Commitment
Forty-four years ago this Friday Tina and I stood before family and friends at the First Baptist Church of Chamblee, Georgia and said, “I do.” Can I just be blunt with you? A pastor getting married three days before Christmas might not have been the wisest decision we ever made. Of course, I was not a pastor at the time, but we both knew that God had called me.
There were those who will remain nameless who wondered if it would last. At this point I think we will make it. I told her recently that if she left me I was going with her. I know it’s an old joke, but I meant it.
With the death of Rosalyn Carter last month there has been a lot of conversation about long marriages. She and Jimmy were married 77 years. That’s difficult to fathom. How do you do that? Well, the obvious first thing is that you have to live a long time, and that’s not something you control.
But there are things that you can do. There has to be an absolute commitment to one other person. You have to determine not to use the D word. Tina has quoted Ruth Graham on many occasions. “I don’t believe in divorce, but murder has crossed my mind.” She’s joking…I think. But the premise is the same. You must be committed to each other, because living with another person can simply be hard.
Compromise is necessary. There are simply times when you must realize that some hills aren’t worth dying on. Selfishness is natural to us all. We all want what we want, and we usually want it right now. But you have to be willing to sacrifice and give.
I am convinced that the greatest secret to a long marriage is a strong commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. Putting Him first in our lives has helped us learn to love and serve each other. Celebrating His birth while also celebrating our anniversary has actually been a lot of fun through the years.
I pray that we will continue to be faithful to our vows. We’ve been blessed to have more good times than bad, and more health than sickness. But the goal is to be faithful no matter what. Thank God for His faithfulness to us. Happy anniversary, Sweetheart. I’d do it all over again.
Christmas Gifts
Only twelve more shopping days, gentlemen! You’d better get on it. I’m glad to say that my shopping is done. It’s not as easy as it used to be. When my two sons were growing up I had a blast shopping for Christmas. I just bought them things that I had enjoyed, or that I always wanted. Tabletop hockey and Foosball were two of my favorites.
Today I have three granddaughters between the ages of 1 and 15. I’m sorry, but I’ve had enough trouble buying for their grandma through the years. I learned early that jewelry was always the right size. But a few years ago she told me that she had all that she needed. I’ve actually been guilty of buying kitchen equipment since that time. I don’t buy women’s clothing at all.
I learned that lesson early. We’d been married a year. I was going to buy her a nice business type suit. Skirt, jacket, blouse…the works. The sales lady asked me her size. At the time I wore a 40 long jacket and 32 waist pants. So, I estimated about a size 24. The dear sweet lady asked me if I had a picture of my wife with me. When I showed her one of us together she replied, “I think we are talking about a size 6 or 8, sir.” Really? Women’s clothing sizes just don’t make sense to me.
But I digress. This shopping thing. You can become quite stressed by it. Or you can enjoy it. I do understand better as a Papa what Jesus said. “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” It really is. The joy of watching those girls open their gifts is more valuable to me than anything I might receive. I know that God is pleased when we accept the free gift of His love in His Son. I’m so glad that God gave us such a wonderful gift. Be sure to enjoy Him during this time of year.
The Basics of Christmas
You can’t help but see it, hear it, and know it. Christmas is coming. Stores and streets are decorated. Holiday music fills the airways. And just try to watch ten minutes of television without seeing a commercial that reminds you that you simply cannot live without this particular product. It will change your life!
Christmas is a joyous time, and yet it can also be one of the hardest seasons of the year. If you have lost a special someone this year, and this is your first Christmas without that person it can be very difficult. And if you are going through some kind of economic hardship it can be a challenge.
I would simply remind you of this. You may need to get back to the basics of what Christmas truly is about. I recognize that it is not always easy. But the reason for the season remains the same. God entered our world, took on flesh, and became one of us. Jesus lived a perfect and sinless life, and then, “He set His face toward Jerusalem.”
The truth is very simple. Jesus was born for one reason. He came to die in our place. Everything else was prologue. Not everyone wants to hear that. After all, we all love a little baby. The manger scene and angels singing to shepherds are wonderful sights to see. We sympathize with the plight of Mary and Joseph. Let’s not talk about death during Christmas.
But God knew that we needed a Savior. That’s all of us. And so, Jesus came that we might have life. There are times when Christmas is, the most stressful time of the year. Let’s be careful to remember the meaning of the season. God became flesh and dwelt among us. He came that we might have life. Thanks be to God for this amazing gift!
