As a pastor, I have the honor of working with heaven's greatest treasure — the people of God. Each week I watch hundreds of men and women of God give hours and hours in service to Christ. It is one of the greatest acts of worship I witness, as individuals give of their most precious possession, their time.
Occasionally though, I pump into one of these wonderful Christ followers who has lost sight of the true reason for their service. Their service is no longer an act of worship and devotion, no longer a gift given to God, but an obligation to fulfill. They no longer speak of their time given to God in service as life-giving or joy-filled. They begin to speak of their service as a burden. They talk about how it robs them of energy and days off.
They compare the size of the gifts commenting on how much they give and how little others give. They become critical of church leaders. Stinging the hearts of the pastors with statements belittling the kind and amount of work done within the church compared to their jobs. They forget that their pastors and church leaders have given their LIVES in service and worship.
Sometimes pastors get caught in this trap. They want more recognition for their hard work. They compare their ministry to other ministries across town. They take on a martyrs mentality that declares, you don't know how much I've done for this church.
I believe we all have seasons where we can dip into this attitude. When we do, I believe scripture is the best medicine. For myself, I turn to 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
"Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;" (NASB)
This passage is often quoted in regards to money. However, it has application across all gifts of worship. God does not demand our time of us. He allows us to give our time as worship. We must be careful to give that which we have purposed in our hearts to give to God in worship. Not more than what is on hearts and not less. Our gifts should be given cheerfully, not coerced out of us.
Let us be careful to guard our attitudes and give our gifts (time and money) with all the love and joy befitting our Savior. And when we find ourselves complaining about what are giving, let us be quick to evaluate our own hearts instead of comparing the size of our gifts to the size of others.
As always, I look forward to your thoughts.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Truth is a Weapon
Truth is dogmatic. There is no way around it. Truth insists on being right whether we "agree" or "feel" it is true. Truth is dogmatic to the point of being unwilling to negotiate. It does not compromise. Like gravity or death, truth can be denied for only so long before it is inevitably proved true.
For me, I tend to see truth as a weapon. Wielded by the judgmental or the careless, it wounds, scars and kills. I have witnessed individuals who, in the name of God, have taken the sword of truth and bludgeoned the hearts of others in truths defense. They add to truths dogmatism, their own intense, dogmatic application of the truth to another life. With all the disdain and superiority they can muster, they identify why they are right and the other is reprobate. And through the truth of what they say, they drive the hearts of men and women to hide from the truth which wounds.
If we possess the truth, we have no need to add to its truthfulness, as if our own spin or ferocity could make the truth more true, more powerful, or more potent.
Perhaps there is better way to wield truth. I believe there is a more noble purpose for truth than simply being right. When placed in the hand of love, truth is a fierce liberator of hearts. Spoken in love, it is no less pressing, no less powerful, no less true — but it is infinitely more palatable. The union of love and truth breaks chains, not spirits.
Lets not forget that Jesus promised us that the truth would set us free. Romans tells us it is God's kindness that leads us to repentance. First Corinthians tells us that if we can everything but love, we have nothing.
Jesus' harshest interactions were not with those lost and in need, but with those sought to dogmatically apply their own brand of truth to the backs of those lost and in need.
For me, I tend to see truth as a weapon. Wielded by the judgmental or the careless, it wounds, scars and kills. I have witnessed individuals who, in the name of God, have taken the sword of truth and bludgeoned the hearts of others in truths defense. They add to truths dogmatism, their own intense, dogmatic application of the truth to another life. With all the disdain and superiority they can muster, they identify why they are right and the other is reprobate. And through the truth of what they say, they drive the hearts of men and women to hide from the truth which wounds.
If we possess the truth, we have no need to add to its truthfulness, as if our own spin or ferocity could make the truth more true, more powerful, or more potent.
Perhaps there is better way to wield truth. I believe there is a more noble purpose for truth than simply being right. When placed in the hand of love, truth is a fierce liberator of hearts. Spoken in love, it is no less pressing, no less powerful, no less true — but it is infinitely more palatable. The union of love and truth breaks chains, not spirits.
