Visions of Sugarplums? Not yet...

I spent a good bit of time the past two weeks taking care of some Christmas “stuff.” There was the one day I spent 4 hours putting together gifts for my children, and then another day I spent as much time wrapping presents for my wife. I’m not really good at it, and I do like to try and disguise things so she can’t figure out what they are. As a result, I spent as much time wrapping a few gifts as it would take many people to wrap forty or fifty gifts.

We have also been very busy the past few weeks. In fact, since our boys’ birthday party in November, we have not had a weekend where there was not at least 2 events running. It’s been a little nuts. I used to say, “It’s better to be busy than bored.” I’m questioning my own wisdom at this point.

The icing on this “seasonal cake of life” is the fact that my children are a bit wild with the excitement. The twins have gotten this way for several years now, but now that the baby is old enough to realize the large lighted tree with packages under it means something special, he is also joining his brothers in crazy-town. Yes, I will look back in a few weeks and laugh about a lot of it, but right now, due to growing exhaustion, I just want to put in ear plugs and lay down somewhere in a dark room.

I really am looking forward to all of different activities and emotions that the next two weeks holds. Yes, I am tired, but that doesn’t excuse me from any behavior that I may exhibit that is less than what I know to be God-honoring. In fact, there’s really no time of year that we have an excuse to act in a way that spreads or shares anything less than the Love of God. If Jesus commands us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves, then that’s what we’re supposed to do. The world in which we live too often puts out the idea that there are legitimate excuses for our behavior, making it “okay” or justified. I don’t buy that. I do understand that certain mental illnesses can make this a very thin line, but those are rare cases, and not just for lazy people who don’t want to put the effort in to being decent human beings.

With all of these excuses passing as reasons, it would be easy to just act like a creep one day when I’m tired, and then say something cliche like “Everyone’s entitled to a bad day every now and then!” Bad days do not a reason for acting like the poo of the earth make. (That is worded that way so that my use of the word “poo” will seem more civilized.) We are supposed to be different. Take one trip to Walmart in the next 3 days, and you’ll see that acting like a demon is NOT different. Unfortunately.

Let’s make an impact by NOT letting the fact that we are worn out be the catalyst that leaves us acting like we have never even heard of Jesus, much less claim to follow Him. In this season where Christians recognize that “the light shines in the darkness” (John 1:5), let us continue to let the same light inside of us “shine before men” (Matthew 5:16) and be a reminder of Who we truly celebrate this time of year. Hang in there...soon you can settle for a long winter’s nap!

The Golden Arches of Bondage!!

Over the weekend, my sons were with me for a church event, and they were exceptionally well-behaved. That can be a rare occurrence, so to try a little positive reinforcement, I offered to swing by McDonald’s for a cup of hot chocolate on the way home. We pulled into the drive-thru, waited our turn, and then pulled up to the screen. I ordered the two hot-chocolates, and was very disappointed to find out that the cocoa machine was not working. No hot chocolate. Really, that’s all we wanted, so I thanked the speaker box that was taking our order. It was at that very moment that I realized that even though I was no longer ordering anything, I was doomed to stay in that line at least for however long it took the two cars in front of me to pull forward.

You see, at some point, there was probably a strategy meeting between the engineers that were in charge of laying out the parking lot and drive-thru space, and the marketing guys that are there to make sure the consumer is urged to spend lots and lots of money. At this meeting, someone probably pondered that when the line gets a bit long, they need keep the traffic flow moving so they don’t lose customers who are impatient. Another “concerned” attendee of the same meeting probably said, in let’s hope was at least a half-joking manner, “...what if they couldn’t pull out of the line--then they’d have to order something anyway, right? Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!” (‘Cause it’s a joke, remember?) There was probably a moment or two of silence. Someone probably tapped their pen on the conference table and looked uncomfortably and yet slightly optimistically at the big dog running the meeting. Maybe there was uneasy shuffling of papers and re-crossing of legs and a few sniffs in the room before the boss finally says, “You know, you may be on to something…”

That takes us back to my predicament on Saturday. With a six-inch raised concrete border to the drive-thru loop, cars who change their mind are now stuck in line anyway. I’m sure the consumer psychology people say that customers will probably figure they’d just go ahead and order since they can’t get out of line, thus increasing the bottom line for McDonalds. I, however, do not bow to the logic and reasoning of a McDonald’s Psychologist. I simply thanked the person taking the order and told them we would just wait and pull through and leave when we were able to do so.

