Monthly Archives: August 2015

Can I really make a difference?

 

I was chatting with a recent college graduate recently and the subject of making a difference in the world came up. Eager to find his way of making a difference in the world, he asked me, “So, what was the first time you realized you can make a difference?”

 

The first time I realized I could make a difference? That’s a hard one.

 

I went into teaching thinking I could make a difference. In Australia I was the 6th music teacher in 6 years at the local high school. I like to think I made a difference by bringing music from something that was hated to something that was merely disliked. (sigh) I started their first brass band. Years later they did a concert tour of Europe! Who would have known? It was in Oz that I asked if I could work with the students in Special Education. That simple request turned into a thirty year career working with people with disabilities. It reminds me that when we set out to make a difference in someone’s life it often works out that they end up being the ones who make a difference in our life!

 

Like you, we pour ourselves into our children. We introduce them to Jesus who makes the difference in our lives. We fill them with love and hope, skills, encouragement, and values. The difference that is made is how they pour their lives into their children…and others.

 

Rebuilding over forty homes over eight years following Hurricane Katrina, we found that you make a difference by just by showing up and serving others. In all 150 people joined us in ten “vacation” trips to gut and rebuild homes and encourage people. Everyone on the team had different skills. Some thought they had no skills at all. Have you ever thought that? Maybe you’ve thought, “I’d like to serve but I just don’t feel qualified. I don’t know how to make a difference.” The truth is we can all make a difference in the lives of others and in our world. We only have to surrender our obsession with serving ourselves and then we find all kinds of opportunities to serve and encourage others. Some things seem impossible. One of our teams went into a house that had been flooded for weeks. The putrefying stench was so bad they quickly ran out. It was impossible to think of going back in. But with God all things are possible. They huddled in prayer and, with God’s power, went back and got the job done.

 

Our passion for the people of Bolivia started with sponsoring a Compassion International child. (YOU can do this too for only $38/month.) We started praying for her, her family, then her community and country. We asked God to help us see others through HIS eyes. When we visited Daniela in 2011, she showed us all the letters and photos we had sent her over the ten year period. It takes so little to make a difference in one person’s life!

 

The enemy would like to convince you that you have nothing to give, no special talents or gifts, no way to make a difference. But God has different plans. He gifts us in different ways so we can work together toward the same work of advancing God’s plan on earth. Paul compares it to the human body, composed of many parts but working together for a common purpose. In a time where so many are fighting against each other, striving to advance their own agenda, how we desperately need to remind ourselves of the important contribution we must make…by working together to make a difference.

 

It takes only one person to make a difference but it also takes us all.

 

Do you want to make a difference? Ask God to show you how to see people through his eyes. And then show up and be an encouragement to others.

 

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

 

The battle for who’s right

 

There was discord and disagreement.  A battle over whose voice would prevail. Finger pointing and plenty of blame to go around. Who’s right and who’s wrong. Words that should have been left unsaid were spoken in frustration and anger. It seemed everyone was keeping score. Does it sound like a political debate? Or a recent business meeting, or maybe a family gathering?  It seems that wherever two or three gather together there is room for disagreement. Everyone wants to be heard. Truthfully, we’d all like to have it our way.

 

It’s a scene that has been played out to various degrees over the centuries and is plenty common today in our communities, our businesses, our homes, and sometimes even in our churches. It was the situation when Paul was writing the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 11). There were disagreements over whether men and women should cover their heads or not, disagreements over the length of hair, even disagreements when they came together to commemorate the Lord’s Supper. Paul reprimanded them for their divisive behaviors, offering really good counsel – for them – and for us today:

 

Everyone ought to examine themselves… (V 28)

 

What does examining ourselves do to a disagreement? Examining ourselves checks our motives. Do we want to understand the other person as much as we want to be understood? Are we seeking a wise and just resolution to the problem or do we just want to be right? Is it our intent to build understanding or to attack? Are we interested in peace or just giving someone a piece of our mind? (Be careful, we all only have so many pieces!)

 

Examining ourselves also checks our behaviors. I spent decades of my life working in crisis deescalation situations. One of the key lessons learned was to examine our own body language: our posture, our muscle tension (relaxed, not clenched), our tone of voice, facial expression, and words. The louder the other person became, the softer we would speak. Examining our behavior defuses a fueled situation. It speaks calm and compassion, first to ourselves and then to others. It’s one thing to be firm and stand our ground and quite another to belittle another person.

