Last night in youth group we were blessed to watch the Pure Flix movie, "Woodlawn." This movie highlights the true story of racial tension at racially integrated, Woodlawn High school. The movie begins with many moments of high tension as both white and black students were very verbal about their disapproval of their school being a place where both black and white students could come to learn. Things aren't much better for the football team as team mates argue, quarrel, scream, and fight each other Coach Gerelds sees his team spinning out of control. He fears this may be the end of his time as coach at Woodlawn High if something can't be done. As almost a gift from God, Hank, an enthusiastic sport's chaplain asks the coach to speak to the team about Jesus. Seeing he has nothing to lose coach Gerelds reluctantly agrees. He is amazed at his team's response over Hank's message of love and acceptance. The movie continues with the rise of Woodlawn's star running back, Touchdown Tony Nathan, and it serves as a reminder that Jesus can make a huge difference if we truly make room for him. If you enjoy football/sports movie it is a really enjoyable flick, fairly well acted, and has a pretty entertaining story line.
Here are a few take aways from the flick....
1) We don't always win with Jesus.
It is true with Jesus we have beaten death and the forces of wickedness, but sometimes in this life time we do lose. Woodlawn played their rival school, Banks, for the division title twice in the movie, and I won't spoil too much but early on Tony's junior season they did lose. One big disservice Christian movies can do is to paint a reality that with Jesus we win all of our earthly battles. We as Christians do win some but not all. God doesn't call us to be winners as Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 4:7 that he has fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith. We are called to be faithful.
2) Live for Jesus and people will notice.
Coach Gerelds in the movie was very skeptical about Hank and his message to the team. He was very skeptical about his team's response, and he just had doubts that anyone in Birmingham, AL could relate and interact well with someone of the opposite skin color. He was amazed at how his team began supporting each other, looking out for each other, and how well they began playing. Coach Gerelds came to know Jesus not because of some compelling preacher, but he came to know Jesus because other people lived out their faith in real and powerful ways.
3) Racism is still alive today.
The sad truth is we live in a world where we don't do very well with people who are different than us. Most of our friends, colleagues, and acquaintances are all people just like us. I'm not saying that in and of itself is a terrible thing. But, I wonder, "Are we missing out on all the fullness and richness of life God has to offer if we only associate with people just like us?" I don't fully know how to answer that, but I know the Kingdom of Heaven is going to be filled with many beautiful people from all over the world, and many of them will not look like white Americans.
Racism takes many forms. Some of those forms are overt and some are subtle. But, I encourage you to recognize it and to pray that God would use you to help put a stop to it. Allow your home, your place of work, and your church to be a place where all feel welcome. Be open and willing for God to use you in might ways, and you will be surprised what he is capable of doing.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Monday, May 9, 2016
on Changing the World
As we embark on our First Change the World Day this Saturday May 14th, it is important to really grasp the implications of what we as Christians are called to do in the grand scheme of the Great Commission. So, as we dive into this incredible idea of changing the world, let's strive not to forget a few important things.
1) Jesus has already forever changed the world. John 1:14, "The word became flesh and dwelt among us."
Let's face it the greatest thing ever to happen to this world is Jesus. Nothing better has come before, and I will remind you nothing better is coming. As you read this I really hope that isn't a let down, but rather an incredible joy that the God of the universe is so invested and so loves this world that He wanted to be a part of it. All of our service, all of our energy, all of our missions while great and many times very meaningful will fail in comparison to Jesus entering into, speaking truth into, and saving the world.
The goal is for you to read this and not to say, "Oh, why should I do mission if what I do fails in comparison. . ." But, rather for you to say, "God has called me to an incredible role in his story of bringing the entire world into a loving, saving relationship with him, and I accept this role humbly."
2) We should never divorce the mission from Jesus.
