Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and
went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Many of us are good at being busy. And proud of it as well. That is understandable, because business has a certain validating effect. But we might want to rethink things. For starters, being busy takes little skill. What is impressive is not being busy. Secondly, the life we want involves living joyously in the presence of God. This is harder than being busy, and ifJesus is our model, it may involve getting up early. Most of us would rather sleep in.
What to Say: Last week I passed along advice about what to say when a friend is in crisis. Several of you responded. The comments of a woman who cares for her 41-year-old severely disabled daughter were the most helpful. Over the years she has heard it all, including: “It’s too bad she lived and doesn’t have much of a life,” and “You should put her in a home, it would be better for her and for you.” And of course the standard, “I know what you’re going through.” In light of all this she wrote: “Thankfully, right from the beginning God gave me the wisdom to respond respectfully, knowing that those speaking were just uncomfortable with my daughter’s situation and didn’t know what to say.” What she appreciates hearing most is, “I’m sorry for your loss. I’m here if you need anything.” May we all respond so well, and if we are the one suffering, may we be as kind to those who “are just uncomfortable and do not know how to respond.”
What’s On Deck: As anyone paying attention knows, traditional sexual ethics have been on the wane since the 60s. Not everyone has jettisoned them – and as this article notes, those who adhere to more traditional norms generally fare better than those who do not. But even those with conservative economic values often have liberal sexual views. Which has left me wondering, what’s next? The answer: polyamory. The Utah Senate recently unanimously voted to decriminalize polygamy. And TV shows on the topic –Sister Wives and Big Love, etc. – have become common place.
Judgement: Last weekend I preached on 2 Corinthians 5:10, which reads,“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” As topics go, judgment is less popular than the Coronavirus, so you may not be interested in the message. But if you are, click here. And if you want to watch something related, Pete Briscoe delivers a powerful 1 hour and 45 minute dramatic presentation of judgment. It’s much better than it sounds, and I suspect much better for you than other things you might watch. For Briscoe’s presentation, click here.
What Would Jesus Say? Speaking of sermons, I got a call this week from someone looking for a sermon I preached back in 2008. It created a bit of a buzz, giving me my 15 minutes of Warholian fame. The sermon was titled, “What Would Jesus Say When the Dow drops 700 points. You can access it here.
Tragic: After noting how much rises and falls on leadership, the President of Christianity Today observed that: 1) the evangelical church produces and consumes lots of material on leadership, and yet, 2) many evangelical leaders are failing as leaders. Did I label this, “Tragic”? Perhaps I should have called it “Ironic”.
Was the Nuclear Family a Mistake?: Last month, New York Times columnist David Brooks published an essay in The Atlantic called, “The Nuclear Family Was a Mistake.” As you might expect, he offers a number of insights, many of which are unsettling. You can read his piece here, and you can read Bradford Wilcox’s response here. If you read the first, read the second. If you are only going to read one, read the second.
Honor or Humility: Before Jesus elevated humility, what mattered most was power. Consequently, there was no shame in doing whatever was necessary to get it. (Indeed, the only real reason for shame was being weak.) It seems as though those who are moving away from Christ’s call to humility are making increasingly brazen grabs for power.
Allow me to Rant: The other day I was discussing the likelihood that churches will soon lose their tax-exempt status. I acknowledged that this was likely to happen but was arguing that it was a bad idea. The person I was talking to – to whom I may or may not be related – felt that taxing churches is the right thing to do. When I noted that economic studies suggest that a church of 200 adds about $2M in value to a local community and listed the things churches do outside their walls – e.g., volunteer in public schools, care for the homeless, counsel struggling couples, provide care to shut ins, run free legal clinics, etc. etc. – he said, “Well I didn’t know that churches did any of that.” I said the only way to not know what churches are doing is to not want to know. I may or may not have called him an idiot.
Thoughts About the Coronavirus: One of the “Monsters Under the Bed” I wrote about in FutureView was pandemics. Given the scary things I heard about them, what has happened with COVID-19 is mild. In fact, I know one doctor who thinks the hysteria surrounding the virus is our biggest threat. (He fears that the hospitals will end up overrun with healthy patients wanting to be sure they are healthy, making it impossible to provide adequate care to those who are truly sick. Given the Dows recent plunge, others may disagree. As a pastor, I know little about any of this, but I do recognize unhealthy fear when I see it – and that is ultimately an unhealthy fear of death. No God, no peace. Know God, know peace.
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to you: Our hearts are cold; Lord, warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are sinful; cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak; strengthen them with your joyful Spirit. Our hearts are empty; fill them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours; possess them always and only for yourself. Amen. Augustine of Hippo (354-430)