A FRESH START

 Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

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.

               I like to get up early in the morning when the day is fresh and new. Each morning brings new opportunities, new challenges, new chances to get it right. No matter what happened the day before, the new day offers a fresh start. Although we carry with us the consequences of the day before, we have a new chance to deal with issues. Although we carry with us the responsibilities of the day before, we have a chance to address them from a fresh perspective.

               The book of Lamentations is one long struggle with Israel’s failures and the consequences of those failures. But in the midst of lamenting the bad things that have happened, the author leans into the mercy and compassion of God. His message is that a person can never exhaust God’s mercy and compassion. God’s love, mercy, and compassion are new every morning. Everyday God offers us a fresh start.

               The Bible often contrasts our unfaithfulness to God’s faithfulness. Even though we are unfaithful at times, God’s faithfulness to us never wavers. Jesus promised us that he would not abandon us. One of the last things He said to His disciples before He ascended was that He would be with them always, even to the end of the age. He has extended that promise to us as well.

               All of us need a fresh start spiritually from time to time. Our faith can become routine and lose its flavor. We can drift away from Christ and lose our focus. We can stumble into sin and lose our peace. What Jesus offers to us every morning is a fresh start in our journey of faith.

               I have done a little backpacking in the past. By the end of a day of backpacking you get pretty weary. The pack gets heavier as the day goes along. Your feet get sore and your shoulders ache. Finally, you arrive at the campsite for the night. You set up camp, cook your evening meal, and sit around the campfire reflecting on the day’s hike. After a night of rest, you make a fresh start on your journey. Every backpack trip that I have taken has taught me new lessons. Each time I went, I went with a better knowledge of what to do and what not to do. Each trip was a fresh start.

               Our journey through life is much like a backpacking trip. There are hills to climb and valleys to traverse. We are moving toward a destination. And we are carrying a pack on our back. Each day we place into our pack a variety of things; challenges, disappointments, accomplishments, tasks to be accomplished, and hopefully joys experienced. Each night, God gives us the chance to lay down our pack and let Him unpack it for us. Often as we sleep, God sorts out the jumbled confusion in our minds and begins to lead us toward clarity. When we wake in the morning, we often have a fresh perspective and hopefully fresh energy to face the day.

               No matter where our journey takes us or what challenges we face along the way, there is one thing that we can hold onto, God’s faithfulness. We are not making this journey alone. We have been given the Holy Spirit to encourage us, strengthen us, and guide us. Jesus promised us that we don’t have to carry our life backpack alone. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

               When we place our faith in Christ, we become the recipients of His faithfulness. Each day is a fresh start; a new opportunity to learn, to grow, to serve, to love and be loved. Each day we can experience God’s mercy anew. No matter how long our journey on this earth may be, we will never come to the end of God’s grace and mercy.

Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE CHURCH?

 Acts 2:42 (NIV)

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

               I have been contemplating lately what it means to be a follower of Jesus and a part of His church. It is easy to fall into the idea that being a follower of Jesus is just about going to heaven when you die. But is that really all that it is? Isn’t there more to being a genuine Jesus follower?

               The more that I have thought about this the more I come back to what it means to really be a church. When Jesus taught, the focus of His message was on being in a right relationship with God and with one another. Being a follower of Jesus is all about relationship. It is not just about living a moral life, but living a life in communion with God and with others.

               The church has fallen on hard times. The attitude of many people is that the church is irrelevant at best and a problem at worst. It has been depicted as imposing a set of rules onto people that denies them freedom and takes away their fun. This is sad, because the church is actually the path to genuine freedom and ultimate purpose in life.

               Acts 2:42 gives us the essence of the church in a nut shell. What we see is four basic components to discovering the life Jesus promised us when He promised us the abundant life.

               The church should be a place of learning about God and about ourselves. Teaching has always been at the heart of what the church does. In fact, in the Great Commission, teaching is a prominent aspect. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) Without sound teaching we drift from new idea to new idea without any firm foundation. The early church devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching and we should as well.