This area is really tricky. I will be the first to tell you that people believe many different ideas about this. I don't remember if you recall the homeless man who walked into Chic-Fil-A a few months ago asked for a meal and the employee brought the owner out to meet the man, the owner prayed for the man, and then gave him his dinner. Should the owner have given the man the meal and not prayed? Was the owner right in praying with the man first? There are many questions to consider here, and my opinions on this are still evolving. However, here is what I can tell you.
1) Be and very patient with people. We rarely know someone's entire story, people are very hesitant to let you into their struggles and pain. My best advice be kind, be patient, and know that God uses your efforts even if it doesn't seem so.
2) Be inviting with Jesus, but be willing and open to hearing no.
It is so powerful to ask to pray with people, to ask to tell people about Jesus, but my advice is to always give them a choice. Be okay and be comfortable if someone says no. God will continue to work that person in many, many ways long after you've gone. Be good, be faithful, be inviting, but most importantly be humble and understand that God saves people not us.
3) Allow service to become your energy.
One of the big problems today is that many of us see serving the Lord and living our faith as a burden. Nehimiah 8:10 reminds us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. One of the big things I see missing in many of us, now I didn't say all of us, but it is joy and energy. We seem tired, over busy, over worked, and for many of us it seems to be going through the motions. My advice, simplify your life, take on less, say no more, and make it a really amazing experience when you say yes. God can use you, no matter what, but our witness is most effective when we are energized, joyful, and prepared rather than tired and overworked. Learn how to balance your life with rest, service, worship, obligations, work, and more. Understand that almost always when you say no, it is God preparing you for a greater "yes" opportunity that is coming your way. Together we can change the world.
1) Jesus has already forever changed the world. John 1:14, "The word became flesh and dwelt among us."
Let's face it the greatest thing ever to happen to this world is Jesus. Nothing better has come before, and I will remind you nothing better is coming. As you read this I really hope that isn't a let down, but rather an incredible joy that the God of the universe is so invested and so loves this world that He wanted to be a part of it. All of our service, all of our energy, all of our missions while great and many times very meaningful will fail in comparison to Jesus entering into, speaking truth into, and saving the world.
The goal is for you to read this and not to say, "Oh, why should I do mission if what I do fails in comparison. . ." But, rather for you to say, "God has called me to an incredible role in his story of bringing the entire world into a loving, saving relationship with him, and I accept this role humbly."
2) We should never divorce the mission from Jesus.
This area is really tricky. I will be the first to tell you that people believe many different ideas about this. I don't remember if you recall the homeless man who walked into Chic-Fil-A a few months ago asked for a meal and the employee brought the owner out to meet the man, the owner prayed for the man, and then gave him his dinner. Should the owner have given the man the meal and not prayed? Was the owner right in praying with the man first? There are many questions to consider here, and my opinions on this are still evolving. However, here is what I can tell you.
1) Be and very patient with people. We rarely know someone's entire story, people are very hesitant to let you into their struggles and pain. My best advice be kind, be patient, and know that God uses your efforts even if it doesn't seem so.
2) Be inviting with Jesus, but be willing and open to hearing no.
It is so powerful to ask to pray with people, to ask to tell people about Jesus, but my advice is to always give them a choice. Be okay and be comfortable if someone says no. God will continue to work that person in many, many ways long after you've gone. Be good, be faithful, be inviting, but most importantly be humble and understand that God saves people not us.
3) Allow service to become your energy.
One of the big problems today is that many of us see serving the Lord and living our faith as a burden. Nehimiah 8:10 reminds us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. One of the big things I see missing in many of us, now I didn't say all of us, but it is joy and energy. We seem tired, over busy, over worked, and for many of us it seems to be going through the motions. My advice, simplify your life, take on less, say no more, and make it a really amazing experience when you say yes. God can use you, no matter what, but our witness is most effective when we are energized, joyful, and prepared rather than tired and overworked. Learn how to balance your life with rest, service, worship, obligations, work, and more. Understand that almost always when you say no, it is God preparing you for a greater "yes" opportunity that is coming your way. Together we can change the world.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
on Anger
Let's face it we live in an angry world. Our world is filled with much noise, shouting, bullying, and at many times it even seems down right chaotic. The sad truth is our world is very angry and at the moment uncompromising or willing to change. For followers of Jesus this can be very tricky and difficult, because many people in our families, neighborhoods, churches, and schools fall at many different places on the political spectrum and many people readily accept labels for themselves such as conservative, liberal, moderate, etc, but they readily reject those who have different beliefs. The sad reality is this problem is this problem is not going away, but we can do something about it. Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling.
