Tag / Jesus

by Greg

Pray… Why?

pray

Do you ever wonder why we pray? I mean, God is love, he’s all knowing, he’s sovereign, omni-everything, right? So… why should I reiterate what he already knows, especially since he also knows what comes next?

Yes. So have I.

In fact, I often wonder all of that while I am praying.

It happens when I make nearly every request of any kind. “God, my friend’s grandma has so many health issues right now … which… you already know, but… well, it would be nice if you could, I mean… I know you CAN… so, they’d like for her to be healed, obviously… except, if you know a reason—I mean, of course you DO have a reason, and know one… if you do…—for her to not be healed, then we want that, instead of what we’re asking. I’m pretty sure. InJesusNameAmen.”

Something like that.

But, really… if God knows everything, and we really do trust him with all that we are (and whatever is, and is to come) then… why do we pray?

Some of Jesus’ most famous words are what is commonly referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer”. He precedes this “Lord’s Prayer” with the words, “When you pray… you should pray like this:”

That sounds important. We like “How To”s.

Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.

OK. Holy. Different. Other. Remember that we are not God, that he is, and keep our perspective properly calibrated. Got it.

May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.

It really can be lousy here sometimes. So I understand why we should ask for this. But every time? Maybe it is a perspective thing again? It does remind us that we are not in control. We don’t get to pick when God’s Kingdom will exist “on earth, as it does in heaven”.

We really don’t. Have you seen the news lately? The crazy abortion guy in Philadelphia? The government is getting more and more intrusive, says the NSA Whistleblower? Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes… deaths and destruction? The Middle East is always on fire, everyone wanting everyone else dead (and working hard to make it happen).

Yuck. And that’s just the “world out there”. Don’t we all have our own messes?

Yep. We do.

I’m definitely on board with this, “May your Kingdom come soon” part.

Give us today the food we need,

OK, daily provision. Not a week’s (or month’s!) worth of food in the fridge and freezer and pantry… daily food. Sounds like another reminder for us that we need God. More perspective.

Apparently Jesus knows we need lots of perspective adjustment each time we talk with God?

and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

Huh. Look at that. More perspective setting.

First, we are sinners. (Forgive our sin…) That’s perspective right there. I don’t have it all together. I’m not without blame, error, nor evil.

But the second part is the other perspective setter: forgive as we forgive others who have wronged us.

Hmm. So our own forgiveness (before we even get to ask God about what we were praying for in the first place …) is dependent upon how forgiving we are to people who are mean to us?

Looks like it.

But I don’t think it’s just God saying, “Lalalalala.. I’m not LIST-en-ing…. until you forgive your brother! Oh, and your neighbors, too, while you’re at it.” I think we’re back to the perspective setting. How can we ask for, and expect God to forgive our wrongs when we won’t do the same for somebody else?

We really can’t.

And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.

Satan. The Evil One. One, not just … evil, as a generic term. So another perspective adjustment, this time to remember that our battle is not with flesh and blood, but a very real, spiritual one.

I understand. Paul says this in Galatians:

“So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. (Gal 5:16-17)

Everyday, all day there is a war inside me. One side wanting to serve self, the other to deny self; preferring submission to Spirit, and often to others.

It makes sense, then, to first remember the battle exists, and is ongoing, and also to ask for help standing up against it.

Wait. What? Where’s the rest? Where’s the, “And please help Aunt Mary…” or the “And I need a [fill in the need blank]…”?

They aren’t there.

Jesus did perhaps add “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” That line is in some manuscripts we have, and not in others.

But there is still not a “Insert your [real] requests here…” part.

Fascinating, huh?

So Jesus said, “When you pray, pray like this.” And nearly all of it is just perspective rebuilding. Maybe it’s just important that we remember (1) there is a powerful, loving God, and (2) you’re not him.

(Neither am I.)

So, for the sake of context, In the previous paragraphs, Jesus makes sure that his disciples know that praying is not for show. In fact, he says pray in your closet. (Do you do that? I don’t think I ever have…) He also says don’t “babble on and on”. More words does not mean more power. Apparently, it’s not like having more raffle tickets gets you a better chance of winning the prize.

And later on, in the next chapter (chapters being as we have divided them, post-Jesus) he gets back to the topic of prayer with these words:

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

So … don’t use a lot of words, but… ask a lot? Not sure what Jesus is trying to say here, other than trust your Father.

Maybe that is all he’s trying to say?

God is good. (And he is God.) He loves you, far better than even the best dad could. He’s listening, and wants to forgive wrongs, and protect from future bad choices.

Remind us who we are, and who you are, God.

