No Commitment Without Sacrifice 2

            Take a few moments to do a commitment inventory. In other words, think about the people, things, and ideas (values) you are committed to. One definition of commitment is “the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.”

            Most people would say that they are committed to their husbands, wives, children, girlfriends, boyfriends, and many other types of relationships in their lives. Many people can describe commitment with regard to their jobs or employers or fellow-workers. And through our lives most of us experience commitments like graduating from high school, getting a college degree, someday buying a home, starting a family, and/or serving our community.

            We commit to healthy living, to exercise, to diets, to serving our country, to travel, to various hobbies and personal interests (such as fishing, boating, running, collecting various things, sports teams, music, arts and crafts). We commit to television programs and computer programs (such as Pinterest and FaceBook) electronic games (like X-Box and PlayStation), as well as to pets, family/personal chores, looking good (whatever it takes), and reading. All of us who have played on a team (any sport) or learned to play a musical instrument or saved money in any way have experienced the significance of commitment.

            The number of commitments out there are as many and varied as there are people. The list is huge. How has your commitment inventory grown over time? Some of our commitments are public and well known (think wedding) and some are internal, and quietly personal. All these commitments – regardless of their origin - require a decision on my part. How will I use my time? How will I use my energy? How will I use my money?

            One thing I know: all commitment requires sacrifice. There is no commitment without sacrifice. If you and I are not sacrificing something, then we are not truly committed. You and I make sacrifices for the things/persons/ideas we are committed to.

What does your commitment inventory say about you? What does it say to you? Where does Jesus Christ fit in? Where does His body, the church, fit in? If you say that Christ is at the very top of all you are committed to, does the reality of your life (and how you make sacrifices) reflect that? Can others see that your highest commitment is to Jesus when they look at how you spend your time, energy, and money? Are all of your life’s commitments subject to – or submitted to – Christ? Can you or I be effective followers of Jesus if He is not at the very top… if all of life is not surrendered to Him?

As you can tell, I have lots of questions on my mind. They all started when I took that commitment inventory. It’s really good for me to think about those questions. Jesus asked questions and taught in such a way that caused people to evaluate their commitment to Him. He was not interested in fair-weather fans. He is looking for followers, and there are no true followers (of anyone or anything) who are not committed. And there is no commitment without sacrifice.

John 6:66-69 (NIV) ⁶⁶  From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. ⁶⁷  "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. ⁶⁸  Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹  We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

Mark 8:34-38 (NIV) ³⁴  Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ³⁵  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. ³⁶  What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? ³⁷  Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? ³⁸  If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

John 21:15-17 (NIV) ¹⁵  When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." ¹⁶  Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." ¹⁷  The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

PRAYER:  Father, lead me to understand my commitments in light of the Gospel and my relationship with you. Give me grace to understand that even more important than commitment is the idea and practice of submission to you and your Word. Thank you for the joy that is in submission to your will and purposes for my life. Fill me with a hunger for you and for your will.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!    

Scott

No Commitment Without Sacrifice

            The first day of Fall was a spectacular day for a hike: no clouds in the sky, almost no wind, cool (but not cold) temperatures, bright sunshine, and good trail conditions. Paul and Scott had hiked Katahdin several times in years past and they were excited for another opportunity on such an excellent day. As usual, the day began very early with the alarm ringing at 3:15 a.m., followed by a quick breakfast and a traffic-free drive to Bangor. They would then take one vehicle the rest of the way to Baxter State Park. It was the earliest they had ever arrived at the entrance station in Baxter. Another eight miles and they were at Roaring Brook. They parked, changed, put their packs on, signed in at the ranger station, and set out on the trail at 7:15. The hike into Chimney Pond was quick and relatively easy. Their plan was to hike the Dudley Trail from there up to Pamola Peak, then do the Knife Edge and have lunch at the summit. After lunch they would come back over the Knife Edge and head down the Helon-Taylor Trail, the trail they typically climbed up when they hiked Katahdin. It would be a good challenge and a full day. They were feeling good when they started up the Dudley. This was a steep ascent of about 1.3 miles. It didn’t take long for them to be sweating even though they were in the cool shadows of the mountain between them and the morning sun. About three fourths of the way up Scott said to Paul, “Did you hear that?” It felt like a small stone had hit Scott in the back of the leg.

