Category: Thursday Thought

At 37 thousand feet, you see life–not just terrain–more clearly.

I’m writing this piece shoehorned into an airplane whose rows are so tightly spaced the seats do not recline.  But it’s only a two and half hour flight to Denver, so I suspect we’ll survive.

Minutes ago, why wife, Diana, observed that this budget airline offers a type of first class option: four seats across instead of six.  It was actually tempting.

Now I don’t mean to offend those who choose to pony up for wider seats and meals served on china instead of plastic (someday I think I’ll try it—really).  But I often wonder.  No matter where you fly within the U.S., it’s only a few hours.  Must we insist on maximum comfort at all times?

Let’s broaden out the question a bit as we talk cars. You can spend 25 thousand on a new car or 250 thousand.  Both cars will get you where you want to go safely and reasonably comfortably.  The 250 thousand dollar car will certainly have nicer suspension and many more conveniences.  Yet, in the end, whether I drive a glorified go cart or a Rolls Royce, I am still only using the car to get me where I’m going.  The car—as nice as it may be—is not the destination.  It’s the tool that gets me there.

We could ask similar questions about the clothes we wear, the houses we own.  And maybe we should.

I fear that increasing numbers of Christ followers (myself included) are buying into the worldly demand for maximum comfort at all times at any price.   And in so doing, we forget that we are “strangers and aliens on this earth.”

Every longing look at luxury takes our gaze away from our eternal destiny and locks our focus on a world that is “passing away.”

Hear me clearly.  There is no sin in having or owning nice things.

But when those nice things own us, we’re looking in the wrong direction.

What holds your gaze?

You could almost wipe the saliva off my mouth. That’s the intensity I felt walking into the International Center at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado. I was there to attend Jerry Jenkins’ Christian Writers Guild conference.

Plot structure, point of view, character development—this was the stuff I was longing to dig into. And dig we did (ur…not sure that last sentence would garner the approval of my instructors).

Anyway, we came to the last night of the conference where writer and Editor, Dr. Dennis Hensley spoke. Oddly enough (or, in retrospect, perhaps realistically enough) he spoke on failure.

If you’re new to the wisdom of “Doc Hensley,” he’s written 54 books, more than 150 short stories and 3,500 newspaper and magazine articles. From my hastily scribbled notes that night, here are a few of the thoughts he shared:

• Success at anything comes slowly.
• Mighty works come with time.
• Success is never automatic—even in the service of the Lord

Tracking with me here? Now listen to this next observation from Dr. Hensley:

A legacy of failure among great leaders is common knowledge! So learn from your mistakes. Make adjustments! Improve. It does no good to dwell on past failures and poor starts.

He’s right, of course. I’m learning that Doc Hensley usually is. Which is why he also pointed us to another word of encouragement from Paul in Philippians 3:13,14:

…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.…

To which Doc Hensley simply added…

• Past performance is no guarantee of future failure.
• Past failures do not guarantee future failures!

Aren’t you glad?

I don’t know where you’re at in life right now. But if you’re like me, you’ve got a past failure or two or three, crumpled up in a back pocket of yours. And once in a while, you pull out one of those failures—and unfold it in your hands–reliving what might have been but wasn’t. Like cheap newsprint, it re-inks your hand and stamps your whole soul with feelings of inadequacy.

May I gently suggest you empty your pockets of those failures? Choose instead to "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  Press on!

An unsettling notion has lately come over me with regard to marriage.

Understand I am grateful for Diana, my wife of 30 years, and the person she is—and is becoming.  She is a guiding influence on most everything I touch—from the way I dress to the way I write…to the way I am learning to clean house.  Or sit on the couch and just talk.

The unsettling notion I speak of has very little to do with her…but very much to do with me.   And quite possibly you.

Why all the sober talk at Valentine's?

It’ a growing hunch that goes like this:

Precept #1The Bible clearly teaches principals of stewardship.  Ultimately, you and I are not “owners” of anything.  We are just tenants—for a time.  We are caretakers.

Precept #2 The Bible clearly teaches we will stand before Almighty God to give him an accounting for “what we did in the body whether good or evil.”   When we do this, we will stand alone.  My wife will not be with me.    But…

Unsettling notion of the day:  How I TREATED my wife will very much be a subject of examination.    This is what I find so sobering.