And that’s how—and why—to pray.

by Greg

Opposite World

I’m different. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

I know we’re all unique. (And since unique means ‘one of a kind’, well then, how can there be a ‘different’—since there is no ‘normal’, nor ‘standard’?)

But I’m really different.

It’s quite nearly every single thing that could possible be ‘different’.

Allow me to list a few examples:

  • I love cold and dark weather.
  • The contents of my pockets are opposite from most everyone else I know.
  • I drink tea, not coffee.
  • All alcohol is offensive to me. (Aside from rubbing alcohol, I suppose…)
  • I tend to fit the female “profile” more than the male (too many ways to list in this format)
  • I prefer books over movies.
  • I like audio over video.
  • I don’t even get “fads” or “trends” (especially in clothes, but really in all things)
  • I home school my kids.
  • I am in Jesus, and his church, but I do not align myself with any “named” organization you’d think of as “church”.
  • I don’t vote any party line.
  • I can’t be not real. I think “can’t” might actually be accurate.
  • I really care nothing for money.
  • I also care nothing for fame. (In fact, I’d rather not have any particular attention paid to me.)

I’m not completely a freak. I mean… I do like NHL hockey (there are a handful of people who are in that boat with me), I have a Facebook account (again, not in the minority there), and I’m a huge Buffalo Bills fan.

Oh yeah… that one should probably go in that list above… 🙂

SO, I am not sure why God decided to make me his prime example of the Opposite World, but there must be some design in it. He calls me (along with all of you) his “masterpiece”, so …

The good thing is, it kinda matches Jesus.

The greatest of all is the servant of all? Lose your life to gain it? Turn the other cheek? He who is without sin cast the first stone?

Yeah. That kind of opposite.

Maybe we’re meant to be at least a little opposite. Are there ways you feel “opposite”, or backwards, or different, or strangely unique? If not … are there ways you wish you were, and are just afraid of what other people might think if they knew you were “strangely unique”?

Jesus didn’t seem to care about what other people thought of him.

Except one time.

His disciples were telling him that people were talking about him. They were saying he was the reincarnation of their favorite prophet, looking for some way to label him.

Jesus probably nodded, taking in what they were saying, and then he turned their story back to them with a simple question: “Who do you say that I am?”

Maybe in that question we can hear that it doesn’t really matter what other people think. It matters what you think.

God definitely made me “different”. But you are, too. You are unique. There’s something about you that he loves more than any of his other creations.

It’s the “you” part.

I’d wager I’m not the only one living in Opposite World. For some reason it frequently becomes obvious just how blatantly opposite I am, but I know I’m not alone.

In whatever way you are you … be that. Live it. Enjoy it.

There’s always plenty of room here in Opposite World!

by Greg

Empathy

Earlier this week I told the story here of how one thought led to another, leading me to the interesting conclusion that we are so self-focused that even when we are actually thinking of others we are thinking of self. Incredible, and brilliantly designed by our Creator, I might add.

Another thought that has been bouncing about the various regions of my brain (or wherever it is all of these thoughts and notions and fancies do their bouncing) is the concept of empathy.

Definition of Empathy

Existing nicely in tandem with the familiar refrain of Jesus’ words, “Treat others the way you want to be treated” is this concept of ‘Empathy’. To empathize really means that we are considering others as much as ourselves. Going beyond considering, it’s identifying with the current emotional or circumstantial state of this other person.

But how do we do that? How do we get so outside of ourselves? What’s in it for me?

Don’t be concerned only about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others.

Paul’s words in Philippians are a reminder that the world does not revolve around me. I am not the center of the universe—though, as I mused the other day, there is something deep inside us that imagines that to be true; as dependable as an immutable Law of the Universe. Fascinating.

And yet, we see (especially when observing others, when the situation does not directly affect me) that when you can figuratively place yourselves in the position of—in the “shoes” of—another, that is when real communication can happen, and much more importantly, real, actual love.

Our family read a book called Love Does by Bob Goff. Very entertaining, and motivating. Goff reminds the reader that love is not love unless it’s doing. There must be an action.

Empathy is a sort of bridge for us to cross over to do that loving. When there exists some common connection on any one thing (or more) then it becomes possible to “treat others the way you would want to be treated”.

Nearly every night in the Campbell household, Dad reads. I think it began with the oldest two boys several years ago, but then it included reading with The Youngers, and sometimes as a whole family. I enjoy reading to and with the kids, and it would seem they enjoy it, too. Last night The Youngers and I finished up Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. What a great story of empathy. Opal moves to a new town and feels disconnected from everyone because of her greatest hurt in life, but as she gets to know people, she finds out that everyone hurts. She certainly learns empathy—and so, she learns friendship. And love.

