Reading large segments of Scripture in a single setting helps me get the big picture. This week I read First Corinthians through in several translations with as few interruptions as possible. In a single-session reading of the letter to a proud congregation the Apostle Paul drew strong contrasts between knowledge and practice, lofty spiritual insights and polarizing attitudes. First Corinthians will stand one on his religious head if it is taken seriously!
The Apostle noted how the church "lacked no spiritual gift" (1:5) while tolerating divisive attitudes and practices in the church family (1:10-17 and 11:17-22). He challenged Corinthian boasting of human abilities and self-applauding wisdom and countered human ability with "faith that does not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power." (2:1-5)
As the Holy Spirit washed the Word over my mind and spirit I was reminded of a sage mentor who invested deeply in me while I was a youthful pastor serving my novitiate. My mentor enjoyed emptying the church’s mailbox and sorting invoices, personal letters, product promotions and publications. It was in the era when we received reams of materials from Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and North Carolina. As the sorting task ended, my friend and mentor often would say, "We wouldn’t know much about these people if they didn’t send us so much stuff about themselves!" He sounded Pauline!
In one of my readings of First Corinthians I was arrested in chapter 4, verses 6 and 7, "Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. Who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" Shouldn’t we be startled once in a while when we remember that we were dead in our sins (Colossians 2:13) when Jesus came to raise us to everlasting life? How wise can I be if I was dead at the point of entry into the family of God?
The Holy Spirit arrested me in chapter 6 as well. "You are not your own; you were bought at a price" (6:19-20). Oops! Am I in any position to insist on my way, ask for privilege or edge toward the head of the line? I don’t think those who remember their condition when Jesus first met them assume they deserve special favor or ever are comfortable promoting a list of their achievements. But, I must quit. Verbosity is an indication of the very thing the Apostle is challenging!
While mediating on First Corinthians I remembered a song from my youth. The church that was so instrumental in forming me sang it often enough that it is now a part of my private repertoire. If you know it, sing along!
There’s a sweet and blessed story.
Of the Christ who came from glory,
Just to rescue me from sin and misery;
He in loving-kindness sought me,
And from sin and shame hath brought me,
Hallelujah! Jesus ransomed me.
Refrain:
Hallelujah! what a Savior,
Who can take a poor, lost sinner,
Lift him from the miry clay and set me free!
I will ever tell the story,
Shouting glory, glory, glory,
Hallelujah! Jesus ransomed me.
From the depth of sin and sadness
To the heights of joy and gladness
Jesus lifted me, in mercy full and free;
With His precious blood He bought me,
When I knew Him not, He sought me,
And in love divine He ransomed me.
From the throne of heav’nly glory—
Oh, the sweet and blessed story!—
Jesus came to lift the lost in sin and woe
Into liberty all-glorious,
Trophies of His grace victorious,
Evermore rejoicing here below.
By and by, with joy increasing,
And with gratitude unceasing,
Lifted up with Christ forevermore to be,
I will join the hosts there singing,
In the anthem ever ringing,
To the King of Love who ransomed me.
The Apostolic letter and the humble song of a bygone era remind me of James’ observation, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17). In other words, "If it is noteworthy or good, it didn’t start with us!"
Have you discovered evidences of our Lord’s will and design sometimes on display in unlikely places? They can occur in unexpected places and at unusual times. The Lord recently allowed me to witness a demonstration of how He desires people to live together in a community.
I recently chaired our community’s homeowner’s association board of directors meeting where we wrestled with a sticky problem relating to a house under construction. The chairman of the architectural committee is assigned the responsibility of overseeing plans and permits for new construction. He is eminently qualified as an architect and is fastidious about his work. In the design and permit process a serious error was made. Communication broke down between the contractor, county agencies and the homeowner’s association representative. Thousands of dollars are at stake. The architect feels as if he has let down the whole community and apologized in tears.
