The English poet and author, John Milton, once said, “Loneliness is the first thing which God's eye named not good.” God recognized that Adam needed a helpmate, so he created Eve.
Yet so often, we fail to recognize our need for help. I was raised as an only child, so doing things on my own comes pretty naturally to me. When someone offers to help me with something my response is almost always, “No thanks, I’ve got it.” It’s the adult version of every toddlers favorite phrase, “I Can Do It Myself!”
I know I’m not the only one like this. Why is it so difficult for us to accept help from others? The truth is. however, that when we don’t allow others to lend a hand, not only are we robbing ourselves of receiving a blessing, we are also stealing a blessing from the giver.
A verse most people are familiar with is Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength”. Many people are less familiar with the next verse which reads, “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” You see, in this section of his letter, the Apostle Paul was thanking the church at Philippi for their gifts and assistance during his missionary journeys. Paul acknowledged that God gave him the strength to endure the many trials he faced, however he repeatedly thanked the Philippians for being the only church that sent him assistance. He also assured them that their gifts were not overlooked by God who found them to be an acceptable, fragrant offering. The “bless-ers” became the blessed.
I suppose the message here is that God will provide the strength to get us through anything, but we do not need to go it alone. We need each other! Pray today that God will show you some areas in your life where you could use a helping hand. Then ask him to send the right people along to offer the love and support that you need. And, pray that when they do, you’ll accept their offer.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Mindset over Matter
Every year as a new group of Freshmen emerge on campus, Beloit College releases what’s known as the “Mindset List”. According to Beloit’s website, the list “provides a look at the cultural touchstones that shape the lives of students entering college”. For example, the latest list reveals that the students in the class of 2014 think email is too slow and prefer texting, never wear watches, don’t write in cursive and have always used toothpaste that can stand up on it’s own cap. The list was originally created as a way to remind the faculty to be aware of making dated references because their young new students are likely to come with a different perspective on life based, in part, on being raised during a different time frame.
As Christians, I think there is something to learn here about how we share our faith. In the same way that I could not expect my kids to understand what I’m talking about when I tell them about the first record album I ever owned, I cannot expect a non-Christian to understand what I mean when I talk about “What an anointed time of worship I had at church yesterday” or how “I’ve been sanctified by the blood of the Lamb”. These expressions might make sense to those of us who come from a church background, but would sound pretty weird to anyone else who has not yet experienced faith.
However, I could help my kids understand what a record is by pulling out a record player and a few old albums…giving them the experience of actually listening to a record. And, I can help others understand more about Jesus by living a life that reflects Him, giving them the actual experience of Christ.
Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Today, let’s focus on letting our light shine, giving others an experience of love that will lead them straight to Christ.
As Christians, I think there is something to learn here about how we share our faith. In the same way that I could not expect my kids to understand what I’m talking about when I tell them about the first record album I ever owned, I cannot expect a non-Christian to understand what I mean when I talk about “What an anointed time of worship I had at church yesterday” or how “I’ve been sanctified by the blood of the Lamb”. These expressions might make sense to those of us who come from a church background, but would sound pretty weird to anyone else who has not yet experienced faith.
However, I could help my kids understand what a record is by pulling out a record player and a few old albums…giving them the experience of actually listening to a record. And, I can help others understand more about Jesus by living a life that reflects Him, giving them the actual experience of Christ.
Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Today, let’s focus on letting our light shine, giving others an experience of love that will lead them straight to Christ.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Your Roots Are Showing!
The other day, my youngest daughter, Laura, looked at my hair and said, “Mommy…are you trying out a new color? Your hair is lighter on the bottom than it is on the top.” That was all the confirmation I needed to know that it was past time to pick up a box of blonde and recolor my hair. Coloring my hair is usually pretty low on my list of priorities and I just get to it when I can…by which time there is usually some root re-growth. Truth is, I know that people probably realize that my hair is dyed. I’m not trying to fool anyone. In fact, I often joke about my Ms. Clairol blonde in a box hair. I think I’d look pretty foolish if I tried to pretend that it was the real-deal.
