Peter was willing to do about anything but this, well, this was way too far across the line for him. All of his life he had stuffed himself with organic vegetables, fruits, nuts and good Jewish food. God couldn't be serious about eating these pigs, birds, lizards and who knows what else. This was not a multiple choice game however. Peter was proud of the fact that his diet could be written up in "Heart Healthy Living" or "Eating Well" middle-eastern magazines. But God was in the kitchen this day and everything he prepared was eatable.
Peter was confused but knew he was not ready to graduate from cooking school just yet. Three men from the other side of the tracks came looking for Peter. God told Peter to go home with them. Peter goes and entering the house of the man who sent for him, announced to everyone that this was against the Jewish law for him to be there. And then one of the most significant words in this sentence-"But God...". When God shows up and talks it changes everything. Henry Blackaby said once "When God speaks to you, it is the most serious thing that could happen to you and it changes something you have believed or practiced." The vision of a new diet and now these men caused Peter to not hesitate in deciding to visit this man. Peter learned several lessons that day but he had to lay down his certainties or preferences first.
Have you excluded some things from what you have believed is acceptable or legitimate in the Christian life? How about spiritual gifts and their use today? How about who can serve communion or baptize? Or what about what constitutes church? We need to make sure what we believe and practice is rooted in the Word rather than our tradition or preference.
THINK ABOUT THIS
1. Think through a few traditions or practices of yours and make sure they are biblical and not just preferences.
2. Spend some time with someone who believes something different from you but who is definitely seeking to follow Jesus. See if you can have an unemotional conversation with them about it.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Connecting the Dots
Sometimes it really helps to have a plan in our minds that makes sense to us. It is kind of like drawing some kind of picture. If there are dots to connect in a specific order, the picture takes shape and looks like something that makes sense to us. If you are trying to draw a horse and you can connect dots 1 to 2 and then to 3 and so on, you have a better chance it will look like a horse and not a squirrel if you had no numbered dots.
Discipling another person is more comfortable if there are dots to connect. You just cover the material with someone or memorize certain verses and it's done. But...you don't have to think or be challenged or stretched or have to trust God to do the work in their life. In your mind, the picture of this person you are helping become a real follower of Jesus is more easily accomplished if there are certain dots to connect.
Phillip is about to go to a class without a textbook and the instructor is not in sight. How can you possibly learn or help anyone without the "Dot" textbook? Check out Acts 8:34, 35 and 39. What kind of textbook was Phillip working with here? Aren't we supposed to teach people to practice everything Jesus taught the original team?
Don't get caught in the trap of limiting God and using one discipling plan with everyone you are helping. After Phillip shared some stuff with this Ethiopian and baptized him, without notice God said "time to leave." But what about the follow up? There is no one box disciple making box with God. He is capable of bringing people into mature relationships with him any way he wants to.
Once in Athens, Greece in 1991 a student and I were teaching some Ethiopian refugees some basics in following Jesus. After our discussion they asked us what the origin of our church was. We had no clue. They however said they traced theirs back to this Ethiopian eunuch in Acts. This eunuch began the Coptic Church these refugees were a part of. Looks like Phillips discipleship plan worked.
Discipling another person is more comfortable if there are dots to connect. You just cover the material with someone or memorize certain verses and it's done. But...you don't have to think or be challenged or stretched or have to trust God to do the work in their life. In your mind, the picture of this person you are helping become a real follower of Jesus is more easily accomplished if there are certain dots to connect.
Phillip is about to go to a class without a textbook and the instructor is not in sight. How can you possibly learn or help anyone without the "Dot" textbook? Check out Acts 8:34, 35 and 39. What kind of textbook was Phillip working with here? Aren't we supposed to teach people to practice everything Jesus taught the original team?
Don't get caught in the trap of limiting God and using one discipling plan with everyone you are helping. After Phillip shared some stuff with this Ethiopian and baptized him, without notice God said "time to leave." But what about the follow up? There is no one box disciple making box with God. He is capable of bringing people into mature relationships with him any way he wants to.
