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Leaning and Coping in Anxious Times

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” (Proverbs 12:25)

It takes something rather dramatic to bring a society together. Certainly events like the Great Depression, the attacks of Pearl Harbor and 9/11, as well as the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020 are good examples where there was, for the most part, an effort toward a spirit of unity. During the latter – a group of residents in an apartment building in Dallas, Texas, stuck their heads out their windows joining in a chorus of quarantined voices led by one soulful tenor who began singing the Bill Withers’ lyrics:

“Sometimes in our lives we all have pain . . . We all have sorrow.
But if we are wise . . . We know that there’s always tomorrow.”

Little by little, other residents began to join in the refrain, “Lean on me, when you’re not strong. And I’ll be your friend; I’ll help you carry on.”  While some added harmonies, others simply peered outside or recorded the impromptu sing-a-long on their phones. This display affirmed that when we feel anxiety in uncertain times, “we all need somebody to lean on.”

Some authorities state that anxiety has overtaken depression as the leading mental health problem in the United States. To be sure, life is not without uncertainties—whether they come in the form of a major life transition, family issues, health scares, or financial trouble—and anxiety usually results. Anxiety has three main elements. The first is Insecurity, something bad is going to happen. The truth is that bad things do happen, but seldom does the “worst-case scenario” we imagine ever play out. Then there is Helplessness, there is nothing I can do to change this. The reality is that there is almost always something you can do, even if it just is a small step in making a positive difference in your life today. Add to that Isolation, there is no one to help me. While anxiety for most folks is temporary and can be brought under control with some self-talk and intentional reaching out, it must be recognized that there are indeed those who suffer from true anxiety disorder. There are professionals and organizations who can help, some of which are able to be accessed directly from one’s home.

In his book, Anxious for Nothing, Max Lucado presents an acronym for helping those of us who subscribe to faith in God and feel anxious at any given time.  The abbreviated letters are remembered by the word CALM . . . the opposite of anxious, and just what we are seeking. Here is his advice: “Celebrate God’s goodness. ‘Rejoice in the Lord always’ (Phil. 4:4). How will you express your joy for God’s goodness today? Ask God for help. ‘Let your requests be made known to God’ (Philippians 4:6). If you don’t already keep a prayer journal, start one. Begin with today’s requests. Leave your concerns with Him. ‘With thanksgiving . . .’ (Philippians 4:6). At bedtime review the concerns you left with God this morning. Thank him for relieving you of your anxious thoughts. Meditate on good things. ‘Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise’ (Philippians 4:8). Plan your day to include time alone with God.”

Do you have anxieties? The results may be costly, since anxiety drives our attention away from spiritual matters and drains our energy away from the important things of daily living. Scripture does not state specifically what causes anxiety, but in every case, it evidences itself as a crisis of faith. Throughout the Bible, almost all of the major players had the opportunity to experience anxiety. Each were confronted with a choice to be consumed by it or to relinquish it to God and recognize it to be part of His plan. Jesus asked His followers, “which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27)  We must turn over whatever burdens us in exchange for the peace that only He can give. It takes humility to admit we can’t handle things ourselves, and it requires trust to allow God to work the situation according to His will. So, “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). If you will surrender your burdens to Him, the only thing you have to lose is . . . you guess it, your anxiety.

REFLECTION:  What situations are causing you to be anxious at this time?  How might you make a conscious shift to focus on the blessings of today rather than on the worst-case scenario? Are there ways that you might be that “somebody to lean on” for someone you know going through an anxious time?

Social Distancing

“The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” (Psalm 41:3)

It’s interesting to see how people react when life as they knew it yesterday is suddenly different today. When we have to experience confinement due to a recent surgery, because we are infectious, are facing an unsafe weather emergency, or responding to imposed restrictions intended to reduce the spread of a deadly disease like the Coronavirus – many of us become frazzled. The mantra from children and others who need some form of direction in their lives is . . . “So what do I do now?”  When our daily routine becomes interrupted, often times our coping skills do as well.  The disruption of the security of a familiar schedule makes us anxious for a norm that was but no longer is, at least for a while. It becomes worse when we are told to restrict our interpersonal contact with those outside of our immediate household. This practice has come to be known as “social distancing.”

