It's too easy to get caught up in your accomplishments, your "calling," your awards and your pedigree. While all of these don't apply to every one of us, they do, in general, describe our tendency to get caught up in "self."
I was watching as one of the Olympic competitors proudly strutted out where all could see him. He was going to swim against the best in the world and he was sure of victory. He had beaten Michael Phelps before. He could use his showiness to intimidate the competition. The problem was, the competition didn't get the memo. They sat focused on the race ahead. Mr. "hot stuff" didn't win, place or show. He was 4th and missed the podium.
Paul had every reason to be a proud Jew. He had studied under the prestigious Gamaliel. He was the new superstar of Pharisees, knowing and doing all the right things. His family and his religion was proud of their "hot" new star! But Paul finally learned what to do with his status, his pedigree, his pride, his stellar education, his hands-on training persecuting Christians and his potential as a "Pharisee of Pharisees." He gave it up.
We have to wonder how this all happened. Here's my theory. I think that Saul, later Paul, had one conversation with Jesus and that was all it took. Many people met Jesus during His ministry and one of two things happened. They either gathered in their pride, their stuff, their prestige, their "self" and kept it all to themselves, or they gave it all up. Jesus said, "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it" (Luke 9:24). Paul met Jesus ... Paul met himself ... Paul found Jesus all-sufficient and found himself lacking. Paul decided that he could either give up himself or give up Jesus. He chose wisely. What about you? Randy
Monday, August 15, 2016
Monday, August 8, 2016
That Time of Year
It is "THAT" time of year! It is interesting that when I write those words they mean something different to each of us. To teachers, administrators, bus drivers, students and parents it is back to school. To the political minded it is settling in for a heated presidential race. For farmers it is getting ready for the harvest. For the church in the 1800's in America it was Camp Meeting time. For Methodists it is setting up the fall meetings we will convene to prepare for our Charge Conference (annual church-wide business meeting). For all of us in the south it is that hot, sultry, sweaty, gnatty and oppressive time we call "Dog Days."
In Paul's writings he talked about some personal dogs that were pursuing him and causing his people grief. The dogs Paul references in Philippians 3 are people who are Judaising legalists who "dog" the early Church to bring this new Christian movement back to Jewish customs, traditions and practices. Paul reminds the people in Philippi that they should not be tempted to go back to the failed and incomplete law that places emphasis on human effort, human practices and human deeds. Paul says that he followed the law in a perfection that exceeded his peers, yet Paul also said that he counts that perfect legalism worthless.
I remind each of you that we are still prone to legalism that pigeonholes people, theology and denominations. Paul calls legalism what it really is ... evil. He exhorts us, instead, to remember God's grace ... Jesus' desire for unity that comes from God's Spirit ... Jesus' (and Paul's) desire for joyful followers ... Jesus' desire for a unity that negates argument, complaining and division in the Church. Paul knew that these negatives are the end result of legalistic traditions and practices, whether they were in the 1st century Church or the Church in 2016. Randy
In Paul's writings he talked about some personal dogs that were pursuing him and causing his people grief. The dogs Paul references in Philippians 3 are people who are Judaising legalists who "dog" the early Church to bring this new Christian movement back to Jewish customs, traditions and practices. Paul reminds the people in Philippi that they should not be tempted to go back to the failed and incomplete law that places emphasis on human effort, human practices and human deeds. Paul says that he followed the law in a perfection that exceeded his peers, yet Paul also said that he counts that perfect legalism worthless.
I remind each of you that we are still prone to legalism that pigeonholes people, theology and denominations. Paul calls legalism what it really is ... evil. He exhorts us, instead, to remember God's grace ... Jesus' desire for unity that comes from God's Spirit ... Jesus' (and Paul's) desire for joyful followers ... Jesus' desire for a unity that negates argument, complaining and division in the Church. Paul knew that these negatives are the end result of legalistic traditions and practices, whether they were in the 1st century Church or the Church in 2016. Randy
Monday, August 1, 2016
Sweet and Sour
Some of you remember the old Saturday Night Live show skit about the Church Lady. The Church Lady had a sour expression, a sour disposition and a sour outlook on life. It is the image many think about when they think about church. This image has made many run screaming away from Church and from the life of faith. I don't think the Church Lady image has been a positive influence on the world and I don't think the image is or ever has been Biblical. Enter Ginny (name changed to protect the saintly) ...
