"Pray without ceasing" 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Another easy verse to memorize, as well as another easy verse to understand. Pray continually, as the NIV version of the Bible reads. And there is no more direct way to state two or three words.
Look past the two or three words though. Think about what it means to pray without ceasing. Paul doesn't mention anything about praying on Sundays or before meals, at least not in this passage. The Holy Spirit did not inspire Paul to place anything circumstantial to this verse.
Pray without ceasing. That tells me that I should always be aware of God's presence and that I should always keep an open channel to His Spirit. Always. No coffee breaks or earned time off.
But it also tells me that God will always hear me. This verse tells me that God is always there; otherwise He would have guided Paul to write about praying around God's busy schedule. "Pray between the hours of eight and five, Monday through Friday." But He didn't impress that upon Paul.
Because God always hears us, is always there, and never takes a day off to play golf. God is more faithful than we are and I don't know about you, but I sure am glad to know that. Sometimes I need Him at some inconvenient times.
So as I take a break from the blog until Monday, and we take breaks from work or our busy weeks, let's try to do our best to not take time off away from God. Let's not take spiritual breaks just because we are on "our time" over the weekend. Let's remember to pray without ceasing; to be in the constant awareness of God's presence all week long, twenty four hours a day.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Forest Fires, Sinking Vessels, and Hope
After considering yesterday's blog about a fool and his folly, I feel compelled to write about the vomit in my life that I continually return to. Not that this is my only struggle, but it is the area of my life that needs the most work; at least that is how the Spirit convicts me the most these days. But despite the continual conviction, I continue to continue on this hurtful pathway of not watching what I say. Actually it is more along the lines of talking when I know that I should just remain quiet; I watch what I say most of the time, I just ignore the Spirit when he tells me to just be quiet because my silence would do much more for the Kingdom of God, rather than my words doing much to aid the work of Satan.
And I realize that it sounds dramatic and maybe exaggerated when I say,"aid in the work of Satan", but when I really think about it, that is sadly what I am doing.
James writes much about the tongue. He writes about it being difficult to tame. He writes about big ships being steered by a small rudder just as a small amount of flesh in our mouths guiding our larger bodies. And fewer words seem more true. We may not often think of it in these terms, but the things we say are reflections of our heart.
We can rationalize it, as I do too often. We can consider ourselves to be so complex that mere words are only small mirrors of our psyche and our being, and attempt to lessen the degree of damage caused by our tongue. But these courses of action eventually end in aiding the work of Satan, rather than edifying the body of Christ.
There is no other way to consider it.
Even if we do consider what we say to be trivial and "for the most part" harmless, James has an answer. He writes that a great forest fire is started by a small spark, just as a small word can cause great damage. "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell", James writes in chapter 3, verse 6. Pretty strong words for a little white lie or just some harmless gossip.
James continue to write in chapter three, verses thirteen through eighteen, Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Do you find any of these words to be interesting when considering the tongue? Words such as wisdom, envy, selfish ambition, heart, boast, deny, earthly, spiritual, disorder, evil practice, and the like. Do we consider all of this when we flap our gums about a lazy coworker? Or is it ok to say what we feel just as long as we don't use profanity? Is just a little gossip ok as long as it is not a lie? After all, we are repeating the facts. When we agree with others as they vent about frustrations with their spouses, coworkers, siblings, etc. are we sincerely trying to do God's work and aid a brother, or just rationalizing away our own sin? We are suppose to help those in need and if their need is to vent, shouldn't we facilitate and help them air it all out?
...most of the time I am guilty of these things. And I am not proud to admit it. But in a response to honest and direct words written by James, I feel compelled to do such. He leaves little wiggle room as he writes these Spirit inspired words about the tongue and it's evil. He says what he means and means what he says. He doesn't mention technicalities or gray areas. He doesn't even mention profanity, which is the sole guideline for how many Christians gage the wholesomeness of their speech.