 

While examining ourselves is a practical and helpful discipline toward resolving disagreement, there’s an even more effective approach. Jesus said that wherever two or three gather together in his name, he would be there also. Jesus, with his authority, grace, wisdom, love, and power is ready to present himself whenever we invite him into our discussions, whether they be about politics, business, or who takes out the garbage. We learn to follow the example of Jesus when we invite him into the fray of our disagreements. When he is the head, we have fewer battles about whose idea prevails because the matter is submitted to him first, and we seek to follow his example in building understanding and unity.

 

When do we examine ourselves? Paul instructed that we should do this before taking communion. Actually, each and every meal invites us to quiet ourselves before God, to humbly confess our wayward ways, and ask him to bless us with his presence. We could gain a greater sense of peace and harmony if we’d learn to examine ourselves whenever we meet with others, especially when disagreements abound.

 

The battle over who is going to be right, especially over trivial matters, is better shifted to who is going to behave rightly. Let’s find many opportunities to invite Jesus into the business of our daily lives, and especially into our relationships. And may peace be yours to enjoy and share.

 

Learning from the past

 

In our politically correct society, there are many calls to get rid of things that *someone* thinks is offensive: the cross, the ten commandments, the USA flag, the confederate flag, the word “Dixie.” In one case, there’s a call to sandblast the carved rock images of Confederate soldiers off the side of a mountain. It’s like there is a desire to erase history, when really we should learn from it.

 

Actually, that was the message of Paul in 1 Corinthians 10: Pay attention to the lessons of the past so you don’t repeat their mistakes. He speaks about how the people of Israel did all these religious things, “yet God was not pleased with most of them.” (v 5)

 

Maybe you’d like to join me in going through the checklist of examples Paul lists and see how we fare:

  • Do not be idolaters. (Check. No graven images here, unless you count all the things I place as a higher priority than my relationship with God.)
  • Avoid sexual immorality. (Check… if you don’t count movies and books)
  • Do not test Christ (as with snakes) (Check for sure!)
  • Do not grumble (Che…oops. Well, maybe I still have room to grow a little here!)

 

The truth is, we all fall short. We think we’re on firm ground but if we walk close to the cliff, or on the fence between right and sort of right, it’s easy to misstep and fall. We think we can follow God and watch movies that dishonor him. We think we can lead a “good life” and cheat others. We think we can dance with the world and walk with God. The Israelites tried it and many of them perished in hopelessness; it should be a warning to us: We “can’t drink of the cup of the lord and the cup of demons too.” (v 21)

 

We’re all tempted, and that’s not a sin. Whatever tempts us is common to everyone. You’re not the only one struggling. And when you are tempted, there is a way out of temptation! Jesus IS the way out. He endured all kinds of temptation so he knows what you’re facing. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Every temptation is an opportunity to trust God!

 

The solution isn’t just to flee from selfish and dishonoring ways. It’s not even to focus on trying to do “what’s right.” Our real solution is asking God to show us what’s BEST and most beneficial, what pleases and honors him, what encourages and helps others. I’m not sure it matters whether you sell everything and minister to people in a foreign land or whether you stay home and minister to those across the fence. What matters is that we refuse to let the past define us, but instead learn from it, and commit to honor God by loving him and loving others in his name. May that be the banner we carry today.

 

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

 

Worldly or Wordly?

 

We all know that being worldly minded is opposite to being spiritually minded, right? Worldly aspirations appeal to our bodies and minds but war against our spirit, creating all kinds of woes and troubles. We’re warned:

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. (1 John 2:15-16)

 

That’s plainly spoken. When we’re consumed by the things we crave, the things we feast our eyes on, and our self-centered pride, we lose the love of God. Talk about a bad trade!

 

When we think about this world as our home, and start conforming to a comfortable lifestyle, we might accomplish our will but miss out on finding the will of God. (Romans 12:1-2) God’s Word tells us that being friends with the world is like taking on an adulterous lover; it makes us enemies with the lover of our soul, God. (James 4:4). We like to be recognized by the world, but  we’re  called to be set apart for the gospel of God. (Romans 1:1) To be in the world but not of the world.

 

But let’s face it, worldly things appeal strongly to us. And the truth is, we don’t mind being worldly, or at least a little worldly. We live in the world so it just seems natural that we’d long after the things in it. And it’s not wrong to have and enjoy nice things…unless it consumes us and our excessiveness robs from those in need, when it becomes an “adulterer” that robs us of Our love for God.