Lets not forget that Jesus promised us that the truth would set us free. Romans tells us it is God's kindness that leads us to repentance. First Corinthians tells us that if we can everything but love, we have nothing.
Jesus' harshest interactions were not with those lost and in need, but with those sought to dogmatically apply their own brand of truth to the backs of those lost and in need.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Time Trapped
So this morning I woke up thinking about all the "stuff" that I needed to get done — upcoming projects, weekly to-dos, people who needed minutes and hours from me and I began asking myself if I had time to get it all done.
As I ran through the checklist of tasks and scheduled needs I began to think that yes, I could get everything done today.
And then I thought about tomorrow. Tomorrow it all starts over again. I get to wake, creating a mental to-do list that, if I can complete the whole thing, will take my whole day.
What about the day after tomorrow? And the day after that? And the day after that...
I think I am realizing that I am time trapped!
I have set some goals for my life. I am not really moving forward on those goals because I am crossing-off items on a list. There is no think time in my schedule. How do I budget time to think about how I make myself, my family, my ministry, my church better?
There is not margin. How do I schedule rest and be able to trust that all is well? How do I prioritize when I am passionate about all the things I am involved in and feel that each is vital.
In short, how do I get out of this time trap of "just enough time to get today's stuff done?" How do I get to the place where a day possess not only its own tasks but preparation for the future, guiltless rest, recreation, and productivity?
I look forward to your great wisdom.
As I ran through the checklist of tasks and scheduled needs I began to think that yes, I could get everything done today.
And then I thought about tomorrow. Tomorrow it all starts over again. I get to wake, creating a mental to-do list that, if I can complete the whole thing, will take my whole day.
What about the day after tomorrow? And the day after that? And the day after that...
I think I am realizing that I am time trapped!
I have set some goals for my life. I am not really moving forward on those goals because I am crossing-off items on a list. There is no think time in my schedule. How do I budget time to think about how I make myself, my family, my ministry, my church better?
There is not margin. How do I schedule rest and be able to trust that all is well? How do I prioritize when I am passionate about all the things I am involved in and feel that each is vital.
In short, how do I get out of this time trap of "just enough time to get today's stuff done?" How do I get to the place where a day possess not only its own tasks but preparation for the future, guiltless rest, recreation, and productivity?
I look forward to your great wisdom.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Whose who
My past is ugly. Many of the days behind me are marred by sin, shame, and impurity. Failures are scibbled across the days of calendar pages lived and discarded. My heart bares the scars of indescretion and carries the weight of my guilt.
At my best, I was clothed in filthy rags. The highest asperation I could attain to was to be a chief of sinners. On my best day I was inadequate. In my finest hour I was still broken. With my best effort, I was still a failure.
If anyone wishes to measure me by who I was, he or she would easily conclude I am of no value to anyone or to God's Kingdom.
But I am so thankful my past does not define me. My past does not dictate my present or my future. I am not bound by who I was.
Praise be to God that he did not call me for who I was. No, he called me for who I could become in Christ. I am not who I was. "I have been crucified with Christ." The life I now live I live for Christ Jesus who transforms me daily.
One of the greatest victories the cross has won for us is the liberation from our past. We are no longer defined by who we were. Our past no longer holds leverage on our future. We are free from the power of former sin and failure. We are free to "forget those things which are behind and press on towards the high call of God" for our lives.
I am truly thankful that Jesus didn't choose me or call me based on who I was but on who he is.
At my best, I was clothed in filthy rags. The highest asperation I could attain to was to be a chief of sinners. On my best day I was inadequate. In my finest hour I was still broken. With my best effort, I was still a failure.
If anyone wishes to measure me by who I was, he or she would easily conclude I am of no value to anyone or to God's Kingdom.
But I am so thankful my past does not define me. My past does not dictate my present or my future. I am not bound by who I was.
Praise be to God that he did not call me for who I was. No, he called me for who I could become in Christ. I am not who I was. "I have been crucified with Christ." The life I now live I live for Christ Jesus who transforms me daily.
