Ah! Look At All The Lonely People

“I hate people.  Do you hate people?”  Reply: “No; but things seem to go better when they’re not around.”  This is a line from the movie “Barfly.”  I can’t recommend the movie, but I’ve remembered the line on occasion when a person or people, seem to be at the root of some personal anxiety.  We humans turn to all manner of hobbies, vices, relaxation techniques, councilors and the like to maintain a stress level we feel we can manage.  Some of these things are constructive, others self-destructive and others only effective in our own mind.  Sometimes we just need space and time to help us cope.  

As much as we sometimes need to be alone, we will inevitably be with people again.  We need people who help us maintain our comfortable inner peace, or at least won’t interfere with it.  So we look for places where there are others who are “like us.”  We still seek acceptance and a sense of belonging.  We need community.  Then we are able to relate and interact. 

God recognized this need near the beginning of creation.  The animals were paraded past Adam.  As he finished naming them, there was found none to be a helper or companion for Adam.  What he was missing was company of his own level; someone to whom he could relate.  God was far superior and everything else inferior, but God knew that it was not good that the man was alone, so He made a companion for him. 

God adds people to His church in the name of community.  He made a way for us to be with Him in eternity because of His desire to be with His people.  He instituted marriage and family, church and community for His own good purposes and He wants us to spread the word that “We are not alone.”

We are social since the creation of Adam.  There are people all around us searching for a place to fit.  Not everyone realizes they have this need or from where it comes, but Christians know.  God’s people throughout history have known.  Don’t you want to bring that good news to the lonely and those who are searching?

Whose Do You Think You Are?

Has anybody ever asked you “Who do you think you are?”  You might hear it when you interject an unwelcome opinion, offer unsolicited advice or give unwanted assistance.  Here’s another question that we should sometimes ask ourselves; “Whose do you think you are?”  Sometimes life seems unfair and you feel outnumbered.  Out of frustration you feel like giving up or giving in.  Maybe you decide to stop trying out of spite.   Of course we all need to relax and refresh from time to time, but there is no place for moping and wallowing in self-pity.  There is life to live and work to be done.  Ask yourself “Whose do you think you are?”

With God as our Father and His Word as our foundation we are always in a position of strength.  Find the story of Elijah, when he met with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.  King Ahab had been searching for Elijah from one end of the earth to the other to kill him.  In I Kings, chapter 18, here came Elijah demanding that the King and 850 priests of Baal and Asherah meet him on Mount Carmel.  What an elaborate show those 850 priests put on as they called and cried and offered blood to their idols made of wood and clay, thinking that fire might appear on their altar and consume their sacrifices.

Just about the time they would be worn out, though outnumbered 850 to 1, Elijah taunted them, exposing their idols to severe scorn.  ‘Perhaps your god is sleeping or needed a powder room break.  It could be that he is on vacation.’  He mocked them for hours.  Even the King had to be amused by the futility of the dancing and swaying around the altar.  We laugh at the taunting, but to Elijah, talking smack served to drive home exactly what was at stake; Israel.  In essence he was asking what could be so important that their god did not answer; not a sound.  Nothing stirred.  Silence.

Then Elijah, beside an altar of twelve stones, water soaked and surrounded by water, made his request of God.  While he was still speaking, God (your God, reader) caused fire to consume the offering.  Not just the sacrifice, but the water, the twelve stones and even the dust around the altar were consumed while King Ahab, 850 priests of Baal and all of the spectators ran screaming in fear for their lives.

So, you think times are tough and that unseen forces conspire against you.  We have a tendency to try to turn the tide and change the odds to our favor by working harder, becoming more determined, all the while believing we can handle it on our own.  Whose do we think we are?  Will you trust that the government, or your employer, or your wealth will save you?  Or will you calm your mind, remember your first and most important responsibility and turn to God to deliver for you?

Avoiding Necessary Confrontations

The word “confrontation” generally evokes the idea of a hostile encounter or an unpleasant discussion.  It seems to require that one or more of the participants must have caused offense or hurt feelings.  Even when the motive is pure, it is still called a confrontation.  At the least, a confrontation sounds like it would be uncomfortable, no matter how necessary it may be.  But sometimes there is no other way to settle a situation, much less settle it amicably.

So, I am proposing the creation of a new word, for a necessary, though uncomfortable discussion; a word that doesn’t carry the pre-supposition that either party has been offended.  I propose the word “comfort-ation.”  It will carry no negative implication, nor will it prejudge.  The circumstances under which this new word might be used include an introduction to intervention, to implore a loved one to take better care of them self, a loving plea to correct bad habits or an invitation to visit church. 

