invisible attacks?

I’m not one to see a demon behind every bush or some conspiracy in every human occurrence. Still, as a Christian, I do believe that there is a spiritual realm and that this realm includes personal forces that in some way affect the affairs of human beings. Jesus dealt with many of these forces, as did other biblical characters. A part of Christian theology, in other words, is the acceptance of good and bad angels.

That these personal beings influence daily happenings is one thing, but how they make their mark is quite another. To be honest, I’m not real clear on the mechanism by which they affect us. It seems to me that we ought to avoid both the view that denies such spiritual realities and the one that treats them as the chief culprits in every human trial or difficulty.

All of these things admitted, I sometimes wonder about certain occurrences and the likelihood that they could occur without some kind of supra-human involvement. For instance just the other day I experienced this sort of weird situation at work. Without getting into details, and without attempting to place any blame on anyone, I was subtly associated with a somewhat nefarious situation. No one actually blamed me for anything (quite the opposite, in fact), but there did remain this possible insinuation that someone who heard this story might think that I had done something improper.

When I heard this, I was–to be honest–angered. While I might be unorthodox, and even a little strange, I do my best (with all my heart and by the grace of God alone) to maintain my integrity and to assist others in doing the same. Yet, here I was being connected to something that sounded almost suspicious. No one who was directly involved in the situation approached me. No one asked me about anything or attempted to guard me from being misunderstood. While those who informed me of this situation were very kind and completely non-accusatory, I still wondered about potential scuttlebutt, gossip and the like.

At any rate, I left work in a very somber mood, wondering if anyone had been poisoned by untrue rumors or tainted by stories that had been slanted to make me look bad. Though I know that I cannot control what others think, I am concerned about what people I care about might think. Perhaps, I worry too much; that might be. Either way, these things have been somewhat heavy on my heart.

I should clarify, I suppose, that I do not at all think that I am somehow beyond correction or that it is impossible for me to do something stupid. I truly require the grace and guidance of God to do and be what I ought to do and be. However, when my reputation may hang in the balance, when misinformation might mislead others, I get upset, and I am saddened.

As a side note, and just to make this day even more “enjoyable,” I was later “attacked” by not one but two dogs while jogging (attacked is too strong a word, but these dogs did run up to and jump on me). Last week, I had this one day of particularly wonderful blessings. This day was, well, quite the opposite, which makes me wonder what might be going on “behind the scenes.”

Maybe I am wrong about this whole thing, and perhaps this is, as Shakespeare said, much ado about nothing. I certainly hope that’s the case. But either way I am somewhat dumbfounded by what might be an effort to question my character or at least make others wonder about it. Lord knows that I need guidance and strength each day, and I certainly hope and pray to “let my light shine” before others. Along the way, I sometimes seem to require a special dose of protection. Anyone want to pray? If so, thanks!

who loves ya, baby?

A number of years ago, there was a television series by the name of Kojak. Starring Tellie Cevalis, Kojak was a hip New York detective, who was bald and completely cool.

Kojak was known for some memorable lines, perhaps the most famous of which was actually a question. He used to ask, “Who loves ya baby?” Whatever the implied answer, the question itself is extremely relevant.

“Who loves ya baby?” Who loves YOU and YOU and YOU . . . and ME? The answer to this question, and the degree to which we understand what it implies, will play a major role in the way we think about our lives and ministries. Indeed, it will in many ways determine our own spiritual energy level and how well we continue in the work God has given us to do.

When you work with people–as we all do–when you work with young people–as some of us do–you are participating in something that is difficult to measure and impossible to overestimate. We are talking about affecting what is yet to be, influencing the future, having an impact on the kingdom of God, paving the way for others, affecting how they will conduct their lives.

I think we are of the opinion–at least I am–that what we do in this life actually matters. People matter; young people matter. I’m not looking for some spiritual notch on my belt. What matters to me is that lives are changed–that young people grow up as followers of truth, embodiments of integrity, examples of godliness, conduits of God’s love. What matters to me is that I have some impact, however small it may seem at times, on people I hope and pray will follow the One who is the truth.

We have that impact, I would suggest, when we maintain personal integrity, show genuine concern, and demonstrate authenticity, faith, and love. I, for one, count it a privilege, an honor. This is what it’s all about.