It’s hard to believe that McDonald’s, the home of “service with a smile” would stoop to something as diabolical and sinister as entrapment to get our money! They might as well have giant golden arches that we drive thru as decoration that only clamp down tight against our vehicle to keep us from leaving their place! I’m sure there are secretly hidden golden tire boots that come out of the ground and trap your car in the parking lot if you go to eat-in and change your mind. Just watch out, lest we begin to see golden mechanical hands that slip up out of the golden seats and pick our pockets dry as we eat…

Okay, so I’m being a bit of an alarmist and over-reacting just a bit. But, there is a point. McDonald’s is representative of the world we live in. There are many things available to us quickly, conveniently, and easily. Some of them, like the fruit cups, oatmeal for breakfast, or salads on the McD’s menu, are not bad for us. In fact, some could argue that there are healthy things available. A Health club is designed to be quick, convenient, and easy, and it’s not really bad for you. Colleges and Universities are making classes available online and through independent studies to keep it more convenient and accessible for those that must work but still choose to pursue further education. These are just a couple of examples.

However, there are many more options on the same menu that many people agree are simply terrible for your body and your heart. The world has many of these same kinds of things. They look tempting and wonderful, and while we enjoy partaking of them, and do not notice the damage they do right away, the more we indulge, the worse it gets, and the greater the risk of permanent damage. Those who are unaware of cholesterol issues could end up in the hospital or worse due to heart problems. Continual indulgence in sin can quietly build up internally in our spiritual system, blocking the free flow of God’s Word to our hearts, and can cause a different type of heart problem.

When we do finally start to notice a problem, many people feel trapped by the choices they made just like those barriers at the drive-thru, and instead of fighting to get free, they just give in and buy in some more. They figure they’ve already gone this far, what’s a few more steps in the same direction?

The good news is that when we discover that the convenience the world offers does not really have what we’re looking for, we do not have to order off the menu anyway. We do not have to be trapped in line. God is always willing to reach out and give us a way out of what appears to be a helpless situation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that not only are the temptations we face NOT stronger than we are, but that He is always there with an escape route to get us away from it. Whether it’s giant 4x4 tires to leap a curb at McDonald’s, or a friend to give you the moral support you need to walk away, God will always give us a way out. The hard part is choosing to get out before we give in. Be careful of the conveniences in which you indulge. Not all of them line up with God’s menu and what He has planned for us in His Word.

Not saying I see a conspiracy, but next time you hit the drive-thru at Taco Bell, just be ready, because like the other place I mentioned, once you’re in, you’re in. It may be you for whom the dinner bell tolls.

Bumper Sticker Mentality?

I like bumper stickers. Not necessarily on my own car, but I like to read them and laugh at the funny ones. I saw one that said, “4 out of 3 people have trouble with fractions.” It made me chuckle. One that made me laugh out loud said, “Don’t Tailgate Me! (I’ll flick a booger on your windshield.)” AND, because I’m not really afraid to go there, the one that wins the award for the longest laughing fit goes to…: “Sorry officer, I’m only speeding because I have to poop!” (I know, it’s childish, but you laughed too, didn’t you?)Some work too hard for irony: “I hate bumper stickers!” Others try to be inspirational: “Relax! God is in Control.” Some are political: “Don’t Steal! The government hates competition.” Some like to mix philosophy with humor: “What if the Hokey Pokey IS what it’s all about?” Still some others promote their favorite causes, such as “Opposed to logging? Use plastic toilet paper!” Finally, there are just some that defy a single classification: “I used up all my sick days, so I called in DEAD!”