You will recall times when you were young that you weren’t allowed to play with friends who were contagious with certain childhood diseases. If you are one of the millions of older Americans, you may remember a period when doctors made house calls and, if a quarantine needed to be imposed, visitation restriction signs were posted on the front doors of infected homes. The Bible contains many references to “uncleanliness.” Worshipers had to comply with the laws of the day, and if they were considered to be unclean – they could not approach God with reverence. A good case in point were persons who had become afflicted with leprosy. Those who had the disease were required to keep themselves apart from others until they were healed. Their clothes would be torn, and they had to cover their head and face and cry out, “Unclean! Unclean!” (Leviticus 13:45). Also, as long as the serious disease lasted – they were considered ceremonially unclean and had to live in isolation outside of the camp (Leviticus 13:46).

In God’s Holy Word, Luke writes about ten lepers who collectively approached Jesus, while remaining at a distance as required by the law. They called out to Him, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us” (Luke 17:13). Without seemingly doing anything to heal them, “He looked at them and said, ‘Go show yourselves to the priests’” (Luke 17:14).  At the moment of His direction no physical change took place, but they did as Jesus had instructed.  As they began their walk, it was then that they were cured. However, only one returned to thank Jesus for the healing. Even though He had not withheld healing from the other nine, He made a point of remarking about their lack of gratitude (Luke 17:18). Note Jesus’ final words to the thankful Samaritan: “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you” (Luke 17:19). No doubt this man received the blessing of a spiritual healing, in addition to the cleansing of his skin.

It is important that we don’t become like the nine lepers who failed to give glory to God for the provision of His blessings. Having to socially distance by temporarily sheltering-in-place is not the end of the world. We have the luxury of maintaining contact with others by phone. Many are able to continue interaction by video applications such as Skype and Facetime. We should be using these to reach out to those who may be isolated and have basic needs for which we can offer support. If we are on the receiving end, we need to be grateful. Those of us who are fortunate to share a home should value this time of fellowship. In this day and age, we have no reason to feel separated from a spiritual connection. There are 24- hour broadcast TV and radio programs available, and worship services are streaming from various churches and spiritual leaders. Periods of isolation are a great opportunity to count your many blessings. Worry is counterproductive and indeed a sin against hope. There is no reason to be fearful.  I heard recently that “be not afraid” is mentioned 365 times in scripture. Why not begin to search and reflect on those daily? You will find encouragement and affirmation that you are, indeed, never socially distanced from God.

REFLECTION: In what ways does learning about the laws of physical uncleanliness contained in scripture help you understand more about Jesus’ ministry and His purpose to make us spiritually clean?  How can these lessons relate to us, especially during periods of confinement and social isolation? As you relate to those who need to socially distance, how might you apply these words contained in 3 John 1:2: “Friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.”

Living a Life of Excess

“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’” (Luke 12:15)

Years ago, I went to a birthday party for a young child. In attendance were several neighborhood children and some adult relatives. So, there were lots of presents.  Midway through opening his gifts, the guest of honor looked up and said, “No more.”  On what would normally be a festive occasion – the child had become so overwhelmed with all the attention directed at him and, no doubt the massive amount of stuff he received, that he just had to quit. Over the years we have resided on this earth, most of us have accumulated such a material abundance that we too would have every right to feel overwhelmed.  Forget those who could be labeled as hoarders or pack rats, we simply have far too many possessions. Indeed, if you have duplicates of certain items, have more than one junk drawer, or have regularly contemplated renting a storage unit – you should consider that you just might be living a life of excess.

Society tries to sell us on the idea that having more in our lives should be our goal. Restaurants serve ‘all you can eat’ buffets. Advertisements constantly push things we absolutely need to buy because, of course, what we now have isn’t good enough. We live in a culture where each of us is viewed as a consumer and what we buy impacts our social status as well as our self-image.  Professionals have stated that generations of over-indulged American kids are growing up seriously lacking in discipline, direction, and conviction. The common denominator here is excess. Without a doubt – we are out of control and will most likely never recover from an agenda that promotes every opportunity to binge. It’s hard to keep your eyes on heavenly treasures when so much value is placed on earthly ones. We have greatly distanced ourselves from the philosophy of Socrates who once stated, “The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.”

The wise King Solomon once stated: “Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere” (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11). Jesus knew that worldly stuff could be enticing and that living with excess can take over your life. When He called His disciples into ministry, He told them – “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts–no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep” (Matthew 10:9-10). You see, Jesus didn’t want them to be anxious about stuff. God would provide what they needed . . . and just enough of it. This was later echoed by the Apostle Paul as he wrote, “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you’” (Hebrews 13:5).

