hate into love. Jesus showed this on the cross. He took every hateful blow, hateful word, and hateful deed and bore it on the cross. Why? Out of Love. The antithesis of hate.

Closing

I want to clarify that I do not think Dr. Cloud was off base by any means. He is after all speaking from a business perspective rather than a theological one. However, it did spark this idea in me that had me thinking and meditating more than I had previously on this journey. 

I recently came across Psalm 136, which is a song that has a call back to it. The author goes through a lot of Israel’s history and after each statement the call back is “His love endures forever”. The author expresses both God’s judgment and God’s love synonymously. 

This is what separates us from God. God can love unconditionally, transcending objective and subjectiveness. As well as be completely justified and righteous in the things he hates. We are called to trust him. To follow the ways of Jesus, who is the Good Shepard as well as the King.

Here is psalm 136 in closing. 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.

who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.

who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.

who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.

the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.

the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.

and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.

with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.

to him who divided the Red Sea[a] asunder
His love endures forever.

and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.

but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.

to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.

to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.

and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.

Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.

and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.

and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.

an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.

He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.

and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.

He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

References:

Ackerman, T., Robertson, S., Russell, D. O., Apatow, J., Ferrell, W., McKay, A., Applegate, C., ... DreamWorks Home Entertainment (Firm). (2004). Anchorman: The legend of Ron Burgundy

Cloud, Henry. (2004). ‘9 Things You Simply Must Do: To Succeed In Love And Life’. MJF Books.

Genesis 4:7; Psalms 136; Romans 12: 9, 10, 14, 18.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hate

Keller, T. (2011). The Meaning Of Marriage [facing the complexities of commitment with the wisdom of God]. Penguin Books. 

Act Like An Ant: Small, Simple, And Good

As Covid-19 has extended itself almost a year, I have been attempting to get back into (fairly) good shape. Jenn and I have been eating healthier, I’ve been closing my calorie burning ring on my Apple Watch, and safely attending a kickboxing gym three times a week… ideally. As I have been plugging away the last few weeks, I have noticed subtle changes. A little toner, my cardio is better, but around the belly there’s just not as much difference. It has been frustrating for a number of reasons but what has been hitting the hardest is the simple reality of time. I’m just not 18 anymore. I can’t eat what I want when I want and retain my slim physique.

As I have gotten older, there are a few natural changes that have been occurring. Changes I have no control over but changes that require my attention. The double edged sword of it all is these changes require me to be more disciplined and more patient. I would argue that as humans we are naturally impatient. Naturally we desire instant gratification and the fastest results. Understand, our culture does not help. I don’t believe our culture created this, it just fine tuned a string that already played the key. I studied marketing, it is no secret that companies and their ads harp on speed, effectiveness, and how much more you are going to get. The trouble is, we have become conditioned to expect and feel entitled to this dispensation. 

Dr. Henry Cloud’s fifth principle is Act Like An Ant. He mentions how Proverbs 6:6-8 is a piece of scripture that opened his eyes to the pace of work he needed to attain in order to finish his doctoral dissertation. He literally bought an ant farm (Dumb and Dumber style) and watched the ants create their tunnels and colony. What he noticed is they did this one grain at a time. Though his dissertation seemed like a giant beast to take on, he slowly worked on it one “grain” at a time. 

Now the reality of it is most of us aren’t doing our dissertation. Though I do know a handful of you that have your doctorate and you can relate to this example better than most, we all go through moments, crossroads, seasons, whatever you want to call it, where we feel stuck or numb. Either overwhelmed because we don’t feel like we have time, the goal is too big, we’re afraid to fail, or we don’t have everything “figured out”. 

In Matthew 14:22-36 there is a famous story of Jesus walking on water. The slightly less famous part is when Peter attempts to walk out to Jesus but begins to sink. I want to explore this story with the principle of acting like an ant. How challenges that seem to require a lot of can be tackled one step or one grain at a time. 

“Well If I Could Walk On Water”

In Middle School and well into High School, my best friend Skyler and I were really into 80’s rock music. Def Leppard, Styx, Poison, Air Supply (shh don’t tell), and Eddy Money. One of my favorite Eddie Money songs is “Walk on Water”. The opening lines go:

Well if I could walk on water

And if I could find some way to prove

If I could walk on water would you believe in me

My love is so true

Now as a follower of Jesus I see the parallels between Money (singing about a girl) and Peter. Peter was looking to prove to Jesus his love, commitment, and faith. Possibly he was a thrill junky but based on his track record he really just wanted to prove his worth. 

I don’t want to focus on what Peter (or Eddie Money for that matter) were willing to do, though that is something to note, but rather how he does it. Like all of life, this instance should be compared to Jesus’ approach. Jesus had just fed five-thousand people and before that he had been teaching. He is undoubtedly exhausted. He begins to dismiss the crowd and tells his disciples to get in a boat and go on ahead without him (22). Why? So he could be by himself to pray. This could be taught in an entire series on silence and solitude but for you extraverts out there you do need time to be alone with the Lord. 

After Jesus had spent time with the Father he noticed the boat was pretty far off shore and “buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it” (24). So, he walked to them. I want to point out that there is nothing about Jesus’ demeanor that is anxious, worried, or hurried. It could have been easy to see this as an inconvenience. But Jesus saw it as an opportunity. 

The disciples were naturally terrified of this figure coming towards them amidst the gale. Jesus’ three sentence succor not only reminds us that Christ is with us in the turmoil, but we have reason to be bold and unafraid. Peter decided this was a moment to prove this. However, I believe Peter was so focused on his destination, he did not think about the journey (cliché, I know). 

When Peter asked Jesus to beckon him out of the boat, Jesus simply says, “Come.” He did not give him any tips, techniques, or even a prayer before stepping out. Peter wanted to go be out where Jesus was. Period. Remember, the disciples had just witness a pretty huge miracle. Jesus feeding the five-thousand. Peter (as well as the others) were probably still riding high from that and this may have been part of what gave Peter his boldness.

