Laws and the Perpetual Problem of Evil

We’re a nation of laws, maybe more than any other country. When we elect men and women to the House and Senate, we refer to them as ‘lawmakers,’ and that’s exactly what they do – make laws.

 

We have traffic laws, zoning laws, housing laws, parking laws, and education laws. Laws for banking, food and drugs, marriage and families, animals, noise, and advertising. Even laws for enforcing laws. We have criminal laws for dealing with people that insist on breaking the law. 

 

You’d think that with all our laws and regulations, society would be orderly and law-abiding. ‘Here are our expectations. Here are the boundaries. Now do as you’re told.’ That’s hardly the case. 

 

Despite laws against operating motor vehicles under the influence of intoxicating substances, almost every day we hear about people killed by vehicles steered by drunk drivers. Laws have banned texting while driving, but we still notice drivers with their eyes down, focusing on the latest message rather than what’s happening on the road right in front of them.

Child abuse. Domestic abuse. Burglary. Robbery. Murder. Scamming. Lying. We have countless laws concerning these and other forms of bad behavior, but they persist.

 

Whenever I hear someone saying something like, “We need stricter gun laws,” I wonder about the copious laws we already have regulating the use of guns. The problem is the folks who pay no attention to them. The late Charlton Heston, when he was president of NRA, observed: “There is no such thing as a good gun. There is no such thing as a bad gun. A gun in the hands of a bad man is a very dangerous thing. A gun in the hands of a good person is no danger to anyone except the bad guys.”

 

If we want to consider the power of laws to control behavior, all we need to do is look to ancient Israel. Besides the Ten Commandments (listed in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5), God gave His chosen people many other laws. Reading through the Old Testament, it seems the Israelites delighted in how many of the laws they could ignore and how frequently they did.

 

Even “heroes” of the Old Testament, people like Jacob, Moses, Samson, King David, King Solomon and Hezekiah, had an amazing propensity for disobedience. They knew the laws yet defied them in many ways.

 

This isn’t to say we shouldn’t have laws. They’re important and we need them. Without speed limits on our roads, some drivers would exhibit reckless disregard for the safety of others and themselves. There’s a reason we have laws against taking merchandise from stores without paying for them. But no matter how stringent, those determined to break laws will continue doing so.

 

The problem isn’t that laws aren’t clear enough, or we don’t have enough of them. It’s more basic than that. The problem is the perpetual presence of evil, as it’s been from the beginning of history. Adam and Eve were given one simple law, “…you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die” (Genesis 2:17).

 

It wasn’t that there were too many laws to keep up with. They had one law, just one. God said they could eat of any other tree in the Garden of Eden. So, what did they do? They ate fruit from the one that was off limits.

 

Since then, every individual born into this world has been doing what seems to come naturally: Rebelling against God, His laws, precepts and statutes. “But we’re only human!” is the excuse. In one sense that’s true. We read in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Perhaps there’s a spiritual component to our genetic makeup and we’re behaving according to a ‘sin gene.’

 

In the words of the old hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” we’re “prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.” This wandering is a result of the perplexing appeal of evil. As has been stated more than once, “If sin wasn’t fun, we wouldn’t want to do it.”

 

How do we respond? Forget about making laws? Resign ourselves to people just doing what they’re going to do? From what I hear, that’s kind of the conclusion some states have made. But there’s a better answer.

 

In Jesus Christ, who called Himself “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6), we find the capacity to turn away from evil, to say no to sin. When we become born again as new creations in Christ (John 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17) we step outside the “I’m only human” box. The Lord not only gives us new life spiritually but also the desire to pursue right and reject wrong.

 

The apostle Paul expressed it this way in Romans 8:2-4, “…through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering…that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.”

 

This isn’t saying we should cease making laws since our “sinful nature” doesn’t like obeying them. But it also doesn’t say the only reason for pointing people to Jesus is to get them “saved” and assured of going to heaven when they die. He wants us to become living, breathing, law-keeping examples of what a life transformed by the power of Christ looks like. 

 

Other stanzas from “Come Thou Fount…” say it well:

“Jesus sought me when a stranger,
  Wand’ring from the face of God;
He, to save my soul from danger,
  Interposed His precious blood….

 

Take my heart, oh, take and seal it
  With Thy Spirit from above.
Rescued thus from sin and danger,
  Purchased by the Savior’s blood,
May I walk on earth a stranger,  

As a son and heir of God.” 

Are We Missing Out on the ‘Secret Sauce’?

Recently I read a concerning report about the current state of the Church in America. Weekly church attendance was once part of the fabric of everyday life in America. However, according to the Barna Group, a prominent research organization that studies churches and trends in evangelical Christianity, only 20 percent of Americans report they attend worship services every week. 

 

The same research includes a slightly more positive indicator: Just over 40 percent of people surveyed say they attend church once a month or more. But many people visit the doctor’s office that much, so that isn’t saying a lot. This also means nearly 60 percent of people in our country seldom or never attend a religious service.

 

We know that attending church doesn’t make one a true follower of Jesus Christ any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. But it’s still troubling that the tradition of “Sunday going to meeting” seems to have become a relic of the past. Why is that? 