When accumulating stuff becomes our norm, attempting to live a life of moderation is an uphill battle. At times it can feel like our stuff owns us rather than the other way around. Eventually it robs us of the joy we can find when we are able to spend more time focusing on Heavenly things. Likewise it erodes our faith when we trust more in our stuff than we do in God, thus leaving us still desiring what our hearts really need—Him. The only area in which we don’t need to be concerned about moderation is in our relationship with God. We are to love Him without limits – with all our heart, soul, and mind (Luke 10:27). The more we ask Him to fill us and occupy our lives with His Holy Spirit, the easier it becomes to live in moderation in all earthly things. God’s Holy Word tells us: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). The Lenten season is a wonderful time to experience a spiritual journey of uncluttering. Be like my young friend those many years ago. Give yourself permission to let go of some of the things you are holding onto. You will find that your hands are now free to do some wonderful life-changing activities, as you suddenly move from saying “No More Stuff” to “More of You, Lord.”

REFLECTION: What is your definition of “enough”? How has holding on to all the stuff of this life been keeping God at a distance? What is stopping you from trying to find your own path to less by getting rid of the mindset that more is better? Are there some initial steps you can take this week to make this happen? How will you hold yourself accountable for doing so?

Making a Deal with the Devil

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,  ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” (Matthew 4:10)

When wars become prolonged, thousands of lives have been sacrificed, and it seems as though there is no rational conclusion to an otherwise endless conflict over ideologies – there are those who would claim that sometimes a deal with the devil is better than no deal at all. When you make those kinds of deals, you’d better be certain the expectations are clear and you have the upper hand. Personally, I have heard it said that when it comes to selecting the lesser of two evils that “it’s better to deal with the devil you know that the one you don’t know.”  This phrase is often utilized when it seems wiser to side with someone you dislike, but with whom you are familiar, over someone you don’t know at all who could be far worse.  This might apply along the entire gamut of tough decision-making, from considering between job offers to concluding who to vote for in an upcoming election. We must recognize that logical determinations do not always occur when emotions are high or a sense-of-urgency comes into play.

Take the case of Aunt Freda who found herself on the wrong end of what appeared to be a concerning situation.  One day when she answered the phone, she was told by a man that he was a law enforcement officer in Canada. He went on to relate that he had her nephew Bill in custody who could be released and returned to the United States if he could find payment of a $5000 fine. In the background, she could hear someone who sounded like Bill, pleading – “Please send the money, Aunt Freda, and I will pay you back just as soon as I can.” Sickened by the thought of her nephew being held in a jail cell, she wrote down the details and agreed to wire the money within the next few hours. Shortly thereafter, she found herself at a Western Union money transfer location. Appearing somewhat distraught, she shared her nephew’s situation with the clerk who asked her one very important question – “Have you attempted to call your nephew today?”  Freda indicated she had not, and the clerk urged her to do so. When she dialed the number, Bill answered the phone and assured Aunt Freda that he was okay. She was about to make a deal with the devil, by becoming a victim of a well-rehearsed scam on a lady who was up in years.

The idea of ‘bargaining with the devil’ is much more cultural than it is biblical. There are times in scripture, however, when Satan attempts to strike a deal with God. In the Book of Job, for instance, Satan proposes that if God would allow him to bring great suffering to Job, whom God had described as “the finest man in all the earth” (Job 1:8), that Job would surely curse God to His face (Job 1:9-11). Satan argues that Job was only faithful because he was blessed with a family and wealth and, later, that he only served Him because he had good health. God allows this to play out through conversations Job has with three friends who offer him false comfort. Job’s response: “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face” (Job 13:15). God finally rebukes Job’s friends who accuse him of having sinned. In the end, Job has considerably more than when he began his suffering.  In the New Testament, the devil proposes bargaining with Jesus at the end of His forty days of fasting in the wilderness: “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread” (Luke 4:3). In other words, “Why are you hungry if you are God’s Son?” After showing Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor” (Matthew 4:8), Satan offers them to Jesus if He will merely bow down and worship him. Jesus sends Satan away with His own rebuke from God’s Holy Word (see Matthew 4:10, above).