Once in Athens, Greece in 1991 a student and I were teaching some Ethiopian refugees some basics in following Jesus. After our discussion they asked us what the origin of our church was. We had no clue. They however said they traced theirs back to this Ethiopian eunuch in Acts. This eunuch began the Coptic Church these refugees were a part of. Looks like Phillips discipleship plan worked.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Google Earth
None of us knew what Google Earth was a few years ago but it has become one of the best tools to check out new cities, get directions for travelling, view topography and whatever. But think about trying to determine how to get from Seattle, Washington Enterprise rental car location to Bellingham, Washington by looking at the globe that appears at the beginning of the Google Earth experience. All you see is a large globe that is cool for sure but will not get you out of the parking lot of your rental car dealer. However, if you type in your rental car dealer and city you can get a street view that will show you exactly how to get on Interstate 5 and head north.
Matthew 4:4, Hebrews 4:12 and 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 are like Google Earth in "street view". They give a clear perspective of what life is supposed to look like. The Message translation of John 10:10 adds that we will have "life better than you ever dreamed of." And the Timothy verse adds that the Word shows us truth, exposes our rebellion, corrects our mistakes and trains us to live God's way. That street view may be a little too close for you or maybe it just shows how much God really does love us and is interested in every aspect of our life.
Most people you and I know (including us at times) are trying to figure out life by looking at the globe map rather than the street view. Most don't even know there is a street view of how to live life. Some people don't even know what Google Earth is.
Google earth is a great tool if you are trying to figure out how to get somewhere or what something looks like...but only if you use the "street view."
Think about this
1. What kind of decisions are you trying to make these days? Get with a friend who has the "street view" and ask them what the Bible says about your decision.
2. What is a practical step you could take to change from looking at life from the "globe" perspective to a "street view"?
Matthew 4:4, Hebrews 4:12 and 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 are like Google Earth in "street view". They give a clear perspective of what life is supposed to look like. The Message translation of John 10:10 adds that we will have "life better than you ever dreamed of." And the Timothy verse adds that the Word shows us truth, exposes our rebellion, corrects our mistakes and trains us to live God's way. That street view may be a little too close for you or maybe it just shows how much God really does love us and is interested in every aspect of our life.
Most people you and I know (including us at times) are trying to figure out life by looking at the globe map rather than the street view. Most don't even know there is a street view of how to live life. Some people don't even know what Google Earth is.
Google earth is a great tool if you are trying to figure out how to get somewhere or what something looks like...but only if you use the "street view."
Think about this
1. What kind of decisions are you trying to make these days? Get with a friend who has the "street view" and ask them what the Bible says about your decision.
2. What is a practical step you could take to change from looking at life from the "globe" perspective to a "street view"?
Monday, April 12, 2010
What was that sound?
It seems some people are very good at hearing-all kinds of things like bird sounds, people talking and even God. I am definitely getting older and my hearing is not as good as it was a few years ago. I probably do play some music too loud but it really sounds better loud. But I should be able to hear God better-right? I mean I have had almost 50 years working on it.
So, when I read Acts 8:26-30 I see a guy who is hanging out with some others and an angel shows up to tell him something. He obviously hears the angel because he starts out on the trip. Then later the Spirit tells him to go see a guy whose car is on the side of the road. Hearing again, he does just that and has one of the most significant conversations anyone could have. The guy he talks with becomes a follower of Jesus and later starts the Coptic Church in Egypt and Ethiopia. Did you ever wake up thinking you would talk with someone who would end up doing this?
What the spank does an angel sound like and why did one talk with Philip? Then why did the Spirit take over later. Frannie and I are waiting to hear from God about a couple of things. We have been waiting from our perspective, for a while. I am not getting younger as you probably know and want to get on with it. Silence! That is what I am hearing these days. I am thinking Philip got a good deal.
I am intrigued by something Larry Crabb said. "How deep into darkness do Christians have to go to find light?" I love that and I hate it. I am not sure what it means but I think I am learning. Do I want answers or relationship with Jesus? God is all about relationship and answers to some of my questions are secondary to the larger picture. I have to remember my part in the movie is about "one" word. Darkness is indeed one of the best teachers. Taking the class over is a rip though. Isaiah 50:10-11 are huge as I think about my role in listening and planning.