A comfort-ation begins with a reminder that your relationship is strong and your interest in them is genuine.  Much like Paul as he wrote to the Corinthian church, where he writes “I commend you for….”  Paul would continue by appealing to their sense of community; he started on common ground.  He presented his case for the truth, encouraged them to be strong in making a better choice, and then left things in God’s hands.   Finally, Paul would re-state his love and concern.

It has been said that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.  In Paul’s case he had already bonded on some level with the people to whom he was bringing “comfort.”  So to use Paul’s approach, it seems best to choose someone we know; someone with whom we have a degree of familiarity.  Your love for this person should be genuine; your concern, selfless.  Never forget that the hope you share is eternal.  The peace of Jesus Christ real.  The comfort you intend to bring is everlasting.  These gifts are free to give and receive.  When you finish counting the cost, call a friend and have a comfort-ation.

Toolbox Talk

Satan has powerful tools.  They don’t seem like much when you see them, as they are often labeled as being quite natural.  If you think about it, some of his best weapons are of stealth design.  Pleasant feelings like safety, control, comfort and familiarity can be used to stunt the growth of the Kingdom of Heaven.  We fear what we don’t understand or that is beyond our control.  We become discouraged easily which causes us to doubt our knowledge, abilities, effectiveness and eventually, our mission.  We belong to a society that preaches tolerance and emphasizes individual rights and freedoms; a society that appreciates people who mind their own business and finds it most desirable not to choose sides.

Isn’t it just like Satan to take the pure and simple and turn it against us?  Well he does.  Spend any time analyzing the feelings that allow you to remain silent while there is even one person within your circle of influence who is not following Jesus and at the root you will probably find an excuse, sprung from a seed of doubt, fear or indifference.  Now stop dwelling on these thoughts as they can cause guilt, which can be another tool in Satan’s arsenal if misplaced or misapplied.  Only meditate on it long enough recognize the reality, and let it move you to action.

Do not despair.  Your God has powerful tools, too.  On the ethereal level He has given the Holy Spirit and instant access to His undivided attention through prayer.  He gave us a promise and the proof we need to believe it.  In our physical realm He gave us Jesus and the Word.  He gave us a conscience; a sense of right and wrong.  In His hands, His church is a mighty tool on earth to win the world.  In an esoteric sense, Christians recognize the peace that underlies the torrents of life.  We know the joy that having hope can bring and recognize God’s love in sending Jesus.

Here’s the funny thing about tools: they don’t operate themselves.  A hammer won’t drive a single nail without somebody there to swing it and give it direction.  A Bible is ineffective in the hands of someone unwilling to open it, or unable to read and comprehend it.  The Holy Spirit in you travels where your feet take it, and without your lips it is silent.  Congregations of the Lord’s church can take the appearance of a beacon in the community or can look like a building where people go in and out occasionally.

Each and every one of us carries a toolbox loaded with many tools that can be used for a variety of projects.  Not every tool is required for every job and we have to choose them carefully.  When the project involves the opportunity to lead someone to Jesus, we might reach down and choose compassion and love.  Look in your toolbox and find the trusty Holy Spirit to make sure the job gets done right.  If you find fear, doubt and indifference, these are not the tools for the job.  Put them down.

Read 2 Corinthians, Chapter 4.  Pay attention to the plight of Paul and other disciples, but particularly verses 8-9, 17-18.  There, now, Christian.  Feeling Better?

Shelter in a Storm

Is it a fundamental misunderstanding that causes a person to investigate “church” from the standpoint of what they can get out of it?  Is it selfishness?  Perhaps it’s a matter of what the minimum requirement for membership might be, since it should feel comfortable and relaxing to go to church. 

I overheard a conversation recently, wherein the participants discussed the subject of choosing, or changing their church affiliation.  In the whole discussion there was no mention of truth, grace or doctrinal correctness.  The selection process seemed to focus on what the various organizations were able to provide in the way of activities for children and whether worship services met various criteria such as fitting into a busy secular schedule, the excitement, energy and enthusiasm of the music, and a general feeling of being welcome and fitting in.  What all of these things have in common is that they fulfill self-centered needs.

First impressions are very important.  The reality is that these are the kinds of things that create first impressions.  Maybe some of these are reasons a guest might come back, and that in coming back they might find a firm foundation for belief, truth, and grace.  Without Christ as a foundation, connection and affiliation with a local church becomes a loose decision based on emotions and feelings which easily change from day to day and week to week.   