I think another piece of empathy is not showing favoritism. All are created equal are famous words from our Constitution, but we all know that much of the time, all are not treated equally. But as we are to imitate Jesus, as dearly loved children—and in order to better empathize with everyone we know and meet—we can not show favoritism.

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:16-18

If all are equal, then we can treat all equally. Then all are equal with us, and we are equal with all. This goes beyond innate value to experiential reality, too. It’s a safe bet that whatever trials you have been through in life, the person next to you has had an experience that is at least similar (emotionally, if not circumstantially).

It’s still hard. We fight to protect ourselves. It’s hard to think outside of ourselves.

But like James said above, the world would be a better place if we would plant seeds of peace.

I contend that the more we can see others as equals, and understand whatever circumstances we encounter from the other person’s perspective—empathize—the more we will know and enjoy the peace (inside, and outside of ourselves) that God has in abundance, and wants us to be part of.

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:13-15

by Greg

Others

It’s really funny how much we think of ourselves. Even when we’re trying to think of others.

This morning I was thinking of Jesus’ words, “Treat other people the way you want to be treated,” and how often I have misrepresented those, even to myself—even though I don’t mean to misrepresent them.

I think that was part of Jesus’ point.

Think of this: when we really try hard to think of other people and do something for someone else—especially if we are trying—there’s usually something in it for us. We are hoping for some reciprocation, at least in the form of accolades, appreciation, even just a “Thank you” from the recipient of our graciousness.

But this morning I even saw another way that “do unto others” could be originating in my own ego; founded in my own self interest.

As we go through life, gaining experience along the way, our perspective broadens, and little by little things we previously didn’t understand—really, couldn’t understand—are revealed to us. I believe the is the process of gaining wisdom, or becoming wise. (Please note: I am not saying that I am yet wise!)

One particular thing I’ve noticed in my life is that I continue to understand more of my parents’ love for me as I watch my own kids grow up, and I can’t put into words the way I feel about them. When I’m having a moment where I can see beyond me, I realize this must also be how my parents think of me, at least in part.

This morning I thought I’d just give them a call and chat for a bit sometime today… just because. I already do this now and again, because I am thinking of them. I love them. But, this morning, my thought was, “I want to treat my parents the way I hope to be treated by my kids.”

Several things happened here. First, I really was thinking of others (my parents) as I thought of how I was their son, and I was thinking ahead to the relationship I hope I’ll have with my sons and daughters when they are the nearing-forty parents of their own children. It was a genuine moment of seeing a way I could act on a treat-others-the-way-you-want-to-be-treated nudge.

And if I live out this mantra in my own life now, with my parents, then down the road my kids might be inclined to do the same, right?

Then I realized how I was still thinking of myself. Wow!

But maybe that’s why Jesus said it.

Somewhere inside us, God placed this ferocious, tenacious, unyielding self-preservative drive. We are quite good at looking out for Numero Uno. And, knowing us as our Creator does, he asks us to tap into this abundant resource in order to live more fully, while also making the world a much nicer place.

Pretty neat!

I won’t actually receive any immediate, nor guaranteed future benefit from deciding to treat my parents the way I want to (hope to) be treated by my children. My actions toward them have no bearing on any future actions by others towards me. I think maybe that is how we often misrepresent those words of Jesus to ourselves and others: “Treat other people the way you want to be treated… and then you’ll be treated that way!” Nope. No promise of any sort of recouping that shared niceness. None.

But tapping into our mega-oversized self-interest, Jesus knew we’d get a tiny glimpse of how to treat other people the way he thinks of and cares for each one of us.

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. Ephesians 5:1-2 MSG

So go think of yourselves. Maybe the more we do, the better our world will be?

That could probably be misinterpreted, too … 🙂

Now, I have a phone call to make.

by Greg

More of You and of Me Less

Lord Hear My VoiceThere’s a song. It’s a song that I wrote. The words actually seem a bit out of order:

“More of you and of me less…”

(Sometimes when you write songs, the words fit better when they’re “out of order”.)

But the words are still true.

(If you have time, or can listen while you read—or both?—you can find the song here.)

I have been hearing more and more again lately how the most important things in life are to put ourselves in a place of complete reliance on our Father—for everything in life, as it’s all from, through, and for him to begin with—and how in direct correlation, our own self and interests must diminish.

The song, written nearly twenty years ago now, was something I began singing while playing around with a chord loop on my Yamaha acoustic guitar (now in the possession and occasional employ of our oldest son) … “Take my life, Lord… make it wholly yours.” John the Baptist said, regarding Jesus, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” (John 3:30) Those words were reverberating in my heart and mind while I hummed and strummed a new tune … and thus was born a song.