 

It’s a bit of a sticky-wicket when we try to assess our worldly behaviors. Lean too far in one direction and we excuse all our self-indulgent behavior. Lean too far to the other side and we believe that minimalism is somehow “more holy.” It’s easy to fall into a legalistic trap.

 

I suppose we’re all pretty good at putting on blinders that keep us from seeing our own excesses and faults. I know how easy it is for me to excuse my own worldliness. But I was recently challenged again about this. For example, when Paul says to the Corinthian church, “I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly,” the Spanish translation uses the word, “inmaduros” to describe worldly, meaning immature. (1 Corinthians 3:1)

 

What if we dared to think about our attitudes, behaviors, and ambitions not as “worldly” but “immature?” I might try to excuse being a little worldly, but I don’t want to be called out as being immature! How about you?

 

The truth is, it’s hard to not be worldly when our focus is fixed on making a living, pursuing adventurous goals, or just surviving. Something that helps us decrease our worldly focus is to set our intentions on being more “Wordly.” When we feed our soul with the Word of God, we find peace and contentment and joy. Helen Lemmel’s 1922 hymn still speaks truth:

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.”

 

Worldly and Wordly are at opposite ends of the teeter-totter. The more we focus on applying the Word of God in our life, the more we’re lifted up. The more we focus on loving the things of the world we’re weighted down. If you’re looking for a better life balance, spend more time in God’s Word and discover how being “Wordly” improves your life focus!

 

The evidence of faith

 

Climate change. Life rights. Racism. Conservation. Politics. Religion. Imagine knowing someone who fought ardently against something that you hold dear. Now, imagine them very suddenly coming over to your way of thinking. Would you instantly trust them and welcome them into your “inner circle?” Would you afford them the same rights and respect that you extend to others who share your beliefs? What would convince you that they had really changed?

 

That was Paul’s situation described in 1 Corinthians 9. Once an ardent persecutor of Christians, he was suddenly and dramatically fully persuaded to live and preach the gospel of Jesus, the very one he was persecuting. No wonder people were cautious of his transformation. But the evidence of faith is a radically changed life, one fully devoted to knowing Jesus and making him known to others. And for Paul, no other activity or pursuit compared to the passion he poured into this singular goal of impacting the lives of others for God.

 

He gave up his rights to be compensated for his preaching, his right to material prosperity. He gave up his rights to “be right” about philosophical issues because he knew they were distractions from the real issue of introducing people to Jesus. He was completely driven by his gift to preach – and live – the gospel wherever he went. His spiritual understanding seemed to grow exponentially as he devoted and disciplined himself to loving his life fully for God, what he calls “running the race.”

 

It gives me pause to ask myself some tough questions about my own life and the “race” I am running. Maybe you’d like to join me in a time of reflection:

In what ways does my live give evidence to a real living faith? If Christianity were a crime (as it is in some parts of the world) would there be enough evidence in my life to “convict” me?

To what degree am I willing to give up my rights to positively impact the lives of others, especially those Jesus calls “the least of these?” To live simply and humbly so that others might have opportunity to live? To be generous with my wealth, my time, and my gifts and talents?

How diligent am I at protecting my time so I can be still before God and let his Word impact my own life?

Am I as eager to look for opportunities for gospel conversations as I am to discuss weather, sports, politics, or other interests?

Am I interested in finding common ground where there is conflict so mutually valued relationships can be built and strengthened?

In what ways am I using the gifts God gave me to grow spiritually and encourage others in their spiritual growth?

How much of my focus is on honoring God in my relationships compared to the other competing interests in my life?

What do I need to get a better grip on living a life filled with purpose and meaning?
Paul encourages us to run the race of life by disciplining ourselves through focused daily effort and devotion to a singular life purpose. He urges us to not become “disqualified” by wasting our time, money, and energy on meaningless and aimless pursuits. We can aim higher today!

 

The real evidence of faith isn’t words or religious actions, It’s a changed life, one that is transformed by the power of God, sold out to a single and all important cause. Real faith seeks to grow spiritually, impact others, gives up personal rights in order to win others to Christ. Let your faith give evidence to a great God who loves us and wants to reach others with his love…while time still remains.