The Meaning of Christmas
Get ready. Get set. GO! If you haven’t noticed, it’s only 26 days away. Are you ready? Are you set? You may have been going for a week now. And you keep wondering when the roller coaster (or it may be a merry-go-round) is going to stop so you can get off.
Well, I have good news and bad news for you. The bad news? It’s not going to stop. Life goes on. And sometimes it goes on and on and on. And in the midst of all that is happening around you, you have to keep going, too.
Christmas is probably the busiest season for a pastor and church. Even Vacation Bible School (the busiest week of my year every year), is confined to that one week. Christmas celebrations last most of the month. There are the parties and the family gatherings and the shopping, and….well, you get the picture.
Why do I allow myself to get so caught up in the rush of Christmas? I know that there are some who would like to forget this altogether, but the meaning and purpose of Christmas is really quite simple. God chose to break through and enter our world in a brand new way. He became one of us. Immanuel…God with us.
That is the true and only meaning of Christmas. When I choose to allow shopping, gifts, decorations, parties, and parades to crowd Jesus out of my Christmas celebration I have damaged my own relationship with God, and have diminished what should be one of the greatest times of the year.
Over the next four weeks you will hear phrases like, “Christmas is for children.” While true as far as it goes, it does not go nearly far enough. Yes, Christmas is for children. But it’s for you and me as well. God stepped into our world, and because of that we know Him and live in relationship to Him, both now and forever.
Do remember this, too. Jesus was placed in a manger soon after His birth, but He now occupies a throne. He had to go through the cross to arrive there, but He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I pray that you will celebrate the true meaning of the season this year, and for the rest of your life.
Thanksgiving
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. What traditions do you follow at your home? Do you sit and watch the parade together? Do you view football all day long? Do you eat at the same time each year? Are you prepping for the long day of shopping on Black Friday?
The biggest thing about Thanksgiving for me is family. Even more than Christmas, I long to be with family on Thanksgiving. This seems to be the one major holiday that has not been as highly commercialized as so many others. And so, it centers on the food and those gathered to eat it
Several years ago my family celebrated its first holiday without the one member of our family who was in many ways our glue. My Mom died in April of that year, and as we approached the holiday season we were facing a decision. Where would we spend the day? What would we do?
Due to the generosity of a gentleman in my church we were able to meet in a home that was large enough for all of us, and yet it was not Mom’s kitchen. Mr. Miles allowed his pastor and family to use his house in Hilton Head that week, and so we ate and laughed and cried on what might be called “neutral ground.” I know that it was a healing time for me, and my dad talked often about that special time. What a blessing! Thanksgiving filled our hearts that day.
Thanksgiving is simply characteristic of what it means to be a Christian. When we realize that we are unable to save ourselves, and that we are fully dependent upon God for every good gift that we have, then we give thanks. No matter your circumstances or situation, there is some reason for you to give thanks. Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica, “In everything give thanks.” Such powerful and helpful advice. Give thanks today. Give thanks tomorrow. Remember that God is good, and give thanks at all times.
Happy Holidays!
“Happy Holidays!” I am more than certain that you will hear that soon, if not already. The very phrase is an irritant to some. They equate this greeting with a “war on Christmas,” and they are offended that folks don’t say the word Christmas.
I get it. The truth is, in some places there is a war on Christmas. Quite frankly, it is a war on Christianity itself. But the fact is that those of us who are Christians are probably not going to win this so-called culture war. Not at this point.
Still, I want to share a couple of things with you that I hope will be an encouragement to you as you celebrate the season. First of all, if someone says, “Happy Holidays” to you, please don’t snap at them. It is possible that they are under orders to do just that. It may be a person who is working a temporary job to provide food and presents for their family. The thing is, if you say something mean-spirited to that person, you are hurting your testimony for the Lord. So, please be patient.
Second, I want you to consider this. Do you know the meaning of the term, “holiday?” Think about it a minute. Holiday means holy day. So, when someone says to you, “Happy Holidays,” they have indeed said, “Happy Holy Days,” even if they do not realize it. Ironic, huh?
My wife has the best response I’ve heard yet. She amazes me with her patience and attitude. Anytime she hears the phrase, “Happy Holidays,” she courteously and joyfully responds, “Thank you. And Merry Christmas to you.” As Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” I’ve never yet seen anyone react angrily to her gentle and kind response.
