Foolish
April Fool’s Day. I have never been one for pranking others. Sure, every once in a while, it is fun to hide and scare someone (and in a church building, it happens often). Some people get into elaborate pranks; throughout the ages, companies, presidents, and even entire countries have tried to fool others on the first day of April. In the military, there were simple, harmless pranks where you would ask a new airman to get a fresh exhaust sample from a forklift, hand them a garbage bag, and watch the hilarity ensue.
The pulpit minister at my previous job was an expert prankster; some people changed his name from Rick Hankins to Rick “Prankins.” An electrician by trade, he made a practice of wiring metal doorknobs to provide low-voltage shocks for any unsuspecting victim. There was nothing and nowhere safe on the first day of April. I encountered my fair share of pranks, and onlookers always wondered if I ever wanted to get even with him. But this is the reality: there is no “getting even,” only a continual process of pranks progressively becoming more intense. One time, I thought I could prank Rick. I waited for him to go on vacation and filled his entire office with balloons. Only to find out the next time I left, he glitter-bombed my desk and then wrapped it in plastic wrap. So, I quickly concluded that at some point, I would always be the fool and give up trying to out-prank him.
Luke 12:13-21 – “Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” 14 Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” 15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” 16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”‘ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ 21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
There is a type of fool who desires to chase the things of this world. It becomes an insatiable quest. Before Jesus tells this parable, the desire for the things of this world had come between two brothers; even more heartbreaking, it is happening as they grieve their father’s death. This is precisely the fool’s errand, to pursue something that has no end, to chase after something that becomes all-consuming. Paul would write to the church in Colosse mourning this mentality,
“They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.” (Philippians 3:19-20).
The contrast between these groups of people is evident. One chases after only things on this earth, and the other is secure because they are citizens in heaven, where gold has no value and where moths and rust do not destroy.
Foolishness. There is always a level of “one-up-man-ship” when pranking someone. However, in the end, both will inevitably be the fool. The only way to come out ahead is not to participate. The same goes for placing our hopes in the things of this world. If we chase the treasures of this world, we participate in a cycle that leaves us playing fools. It will harm our closest relationships and eventually disappear, and perhaps that is the greatest prank of all to invest time, energy, and resources into something that will not last forever. Instead, store up your relationship with God so you will not be considered foolish.
Fall Into Temptation
We have all stumbled across the “Serenity Prayer” at some point in our lives. Attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr, it contains a lot of truth. You may be surprised that it is longer than the abbreviated opening stanza. After reading it, you will understand why most organizations omit the second half.
“God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next. Amen.”
This poem contains some truths about life. There are so many things that I cannot change, and more troubling, there are many things that are “not as I would have it.” Reinhold powerfully observes that many of the things that trouble us are due to the sinful/fallen world we live in.
Like most siblings, our three boys know how to push each other’s buttons. Sometimes, it is malicious and intentional, and sometimes, it happens by living in proximity to other humans. All children can be highly reactionary, and Milo has figured out that it is fun to watch his brothers explode when things aren’t going their way. My job as a parent is to teach them that no matter what is happening to them, they are only responsible for how they react. Someone can take your favorite toy, you might fall off your bike, or someone might call you a rude name; however, these things can only bother you as much as you let them. So I give them that sage fatherly advice: “Don’t let him bug you.”
The world can and will relentlessly and mercilessly throw obstacles and trials at us, and as Christ-followers, we must know how to respond and discover how to be like Christ in the most challenging moments.
The synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke record Jesus’ moments before his betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus knows that for his disciples, this will be a situation far outside of their control and not the way they would have it. He knows their entire paradigm and worldview will be turned upside down. Amid his agony, he gives them instructions to consider. Here is Luke’s account:
Luke 22:39-46 – “39 And He came out and went, as was His habit, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him. 40 Now when He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you do not come into temptation.” 41 And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and [began] to pray, 42 saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 43 [Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground]. 45 When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, 46 and He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you do not come into temptation.”
The temptation for them and all of us is to Abandon, Disown, and Deny. When you are presented with challenging and “button-pushing” situations, you may desire to rebel against God, question His goodness, disregard His authority, and ignore His provision for us. These temptations are real and persistent; Jesus’ words are for us to prepare for them, asking God to assist us before they happen. Jesus knows what is about to happen, and he wants his disciples to pray that they are prepared to act the way he will when the temptation comes. We know the narrative, except for John (who follows at a distance); they all fall into this snare.