One of the greatest victories the cross has won for us is the liberation from our past. We are no longer defined by who we were. Our past no longer holds leverage on our future. We are free from the power of former sin and failure. We are free to "forget those things which are behind and press on towards the high call of God" for our lives.
I am truly thankful that Jesus didn't choose me or call me based on who I was but on who he is.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Reading Deep; Reading Wide
Recently I heard a leader say that if you choose not to read you are "intentionally stupid." That is a challenging statement. One I believe to carry a great deal of truth. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of reading, processing ideas, owning truths, then living them out.
A trend I see among my friends and colleagues is the tendency to read in only one direction. I know many whose reading is limited to personal development. They are constantly working to be a better leader, learn new ministry or business tools and paradigms, or improve their personal and professional productivity. By the same token I know many whose reading is intentioned to challenge their spirit and take them deeper in their walk with Christ. I like to refer to the former as reading wide and the latter as reading deep.
Much like Jabez's prayer that God would enlarge his territory, reading wide is the taking intentional steps to grow in areas God has given us influence in. We should want to be the best we can be at the things we do. Leaders should study leadership. Parents should study parenting. Communicators should study communication. We should constantly be increasing our knowledge, abilities, and experience in the roles God has placed us in. No matter what titles you carry pastor, director, spouse, or parent you should be working to grow in those areas.
That said, it is not enough for me to be miles wide and only an inch deep. I must also read to deepen my walk with Christ. The most obvious source of spiritual depth is the Holy Scripture. It is the truth of scripture which brings freedom to our hearts and takes us deeper into the reality of Christ. Along with the Bible, there are also many authors who have penned powerful works which challenge us to go deeper in prayer, deeper worship, deeper in our commitment to Christ, deeper in our discipleship process. These works spur us to take inventory of our relationships with Christ and make adjustments to the way live - laying down those things which beset and taking up those things which develop Christ in us.
I strongly believe we should be reading in both directions. To only read wide is like trying to grow an oak tree in a flower pot. You may get some reach and see some growth but there is no real roots thus there is no real strength and the tree will never reach its fullest potential. Using the same analogy, only reading for depth is a firmly rooted oak without any significant branches to speak of. Limiting our reading to only one direction is to be "intentionally small" or "intentionally shallow." However when our roots run deep into the greatness of Christ and our influence spreads wide as strong healthy branches because we are constantly developing every area our lives reach into, we begin to experience the transforming work of God in our whole being. But even better, we become catalysts for transformation on the lives of others as God uses us to lead, parent, love and live.
A trend I see among my friends and colleagues is the tendency to read in only one direction. I know many whose reading is limited to personal development. They are constantly working to be a better leader, learn new ministry or business tools and paradigms, or improve their personal and professional productivity. By the same token I know many whose reading is intentioned to challenge their spirit and take them deeper in their walk with Christ. I like to refer to the former as reading wide and the latter as reading deep.
Much like Jabez's prayer that God would enlarge his territory, reading wide is the taking intentional steps to grow in areas God has given us influence in. We should want to be the best we can be at the things we do. Leaders should study leadership. Parents should study parenting. Communicators should study communication. We should constantly be increasing our knowledge, abilities, and experience in the roles God has placed us in. No matter what titles you carry pastor, director, spouse, or parent you should be working to grow in those areas.
That said, it is not enough for me to be miles wide and only an inch deep. I must also read to deepen my walk with Christ. The most obvious source of spiritual depth is the Holy Scripture. It is the truth of scripture which brings freedom to our hearts and takes us deeper into the reality of Christ. Along with the Bible, there are also many authors who have penned powerful works which challenge us to go deeper in prayer, deeper worship, deeper in our commitment to Christ, deeper in our discipleship process. These works spur us to take inventory of our relationships with Christ and make adjustments to the way live - laying down those things which beset and taking up those things which develop Christ in us.