So, I say it again. “Happy Holidays.” And God bless us every one!
Favorite Time of the Year
I think I’ve told you this, but I love the holiday season. From the week of Thanksgiving through Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Where we live it is prime time for golfing and fishing, two of my favorite pastimes. It is also a time when the leaves change their colors, and God paints the most beautiful picture across the landscape of the north Georgia mountains (my wife and I spent a couple of days cruising there this past weekend).
But it is also a bustling time of activity as we decorate, shop, attend special events, and plan for family and church gatherings. My wife and I do several things to celebrate the season. There are church dinners and special programs, specifically our choir cantata which will be on December 17. We have made it a tradition to attend the Christmas show at Savannah Theatre each year. And this year we will travel to Jacksonville to hear Mannheim Steamroller’s Christmas concert. And I haven’t talked about shopping for three granddaughters, quite an exercise for me given that I raised two sons. I haven’t the slightest of ideas what a teenage girl wants these days.
There is added stress at this time of year, and it can be exhausting. But in spite of it all, I love the holiday season. Why? Because, at least with these two holidays, they help me to worship the Lord. Obviously the Christmas season reminds us that God became one of us and dwelt among us. Jesus is God in the flesh. His birth changed everything. And don’t remind me that December 25 is an unlikely date for His actual birth. I know that. Doesn’t matter. We need to celebrate it some time.
But I must admit that Thanksgiving remains my favorite holiday. No gifts are exchanged. A great meal is enjoyed with family. And we give thanks. God is good. His love endures forever. He is faithful to us. And so, we give thanks.
Whatever else you do this season, remember to be thankful.
Feasting
Tonight I will enjoy my first holiday feast of the season. Our church will have its Thanksgiving Dinner. Have I mentioned that Baptists like to eat? There will be turkey and dressing, of course, and the ladies (and men) of our church will provide all manner of yummy sides and desserts for the occasion. I’ve been a Baptist pastor now for more than 41 years. It’s a wonder that I don’t weight 300 pounds.
We hope this will be our last big meal together in our old social hall. We are closing in on the completion of a new one directly across the road from our sanctuary. Even as I write these words electrical power is being connected to the building, and air conditioner units are being installed. This building is the result of a lot of prayer, hard work, and generosity on the parts of the folks at Shellman Bluff Baptist. It has been a dream for a long time, finally coming to fruition.
I know there are some who wonder why you would go to such expense and trouble for a kitchen and a place to eat. Why is a social hall so important? I don’t understand all of it, but I know that the Bible speaks of many times and places when the people of God gathered to eat. Feasts and festivals fill the Old Testament. And on at least two occasions Jesus fed large crowds, performing grand miracles to do so.
There is something about sitting at the table with others, eating a meal, and sharing good times that builds community. Families are stronger when they sit together for a meal. And a church builds fellowship in this way.
And by the way, from what I read in the New Testament, there is coming a great banquet to whom God has invited us when He sends His Son back to earth. One day we will sit with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and enjoy the ultimate feast with the saints of God. I look forward to that day. But in the meantime, I will enjoy dinner tonight with my church family as I anticipate that great day in the future.
Building Patience
As I write this morning I am watching a variety of workers come and go across the street as they work on the building we hope to occupy in the next few weeks. It will be a social hall, complete with both indoor and outdoor kitchens, a large pantry and another large storage closet. It is something our church has needed for some time.
I’ve been watching the construction for most of the year. The process of building fascinates me. Perhaps this is because I did construction work during the summers I was in college. I’ve pushed wheelbarrows filled with concrete blocks and mortar. I’ve nailed boards and carried shingles up ladders.
Many of the techniques have changed. I used a twenty-ounce Plumb hammer. Today they use power hammers. Much more efficient I am sure, and no smashed thumbs.
Many things are still the same. Construction is hard, hot work. And it takes time. And because of that time we must learn to be patient.
From the day our church voted to build I have been anxious to eat the first meal in the new social hall. As the foundation was poured I thought about frying fish in the screened outdoor facility, knowing we wouldn’t have to fight off as many bugs. And so, as Ioften say to my wife, “I’m patiently waiting patiently,” all the while not truly exhibiting that patience I claim.
The Bible speaks often of patience, and even declares that the Lord is patient with us. The word is sometimes translated, “longsuffering.” Isn’t that a great definition for patience? We actually do suffer long as we wait.