 

It’s not like evangelical denominations and congregations haven’t tried to keep up with the times. For many years the King James Version of the Bible was the only translation used. But in recent decades numerous translations and paraphrases have been produced and published, overcoming the complaint that “the Bible is hard to read.”

 

The high quality of books, videos, audio recordings, websites, and other technology have helped churches fit into the 21^st century. And the contemporary worship and praise music we hear today has complemented, and often usurped, traditional hymns and liturgy.

 

Many churches have introduced small groups to help in building community, along with special interest groups for people going through divorce, grieving, adopting, addiction recovery, parenting, and other interest areas.

 

There have been huge strides in entertainment media as well. Christian movies no longer hide in church basements. The production, writing and acting in many films these days compare favorably with the secular standard. Some well-known actors are going public with their faith, happily cast in films that make Christ the central focus.

 

So, what’s the problem? Why isn’t the Church having more impact in society these days? Is there a missing ingredient in God’s recipe for vitality and fruitfulness within the body of Christ? Are we lacking a “secret sauce”?

 

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave a final charge to His followers. It’s often called His Great Commission: “All authority has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

 

Many congregations have adopted various evangelistic strategies and approaches for presenting the Gospel message to non-believers. Some refer to this as “soul winning.” However, even when successful, many times they’ve only made converts, “baby Christians” wondering, “Now what do I do?” Like human children, these new believers need to be fed, nurtured, comforted, even assisted in cleaning up their messes. 

 

In His Commission, the Lord clearly instructed us to “make disciples.” This involves investing time and energy to teach and show these babes in Christ how to grow into strong, devoted, spiritually reproducing followers of Jesus.

 

What does it mean to disciple someone – to make disciples? Isn’t that what happens at worship services, Sunday school, and small groups? Those are all good, contributing toward the overall goal, but aren’t the biblical model for making disciples.

 

A powerful description is found in the second letter the apostle Paul wrote to the younger man he was discipling, Timothy: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2). This single verse shows four generations of believers – you (Timothy), me (Paul), reliable men, and others.

 

We might call this spiritual multiplication, hearkening to God’s command way back in the first chapter of Genesis: “God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply…’” (Genesis 1:28). Having already said one verse earlier His intent was to create human beings “in His own image, in the image of God…male and female He created them,” the Lord desired not only an increase in numbers but also people in His own image.

 

During His earthly ministry, Jesus had lots of people following Him, many being curiosity seekers. But He had 12 disciples with whom He spent countless hours round the clock for three years. They met together as a group, but there also were many occasions when He spent time with them individually. Today we’d call it mentoring, or one-on-one discipling.

 

The apostle Paul, himself mentored/discipled after his conversion by Barnabas, followed the same model. In letters to the various churches, we see he was always traveling with at least one other man –Timothy, Silas, Titus, Sosthenes, and others.

 

I’ve benefited from ministries that have made disciple-making central to their work. After I became a believer, God guided me into a discipleship program created by The Navigators. When I joined the staff of CBMC I learned how to come alongside other men and help them in their desire to grow in Christ.

 

There’s something about the very personal, candid spiritual relationship you can build with another person through one-on-one discipling. It provides a setting where trust and vulnerability are cultivated, where no question is a dumb question, confidences are protected, and both disciple-maker and disciple can grow together, learning from each other.

 

It’s a place where, even with our imperfections, we can say as did Paul, “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you” (Philippians 3:17). Understanding his complete dependence on Christ, Paul could boldly say, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

 

Maybe a renewed vision for making disciples is the “secret sauce” today’s Church desperately needs.

The Joy of Rebounding from Failure

What are you afraid of? An airplane crashing into your house? The boogeyman? Walking under a ladder?

 

An online search reveals there are hundreds, many even thousands of fears. The technical term for them is ‘phobias.’ There are common ones like fear of spiders (arachnophobia); fear of closed spaces (claustrophobia); fear of heights (acrophobia); fear of flying (aerophobia); and fear of crowds (agoraphobia).

 

There also are some less common ones, such as fear of needles (trypanophobia); fear of men (androphobia); fear of computers (cyberphobia); fear of beautiful women (venustraphobia); fear of small things (microphobia); and fear of hospitals (nosocomephobia). There’s even fear of vacuum cleaners (zuigerphobia). Do people with that phobia avoid making sweeping generalizations?

 

One fear most of us experience at one time or another is atychiphobia. What’s that? It’s a fancy name for the fear of failure. In its most extreme form, an atychiphobic person might find daily life difficult – avoiding or postponing tasks, suffering from panic or anxiety, or feeling scared about taking risks or embracing growth opportunities.

 

I’ve been atychiphobic at times, resisting the desire to try or learn new or unfamiliar things, thinking, ‘What if I try and fail?’ I remember years ago when I accepted a job to work with CBMC (Christian Business Men’s Connection). We lived in Houston at the time and were moving to Chattanooga, so I told my pastor about our relocation and my transition to the new position.