As the board struggled through the various issues and listened to the presentations and viewpoints of the parties directly involved, a member stated, "I think we need to do what good neighbors do. We ought to share the responsibility for what has happened and make the best of an imperfect circumstance." A few persisted using tense legal argument and questioning the integrity of the contractor, but slowly and steadily the directors decided on a non-punitive course of action by affirming the architect and deciding on an acceptable plan for all parties. The board adopted a formal statement sharing the responsibility for the difficult circumstance. And at the end of the meeting I noticed nearly every board member individually assuring the architect and thanking him for many years of service.
The meeting was so different from some board meetings I have attended. I have seen well-intentioned business and community leaders act like playground bullies insisting on their own way. Sadly, I have seen similar behavior among church leaders. Contention, threats, ultimatums and anger breed an unpleasant atmosphere and regrettable memories. The spirit and behavior of those meetings should have never happened.
In reading Paul’s letter to the Colossians I was reminded of the apostle’s instruction, "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12). The behavior is an exact opposite of the preceding instruction, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature" (Colossians 3:3). It is our choice and our activity. We "put off" and "put on" what we choose. God doesn’t do it for us. As we make choices and follow those decisions with complementary actions, we glimpse the kind of family, community and church emerging that pleases the Lord.
The story is familiar to those who have read the Bible. It is found in Luke 17:11-19.
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"
When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?"
Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
The lesson is obvious and simple. Ten lepers, social outcasts unwelcome in a healthy society and reduced to begging because of their medical condition, called out to Jesus in desperation. Jesus represented their only hope. Their condition was otherwise terminal. Human contact was forbidden. All bridges back to home, neighborhood and employment were destroyed by the dread disease.
But Jesus came by and healed them! Cleansed! Restored! As good as new, the ten ran off to have their healing and status in society validated by the temple priests. And then, one returned shouting appreciation and praise. Throwing himself at Jesus’ feet the Samaritan said, "Thank you!" Twice pushed to the perimeter of society, because of leprosy and ethnicity (Samaritans were ostracized and despised by the Jews.) The good man’s understanding of Jesus’ gift of healing was doubled. He was whole and accepted by Jesus, God’s Son.
Ingratitude seems to be in revival mode. A society intoxicated with a glut of entitlements has dulled the edge where grace and generosity are intended to whet the edge of our spirits. Pat and I have made contributions to people and projects we deem worthy of our support. The stature of those to whom we give is often reinforced with simple and sincere "Thank yous," a card, a note or phone call. But too often we have heard nothing. In my most charitable moment I think, "They are busy." But, too often, I think those whom we have helped think that they are entitled to our support and go off to the next donor.
Saying, "Thank you!" is too important to be forgotten. Luke points out that the man was a Samaritan, drawing a contrast with the "I-have-it-coming" politically and socially correct in society. The lesson is, "The Samaritan spirit is to be envied, and copied!"
Thank you for reading my occasional efforts to write. Thank you for being friends. Thank you for allowing me to see the great and generous grace of God in you. Saying, "Thank you!" is good for a man’s spirit.
This week our President’s wife, Michelle Obama, wore an expensive gown to a state dinner honoring the President of France. People who generally disapprove of the President’s leadership are questioning the propriety of Mrs. Obama wearing such an expensive gown when millions of Americans are unemployed. Others simply exposed their heart by wondering aloud, "What does wearing a $15,000 dress feel like?" (I don’t know what wearing a $2.00 dress feels like, but I have worn second-hand clothes from thrift shops.)
Newspapers and television outlets reviewed Mrs. Obama’s dress as they analyze the costumes worn by actresses and singers on the morning after awards shows. Designers vie for high profile showcases because if the public likes their creations, sales will translate into dollars. Dressing up is big business!
A long time ago a guest in a homiletics class fielded questions. One knows it was a very long time ago because one of the memorable questions was, "Is it right for a pastor to wear a sport coat in the pulpit?" Notice, the question wasn’t, "Is it good taste to wear jeans, or cargo pants, or T-shirts, or flip flops, or . . . , no, ‘sport coats!?’" The answer was profoundly important, "If what you wear is what people are talking about, you have worn the wrong thing!" Alas, we are still talking more about what to wear than the Message!