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve been excited about something but as soon as it turns to work I quit, I would be a wealthy man. I see the destination, the potential and I become all about it. I have had book ideas (multiple) and started writing for two days and then stop. I’ve has podcast ideas (multiple) and then when I think of the work needed to go into it, I never even start. 

This again, is natural. We want the results but don’t want the grind. We want the gratification without the frustration. Rather than setting small, simple goals, we want to jump to the good stuff. Peter wanted to be part of the miracle. He wanted to experience Christ’s power. But after each step, reality started sinking in (pun unintended). He was not God and he was surrounded by waves and being pounded by gusts of wind. Before you know it, Peter is crying out to God to save him.

There are sermons on this story about keeping your eyes focused on Jesus, not being afraid of external circumstances, and trusting in the Lord. All of which are true and accurate. For the sake of this conversation I am focusing on the simple acts of taking each step. God calls us to take risks, step outside our comfort zone, and be courageous. But he does not force us to move our feet. To take each step no matter how small. Will he catch us if we fall? Yes. Will he correct us if we are on a wrong path? You bet. But we have to set small, simple goals for ourselves that we can stay faithful to. 

Imagine if Peter would have focused just one step at a time. Could he have made it the whole way? What could you accomplish if you focused on one step at a time. Like Dr. Cloud, tackling something as big as a dissertation can be chipped away till it is smaller than a grain of sand. Like an ant building a colony, one grain at a time. 

Lots And Lots Of Ants

Here is the caveat. We can’t do it alone. If you have seen Pixar’s A Bugs Life I need go no further. One ant does not build a tunnel or an entire colony. It is a lot of individual ants working towards the same goal. Being faithful to each grain at a time, together. 

This is the church. A community of people all being faithful to their dreams, goals, and talents together. Working together to accomplish them. Lifting each other up and holding each other accountable. We again gravitate towards an individualistic and instant gratification culture that rubs up against this idea. I would argue that it has even seeped into the churches culture.

But the church always has the potential to be a community that builds something spectacular. Not just physically, but a community of faithful people that move one grain at a time. Christ might call one person to “go” there and another to “go” there, but it is up to the church community to help each other walk on the waters of life. The waters of Covid, the waters of paying bills, or the waters of broken relationships. Without this we will start to sink. 

One thing worth noting that stood out to me while reading the text is that Jesus accompanied Peter back to the boat. Matthew notes, “And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.” (32, Italics added). A small observations, but this should bring tremendous comfort. No matter how small our steps are or no matter how far we sink, Christ never leaves our side. 

We can be confident and faithful because he is confident and faithful. He will go before us as well as walk with us. Call us out and pick us up. No matter what he will walk us back to the boat.

In Christ’s words we should take courage and not be afraid. So take that small, simple step, because with Jesus, even the small and simple are good. 

References:

Cloud, Henry. (2004). ‘9 Things You Simply Must Do: To Succeed In Love And Life’. MJF Books.

Harms, J. (1988). Walk on Water. Eddie Money. Nothing To Lose. Colombia Records.

Matthew 14:22-36; Proverbs 6:6-8

The Credibility Of Jesus

I have heard many people, young and old, carry on one of the great debates of our time with fervor and conviction only to part ways more divided than before. One side brings up this topic, in a casual way, because, “who in their right mind would disagree?”, the other responds with an inordinate amount of incredulity, and the battle has begun. Relationships are left in tatters, the fortifications are assembled, no quarter is given, and the mad kings/queens return to their courts where only like-minded individuals are allowed - In this case, probably a Comic Book store. Because in this case I’m referring, of course, to the great debate between Batman and Superman. It’s probably one of the top volatile issues of our time... at least in an archetypal/symbolic sort of way.

Credibility of a Leader

The main grievance against Superman I have most often heard is that he has no weaknesses (which is only partially true), so he can’t help but be strong. Who can relate to a being that doesn’t struggle against life in the same way that I do? He doesn’t understand my life because he’s just so high above me. Then we have Batman, a (mostly) normal human being who simply uses the resources available, struggles against himself, and must constantly train his mind and body to stand up against the tyranny and suffering that plagues the city he loves. I won’t be so presumptuous as to tackle such a lofty topic, so now I’ll transition to the Bible... I don’t believe it’s a stretch at all to draw a connection here to the way we can view Jesus. We read that Jesus was fully man yet fully human, was the son of God and never sinned, yet faced the exact same temptations and hardships we have all faced. But our minds get jammed up, how could he have sinned? He was perfection incarnate and had His own “God superpowers”, He couldn’t help but obey the Father, how am I supposed to take that seriously as an example? (Phil 2:7, Rom 8:3, Col 2:9, John 10:30, Heb 4:15) These are perfectly reasonable questions and not uncommon. It can feel much easier to relate to most other examples in scripture, especially the New Testament, simply because we see how flawed the characters are and how life could be tough for them. We get it, we see ourselves when we see disciples doubting or being petty, when they are terrified by a storm or can’t even stay awake to help out a friend. The same is true for pastors or when we share our testimony with others. The fight against the flesh provides credibility, and gives people hope that they can overcome it too. So if this is something we intuitively feel and recognize, how do we reconcile this difficulty in relating to our Lord?

Perspective Change

Well the easiest answer would be: Because the Bible says so. The Bible, as I previously pointed out, is pretty clear that Jesus was in fact human and truly did face every temptation. I think in many cases we do need to learn to trust the Word more. If we don’t understand something, we would do well not to change the word of God to fit our own understanding, but instead change our understanding so that we see how we fit into God’s word. So what else does the Bible say on the matter? I would like to consider a fact we may be overlooking. I will break this down into a logical sequence to help keep my thoughts in order.