Someone has said that most of us don’t have to make a deal with the devil, because he’s already got us. Satan pretends that he’s far away, but he is a lot closer than you might think. The story is told of a hunter who went out into the forest to shoot a bear, out of which he planned to make a warm coat. Eventually he saw a bear coming toward him, raised his gun and took aim. “Wait,” said the bear, “why do you want to shoot me?” “Because I am cold,” said the hunter. “But I am hungry,” the bear replied, “so maybe we can strike up a deal.” Ultimately, the hunter was well-wrapped in the bear’s fur and the bear had a good dinner. We always lose out when we compromise with the devil. He will consume us in the end. Revise your course of action, and be prepared to simply say . . . “Get away from me, Satan.”

REFLECTION: In what kinds of situations have you found yourself where you have or been tempted to compromise your faith in God?  How can you learn to trust Him more, even in suffering and death?

On a Beautiful Music Journey

“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings…” (Psalm 33:3)

Over the course of the latter part of the 1900’s, a major bus line used the slogan – “Leave the Driving to Us.”  The campaign tag line periodically appeared for over four decades in much of the company’s advertising, from TV commercials to billboards and magazines. The ‘sit back and leave the driving to us’ philosophy is based on the premise that if you let another trained driver be in charge, you will be able to relax and arrive at your destination without all of the stress. A new source of stress can result from self-driving car technology which seems to be advancing every year. It’s only a matter of time until fully driverless vehicles will appear on our public streets and highways. Meanwhile, we are being eased into acceptance with vehicle alerts that warn us about lane departure and provide braking assist. I must admit, I have been intrigued by some of the commercials which highlight recent car models that offer a seemingly ingenious solution to one of the trickiest driving tasks: parallel parking. In some vehicles, you can actually stand outside your car as it literally parks itself. How cool is that, if it does the job correctly.

Relinquishing control is difficult for most of us, especially when it is deeply personal. Most people would prefer to be knocked out entirely during any surgery, but most people aren’t British violinist Dagmar Turner who plays with the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra. As I viewed clips of the 53-year-old woman who played the violin during her brain surgery – I was astonished. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2013 after she collapsed on stage mid-performance, Turner had been undergoing radiotherapy and other treatments. But as the tumor increased in size, its removal from her right frontal lobe became necessary early in 2020. Because the tumor was located near an area of her brain that controls the fine movement of her left hand, Turner feared she could lose the ability to play the violin. Though unconventional, the exercise of allowing the patient to make music during the surgery was put in place by specialists at King’s College Hospital in London. Awakened at mid-point into the procedure – Turner’s ability to play assisted physicians in monitoring areas of her brain responsible for delicate hand movement and coordination. A successful outcome allowed for the continuance of her musical passion which began at the age of ten.

Most of us are familiar with the terminology ‘backseat driver.’  Indeed, you have likely been one, if you have relinquished the driver’s seat to someone else but continued to tell them how to drive. I don’t know about you, but I usually don’t have much success trying to boss someone while instilling trust in them at the same time. Backseat drivers often show a limited perspective. Due to their imperfect view – they don’t have the full scope of all the cars around them and, therefore, aren’t able to make the best judgment call for the situation. Attempting to be in control and surrendering control simultaneously just doesn’t work. However, that’s exactly what many of us do as we live out our lives as Christians. When we become Believers in Christ – we say we will give Him the driver’s seat, but then we position ourselves as backseat drivers. Jesus told his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). A modern-day translation of this scripture puts it this way: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am” (The Message). When you and I accept Jesus as our Savior, we must allow Him to control the wheel. We, in effect, step out of that role and become a passenger. The spiritual reference for this is surrendering our life to Christ. The Apostle Paul called it “a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).

Giving up the driver’s seat isn’t natural for any of us.  And while backseat drivers are supposed to just be along for the ride, most really want to be in charge of the whole trip. Nevertheless, if we have truly surrendered to Christ, one must regularly ask who is the One doing the driving. That doesn’t mean that we no longer make decisions but rather that we pause, pray, and prepare ourselves for answers that may, in fact, not place us on the route we thought we were taking. The fact is that Jesus will at times navigate us over roads that aren’t very appealing, but those are the times when we must trust him to get us where we need to be. Seize each opportunity to follow the words of His disciple: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Then, and only then, will we realize that playing skillfully on the strings of our life can only be accomplished when He alone is in charge of the journey.

