storiesofvalue

Lessons from the 737 Max

Three hundred forty-six lives have been lost due to an apparent software glitch on the Boeing 737 Max airliner. The tragic deaths of these unfortunate passengers have produced shock waves throughout the world. Why?

Obviously, when people die in airline crashes, we all take notice. Approximately 4.3 billion passengers used air transportation in 2018. This means, every day literally millions of travelers trust their lives to flight technology and the experts behind the controls.

But aside from our commonplace participation in air travel, we have also developed a high sense of confidence in the industry. Perhaps you have heard a speaker use the redundancy of onboard systems on airliners to illustrate the importance of strategic planning. You have also most certainly heard some say, “flying is still the safest way to travel.”

Indeed, it is, in spite of the 737 Max crashes.

Why then, do these events create such anxiety?

Perhaps we are shocked, not only by the number of those who perished, but also that the things we once believed to be true have been compromised. Why was there no redundancy in the case of the flawed computer program? What was it about the relationship between Boeing and the FFA that led Chesley Sullenberger to say they were too “cozy” with one another? Why were American airline companies so slow to ground the 757 Max when it appeared there might be a systematic problem?

Our trust has been broken. And it is going to take a while to regain it, even after the 737 Max airliners are repaired. In fact, I predict there will be a name change of some sort so passengers feel more secure.

This week, I was contemplating a New Testament verse about Jesus. The writer of Hebrews declared, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and tomorrow.”

In what ways is Jesus the same yesterday, today and tomorrow?

He hasn’t changed His message. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He took on the form of a servant to pull off the greatest victory in history. Nothing has changed Jesus’ passion for us and His willingness to do whatever is necessary to save us.

Jesus hasn’t changed the “why” behind our redemption. We needed grace because we were sinner destined for hell. The words of Jesus teach us. His love fills us. But His grace cleanses us and makes it possible for us to experience eternal life now and forever.

Jesus is as powerful as ever. He can still move planets, mountains, nations and sinner’s hearts. His influence extends to board rooms and living rooms. On the final day, when all things are brought to a fitting conclusion, He will appear as the indisputable Victor. If Satan protests, it will be the last sound he makes before he is cast into a place of eternal punishment. And he knows his end. The only reason he continues to roar is in the hope he might take others down with him.

Jesus hasn’t been marginalized by our culture. I am aware there are statistics that suggest Jesus’ followers have a smaller imprint in America, relative to population. I am not doubting these facts. But Jesus hasn’t been reduced in His Lordship. It saddens Him that many have traded their devotion to Him for counterfeit gods, and that He has taken a back seat to other priorities. But Jesus is moving powerfully in people’s lives. When someone opens his or her heart to His grace there isn’t a force in the universe that can stop His redemption.

I trust Jesus.

I love people, but I don’t trust them with my soul.

And I work hard at not becoming too cozy with the Adversary.

Thank you, Captain Sully, for that insight!

Jesus is the “Redundancy of Redundancy”. The One who grounds anything that shouldn’t fly.

You can trust Him too.

“Yesterday, today and tomorrow.”

God and the Championship Game

A lot of prayers are offered to God during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Some are pious: “God, help my team live up to its potential, to play with good sportsmanship, and regardless of the results, to bring glory to your name.”

Some are manipulative: “God, if you help my team win, I promise to stop cussing.”

Some are self-righteous: “God, allow my team to win so the world will see that You honor those who honor You with their lives.”

And some are seriously misguided: “God, give us victory over those scumbags.”

I am not sure how God feels about basketball, although I am confident, He indeed uses it for His glory. But regardless of His interest in this, or any other organized sport, I know He knows something about championships.

One match up in particular was a true “Cinderella Story”. An epic contest involving the underdog and the big dog. A single elimination 16 seed against a 1 seed, that was bound to end badly for the people of God.

The favorite was a tall center named Goliath. The “soon-to-be-fed-to-the-buzzards” contender was a little point guard by the name of David. They met on a level piece of ground with two massive armies in the stands.

The Philistines put their hope in Goliath.

The Jews…

Well. We aren’t told, but it is possible they had one eye on their best route of escape. As soon as David fell, they needed to start running.

Really, really fast.

But God has a way of turning life’s odd on end. David grabbed 5 stones from a brook and faced down Goliath with nothing but a sling. Goliath laughed at him and mocked him, but David slung a stone at his forehead and as the children’s song says, “The Giant came tumbling down.”

