Sunday, December 16, 2007

Trivialization of Christmas

You hear a lot about how we've made Christmas trivial: how we've lost its true meaning and commercialization has stolen a most sacred holiday. And that's certainly true. It is just very easy to miss the important with so much that is trivial pressing from all sides.

But if we who are called Jesus' followers attempt to place all the blame on the world around us, without accepting our own fault in the matter, we are kidding ourselves.

So much of what we say about Christmas seems to lessen the importance of the incarnation...God becoming man. We speak of brotherly love and peace on earth, which are undeniably good things. But Christmas is about something much more revolutionary. If God truly has become man, as we say we believe, then everything else is secondary.

There is certainly no problem with emphasizing the many good things we associate with Christmas. But there is only one true meaning of Christmas. It is that "The Word became flesh and lived among us." We do the world a disservice if we let than message be choked out--even by good things.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Excellenct Excellence

When the book In Search of Excellence was the rage it immediately began something of a debate in church circles. Initially, I remember many Christians questioning whether excellence was a legitimate goal for the church.

It seems today that the debate is settled. Church services today are typically much better planned and executed than 25 years ago. Even smaller churches give much more attention to small details to ensure that the poor quality does not distract from the message. And personally, I think that's a good thing.... to a point.

The focus of the debate when the book first appeared was whether we should choose excellence over Spirituality; whether excellence was essentially fleshly; whether human effort would replace dependence on the Spirit. The problem was that a false dichotomy was created: Why should dependence on the Spirit detract from a commitment to doing things well?

Ironically, we may need to re-visit the idea. Are we so committed to excellence today that we are willing to compromise spirituality and moral excellence? Do we demand the highest "quality" in our services, and spend so much time pursuing it, that we are no longer dependent on the Spirit? And do we choose human performance over spiritual reality?

The question should not be phrased as either/or. But when there is a choice, the choice is clear.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

The Problem with Balance

I'm a little skeptical of "balance" as a virtue. I understand that it has its place. Certain things won't work without balance. But sometimes balance may be a euphemism for mediocrity.

This is what I mean: When something is really important, I don't want balance. Soldier in a battle don't seek balance--it's a life and death struggle, so it take total commitment to survive. I've studied leadership for twenty years, and my experience is that great and exceptional people aren't balanced. In fact, many have fairly extreme personalities. It's the extremes that set them apart.

And when it comes to serving the God of the universe, who sacrificed His Son for our sin, I'm not so sure that we are called to balance. Jesus' commitment to us was extreme. He gave His life so that we can be forgiven. I'm wondering if we should consider more extreme obedience and love in return.

Balance has its place, but when something is really important, there's a place for the extreme.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Changes

Today (Sunday, the 14th) was a day of changes for two good men who have something in common.

We announced that our Associate Pastor, Vic Neufeld, will move to Canada in a few months to become the senior pastor of his home church in Winnipeg. In less than three years, Vic has moved from telecom to senior pastor. His seminary training was vital, but his success in the corporate world was part of his preparation, too. We will miss him.

And Bumper Hidalgo preached. He has moved from software to self-employment and youth ministry. Of course he had done youth ministry before, but he comes now with more mature enthusiasm. Life in the corporate world, coupled with a growing family, has made him uniquely understand the needs of youth and their families.

Both of these men have made significant contributions to our church family because they know and love the church, but also because they have functioned well in the world. The hard knocks and difficult lessons of living in the marketplace have increased their value to others.

Sometimes the average Christian believes that since he or she lives and works in the world they may have nothing to contribute. But ironically, the life lived well in the marketplace and the community can be our greatest contribution to others.

We sometimes forget that we follow a Savior who learned a trade before he proclaimed His gospel.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Emotions and service

One of our staff mentioned the other day that his biggest surprise was the emotional toll that ministry has on him. He had just finished time with a family, and caught himself crying as he drove off--something he'd never done before.

I am just amazed at what some of our folks have to face, sometimes on a daily basis. And it's frustrating to be unable to fix things for them. I know that the gospel brings relief ultimately, but even Jesus wept in his ministry. He could "fix" things, yet human pain is real and He had compassion on those who hurt.

It makes sense that loving others and serving them can be physically exhausting. But I have found that, if not careful, the pain of others can sap my energy and leave me perpetually sad. So how do we take the risk of caring and hurting, and still have resources to serve another day?

I have discovered that prayer and time focussed on my walk with God becomes more important than ever when I'm serving those who hurt. I don't have much to give them, but I gain refreshment from time alone with God.

