You did not so learn Christ!

In Ephesians 4:17-24 Paul points out to his readers that he knows where they have come from, and how hard it is to change one’s life. He utilizes “put on” and “put off” imperative language to challenge his readers to take this conversion process seriously.

          To describe their lifestyle, the apostle Paul uses the literal word “to walk around.” He admonishes them to no longer walk around (live) as the Gentiles walk around (live). “Gentiles” was a pejorative term, and almost a slur, against people who were not Jewish and were an example of just letting their passions rule their life.

          This describes many of Paul’s Christian friends and their past life in Ephesus. What was the “Gentile” past life like? Paul uses four participles (verbs with “-ing” endings) to describe it in the fullest of pictures.

·       Having been darkened in their understanding

·       Having been alienated from the life of God

·       Having (being) ignorance in them

·       Having given themselves up to a life of sensuality

These four descriptions indicate why it was so hard for many of his readers to “walk worthy of the calling with which they had been called”(4:1).

All of this was being done “in the futility of their minds”(4:17). This refers to their thought-world being so empty of anything with real purpose that they were drifting through life aimlessly. There was no thought of consequences related to their daily choices. This way of living was labeled by Paul as the “old man.”

When Paul indicated that they had no so learned Christ, he is actually pinpointing the process of “unlearning.” Part of conversion is the initial unlearning replaced with learning. The former way of life is being exchanged for a new way of life. This is the miraculous power of the Good News of Jesus!

In this Pauline pericope what catches the ear of the transformational Christian leader is the process of putting off the old man and putting on the new man. It is both a divine and  human process whereby the mystery of transformation occurs.

Christian leaders who care about others and their Christian growth are reminded of the following realities of life that Paul addresses here:

1.     It takes a long time for people to change their thought world.

2.     A former way of life, being alienated from God, is being exchanged for a new of life where a new relationship with God is being established.

3.     We can never under-estimate the ignorance of individuals coming to the faith.

4.     A life of sensuality can make a person calloused and unfeeling toward others. Re-awakening the conscience in this area will take time and patience.

5.     Our role as leaders is to continually keep before others the model of Jesus, teaching and embodying life-changing truths that others need to see.

All of this make a huge difference—the difference between a life of emptiness or a life of holiness! May God give every Christian servant-leader a “renewal in the spirit of our minds” (4:23) such that others may see the truth of Jesus living in us!   

In Christian love, Curtis

The Winsome Way of Seeing Others

Pastoral leadership is inherently endearing. This means that Christian leaders are servants who hold their fellow Christians in highest esteem. This is demonstrated by the language one uses to identify the body of Christ. I am fascinated by John the Apostle’s use of two terms in 1 John chapter 2. He designates his readers as “My little children,” and “Beloved.”

          “My little children”—what a winsome way to refer to his fellow Christians. The assumption is that he is referring to fellow believers who are  young in the faith. Either John himself or another apostle or strong Christian leader has most likely led these believers to their lifetime commitment to Jesus. I wonder what difference it would make if all of us who are Christian servant-leaders viewed others in the body of Christ for whom we have a spiritual stewardship as our “little children?”

          This implies a tender feeling and response to their tenuous, early attempts at taking their early steps in the Christian walk. “My little children” falter and wobble in that step, and yet we rejoice because they are taking one step after another trying to follow Jesus.

          “Beloved” is the other winsome way that John refers to his fellow Christians. This is a fascinating word because it basically means being in the constant state of being loved by someone. And that state of being loved never changes. The one who is beloved can never become un-beloved! Interestingly, in Ephesians Jesus is identified with the same term as “Beloved.” Being a recipient of God’s gracious love and mercy stamps one as being “Beloved.”

          This implies an acceptance our part of one another, even in spite of our sinful selves. Cracked pots and warts-and-all define us in our humanity. Though we feel such insignificance and unworthy to be loved, Christian servant-leaders demonstrate love and acceptance toward others as always being “Beloved.” No mistake, no sin, no injustice, can erase the fact that we all stand beloved in Christ.

          What a way for Christian servant leaders to live! This winsome way of seeing fellow Christians as “our little children” and “beloved” radically changes the fundamental vision and practice of fellowship in the body of Christ.  These are spiritual terms of endearment. May we see others this way to the glory of God!