 

He caught me off guard by suggesting, “I think you should get up during the service and tell everyone what you’ll be doing.” What?! (Years before I had been asked to speak at another church but became so nervous I barely got through what I had to say.) I’d be staring at hundreds of faces, even though I knew many of them. What if I got up there and started stammering, or forgot what I wanted to say?

 

So, I responded, “No, I couldn’t do that.” However, my pastor persisted, asking me to pray about it. I did and eventually felt God wanted me to step out of my comfort zone and trust Him. I felt anxious that Sunday morning, but prayed, “Lord, enable me to tell everyone about this new door You’ve given me.” 

 

When the moment came, I stepped to the pulpit and suddenly felt a sense of calm. God got me through the brief talk without making a fool of myself. Rebounding from my past failure was an important step of obedience. In the years since, the Lord has given me opportunities to speak in a variety of places.

 

In the Bible we encounter many individuals who suffered great failures but managed to rebound from them to experience victory in their walk with the Lord. One of my favorites is John Mark, a cousin of Barnabas, a leader in the early Church and mentor for the apostle Paul.

 

We first meet John Mark, also known as Mark, in Acts 12:12. He accompanied Barnabas and Paul on a missionary journey to Antioch and Cyprus, but for some unspecified reason abandoned the group at a later stop. Perhaps he’d grown homesick or found traveling too arduous. In any event, at that point Mark parted ways with Barnabas and Paul. 

 

Then he apparently reconsidered what might have been a rash decision. Barnabas and Paul were planning to revisit the cities on their first mission trip, and “Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work" (Acts 15:37-39).

 

Can you blame Paul? The mission trips they were undertaking were demanding, even dangerous. As someone who placed great value on “faithful men” (2 Timothy 2:2), he didn’t want to be held back by someone who seemed unreliable.

 

Barnabas, however, disagreed. It might have been the family relationship or that, as with Paul, he saw promise in John Mark that others didn’t. In any event, we’re told, “[Paul and Barnabas] had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus” (Acts 15:39).

 

Happily, that’s not the last we hear of John Mark. Barnabas must have done well in taking his cousin under his wing, because twice Paul mentions the young man in his epistles. To believers in the city of Colossae, he writes, “My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him” (Colossians 4:10).

 

And in a letter to his protégé Timothy, Paul states, “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). How’s that for a resounding word of confidence?

 

Even at that, the greatest testimony to John Mark’s rebound from failure is the fact that he is credited as the author of the gospel of Mark. Not bad for a young guy who at one point bailed during an important missionary journey.

 

There’s a lesson here for us all. If atychiphobia is holding us back, fear of failing because of past failures, or hesitation about trying something new or different, remember John Mark. If he can do it, so can we.

Now Is Not the Time to Stop Praying

Election Day is over. That means, mercifully, annoying political TV ads have ceased, mailboxes are no longer overflowing with promotional flyers touting this candidate or that, and phone calls and texts generated by many campaigns no longer plague us.

 

In some quarters there’s been great celebration and rejoicing, while elsewhere there’s been grumbling and gnashing of teeth. Prior to the election, some celebrities boldly declared if their candidate did not win, they’d be leaving the country. No word on whether they’ve obtained their plane tickets yet.

 

Days before the election there was a call for prayer, asking God to guide the outcome. Millions of men and women answered that call. Many of them were pleased with how they believe the Lord responded, but others were not. Either way, since then the sun has continued to rise and set. Soon thoughts will shift to more immediate matters, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

But before moving on, let’s revisit this matter of prayer and its role regarding what transpires in the public square. For some of us, prayer is an activity we undertake only in times of crisis and distress. Hence the eagerness of many to engage in praying for the outcome of the recent election. But God never intended for prayer to be a tool for crisis management.

 

We’re told in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (the first Bible verse I ever learned) to, “pray without ceasing.” As another translation expresses it, “pray continually.” To pray we don’t need to retreat to a special place, or to assume a specific posture. We can do it in the car (with eyes open), during a business meeting (no need to fold hands), in the midst of a conversation, or while cleaning a bathroom. Even in the middle of the night if we awaken and God brings someone or something to mind.

 

Too rarely do many of us remember the admonition of 1 Timothy 2:1-2, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 

 

Years ago, I had a good friend who said he was praying every day not only for family members, friends and people he knew, but also – by name – for the leaders of the then-Soviet Union. I probably scratched my head then, wondering why we should pray for atheistic, Communist authorities. But my friend prayed – and on Nov. 9, 1989, the Berlin wall fell. Not long afterward, the U.S.S.R. collapsed. 

 

Did this all occur because of my friend’s faithful prayers? I suspect he was just one of many whom God had impressed to pray in such a way. He understood clearly the biblical instruction that “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1).

 

Which brings us back to the current state of our nation and its impending transition of power. Whether we appreciated the outcome of the election or not, there’s no better time than now to commit to faithfully praying for “all those in authority,” that God would direct their deliberations and decisions. 

 

My own prayers will include the request that steps will be taken to return the United States to being a nation that recognizes and honors the involvement of God in the affairs of humankind. Our U.S. currency still declares, “In God We Trust,” and the Pledge of Allegiance, whenever it’s recited, includes the words, “One Nation Under God.”