1) Always be willing to listen. James 1:19 says, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."
One great step you can take toward bringing about the Kingdom of God on this earth is to become a better listener. Learn not just to stop talking but also really focus on what the other person is saying. One very important truth is you don't always have to agree with them, but as a common courtesy and as a gesture of kindness you should listen to them. My mother would always tell me, "Brian, you have two ears and only one mouth. You should listen twice as much as you talk."
The same is true about our relationship with God. How many times do we dominate the conversation in our prayers and even during worship? Begin praying more often that the Holy Spirit would speak to you and you'd have the humility to listen.
2) Share your story first, then your ideas second. Acts 22:1-22. . .
We live in a society where people share their ideas and beliefs all the time! Even if you don't want to hear them, people are still telling you who to vote for, what to support, who's a racist, who's a crook, who's right, and who is wrong. This sharing does have value, but it often leaves very little room for the Holy Spirit to work. Many people have their minds made up on key beliefs and ideas at this point. However, your story of how God is working in your life has immense value, learn to share it. Learn to post things on social media that don't degrade other people but rather lift God up. Learn to pray for those who you disagree with, and above all don't be silent on your story. God should and needs to be working in your life, and in a world that is filled with anger, hurt, and confusion people need to be drawn to the goodness of God.
3) Don't be content just with what you know. . . Ephesians 3:20, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine according to the power that is at work within us. . ." Don't just settle or be satisfied to hear what you know in worship, study, meditation, or in conversation. Seek to learn more about God, seek to grow in your faith, seek to serve more than you seek to complain, and above all never stop learning. Our Christian walk is a marathon. God is ready to take you deeper every step of the way, but never stop learning about who God is. Make Sunday school, worship, service, and Bible study a priority in your life. You'll be amazed at how your anger at things that don't matter seems to cool when this happens.
A conversation for you to have with your loved ones: "What should we as followers of Jesus Christ be angry about?"
1) Always be willing to listen. James 1:19 says, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."
One great step you can take toward bringing about the Kingdom of God on this earth is to become a better listener. Learn not just to stop talking but also really focus on what the other person is saying. One very important truth is you don't always have to agree with them, but as a common courtesy and as a gesture of kindness you should listen to them. My mother would always tell me, "Brian, you have two ears and only one mouth. You should listen twice as much as you talk."
The same is true about our relationship with God. How many times do we dominate the conversation in our prayers and even during worship? Begin praying more often that the Holy Spirit would speak to you and you'd have the humility to listen.
2) Share your story first, then your ideas second. Acts 22:1-22. . .
We live in a society where people share their ideas and beliefs all the time! Even if you don't want to hear them, people are still telling you who to vote for, what to support, who's a racist, who's a crook, who's right, and who is wrong. This sharing does have value, but it often leaves very little room for the Holy Spirit to work. Many people have their minds made up on key beliefs and ideas at this point. However, your story of how God is working in your life has immense value, learn to share it. Learn to post things on social media that don't degrade other people but rather lift God up. Learn to pray for those who you disagree with, and above all don't be silent on your story. God should and needs to be working in your life, and in a world that is filled with anger, hurt, and confusion people need to be drawn to the goodness of God.