Although they all stumbled to an extent, the hindsight of Jesus’ words would serve them well in the future. Whether they were about to be beaten, imprisoned, or executed- I am confident they prayed they would not fall into that same temptation.
On a far smaller scale, this is my same request for my kids. We don’t have to be reactionary, exploding, or imploding when things do not go our intended way. Someone may hurt us, a disease may disrupt our plans, or we may have stumbled in our walk, but our goal is to prepare for the next opportunity and ask God so He can strengthen us for the next time. So that we won’t abandon, disown, or deny Him. Our sufferings can leave scars and wounds that are imperceptible yet very real; however, it is up to me how I let it affect me. No matter what the world throws at me, I don’t have to fall into temptation.
Healthy Motivations
It might be the new American pastime, weight loss. Everywhere you turn, there is a new system or plan to drop some unwanted pounds. Rightfully so, according to the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute for Health, 73.6% of Americans are overweight. Studies have shown that even a moderate loss of 10 pounds lowers the risks of cardiovascular diseases, such as kidney disease, high cholesterol, and hypertension. A quick online AI search will give you the following internal improvements: a healthier immune system, reduced joint pain, increased life expectancy, better sleep, more energy, improved memory, less anxiety, and a better mood.
Even with all these health benefits, most people’s true motivation is to be more attractive to others. In other words, we want to be a little slimmer not for the intrinsic value but for the way we will look. As we age, we become more concerned with the health benefits, but on some level, we are consumed with our external appearance and how that might improve if we only lost some poundage.
As I write this, I am cathartically discussing my journey. Personally, I want to lose a few extra pounds, but sometimes, I find the health benefits to be a poorly recognizable metric. I won’t be able to perceive some of these internal outcomes for a long time, if ever. However, I can see the results in the mirror.
In our class on Galatians, we have been studying how easy it was for that early church to want to adhere to the Mosaic Law. It is nice to have easily defined measurables that provide instant feedback. You are circumcised, or you aren’t, whether you eat kosher meals or you don’t—clear cut and definitive. Yet Paul makes it known that being a follower of Christ is about a change of heart because of faith. It reminds me of our Life Group Study in Mark, as Jesus addressed the objection of the Pharisees regarding the washing of hands.
Mark 7:14-15, 17-23 – “After He called the crowd to Him again, He [began] saying to them, “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand: 5 there is nothing outside the person which can defile him if it goes into him, but the things which come out of the person are what defile the person.”… And when He later entered a house, away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him about the parable. And He said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding as well? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the person from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thereby He declared all foods clean.) And He was saying, “That which comes out of the person, that is what defiles the person. “For from within, out of the hearts of people, come the evil thoughts, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, acts of adultery, deeds of greed, wickedness, deceit, indecent behavior, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. “All these evil things come from within and defile the person.”
It is easy to get into the idea of external measurables, actions like washing your hands or keeping the Sabbath to demonstrate your piety. Looking inward and discovering the root of your spiritual unhealthiness is far different. Additionally, when we only focus on those items that are externally measurable, we neglect or avoid those issues that are harder to change. Notice that Jesus doesn’t tell the crowds not to wash their hands but that there is a deeper issue and, more importantly, a better motivating factor. He advises them to consider the proximity of their hearts to God (Mark 7:6).
There are no spiritual cholesterol tests or heart monitors to diagnose these issues; You must discover and eliminate these roadblocks as you walk in the light. Thankfully, God has blessed us with His Spirit to reveal to us these things (John 16:13) so that our hearts do not hold onto these devastating ailments.
I encourage you to reflect on these thoughts over the next week and whether you are merely focusing on the externals of your faith or whether you are drawing near to God with healthy motivations.
Try.
Crunch. An innocent onomatopoeia- that carries a lot of weight. We enjoy the word when we are dealing with cereal but despise the word when we are driving a car. Anyone who has ever experienced even the slightest buckling of plastic and metal knows the sinking feeling of dread when your vehicle strikes another object. Whether it is your fault or not, few people want to inspect the damage after the smallest of fender benders.
Hopefully, you are adequately insured so that the sting of an accident is not as painful.
