OUR MORAL CRISIS

                After a busy Christmas season, I am settling back into a more normal routine. I have been reading a book by Philip Yancey, titled Vanishing Grace. It has been very challenging. The overall premise of the book is that we Christians have lost our grip on the reality of God’s grace. Rather than being advocates for God’s grace, we have become antagonists to our world. We are viewed as negative, obstructive and out of touch with reality. In a general sense, we have lost our place at the table; we are only a faint voice in the public forum.

                After painting a rather bleak picture, Yancey goes on to show some powerful examples of grace-filled Christians, making a significant difference in our world. Yancey’s book is both a wake-up call and a note of hope. I have been challenged to re-examine my own understanding and application of God’s grace.

                Near the end of the book, Yancey tackles the question of morals and values. I have found this section most disturbing and challenging. He introduces something called evolutionary psychology, which claims that we are all controlled by a selfish gene. This selfish gene promotes the preservation of the gene pool, independent of any higher moral values. Moral values are seen in pragmatic, individual terms. I cannot go into all of the detail that Yancey does, but it is a chilling and sobering idea.

                We are living in a world that is rapidly moving toward a moralless, valueless society. The idea of right and wrong is constantly being assailed and challenged. The most common argument is, What right do you have to impose your values on me?

                The Apostle Paul warned us that this was the direction our world was headed. We should not be surprised. Look at Paul’s summary in Romans 1 and see if it does not mirror the world in which we live.

                The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

                For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

                Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.

                Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

                Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:18-32

                Paul’s words mirror the nightly news. My first response to the situation is indignation. This is closely followed by condemnation and a desire to mount a crusade for a return to traditional moral values. At this point, Yancey puts up a huge STOP sign, and rightly so. He convincingly makes the point that Paul’s world was not changed by a moral crusade, but by a Church that lived out of the grace of God, in the face of an immoral world. He calls us to do the same.

                I am humbled by my own failure to be an agent of God’s grace. In the face of the moral darkness that is all around me and the crumbling foundations of our society, I have to ask myself, how can I be light in this darkness? The only way we are going to change our world is by being the Church in all its fullness and glory. That means loving one another, caring, in practical ways, for the needs of one another, and extending the grace of God “to the least of these’ outside of the Church.

                We will never change our world through politics or social action. We can only change our world by fully living out the love and grace of God in our everyday lives.

                Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 

I AM JUST TOO BUSY

Psalm 46:10

    "Be still, and know that I am God;

        I will be exalted among the nations,

        I will be exalted in the earth."

                In the midst of this busy Christmas season, it is easy for me to tell myself, I am just too busy to take the time to do my devotions. After all, I have a sermon to write, a funeral to prepare, a men’s group to get ready for, and extra services to organize. I am just too busy.

                I felt that way, as I came into my office this morning. But, I sat down in my chair, opened my Bible and read Psalm 46. Vs. 10 jumped off of the page."Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." I was struck with the reality that nothing I have to do is more important than spending time with my Lord. Nothing is more important than reading the Bible and holding a conversation with God in prayer.

                I must confess that busyness is often just an excuse. I have time to do many things other than the projects I am working on for church. Yet, I can claim busyness as an excuse to not visit a shut-in or to not spend time really engaging in God’s Word. For me, at least, busyness is one of Satan’s most effective weapons. I can hide behind the façade of busyness. I can use it as a protective shield to deflect interruptions to “my” schedule. It gives me a convenient excuse for inaction; an excuse that people will readily accept. No one seems to question busyness. Everyone seems to assume it.

                Jesus never let busyness rule his life. He was hard-pressed from dawn to dusk by people demanding his time and attention. Yet, Jesus was never in a hurry. He always found time to be alone with the Father. He always found time to engage in what was really important, not just what was demanding and urgent. While Jesus was on the way to minister to Jairus’ daughter, he took the time to stop and heal a woman who had been plagued by a bleeding disorder for twelve years. I am sure that Jairus was anxious, but Jesus was not. (Mark 5:21-36) When Jesus was eating dinner at the home of Mary and Martha, Martha was frantic about all that needed to be done. Mary, on the other hand, sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to him. When Martha confronted Jesus with this injustice, Jesus told her to settle down, sit down and spent time with him. (Luke 10:38-42)

                The real issue is not action vs. inaction. It is purposeful action vs. frenetic activity. It is having the insight and wisdom to know what is most important and what is secondary. Let me give you two examples.