Part of the joy of the community of believers is that we can build relationships for the difficult, as well as the good, times. As we weep with those who weep, we share in Jesus' work. While it is hard, it is also rewarding. And it causes us to grow as we look to God for strength.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Building dedication

Today was a great day. As we dedicated our new worship center, our congregation combined our services to thank God for His provision, to celebrate our past, and to be challenged for the future. It was such a privilege to have all the surviving pastors join us and to take part in the service. The unity of the generations at Grace reflects its maturity.

When we thanked those who helped make the building possible, I know we left some key people out. Try as we may, it's impossible to recognize everyone. I left the service with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for our people.

But thanksgiving and gratitude cannot breed complacency. Until the Lord's return, we have been entrusted with a story so important that it must be told. And the consequences of that story must be demonstrated in our lives. Too many folks are listening and watching.

So the celebration was great. But now we have work to do.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Our new "digs"

Today was a remarkable day. After years of praying, dreaming, and working, our church family enjoyed worshipping in the new building. It was a happy day.

It was happy because there was so much unity. It was happy because of all the natural light. It was happy to see so many people working together. It was happy to see the Lord's hand in so many ways.

So many have sacrificed and given so much. Our people have made an investment for future generations. But most importantly, we have come together to use the gifts that God has given us to build something that demonstrates our love for Him and the mission He has given us.

People build buildings all the time. The Dallas Cowboys are building a monster in Irving that will dwarf our house of worship. But for my money, no building is more honorable or impressive than one built for the worship of God and the proclamation of the hope of His gospel.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Getting reacquainted

I'm sorry that I've been negligent. I've thought of this conversation, only to get distracted and not resume. Since we last "talked" I've had the joy of welcoming a new granddaughter into the world (I'll show you pictures some time), and I've been preparing for our church's new building.

Next week is the first Sunday in the new worship center. After over four years of planning and labor, it is hard to believe it's here. I know I speak for the many who have been involved in expressing relief that the building is nearly complete.

The architecture of the new building is distinctive, but purposeful. Our architects designed a building that is intended to reflect the beauty of the One we worship using wood surfaces and natural lighting. The cupola draws the attention heavenward, to remind us that worship is about Him and not us. The commons area includes room for conversation and coffee, in order to build community. All of these features are intentional.

But the most important feature is the empty seats. We've more than doubled our space in order to make room for newcomers; not because people need to meet us, but because they need to meet the God whom we worship. My hope and prayer is that the church family will grow by new births, as more come to know the Savior who gave His life for us.

Watching my families, at home and at church, grow has given me a new appreciation of what God can do. Each new birth is a miracle. What a great privilege to see Him work as we watch His family grow.

Monday, June 25, 2007

youth, teenagers, courage, life

We just met your teenagers returning from a mission trip in South Texas. After ten hours in vans, they (and especially the adult leaders) looked a little tired to say the least.

Although I don't know all of these young men and women as well as I did when my girls were teenagers, I do know enough to be very grateful for what I see. While they certainly aren't perfect, they certainly have great promise.

Teens can be mercurial and frustrating, but I love their thirst for life. And that thirst gives them a courage that is often missing in their parents. All too often, we adults allow life's disappointments steal our willingness to step out and live the life that God gives us. Sometimes teens step out in bad directions, but I still respect that they are hungry for what life has to offer.

Have you lost your hunger for life? Maybe we can learn something from our kids.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Finding rest

Julie and I are enjoying a two week break in the Rockies. We were both tired, and the opportunity to get away together has been a real blessing. We've enjoyed the beauty of creation, as well as the slower pace of vacation. We needed the rest.

But modern communication keeps us grounded in reality. Through cell phones and e-mails we learned that an old friend our age died of cancer. We felt sadness for those left behind.

And then we discover that our dog became quite ill while we were gone. We had suspected something for awhile, and is is confirmed that cancer has advanced and he is very, very sick. When we return, our four-legged friend won't be there to greet us. I'll really miss the only other male in our house.

As much as we try to avoid the realities of pain in the world, we can't. Since Adam's fall in Genesis, death and hurt are our constant companions--we simply can't escape those realities. But we can find rest in the person of Jesus Christ. I simply cannot imagine trying to deal with all the hurt with out the perspective of Jesus' rest.

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Can I make a difference?

I'm sitting in an airport watching the democratic predidential debate. As is often the case, you could get the impression that the world's problems are overwhelming and that, utlimately, we have many more questions than answers to the world's problems. I don't mean it's hopeless, only that we face issues that are so great, and so complicated, that it does make you wonder what we as individuals can do to make our world better.

Obviously, as citizens we should vote and be involved in the political process. But I don't believe that is all we can do. Especially as a follower of Christ, I also have the responsibility to live in the world as salt and light, which includes living out the love of Christ in my own community. It may be only a small drop in the ocean of need around us, but it is my calling.