Ginny was the picture in the dictionary beside the words "Church Lady." When I met her I have to admit a bias of fear, distance and just plain aversion to what and who I thought she was. She walked stiffly and she was a dyed in the wool Methodist, totally tied to the structures, meetings, calendars, etc. I decided that I would give Ginny a wide berth and get along without having any relational connection. That lasted about a week.
I was asked by the Senior Pastor to work with Ginny on a project. Since I was new, and the low man on the totem pole, I couldn't say "No ... I don't want to work with her because I really don't like her." I bit the bullet and went to Ginny's office. We talked and shared our vision of the project along with another co-worker. Ginny and the co-worker got into a slight disagreement about proceeding forward and the discussion ended in a bet that whoever was wrong would have to wear a cheerleader uniform to church. Every staff member was betting for Ginny to lose. And she did!
The following Sunday the very staunch and structured Ginny walked into church in a cheerleader uniform, complete with pom poms. Everyone reeled with laughter including Ginny. Then it became clear to me. She was different than I ever imagined. Instead of the stiff-lipped Church Lady I began to see a very structured woman who had the ability to have joy in every circumstance. When I read Philippians 3 ("rejoice in the Lord always") I equate Paul's staunchness and joy with that of the sweet and sour Ginny. I learned a lot from Ginny and she changed my way of seeing other people. Now she rests with the saints in heaven, probably still in that cheerleader uniform, part of the great cloud of witnesses welcoming souls into heaven. I can't wait to see her again! Randy
Ginny was the picture in the dictionary beside the words "Church Lady." When I met her I have to admit a bias of fear, distance and just plain aversion to what and who I thought she was. She walked stiffly and she was a dyed in the wool Methodist, totally tied to the structures, meetings, calendars, etc. I decided that I would give Ginny a wide berth and get along without having any relational connection. That lasted about a week.
I was asked by the Senior Pastor to work with Ginny on a project. Since I was new, and the low man on the totem pole, I couldn't say "No ... I don't want to work with her because I really don't like her." I bit the bullet and went to Ginny's office. We talked and shared our vision of the project along with another co-worker. Ginny and the co-worker got into a slight disagreement about proceeding forward and the discussion ended in a bet that whoever was wrong would have to wear a cheerleader uniform to church. Every staff member was betting for Ginny to lose. And she did!
The following Sunday the very staunch and structured Ginny walked into church in a cheerleader uniform, complete with pom poms. Everyone reeled with laughter including Ginny. Then it became clear to me. She was different than I ever imagined. Instead of the stiff-lipped Church Lady I began to see a very structured woman who had the ability to have joy in every circumstance. When I read Philippians 3 ("rejoice in the Lord always") I equate Paul's staunchness and joy with that of the sweet and sour Ginny. I learned a lot from Ginny and she changed my way of seeing other people. Now she rests with the saints in heaven, probably still in that cheerleader uniform, part of the great cloud of witnesses welcoming souls into heaven. I can't wait to see her again! Randy
Monday, July 25, 2016
Soldiers
Last Sunday we sang the old hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers." That hymn is a marching tune and is fun and peppy to sing. We have a number of similar hymns that call us to action and what Paul called a battle against evil forces, some seen and some unseen. I love this hymn for a number of reasons and I hope I one day can say I am a good soldier in the army of the Lord.
In Philippians 2:25-30, Paul exhorts the name of Epaphroditus. It is an obscure name only mentioned in Philippians. I love what Paul has to say because we often forget the battle is won, not with rock stars, talkers and mega leaders, but with foot soldiers. These faithful soldiers go into homes, work places, Sunday School classes, missions and the trenches where "the least of these" are served, taught and loved.