And yet, our patience helps us to grow. I want to learn to be more patient, but I’m too often frustrated as I wait. I pray that the Lord will enable me to trust Him enough to be patient as He continues to work in my life. After all, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ,” (Philippians 1:6). You can count on it.
The Lemon Tree Part 2
A couple of years ago I told you about my lemon tree. I called it my “Charlie Brown Lemon Tree.” It was a gift from some dear friends that we planted in the Spring of 2021. In the fall of that year it produced seven lemons. This, in spite of the fact that it was less than two-feet tall. Quite frankly, it had not grown in height or width since it was planted. Then, last year was the same. This time there were six lemons, but the tree was still less than two-feet tall.
Last winter we had a hard freeze. For several nights I covered the little tree with a blanket. Once the freeze ended, it looked bad. I was afraid I had lost it. But then there were blooms in the Spring. And the leaves were bright green. Still, it had not grown.
So, I did what several folks had advised me to do. I broke off every bloom. I did not leave any. Well, here we are in late October, and there are no lemons on the tree. But…the tree is almost four-feet tall. It has spread nearly that wide. It has new growth and looks extremely healthy. Still, no fruit this year.
My little tree reminds me of some truths in the Christian life. There are times that we must sacrifice in the short-term for long-term gain. We are not to live only for today. No, in fact we are not simply living for tomorrow. We are living with eternity in mind. And that will change your perspective on everything.
The truth is that I will not know for sure if I have done the right thing with my little tree until next year, or even further into the future than that. But I want the tree to be healthy, not simply to produce a few lemons now. I want it to be strong enough to bear the weight of a good harvest in the future. And I want that for my own life as well. I want to finish well. I pray that for you, too. Let us live our lives with eternity in mind.
The Gospel Truth
It’s funny the things people believe. I am often amazed, amused, and alarmed at what some people say the Bible teaches. For instance, “God helps those who help themselves.” Not found in the Bible. Not a biblical concept. In fact, the Bible teaches the exact opposite. God helps those who realize that they are helpless, and they need a Savior.
I’ve heard many other statements attributed to the Bible. “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” And then there is my all-time favorite. “Let your conscience be your guide.”
I know many people who quote Jiminy Cricket’s line to say that they will listen to their conscience, and follow their heart. Yes, that’s correct. That quote does not come from the Bible, but from the lips of Jiminy Cricket. A fun story, but not a source of true theology.
In fact, this line is far removed from what the Bible says. Consider the words from Jeremiah 17:9. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can It’s funny the things people believe. I am often amazed, amused, and alarmed at what some people say the Bible teaches. For instance, “God helps those who help themselves.” Not found in the Bible. Not a biblical concept. In fact, the Bible teaches the exact opposite. God helps those who realize that they are helpless, and they need a Savior.
I’ve heard many other statements attributed to the Bible. “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” And then there is my all-time favorite. “Let your conscience be your guide.”
I know many people who quote Jiminy Crickets’ line to say that they will listen to their conscience, and follow their heart. Yes, that’s correct. That quote does not come from the Bible, but from the lips of Jiminy Crickets. A fun story, but not a source of true theology.
In fact, this line is far removed from what the Bible says. Consider the words from Jeremiah 17:9. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Do you get that? The prophet says that we cannot trust our hearts. Our hearts will lead us astray. Our consciences can be seared to the point that we will justify all kinds of behavior.
We are living in a time when a philosophy known as “relativism” has taken center stage in so many lives. You confront that philosophy when you hear someone say, “Well, that may be true for you, but it’s not true for me.” No. The fact is if something is true, it is true.
We believe that in science. The law of gravity is always true. Other laws of physics always apply. But the fact is that God’s moral laws do not change either. Don’t let your conscience be your guide. It will lead you astray. Rather, let God’s Word guide you. It will always take you where you need to go.
Baseball
The baseball playoffs begin this week. I know many of you are consumed with football, but I am a baseball fanatic (and yes, I spelled that out to be more accurate). More specifically, I am an Atlanta Braves fan. And I am blessed to be married to a very patient lady.
Over the last 30 years we have taken vacations that have coincided with where the Braves were playing. We’ve seen them play in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, Cincinnati, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Toronto, and Chicago. We watched John Smoltz outduel Greg Maddux (before he became a Brave) 1-0 in Wrigley Field. To this day, that is my favorite baseball game I have attended.