There are lots of great stories that emerge in a tournament, and many life-lessons learned. One lesson is how our perspective changes once we realize we are strong enough to beat the opposition. There is an aura that surrounds teams that appear to be unbeatable. But when someone comes along and beats them, others are emboldened. Suddenly, what was once thought impossible is possible.

I realize there are limits to this principle. A squad of six-year old children, taking the court for the first time in a recreation league, are not going to match up well against an NBA team.

Well, maybe against…

Never mind. I’ll leave it there.

My point is that God isn’t bound by human ranking systems. He not only has the power to impact our outcomes, but also to use the outcomes He deems best for His eternal purposes. In other words, He can make us victorious when we appear defeated. And even when we are defeated, He can use our defeat to accomplish a victory.

No one could have appeared more defeated than Christ on Calvary, but He was actually on the verge of the greatest conquest in history. Three days later He would proclaim victory over sin and death, and the gates of hell would quake.

When a lesser ranked team beats a higher ranked team, they call it an “upset.” That’s because things didn’t turn out the way people thought they would. But is it really an upset when the rankings were upside down to begin with? When a 1 should have been a 16 and a 16 should have been a one?

God didn’t upset Satan at the cross. He just clarified the situation. Had Jesus remained in the tomb, that would have been an upset – the eternal Son of God destroyed by the god of this world.

Instead, He rose, setting the record and the rankings straight.

I encourage you to maintain an upside-down view of victory. Remember, Jesus said the first will be last the last will be first (Matthew 20:16). Our eternal success isn’t dependent on our own victory, but our decision to share in His.

The Goliaths that threaten to taken us down can be brought down with a single blow. But only if we remember who we are.

What He did.

And why it matters.

When the Truth is Hurtful

I once heard there is nothing more irritating than a reformed smoker. Since I have never been a smoker, I can’t fully comprehend this characterization. Kicking the smoking habit is a good thing, and if one is successful over the long-term, he can add years to his life. Why would someone not celebrate this victory and encourage others to join in?

But I get it.

Just because you have overcome a habit in your life doesn’t mean I have to follow your example. At least, not until I am ready. In fact, your old behaviors are so fresh in my mind, it is hard for me to comprehend you are preaching against the very thing you once held to so passionately.

Of course, this is no reason to reject the truth.  Years ago, I was walking on a beach when an old man ran up to me and started pointing at his neck. He appeared to have recovered from a serious operation that left him badly scared and unable to speak. As he pointed at his neck with one hand, he mimicked the act of smoking with the other. Then he pointed at me as if to ask, “Do you smoke?” I said, “no.” He smiled, mouthed the word “good”, and proceeded down the beach to share his gospel.

Why wouldn’t someone who has overcome a destructive habit not want to warn everyone he meets? Yet, there are some pitfalls when it comes to confronting sin in others. And while I don’t think people should let the enthusiasm of those who have overcome a vice discourage them from heeding their testimony, I do believe there are things any of us should take into consideration before we start telling other people how to run their lives. Consider these:

Make sure your message isn’t a mask for sin. Unbridled enthusiasm is a good thing. A double-standard is not.  I realize we are all sinners, and if we waited until we defeated all of our sins, we would never confront a brother or sister about a problem we see in their lives. On the other hand, if we have an ongoing sin in our lives that leaves us in a perpetual state of shame, it is easy to become obsessed with a different sin in the lives of others and become judgmental and legalistic in the process. This is why Jesus told us to take care of the plank in our eye before we pick at the sawdust we see in others (Matthew 7:3).

Love the people you confront. I once heard a preacher say, “Some people who warn others about hell act as if they want them to go there.” Love is hard to convey in the midst of a confrontation, but it is possible. We show love when we empathize as those who understand how easy it is to be trapped by sin. We love when we listen to people’s stories and try to understand the circumstances that led them to make some bad decisions. The Apostle Paul sharply disciplined the church at Corinth in a letter we call 1 Corinthians. In a second letter he wrote, “For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. (2 Corinthians 2:4)

Don’t sin as you call out sin. There are right ways and wrong ways to address sin in the lives of others. We may not be able to immediately discern how to proceed, but I believe if we pray for wisdom and ask God to guide us, we will come closer to saying and doing the kinds of things that honor Him and lead to real change. There is little room for carelessness when it comes to calling out sin. Judging others before we know the facts, sharing the facts with third parties and disregarding the feelings of those we are confronting undermines what God could have used for good and gives Satan a greater foothold.