Insurance is a bizarre concept in our society. There are different types of insurance, and each category carries a different expectation if you ever use it.
Auto- probably, but hopefully not.
Health- absolutely, and optimistically, it will adequately defer significant costs.
Life- I certainly hope not.
Health- absolutely, and optimistically, it will adequately defer significant costs.
Life- I certainly hope not.
You can safeguard a vacation or event in case you can’t attend, accepting the randomness of life and how quickly it can change. Some people enter marriage with a form of insurance called a pre-nuptial agreement, hedging their assets in the event that their relationship doesn’t work out. Many businesses require a deposit to avoid losing money if a particular obligation is missed. The reality is that most people and transactions plan to fail. As we have seen, most people use an insurance policy knowing there will be a mishap and place a guarantee on that instance.
We do the same thing in our relationship with God. However, we know two main things: 1) God is Faithful and True (Psalms 33:4), and “blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7).
Many people see a passage like this and emphasize the promise of cleansing and use this as some eternal insurance; a proverbial “get-out-of-jail-free card,” knowing that when they mess up, there will be reparation for their slip. However, John does not write this to encourage a “license to sin.” Instead, the entire context is to persuade us to “walk in the light.”
1 John 1:5-8 “5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
An intriguing passage to consider: choosing to walk in the light carries the understanding that you must also be willing to admit to your failings. The first paradigm to consider is that the character of God measures the entire passage. God doesn’t simply dwell in the light; He is light. Therefore, to have true communion, walking with Him, we should attempt to remove all forms of darkness from our lives. However, we all know the difference between “trying” and trying. An easy earthly example is that some people try to lose weight but don’t change any habits, while others change their diet and activity levels to succeed in their goals. Some people “try” to walk in the light, and some people strive to walk in the light.
John will put it this way as he continues the same thought in the next chapter. Once again, this isn’t an insurance policy we want to use, but it is there when we need it.
1 John 2:1-6 – “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. 3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”
John’s first statement holds the intention “so that you may not sin.” The desire is for us to abstain from the sinful world around us. We have a righteous Advocate who has paid the price, and therefore, we are empowered to walk in the light. The phrase bookends this thought: “ought… to walk as He walked.” We know that Jesus was sinless and perfect, a humanly impossible achievement; John previously mentioned that our first step in walking in the light is to admit that we have sinned (1 John 1:8).
Our attitudes and lives should be that we do not want to sin. We desire to walk in the light. We thank God that there is a payment for our past and future transgressions. However, our goal is not to indulge the passions of the flesh but to walk as Jesus walked. Just because it is difficult does not mean we shouldn’t Try.
The Lion and the Lamb
The old proverbial saying goes something like, “March comes in like a lion and will go out like a lamb,” at least we all hope so. We hope the transition from winter to spring will bring a more pleasant shift.
However, there is some debate about how this phrase came into existence. Some claim it is purely weather-related and closely tied to superstition, where people welcome a subdued spring.
There may be some truth to this as the northern polar jet stream usually shifts at this time of year and heads further north, often manifesting in violent winds and leaving warmer seasons behind; in fall, this northern stream will move further south, bringing on fall and winter.
Others will claim it has astrological beginnings as the constellation Leo (Lion) will give way to Ares (Lamb) in the night sky. Astronomers would watch the night sky and note which star groups appeared center stage, and these constellations provided some meaning to the lives of those meandering on the earth below.
However, my favorite interpretation and origin explanation only happens every few years. It occurs when we highlight the anniversary of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection within the month of March. 2024 is one of those years, and it is a great time to remember the final events of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
In all four gospels (Matt 21:1–11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28–40; John 12:12–19), the writers declare that Jesus rode into Jerusalem as a triumphant king and leader. Matthew, Mark, and Luke then describe the overturning of the tables of the moneychangers, an act reminiscent of a roaring lion, full of righteous indignation, stating,
“It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.'” (Matthew 21:13).
However, as the narrative continues, we see the meekness of Jesus, possessing all authority and yet humbling himself for his disciples and the world. As he washes their feet (John 13:5), he tells them self-sacrifice is the definition of a disciple: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15).