It makes me think of the tendency that so many of us have to put on a perfect looking front when we are around other Christians. Instead of coming to church ready to admit that we are broken people in need of a savior, we instead put on our phony, perfect looking masks and our semi-permanent smiles, refusing to admit that there is anything wrong with us, our family or our lives. The problem is, no one has it all together. Eventually, the truth of our brokenness, “our roots” so to speak, will start to show. Unfortunately, if we have tried to convince everyone that we are perfect, and then they see that we are, in fact, not, we are then percieved as hypocrites.
In the New Testament of the Bible, the literal translation of the word “hypocrite” refers to someone who is acting or pretending to be someone else. So, when we pretend that we are perfect, flawless and sinless, we are being hypocrites. God honors and is honored by sincerity, not hypocrisy.
Finally, if you are still struggling with allowing your true, flawed self be seen, listen to these verses from 1 John 1:8-10, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
It makes me think of the tendency that so many of us have to put on a perfect looking front when we are around other Christians. Instead of coming to church ready to admit that we are broken people in need of a savior, we instead put on our phony, perfect looking masks and our semi-permanent smiles, refusing to admit that there is anything wrong with us, our family or our lives. The problem is, no one has it all together. Eventually, the truth of our brokenness, “our roots” so to speak, will start to show. Unfortunately, if we have tried to convince everyone that we are perfect, and then they see that we are, in fact, not, we are then percieved as hypocrites.
In the New Testament of the Bible, the literal translation of the word “hypocrite” refers to someone who is acting or pretending to be someone else. So, when we pretend that we are perfect, flawless and sinless, we are being hypocrites. God honors and is honored by sincerity, not hypocrisy.
Finally, if you are still struggling with allowing your true, flawed self be seen, listen to these verses from 1 John 1:8-10, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
Monday, February 7, 2011
Instant Gratification
I want it and I want it now! Instant gratification has become the American Way. Technology is partly to blame, engineers keep coming up with new and better ways to lessen the time it takes to get ‘er done. Inventions like the microwave oven, the clothes washer and dryer and the automatic dishwasher got the speed ball rolling. Today, we can drive thru the fast food restaurant on the way to Jiffy Lube for our 15 minute oil change all the while text messaging our DH or BFF about this weekends plans.
The ability do get things done quickly has definitely made life more convenient. But, at what cost? One of the problems with instant gratification is that it often leads us to things or situations before we are ready for them. Case-in-point: the sub-prime mortgage crisis currently happening in this country. Hundreds of thousands of homes have been foreclosed on because the people who bought them were not financially ready for homeownership. Losing your home is a painful way to learn about patience.
There are many instances where the quick, easy way is not the best way. It’s a path that often leads to disaster. Consider fast food…there’s nothing at all wrong with hitting the drive through every once in a while as a treat or when it is the only option. But, when compared to a nutritionally balanced home-cooked meal, just how valuable is that supersized value meal? Or, think about the way we use credit cards to buy today what we hope we’ll be able to afford tomorrow. Once you tack on the 9-25% interest you’ll pay for that new flat screen monitor was it really worth having it ASAP?
Finally, the main problem with instant gratification, is that it really goes against the way that God operates. God does not hurry up for us, he expects us to wait on him (Psalm 37:7-9). He will not give us what we are not ready for. Instead, He allows us to wait so that our patience will build perseverance, which in turn develops maturity (See James 1:3-4).
The ability do get things done quickly has definitely made life more convenient. But, at what cost? One of the problems with instant gratification is that it often leads us to things or situations before we are ready for them. Case-in-point: the sub-prime mortgage crisis currently happening in this country. Hundreds of thousands of homes have been foreclosed on because the people who bought them were not financially ready for homeownership. Losing your home is a painful way to learn about patience.
There are many instances where the quick, easy way is not the best way. It’s a path that often leads to disaster. Consider fast food…there’s nothing at all wrong with hitting the drive through every once in a while as a treat or when it is the only option. But, when compared to a nutritionally balanced home-cooked meal, just how valuable is that supersized value meal? Or, think about the way we use credit cards to buy today what we hope we’ll be able to afford tomorrow. Once you tack on the 9-25% interest you’ll pay for that new flat screen monitor was it really worth having it ASAP?
