I realize how truly blessed I am to have had a dad who loved me, cared for me and would have done anything in his power to help me in any way and make me happy. I know not everyone is so fortunate as I am to have had a father who made it easy for me to believe there is a heavenly father who has my best interests in mind and loves me beyond measure.
No one I have known has had a greater influence on my life and my beliefs than my father. He died two years ago, but his words and his ways are always with me. I often marvel at how his early life was, in so many ways, sad and tragic, but his conquering spirit made him an overcomer, not bitter or resentful about his past, but grateful for what he had been given and able to move on.
The youngest of four children, he never knew his mother. When he was just two months old, in 1918, she died in the influenza epidemic. From there, his situation went even further downhill: passed around amongst relatives, ending up with an abusive stepmother, running away from home, working on an uncle's ranch and not getting the share he was promised, serving in WWII, his brother killed in action, lost love and more. He didn't ask, "Why me?" Moving from his beloved Colorado to the Ozarks after the War to be near my mother's parents, he also never asked, "What's in it for me?" He was loving and giving, and willing to put the needs and wants of others ahead of his own.
He was not perfect by any definition, but he is the best example of Christian love I can point out. Even though I know he had a temper, he did not speak angry or hurtful words. No one was allowed to call anyone else "stupid" in his presence. Insofar as it was up to him, he was a friend to everyone he met. He was the least judgmental person I have ever known; I never heard him point out anyone else's faults or mistakes or even speak an unkind word. He simply did not gossip. Ever. He was honest, generous, and he loved to laugh and sing.
He also never quoted Bible verses to make a point, never told me (or anyone else) what God did or did not have to say about a particular matter, kept his religious leanings to himself and at many times wasn't even a regular attendee at church services. But everything about him made me want to be a better person, and he is still my inspiration.
My thoughts on Father's Day: All of the religious things you'll ever say will never be as important as the example you set for your children every day. Talking about Jesus will never have the impact of doing your best to live the way he taught us we should.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Marking the End of the Easter Season
Today is the official end of the Easter season for this year; it is the celebration of Pentecost, a holy day commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus. In observing it, I am reminded of what happened in the lives of those first believers in the days following the resurrection of Jesus, concluding with Pentecost. Days which present some of the most compelling reasons why I've chosen to be a follower of Christ.
After Jesus was crucified, a transformation took place in those who were closest to him which changed them forever. Prior to the crucifixion, we see a group of followers -- especially the twelve disciples, who had been learning daily from him for three years -- who consistently demonstrated a lack of understanding of his message. There were constant questions. Doubt and confusion were common. They never seemed to "get it."
For example, John and James (the "sons of thunder" who wanted to call down death from above on the Samaritans) argued about wanting to be seated in a place of honor in Heaven, even though Jesus said his followers were to be humble servants, not concerned with power. And, as we see from the story of how Peter denied Jesus three times after his arrest, the disciples were, initially, timid, to say the least, about stepping forward in defense of Jesus. But something happened to change that.
There was no compelling reason for the disciples to perpetuate the story of a risen savior unless they believed it was true. They had not been living in luxury or occupying a place of power or influence as followers of Jesus, so there was no worldly reason to want to continue teaching the Way which he proclaimed. In fact, what happened to Jesus would suggest, that for their own safety, they should just go back to their day jobs and be quiet. But they didn't. They left behind their old lives and carried the words of Jesus to faraway places, planting seeds of faith which would eventually take the message around the world.
Something happened to those early followers which can only be explained if they believed Jesus is who he says he is. A ragtag bunch of misfits don't change the course of history unless they are transformed by a power much greater than themselves. For me, their witness provides overwhelming evidence to believe in the power which changed them.
After Jesus was crucified, a transformation took place in those who were closest to him which changed them forever. Prior to the crucifixion, we see a group of followers -- especially the twelve disciples, who had been learning daily from him for three years -- who consistently demonstrated a lack of understanding of his message. There were constant questions. Doubt and confusion were common. They never seemed to "get it."
For example, John and James (the "sons of thunder" who wanted to call down death from above on the Samaritans) argued about wanting to be seated in a place of honor in Heaven, even though Jesus said his followers were to be humble servants, not concerned with power. And, as we see from the story of how Peter denied Jesus three times after his arrest, the disciples were, initially, timid, to say the least, about stepping forward in defense of Jesus. But something happened to change that.