 

Psalm 33:12 declares, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He chose for His inheritance.” Some may disagree, but I believe one reason our country has prospered is because it was established with Judeo-Christian principles – drawn from the Scriptures – as its foundation. Can we expect His continued blessings if we as a society persist in drifting further and further from Him? 

 

In less than two years, our nation will be observing the 250^th anniversary of its founding – its semiquincentennial. (I’ve just added that word to my vocabulary.) This is a duration longer than many revered societies over the course of history have endured, so we’d hope to find the United States of America in a healthy place on July 4, 2026.

A good start toward that end would be a regular observance, as I’ve noted in the past, of the exhortation from 2 Chronicles 7:14, “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 

Love Demonstrated in Discipline

When I was growing up, discipline was a daily part of my life. As a little boy I learned that talking disrespectfully – what we now call “acting out” – or disobeying what I had been asked to do or not to do, soon resulted in a meeting with the “board of education.” As I got older, paddling no matter made sense. After all, I was a head taller than my mom. But one look from her would quickly convict me that I’d done something wrong.

 

This was not unusual in those days. Just about every kid I knew experienced discipline in some form. We were taught to respect our elders, teachers, anyone in a role of authority – and also were expected to act accordingly. 

 

Things seem to have changed a lot since my ‘olden days.’ Teachers, even those impassioned by their desire to teach and have a positive influence on young minds, are burning out quickly and resigning. This is often because their classrooms have turned into chaos. A variety of factors have contributed to this, but one of the big ones is that discipline too often isn’t taking place in the home, so young people haven’t been taught to behave in proper ways and be respectful in school.

 

Classrooms aren’t the only places where this occurs. I’ve observed toddlers in grocery stores and other public places totally out of control, and all their parents do is shrug their shoulders. To them, little Jasper’s or Josie’s misbehavior is nothing more than their efforts at self-expression. They’re expected to make their own choices about how to act.

 

It’s interesting that in the book of Proverbs, discipline is a recurring topic. It seems important, a matter close to the heart of God. To parents who think their 2- and 3- and 5-year-olds are wise enough to make their own decisions, Proverbs 22:15 states, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline will remove it far from him.”

 

As I’ve observed with my own children and grandchildren, to tell them not to do something because it’s in their best interest is often a sure-fire way for seeing them attempt to do it. Wisdom is acquired from time and experience; foolishness is something we’re born with.

 

For that reason, discipline is crucial if we desire to see our children grow up to be responsible adults and become good decision-makers. This doesn’t mean beating a child or responding to their wrong behavior in unrestrained anger. That’s abuse. But discipline – the parent’s desire to guide the child in doing what’s right and proper – is actually a manifestation of love. Proverbs 13:24 tells us, “He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.”

 

We’re all born with what the Bible calls a “sinful nature” (Romans 7:25, 8:3, Colossians 2:11 and many other passages). This means having a rebellious spirit – against God and anyone in authority. Some might term it, ‘doing what comes naturally.’ How do we combat that, in ourselves as well as in our children?

 

Ultimately, it’s through the power of Jesus Christ, with His Holy Spirit working in us. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we’re told that everyone who places their faith in Christ becomes “a new creation.” But as parents we also have the responsibility for teaching and helping children to discern right from wrong. As Proverbs 29:15 points out, “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.”

 

I think as parents and grandparents, most if not all of us have a primary desire to see our children prosper, live happy and fulfilling lives, and avoid the dire consequences of sin as much as possible. Loving, godly discipline is one of the tools for working toward that goal: “Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; he will also delight your soul” (Proverbs 29:17).

 

Even when children are young, there’s an urgency, as Proverbs 22:6 admonishes, to “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” If we don’t provide instruction and guidance in how they should live, we can be assured someone else will. This is why Proverbs 19:18 warns, “Discipline your son while there is hope, and do not desire his death.” Discipline can serve a warning sign: Danger Ahead!

As preacher John MacArthur has pointed out, “Early childhood teaching requires both parental discipline, including corporal punishment, and balanced kindness and love.” If we truly love our children, discipline is part of the package, even though it might be difficult at times. To withhold discipline when warranted is to fail in loving them properly. 

To Vote, Or Not to Vote … Is That the Question?

Election Day has finally arrived. Already, millions of Americans have made their choices either by early voting or mail-in ballots. On Nov. 5, millions more will stream to the polls, many standing in long lines willing to invest whatever time is necessary to exercise their right to vote – to perform their civic duty. In a few days the political ads will have ended, and it will all over except the shouting and gnashing of teeth.

 

However, there’s some bad news about this right to vote. According to the Christian Post, an online news publication, more than 30 million people identifying as Christians are likely not to vote. Their reason? They don’t like either Presidential candidate.

 

On one hand, we could say having the right to vote means also having the right not to vote. But as followers of Christ, should that be an option? I’m sure some reading this will say it is. However, let me offer some reasons that perhaps it’s not.