But when we invest our lives in young people, when we attempt to help others, there are times when we wonder about it all, wonder whether it’s worth it. So it’s natural to ask ourselves what we “get” out of helping others–young and old alike. This, frankly, is why we are urged in Scripture to encourage and build up one another. We all need that. And we all ought to be going out of our way to be kind to others, to show them and tell them that we appreciate them. But, to be honest, I want more.

This is why I find solace in those passages in the Bible that assure me that it is worth it. One of these is Matthew 25:23. There we are told that when we stand before God, he will say to those who truly followed his ways, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” This is why we do what we do–teaching a lesson, preparing to instruct a young person, spending time with others. We do it because–among other things–we want the Lord to say, “Good work.” “Good job!” “Way to go!”

1 Corinthians 15: 58 says something similar: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”

Your toil is not in vein. Your labor is not worthless.

To be honest, there are times when I wonder about it, when I’m uncertain that anything that I do matters, when I’m not clear whether what I do now has any lasting impact. But, as a teacher, I get little glimpses here and there, hints that some people actually care, that lives can be moved–sometimes dramatically and often gradually–in a direction in which I sense–to use Jesus’ own words–“the kingdom of God has come near.”

Still, the hints are not an end but a reminder of what fully awaits those who have been faithful to instruct, to guide, to care, to live properly, to love.

As a teacher, one of the most challenging and blessed things I do is interact with young people (in my case, young adults, high school students). And perhaps in part because of the nature of the subject I teach (I teach health) and, in part, because of my own personality, I get close to some kids. In fact each year–and I’ve done this for some time now–I go through a kind of “blue” period, a time of sadness in which I see good young people grow older, mature, and move to the next phase of their lives. This is why, as I’ve said, I sometimes ask myself, “Will they remember? Have I made any difference? Do they understand that I really do care? Have I had any affect on them? Does it all simply melt away with time, or have I said or done anything that actually has eternal value.”

It is at times like these that my worldview is reinforced and my heart is encouraged with thoughts that “my labor is not in vein.” The Message Bible says it this way: “Stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort” (1 Cor 15:58).

Here is what I envision: One day there will be a great reunion. One day we will gather together in the presence of God, and we will discover like never before that it really was worth it. Truth endures. Love lasts. Lessons of Good News do not go away. Lives can be and are changed by God, and–amazingly–He often works through us in making these changes! We will see the fruit of what we’ve done in this life; we will experience it.

I don’t want to minimize the responsibility we have of encouraging one another. If someone does something nice for us, or if someone has been a blessing to others, we ought to notice it . . . and tell him or her. That’s why we are told to “encourage one another,” “to build up one another.” We need that!

In another sense, however, our reward is yet to come. We will be appreciated in a full and complete way, it will all make sense, later. Knowing these things, dwelling on these realities, is what hope is all about. And, as Scripture says in one place, “Hope does not disappoint.”

Some theologians, seeking to make sense of these realities, have referred to this as “ now and the not yet.” In Old Testament times there was a general belief in two ages: There was this age, and there was the age to come. But with the coming of Jesus, as often happened, this idea was revolutionized. When Jesus came, he initiated profound things: In one place he said, “The kingdom of heaven is in your midst.” “It’s here . . . because I am here.” And, of course, when Jesus conquered the grave he ushered in the age to come, the age of the Messiah. This is why some have said that with the coming of Jesus the kingdom has been brought into the present. While we do not experience this in full, we can encounter a measure of it today. The future has been brought into the here-and-now, and we have some access to it now. The future age has been brought by the Spirit into the present. And so, though the full manifestation of this kingdom is yet-to-come, there is an echo of the future that has already arrived, which we can grasp and experience by faith. Hope is that alive.

I’m not always this way, but there are times when I can sense it, that the future overlaps the present. I can almost feel it, and when I do, I know that it all makes sense, that our labors matter, that the time and energy we invest in others will not be forgotten. I can sense, at least on some occasions, that the efforts we put into our various ministries are all being stored up for that time when we see the fruit of our labors. Sometimes, I can almost taste what awaits us.

That’s why I love to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together” (Matthew 25:23, New Living Translation)!