Finally, the main problem with instant gratification, is that it really goes against the way that God operates. God does not hurry up for us, he expects us to wait on him (Psalm 37:7-9). He will not give us what we are not ready for. Instead, He allows us to wait so that our patience will build perseverance, which in turn develops maturity (See James 1:3-4).
Friday, February 4, 2011
Lobster Forks
While sorting through years of accumulated stuff in my kitchen, I came across something that made me laugh…lobster forks. A set of 10 lobster forks, to be exact. What made me laugh is that, at one point in my pre-married life, I actually believed that my husband and I would spend evenings dining on lobster with 8 of our closest friends.
The reality is that within the first 5 years of our marriage, my husband and I had 3 children and had already accumulated a mass of debt. The only time those forks have been used is when I needed something small and pointy to poke a hole with. If I knew then what I know now, I’d have registered for a set of indestructible Corelle dishware and a lifetime supply of Resolve carpet cleaner when I got married.
Even though our life together didn’t turn out quite like I had planned or imagined, my love for my husband and my commitment to our marriage has never waivered. Would I enjoy having more money, less debt, a bigger house and a nicer car? Probably. But, I treasure my husband and the life we do have together far more than anything money could buy.
I sometimes wonder if my love for Jesus runs that deep. Sure, I’m all about praising and thanking Him when life is going well. But, when the going gets tough, I’m way too quick to start griping. After all, why should someone who has a relationship with the King of the universe ever have to suffer?
But, the truth is that becoming a Christian does not give us a “Get out of problems free” pass. In fact, many people face daily persecution and suffering because they are Christians. Jesus even said in the Book of John that “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This is how we can praise him in both good and bad times, by remembering that He is still in control and working for our ultimate good, even on days when life doesn’t meet our expectations.
The reality is that within the first 5 years of our marriage, my husband and I had 3 children and had already accumulated a mass of debt. The only time those forks have been used is when I needed something small and pointy to poke a hole with. If I knew then what I know now, I’d have registered for a set of indestructible Corelle dishware and a lifetime supply of Resolve carpet cleaner when I got married.
Even though our life together didn’t turn out quite like I had planned or imagined, my love for my husband and my commitment to our marriage has never waivered. Would I enjoy having more money, less debt, a bigger house and a nicer car? Probably. But, I treasure my husband and the life we do have together far more than anything money could buy.
I sometimes wonder if my love for Jesus runs that deep. Sure, I’m all about praising and thanking Him when life is going well. But, when the going gets tough, I’m way too quick to start griping. After all, why should someone who has a relationship with the King of the universe ever have to suffer?
But, the truth is that becoming a Christian does not give us a “Get out of problems free” pass. In fact, many people face daily persecution and suffering because they are Christians. Jesus even said in the Book of John that “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This is how we can praise him in both good and bad times, by remembering that He is still in control and working for our ultimate good, even on days when life doesn’t meet our expectations.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Sprinkles
I think most kids probably have a hard time with the concepts of appreciation and gratitude. Children become accustomed to having their needs met and often take for granted the many things we, as parents, do for them.
My own children are no exception. On my daughter’s most recent birthday, we were strapped for cash. One of the ways I helped to trim expenses was by making cupcakes for her class instead of buying them….Gasp! Betty Crocker I am not. And as a busy mom, just finding time on a hectic Monday night to make the cupcakes was a challenge.
As I was preparing the cupcakes, my daughter asked, “Did you get sprinkles?” I answered, “No…you didn’t tell me you wanted sprinkles”. “Awww…I really like sprinkles”, she responded with great disappointment. It was too late for me to go to the store, and honestly, I was a little irritated that, instead of being thankful for the cupcakes, she was griping about the lack of sprinkles. Then, the next day when I brought a Happy Meal and the now-sprinkled cupcakes to her at school (her new-best-friend Darren supplied me with sprinkles before I made my delivery) she griped at me for being 10 minutes late.