Okay, that’s enough of that. I saw a couple of bumper stickers this week that were just mean-spirited, and I’m sure someone thought they were funny. However, I personally would never keep a bumper sticker on my car that publicly put down my wife--even as a joke. I certainly would not want her to have one calling me names that implied that my I.Q. and grasp of reality were both low and embarrassing to her. If we’re talking heated divorce situation, I could at least understand, but still wouldn’t condone such a thing.

I’m not one who thinks I must make other people believe just like me, and I certainly can’t account for the tastes and preferences of others, especially since I laughed at the poop sticker listed above. However, it seems to me that in today’s world, the idea is to be as negative and offensive as possible. Not just with bumper stickers, but in general. Whether it’s sports interviews, FaceBook Posts, Political Campaigns, YouTube rants, or any place where an opinion can be made public, it seems that as long as someone laughs or gets a kick out of what you say, go ahead and say just about anything you want.

In our Bible Study last month, the students and I took a look at a series called, “Speaking Without Talking: What your lifestyle is saying about you.” Bumper stickers, FaceBook, and other outlets reveal many things about those sharing their opinions. There are many times when good impressions are sent. But, there are many times when not. The messages we send in every aspect of our lives are being witnessed somehow. You may not notice the person across the gas station witnessing you drop your trash on the ground instead of taking eight steps towards the trash can. But when you drive away with your Christian Bumper sticker proudly displayed, you might help that person decide they want nothing to do with Jesus.

It doesn’t do much good to post inspirational pictures or even scriptures on FaceBook if you regularly use profanity in your other posts, or post pictures that show you participating in activities that are less-than-honoring to God. Even the little things you add your name to by simply clicking the “Like” button can get the attention of someone just itching for a reason to cry “Hypocrite” and turn away from church.

The little things we do matter. I’ve had to learn this lesson the hard way before, and I pray I never make the same mistakes again. Scripture tells us we are to let our light shine. (Matthew 5:16) I LOVE that verse and the idea there. We need to be careful, however, because when we know we’re in the “limelight” or under scrutiny, we watch what we say and do. BUT, when we think no one is around, and we say or do whatever we choose, regardless of how appropriate it is, we forget what Ephesians 4:29 says about saying (and I believe it also covers our actions) those things that are only encouraging, and beneficial--even for those that may overhear it. In other words, those people watching from a distance to see if you are a “real” Christian, or just someone who knows how to play the game.

The best way to avoid this is to get your heart in the right place, and to free up your mind from the junk of the world. Paul says to “Transform our minds” away from the ideas of the world, and to only think on what is “...noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

If you transform your mind, and fill it with the things of God and the types of things in Paul’s outline, then they will help to flush away the worldly things that bring you and others down. Eventually these good things will get into your heart, and will then come out in your lifestyle. Yeah--Jesus says it in Matthew 15. It’s there.

Bumper stickers are not evil. That is certainly not where I’m going with this. BUT, they can reveal a deeper issue within individuals, and can reveal a need to get our hearts and minds back in line with what God calls us to be to this world.

The Tooth be Told... (groan!)

We had our first lost tooth in our house last night. In all honesty, we COULD have had that same first lost tooth about six days ago. However, our son had a few fears and misgivings about just pulling that sucker out. I totally understand, though, because while I don’t really remember that particular experience, I do recall that at younger ages, the fear of the unknown and possible pain scared me into inaction on more than once occasion.

We knew we had to do something yesterday when he came in from his after school care, and he could exhale and the tooth would freely flop back and forth on the gum. The root was exposed in the front and the back and I wasn’t really sure what was even holding the tooth in place. When I suggested that he simply grab ahold of it and pull it out, the idea was met with instant weeping and gnashing of the remaining teeth. (That one would flop out of the way, and could not gnash.)

I pulled the child into the bathroom, and we talked for a second. I explained that I understood that he was scared, and that I couldn’t promise that there would be no additional pain. I simply told him that I was afraid he would knock it out while he was eating and accidentally swallow it. I also suggested that it probably would not hurt, but even if it did a little bit, it was probably less painful than when the root would bounce against the already exposed gums without going back into the socket. I told him that I was his dad, and only wanted to help him, even though he was scared. He finally relented, but was still nervous and gave a shout when I put my fingers in his mouth to pull. He was still making noise about five seconds later when he realized I was done and had removed the tooth painlessly about four and a half seconds ago. Suddenly the tears turned to smiles, and we celebrated the new milestone in our family.