But what he does mention hits me hard; because even though I may not technically use profane language ot intend to spread idle gossip, I still aid in that that is earthly, unspiritual, and of the devil. Regardless of how I rationalize it.
I am guilty of selfish ambition and empty boastfulness. Pride too often dictates my words. I cannot pass up an opportunity to be funny or make myself part of the crowd. I want people to realize the extent of my intellect and I overcompensate for my shortcomings with long words and fluffy thoughts. I joke about being grumpy to soften the reality of the bitterness and selfishness that lives in my heart. I do all of this in the name of humanity and self-preservation. With every small, empty word I set the great forest on fire with a small spark.
Like a dog to his vomit...I just can't seem to stop.
But I do find solace in this passage as well. This is not a passage to condemn or leave without hope. In the last couple of verses James writes, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
That tells me that I have a choice in the matter, that the wisdom of heaven is attainable; and that it is pure and peace-loving. The verses talk of good fruit and mercy and sincerity. Good stuff! Not just fires and envy and hurt.
To begin to wrap this up, I want to point out that James does here what most Jewish teachers did, give a point and counterpoint. He makes his words real by showing the contrast in good and evil, black and white.The style he uses here places us in a position to choose how we use our tongue and how we guide the vessel that is our body. Again I write, James leaves no wiggle room, and after reading these verses it is time to decide our own pathway.
I would like to think that this is the part where I write that these words have changed my life and that these words inspire me to never return to my folly. But I know that most likely I will be found guilty of running my mouth again. But I can honestly say that I am getting better and that God is working in my life in this area. I can say that I realize that I may err again, but that I have real hope in heavenly wisdom. I can also honestly say that my heart's desire is to have purpose and to seek truth and peace.
I ask that we all pray for each other in this area. I pray that as Christians, we can stop the fires and right the vessels. I pray that together, we can all make a difference in our communities; just as we can spark a great fire with an evil word, we can spark peace and lovingkindness with a syllable of heavenly wisdom.
And I realize that it sounds dramatic and maybe exaggerated when I say,"aid in the work of Satan", but when I really think about it, that is sadly what I am doing.
James writes much about the tongue. He writes about it being difficult to tame. He writes about big ships being steered by a small rudder just as a small amount of flesh in our mouths guiding our larger bodies. And fewer words seem more true. We may not often think of it in these terms, but the things we say are reflections of our heart.
We can rationalize it, as I do too often. We can consider ourselves to be so complex that mere words are only small mirrors of our psyche and our being, and attempt to lessen the degree of damage caused by our tongue. But these courses of action eventually end in aiding the work of Satan, rather than edifying the body of Christ.
There is no other way to consider it.
Even if we do consider what we say to be trivial and "for the most part" harmless, James has an answer. He writes that a great forest fire is started by a small spark, just as a small word can cause great damage. "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell", James writes in chapter 3, verse 6. Pretty strong words for a little white lie or just some harmless gossip.
James continue to write in chapter three, verses thirteen through eighteen, Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Do you find any of these words to be interesting when considering the tongue? Words such as wisdom, envy, selfish ambition, heart, boast, deny, earthly, spiritual, disorder, evil practice, and the like. Do we consider all of this when we flap our gums about a lazy coworker? Or is it ok to say what we feel just as long as we don't use profanity? Is just a little gossip ok as long as it is not a lie? After all, we are repeating the facts. When we agree with others as they vent about frustrations with their spouses, coworkers, siblings, etc. are we sincerely trying to do God's work and aid a brother, or just rationalizing away our own sin? We are suppose to help those in need and if their need is to vent, shouldn't we facilitate and help them air it all out?
...most of the time I am guilty of these things. And I am not proud to admit it. But in a response to honest and direct words written by James, I feel compelled to do such. He leaves little wiggle room as he writes these Spirit inspired words about the tongue and it's evil. He says what he means and means what he says. He doesn't mention technicalities or gray areas. He doesn't even mention profanity, which is the sole guideline for how many Christians gage the wholesomeness of their speech.