               The church should be a place to really belong. The early church was devoted to the fellowship; they really loved one another. This is an aspect of the church that we have lost today. In our focus on individual needs and desires, we have forgotten that we need one another. The church was designed to demonstrate life as God designed it. It should be an open fellowship not a closed circle. It should be a place where people feel accepted and belong. But it also means that we are to hold one another accountable to living out our faith genuinely. Real community encourages and corrects, supports and challenges. The church should be a place where people can be real, warts and all.

               The church should be a place to worship and celebrate. The breaking of bread specifically refers to the Lord’s Supper; a time to remember and reflect upon what Jesus has done for us on the cross. But it can be extended to breaking bread together around the table in our homes or in the church. The setting for the Lord’s Supper was a shared meal. There is something intimate and meaningful about sharing a meal together. The church needs to be a place where we can genuinely worship together whether that be in a formal sense or an informal sense. It should be a place to celebrate all that God has done and is doing in us.

               The last aspect of the church is that it should be a place the encourages an intimate relationship with God. Prayer is more than a laundry list of things we want God to do for us. It is a two-way conversation. It is an invitation to open our hearts to God and allow Him to transform our lives. Prayer is not a formality that we need to get out of the way. It is an essential part of what it means to connect with God. Praying together binds us together as the body of Christ. It aligns our hearts and our minds with God’s heart and mind.

               We live in a world that is disparate for genuine community. Most people today are lonely. They want to be accepted and to really belong. All of the superficial ways to experience community that are offered to people today fall short and end in disappointment and discouragement.

               Jesus created the church to be a place to belong. A place to do life together. A place to grow as people, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. The church at it best is not another social club, but a genuine community that cares for its people, that binds up the wounds of the fragile, that empowers people to live up to who God created them to be. The church should be a place that brings out the best in people. Jesus created the church to bring light into a dark world, to add flavor to life, and to rescue people from the decay that dominates our world.

               No church is perfect; we all have flaws. But when a group of Jesus followers bands together to live as Jesus taught us to live, we can change our world.

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.”

ARE THESE THE LAST DAYS?

 2 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)

First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation."

               When I was a boy, growing up in church, I routinely heard about the imminent return of Christ. To be honest, it scared me. I remember praying and asking Jesus not to come back until I had the chance to… With my life just beginning the idea of Jesus coming back and cutting it short wasn’t a positive thought. I have matured beyond that point, at least I hope so.

               The question of the return of Christ and the last days has fascinated theologians and church people alike. Another childhood memory I have is of a huge chart that supposedly charted the course of human history right up to the coming of the Lord. People have speculated for centuries about the meaning of “the last days” and the return of Christ. Some have gone so far as to nail down a specific date for His return. Of course they have all been incorrect.

               As I was growing up, prophecy about the last days was a hot topic. The entire “Left Behind” series is a testament to that. Today we don’t hear so much about the return of Christ. It is acknowledged as a theological truth, but not necessarily as something to get to worked up over.

               In my devotions today, I was reminded that the return of Christ is something that we should be preparing for. Between being obsessed with prophecy and ignoring the return of Christ is a more biblical approach to the last days and the return of Christ.

               The first thing we have to acknowledge is that the last days are not in front of us, we are living in then right now. The world entered the last days at the ascension of Jesus back into heaven. When Peter addressed the crowd on the day of Pentecost he quoted from the prophet Joel. "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17 (NIV) Peter obviously believed that the last days were ushered in when the Holy Spirit was given to the church at Pentecost. All of the first century believers lived within the idea that they were living in the last days. So, I think it is safe to say that we continue to live in the last days.

               Peter addressed this in-between time that we live in in his second letter.

2 Peter 3:3-13 (NIV)
First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives
as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

               Let me unpack a few truths that we need to keep in mind as we look forward to the return of Christ.

               First, people will get impatient waiting for Christ’s return. They will begin to mock the idea and turn away from the truth. There is no doubt that we live in such a time. The idea of the return of Christ for many has become a curiosity or something to be made fun of.

               The second thing to remember is that God is still in control and that the events of earth are firmly in His hands. The end of the world is a sure thing. One day God will close the final curtain on human history and the story will be over.

               The third thing to remember is that God is in control of the timetable not us. God’s timing is different from our timing. He is in no hurry to put an end to His creation. In fact, He is being extremely patient with us, wanting as many as possible to turn to Him in faith and be saved.

