The Courage of One

There comes a moment when we all have to take a stand."  Edwin H. Friedman, A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix

Sometimes we can be part of a situation with our family, at work or in our community that opens an unexpected door for us. Maybe your child failed a class and Summer School becomes the proving ground for a potential young leader to learn about humility. A colleague shares her desire to leave the company and start her own business which vacates the corporate position you've always wanted. A cause which you are passionate about is suddenly in the media and you feel an overwhelming desire to join a public protest.

Success can be far more demanding and complex than mediocrity.
One of the great temptations is to play it safe. We have far more to lose and there is far more on the line as we become invested in love, careers and community. That's why it can become easy to lose our edge once we're emotionally invested. We can over-identify with the perceived needs of a family member, sacrifice progress for position or become blinded to the negative social effects of a cause. Eventually, I think we can avoid what God calls us to do and never imagine how our avoidance can inhibit life for others.

Successful people become acquainted with grief.
I once heard, risk-taking is for the young. Maybe it's because the recovery is so much easier or we just don't take the time to evaluate the effects of our actions. Wisdom's revelation is often painful. You may recognize a theme that occurs throughout the bible: something often has to die in order for something else to live. Followers of Christ become acquainted with such death-defining moments when our heart must measure our personal capacity for understanding resurrection.

Never underestimate the courage of one.
Esther's story began when a queen did the unthinkable. Sometimes God works behind the scenes to open doors for us. He doesn't always look for perfect people but for those who are available. It's easy to underestimate the danger Esther faced. Be aware of responses that try to minimize someone else's threats or danger. Esther's act of courage affected 9 million others plus future generations. Few of us will ever have that kind of influence.  Your most important act of courage may be just around the corner. It may take you in a direction you never dreamed or imagined and may only affect one other person. But, remember every act of courage - large or small - matters to God and that makes a difference.

"Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 'Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.'"  Esther 4:15-16 NIV

Will we Stand in the Gap?

Gap: (noun) a break or opening, as in a fence, wall, or military line; breach; an empty space or interval; interruption in continuity; a difference or disparity in attitudes, perceptions, character, or development, or lack of confidence or understanding, perceived as creating a problem.

Huge gaps exist in our families.
Families have gaps such as a prodigal child, an unfaithful spouse, or an abusive family member. Some parents have lost all hope for their children and some children have lost all hope for their parents. Children and youth have limited resources and have no mentors. Addictions attempt to fill gaps unsuccessfully. Neighbors can be difficult. Elderly are forgotten.

There are gaps in the greater society of the world.
Racism and class warfare infest global communities. Business and professional organizations are bogged down with lawsuits because of lying, stealing and cheating. Poverty is everywhere. Society is on the edge of a breakdown. Slavery is at the highest rate in history while powerful human trafficking networks abduct children, youth and adults. There are world-wide attacks on Christianity, immigration issues and prostitution.

Violence seems to be the only antidote.
But, God calls his people to stand in these gaps. What kind of person is God looking for? The Hebrew term for someone who stands in the gap is "ish habinayim." "Ish" is a man, "Isha" is a woman. Habinayim is “one who places himself between the two camps and offers single combat.” He or she is a champion for the cause, a person who protects or supports someone in need, a man or woman who finds the courage to sacrifice everything to represent God and block evil from destroying those he loves.

We will explore together what happened when God's people chose to stand in the gap during this message series. We will discover the obstacles and opposition individuals such as Isaiah, Nehemiah, Esther, Noah and a young shepherd named David had to overcome. We may even be inspired to take action steps ourselves. Where might God be calling you to 'stand in the gap?'

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 NIV

We Can Lose It

Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, let all our hearts receive; present with thy celestial host the peaceful answer give; to each covenant the blood apply which takes our sins away, and register our names on high and keep us to that day! Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine by Charles Wesley

This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost. It's the Sunday of the church year dedicated to telling the story of the events of the upper room as the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. Scripture describes an event that has perplexed and amazed believers and non-believers alike for generations.

The Spirit is active in the beginning.
I think sometimes we get confused about the Holy Spirit. I've heard many great preachers say the Holy Spirit showed up that day and filled the disciples with fire and power! The Spirit is present always. He doesn't show up, take off or leave the building. The Spirit is mentioned from the beginning of the Bible to the end, from Genesis to Revelation. He's active as breath is to life, fruit to the vine and order in the midst of chaos.