                Several years ago, early on a Sunday morning, a young man arrived to deliver the donuts for our coffee time. As he was about to leave, he knocked on my door and asked the inevitable question. “Are you busy.” My first response was, “yes, I am getting ready for the service.” I stopped and asked a couple of quick questions. He was struggling with his lack of desire for spiritual things. I arranged to meet him at a later date, and he went on his way. He never showed up for the appointment. I regret that I let busyness get in the way of a significant spiritual encounter.

                Yesterday, I was working on my sermon for Sunday, when a knock came at my door. It was a woman who I had worked with at the death of her mother. I invited her in and offered her a seat. She began to open up about some things that she was struggling with. We probably spent a half hour together. When she left, she thanked me for taking the time to talk with her, because, “I know how busy you are.” I was glad that I had set aside what I was doing to give this woman a listening ear.

                James says that man’s anger does not accomplish God’s purposes. (James 1:20) We could rightly insert the word busyness. Man’s busyness does not accomplish God’s purposes. If I am too busy to spent time reading God’s word and praying, then I am too busy. If am too busy to stop what I am doing and talk to a person in need, then I am too busy. If I am too busy to exercise and care for my physical body, as God desires, then I am too busy. Some of my most encouraging and meaningful encounters have happened when God interrupted my busy schedule. Someone has said that interruptions are often God’s divine appointments.          

                During this amazing, busy time of the year, I need to be intentional to stop and sit at the feet of Jesus. After all, is not that what Christmas is all about!

EARLY IN THE MORNING

                I am not a classic morning person. It takes a hot shower and a cup of coffee to get me going. But I really like early mornings. I enjoy being the first one up in the house; when everything is quiet and before the busyness of the day has erupted. I enjoy being the first one to arrive at church, so I can have some genuine quiet time. I like seeing the first rays of the sun peaking over the horizon. I like early mornings.

                It all began back in college. I was the dining hall manager for breakfast. That meant that I had to be at the dining hall by 6:00 AM every morning to start the process of setting up for breakfast. I loved emerging from my dorm, after a fresh snowfall, and making the first set of footprints across campus. I would enter the quiet dining hall and begin arranging things for the morning; making coffee, arranging the carts of plates and silverware, checking in with the baker, and grabbing one of the first fresh donuts coming from his amazing machine. At about five minutes to seven my crew would come stumbling in. At 7:00 AM, I would unlock the doors for the first students. I have liked early morning ever since.

                When my children were still at home, I would get up early and make their breakfast, before they headed off to school. I still get up early to have my breakfast and to start my day with some quiet time with the Lord. I do not make it every morning, but the majority of the time I start my time in the office with devotions and prayer. It sets the tone for the rest of my day.

                The gospels tell us that Jesus used the early mornings as His time to be alone with the Father. Once the sun came up, Jesus was pressed, from all sides, by people demanding His attention. By evening, He was exhausted. Yet each day, He would rise early, to be refreshed and renewed for the challenges ahead of Him.

                Mark gives us a snapshot of Jesus’ daily experience in Mark 1:32-37.

                That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

                Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"

                Not everyone is at their best early in the morning, but, for me, it is the most refreshing time of the day. Most days are filled with demands, expectations and deadlines. There is always someone or something clamoring for your time and attention.  But early in the morning, it is quiet. The world is still. There is time for quiet reflection. There is time to get prepared to face the day.

Lamentations 3:22-23

    Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,

        for his compassions never fail.

    They are new every morning;

        great is your faithfulness.

   

THE GIFT OF FAMILY

Psalm 127:3-5

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

                We gathered in the large room, filed with round tables and decorated for Thanksgiving. There was much small talk, as we greeted people we had not seen for some time. The word was given and we all found our places at the tables. Each place was marked with a leaf bearing a name. My three nieces, who shouldered the responsibility of organizing this event, took their place at the front of the room and greeted the assembled clan. Then, in turn, a member of each of the four generations represented there rose and asked a blessing on this significant event. We wiped tears from our eyes as the final Amen was said. Then we descended on the tables, laden with more food than we could possible consume. Our long awaited Thanksgiving reunion was underway. For the rest of the day we basked in the joy of a family gathered.

                In a world filled with disjointed, dysfunctional, wounded families, it is a unique experience to gather with four generations of one family, intact. I was able to reconnect with two cousins I had not seen in decades. I was able to spent time with both of my brothers and their families. I was able to relish moments with my parents, who are both in the late 80’s and doing remarkably well. For one week, we gathered in North Carolina and celebrated the gift of family.