But what he does mention hits me hard; because even though I may not technically use profane language ot intend to spread idle gossip, I still aid in that that is earthly, unspiritual, and of the devil. Regardless of how I rationalize it.
I am guilty of selfish ambition and empty boastfulness. Pride too often dictates my words. I cannot pass up an opportunity to be funny or make myself part of the crowd. I want people to realize the extent of my intellect and I overcompensate for my shortcomings with long words and fluffy thoughts. I joke about being grumpy to soften the reality of the bitterness and selfishness that lives in my heart. I do all of this in the name of humanity and self-preservation. With every small, empty word I set the great forest on fire with a small spark.
Like a dog to his vomit...I just can't seem to stop.
But I do find solace in this passage as well. This is not a passage to condemn or leave without hope. In the last couple of verses James writes, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
That tells me that I have a choice in the matter, that the wisdom of heaven is attainable; and that it is pure and peace-loving. The verses talk of good fruit and mercy and sincerity. Good stuff! Not just fires and envy and hurt.
To begin to wrap this up, I want to point out that James does here what most Jewish teachers did, give a point and counterpoint. He makes his words real by showing the contrast in good and evil, black and white.The style he uses here places us in a position to choose how we use our tongue and how we guide the vessel that is our body. Again I write, James leaves no wiggle room, and after reading these verses it is time to decide our own pathway.
I would like to think that this is the part where I write that these words have changed my life and that these words inspire me to never return to my folly. But I know that most likely I will be found guilty of running my mouth again. But I can honestly say that I am getting better and that God is working in my life in this area. I can say that I realize that I may err again, but that I have real hope in heavenly wisdom. I can also honestly say that my heart's desire is to have purpose and to seek truth and peace.
I ask that we all pray for each other in this area. I pray that as Christians, we can stop the fires and right the vessels. I pray that together, we can all make a difference in our communities; just as we can spark a great fire with an evil word, we can spark peace and lovingkindness with a syllable of heavenly wisdom.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
What's For Supper?
"As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly." Proverbs 26:11
I love this verse for many reasons. I like that you can shock and surprise people who think the Bible is drab and full of, "How art thou brethren" stuff. I'm not good at remembering verses sometimes, so this verse helps boost my "esteem", for lack of a better word. When people try to show off their prowess at memorizing Bible verses, I can always whip out this little chestnut.
The main thing I like this verse is that it is straight to the point and it is very practical. It means what it says with few words; and those few words are chock full of common sense and perspective that Mark Twain or Will Rogers would be proud of.
This verse simply tells us that it is foolish to continue to do things that are lacking purpose. This verse tells us that it is foolish to continue to do something that can be harmful. This verse tells us that it just isn't smart to do the same old foolish thing over and over.
I realize that vomit isn't exactly a wholesome topic to discuss; and that it is actually rather repulsive. But what is the motivating force behind vomit, so to speak? What causes us to vomit?
And the answer to that is that vomiting is our body's way of ridding itself of something harmful or hurtful. It is a reaction to something that has entered our bodies that should not be in there, something that make us sick or even be fatal. And while it is not fun or pleasant, how much better do we feel after we vomit; after we expel the toxin, poison, bacteria or virus. As gross as it is, it is not only necessary, but comforting in an odd sort of way.
Now let's look at sin in our life, not as the actual vomit but as what is causing us to vomit. Just as a virus or food poisoning can harm us and make us physically sick, sin can make us equally sick spiritually. And just as eating a bad egg or catching the flu from someone, or swallowing toxic chemicals can be harmful and hurtful physically, pornography, foul language, gossip, favoritism, pride, so on and so forth, can harm us spiritually. And unlike a bacteria or virus, much of the sin in our life is the consequence of a deliberate action, not just a happenstance.