Isn’t it funny how something so little can cause us great stress and worry? I’m the same way with shots. I’ve had them, and I know intellectually that shots carry with them some discomfort, but nothing warranting the cold sweats and nervous shakes I get just before that needle is in my skin. In fact, it’s usually done before I have time to really work myself into a panic. Yes, I am a needle-phobe. I’m okay with that.

I choose to believe that while God does not enjoy our fear or pain, sometimes it’s that very pain that grows us and moves us closer to Him. That very fear that is being driven away (1 John 4), is the wall that is being removed that opens our hearts for God to work there. God did not take away that loved one to teach YOU a lesson, but through your grieving, God will certainly be with you and provide comfort. God did not cause the economy to go south just so you would experience unemployment in your family to teach YOU a lesson. What He will do is use different avenues to provide for you, and to let you know that He is still there with you. God did not make your spouse cheat on you to teach YOU a lesson. (See the pattern, here?) However, in your pain and heartbreak, God is working to pull you through the hard time, and mending you where you are broken.

In those times, if we lean on Him and allow Him to be our strength, we also hear some words that will shape us and change us. Hard experiences change our lives already--there’s no getting around that. Not all of the change has to be bad. In fact, if we draw on our faith in God, and follow His leading in our lives, we can emerge from our darkest days stronger and healthier than we were going into those days. No, we would not wish the hurt on anyone, but I’ve heard many people say that it was through that hurt that they could let God do what was best for them, and bring about the best possible end to a bad situation. That’s when they can truly look back and celebrate a new spiritual milestone in their life.

Running, running, running.

On my way to work this morning, I saw something that really impressed me. There is this man that jogs up and down a road that I drive on to get to and from work. (Baxter Road for those that know.) I see him almost every day, and it occurred to me a few weeks ago that this seems odd, especially since sometimes it’s in the morning that I see him and sometimes it’s afternoon. Occasionally, it’s both.

Does this guy just run all day? Is his endurance world-record setting? Is he a marathon runner? Is he a cyborg from another planet sent to dominate all the running events in the 2012 Olympics?

One of the things about this guy is that he appears to be in his late middle-ages. I’d guess in his mid to late fifties. There is certainly nothing odd about people that age exercising. I know a couple around that age that are half the couple they used to be due to the exercising they have been doing! I guess what really got me this morning is that it was raining. Not pouring-down, torrential rain, but steady, and enough to make me want to just call it a day already, and sit inside in front of the TV all day, doing nothing productive. (Hey, I’m here, aren’t I? I didn’t actually do that.)

In spite of what some would use as an excuse to skip out on the exercise, this man just bundled up, and continued his run. His commitment to the running came through, no matter what the environment around him provided.

The parallel to that, which we all knew was coming, is that as followers of Christ, we need to have the same kind of commitment to our relationship with Him. There will be PLENTY of distractions in this world that we could use as excuses to fall away and not be committed. There will be several opportunities each day to simply conform to the world and not stand out for Jesus. Temptation lurks around more corners than we want to admit giving us a chance to give in to sin, and to ignore what God’s Word tells us is His standard that we are asked to uphold.

Are we going to let a little rain in our life keep us from our commitment? I know I have, and I’m ashamed of it. What’s a little water? I shower in it every day, why not run in it as well? Beyond that, I accept God’s blessings and what He chooses to give me many times. Why do I hold on so tightly and refuse to give my life back to Him in spite of the environment around me? Let’s lace up!

Freedom Is Here

For anyone who knows me at all, it’s no secret that once I had kids, I discovered my own control issues. The biggest symptom of the problem has been my temper. I’ve been pretty up front about it with others, and used it as teaching examples of how we all have different things that haunt us. I’ve prayed about it, cried about it, asked for much advice and prayer from others, and just when I think I’m getting a leg up, another bad day comes along and leaves me lashing out at the kids over something that really is small and insignificant.

