Crisis - Why Do We Care?

“Local people that don’t even know us…have bought our kids shoes, clothes, food, drink. It’s amazing.” – Robert Moore, father of Bluffton University baseball player (March 05, 2007 www.dispatch.com)

"We stand together tonight not as Democrats or Republicans but as citizens of the world, as Americans, as brothers and sisters with pain and with hurt," said Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia. "We are a circle of trust that cannot be broken. We are one people. We are one family. We are one nation." (September 11, 2001 http://www.cnn.com/)

Crisis always heightens our awareness of others… at least for some period of time.

Turn on the news or pick up a newspaper. You will see stories of people in crisis. Some major. Some seem minor to those not involved. Why do we care?

I am convinced that the Bible is not about do’s and don’ts but about relationship. The relationship between people and mankind’s relationship to God.

Some may ask – as I have – why would a loving God allow such horrible things to happen. I’m not going to attempt to say I understand the answer but I have discovered something about crisis in my personal life. Crisis brings people into relationship. Strangers give of their time, money and possessions. They risk their own safety for people they’ve never seen before. Friends take extra steps to share themselves and to cry with those they’ve only laughed with. We discover others are just like us.

Satan has successfully deceived this culture into believing individualism, self-sufficiency and independence are things to achieve. Those are the very things that pull us apart. We blame others for our struggles and we view God only as a rule maker.

Sad to say, but crisis seems to be the only thing that makes our nation Christ-like anymore.

I think there is something in all of us that wants to be in relationship with others. It’s called love. It comes from God alone. The greatest commandments, Jesus said, are to love God and love your neighbors. Maybe Jesus wasn’t saying “this is what you must do or else.” Maybe he was saying “the most fabulous component of your human programming is to love. The success of everything else in your life depends on this element functioning properly.”

So why do we care when there is a crisis? It is part of our natural design. We are created and programmed to care.

I keep saying I’m going to invite neighbors over for dinner. Have other families over just to visit, play cards, and laugh. Lord, may I do it before a crisis hits.

Time Out

I read two articles recently on children. The first, by a pastor, referred to Mark 10:13-16. Jesus says "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

I always picture happy children running and playing in this Jesus scene. It’s easy to imagine these children being examples of those who will enter the kingdom of God, right?

The reality of my own experience was described in the second article where a mom speaks of a snow day with her kids.

“Children are gifts from God and I know we are all thankful for them, but sometimes they can push us to the limits of our patience! There is nothing that breaks my heart more, than to deal with sibling rivalry. I would rather clean up ten milk spills (or broken eggs and coffee pots) than hear my children quarrelling with each other, and the black and white striped referee shirt that I seem to be forced to wear all the time is not a flattering fashion statement!”

What did Jesus mean when he said we are to receive the kingdom of God like a little child?

One thing that has always amazed me about children - I’ve seen this with difficult children in daycare centers as well as with my own strong willed children – the wildest of children will sit in a time out chair. They can be running around throwing a whopper of a fit but when the adult in charge disciplines them to sit, they sit (yes, I know there are a few exceptions but very few if the authority is respected).

All of us are like children to God. Think of the good traits you see in children. Now think of the children you would rather not be around. Ever have the desire to place one of those in the second category on your lap and let you teach them something – let you bless them with what you have learned about life?

Whatever your current circumstances, wild or cheerful, Jesus says “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29 NLT)

If Jesus is Lord of your life, run to him and let him bless you. If he is not Lord of your life, I suggest you take a time out and think about who knows best. When you are ready to listen and learn, Jesus is ready to accept your apology and show you how to really live.

Recommended Reading:

Making Children Our Priority by Rich Nathan (Vineyard Columbus March 2007 Congregational Letter)

Brothers and Sisters by Tracie Miles (Proverbs 31 Ministries)

Only Human

Have you ever said these words? – “I’m only human.” Most of us offer that phrase as an excuse for mistakes or poor behavior. As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to be more than human. “For he himself has said, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:16 NLT)

To say that being “only human” allows us to behave in selfish or less than excellent ways indicates that Jesus was not human like us. True, the fullness of God lived in his human body (Colossians 2:9). But did he not come to restore us to God so that we may truly live as he lives?

We are made in the image of God – body, mind, and spirit. John 6:63 says “the spirit gives life, the flesh counts for nothing.” It is a decision of the mind whether we will focus on the body or focus on the spirit.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:25,33

Like a plant fed through its invisible roots, our body is fed through our spirit. To say “I’m only human” is not an excuse. It should be a confession - a confession that our mind is set on earthly things, earthly abilities, earthly appearances, and earthly expectations.

Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above--where Christ holds the highest position. Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things. You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Christ is your life. When he appears, then you, too, will appear with him in glory. Let every detail in your lives - words, actions, whatever - be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. Colossians 3:1-4,17 MSG

I confess, I am only human more often than I want to be. But “because of the Lord’s great love [I am] not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Lamentations 3:22

Additional scripture:
1 Peter 1:13-21; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:19,40; John 14:1-21

Game Plan – Christ Follower to Self Leader

Terry Whalin’s blog today speaks directly to writers but a writer is just someone who puts their thoughts and conversation in print. If you like C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters, you’ll enjoy the style of this clear message to anyone who is a follower of Christ. Here’s the link http://snipurl.com/twsandb.