1. Jesus had spent eternity past with the Father and the Holy Spirit. He saw, felt, tasted, smelled, heard, and truly was the power of God. They were one and words will never be able to adequately describe just how good that was. Therefore, while Jesus was present on earth he could remember exactly what that was like. (John 1:1, John 10:30)

2. The disciples spent just a few years with Jesus and they started to see what Jesus saw too. John 6 has one of my very favorite passages, here are verses 68 and 69:

“Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.’”

In this passage, if you start in verse 60 you see that even though the teachings of Jesus were difficult, and dozens of people decided not to follow him, the 12 remained. Peter explains how, yes it is difficult to follow Jesus, but now that they have seen the truth- anything less would simply not satisfy. In other words, the 12 had reached a crossroads: Follow Jesus or turn away. In Peter’s mind there was no choice at all. Having been in the presence of God and His work gave them the strength to trust and obey.

3. Therefore, how much more would Jesus, when reaching his own crossroads in life, could easily remember the community and presence of the Father and, like the disciples, choose the path of eternal life? Jesus, having much more than a glimpse of God’s presence, could not only choose to follow the Lord every so often, but do it every single time. There was no doubt in his mind that living for the flesh would not satisfy, there was truly no other option because he knew better.

The way I understand it, there wasn’t some cheat code Jesus used to beat Satan in the final round, while the rest of us have to tough it out on “hard mode”. Jesus held fast to the knowledge of the Father’s goodness and His presence. I will point out that I’m not stating this as the definitive way to understand the topic, it’s simply something to consider and something I am continuously learning from.

Conclusion

The cut-and-dry solution would be to simply spend more time in the presence of God, and it is the right solution. But there are many ways to accomplish this and it takes practice to learn the optimum methods each of us can use to find our way to the Lord. Some clear examples from Jesus include:

- Quiet time with the Father (Lk 5:15-16, Mk 1:35-37)

- Prayer in the temple (Mk 1:35-37, Lk 3:21)

- Discussions of theology with other believers (Lk 2:46-49)

- Service (Jn 13:3-5)

- Vulnerable moments with a small group of friends (Mt 17:1-13 & 26:36-45)

- Fasting (Mt 6:16-18)

These are just a few examples of course, but I would emphasize using the time after these methods to reflect on what’s most effective for you. No comparisons or self-doubt, just practice, write down or discuss how you felt, and make a point to spend more time doing what works and not worrying about what doesn’t (I’m not suggesting to avoid any one spiritual practice, but rather not panicking if your friends/family prefer one yet you prefer another). I want to make sure I point out that we will face resistance. Our flesh will always look for a way out, a loophole, to avoid engaging with our weaknesses or obstacles. Like a frightened animal, our selfish desires hate being fenced in and will scurry and claw through the tiniest crack looking for the counterfeit freedom of foolishness. Learn to recognize those tendencies when they creep up, acknowledge them, and let them pass on by. As our wells begin to fill, and we feast on the Words of God, we will encounter the Father’s presence on a regular basis. Then, when we arrive at the next crossroads - the narrow and wide paths before us - we can remember how good it was to be with Jesus and know that nothing is worth separating us from that.

Do Something: Freedom In Responsibility

A few weeks ago, I was enjoying a conversation with a friend about church, leadership, and the difficult time we are in as a church nucleus but also as a country. While discussing Zoom calls, Covid, and everything that has affected us as a church, my friend says, “Left to their own devices, people will do nothing.” I was struck. Not because I could point the finger at others, but because of how true that was for myself. I recognized my own tendencies in that statement and I am sure I am not the only one. As a leader in the church this had me thinking and contemplating my own role and responsibility. 

In marriage, friendships, and work (just to name a few) there has to be a give and take. Or as I like to call it, mutual servanthood. Relationships thrive and flourish when this happens (cf. Mark 9:35, 1 Peter 4:10). The body of Christ should not only practice this, but be the standard and model for it. As Christ was for us. The ultimate act of service and sacrifice was displayed on the cross out of love.

However, there is this pull, temptation, or natural desire to be selfish. To put our own needs and desires first or as I have observed recently, to put our own comfort first. Thus, as my friend had mentioned when we are left to our own devices, we do nothing. We stay in bed, watch another episode, get angry at people on social media (maybe that’s just me) but at the end of the day we focus on what suits our own comfort and needs.

In his fourth principle, Dr. Henry Cloud talks about a concept in the psychology world known as locus of control. In short it is, “an individual’s belief system regarding the causes of his or her experiences and the factors to which that person attributes success or failure” (Joelson, R). Locus of control is divided into external and internal. Some people lean into a more internal locus of control while others are more external. Dr. Cloud being the psychologist that he is says people sway into an eternal locus of control when there is some sort of dependency. For example, if my self-fulfillment, security, and happiness depended on Jenn subsequently whenever I felt un-fulfilled, insecure, or unhappy then I would blame her and our relationship. We feel let down and blame external circumstances because in some way we are dependent on them. 

When Dr. Henry Cloud talks about doing something it is not a flippant irresponsible act simply to say you did “it”. It is for and with a purpose. The book of James is the best example of this. James was the half brother of Jesus who was one of those who saw the resurrected Christ. However, his epistle has come under scrutiny in church history. Martin Luther actually called to have it removed from the Bible (ouch!). Why? Because some people thought James contradicted Pauls teaching on justification on faith alone. 

I want to explore the fourth principle: do something, with James teaching of faith and works. While also seeing why taking responsibility for our actions (or lack there of) actually brings the most joy and fulfillment in our lives. 

Listening… And Doing

After James encourages a persecuted church he says something quite striking. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (1:22-24. Italics added). As one could imagine it was very dangerous to be a follower of Jesus during this time. It would have been very easy to just hunker down, pray, and hear a teaching once a week in the comfort of your own home. But James specifically points out, don’t just listen, do.

Before we start thinking James is encouraging legalism let's compare this to Jesus’ teaching. Jesus wraps up the most profound and famous sermon ever, the sermon on the mount, this way.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matt. 7:24,25).