           

            “No, what was that?” came the response.

            “That pop.” Scott had pushed hard off his right foot while taking a long, steep step. “It sounded like the twang of a strong rubber band.”

            In an instant Scott was hobbling with pain. His right calf muscle felt like it had ripped apart. He could not push off from the toes of his right foot. Every step brought severe pain. His first thought? “This is not good.” His second? “Lord, we need your help.” He was thinking about the rest of their hike.

            They could not turn around and go down the Dudley. It was dangerous to do that. So they had to slowly work their way up the rest of the way to the 4919-foot summit of Pamola and then head down the Helon-Taylor. There were several occasions when Paul had to pull Scott up from above. There would be no Knife Edge and Baxter Peak today. “And who knows how long it will take to cover the nearly four miles left to get down to the parking lot?” Scott thought. He knew he did not want to have to be carried off the mountain, and he felt bad for Paul. It was disappointing to say the least. Prayerfully and carefully they made it to the top and grabbed a bite to eat. Other hikers who had come up the Helon-Taylor were passing by and enjoying the spectacular views. Paul brought up the possibility of Scott resting long enough for him to zip over the Knife Edge and the summit and back. Then they could go down. It was early and they had lots of time.

            But Scott was afraid his leg might become unusable. It was one thing to be hobbled, but he didn’t want to be totally disabled. So he felt like he should start down as soon as possible. And that’s what they did. Scott felt bad to disappoint Paul, but he was very thankful to have Paul with him. The trip down was not easy. Though the downward leg motion was easier on the calf than climbing, soon Scott had pain in his hips. This was probably from the compensation for the awkward motion of his right leg. About halfway down his legs also began to cramp. The outward difficulty, combined with the inward frustration and disappointment, made Scott feel like he had let Paul down.

            But Paul and Scott are good friends: friends who are committed to one another in Christ. Paul was patient with the slow descent, and willing to do whatever was needed to make sure they made it down okay. And by God’s grace they finally did, much to Scott’s relief. “Thank you, Jesus,” he prayed when they stepped onto the parking lot, and “Thank you, Lord,” when he made it into his driveway three hours later safe and (not so) sound.

            This story is true. No names have been changed, because no one was innocent. It was written and shared to affirm the principle that… “Commitment involves sacrifice.” Because of commitment to their friendship in Christ, Paul sacrificed his preferences for the day. He gave them up out of care and concern for Scott. All commitment – in every relationship – requires sacrifice. There is no commitment without sacrifice. Jesus Himself displayed this when He left heaven to become a man, live a human, though sinless life – a truly human life, and die on the cross for our sins. His was the greatest sacrifice ever made, and He made it for the sake of a relationship with those whom the Father loved and saved from sin by grace. There is no commitment without sacrifice.

Romans 5:8 (NIV)  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV) ¹  Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children ²  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.

1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NIV) ⁵  For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶  who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.

PRAYER:  Father, thank you for “getting us down” from the troubles in our lives, but most of all for the commitment of love that is given to us in Jesus. Thank you that “commitment” was more than just a word for Him. He displayed it in His loving actions toward us, especially in the sacrifice of His own blood – His own life for us. In this we understand more what commitment in our lives looks like. Shape all our relationships in a way that they will reflect Christ.  In His name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!    

Scott

What is an Itch?

            What is an itch?

            An itch is an irritation in the skin that elicits an urge to scratch.

            By experience, we all know what an itch is. But do you know where an itch comes from? What is the biology of an itch?

            Itch has many similarities to pain. Nerve fibers for itch and pain both originate in the skin. Itch receptors, however, are found only on the top two skin layers. The innermost layers of skin do not have these receptors. Nor do we ever perceive itch in muscles or joints. Itch can be caused by infection, allergic reaction, various skin conditions, healing, and even by the power of suggestion.