Needless to say, I left her school feeling pretty unappreciated. Before long though, I realized that I treat my own Father the same way. When I gripe about my house being too small, my kids being too difficult, my job being too hard or my wallet being too empty, I’m really saying to God that I don’t appreciate his blessings. I’m choosing to focus on what God hasn’t given me and not the many things that He has. Fortunately, God offers far more grace to His children than I am often willing to offer mine.
If you recognize a lack of gratitude in your own life, then let’s commit today to turn our attention to what we have and not what we lack. And, let’s remember to regularly express our appreciation for the wealth of blessings that God has showered on each of us.
My own children are no exception. On my daughter’s most recent birthday, we were strapped for cash. One of the ways I helped to trim expenses was by making cupcakes for her class instead of buying them….Gasp! Betty Crocker I am not. And as a busy mom, just finding time on a hectic Monday night to make the cupcakes was a challenge.
As I was preparing the cupcakes, my daughter asked, “Did you get sprinkles?” I answered, “No…you didn’t tell me you wanted sprinkles”. “Awww…I really like sprinkles”, she responded with great disappointment. It was too late for me to go to the store, and honestly, I was a little irritated that, instead of being thankful for the cupcakes, she was griping about the lack of sprinkles. Then, the next day when I brought a Happy Meal and the now-sprinkled cupcakes to her at school (her new-best-friend Darren supplied me with sprinkles before I made my delivery) she griped at me for being 10 minutes late.
Needless to say, I left her school feeling pretty unappreciated. Before long though, I realized that I treat my own Father the same way. When I gripe about my house being too small, my kids being too difficult, my job being too hard or my wallet being too empty, I’m really saying to God that I don’t appreciate his blessings. I’m choosing to focus on what God hasn’t given me and not the many things that He has. Fortunately, God offers far more grace to His children than I am often willing to offer mine.
If you recognize a lack of gratitude in your own life, then let’s commit today to turn our attention to what we have and not what we lack. And, let’s remember to regularly express our appreciation for the wealth of blessings that God has showered on each of us.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Ambassadors
From time to time I have the opportunity to represent WBFJ at seminars, conferences and other professional events. On such occasions, I understand that I am a reflection of the radio station, and my words and actions have the potential to affect the way others view WBFJ. I take this seriously...I would never want to act in a way that would cause someone to see the station in a negative light.
Just as I try hard to be a good representative for WBFJ, I must also try to be a good representative for Christ. Everyone who is a Christian has this responsibility. People are watching us and basing what they think about Jesus on how we act. Unfortunately, we're not doing a very good job of consistently representing Him in a positive way. The Barna Group reports that a large majority of people aged 16-29 years old who are outside of the church view Christians as judgmental, hypocritical, insensitive, too-political and bigoted, among several other less than flattering adjectives¹.
While I know many Christians who are not any of these things, I also know quite a few who fit this description quite well. Unfortunately, it is these folks who give us all and the Christ we represent a bad reputation.
So what adjectives should accurately describe followers of Christ? Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a pretty good working list, “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
No, we're not perfect and we won't get it right all of the time. But, we can start by asking God each day to help us remember that we are a reflection of Him, a representation of who He is to the rest of the world.
1. Kinnaman, David, and Lyons, Gabe. unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters. Baker Books, 2007.
Just as I try hard to be a good representative for WBFJ, I must also try to be a good representative for Christ. Everyone who is a Christian has this responsibility. People are watching us and basing what they think about Jesus on how we act. Unfortunately, we're not doing a very good job of consistently representing Him in a positive way. The Barna Group reports that a large majority of people aged 16-29 years old who are outside of the church view Christians as judgmental, hypocritical, insensitive, too-political and bigoted, among several other less than flattering adjectives¹.
While I know many Christians who are not any of these things, I also know quite a few who fit this description quite well. Unfortunately, it is these folks who give us all and the Christ we represent a bad reputation.
So what adjectives should accurately describe followers of Christ? Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a pretty good working list, “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
No, we're not perfect and we won't get it right all of the time. But, we can start by asking God each day to help us remember that we are a reflection of Him, a representation of who He is to the rest of the world.
1. Kinnaman, David, and Lyons, Gabe. unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters. Baker Books, 2007.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)