And just as it is foolish for a dog to continue to eat something that it's body has expelled in order to begin healing, it is foolish for us to continue to repeat the same sin over and over. But how often do we ask God for forgiveness and a chance to begin spiritual healing in our own bodies, then the first opportunity we get, we do the same thing over and over again. Not to be crude, but it may be smarter to eat vomit than to continue living a life in a pattern of sinful decisions over and over.
So think of the things in your life that are spiritually harmful and hurtful. And as vomit is void of nutrients, think of things in your life that are without purpose. Now think about how often you expose yourself to these empty, harmful aspects in your life. Think about how often you expel these things spiritually, only to turn around and find yourself in the same situation again and again. Now tell me if you really feel any smarter than a dog on his third helping of vomit.
So the challenge of this devotional is for each of us to put an end to the foolish, empty practices in our life and to ask God for healing and for purpose; and for us to never return to the place of our individually specific sins. I challenge you, as well as myself, to rise above the status of a foolish dog eating vomit and to begin feasting on the spiritual nutrients that God can feed us; never to return to the dinner plate full of the same old, same old sin that only harms, hinders, and hurts.
I love this verse for many reasons. I like that you can shock and surprise people who think the Bible is drab and full of, "How art thou brethren" stuff. I'm not good at remembering verses sometimes, so this verse helps boost my "esteem", for lack of a better word. When people try to show off their prowess at memorizing Bible verses, I can always whip out this little chestnut.
The main thing I like this verse is that it is straight to the point and it is very practical. It means what it says with few words; and those few words are chock full of common sense and perspective that Mark Twain or Will Rogers would be proud of.
This verse simply tells us that it is foolish to continue to do things that are lacking purpose. This verse tells us that it is foolish to continue to do something that can be harmful. This verse tells us that it just isn't smart to do the same old foolish thing over and over.
I realize that vomit isn't exactly a wholesome topic to discuss; and that it is actually rather repulsive. But what is the motivating force behind vomit, so to speak? What causes us to vomit?
And the answer to that is that vomiting is our body's way of ridding itself of something harmful or hurtful. It is a reaction to something that has entered our bodies that should not be in there, something that make us sick or even be fatal. And while it is not fun or pleasant, how much better do we feel after we vomit; after we expel the toxin, poison, bacteria or virus. As gross as it is, it is not only necessary, but comforting in an odd sort of way.
Now let's look at sin in our life, not as the actual vomit but as what is causing us to vomit. Just as a virus or food poisoning can harm us and make us physically sick, sin can make us equally sick spiritually. And just as eating a bad egg or catching the flu from someone, or swallowing toxic chemicals can be harmful and hurtful physically, pornography, foul language, gossip, favoritism, pride, so on and so forth, can harm us spiritually. And unlike a bacteria or virus, much of the sin in our life is the consequence of a deliberate action, not just a happenstance.
And just as it is foolish for a dog to continue to eat something that it's body has expelled in order to begin healing, it is foolish for us to continue to repeat the same sin over and over. But how often do we ask God for forgiveness and a chance to begin spiritual healing in our own bodies, then the first opportunity we get, we do the same thing over and over again. Not to be crude, but it may be smarter to eat vomit than to continue living a life in a pattern of sinful decisions over and over.
So think of the things in your life that are spiritually harmful and hurtful. And as vomit is void of nutrients, think of things in your life that are without purpose. Now think about how often you expose yourself to these empty, harmful aspects in your life. Think about how often you expel these things spiritually, only to turn around and find yourself in the same situation again and again. Now tell me if you really feel any smarter than a dog on his third helping of vomit.
So the challenge of this devotional is for each of us to put an end to the foolish, empty practices in our life and to ask God for healing and for purpose; and for us to never return to the place of our individually specific sins. I challenge you, as well as myself, to rise above the status of a foolish dog eating vomit and to begin feasting on the spiritual nutrients that God can feed us; never to return to the dinner plate full of the same old, same old sin that only harms, hinders, and hurts.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Who Makes Who?
Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isiah 64:8
Many of us are familiar with this verse. Many of us have heard sermons, messages, children's stories so on and so forth dealing with this simple verse. God is the potter, we are the clay.
But how many of us forget that God is our potter about ten minutes after our prayers or just a few minutes after reading this in a devotional? How many of us begin to let God shape us and mold us into useful vessels but quit as we barely get into the process. We too often find the kneading process too painful or rough. Even if we are strong enough to endure the initial twisting and pressing, we find ourselves unhappy with the shape God is molding us into; then the struggle begins. Too often we think we know more than God; know what type of vessel we should be much more than our creator. Our lives shift from being clay shaped by a master artisan, to a self-molding lump of dirt and water that lays on a table and does nothing of any importance or purpose. Isiah 29:16 says, "You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "He did not make me"? Can the pot say of the potter, "He knows nothing"? How many of us are guilty of this day after day?
I must admit that I am the one who needs the first dose of medicine in the case of being reminded that I am the clay and God is the potter. So as I challenge myself, I ask that you also challenge yourself to become like clay; allowing God to use people and situations in your life to mold you into the vessel He wants you to be. Regardless of whether you are to become a vase, a coffee mug, or an ashtray, I challenge you to allow God to work in your life, stop fighting the shape He has for you, stop telling God that you know better what you should be, and allow Him to give you purpose and function so that you may serve Him and those around you.
Many of us are familiar with this verse. Many of us have heard sermons, messages, children's stories so on and so forth dealing with this simple verse. God is the potter, we are the clay.
But how many of us forget that God is our potter about ten minutes after our prayers or just a few minutes after reading this in a devotional? How many of us begin to let God shape us and mold us into useful vessels but quit as we barely get into the process. We too often find the kneading process too painful or rough. Even if we are strong enough to endure the initial twisting and pressing, we find ourselves unhappy with the shape God is molding us into; then the struggle begins. Too often we think we know more than God; know what type of vessel we should be much more than our creator. Our lives shift from being clay shaped by a master artisan, to a self-molding lump of dirt and water that lays on a table and does nothing of any importance or purpose. Isiah 29:16 says, "You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "He did not make me"? Can the pot say of the potter, "He knows nothing"? How many of us are guilty of this day after day?
I must admit that I am the one who needs the first dose of medicine in the case of being reminded that I am the clay and God is the potter. So as I challenge myself, I ask that you also challenge yourself to become like clay; allowing God to use people and situations in your life to mold you into the vessel He wants you to be. Regardless of whether you are to become a vase, a coffee mug, or an ashtray, I challenge you to allow God to work in your life, stop fighting the shape He has for you, stop telling God that you know better what you should be, and allow Him to give you purpose and function so that you may serve Him and those around you.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Preface Four Hundred and Twelve
A more skilled and cognitive writer could probably come up with a nice introduction and segue to the main point of some collected thoughts on the subject of "church, but the best I can muster today is to just jump right in:
And as I jump right in, I find my thoughts dealing with "church". Even as I type the word, I feel my body and spirit cringe. If we were to play the word association game and you said, "church", my initial response would be, "jaded". Then "apathy" would probably follow, and next would be, "hypocrites". "Painful" enters my mind as well as "hurt, neglect, betrayal, and ignorance."
Harsh words I must admit; but honest, none the less. Granted, this would not be the words I would associate with specific church bodies, because there are some wonderful "churches" that I have only kind memories of; places and people that have healed wounds inflicted by other people and places. There are some bodies of believers that truly are trying to seek the lost and help those who are most unfortunate. But as I have matured in Christ (not become mature, mind you) I have experiences that cause me to initially be jaded as to the word, "church". But enough about me...
...but what about you? What do you think of when you see me type, "church"? Do you think of a body of believers or a brick building with a steeple, a logo, and a cross? And if you do think of a building, do you see the facility as means to feed the hungry and shelter the needy? Is the building used to reach people who don't know God and need Jesus? Do you see the building full of angry teens, neglected children, drug-users, prostitutes, and the dregs of society or is is a grand building, mostly empty, used only on Sundays and Wednesday nights; with a couple of secretaries and a lone janitor walking the empty hallways?