I realize, even when we strive to address sin with love and compassion, we might experience a harsh reaction. I have lost more than one friendship when I attempted to save someone I cared about from a destructive path. I have been called “judgmental”, “holier-than-thou” and “God’s gift to humanity.”

Maybe, in some of these cases I fumbled in some of the ways I have just shared. Or maybe I did my best. Only God knows for sure.

Regardless, I think he calls me to guard against being hurtful with the truth. Don’t get me wrong. The truth stings. If it doesn’t, we might need to sharpen our message.

But the ultimate goal of truth is healing, not hurt.

So, if you have quit smoking, I would love to hear your testimony. I promise I won’t be offended. However, if you are a reformed Diet Coke addict, give me some time.

I’ll tell you when I’m ready.

Do Christians Have a Mascot?

I recently flew Frontier Airlines for the first time. The airline is considered by many to be the worst in terms of customer service and on-time departures. But hey, for a $43.00 non-stop flight from Norfolk to Tampa, I can put up with a little inconvenience. As it turned out, my flight was on time, my “personal item” computer bag (secretly functioning as a suitcase) was free, and I brought enough of my own refreshments to sustain me for the flight.

Before takeoff I was welcomed by “Sammy the Squirrel”, the Frontier Airline mascot. The pilot said Sammy was thankful I chose Frontier, and hoped I had a good flight.

To be honest, Sammy didn’t look much like a mascot. He looked more like…

…well…

…a squirrel.

Actually, Frontier has many mascots.  Employees have contests to pick an animal mascot for all of its new airplanes.  I just lucked out and got Sammy.

When I have a little down time, I intend to research the squirrel connection. I’m curious. Was Sammy a rescue squirrel who hung out in an employee’s back yard? Does he symbolize the “squirrely” nature of the airline’s employees, or perhaps the tenacious attitude of the company? (If you have ever tried to impede a squirrel you know how determined they can be). Are people like me who fly Frontier the “nuts” Sammy has crammed into the tiny spaces inside the airplane? Or is Sammy a flying squirrel? He doesn’t appear to be, but he could be hiding some of his attributes.

Mascots are useful. They say something about the team they represent, and when your day isn’t going well,  you can always smile at…

…a squirrel.

Do Christians have a mascot? And Jesus doesn’t count. Besides, I have a hard time envisioning a vender selling a stuffed Jesus on a pole outside of a Christian concert. Perhaps our mascot is a cross or a church steeple capped with a cross. No, that can’t be. The cross is too sacred to be used in this way, and mascots should represent living things.

Ok, so hot dogs are mascots and they aren’t living.

Hmmmmm.

I know! The fish! The fish Christians slap on their bumper and imprint on their Bibles might be considered our mascot!  If not, perhaps it should be.  Fish are living. They are found throughout scripture and there are enough varieties to adapt to almost any situation.

Do you attend a country church? No problem! I’m sure someone in the congregation can create a “Bible Bassman” costume.

Do you live near the ocean? Perhaps “2-Na Man” could represent the two greatest commandments or the two Testaments.

And for city dwellers, “Grouper Woman” could serve in a small groups ministry where people find relationships in the midst of the hustle and bustle of big city life.

Fish mascots, if they are to be embraced, should be standardized. They need to be cuddly, but not so cuddly people forget about the wrath of God. And while it would be permissible for a fish mascot to show some animation, he or she would be wise to note the church being entertained before leaping or shaking any tail-fins on stage.

Did I say “entertained?” Sorry about that. The mascot is not there to entertain. He must remind people of the solemn nature of worship and be capable of crying. I’m not sure if fish have tear ducts, but that could be arranged.

I think it would be alright to sell little fish toys in the Lobby. The money could go to a foreign mission, or a retirement home where mascots go when they hang up their scales.

And who knows – a fish mascot might even serve as a deterrent to sin. He could stand in the hallway and hand out “Don’t Take the Bait” bracelets. A few hook notches in his lip could be a conversation starter: “My mother told me to avoid worms that suddenly appeared out of nowhere, but I thought I knew it all.”

A fish mascot would be fun. But it could also create some trouble. What if a renegade fish boycotted the annual church fish fry or invited his buddies over for a party in the baptistery?