Now, for the record, I have not abused my kids, and I’m not just a 24/7 scream machine. I just believe that there are better ways to discipline my own children, and so as a consequence, I’m harder on myself than I need to be about the occasional lapse in judgment. My parents encourage me by assuring me that it happened to them many more times than I actually remember. In fact, one such incident that I don’t remember but have been told about is me and my brother fighting when we were older kids, and my mom finally had enough and threw us out of the house for awhile. Apparently one of us was in our underwear...maybe it was me and I’ve just blocked the memory. To this day, I don’t remember the encounter at all.

Regardless of what your feelings are about my parenting skills, at the end of the day, I have to be able to look in the mirror and be okay with the kind of dad I am. But really, that’s not even accurate either. At the end of the day--I need to be able to seek God’s guidance and wisdom, and allow HIM to correct, shape, encourage, or whatever HE chooses to make me the kind of dad He made me to be.

Unfortunately, I’m not always in the right state of being to get to that place, and I walk around with guilt over a shouting fit, or a punishment for my kids that didn’t fit their crime. This is where the doubts come in: “...you’re a terrible dad--good dads don’t yell at their kids. Good dads don’t spank their kids when they’re angry. If you were a good father, you’d stop thinking about how annoyed you are and would focus more on their wants…”

This is not the voice of God. These thoughts are flaming arrows from the enemy, targeted at a weak spot in my armor. When they land just right, the flames of guilt engulf me, and keep me from moving forward and learning from my mistakes.

Here’s where Freedom comes in. There’s a song that Hillsong United sings that I’ve heard several times now at different events, and I’m beginning to internalize the message of it:

And everything comes alive
In my life as we lift You higher
Let Your freedom arise
In our lives as we lift You up
Sing it out
Sing it out
Your freedom is here

When I’m struggling with guilt, I need to remember that God’s grace covers all the sins I’ve committed--including the mistakes I have made as a parent. That forgiveness gives me another chance to get it right, and hope that my kids won’t be nearly as messed up because of it as I dread. When I lift up God’s Grace, and worship Him for who He is, Freedom comes alive in my life. That guilt is melted away. When I go and apologize to my kids for shouting, I’m having to exercise humility. When I humble myself, God is made greater, and the remaining chains of guilt are broken free.

God’s freedom extends for all sins. We may still have to deal with real consequences of our actions, but our spirits can be set free from the bondage that sin causes, and eventually, we can learn to drop those oppressive holds faster and sooner. We don’t want to sin more just to make that grace look better (See Romans 6), but we know that we will mess up, and when we do, our repentance and humility before God will allow Him to come in and heal us, restore our hope, and give us the strength we need to move on.

What chains hold you down? Is your hope being swallowed up by the flames of doubt and discouragement? Open your heart to God’s forgiveness, and experience freedom like you never have before.

Just because I like the song, here’s a quick listen...

Do YOUR Part, Trust God to do HIS.

Every once in awhile, we get visitors here at the church during the week that come in from their every day walk of life, and they have questions or concerns and wish to speak with a minister. In the last couple of months, I’ve had an opportunity to sit down with two different people. There was a nineteen year old girl, and a twenty year old guy. Both of them came in just looking to talk with a minister, both of them had some past experiences that had led them to seek out some help.

In the first situation, this girl was struggling because she didn’t feel loved. To make a long story short, she was unappreciated by her own family, and had been through relationships that left her feeling so bad about herself that I believe she truly believed she was unlovable. It broke my heart as we sat and talked. I did the only thing I knew to do to encourage her, which was to tell her that she was a treasure to God. She was created in His image, and He loved her so much that Jesus came and died so that she could have a relationship with God now, and could live with her forever in heaven.

As we talked some more, I was able to remind her over and over that people will let us down, but God never will. The exciting news was that when I asked her about what she thought, she wanted to pray to ask Jesus to be her Savior, and to come live in her heart! It was very humbling to be used in that situation. I always struggle with what to say, but obviously the Holy Spirit worked in spite of me and she is now a sister in Christ! I invited her to church, and encouraged her to find a place where she could be fed spiritually and be challenged to continue this new walk of faith. I gave her a new Bible and a devotional guide and prayed with her before she left. It was a very encouraging encounter!