And if you think past the building aspect and focus on the people, do you think of a body of believers that are trying to reach a dying world? Or do you see a handful of people concerned with by-laws and procedure? Do you see a handful of people who would rather keep the building clean and tidy, yet empty rather than dirty and used by wild children and cast-a-ways of society? After all, if you let just anyone into the church, it could get holes in the walls and dirt on the floors and then what would we do for our Sunday ceremony? Why, there would be no reason to wear a suit and a tie if the pews smelled of smoke and alcohol and the hallways were unkempt. How could we praise God in this mess? How can we pray for Sister Sally who has a bad cold? Or Brother Tom who has to drive fifty miles to pick up his grandchildren? Sister Joan had someone mistreat her at work this week and Brother Jack got diarrhea from the buffet after church Sunday; how can we pray for them if there is dirt on the floor? Did Jesus die so we could pray in filth? Of course we should worry about those dying with disease, unemployed, or starving, but we also have a duty to be concerned with our own, like Sister Sally or Brother Tom or Sister Joan. After all, they contribute to the potluck meals, help keep the building painted and the landscape clean, and rotate in helping the secretaries with the church bulletin. What kind of ministry would we have without them? We will pray about helping outsiders after our next business meeting...
Does that sound familiar to you? When is the last time that someone in your "church" felt the need to pray for the lost instead of those already saved? When is the last time that your "church" cried for the uncomforted instead of shedding crocodile tears for the already comfortable? What are the real needs in the community, even counting those who don't attend or tithe? When is the last time anyone wanted to open up the building to those less fortunate? Can you recall it ever being an issue? Has anyone even considered the building to be used to host those less fortunate; or do we only want clean, tithing, moderate, able bodied citizens in our church? Let someone else die for those who are undesirable, they can go to the "church" on the poor side of town, they are more accustomed to the dirt. Besides, the building will lose value if it is not kept in good condition, and we have fifteen years of mortgage payments left.
Hopefully that doesn't sound familiar to you, but it does to me. Ugly, yes. Embellished,just barely. Honest, absolutely...
...back to the word association; Maybe you look past the building and the congregation, and you see a preacher. I say, "church" and you say, "Pastor Joe", or ,"Reverend Smith" or ,"Brother John". What is your next reaction? Do you think of that leader of the congregation as Spirit led or University taught? Does this person want true peace, or the road of least resistance? Is it a merely a decent paying job for this person, or is it a calling? And do they show Godly leadership or are they just good at local politics? Does this person challenge believers to think outside of the box or do they teach that God only works in certain ways? Does leadership desire to make a difference in the community or just business as usual for the believers? Is it taught to reach out to the world and give hope and meet needs, or is it taught that it's acceptable to hide behind the walls on Sundays?
And maybe when the word, "church" is typed, you think of the day, Sunday. Church is for Sundays. Remember the Sabbath, keep it holy. But technically it says nothing about the rest of the week. I can put on church clothes and a church face and use some church jargon one day a week; after all Jesus did die for me. But I will be me the rest of the week. Except when it interferes with my job. Or my being popular around town. Or when I let my hair down on Saturday night, after all, I deserve it; I have worked hard and have many responsibilities...
I know these are harsh words. I admit that it is not something that I want to write about. But I feel it is something that I should write about. This probably isn't the best way to begin a new blog; especially one that is intended to be a daily devotional. I may have lost my targeted demographics right out of the gate. None the less, it is what it is; an attempt by an imperfect man to be obedient and be used to make a change in the community, then the world.