Ultimately demonstrating his humility and submission to the world, holding to the prophecy of Isaiah,
“He was oppressed and afflicted,
Yet He did not open His mouth;
Like a lamb that is led to slaughter,
And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,
So He did not open His mouth.” – Isaiah 53:7
The apostle John highlights this transition from Roaring Lion to Sacrificial Lamb in Revelation 5:1-10. As John receives this revelation from Jesus, he weeps because there is a sealed scroll that no one can open. That is when we see this tremendous chain of events, “And one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to be able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” 6 And I saw … a Lamb standing, as if slaughtered,… 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the scroll and to break its seals; for You were slaughtered, and You purchased people for God with Your blood from every tribe, language, people, and nation. 10 You have made them into a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign upon the earth.” (Revelation 5:5-6, 9-10).
“In like a lion and out like a lamb.” This phrase moves me to recall and reflect on Jesus, who walked into Jerusalem as a lion yet chose to be led like a lamb to the slaughter. As we live, we should keep this attitude in mind as we try to emulate the Lion who chose to become a Lamb.
Best for Everyone
My boys don’t understand my motives all of the time. As someone who has lived longer, I can also observe situations that will escalate and end in injury or property damage. As an adult in our relationship, I can better perceive a situation’s cause and effect and keep the perils of life away from them. And so, as I watch my boys run around my house with three-foot wooden dowels, swinging them chaotically, I know that this is a recipe for disaster. However, to my sons, I am only ruining their fun and being a “meanie” when, in reality, I am protecting them from the dangers they are not aware of yet. As I observe humanity, I am aware of the duality of our condition- on the one hand, we want parameters to live by, but we also don’t like for anyone to interrupt our “status quo.”
Churches of Christ are an anomaly. There are a variety of things we do that are contrary to other Christian group practices. One of those differences, and one I am convinced that we adhere to and excel at, is church structure.
Some groups have one senior leader who calls the shots and “runs” the church. They function like a CEO and rule the roost, controlling the direction of the gathering. Other groups elect a board of directors to govern the church. These individuals rotate and share the load regarding the “business” of the assembly. Still, others gain direction and directives from a regional or corporate office; they set a standard and manage the group’s affairs from afar. If all of this seems cold and objective, that’s because it is- when groups operate like this, they become more of a business and less of a family. Our desire should be to keep the Bride of Christ from turning into a business.
There must be a better way, and there is an ideal model we follow that is influenced and supported by scripture. As a body of “sheep,” we are appropriately described as a flock; therefore, we need shepherds to tend to our needs. Paul, departing from Miletus and bypassing Ephesus, meets with their leaders and gives this exhortation.
Acts 20:17, 28 – “From Miletus he sent word to Ephesus and called to himself the elders of the church. … 28 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”
This pivotal passage contains the understanding of God’s view of church leadership. Elders, overseers, bishops, shepherds- all these terms refer to the same group of individuals. Paul charges these individuals with meeting the needs of the body of believers that the Holy Spirit directed under their care. It is a lofty goal and a heavy responsibility.
From this concept, there became a bridge between Greek and Latin, as Latin became the predominant language of religious activities for 1200 years. The Latin word for a herdsman- “pascere” from the root word to feed — became anglicized to our term “pastor .” A pastor is, therefore, one who looks after the flock. Based on these definitions, three individuals in our body are unsung heroes in my book. Three individuals who continually put other’s needs above their own; physically, spiritually, and emotionally- these men definitively tend to the flock.
Most Christians are only concerned about their own spirituality and eternal security. Some might be selfless enough to consider a friend’s or two’s spiritual health as well. However, a shepherd must consider the entire flock’s health, safety, and security. This can mean that when someone needs visitation or prayers- they are there. When someone needs spiritual advice- they are there. When someone needs a shoulder to cry on- they are there. And when a sheep has wandered from the fold and is dangerously close to falling off a cliff- they are there. They look after the health and well-being of everyone entrusted to their care. That means not only the one sheep who wanders away but also the ninety-nine that never left and now must delicately integrate the one who strayed.
Recall the parable of the prodigal son. Which son needed more guidance, the wayward wanderer or the older son that never parted with the Father?
It is a lonely and ostracizing responsibility; someone will always be unhappy with any major decision. And as Paul mentioned in his message to the elders in Ephesus, sometimes the only things you will attract are “savage wolves and false messengers” (Acts 20:29-30). Setting the example for those around them, they must be “above reproach, faithful to the word and able to exhort” (Titus 1:7-9). Finally, for those who are not elders, bishops, overseers, or shepherds, the apostle Peter has these words for us to adhere to.