Think about this
1. What can you learn in darkness that you can't learn in the light?
2. Do yo want Jesus more than you want answers to your questions? How do you know?
So, when I read Acts 8:26-30 I see a guy who is hanging out with some others and an angel shows up to tell him something. He obviously hears the angel because he starts out on the trip. Then later the Spirit tells him to go see a guy whose car is on the side of the road. Hearing again, he does just that and has one of the most significant conversations anyone could have. The guy he talks with becomes a follower of Jesus and later starts the Coptic Church in Egypt and Ethiopia. Did you ever wake up thinking you would talk with someone who would end up doing this?
What the spank does an angel sound like and why did one talk with Philip? Then why did the Spirit take over later. Frannie and I are waiting to hear from God about a couple of things. We have been waiting from our perspective, for a while. I am not getting younger as you probably know and want to get on with it. Silence! That is what I am hearing these days. I am thinking Philip got a good deal.
I am intrigued by something Larry Crabb said. "How deep into darkness do Christians have to go to find light?" I love that and I hate it. I am not sure what it means but I think I am learning. Do I want answers or relationship with Jesus? God is all about relationship and answers to some of my questions are secondary to the larger picture. I have to remember my part in the movie is about "one" word. Darkness is indeed one of the best teachers. Taking the class over is a rip though. Isaiah 50:10-11 are huge as I think about my role in listening and planning.
Think about this
1. What can you learn in darkness that you can't learn in the light?
2. Do yo want Jesus more than you want answers to your questions? How do you know?
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Stretch...you can reach it
I can remember several times being on a ladder trying to reach something that seemed out of reach. In one final effort I would stretch beyond what I thought was possible and grabbed the light bulb or smoke detector. But, I had to really stretch. Now I doubt Jesus would be standing on the floor asking "how are you going to reach the bulb?" Not really. His questions challenge something much deeper and significant within us. We think we are at the top of the class in faith, understanding, ability...and then Jesus asks a question like he did with Philip in John 6:5-6 and we soon realize how long the trip is to get where God wants us to go or who he wants us to be.
Simple question-how are we going to feed several thousand people who are listening to Jesus? Maybe simple, but at the bottom of the well. Jesus already knew the answer but Phillip didn't have a clue. Phillip of course responded like we would "It would take almost a year's salary for everyone to get t bite." It makes sense as long as faith is not in the equation.
When was the last time Jesus posed a question to you like this? A man once told me "Don't let your vision be limited by men of limited vision." This is a Jesus thought but it is easy to respond to Jesus' questions from a perspective that does not involve faith and has no sense of adventure to it.
Are you uncomfortable with questions Jesus wants to ask or is asking you? He wants to stretch you and me in such a way that faith is the only answer that will give us a grade of 100 on the exam. But maybe it is easier to get a "B" on the test. The problem is there are only 2 grades: Pass or Fail. And there is only one way to pass. Maybe you won't even take the class.
Think about this
1. When was the last time you decided to go all out and trust God for something you either thought was crazy or just plain not possible?
2. Get with someone and talk about what God is testing in you or them and your willingness to move from where you are to wherever God has in mind.
Simple question-how are we going to feed several thousand people who are listening to Jesus? Maybe simple, but at the bottom of the well. Jesus already knew the answer but Phillip didn't have a clue. Phillip of course responded like we would "It would take almost a year's salary for everyone to get t bite." It makes sense as long as faith is not in the equation.
When was the last time Jesus posed a question to you like this? A man once told me "Don't let your vision be limited by men of limited vision." This is a Jesus thought but it is easy to respond to Jesus' questions from a perspective that does not involve faith and has no sense of adventure to it.
Are you uncomfortable with questions Jesus wants to ask or is asking you? He wants to stretch you and me in such a way that faith is the only answer that will give us a grade of 100 on the exam. But maybe it is easier to get a "B" on the test. The problem is there are only 2 grades: Pass or Fail. And there is only one way to pass. Maybe you won't even take the class.
Think about this
1. When was the last time you decided to go all out and trust God for something you either thought was crazy or just plain not possible?