REFFLECTION: Are you convinced that allowing God to drive is best? What details of your life are most difficult for you to surrender? What difference would it make to give God control of those areas that cause you concern and stress? Establish a plan for letting go and allowing Him to take the wheel.

Planting Seeds for the Kingdom

“The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.” (Mark 4:26-27)

A comment made years ago by a politician recently surfaced. This can be most unhelpful if that individual is now running for a higher office, and it serves to negatively bias the opinion of thousands of perspective voters. The politician said that he could teach anyone how to be a farmer. He went on stating that all you have to do is dig a hole, put a seed in with dirt on top, add water, and up comes the corn. While this recorded remark was likely a minor portion of a larger conversation, it served to isolate and insult the intelligence of many hard-working Americans who spend a huge portion of their day growing the food that eventually ends up on our tables. The comment is an oversimplification of what has grown to be a rather complex industry in our country. Even the novice who may occasionally start a plant in their backyard realizes that there is more involved in the process. For unless you loosen the soil, provide appropriate fertilizer, and do some occasional weeding – your garden isn’t going to amount to much.

In many ways, each of us has the opportunity to do our own seeding. Many times, however, they are not found in a packet but instead evidence themselves in the seed of ideas. Parents and grandparents, educators, government officials, journalists, pastors, and even those of us who philosophize or express our opinions can become influencers in the way others think and act. We need not look any further than the destructive seeds planted by the propaganda of Adolph Hitler which led to the rise of the Nazi party in Germany, the perpetration of the Holocaust, a World War and the deaths of millions of Jews and other victims. Fortunately, there are many who have had the opportunity to build character and influence lives for good. Fred Rogers was a crafted listener who cared deeply about people. He worked every day to plant seeds of hope and expression in the lives of others (especially children) who felt angry, worthless, or unloved. His 33-year career as the TV personality Mr. Rogers, portrayed by Tom Hanks in the 2019 movie A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, demonstrates the positive value of planting influential seeds.

The late Oral Roberts coined the “seed-faith” principle. It included three basic components: Recognizing that God is your source (Philippians 4:19); giving first, so that it may be given back to you (Luke 6:38); and, expecting a miracle (Mark 11:24). Roberts once wrote, “The moment we ask God for something—the moment we do our part and plant our seed of faith—we should believe God that the answer is on its way. It’s important to expect our miracle so we can recognize it and reach out to take it when it comes. And it’s also important to remember that God controls the time and methodHe will use to give back to us. We must keep trusting Him and expecting our miracle, no matter how long it takes to reach us.” Unfortunately, out of this philosophy came the highly persuasive concept of seed faith offerings – money given in faith that God will, in turn, multiply it and return it to the giver. This practice has become misused in some arenas, allowing the teaching to become little more than a get-rich-quick scheme that preys upon the desperate and hurting among God’s people.

The Apostle Paul focused on a different kind of seed faith in his first letter to the newly growing Church at Corinth, whose members were totally divided over which of their leaders they should follow. He wrote, “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Paul knew that a real understanding of ‘faith farming’ occurs when we realize that it is God who enables its seeds to sprout roots and ultimately provide for a bountiful harvest. I once heard an old story about the man who prided himself on his beautiful, well-tended garden of flowers. One day, while he was on his hands and knees, a neighbor passed by and complimented him on his grand floral display. “Ah,” said the neighbor, “how good the Lord is to produce such wonderful growth. “Yes,” said the gardener, “but you should have seen how magnificent the garden was when God had it all to himself.”  For you see, it’s not as simplistic as just digging a hole and planting a seed. The garden only begins to flourish when God becomes involved in ways we don’t quite comprehend. It is evidenced in the fact that our faith is a result of the improbable fruit of what many in Jesus’ time would have considered a worthless exercise in seed planting. This should not surprise us . . .  for the Kingdom of God is just like that.

REFLECTION: Can you recall a time when you have seen seeds of faith yielding a harvest where you would have least expected it? Have there been other times when your faith seeds have not taken root? Consider planting some new seeds and envision what it will be like when the season of dormancy passes.

