I have had something on my mind for quite some time. Who of us is perfect? Who of us have all the right answers? The answer to those questions is easy, none of us. What boggles my mind are two simple questions. Why do we act like we have the answers? Why do we act like we are better than others?
I wish I knew. I wish I understood why some people act like they are better than someone else. What purpose does that fill? Is it a poor self-esteem issue? Why do they have to belittle someone to feel important? Do they like to keep someone down to feel better about themselves? Why can't they forgive?
I have to admit, it really makes me sick. I learned this lesson back in college. I shared a hallway with some skater dudes. These cats dyed their hair jet black, dressed weird, listened to weird music. Another guy on the hall was a complete geek. Really, a total pocket protector wearing nerd. Then there was the bible major, the guitar rocker, three out of control basketball players (that would be the group I was in), and one really quiet, strange guy. It didn't take long for all of us to really appreciate what the other was about. I actually liked all those dudes. Even the skater guys. We had a blast in that hallway for that spring semester. My point is this. If I would not have given these guys a chance, I would have missed out knowing some really neat people.
What if someone makes a bad mistake, and they are held to that mistake the rest of their lives? What if they are not given that second chance? Or even a third chance? Why is it we are quick to stamp someones mistakes all over them and not give them a chance? Even worse, why can't we forgive? We could really be missing out on a changed life. By not giving someone a second chance we could miss out on something amazing. There is nothing more awesome than someone who has turned their life over to God. It is so cool to hear people tell of their experience of having God in their lives for the first time, or reconnecting with him. I have had enough mistakes to fill an ocean full. I am so thankful that people were willing to give me a second chance. Thankful that when I asked for their forgiveness, they really forgave me and totally gave me another chance.
What about those who don't forgive, or give second chances? What if they are even justified in doing so? Does it make it right? I say no. I believe everyone deserves a second chance, or third, or fourth. What if our Lord just wrote us off after we messed up? What if he didn't believe in second chances? I think of the passage from James 4:12 "There is only one law-giver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you- who are you to judge your neighbor?" Matthew 7:1-2 "Do not judge or you to will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Mark 12:31, "...Love your neighbor as yourself." Wouldn't you want forgiveness from someone? Wouldn't you want a second chance? Wouldn't you want the opportunity to make things right and prove you are a changed person? In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 it tells what love is. In that description of love it says 'love keeps no record of wrongs.' As you read to verse 13, it simply states "these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
What are we being told? I believe we are being told to forgive, love our neighbor, and give whoever it my be another chance. We cannot control how others will react to us. There will be some who will not offer forgiveness. Some who will condemn others for eternity. Maybe it is arrogance, insecurity, pride that won't let someone let it go. I don't know. I just know this. God works in mysterious ways and through broken people. If you don't take that step and give someone a chance you may be missing out on one of the greatest stories of all time. A story of the power of God turning a broken situation into one of success and triumph. This has just been an observation of mine for a few years. I have watched this happen. I have personally seen people pick and choose who they forgive, who they give second chances to. It really irritates me, but like I said earlier, you can't control what people are going to do. You just might have to prove it by your actions. Actions are stronger than words. You have to get the trust back you lost, but you also have to be willing to take that chance and trust them. Until next time.....
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Cutter's example.
My son Cutter had his first ever soccer game Tuesday night. He is playing indoor in a league with kindergarten age kids. After I have thought about his experience, talked with him about it, something about it made a connection with the class I am attending on Sunday mornings and a conversation I had with a very good friend Tuesday night.
What amazed me about Cutter Tuesday evening was he had never played a soccer game. He has never seen a soccer game. He had absolutely no experience with what he was doing. He just wants to play soccer. There are kids on his team and the other teams that have played at least one, maybe two seasons of soccer. They have a clue of what to do. The only thing Cutter had before the game was his sister Emily telling him what to do when he is on the field.
It made me think of the Christians in Acts. They were selling their possessions, sharing their lives with one another, sharing their 'things'. Why? Because they wanted something. They wanted something that they couldn't see. It was something that made them feel special, wanted, accepted. It took great faith to give up their stuff and step into something they had never really experienced. It was new. There was no blue print for it.
I think what if I was put into that situation. Asked to give up what you are secure in to get something else. To change your way of life. Change the way you view people, things, situations. There always has to be a first. To make a change, there has to be that first day of a new beginning. The act of faith it took for those first people in Acts is amazing to me.
As Cutter took the field he had the chance to watch the others play first. He got to see how it was suppose to be done. His first effort was really good. He got out there and ran as hard as he could. He pretty much shadowed the ball the entire first half. Where we were, he could not hear us. In a sense, he was out there trying to figure it out on his own. Just his observation of watching the others do it. In the second half, he got a number of touches on the ball. Ran with more of a purpose. Acted like he was really starting to understand what to do.
I just can't help but think the new Christians were really looking at the first group and thinking, they seem o-kay. It is still a huge leap of faith even seeing others doing well in the life you wish to have. It seems though that the decision might be easier to make if you can talk to someone who has made a similar choice. I get a mental picture of the Christians in Acts sharing their lives with each other, holding each other accountable, learning from each other and really being happy, feeling secure, confident.
Cutter was gaining experience literally by the minute, and you could see it happening. He started to gain in confidence. The more he relied on his sisters words, his quick past experience, he realized how and what to do. When the ball got kicked away from him, he just kept on running after it. It didn't shake his confidence. His experience had already taught him to keep on running, because eventually he would get to the ball.