In Christian love, Curtis

Our Own Legacy of Life & Faith

Because of several factors, I have been drawn to the idea of what legacy of life and faith each of us will leave behind. Perhaps turning 62 does that! Perhaps losing one’s mother does that! Perhaps giving the eulogy for 3 funerals in less than two months does that!  Perhaps focusing on Christ’s resurrection as the hope of our destiny does that! Whatever may be all of the factors, I just cannot get it out of my mind, and thus it drives my thoughts today that I want to share with you.

            I came across an old hymn that has the following words:

“I would like to think when I’m nearer life’s brink

            That I’ve written some song that will live

And, living, impart some help to some heart

            And strength to the traveler give.”

[A Song! A Beautiful Song! Written and composed by L. O. Sanderson, Copyright, 1948]

I want to daily be aware of how close I am to my own death. We are adept at keeping death at bay. However, when funerals pile up on one another, and our peers begin to go the way of all the earth, we can no longer ignore the inevitable. There are two basic ways of viewing death. It can be a loss or a gain. If we have left God’s will out of the center of our life, and we have made choices over the years that have brought regret and heartache, then death would be viewed as a loss. However, if we loved God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves, then death can be viewed as a gain.

Men and women of faith understand that Christ’s resurrection and the hope of their own resurrection takes the sting out of death. Death is personal. It is not abstract. It will be the separation of myself from this world and the ones I love. This looming separation on the horizon informs my daily priorities. Sometimes we go through circumstances where we think we have been close to death.

I remember riding in a small Cherokee Piper airplane that had experienced some engine trouble. When we landed at the airport, the pilot reached down and touched the ground, and exclaimed, “We cheated death once again!” I hate to say it, but we will never cheat death. It is coming, and we need to have a healthy view of life that is lived in preparation of that certain coming.

I want to strive to leave the verses of my own song writ large on the hearts of others. This is a poetic way of saying that my life’s purpose was the joy of my heart. Each day lived for God and others provides me the “stuff” for writing each verse of that song.  I love to write poetry, and this composer’s imagery of writing a song touches my heart’s chords. They vibrate with possibilities and bring together the joys of living life to its fullest. The impact I make on the hearts of others will be because my heart build a caring bridge to their heart. Music and song are most appreciated when they touch us at the deepest level of our being and psyche.

 I remember (this dates me, of course!) John Denver’s famous song “Sunshine on My Shoulders.” The first time I heard that song was write after a cold winter, and I was driving down to Memphis through the back roads, going through Brownsville, Tennessee. On that early spring morning, the sun was on my left shoulder as I was headed south. I sang that song out loud to my eight track, envisioning the sunshine being God’s love. I vowed at that moment onward that I would try to bring a little of God’s “Son-shine” into the lives of others.

I want to strive to give strength and encouragement to others. Consequently, that inner vow has allowed the Spirit of God to help me give others strength and encouragement during tough times. My calling is to impart to others what God has vouchsafed to me. Because I have undergone three specific trials in my life that have called for the greatest resilience of faith in order to endure, I can offer that same solace and comfort that I received from God to others. Grave personal illness, suicide in the family, and job loss have carved caverns of sorrow in my heart where the rivers of joy could later flow.

Perhaps it is the depth of pain that provides the pathways for joy. Knowing how I survived and was supported by God and others, I intentionally turn around and offer that same support. I stood beside my mother’s bed and watched her decline and pass with a grave illness. Adult children need to know to whom they can turn when those type of losses occur. These kind of verses in one’s song contain both joy and sorrow. To demonstrate care with words of encouragement allows our words to create anew and offer new possibilities for excruciating pain.

I want to leave a path for others to follow after I am gone. I watched a fascinating episode of “Prospectors” on the Weather Channel the other night. One individual mining a claim up in the mountains was following an 8 mile path that wound up to the summit that was created by his grandfather. That one lane path took two and a half years to create with one bulldozer and one operator. The grandson kept singing the praises of his grandfather, and lauding the monumental task that was unthinkable. He kept the road maintained every year, not only in honor of his grandfather, but also because he needed the road to travel to the summit with his mining equipment. 

            What kind of path are we leaving for others to follow? The wise man Solomon once said, “Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray”(Proverbs 10:17). We never want to be guilty of leading others astray. Not only do we model for others how to receive and heed instruction, but also provide the direction of life that leads others in the right direction.

            Nearly twenty years ago I built my own mountain dulcimer. I have written poetry and have had some of it set to music. I understand the process and value of writing and composing songs. I would like to think that I have written some song that will linger with its notes of joy in the hearts of others long after I am gone!