And the theme has never diminished.

You’ve read it here, to be sure. There is a recurring realization that I frequently share on these pages: That Jesus is Life and Life is Jesus. They are synonymous and inseparable. (And they are separately unattainable, as they do not exist apart from each other.) We can produce no fruit—a visible sign of life—apart from him. Jesus tried to make that abundantly clear to us, both through his words and his actions.

Equally so, he wanted us to realize that to put him first, to follow him, means to put our own agendas and interests and even our life down—actually, to death.

If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

That is so ridiculously hard for all of us at some points, and some of us at most points.

So how do we actually “die to self” in order to receive this Life that we can find in Jesus? What does this look like?

To me, it’s often this:

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (Philippians 2:3-5)

Now… that may be what it looks like, and I see that Paul said we “must” have the same attitude as Jesus, but again … how?

I keep coming back to this symbiotic relationship of “more of you” (Jesus, Father, Spirit) and “of me less”.

Do you remember symbiotic relationships from biology classes, or maybe books of that topic, if that is an interest of yours? Wikipedia describes it thusly: Symbiosis (from Ancient Greek σύν “together” and βίωσις “living”) is close and often long-term interaction between two or more different biological species.

That sounds about right.

He is wholly other than us. His ways are not our ways, and all such similar sayings.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

And…

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. (1 John 4:16)

AND…

…let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the originator and perfecter of our faith… (Hebrews 12:1-2)

It’s all about him, and not about us. And, likewise, it’s all about humbly serving, giving, loving others—endlessly, without agenda, without “strings attached”—because all of us have limitless value to our Creator, and so regardless of how we are treated (or any self-benefit), we serve, love, give… as we have received from Father.

Just like Jesus.

But it only works if we first focus our hearts and minds on him. That is so important.

If we are doing selfless in our own strength, just “because it’s right” … well, that won’t last. We must be filled, too. You matter, too. But if I am angling to take care of me, then I will be missing the Life that Jesus wants to give me. He gives Life. Not me.

(I just get to share what he gives.)

Oh that you and I could daily understand this truth more and more. It’s so abundant through the entirety of the Scriptures.

One last one:

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:16-21)

More of him. Less of me. That’s the way it ought to be.

(Hey… maybe that could be a song…) 😉

by Greg

Rest

rest-areaRest is currently the word reverberating through various sectors of my life.

That usually means I should listen.

I am reading through the Old Testament—slowly but surely—and currently find myself musing through the prophesies (and historical context content) of Isaiah, son of Amoz. There are many utterances and proclamations of doom and destruction for all who have chosen to abandon their Creator—The Creator—and line after line of what most would sum up with the word despair. However, my eye caught a couple interesting verses, including this one:

This is what the Sovereign Lord,
the Holy One of Israel, says:
“Only in returning to me
and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.
But you would have none of it.

The fifteenth verse of chapter thirty in the book of Isaiah tells us that only in resting (in the Holy One of Israel) will we be saved. That doesn’t make much sense, but the second line reinforces that our strength is found in quietness and confidence. (Remember, Paul says in the New Testament this:

Three different times I begged the Lord to take [my weakness] away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

And we’ve all heard this before, from Isaiah chapter 40:

Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

I keep coming across this idea of rest. Perhaps it’s because I am tired. I am overburdened right now by pretty much all areas of my life. I live most days on the edge of tired (or even exhaustion). My constant thought is of when I will be able to rest.

So perhaps my subconscious mind is pushing this “rest” theme out in front of me wherever I turn, whatever I do. It could very well be that.

Or maybe it’s that what I’m really looking for is truly what I need.

Rest.

There are times when rest eludes us. Busyness is one of the seasons of life. (And its ebb and flow are constant and yet unpredictable through all of the other seasons of our lives.) But from what I’ve been reading from Scripture lately—listening hard for the words spoken by my Father—is that I am best when I rest.

Not just sleep… or a good afternoon nap. Real rest. Soul rest.

How that comes is still a bit of a mystery to me. I know a big part of it rests on my ability to live out my trust of Father. The more I try to retain control of my life, of everything around me, the less rest (or peace) I have. I know this. From experience.

But is it that simple? Maybe. God says it plainly enough, and often enough, that our life is found only in him. Him. Not (just) his teachings, or principles, and definitely not what we do for him… but in him.

“Only in returning to me
and resting in me will you be saved.
In quietness and confidence is your strength.
But you would have none of it.”