I hope my point has been made and more importantly understood. I know that my experience is not unique but that my perspective may be. I hope that whatever you take from this will not be the acerbic words but the heart behind them. I am not perfect and I do not for a minute want to pretend that I am blameless in areas of ministry or caring for the needy. I am just as self-absorbed and centered as any person on this planet. But I want to change; want to allow God to mold me into a useful vessel. I make no apologies for growing tired of spending forty minutes out of an hour praying for hang-nails and chest colds, and only 10 minutes on learning about God's word. I feel no remorse at feeling jaded that a family with a full cupboard and an overflowing refrigerator receives covered dishes when someone is sick or has a minor operation; while someone on the other side of town sends their kids to bed sick and hungry again because they don't have food or a job, much less health insurance. I am not sorry that I think "church" people should behave like the church who Jesus loves, seven days a week and twenty four hours a day. And that ministry doesn't take time off for hard work or good behavior.
So I make no apologies. And I'm only pessimistic because I am an optimist. I do hope this step on some toes, so to speak. But only so that a difference can be made in people's lives. I hope that this makes you uncomfortable when you read this, as it makes me as I type; but only so it will be a catalyst for real hope and change. I hope that this is pleasing to God and will further the Gospel. And I hope that it helps lead you who read this, to become who God wants you to become. I pray that this doesn't lead to self-righteous thoughts or any inclination that leads anyone to believe they have cornered the market on morality. I hope that this will encourage those who feel left behind by the church to get back on board and help make a difference.
Think about these words and then think about your "church". Then put those thoughts into action. Pray for God's guidance and listen for the Holy Spirit...Jesus died for nothing less.
And as I jump right in, I find my thoughts dealing with "church". Even as I type the word, I feel my body and spirit cringe. If we were to play the word association game and you said, "church", my initial response would be, "jaded". Then "apathy" would probably follow, and next would be, "hypocrites". "Painful" enters my mind as well as "hurt, neglect, betrayal, and ignorance."
Harsh words I must admit; but honest, none the less. Granted, this would not be the words I would associate with specific church bodies, because there are some wonderful "churches" that I have only kind memories of; places and people that have healed wounds inflicted by other people and places. There are some bodies of believers that truly are trying to seek the lost and help those who are most unfortunate. But as I have matured in Christ (not become mature, mind you) I have experiences that cause me to initially be jaded as to the word, "church". But enough about me...
...but what about you? What do you think of when you see me type, "church"? Do you think of a body of believers or a brick building with a steeple, a logo, and a cross? And if you do think of a building, do you see the facility as means to feed the hungry and shelter the needy? Is the building used to reach people who don't know God and need Jesus? Do you see the building full of angry teens, neglected children, drug-users, prostitutes, and the dregs of society or is is a grand building, mostly empty, used only on Sundays and Wednesday nights; with a couple of secretaries and a lone janitor walking the empty hallways?
And if you think past the building aspect and focus on the people, do you think of a body of believers that are trying to reach a dying world? Or do you see a handful of people concerned with by-laws and procedure? Do you see a handful of people who would rather keep the building clean and tidy, yet empty rather than dirty and used by wild children and cast-a-ways of society? After all, if you let just anyone into the church, it could get holes in the walls and dirt on the floors and then what would we do for our Sunday ceremony? Why, there would be no reason to wear a suit and a tie if the pews smelled of smoke and alcohol and the hallways were unkempt. How could we praise God in this mess? How can we pray for Sister Sally who has a bad cold? Or Brother Tom who has to drive fifty miles to pick up his grandchildren? Sister Joan had someone mistreat her at work this week and Brother Jack got diarrhea from the buffet after church Sunday; how can we pray for them if there is dirt on the floor? Did Jesus die so we could pray in filth? Of course we should worry about those dying with disease, unemployed, or starving, but we also have a duty to be concerned with our own, like Sister Sally or Brother Tom or Sister Joan. After all, they contribute to the potluck meals, help keep the building painted and the landscape clean, and rotate in helping the secretaries with the church bulletin. What kind of ministry would we have without them? We will pray about helping outsiders after our next business meeting...