Did you catch it? Jesus says anyone who hears his words and puts them into practice. That is the key. He doesn’t say those who hear and believe or those who hear and have faith. It take practice.
The wind and rain will come. That is a guarantee. It is the ones that hear the word and practice it that will not be shaken.

James is writing post-resurrection. Believing in the risen Christ is not a religious sect, it is a complete transformation of ones identity. James is expanding on this idea saying if you don’t hear the word and do what it says you “forget what you look like.” What does this entail? This is about identity. When we read scripture we learn about our true selves because God is revealing to us our true selves. When we pray, we learn about ourselves because we are engaging and encountering the one who formed us and continues to form us. Therefore, when we don’t do anything in response we fail to be who we actually are. 

This leads to arguably James most famous words.

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder” (James 2:17-19)

To be clear, James never says one becomes saved through their deeds or work. We are saved by grace. We could not and are not saved through anything but God’s unconditional Agape love for us. James is noting that what marks our identities as followers of Jesus, what sets us apart from Rome, Greece, or Western America is hearing the word of God and doing it. Nobody in the world apart from those filled with the Holy Spirit can do this. But if we don’t, then as James says, we completely lose who we are.

The Little Things

One of my favorite rom-com movies is The Wedding Singer. Favorite Sandman movie by far. Towards the end of the movie, Robbie Hart (played by Sandler) and his best friend Sammy (played by Allen Covert) are at a bar and Robbie is making an attempt to move on after losing Julia, saying he will from now on be a free man seeing a different girl every night. 

Robbie: “That’s it, man, starting right now, me and you are going to be free and happy the rest of our lives!”

Sammy: “I'm not happy. I'm miserable.”

Robbie: “Wha - what?”

What Robbie was seeing for the first time in his friend was not the fun and excitement of freedom, but the loneliness and isolation. Being free of responsibility, especially the responsibility of a relationship, was not freedom at all. It was a prison of despair. 

What the Bible and the “secular” world can agree on is that humans do not thrive in loneliness and isolation. What scripture does teach us though is that real freedom is actually found in sacrifice. We find life in death, being first in being last, comfort in mourning, and community in selfless generosity of time and resources. 

How this is accomplished is through discipleship. There are many practices and opinions on how that looks, but Jesus used this approach through twelve men and his last command before ascending to heaven was that we go out and make more disciples. 

Discipleship does not happen overnight. It take years. A lifetime. But it must be done in community. Followers of Jesus all taking responsibility for each other. Serving one another. Not people doing whatever they want when they want to, or we’ll end up like Sammie. 

We have all been given gifts and we are called to do something with them. What James is communicating is that we use them because of our faith in Christ. Our new identities propel us into a life of service and sacrifice every single day. In every moment of this life we are not to forget what we look like. Who we were made to be and who He is making us to be. 

Covid-19 has tested us all in this one. The “normal” things in life were shaken. It was a torrent that rattled every single persons foundation. So in the areas where we were not practicing the Ways of Jesus, we are left picking up the rubble. But we can help each other put in back together. Through discipleship and not only hearing the words, but doing them.

Closing

The challenges the church James was writing to is the same for us. We are selfish. We want to do what we want. At the beginning of this post a mentioned a psychological term called locus of control. 

At first it seems like a term one could gloss over and think, “I am more external” or “I am more internal” and move on. My challenge for us however is this. Fight the external. I am not a psychologist and I understand there are multiple facets to this, but on the hole the church cannot blame external circumstances for her “success” and “failure”. 

We must always remember that Christ is the Head of the church. Not any pastor or elder, therefore our responsibility is shared and celebrated together. This requires us to do something, together. Not forgetting who we are and what we are called to. 

My challenge for us this week is that we each find one person to do something with. Talk, strategize, and execute. A little sacrifice for the betterment of someone else. As small as a phone conversation. That is where discipleship takes place. When the church experiences her freedom in her responsibility. 

References

Cloud, Henry. (2004). ‘9 Things You Simply Must Do: To Succeed In Love And Life’. MJF Books.

Coraci, F. (1998). The Wedding Singer. New Line Cinema. 

James 1:22-24, 2:17-19; Matthew 7:24,25

Joelson, R. (2017). Locus of Control: How do we determine our successes and failures? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/moments-matter/201708/locus-control

Play The Movie: Heaven And Earth

I have always been a movie buff. In another life, acting, directing, and theatre could have been a direction my life turned towards. However, the lot was cast and I am another distant admirer. One of my favorite films, and my favorite Tim Burton film, is Big Fish. The teetering between fact and fiction, truth and elaboration, fantasy and reality is captivating as well as moving. As far as original storytelling goes, this film has it all (hot take, I know).

Towards the end of the movie, after Edward Bloom has finally passed away and his son William reflects on his dads life he says, “That was my father's final joke, I guess. A man tells his stories so many times that he becomes the stories. They live on after him. And in that way he becomes immortal.” That is true for all of us. We are all part of a story. Every day is a new scene. In film, every scene has a purpose. Every scene was chosen to be part of the final cut for a reason. 

Dr. Henry Cloud mentions a client of his that was unfulfilled in her career. He asks her what she wants to be and she says a lawyer. He asks why she isn’t one and she says it’s because it would take a long time to finish school and she feels like it is too late. Dr. Cloud asks if she plans on dying in the next three years. His client looks confused and responds no. Dr. Cloud then tells her that in three years she is going to be somewhere doing something, so why not be a lawyer. 

His point was that the passing of time is not a choice. Three years might seem too long, but three years is coming. He says, “She could not see that her choosing to avoid school was not an isolated decision. It was only one scene, but the movie was going to keep playing regardless, and that scene would dictate the way it turned out” (75).

