A Picture Perfect Day

What a great day this was! It's the day before the last day of February and spring made an early appearance, with temperatures in the 60's and sunshine that melted the frost away. As I drove around the area on a pleasure drive I noticed that the whole community seemed to come out of the woodwork to enjoy this day. Entire families hit the parks and others joined me on the roads with no agenda but to enjoy the weather. After I returned home I did some yardwork (I'm feeling a bit better today) and just took a deep breath. A much needed deep breath. I can't wait for spring.

Oh, this photo is not one of mine but it reminded me of a picture perfect day. I found it online.

I hope you had the chance to enjoy this day!

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Observations About Being Content

Just about everyone I know has battled with contentment at one point or another in their lives. We all seem to want more for ourselves, for our families, for our communities than what we currently experience. Have you fought this fight as well? Some people, like myself, seem to fight against contentment on a daily basis, choosing to be restless about where we are instead of choosing to stay put and let whatever happens happen.

I had a conversation with a co-worker the other day about this subject and the aftermath of our conversation led me where all great conversations lead — into the word of God. For years I've had this phrase stuck in my head: "be content in whatever circumstance you're in." I've repeated it to myself over and over in hopes that one day my head and my heart would reconcile it as truth and be OK with that. I knew the passage the phrase came from: Philippians 4:10-12ff ("ff" means "and following"). And I knew that Paul had been the one talking about contentment.

But this question came into my head: Is it wrong, then, to want something more for your life, your family, or your community, than is currently experienced? In other words, is it a sin to want to change your circumstances? For a long time I thought it might be. Let's look at what Paul says to the Philippians in 4:10-12ff:

"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned [before], but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share [with me] in my affliction."

Paul was on the mission field and lived largely on the support he received from churches he had encountered. At times, he earned his own living through labor and business (Acts 18:1-3). His goal was not to be poor nor was it to be rich. Tough he desired that the churches play an active role supporting his work of ministry, he did not want to burden them with his support (1 Cor. 9:12-15). So Paul rejoiced when he had money coming in and learned to make do when he didn't. He didn't guilt his readers into supporting his ministry, for "God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7)." So it is clear that Paul did not receive a steady paycheck! He was, in today's language, a "consultant." An expert in his field who didn't just labor for one church or two, but many churches at many times. Some churches were big, like Ephesus, and could provide higher financial compensation. Others were small, like those in Galtaia, and most likely didn't provide huge support.

What does this have to do with being content in 21st Century America? I think it is this: Paul's secret was not in his ability to adapt to changing times nor in his ability to clip and use coupons. His "secret to being filled" is faith that God will be His strength in every circumstance. Paul's faith, just like his joy, was not dependent on what was happening to him or around him. His faith was in the one person who never changes: God. And his trust was in the unchanging truth of God's love and grace towards him: Paul.

One major note from this passage: I don't think Paul is giving a teaching on contentment for the churches and I don't think Paul's circumstances are the norm for believers. Paul was a single man who did not have children to feed, clothe and nurture, nor a business to keep open, nor a mortgage on a house. He didn't have $10,000 in credit card debt. Paul traveled from city to city, church to church, with a band of disciples (Timothy, Titus, Luke, Clement and the sort), so his lifestyle of contentment was not a model for all believers at all times. But the truth Paul unveils in this passage does transcend time and location: God should be the source of our strength in tough times as well as good times.

So it it wrong to want more for yourself, your family, or your community? Depends on the motive.

Are you seeking change for selfish reasons? To satisfy the ego, for example? If so, you're motives are very wrong. Paul (the same guy who both suffered and celebrated) wrote to the Romans: "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you (Rom 12:3)." The sinful flesh is constantly calling all men to reject the good of others and build up themselves. It is pride, ego, arrogance... whatever you want to call it... and it is not good, right and holy. Change for ego's sake is not good change. Be content as a lesser and let God be the decider of if or when to elevate you to a higher position. If you're walking with Him in humility, He will exalt you to a higher place in His perfect timing (I highly suggest you read Philippians 2:1-11 for Paul's explanation).