1 Peter 5:5-8 – “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT HE GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
There is always a serious threat from our greatest adversary looming outside our village. And few people are willing to keep that prowling lion at bay, risking their own “skin” in the ensuing fray. Some sheep know the danger- rebuff the shepherds and wander off in their own direction, confident in their own abilities and highlighting their autonomy. Others will see the wisdom of someone who has lived longer, entrusted with a responsibility by the Holy Spirit, and values the kingdom above their own entitlements; humble themselves and submit to the shepherds. This epitomizes the role of a shepherd: to uphold the values of God’s Kingdom, take care of those around them, and guide the flock to love God completely.
Relating this to my kids, they are still growing, and they will only see my guidance as wisdom once they have made their own mistakes. Until that day, I will do my best to keep them from hurting themselves or others, not because I am a tyrant but because I want to prolong their life and make them successful. Therefore, I will guide them and hope that one day they understand that I only want what is best for everyone.
Thank you, Dan, Mark, and Rod- for your diligence in taking care of the flock at Richland.
Love Stinks
Maybe the J. Geils Band had it right- “Love Stinks.” In their song by the same name, their group laments that when you open yourself up to love another individual, you will almost inevitably have your heart broken at some point. In middle school, I thought I had it all figured out. I would become a hermit and live in a remote cabin in the woods. Keep in mind I grew up in the 1990s, long before the current trend of off-grid living had taken root. I came to this novel conclusion about remote living because it seemed easier than dealing with other humans. People are a part of life, but they come with their fair share of issues, and for a middle school-aged boy, the logical choice is removing the root of the problem, and that catalyst is the other people.
I hope you don’t misunderstand my sentiment. It is not that I don’t love people because, in fact, I love people so much that I will inevitably get hurt by them. Some have learned this through trial and error and will keep their relationships shallow and superficial. More people operate in this regard because we have all learned at some point that if we trust someone, they will betray our trust.
This is the archetype of Jesus and Judas. Allowing someone into your inner circle of relationships, knowing full well they will betray you and your confidence. I wonder how often that reality played into the disciples’ minds after Jesus ascended to Heaven. As the gospel spread throughout the world, there was always the possibility that someone would harm or hurt them, yet they spread the gospel near and far anyway. They could do this because of the example of Jesus- loving Judas in every situation.
This is why we call this message the “Good News” that Christ died for us even while we were backstabbing enemies.
Romans 5:7-11 – “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”
From a human perspective, you might be willing to help a good or possibly a righteous person (although “righteous” people are more challenging to deal with), but no one dies for an enemy. It is ludicrous even to fathom the idea of trading your life for someone who is actively against you. And yet, time and time again, we read that this is the message of Christ: giving your life self-sacrificially for others- regardless of what they may do to you in the end.
Valentine’s Day is only a few days away when we champion love in its most romantic forms. However, the “Day of Love” often creates tension as people either feel rejected, forgotten, or confounded by the practices of love. The Day will cause many others to bemoan that “Love Stinks.” And yes, from a purely humanistic point of view, love can be painful. And the deeper the love, the more pain it can cause.
Our example of Jesus experienced the most painful display of love. But hopefully, that doesn’t make you give up on love. That would be the easy way out. It would be easiest to escape to a remote cabin and disappear from a world filled with not-so-good people. However, that would contradict the message of the cross and the good news it brings. Therefore, we love the unlovable even when it stinks- becoming a beautifully fragrant aroma not to ourselves but for God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 – “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”
Love has a smell, but it definitely does not stink.
Thick and Thin
In high school, I loved participating in track and field. For me, there was nothing better than feeling the air move past me at an accelerated pace. I enjoyed the excitement of a track meet. It was your opportunity to see where you stacked up against your competitors. I loved the idea of giving my best effort and that feeling of accomplishment. However, I was not too fond of the early-season preparation. I might be “old school,” but I know two main ways to get faster on race day: running up hills and training for endurance. If you combine those two elements, most runners will improve their race time at least marginally.
