Sobering News

Today I received some grave news. A friend of mine quit as pastor of his church due to moral failure. It hurt me deeply because not only was this man my friend but a mentor and leader for a significant time of my life. As a matter of fact, I would consider him one of my spiritual fathers.

With the sobering revelation I'm reminded of two things. First, our heroes all have feet made of clay. No matter how highly we regard them, it doesn't change the fact that they can bomb, implode, lock up, freak out, go off the deep end and ruin their life (and witness). I'm sure you can name some people yourself.

Secondly, it reminds me that I better watch my life, safeguard my heart and take care of my soul. It's funny how when my heart and soul get weak so does my resolve. Actually it's not that funny - it can be the difference between leading a ministry and being a recipient of it. So take care of that which needs taking care of; spend time with others in good fellowship, dig deep into the disciplines so that God may pour out his grace to you and keep watch over what's going on inside of you.

Everybody is playing for keeps.

Confession

Hi. I have a problem. Okay, I know that’s not new. I’m a sinner. Sinners and problems go hand-in-hand like Elvis and a velvet canvas. The difference is that sometimes, when we get slow down, meditate on God’s Word and allow His Spirit to speak to our heart, we can receive enough grace to discover problems we possessed but couldn’t put a finger on. So when I say I have a problem, I mean I’ve seen something in my life that’s I didn’t before.

It’s the sin of self-promotion.

It’s almost funny that I was so oblivious to this in my life, but now as I’ve narrowed down the problem in my heart I see it everywhere!

Over the past few weeks I’ve talked with a friend of mine who said that when he struggled through stuff like that it came down to him trusting (or not) the Gospel to be his validation and security. They were good words. Adding to that line of thought was a message I heard this week by Pastor Tim Keller on preaching the Gospel. One of the key thoughts he addressed was that the sin we exhibit usually has a deeper root sin as its cause whose cure is almost always the Gospel. Again, for what was going on in me, they were especially good words.

I’ve come to realize that when you boil it all down, my sin of self-promotion is due to my inability to trust the Gospel. Wanting others to see me a certain way emanates from my lack of faith that Jesus is my identity and the Cross my confession. As a result, I feel the need to validate myself before others even though that question has already been answered by the Gospel.

So I thank God for the past seven days. I’m grateful he gave me eyes to see that which kept me from living the Gospel out in my life. I know there’s more stuff in me to be dealt with but at least one stone was overturned in me that, up to now, hadn’t been. Now I simply ask that he might give me the grace to mortify that problem, and all others, which keep me from trusting in the Good News.

What are you trusting?

No Spin Zone

There is a well-known political commentator on a cable news network whose promotes his incredibly popular talk show as a “no spin zone”. Whether that is true or not isn’t what I’d like to debate (it’s “not” by the way), this is more about what the phrase touches upon. I believe it strikes a chord with many who feel like they’re always being told what something “is” or “isn’t” by the experts – people with titles, talk shows or a tome. Nothing is beyond being “spun”, not even Jesus. Unfortunately, more times than not the people I see “spinning” Jesus happen to be within the walls of the church. Some times I’m sure it’s been me doing it!

Instead of going deeper on that let me simply stop and offer a suggestion for those of you who feel like Jesus has been spun one too many times before your eyes (even, or especially, if it's of your own doing). Read the Gospels for yourself, again. Just you and Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Over the past week I’ve spent about an hour a day reading through the Gospel accounts and the one thing that stood out to me above all else is how my view of Jesus may need to be trimmed of some “spin”. For example, in reading about what Jesus said and did, I’m taken back by how often un-meek and un-mild Jesus acted. He was pretty tough to say the least, yet the popular picture often cast of Jesus is a person almost timid in character. But that's just spin to make Jesus more accessible, distilled and disinfected for public consumption. I thought about sharing some supporting scripture references for you to check out but that would defeat the point of reading it yourself. Do it. Take one week or so and read through the Gospels in big chunks at a time. I don't know if this is fast or not, but I read about fourteen chapters and hour which means I finish Matthew in two sittings, etc. When you read in big sections you get a sense of the emotional flow and timber of Jesus as he heals, preaches and moves toward Jerusalem. Every time I finished an account I had the same feeling: I’ve forgotten more of who Jesus is than I realized.

So, read the Gospels by yourself. It’s good. It's simple. It’s truly a “no spin zone”. Who knows? You might realize the Jesus you've known has more in common with what's being spun today than the real thing?

When it comes to Jesus, get to the Gospels; leave the spin to the politicos and pundits.

(RED)talk

Let’s do some word association. Don’t worry, this will be short. I’ll give you one word. Actually, one name: Bono.

What comes to your mind? Frontman of the world’s greatest rock band? Mega-voice with sunglasses to match? Self-appointed African ambassador? The founder of the One and (RED) campaigns? I’m sure the responses would be many. Today my answer would be: one shrewd dude. I know, it doesn’t have all the sophistication and depth that others might supply but let me explain.