I strongly believe we should be reading in both directions. To only read wide is like trying to grow an oak tree in a flower pot. You may get some reach and see some growth but there is no real roots thus there is no real strength and the tree will never reach its fullest potential. Using the same analogy, only reading for depth is a firmly rooted oak without any significant branches to speak of. Limiting our reading to only one direction is to be "intentionally small" or "intentionally shallow." However when our roots run deep into the greatness of Christ and our influence spreads wide as strong healthy branches because we are constantly developing every area our lives reach into, we begin to experience the transforming work of God in our whole being. But even better, we become catalysts for transformation on the lives of others as God uses us to lead, parent, love and live.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Critical Thinking vs. Critical Attitude
I believe it is important to think. The ability to process life experience and glean knowledge and wisdom is essential. These kind of processing skills have been drilled into me for years. Every educational opportunity I have had has communicated the necessity of critical thinking. That said, I am discovering there is a vast difference between critical thinking and a critical attitude.
I have seen many instances in my life where my critical thinking crosses over into having a critical attitude. I love the gift of critical thought that makes us better. I despise the critical attitude that tears down whatever it is turned on. It is important that we recognize the difference between the two.
The critical attitude only sees the problems; critical thinking seeks solutions.
Anyone can identify the problem. Critical attitudes delight in identifying what is wrong. Critical thinking finds joy in discovering creative solutions.
The critical attitude vents frustration; critical thinking extends encouragement.
The critical attitude is focused on expressing frustration with the thing or person it is focused on. Critical thinking, while not dispassionate, is focused on bettering a thing or person and encouraging forward movement.
The critical attitude is rooted in self; critical thinking is rooted in others.
The critical attitude is self-seeking. It is focused on the affect a person or thing has on the individual. The critical thinking person considers him/herself as a part of the whole and focuses on what is best for the group.
When it is all said and done, for me the biggest difference between the two is motive. If I am motivated by a need to be proved right, I am operating with a critical attitude. If I am motivated by a heart to make something right, perhaps I am starting to think critically.
There is obviously so much more that could be said here. I look forward to hearing from you on it.
I have seen many instances in my life where my critical thinking crosses over into having a critical attitude. I love the gift of critical thought that makes us better. I despise the critical attitude that tears down whatever it is turned on. It is important that we recognize the difference between the two.
The critical attitude only sees the problems; critical thinking seeks solutions.
Anyone can identify the problem. Critical attitudes delight in identifying what is wrong. Critical thinking finds joy in discovering creative solutions.
The critical attitude vents frustration; critical thinking extends encouragement.
The critical attitude is focused on expressing frustration with the thing or person it is focused on. Critical thinking, while not dispassionate, is focused on bettering a thing or person and encouraging forward movement.
The critical attitude is rooted in self; critical thinking is rooted in others.
The critical attitude is self-seeking. It is focused on the affect a person or thing has on the individual. The critical thinking person considers him/herself as a part of the whole and focuses on what is best for the group.
When it is all said and done, for me the biggest difference between the two is motive. If I am motivated by a need to be proved right, I am operating with a critical attitude. If I am motivated by a heart to make something right, perhaps I am starting to think critically.
There is obviously so much more that could be said here. I look forward to hearing from you on it.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Waiting
I am not a fan of waiting. In fact, I don't know anyone who is. I know people who are patient. I don't know anyone who seeks long lines, heavy traffic, fast-food that takes 40 minutes. Often, I perceive "waiting" as "doing nothing" until I can do the thing I want to do, whatever that may be. But Saturday night while I was catching up on Lost, a line came from the movie caused me to begin to think about waiting. One character said, "There is a difference between doing nothing and waiting." This started the gears turning in my mind.
Immediately I began to think about the "lessons" God wants us to learn through waiting. I can easily see patience; perhaps wisdom; maybe even humility. But I wondered why God would choose such a poor tool. Honestly, am I supposed to develop patience through my grocery store line or glean wisdom from gridlock traffic or learn humility by waiting on my sub sandwich?
Then my pastor's sermon on Sunday morning brought it all together. You see, God is not leading us to a place, but to himself. God does not lead us to waiting unless he is there. Am I saying God leads us to traffic to meet with him, I think its possible. After all, it is a great time to pray and prayer beats screaming at other drivers and offering single finger waves.