Near the practice track, there was a hill that was about 1000 feet long with a 10% grade, the “9th St Hill.” Our coach would set a timer, and your responsibility was to see how many hills you could do in 30 minutes. You could walk, jog, or sprint. But only one of those will get the results that you want. Some people would sprint one hill and walk the rest, others would lazily jog, and others would push themselves and endure the hardship, aiming to improve themselves as they prepared for race day. Some were running with a more noble motivation. They are not practicing simply because it is a requirement from the coach but because it will help them succeed in the long run (pun intended).
In the last blog, we reflected on Paul’s message to the church in Corinth regarding “true ministers.” I did not know how accurate these verses were until 2023. However, some pearls of wisdom can encourage us and give us insight into our various ministries.
2 Corinthians 6:4-5 – “In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 5 We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food.”
The term minister has taken on a connotation of its own. It used to refer to someone who was an agent of some service or person. A minister could be someone dispensing care to another individual. However, it most commonly began to refer to an individual who was an agent on behalf of religion. Eventually, the term became a job title and not just a description of someone’s actions. The root word in this passage refers to someone who is a servant.
Therefore, in this passage, Paul refers to the “true servants” of God. You could also look at this as the opposite of a false minister, or rather one who administers with false pretenses or motives. Consequently, let’s note what Paul says is a marker of a true minister.
A faithful minister is someone who does not quit. Paul strengthens this as he states they patiently endure. They could give up or find a different path, but instead, they patiently endure. To remain steadfast in the face of affliction. You could stop, and many do, but it is those who keep going that show where their strength comes from. Paul even references those things that make other people quit—everything ranging from beatings at the hands of an angry mob to sleepless nights. Yet, the important thing is to keep going. We should view this concept in light of Jesus’ words in John 10.
John 10:11-14 – “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters the flock. 13 “He flees because he is a hired hand and does not care about the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me,”
Some “minsters” are only there for the paycheck. Some will quit the moment someone disagrees with them or makes them lose sleep. Some will not endure a hangnail, let alone actual hardships. Staying or running is what separates the real from the counterfeit. Jesus says that merely seeing a wolf will cause some to run away. My encouragement to you is to stick it out. When troubles come your way, when you serve others, don’t run away when things get messy or complicated. Stay with that person. They will recognize you as someone who actually cares, a true minister who will stick with them through Thick and Thin.
Hold Their Hands
I love my sons equally. In my heart, there is no distinction between them, but they have vastly different personalities and abilities. One of my sons is clumsy, a king of klutz, a professional of pratfalls. He could trip over a breeze. I am the opposite; I have the skill of a mountain goat, skittering across rocks. It is rare for me to hit the ground, and my son practically lives on the floor. And do you know what I do? I hold his hand. Yep, because if he falls, and I know he will, I want to be there to keep him from getting hurt or stumbling. If I can walk in such a way that helps him keep his balance, I will do that.
As I began to unpack the totality of ministry, there was a passage that hit close to home. It made me pause because of the gravity of the section. Paul is writing his second (possibly third) letter to the church in Corinth. He is establishing the genuineness of his heart and the authenticity of his message. Yet, in this passage, he states the hallmarks of a “true minister.” I don’t believe that a person must undergo each of these situations; however, we should all prepare to have them present in their lives. He also provides a template for how ministers should behave, which we can all apply to our behaviors.
2 Corinthians 6:3-10 NLT – “We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. 4 In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 5 We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. 6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. 7 We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. 8 We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. 9 We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. 10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.”
There is no doubt that Paul and his companions endured more trials than I pray I will ever need to face. Verse five is enough to make any devout follower of Christ pause momentarily. Yet we see the sincerity of God’s intentions lived out in the life of Paul as he brings good news to anyone who will listen.
Paul states that he will live in such a way that “no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.” Living in this manner is a tall order. Paul took his ministry very seriously, and we often want to toe the line and find ways to be “friends with the world” (James 4:4). Paul’s goal was to live in such a way that others would be drawn closer to God because of his actions; even if it meant that he would suffer. Now, keep in mind that this is not asceticism, a mere outward showing of religiousness, but a desire to show the sincerity of his heart.
Some people have different aptitudes for balance and stability. My son is a prime example. However, if I chose to walk haphazardly through life, I would not benefit him. If I am aware of his penchant for falling but walk in such a way as to make him stumble more, what kind of parent would I be? I walk in such a way so that he won’t fall. Last week, we had a terrible ice storm. Did I walk next to him and chaotically and frantically flail? Or did I watch my footing a little more firmly? As a good example, I made my steps as sure as possible, not adding confusion to his life. Steady footsteps, walking in the light, and staying on the pathway are other great ways to minister to others.