A week or two ago I read an article about the achievement of the (RED) campaign, which was begun by Bono as an attempt to get companies to designate one of their products (colored red of course) of which a portion of its sale would go to help fight AIDS in Africa. It was interesting to say the least, and when I asked others who were more in the know that I am what they thought of it, opinions ran across the board. I don’t really know enough still to comment intelligently about whether (RED) is successful or not. However, in doing a little (emphasis on little) research on the (RED) campaign I discovered how well Bono knows the West and has capitalized on that knowledge for his, and (RED)’s, advantage. On the (RED) webpage, after explaining what (RED) is all about, Bono concludes his pitch:

You, the consumer, can take your purchase to the power of (RED) simply by upgrading your choice. Thus the proposition: (YOU)RED. Be embraced, take your own fine self to the power of (RED). What better way to become a good-looking samaritan?!

As I said, Bono is shrewd. He knows us maybe better than we know ourselves.

• Question: How do you get a bunch of consumers, who live life thinking they are the center of the universe, to give money to your cause?

• Answer: You speak their love language of possessions and narcissism by telling them how great they will appear in the eyes of others when they don their (RED) shirts, IPods, shirts, cell phones, stuff ad infinitum, and be recognized as hip and a do-gooder at the same time!

I read his words and, once again, am amazed how we’re so consumed with ourselves that even our charity must be about us. One thing that (RED) does is tell us how culturally-savvy Bono is (he speaks fluent Western-ese) and how terribly small our national soul has become. I wonder how much we would give if it meant nobody knew anything, if it meant that we don’t get to wear a hip shirt around for others to see? What do you think? I believe you know the answer as well as I do.

Let me be clear. I’m not against (RED). I hope it raises as much money as possible to help real people who are really dying. I’m also sincere in my praise of Bono’s shrewdness. He knows the pulse of the people and is trying to do something good with it. Folks are going to spend money, why not try to take some of that consumer cash and funnel it to something that's truly worthwhile? I can't argue with that at all. More power to him! Bono has done more for those in Africa than I (and most others for that matter) probably ever will. Furthermore, I don’t think everyone who wears something (RED) has done so with self-centered intentions.

It’s just that in all this (RED) stuff I, as a Follower of Jesus, need to pause, take a moment to reflect and check my heart before I tell that salesperson at the mall to grab me a cardinal colored XL t-shirt. Why? Remember Bono’s final plea to join his cause: “What better way to become a good-looking samaritan?!” While that may be a great motive for a consumer to give it isn't for a follower of Jesus. Contrast Bono's words with the words of Jesus: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4 ESV)

As an appeal to consumers, Bono's conclusion is genius, but for those who follow Christ, it's dangerous because it seeks to arouse the stuff in us we're supposed to be trying to die to.

I know this may sound (RED)iculous but if you want to give to help those dying of AIDS in Africa just give directly and 100% of your money will be used to serve others. You may not catch the eyes of others but you will catch the eye of One.

What better way to become a Good Samaritan?

A Tough Day

There’s nothing like having children to remind you that, when it comes to sanctification, you still have a long way to go. Today I was just a flat-out bad parent. Apparently my patience-tank was running on fumes because I lit into my eldest more times than I can remember. In each episode I overreacted. He’d commit a “3” blunder and I’d counter with an “10” response. Frankly, it was utterly embarrassing and pathetic on my part.

If my son knew better he would’ve written me up for being a joke of a parent. Fortunately for me he simply looked past most of my [insert your favorite pejorative adjective] actions and still wanted to hang out, which only heightened my sense of guilt and shame.

As I tucked him into bed tonight I told him how sorry I was, how badly I acted today, how I would like to have his forgiveness, he simply responded, “Daddy, you had a tough day; we all have tough days. I forgive you.” Then he kissed me. I left after praying with him, asking God for the same forgiveness I requested from my child and feeling the same oppressive but deserved embarrassment.

[Sigh]

Today revealed that I can be a pretty sad excuse for a father.
Today reminded me how much responsibility I have as a tool to shape my son’s character.
Today is a day I wish I could do over.
Today my son deserved better.

It was a tough day.

Life, Love and Work

“For no matter what we achieve, if we don’t spend
the vast majority of our time with people we love and respect,
we cannot possibly have a great life.”
– Jim Collins, Good To Great

Every now and then I get asked if I would ever leave the church I currently serve. I don’t know the motives behind the question but I’d like to think that due to my superhuman ability to exposit God’s Word, razor-sharp leadership skills and theologically encyclopedic mind they know it’s only a matter of time 'til the ship sails to the land of being a Lead Pastor. (yes, the tongue is firmly planted in cheek) The hard truth is probably they can’t wait for me to leave.