                As I reflect upon my experience, I am struck by the enormous blessing I have been given. It is all too easy to take our family for granted, or worse to find fault with our family. But family is a gift that is to be treasured. It is the foundation for all civilization and culture. It is the training ground for life. It is the port in a storm that can give us the strength to go on. It is the place of joy that can enrich and enhance our lives. It can be all of these things and more, but it is not for far too many.

                For many people, family is a negative experience. It is a place of abuse and conflict. A place that drains, rather than sustains. A place to be avoided.

                That was never God’s design. God desires that we all find our place in His family. In our human efforts, we fall short of God’s design and intent. But God has provided a place for all who will take it, in His family. In Christ, we belong, we are valued, we are safe. Through faith in Christ, we can transform our natural families into supernatural families; families connected by more than genetics. We can enter into a eternal family that will never pass away. It has been may privilege to experience both an intact, healthy natural family and God’s eternal family. For those who have not shared in my blessing, there is hope. That hope is found in Christ Jesus.

                As the Apostle John wrote to a group of oppressed and possibly discouraged people, he extended an amazing word of hope. How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. 1 John 3:1-3

                John’s words of hope are great news for all of us, but especially for those who feel abandoned, abused and rejected. We belong! We have a place! We are loved! When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are adopted into God’s forever family. We move from a life dominated by darkness into the light of the glory of God. We have hope for the future and for eternity. The resources that we need to face the challenges of life are available to us, in abundance. All we have to do is ask.

                My family experienced an amazing gift this past Thanksgiving; an unprecedented gathering of family. As we gathered in worship on Sunday morning, I was aware that our gift is enhanced, enriched  and expanded by our family of faith. Membership in that family is open to all who will accept Jesus’ invitation to come in.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Peter 2:9-10

STEPPING OUT IN FAITH

                Eli knew that he had been selected for a great honor, but he was still apprehensive. He was one of the priests who would carry Ark of the Covenant, across the Jordan River, before the people of Israel. It was just getting dark, as he stood by the banks of the swollen river. The water rushed by him; it seemed to overwhelm him. As darkness fell, he lifted his eyes to heaven. God of my fathers, of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I know that this is what you have commanded, but my heart is wrapped in fear. Give me the courage to do what you have called me to do.

                As the first light of dawn appeared on the horizon, the priests took their places in front and behind the Ark. All the people were assembled. There was an air of anticipation, excitement and apprehension. Joshua addressed the people with words of challenge and encouragement. “Today the Lord will do an amazing thing in your sight.” The command was given, the priests grasped the long poles and shouldered the Ark.

                Eli was the first priest on the right front. His eyes were firmly fixed on the rushing water before him. Joshua gave the command, and the priest began to slowly walk forward. They descended a gentle slope, which lead into the shallows of the river. Eli could feel the cold water engulfing his feet. With the weight of the priests and the Ark behind him, he kept moving forward. The water began rising on his calves. He could feel the first signs of the strong current pulling on his legs. Involuntarily he closed his eyes and steadily moved forward.

                Wait, something is wrong! He could no longer feel the tug of the river. Eli quickly opened his eyes. He was walking on dry ground. For a great distance to his right and his left, there was no water, just dry ground. As the priests reached the center of the river, they stopped. The command was given and the people streamed across the now dry river bed. Eli was overwhelmed. He no longer felt the weight of the Ark on his shoulder. He began to quietly speak words of praise to Jehovah, as the tribes of Israel passed by him in perfect order.

                As the last of the people climbed the far bank, twelve strong men came to the place where the priests stood. Each man selected a large, smooth rock and hefted it onto his broad shoulder. Finally, Joshua gave the command, and the priests resumed their march across the dry river bed. As the last of the priests stepped onto the far bank, Eli heard the sound of rushing water. He glanced back to see the river quickly refill. It again rushed by at flood stage. A collective cheer went up from the people.

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Joshua 3:14-17

    So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.

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Hebrews 11:1

    Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

A SUBTLE ENEMY

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12

                Yesterday was Veterans’ Day in America and Remembrance Day in Europe. It was originally created to remember and honor those who served and died in WWI. November 11 marks the day that the armistice was signed, ending that world conflict. Over the years Veterans’ Day has been expanded to include all veterans up to today.