Does that sound familiar to you? When is the last time that someone in your "church" felt the need to pray for the lost instead of those already saved? When is the last time that your "church" cried for the uncomforted instead of shedding crocodile tears for the already comfortable? What are the real needs in the community, even counting those who don't attend or tithe? When is the last time anyone wanted to open up the building to those less fortunate? Can you recall it ever being an issue? Has anyone even considered the building to be used to host those less fortunate; or do we only want clean, tithing, moderate, able bodied citizens in our church? Let someone else die for those who are undesirable, they can go to the "church" on the poor side of town, they are more accustomed to the dirt. Besides, the building will lose value if it is not kept in good condition, and we have fifteen years of mortgage payments left.
Hopefully that doesn't sound familiar to you, but it does to me. Ugly, yes. Embellished,just barely. Honest, absolutely...
...back to the word association; Maybe you look past the building and the congregation, and you see a preacher. I say, "church" and you say, "Pastor Joe", or ,"Reverend Smith" or ,"Brother John". What is your next reaction? Do you think of that leader of the congregation as Spirit led or University taught? Does this person want true peace, or the road of least resistance? Is it a merely a decent paying job for this person, or is it a calling? And do they show Godly leadership or are they just good at local politics? Does this person challenge believers to think outside of the box or do they teach that God only works in certain ways? Does leadership desire to make a difference in the community or just business as usual for the believers? Is it taught to reach out to the world and give hope and meet needs, or is it taught that it's acceptable to hide behind the walls on Sundays?
And maybe when the word, "church" is typed, you think of the day, Sunday. Church is for Sundays. Remember the Sabbath, keep it holy. But technically it says nothing about the rest of the week. I can put on church clothes and a church face and use some church jargon one day a week; after all Jesus did die for me. But I will be me the rest of the week. Except when it interferes with my job. Or my being popular around town. Or when I let my hair down on Saturday night, after all, I deserve it; I have worked hard and have many responsibilities...
I know these are harsh words. I admit that it is not something that I want to write about. But I feel it is something that I should write about. This probably isn't the best way to begin a new blog; especially one that is intended to be a daily devotional. I may have lost my targeted demographics right out of the gate. None the less, it is what it is; an attempt by an imperfect man to be obedient and be used to make a change in the community, then the world.
I hope my point has been made and more importantly understood. I know that my experience is not unique but that my perspective may be. I hope that whatever you take from this will not be the acerbic words but the heart behind them. I am not perfect and I do not for a minute want to pretend that I am blameless in areas of ministry or caring for the needy. I am just as self-absorbed and centered as any person on this planet. But I want to change; want to allow God to mold me into a useful vessel. I make no apologies for growing tired of spending forty minutes out of an hour praying for hang-nails and chest colds, and only 10 minutes on learning about God's word. I feel no remorse at feeling jaded that a family with a full cupboard and an overflowing refrigerator receives covered dishes when someone is sick or has a minor operation; while someone on the other side of town sends their kids to bed sick and hungry again because they don't have food or a job, much less health insurance. I am not sorry that I think "church" people should behave like the church who Jesus loves, seven days a week and twenty four hours a day. And that ministry doesn't take time off for hard work or good behavior.
So I make no apologies. And I'm only pessimistic because I am an optimist. I do hope this step on some toes, so to speak. But only so that a difference can be made in people's lives. I hope that this makes you uncomfortable when you read this, as it makes me as I type; but only so it will be a catalyst for real hope and change. I hope that this is pleasing to God and will further the Gospel. And I hope that it helps lead you who read this, to become who God wants you to become. I pray that this doesn't lead to self-righteous thoughts or any inclination that leads anyone to believe they have cornered the market on morality. I hope that this will encourage those who feel left behind by the church to get back on board and help make a difference.
Think about these words and then think about your "church". Then put those thoughts into action. Pray for God's guidance and listen for the Holy Spirit...Jesus died for nothing less.
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