One of the reasons I feel so strongly about where I serve and why it would be hard for me to ever leave is the leadership team I’m a part of. Life is too short to work with others you don’t like, can’t get along with or generally don’t respect or admire. Fortunately, this has not been my lot. There is no question that God’s grace has been rich to me in this area of my life because I truly feel I serve with the greatest guys on the face of the planet. I not only like, admire and respect these guys…I love ‘em! While teaching the Bible, leading others and influencing the direction of the church are activities that “fill my cup” personally and professionally, it’s “doing life with the ones you love” that seals the deal for what I do and where I do it.

Could I leave? Yes. But (unless God says, “Go. Period.”) it would need to be a situation that either meets or surpasses the deep blessings I experience currently. That would be a tall order to say the least.

If you don’t love those with whom you lead I have a word of advice. Quit. Start a church, business, whatever and get a team around you that you can love deeply and they can deeply love you. While some of us couldn’t seriously follow through with that there are some of us who can…and should.

Let me repeat. As far as God enables you to do so, do life with the ones you love. Life is too short to suffer any less.

A Poem for My Wife

Jennefer

Never in this world will there be
A more precious pearl than thee.

In thy presence is nourishing grace,
With deceit or guile, there is no trace.

Some men run after women of standard fare,
But in my possession is one beyond compare.

Of places to which God may deliver me,
All is forlorn lest it be with tbee.

If there is but one prayer I could pray,
T’would be thy presence at my side each day.

May His pow’r give reality to this rhyme,
For I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.

Flying a Little Lower

"Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven
—for she loved much."
- The Gospel According to Luke 7:47 (ESV)

"There can be no doubt as to the center of gravity in New Testament teaching on worship. The lodestone which irresistibly draws the New Testament Church to the recognition of God's love and mercy
is His saving action in the Son of His love."
- Ralph Martin, Worship in the Early Church

For quite some time I’ve been stuck on the idea that most of the music we play in the corporate worship setting needs to revolve around Jesus and his work on the Cross.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that you can’t sing songs about God and his goodness, or how great of a creator he is or how much we love him. It just seems that most of the worship music I hear is cruising about 10,000 feet high when it comes to who God is and what is going on in redemptive history. The lyrics appear to be lifted from the Old Testament and are sometimes almost so generic that, frankly, any faith could almost sing along. Again, it’s not bad (I like the OT) it’s just that we could do better. We’ve been given much greater revelation to sing about, revelation that is the locus of redemptive history, revelation that all the cosmos revolves around, revelation that makes us who we are in the Church. In a phrase, “Where’s the cross?”

We are told in scripture that the greatest expression of God is in the person of Jesus, and his work on Calvary is the greatest expression of his love. If this is the zenith of both who God is and what he has done for us surely this should be the center of our worship? I wonder if some who find themselves disconnected emotionally during the time of corporate worship do so because they’re constantly bombarded with song after song laden with redemptively vague and theologically generic lyrics which give a paint-by-numbers view of God instead of a New Testament-saturated expression of Christ and him crucified?

In Luke 7:36-50 we see a former prostitute lavishly and passionately demonstrating great affection for the Savior due to the fact that she had been forgiven. Forgiveness fuels affection. It always has, it always will. What greater way can we reignite the embers of love for Jesus in the heart of the worshipper with music than by getting before him the truth that he has been greatly forgiven by God? The only way that happens is by using music that highlights Jesus and the work of the cross.

We're New Covenant members for Christ's sake (literally), let's worship like it.

The Gospel and The List

"O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?"

- The Epistle to the Galatians 3:1-3

One of the major tenets of Christianity, especially emphasized in its Reformed expression, is that we are justified by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. In other words, there is nothing that makes me righteous before God except the applied righteousness of Jesus because of his life and work on the Cross. As a Christian (especially one who’s of a Reformed character) this is a truth I embrace wholeheartedly.

At least I thought I did.

That was until through a period of reading, discussion and self-reflection that I realized there were activities I refrained from that undermined my affirmation of the cardinal truth that Jesus is my total righteousness.

Let me give a little backstory here…

Once my father became a Christian our family began to attend a church affiliated with a denomination known for abstaining from a long list of activities deemed “sinful” even though the Bible didn’t explicitly say they were sinful. Things like dancing, drinking alcohol, going to movies for example. They also used to look down on card playing, swimming with the opposite sex and long hair on men. (Some churches probably still hold to those as well). But one way or another this denomination, and others like them, always have had a list, it just gets revised and updated as time goes by.

The problem with lists is that they’re easy to create, easy to enforce and easy to judge people with; however, they take away from the Follower of Jesus a critical thing that demonstrates his maturity in Christ as he or she deals with issues that don’t fall into the black or white categories in scripture – discernment. With a list there’s no need to discern whether something is acceptable or not, it’s just wrong no matter how you slice it. The result is a Christian life which in principle says Christ’s righteousness is sufficient for being made right with God but in practice lives out a life with extra-biblical rules added on to it so that in observing them (with the approval of those in authority) the person will be holier and possess a greater righteousness that those who practice the activities on “The List”.