In Big Fish, immortality is equated to the stories we tell about ourselves. Scripture talks of immortality based on the story about God. We are part of His story. C.S Lewis in his book, The Seeing Eye writes, “Looking for God — or Heaven — by exploring space is like reading or seeing all Shakespeare’s plays in the hope you will find Shakespeare as one of the characters.” 

How do we strike this balance? This could easily become a conversation of free will, election, and eternity. However, I do not believe this is a debatable topic in the sense of our identity. As followers of Jesus we are called to be faithful to living in the present and in the day-to-day. One scene at a time. Simultaneously, we are moving towards a conclusion of this story. Where there will be new heavens and a new earth. This is the end of the movie and we are living in scenes of that movie. Jesus did this perfectly. 

The message of Christ is one of a clashing of heaven and earth. God lived among us, and showed us how to be human while also being, “citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives” (Phil. 3:20). It is a tension, yes, but it is exactly where we are supposed to be. 

Street and Alleys

In Luke’s gospel, we are told of an instance where Jesus is invited to the house of a “prominent Pharisee.” We learn that he was invited there because the pharisees wanted to carefully watch him. Most likely to trap him in some way, as we are told they tried to do quite often. Jesus notices how the guests chose “places of honor” at the table. He tells a parable of attending a wedding feast and how you should not choose the highest place, but the lowest. He ends this parable saying, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (11).

Upon hearing Jesus’ warnings of pride and traditionalism, one man chimed in saying, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God” (15). A wonderful and beautiful promise that the prophets and psalmists spoke of, yet Jesus explains that how you respond to the invitation dictates your seat.

Jesus goes into another parable of three people who were invited to a great banquet, yet had excuses to not attend. So the master of the banquet sent his servant out to the streets and alleys, then the roads and country lanes, “so that my house may be full” (23). Why did this man’s remark of the blessed one eating in the Kingdom of God elicit Jesus to tell this parable? Because before the end of the story, before the feast, we have a part to play. 

Before modern clocks or calendars, if you planned an event you would set a date long before the actual day. However, the exact time would be announced the day of, so if you agreed to attend you would free up the entire day and wait to be notified that everything was prepared. 

So in Jesus’ parable, when the master sent his servants to let people know everything is now ready it would have been a great insult to not attend. Similar to RSVP’ing for a wedding and then on the day of not attending. That is why after three of the guests made their excuses, the owner of the house became angry. 

The first and second excuses deal with industry and vocation. “I have just bought a field… I have just bought five yoke of oxen” (18,19). One of the greatest smoke screens for people that miss a Kingdom life is preoccupation. This kind of preoccupation is an easy trap to fall in through our work and the material possessions offered. Charles Spurgeon once said, “Excuses are made. They are fashioned for convenience and are clung to in desperation. Hope doesn’t begin until excuses end.” 

The third excuse is a little harder to swallow. “I just got married, so I can’t come” (20). Spurgeon again notes, “In saying, ‘I cannot come,’ the man intended, as it were, to dismiss the matter. He wished to be understood as having made up his mind, and he was no longer open to argument.” This is very personal. Is marriage important to God? Absolutely. But if we put anything ahead of Him, even our marriage, then we miss to see the whole story. We miss what God has prepared for us and is constantly preparing. 

This angers the master, and so he asks his servants to go to the streets, alleys, roads and country lanes. To those who could not pass up an invitation as grand as this one. 

Now there is some controversy surrounding verse 23. Many texts might use the word ‘compel’ which in the Greek could mean “to force or threat.” This unfortunately led Christians throughout history to torture and even kill trying to get people to convert. This word ‘compel’ can also be translated, “by other means”. This lines up more with how God worked with Israel all throughout history up until Jesus. Where God asked for the atonement of sin through sacrifice of animals and the use of a temple, God used other means to atone for sin through the sacrifice of himself. Thus tearing the veil in two. 

So in the parable (and for us) the people come to the banquet not because they are threatened, but because they are loved. 

Living From/For

So how does this parable line up with playing the movie? Jesus was not only speaking about those who create excuses through worldly means. He was literally speaking to those who are stuck in a religious cycle of zealous fundamentalism. That God’s favor must be earned not given. 

I haven’t been married for very long, but I have witnessed and participated in loving Jenn out of an overflow of love and loving Jenn for my own personal gain. Every morning, I try to wake up before Jenn and make her coffee and a smoothie. Almost every time, Jenn thanks me and gives me a kiss. Sometimes she doesn’t. If I only did this for the thanks and recognition then my behavior and desire to serve her would fluctuate and ultimately end in frustration and resentment. 

However, if I serve her from love and not for love, then my behavior and desire to love and serve her will not be wavered. This is the message of the gospel. We love and serve Christ not because we can earn His love and favor, but because He already loves us and serves us out of an outpour of that love. 

So our identity, and therefore our actions, reflect how we perceive God and His love for us. So our service to others directly reflects how we respond to that love. In the parable, we are invited to a great banquet that the Lord prepared for us. Those who respond to that invitation because they feel loved by the master of the house are the ones He wants there. Those who are more interested in their own endeavors, “not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet’” (24). 

So everyday is an opportunity to participate in this story God has made us to be apart of. Christ has shown us and invited us to play the movie with love and grace. Seeing the present moment as an opportunity to become more and more like Jesus in whatever pursuit we are on or whatever relationships we have. 

We can do this because it is His story. He has put each and every one of us on this earth with a purpose. We are going to be somewhere doing something down the road because time does not stop for us and the Lord’s will will be done. So we live each scene from a place of love and gratitude, not for love and gratitude. 

Living Forward

In his second letter, Paul writes to the Thessalonians saying, “We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good” (3:11-13). Paul is warning about Christians whose idleness was a source of sin, not just because of what they weren’t doing with their time, but also what they were doing. The word “busybodies” is translated into a Greek expression of “busy people who do no business”. 

Scholars believe these people were thinking that Jesus was coming soon so there was no work to be done. Paul is warning that this is not the case. He points to himself and the other disciples as examples (verse 9). Jesus is coming, but there is work to be done and a responsibility as his followers. 