The Spirit is strengthening us for the journey.
The Spirit's role is defined as 'comforting.' That translation can be a bit confusing. We certainly need cheering up when we're sad. N.T. Wright describes the presence of the Spirit as strengthening by coming-alongside to give courage. Like a trusted friend brings courage as he comes with us on the journey. I love this insight. It describes an active spiritual life that engages the pantheon of human experience that includes the range of human emotions and encounters. We aren't extracted from the complete range of life but equipped to live in its fullness by the Spirit's presence.

Surrender is the key to fully know and experience God.
Maybe you've heard the 'bootstrap' theology. It sounds like this: 'God helps those who help themselves.' Honestly ask the question: why would we need God if we can handle it? Human reason can attempt to define the holy mystery of God. We can strive to apprehend the complexity of life and attach religious jargon to supernatural instance. But, all the rhetoric seems skeletal. Ezekiel called it 'dry bones.' Simple surrender can be painfully difficult or profoundly freeing. But, surrender is ultimately necessary to know and experience the supernatural blood and guts work of the Spirit.

We can lose it.
Here's where the controversy sets in. The hymn I quoted above was written by Charles Wesley. Wesleyans are identified with the Arminian belief that salvation is secured by Jesus. But, we must make the choice to remain committed to Christ throughout our lives. Wesleyans believe we choose to live out each day in faith as our human experience challenges what our faith defines as real. Sanctifying and perfecting grace is our life-long companion via the Spirit. We work on becoming more and more like Jesus and less and less like the world. Indeed, we need the Spirit for this reason alone.

I pray you can join us for worship Sunday. Imagine a cup that is near empty being filled to over-flowing. We cannot construct an experience that only God can provide. But, we will ask God to provide the filling and trust he is able to do far more than we dream or imagine. I hope to see you Sunday.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. Acts 2:42-43 NIV

Are you reliable?

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2 NIV

Reliable. The word from this important leadership scripture resonated with me as I prepared for a leadership meeting recently. Entrust what you know to reliable people. The Apostle Paul is giving leadership directives to a next generation leader named Timothy. Invest in reliable people. Reliable.

Would someone identify you as reliable?
I think I am pretty reliable most days. I made a commitment to follow through with my promises years ago after some serious introspection. I call it my defining moment. It's the time in our personal lives when we take an assessment and realize we might be standing in the way of our success. Truthfully, back then, I wasn't very reliable. I was short on all accounts: short-tempered, short-sighted, and short on cash. I suffered from grandiose visions of myself. I wasn't interested in foundational leadership qualities like trust and reliability. Trust and reliability sounded boring to me. I was interested in action. I charged toward the next thing. I had bigger and better things to accomplish.

Is trust something that people earn or do you give it away until someone misuses or abuses it?
There is no easy way to build trust with people or the organization we lead. There are numerous ways to erode trust. Some leaders think it's impossible to gain trust once we've lost it. Simon Sinek is a popular speaker and leadership expert. I attended a leadership event last week where he was the featured speaker. I was spell-bound as I listened to him narrate his experience from Afghanistan. Simon is part of a leadership team for the United States Air Force.  He asked how 'safe' people were in our workplace.

How safe are you at work, home or with others?
I was totally captivated as Simon recalled his encounter in the war zone. His experience with the Air Force men and women changed him for life. His return flight was cancelled due to serious shelling. His demeanor changed instantly when he felt his life was in danger. He demanded someone respond to his needs immediately. He didn't care about who were engaged in the fighting. Casualties were brought in as brave men and women delicately handled the bodies. But, the bravery didn't end there. Those men and women went back out into the war zone for more. The fighting subsided and a few days later, Simon flew home seated beside a flag-draped casket for nine hours. You can listen to Simon's TED Talk from 2014 HERE.

Am I willing to help others feel safe?
Not everyone is called to serve in battlefields. But, many people live or work in unsafe environments. My challenge to you is to create a safe place for others. Do all you can to minimize threatening behaviors and volunteer for the heavy duty of confrontation from time to time. Leaders can engage healthy teams by building trust with others simply by being reliable. Are you investing in becoming reliable yourself? It might be time to take a serious look at behaviors that stand in the way of personal or team success. I will be sharing some of this insight with 30 Confirmation students this weekend as they become full members of our church. It is a time of commitment and challenge. I hope you can be there to share this moment with us.