That last line: But you would have none of it. We can read it like an angry, (justifiably) vindictive accuser, shouting passionately a righteous and correct judgment upon one who has failed.

Or, we could read it as a loving Father, who so longs for his beloved to know the fullness and richness of living loved.

More from Isaiah, this from chapter forty-two:

“He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.
He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.”

The very nature of Jesus—who is in very nature, God—is rest. Peace. Quiet confidence and strength.

And when we are in him—all of us, only in him—then we, too, know rest.

So, I know this stuff…

Now it’s time to live it.

Thank you, Father, for your wisdom, patience, understanding, and incredible grace and mercy.

And for your Rest.

by Greg

Trust

in-god-we-trust

A while back, I was having a conversation with a friend about the centrality of trust to Jesus’ teaching in the gospels, and Scripture as a whole. It seems to be a foundational principal of Kingdom thinking.

We were discussing the various tenets of faith, and trust, and belief, and as we hashed it out together, I made the following observation at some point in the conversation:

Trust is in/on the other person (the one trusted) NOT in the one doing the trusting.

Interesting, huh?

I don’t believe that is how most of us view the concept of faith. Generally we view faith more intellectually—or, many might say non-intellectually—being a system of thought, doctrine, “beliefs” that one holds to, generally at the instruction of another. (Meaning, not generally a system that you have generated on your own.) And often “faith” is coupled with the word “blind” in that many view it as possible only through an irrational disconnection from logical thinking.

Examples of Faith, Belief, Trust from the Gospels

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
—Mark 4:39-40

You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.
—Luke 1:45

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
—John 1:12

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
—John 14:1

I like to boil the three words belief, faith, and trust down to that last one: trust. It seems to me to convey action, as well as reason for action. That appears more consistent with the faith Jesus speaks of throughout his recorded words.

If the power of trust is rooted in the ability of the one trusted, does that not shift the focus of who is to be credited with any gain? Does it not relieve us of any guilt or shame we might feel from our failures to live a life we deem in compliance with God’s standards and commands? If Jesus is emphasizing faith, or trust—not to mention showing time and time again that he welcomes those whom society then branded as outcast, sinner, worthless—then is he not emphasizing that he is the one doing the work, not us? (And that is reinforced in many more places throughout the New Testament.)

When you trust someone, you are actually ceding some amount (or total) control to them. You are no longer in control of at least some aspect you previously might have had more control over. (For now I’ll not get into how much of an illusion “control” is at its most basic levels anyway…)

This is essentially what I believe Jesus is asking us to do.

Such surrender takes both courage and complete trust of the person to whom we are submitting. We trust that person will make choices that will benefit, not harm us. We trust in the case of Father his inherent goodness and his supreme, unconditional love for us. And we trust our personal experiences with him as well. That serves to grow our trust over time.

And we are agreeing to willfully let go of our own will and choosing, making it subservient to his.

This journey is not for the faint-hearted.

Jesus said as much, too. He said if you want to follow him—if you want to experience life in the Kingdom of God—you must be willing to abandon everything you know and love, and “take up your cross” and follow him. (Note that his instruction is very clearly tied to him rather than a set of behaviors to model. We are called to simply listen to and follow after Jesus. Period.)

I do believe that the amount of faith or trust that we have in Father is directly proportionate to the fullness of life we will experience.

Trust is not a switch you can turn on and off. It grows through relationship—with a person. You can study about it, I suppose… but in the end, trust is earned by the one being trusted. That only happens through interaction. It must, at least in part be experienced. I think that’s precisely why Jesus simply said, “Follow me.”

And that’s where we still find Life today.

by Greg

The Blame Game

pointing-fingersDeep within the heart of mankind is a hesitancy, if not an outright refusal to accept responsibility. Some of us are able to work up the courage on occasion, but generally our first (and second, and third) response is to point the finger at someone else.

Yesterday a friend told me a story he had been involved with personally that illustrates this perfectly.

At a recent, one-time event, held by a group of Christian home schooling families at a local park, a boy was injured on the playground equipment. It was bad enough that his family incurred a couple thousand dollars worth of medical bills for his treatment. They did not have medical insurance, so at some point they were counseled to bring a lawsuit against the park to help cover the medical costs. The park, in turn, required (I’m not certain if it was through further litigation) that the home school group acquire insurance for that past event, as well as future ones. The buck was passed from one party to another to another.

My friend lamented this one family’s choice to forego health insurance. That was their responsibility, thought he. I contend that, while he’s right that insurance would be the smarter option for them, they could still choose to not pay monthly insurance, but they are still responsible for the medical bills for themselves and anyone under their care: like a young son, living in their home.