2. Get with someone and talk about what God is testing in you or them and your willingness to move from where you are to wherever God has in mind.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
New prescription for your glasses
Ever have a day or week that really happened but you are not sure what it was about? I mean, not much of anything seemed to happen and you thought God must have gone on a trip somewhere because he did not seem to show up where you were.
There are times where it is hard to see that God is really working in or through your life and you are not sure what is going on. You can examine your heart, lifestyle, motives and attitude and come up with no explanation. Life just seems to move forward because you see a new date on the calendar every day.
But Jesus is in each of us who have become a follower of him and he is always at work in and around us. John 5:17 is as true as the new day that challenges us every day. Our Father is always working and so is Jesus. Jesus added in verses 19 and 20 that he only does what he sees the Father doing. He was able to wake up each day and see that God was working all around him.
First step-Do I believe God is always working in the people I am around?
Step two seems to be consistent time with God by reading and thinking about what I am reading in the Bible.
Step three might be doing exactly what God speaks to me about in the Word without hesitation or rationalization. When I do this, for whatever reason, I seem to be more alert and sensitive to seeing God at work around me.
But you still have to have an eye examination in order to get a new prescription. David asked God to examine him to see if anything was in his life that needed removed or changed. (Psalm 139:23,24)
Think about this:
1. Which of these steps do you need to take this week?
2. How serious are you in wanting to see God at work around you? What if it requires some adjustments in your routine, schedule or commitment?
There are times where it is hard to see that God is really working in or through your life and you are not sure what is going on. You can examine your heart, lifestyle, motives and attitude and come up with no explanation. Life just seems to move forward because you see a new date on the calendar every day.
But Jesus is in each of us who have become a follower of him and he is always at work in and around us. John 5:17 is as true as the new day that challenges us every day. Our Father is always working and so is Jesus. Jesus added in verses 19 and 20 that he only does what he sees the Father doing. He was able to wake up each day and see that God was working all around him.
First step-Do I believe God is always working in the people I am around?
Step two seems to be consistent time with God by reading and thinking about what I am reading in the Bible.
Step three might be doing exactly what God speaks to me about in the Word without hesitation or rationalization. When I do this, for whatever reason, I seem to be more alert and sensitive to seeing God at work around me.
But you still have to have an eye examination in order to get a new prescription. David asked God to examine him to see if anything was in his life that needed removed or changed. (Psalm 139:23,24)
Think about this:
1. Which of these steps do you need to take this week?
2. How serious are you in wanting to see God at work around you? What if it requires some adjustments in your routine, schedule or commitment?
Monday, March 15, 2010
Who are these guys?
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were being chased by a group of men who were persistent in their pursuit and almost caught up with Butch and Sundance until they jumped into a river and floated away. More than one time they asked "who are these guys?" as they were being chased.
Check out Acts 2:42-47. I have asked the same question about these followers of Jesus who lived a long time ago. Who are these people? Where are they or have they disappeared today? Have you really ever seen any believers live like this? I mean, really in our culture, is this possible or are we trapped into wondering what this is really about? Was this for them but not for us?
As I thought about this, God made it clear that this is a mark of a follower of Jesus who takes what Jesus said seriously. There are no multiple choice options for followers of Jesus then or now. So, how do I do this? I believe it is a lifestyle that basically says to other believers willing to live this way that what I have is theirs if they need it. We do this with our immediate families so why not with followers of Jesus who want to be on the same page? God made it clear to me that everything in our house is his and another believer if they need it.
I am determined to live this way with others who want to do the same. I have found two men who said they would live this way with me.
Is this reasonable? It is right if I am going to follow Jesus. these kinds of lifestyle commitments are the kinds that separate belief from conviction. Talk is easy and must be backed up with real change or it is pointless and is an insult to these early followers of Jesus.
Think about this:
1. Talk with another believer and see what they think about living this way today? If you are willing to do it, ask them if they are. But you have to mean it.
2. List every reason why this is not possible today for you and then what that means about any of the other statements of Jesus about following him.