The young man that I talked with came from a different, but equally tough past. His choices had led him to a place where he was living a hard way, and had some consequences. The thing that got me was that some of his friends that were making similar choices were now gone. In fact, three of them had died in the last month.

We talked about the effects of our choices, why it’s important that we choose God without being forced into that relationship, and how choosing to live within God’s standards actually provides greater freedom than taking advantage of the “freedom” we have to participate in worldly things. I was filled with hope as he began to talk of the evil in the world and his desire to spark a movement to change things for the better, and to get people back on track with what God wants.

Sensing the need to talk more about how the Holy Spirit can guide that process, I shared with him some of Peter’s story of change (Acts 2), and how Paul was completely changed by the Spirit. (Acts 9) I’m only human, but I really sensed that he had not ever accepted Christ and received the Holy Spirit, so I shared some more about that. However, even after a long conversation, this young man didn’t want to do that. He says he did all that when he was younger, and was, in fact, a Christian. Unfortunately, when I asked him what that meant, it didn’t seem to line up with what I believe Scripture says. I did end up praying with him, and left the invitation to come back to church anytime and see me. As he left, I was discouraged, and second-guessed everything I said to him.

In each situation, even though there were similar motives to come in to a church, the outcome was different. In fact, each turned out exactly opposite from what my gut instinct was at first. I really believed the girl would continue to doubt her worth in God’s eyes, and based on the conversation about sin, I expected the young man to accept Christ.

Jesus says we are to “make disciples.” Sometimes I forget that in order to become a disciple, we have to start the journey at the beginning. I can do NOTHING to “get someone saved.” In fact, I have a really hard time trusting anyone who says they had someone saved, as I once heard a popular youth evangelist say. Really, all I can do is to plant a seed and share the story. From that point, it is totally up to the work of the Holy Spirit to move in the heart of the individual. Once someone has started the journey, it is up to fellow believers to encourage them to grow, challenge them in their depth, and to hold them accountable to their faith.

When folks reject the message, they are not rejecting us--it’s the Gospel of Jesus, so they are rejecting Christ. (Luke 10:16) It’s not our job to take it personally when someone does or does not pray to receive Christ when we’ve offered that chance. It’s our job to tell them, and continue to pray for them and love them. God will work in His way and in His time, whether we understand or approve of it. In fact, it’s laughable to consider that God works in the hearts of others just to appease our need to put a notch on the “got people saved” belt.

Not every encounter you have with someone will end up the way you want it. But, if you are faithful to boldly share God’s love at every chance you get, God will use it for His glory. Be faithful to God based on what He wants you to do, not on what your understanding of the outcome might be.

Upping The Game

I admit that I’m a soccer dad. We usually don’t get as much attention as the “soccer moms,” but the truth is, we exist, too. Both of the twins have played soccer now for three seasons, which span fall of last year, spring of last year, and the current season going on right now. While that doesn’t sound like much, when you try to get home from work, dress the kids (why do soccer socks have to be so difficult?), and get them to practice on time, and then do very much the same thing for games on Saturday, it can be chaotic.

The last two weeks have been really cool games to attend. Not just because of the weather, but because as I’ve watched my two boys, It’s like something in their heads just finally clicked. All of the sudden, they don’t just look like kids running after a ball, they look like soccer players. They have started dribbling the ball with purpose, they are passing to their teammates, scoring goals, and they are helping to talk and communicate with the other players on the field, helping the team on the whole. If I had to put words to it, it’s like they’ve “upped their game” and have moved into a new understanding and application of the skills they’ve worked to learn.

Now, let me switch gears for a moment. I play guitar. While I’m not the greatest you’ll ever hear, or even worthy of throwing away the old strings from Joe Satriani’s guitar, I have played long enough to be confident in the abilities I do have. However, a few weeks ago, I was setting up for our usual Wednesday night session, and was playing my guitar to make sure it was set up correctly with no problems. All of the sudden, I started doing a few things I didn’t know I could do. While my guitar hadn’t changed, I was seeing the neck and strings in a whole new light.