As the media critiqued Mrs. Obama’s choice of gowns and political adversaries pettily pointed to the price tag, I wondered why Christians found it important to give it a moment’s thought or to even comment. Jesus’ teaching turns men’s thoughts from the outside to the inside. The outward symbols of worship in the Older Testament are refocused on the heart, the inward parts of man in the Newer Testament.
Would it be better if we spoke about eternal clothes? The Apostle Paul wrote, "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Galatians 3:27) That’s priceless! A mere $15,000 for tastefully arranged yard goods is not worthy to be compared nor should it usurp the centrality of Christ who clothes us.
Peter added, "All of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5) Second-rate criticism of a national leader and his wife certainly doesn’t seem compatible with being clothed with humility. Can we find deliverance from petty pickiness and live up to the Name by which we are called?
Have we lost sight of the ultimate clothing expo? Certainly not! It is for that event that we live in joyful anticipation. John foresaw the event on Patmos while wearing prison garb, "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb’" (Revelation 7:9-10). No cheap designer togs here! Hemlines, seams, bodices and sleeves are unimportant! The robes have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb. (1 Peter 1:9) Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For us who know Him, idle chatter about gowns and dresses here has little meaning. The third stanza of Edward Mote’s, "The Solid Rock," captures the truth,
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Charles Wesley’s "And can it be that I should gain?" reinforces the priceless righteousness which allows us to enter the main gate of heaven!
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th' eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Our White House, the Kremlin and capitals everywhere are testaments to man’s best efforts. To dress well for special occasions in those place is proper and good. One day, very soon, we will be dressed as none can imagine!
Church history wasn’t a strength when I was a student. I was probably too young to understand that what happened before, and my knowledge and attitude toward past events and people of antiquity, had the potential of influencing the future. Too often I behaved as if those church fathers tucked away in small Asian towns ought to be left there. In my youth I knew that there were people to influence, churches to build , and a world to save. What could musty parchments contribute to my mission? As I have aged, I have gained a far different perspective on life in and outside of the church.
The change in perspective may have influenced my recent reading list. Almost everything I have read this year was written more than 50 years ago. The authors influencing me now appear prophetic because the issues they addressed are now our daily experience. Their alertness, warnings, and concerns were largely ignored and we are now scrambling for quick fixes to systemic failures.
Polycarpa, Bishop of Smyrna, is a historical figure to which I ought to have given more attention. The bishop is an important link between the Apostles and me. Polycarp was a disciple of John and often spoke to his congregation with affection of how John had influenced his life. As Bishop of Smyrna, Polycarp must have taken notice of the special attention Jesus gave to the church he led.
"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
I know your afflictions and your poverty--yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. – Revelation 2:8-10
In Polycarp’s old age Roman Emperors ran with a wild frenzy every time their leadership was threatened. Because of the emperor’s insanity Polycarp was forced to offer a public sacrifice and declare the emperor as god. While in hiding from the emperor’s police, Polycarp dreamed that his pillow was on fire. When he awaken, he told those with him, "Let us go, I will be burned alive."
Because of his genteel spirit and widely known kindness the arresting soldiers begged Polycarp to offer a pinch of incense on the public altar. He could spare his own life! The aged bishop’s response is a lesson for us all to learn well.
"Lord God Almighty, Father of your blessed and beloved child Jesus Christ, through whom we have received knowledge of you, God of angels and hosts and all creation, and of the whole race of the upright who live in your presence: I bless you that you have thought me worthy of this day and hour, to be numbered among the martyrs and share in the cup of Christ, for resurrection to eternal life, for soul and body in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit. Among them may I be accepted before you today, as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, just as you, the faithful and true God, have prepared and foreshown and brought about. For this reason and for all things I praise you, I bless you, I glorify you, through the eternal heavenly high priest Jesus Christ, your beloved child, through whom be glory to you, with him and the Holy Spirit, now and for the ages to come. Amen."
