Musing 11-21-06

A GOOD ANSWER: In my last musing I raised the question regarding helpful responses to those who use blasphemous (oaths) language. I only received one response that I will share as briefly as I can. A friend shared how her husband, who before they met was unsaved and accustomed to taking God’s name in vain. One day while checking out a tool at work he swore using the name of Jesus Christ. The man checking out the tool to him said, “So, you know my Friend?” Rather than criticizing the man for taking the Lord’s name in vain this simple question was asked. Not understanding the man responded, “What friend?” This opened the door for witness and over a period of time and gracious dealings my friend’s future husband was led to Christ. I liked this story (abbreviated), rather than the usual harsh responses that we might make when we hear people blaspheming out Lord. It sounds more like the type of response our Savior would have made rather than taking offense.

LOOKING FOR A CHURCH WITH EVERYTHING: Over the years of church planting one of my greatest frustrations came when people would visit our little group that I followed up with a call in the home and I was told, “We are looking for a church that has ____________.” And they would fill in the blank such as “a youth group,” “a senior citizens ministry,” or “a Sunday School class my child’s age,” or perhaps “a choir.” New church plants are often hurting for lack or a well-rounded program that fits everyone’s need. We would be praying for teenagers to start a youth ministry and a family with several teens would visit but we didn’t fit their need. My response was usually along these lines, “You are right and we have been praying for God to provide the ability to have that kind of ministry. Why don’t you become the nucleus to make that a reality, helping to develop that kind of ministry?” My memory is not the best but I do not recall one instance where such a family would say, “I’ll do that for the Lord.” Most Christians want a ready made church with a full program that meets their every need. There doesn’t seem to be a sense of personal ministry and commitment these days! LET SOMEONE ELSE DO IT. With this kind of attitude how can we ever plant new churches? I’ve always thought that God called us to serve rather that to be served. I am wondering how comfortable some of these same people will be in Heaven when we are told in Revelation 22:3, “and His servants shall serve Him.”
PREFERENCE OR DOCTRINE: As I think back over the years, there have been a lot of cultural changes and debates as to what a Christian should or should not wear, do or go. There were times when I found myself caught up in those struggles. Sad to say, there were times when I was guilty of “legalisms” or Christian preferences that we are hard pressed to find Scriptures that give us a doctrinal position to back them up. I want to be guarded here as I do not want to start a spiritual war with anyone but let me give you one example that comes to mind. I have always felt I should wear my “Sunday best” when I go to church. For me, that was a suit and tie, with shoes shined, even before I became a missionary-pastor. I haven’t gotten over it, dressing down, which is common today doesn’t feel quite right to me. After all, we are entering God’s house, a place of worship and we should present ourselves in a respectful manner. Right? Would we dress down if we were invited to the Whitehouse to meet President Bush? I don’t think so! But can I make a doctrine of this? It is a preference.

Should I criticize a man who wears “Wranglers” and or cowboy boots to a worship service? I can find Scripture that teaches modesty, particularly for the ladies (though I believe an application can be made for the man as well). But, I cannot find a Bible passage that tells me to wear a suit, tie and shined shoes. I had a man in one church I pastored that never wore a tie, suit or sports jacket. If you were to ask him why he would tell you, “I use to be an alcoholic and I attend Alcoholics Anonymous. I invite those men to church hoping they will be saved and should they come, I don’t want them to feel uncomfortable because they are not wearing a suit as others are.” I couldn’t argue with that, maybe you can, but I couldn’t. It was a non-issue! In another instance, the man that taught me how to be a deacon and a soul-winner use to wear blue-stripped bib overalls to church on Wednesdays. That is what he wore to work but he always put on a clean pair to come to church on Wednesdays but did wear a suit on Sundays. Do you suppose that disqualified him from being a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and a discipler? Not in my eyes. In another instance, my son John wore cowboy boots, as did most people in North Dakota where we lived at the time. When he went off to Bible College cowboy boots were all that he owned as footwear but the college wouldn’t let him wear them while attending college. – I still wear a suit and tie on Sunday mornings while sitting in the congregation, though few do. I have finally condescended to forget the tie and jacket on Sunday evenings and Wednesdays. I still wear my tie when I teach in our home Bible studies but not my suit. I guess I’ve slipped a little.

Musing 12-19-06

CHRISTMAS 2006: Dare a man of years express his concerns about Christmas? As a boy it seemed Christmas would never come. Now, sadly I almost wish it would not come because it has become burdensome. Don’t misunderstand me I still cherish the true meaning of Christmas as it reminds us of our God and Savior Jesus Christ Who took on human form that He might give His life for the redemption of our souls. I still relish the anticipation of family gathering together to celebrate the occasion, but…

· The decorating is colorful and beautiful and I enjoy the observation. But what does all this have to do with the real meaning of the season. Oh, I know the thought expressed relating to the lights and remembering that Christ is the “Light” of the world but how many really understand that? What about those large lighted balloons of snowmen, some with assorted scenes within, some are Santa Clauses who supposedly comes from the North Pole?
· The running to purchase gifts is stressful. Not that I don’t enjoy giving, I do! But, too often we buy because it is the thing to do. We have little idea of what is really needed because the family is so scattered and we seldom get to see their real circumstances or need. The children may have grown a foot taller than the last time we saw them and we really don’t have any idea of their sizes. You can ask but the answers are difficult to obtain, everyone is so busy.
· So, like many we have taken up the process of obtaining “gift cards” that we hope and pray are not lost or discounted due to time lost in their belated use. It seems so impersonal and without the usual thought of picking a choosing just the right gift.

Have I become cynical? No, I don’t think so, just frustrated in not being able to do what we once did due to circumstances beyond our control. The care of Betty, trying to keep up with all the shopping, laundry, cooking (mostly out of cans for myself as Betty has lost her appetite), doctoring, etc. changes the perspective. It gives a different meaning to what is important, necessary or fulfilling. What is the answer? Prayer, trusting in our God and Savior, looking for the peace that is provided by the Prince of Peace that cannot be found by the world’s standards of Christmas.

My son John, who is not able to work because of heart problems and his wife Ethel, share some of the same frustrations and have come to a decision they discussed with their son and family nearby as well as Tim who lives in the Wheaton/Chicago area. They are only buying gifts for the small grandchildren or children. Their emphasis is going to be on the family gathering and enjoying one another’s company. Attend the Christmas Eve service, reading the Christmas story, sing songs of praise and joy, drink eggnog, and share a meal (and snacks) while simply enjoying each other’s company.

Wouldn’t the merchants howl if all made the same radical change to let being together as a family and rejoicing in their Biblical (Christian) heritage be the center of their gathering rather than the rush of running to and fro for gifts or gift cards, etc. Wow!!

If my understanding is correct, the early church did not celebrate the virgin birth of Christ. They acknowledged and taught the doctrine and its importance but the cross of Calvary and the resurrection was the point of emphasis and proclamation. Years of religion and tradition have grown into something far more than what God had intended. We’ve nearly lost the value of family and faith in the hurry and scurry of the season.

Please don’t be too harsh with my personal “Musings,” concern and frustration.

Have A Very Merry Christmas &
Enjoy Your Family & Faith!