This was the spiritual no-man’s land in which I found myself. I believed in Jesus and his work to give me a righteousness that was not my own and yet deep-down I believed that certain activities I didn’t participate in made me better than others spiritually. Now, mind you, these activities were not mentioned in the Bible as sins, they were seen as such because for whatever reason they made “The List”. As I got older I became more lenient toward others who did things on "The List" and even got to the point where I would defend them but still I didn't dip my foot in the water, which told more of my real beliefs than I thought.

The ironic result was that in my abstinence of certain practices, instead of demonstrating my faith, I actually exposed my lack of it. My attitudes, beliefs and actions betrayed my confidence in the Gospel. With all the justifications I tried to convince myself of and straw man arguments I gave, the truth was that "The List" had invaded sacred ground. It was trespassing upon the Gospel of the Cross.

So I decided to put my actions where the Cross was. I chunked "The List" and reexamined everything, both engaging or abstaining by faith to the glory of God.

Let me ask you: Why do you do what you do? Do you do _________ and not do ___________ because the Bible says or because someone gave you a list a long time ago and told you this is what good Christians stay away from? Do you see your engagement or abstinence making you more spiritual than others? Do your actions say you trust the Gospel for your righteousness? Do you live out a life that proclaims you are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone?

I thought I did too.

Happy Chapter 15

"The Chronicles of Narnia" have always been close to my heart ever since I was young, and something happened a week or so ago that further deepened my affection for C.S. Lewis’ classic series. I was finishing the series’ most popular novel The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in which Aslan, the Great Lion and Christ figure of the series is killed by the witch in a humiliating (they even shave off his glorious mane) and torturous fashion. Pretty big stuff for the ears of a five-year old who’s laying next to his dad in his parents’ bedroom. My son’s sobriety grew weightier with each line I read.

-End of Chapter 14-

I decided to let the moment linger: Son, how do you feel? Why would someone innocent die for someone who was guilty? Weren’t the witch and her evil helpers really mean to Aslan? He must’ve really loved Edmund to take his place, don’t you think? I wonder what will happen in the next chapter?

-Chapter 15-

“There, shining in the sunrise, larger than they had seen before, shaking his mane (for it had apparently grown again) stood Aslan himself.”

Upon hearing those words my son leapt out of bed, threw open the bedroom door and upon locating his mother in the room triumphantly shouted at the top of his voice as he jumped up and down, “Mommy, Aslan is alive! He has risen from the dead! Aslan is alive!”

Now, like with my son, let’s allow that moment to linger. Let it percolate a little bit.


...

“He is not here, for he has risen.”
- Matthew 28:6a (ESV)

Happy Easter.

The Collar

“Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ.”
– The First Epistle to the Corinthians 7:22 (ESV)

I ran across an interesting article by a pastor who advocated the return to wearing a minister’s uniform (e.g., a collar) for those in ministry. It was well-written and thought through; his argument was essentially that wearing the collar helped him better perform ministry in the community as people who wouldn’t initially recognize him as a pastor would now do so. I didn’t agree with everything he said but it got me thinking, “Would I consider wearing a collared shirt…at the bookstore I frequent, the same with the coffee shop and all the other places in between?”

My resulting feelings brought me a little consternation. I shied away from the thought of wearing a minister’s collar. It made me uneasy and that troubled me. It’s not that I think every minister should wear a uniform (I don’t wear one), it’s just that the why behind my decline didn’t smell the fragrance of Christ. I think I would be hesitant to wear a collar because it might infringe on the freedoms I enjoy in public. The movies I see, the books I read, the places I visit and all others things I do in front of others now comes with the “please look at me and know that I’m a Christian minister” tag once I don the white tab.

I don’t like my answer. It has the foul odor of independence and autonomy. Two things that speak more of my being an American than a follower of Jesus, two things that keep me far from the life Jesus offers, and two things I (supposedly) gave up when I decided to become a “slave to Christ”. But being a “slave” doesn’t get much mileage in this culture, and I’m afraid with the state of the Western church it doesn’t go much further within her walls as well where a growing number of pastors fancy themselves more celebrity than shepherd. It seems ironic to me how the white tab ministers wear is to symbolize the iron collar of a slave, for he is a bondslave to Jesus. And yet it may be for that very reason that I think twice.

This really is for a larger discussion because I believe all who name the Name of Christ are ministers. In other words, all wear the collar in one sense. All are servants to Jesus. So how do you feel about walking around with a tab around your neck? The why behind your answer may tell you more than you thought it would.

Words to a Dead Father

There are a few pastors outside the four walls of my church who’ve had a great impact on me. Among names on that short list is John Piper, who is a pastor in Minneapolis. I’ve never met him, only heard him and read his books, and I recommend anything/everything he’s ever written.

