Not-so-trivial Pursuits

"Let us then pursue what makes for peace & for mutual upbringing."

(Romans 14:19)

I believe it was Thumper in the classic Disney movie BAMBI who said, 'If you can't say somethun' nice, don't say anything at all!'  (Actually, he was quoting his mom's advice, wasn't he!).  I wonder if we, in contemporary American culture, have lost sight of this wisdom?  We seem so quick to criticize, judge, complain & argue with anyone we have a difference with.  Our "right" to speak our mind often trumps the call for kindness.

Paul was facing a challenge in the early church.  Some believers were openly criticizing (and condemning) other believers because of what they did or didn't eat (notably, food that had been sacrificed to other gods & then resold on the open market).  Those in the faith began tearing one another down, and it made Paul's heart sick.  Rather than lay give the definitive declaration of WHO'S RIGHT, Paul instead urged them to simply "pursue what makes for peace & mutual upbringing."

We could go a long way if we followed that advice today.  Pursue peace & mutual upbringing.  How would our days change if we were intentional about not putting others down or seeking to interject how others were wrong all the time?  How would it change our interactions with our spouse, children, co-workers, people at Starbucks (even, dare I say it, fellow drivers on the road?!?)?  Who knows... I just might become a little more like Jesus.

Up, not down

"Now, even if I boast a little too much of authority, which the LORD gave for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it."

(2 Corinthians 10:8)

Paul really loves the people of Corinth. He started a church in this thriving metropolis... this multicultural city that had all the temptations and trappings of any modern-day equivalent. His letters to the church there are recorded as 1st & 2nd Corinthians.

His love for them compelled him to speak the truth to them when they went astray, however. Given the fact that very few of us enjoy being corrected, some of the people took Paul's first letter quite harshly. Which prompted Paul to respond not just with reproof, but also with explanation. Here in the 10th chapter of his 2nd letter, Paul reminds them that he uses his authority to build them up, not tear them down. He's not trying to "put them in their place" or "bring down the hammer" of God's judgment. not at all. He's trying to strengthen them. Trying to correct their error (& sinful ways). Trying to make them more like Jesus.

What a great example for us when it comes to relating to others... especially within the church, and as people of faith. Are we trying to tear down our build up others, in the name of Christ? Even in correction, our words/actions should seek the latter. Lord help us all! AMEN.

THE question

"The LORD said to Moses, 'Is the LORD's power limited? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.'"

(Numbers 11:23)

"Would you like a little cheese with that whine?" The Israelites were 'whine connoisseurs.' They loved grumbling and complaining. "Remember how good we had it back in Egypt? All that free fish, fruits & veggies?! THAT WAS THE LIFE!" they said. (They just forgot to mention the part about them being SLAVES in Egypt - oops!) "WE WANT MEAT!" came their cry. Sure, God had rescued them from bondage in Egypt, saved them from an advancing Egyptian army (armed with attack chariots, no less!), and promised them a land flowing with 'milk and honey.' That was all fine and dandy, but the lunch menu stunk! Seriously. Daily bread (aka "manna") just wasn't cutting it. Too boring. No variety. Who cares if it met all of their nutritional needs. Dull. "WE WANT MEAT!"

God then chooses to exercise His gift of irony. He tells Moses that He'll give them exactly what they want, all right! But they won't like it! And he's not going to give them just a one-time-serving, either? Nor 2 days... or 5 days... or 10 days... or even 20 days of meat. Nope. God's going to stuff them full of meat for 30 days! So much meat, in fact, that it'll be coming out their noses (eeuw!). Moses, who evidently wasn't very quick in the 'irony department,' began questioning God as to the practical realities of God's statement. "Seriously, God? A month of meat? You're joking right? That's not possible!"

And then God asks it THE question. It's almost as if He were waiting for just the right chance to prove Himself. "Is my power limited?" He asks Moses. (Umm... time to shut up, Moses. Don't answer that question. It's rhetorical!!!). The Hebrew phrase here literally means, "Is the Lord's hand too short?" Wow. That's a question you never want to hear God ask of Himself, after you and He have been talking! Just trust the answer is "No. Your power is NOT limited God!"

We're coming close to the end of a decision-making process at Aiea UMC. We've been prayerfully trying to discern whether God is leading us or not to start a new satellite ministry. It's a bold move - especially since our vision is to start with house churches - not a large corporate worship center. We've wrestled with a number of questions, issues, and risks... and it may all boil down to the issue of money. Are we ready to make a bold financial decision, even if we don't have all the money accounted for prior to starting? To some of us the task appears very daunting. And yet, could it be this passage today is a word of encouragement? "Is the Lord's power limited? Is His hand too short (to provide)?"

Personally... I don't think so!

Confidence & Hope

"Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward."

(Hebrews 10:35)

In the US, we are proud of our achievements. We recognize hard work, accomplishments, and personal endeavors. In fact, as children, we're often told that if we put our mind to something, we can accomplish anything. You might even say this is one of the bedrocks on which our country was founded.

In the 10th chapter of Hebrews, however, the author encourages the believers to persevere and endure, despite the numerous hardships they're experiencing. How? Not due to their own accomplishments and achievements... but because of their CONFIDENCE! Their confidence in Christ Jesus and the hope that comes from a life lived with him.

Christians in the US know about this hope, and it is encouraging to us as we go through trials and tribulations. But here in the Philippines (as I'm on a 1-week Compassion International trip), I've seen first-hand the hope and confidence that causes these people in poverty-stricken Davao to have great faith! From the rickety old shack of the Daborbors, where mother Josephine rejoiced in her "blessings"... to the incredible testimony of LDP alumni Raphonzel, whose whole family came to know the Lord through her experience of Compassion - a truth she holds firmly in her heart... a confidence in grace that can never be taken away... to the joy in the hearts of the many Compassion Center staff, who continue to make a difference in the lives of children day after day, because they know the hope and confidence that comes from knowing Jesus!

Wes Stafford, in his book Too Small To Ignore, remarks that HOPE is one of the greatest weapons in the fight against the downward spiral of poverty. Give a child a sense of hope and confidence that they are indeed loved, valued and important... and you can change the world!

"Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward." Maybe this is a message for me today?!? A reminder from the faithful saints of Davao. AMEN.

Others first!

"We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor."
(Romans 15:1-2)

Imagine a world where it was normal for someone to think more about someone else, than themselves. Not in a self-depreciating & unhealthy way... but in a putting-others-first, supporting way. Imagine a community where people went out of their way to find how to encourage and build up one another. Where helping someone else grow, develop and mature was more important than personal advancement. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?!?

Paul, writing to the church in Rome, instructs the believers to live like this. Wow! In our best moments, this is how we Christians live out our faith. Unfortunately, there are also many, many moments we don't live like this.

Who can I encourage and build up today? My children & my wife, yes! My co-workers, sure! The two youth I'll go watch play in the state soccer tournament today, yup! The church members I'll visit this afternoon, uh-huh! Someone I don't even know I'll encounter yet today? Sure! How about you?

PRAYER: Lord, make me ready to be a blessing to others today. AMEN!