               The fourth thing we need to remember is that Jesus’ return will catch us all by surprise. Peter is echoing the words of Jesus when Jesus said that His return will be like a thief in the night. All of our speculation about when Christ will return is pointless, because Jesus said so.

               The last and I believe the most important thing to remember is that we need to do our best to be ready when He comes. Peter asks the question, what kind of lives should we live? He doesn’t say that we should go up on a hill, gaze into the sky and wait for Jesus to come. He doesn’t say that we should spend endless hours debating the mechanics of Christ’s return. What does he say? He says that we should live holy and godly lives with a constant anticipation of Christ’s return.

               Jesus gave several parables that highlight this exact point. He said that we are like servants who have been left in charge of the master’s estate. The master expects us to be about the business of the estate until he returns. In Matthew 24 we get one of the clearest statements about what Jesus expects from us as we live in the last days. He says three important things that we should keep in mind.

               We don’t know when He will return. No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matthew 24:36 (NIV)

               He expects us to be watching for His return. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Matthew 24:42 (NIV)

               He expects us to be busy doing what He has called us to do in the interim. Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Matthew 24:45-46 (NIV)

               We are living in the last days right now. Jesus could come back at any time. The real question is how will He find us when He does. Will we be ready, living active lives of service as we anticipate His return? Or will we be caught off guard?

Mark 13:32-37 (NIV)
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back--whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'"

 

THE ASSUMPTION OF HEAVEN

 Matthew 7:21 (NIV)

“Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

               America has been blessed to have been shaped from its beginnings by Christianity. Although it is obvious that not everyone who has lived in America is a genuine believer, it is still true that our culture, in the main, has been shaped by Christian beliefs. As we have become more and more secularized many of these Christian beliefs have been watered down or abandoned. But there are still vestiges of Christianity that linger. One of those is the belief in heaven. Nearly ¾ of all American adults still believe in heaven. Their understanding of heaven is by no means consistent or universal, but it is foundational for many people.

               One of the aspects of belief in heaven that stands out is the idea that most people will go to heaven when they die. Only the really bad people will miss out and go to hell. If a person has lived a relatively good and moral life, then they expect that heaven is their destination. This attitude was confirmed for me the other night as I was watching a TV show. At one point, one of the main characters asked the other if he believed in heaven. She expressed her utter confidence that she would go to heaven when she died and that she would see her loved one again.

               For many people, the idea of heaven or a positive afterlife has been divorced from religion or from specific faith in Jesus Christ. As long as a person has a vague idea of God and has lived a “good” life, then they expect heaven to be their reward. For most people, heaven is about seeing loved ones who have died. It has very little, if anything, to do with being united with Jesus. It is true that the Bible promises us that we will be united with those who have gone before us, but that is secondary to knowing Christ and entering into His glory.

               The people of Israel had an idea of heaven based on the Law. If they were faithful to the Law all of their life, they would be rewarded with a place in God’s heavenly Kingdom. They felt that anyone outside of the Law was excluded from the Kingdom of God. This same concept is true in Islam. Only true Muslims will go to heaven. Everyone else is fodder for the fires of hell. In both cases the assumption is that if I am in the “right” group then I’m in.

               Jesus had a different take on the issue. Jesus is very clear that outwardly claiming our place in heaven is not enough. In Matthew 7, Jesus clearly states the criteria for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 7:15-23 (NIV)
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

               Bottomline for Jesus is not how religious a person has been, or how good, or how well they kept the Law, but whether they had a relationship with Him. A person who has a genuine relationship with Jesus will show that through the fruit they produce. Their position before God is not based on bearing good fruit. Bearing good fruit is the outcome of having a relationship with Jesus. Jesus is clearly saying that it is not enough to go through the motions of faith outwardly. There needs to be an inner commitment and transformation that has taken place.

               There was an animated film back in 1987 called All Dogs Go to Heaven. The idea is that because dogs are loyal to their masters they all go to heaven. There is a loose idea that love, friendship, and loyalty are the keys to entrance in heaven. In many ways, that is how so many people see it. If I am generally loving and loyal to my family and friends then I will get a free pass to heaven. Unfortunately, that is not reality.