I had something of a break-through that took all the skills I have learned and put them into practice on a different level. I guess I actually “upped my game” when it comes to playing. I’m still not claiming to be worthy to polish Mark Tremonti’s old guitar case, but I feel as though I can do a bit more now than I could even a few weeks ago. As a result, my confidence is up, and I’m excited about playing more!

When you live as a follower of Christ, there are many things you will learn. There are Bible stories to read, scriptures to memorize, worship songs to sing, and sermons for which you can take notes. As a result of these actions, you will continue to acquire “skills” of a growing Christian. Like my sons on the soccer field, and me on guitar, there will be different times when you experience break-throughs, and new clear understanding that will actually help you to “up your game,” and show you new ways to apply the knowledge and help you to better discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Unlike soccer and guitar, these things have eternal, lasting value. Not only will you be potentially stronger and more faithful, but your ability to share your faith with others will grow. Who knows how many more disciples you will help to make? (Matthew 28:19-20)

My sons may never be as skilled as Pele or David Beckham. I may never acquire the same skill on guitar as John Petrucci. None of us will ever be as perfect as Jesus Christ, but because we can abide in Him (John 15), we have potential to continue to “up our game” as long as we have breath. What’s holding you back from taking your life as a Believer to the next level?

Which Part Are You?

A few weeks ago, my family and I went out for dinner. This does happen occasionally, as we enjoy the time out, and we don’t always want to have to do the dishes afterwards. We went to a place where we don’t normally go, just to keep things fresh, and as we were seated, our server came to our table and introduced himself. The first thing I noticed is that our server only had one arm. Based on some personal experience I had with a student who had a similar situation, this looked to be something this man had been born with, as opposed to an accident or injury.

With two boys under seven, my fear was immediately that they would say something or stare at the young man, putting unwanted attention on him. I certainly didn’t want our kids making him more uncomfortable than necessary. Though I am ashamed to admit it, I even had a fleeting thought of “how can he be a server…?”

He was very friendly, and chatted with all of us, and took our drink orders. That’s when they noticed. They could’t stop looking. Trying desperately to get their attention, I decided to offer soda for dinner (which was not in the plan, but an emergency attention-getting maneuver which other parents will understand), and they did manage to look away to answer my question. We had a quick and quiet conversation after he left the table to get our drinks, and that seemed to end that problem.

As it turns out, this young man was a remarkable server. NOT just remarkable for someone who is overcoming an obstacle that many of us don’t face, but genuinely very good at his job. He was attentive, friendly, and on the ball with refills. There were no difficulties for him in carrying the tray of drinks, or even bringing our tray with five meals on it! Humbled again, I re-learned the age-old lesson about books and covers and all that.

I thought about this experience after the pastor started his series on “The Body Of Christ.” In a move of divine coincidence, the 7th Grade Sunday school class that I’ve been teaching has been talking about their identity in Christ, and this past week was how that identity fits into the whole Body. Individuals are “Fearfully and wonderfully made” according to Psalm 139:14. There are no mistakes, even though our human understanding occasionally questions that statement. God uses us the way He made us, period. This guy with one good arm did the job better than some people who have been blessed with both of their arms. He obviously learned to function at a high capacity, and more than likely, while ignoring the stares and judgments of people through his whole life.

The Body of Christ is a specific design. All of us who claim to be followers of Jesus have a place in the Body. We are all parts. Yes, there are many extraordinary individuals who learn to function with reduced capacity, but the Body of Christ is not designed to adapt like that. It is designed to be whole, and for each individual part to function according to design. God doesn’t make mistakes. Our personalities, abilities, talents, and gifts were all given to us with a purpose. Whether we are to be the eyes, mouth, hands, feet, or even kneecaps of the Body of Christ, we all have a job. When we don’t do our job, we are hindering the whole Body from operating correctly and to full capacity.