In Christian love, Curtis

Prayer for Strength with Power from God’s Spirit

 We often ask for strength to face difficult situations. But that strength cannot be viewed as coming just from self. In Ephesians 3:14-19 the apostle Paul bows his knees in prayer and desires that God grant his readers “to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” This desire on his part has the following 

purposes in mind…

• ·        That Christ may dwell in their hearts by faith
• ·        That they may be rooted and grounded in love
• ·        That they together may know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge
• ·        That they may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Paul’s main concern for his brothers and sisters in Christ was the condition of their inner being. That inner being needs to be strengthened with power from the Spirit.

Taking this cue from Paul, would it make a difference for one another in the body of Christ if we intentionally prayed for one another’s inner being? This relates to spiritual strength that enables each one of us to be able to experience the four purposes listed above.

Christ is dwelling in our hearts, and we pray for that for each other. We are rooted and grounded in love, and we pray for that very thing for one another. Together we comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, and we constantly pray for that. And, we pray that each other will be filled with all the fullness of God.

As children of the heavenly Father, we bow the knee for one another. How rich is this kind of prayer, and how extraordinary is this kind of family where such concerns are mutually shared!

As a "transformational leader" like the apostle Paul, we understand the vital importance of others being strengthened in their "inner being." We desire to see Christ in others; we desire to see them rooted and grounded in love; we desire that they experience the love of Christ in ways unfathomable; and, we desire that they be filled to the fullest extent possible with God.

These four purposes are necessary for inward spiritual growth and strength. Being part of the family of God, the community of faith, enables us to pray this powerfully and passionately for others! May God give each one of us called to be a "transformational leader" the desire to bow our knees like Paul every day for other members of God's family!

In Christian love, Curtis

Building Relationships to the Glory of God! Memories

 I witnessed Friday afternoon an extraordinary example of this kind of building. All six of us siblings sat at my mother’s dining room table sharing memories, asking for prayers and receiving assurances of love and forgiveness and acceptance. Some of my brothers and sisters needed to heal their relationships, and we all needed to pray for my brother Larry and his wife, Diane, who remains on a breathing machine.

            As I led prayer for all of us, we invoked God’s name and healing power to enable us to give and receive the gift of family, both the present and the past. I have come to realize more than ever the healing power of memories shared and sanctified.

            Jesus said of the woman who poured very expensive perfume on Jesus’ head, “ Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”(Matthew 26:13) This was a selfless act of using something valuable to anoint Jesus. He indicated to his indignant disciples that she did it to anoint his body for burial.

            Sharing memories of selfless acts of service really encourages the body of Christ. Since 2003 I have many memories of our brothers and sisters in Christ here at Highland View who have done selfless things in the name of Jesus, and these acts have been told and retold in memory of that person.

            Memories become the eternal cement of the blocks of our individual contributions to the house of God being built by faithful lives. These stories of faithfulness encourage and build each one of us up. 

            The Apostle Paul says it this way, “¹⁶ Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? ¹⁷ If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple”(1 Corinthians 3:16, 17).

Christian leaders who are transformational understand this quote from Paul. Helping people access and treasure their memories are a way of building the temple of God together. It may even be viewed as the mortar that holds the individual blocks together. 

          Precious memories, how they linger!

In Christian love, Curtis

The Boundaries of Our Community: Building Relationships in the Body of Christ [5]

The church has boundaries. It is inclusive and exclusive at the same time. Without boundaries we would not be able to identify the church. The apostle Paul identifies those outside of the church boundaries as “outsiders.” There are “insiders” and “outsiders.” What are the boundary markers for the church? “…The Christian ideal of the communion of saints and the congregation and the Eucharist [Lord’s Supper] as forms of community…” [Wendell Willis (2011-2012). “The Erosion of Community: A Challenge to the Church.” Christian Studies 25. Page 13).

          The assembled, baptized, communing believers in Christ make up the body of Christ. Three times in  his letters the apostle Paul refers to those outside the boundaries of the believing community. Look at each passage below and note why he brings it up:

·        Colossians 4:5

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”

          In our Christian walk we have to be very careful and wise in our dealings with outsiders because we want to make the most of every opportunity to be a good witness for Jesus. Wise Christian leaders are aware of their influence, and have the “eyes of opportunity” so they can see where a kind word, a kind act or kind gesture can make a world of difference!