But I think God leads us to places of waiting in our lives as well because he is there. That place where we are waiting on our new job or we are waiting on healing — God leads us there to because he is there. God never brings us to a place where he is not. If God has brought to a place of waiting, he is waiting there for you.
But what is the purpose of waiting! Why can't he be at the next destination. Why can't we be moving while we are together.
Put simply, "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Immediately I began to think about the "lessons" God wants us to learn through waiting. I can easily see patience; perhaps wisdom; maybe even humility. But I wondered why God would choose such a poor tool. Honestly, am I supposed to develop patience through my grocery store line or glean wisdom from gridlock traffic or learn humility by waiting on my sub sandwich?
Then my pastor's sermon on Sunday morning brought it all together. You see, God is not leading us to a place, but to himself. God does not lead us to waiting unless he is there. Am I saying God leads us to traffic to meet with him, I think its possible. After all, it is a great time to pray and prayer beats screaming at other drivers and offering single finger waves.
But I think God leads us to places of waiting in our lives as well because he is there. That place where we are waiting on our new job or we are waiting on healing — God leads us there to because he is there. God never brings us to a place where he is not. If God has brought to a place of waiting, he is waiting there for you.
But what is the purpose of waiting! Why can't he be at the next destination. Why can't we be moving while we are together.
Put simply, "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Monday, April 5, 2010
Worship?
Recently a friend sent me an article from Relevant Magazine about Sigur Ros. (Before I go any further, I would like to state that I am a fan of Relevant Magazine and thank them for the iPad they are sending me.) In the article titled "The Spiritual Side of Sigur Ros Jonsi," some compared the Icelandic bands music to "the sound of heaven or the music of God." From their a Christian leader began to speak of how he views Sigur Ros's music as worship.
Along with the article came a request from my friend for my thoughts on the article and music of Sigur Ros. As my mind wondered through the article and my own relationship with the bands music, there was a collision between "The Spiritual Side of Sigur Ros Jonsi," and the truest definition of worship.
As far as the musical style, I enjoy Sigur Ros. I agree with those who say that the music is beautiful and I find it quite soothing and at times emotional. For me, I like it because it is "interesting" and it often evokes creativity when I need it the most.
However, I cannot translate it to worship. Those who make such declarations that the music is some how worship or even heavenly must make these declarations apart from the New Testament. I point first to John 4:23-24 where Jesus tells us that true worship must be "in Spirit and in Truth." While music can be a vehicle for worship, it is not worship. Music is neither Spirit or Truth, and we need both.
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. (Emphasis mine)
Or as another translation reads, "This is truly the way to worship him."
Worship has to start with our submission to God. From what I understand the gentlemen of Sigur Ros have not submitted their lives to God. We must be careful not identify "styles" of music which we connect with as worship which connects us to God. Worship is altogether separate from our external circumstances and internal stirrings. It is dangerous to mistake emotional movement for spiritual experience.
Even now as I am listening to Sigur Ros, I am enjoying it. But the music cannot connect me to God.
As far the truth part of worship I point to two sources, Jesus and Scripture. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life... (emphasis mine) So the truth of worship is found in acknowledging Jesus as Savior, King, Lord, and God. The Bible points us to the truth of Christ. Without the truth of Christ, there is no worship.
When it's all said and done, I think we must remember that the experience of art — whether music, painting, writing, or any other form — does not constitute an experience with God. We can be moved apart from the Spirit of God. Beauty does not equate to Godly and emotion does not equate the Spirits moving, stirring, or leading. Let us not get so caught up in the vehicle of worship that we forget the one worship is focused upon — Jesus Christ.
Along with the article came a request from my friend for my thoughts on the article and music of Sigur Ros. As my mind wondered through the article and my own relationship with the bands music, there was a collision between "The Spiritual Side of Sigur Ros Jonsi," and the truest definition of worship.
As far as the musical style, I enjoy Sigur Ros. I agree with those who say that the music is beautiful and I find it quite soothing and at times emotional. For me, I like it because it is "interesting" and it often evokes creativity when I need it the most.