A legend developed around Polycarp’s martyrdom. It is alleged that his body would not catch fire and a soldier was ordered to stab him to death.
How far has our culture wandered from examples like Polycarp? Or John who spent his last days in a death camp called Patmos? Or Jesus whose passion we all remember at the communion table?
Because of Polycarp’s special connection with the Apostle John, I am reading John’s writings again with a special interest in what must have shaped the spirit and behavior of an early bishop. In a combative culture demanding repeals of legislation and vicious threats against anyone or anything which may imperil our wellbeing, especially financial, I want to hear the voices of the Spirit and antiquity and learn to thoroughly apply eternal axioms like, In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. – 1 John 4:17 The good bishop of antiquity is still teaching any who will learn.
Self-promotion has many faces. Star athletes adopt a swagger or brag about their exploits. (I find them hard to like.) Corporations spend millions on promoting their brand and promising products they claim are superior to all others. Even academia, once a bastion for genteel modesty, promotes its programs with splashy sureness. Competition is fierce in athletics, industry and academics, almost everywhere.
Does self-promotion belong in the church? The "bigger is better" theme is a constantly reinforced religious value. Churches use social media to promote themselves. Modesty is hard to find. Swaths of significant accomplishments are boldly presented without an asterisk or footnote mentioning the grace of God or the enabling Spirit. A slate of special performers at coming events is similar in kind to the latest performing rock band or dramatic troupe passing through town.
Am I opposed to enticing neighbors to attend special events at church? NO! I believe in the power of the Spirit to work His Message into people’s hearts when they gather in Jesus’ Name. I am merely reacting to what I consider an over-the-top self-advancement. People don’t need to know me. People need to know Jesus!
We are in danger of calling attention to the vessel or conduit as more important than the precious oil of the Spirit flowing through us. My head hangs in shame as I remember distributing an advertizing piece when I was very young and overly ambitious. The theme of the piece was, "The distance is worth the distance." How could I have been so crass, clumsy or conceited? Isn’t it my role under God to build up others?
The success of an athlete to end a contest with a heroic fete may warrant braggadocio. A company’s ability to parlay a promotion into dollars for stockholders may be an excuse for bragging. Colleges may be justified for pointing to successful alumni and ratings by accrediting boards. But I wonder is Jesus impressed with what one pastor calls his "wow factor?" Am I a servant or a savior in my own mind and heart? How much of Jesus is able to pierce the gaudy facades of church presentations?
Somewhere I remember reading, "If I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto me." A tad more modesty may go a long way to allowing Jesus to come to center stage.
It seems to me that among some Christians the all-too-human instinct to be right, and others wrong, has become so intense that common politeness, respect and kindness have been discarded as if so many soiled mechanics’ rags. In defense of morality, biblical behavior and righteous ethics some have become vicious, even suggesting that violence is an option in the battle for the soul of a nation. Nowhere is the phenomenon more startling than on social media venues. I find myself being ashamed that I know some of those who have personal freedom to disrespect and attack those serving in the highest offices in our government.
I am especially troubled because the "bully pulpit" which some so proudly use is a platform whose origins are secular and political, not rooted in the Kingdom of God. Boasting, bragging, blustering threats are of another spirit. To rip Psalm 109:8-10 from its context is at least as vicious as terminating the life of an unborn child. Does the spirit of Jesus allow us to wish our President dead, his wife a grieving widow and his children orphaned? Is bullying name calling and hatred allowed as an appropriate response to political and moral differences?
What happens when we express disrespect for leadership? I believe leadership undermined in one area creeps into other venues. Like anger, disrespect has no boundaries. A parent overheard by his or her child expressing contempt for a leader undermines their own God-given moral leadership. I am fond of telling others that I didn’t know pastors made mistakes until I became one. My parents, and Pat’s, instilled a deep respect for the office and the person called "pastor." Police officers were addressed with a "Yes sir," and teachers were held in high regard. What happened to us? Both office and officer, classroom and teacher must fight off bullying parents and I’m-right-and-you-are-wrong-militants.