Grow and Sow that others may Know

Questioning God

Rich Nathan at Vineyard Columbus spoke on “Meeting God at the Cross” this past weekend. His emphasis was on the reality that not only did God come to earth to suffer for us, he also suffered with us.

Throughout the message God was revealing something to me that was bigger than I could comprehend at the time. As I was journaling it became a little clearer. Here’s the one statement from my journal that blew me away:

“Not only did God become like man, he became man. He became his own creation so that he would fully experience what his created experiences – questions.”

Let that soak in while you read Mark 15:24-24 and Psalm 22.

May God add the blessing of understanding as you read his word.

Venomous Snakes

Have you ever wondered why Jesus’ death only covered those who believe he is the Son of God? If he was God’s sacrifice for mankind, why do we have to “confess and believe?”

John 3:16 is a very popular scripture - God loved the world, gave his only son, whoever believes will live forever. I’ve often reflected on the verses that follow – God sent Jesus to save, not condemn, the world. If you don’t believe you are already condemned. Light [Jesus] came into the world but people loved darkness instead of light because they could hide their evil deeds in the darkness. But those who live by truth allow the light to reveal God’s greatness.

Great stuff but I’m not sure it makes sense to someone who is not already a Christ follower.

This week I’ve taken a closer look at the verses leading up to John 3:16. The chapter begins with Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader, coming to Jesus at night seeking understanding. Jesus introduces the concept of being “born again” to Nicodemus and continues with an explanation of flesh versus Spirit – visible versus invisible life.

Nicodemus isn’t getting it. Jesus’ words in verses 10 – 15 sound like my tone when I’m tired explaining something for the umpteenth time to my kids.

Jesus likens his crucifixion with the experience of Moses and the Israelites found in Numbers 21. This comparison gave me a new perspective of the cross.

God provided all the Israelites needed – protection, food, success in war. But when things got boring the Israelites got impatient and started complaining. God gave them something to really complain about - venomous snakes. The snakes “bit the people and many Israelites died.”

Yep, that straightened out their attitude but God didn’t send the snakes just as a punishment. He sent them as discipline. It was a tool for teaching the Israelites that the life he provides is more than what we can experience with our five senses. When the Israelites adjusted their attitude he gave them the opportunity to experience the power of the invisible God in a very personal way.

God instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole. “Anyone who is bitten by a snake can look at it and live.” There was no power in the snake. The power was from the invisible God. That power changed their life.

Whether you realize it or not, you’ve been bitten by a venomous snake. The venom kills by creating a sense of self-dependency or pride. For others it clouds our view of hope.

God is the source of everything our senses can comprehend and more. Jesus was lifted up to give us something to see as we experience the power of the invisible God.

Looking at the cross may not change your circumstances but believing in the power of God will change your life forever in a way that is visible to all.

Will you confess your need for God and believe in his power to give you new life beyond the physical? The new life begins now - it’s not a reward presented at the physical death.

Pray with me: God of wonders beyond our imagination, I am your created. All that I am and all that I have is from you. I have taken your gifts and your love as a spoiled child. I have claimed control over a life you created and intended to nurture. I have been wise in my own eyes yet foolish in failing to recognize your ways are so far beyond my comprehension. Forgive me for thinking I was powerful enough to make right decisions without you. Thank you for making a way for me to see your power and to live a new life in that power. May I live each moment according to your truth allowing the light of the Holy Spirit to reveal your greatness.

If you prayed that prayer with me, tell someone – a Christian friend or pastor. Jesus’ body was broken so that we may receive a portion of his Spirit. We are the Body of Christ only when joined with other believers.

Church Attendance

"Those who attend a conventional church are generally content to show up and accept whatever their church has on the agenda; they place the responsibility for their spiritual growth on the shoulders of the church. We found that most conventional church goers have no desire to help improve their congregation’s ministry, nor do they feel a need to increase their personal spiritual responsibility.” January 8, 2006 The Barna Update House Churches Are More Satisfying to Attenders Than Are Conventional Churches www.barna.org.

In another article, The Barna Group says, “American Christians are not as devoted to their faith as they like to believe. They have positive feelings about the importance of faith, but their faith is rarely the focal point of their life or a critical factor in their decision-making.”

Hmm, it’s easy for me to respond with “Boy, that sure is true in the churches I’ve been in.” But then I feel this little sting in my chest. If I see that, what am I doing to change it?

Do we, as a culture of professing Christians, fear God? I don’t think so. When is the last time you stepped into a church or gathering to worship God and experienced a physical alertness to the power of God. I am always amazed with the discussion of “fear God” among Christians. It always seems to come to a comfortable statement of “revere God.” We’ve made God a powerful and gentle human.

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami gives a picture of the church. One website shows people who have been enjoying a day at the beach running for their lives. That is the fear of power.

How often do we go to worship God as we would go to the beach? We go to enjoy or receive something for ourselves – sometimes that “something” is a sense of satisfaction in doing even if we complain about it. I’m guilty of this. Maybe that’s why God has given me a full year to just be in his presence with little involvement in either of the two churches we’ve been attending.

Are you ready to see the power of God? That to me is what it means to fear God. We should always be aware of his overwhelming greatness and power. Yes, he loves us as his children. But he is not human. “God” is not his name. “God” is what he is. Just as I am a woman – a human being created by the infinite almighty being we call God.

Oh that our church gatherings would be filled with fear. Just imagine the worship.