Its Not About Me, but...

I am currently reading Simply Christian by N.T. Wright. So far, I have found it to be a refreshing and intriguing defense and presentation of the Christian faith. In it he states, "The line between justice and injustice, between things being right and things not being right, can't be drawn between 'us' and 'them.' It runs right down throught the middle of each one of us." How right he is! Further, "Isn't it strange that we should all want things to be put to rights but can't seem to do it? And isn't the oddest thing of all the fact that I, myself, know what I ought to do but often don't do it?"

I have previously posted that it is important to realize that it is not about me; rather, it is about God. His name. His kingdom. His praise. His glory. However, in thinking about things like justice and injustice, things being right and not being right, perhaps it is about me. It is much easier and preferrable for me to pass the buck on this one; to give the burden to someone/something else; to shine the light somewhere else so that I can stay comfortably within the shadows, but that will never do. As uncomfortable and disconcerting as looking into a mirror in full light may be, it is only then that I see things as they are. It seems that most people, including myself, are usually content to point the finger of blame for things not being right at others (other people, other religions, other situations or circumstances), but I realize that this will not do. I must first point the finger of blame at myself.

I profess to know the difference between right and wrong. I claim to know that doing what is right is much to be preferred over doing what is wrong, not only in God's sight, but for my own sake and the sake of those I share life with. However, I still do things that are wrong! Amazing! Jesus said that in order to help our brother get the speck of dust out of his eye, we must first get the plank out of our own eye. Paul said that he often does what he doesn't want to do, and sometimes he doesn't do what he wants to do. Nevertheless, we give thanks to God who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Its Not About Me

This past Sunday was Mothers day and like most churches we recognized all of the ladies in attendance. This year the children handed out long-stem roses to their moms, some of whom ended up with 2 or more roses because 1) each of their children brought them one, and/or 2) their one child kept coming back to the flower basket for more, not to take to other ladies, but to take back to their mom. It was funny, and thankfully all of the ladies were duly recognized and went home with at least one rose (I think).

Anyway, the service progressed and as the musicians were playing during the offering, suddenly the power went out. Our worship leader, Brad, mentioned that his song was accompanied on cd and said that without power he could not sing the song. So, after the music ended, I went to the platform and began to preach with the doors open and emergency lights on. Now, earlier in the service I had prayed that God would make his voice heard; that regardless of what people thought of me, they might think rightly of Him. In the words of John the Baptist, "He must increase; I must decrease." So I preached and the people listened.

Honestly, I did not feel real good about my delivery of the message. I felt like I fumbled and bumbled my way through it; however, God answered my prayer. In talking with several people afterward, it was apparent that his voice was heard and his message was received. Thank you, Lord, for reminding me once again of the all-important truth, "Its not about me!"

Before the conclusion of the sermon power was restored. Our service ended with Brad singing a wonderful song about God's love for us as seen through the cross of Jesus. Another great day in worship of and service to our great God!

The Pace of Life

Last night Suzanne asked, "When will things slow down?" I suspect that lots of other people have asked the same or similar questions at one time or another. Through the years I have heard people speak about the increasingly fast pace of life. "The older you get, the faster time goes by," or so they say. Perhaps it seems like that. A busy day at work does seem to move along faster than a day that is less busy. Is there anything we can do about it? Is there anything we can do to slow down the sometimes frantic and frenzied pace of life? I think so.

Ephesians 5.15-17 says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." With all of the options and choices set before us today, we must be wise and discerning about how we use our resources, including time, money, and energy. To simply jump into the flow of the stream giving little heed to what is in the stream or where it is going is foolishness. It may be the best thing we can do in order to begin the process of "slowing down" is stepping out of the stream, walking up to the ridge, and looking back over where we have been, evaluating where we are, and projecting where we want to be.

Lord, I praise you for your grace is sufficient, your wisdom is eternal, your love is steadfast, and your faithfulness endures forever. Now grant to us, your servants, the ability to "make the best use of the time" for the glory of God and the good of others.