 

Many would agree with those who believe neither candidate is an acceptable choice, feeling both lack the qualities they’d like to see in a President, regardless of party or gender. The news media have done its best to identify and magnify their flaws. So, why not simply abstain and silently protest by not voting?

 

However, it’s not as if this is a new development. Both Psalm 14:1-3 and Romans 3:10-12 declare, in almost the same words, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away…. There is no one who does good, not even one.” This description applies to everyone, but perhaps there’s no pursuit or profession where it seems more accurate than in the realm of politics.

 

Maybe it would be wise to put aside character concerns. No matter which President we could point to, every one of them had proverbial ‘feet of clay’ if we bothered to look closely enough. In electing a President we’re not choosing a pastor or spiritual leader, but someone capable of leading the United States both domestically and internationally.

 

Once we get past the personalities, we need to consider important issues. Because where the candidates stand on these, along with their respective parties and platforms, are significantly different. Here are some of them:

• Pro-life vs. pro-choice
• The economy
• Perspectives on the traditional family
• Immigration policies
• Free speech, including religious expression
• Relations with Israel
• Philosophies on how the U.S. Constitution is interpreted and applied

 

Another concern worthy of consideration is whether we as a nation are moving closer to the standards God has given us in the Bible – or further away. Psalm 33:12 tells us, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord….” I remember in my early school days when reading the Bible and prayer were an accepted daily practice at the start of each day. That all changed in the 1960s following a series of court decisions. Depending on how you feel about that, which candidate or party is most likely to point us to the direction you think we should be going?

 

Do you think any of the matters above seem important enough to persuade non-voters to step forward and fulfill their civic responsibility to participate in a free, and hopefully honest election? 

 

Along with prayerfully voting according to our values – consulting the Scriptures and seeking guidance from God’s Holy Spirit – there is one more thing followers of Jesus Christ should do: Pray.

 

The Bible gives a clear admonition for us as believers. We’re told, “if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). This passage is often cited in public gatherings like leadership prayer breakfasts, but maybe it’s time to take it more seriously. 

 

On Monday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. (according to the time zone we happen to be in) Christ followers are urged to set aside time to pray for our country, the outcome of the election – nationally and locally – and for God to intervene according to His will. This would be a good start, but a single time on one day isn’t enough. I believe the exhortation of 2 Chronicles 7:14 should be on our minds, in our hearts and in our prayers every day of the year.

A Crown No One Can Ever Take Away

Have you noticed how cyclical sports are? Each sport has its season, and annually commentary abounds about who’s going to win this year’s championship. This is fun and all – unless you root for a team that never assembles a championship-level squad. But even if your team does win it all, the celebration is so short-lived.

 

For instance, how many of us can name the Super Bowl champs from two years ago? Some of us have already forgotten who won it last year. This year the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have rekindled memories of old rivalries in the World Series. But can you remember who took the World Series crown last year? How about two or three years ago?

 

As King Solomon wrote thousands of years ago, “Meaningless! Meaningless!... Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). You’d think his team just lost the championship game!

 

Not to be as pessimistic as the ancient Israelite king, but that’s a fact of life. The excitement and euphoria of winning an athletic crown, for competitors and fans alike, is so fleeting. As the apostle James observed, “What is your life? You are a mist (vapor) that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Here today and gone tomorrow.

In addition to the World Series – which might already be over by the time you read this, since the Dodgers had taken a 2-0 lead – college football is halfway to determining who the competing teams will be in the first-ever championship playoff; the NFL also is at the midpoint of its season; and the NBA and NHL seasons have just started. The quest for new championships is underway, while even recent champions are all but forgotten. The glory of their crowns is already fading.

 

The apostle Paul, who apparently was very familiar with athletic competitions, offered this perspective:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

 

There’s a lot that could be unpacked from those verses, but two things stand out for me. The first is that while competitors vie for crowns that will not last, as followers of Jesus we are striving for crowns that will last forever. Earthly championships may earn crowns, trophies and medals that can fill display cases and gather dust. But the crowns God will award to those who worshipped and served Him on earth will never tarnish, become dust collectors, or be forgotten. Another translation says, “…They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.”

 

The second point is the zeal and determination that Paul had for the mission God had given him. He said, “I beat my body and make it my slave so that…I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” The apostle wasn’t talking about losing his salvation or being denied eternal life; he was referring to his desire to finish well, not to wander to the sidelines before his spiritual journey had come to an end.

 

To be candid, I’m not clear exactly what these eternal crowns will be like. There’s been much said and written about them, but I doubt anyone will know for certain until we stand before the Lord. But the Scriptures make clear that we will definitely receive crowns. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day – and not only to me, but also to those who have longed for His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).

 

Too often we hear about prominent Christian leaders who succumb to sin and fall into disgrace. The “prize” they anticipated might be denied them; they have become disqualified. Failing to resist the temptations of this temporal life, the consequences they face will be eternal.

 

Over the coming weeks I’ll be right there, cheering for my teams and hoping for victory. It would be nice to see one or more earn another championship crown. But far more important is the crown God might present to me one day. Proverbs 16:31 sys, “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” I’m already accumulating the gray hair. My goal is the crown that is, as the New Living Translation expresses it, “gained by living a godly life."