Love Regardless

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” (Proverbs 10:12)

A number of years ago, I was having a visit with a friend whom I had known for over three decades. During this get-together – I was sitting bedside, next to her in the nursing home where she now resided. I suspected it would be one of my last conversations with her, as she was quite ill. The chatter was mostly light, as we reflected on the activities we had shared together. We laughed, enjoying each recollection that came to memory. Then she reminded me that there had been a time when she was angry with me over something I had done.  Surprised that I didn’t remember, she giggled a little because supposedly she called me stupid at the time.  Sharing my reaction on that occasion, she stated that before we parted that day – I asked her if she didn’t love me anymore.  She was amazed that I had no recall of her response . . . but she certainly did. She apparently said, “Yes I do love you, but then I love a lot of stupid people.” That was the blessing of my friend Sally, because you always knew where you stood with her.

During the month of February, especially as Valentine’s Day draws near – we find ourselves celebrating love. When we think about this day – our mind goes to flowers, candy, and other heart-filled expressions of romantic love. However, love comes in many forms.  My friend Sally loved me, even when she thought I was stupid and told me so. In the 1970 film adaptation of the novel, Love Story – author Erich Segal brought fame to the oft-repeated catchphrase – “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” The line has been criticized and perhaps unfairly mocked for suggesting that apologies are unnecessary in a loving relationship. However, in my opinion, the author got it wrong. There is always room for an apology, especially when one is seeking forgiveness. One of Jesus disciples put it this way: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). We cover sin by acknowledging it and then extending the forgiveness God gives us to others. To “cover” sin is to forgive it, and the absolute best example of a love like that is Jesus’ sacrificial death on our behalf.

I was recently involved in a discussion about what God expects of us. Someone said that if we could just follow The Ten Commandments, we would be doing what God wants.  I replied that Jesus made it even more simple when in an attempt to try to trick Him – one of the Pharisees, considered to be an expert in the Law, asked Him what was the greatest commandment.  “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40). If you love God with all your heart and soul you are especially obeying the first four Commandments, and if you love your neighbor as yourself – you will be obeying the last six. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the entirety of God’s law.

When we prayerfully consider Jesus’ words and the fact that all the rules and laws in Scripture can actually be summarized by these two commandments, we understand just how challenging it is for us to keep God’s directives and how often we fail to do so.  This hopefully leads us to a recognition that we can never be righteous before God on our own accord. As Christians, we can only strive to “love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). As we receive the loving gift of His Son, unworthy as we are, we are able to show love to others who might not otherwise be deserving in our eyes.  Jesus loves fully without any limits, conditions or restrictions. He doesn’t expect anything in return except our reciprocal love, of course. As we extend it in His direction, He gives us the ability to offer love to people we don’t have to, or sometimes don’t even want to. Jesus said that the loving actions of His followers would be the way to point the world to Him (John 13:35).  In doing so, we demonstrate that we are able to love unconditionally to the end. That, my friends, is the true essence of love . . . regardless.

REFLECTION: Consider some occasions in your life when you were difficult to love because you were rebellious or perhaps downright stupid. Who were the persons who offered their love to you during those times? Did you seek or feel God’s love during those periods of struggle? Think of a specific person or type of individual you are finding difficult to love?  In what ways might you extend unconditional love to them?

The State of Your Union

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

Each year in the United States, the President delivers a State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. The address fulfills a Constitutional requirement, during which the President traditionally outlines the administration’s accomplishments over the previous year as well as the agenda for the coming year. It has become customary to use the phrase, “The State of the Union is strong.” During most of the country’s first century, a written report had primarily been submitted until the 28th President, Woodrow Wilson, began the regular practice of verbally delivering the address to Congress. With the arrival of radio and later television, the speech became an effective tool for the President to communicate with the people of the United States as well. In modern times, the State of the Union is seen as one of the most important events in the US political calendar, one of the few instances when all three branches of the government are assembled under one roof . . . even though its house is often divided. This separation is often defined by the members’ response of standing/not standing and applauding, or not, during key moments. In 2020, there was such political animosity that the Speaker of the House, who is presented with a signed printed copy of the speech, literally tore up the pages following the President’s delivery.

Three years before his presidency, Abraham Lincoln spoke these words: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” While Lincoln was speaking about the nation’s divide over slavery, he was likely referencing his knowledge of scripture, specifically Matthew 12:25. In that passage Jesus was responding to the religious leaders of Jerusalem who were claiming that He was possessed by Satan because of His ability to cast out demons. By saying that “a household divided against itself will not stand” – Jesus illustrated the fact that success relies on a state of harmony rather than that of conflict. Whether it is a worksite, a sports team, a government party, or a place of worship – things have to work together if anything is to be accomplished. Once conflict occurs, cooperation and usefulness inevitably grind to a halt and the organization becomes vulnerable. Politics aside – sometimes the best we can do is to honestly examine our personal unions – our own houses, so to speak. For if we are unable to be civil in our day-to-day relationships, we have no right to expect that our appointed leaders will act any different.