When the Creator presented me with my wife, she was optimistic about living life with a man who would love her and care for her, putting her interests above his own, willing to sacrifice anything for her comfort.  Most of all, she had the thoroughly biblical hope that I would model Christ for her.

Is that the kind of life I have lead?  Am now leading?  Does this kind of care describe my caretaking?

Or is it something less?  (Maybe far less—as is the case with me sometimes). 

Because our spouses are only ''on loan” to us…the question must be asked, “When the Father says ‘”Time is up”…are you going to return your spouse better…or bitter for the years you've been together?  More like Christ?  Or more disenchanted?

Your wife–she’s only “on loan” to you.

Your husband–he’s only “on loan” to you. It’s only for a time.   And then the accounting.

 

I suppose we all ought to find that unsettling.  Unsettling enough that we recommit to "be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God–for Christ's sake–has forgiven you."

What happened to the advertisements?  Do you ever wonder why certain products used to be seen advertised on television or in magazines and newspapers….and now they are like “product non grata”–like they don't even exist.

When was the last time you saw a commercial for 7-Up?  Here's a national brand…but seems to have fallen off the map, promotionally..

What about Certs—the peppermint breath mints that give you two–(CLACK)–two (CLACK)–two mints in one!   And speaking of mints, where are the commercials for Tic Tacs?

Now I'm sure there's some logical explanation for all this.  Some 24 year old with his MBA making 120 grand a year as a marketing manager can explain that “products have a cycle” and these have reached a unique stage in that cycle.

Yet still, I ask…when the products are still being sold…still being consumed by the public, why are they no longer advertised?   It can only mean…either….

A. The brand or product is so wildly successful, there's just no need to pump more money into promoting it.  OR…

B.   It's no longer financially worth advertising for product X.  Essentially what they're saying, is, “We'll just be satisfied with our current numbers for the product.  OR…

C. Maybe in the world of digital media, there are more cost effective ways to advertise than mass media like network television.  OR….

D. Maybe the product itself or as a category is just plain on the way out.

 

The same questions are fair to ask about the visibility of Jesus in our culture…in our lives.  To put more of an edge on the question…How well do we—Christ’s followers—advertise the Christian lifestyle?

Have we concluded that Christianity is so wildly successful there’s just no need to pump any effort into our personal witness? Or are we satisfied with our current numbers—ie. Most of the world is going to Hell, and that’s okay with us.

Or is it answer “D”…we’d never say it, but we believe our “product” is just plain on the way out.

Jesus said “Go and make disciples."  That's a command without expiration date.

 

By now you’ve probably heard the outrageous quote. Last week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo—very likely a 2016 presidential candidate–told Susan Arbetter of The Capitol Pressroom that “extreme conservatives who are right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay” have “no place in the state of New York.”

In one remarkable sentence, all pro-life people and all those who support a biblical view of marriage were labeled “extreme.”  What’s more, these folks were essentially asked to leave the state.

But this uncharitable blast is at odds with reality.

Poll after national poll shows Americans are divided almost evenly over the issue of abortion.  So…does that make half the nation “extreme”?

Thirty-one of the fifty states have passed constitutional amendments banning legal recognition of same-sex unions.   Does this mean 31 states are now “extreme”?

Please note, now, that if you count the A&E condemnation of Phil Robertson’s stand on homosexuality, this is the second time in a month that conservative Christians have been told—“The public expression of your viewpoint is just not welcome at all.  Kindly shut up.”

Could I just ask anyone who agrees that Christians are “out of step” and ought to “keep their values to themselves”….where is YOUR tolerance?  You’ve preached this gospel so loud for so long…as long as it advanced your objectives.  But apparently tolerance is only afforded those who have the—quote—“correct” viewpoints.  Christian people are just not worthy of tolerance—is that it?

What gives you the right to determine the case is closed and the only right conclusion is yours—when a vigorous public debate is alive and well—despite attempts to belittle it or squash it?

Telling someone that disagrees with us, “You have no place in this state” feels remarkably like hate speech.  Because it is.