·        1 Thessalonians 4:12

“…so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

          Here Paul is very emphatic regarding the pragmatic way that Christians live. Sponging off of others and not pulling one’s weight in life, and depending on others when you could fend for yourself, will lose the respect of outsiders. A lazy, enabled, entitled way of life certainly does not comment itself as a way of life that honors God and respects others!

·        1 Timothy 3:7

“He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.”

          Bishops/elders must be careful about their reputation with non-Christians. They are a model of grace, and never want to be a disgrace or be ripe-picking for the devil. The power of their influence is immense! This is why Christian leadership should be taken so seriously.

           In the midst of being thankful for the boundaries of our community of faith, let us always and forever be aware of how we may impact and influence  those who are “outsiders.” May God grant us the wisdom to live and lead in such a way that many more “outsiders” may become “insiders!”

In Christian love, Curtis

Social Investment: Building Relationships in the Body of Christ [4]

       

          Eight years ago 68,000 Americans who attend church services were interviewed. The answers suggested that “Americans may select their congregations primarily because of theology and worship, but the social investment made within that congregation is what appears to keep them there” [Putnam, Robert D.; Campbell, David E. (2010). American Grace. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, Publishers; pages 172-174.].

          This data suggests what I have anecdotally seen and suspected over the past 42 years of pastoral ministry. People remain in a congregation where meaningful relationships are established and maintained. Because of this dynamic, there a several “church-dynamic-truths” that are a corollary to this.

          First, relationships are meaningful in different ways. Different types of relationships are established among brothers and sisters in Christ. Consequently, those variety of connections carry different meanings of significance.

          Second, opportunities for healthy relationships to be established must continually be offered by the church. Small groups, Bible classes, informal groups that eat out together, service project groups, etc.—these all provide such contexts for relationships to occur.

          Third, maintaining healthy relationships in the body of Christ is hard, ongoing work. Relationships inherently mean conflict of some sort. But, those times of conflict provide wonderful opportunities for understanding and growth.

          Fourth, it takes a drastic change of theology or worship for a person to break off meaningful relationships to go elsewhere. When a person leaves a congregation they may either feel unimportant, or there has been a change of theology/worship so drastic they cannot process it or accept it. In those cases, it becomes a matter of one’s conscience being stronger than the relationships that have been forged. Such dynamic is rarely taken seriously in most congregations.

Biblically, here is Paul’s recipe for social investment:

“Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.   And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians, 3:12-14 ).

          As Christian leaders it is our calling and responsibility to model “social investment.” Do we ourselves have a variety of social connections that demonstrate to others how crucial we believe body life is? Do we as Christians have a creative, imaginative way of providing all sorts of contexts in the church for body life to occur? Do we as Christians leaders demonstrate for others the hard work that must go into maintaining healthy relationships in the body of Christ? Do we as Christian leaders take seriously others who defect? Do we care enough to conduct exit interviews? Do we care enough to tell them we care?

          Transformational leaders who model authenticity in their Christian walk will take the above questions seriously. One final question remains here: when others think of us, do they immediately sense that we embody genuine care for others, and that we invest in the lives of others? It is this kind of modeling that will impact generations to come for the cause of the kingdom!

In Christian love, Curtis

Shared Commonality: Building Relationships in the Body of Christ [3]

For too long Christians have seen congregations form and disband because of divisive differences. These differences often define a “crisis of community.” With God’s help, there is only one way to defeat this strategy that Satan has so often successfully employed over the centuries. When Christians focus on their “shared commonality” this helps create the practical path of the Spirit’s power to create unity among God’s people.

            This “shared commonality” is made up of emotional bonds, like-mindedness, and symbols [Wendell Willis, (2011-2012). “The Erosion of Community: A Challenge to the Church.” Christian Studies 25: 11.;  Arthur P. Cohen, (1985). The Symbolic Construction of Community. Chichester, England: Ellis Horwood, Ltd., page 20ff.]

            Emotional bonds come from a deep heart of love for one another. Jesus promoted this kind of relationship with the following: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” [John 13:34, 35].

            Like-mindedness comes from a deep heart of respect and deference for one another. Paul says it this way:  “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” [Philippians 2:4]. The mindset of Jesus was always thinking of others first, giving up self and claims of superiority.