               If we have placed our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, then we can be assured of our place in heaven. But we should not presume upon this. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 13:5; Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test? We do not have to live in fear, but we do need to be sure that we are genuinely in a relationship with Jesus. Having a relationship with Jesus is not a moment in time, but a life-long adventure of following Him. It is the greatest adventure in the world for those who truly embrace it.

               No one earns a place in heaven by living a good life. Heaven is a gift from God to all those who have placed their faith in Jesus. Everyone who enters into heaven has been invited there personally by Jesus and will be welcomed in with open arms.

John 14:1-6 (NIV)
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

 

 

WHEN SATAN ATTACKS

 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

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.

               Murphy’s Law says this: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time." There is truth imbedded in that statement, especially when it comes to our spiritual journey. Satan is a master at throwing a monkey wrench into our plans at just the wrong time. Not every mishap is a direct act of Satan, but he knows how to use our missteps against us. There are times though when Satan definitely orchestrates things to cause the most damage to us as we seek to walk faithfully with the Lord.

               In the early 2000’s our church was on the rise. We were regularly topping 400 in average attendance in three Sunday worship services. Our Easter and Christmas service attendance was well over 500. We knew that it was time to make some strategic changes in order to break through the 400 barrier and move to the next level of ministry impact.

               With that in mind, we brought in an expert in church growth who met with our leaders and our congregation for a weekend of strategic planning. Two issues rose to the top that were keeping us from making further progress. We needed more space and we needed to expand our staff. The church embraced these recommendations and quickly moved forward. We started a building program to expand our facilities and we hired more staff. Then the bottom dropped out. The 2007-2008 financial crisis hit and derailed our plans.

               The global financial crisis was not directly related to our decisions, but Satan used it to attack our church. By that time there was nothing we could do about the building project; it was a done deal. As our income took a major hit, we found ourselves with a financial dilemma. As the crisis lingered our situation got worse. In the end we had to let one of our staff go. The outcome of that was that we lost people in the process, which only made the situation worse.

               In addition to the external issues, some internal issues arose that further destabilized our church. The result of those issues caused further exodus of people and staff. When the dust finally settled, we had dropped back to a church of about 250. People were discouraged and disoriented, including the senior pastor, me. It took several years to begin to rebuild a sense of direction and purpose.

               I share this now because the church I am currently serving is in the process of selecting a new senior pastor. Over the past 1 ½ years we have worked hard to heal wounds and to seek God’s direction for the church. Many good and encouraging things have happened during that time. We believe that God has brought us to the place where we can confidently move forward. Now is the time that we need to be on our guard. Satan would like nothing better than to sabotage the process. He wants to rekindle old hurts and open wounds that we have worked so hard to heal.

               Peter warned us that Satan is like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Satan is always looking for a weak spot from which to attack. He wants to use circumstances and people to not just muddy the waters, but to stop positive progress. Now is the time to put on the full armor of God. We cannot afford to be complacent. We need to actively resist Satan.

               In Ephesians 6, Paul tells us that if we are going to be able to take our stand against Satan’s attacks, we need to be fully equipped.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

               We need to be fully aware of who our real enemy is, and it is not the culture or the people around us. We also need to be intentional about equipping ourselves with the resources that God has made available to us. In addition to this, we need to be confident in the power of God at work in us. As James says, Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:7-8a (NIV)

               Satan wants to distract us and discourage us. He does that by getting our eyes off of Jesus and onto the things going on around us. Like Peter, walking on the water, when we take our eyes off of Jesus we begin to sink. But when we stay focused on Jesus, we can resist the attacks of Satan. Remember, You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NIV)

Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

 

 

 

HIGH EXPECTATIONS, EXTRAVAGANT GRACE

 Matthew 5:48 (NIV)

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

               I just finished the first half of a woodworking project. It is a corner cupboard. It turned out okay, but it is not perfect. There are a few things that did not come out the way I wanted them to do. I have been doing woodworking for many years now, but I am still trying to perfect my workmanship. I expect perfection, but I have to give myself grace.

               The same is true in our walk with Christ. We should all have high expectations. In fact, Jesus set the bar very high. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus set an almost impossible standard for his followers. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 (NIV) Jesus was making the point that righteousness is far more than a person’s outward actions. It also includes what’s going on inside of a person. At the end of that chapter, Jesus says that his followers must be perfect. WOW!