I’m reminded of 1 John 3:1: “The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”  Attention Christ followers: Fasten your seatbelts.  There’s a rough ride ahead.

Throwing rocks at traditional Christian values is step one.   Be assured there’s a step two.

“She’s living on borrowed time.”  That’s the conclusion a friend shared with me in a pensive moment.  He was referring to his wife’s recent bout with cancer.

His remark caught me off guard because his wife has been cleared of any cancer.   Surgery removed every hint of it—and no chemo or radiation was required.  She’s in great health now, with no significant medical problems of any kind.

“The truth is, we’re all living on borrowed time,” said my friend—reading the curious look on my face. I thought about his statement quite a while.  He’s right.

We’re all living on borrowed time—every one of us.  The tragedy is, we simply don’t see it that way.  The fact that you and I might have racked up years of sickness-free living, decades of hospital-free health…does nothing to alter the harsh reality that we are all living on borrowed time.   (:55)

All it takes is…

One distracted glance on a truck-laden highway…

One unlikely fall off a ladder…

One x-ray at the doctor’s office….

And suddenly, the sheer frailty of the slender thread we call life…is seen for what it really is.

The oddity is that we have all peered through the lens of someone else’s tragedy and seen how fine and fragile that thread actually is.  Yet we come away from such a view, stuff our hands in our pockets…and still feel comfortable criticizing a spouse.  Or not forgiving a friend.  Or withholding love from someone desperate for a drop.

The truth is, we DON’T have time.  We DON’T have time to criticize our spouse.  We DON’T have time to not forgive a friend.  We DON’T have time to withhold love.

We are living on borrowed time.  James 4:14, “You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.”

It’s time we understood “our” time—whatever of it may be left to us—is truly borrowed time.

You’d have thought it was a grenade.

Instead, it was only the Bible.

That's all Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty was using as he offered a Scriptural perspective on homosexuality. 

A national firestorm followed.  But in the thunder of ideological gun shots, a curious scene played out in the neighborhood where my friend Jack lives.

For a couple of years, now, he's been trying to build bridges into the life of a friend across the street—let's call him Stephen.  Jack relates how it's been a slow go, getting to know Stephen, trying to build into his life.   Stephen is gay…and is aware of Jack’s Christian faith.

They’re friendly… wave at each other…chat in the street while collecting the mail.  But that's about it.  Then a year ago when some heavy snow fell, Jack—at the urging of his wife—went over to Stephen's house with a snow blower and blew out his driveway.

Stephen seemed most appreciative…and returned the favor for Jack.   More snows have provided more opportunities for Jack to reach out and care for Stephen's driveway.  But meanwhile…the conversations between the two of them have grown longer…more comfortable.

So there we were—as a nation—in the middle of this cultural battle over Phil Robertson.  And Jack is sitting at home when someone knocks on the door. It's his neighbor, Stephen.  Jack and his wife welcome him inside enthusiastically.  Of all things, Stephen has brought with him a plate of homemade…extra butter…original toll house chocolate chip cookies—Jack’s favorite.

They had a great time talking together, admiring that plate of big cookies…building an even stronger bridge.

In a world grown skeptical—critical—of Christians, there will always be room for the man or woman who loves people like Jesus did.   Throwing aside the labels.  Throwing aside the caution…and showing real care.

Can’t wait to hear the next chapter in Jack’s story.

I’ll keep you posted.

With Christmas now past, allow me to play Scrooge for a moment as I suggest that for many, December the 25^th might just be one of the most disappointing days of the year.
 
“Heresy!” you say.
“Blasphemous!” you cry.
                                                …But hear me out…
 
Like you, I love the time off from work at Christmas…the gathering together of family and friends.  Truth is, I actually enjoy wrapping Christmas presents.  And I absolutely love the MUSIC of Christmas.
So…please hear me loud and clear—that I personally love Christmas.
 
Yet I cannot escape the sense that for millions and millions of people, Christmas is—in the end—a huge disappointment.
 
Think of it.
For months and months, little kids  have been exposed to thousands of messages on TV that assure them, if they just have this or that cool toy….life will be completely awesome.
 
For months and months, somewhat older kids have been told, if they just own this hot phone…or nifty tablet…or cool clothing…life will be completely awesome.
 