There was no compelling reason for the disciples to perpetuate the story of a risen savior unless they believed it was true. They had not been living in luxury or occupying a place of power or influence as followers of Jesus, so there was no worldly reason to want to continue teaching the Way which he proclaimed. In fact, what happened to Jesus would suggest, that for their own safety, they should just go back to their day jobs and be quiet. But they didn't. They left behind their old lives and carried the words of Jesus to faraway places, planting seeds of faith which would eventually take the message around the world.
Something happened to those early followers which can only be explained if they believed Jesus is who he says he is. A ragtag bunch of misfits don't change the course of history unless they are transformed by a power much greater than themselves. For me, their witness provides overwhelming evidence to believe in the power which changed them.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
A Simpler Way
This week, when I was thinking about writing my column for the West Plains Daily Quill, I was at a bit of loss for words, so I did what I sometimes do in that situation, rely on inspiration from the classic devotional book "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. The scripture reference is, "Look at the birds of the air. . . . Consider the lilies of the field . . ." (from Matthew 6:26, 28), and I share it today.
He writes: "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin -- they simply are. Think of the sea, the air, the sun, the stars, and the moon -- all of these simply are as well -- yet what a ministry and service they render on our behalf. So often we impair God's designed influence, which He desires to exhibit through us, because of our own conscious efforts to be consistent and useful. Jesus said there is only one way to develop and grow spiritually, and that is through focusing and concentrating on God. In essence, Jesus was saying, 'Do not worry about being of use to others; simply believe on Me.' In other words, pay attention to the Source, and out of you 'will flow rivers of living water' (John 7:38).
"We cannot discover the source of our natural life through common sense and reasoning, and Jesus is teaching here that growth in the our spiritual life comes not from focusing directly on it, but from concentrating on our Father in heaven. Our heavenly Father knows our circumstances, and if we will stay focused on Him, instead of our circumstances, we will grow spiritually -- just as 'the lilies of the field.'
"The people who influence us the most are not those who detain us with their continual talk, but those who live their lives like the stars in the sky and 'the lilies of the field' -- simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mold and shape us."
It often takes an effort of our will and way of thinking to concentrate on the beauty around us and the joy of simplicity. But when we do, we free ourselves to grow spiritually, and our witness to others is likely to be far greater than many sermons combined. When we focus on activities and the world racing by around us, it is easy to become agitated and distracted from God's best for us. Instead, we discover his character and nature in the quiet times, when we allow ourselves simply to rest and breathe in the depth of God's love.
He writes: "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin -- they simply are. Think of the sea, the air, the sun, the stars, and the moon -- all of these simply are as well -- yet what a ministry and service they render on our behalf. So often we impair God's designed influence, which He desires to exhibit through us, because of our own conscious efforts to be consistent and useful. Jesus said there is only one way to develop and grow spiritually, and that is through focusing and concentrating on God. In essence, Jesus was saying, 'Do not worry about being of use to others; simply believe on Me.' In other words, pay attention to the Source, and out of you 'will flow rivers of living water' (John 7:38).
"We cannot discover the source of our natural life through common sense and reasoning, and Jesus is teaching here that growth in the our spiritual life comes not from focusing directly on it, but from concentrating on our Father in heaven. Our heavenly Father knows our circumstances, and if we will stay focused on Him, instead of our circumstances, we will grow spiritually -- just as 'the lilies of the field.'
"The people who influence us the most are not those who detain us with their continual talk, but those who live their lives like the stars in the sky and 'the lilies of the field' -- simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mold and shape us."
It often takes an effort of our will and way of thinking to concentrate on the beauty around us and the joy of simplicity. But when we do, we free ourselves to grow spiritually, and our witness to others is likely to be far greater than many sermons combined. When we focus on activities and the world racing by around us, it is easy to become agitated and distracted from God's best for us. Instead, we discover his character and nature in the quiet times, when we allow ourselves simply to rest and breathe in the depth of God's love.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Looking for Answers
As my home state of Missouri begins to come to terms with the aftermath of the deadly tornado which crushed Joplin a week ago, I consider how it is human nature to try to make sense of tragedies, to understand why trials and tribulations befall certain people, while others appear to breeze through life with one blessing on top of another. This tendency to question the fairness of life drives some people away from religion because faith is not an adequate answer for them; it offers too many vagaries and not enough solid evidence.
Others who question, turn to religion to make sense of things, and sometimes that results in trying to reach logical conclusions where an analytical finding can never be applied. This kind of attempt at logic with a religious twist can lead to misguided decisions (convoluted end-of-the-world prediction dates, for instance); judgments about why some people are sick or afflicted in some manner or theories as to why tornadoes strike certain communities and spare others, for example.