                As I reflected upon how conflict and war has changed since WWI, I thought of the parallels with the spiritual battle in which we are engaged. In WWI and WWII, the battles lines were clearly marked. It was obvious who the enemy was and who your allies were. Those distinctions started to blur in the Korean War and almost disappeared in Vietnam. Today, in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, there are no clear defining lines for who is friend or foe.

                In the spiritual battle that we face, the defining lines have definitely been blurred, especially in America. In many parts of the world, there are still very clear distinctions between Christians and non-Christians, believers and non-believers. In certain places, there is open conflict, with the church being actively persecuted and oppressed. In some places, there is an uneasy truce, similar to North and South Korea. There is still antagonism, but there is some room for Christians to practice their faith opening. In America the defining lines have all but disappeared. With a façade of cultural Christianity, Satan is waging a spiritual guerilla war. Officially we have complete freedom of religion, but in practical terms that freedom is constantly under attack and being confined and restricted.

                Both open conflict and subversive action are dangerous, painful and costly to the Church. Open conflict tends to unify the Church and draw it together. Subversive conflict tends to divide the Church and push us apart. Open conflict often results in the loss of property, social status and even life. Subversive conflict results in a watered down gospel, a degrading of morals and a general loss of faith. Both forms of satanic attack are real, powerful and dangerous. One form is easy to see, while the other is harder to detect. The Bible warns us to be on our guard against both forms of attack.

                Paul warned the church in Corinth to be discerning about what influences they allowed to shape the church. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

                Peter challenges us to stand firm in the face of Satan’s attacks. He is looking for any vulnerable place where he might gain an advantage. Peter calls us to stand firm along side of our brothers and sisters throughout the world. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

                The biggest difference between those who face open conflict and those who face subversive conflict is perception. Those in the openly persecuted church know they are in a battle. They live with the reality daily. Those of us who live in the comfortable West often forget. We let our guard down. We compromise. We become complacent. All of these play right into the hands of the enemy.

                The hardest battle to fight is the one that you don’t know you are in. We in America need to open our eyes and our hearts. We need to pray for and support our brothers and sisters in the persecuted church. We also need to embrace the reality that we are under siege as well.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Ephesians 6:11-13

    

FAITH vs. WISHFUL THINKING

Hebrews 11:1

    Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

                I really hope things work out. I hope things get better after the elections. I hope the Christmas season goes well. I hope my health holds out. I hope my money lasts. I hope we don’t have a bad winter like last winter. I hope, I hope, I hope.

                Life is full of wishful thinking. We all do it, almost unconsciously. We have been programmed to believe that the future will be better than the present, and that everything will work out for the good in the end. But is that realistic? Is that even honest?

                Some people want to link faith and wishful thinking together. They contend that, what we call faith, is just another name for wishful thinking. Is it? I don’t think so. There are some very significant differences between genuine faith and wishful thinking.

                Wishful thinking is not based on anything solid. It is a desire for something better, with no real assurance that something better can or will happen. Faith, on the other hand, is solidly based on God and His promises. The everlasting God is the foundation of our faith. As the writer to the Hebrews states it, it all begins with recognizing that God exists and that He is faithful.  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

                Faith is based on the solid promises of the Living God. What God promises, He fulfills. God’s track record is more than excellent; it is perfect. As we look back, we can see how God came through for those who trusted Him. Unlike financial planning, God’s past successes do guarantee God’s future faithfulness. Ultimately, all of God’s promises come together and are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Cor. 1:20) Our confidence in God’s promises is on solid ground.

                Wishful thinking tends to be passive. It takes a wait and see attitude toward life. Instead of actively working toward a preferred future, wishful thinking lulls people into inactivity. Genuine faith is the exact opposite of this.

                Genuine faith motivates us to work toward the fulfillment of God’s promises. It allows us to take risks, knowing that God will use our efforts to accomplish His purposes. In fact, faith demands action. James makes that very clear in James 2:14-17. What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

                Genuine faith energizes us and gives us the courage to keep going, even when things are difficult. Because we have confidence in Christ, we can see beyond our immediate circumstances to a better outcome. Paul assures us that our faith is not misplaced. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58)

                Faith and wishful thinking are miles apart. Wishful thinking creates an artificial sense of hope and well-being that evaporates in the face of reality. Genuine faith creates a solid foundation upon which to build, so that we can face the storms of life and prevail.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23