The challenge before anyone who claims to follow Christ is to be unified around a common understanding, beginning with our own family. Through the difficult and intense moments in our life, the family should be the mutual support system that strengthens and encourages each of its members.  Unfortunately, over the past few generations we have seen a general breakdown of the family unit. The significance of this basic relationship is regularly mentioned in scripture: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1), and “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Likewise, in our chosen relationships such as marriage and friendship, we should: “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love” (Ephesians 4:2). In Christ’s own body of the Church, we should always strive for unity over quarreling. In this case, Paul appeals that “there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Throughout history we have read of nations and families divided, but it sometimes seems that we have never felt the effects of divisiveness quite as much as today.  Rather than having fair and open discussion, character assassination often prevails. Hatred, scorn, and ridicule seem to have become the norm. The state of our personal unions can only be strong if God is at the heart of their foundation. Additionally, our prayers for those with whom we disagree are essential to keeping our relationships solid. Only God can bring peace to the troubled soul, the troubled nation, and a troubled world. He calls us to serve as modern-day messengers of His love. We are challenged to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Rather than dig our trenches and plant ourselves firmly in the ground, we must reach out a hand of love and help heal the discord that is so prevalent. When we find common ground, we will come to realize there is far more that unites us than divides us. Then we will be able to say with absolute certainty that the state of your union is strong.

REFLECTION: When you take a close look at your everyday unions like marriage, family, friendships, your job and church – where do you have work to do? How can we expect our personal unions to continue to survive when we throw truth, decency, civility, and respect out the window?  What first steps will you take to initiate the healing process for the rebuilding of healthy and cooperative unions?

Larger Than Life Itself

“Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD.” (Psalm 107:43)

As I sat to the left of the lady being honored, it seemed as though I had known her and many members of her family for a long time. We had gathered at a local restaurant in recognition of her one-hundredth birthday which had occurred only a few days before. She was fortunate to have been blessed with good health; in fact, she made the decision just in the past year to give up driving her car. During our time together, someone asked her about the automobiles of her youth. Her response was that there “were not many to be found.” Then I got to thinking about the vast array of changes she would have witnessed during her lifetime. These would have included much advancement in the fields of science and technology and a notable transformation in how we as a society have come to value power and fame over common goodness. The old adage came to mind: “Each successive generation gets wiser and weaker.”

While I believe that this statement bears a lot of truth – it is not in the Bible, as some have claimed. There are scriptural references, however, that could help to support this belief. In the Old Testament, for instance, one can read: “The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker” (2 Samuel 3:1). One could easily conclude when we read about the Saul/David relationship that here is a case where it was the younger generation who got stronger and wiser while the older became weaker. Perhaps David, a flawed person in many ways, was blessed with wisdom because He developed a strong relationship with God, always searching for and permitting Him to rule over his life.  Saul, on the other hand, allowed himself to be fueled by suspicion and jealousy, resulting in spiritual and mental deterioration. It is somewhat ironic that at his death, David would become his successor as King of the Israelites.

While each generation possesses the opportunity to gain more knowledge than the previous one, they frequently make unwise choices. For they have evolved to fix their eyes on what immediately lies before them, as they display a disregard for that which is lasting (2 Corinthians 4:18). Take, for example, their infatuation with prominent figures who are promoted to become global icons, almost as if they have been anointed as the Chosen Ones. These persons are often described as being “larger than life itself.” Therein lies the problem. Scripture warns that “A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth” (Proverbs 17:24). This obsession with today’s celebrities has become so fanatical and overstated that it is practically worshipful. Some allow themselves to lose sight of the reality that even famous persons are simply people, each having their own flaws. And if, by chance, something happens to one of these whom they uphold with such high reverence . . . they are devastated.