Plant a Little Seed

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV

Have you ever noticed how scripture can be right or truthful and stand on its own?

This scripture about planting, for example, feels like a law of the universe to me. When God speaks about giving in this passage he uses planting language. If I plant a few seeds, I will receive a little yield. If I plant a lot of seeds, I'd better be prepared to do some hard labor. This is notsacrifice language. When we sacrifice something, we never see it again. When something is sacrificed, it’s laid down, given up, hands off, never to be used or seen again. But, planting something is laying down a seed into the ground with an expectation that something greater will come out of it.

Sometimes we plant a seed and get different results. We can receive a ten-fold blessing. Why?

1. Growing conditions are perfect.
2. The season is right to plant.
3. You plant good seed.
4. You protect the seed by removing competition like weeds.
5. You plant the seed in community with others like it to ensure a positive yield.

So if this is a law of the universe, then we can apply it to almost anything. Let's think about applying this general rule to our faith and finances. If I plant a little seed into God's kingdom, I will receive a little yield. But, if I plant a lot of seed into God's kingdom, I'd better have a plan for what I will do with the harvest he gives me. There comes a moment for all of us when we recognize everything we have belongs to God. We're farm hands to the Master Farmer. He provides the soil, growing conditions, seasons, seed, and even the growth process. But we have to participate and do our part.

The greater blessing, or miracle, can be what God does within us through our own growth process. Our faith can grow to produce something greater and lives can be transformed. So, why not try a little experiment of your own? Plant a little seed and see how it grows. You might be amazed at the result.

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NIV

The Time is Now

Most believers aren't in imminent danger of ruining their lives. They're facing a danger that's far greater...wasting them. Steven Furtick

There comes a time for each of us to step out on the word God has spoken to us. We all come to the moment where we have to trust God. As scary as that sounds, to look back or to be tempted to go back to the old ways is just not possible. Consider the fearful temptations to shrink back. Remember who God is: mighty, powerful, faithful. Praise him, thank him, honor him for what he’s already done. Follow him into a future with greater faith,   prominence and confidence that there are really greater things in store.

This is not a time to second guess all the work and preparation. Elisha himself had to make the decision to take action or not. Elijah was taken up to heaven on the far side of the Jordan River in a whirlwind. Elisha witnessed Elijah leaving. Elisha tore is clothes, called out to his spiritual father and picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah. Elisha walked to the water’s edge.

What would he do?                                                                       

The apprentice time for Elisha was over. It was now time to lead. The same God who brought him to that moment also promised to be with him to the end. God doesn’t show us the details or actions he shows us himself. He does this not just to tell us what to do and how to get there but to give us the power to do it all. Elijah passed on his mantle to Elisha. We can experience something greater as we surrender to God’s Holy Spirit. The spiritual mantle is passed onto us. For anyone who is sick of playing it safe, for every dreamer who has been devastated and disillusioned, for every undiscovered Elisha determined to show the watching world the greater things GOD is capable of...the moment is now. The mantle is already ours.

What will we do?

I have included some prayers that might be inspirational for you from Pastor Steven Furtick. He is one of my favorite people to watch. You can learn more about him here http://stevenfurtick.com/

            1. I pray that you will no longer settle for good enough in your closest relationships, existing together but not really engaging each other. I pray that where you may have settled into comfortable patterns, busyness, and mundane living, you exchange that for greater living and see the glory of God.

            2. I pray that you never settle for the ‘good enough’ of killing time and drawing a paycheck. Clocking in and clocking out. God is calling you to something new. I pray he gives you the faith to do so. If God is calling you to step up in the a job you already have, I pray he gives you the passion to do so.  Either way, I pray that you step into greater influence that God has called you to within your work.

            3. Students: I pray that you won’t just be part of a crowd but that you will begin to lead it. I pray that the people who have been influencing you to a lesser life will be changed by the influence of the greater life you are stepping into. I pray that every voice that has labeled you as anything other than a beloved son or daughter will be silenced and that you will believe only what your Father God has said about you.

-Pastor Jen

Dream big. Start small.