Of course, the World Series championships in 1995 and 2021 are among my favorite memories. I started playing baseball at the age of 6. I played tee-ball in Doraville, Georgia all the way through high school, and I have also umpired and coached. My dad once said that umpiring youth league baseball was the best training I had to become a pastor.
From the age of 8 through age 14 my dad was my coach. I know I’m biased, but he was the best baseball coach I ever had. We won several championships over the years. From one of those championship teams (age 12), three of the 12 players on the team are currently Baptist pastors. He told me that was his greatest accomplishment as a coach.
When I think back to the different things I have done, perhaps the most important ones are those that have impacted the lives of others. Today, as I consider the 41 years I have been a pastor, perhaps the most satisfying thought is that there are men whom I mentored who are now serving as pastors in Vermont, Texas, Puerto Rico, Statesboro, and more than one in the Pembroke area.
Paul wrote of fighting the fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). I pray that I will be able to do just that. Perseverance is essential in a 162-game baseball season. It is even more important in life. May we stay with it until the Lord calls us home!
A Job Well Done
Recently my wife and I renovated a section of our front yard. It had been an island of plants surrounded by grass all the way around. Unfortunately, the grass was only healthy on one side. There were patches of grass all the way around, but it didn’t look good.
So, I dug up several sections of grass and transplanted them in places that needed attention. And then we expanded the island, taking it all the way to the circle driveway in front of the house. All told we tilled up the ground, dug holes and planted 42 new plants in that area.
Two things stand out to me about this work. First, boy was I tired after two days of digging holes and spreading pine straw and watering everything that was planted. The old body can’t go as long as it used to, nor does it recover as quickly as it once did. So, I have to pace myself. And I have to rest more the next day.
But the second thing is just this. There is great satisfaction in work that is done well. I am aware that the Bible, in the book of Genesis, declares that work will be hard and that it will cause us difficulties at times. But I hope that you see this. It is God’s will that we work. Our lives are better, and we are more fulfilled when we find something to do that is meaningful to us, and helpful to others.
I know that the day comes when we retire from full-time employment. But there is never a time in this life when God says, “Stop. Sit down. Let someone else do it. You are done.” Even when you can do nothing else, you can pray.
My grandmother prayed for me in the early days of my ministry. She was basically bedridden for the final two years of her life. But she told me that she spent much of her time in that bed lifting me up to the Lord. Oh, the blessing of having a praying grandmother.
I challenge you to continue to serve the Lord. Don’t quit. Don’t give up. Be faithful to the end. You reward will be worth it.
"The Heavens Declare"
So, Saturday will be the first day of fall. I hope you have your firewood cut, the propane tanks full, and your jacket at the front of the closet. Oh, wait. That’s right. We live in coastal Georgia. Odds are we will not need our jackets for a while. I heard someone say that we only have two seasons: summer and February.
The fact is that things do change here, even if not as dramatically as they did when I lived in Michigan. Leaves will fall off many of the trees. Grass will slow in its growth. And there will be changes in temperature.
I’ve had the privilege of living in south Louisiana, metro Atlanta, the upper Midwest, and now in coastal Georgia. And I have often enjoyed the mountains of north Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina for vacation. Each place has its own special beauty. In each place you can see the hand of God.
“The heavens declare the glory of God,” David begins the 19th Psalm. And it is true. As we view creation it should be clear that there is an uncreated being who is greater than what we see, and who is responsible for all of creation. In Romans 1 Paul indicated that there is more than enough evidence for the reality of God. Again, we read in another place in the psalms, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘there is no God.’”
But there is indeed a God, and He is glorious and marvelous beyond measure. He is more than we can conceive, and He is worthy of our worship and service. And the grandest truth about this God is that He loves us, and He has made a way for us to know Him.
I’ve given my life to the service of this matchless God. He is worth more than anything else I have owned or known. I pray that you will know Him. I promise you this. If you seek Him, you will find Him. He wants to make Himself known.
Golf and the Christian Walk
I enjoy playing golf. I have always been competitive, playing baseball, basketball and softball in my younger days. I am far from an accomplished golfer, but I enjoy trying to improve. It is the hardest game I’ve ever tried to play.
Golf is fascinating in so many ways. I can hit a great shot, one that is equal to any hit by the best pro in the world. That’s not bragging. I’ve made three holes in one.