What part are you? If you don’t know specifically, are you even trying to figure it out? Each of us has a part to play, and there are many that don’t know Christ that are counting on us whether they know it or not. In the same vein, prosthetic parts don’t fill those voids, either. False followers don’t work as well as organic, real believers in Christ. We need to examine our hearts, and truly decide if we’re doing our work in the Body, or if we are even a genuine part of this body at all? While my experience with a wonderful server taught me a few things, the Body of Christ cannot serve those around us if it isn’t working properly.

Filtered or Unfiltered?

Sitting on the ledge of our refrigerator door is a Brita Pitcher. For those unfamiliar with that, it’s basically a plastic container that has a fancy filter for purifying tap water, and said filter must be replaced when it wears out. Having now had the thing for over nine years, I have replaced the filter many times. At first, the individual filter box said that they lasted for 3 months, and it even came with a little static-cling “sticker” that you put on the pitcher to remind you when to replace the used filter.

Somewhere along the line, they decided that the filters were really only good for two months, making you have to change the thing more often. Since you’re buying these in the store, my cynical side kicked in and led me to believe that they really would last three months, but they can sell more this way.

I don’t suppose I’m bothered by that as much as I am with a discovery I’ve made with the last two or three new filters. It has always been the case that Brita recommends that you run at least two pitchers of water through the filter without drinking them, and in an ever so environmentally friendly way, go and water plants with it, because it’s still perfectly good water--just not for drinking.

It even tells you that it is normal for one or two black particles from the filter to escape into the drinking water reservoir. However, what I have begun seeing is that within a week or two of using the new filter, HUNDREDS of little black particles are escaping and ending up in the drinking water. They sink to the bottom, so if you’re careful, you can avoid them, and then dump that water (or use it for plants, apparently), rinse out the pitcher, and then refil the thing again. That seems like an awful lot of work, and terribly dirty water for something that’s supposed to filter it and even purify it.

I’m on a Brita boycott. I just drink from the tap now. Yes, it’s ridiculous to some, but if I’m going through all of that, I’d rather just turn on the faucet and run water over my ice and be well into drinking a second glass before I could even go through the whole “dump the not so pure purified water, rinse out the pitcher, refill the upper container, and wait three minutes for not-so-clean-but-okay-for-plants-purified water to be ready to pour. Is it just me?

Okay, so here’s the point. What good is a filter if it doesn’t work the way it’s designed to work? If air filters in the house didn’t catch as much dust and debris as they do, how much worse would allergies be? If oil filters didn’t catch some of the impurities and grime before sending it through your engine, how long before they tore up the pistons and killed your car?

There are thousands of impurities in this world, and many of them get into our lives whether we want them or not. I’m not just talking about water, air, and oil now. Sure, we have sunglasses that filter out UVA and UVB light that can damage our eyes, but what about the filth and grime to which we are exposed on TV, movies, or even on the streets as we drive to the store? (For those that argue we could just turn off the TV, etc.)

Just because my windows are closed in my car, doesn’t mean that the children in the back are completely filtered from the fellow driver who chooses to listen to profanity-laced music very loudly with his windows down, making it very clearly audible in my vehicle.

It used to be that there was a filter of “common decency” or “common courtesy” that existed. I’m not that old, but I know things have gotten worse even since I was in high school. I truly believe that in this world of selfish rights and privileges, that the “do whatever you want whenever you want” philosophy has hit a bloated point of negative returns. Being free to do something and following through does many times, in fact, infringe upon someone else’s right to NOT have that same experience.

I realize that not everyone adheres to the same values I do. I accept that. Not everyone chooses to do their best to pass every thought, action, or word that comes from them through the filter of “is this a demonstration of truly loving God and loving others as Jesus said.” (Matthew 22:37-40) Oh, I’m not perfect. My label clearly says that it is normal for one or two black particles to slip through my filter and into life. But I am trying, and I know that there are many others who are.

Until that day comes when most people are trying to filter out those damaging impurities, I guess it’s up to those that do choose to live that way to hold fast, and continue to do our best to set a good example. Once people have the opportunity to try this living water that can flow from us, they might just find that it is much better than the worldly well from which they’ve been drinking.