However, I cannot translate it to worship. Those who make such declarations that the music is some how worship or even heavenly must make these declarations apart from the New Testament. I point first to John 4:23-24 where Jesus tells us that true worship must be "in Spirit and in Truth." While music can be a vehicle for worship, it is not worship. Music is neither Spirit or Truth, and we need both.
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. (Emphasis mine)
Or as another translation reads, "This is truly the way to worship him."
Worship has to start with our submission to God. From what I understand the gentlemen of Sigur Ros have not submitted their lives to God. We must be careful not identify "styles" of music which we connect with as worship which connects us to God. Worship is altogether separate from our external circumstances and internal stirrings. It is dangerous to mistake emotional movement for spiritual experience.
Even now as I am listening to Sigur Ros, I am enjoying it. But the music cannot connect me to God.
As far the truth part of worship I point to two sources, Jesus and Scripture. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life... (emphasis mine) So the truth of worship is found in acknowledging Jesus as Savior, King, Lord, and God. The Bible points us to the truth of Christ. Without the truth of Christ, there is no worship.
When it's all said and done, I think we must remember that the experience of art — whether music, painting, writing, or any other form — does not constitute an experience with God. We can be moved apart from the Spirit of God. Beauty does not equate to Godly and emotion does not equate the Spirits moving, stirring, or leading. Let us not get so caught up in the vehicle of worship that we forget the one worship is focused upon — Jesus Christ.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Failure / Aptitude Connection
Have you ever had the same message communicated to you several times in a short period of time? In recent weeks, I have experienced the same two messages coming to me from very different avenues. The first message is an encouragement that God's gifts and call on my life are evident and that there my life and ministry is intentioned for great effectiveness. The second is a cautionary message to guard my heart.
With so many sources carrying the message to me, I can't help but think I really need to be listening. As I have attempted to listen and process the round table discussion, devotional from my Pastor, and friends prayer, I believe there is a message which I must be paying attention to.
Part of me wonders why I have heard these two messages coming from the same source at the same time. As I have prayed and pondered these words, I have arrived at this conclusion, aptitude and failure are proportionally linked. Most of us tend to think of failure in light of what has been accomplished. We look at national ministers moral indiscretions and exclaim at the fall. We think about how these mighty men of God had accomplished so much but threw it way for the pleasures of sin for a season. I agree these events are tragic and heartbreaking. However, I think there is something much worse — the death of potential.
I think the greatest failures are not the great ones that fall but the those that are meant to be great in God's kingdom that never get off the ground. The more potential God has stored in your heart and mind that goes wasted, the greater the failure. That is why I believe the failure is proportionally linked to aptitude.
Let me give this a fuller explanation. I believe that every person on the planet has a divine calling for their life. I believe that all the necessary gifts, talents, abilities, and passions are placed in side of the hearts of men and women. The greatest failures are those whose callings are missed or dismissed and all the gifts and talents God has placed in them goes to waste. Much the way our culture shakes its head as we see students with all the potential necessary to be doctors, lawyers, professors, and astronauts become burger flippers, sandwich makers, drug dealers, and bums, I believe God's heart breaks as we take the gifts he has given us and waste them.
The greatest failures in life are not the ones who find careers below their intellectual aptitude. Hardly. We need the goods and services provided be almost every profession. No, the greatest failures are those who never discover all the things God has put inside them to do. And it is the world that is worse off for it. All the songs we will never hear, all the books we will never read, all the art we will never see, diseases that won't be cured, lives that won't be changed... all because someone selfishly chose to bury their potential until they could be buried with it.
With so many sources carrying the message to me, I can't help but think I really need to be listening. As I have attempted to listen and process the round table discussion, devotional from my Pastor, and friends prayer, I believe there is a message which I must be paying attention to.