Or are you seeking change for selfless reasons, for your wife and children, for your neighbors and friends, for the Church? This is where contentment and change cross paths. It is not wrong to seek change for the benefit of others. Paul told the Philippians that this is what Christ did, leaving His place in glory to take on flesh and blood (extreme change) and suffer for our benefit. Indeed, I dare say it is right to do anything selflessly, for it goes against the sinful flesh and the system of this fallen world.

Or maybe you're seeking to use your spiritual gifts to a fuller measure. The Apostle Peter said that each person should actively seek to use their gifts to serve others (1 Pet 4:10). It is not a sin to seek to use your gifts (assuming pure motive) for it honors the Lord and benefits the Church. What is a sin is to suppress or ignore the spiritual gifts of others. I personally believe that any shepherd of the church who seeks to keep his sheep "in their place" is no shepherd at all. This means that the person in charge is suppressing the gifts of the body for the sake of either keeping his own power or position or preventing change. Seek opportunity to use your spiritual gifts. Pray that places will open up where you are. If not, then, pray that, if the Lord wills, He open up places elsewhere for you to serve. Just remember your motive through all this. Keep it pure and it will be right.

Being content is not about having money or not having money. It's about keeping reliance on the Lord for your strength to endure whatever circumstance you find yourself in. I'm not going to tell you that you need a new job (if you have one) or a change of location. I'm not going to tell you to stay where you are and stop whining. Being content and seeking change for your circumstance depends on your motivation. If it is selfless, it is right. If it is selfish, it is wrong.

Be God's.


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The Strange Feeling of Relief

Have you ever had times when you're not quite sure how you feel? When your thoughts and emotions are just swimming around in some kind of subconscious sea of goo? Ever had those times?

Well, that's how I felt today. I had a strange sense of relief mixed with thankfulness mixed with fatigue mixed with concern. A strange concoction of emotion, no doubt. Here's why.

I got my diagnosis this morning from my neurologist. The great news is that I do not have a disease, such as multiple sclerosis or worse. My brain MRI showed no abnormalities (and confirmed I have a brain...). My nerve endings in my spine were also normal, which ruled out a neurological disorder. I was so relieved!

What isn't normal is my spine. I have scoliosis of the spine, a fact I've known since I was a boy. Got it from my father, assuming such a thing can be inherited. My scoliosis has led to various back pains through the years but the pains have always gone away. In recent times, though a few of my discs, gelatinous ares between the bone vertebrae, have become compacted and are now bulging out of position. One such disc is bulging into my spinal cord, causing my leg and arm weakness and other nerve issues. My doctor showed me the spinal MRI and even an untrained person like me could see the problem. My blood work further revealed that my level of vitamin B12 was a little low, which in 10-percent of people causes nerve tingling and numbness. I count myself among the 10-percent!

So the diagnosis of my bulging disc and vitamin deficiency problem was a huge relief for me. I had tried not to think of the worse possibilities for my symptoms but I must confess that they slipped into my consciousness from time to time. I knew that come whatever may, God would take care of me and I would seek to glorify Him in my circumstance. Yet, like any person of sound mind, I was concerned for my health. And I really don't like what's happening to my body!

Yet I'm mixed in emotion for some reason, treading water in the emotional goo of ambivalence. I'm relieved to know my condition is treatable. It may require surgery but I'll find out for certain later. I'm thankful to the Lord for a diagnosis and that the diagnosis was certain and specific. Yet I'm tired from watching my health deteriorate each week since before Christmas. But I'm also ready to start my back therapy and eat more chicken (for vitamin B12). So tonight I'm a bit mixed.

Ever had those times?

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers during this trial. I have a long recovery ahead that may require several major life changes. My spine needs work and I need to find a better way to work/rest that does not compress it. Thankfully, I have a plethora of friends around me to offer input, support and, occasionally, the name of a doctor they really like. They are making this trial so much easier to bear and I am eternally thankful.

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Here's to Being Real

Those who know me well know that I love the Discovery Channel show Deadliest Catch. In case you've been hiding on the other side of a big boulder or watching some crime-flavored drama, Deadliest Catch chronicles the plight of crab fishermen in Alaska's Bering Sea, one of the most violent bodies of water on the planet. The show, which is about to start its 7th season, I believe, follows four crab boat crews through the ups and downs of crab fishing — human drama, tragedy and triumph. One such crew manned the eight-man fishing vessel Cornelia Marie, captained by the crusty, crude and some folks think cuddly (hey, I needed a third C, okay?) Captain Phil Harris. Phil doesn't spare his opinion on anything. He's not afraid to challenge his crew, to the man, and he won't take flack from nobody.