We are not in a story like Big Fish, where fact and fiction bleed together. We live in God’s reality and He will soon remove the veil completely revealing what He’s been doing all along. Out of love for Him we are called to walk faithfully in His love, day in and day out. Not becoming idle like some of the Thessalonians. 

When we become idle it is easy to become like the three men in Jesus’ parable. Who became preoccupied with their industry, profession, and personal lives to see the amazing invitation and life God has offered us. A life of humility and love, where each day is a new scene in God’s amazing story. 

My challenge for us is this.

Write down some short term goals. What can you do every day to help move yourself toward those goals? Start small, and then move into bigger, more long term goals and dreams. The key however, is letting God light the path. Allow Him to direct you, because as we talked about two weeks ago, there are gifts He’s given us that He wants us to dig up. 

He is given us the part of a lifetime. A part in His Kingdom. We are not to become idle, simply waiting for Jesus to come back. We are called to play our part in His Kingdom. 

References:

2 Thes. 3:9-13; Luk. 14:15-24; Phil. 3:20.

Burton. T. (2003). Big Fish. Colombia Pictures. 

Cloud, Henry. (2004). ‘9 Things You Simply Must Do: To Succeed In Love And Life’. MJF Books. (75).

Lewis, C.S. (1963). The Seeing Eye. Ballentine Books. 

Spurgeon, C. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide2017-Luk/Luk-14.cfm

Pull The Tooth: Repentance And The Natural Order

In the winter of 2014, I visited my family in Vancouver, Washington for the first time since moving to North Carolina. Since it was easy and accessible I decided to go to the dentist that I had always gone to growing up. Come to find out, there was a cavity that needed filling. The cavity was filled and I checked off one of my annual dentist visits. I went back to North Carolina and noticed something off. Any cold drink of water or consumption of any cold food caused an aching pain in the area where my cavity was. After about a week, the sensitivity became unbearable. After another dentist visit and an x-ray of my tooth, I was told the dentist who drilled my tooth went too deep. The nerve was irritated and inflamed and I was going to need a root canal to remove it. 

Needless to say, I was very frustrated. It was a baby cavity. A simple procedure that most of the time is done without any complications. Let alone ending in a root canal. A week later, I was sitting in a surgical chair waiting for the anesthesia to kick in. I sat there with my mouth as wide as it could go waiting for the dentists to begin. I felt like Han Solo in the Empire Strikes Back when the Millennium Falcons light speed capabilities fail thinking, “It’s not my fault! It’s not my fault!” 

Though it was uncomfortable and I am now left with a crown in my mouth, I have not felt any pain since. Yes, it was not my fault I needed a root canal, but I was feeling the pain non the less. Regardless of who’s fault it was. 

Dr. Henry Clouds second principle is, “Pull the tooth”. He pivots this idea off of 1 Corinthians 6:2, “Everything is permissible for me-but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me-but I will not be mastered by anything.” He uses examples like relationships that do not bring you life or are holding you back. Activities that are not getting you where you want to go. Or time spent that is not going towards your well-being or mission in life. These things that obstruct us from flourishing as humans must be removed. 

This principle made me think of repentance. Why repentance is still a necessary practice, even if we are “justified by faith” (Rom. 5:1). If Jesus died for my sins once and for all, why do I need to repent? Let alone out loud or to another person? I believe repentance is not only a practice of following Jesus, but it is a powerful gift we have been given. A way to restore balance to human flourishing and to our relationship with God and others. To use myself as the example, no it wasn’t technically my fault I needed a root canal, but it was my tooth. It was my pain. It was my responsibility. Rather than blaming others, I needed to figure out what I could do about the situation. I want to continue this conversation of “pulling the tooth” through the filter of repentance and how much of a gift it actually is.

The Plank

In Matthew 7:1-6 Jesus gives a rather humorous illustration of why we should not judge others. Ironically, this passage of scripture has been used quite often to do just that. Judge others. Jesus implores us to not judge others because, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (2). In Jesus’ time, Rabbis taught that God had two measures that he used to judge people and the nations. One measure was justice and the other was mercy. God judges because He is just and He is merciful. With this in mind, as followers of Jesus, we will be judged (as well as everyone else) by the same standard. 

Jesus purposely uses exaggerated imagery to explain how we keep ourselves from falling into a trap of hypocrisy and taking on judgment ourselves. He says, “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (5). 

This passage can seem individualistic, and at first glance it is easy to interpret it that way. However, it is directly related to our neighbors. A very real example of Jesus’ teaching and how it affects not only the individual but the community is in 2 Samuel 12:1-7. King David has committed adultery and had the women’s husband killed. The prophet Nathan had a word for David.

“The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him. 

“Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.”

David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.”

Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!”

In this rebuke, Nathan explains David’s actions were both unjust and unmerciful. David burned with anger against the fictional injustice, but could not see his own. Jesus points out it is easy to see the speck in others but completely miss the blaring hypocrisy in ourselves. It is easy to think there are only individual consequences but that is almost never the case. 

This is where repentance comes in.

Turn Around

I have noticed in my short life a stigma that comes with the idea (or practice) of repentance. I have heard comments like, God knows my heart, I don’t need to share my sin or I know I’m forgiven and God will always love me. 

Though those things may be true (except the not needing to share your sin) we have simplified repentance to a salvation issue. That repenting is for those who must be saved. That is in fact, just part of the equation. Yes, to be saved one must acknowledge sin and God’s grace and mercy. It does not however stop there. Why? Repentance is the great equalizer.

The word repentance in Greek is metánoia. It simply means, “to change ones mind”. I do want to point out however that it is a verb. The Greek word implies not just ones way of thinking but their purpose. If someone is going one way, they turn in a different direction. 