Part of me wonders why I have heard these two messages coming from the same source at the same time. As I have prayed and pondered these words, I have arrived at this conclusion, aptitude and failure are proportionally linked. Most of us tend to think of failure in light of what has been accomplished. We look at national ministers moral indiscretions and exclaim at the fall. We think about how these mighty men of God had accomplished so much but threw it way for the pleasures of sin for a season. I agree these events are tragic and heartbreaking. However, I think there is something much worse — the death of potential.
I think the greatest failures are not the great ones that fall but the those that are meant to be great in God's kingdom that never get off the ground. The more potential God has stored in your heart and mind that goes wasted, the greater the failure. That is why I believe the failure is proportionally linked to aptitude.
Let me give this a fuller explanation. I believe that every person on the planet has a divine calling for their life. I believe that all the necessary gifts, talents, abilities, and passions are placed in side of the hearts of men and women. The greatest failures are those whose callings are missed or dismissed and all the gifts and talents God has placed in them goes to waste. Much the way our culture shakes its head as we see students with all the potential necessary to be doctors, lawyers, professors, and astronauts become burger flippers, sandwich makers, drug dealers, and bums, I believe God's heart breaks as we take the gifts he has given us and waste them.
The greatest failures in life are not the ones who find careers below their intellectual aptitude. Hardly. We need the goods and services provided be almost every profession. No, the greatest failures are those who never discover all the things God has put inside them to do. And it is the world that is worse off for it. All the songs we will never hear, all the books we will never read, all the art we will never see, diseases that won't be cured, lives that won't be changed... all because someone selfishly chose to bury their potential until they could be buried with it.
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Message of Christ
I think we can all agree that church splits are ugly. It's kind of like a head-butt — no one wins with a head-butt. It hurts both sides. It doesn't matter how we dress them up or frame them, they just are not nice.
When you have to watch one from the outside, especially from a distance, you can easily take sides. Sometimes you choose sides based upon who you know; other times on what you know. And if you're like me, and you don't know anything, you base it on principle. The wonderful thing about principle is that it gives you a high place to stand, even if only in your mind. You are able to pass your judgements without information or wisdom. It is interesting when uninformed ethics override Godly wisdom and situational knowledge. The outcome tends to make the one who thinks he stands so high look rather foolish.
In the interest of being real, I must confess that I have taken this uninformed stand regarding ministries in my area. I had a rather troubling conversation yesterday that I took to prayer this morning. As I usually, as I am asking God to correct others attitudes, I am gently reminded of the plank in my own eye.
As I began my normal scripture reading, my high-mindedness collided with the latter half of Philippians 1. Here Paul tells us of the chains he bares for the Gospel of Christ. He then goes on to tell of how others are inspired by him and they preach Christ. Followed by the fact that others preach Christ not out of genuine love for the people or even for the gospel but out of jealousy of Paul. He says it this way:
"Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. But that doesn't matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice."
Ah the gentle way God lovingly brings the most appropriate words at the most appropriate times.
I am still not a fan of church splits, not matter how they are dressed up. However, I have learned this today — it is the message of Christ that matters and not the politics of church. It is not my place to judge intentions or take sides, especially when I am not involved. It is my place to say with Paul, "Whether their motive are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice."
When you have to watch one from the outside, especially from a distance, you can easily take sides. Sometimes you choose sides based upon who you know; other times on what you know. And if you're like me, and you don't know anything, you base it on principle. The wonderful thing about principle is that it gives you a high place to stand, even if only in your mind. You are able to pass your judgements without information or wisdom. It is interesting when uninformed ethics override Godly wisdom and situational knowledge. The outcome tends to make the one who thinks he stands so high look rather foolish.
In the interest of being real, I must confess that I have taken this uninformed stand regarding ministries in my area. I had a rather troubling conversation yesterday that I took to prayer this morning. As I usually, as I am asking God to correct others attitudes, I am gently reminded of the plank in my own eye.
As I began my normal scripture reading, my high-mindedness collided with the latter half of Philippians 1. Here Paul tells us of the chains he bares for the Gospel of Christ. He then goes on to tell of how others are inspired by him and they preach Christ. Followed by the fact that others preach Christ not out of genuine love for the people or even for the gospel but out of jealousy of Paul. He says it this way:
"Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. But that doesn't matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice."