As we minister, we should walk as steadily as possible so they won’t fall. We all can show others what a stable foundation provides. They can see the stability of our actions and choose not to live a life of slips and falls, instead planting their feet on a solid rock. We don’t live this way to shame or degrade them but to be an example. But this is most effective when engaging in their lives…when we Hold Their Hands.
1-On-1
1-on-1
In my youth ministry days, I firmly believed in a tactic called “Event-Based Ministry.” The basic premise of the concept is that you create an event, invite youth to that event, and then connect/minister to them while they are there. There can be some detriments to orchestrating these events; they require a lot of intentionality and purposefulness. For instance, if you fail to incorporate the last two steps of invitation or connection (with connection being the most crucial part), it becomes like any secular event (birthday party, soccer game, video game night). However, if you are finding ways to invite and connect, a youth event becomes a place that creates its own atmosphere. An atmosphere that deepens relationships and allows for spiritual conversations.
Event-based ministry can get a bad reputation; frequently, it is used only for two metrics: numbers and “fun.” Neither of these is evil, but if it is your only justification for having an event, we need to discuss motives. Throughout his life, Jesus attended mealtime gatherings (events) with the purpose of furthering his ministry. Therefore, the event is not bad, but there needs to be a reason for it; we need to be intentional about why we are engaging with others around us.
As I prepared for these events, someone would invariably ask, “What happens if only one person shows up?” My response was always the same, “That would be awesome!” If only one person showed up, I would have more 1-on-1 time with that individual. I could connect with them in ways that built them up personally because the purpose wasn’t to have the largest youth group but to bring others to Christ. And I knew that this happens best in individual interactions.
However, that never happened; I have never had only one person attend any event. But that never changed my mentality. Because whether there were one or a thousand (which also never happened), my purpose was to connect to others and bring them closer to Jesus.
Every week, we all attend an event, our Sunday morning worship assembly; our question should be, “Who can I connect with and bring them closer to Jesus?” This profoundly personal thought process requires thinking about one person at a time. We bring others closer to Jesus in various ways; we can do it through praying with them, serving them, encouraging them, listening to them, and perhaps even smiling at them to let them know they are not alone. Generating this connection is Jesus’ desire for each of us. Whether it is one person or a million, there has to be something that will draw the world to God, and Jesus indicates it is our unity.
John 17:21-26 – “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one–as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. 22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them, and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! 25 “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. 26 I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”
Whenever we gather, it should be to demonstrate “perfect unity.” It will be our distinction from the rest of the world. This notion of unity becomes muddied when we look at the varying fractions within the Christian community. Still, for our fellowship on a weekly basis, people should walk in to see that this is a unified group. And this happens when we are all seeking to show others Christ on a personal level. We accomplish this when we interact 1-on-1.
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice Makes Perfect
One aspect of the church that has always intrigued me is that it is a mixture of people from various walks of life. When I consider the question, “What do ministers do?” I must acknowledge this part of the job. For youngsters, being in a youth group meant being a part of a group of people that was often different from you. They’re not your typical friend group, family members, or sports club. These groups are often incentivized to belong together, with common goals like grades, winning games, or being related/surviving. A church is a group of people united under different intentions. This distinction becomes a crucial element of faith-building; two key aspects mentioned this best.
We don’t know how to love others as well as we should; love takes practice and diligence. In other words, you need a place to learn how to love others. I’ve met many 90-year-olds who haven’t learned how to love others. Therefore, there needs to be a space where we learn how to love in a community filled with grace and authenticity. This is among the most inspiring parts of the Christian faith and Jesus’ instructions. He states that the world will know us because of how we love each other and reflexively love those in the world. A youth group is a microcosm of that environment called church-ekklesia- “The Called Out.”
John 15:12-13 ESV “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. …17 These things I command you so that you will love one another.”
Love others the way that Jesus loved us… simple right? But we all know that this is a challenging thing to do. So, we need a place to learn how to lay our lives down for those around us. It is where we can put others above ourselves and meet their needs while we set ours aside. Remind yourselves that this is a commandment; it’s not optional. It is what Jesus wants, and we should find a way to enact it in our lives. Jesus says when this becomes evident in our lives, the world will recognize us as his disciples.