According to Josephus, a 1st Century Jewish historian, the word repent was not used in terms of people turning from sin and back to God, but it was used in war or political strategy. Josephus writes about the Hebrews and Egypt as well as King Herod and John the Baptist saying,

“And indeed that land was difficult to be traveled over, not only by armies, but by single persons. Now Moses led the Hebrews this way, that in case the Egyptians should repent and be desirous to pursue after them, they might undergo the punishment of their wickedness, and of the breach of those promises they had made to them.”

“Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, (for they seemed ready to do any thing he should advise,) thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. (Jospehus, Antiquities Of The Jews)

In both examples, repentance correlates with peoples actions and not just to the individual but the greater community. This idea of a private, personal repentance would be completely foreign to a 1st Century Hebrew. In these examples there is also no mention of repentance being between an individual and God, just actions that affect the community. 

The Gospels however do talk about repentance in terms to our relationship to God. Given what we know about Jesus we are to “turn around” and go in a different direction. Again, this is a verb. An action. We are forgiven and it is good to remember how good God is and has been to us, but true repentance is to physically remove the plank. 

Christ removed the curse sin had on us on the cross. Yet, Christ says to deny ourselves and pick up our cross daily and follow Him. Whatever direction we are heading, we can alway metánoia, and turn toward Him.

For the first time, I read Matthew 7 not just as a reminder not to judge, but a call to repentance. When Jesus says, “first take the plank out of your own eye” the original wording means to cast out. The same word used when Jesus would cast out evil spirits. 

A Great Gift

Repentance is not meant to create shame or make people seem less than. It is a gift. It is a practice we can do daily to realign ourselves with our Creator and Savior. To restore our relationship with God and with our neighbors to the way God intended it. 

My prayer is that the church sees repentance not as punishment or a guilt trip, but as a release. A spiritual exhale that whispers thanksgiving. Knowing God is restoring his creation to its natural order, where he is reigning supreme in our hearts and minds. Where His Justice and Mercy are seen and heard in our communities. 

Repentance takes humility. A lot of it. Which is why Jesus says we are quick to take the speck out of our neighbors eye but miss the plank in our own. 

The church needs to repent. Every. Single. Day. Because we want to be aligned with the Head of the Church. The Lion of Judah who will judge the quick and the dead. Whose measuring rod is Justice and Mercy. 

Let us cast out anything obstructing our vision of Him. 

Could I have complained about having a root canal? Sure. Did I? You bet. At the end of the day, I needed to do something about it. The root had to go. If I would have done nothing but get angry, things would have been much worse. Sin is similar. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like our fault, or that we don’t have a responsibility, but we do. 

Dr. Henry Cloud says, “New things that actually have hope for the future cannot appear until you get rid of what was taking up the space that the new thing needs” (64). God gives us this hope and God sets things right. 

Repentance is a gift because it reminds us of God’s Justice and God’s Mercy. Both of which were expressed on the cross. 

To conclude, here is a prayer from St. Augustine for meditation:

O Lord,

The house of my soul is narrow;

enlarge it that you may enter in.

It is ruinous, O repair it!

It displeases Your sight.

I confess it, I know.

But who shall cleanse it,

to whom shall I cry but to you?

Cleanse me from my secret faults, O Lord,

and spare Your servant from strange sins.

St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-430)

References:

1 Cor. 6:2; 2 Sam. 12:1-7; Matt. 7:1-6; Rom. 5:1.

Cloud, Henry. (2004). ‘9 Things You Simply Must Do: To Succeed In Love And Life’. MJF Books. (64).

Josephus. Antiquities 18.5.2.116-119; 2.15.1-5

metánoia: https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1544&t=NIV

St. Augustine. Penitential Prayer of St. Augustine. https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=3080

Dig It Up: Rocks And Treasure

As 2020 slowly slips into our memory banks and people press on towards a brighter and more cheerful New Year, it is easy to let go and simply say, “onward”. Let go of the frustration, let go of the turmoil, let go of the angst. While we all wish (and sometimes believe) it is that easy. However, no change or “letting go” happens without reflection and action. 

Towards the tail-end of November, I came across a book a friend gave me years back. It is called, 9 Things You Simply Must Do: To Succeed In Love And Life, by Dr. Henry Cloud. At first glance I thought this was another cliché “self-help” book that was going to help me retire in my beach home cottage. Upon reading the first few chapters I learned that it is much more than “self-help” and Dr. Henry Cloud is a follower of Jesus. He also is the co-author of the book Boundaries, which I have not read, but have heard good things. Though Dr. Cloud does have biblical narratives sprinkled into his writing, I found myself reflecting more and more on his nine principles through scripture. 

For the next nine weeks, I am going to dive deep into each principle through the lens of scripture while also applying them to our lives. The goal is to help us reflect and take action steps towards growth, rather than simply washing the bad tastes out of our mouth. 

Reflection

In the church, the term “gifts” is used quite frequently. Upon the spectrum of various church experiences it can mean different things to different people. In the Pentecostal community, one’s mind might immediately go towards speaking in tongues or healing. In more conservative circles, gifts boil down to teaching, music, or generosity. While I do not believe there is inherent fault in either lines of thinking, too far on either side of the spectrum can be harmful. 

Since COVID-19 reached the borders of the Western Hemisphere and churches, restaurants, and any other luxury we had closed down, people began feeling a haul of emotions. In the context of the church (specifically my context, which is not having a building at all) there was a sweeping feeling like we should be doing more, but can’t. There is “stuff” out there we could be doing, but we’re not. A corporate angst that seemed like a brush fire that was inching its way towards the forest. 

Dr. Henry Cloud states, “The invisible world is always where the visible originates” (22). To add to that, I believe that as humans we not only become consumed by external circumstances, but we also become dependent on them. C.S Lewis in the Screwtape Letters words it perfectly. Screwtape coaching his nephew Wormwood on how to affect his patients mind concerning the War explains, “Tortured fear and stupid confidence are both desirable states of mind” (67). During this past year I have seen and heard both “tortured fear” and “stupid confidence”. Both producing unhealthy and unbiblical reactions. My questions is, why?