 

What I need most

 

Have you ever been in a Chinese restaurant and noticed a statue of Buddha or a little station with small food offerings? Does it bother you to eat in a place where idols are displayed and worshipped?

 

It’s good if the question comes to mind because it is evidence that you are evaluating the world around you in the context of your beliefs. But where will you find knowledge to resolve your questions? You could ask your friends. In this era of social media, we can quickly access the opinions of even strangers who are quick to share how they think any of a very wide array of matters should be handled. There’s no shortage of opinions.

 

But opinions aren’t knowledge. And even if we think we have gained knowledge through study of a matter, how does that knowledge help us? How will we apply it?

 

Paul writes, “We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.” 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

 

Knowledge puffs up but love builds up. We can know, or think we know, all the answers but knowledge alone isn’t enough. Knowledge puffs us up but doesn’t tell us how to build our lives. Love builds up our lives. Our love is what makes us known by God. It reminds me of an old song, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” Not by words alone. Not by persuasive teaching. But by our love.

 

In the case of food offered to idols, Paul says: “An idol is nothing at all in the world.” (v4) We could invent and serve many “gods” that take up a prominent place in our lives, not unlike the little statues in the restaurant. We might not literally bow to them but might submit to them the “food” of our attention, money, passion, and time. They could take the form of our work or entertainment or any great ambition that consumes us. “…there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” (V 6)

 

True knowledge brings freedom. It doesn’t matter what we eat, even if it is food offered to idols. “…food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.” ( v 8) But with freedom comes responsibility; in this case, the responsibility to exercise love. If our knowledge presents a stumbling block to others, we should defer – in love – to their understanding. We don’t take someone who is fearful of eating “defiled” foods to a Chinese restaurant where idols are present because it becomes a stumbling block to them. More important than asserting our knowledge is honoring loving relationships with those who see things differently.

 

People may invite us to share our opinions and knowledge. We may even be tempted to respond without invitation to everything that confronts our own understanding of the matter. But first, let’s pause a moment to reflect. It’s not that knowledge is a bad thing. It just isn’t the best thing. It’s not what we need most. What we need most is to demonstrate a love that bears the responsibility of building up positive and mutually valued relationships on our lives. . . relationships that will be known by God.

 

What’s the big deal about sexual sin?

 

We can turn to the Word of God to guide us in the way to live a happy and rewarding life. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul addresses the matter of married life. Specifically, he addresses the issue of sexual immorality as a real threat to our well being and our relationship with God. In today’s “progressive” society we’re told, “it’s okay do do whatever you like.” Maybe you’ve asked yourself these questions: What’s the big deal about sex? Why does God refer to sexual sin as “abominable” while other sins are “merely” exceedingly bad? Isn’t all sin the same?

 

Actually God’s Word names a number of “abominations:” idolatry, adultery (which he also calls idolatry), witchcraft, sodomy, cheating, prostitution, lying, lewdness…the list goes on. God warns us against abominable behaviors to protect us from consequences of sin that we can’t control: loss of health and life, loss of wealth, loss of freedom, and loss of blessings, to name a few.

 

So what is it exactly about sexual sin that makes it so particularly offensive to God? If sexual enjoyment is a gift from God who is the author of love, why shouldn’t we be able to set our own rules about it?

 

First, if we accept that God is in fact Almighty God, then we don’t get to define sin. Courts can and do define the legality of things like pornography, same sex marriage and the such. But God alone has the privilege of defining sin. Of course, when we set ourselves up as mini gods, we can “imagine” all sorts of things, invent our own religion of self, and make up our own rules. But it doesn’t put us in a role to change God’s design. God – the one true God – defines sex in one context only: that of a married man and woman. His Word explicitly states that sex outside of this context is sin. Jesus compares even the act of lust to the act of adultery.

 

Second, Jesus said, “What God has joined let no one separate.” Marriage, and sex has the power to connect us in mind, body, and spirit to another. Glue two pieces of paper together and let them sit for awhile. Now try to pull them apart. What happens? They rip and tear. Bits of one are inextricably stuck to the other. They don’t come apart without damage. God designed us to enjoy physical intimacy in a way that connects us together, one man and one woman. The two become one flesh and cannot be separated and rejoined to others without damage.