We can be very good at taking care of the physical needs of people in the name of Jesus, but always remember that the goal is that a soul is saved and God is glorified.  In our acts of caring it’s important that people know that it is to God’s credit that His church has such character.  It’s a life of service for the purpose of bringing people to Christ.  The act of Worship should certainly be uplifting to the worshipper, but our expression of love for the creator and His Christ are at the center.

We will make a first impression.  Our guests will evaluate their first experience with us, so we must try to accommodate their expectations, and then help to focus our guest’s evaluations on our core beliefs.  When it comes to caring, and sharing the Gospel, people must be led to understand why we care, so they can be looking for a foundation, not just a shelter in a time of storms.  Perhaps a secular activity is a good place to knock out the making of a first impression.

If The Door is Open, Come On In.

Someone you know might substantiate their claim of a stake in Heaven with phrases like “I’m a good person,” or “Sure I believe there is a God,” or “I used to go to church all the time, growing up.”   Others might feel, having grown up in the western hemisphere that they are Christian simply because they do not identify with the Buddhist, Hindu, Jew or Muslim, which are typically identified as eastern or middle-eastern religions.  These are wonderful conversation starters.  Every one of these positions indicate that you are talking to a person who’s belief system has little foundation and who is more likely than some to be open to talking about God.

I Peter 3:15 says in part, to have your answer ready when you are asked the reason for the hope you have.  So, where do we begin in preparation for the next time one of these ideas comes up in conversation?  Have you ever had a delicate conversation or perhaps a heated discussion with someone, and a minute after they are out of earshot you think of exactly the thing you should have said?  If only you had anticipated the flow of the conversation, you’d have closed the argument.  Preparation begins with anticipating and to some degree directing the discussion.  Take some of your meditation time to play out the various scenarios in your mind.  Take some time to develop that humble, one line zinger that causes a person to reflect on their relationship to God.   Don’t neglect the “humble” part.  Your goal is not to “win” the argument or close the discussion, but to open a sincere dialog.

Not every conversation about our Spiritual reality will be the same.  Depending on a person’s level of exposure to the Gospel they may be up for a discussion about baptism by immersion; or maybe they only hear the word “Jesus” in songs at Christmas time.   As a missionary, you will have to take people from where they are and move them toward the Cross.  Recall in Acts 8, that Phillip came upon a fellow who was reading from the book of Isaiah.  The story makes a clear point that Phillip began with that very passage and before the ride ended, the Ethiopian had his eye on some water in which he could be baptized.  Another example might be that it is best to allow someone to discover their own sinful tendencies, rather than pointing them out.  Then again, a shock and awe approach might work on some.

Before you think yourself out of this idea, be aware that you certainly do have enough information to have a conversation about God with this person.  What did you know before you were taught to believe, repent and be baptized?  What was the piece of information you gleaned that caused you to believe, repent and be baptized?  That’s the key.  If you don’t recall a compelling book, chapter and verse from the Bible, teach from your own conversion experience to begin, and then introduce them to the church.  Introduce them to the friendly, forgiving, truth-seeking, loving, humble and caring family of God.

Don’t let a beautiful opportunity slip away.  Keep your list handy and keep praying for the harvest.

The Light of the World

Think of the love that Jesus showed toward the residents of a dark, fallen world.  Look with wonder that people were drawn to a man whose appearance, by Biblical accounts, was average at best and who was of limited means, but somehow impressed people so that at a word, men would devote their lives and follow.   Jesus brought light and hope to the world.  In just three short years he so influenced people that His example is still felt and His light is still reflected 2,000 years later.  OK;  He is Jesus.

But, didn’t He say that we are the light of the world?

“Light of the World” is a familiar metaphor for Christians whose character and example stand out and command the admiration of those with whom they come in contact.  As we go about our business, care for our belongings, raise our children and live our routines, people may see us as a fine neighbor, a loyal employee or a good friend.  A regular observer of our conduct might grow to appreciate the higher standard to which we hold ourselves.  Our light may shine in such a way that folks might be drawn to us and find out that we have hope in Jesus. 

Even if our light shines this way, we must ask ourselves a difficult question; “Is it enough?”  From one perspective, “right living” could be considered a minimum expectation.  It’s possible that many souls have been saved because a Christian was caught setting a good example.  A person of good character and conscience might recognize joy and hope, and subsequently wonder what it is that makes Christians so special.  There are no statistics to support this assertion, but our light might be more effective if it were taken to the people who are in the dark, rather than waiting for those in the dark to seek the light.

Think of the names of the people you know outside of the family of God.  Make an actual list.  Pray with the list in your hand, that your light will draw these people to Christ.  Do not put this off.  It is an important first step in getting more of our members involved in growing the church, and it is a simple task.   “Just do it.”