But then…oh, I can hit some awful shots. Two of my favorites are the shank and the “duck hook.” The shank goes right off the club at two o’clock, usually less than 50 yards. I’ve been told the cause, but I try not to listen to the explanation. It’s too painful to hear. For me, the “duck hook” looks like a small plane coming in for a landing at a hard left angle. Most of the time those balls are never retrieved from either the pond or the woods.
Here’s the deal with golf and me. My greatest consistency is my lack of consistency. I will smack one ball right on target, high and majestic, and everyone in my group will say, “Good shot.” And then I will hit one of those shots, and everyone in the group will say, “Oh,” or they will simply look away so as not to make eye contact. Good shot, bad shot, good shot, horrible shot…it’s really not the best way to play the game.
My golf game is similar to what James describes as the way some talk. He writes, “Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing.” And then he concludes, “Brothers, it ought not to be so.” James is telling us that we should not speak out of both sides of our mouths. We need to be consistent.
I would love to be more consistent on the golf course. It would make the game more enjoyable. But even more I want to be more consistent in my conversation. I want to be true. I want to be kind. I want to be godly. I pray the same for you. Let us be careful to be more consistent in our walk with the Lord. Keep this in mind. People are watching.
Sing to God
I love to sing. I grew up going to church and singing with my parents. I particularly remember singing along with my mother. She said she sang alto. Actually, she could not read a note of music. But she had the innate ability to harmonize with the melody. And so, I learned to do the same thing.
Later on my parents insisted that I take piano lessons, and eventually I played the saxophone in the band. I sang in the youth choir, and even served in two small churches as minister of music while attending college and seminary. I still enjoy singing in our church choir.
Music is very important to the church, and for good reason. The Old Testament is filled with instructions to sing. One of the Old Testament books, Psalms, is nothing more than a hymnbook. And in the New Testament Paul told the church to sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
In too many of our churches worship has become a point of controversy rather than a point of unity. That is a shame. Music in all of its forms can bring glory to God. There are great old hymns like, “How Great Thou Art,” and “Holy, Holy, Holy,” that help us worship the Lord. And then there are marvelous contemporary songs like, “How Great is our God,” and “Is He Worthy?” that do the same thing.
I do not believe that God spends time thinking, “I wish those people would sing such and such song.” Rather I believe He is pleased when we lift our voices in praise and worship, no matter the style of song.
I’ve been reminded more than once that there will be no need for preaching in heaven. I will be out of a job. But there will be singing.
Whether you sing in tune or not, may I encourage you to sing with your heart to the Lord. The psalmist wrote, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” God is pleased as we worship Him in song. Let us put aside our differences and unite our hearts in worship. That honors God and blesses His children.
Gifts
This column is not intended for true confessions, but I have one to make to you. I am artistically challenged. I can’t draw. I can’t paint. I don’t work well with clay. I’ve never considered the possibility of sculpting. To be honest, I don’t even take very good pictures.
I admit to you that there are times when the green-eyed monster rears its ugly head when I see the talents of others. I am amazed at the beauty of a painted portrait. When I see creative artwork I wonder why I can’t do something like that.
Perhaps you feel that same way when you hear someone sing or play an instrument. Maybe you are jealous of someone who can swim or run faster than you can. Or maybe you would simply like to be able to bake a delicious pie.
Whatever it may be, we all have something we wish we could do. Some are gifted cooks while others have a green thumb in the garden. Some sing like beautiful songbirds while others paint. And you may wonder if you have any gift to offer at all.
The Bible makes it clear that God gives gifts to all of His children. Paul describes this for us in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. There are many gifts, and I am of the opinion that the lists in the Bible are representative rather than exhaustive. Each believer has at least one of these gifts. Therefore, you cannot honestly say that you have no gifts..
Some gifts are used more publicly than others. But make no mistake about it. Every gift matters.
I think if I could emphasize just one biblical truth to Christians and churches this might be it. You are gifted, and your gift is important. You can use it to bless others. You should not envy what others have and do, for yours is an essential part of the church, too.
Here’s the deal. When you and I use the gifts God has given to us, the church is blessed and built. And we make a powerful impact on the world around us. I encourage you to do two things. First, discover your gift, or gifts and practice using them. And then, rejoice as others do the same. As we turn away from jealousy, and cheer each other on, the church will grow, and God will be glorified.