But our culture—nay, human nature—looks for someone else to pass the responsibility on to.

We do it in so many ways. It’s not necessarily just when we do something wrong. We are loth to accept our own responsibility for our eating, sleeping, and other personal care routine and choices. We neglect opportunities for our own education in deference to an easier, more “fun” experience. We miss chances to encourage one another because of the “effort” involved in doing so.

In every case, whether missing out on good, or not owning up to an already-chosen bad… we seek someone or something else to be culpable.

Is it just shame? We don’t want to be the ones who were wrong? Is it that we want someone else to take care of us? I honestly have no idea.

It’s really easy to do, though. I think it’s the reason we clamor for a “king”.

Do you remember the story? The Israelites didn’t want to just be personally responsible to God, they wanted a king like all the other nations. And so God gave them a king, and that did not turn out well.

Today we in America seem to think our President is a king. (I think the presidents do, too, with all of their executive orders.) We get so excited in the lead up to a Presidential Election because he is the embodiment of “Someone Else” to take the blame.

Now, obviously, it’s not all blame. Sometimes he is also praised. We pass that responsibility along, too. Basically, it seems like we’re saying, whether good or bad, I just don’t want to be responsible for it!

Having six rather young children in our home (though they are getting older…) we see this play out time and time and time again. It’s so incredibly rare for any of them to step out and instantly accept responsibility for an action. The funny thing is, the youngest often have the easiest time of it. Our two-, three-, and four-year-olds are the ones who will answer, “I did it!” when Mom or Dad ask, “Who is responsible for this??”

What lovely transparency! How great would it be if we all could be so carefree about our reputation and convinced of our acceptance with and love from those who matter to us that we could simply say, no matter how bad it might seem for us, “It was me!”

It takes humility. Thinking of others more than yourself. It takes that peculiar confidence of feeling—no, knowing—your full acceptance with those that matter.

And ultimately, that comes from understanding your position with Father. Doesn’t it?

A deep confidence in your “rightness” (righteousness through faith) with him. We have been made right with him, by his choice; if God is for us, then who could be against us.

Accepting personal responsibility is also rooted in a love for justice. For truth. (Which, is even more deeply rooted in a genuine care or concern for others, that comes from humility …)

It can certainly be difficult, embarrassing, even painful. There are many reasons to not accept responsibility for your actions (or inactions). And that’s why we’re so good at it, so often. But there is deeper, more lasting joy in doing what is required of you. It’s really the core of a society: that each member is wholly responsible for himself.

We do live in a free nation, founded on this idea that each member is created equally, granted certain inalienable rights by the Creator, and is personally responsible for his own actions.

What about those who are born incapable of being responsible for their own actions, whether physically or mentally? Are they expected to “take care of themselves” and the rest of us should just “stick it to them” if they can’t? What about social justice, and social injustice? If someone can’t care for themselves, and they don’t have any family or close friend who is willing to do so, don’t we have a “responsibility” to them?

Sure! Each of us has a personal responsibility to act in whatever situations to aid persons God brings across our paths. Definitely. And we can even join forces, as churches or otherwise, to perhaps do “greater” (more) good for more people. Jesus spoke often about caring for poor, widows, orphans, etc. This is actually one of our responsibilities: to help those who can’t help themselves.

But…

This is a neat quote from Benjamin Franklin regarding charity:

To relieve the misfortunes of our fellow creatures is concurring with the Deity; it is godlike; but, if we provide encouragement for laziness, and supports for folly, may we not be found fighting against the order of God and Nature, which perhaps has appointed want and misery as the proper punishments for, and cautions against, as well as necessary consequences of, idleness and extravagance? Whenever we attempt to amend the scheme of Providence, and to interfere with the government of the world, we had need be very circumspect, lest we do more harm than good.

Our society today has taken the Blame Game so far that a large portion of our citizenry (and non-citizens?) have the mentality of entitlement, and a “victim” mindset. That blame is even worse because it is somewhat amorphous, nebulous, and faceless. It’s “the Man” who keeps you down, a corrupt system, evil Capitalists, greedy bankers, and so forth. If it’s easy enough for us to blame another person face to face, it’s super easy to pass blame onto someone who is not a real person.

Then we are left with an entire culture who is always passing along responsibility to the “next guy”. Personal Injury lawyers… yikes. They only exist to “blame” someone else, to the tune of millions of dollars. But it’s not just litigation. The Blame Game is played at all levels of our society, to the point where it’s incredibly, ridiculously rare to see someone willingly accept responsibility for their own actions, and even to assist someone else, without being forced to do so.