I found out this week that his father William died on Tuesday and ran across John's blog where he recollected his thoughts and feelings as he attended his father in his final moments at the hospital. It was one most precious and heartfelt things I’ve read in a long time. In it you see the great love for a father who did it right and a son who has most assuredly followed in his steps as a man who God has used to touch hundreds of thousands of people…if not more. All of it was incredible, but one piece stood out to me as far as being a parent.

John looked down at now lifeless body of his father and said:

Thank you, Daddy. Thank you for sixty-one years of faithfulness to me. I am simply looking into his face now. Thank you. You were a good father. You never put me down. Discipline, yes. Spankings, yes. But you never scorned me. You never treated me with contempt. You never spoke of my future with hopelessness in your voice. You believed God’s hand was on me. You approved of my ministry. You prayed for me. Everyday.…I kissed him on his cold cheek and on his forehead. I love you, Daddy. Thank you.

Oh, to have my kids say to me what John said to his father! That when I'm on my deathbed they gather round and say, “Thanks Dad for loving me like God called you to love me! Thanks for leaving a legacy of grace and godliness that I’m going to pass on to your grandkids. I love you, Daddy. Thank you.”

Jesus, please grant me the grace to lead my children in such a way that they would know you, love you and make you known to the ends of the earth. Amen.

Needless to say, I highly recommend reading Piper's blog on his father's death. You can catch it here: Hello, my dad just died

Growlings and Roarings

This week I’ve had a few interactions with people outside the faith that have asked me to explain some things in the Bible that for one reason or another they can’t really get past. It’s a legitimate issue most of the time. People are genuinely “kicking the tires” concerning Jesus & Christianity and want to know why the Bible (i.e., the voice of the God of the Christians) holds to the views it does.

However, every once in a while I encounter those who come to the Bible with an axe to grind. It’s not that they’re trying to discover the truth of who God is, what he is doing in history and what their part is in it, they’re just mad at what the text says and want to battle a person who believes it. What’s usually funny about this kind of track is that when one textual “issue” is solved, for example by simply understanding the historical context of the scripture, the offended party simply moves to the next biblical position that sticks in their craw. So when it comes to the Bible and receiving what it says I tend to run into two types of people: those who don’t understand the Bible but are sincerely trying and those who don’t care what it really says because they know what’s truth and are simply angry that the Bible “reads” how it reads.

What’s the deal? Let me turn first to author Clive Staples Lewis.

In the famous “Chronicles of Narnia” book The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis, the sinister character Uncle Andrew is frightened to a deathly silence by the presence of the Christ-figure Aslan the Lion and his surroundings. When his young nephew Digory asks Aslan to help by speaking words that will bring peace to his devastated uncle, Aslan replies, “But I cannot tell that to this old sinner, and I cannot comfort him either; he has made himself unable to hear my voice. If I spoke to him, he would hear only growlings and roarings. Oh Adam’s sons, how cleverly you defend yourselves against all that might do you good!”

The problem with Uncle Andrew is the same dilemma with those who can’t bring themselves to embracing what the Bible says. When the pages pour forth the voice of God all that is heard is “growlings” and “roarings”. I wonder if many times the reasons they don’t hear the voice of their salvation is because, like Uncle Andrew, they’ve defended themselves against God by redefining him with their feelings, opinions and observations. They don’t want to really hear God because they can’t get past what they already believe is true. Maybe that’s why Jesus was so big on faith.

I wonder if Jesus’ words in The Gospel of John would be fitting in a Cliff Notes reading of the Lewis story: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27, ESV) Faith gives us eyes to see and ears to hear. While skeptics would say it causes us to be blind to reality, the truth is faith in Jesus is what actually enables us to receive in our hearts and minds the truth about God. In other words, to follow him is to believe him...and vice versa.

I Corinthians 2:14-16 says, “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. ‘For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” (ESV)

While these two groups of people who don’t embrace the Bible are on opposite sides of the spectrum in a real way, there is a common thread they share. They don’t get it because they don’t have him. Sure, they may proclaim to accept God but you can bet it’s not the God revealed in the Bible – it’s a god much safer to their belief system, more sympathetic to their views and much more accessible than the God revealed in the Bible. If any claim it is the God of the Bible usually it's the cut-and-paste version where they embrace some of what the Bible teaches about him but it rejects other scriptures that don't fit their silhouette of deity. However, all that does is defend the seeker “against all that might do [him] good”. What he needs is faith and that can only come from God (cf., Eph. 2:8-9). God must give us eyes to see and ears to hear (that is receive) his word.