            Symbols help bring to visual and experiential level what the heart most embraces with others. This is behind Paul’s questions: “¹⁶ Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? ¹⁷ Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf” [1 Corinthians 10:16-17].

            As Christian leaders we model these three things: a deep heart of love for others with strong emotional bonds, a like-mindedness for others with respect and deference, and helping others to experience appropriate symbols that reflect the common faith.

            I remember years ago that a friend of mine reminded me that Christian leaders are living symbols of unity among God’s people. This is why it is so critical for each one of us to intentionally embody our “shared commonality.” This gets at the heart of authentic, transformational leadership. What is most real and life-changing is what we desperately need to be modeling for others. Anyone can boss. Not everyone can embody!

            May God give us a strong, shared commonality that finds its expression in the emotional bonds of deep love, a like-mindedness of Jesus, and participation in common symbols of our faith. What richness and depth this commonality brings to our relationships in Christ!

In Christian love, Curtis

Hungering for a Sense of God? Building Relationships in the Body of Christ [2]

Nearly a decade ago, Frederick Buechner in his book, Secrets in the Dark: A Life in Sermons, made this observation about the church:

            “Much of what goes on in churches, I am afraid, is as shallow and lifeless as much of its preaching and as irrelevant to the deep needs of the people who come to church hungering for a sense of God’s presence that they more often than not never find” (p. 284).

            “Shallow and lifeless.” What a stinging rebuke to preaching and church gatherings! I once heard another person say that the spirituality of most Christians today is about an inch thick and mile wide! The opposite of “shallow and lifeless” is “depth and life!” What gives sermons and church gatherings “depth and life?”

            Hunger and thirsting for a sense of God’s presence is the place to start. I think that Dietrich Bonhoeffer was right when he maintained that the presence of the risen Christ among his assembled people was what made church gatherings different from any other kind of assembly. Do we really believe that Christ is among us? Do we really believe that Christ has and is providing “depth and life” to our preaching, praying, singing, giving and encouraging one another?

            If we as a congregation are not helping others in their hunger and thirst for God, then we are failing in our calling as God’s people. Jesus declared in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled”(Matthew 5:6). Both old and young alike are “leaving church” because they see it “too reflective of the American consumer culture” [Wendell Willis, (2011-12). “The Erosion of Community: A Challenge to the Church.” Christian Studies 25: 11.]

            More than ever, Christian leadership (pastors, shepherds, ministers, deacons, teachers, parents, etc.) needs to model “depth and life” in one’s Christian walk. Only when one’s walk has depth and breadth will the gatherings, whatever form they take during the week, be transformative. Christian leaders must be models of transformation that demonstrate with boldness “one has been with the Lord” (Acts 4:13).

            “Shallow and lifeless” or “depth and Life”—which shall it be for us? As we build relationships to the glory of God, may we help others to fill their hunger for God with depth and Life!

In Christian love, Curtis

Erosion or Cohesion? Building Relationships in the Body of Christ

          I want to begin a series of articles on the community nature of the body of Christ. I will be taking some of my ideas and cues from an article that Wendell Willis wrote with the title: “The Erosion of Community: A Challenge to the Church.” (2011/2012).  Christian Studies 25: 9-19.

          One important trend has been noted regarding the  nature of religious community. Even though researchers and sociologists agree that there has been a rise in the interest and practice of personal spirituality, the same cannot be said regarding how people identify with religious groups. One person notes that, “people do not belong to church the way they once did, even when they show up for religious services.”

          A deeply imbedded value has changed for many Americans. “…Recently Americans have tended to value institutions as support systems, without sensing any obligation that they may have to those institutions” [Willis, p. 10].

          What this has brought about is the religious phenomenon of church shopping and church hopping. Questions of taste precede questions of service. Where one chooses to attend religious activities too often is based on self-serving criteria.

          This erosion of personal commitment to a group negates a fundamental cohesion that is necessary to any form of group life. Perhaps there is some logical reason for this—the church has presented herself in the past as an unyielding institution where people are used instead of served. We will continue this discussion in the next few weeks. One parting thought…The church coheres when the body of Christ offers the heart of Christ with the hands of Christ! This has to be embodied by men and women of faith who are led by the Spirit of God. 

In Christian love, Curtis

A Biblical Basis for Small Groups in the Church

As far back as 1996 Darrin Kennedy offered the following caution in regard to small groups: “The church today should not have small groups simply because the early church had them”[Kennedy, Darin. (1996,  Third Quarter). “A Theology of Small Groups.” Restoration Quarterly 38.3: 175-183. He bases this caution on other simplistic attempts at reproducing the early church in the twentieth and twenty-first century with the practices of foot-washing, women having their heads  covered, etc.