3) Don't be content just with what you know. . . Ephesians 3:20, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine according to the power that is at work within us. . ." Don't just settle or be satisfied to hear what you know in worship, study, meditation, or in conversation. Seek to learn more about God, seek to grow in your faith, seek to serve more than you seek to complain, and above all never stop learning. Our Christian walk is a marathon. God is ready to take you deeper every step of the way, but never stop learning about who God is. Make Sunday school, worship, service, and Bible study a priority in your life. You'll be amazed at how your anger at things that don't matter seems to cool when this happens.
A conversation for you to have with your loved ones: "What should we as followers of Jesus Christ be angry about?"
Thursday, April 14, 2016
on Humility
This has been something God has really been hitting me over the head with recently. Pride is easy to adapt, easy to live into, but has very little place in the Kingdom of God. Time and time again in all four gospels we hear Jesus putting prideful people in their places. Jesus has moments when he tells the Rich Young Ruler to sell all of his possessions (Matthew 19:16-22), he instructed dinner guests to sit at the foot of the table and not the head (Luke 14), and he even voluntarily washed his disciples feet (John 13), a task not even slaves during 1st century Israel were required to preform.
Jesus is very intentional about spreading his message of being humble and willing to serve and also condemning those who demonstrate prideful behavior. Because he knows and saw in his earthly ministry time and time again just how destructive prideful behavior can be. So, in this overarching message what are a few things we can learn about humility? Here are a few. . .
1) Anybody can practice it.
One of my favorite quotes of all time is by Martin Luther King Jr. he said that anybody can be great because anybody can serve someone else. What a powerful reminder that servanthood is not based on talent, income, or intellectual ability! My charge to you is look to serve. Look to go above and beyond without being asked or without getting anything in return. You very well could lead someone to want to know the God you worship.
2) Jesus first served us.
Servanthood and humility does require you to give up something. It often requires you to give up being first, being comfortable, and often it requires you to give up your time. But, what you get in return is so much greater than what you gave up. You get the joy of blessing someone with your love and service, and there is also the reminder that whenever we fed the hungry, clothed the naked, etc. we did it to Jesus as well. (Matthew 25, Parable of the Sheep and the Goats).
3) Habits become a lifestyle.
Let's face it most of enjoy being served. We like someone bringing us a drink so we don't have to get up from the couch, we enjoy someone volunteering to watch our kids, clean our house, etc. But, when you begin to walk humbly, thank people regularly, and look to serve your church, neighborhood, family, and community these habits will become a part of who you are. It will be one of the biggest blessings and adventures of your life!
Jesus is very intentional about spreading his message of being humble and willing to serve and also condemning those who demonstrate prideful behavior. Because he knows and saw in his earthly ministry time and time again just how destructive prideful behavior can be. So, in this overarching message what are a few things we can learn about humility? Here are a few. . .
1) Anybody can practice it.
One of my favorite quotes of all time is by Martin Luther King Jr. he said that anybody can be great because anybody can serve someone else. What a powerful reminder that servanthood is not based on talent, income, or intellectual ability! My charge to you is look to serve. Look to go above and beyond without being asked or without getting anything in return. You very well could lead someone to want to know the God you worship.
2) Jesus first served us.
Servanthood and humility does require you to give up something. It often requires you to give up being first, being comfortable, and often it requires you to give up your time. But, what you get in return is so much greater than what you gave up. You get the joy of blessing someone with your love and service, and there is also the reminder that whenever we fed the hungry, clothed the naked, etc. we did it to Jesus as well. (Matthew 25, Parable of the Sheep and the Goats).
3) Habits become a lifestyle.
Let's face it most of enjoy being served. We like someone bringing us a drink so we don't have to get up from the couch, we enjoy someone volunteering to watch our kids, clean our house, etc. But, when you begin to walk humbly, thank people regularly, and look to serve your church, neighborhood, family, and community these habits will become a part of who you are. It will be one of the biggest blessings and adventures of your life!
Monday, April 4, 2016
on Proverbs 12
One thing I do really love is that the word of God is timeless. God's word speaks into our lives in powerful, real, and profound ways all the time. My prayer and hope is that the more we read the word of God, the more we become like Jesus. Here are some thoughts on Proverbs 12.