            Just talking about itching is like talking about water. When you start to hear about cold, refreshing, thirst-quenching water, a common natural reaction is that you want a drink. When you hear someone talk about itching or read about it, it isn’t long before you may notice an itch to scratch. And when you start scratching in one place and the itch seems to move. When I have had to wear a cast for a broken bone I have experienced what I call an “exquisite” itch – one that is so strong that it must be scratched. That’s one of the reasons coat-hangers were invented as far as I’m concerned. And when that kind of itch is scratched, the sense of relief is so great that I might scratch too much. And too much scratching leads to the danger of infection when the skin is broken.

            Joanne is very useful at times when I have an itch I cannot reach, though she must depend on me navigating her to the right place on my back. For some reason, it feels better when she scratches than when I use a backscratcher. I don’t know why that is. Itching is such a common part of life that we scratch much of the time without even thinking. But itching can be serious (think poison ivy for those who are allergic) and can become a very problematic condition. Swimmer’s itch caused a shutdown of the waterfront at camp a few years ago and became a health issue there. Wherever it originates, most of us don’t like an itch because it’s just plain annoying.

            Have you had to scratch since you started reading this? See what I mean?

            For the most part, in the Bible the word “itch” is confined to some ceremonial/cleanliness laws in the book of Leviticus. But there is an expression used by Paul in his second letter to Timothy that uses the word “itch” as an adjective, describing something about people. Nearing the end of his life and ministry, Paul charges Timothy to faithfully preach the Word of God at all times – what he calls “in season and out of season”. This includes patiently and carefully instructing, correcting, rebuking, and encouraging. Why was this necessary – both then and now? Because a time will come when people will not put up with – the will even hate – sound biblical truth and teaching. Instead, they will run after and fill up on all kinds of ideas and teachings that are doing nothing more than scratching their itch for pleasure… allowing them to do what they want to do Their goal, in effect, is the opposite of what God wants in their lives. Paul describes these people as having “itching ears”. They have an insatiable desire to hear what they want to hear. Today this desire exists on university campuses, in the media, and in all manner of churches where the truth of God’s Word is not enough, or not “acceptable” to the intellectual palate of our time. The words of the Bible are old and out-of-date in the minds of many. Yet there is great pursuit of all kinds of spiritual ideas that are so far-fetched and do little more than give people what they want. Far be it from anyone to say “No” to someone else’s ideas.

            But Paul knew that the Word of God has power, so he encourages Timothy to preach it boldly and faithfully. How about you? Are you looking to the church and its leaders – and to spiritual things in general – to make you feel good and never offend your modern sensibilities… or are you looking for the deep and abiding truths of God’s Word? Where is your itch? Only God’s Word can get it ultimately.

2 Timothy 4:1-4 (NIV) ¹  In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: ²  Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. ³  For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. ⁴  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV) ¹⁰  As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, ¹¹  so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)  For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  

PRAYER:  Father, may your Word be what I hunger for, even when what it tells me is uncomfortable in this world’s eyes. You are the author of all truth. May my desire be for you… for your ways… and for your ends in my life and in my world. Teach me to love your Word, and to run from all things intellectual and physical which are nothing more than my wants and wishes. Thank you for your grace.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!    

Scott

On the Job with God

            I read recently that the median number of years a U.S. worker has been in his or her current job is just 4.4, down sharply since the 1970s. The average U.S. worker will have an average of ten to twelve jobs in a lifetime. This decline in average job tenure, the author wrote, is bigger than any economic cycle, bigger than any particular industry, bigger than differences in education levels, and bigger than differences in gender. Two days ago was Labor Day, the “official” end of summer… a day off. I confess I didn’t spend any time on Labor Day celebrating the fact I was employed. But by God’s grace both Joanne and I have passed the average. Does this mean we are above average? J No. It just means we have a great deal to be thankful for.

            In the Sunday school class I’m attending we have begun a look at a broad overview of the Bible by thinking in terms of the Kingdom of God. As John led the class this past Sunday in looking at some themes and ideas from the early chapters in Genesis, we saw how the perfect Kingdom God had established became a “perished” kingdom. A great deal was lost in the Fall when Adam and Eve stopped trusting God and asserted themselves as being ultimate. I thought about how one of those things lost related to work. Work went from being a valued good in the Kingdom of God – something which God Himself does – to becoming a cursed part of life in the perished Kingdom. Work becomes difficult. It becomes a battleground for survival in life. It comes to be infected by sin. Most workers can easily point out the problems where they work and can readily observe the impact of sin – either on the work itself or on the relationships of the workers.