We have to admit that it is not an easy thing deciding on what congregational life needs to look like in order to reflect the life of the church in the first century.

The thing I like most about Kennedy’s caution is that he follows it up with a solid biblical reason to have small groups that is based on two things: the biblical concept of community, and the biblical identity of election. This means that small groups are not pursued because it is the best pragmatic decision to make the church grow. Rather, small groups are offered as place to experience community and identity. I cannot think of a stronger case to make for the existence of and offering of small groups by a congregation for its members!

Small groups perhaps are akin to small house churches in the first century. Therein perhaps lies a potential disadvantage that seems to scare people off—being that close-knit means that too many other people are going to know about my business!

This fear does not come from a heart that is pursuing Jesus. Fear of being known is a radical, rugged individualistic value that is diametrically opposed to Christian community. The only way that I can grow spiritually is to let others know me as I am. After all, the basic stance of the Christian life is to be known by God (See Galatians 4:9). The natural outcome of that is to let each of us know one another.

Small groups are perhaps the best format to implement meaningful “one another” religion. We really do need one another to live out our life of faith. Paul greets his readers at the end of his letter to the Colossians by saying, “Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house” (Colossians 4:15).  It seems that the church met from house to house in many cities of the first century. In this context two things were solidified: community and identity.

May we all who claim to be small group leaders and coaches pursue those opportunities of community and identity where we seriously live out our Christian calling! Christian leadership is powerful when it provides a model of community and identity for others to emulate and imitate. What a high calling it is to embody the mind of Christ for others to follow! To God be the glory!

In Christian love, Curtis

Maybe I am Not Ready Yet…!

            This week I came across the following personal confession of a Christian writer: “Maybe I am not ready yet to suffer for the Kingdom of God. My heart is too impure, my soul too divided, my love too fragile.”

            Suffering for the kingdom of God is something we would rather not think about. But recent news events have forced the thoughts upon us. For too long, perhaps, we have tried to separate any form of suffering being related to faithfulness in the kingdom. Especially if we are thinking about undeserved suffering.

            But in the quote above we are made aware that perhaps it is our heart, soul and love that are not ready for this level of acceptance and commitment. It is a topic that is touched on in Scripture. In fact, nearly 150 times it is mentioned by various biblical writers.

            Perhaps the one Scripture passage that hits home on this topic is the following one in the Book of Revelation:

            “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10).

          The apostle John, while in exile on Patmos, is instructed to write this message to the angel of the church in Smyrna. He begins by counseling his readers from that city to not be afraid of what they are about to suffer. That gets at the heart of it all. We who are Christians must daily ask God, Christ and the Spirit to strengthen our faith and not let any kind of fear to debilitate us.

            Spiritual persecution is pictured by John as the devil putting some of them in prison to test them. They are counseled to be faithful, even to the point of death. As a direct result of that faithfulness, a victor’s crown will be given them in the form of eternal life with God—a present and future presence with Sovereign God.

            Are we ready yet to suffer for the Kingdom of God? Christians in other parts of the world already are suffering at the point of giving their lives. May our hearts be made more pure, our souls more undivided in our commitment, and our love stronger so that when the time comes we will be ready to lay our lives down for our brothers and sisters in Christ, and for the kingdom of God!

In Christian love, Curtis

Refresh with Encouraged Hearts

Paul’s letter to Philemon is short, but power-packed! Not only does Paul transform the master-slave relationship, but he also demonstrates a very personal dimension of the Christian faith that has amazing ramifications for Christian leadership.

            It is crucial that the hearts of the Lord’s people are refreshed (Philemon 7). What does this mean?

It is used in Mark’s gospel when Jesus invites his apostles to come away with him to a quiet place and receive refreshment of food and rest (Mark 6:31). In Matthew’s gospel it is part of Jesus’ great invitation: “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you refreshment/rest”(Matthew 11:28). The apostle Paul reveals to the Corinthian church how much he was encouraged to see how happy Titus was because his spirit had been refreshed by that church (2 Corinthians 7:13). Finally, Paul issues a challenge to Philemon to refresh his heart again, knowing that he will go above and beyond what is expected, being confident of Philemon’s obedience (Philemon 20, 21).Being spiritually, emotionally, and mentally refreshed is the direct result of encouragement!