Therefore, we need a place to learn how to love; if we say we love God but do not love others, we only fool ourselves. John says as much in his first letter.
1 John 4:19-21 “We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
To love others in this manner is what I believe God intended the church to be; when I reflect on what ministry is, it is creating a place and environment where we can learn to love each other in a grace-filled and authentic way. Even when we mess up, and sometimes we mess up big, there must be a place to learn how to show grace and love. And that is precisely what we should be doing. Loving in this manner happens not only on a Sunday morning but every time the body meets together. Whether that is for coffee, sitting at a ball game, men’s dinners, or wherever it may be, learning how to love each other. And I mean really “love” each other, “lay-our-lives-down-for-each-other” kind of love. So that we can better love those around us and emulate the love that God has for us; this is ministry when Practice Makes Perfect.
So, what are you doing to love those within the body of Christ? I used to remind teens that no one can love you if you’re not here, and you can’t love anyone if you’re not here.
I close with two quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. on what would have been his 95 birthday.
· “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
· “The beauty of genuine brotherhood and peace is more precious than diamonds or silver or gold.”
Remind, Rejoice, Safeguard
A couple of years ago, I embarked on a new direction in my career. I was considering transitioning from ministering to youth to working with all ages within a congregation. The change would not be difficult; I’ve always enjoyed working alongside every demographic. I like to say, “I’m an equal opportunity hugger.” However, before I made this transition, I wanted a better grasp of what a minister does. I asked around to those who had many more decades of ministry than I had. I sought advice on what ministry is and what it should be. The main question I asked was, “What do ministers do?”
For the next couple of blog posts, I want to wrestle with these thoughts, and perhaps it will give us insight into what a church is as I consider how we can better minister to others.
As a youth minister, one of my primary roles was to give young people a place to strengthen their faith; this process is multifaceted. We should strive to create a suitable learning environment that is also engaging and exciting for young people to attend. I’ve always adhered to the principle that “Passion is Contagious.” If you believe in something and are excited about it, everyone else will respond positively to the enthusiasm. I can’t emphasize this enough when you are working with catatonic teenagers.
I also knew that a youth group was an excellent place for a young person to wrestle with their emerging faith. Young people have a lot of questions and are primarily skeptical about everything. They have grown out of their childhood, when they accepted most ideas at face value. But as they grow into adolescence, they begin to challenge everything and everyone, especially their parents. Therefore, one of my responsibilities was to allow for questions and reinforce God’s Word as the foundation for our lives.
Paul gives us insight into these ideas and writes to the church in Philippi. He explains the superior nature of Christ and that eventually “every knee will bow” (Philippians 2:10). He moves on to discuss the pressing on to the upward call (Philippians 3:14). Yet in the middle of these two points, we read this verse.
Philippians 3:1 – “Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble for me, and it is a safeguard for you.”
Paul asserts that he is okay with reminding them about the Good News of Jesus. He knows that this is what every Christian should be excited to hear about over and over. We should share in this mentality; we should also never feel inconvenienced in hearing, saying, and living the same messages over and over again. Paul was happy to write the same instructions and to live out the example that Jesus provided. It was not bothersome, but he saw purpose to it.
He described two purposes in this verse; the first is that it should produce joy in our lives. He encourages them to “Rejoice in the Lord.” To joyfully engage in who Jesus is and what he has done for us. It is not something that grows old but provokes and motivates us toward enthusiasm and passion.
He also said that he is not troubled to write these things because they safeguard the church in Philippi. This word, translated as “safeguard,” has a beautiful meaning.
ἀσφαλής a’sphalḗs- firm (that which can be relied on), certain, true, suited to confirm, safeguard.
Imagine a guardrail that keeps you on the road. Paul doesn’t have a problem writing the same things repeatedly because it keeps them going in the right direction. It keeps them from crashing on the twists and turns of life. It confirms their faith, and it is something that can be relied upon.
This is a healthy environment for a church to foster, regardless of age group or demographic. We want to cultivate a family passionate about gathering together that will be reminded of Jesus constantly and, when we start to drive off the road, will be there to remind us of what is the “straight and narrow.” So, what do ministers do? And we are all ministers, our purpose is to Remind, Rejoice, and Safeguard.