As I read this passage I think of those faithful foot soldiers right here in Abbeville. What Paul says about Epaphroditus could be said about many of you. He, and you, are true brothers/sisters, co-workers and soldiers. Paul tells the people of Philippi he should be welcomed and honored. You should too! May I view each day as "Randy, reporting for duty" under the great leadership of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks for honoring me by allowing me to serve alongside you! Randy
In Philippians 2:25-30, Paul exhorts the name of Epaphroditus. It is an obscure name only mentioned in Philippians. I love what Paul has to say because we often forget the battle is won, not with rock stars, talkers and mega leaders, but with foot soldiers. These faithful soldiers go into homes, work places, Sunday School classes, missions and the trenches where "the least of these" are served, taught and loved.
As I read this passage I think of those faithful foot soldiers right here in Abbeville. What Paul says about Epaphroditus could be said about many of you. He, and you, are true brothers/sisters, co-workers and soldiers. Paul tells the people of Philippi he should be welcomed and honored. You should too! May I view each day as "Randy, reporting for duty" under the great leadership of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks for honoring me by allowing me to serve alongside you! Randy
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Excuses or Expectations?
In seminary we were assigned a book called Generation to Generation. The gist of the book is that you are significantly confined/bound in your behaviors and inclinations by your genetic and environmental past. While I agreed with the idea that our upbringing and genetic makeup has something to do with our choices and inclinations, I never bought the idea that these things are solid bindings to those of us who claim Jesus. I remember a certain tax collector (Zaccheaus, Luke 19) who had an inclination and lots of training in being a thieving weasel. After meeting Jesus the man said he would return fourfold what he had taken and would give half of his stuff to the poor. Jesus commented that "salvation has come to this house." Zaccheaus chose, because of the presence and word of Jesus, to rise above his past and training.
I bring this up because I am tired of people who call themselves born-again Christians and a "nation under God" confusing the words, "excuses" and "expectations." I will talk at length about this Wednesday night but I wonder ... why do we send people back to excuses, their past and their "environment" as permission for bad behavior? On the TV show Law and Order the Prosecutor (Jack McCoy) commonly asks defendants (under oath) if their bad childhood, bad upbringing, bad neighborhood and bad luck in life gives them carte blanche to harm or take from others. He asks, "Do all people who have these things happen kill other people?" If we, societally, buy this lie we do not live in a nation of laws ... we live in a nation of chaos.
God gives us positive expectations of His plans (Jeremiah 29:11) that will prosper us, His new creation in us (2 Corinthans 5:17) and His "new thing" He is doing in us (Isaiah 43:19). These, and a myriad of other passages, describe a God who changes things and people. So ... let's expect God to move us forward from being victims of circumstances to victors who learn, grow, love and live in that new place God gives us every day. Let's stop buying the excuses of the world Jesus said He has overcome. Randy
I bring this up because I am tired of people who call themselves born-again Christians and a "nation under God" confusing the words, "excuses" and "expectations." I will talk at length about this Wednesday night but I wonder ... why do we send people back to excuses, their past and their "environment" as permission for bad behavior? On the TV show Law and Order the Prosecutor (Jack McCoy) commonly asks defendants (under oath) if their bad childhood, bad upbringing, bad neighborhood and bad luck in life gives them carte blanche to harm or take from others. He asks, "Do all people who have these things happen kill other people?" If we, societally, buy this lie we do not live in a nation of laws ... we live in a nation of chaos.
God gives us positive expectations of His plans (Jeremiah 29:11) that will prosper us, His new creation in us (2 Corinthans 5:17) and His "new thing" He is doing in us (Isaiah 43:19). These, and a myriad of other passages, describe a God who changes things and people. So ... let's expect God to move us forward from being victims of circumstances to victors who learn, grow, love and live in that new place God gives us every day. Let's stop buying the excuses of the world Jesus said He has overcome. Randy
Monday, July 11, 2016
Precious, Not Popular
Our continued journey through Philippians 2 is a study of how we should approach life, ministry and witness. I remember Tony Campolo speaking about his African-American pastor who would go off on rants as he preached. In one of those rants the preacher reminded the congregation that when you die and the folks have buried you and walked back to the fellowship hall to eat potato salad, they won't be talking about your titles, your accolades and your awards. If they are they will be speaking about a life that is empty and dim. What they should be speaking about is how you, as a child of God, shone light into the world by a precious testimony that came from your relationship to Jesus.