I used to think of this as a rather sterile declaration, a simple announcement that God was somehow pleased with us. You can almost imagine a bunch of people waiting for their “trophies.” “Keep the line moving, please.” But now, I see this as a realization of the fruit that is borne in the lives of those individuals whom we had the privilege of knowing and affecting. To enter into our labors will be the realization that what really matters has actually lasted. Truth has won the day, has won eternity. The things we did here–the lessons we’ve attempted to share with others, the relationships we’ve developed with young people, the kind words and the prayers and whatever else it is that you do–all of it will be remembered, and it will prove to us all that it has been worth it.

You labor now, BUT you do not labor in vain. Not only will you receive a “good job” from the Lord of heaven and earth, but you will actually enter your labors, interact with those who spent time in your presence and were exposed to your compassion and love. Hebrews 6:10-12 puts it this way:

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

1 Corinthians 3:8 adds this: “The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.”

Who loves ya baby? He does, and he’s promised that your work has not gone unnoticed, your efforts will not be forgotten, your toil is not in vein. The lessons you share with that young person, the extra effort you give to help shape the lives of others–these things really do matter!

Rejoice in this fact. Allow that future reality to come up close to you and impact you today. See the future now. Experience a measure of this promise today. Allow God to fill your soul with the realization that it is worth it all. Let your heart be energized with the thought that it is worth it all because you know the answer to Kojak’s question. You can rest your life, you can build your future, on this fact.

“Who loves ya baby?”

overwhelmed by goodness and grace

Sometimes, I am overwhelmed by God’s goodness and grace, his incredible interventions in my life. Today was one of those days. Today, I felt like God pulled back the curtain and provided a glimpse of what he’s up to in my life, and I have to say I’m encouraged.

There are times, I have to be honest, when I get a little frustrated with circumstances and unable to discern much of what is going on around me. Ever felt that way? You attempt to do what’s right, and you’re not sure if anyone cares or appreciates it. Then, if you’re like me, you play mind-games, wondering and speculating and–let’s be frank–worrying about too many things.

Indeed, just last week I seemed to bounce back and forth between an almost angry cynicism and an utterly God-dependent faith. On more than one occasion, I thought, “Lord, I don’t know how you can make sense of this or that.”

Still, the Lord is the Lord, and he knows what he’s doing even if we do not. What’s more, he loves us, he loves me, even when frustration is the dominant theme and foolishness is the chief attribute.

What a marvel God must be. He orchestrates all of life for our good, yet we doubt him when we cannot see exactly what he’s doing. He’s at work when we are asleep. He’s active when we are lazy. He’s faithful, thank God, even when we are so very faithless. And sometimes he showers gifts upon us to make sure we know, that I know, that he’s still here; he’s still good, and he actually loves me. Wow!

Today was such a blessing. There was energy in the air, an extra spring in my step, a sense of the divine all around. Thank you to all who played a role in this wonderful day. Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that you are truly in control. Your truth is alive and powerful, and you are still very much present and active in our lives. Thank you, Lord!

today

There are times when it all seems clear, when what truly matters in life becomes self-evident. Just this afternoon, we attended the funeral of a friend. He passed away a few days ago at the all-too-young age of 43, leaving behind a very dedicated wife and a very cute nine-year-old boy. Now, this widow and fatherless child must seek to make it alone in the world. The whole thing is sad, of course, and many people were there to express their condolences.

It is at times like these that we are reminded of what truly matters. It’s amazing how the tears flow freely and kindness is expressed unhesitatingly when we realize how very important life is. Death does that to us, as it should, and other things also make their mark. But funerals especially remind us of the things that ought to occupy us each and every day.

In life we have a window of opportunity, an undefined length of time to make our mark and build our legacy. Given that we don’t know how long we have, and considering the extreme relevance of the things we’re talking about, it is imperative to live life now, while we can, with all that we have.

In one place in Scripture this is addressed with the following words: “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of your time because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, NASB). Another translation has it this way: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV).

There are a lot of bad things, temptations, allurements, and distractions throughout this world. Each day has its share of evil. It is thus imperative that we make the most of the time that we have while we still have it. We must live our lives carefully and wisely, and we must do so now. Life is short and sometimes hard, and it is often unpredictable. Your reminded of these things when you’re at a funeral.