Maybe…

Maybe, we should just be the mascots. We can be warm and cuddly. There are enough of us to make nick-knack copies unnecessary. Most of us are adaptable to a variety of cultures, and we only need to enter the baptistery once – unless we are taking someone else in with us for the first time.

If we were the mascots, we also wouldn’t need to buy bumper stickers or wear “Jesus gear.” God would use us just the way we are to witness in His name. We would share with our mouths, serve with our hands and worship in spirit and in truth.

I’m not saying there is anything wrong with a mascot. But when I fly, I want a real pilot behind the control.

Not a squirrel.

Or a nut.

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The Christian Life and Tournament Play

“March Madness”, also known as the NCAA, Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, is almost here! Do you have a favorite?

I always cheer for the University of Kentucky, since my family roots are in Lexington. I must admit, while I have crossed paths with UK players and coaches in the past, my current knowledge of the team is based almost entirely on what I hear and see on TV. It is true, I pick up a few pieces of critical analysis here and there from some Wildcat haters, but I just pray for them and move on.

This week I was pondering how “March Madness” might resemble my walk with the Lord. The contrasts were easier to spot. In the NCAA tournament, only one team is crowned. In Christ’s kingdom, everyone who trusts and obeys is victorious. Tournament teams play against one another. Followers of Christ help one another win since they are all on the same squad. Finally, the outcome of the tournament is uncertain, and things get exciting when a number one seed is defeated. When it comes to our Christian walk, the end is already settled, and should others fall, we rush to restore them so they won’t miss out on the party.

Maybe the comparisons are fewer than the contrasts.  Yet, consider these:

While victory is certain, we have an adversary who would like to see us fall. One of the frustrating aspects of our walk with the Lord now is Satan’s determination to sideline us with various trials and temptations. Together with his demons, he sits behind the basket and waves his arms to distract us when we come to the line for a free throw. He boos when we succeed and cheers when we fail. Satan is definitely the loser, but nothing would make him happier than to take us down with him.

We play according to the rules. Rules are game-changers in basketball, especially when a star player picks up two unnecessary fouls in the first few minutes of the game. There are, of course, worse penalties incurred by entire school programs when coaches are caught violating recruiting policies. Don’t misunderstand. Our salvation is not achieved with rules. It was won on the cross when Christ paid for our sins with His own blood. On the other hand, God has given us coaching instructions in His Word that help us thwart the plans of Satan so we can play at our highest level. The Apostle Paul once wrote these words to his protégé Timothy: “Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5)

We have fans in the stands cheering us on. Ok, so not everyone in an arena cheers for the same team. But in the church, since we are all on the same team, we spur one another on to victory. Perhaps you are familiar with the “great crowd of witnesses” referenced in Hebrews 12:1. There is some question about whether this crowd involves Christian on earth who encourage us, faithful believers who are waiting to greet us in heaven, or both. Regardless, we have countless, faithful servants of the Lord cheering us on to victory. Many of these have suffered tremendously for the cause of Christ and they know all about the obstacles Satan puts in our paths. We are not alone in our walk. We are surrounded by fans who share in our victory.

Perhaps your favorite team will be holding the trophy at the end of this year’s “March Madness”. My team has a shot, if they decide to play as a team.

That’s always the deal, isn’t it? The most talented players are never as good as individuals as they are when they grasp the importance of “team.”

In regards to our walk with Christ, pray for me, and I’ll pray for you. We already know the outcome of our struggle, but if the Lord allows us to remain here for a while we are going to be tested. I am certain of our victory, and thankful to have you with me on the journey.

Don’t forget the one trophy that will remain when all of the others turn to ashes. It was won by our Lord when He crushed Satan on a hill called Calvary.

Oh, and expect some boos from the enemy every now and then. He’s still thinks he has a chance.

Pathetic, but true.

Be Biblical, Not Legalistic

The church I serve is a part of a movement that seeks to be faithful to the truth of God’s Word, while pursuing unity with as many followers of Christ as possible. This vision can be hard to achieve, but we believe it honors the Lord.  After all, Jesus said the world will know we are His disciples by our love (John 13:35). We want to “speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent.” Only then, can we avoid letting our human opinions get in the way of what God wants to do through His church.

I believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God, and I accept it as my foundation for faith and practice. However, I recognize this challenge of upholding both truth and unity has become more complex in a post-truth culture.  Unfortunately, amid these shifts in our culture, some have abandoned scripture.  To achieve unity, they have sacrificed the truth.