True Christianity
Billy Graham was perhaps the most influential preacher in the 20th century. I’m not sure how many people heard him preach, but it was surely in the millions. Dr. Graham’s pet phrase was, “The Bible says…” He understood that the authority for his message was the Word of God revealed in Scripture.
Billy Graham had his critics. There were the fundamentalists who disagreed with his willingness to work with all churches. Those on the other end of the spectrum were dismayed that Dr. Graham believed the Bible. One liberal theologian said, “I fear that Billy Graham has set back Christianity some 100 years.”
Of course, the media went to Dr. Graham with this report. His response was classic. “I’m sorry to hear that. It was my intent to set it back some 2000 years.”
As Christians and churches, we do want to follow the original teachings of Jesus. We want to live out first century Christianity. But how do we do that? Some argue for the “old hymns,” forgetting that many of the old hymns were written in the 1800’s. They are indeed old, but they do not go back to the days of Jesus. Some say that we should have only the traditional musical instruments like the organ and piano, again forgetting that neither Peter nor Paul ever saw either one.
The problem with all of these ideas is that we are not really at the heart of true Christianity. The methods and music we use change. They always have. The songs we sang in the 1970’s were not the songs they sang in the 1600’s.
But the message of Christ and His Gospel are still the same. God became flesh and dwelt in our midst. Jesus lived a perfect sinless life and died in our place as a sacrifice for our sins. He was raised from the dead, and He will come again at the proper time to complete what He started. It is all quite simple, and yet it is all quite radical. Still, we trust Him to do what He promised. That is our only hope.
No Cell Phone?
Recently I went to the golf course late one afternoon. No one was with me. The golf course was almost empty when I arrived, and by the time I finished mine was the last car in the lot.
When I first arrived, I realized I had forgotten something. I did not have my cell phone. For a moment I tensed up. I was going to be gone for three hours without any mode of communication with others. Oh, the humanity!
It took me a moment to compose myself, but then I finished putting my bag on my pushcart and walked to the first tee box. I swatted my first ball down the fairway and played my round. Guess what! The world did not come to an end. I probably enjoyed my uninterrupted round more than I should have. And I recalled the fact that twenty years ago I never had a phone with me when I played golf, went fishing, or attended one of my sons’ games. I survived without one for the first 38 years of my life!
We have become so dependent on our electronic devices that I wonder if we have lost our ability to rely on God. Please don’t misunderstand me. I am not going into an old man rant that phones and tablets and such are of the devil.
But I need to remind myself of two things. First, only God can truly help and save me. I must learn to depend on Him in all that I do. Second, I’m not nearly as important as I sometimes think. I’m not a doctor who needs to be ready at a moment’s notice to perform a transplant surgery. And I’m not the patient in need of that new organ. I’m simply one of God’s children who needs to walk with Him every day. He does not need cell service in order to reach me. He is available to me at all times.
The words of Proverbs 3 remain true. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Prayer Needs No Password
I recently heard the story of woman receiving a phone call from a scammer. Trying to frighten her he declared, “I have all of your passwords.” Her response? “Really? That’s great. I’ve got a pen and paper. Go ahead.”
We laugh because we can relate. Not long ago I was locked out of one account for sixty days because I made too many attempts at logging in with wrong information. It was not a fun experience.
I wonder how many passwords I have. I started to count, but then I got dizzy. And then I got discouraged. And then I got frustrated. You know the feeling. I can’t even remember all of my user names, much less the passwords. And the older I get the more of them there are.
There is one area where no password is necessary. That’s when I talk to God. We call it prayer, and it is the most important communication we can have. God has invited you and me to speak to Him at any time. We can come when we are joyful. We can come when we are downtrodden. No matter our circumstances, God has invited us to come to Him with our hurts, our needs, our joys and our victories.
I am so grateful for that. I don’t have to log in and remember 1 character, 2 numbers, 3 capital letters, and the color of my first pet or the name of my first car. Or was that the other way around?
I simply call out His name, and He is there. He has promised never to leave me nor to forsake me. He has promised to hear when I cry out for His presence.
I do not pray as often as I should. I do not pray as often as I wish I did. But even when I miss an appointment with Him, I know the Lord is listening when I call on His name. I never get a busy signal. I never get voice mail. He is there, patiently waiting to hear from me.
Don’t forget to speak to the Lord today. You need that time with Him. Prayer is a powerful means of communicating with the all-powerful and all-loving Creator of all that exists. The Lord is waiting to hear from you. So…what are you waiting for?