Why is it we seem to lose that lesson as we get older? In my experience, when I let the spirit lead me (confidence), and trust in God (experience), everything works out. It may not go the way I thought it would, but the end result is always good. (I get the ball) But when I refuse to listen, try it on my own, I bomb out. I wish I had a faith like the first Christians. I wish I had a faith like my son. He went to play soccer and had no clue what to do. He went out there to do what his sister told him to do. He knew what she said, and believed her to be correct in her instruction. He walked away from his game saying, "I did good Dad." Not being arrogant, but confident.
The innocent lives of children. So much to be learned from them. One of these days I'll tell Cut what a great lesson he taught me. Now I have to gain that confidence and experience in God that tells me, "follow and listen to me." Later....
What amazed me about Cutter Tuesday evening was he had never played a soccer game. He has never seen a soccer game. He had absolutely no experience with what he was doing. He just wants to play soccer. There are kids on his team and the other teams that have played at least one, maybe two seasons of soccer. They have a clue of what to do. The only thing Cutter had before the game was his sister Emily telling him what to do when he is on the field.
It made me think of the Christians in Acts. They were selling their possessions, sharing their lives with one another, sharing their 'things'. Why? Because they wanted something. They wanted something that they couldn't see. It was something that made them feel special, wanted, accepted. It took great faith to give up their stuff and step into something they had never really experienced. It was new. There was no blue print for it.
I think what if I was put into that situation. Asked to give up what you are secure in to get something else. To change your way of life. Change the way you view people, things, situations. There always has to be a first. To make a change, there has to be that first day of a new beginning. The act of faith it took for those first people in Acts is amazing to me.
As Cutter took the field he had the chance to watch the others play first. He got to see how it was suppose to be done. His first effort was really good. He got out there and ran as hard as he could. He pretty much shadowed the ball the entire first half. Where we were, he could not hear us. In a sense, he was out there trying to figure it out on his own. Just his observation of watching the others do it. In the second half, he got a number of touches on the ball. Ran with more of a purpose. Acted like he was really starting to understand what to do.
I just can't help but think the new Christians were really looking at the first group and thinking, they seem o-kay. It is still a huge leap of faith even seeing others doing well in the life you wish to have. It seems though that the decision might be easier to make if you can talk to someone who has made a similar choice. I get a mental picture of the Christians in Acts sharing their lives with each other, holding each other accountable, learning from each other and really being happy, feeling secure, confident.
Cutter was gaining experience literally by the minute, and you could see it happening. He started to gain in confidence. The more he relied on his sisters words, his quick past experience, he realized how and what to do. When the ball got kicked away from him, he just kept on running after it. It didn't shake his confidence. His experience had already taught him to keep on running, because eventually he would get to the ball.
Why is it we seem to lose that lesson as we get older? In my experience, when I let the spirit lead me (confidence), and trust in God (experience), everything works out. It may not go the way I thought it would, but the end result is always good. (I get the ball) But when I refuse to listen, try it on my own, I bomb out. I wish I had a faith like the first Christians. I wish I had a faith like my son. He went to play soccer and had no clue what to do. He went out there to do what his sister told him to do. He knew what she said, and believed her to be correct in her instruction. He walked away from his game saying, "I did good Dad." Not being arrogant, but confident.
The innocent lives of children. So much to be learned from them. One of these days I'll tell Cut what a great lesson he taught me. Now I have to gain that confidence and experience in God that tells me, "follow and listen to me." Later....
Monday, February 25, 2008
Cutter's first public prayer
Two Sunday's ago, I was teaching Children's Worship. For those who don't know what I am talking about, it is a time for 4 year old through Kindergarten kids to go to a worship designed for them during regular worship. I went early to get things prepared and Cutter went with me. As I am looking at stuff I ask Cutter if he would like to lead the prayer? He answered yes. He then told me he better do a practice prayer. So we did. He was ready to go. The time came when the kids starting coming in. I looked at Cutter and he seemed calm and ready for his big debut. After all the kids were there, we started worship. We sang songs about Jesus, faith, love, and "Socking it to the Devil"! The momentum was heading right into our time to pray. The time finally came and I looked down at Cutter and said, "Ready?" He just got up and took his place on the stage at the child sized pulpit. I told everyone to be quiet, bow their heads and fold their hands. It was time. Cutter looked out at everyone and forgot his prayer. He looked at me with a look of 'what do I do'? As I often have to do with the little guys who lead prayers, I jumped into "whisper in their ear mode" and we began. I told Cutter to speak up so everyone could hear. It was a good thing we practiced, because I knew what he wanted to say. So I just repeated his prayer to him in his ear and he spoke out clearly. When Cutter was finished and he said his A-men, there was this thunderous applause from the side. His sisters were so into him leading the prayer and proud, they just started clapping their hands. Then they realized what they did. Of course it was funny and we all had a laugh over it. The proud big sisters! As if Cutter doesn't already get every ones attention when he wants something, he gets applause for a prayer. It will be nothing short of a miracle if he doesn't grow up rotten. I just thought this was a funny story I wanted to share. In case you were wondering what Cutter prayed for? He thanked God for his friends, Mom and Dad, his sisters, and his new video game! At least he has his priorities straight! The simplicity of children.....it is refreshing. Later...
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