On the other hand, some, in pursuit of truth, have gone beyond scripture and abandoned unity. How do we know when we have begun to speak where the Bible doesn’t speak, and developed a legalistic spirit that undermines the love Christ wants us to share with our world?

Consider these possible signs of “legalism”:

Legalists make non-biblical opinions matters of doctrine. A non-biblical opinion involves something God’s Word doesn’t specifically address. This doesn’t mean God has to spell something out for it to be a matter of doctrine. There was no Internet when the Bible was written but attempts to hurt others on social media with gossip or suggestive and demeaning comments are prohibited by biblical instructions regarding a false witness and a hateful heart.

Yet, there are many opinions that are not so clear.  For example, many churches once believed going to a movie was a sin. Certainly, modern Christians don’t hold to this standard, though many use ratings to determine which movies they should view.  None of our modern political parties are mentioned in the Bible.  Do some parties support beliefs that can be found in scripture.  Sure.  But the Christian faith isn’t aligned to a political party.  Instead, it is connected to Christ, its head.

Legalists frequently make non-biblical opinions matters of doctrine, and sometimes use scripture in the process.  However, if they are speaking where the Bible doesn’t speak, they might be guilty of using God’s Word as a vehicle for their own ego or personal ambition.

Legalists ignore their own inconsistencies. Those who make non-biblical opinion a matter of doctrine, often demonstrate glaring inconsistencies in their own words and actions. Human reasoning can be flawed, especially when it is driven by bitterness, arrogance or selfish desire.  Some of the most unkind and unethical behaviors I have experienced in my Christian walk have come at the hands of those who publicly prided themselves in being grounded in the scripture. This isn’t God’s fault or an indication of some problem with His holy Word. Rather, it is a result of our fallen human nature.  I can only imagine how someone who doesn’t know Christ feels when they encounter a Christian legalist who doesn’t practice what he preaches.

Legalists judge others with hearsay and association. Legalists are not necessarily conspiracy theorists, but they resemble them in many ways. They sometimes make assumptions with petty facts and half-truths.  I find this behavior particularly common among para-church ministries who attempt to generate funds by demonizing others in the name of truth. Often, the falsehood in a legalists’ rant far overshadows his subject’s weaknesses. Still, in a day when some will believe almost anything they read online, people are easily misled. It is important to realize, just because a Bible verse is used in a document, and appears in bold font, doesn’t’ mean it has been properly applied.  If I jump to conclusions and judge my brother or sister without carefully examining the facts for myself, I am a legalist.

“Where the Bible speaks, we speak. Where the Bible is silent, we are silent.” This old slogan doesn’t mean we can’t express an opinion. I personally love engaging in debates on Bible topics with friends. But there is a difference between healthy debate and questioning one’s faith because we disagree on a matter of opinion.

If we do, we need to be sure we are right.

God doesn’t like it when people claim to love His Word then use it as a vehicle for their own ambition.

So, “Human Trafficking” is a Problem After All

For years human rights activists and Christian ministries have been beating the drum against human trafficking. But now, suddenly, major news outlets are captivated by this world-wide scourge.

I don’t mean to suggest people haven’t noticed. There have been congressional testimonies, news articles, and celebrity advocates. The community where I live conducts occasional prostitution stings and publishes the names and mug shots of customers who are arrested.

Still, it is hard to miss the fact that human trafficking has become much more of a topic of conversation after Robert Kraft was implicated in a Florida sex trafficking sting. When a powerful and successful public figure is caught doing something shameful, people notice.

Why?

Is it because we are shocked that someone who has everything going for him would risk everything for sex? It shouldn’t.

Or are we puffed up with self-righteousness when we see someone famous caught in a sin? “Even I know better than to do something like that!  Tell me more!”

I suppose there are many explanations for our sense of urgency when it comes to criminal activity, or the lack thereof.

But I have my own theory…

I don’t think we care about human brokenness until someone we care about is involved. Realize, I said “care about”, not necessarily love. I would not expect a Giants or Colts fan to love Robert Kraft. But they do care about what happens to him.

Perhaps there is some crime or sin you ignored until someone you loved or disliked became involved. Your connection to someone whose life was impacted by his or her actions made you much more aware of your world.