Today is the day to care, to love, to show compassion, to express kindness and grace. Now is the time to forgive, to share your heart, to let loved ones know that you’re there for them. Be generous, therefore, while you can. Encourage and lend your support whenever you have the opportunity. Love right now. Your legacy, your impact, the profundity of your life–these are best measured by what you are willing to do and say today.

loving by faith

Love–it’s a strange and powerful thing, and sometimes it is very difficult to do.

When we love–let’s be honest–we want that love to be reciprocated. That is, we want to receive something back for our love. When we say or do something kind, we hope that the people we are kind to will at least appreciate what we have done.

Now, there are some people who think that it is a bad thing to expect love in return, but I’m not so sure that is the case. After all, as social and emotional beings, how can we not want to receive something for our efforts, for our love?

Don’t get me wrong. Love is not acting properly if it gives in order to get. That is, it is not right to do a nice thing simply to get something out of it. Love, in other words, is not a tool of manipulation, a means by which we get what we want from others. Though we are all probably guilty of such inappropriate efforts, clearly this ought not be our primary motive. Rather, we give in order to give. We give because we actually care. We give for giving’s sake, for the sake of the recipients of our love.

At the same time, I don’t think it’s wrong to expect something in return. Not only is it a human impulse to want to receive love (and not merely give it), but there are expectations built into any relationship. For instance if you are a kind and caring individual, I naturally expect that this is the way you will normally be. We all mess up on many occasions, but it’s not abnormal or contrary to love to expect that a person of character will generally (though not perfectly!) display that character. If you are nice, and I’ve observed this niceness on numerous occasions, I simply assume that you will usually be nice. It would be wrong for me or anyone to overly judge others for mistakes, imperfections, or other foibles; we all require mercy and graciousness! But this does not mean that we are wrong for having certain expectations, expectations that result from observations and experiences with people.

Still, it can be very difficult to express love when, for whatever reason, it is not returned or even noticed. It is painful to truly care about others who simply disregard, reject, or misconstrue our efforts. When this occurs, we are normally hurt, and the hurt is understandable.

This got me to thinking about the love that Jesus displayed. He loved those who were inconsistent at best. He loved those who would betray him. He loved “his own” (according to John’s Gospel), and “his own” did not receive him. If ever there was a paradigm of love, it was Jesus. He loved perfectly, freely, compassionately, and purely, but sometimes that love was misunderstood and/or rejected. Yet, and this is key, he loved anyway!

Wow. This is the kind of love that it very, very hard to embrace. Can I love when my love is not appreciated, when it is misinterpreted, when–for reasons I cannot fathom–it is not even acknowledged? This is a tough love, a love that trusts that it's worth the effort. Love is worth the pain. Indeed, the desire to benefit the recipients of love is so genuine and Jesus-like that it is willing to love even if that love is misread and misconstrued.

To love like Jesus loved (loves) is truly a mind-boggling thing, and it is something at which I am not adept. This is hard. This is sometimes painful. This, I suppose, is loving by faith, expecting that love’s rewards will certainly come later from God but also hoping (by faith) that love will have its way in this life, in the lives of those we truly care about. “Lord, I am not good at this. Enable me to love even if that love is unrequited, trusting that you can change our hearts, believing that when we truly love, You are present.”

what makes us great

A Presidential election is right around the corner, and once again we hear the politicians and the pundits making their case for this or that candidate. Once again, we are told that if we vote for so-and-so we will ensure a better future for ourselves and our children, and we will overcome poverty, rescue a struggling economy, counter racism, and make the world a better place.

Please don’t misunderstand. I think politics matter, and I do believe that certain candidates and certain philosophies are better for us than others. Some candidates, frankly, make me cringe, and I deplore the idea that political correctness and sound bites too often determine which candidate is (supposedly) better than another. It is important, in other words, to take our civic responsibilities seriously, to do what we can, to get out there and vote.

But, and this is what we need to understand, politicians of neither party are our saviors, and what makes America great is not the promise of some Washington bureaucrats. What has always made us great are these two things: (1) The goodness, guidance, and grace of God (sorry about the alliteration; it just happened. :-) ), and (2) the integrity, hard work, and ingenuity of good people.