Check out Acts 2:42-47. I have asked the same question about these followers of Jesus who lived a long time ago. Who are these people? Where are they or have they disappeared today? Have you really ever seen any believers live like this? I mean, really in our culture, is this possible or are we trapped into wondering what this is really about? Was this for them but not for us?
As I thought about this, God made it clear that this is a mark of a follower of Jesus who takes what Jesus said seriously. There are no multiple choice options for followers of Jesus then or now. So, how do I do this? I believe it is a lifestyle that basically says to other believers willing to live this way that what I have is theirs if they need it. We do this with our immediate families so why not with followers of Jesus who want to be on the same page? God made it clear to me that everything in our house is his and another believer if they need it.
I am determined to live this way with others who want to do the same. I have found two men who said they would live this way with me.
Is this reasonable? It is right if I am going to follow Jesus. these kinds of lifestyle commitments are the kinds that separate belief from conviction. Talk is easy and must be backed up with real change or it is pointless and is an insult to these early followers of Jesus.
Think about this:
1. Talk with another believer and see what they think about living this way today? If you are willing to do it, ask them if they are. But you have to mean it.
2. List every reason why this is not possible today for you and then what that means about any of the other statements of Jesus about following him.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Quick, go to the store! John 2:1-11
Ever been having a good time with a bunch of friends at your house and you run out of something? Not just something but one of the most important things. You quickly send someone to go to the local store and get some more of whatever. It would be embarrassing or your hospitality might be questioned if you didn't replenish what you ran out of.
Jesus and his buddies were hanging out at a wedding. These events were a huge part of the culture and they just ran out of wine. His mom told him but Jesus replied "hey, what are you telling me for?" But whenever someone (like his mom) trusted him, he got involved.
He showed up at a wedding (a very common deal in any culture) and did something that would be remembered forever.
As I thought about this, God brought a question to my mind. Dave, when was the last time I showed up like this in your life? I can't remember when. In fact, I don't even expect him to show up. It was like God agreed with me-that's right, you don't most of the time. Do I really believe he wants to invade my space like this?
Then, God reminded me that this was an easy deal. Water into wine-hey, he spoke and there was water that came from nothing so it would be an easy deal to turn water into wine. He could have made it into a Mountain Dew and that would really gotten them to think-who is this? and what is this we are drinking?
What does this say about my view of God? Is it a mind game or am I afraid he might really show up and change something?
How about a glass of wine tonight? Oh, all you have is water in the house?
Think about this
1. Do you want Jesus to show up in your daily life and do something that will force you to think about life differently?
2. Do you really believe he still wants to do this today or are you just supposed to read this stuff and think-great story, what's the next one?
Jesus and his buddies were hanging out at a wedding. These events were a huge part of the culture and they just ran out of wine. His mom told him but Jesus replied "hey, what are you telling me for?" But whenever someone (like his mom) trusted him, he got involved.
He showed up at a wedding (a very common deal in any culture) and did something that would be remembered forever.
As I thought about this, God brought a question to my mind. Dave, when was the last time I showed up like this in your life? I can't remember when. In fact, I don't even expect him to show up. It was like God agreed with me-that's right, you don't most of the time. Do I really believe he wants to invade my space like this?
Then, God reminded me that this was an easy deal. Water into wine-hey, he spoke and there was water that came from nothing so it would be an easy deal to turn water into wine. He could have made it into a Mountain Dew and that would really gotten them to think-who is this? and what is this we are drinking?
What does this say about my view of God? Is it a mind game or am I afraid he might really show up and change something?
How about a glass of wine tonight? Oh, all you have is water in the house?
Think about this
1. Do you want Jesus to show up in your daily life and do something that will force you to think about life differently?
2. Do you really believe he still wants to do this today or are you just supposed to read this stuff and think-great story, what's the next one?
Friday, February 5, 2010
What the Spank!
The sun is up, the wind is not blowing, the temperature will get to 45 degrees today, coffee was made and enjoyed, music is inspiring, the stock market is not doing much...seems like a routine day. But this is the day the Lord has made. That should make a difference shouldn't it? I mean, following Jesus is anything but routine and cannot be boring and often surprise enters the picture.