 

Additionally, sexual sin is a big deal because it defiles the covenant relationship that God has made with us. He uses the metaphor of marriage to represent the relationship of Jesus to the church, which is described as “his bride.” Our rebelliousness against God’s call on our lives is akin to adultery. In this sense, sexual sin is not just a physical act. It becomes spiritual defiance. It puts us not only in an adulterous relationship with someone else but also in an idolatrous relationship against God.

 

People will believe what they want to believe. They will do what they decide to do. We’ll each be held accountable one day for our own decisions. But God’s Word for his people prescribes a healthy way to live; a way that is wholesome and pure, safe, and edifying. It draws us closer to him and closer spiritually to others.

 

In a world that tells us to tolerate all things, let’s look within our own hearts and be intolerable of anything that rips us apart from God and from those he loves. Purity matters, in our thoughts, in our words, and in our actions. It matters in the light of day and the secrecy of darkness.

 

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8

 

When “Is it right?” is the wrong question

 

You’ve probably encountered many opportunities and asked, “Is this the right thing for me to do?” Should I buy this car? Should I accept that promotion? Should I look for another job? Should I remain friends with someone who always disagrees with me? The list goes on.

 

There are some things that, at least from biblical view, are plainly stated. Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t lie, or steal. Don’t bicker or cause unnecessary devisions. Avoid sexual immorality; in fact, flee from it! Don’t allow even a hint of immorality or greed to influence you. God says these are wrong. Period. End of discussion. But there are many other things that seem to lie in the “gray” area of our decision making. How should I dress for church – or at the beach?  Is it okay to buy eight pairs of shoes when my neighbor has none? Should I give above the “tithe?” Is this movie okay to watch? Should I “speak my mind” or “hold my tongue?” When we sift questions like these through the filter of “right vs wrong,” we often come up uncertain or at odds with others who disagree. In a land where we have so very many freedoms, is everything suddenly right?

 

Asking, “Is this right?” might be the wrong question. A better question for us might be, “Is this beneficial?” “Is this the BEST?”

 

“Everything is permissible for me—but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me—but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

 

One way we can apply this question is to ask ourselves if what we are considering really honors God. As believers, our intent to honor and please him should outweigh our freedom to do whatever we want, even if it is legal and “permissible.” In good conscience, would THIS option honor God more than THAT option?

 

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).

 

Another way to apply this truth is to ask ourselves how our decision impacts others. You might have the right to act however you want, to speak your mind, and criticize others, but would that be the most beneficial approach in this situation you’re facing? In some matters, HOW the decision is accomplished may be as important as the actual decision.

 

“…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

 

Finally, another approach to applying this question is to consider what influence and control the matter has over your life. It may be permissible, but if it controls you, it’s not beneficial. Watching a certain TV series may be permissible but if it dishonors my spouse and family – if I become obsessed with it, it isn’t beneficial. Analysis may be permissible (especially if you call it “planning” – right?) but if it paralyzes you, it isn’t helpful. It’s not against the law to beat yourself up mentally, but if it controls your thinking, it’s not helpful. There’s a time for critical thinking but if it leads you to always criticizing and judging others, it isn’t beneficial. Avoiding conflict may seem helpful but if it alienates you from God or others, it may not be as beneficial as you think.

 

Enjoy your freedom today. Freedom from sin’s crushing rule. Freedom from legalistic do’s and don’ts. But don’t settle for what is simply permissible or “right.” Seek what is beneficial and BEST in your life, in your relationship with others, and in your relationship with God.

 

What’s in your bread?

 

Whole wheat. Multigrain. Oatbran. Sourdough. Asiago.  Ciabatta.

 

Whatever you call it, we love our breads. I love the homemade breads that Marcia makes. Sometimes, I try to help her, though that usually makes it take more time. 🙂 My tasks are usually relegated to measuring the flour, salt, oil, water, and yeast. Yeast is what makes the bread rise to its best level. Every cook knows that just a little bit of yeast works its way through the whole loaf. We can’t see it working but we can see the results in the risen bread. It grows wherever it makes contact.

 

Yeast is a metaphor for the things we allow into our lives. What we look at, listen to, and think about enter our lives through the open doors of our hearts and minds. It only takes a small amount of certain things to influence and feed our growing desires, thoughts, and ambitions. We can’t always see their influence in our lives, but the results become evident soon enough. They rise within us. It could be a good yeast, like God’s call for us to step out in obedient faith. Or it could be a harmful yeast that rises within us, feeding selfish desires, tolerating evil, and ignoring God and others.