During Uncertain Times Remember E + R = O

They used to say the only things certain in life are death and taxes. But increasingly it’s become evident that at least one other thing is certain: Uncertainty.

 

For most of us that’s not a good thing. We like the certainty of regular paychecks, our cars starting whenever they’re needed, knowing the food we buy at the grocery store is safe to eat, predictable weather, and many other things. And yet we’ve learned the jobs and incomes we have depended on can suddenly disappear. We might press the START button on our car and hear nothing except, ”click-click.” If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute. And every so often we hear news of product recalls in which tainted food is being removed from supermarket shelves. 

 

And in an important election year, feelings of uncertainty are understandably heightened. Given the certainty of uncertainty, the question becomes, how are we to react? Do we walk around constantly on edge, on the brink of panic if just one more crisis arises?

 

Years ago, the late Tim Kight, a highly regarded leadership consultant, devised a simple equation for handling the critical developments and crises in our lives. That equation was E + R = O. This stands for Event + Response = Outcome.

 

For example, something occurs that makes you angry. How should you respond? Do you lash out in response, making it clear that the other person has offended or upset you? That’s how many people typically react, adding fuel to the fire of an already volatile situation. And why not? If someone has hurt you, shouldn’t you let them know?

 

Sadly, an all-too-common contemporary example is road rage. A driver does something to irritate another, the second driver becomes angry, and responds in a dangerous manner. A classic demonstration of E +R = O.

 

Interestingly, the book of Proverbs addresses such situations: “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel” (Proverbs 15:18). Another verse states, “As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife” (Proverbs 26:21).

 

But it also presents a striking contrast: “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered” (Proverbs 17:27). These passages describe similar situations, both which stir strong emotions. We could call these the Event. The difference is in the Response. One is to turn annoying or angering words into a shouting match – Outcome #1. The other is to exercise restraint, seeking to quell the situation with calmness and reasoning – Outcome #2.

 

Let’s shift gears and consider the current tumultuous condition of our society. Whether it’s the soon-to-be-over election, the economy, or myriad other concerns, we can find many reasons for feeling anxious and fearful. Any of those can be singled out as the Event. We might not have any control over the Event, but we can control our Response.

 

We can spend the night tossing and turning, losing sleep as we futilely search for solutions to what’s bothering us. We can walk around like emotional powder kegs, ready to blow at the slightest provocation. We can opt for any number of other ways for displaying our frustration. Or we can refuse to let the Event, whatever it may be, dictate the form of our Response.  

 

In the Scriptures we find a passage that seems to sum up the best possible E + R = O approach. In Philippians 4:6-7 the apostle Paul admonished Christ followers in ancient Philippi – and us, 2,000 years later – to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”… Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

 

Just as today, people living in Philippi had many reasons for anxiety and fear. They faced persecution, troubles and trials of many kinds, and Paul wasn’t attempting to minimize or dismiss their concerns. But he was telling them worry and anxiousness were counterproductive, accomplishing nothing. So regardless of the Event that was troubling them, he urged that their Response include prayer, joyfully thanking God for His love and grace, and in faith presenting their needs to Him.

 

By focusing on God and their relationship with Him, rather than their circumstances, they could experience an Outcome of inner peace that would transcend or confound common sense and human understanding. Instead of screaming and shouting and jumping about, they could find solace and confidence in God who sovereignly guides the affairs of men.

What’s the Event that’s weighing you down the most today? Why not, instead of the typical, ‘Well, I’m only human’ Response, apply the wisdom of Philippians 4:6-7 and see how the Outcome might be different. 

‘You Guys Are at the Wrong Rally!’

Maybe it’s just me, but the relentless coverage of the upcoming election seems like the news media equivalent to “The Never-Ending Story.” Constant harangues and personal attacks, promises and pledges, lies and half-truths, all designed to sway voters and win or retain elective offices. With less than two weeks to go until Election Day, I’m already worn out by the whole spectacle. 

 

Most of it seems like things repeated over and over, but occasionally something comes up that causes us to pause and think, “Hmm.” One of those somethings occurred at a recent campaign rally. During the gathering someone shouted, “Jesus is Lord!” The speaker at the podium quickly responded, “You guys are at the wrong rally.” Hmm.

 

It’s not clear what the candidate meant. Perhaps that such exclamations are more suited to a church service or religious meeting. Or that they’re usually expressed by people supporting the other candidate. Or it might have been saying that references about Jesus don’t belong in political settings. As if to say, ‘There’s no place for Him here.’

 

Regardless of the retort’s intent, it missed the mark. Because as missionary Hudson Taylor wisely said, “Jesus is either Lord of all, or He’s not Lord at all.” Whether it’s a political rally, sporting event, classroom, courtroom, restroom, restaurant, or even on a roadway, Jesus is Lord. Even if we’d rather He wasn’t.

 

Many of us tend to compartmentalize, especially when it comes to matters of faith. We put on “Sunday smiles” at church – as a friend of mine termed it – but 95 percent of the time we behave as practical atheists. We like the idea that Jesus is our Savior, but not so sure about Him being our Lord. But it’s an all or nothing proposition.