This should be humble us and help us as we dialogue with those who are disappointed if not outright angry at what the Bible says. We should be humbled by the fact that to truly receive God’s Word one must be renewed by Jesus. To hear him is to know him. Even our initial coming to Christ in conversion has Jesus’ fingerprints all over it. We don’t “get it” because we’re smarter, wiser or better with logic than those who don’t follow Jesus. We believe it because Jesus enables us to believe it.

This should also temper any ill feelings we have with those who bring dull axes to their conversations with you about what the Bible says, and it should give us compassion for those who come with more sincere hearts. In a real way both have the same problem. It should encourage us to pray on their behalf that God would allow them to hear not “roarings” and “growlings” but the loving, caring and sure voice of the Almighty.

I Wish...

I wish I could write like the authors I read.
I wish I could sing like the vocalists I hear.
I wish I could preach like the preachers I listen to.
I wish I could lead like the leaders I'm around.

I think my "wishes" probably point to some broken and fallen need in me to be the center of it all, to have my ego stroked or something else that I'm sure isn't good. The list likely reveals more my faults than my desires.

Maybe I should wish to be grateful and content for the things God has allowed me to do well and forge onward in discipline and effort to do those things with greater passion and excellence.

I wish that would be my wish.

Who Are Your Gifts?

“My advice to you is to seek out those kinds of friends. If you find ONE, then hang on to him. Then the two of you can seek out another. Listen and watch where the Lord is leading you. Stay away from the guys who do not love Jesus, who are not loyal, who are not fun, and who are not interested in community and accountability. Don’t settle for second-rate buddies. Ask the Lord to bring you into a small group of disciples who love life and want to be warriors for Christ. It will change your whole life for the better. I promise. I have stories to prove it.”
– Andy Kerckhoff, A note to graduating seniors from their teacher

This August I’m planning to visit Banff, Canada with six other college friends. While the details of the trip haven’t been ironed out, what has been established is the truth that there are fewer joys and jewels in life than deep, soul-stirring friendships. For almost fifteen years we have had the pleasure of watching each other live life, sometimes from a distance and sometimes up close and personal. We’ve witnessed unbelievable highs and unspeakable lows. We’ve laughed ‘til we cried and cried ‘til we laughed. We’ve kept in touch through the weddings, births, jobs and everything else that comes along with the lives of men in their mid-thirties. And do you know what? It never gets old.

A few years back we committed to meet annually for an extended weekend or so (we call the trip “Fandango”, which is another story for another time). I can’t speak for the rest of the crew (there’s seven of us total) but it is almost always the highlight of my year. Period. To again see the faces of guys I’ve admired, loved and cherished is simply a blessing. It’s a blessing to spend time with them, to be reminded of the goodness of God I see in their friendships, to see the trajectory their lives are taking both outwardly and inwardly.

My parents many moons ago told me that college would be a critical time for me, but the importance they warned about had nothing to do with grades or girls. They exhorted me to develop deep, godly friendships with other guys. My mother said that in no other season in my life would I have so much time and such close proximity to pour into so many friends than while I was away at college. She was right and I'm overwhelmingly grateful for her wisdom.

Not only did I see that example lived out in my parents’ lives but now I see it in mine. The greatest thing I have from Baylor University isn’t the sheepskin that hangs on my wall but the friendships I left with from Waco. So as August approaches my excitement level increases like that of a child who finds himself about a week away from Christmas morn. For once again will I enjoy the great gifts I've been given in Andy, Jeff, Jason, Mitch, Scott and Craig.

Who are your gifts?

Profession, Submission and the Bible

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
– The Gospel of John 17:17 (ESV)

Periodically I receive a newsletter from Baylor University which gives the latest and greatest news about my alma mater (Yes, I’m a Bear). Included in this newsletter is a response section which essentially functions as “Letters to the Editor”. I didn’t happen to catch the story to which everyone was responding but whatever the exact topic it definitely struck a nerve, and a religious one at that. The theme appeared to center around the idea of other religions outside of Christianity having access to heaven.

It’s not a new topic. The views around the nation are increasingly pluralistic. However, for the better part of two millennia the Church has held the ground that Jesus is the only way to God. The reason they hold that view is straightforward. Jesus, as well as his apostles, said this about himself (cf., John 14:6). It is recorded in the Bible. Christians, at least in the past, have claimed that the Bible is their source of unparalleled authority being that it is the fully inspired word of God.

Yet there is this response from a fellow alum in my latest college periodical to the statement that Christ is the only way:

“I am a Christian, but I do not believe that Christians have all the answers. Paul, Peter, James, John, and all the early "brothers" were human. The church leaders that decided what writings would go into the "New Testament" were all human. God only has humans to work through in this world, and none of them are infallible. I do believe the Bible is the "inspired" word of God. Other books that did not make the cut were probably also inspired by God, as well as writings used by other religions. The key word is "inspired," not "dictated." Why do many Christians in general and Baptists in particular feel they now have the final word? ...God cannot be put in a box. He cares for all his people and has since the beginning of time. Who are we to say who will and will not make it to heaven? That is God's call, not ours.”