 

Paul refers to this harmful yeast in 1 Corinthians 5. He is referring to participating and boasting about detestable things that should not be tolerated. He warns, “Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?” In other words, every time we open our lives to even a little bit of harmful influences, it finds a way of insidiously spreading throughout our entire lives. It becomes the pattern for how we think, speak, and act. That’s why Paul says in Ephesians 5:3 “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”  Do you find it interesting that he speaks about sexual immorality and “any kind of greed” in the same sentence? It emphasizes the point that we can’t judge the sins of others while excusing our own. However we choose to classify evil and sin, it all will find a way of infiltrating and rising up in ways that take over the control centers of our lives until we’re totally subdued by its destructive influence.

 

But there’s good news!

 

While the reference to yeast in the bible is often one of warning to avoid and admonish sin, it’s also an encouragement for us to pursue what can rise within us in such a magnificent way… that “yeast” is the kingdom of God exposed to our hearts.

 

Jesus said the kingdom of God is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.” (Luke 13:20-21) God’s kingdom is a spiritual one that affects us even now as we expose our hearts and minds and ambitions to it. Little commitments of faith and obedience, like yeast, rise within us and make our lives rise to a higher level. We don’t always see it at work, but the results are evident:

  • Peace where there used to be anxiety
  • Prayer that replaced worry
  • Confidence where fear once stood ground
  • Faith standing firm where only doubt stood trembling
  • Persistence where it was formerly easier to give up
  • Generosity where greed prevailed

 

Like yeast, the continual yielding of our lives to the transformational power of God’s Spirit influences more and more of our lives. We expose ourselves to this good “yeast” by studying God’s Word, talking with him in prayer, by creating space in our lives to simply enjoy God, by seeking the counsel of mature believers and investing ourselves in others. What once represented a lump of lifeless dough rises to a wholesome, aromatic, and pleasant offering to God when it is regularly yielded to the rising power of God’s truth and grace. And whereas bread yeast doesn’t jump from one loaf to another, the yeast of God’s kingdom in us readily spreads to those around us. They might not see how it works, but the results in our lives should be evident to them. “There’s something different about them,” they say, “something genuinely appealing to my heart.”

 

Here’s the truth. You get to decide every day what kind of yeast you want to add to your “bread of life.” Let’s choose wisely. Whatever you add, even a little will have a bigger influence than you may know!

 

 

 

Be who you were meant to be

 

Have you ever wondered why other people could come to such outrageous conclusions, only to realize in a moment of humble revelation that your own way of thinking is a bit odd from their perspective? Some of us perceive the world primarily through thoughts and ideas while others are more oriented to experiencing the world according to their emotions. Some people are descriptively detailed in their flowery and poetic accounts of things while others are more like Jack Webb: “Just give me the facts, Ma’am.”

 

The truth is we’re wired differently in how we think and respond. And that’s okay. None of us perceive the world perfectly through God’s eyes, so he gave us each other, in our different make up, to help each other grow in understanding. We need the assertive as well as the shy. We need those who think more deeply and somberly as well as those who see happiness more easily.

 

Sometimes we wish we were more like someone else. And maybe that’s a good thing if they are responding to God in an honoring way and we aren’t. We can learn from them but we’re not called to be them. We’re called to be who God made us.

 

Being the person you were meant to be sometimes involves change. Like Nala told Simba in the Lion King, “You’re more than who you’ve become.” Deep within us is call to become all God designed us to be. Becoming all we were meant to be requires tossing off immature ways of thinking and behaving that are not helpful. We weren’t created to be impatient, frustrated, bitter, angry, selfish, or grumpy. Gossiping, complaining, judging, lying, and cheating are not the hallmarks of our design. Thank God he can change those if we surrender them to him. All of these are reprogrammable by the renewing of our mind.

 

You may be shy and want to be assertive. You may be impetuous and impulsive and want to learn patience and self-discipline. You may be quick to arrive at answers while others are more cautious and hesitant in their response. You may tend toward feelings depression and want to be happy. And you can learn to adapt in ways that bring balance your life. But rather than seeking to become someone else, seek to become who you were called be. Don’t settle for less.

 

Live in a way that reflects to others that God has brought you to himself, through Christ who is our hope in glory. (Colossians 1:27) Live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (Colossians 1:10, Ephesians 4:1)

 

Be more than you’ve become. Be all that God created you to be!