However, the teachings of Jesus do not focus on making sense of circumstances. In fact, his central theme is love, and unconditional love simply doesn't make sense, it is beyond reason.
Jesus wants his followers to transform the world, but he does not claim we will always understand everything which happens along the way. He tells us not to fear, not to worry, and by implication, not to spend time trying to figure out why life turns out the way it does. I have experienced pain and heartache without faith and with it, and I am content to choose faith and place my trust in God. The mental agitation which is a result of constant fretting and questioning is not a productive use of time, and "figuring things out" is not as satisfying as we think it will be.
Jesus does not always offer explanations for what we see unfolding around us. He invites us to see with eyes focused not on this life, which is fleeting, at best, but on that which is eternal. And what he does offer is peace that passes understanding which we can embrace every day, especially during times of tragedy. Our neighbors in Joplin don't need our theories; they need our love, compassion and help, and, let's not forget, so does our neighbor down the street.
Others who question, turn to religion to make sense of things, and sometimes that results in trying to reach logical conclusions where an analytical finding can never be applied. This kind of attempt at logic with a religious twist can lead to misguided decisions (convoluted end-of-the-world prediction dates, for instance); judgments about why some people are sick or afflicted in some manner or theories as to why tornadoes strike certain communities and spare others, for example.
However, the teachings of Jesus do not focus on making sense of circumstances. In fact, his central theme is love, and unconditional love simply doesn't make sense, it is beyond reason.
Jesus wants his followers to transform the world, but he does not claim we will always understand everything which happens along the way. He tells us not to fear, not to worry, and by implication, not to spend time trying to figure out why life turns out the way it does. I have experienced pain and heartache without faith and with it, and I am content to choose faith and place my trust in God. The mental agitation which is a result of constant fretting and questioning is not a productive use of time, and "figuring things out" is not as satisfying as we think it will be.
Jesus does not always offer explanations for what we see unfolding around us. He invites us to see with eyes focused not on this life, which is fleeting, at best, but on that which is eternal. And what he does offer is peace that passes understanding which we can embrace every day, especially during times of tragedy. Our neighbors in Joplin don't need our theories; they need our love, compassion and help, and, let's not forget, so does our neighbor down the street.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Priorites
As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer I have heard heartbreaking stories of abused and neglected children, the most vulnerable members of society. We all know what sometimes happens to children is deplorable, but after what I discovered this week, I will add to the list of deplorable acts against children, what our elected officials are considering which will affect funding for the CASA program.
According to Beth Dessem, Executive Director of Missouri CASA, "The continuing resolution that Congress just finalized for fiscal year 2011 imposes a 17.2% funding reduction for some Justice Department accounts, which includes CASA programs. We estimate this will impact 2,500–2,900 children who need volunteer advocacy in the coming year. We must now ask members of the House of Representatives to urge appropriators to restore funding for CASA programs in FY 2012 to the FY 2010 level of $15 million."
I was shocked to discover the total federal budget for CASA programs across the country is only $15 million, but more astounding is that even that paltry amount is on the chopping block. ($15 million is certainly paltry when compared to the $20 billion in tax breaks extended to big oil companies by the Senate earlier this week. The oil industry cannot be numbered among the "least of these," who Jesus commands us to help.)
There are tough choices to make when addressing our budgetary woes, but the priorities of our elected officials are shameful and disgusting. And it would seem what they are doing is becoming more and more far-removed from the wishes of the majority of Americans.
Do you know why Sodom was destroyed? Not for the reasons you might think. Here is some eye-opening and sobering scripture from Ezekiel 16:49-50, "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them when I saw it."
If believers do not let their voices be heard by holding elected officials accountable for taking care of the poor and needy, we are placing our country in a precarious position. Not that I think God is going to rain down fire and brimstone, but I believe we are in danger of destroying ourselves. How can we be the greatest nation on earth, if we don't take care of the weakest among us?
Let us demonstrate the love of Jesus and make a difference in the lives of those who are powerless to speak for themselves. The time is now to turn bad news into good news.
According to Beth Dessem, Executive Director of Missouri CASA, "The continuing resolution that Congress just finalized for fiscal year 2011 imposes a 17.2% funding reduction for some Justice Department accounts, which includes CASA programs. We estimate this will impact 2,500–2,900 children who need volunteer advocacy in the coming year. We must now ask members of the House of Representatives to urge appropriators to restore funding for CASA programs in FY 2012 to the FY 2010 level of $15 million."
I was shocked to discover the total federal budget for CASA programs across the country is only $15 million, but more astounding is that even that paltry amount is on the chopping block. ($15 million is certainly paltry when compared to the $20 billion in tax breaks extended to big oil companies by the Senate earlier this week. The oil industry cannot be numbered among the "least of these," who Jesus commands us to help.)