 

I came across this observation by a fellow blogger named Benjamin Moore (I don’t think he’s related to the paint guy): “Jesus is Lord over all, and there is no middle ground…. Jesus’ authority over the kings and leaders of the earth is uncontested, and His rule supersedes all human governments. Jesus’ lordship has both present and future relevance in our lives.” This includes political rallies and civic proceedings, no matter who’s sponsoring them.

 

But this isn’t just the opinion of Hudson Taylor, Mr. Moore, or my own. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that like it or not, Jesus Christ is Lord and He desires – and deserves – to be honored as such. 

 

Speaking to a large group in the polytheistic city of Athens, the apostle Paul observed, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth…” (Acts 17:24). Along with this, the gospel of John opens with this declaration: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:1-3).

 

When the Bible says, “everything” and “all things,” it means…everything and all things. No exceptions.

 

We could cite hundreds of other passages about the lordship of Jesus Christ, but one that immediately comes to mind is 1 Chronicles 29:11, “Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all.”

 

For many of us, the upcoming election is a cause for anxiety and angst. ‘What if my candidates don’t win? What will happen?’ Those are valid concerns, but our fears subside if we're willing to consider them within the context of the biblical reality that indeed, Jesus is Lord.

 

His closest disciples came to this realization, providing the impetus for their mission to take the Gospel to the world. One day after Jesus had made several challenging statements, many people chose to follow Him no longer.  Turning to His 12 closest disciples, He asked if they too were thinking about leaving. Simon Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:67-69).

 

After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to all of His disciples except for Thomas, whom we know as the one who was always doubting. So, when Jesus appeared again to His closest followers, He offered proof to Thomas, showing Him the wounds in His hands and His side. The dubious disciple’s reaction was to declare, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).

 

One of the most amazing, yet humbling passages in the Scriptures concerns the universal response Jesus will receive upon His promised second coming. It applies to believers and nonbelievers alike: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).

 

At that moment no one will argue that cries of “Jesus is Lord!” aren’t appropriate for their rally. Even today, whether in our homes, our workplaces, the grocery store or the golf course, Jesus indeed is Lord. May God in His grace and mercy enable more and more people to come to this understanding.

Getting a Glimpse of God at Sunrise

Studying, understanding and applying the Scriptures typically is an act of faith and God’s grace. Sometimes we open the Bible and come away with more questions than answers. However, from time to time God gives us tangible glimpses of biblical truth. My most recent example occurred during a recent trip to Charleston, S.C.

My wife and I, along with our youngest daughter and her family, were staying on the Isle of Palms and I’d risen early to observe the sunrise from the pier nearby. As I stood there watching the orange-red hue starting to paint the horizon, a flock of birds approached and settled on the rails of the pier.

 

The birds, blackbirds and gulls, lined up almost in formation and suddenly burst into song, as if heralding the arrival of a new day. Other birds converged on the scene and did much the same thing, all facing eastward and the rising sun. This continued until the sun emerged to cast its light upon the South Carolina coastline.

As I witnessed this wondrous, curious display, I couldn’t help but think about numerous Bible passages in which we’re told how God rightly receives the praises of His creation. For instance, Psalm 19:1-6 tells us:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. 

Day after Day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun….

It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other….”

 

Another passage, Psalm 66:1-4, expresses it this way: 

“Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious.

Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds!’...

All the earth bows down to You; they sing praise to You, they sing the praises of Your name.”

 

Perhaps an ornithologist could offer a different explanation, but I’d like to think that the birds I observed on that Isle of Palms pier had no purpose other than to praise and thank their Creator for meeting their needs every day. As Jesus Christ told the multitude during His celebrated ‘Sermon on the Mount,’ “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26).

 

If birds instinctively understand and appreciate the One who feeds them so faithfully and generously, why is it so difficult for us to acknowledge and declare our gratitude to our Lord?

 

Most mornings, as I’m struggling to wipe away the cobwebs of sleep from my brain, a familiar verse comes into my mind as I recognize God has given me another day in which my heart continues to beat in my chest, breath still fills my lungs, and blood still pulses through my veins. It’s Psalm 118:24, ‘This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

 

I’d like to think that’s what the birds were singing that morning in their own unique avian manner, welcoming the advent of a new day and trusting that as He always has, the God of creation will continue to watch over them and provide for their needs. Maybe the birds of Isle of Palms could teach us a thing or two.

The Simple Complexity of Christianity

Anyone who’s done a study of religions knows they can be very complicated. They each have their own sets of principles and practices, rules and rituals. Anyone who says “All religions are basically the same” has never really given them a serious look.

 

The Bible states, “[God] has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The plethora of religions supports that statement, as humankind is always seeking – and even inventing – ways to know God and determine what happens after this life comes to an end.

 

Despite their many differences, a central premise of most religions can be described as “Do this, do that; don’t do this, don’t do that.” And if the adherents follow instructions, maybe they’ll go to heaven or wherever else the specific religion states its followers will spend eternity. But that’s not certain.