The Old Testament book of Ruth demonstrates that God often uses seemingly insignificant people doing insignificant good works, to accomplish remarkable changes in the world. It is our calling to care and to do what we can.

Monday, May 7, 2007

Who's to blame?

When a generation turns bad, and doesn't follow the way of their parents, who's to blame. Deuteronomy 6 places the responsibility on the parents in Israel to teach their children well, so that when they enter the promised land it will go well for them. But the book of the Judges makes it clear that the generation that entered did not follow after Joshua and his generation.

So who's to blame? Certainly a child has responsibility for his/her decisions. Especially when a generation reaches adulthood, they cannot simply blame their parents for desertion of God and His ways. But scripture still places responsibility on the parents to teach our children as a way of life, so they might walk in the way.

When I talk to parents whose children have strayed, I hear some take all the blame (which is not realistic), and some accept none of the blame (which seems unrealistic). Is there another response?

When our children don't follow as we would like, I'd suggest the following responses:
1. Be encouraged that it isn't over until it's over! As long as our children are alive, there is an opportunity for them to return.
2. Be prayerful. We are not alone in parenting, the Spirit works with us.
3. Accept appropriate responsibility. No parents are perfect. There is always room for learning and repentence.
4. Continue to love. Thank God that He keeps loving, and forgivig, His children, even when we fail Him.
5. Honor their freedom. Once a child is an adult, they have significant freedom--something we must accept. But this also means that they are free to endure consequences themselves as well.
6. Be faithful. Discouragement with our children can cause us to become disillusioned, but if we give up we can become a bad example ourselves.

Few things are as painful as watching our children struggle. But learning to trust God, even in our greatest pain, can make the journey more meaningful.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Honest Prayer

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons Christians struggle with our prayer lives is that we somehow believe that we cannot tell God what is really on our mind. It's as if we are protecting Him from our immaturity and our sin. Do we really believe that He "can't handle the trut"? So we pray prayers that are often superficial or empty, and we don't experience the fellowship with God that He intends. And then we convince ourselves that He's just not relevant.

Of course, to think that God doesn't know the truth, or that He "can't handle" it, is absurd. He knows our weakness better than we--after all He gave His Son because of it. But we, like Adam, believe that we can hide from Him in the garden.

Perhaps we aren't really protecting Him, but seeking to protect ourselves. The more we speak honestly with the Lord, the more we are forced to be honest with ourselves. The more we confront our true thoughts, the more we allow His piercing stare to search our own hearts. And the more we accept His intrusion into our inner lives, the more we allow Him to transform us.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Grandkids & Easter

Perhaps nothing so empty as the practice of religion than lacks a living reality. I have never understood why anyone would be interested in going through the religious motions simply for the sake of the past or tradition. But, to me, nothing is as meaningful as the possibility of having a conversation with the living Lord. That's why Easter so important to prayer. Because Jesus is alive and with the Father, our prayers have limitless vitality.

This Easter made that point to me in a new way as I celebrated it with our almost two year old granddaughter in the house. She is so alive, so excited, so hopeful. New life makes everything seem new. And that made the possibility of a living relationship to a living, resurrected Lord seem all the more real.

It makes me wonder, to what extent has the reality of death and decay in the world around us stolen our own ability to enjoy the excitement of life with Christ today? To what extent is our perspective on Easter weighed down by the stench of decay around us? What does child-like, living faith really look like?

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Unanswered Prayer

The following list is my summary of the fifteen reasons for unanswered prayer given by Pete Greig in in his book God on Mute (Regal, 2007). Greig is one of the founders of the 24/7 prayer movement, and his wife struggles with significant health problems.

1. Common sense: Some prayers aren’t answered because they’re just plain stupid!
2. Contradiction: Some prayers contradict other Christian’s prayers.
3. The laws of nature: Detrimental to the world and to the lives of others if they were answered.
4. Life is tough: Romans 8.20-21. Cf. Dan.3.16-18.
5. Doctrine: Our understanding of God and our expectations are wrong.
6. God’s best: He has something better for us.
7. Motive: even spiritual sounding prayers can have bad motives.
8. Relationship: because he wants us to deepen our relationship with him.
9. Free will: God does not force someone to go against his/her will.
10. Influence: God often works through gradual influence rather than an impersonal mechanism of forced control.
11. Satanic opposition: Eph. 6.12.
12. Faith: our lack of it.
13. Perseverance: It’s just not answered yet.
14. Sin: Ours.
15. Justice: The needs of others in our communities and the world.

While I don't think his list is perfect, I really appreciate the common sense reminder that God simply cannot answer all of our prayers with yes.

I think most of us understand that idea, at least in theory. The real pain comes from prayer requests that are prayed in desperation, and yet God doesn't seem to respond. It seems that in my life, faith gained its strength when there was the most pain involved in the request.