               Striving for perfection as a follower of Jesus is a real challenge. The reality is that we often fall far short of that goal. We are not alone in this. Paul struggled with not living up to such a high standard.

Romans 7:14-20 (NIV)
We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

               There are those who say that Paul was describing his life before he became a believer, but I don’t agree. Paul was expressing the struggle we all safe, if we are honest with ourselves. In our heart, we really do want to live a righteous life, but our actions do not always match up. We would like to be perfect, but we fall far short of the goal. That is where grace comes in.

               John addresses this in his first letter. 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. 1 John 1:8-10 (NIV)

               Jesus set a high standard knowing that we would not measure up. He gave us a way to bridge the gap. When we admit our failure and turn toward Him, He applies His righteousness to our account. He cleanses us from our sin and brings us back on track.

               We have a part to play in this. It is not automatic. Jesus expects us to put in the effort, to strive toward the goal of perfection. But He is there to help us move in the right direction. I think that is what Paul was getting at when he wrote these words. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)

               I know what it is to beat myself up over my failure to be perfect. That is not where Jesus wants me or you to live. Instead, He calls us to bring our imperfection to Him. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

               We should have high expectations of ourselves as we stive to be like Jesus. But we also need to tap into God’s extravagant grace. Jesus is not wringing His hands over our failures. He knows all about us, and He continues to extend His arms of love and grace in our direction.

Psalms 103:13-18 (NIV)
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children-- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

CHILDISH OR CHILD-LIKE

 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

               Birthdays are often a time for reflection. As we mark another year of life, we stop to think about where we have been and where we are headed. Today is that day for me.

               There have been many thoughts going through my mind the past week or so. As I can see the end of my current ministry as an interim pastor fast approaching, I have given much thought to what is next. I have also taken stock of my life up to this point. I am pleased with some of the things that are on my personal resume, and not pleased with some others. Above all, I have thought about where I am on my faith journey.

               When Jesus was teaching His disciples about what it means to be a follower of His, He told them that they needed to become like little children. On one occasion the disciples were discussing who was going to be the greatest in the coming kingdom. Jesus responded to them by introducing a radical idea to about what it means to be great.

Matthew 18:1-4 (NIV)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

               Jesus’ words contrast to the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:1. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Jesus said that we are to be like little children and Paul tells us to put away childish things. This seems to be a contradiction, but it is not. There is difference a between being childish and child-like.

               One of the things I have come to grips with is that I still have some childish ideas rolling around in my head. A person who is childish is self-focused. They think more about themselves than about others. They tend to be demanding and impatient. Their focus tends to be on what makes them happy. As I look in the mirror, I can still see the vestiges of these things in my life. Although I have matured in years, there are times when I still think childish things and act in childish ways.

               On the other hand, to be child-like is very different. A person who is child-like is willing to trust others. He or she is humble, knowing that they can learn from those around them. A child-like person doesn’t over-think things. They tend to take each circumstance or each day as it comes.     

               Children are naturally spontaneous and creative. They use their imaginations. Children naturally want to learn, although not always in the way we want to teach them. Children love to explore and experience new things. As a person grows up something happens to these qualities in the majority of us. We become less spontaneous and more calculated. We become less creative and confine ourselves to coloring within the lines. We become less imaginative and start to conform to the current norm. We stop exploring and settle for the status quo.

               As we mature, some of us discover these child-like qualities all over again, but in a new way. We stop worrying about what others think and start expanding our world again. We stop feeling like we must conform and begin exploring life in new ways. I think this is what Jesus was talking about in a way.

               When we become followers of Jesus, our eyes are opened and we begin to experience life in new ways. We stop conforming to the world as the Holy Spirit begins to transform us from the inside out. That is what Paul was getting at in Romans 12:1-3.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

               Moving from being childish to being child-like doesn’t just happen automatically. It takes intentional effort on our part. As Paul said, we need to put away childish things. All of us have some childish things in our lives, vestiges of our old life. Part of maturing is recognizing these things and then taking steps to put them aside. We never want to lose a child-like spirit, but we do want to jettison childishness from our lives.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.