There are tough choices to make when addressing our budgetary woes, but the priorities of our elected officials are shameful and disgusting. And it would seem what they are doing is becoming more and more far-removed from the wishes of the majority of Americans.
Do you know why Sodom was destroyed? Not for the reasons you might think. Here is some eye-opening and sobering scripture from Ezekiel 16:49-50, "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them when I saw it."
If believers do not let their voices be heard by holding elected officials accountable for taking care of the poor and needy, we are placing our country in a precarious position. Not that I think God is going to rain down fire and brimstone, but I believe we are in danger of destroying ourselves. How can we be the greatest nation on earth, if we don't take care of the weakest among us?
Let us demonstrate the love of Jesus and make a difference in the lives of those who are powerless to speak for themselves. The time is now to turn bad news into good news.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
What Now?
I post this on Mother's Day because if I could have one wish for today, it is that no one's son or daughter would ever have to die in a war or by violent actions again. Many say it can never be, but the unlikeliness of the possibility doesn't stop me from promoting peace; seemingly impossible dreams come true every day for those who won't stop trying to change the world.
There are those who call me naive (and worse) for the way I interpret the teachings of Jesus, especially in light of my blog last week, which ironically was followed just hours after I posted it by the announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden. Even though I fight my own feelings of creeping cynicism every day, I stand by what I believe Jesus meant when he instructed us to "love our enemies."
For civilization to continue, criminals must be brought to justice. I believe the military operation last week which resulted in a criminal's death was as close as we can get, by earthly standards, to justice being served. But it has been ten years since the 9/11 attacks on the U.S., and it is not justice which prevailed during that time. I believe when the first Iraqi civilian died because of the actions of our government, justice was replaced by revenge, and we became more like our enemy and less like Jesus.
Even those who want to subscribe to (and do some fancy twisting of its application) the Old Testament rule of "an eye for eye, a tooth for a tooth" would have to admit that once the civilian death toll in Iraq and Afghanistan reached just one more than the number who died on 9/11 -- a milestone we passed many times over, several years ago -- then we could safely say we became no better than our enemy.
The Old Testament is full of tales of war and vanquished foes. But, ultimately, it would seem, all of that fighting did not serve the Jews well; they are a nation living in the shadow of violence on a daily basis. That is one reason why the teachings of Jesus were so radical in his day; many Jews were expecting a conquering king, not someone who was more interested in promoting love than encouraging revenge.
To frame the context of what Jesus told his followers about loving their enemies, we need to realize they were living in a time when the Romans were a cruel occupying force, and Herod was willing to slaughter babies to stay in power. Wouldn't it seem a real leader would want to do something about that situation? Yes, and I believe Jesus taught what he did about our enemies, because he knew what works, and what doesn't.
Instead of a temporary victory over Rome, Jesus wanted to break the cycle of violence forever when he said in Matthew chapter 5, "You have heard that is was said, 'an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." And, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Chapter 12 in the Book of Romans is what could be called a Christian's "war manual." It concludes, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
The past ten years have been a disaster for peace. Thousands of our own troops are dead, thousands more maimed, and it is widely accepted that in Iraq, alone, over 100,000 civilians (perhaps many more) have died because of "the War on Terror." Billions of dollars have been spent. And worse, our society seems to have become immersed in a culture of revenge and hate.
As a result, there are difficult questions we need to ask ourselves. Is this the way a "Christian nation" should represent Christ? What have we really accomplished? Is it possible we have become no better than our enemy? And, finally, what now? We have killed one foe, but what about the next and the next and the one after that? When and how will the violence ever end, and at what cost to the Spirit of Jesus?
There are those who call me naive (and worse) for the way I interpret the teachings of Jesus, especially in light of my blog last week, which ironically was followed just hours after I posted it by the announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden. Even though I fight my own feelings of creeping cynicism every day, I stand by what I believe Jesus meant when he instructed us to "love our enemies."
For civilization to continue, criminals must be brought to justice. I believe the military operation last week which resulted in a criminal's death was as close as we can get, by earthly standards, to justice being served. But it has been ten years since the 9/11 attacks on the U.S., and it is not justice which prevailed during that time. I believe when the first Iraqi civilian died because of the actions of our government, justice was replaced by revenge, and we became more like our enemy and less like Jesus.