Ah the gentle way God lovingly brings the most appropriate words at the most appropriate times.
I am still not a fan of church splits, not matter how they are dressed up. However, I have learned this today — it is the message of Christ that matters and not the politics of church. It is not my place to judge intentions or take sides, especially when I am not involved. It is my place to say with Paul, "Whether their motive are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice."
Monday, March 15, 2010
Everyone's a Doctor
As many of you know, in February I had open heart surgery. I can tell you the experience of being told at the age of 28 (or at any age I'm sure), without surgical intervention, you will not see the coming summer will jar you. You listen closely to physicians and family and friends. You hug your children just a little longer. I must confess, I wanted my mommy and daddy.
The surgery date came; the operation went perfectly; recovery begins... It is at this juncture — recovery — that I discovered everyone is a doctor. While in the hospital, attending physicians would enter the room, spout facts, examine scars, order labs, hear complaints, say everything is going perfectly, give details as to what will happen next, and move on the the next patient. Somewhere in the midst of all that attending doctors diatribe my family and friends achieved their degrees.
If I complained of medicinal side-effects, the doctor would change the meds. Family would say I knew as soon as we changed the meds you would be better. If I walked a little extra and was a little more tired, I would hear, I knew you were overdoing it.
At home, they were a little less bold. If I were to say, pour myself a glass of milk, they lead with a question, "Is that heavy for you?" My reply of, "Yeah, it kinda of hurts," leads their medical minds to say, "You shouldn't be doing that, let me do it for you."
Upon returning to work, friends and colleagues ask questions like, should you be hear, followed by their medical advice, you should probably go home. Often times, they offer their assessments: "Your color looks good today," "You're looking better," or "Your looking pretty tired."
It seems all of my friends and family know exactly what I should be doing... "you should be resting," you should walk more," you should be eating better."
At first, having so many physicians around was kind of frustrating. I kept reminding people that I am the only one that knows how I feel and that I am have been talking to REAL doctors.
Then I had an epiphany. All of my "would be" medical geniuses are really just loving family and friends. Each one is someone who has prayed for me, encouraged me, supported me, and loved me. All of their advice has nothing to do with medicine and everything to do with love. So, I would like to say thank you to all my physicians. Thank you for your love and support and advice and meals and help and hope and kindness. You have made the recovery process easier, even when I didn't understand. Thank you all!
The surgery date came; the operation went perfectly; recovery begins... It is at this juncture — recovery — that I discovered everyone is a doctor. While in the hospital, attending physicians would enter the room, spout facts, examine scars, order labs, hear complaints, say everything is going perfectly, give details as to what will happen next, and move on the the next patient. Somewhere in the midst of all that attending doctors diatribe my family and friends achieved their degrees.
If I complained of medicinal side-effects, the doctor would change the meds. Family would say I knew as soon as we changed the meds you would be better. If I walked a little extra and was a little more tired, I would hear, I knew you were overdoing it.
At home, they were a little less bold. If I were to say, pour myself a glass of milk, they lead with a question, "Is that heavy for you?" My reply of, "Yeah, it kinda of hurts," leads their medical minds to say, "You shouldn't be doing that, let me do it for you."
Upon returning to work, friends and colleagues ask questions like, should you be hear, followed by their medical advice, you should probably go home. Often times, they offer their assessments: "Your color looks good today," "You're looking better," or "Your looking pretty tired."
It seems all of my friends and family know exactly what I should be doing... "you should be resting," you should walk more," you should be eating better."
At first, having so many physicians around was kind of frustrating. I kept reminding people that I am the only one that knows how I feel and that I am have been talking to REAL doctors.
Then I had an epiphany. All of my "would be" medical geniuses are really just loving family and friends. Each one is someone who has prayed for me, encouraged me, supported me, and loved me. All of their advice has nothing to do with medicine and everything to do with love. So, I would like to say thank you to all my physicians. Thank you for your love and support and advice and meals and help and hope and kindness. You have made the recovery process easier, even when I didn't understand. Thank you all!
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