What is stunning is not the fact that people don’t believe Jesus is the exclusive way into the Kingdom of Heaven. That is old news. What is stunning is that people who claim to be his followers are now joining in the chorus.

Apparently it’s completely acceptable today to profess both your allegiance to Jesus (say, “I’m a Christian”) and your rejection of the Bible. “Rejection” too strong a word? Not at all. To piece together what you like of the Bible and disregard that which you don’t (e.g., the exclusivity of Jesus) is to place yourself as the authority and judge over God’s Word instead of the other way around which, by the way, is how authentic followers of Jesus have been described in that very Bible.

1 John 2:3-5, “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says ‘I know him’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”

Professing a devotion to Jesus while rejecting parts of the Bible will not do, and yet many have been so hoodwinked by the zeitgeist of postmodernism which tempts us to exchange pearls of absolute truth for pebbles of ephemeral opinion that after hearing someone do exactly this we move on to the next topic without even blinking. But God will have none of it. You can’t claim to love Christ and with a clear conscience play loose and fast with his word.

If 1 John 2:3-5 tells us anything it says that fidelity of faith is found not in profession but submission.

By God’s grace, may we seek and struggle to demonstrate both.

Like Son, Like Father

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus”
– The Epistle to the Philippians 2:3-5 (ESV)

Saturday we spent time with some sweet friends of ours. It was one of those all-day affairs because we see them so infrequently. So after we had my eldest son’s basketball game early in the morning we raced home to throw toys back into their rooms of origin, sweep up stale cereal that had dried and adhered to the kitchen linoleum with the bond of industrial strength super glue and all the other various and sundry activities you engage in to get your house ready for guests. I anticipated a time of laughs and smiles. Little did I know there would be a tear or two in there as well.

Our friends have a child named Claire who, for all intents and purposes, suffers from a severe case of cerebral palsy. She cannot talk (at least like we do), does not walk and moves with the help of her loving parents and a wheelchair.

My oldest son Thatcher was super excited to see her. He kept waiting at the window for her to arrive with her parents and younger sister. When she came he wanted to help with the wheelchair, ask her to play (with childish naiveté, “Let’s jump on the trampoline!”) and generally wanted to hang out with her. I was all smiles to see him take such a liking to her. But it was more than liking for Thatcher. He wanted to “do stuff” with her. When Claire's mom asked if he would read a book to her Thatch lit up like he’d won the lottery! Even though he is in kindergarten Thatcher reads at a third grade level (chalk one up to my wife’s home schooling efforts) and reading books is something he loves. And I love that he loves reading. Thatch sat on the couch as Claire’s mom wheeled her over next to him, then he opened a book about King David in front of her and began reading.

For the better part of twenty minutes my son displayed a grace and servant-heartedness that not only warmed my soul but also humbled and convicted me. As he was reading to (his words) “Clairy-Beary” with the exuberance and intensity of a professional narrator, I was questioning how many opportunities have I squandered to be a blessing to someone else? Or when I do serve others, how pure are my motives…how altruistic are my aims? Do I serve with joy or do I serve because that is what I’m supposed to do? Sadly, there are probably more times than not where my son far outpaces his father in taking joy in serving others. Still, my aim is to win at this more times than lose.

I also saw in my son as a five year old what I hope to see in him as a fifteen year old, twenty-five year old, and any other age you can think of. May I be the kind of father that models Jesus for my sons (I’ve got three of them) in such a way that "reading books for others” is their default mode, the sine qua non of their life. If that would be true for them then I would know in some small measure I will have helped guide them in the way (and mind) of Jesus.

But Saturday, my son modeled Jesus for me.

The Two Tenses of Truth

"The bond of tears is the strongest bond of all."
- William Barclay

You know what’s tough? Looking in the eyes of a 16 year-old girl who’s late-40-something father suddenly and unexpectedly died two days earlier.

Through the little pain in my own life I’ve learned that there are two tenses of truth. There is “Now” truth and “Then” truth. Today, at the funeral home viewing, I crossed paths with my departed friend’s little girl. Upon seeing me she came over and I sensed she expected me, as her pastor and her dad’s friend, to do something “preacherish”. I didn’t try to cheer her up and utter some scripture on heaven. That is “then” truth – stuff we need to hear, stuff that’s true but stuff that probably is better suited for another time and place. I definitely didn’t say, “Don’t be sad, your dad’s in a better place.” That would be just plain stupid.

I just looked her in the eyes, placed my hand on the back of her head and traced it down her hair maybe as her father would’ve done and began to cry (as she did). Through the tears I told her I was so sorry at what had happened and that I knew she missed her daddy. Then I simply hugged her.

I think that was “now” truth.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."

- The Epistle to the Romans 12:14 (ESV)

We Got Radicals, Yes We Do; We Got Radicals, How About You?