John 4:27-Jesus' guys were coming back from town with food and were alarmed that Jesus was talking with a woman from the wrong country. Wrong gender and location-doesn't Jesus know the customs? He would get hammered if some of the religious types knew about this. They were surprised but why should they be-this is what he did regularly. But none of them was willing to ask Jesus anything about it.
What does their being surprised indicate about them? They certainly didn't expect it. What does that reveal about their understanding about Jesus? What the spank is he up to?
Do you and I expect Jesus to surprise us with anything today or is it just another day "hugging the balance beam as Francis Chan says? (You should check out this video). Sure, some days are going to look the same but why not live with the expectation that when you follow Jesus, he might just show up talking with a woman at a well or maybe something even more exciting or challenging for you to experience?
Your following Jesus has taken you so far, but there are other places he wants you to visit.
John 4:27-Jesus' guys were coming back from town with food and were alarmed that Jesus was talking with a woman from the wrong country. Wrong gender and location-doesn't Jesus know the customs? He would get hammered if some of the religious types knew about this. They were surprised but why should they be-this is what he did regularly. But none of them was willing to ask Jesus anything about it.
What does their being surprised indicate about them? They certainly didn't expect it. What does that reveal about their understanding about Jesus? What the spank is he up to?
Do you and I expect Jesus to surprise us with anything today or is it just another day "hugging the balance beam as Francis Chan says? (You should check out this video). Sure, some days are going to look the same but why not live with the expectation that when you follow Jesus, he might just show up talking with a woman at a well or maybe something even more exciting or challenging for you to experience?
Your following Jesus has taken you so far, but there are other places he wants you to visit.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Neighborhoods
How do you decide where you are going to live or where you will spend time? Are there certain roads you drive on and others "no way?" Are there certain parts of town you are not about to walk around in? We do have to be smart but in our justification for having comfort and security at any cost, we will not venture into certain areas that jeopardize either of these. And perhaps we are missing being in a place where God can seriously use us.
Jesus had to go into a dangerous or at least a questionable zone because he knew his father was working there. Check out John 4:4 and 9-10. Samaritans and Jews never high fived each other because they intentionally avoided any contact at all. they hated each other at the worst and distrusted each other at the best.
So, you can imagine what the disciples were thinking as Jesus started walking down this road. Jesus not only was walking through this rough part of the country but spoke to a Samaritan woman and asked her a question. She gave the typical reply "what are you doing here and why are you talking with me?" (my paraphrase) Jesus bypassed this because he knew that God wanted everyone to experience the gift of life that was only to be located in a relationship with him.
The results of this conversation are significant. (Read the rest of the chapter) Don't be trapped by the dual demons of comfort and security. Yes, these can actually be dangerous for your life and eliminate the adventure Jesus promises if we exclusively follow him.
Take a different route to somewhere this week. Go somewhere you have never been before that you consistently avoid. Maybe you can ask someone for some water or coffee.
Jesus had to go into a dangerous or at least a questionable zone because he knew his father was working there. Check out John 4:4 and 9-10. Samaritans and Jews never high fived each other because they intentionally avoided any contact at all. they hated each other at the worst and distrusted each other at the best.
So, you can imagine what the disciples were thinking as Jesus started walking down this road. Jesus not only was walking through this rough part of the country but spoke to a Samaritan woman and asked her a question. She gave the typical reply "what are you doing here and why are you talking with me?" (my paraphrase) Jesus bypassed this because he knew that God wanted everyone to experience the gift of life that was only to be located in a relationship with him.
The results of this conversation are significant. (Read the rest of the chapter) Don't be trapped by the dual demons of comfort and security. Yes, these can actually be dangerous for your life and eliminate the adventure Jesus promises if we exclusively follow him.
Take a different route to somewhere this week. Go somewhere you have never been before that you consistently avoid. Maybe you can ask someone for some water or coffee.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
What do you want?
A short scene in John 4:1-3 reveals that the religious crowd was always checking up on Jesus. What was he doing, why was he doing it, was he doing it in the right place?...and on and on. They had heard that more people were following Jesus than were following John and for whatever reason, they wanted to know what was going on.