For months and months, adults have been told, if they just give (or get) a new Audi with a huge red bow on the roof…life will be completely awesome.
 
Then comes Christmas day.  The packages are unwrapped, the paper is shredded and the hoopla reaches a wild fever pitch.
 
By afternoon, reality has settled in.  The toy helicopter isn't quite as great as advertised.
The new tablet is kinda cool….but the screen isn't quite as sharp as you'd hoped  And that new Audi is great but….somehow it didn't revolutionize life the way it was supposed to. 
 
Life is never completely awesome merely because we possess something—however totally cool and shiny that thing may be.
 
While I love to give—and receive gifts—there is only ONE gift that is completely awesome.
Only one gift that simply never disappoints.  Only one gift that never rusts or wears out.   That gift is Jesus.  God…in the flesh.  God…with us.  Immanuel!

Christmas—it’s under assault.  No question about it.  From manger scenes evictedfrom public property to schools refusing to use the word, “Christmas.”  But I’m not here to complain.  No, I’d like to pause…and celebrate.

I wish to celebrate the fact that even as Uncle Sam rushes with sickening speed toward a pluralistic—even pagan–persona, traditional Christmas carols are still heard…virtually everywhere.

It’s true, isn’t it?

We were at a public high school Christmas concert this weekend.  What did we hear?  Silent Night…The First Noel…Do you hear what I Hear?

We’re shopping at a major suburban Chicago mall, and I’m hearing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.  Let earth receive her king!”

At a restaurant, the strains of Hark the Herald Angels Sing plays boldly over the speakers.  Christmas—or make that—“Holiday” TV specials still sing overtly Christian Christmas carols.  References to Christ, Jesus…King…they’re everywhere—on national television.

More than 11 million people have now seen the Wordless Monks on YouTube performing the Hallelujah Chorus.  Amazing.  Absolutely amazing.

Now, admittedly, for the vast majority of folks, the music is nothing more than wallpaper.  It’s as traditional as egg nogg and the abominable snowman.    Yet still, it ought to give us pause.

Pagan America.  America that long ago kicked God out of the schools and out of the courts and—increasingly—out of the public square…still has a soft spot for Christmas carols…if only out of habit.

With all that great theology in all those great carols playing to hundreds of millions of people…these lyrics have to get through to someone.  Somewhere.

No more let sin and sorrow grow
Nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make
His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found

Joy to the World!

The Lord is come!

It's been quite a day at the office.  Okay.  So maybe Hyderabad, India isn't my usual work space.  But it was today.

One of our morning objectives was to visit a slum and capture some compelling images illustrating what life is like for a disturbing number of India's lowest caste, the Dalit’s.

Shooting pro grade video is tough enough under optimal circumstances, much more so walking through unimaginable filth, inhaling wretched smelling air.

Then you set up the tripod, unpack the audio gear (regretting the wires trailing lazily in the human muck) and realize you've left a critical filter back in the van.  Running to fetch the gear, you're suddenly aware of the many eyes peering out at you from under blue tarps and the shadows of crude huts.

There were concerns that our presence was unwelcome by some in the slum.  So we got right down to work.  Then it was time to shoot “B-roll”–the various “cutaway” shots that editors use to spice up a video.   This is the stuff I love to shoot best.

But the moment I started shooting, my “slum guide”–a fellow believer–introduced me to a little girl who was blind.  She couldn't have been more than 10 or 11.  Would I please stop and pray with her?  Of course, I did.  We barely got off another shot of some pigs roaming the slum when a woman came up and requested prayer for the cancer that she was battling.  We prayed.  We were guided into another hut where we prayed for still another.   It was touching…but troubling at the same time.  I had come to gather images…but was called upon to give prayers.

Later that afternoon, I had the rare opportunity to interview two women who were formal Hindu temple prostitutes.  When we were done…we prayed together.  Same with two Indian pastors we interviewed, both of whom have  been persecuted.

A lesson God seems to be teaching in all of this?  Perhaps just this: the extent we are willing to be “interrupted” to share another's pain–if only in a prayer—is the measure of a day well spent.

Come to think of it, it's been a good day at the office.  Praise God!