This evening while channel surfing I stumbled across a report on Fox News centering on extremists in Islam from which so much of today’s terrorism flows. I caught only the last ten minutes. Most of it was the same stuff you’d see any other time of the day – “death to America” chants, burnings of the Stars and Stripes, rhetorical antipathies toward Jews and Christians and guns…lots of guns. But what struck me in the piece were the examples of how some in the Muslim (and I’m assuming Middle Eastern) media were promoting the extremist agenda with their programming. One incredibly disturbing example was a cartoon for children that showed a plane (with “made-for-kids” eyes and mouth on the front of it) just flying happily along until a Jewish man (his yarmulke for all to see) pushed a button which somehow transformed the happy face plane into a mean-faced plane that now was rushing towards the Twin Towers to meet its 9/11 destiny.

That is sad on so many fronts but what stood out to me being a teacher, and a religious teacher at that, was that everyone who felt this cartoon was okay (the creators, the TV programmers, the audience of adults and children) was taught to believe that this was okay. My assumption is that most, if not all of it, was under the guise of religion. That God believes these murderous thoughts, feelings and actions are good and noble. This is somehow his plan.

I’d like to throw some stones at them. I’d like to live with a heavy dose of righteous indignation toward their lemming-like following of teachings so ruinous. I like to show people why being a Christian is so much a clearer choice in contrast to Islam by using delusional stories like the one I’ve just told you. The only problem is Christianity has its own set of wackos preaching delusions that are just as ruinous. Many of these teachers, like their radical Islamist counterparts, are lauded by millions, watched on television and followed like rock stars (to which many of them live like such). While their teaching doesn’t promote violence or hatred against another group or race of people it still is a far cry from God’s heart. Maybe you’ve come across it…

It makes God your personal market-money manager who guarantees financial gain. It says that no one should ever be sick, be poor or be anything they don’t want to be. It promotes man as all-powerful teaching that life is all about the fulfillment of his destiny, dreams and desires. They see the “not yet” as the “already”.

Subtler cousins of this teaching equate following Jesus with the great American Dream, allowing you to choose Jesus like you would anything down the supermarket aisle – just buy it for when you need it, use it when you’d like, jettison it when it gets old, boring or just doesn’t “work” for you anymore – didn’t make my marriage stay together, didn’t improve my business, didn’t give me obedient kids. Still, it can all be yours for a prayer and an ounce of emotion. Don’t worry about denying yourself and taking up your cross, this is easy.

Friends, the sad truth is we have our own radicals. We have teachers who have a radically different version of what it is to follow Jesus. It is radically different from what we see predominantly around the world, in early church history and definitely (and most importantly) from the scriptures. Yet many embrace them. They’re given lucrative book deals, worldwide television programs and packed out churches, and, like their Islamic counterparts, are taking generations down with them.

So maybe the next time you click through your television programming and run across some slick, bejeweled and bedazzled preacher weaving the latest and greatest from God on the loom of prosperity and/or consumerism be reminded that Western Christianity has a terror of its own.

"Helping" Others

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?
Or am I trying to please man?
If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
- The Epistle to The Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

Today I had to speak with an engaged couple who was living together and wanted me to officiate their service. I wasn't just a "rent-a-preacher" either. These were two people who had begun their journey at my church and felt like they were at a place where God was making some inroads to their life. They believed I was a major part of it. I was humbled and yet I was burdened - burdened by the conviction that cohabitation, as popular as it is today (roughly 50% of all couples live together before getting married), is not only an unwise move for any person but clearly sinful for followers of Jesus (e.g, I Corinthians 7:2-4).

So I tried to explain to them as clearly and compassionately as I could why I would not perform their wedding ceremony. Needless to say, they weren't happy. But in their crestfallen state they still managed to be very gracious (something that not always is the case) with the impasse at which we'd arrived. As tough-minded (some read: arrogant) as I think I can be, it wasn't much fun of a discussion.

But it did give me a gut-check question: Who do I serve? Pastors only serve their people as they serve Christ. Period. That's it. No debate. (That's my either tough-mindedness or arrogance chiming in, I can't tell) Yet I think sometimes we pastor-types can answer "people" without any modifiers, without any exceptions. The thin-ice danger of that is it places the person's emotions, convictions and values over God's prerogatives. Thus when a conflict arises between them guess who loses out? God. All in the name of helping others.

But in "helping" them, all we've done is move them further from God's purpose and plan for their lives. Like spiritual Jack Kevorkians we give people what they want in the name of what's best but in the end it brings death...which is the end of all who believe their choices are supreme and God can just go his own way.

This is not our path. This should not be our practice. You can serve men or you can serve men by serving God. Don't be confused. Don't blur the lines. The difference will mark you a either a slave of man (and really yourself) or a slave of Christ.

O God, grant me the grace to be the latter. Amen.