Jesus did not care about this kind of thing. This was not what really mattered to him. They could debate and talk about what he was doing all day...he didn't care. Also, he was not interested in getting any kind of recognition for what was going on. However, he was interested in defining for those following him, what was important in life. If, when he left them they knew what really mattered and were living that way, he had done his job.
So, when he learned that these religious types were talking about this, he took off. He deliberately avoided any games these pseudo religious people were playing, He knew there was only one thing that really mattered and that their only concern was how his popularity was becoming greater than theirs.
What do you want? Who is your audience? Are you looking for a compliment from someone for some tidbit of information you know? Or, are you doing everything you can to focus people on Jesus rather than yourself?
This week deliberately do everything you can to not draw attention to yourself. Think about your conversations and what you talk about. Listening more than talking not only focuses attention away from yourself but you also learn about others.
Jesus did not care about this kind of thing. This was not what really mattered to him. They could debate and talk about what he was doing all day...he didn't care. Also, he was not interested in getting any kind of recognition for what was going on. However, he was interested in defining for those following him, what was important in life. If, when he left them they knew what really mattered and were living that way, he had done his job.
So, when he learned that these religious types were talking about this, he took off. He deliberately avoided any games these pseudo religious people were playing, He knew there was only one thing that really mattered and that their only concern was how his popularity was becoming greater than theirs.
What do you want? Who is your audience? Are you looking for a compliment from someone for some tidbit of information you know? Or, are you doing everything you can to focus people on Jesus rather than yourself?
This week deliberately do everything you can to not draw attention to yourself. Think about your conversations and what you talk about. Listening more than talking not only focuses attention away from yourself but you also learn about others.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Sit Down!
It begins at an early age. We probably can't tell when but we agree that early in our life we want people to notice us. It can be for who we think we are, what we have done or whatever. We want people to notice us.
And in our relationships with Christians-nothing changes. It becomes "here is what I think", or hearing people say "you are really a great teacher" or, well you get the picture. Would the real important person please stand up? And of course that would be you or me.
Old JB had the right perspective. People were checking him out and it was not because of his diet and wardrobe. Locusts and some kind of wrap around outfit that was not purchased at Abercrombie and Fitch might catch your attention but it was what he was talking about that drew people to him.
But John was focused on the right thing. He had already pointed out that Jesus was the one who deals with sin in a way he could not. Look at John 1:29. And now someone pointed out that everyone was going to Jesus to be baptized and they were leaving John. John is not thinking "man, I've got to come up with something big to keep these people focused on me." He knows it is time for him to SIT DOWN.
He is comfortable with the purpose, gifts, personality and abilities God has given him. He says it is all given from heaven to us. He didn't earn it, have to jump through certain hoops or do anything except be content with who he is. This does not stifle our developing our gifts or abilities but it puts the focus on what is right. It also diminishes stress and anxiety in us when we chase after anything that causes people to look at us rather than God.
Don't you ever get tired of standing after a while? Try sitting down several times this week.
And in our relationships with Christians-nothing changes. It becomes "here is what I think", or hearing people say "you are really a great teacher" or, well you get the picture. Would the real important person please stand up? And of course that would be you or me.
Old JB had the right perspective. People were checking him out and it was not because of his diet and wardrobe. Locusts and some kind of wrap around outfit that was not purchased at Abercrombie and Fitch might catch your attention but it was what he was talking about that drew people to him.
But John was focused on the right thing. He had already pointed out that Jesus was the one who deals with sin in a way he could not. Look at John 1:29. And now someone pointed out that everyone was going to Jesus to be baptized and they were leaving John. John is not thinking "man, I've got to come up with something big to keep these people focused on me." He knows it is time for him to SIT DOWN.
He is comfortable with the purpose, gifts, personality and abilities God has given him. He says it is all given from heaven to us. He didn't earn it, have to jump through certain hoops or do anything except be content with who he is. This does not stifle our developing our gifts or abilities but it puts the focus on what is right. It also diminishes stress and anxiety in us when we chase after anything that causes people to look at us rather than God.
Don't you ever get tired of standing after a while? Try sitting down several times this week.
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