Proverbs 12:1, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge. Whoever hates correction is stupid."
Discipline is a word that brings up many negative feelings. We remember the days of being grounded, not being able to watch TV, being put in time-out, or being spanked, swatted, etc. However, the writer of Proverbs seems to have a different approach. If you love discipline then you will love knowledge. If you see the value in being corrected, learning from mistakes, have the humility to admit you were wrong, and the enthusiasm to correct/change your foolish behavior than the writer contends you will love knowledge. To take it one step further and to fit this verse in the overarching theme of Proverbs, good things will come to those who love discipline.
Where I think this conversation needs to go is two-fold. 1) I think and personally believe discipline always should make the person being disciplined a better person. The idea of discipline should always be behavior change not punishment or even a power trip, but rather the result should be a change of the heart. We discipline out of love, not power. 2) Learn to set a powerful example. Humans beings imitate what they see and especially imitate those people who they like and respect. If you're in a position of authority (parent, teacher, older sibling, etc) be a source of kindness, love, and respect. Younger people will imitate good behavior if they see see it.
Proverbs 12:20, "Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy."
It can sometimes be very difficult to measure a person's heart. Because we don't fully know their whole story. We don't know often their struggles and what they deal with on a daily basis. But, the good news is that is for God to know not us. We do know our heart, and we do know where we stand. Is your life looking to promote peace, heal brokenness, give encouragement, and point people closer to Jesus? Or is your life about lifting yourself up and always being right?
This is a great thing to really look at, pray about, and begin to look to serve. I look to volunteer one time a week, and I will say that has really allowed my heart to be focused more on serving the Kingdom than myself. Please know that we do this journey together, and we are for you in your pursuit of a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Proverbs 12:1, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge. Whoever hates correction is stupid."
Discipline is a word that brings up many negative feelings. We remember the days of being grounded, not being able to watch TV, being put in time-out, or being spanked, swatted, etc. However, the writer of Proverbs seems to have a different approach. If you love discipline then you will love knowledge. If you see the value in being corrected, learning from mistakes, have the humility to admit you were wrong, and the enthusiasm to correct/change your foolish behavior than the writer contends you will love knowledge. To take it one step further and to fit this verse in the overarching theme of Proverbs, good things will come to those who love discipline.
Where I think this conversation needs to go is two-fold. 1) I think and personally believe discipline always should make the person being disciplined a better person. The idea of discipline should always be behavior change not punishment or even a power trip, but rather the result should be a change of the heart. We discipline out of love, not power. 2) Learn to set a powerful example. Humans beings imitate what they see and especially imitate those people who they like and respect. If you're in a position of authority (parent, teacher, older sibling, etc) be a source of kindness, love, and respect. Younger people will imitate good behavior if they see see it.
Proverbs 12:20, "Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy."
It can sometimes be very difficult to measure a person's heart. Because we don't fully know their whole story. We don't know often their struggles and what they deal with on a daily basis. But, the good news is that is for God to know not us. We do know our heart, and we do know where we stand. Is your life looking to promote peace, heal brokenness, give encouragement, and point people closer to Jesus? Or is your life about lifting yourself up and always being right?
This is a great thing to really look at, pray about, and begin to look to serve. I look to volunteer one time a week, and I will say that has really allowed my heart to be focused more on serving the Kingdom than myself. Please know that we do this journey together, and we are for you in your pursuit of a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
on Politics
My grandmother always told me, "Brian, never talk about religion or politics, unless you want to fight." My grandma didn't have a doctorate or even a Master's degree, but she had amazing common sense. Her quote though she told me years ago definitely rings true today. Politics for some reason tends to bring out the worst in people. Jesus spoke over and over again about authority one of the most memorable moments came in Matthew 22:21 when Jesus told the crowd to, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." But one of the most clear cut examples of how we should respond to authority, the government, and in political situations is found in Romans 13.