If Robert Kraft’s alleged sin can raise our awareness of the darkness that exists in our culture, I am thankful. But after the publicity subsides and Mr. Kraft enters a season to restore his reputation (perhaps with a multi-million-dollar donation to fight human trafficking), 12-13-year old girls (and sometimes boys) will still be entering the world of sex trafficking.

Here’s what you can do:

Rid yourself of anything in your life that directly or remotely supports the human trafficking industry. This includes pornography, so-called “adult entertainment” and questionable businesses that could be involved in illegal activity.

Get involved in some aspect of local Christian organizations or efforts by your home church that fight human trafficking. Even if you aren’t ready to counsel a trafficking victim or aren’t comfortable ministering in the adult entertainment world, you can contribute money or other material items to those who do.

Pray. Pray for those caught up in sex trafficking. God hears our prayers and breaks down strongholds. Pray for the victims of sex trafficking and those who reach out to them.

Learn the signs of a sex trafficking victim and act. Most organizations that fight human trafficking post “recognize the signs” lists on their websites.

Fill your heart and mind with God’s truth and love. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you are too strong to be trapped by some element in the human or sex trafficking business. Sex is a strong urge, and Satan exploits it for his purposes at every opportunity. Did you know human trafficking is the second largest criminal industry in the world, behind drugs? We are inundated with sexual images in our culture and temptation awaits us. Keep your life in check.

As I conclude, I want to encourage you to pray for Robert Kraft as well. I know it is hard to show compassion to a wealthy man who has used young girls who have nothing but their bodies to sell. But Mr. Kraft was also made in the image of God.  Perhaps, in God’s timing, this embarrassing event in his life can ultimately be used to thwart the schemes of Satan.

In the meantime, commit Proverbs 4:23 to memory: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

Should Preachers Have Big Homes?

Several weeks ago, I saw Facebook posts criticizing mega-church Pastor John Gray for living in a 1.8 million-dollar house purchased by his church and for purchasing a $200.000 Lamborghini for his wife.  There are other issues involving Gray’s life and ministry, but I wish to focus on the lifestyle question here.

A few things to get out-of-the-way before I continue…

John Gray does not appear to own the house. It is a church parsonage. That means, unless the church decides to give him the house, when he leaves it stays behind. Yes, it is a nice house and affords the Grays a good lifestyle, but it does not directly benefit them financially.

John Gray has earned money on books and other personal ministries and used these funds to purchase his wife’s car, which I understand he is still paying for.

Additionally, in the interest of full disclosure, I am not attempting to defend John Gray’s lifestyle or my own. My wife and I live in a very average home by community standards, and throughout our ministry we have driven “clunkers”, though now we drive a four-year old and ten-year old vehicle. Quite an upgrade for the Joneses!  Our church family has been generous, and these lifestyle choices are our own.

Now, I continue…

Is it wrong for a preacher to have a big home? Or a big car? By “wrong”, we should mean, “Is it unbiblical?” We should not define “wrong” by traditional standards, or some preconceived notion we have of the ministry – that if you work for God full-time you should live in poverty. In reality, all followers of Jesus work for God full-time. Should every Christian who has “taken up his or her cross to follow Christ” live in poverty? If we can’t answer “yes” to this question, then we shouldn’t be quick to condemn people in full-time ministry when we think they have crossed a socio-economic line.

I do believe it is biblically “incongruent” for preachers to have extravagant lifestyles. Preachers in the Bible, whether they be Old Testament prophets, or New Testament Evangelists, lived modestly or in poverty. Some slept under the stars to avoid capture. Yes, there were followers of God who lived quite well, such as King David and King Solomon. And there were some prophets who had a few perks, such as Daniel. But the majority of those who gave their entire lives to God’s service struggled financially, relying on the generosity of others to support their ministry. Does this mean this is the way it must be for all full-time ministers today? I don’t think so. But this helps explains why wealthy ministers are thought to be doing something wrong. They don’t fit the biblical mold.

You should also know, if you don’t already, there are some distinct theologies that play into how preachers live. The “Prosperity Gospel” (of which John Gray is a part), promotes the thought that God wants to bless us materially. In this theological environment, material wealth, by default, becomes a litmus test of faith. “If we have enough faith and are faithful, God will make us materially rich.”

There are cultural issues which make it more acceptable for churches to honor their preacher with expensive benefits. In some communities, the preacher is the one through whom the church lives vicariously. In other words, his standard of living is a matter of pride for his people. They want him to live well, or at least to appear to live well.