I may be speaking too generally here. No, I’m sure I am. But I’ve been wanting to write out these thoughts for quite some time because it’s more than rampant in every area of American life. (And yes, I’m sure it’s not just in America.) There is something at the core of us that does not want to accept responsibility.

That core—the root—seems to me to be a deeply rooted trust in Father. I really believe that’s the key to life: Trust. Jesus seems to speak of it throughout the gospels. It’s a central theme: faith, trust… placed in a Father who loves you more than you can even imagine.

So if he’s got your back… you can take the blame. You can accept the responsibility, despite whatever pressure it might put on you once you do.

Because He is for you.

I wonder how different our life together could be if we all really knew—and believed—that?

by Greg

Christianity, or Jesus? (Aren’t They the Same?)

Our family is currently making our way through the book of Luke together. We’re taking our time, but I do enjoy reading in larger chunks, so we will often read what might be the subject of an entire series of sermons in one sitting.

Tonight, we read through the fifteenth chapter: the three stories of lost and found.

Though we’d often read more than that, it’s such a good three-part story—with the most famous, the Prodigal Son story at the end—that I thought it would be nice to stop and discuss.

The kids are reading and learning about “unreached people groups” with Mom during the school days, and both of the older boys picked up on the “lost” theme that Jesus’ stories held.

When I asked what everyone heard in Jesus’ stories, Ian replied first, “I think it shows that God cares about every single person: if even one in a thousand is lost, there’s a celebration when he realizes he’s wrong and returns to God.”

“Yep. So right, Ian.” I affirmed.

Alex chimed in next, “Or, like if one person in the 10 million in Japan who are buddhists or other things turn to Christianity. It’s like that, even.”

I smiled and affirmed Alex’s insightful answer, too. But something didn’t sit right with me, the way he had phrased that answer.

Ian and Mom both explained what they had been studying—unreached people groups—and I realized what it was that bothered me: the lost returning home story is not about conversions to Christianity, it’s about the Good News that Jesus is life and nothing else.

I tried to lovingly expand on that thought to Alex, but I guess maybe it didn’t come out quite right. Jen didn’t think I was saying it correctly, and by offering further instruction at that time, kinda squashed Alex.

jesus-christ-in-stained-glassAnd, honestly, she doesn’t really agree with my instruction, that Christianity is not the same as Jesus.

I told Alex that the somewhat subtle distinction between someone “turning to Christianity” and someone meeting Jesus (The One true God and Jesus Christ whom he sent) are often, even usually very different things.

One is a religion. Plain and simple, Christianity is not in the Bible. (Really! It’s true!) In this sense, Christianity is no different than Islam, Buddhism, Hindu, and so on. Jesus never talked about establishing a religion (though he did mention building the Church) and I can’t think of anywhere that the word “Christianity” or “Christendom” can be found on the pages of Scripture. (Though other people called the Church, “Christians”—Acts 11, and Acts 26—the only other occurrence of the word is in 1 Peter 4:16.)

Returning to a loving Father is a different story. Realizing our need to be connected to the Vine; understanding the limitless, boundless love that God has for us, wanting from before the foundation of the world to adopt us as his own children; understanding how the cross restores our friendship with God by destroying sin and death and shame once and for all…

That’s a different story. (And doesn’t “sign you up” for anything.)

Now, I’m certainly painting with too broad a brush right now. Firstly, only a chapter or two before, Jesus addressed his disciples and the crowds following him, making sure they understood the cost of being his disciple. The cost is… everything. He said we need to be willing to give up everything (even family, wealth/possessions, a home), even our own life.

But the key is, nothing else matters outside of his Life. Nothing.

And that’s the point. Converting to a religion often satisfies our own accomplishable goals and benchmarks. There are “measurables” with Christianity. You can check things off like, reading your Bible, or having quiet time, joining a prayer group, or some other “small group”, going to services, volunteering for a ministry… or five ministries. All of those things can become “feathers” in our caps.

Jesus asks us to volunteer to be last, though. To not be noticed. To give up our dreams, turn the other cheek… all of that. And all because there is nothing we need or could ever want more than to know him.

Paul knew that, and wrote:

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ. —Phil 3:8

Honestly, I could be convinced that I’m straining out gnats here. OR, I could be convinced that this is the pivotal, most important, fundamental part of the Gospel: Jesus matters.

It’s him. And nothing else. Not a religion (Christianity), not a building or an organization (First Christian Church of Wherever), and not even a set of benchmarks that you set up for yourself to take your spiritual temperature.

Do you trust him? Then you’re in. And your life will never be the same. If you believe that Jesus is Immanuel, God made flesh, the Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life… buckle up!