1) No authority that which God has not established (Romans 13:1)
Let's face it God knows the future reality of this year's election, and next year, and the following election after that. I hope that truth brings some comfort to your heart. Because I know many of us seeing the news about polls, about controversial doctrine and ideas, and among many other things are getting quite worried. I've felt my blood pressure rise a little bit as I try to immerse myself in the world of politics. But, the reality God still and always sits on the throne.
I will say God does want us to support candidates who love the word of God, who are moral, upright, and desire America to be a place for all, and a candidate who will live out their faith while they serve in office. Christians should take a part but never be worried about politics.
2) Rebelling against authority is rebelling against God. (Romans 13:2)
This is a very tough saying in the New Testament. Because, there are quite a few authority figures we just don't like or don't agree with. But Paul is clear in this verse: respect them and listen to them anyway. I think that is a powerful message and one that is very much lost today, can we respect those we disagree with?
We live in a "Me-first/Selfie" culture. The sad reality is many in our society don't look to serve others' rather just have their own needs met. A me first person often only looks to respect authority when they agree with them. Paul reminds the Roman Christians who they are in vs. 2 as he tells them to respect the governments God has established. Christians need to trust God in both times they agree and times they don't.
3) Give to them what you owe. . . (Romans 13:7)
This is one of the most infamous verses in the New Testament telling the church and followers of Jesus to pay their taxes and give to the government what is owe them. In looking at this verse it fits nicely with the New Testament's overarching message among many to rid yourself of material things that hold you back from fully serving Jesus. The rich young ruler was told to sell all and come follow. We are told to store up treasure in Heaven. The list can go on and on.
Don't hold so tightly onto material things. If they are due the government such as your taxes give them willingly and know that God has something better in store. Politics though frustrating at times are in complete control of the God who sits on the throne. Politics can be a great witnessing time as a time when they bring out the best and not the worst in you.
1) No authority that which God has not established (Romans 13:1)
Let's face it God knows the future reality of this year's election, and next year, and the following election after that. I hope that truth brings some comfort to your heart. Because I know many of us seeing the news about polls, about controversial doctrine and ideas, and among many other things are getting quite worried. I've felt my blood pressure rise a little bit as I try to immerse myself in the world of politics. But, the reality God still and always sits on the throne.
I will say God does want us to support candidates who love the word of God, who are moral, upright, and desire America to be a place for all, and a candidate who will live out their faith while they serve in office. Christians should take a part but never be worried about politics.
2) Rebelling against authority is rebelling against God. (Romans 13:2)
This is a very tough saying in the New Testament. Because, there are quite a few authority figures we just don't like or don't agree with. But Paul is clear in this verse: respect them and listen to them anyway. I think that is a powerful message and one that is very much lost today, can we respect those we disagree with?
We live in a "Me-first/Selfie" culture. The sad reality is many in our society don't look to serve others' rather just have their own needs met. A me first person often only looks to respect authority when they agree with them. Paul reminds the Roman Christians who they are in vs. 2 as he tells them to respect the governments God has established. Christians need to trust God in both times they agree and times they don't.
3) Give to them what you owe. . . (Romans 13:7)
This is one of the most infamous verses in the New Testament telling the church and followers of Jesus to pay their taxes and give to the government what is owe them. In looking at this verse it fits nicely with the New Testament's overarching message among many to rid yourself of material things that hold you back from fully serving Jesus. The rich young ruler was told to sell all and come follow. We are told to store up treasure in Heaven. The list can go on and on.
Don't hold so tightly onto material things. If they are due the government such as your taxes give them willingly and know that God has something better in store. Politics though frustrating at times are in complete control of the God who sits on the throne. Politics can be a great witnessing time as a time when they bring out the best and not the worst in you.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
on Proverbs 11
God's word is something I hope that shapes and molds us all the time. My goal this Lent season is to encourage the church to fall in love with the word of God all over again! I think we have seasons in our life filled with zeal and other moments filled with apathy toward the word of God. But, our hope is that as we move toward Christian perfection our hope and desire would grow greater for the word of God.