Politicians can, of course, play a role in all this. Some policies strangle our economy and promote (intentionally or not) an attitude that is not conducive to personal and societal prosperity. Some political views are, in my view, contrary to the intentions of our Founding Fathers, and stand in the way of progress. However, at our worst and best times, what makes any people great is not what a candidate promises.

When you listen to some of the talking heads, you get the impression that we are getting ready to install some sort of benevolent dictator, a kindly king who will lead us to the promised land. But that it not what American is about . . . thank God. America is about freedom and the opportunity to make a mark in this world. It’s about overcoming odds and living our lives in humble but confident ways, fortified with the knowledge that our greatest treasures are gifts from God.

Have you ever watched the hoopla associated with past presidential elections? Take a look at the Democratic and Republican conventions from, say, the 1960's. When you do, I’ll think you’ll find that a lot of the same things that we tout as new and necessary have been spoken by previous generations, as have some of the exaggerated claims.

Perhaps this is a good thing. Maybe it’s unavoidable. So long as we live in a country where free people remember their past, understand their responsibility, and are mindful of a higher calling, we have a fighting chance. But make no mistake about it, our ultimate hope is in God and in faithfulness to him, his promises, and to one another.

Get involved. Think through the relevant issues, and vote with an informed conscience. But don’t rely too much on politicians or their policies. Unhesitatingly pledge your allegiance to the flag . . . but especially to your Creator and those he sends your way. This is what has made America great, and it is what will keep her great!

if necessary, use words

“Preach the gospel at all times.
If necessary, use words.”
–Saint Francis of Assisi

This statement highlights, in my opinion, the priorities of a truly Christian life, stating what ought to most concern us. While it obviously matters what we say with our mouths, and though truth must be spoken, what matters even more is the way we live.

I am amazed how often we get this backwards, treating our formulations and treatises as if they are the end all of anything spiritual. Of course words do matter. Jesus spoke words; indeed, he is the Word. Scripture itself involves words, words that lead to life. In fact I am at this moment sharing these thoughts through the use of words. So, we cannot operate for very long without invoking words and seeking to apply them to our lives. But, and this is the point, words alone are never enough. Indeed, even the words we rightly embrace are words intended, in the final analysis, to transform us.

What Saint Francis is saying (using words, mind you) is that what God’s after is not merely a series of well-crafted theological formulas or a proper articulation of the good news. These obviously matter; that much is clear. But the purpose of the truth we have acquired, the intent of the gospel, is to actually find its way into our hearts and lives, dramatically altering the way we live, love, and relate to others.

What attracts people? What benefits them the most? How does the truth actually change us, and what is this change that we are (supposedly) concerned to facilitate in the lives of others? You see, what really matters is that we love (God and our neighbor, according to Jesus), that we bear fruit (according to Paul), and that we become increasingly like Jesus himself.

It is obviously relevant that we and others accurately perceive Jesus, and clarifying this for others (or ourselves) involves some measure of word use. But when we are in heaven–though we will undoubtedly have a proper perception of Jesus’ identity, and while we will surely use words to converse and worship, the heart of eternity will involve being–being what we were created to be, being for one another what we only imperfectly fulfilled while here, being image-bearers of divine love and truth.

So it is here. Words are significant, very significant, but nothing compares to a life changed, and nothing alters another person’s outlook and draws him/her in a good (news) direction than a life that “preaches” all day long.

Our lives ought to exude compassion and care. The good news–the news that we are loved and accepted, that we are empowered to love, that we have purpose–should flow from our lives in such a way that no one will be able to deny it. Now, being realistic, we can anticipate many a blunder and countless inconsistencies, at least I know I can. But, to the extent that we accept this challenge, this mission, we will be most effective when we pay attention to what Jesus and others have said: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Here’s another one: “By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Or . . . “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”–there’s the balance.

Preach the gospel at all times. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, be it morning, afternoon, or evening, whether it’s raining or the sun is shining, let the good news, the news of faith, hope, and love, flow from you. Let good news emanate from your life. And, when it’s needed, when the situation and setting warrant it, open your mouth too. Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.