            In the Lord, though, work is a joy. In the Lord, work is a source of thanksgiving and praise. In the Lord, work is worship – or at least a component of how we serve God. In human terms – without the Lord – work is a source of frustration, drudgery, and even pain. I don’t mean to say that someone who is not a believer in Christ can’t enjoy their job. But ultimately, apart from Christ, we are left in the same boat as Solomon: ⁴  I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. ⁵  I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. ⁶  I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. ⁷  I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. ⁸  I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well--the delights of the heart of man. ⁹  I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me. ¹⁰  I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. ¹¹  Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:4-11)

            Jesus Christ redeems our work. Not only is it a means by which we care for our families (which is His will) and ourselves… Not only is it a means by which we bless others by helping people in need and by giving (which is also His will)… Not only is it a means by which we find some identity and meaning in life… Our work is an act of worship when we understand Christ as being at the very center of our lives. Jesus doesn’t only save us from our sin when He comes into the world. He redeems things like work from the impact of the Fall. He comes restoring a kingdom which perished due to sin. The transforming power of God’s grace also transforms the worker. May the Lord help us to see our workplace as a grace-place… a place for the Kingdom of God to come in Christ. So may we pursue all that is right and good and honorable there as we seek the mind of Christ.

Colossians 3:22-24 (NIV) ²²  Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, ²⁴  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

PRAYER:  Father, transform my work, my attitudes, appreciation, and my worship of you as I work, where I work, and with whom I work. May Christ be always at the center of what I do.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!    

Scott

"Baby Hog"

            I joked on Sunday morning about Joanne, my wife, being a “baby hog”. Our recent visit to see our daughter and her husband was much about meeting and being with our new grandson, though we were happy to see his parents as well. On Sunday I said I enjoyed holding him… when I could get him out of Joanne’s arms. In the limited time we had she wanted to make the most of every opportunity. And truthfully, it is a great delight to me to watch my wife delight in Mason. Her experience of joy gives me joy.

            This illustrates another opportunity I have: taking delight in the Lord as He delights in His children. My attitude toward my brothers and sisters in Christ changes when I realize that God delights in them. They are precious to Him and He enjoys them. The Bible describes how in the past God took great pleasure in His children. It uses deeply personal descriptions. Sometimes He is like a husband delighting in his wife, and sometimes He is like a parent delighting in His children.  

I know Joanne could sit for hours just holding, looking at, or playing with Mason. Other “activities” hold little appeal for her in those moments. Do you think of God, your Father in that way? In Christ, His love for you and me is so great that He loves just being with us. In Christ, you are a priority to Him. Endless source of love that He is, He can love you this way, along with every other child He has redeemed. God the Father delights in you because of Christ’s work in you. You have been redeemed and made His child for His glory. His love is not a soupy, sentimental love. It’s a love that does whatever it takes for us to be in the center of His will and purpose in this world. Sometimes it is a comforting love. At other times it is a disciplining love. At still other times it can be a gifting, encouraging, forgiving, or teaching love. Whatever dimension God’s love for us takes, it is always focused upon us through His Son Jesus, the mediator of His grace.

The next time you experience deep pleasure and joy in a relationship, take a moment to thank the Lord that it is a reflection and reminder of the pleasure He has in you.

1 John 3:1 (NIV)  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.

Psalm 68:5 (NIV)  A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)  Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Matthew 7:11 (NIV)  If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Romans 8:14-17 (NIV) ¹⁴  because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ¹⁵  For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." ¹⁶  The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. ¹⁷  Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)  He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Isaiah 66:12-13 (NIV) ¹²  For this is what the LORD says: "I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. ¹³  As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."

Psalm 149:4 (NIV)  For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.

PRAYER:  Father, thank you that you delight in your Son. And as we have been made your children by His work and righteousness, we rejoice that we are your children. So we are beloved, treasured, and cherished by you. What an awesome thing to be the object of your pleasure and enjoyment. Please be glorified in us as you love and nurture us.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!    

Scott