Even those who want to subscribe to (and do some fancy twisting of its application) the Old Testament rule of "an eye for eye, a tooth for a tooth" would have to admit that once the civilian death toll in Iraq and Afghanistan reached just one more than the number who died on 9/11 -- a milestone we passed many times over, several years ago -- then we could safely say we became no better than our enemy.
The Old Testament is full of tales of war and vanquished foes. But, ultimately, it would seem, all of that fighting did not serve the Jews well; they are a nation living in the shadow of violence on a daily basis. That is one reason why the teachings of Jesus were so radical in his day; many Jews were expecting a conquering king, not someone who was more interested in promoting love than encouraging revenge.
To frame the context of what Jesus told his followers about loving their enemies, we need to realize they were living in a time when the Romans were a cruel occupying force, and Herod was willing to slaughter babies to stay in power. Wouldn't it seem a real leader would want to do something about that situation? Yes, and I believe Jesus taught what he did about our enemies, because he knew what works, and what doesn't.
Instead of a temporary victory over Rome, Jesus wanted to break the cycle of violence forever when he said in Matthew chapter 5, "You have heard that is was said, 'an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." And, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Chapter 12 in the Book of Romans is what could be called a Christian's "war manual." It concludes, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
The past ten years have been a disaster for peace. Thousands of our own troops are dead, thousands more maimed, and it is widely accepted that in Iraq, alone, over 100,000 civilians (perhaps many more) have died because of "the War on Terror." Billions of dollars have been spent. And worse, our society seems to have become immersed in a culture of revenge and hate.
As a result, there are difficult questions we need to ask ourselves. Is this the way a "Christian nation" should represent Christ? What have we really accomplished? Is it possible we have become no better than our enemy? And, finally, what now? We have killed one foe, but what about the next and the next and the one after that? When and how will the violence ever end, and at what cost to the Spirit of Jesus?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Fire From Above
I saw some good bumper sticker wisdom this week on a truck which pulled out in front of me. This may not be an exact quote because I didn't write it down right away and may not be remembering correctly, but it was something along the lines of, "When Jesus said to love your enemies, I'm pretty sure he didn't mean kill them." That's about as straightforward and to the point as it gets.
I find it fascinating how some Christians have taken an opposite stand to that teaching, especially when it comes to the alleged threat that "Muslims are trying to destroy our way of life." Jesus, the reasoning goes, would never approve of us standing idly by and letting that happen. But there's a story in scripture which is a perfect illustration, it would seem, as to why believers should not condone that line of thinking.
In Luke chapter nine, we read, "When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, 'Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?' But He turned and rebuked them, and said, 'You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.' " (verses 51-56)
The Samaritans of the New Testament were, basically, ancestors of the Muslims of today. In this story, they did not want Jesus in their village, and the logical conclusion is because of their religious differences. (Samaritans were not Jews, and Jesus "was traveling toward Jerusalem," indicating he was a Jew). James and John were insulted and outraged by the Samaritans' rejection of Jesus; they evidently thought God was "on their side," and would be willing to destroy the village with fire from above. (An interesting parallel to modern weaponry, wouldn't you say?)
But Jesus set them straight. He did not bring a message of destruction or division. He brought a message of salvation and peace, and he apparently was not threatened by the mindset of the Samaritans. The spirit displayed by James and John seems to be the guiding principle behind much of what is happening in the Middle East right now, but the Word seems fairly clear on this matter; a spirit of destruction is not the spirit of Jesus.
I find it fascinating how some Christians have taken an opposite stand to that teaching, especially when it comes to the alleged threat that "Muslims are trying to destroy our way of life." Jesus, the reasoning goes, would never approve of us standing idly by and letting that happen. But there's a story in scripture which is a perfect illustration, it would seem, as to why believers should not condone that line of thinking.
In Luke chapter nine, we read, "When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, 'Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?' But He turned and rebuked them, and said, 'You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.' " (verses 51-56)
The Samaritans of the New Testament were, basically, ancestors of the Muslims of today. In this story, they did not want Jesus in their village, and the logical conclusion is because of their religious differences. (Samaritans were not Jews, and Jesus "was traveling toward Jerusalem," indicating he was a Jew). James and John were insulted and outraged by the Samaritans' rejection of Jesus; they evidently thought God was "on their side," and would be willing to destroy the village with fire from above. (An interesting parallel to modern weaponry, wouldn't you say?)
But Jesus set them straight. He did not bring a message of destruction or division. He brought a message of salvation and peace, and he apparently was not threatened by the mindset of the Samaritans. The spirit displayed by James and John seems to be the guiding principle behind much of what is happening in the Middle East right now, but the Word seems fairly clear on this matter; a spirit of destruction is not the spirit of Jesus.
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