That might be the same to you as “Christianity”, and if that’s the case, I’m really glad. My experience has been different. We people are good at maintaining control, and I think Jesus wants—longs for—us to relinquish that. Most often systems with fancy names—Christianity—don’t allow any room for that to happen, and even worse, they keep us in the “performance” mindset, where we’re always trying to “do better… for God, of course…

But Jesus’ words were always simply, “Follow me.”

I think it might really be that simple.

by Greg

Christmas All Year Round?

Christmas GiftWe’re getting really, really close to Christmas Day. Have you noticed? Throngs of folks out picking up gifts for everyone they love—and maybe some they don’t—all hoping that the recipient will feel the love held for them by the giver through the gift chosen and given.

It’s kinda fun, actually. (Except for the “throngs” part. Crowds are not my… “thing”.)

But tonight as Jen and I were out getting a few last things for the Big Day, I couldn’t help but think (and say… I’m still not very good at ever not saying something that I think…) that perhaps the reason I don’t involve myself in the gift giving frenzy as much as many others I observe is this: I love to give gifts every day!

That probably sounds weird… I’m not constantly looking for, purchasing, nor ever wrapping in colorful papers various items perfectly suited to all of my family members, extended relatives and close friends and presenting them to them at equally various gatherings at homes. I’m really not.

But I do like to buy things for the people I love. (Even some I just like.)

Tonight we stopped by a Goodwill thrift store which we frequent. As I am wont to do, I browsed the book section and found several good reads, most of which were for a couple of my children. I found one for my daughter—which, given the proximity to December 25th, will be a Christmas present… so… SHH!—and another for our son, who will turn fourteen this coming Tuesday. (Yep! Christmas!)

As I was picking that one out, I thought we might give it to him for Christmas… then perhaps that it could be a birthday gift. Then I just chuckled to myself as I considered just giving it to him tonight!

Jen is a good sport. She LOVES everything about giving (and receiving, I think) gifts on Christmas Day. She plans for, perhaps, up to the entire year before the day and has a big list of everyone in our somewhat large extended family. She must have equal gifts for all (at least those in our household); if not in quality, then in quantity… but really in both. I, on the other hand, am almost never thinking about “what to get [insert relative] for Christmas”. EVER.

Sometimes we’re quite an odd pair. 🙂

Jen said she would support my decision, whatever it may be, on when to give that newly purchased book to Ian. So, I decided to save it for another birthday present. Ian loves books… and I love Ian… and birthdays are about loving the one you love with something they love (at least, in some ways?)—so I chose birthday.

But I had purchased another book that seemed more appropriate to give to Ian upon our return home.

After coming in the house with a few bags of goodies, I began to dole out the books from our little Goodwill bag. I gave Ian the book on grammar that I intended to give to him tonight. He smiled and graciously—even excitedly?—received it. Then I pawed through the remaining half-dozen books for myself, or Jen and others, honestly forgetting that I had chosen to give one of the remaining ones to Ian for a birthday present!

As I lifted that book out, Ian had momentarily glanced somewhere else, so I was able to successfully drop it back in the bag, without him catching a glimpse of the cover. Whew!

Ian laughed and said, “Dad, you’re really not very good at Christmas gifts. You can’t keep your gifts secret!” (Or, something like that.)

Perhaps he’s right. Maybe I’m just impatient? Once I’ve found and acquired a gift for someone I love… I must give it! Maybe that’s it.

But it’s something else.

I really do think that I live a lifestyle of giving. (Note: I am not claiming to be the most generous person, or anywhere close to that.) If I see something that reminds me of someone, or that I know they would love—I get it for them. It doesn’t have to be their birthday, or Christmas, or even Flag Day!. And then, the next time I see them, I give it to them. It’s fun to give!

I know I’m the weird one here. I know people (my wife chief among them) LOVE everything about the Christmas gift-giving season. I know. But I think I might love the other way even more. (And, as already stated, I certainly do participate in the Christmas version of gift giving, too… it just feels funny around this last few weeks of December when I do my normal buy-something-for-someone-because-I’m-thinking-of-or-reminded-of-them thing, but “have to” hold on to it—and even wrap it—because the calendar tells me so.)

It’s at least slightly humorous, isn’t it?

Christmas is now only two days away! Not much longer must I wait to distribute the handful of gifts I’ve saved up over the last month or so. (Whew!) AND, just a few days until I can go back to giving gifts any day I’d like! (Again, whew!)

Does anyone else feel that way? Am I completely alone on this one?

It could very well be! 🙂

Merry Christmas, reader. Enjoy the day, and the greatest Gift of all: Emmanuel!