Someone once said that when you are labeled as ‘larger than life’ you have to run really fast to be able to keep up with your own image. There is, in fact, no one who has ever walked this earth who is larger than life.  The only exception in this category is Jesus who was crucified.  Scripture says: “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10). God wasn’t promising that every person would live to be seventy or eighty; the psalmist was simply describing an average human experience. Our times are in God’s hands, and for some their journey on earth seems to be cut short. But no matter who we are – our time on earth is limited, and someday death will overtake us. Death is a reality, and no one evades it—no matter how strong, how famous, or how many years they have been blessed to live.  My one-hundred-year-old friend understands that with each new day life continues to be a delicate balance. King David understood this as well, and so should we. For our earthly days are but a mere testing ground to determine where we will spend all of eternity. Hopefully for you and me, that destiny will get us to where we hope to be . . . in the presence of the One who is truly larger than life itself.

REFLECTION: Are you giving thought to how you are spending the days God is giving you in this life? Do wisdom and knowledge become factors as you make this determination?  Why does each generation think they are smarter than the generation that came before them and wiser than the one that comes after them?  How do you control your admiration for people who evolve to be notable legends in our culture?

Unfinished Business

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.      Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)

After working an overtime shift on September 26, 2018, a 30-year-old Dallas Police Officer of four years entered her apartment building proceeding to what she believed was her residence. When the tenant put her key into the lock that night, she noticed the door seem to be ajar revealing a mostly darkened apartment. When she entered, she encountered a man there who she assumed to be an intruder. When he failed to obey her verbal commands, she used her service weapon to deliver a fatal shot to a 26-year-old male financial accountant who had simply been watching TV and eating ice cream in his own home.  The officer made a series of mistakes including parking her vehicle on the wrong floor after her long shift and then erroneously going into the wrong apartment, believing it was her own located exactly one floor below. As a result of her unclear thinking, a little over one year later on October 2, 2019 the former police officer was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison for the killing of an innocent man. 

The sentence appeared to initially disappoint the family of the victim who broke down in tears, shaking their heads as if in disbelief of the jury’s decision. But then, in an extraordinary turn of events, the victim’s 18-year-old brother took the witness stand demonstrating to the world that there was unfinished business that needed attention. He spoke to the defendant, saying, “I know if you go to God and ask Him, He will forgive you.” He continued: “I love you just like anyone else and I’m not going to hope you rot and die. I personally want the best for you. I wasn’t going to say this in front of my family, I don’t even want you to go to jail. I want the best for you because I know that’s exactly what (my brother) would want for you. Give your life to Christ. I think giving your life to Christ is the best thing he would want for you.” He then asked the judge if he could give the defendant a hug, a request the judge granted. Moments later, the judge also offered a hug, words of hope, and a Bible. The Dallas District Attorney described the scene as “an amazing act of healing and forgiveness that’s rare in today’s society.”

Jesus sets the ultimate example of forgiveness that we should follow. He illustrated His expectation in “The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant” (Matthew 18:21-35), implying that it is difficult to understand the depth of forgiveness on our behalf if we are holding others accountable for their debts owed to us. Jesus was extremely kind and merciful in the way that he forgave those who sinned against others. He told the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5), and when a sinful woman bathed His feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair, Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48). When a woman caught in adultery was brought before Him, He said, “I do not condemn you” (John 8:11); and as Jesus hung on the cross – He told the repentant criminal, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Even more compelling is the way that Jesus forgave those who sinned against him directly. After the Roman soldiers had scourged and nailed him, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). For Jesus, forgiveness was not an automatic. Instead, it was intentional . . . a conscious choice.

The ability to forgive doesn’t come naturally. Forgiveness is often very difficult to do, especially when the offender doesn’t seem to care or express any sense of remorse. When someone has wronged us, we frequently want to retaliate, hold a grudge, or hate them forever. The Apostle Paul says that we must “make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13). If you are ever in a situation and find it difficult to forgive, consider the gift of God’s grace. To not offer the same gift to another would be like saying you are better than God. When we refuse to forgive another, they’re not the one who suffers the most. We are! By pardoning others – we’re able to release the bitterness, resentment and anger that we tend to harbor. Whether the receiver accepts our forgiveness or not doesn’t matter; we do it because it’s what Jesus would have us do. Bottom line – grace cannot be explained; it can only be experienced. That experience is a true example of God’s grace in action . . . otherwise, it’s simply unfinished business.

REFLECTION: Are you presently struggling with an issue of forgiveness? Can you focus on it as a gift of letting go? How might you provide counsel someone who says, “I can forgive them, but I won’t forget.”