Thanks to the show, Phil became a celebrity, with his "famous status" rising with the show's ratings. Everywhere he went he was hounded for autographs. Simple fishermen, Phil and his fellow boat captains were hesitant to accept their new public status at first but they have grown to enjoy their popularity.

On February 9th, Captain Phil died, the victim of a stroke brought on by many years of hard living. His boat was off-loading crab at a port when he suffered the attack. Ten days later he died, his sons and best friends at his side.

Mike Rowe is another Discovery Channel personality and show host. For the past six seasons, Mike has also been the narrator voice on Deadliest Catch, describing to viewers the ins and outs of fishing activity and fishing drama. In looking back on the life of Phil Harris, the best he knew, Mike blogged these words:

"I guess it comes down to this. The world is desperate for authenticity. In business and in real life. In work and play. We crave it I think, because it’s in such short supply. Consequently, when we see it, we’ll wait for it. We’ll watch it on TV. We’ll stand in line for a chance to be near it. Fans, fishermen, CEO’s – we know authenticity when we see it, even if we’re not looking for it. And Phil Harris had it in spades.
"I didn’t know Phil well enough to properly eulogize him. However, I knew him enough to like him, and more than enough to miss him. He was the real deal. Flawed, human, decent, kind, and totally authentic. And one h*** of a Captain."

What Mike observed is a truth that cannot be overstated. Authenticity stands out in this world of phonies and fakes. When people see authenticity, they are drawn to it, even if it is appalling to us. The world is desperate for authenticity because it is alien — foreign — to the world's own standards of life. Society loves to celebrate fakes but it is deeply drawn to what is real. Earthquake coverage in Haiti drew monstrous ratings for cable news networks, for example.

If the world is desperately looking for authenticity, what are we waiting for, Church of the Living God? Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matt 5:16)." People were drawn to Captain Phil because they saw authenticity in him. If we were doing our part, as true followers of the Light, to live authentic, transparent lives in front of the world, imagine how great the impact would be!

Authenticity is a powerful tool we all need in our toolboxes of everyday life. Don't try to hide who you are. Be real! Be genuine. Be authentic. I think people will notice and pay attention.

Be God's!

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The Joy of Being Chosen

"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure."

My young singles small group just started a study of First Peter last night and, two verses into the letter, my heart is already overwhelmed with joy. The saint who speaks his mind, Peter addressed his letter to Jewish Christians in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) who were, by their new faith in Christ, now even bigger "aliens" to their hometowns. It was tough enough being Jews in a Gentile world, but now they were Christians, which made them aliens (lit. "strangers") to both Jew and Gentile alike. How disheartening that would've been!

But they were not worthless because of their new faith. And in the midst of whatever persecution they faced, they were not forgotten by the God who saved them. No, they were special to God. And He was actively working in their lives.

I love the fact that Peter tells these young believers that they were "chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father." It was no accident or coincidence that the Gospel was preached to many of them in Jerusalem at Pentecost (see Acts 2:9-11). And it was no accident or coincidence that their hearts were receptive to the message. God looked, in His foreknowledge, upon them and chose them to become sons of God through faith in Christ. They were special to Him!

God considers you and I to be His special treasure, his beloved possession. Throughout Scripture, we see that God calls people to Himself out of His love for them with the intention of blessing them (see Deut. 7:6-9, Romans 9:17, Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12). All of this brings Him glory by displaying His mercy and love. He chose us to be special — set apart by the power of the Holy Spirit — to grow in our obedience to the commands of Jesus and be continually cleansed from all sin and guilt (Heb. 10:22).

He chose us to be free from guilt! How awesome is that! Who doesn't want to have a clean conscience?

In the midst of our times of suffering, when we tend to feel the most alone, the most rejected, the most unloved, God has not rejected you and me. He chose US to be His special treasure, His beloved possession, free from the weight of sin and guilt, and with the intention of growing into a stronger relationship with Him.

You are not rejected and alone. He is with you. He has chosen you by name. You are loved.

May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure!

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