 

Unlike other religions, however, Christianity doesn’t say we must do and not do certain things to gain God’s acceptance and be assured eternal life. Instead of “Do,” the most foundational principle of Christianity says “Done.” That is, Jesus Christ has already done everything necessary for us to experience a growing, eternal relationship with God.

 

In fact, Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Two-thousand years ago, when Jesus died on a lonely cross on a hideous hill called Golgotha, He became the atoning sacrifice for all humankind. The Bible uses the Greek term, “tetelestai,” to state that our sin debt is “paid in full” or as Jesus said in His final breath, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Amazingly, He even died for sins we wouldn’t commit until centuries later.

 

It's as simple as that. But at the same time, we’re confronted with what I’d call the simple complexity of Christianity. The Scriptures repeatedly teach that there is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor and be assured of eternal life. For instance:

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).

 

Salvation, as followers of Jesus understand, is by grace alone. We can do nothing to earn God’s favor and love. Grace – receiving what we don’t deserve, and mercy – not receiving what we do deserve, are freely given.

 

Where the complexity enters in, however, is that we must respond. That is, just as a Christmas or birthday gift is of no value unless it’s received, we too must receive the Lord’s gift of salvation, forgiveness and eternal life. John 1:12 expresses it this way: “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the right be become children of God.” 

 

Later in the gospel Jesus makes the famous declaration, “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The gift is free to all who believe, but we must receive it.

 

Speaking to religious leader Nicodemus, who was trying to figure out exactly who Jesus was, He said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again…no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:3-5).

 

The apostle Peter elaborated in one of his letters, explaining, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). Again, this is not of our doing – it’s the sovereign work of God alone.

 

You’ve probably heard of someone being referred to as a “born-again Christian,” as if there are other kinds of Christians. In reality, referring to someone as a born-again Christian is equivalent to referring to a pet as a feline cat or a canine dog. You can’t be one without being the other.

 

At its heart, a key distinctive of Christianity from all other faith traditions is that of spiritual transformation. As Galatians 2:20 asserts, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

 

When we receive Christ and accept the gift freely given to us by the Father, a life-changing transformation occurs. As a similar verse tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

 

So, for us, it’s simple: All we must “do” is believe and receive the gift the Lord offers. The complexity comes in with the wonderful work of God making us into new creations, freeing us from the bondage of sin and enabling us to d become the people He has always intended for us to be. The question we each must answer is, ‘Have I truly received by faith this gift God has offered?’

 

If we have, then when Jesus says, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23), to obey can become as easy as breathing.

Spending Time with My Father – and My Father

My father died while I was still a young man. Over the years since, I’ve often wished I could have had more time with him. Because of his own background my dad wasn’t the most engaging, nurturing guy, but I never doubted his affection for me. Unfortunately, as a self-conscious, self-absorbed teenager, my focus was primarily on myself. I never thought much about getting to know and understand my father in a deeper way. 

Then college and career took me hundreds of miles away from home. There were no cellphones back then (can you imagine?), so I couldn’t just pick up the phone to talk with Dad. Long-distance calls cost money, and my job as the editor of community newspapers didn’t provide me with much of that. So, our communications were limited. 

Of course, in those “olden days” there was no texting, and no one had heard of email either, so we couldn’t exchange notes that way, even though Dad was an excellent writer. (I suppose I got my interest in writing from him.)

 

As a result, I missed out on learning important things about my father I would greatly value now. For instance, what his childhood was like, and what were his most memorable experiences growing up, including the Great Depression. He was a decorated soldier during World War II, receiving two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star among other honors, but he never talked about what combat was like. I wish I could have talked with him about these things. 

 

The best thing about my relationship with my dad was the example he set by how he lived. He was a very hard worker, devoted to providing for his family, a man of faith, and always a person of high integrity. He taught me by action rather than words. Even in his quiet way, he fulfilled the words of Proverbs 4:1-6:

“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching…. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.”

 

Yes, the days of being able to talk with and learn from my earthly father passed much too soon for me. However, I am more than blessed to be able to spend as much time as I desire each day with my other Father – my Heavenly Father – as I read and study His Word. From that perspective, Proverbs 4 and many other passages from the Scriptures have even more significance. They teach me about God’s heart, His character, His perfect values, His love for me, and so much more.

 

Repeatedly in Proverbs we read phrases like, ”Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction…” (Proverbs 1:8), “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you…” (Proverbs 2:1), “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity” (Proverbs 3:1-2). Although they are written as advice from an earthly father to his offspring, being part of the Bible we also know they flow from the heart of God.

 

What a comfort and source of assurance it is to realize that while my earthly father would discipline me when he thought necessary to correct or redirect my behavior, my Heavenly Father does so in even more profound and understanding ways. 

 

As Hebrews 12:9-10 states, “we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness.”

 

Speaking to some of His followers, Jesus observed, “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” (Luke 11:11-12).

While my opportunities to get to know my earthly father were cut short many years ago, I’m so thankful that as long as I have breath I can continue to learn more about and grow closer to my Heavenly Father – and that learning process will continue for all eternity.