With these random thoughts in mind, I will attempt to share some material lifestyle principles worth considering whether we are preachers or not:

Biblically, God blesses us to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2). God doesn’t bless us so we can spend everything on ourselves. If we receive a financial windfall and our first thought is how we can buy more stuff for ourselves, we might want to search our hearts. At the very least, we should consider the biblical “tithe” as we dedicate the first 10% of our blessing to the work of God.

We should not fool ourselves with flakey rationales. “Prosperity Gospel” preachers are suspected of manipulating poor people into giving to their ministry so they can, in turn, support a lavish lifestyle. This is often excused by an old, but sly financial trick which involves begging for money to support some great need in a ministry while justifying expensive purchases because they are paid for with private funds. Jesus once addressed a similar scam with religious teachers who were putting their money in a temporary “God-fund” so they didn’t have to use it to care for their aging parents. (Mark 7:11-12) The premise of asking people for money to support ministry is that we don’t have the funds available to do the work ourselves. Therefore, the argument that money for expensive purchases doesn’t come from the money one receives for ministry is bogus.

We should never lose sight of the bigger Body of Christ. Ironically, some religious teachers use the “non-denominational” banner to draw funds from a broader scope of believers, but they live in a bubble when it comes to their sensitivity to the sacrifice others are making in ministry. While they live well, they are miserly and unjust in their treatment of those who work for them (often expecting others to donate their time for the Lord), and they ignore the voices of God’s servants in impoverished communities who are struggling to survive in their ministries. Anyone who uses money from a church for a ministry, should always remember there are others who could use it. This doesn’t mean it is wrong to ask and receive. But we can’t talk about “kingdom work” when the only kingdom we are ultimately concerned about is our own.

So, is it wrong for a preacher to have a big house? I may not have answered the question sufficiently, therefore, I will be specific as I close. No. As long he isn’t playing games with his rationale, uses his blessings to be a blessing, is forever mindful of servants of God who are less fortunate, and never forgets the goodness of brothers and sisters in Christ who give sacrificially to support his work.

These thoughts alone should help anyone find the right balance when it comes to possessions.

Whether one is a preacher or not.

What God Says about Walls

There has been much talk in our country recently about a “wall.” I will not rehash the relevant conversations, but I do apologize for using the word “wall” to attract you to this page. It is amazing how a single word can possess such power.

I wish to highlight some walls referenced in the Bible and explain why they are important:

The Walls of Jericho – Jericho was the first city Israel conquered when it entered the Promised Land. Joshua led several marches around the parameter of the city, culminating in one final lap, the blast of trumpets, a mighty shout and the collapse of the walls. This event was symbolic of the power of God displayed through the obedience of His people. But there is more. Before the city fell, some spies from Israel met a prostitute by the name of Rahab who lived within a massive wall interior. Because Rahab protected the spies, she was spared in the chaos of the city’s destruction, then joined with Israel and became a member of the earthly lineage of Jesus. God rewards those who seek Him.

Nehemiah and the Wall – The biblical book of Nehemiah tells the story of Nehemiah’s leadership as he led the Israelites in the rebuilding of walls of Jerusalem. Having returned from captivity, they faced the daunting task of reconstructing a defense around their city under less than ideal circumstances. As construction got under way, outside antagonists threatened the project. Nehemiah struggled with discouragement, fear and apathetic attitudes among his people.  But God was with him and the wall was finished. Even today, Nehemiah is elevated as a supreme example of faithful leadership through adversity.

The Writing on the Wall – In the days of the exiled prophet Daniel, King Belshazzar of the Babylonians defied God by using some goblets that had been taken from the temple in Jerusalem to serve wine at a party. As the people in the king’s court drank, they praised the pagan gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone. Needless to say, God was not pleased. Suddenly, a hand appeared in front of a plaster wall in the party room and began writing. Belshazzar’s face turned pale. When his wise men and enchanters were unable to interpret the writing, Daniel was summoned. He delivered the bad news that King Belshazzar’s kingdom was going to fall. Even today, people speak of “the writing on the wall” as something that signals an impending doom. God is merciful, but His patience has limits.