In Philippians 2 Paul reflects about people of joy that are starkly different than the crooked and perverse world we live in. Paul says we hold out a precious message that is 1) different than the message of the world, 2) light compared to the world's darkness, 3) a message that is life, 4) a message that should be offered with an attitude of cooperation, 5) a message that is worth pouring out your life, and 6) a message that is shared joy between those that carry that light to the world. While nothing in verses 15-18 says that this message will be popular, everything in this passage highlights a message that is worthy of children of the King.
If you follow Paul, when you breathe your last they will gather to talk about your testimony that shines brightly beyond the grave. THAT, is shared joy!
In Philippians 2 Paul reflects about people of joy that are starkly different than the crooked and perverse world we live in. Paul says we hold out a precious message that is 1) different than the message of the world, 2) light compared to the world's darkness, 3) a message that is life, 4) a message that should be offered with an attitude of cooperation, 5) a message that is worth pouring out your life, and 6) a message that is shared joy between those that carry that light to the world. While nothing in verses 15-18 says that this message will be popular, everything in this passage highlights a message that is worthy of children of the King.
If you follow Paul, when you breathe your last they will gather to talk about your testimony that shines brightly beyond the grave. THAT, is shared joy!
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Terms
I have been enjoying the Olympic Trials as hopeful athletes compete for a place in the upcoming Summer Olympics. They have risen to the top of their sports to vie for a place on the Olympic team. I was watching the swimming competition and found the commentary and competition very interesting.
A certain athlete had tried for a place on the team for the past three Olympics. She was called, by the commentators, a "free spirit" that basically trained the way she felt suited her best. They made this comment with a certain amount of respect that she would do what the old Sinatra song said ... train "My Way!" She approached life and training on her own terms, even if someone who might know a thing or two had some helpful advice.
The commentators called this "independent thinking." I called it "trusting in your own understanding (Proverbs says don't do this)."
God's Word reminds us that our path and journey to God's salvation is work but that Jesus (the one who defined and is able to perfect our faith [Hebrews 12]) can and will lead that work toward His perfect will. Jesus can do that if we submit to His terms and die to our terms. Because eternal life is not on our terms but is always on God's terms. After all, He did all that work and paid the entire price for our salvation.
In our life, trusting in self and relying on self gets us lost in the same places we have always gotten ourselves lost. In the Olympics trusting in your own "way" and how you "feel" about training gets the same results it always has. This three-time Olympic Trials competitor lost by .015 seconds. She is going home yet again. She did it her way. May we approach the throne of grace on Jesus' terms ... not our terms. Randy
A certain athlete had tried for a place on the team for the past three Olympics. She was called, by the commentators, a "free spirit" that basically trained the way she felt suited her best. They made this comment with a certain amount of respect that she would do what the old Sinatra song said ... train "My Way!" She approached life and training on her own terms, even if someone who might know a thing or two had some helpful advice.
The commentators called this "independent thinking." I called it "trusting in your own understanding (Proverbs says don't do this)."
God's Word reminds us that our path and journey to God's salvation is work but that Jesus (the one who defined and is able to perfect our faith [Hebrews 12]) can and will lead that work toward His perfect will. Jesus can do that if we submit to His terms and die to our terms. Because eternal life is not on our terms but is always on God's terms. After all, He did all that work and paid the entire price for our salvation.
In our life, trusting in self and relying on self gets us lost in the same places we have always gotten ourselves lost. In the Olympics trusting in your own "way" and how you "feel" about training gets the same results it always has. This three-time Olympic Trials competitor lost by .015 seconds. She is going home yet again. She did it her way. May we approach the throne of grace on Jesus' terms ... not our terms. Randy
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