Here's what Proverbs 11 has to say that is still relevant today.
Proverbs 11:4, "Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath. . ."
What a powerful reminder to keep perspective on our pursuit of earthly wealth, it won't last. Close to a thousand years before Jesus came on the scene, Solomon used his Godly wisdom to remind people of all generations that wealth is fleeting and it won't matter on the day on judgment. What Solomon is telling us is to focus our energy on something that more permanent than wealth, pursuing God with our whole heart and pursuing the fulfillment of God's will on this earth.
This is a very, very broad idea. I will admit that. But, as continue to love and fall in love with Jesus more, take it one step at a time. 1) Understand that your wealth is a gift from God. Know that it isn't fair someone is born into extreme poverty, while others are born into the middle class or even great riches. Be thankful for what you have, but don't be so attached that your world would be crushed if it was taken away. 2) Learn to be generous. We live in a broken world that needs shaken up by some radical acts of love, grace, and even forgiveness. Learn to make this a part of who you are. Be encouraging, be hospitable, be generous, and learn to hold your tongue. If you do this you'll be an extremely "wealthy" person.
2) Proverbs 11:17, "Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves."
When people discuss the church at the coffee house, gym, office, or anytime throughout the week. What are the things they say? What adjectives are typically used to describe the church? Well, I am a big believer in the church, so I am certain that not all adjectives used to describe the church are negative. But, one question I am interested in is how many churches or even Christians for that matter would be labeled as kind people? How many of us make other people better or even take time to listen to others?
I decided to make kindness my word for this year, and my goal has been learn to hold my tongue in trying situations, to be faithful in prayer that the Holy Spirit would guide me to adopt an attitude of kindness, and I've been intentional about showing undeserved kindness at least once a week. I will tell you it's a difficult process but very worthwhile. I challenge you with this question: do people think you are a kind follower of Jesus? Or is there room for you to improve? We'll talk about Proverbs 12 really soon.
Here's what Proverbs 11 has to say that is still relevant today.
Proverbs 11:4, "Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath. . ."
What a powerful reminder to keep perspective on our pursuit of earthly wealth, it won't last. Close to a thousand years before Jesus came on the scene, Solomon used his Godly wisdom to remind people of all generations that wealth is fleeting and it won't matter on the day on judgment. What Solomon is telling us is to focus our energy on something that more permanent than wealth, pursuing God with our whole heart and pursuing the fulfillment of God's will on this earth.
This is a very, very broad idea. I will admit that. But, as continue to love and fall in love with Jesus more, take it one step at a time. 1) Understand that your wealth is a gift from God. Know that it isn't fair someone is born into extreme poverty, while others are born into the middle class or even great riches. Be thankful for what you have, but don't be so attached that your world would be crushed if it was taken away. 2) Learn to be generous. We live in a broken world that needs shaken up by some radical acts of love, grace, and even forgiveness. Learn to make this a part of who you are. Be encouraging, be hospitable, be generous, and learn to hold your tongue. If you do this you'll be an extremely "wealthy" person.
2) Proverbs 11:17, "Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves."
When people discuss the church at the coffee house, gym, office, or anytime throughout the week. What are the things they say? What adjectives are typically used to describe the church? Well, I am a big believer in the church, so I am certain that not all adjectives used to describe the church are negative. But, one question I am interested in is how many churches or even Christians for that matter would be labeled as kind people? How many of us make other people better or even take time to listen to others?
I decided to make kindness my word for this year, and my goal has been learn to hold my tongue in trying situations, to be faithful in prayer that the Holy Spirit would guide me to adopt an attitude of kindness, and I've been intentional about showing undeserved kindness at least once a week. I will tell you it's a difficult process but very worthwhile. I challenge you with this question: do people think you are a kind follower of Jesus? Or is there room for you to improve? We'll talk about Proverbs 12 really soon.
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