It wouldn’t be so bad, but the spirit that troubles me is often the attitude of people calling Jesus Lord. The argument too often is, "Well, if he was like . . . . (one of the former residents in the White House) . . . then I would . . . " But, I am uncertain that Scripture allows that loophole for justifying rude, crude behavior. The Apostle Paul called on the church to pray for and submit to authorities, and many of those authorities were fearful violent men. (Romans 13)
If Stephen lived today, would he use Facebook to criticize and promote insurrection against a political party or an unpopular piece of legislation? Does heaven open and show Jesus standing to welcome anti-government martyrs, or for those who proclaim His Message? But, suffering is not now in vogue, for any reason.
Could we just be still for a while and dedicate social media time to helping a homeless person find a warm place to sleep on a freezing night? Would our message disarm detractors of Jesus’ Name if we responded to the needs of the unemployed, cared for unwed teen mothers or rebuilt an abandoned house for a family shivering in an old sedan because their home was ravaged by an arson-set fire?
Could King David’s attitude experience a new revival of popularity? David lamented that he disrespected Saul and the office of the King of Israel when being hunted by Saul. After ascending to the throne David sought out Saul’s grandson and moved him into his palace. Is it possible that American Christians do more damage than good by being so outspoken and political? Could we design a forum, on social networks and face-to-face, where we humbled ourselves for being so critical, contentious and combative? Could we develop a plan to contribute to the needs of others and regain a forum for our message supported by charity, kindness and jaw-dropping generosity? I believe contentious people who are absolutely convinced they are right have held bully pulpit microphones long enough.
Willard Cook and I first met in the Spring of 1999. My wife and I were guests at Highway Tabernacle and Brother Cook was among those who welcomed us. As we conversed, I was drawn to his anecdotes of life experiences and his sense of history. Our knowledge of the church was primarily drawn from history books and anecdotal references handed down friend-to-friend. Brother Cook and a few others remembered and repeated lessons learned from previous pastors which helped us understand the congregation’s values and ethos. Willard Cook was one of my important and valued informants.
We quickly discovered that Pat, Willard and I were all alumni of Central Bible College. Brother Cook’s college experiences were more than 25 years ahead of ours, but served as a special bond because his stories of student ministry, travel, classes and chapel helped us more deeply appreciate our experiences decades later.
At the first official church council we conducted, Brother Willard asked a most insightful question. After my response he quickly added, "If that is the case, I am in favor of the resolution." The congregation’s decision was reached quickly and unanimously. I have often wondered what might have happened if Brother Cook’s question hadn’t been posed and his response hadn’t been as direct. In a quiet way Brother Cook helped lead us that day. And, the effect of the decision at that meeting continues.
For more than a decade every Sunday morning I was asked, "Do you have something for the sign this week?" Brother Cook managed the sign with moveable letters outside the church. His persistent quest for something new helped me develop a discipline to find pithy statements designed to capture the thoughts of nonreligious people passing by. It wasn’t easy to pose questions or make meaningful statements with a few words. But Brother Cook wanted to keep the sign fresh and I was the one to produce the material. From behind the scenes Brother Cook served the church, the neighborhood and me. More than one neighbor told me that they walked by just to read the sign and find inspiration from its messages.
When I heard of Willard Cook’s passing, I immediately remembered his impact and contributions I have grown to appreciate. I rejoice that the place Jesus went to heaven to prepare for our brother has been completed. At the coming of the Lord we will be reunited. It will be a grand event. I think that I may carry a 3x5 card in my pocket with an appropriate message for a sign . . . just in case! In any event, our fellowship will be renewed in the presence of the One who drew us to Himself and saved us.
May the grace of God be abundantly poured out on us all.