·        Sometimes we need to find a quiet place to get away from the rat race for food and rest.
·        Sometimes we need to come to Jesus as we answer his great invitation.
·        Sometimes we are encouraged just by seeing how others are refreshed!
·        Sometimes our hearts are refreshed just by watching how others love, obey, and go above and beyond the call of duty!

         Think of how all of this is crucial for the ongoing dynamic of vital Christian leadership and servanthood. As leaders we need to care for ourselves and make sure that we teach and lead from a quiet place. Henri Nouwen calls it the “quiet stream underneath.” Only when that stream is fed by the Spirit of the living God can those waters be fresh and invigorating. Leading and serving from a “quiet place” allows us to not be in a “knee-jerk reaction” mode, rather we prayerfully anticipate and discerningly respond.

        As leaders we personally understand Jesus’ invitation to come to Him when we are weak and burdened. Serving and leading takes a lot out of the caring Christian leader. Jesus’ yoke is easy because it is not tied to something unhealthy or destructive. Jesus’ burden is light because He helps shoulder the load. He does not put His thumb down on us as a means of control and manipulation.

        As leaders we are encouraged when we see others being refreshed and revitalized in their own calling. Encouragement is infectious! It is gives us great joy to see others encouraged.

        Finally, as leaders we are ourselves encouraged when we see living and practical examples of brothers and sisters in Christ joyfully going above and beyond the call of duty. Just this afternoon, as I am writing this, someone came into my office and described themselves as “church caulk.” What a wonderful concept! They are willing to fill in the chinks and cracks where and when any situation arises where a volunteer is needed. “Church caulk” only happens when a person is willing to be dispensed by the heart of Jesus!

        Let us encourage one another so that we, too, can enjoy the benefits and blessings of being refreshed. Freshness of soul and encouragement of spirit is like a magnet to the weary. May God give us the wisdom and His Spirit to take this seriously!

In Christian love, Curtis

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Who is a Devout Person?

          

  At the age of 25 William Law became a Fellow of Emmanuel College in Cambridge, England. But three years later in 1714 when Queen Anne died, he lost his university teaching post and his pulpit as a minister. His religious convictions made it such that he was banned from both places. For ten years he became the private tutor of Edward Gibbon, the famous historian who wrote about the fall of Rome.

            Law is best known for his work called “A Serious Call to the Devout and Holy Life.” It was originally published in 1728 and continues to be a devotional classic to this day.

            Some people today are put off by what seems to be his strict rules of the devout life. But we have to remember he was writing in a day and time when he felt that the fervor and love of devotion for God had waned and almost disappeared. In his writing of this classic, he tried to recapture the heart, mind and vision of one who was completely devoted to Jesus. Read the following excerpt below…

            “A devout man makes a true use of his reason; he sees through the emptiness of the world, discovers the corruption of his nature and the blindness of his passions. He lives by a law which is not visible to disgusting and (obscene) eyes; he enters into the world of spirits; he compares the greatest things, sets eternity against time, and chooses rather to be forever great in the presence of God when he dies than to have the greatest share of worldly pleasures while he lives.”

             A devout person thinks about a different set of values and sees life from a different perspective. Only Jesus in the heart of an individual can change a person this drastically. It is the spiritually transformed life and perspective over against the natural, passion-filled life where self is at the center. The devout person keeps Jesus at the center!

            This raises a significant question relative to Christian leadership. Can devotion and leadership function together? Can a devout person lead others? Can devotion be conceived of as the center from which Christian leadership emerges?

            In the Acts of the Apostles we run across references to a "devout" military leader and his family, to converts to Judaism, and to Ananias who was present at the apostle Paul's conversion. This word comes from eusebeias which means "godliness, piety, or holiness." It refers to a way of life where God's will and activity is at the center of one's thinking and action.

            That being the case, we should not even be in the position to ask the fundamental question that is a "no-brainer!" Can devotion and Christian leadership function together? My answer would be, how can they not?!!

           This may be a lot to take in...hmmm...a Christian leader who reflects the heart of Jesus. In our next article I want to explore more deeply the phrases and concepts that appear in the excerpt taken from Law's classic work. Let us suggest at this juncture, that Christian leadership is not about rules and power-mongering, rather it is leading others out of a life lived in Jesus!

In Christian love, Curtis