The Wall of Damascus – The Apostle Paul became a follower of Christ in the city of Damascus after a supernatural encounter with Him on the road into town. After Paul’s baptism, he began proclaiming Christ to others, which angered some and put his life in jeopardy. His enemies kept watch at the city gate so they could kill him when he passed through.  However, some of the disciples in Damascus, the same disciples Paul had once hunted down, lowered him through the city wall in a basket. Paul escaped because Christ’s followers were courageous.

The Walls of the Eternal City – In the book of Revelation, John writes about a spectacular wall made of jasper, with foundations decorated in every kind of precious stone. The wall had twelve gates made from single pearls which led to streets of gold. Scholars have debated about whether the images from the book of Revelation are literal representations of the age to come, or symbolic reflections of its grandeur. Regardless, eternity will be secure and glorious, as we worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

There are other less known walls in the Bible. In the time of kings and kingdoms, one might expect to find them in abundance.  God has always been able to use any wall for His purposes.

In the interest of complete transparency, I must confess my favorite wall as a disruptive Junior Boy in Sunday School was the one in the King James Version of the Bible that referred to men as “him that pisseth against the wall” (2 Kings 9:8).  It was always good for a few laughs in class.  Since that time, I have put away my childish ways and moved on to a more mature approach to scripture.

But it only goes to prove. A wall can be used for many purposes.

And perhaps if the 2 Kings 9:8 passage does nothing else, it reminds us not to take the walls we build too seriously.

The Spiritual State of the Union

I am an optimist at heart, and am not one to constantly discourage others with news that points to the disintegration of our society. Don’t get me wrong. There is plenty of doom and gloom to draw from. It’s just that, in my observation, well-intentioned people often make matters worse by focusing more on problems than solutions. I also tire of spiritual leaders who criticize local churches for not changing the world, even as they exploit resources in the same churches to further their personal agendas.

The Lord’s church is working hard, and while some are unfaithful to the mission, the majority are slugging it out against Satan every day.  Therefore, my thoughts here are not intended to call others out for failing to do their job, though certainly there are those who have been negligent in this respect.  Instead, I wish to speak to the spiritual condition of our culture, as I believe this is ultimately more important to our success as a people than any government policy.

I have examined the Spiritual State of the Union and have determined:

The Spiritual State of the Union is hopeful. While Satan is alive and well, the Bible tells us the “gates of Hades” will not prevail over the transforming message of salvation through Christ (Matthew 16:18).

The Spiritual State of the Union is dark. Our culture is a mixture of great spiritual light and an ever-increasing darkness. The darkness is not so great that the light of Christ cannot overcome it. Yet, great harm is occurring in people’s lives due to the destructive nature of sin. “For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.” (Ephesians 5:12)

The Spiritual State of the Union is confused. Some claim all spiritual paths lead to God, and no one faith has the corner on truth.  However, the various paths people follow contradict this notion in their own teachings.  Others say there is no such thing as truth.  Yet, if there is no truth, how can anyone say with certainty truth does not exist? We are indeed confused.

The Spiritual State of the Union is bankrupt. We no longer have the collective moral authority to stop evil in its tracks. According to a new law in New York, a baby in the womb is not a person. If someone proposed a law that defined persons as those who survive the first month of infancy, and are deemed “wanted” by their parents, on what basis could the law be struck down? One day we may be tossing live babies in city dumps, and the behavior of the ancient Romans may no longer appear barbaric.

The Spiritual State of the Union is thirsty. This is good news! God made us in His image, and no matter how dark or bankrupt we become, there is always something inside that cries out for its Creator. In some ways, the more spiritually parched our culture becomes, the more open it becomes to the truth.

The Spiritual State of the Union is strong. There you have it. That’s how most Presidents begin their speeches. “The Union is strong and here’s why!” But indeed, it is. The Spiritual State of the Union, that is. We must remember, the church began with a small band of disciples on a hillside outside of Jerusalem. In the future they would face idolatry, paganism, persecution, imprisonment and death. Yet, the church thrived. The world was transformed then, and although there have been plenty of ups and downs in human history, spiritually speaking, the gospel of Jesus has continued to revive dead societies.

Before Jesus left His disciples with the command to make disciples He said, “And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

I take Jesus at His word, and I am not destroyed by the spiritual state of our culture.

Discouraged? Yes, at times.

Distraught? That too.

But not destroyed. The state we are in only makes the message of the cross more revolutionary.

After the President’s speech and the rebuttal, this much remains…

The unchangeable, irrepressible power of the cross.