Dig It Up

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells a parable about a man going on a journey who gave three of his servants five, two, and one talents, “each according to his ability” (15). Two out of the three put their money to work and doubled it. The man with one buried his and when his master returned  suffered greatly. 

However, the man with one talent had his excuses. “I knew that you were a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed” (stupid confidence). He continues, “So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground” (tortured fear). In his case, we can see he was both confident in his reasoning, as well as fearful. How often do those two coincide? 

The master’s spurn occurs because the servant had an opportunity, and did nothing. The servant didn’t just bury his gifts, he buried his potential.

As I reflected on this in my own life, I wondered how many things have I buried that can be used for God’s glory? Things that can be used in my marriage, my work, or my own dreams?

One thing that stood out to me in the parable is how the master doesn’t tell the servants how to invest their talents, he just gives the talents to them to be used according their abilities. It is up to the servants to use what was entrusted to them wisely. 

No one can force me to use my talents (both uses of the word). It is up to me to dig it up. To find what is down there that God has entrusted me with, including dreams, passions, and goals. 

Rocks

I am not a proficient gardener or hole digger in general, but I know enough about dirt to know that there is usually a few rocks below the surface that obstruct the digging process. This can add time and be tasking, but to find what is buried it is absolutely necessary. 

Again, I am speaking of the invisible things that turn into the visible. As Dr. Cloud puts it, “There are no benign tumors of the heart. They all spread their cancer into the visible world, where they destroy all that one is trying to build” (35). In order to get to our “talents” that may be buried we must pull up some rocks. This process may be grueling and maybe even painful, but necessary to get to the treasure. 

Angst may turn into anger which turns into resentment. Disappointment may turn into loneliness which turns into depression. All of which affect the visible world. Relationships (with each other and God), work, and church. Just to name a few. 

But we bury them, just like we will try to bury this past year. Just like we’ll try to bury COVID or the election. What we don’t realize is by doing so we are making it harder to reach our “talents.” 

Don’t push away the negative feelings or thoughts, dig them up. Bring them into the light and expose them. Don’t brush off the disappointment and unfulfillment — ask where it’s coming from, because underneath might lay a “talent” that has been needing to come up for awhile. 

Jesus, as he was with all things, was the master of digging up the rocks in peoples lives only to find their treasure. He renamed Peter, “Rock,” because of Peter’s bold confession of Jesus being the Christ. Yet even after Peter denies Jesus, Jesus reinstates him. Jesus stops the Pharisees from stoning an adulterer, yet charges her to leave her life of sin. A less vindicated example is the rich young ruler who asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. He asked Jesus what rocks were in his way, and Jesus responded, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell, your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” (21, Italics added). 

Jesus saw the invisible that was obstructing the visible. When the rich young man was challenged to dig those things up, he “went away sad, because he had great wealth.”

Which leads to the second point, the treasure we bury.

Treasure

Jesus famously said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (21). When reading scripture like this one (or all scripture for that matter) we must remember originally the texts were written as one continuous piece of literature. There were no chapters, verses, or headings. That is why one of my favorite words in scripture is “therefore.”

Matthew 6:19-24 has a lot in it — treasures on earth, moths, eyes, lamps, God, and money. But verses 25-34 start with “therefore.”  What does that tell us?  It tells us why we shouldn’t store up for ourselves treasures on earth. When we read “therefore,” our ears should perk up, our attention should be focused. We cannot read verses 19-24 without talking about verses 25-34. The “therefore” is the ring that binds them together.

Jesus simply points out that we should not worry about material things (even food and drink) because our treasure is found in the invisible that affects our visible world. He pins it by saying, “But seek first his (your heavenly Father’s) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (33). 

So what does this have to do with gifts and “talents”?  As mentioned in the parable, the master was furious with his servant because his servant buried his opportunity and potential. Our gifts and abilities are gifts from God. Yes, there are skills and accolades that we worked for, but was that not why the rich young ruler walked away sad? Because everything he “earned” was being asked of him?

As reflections of a creative, imaginative, and innovative God, we are given gifts, resources, and more importantly, a spirit, to use those things for God’s glory. 

There are countless reasons why people bury their potential, as I have done countless times. But to do so is to bury treasure. The only alternative is to dig it up. 

Closing

Being part of a small church community, I have personally been able to see people’s gifts and abilities flourish. I have grown personally in ways that would not have been possible without the brothers and sisters that have pushed and encouraged me. However, this past year has challenged us all. Emotionally, spiritually, and communally. 

My prayer and challenge is that we all pick up our shovels and picks and start digging.  Together. C.S Lewis points out that the angels in Isaiah 6:3 were “calling to one another” saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory” (3). Each angel calling out the glory it sees.

My challenge for us is this:

1. Pray/repent (pull up some rocks).

2. Write down your gifts (anything and everything).

3. Write down what takes up most of your time in a day/week.

4. Write down what is possible (how could your gifts and talents be used for God’s glory).

5. Collaborate (reach out to your community and connect).

I want to call out Gods glory in each person I see. In how they’ve been blessed to be a blessing. 

The church is meant to be blessed to be a blessing. 

So together, let us not continue on without laboring in the dirt and dust. Relieving each other of the rocks that have hardened the soil, and bring to light the treasure God has laid within us since the beginning of time. 

As Paul says to the Corinthians, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (7). Let us not bury it. 

References

1 Cor. 4:7; Matt. 25:14-30, 19:21; 6:19-24, 25-34; Isa. 6:3.

Cloud, Henry. (2004). ‘9 Things You Simply Must Do: To Succeed In Love And Life’. MJF Books. (22, 35).

Lewis, C.S. (1959). ‘The Screwtape Letters’. MacMillan Publishing Company. (67).