We have to be truthful and practical as we obediently work to make God’s vision a reality. We need to consider whether or not we’re doing all we can for God. Are we building his Kingdom and making every effort to build what he desires? Or are we chasing after our own desires and outcomes? Small steps blessed by God have great impact. It's pretty easy to spot someone who is completely in God's corner. God gets all the glory for the success. That's really it.

When God begins to move, we need to be prepared for the miracle God can do. For me, being prepared means I am humble before God, surrendered to his leadership and open to whatever comes my way. It's like God is the Major League pitcher and I am the catcher. He decides what pitch. I respond to his leading. I have to do some serious self-talk before I go into a challenging conversation or situation. I've learned to put my preconceived ideas and my very strong feelings aside in order to be present when the challenge comes. God's pitch can be high and outside or right down the middle. Either way, I must be flexible and adaptable to the pitch. Otherwise, it'll go right by. Good thing God likes to give me a lot of practice.

Here's how we can start small but have a huge impact:

1. Greater relationships: speak affirming words and build each other up by constructive life-giving language and practice. Identify and practice how you can speak Godly words to build others up.
    
2. Greater financial impact for the Kingdom: start using our money in God-honoring ways, pay down our debt and don’t get into any more debt. Live within Godly and healthy boundaries. Identify how your financial situation can get better and make small steps toward generosity.
    
3. Greater holiness: practice healthy spiritual disciplines. Scripture reading and memorization, prayer, worship, service, fasting, giving. Identify whether or not you’re really doing all you can to create holiness and a place for God to reside in you.

One important reason we may feel insecure about our situation is because we compare our behind-the-scenes footage with everyone else’s highlight reel. Sometimes we can listen to someone's incredible faith adventure story and wonder why we're not experiencing the same vitality. Comparisons aren't helpful when it comes to following God. Everyone's faith journey is unique. I don't know how to compare Jonah's whale-of-a-story to Joshua's marching around a city seven times. But, I can tell you, the still small voice Elijah heard and Elisha followed is the voice I can trust to lead me into the belly or around the block.

Stop waiting for what you want, and start working what you have. This can turn your greatest frustration into your greatest potential innovation. If you'll do your part, God will begin to do what only He can do: He'll make your box bigger.” Pastor Steven Furtick, Greater.

What Should I be Thinking?

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12 (NIV)

Jesus' words are recorded in John's Gospel during the lengthy dinner conversation many would call the Last Supper. The disciples heard cherished words shared from a leader who loved them to the end and beyond. But, Jesus was also a leader with a mission and a purpose that would not die with him but live in those who would make the choice to follow him. Jesus promised the disciples they would do greater things as God's power would not leave them but be poured into them as the future of the Kingdom of God would be left in their care.

What was he thinking?

Jesus appeared to the disciples and many faithful witnesses after the resurrection. He showed them the proof of nail scarred hands and feet. He offered them his pierced side. More importantly, Jesus revealed an audacious plan for the Kingdom he came to proclaim. The Kingdom would thrive with human participation and the power, counsel, comfort, conviction and advocacy of the Holy Spirit--God's presence on earth in Jesus' absence.

What were they thinking?

Greater things can be done in the name of Jesus. What greater things? Do most people settle for lesser things? Sometimes people become comfortable with getting by with 'good enough.' Good enough living is a baseline living filled with mediocrity and complacency. At other times, people will chase after a vague sense of calling to a life of greatness. Somehow living large seems like it's just around the corner never really within grasp but always beckoning away from reality. Greater living can be described as an understanding that God is ready to accomplish something entirely out our reach without him.

What should we be thinking?

We all have the potential to do so much more because God is so much greater than we allow him to be. My hope is this Greater series will inspire you to acknowledge God's greatness and to yield to his leadership in your life. Sometimes we have to remove certain things to make room for God or make a decisive break to be ready to move on. We will get to know Elijah and Elisha two great biblical characters who help us understand what it can mean to live into God's promise of greater things.

"Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." Romans 12:2 The Message

-Pastor Jen

Easter "Greetings!"

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a pretty big deal. No one expected anything like it. What would you imagine the first thing Jesus would say to those who loved him on that Sunday morning? "Greetings." This the the same way the angel announced to Mary she would have a son! "Greetings." like Spock says dryly during a Star Trek episode, "greetings and salutations." One commentary puts it like this: And look! Jesus met them and said, "Hi!" What an understatement. Sometimes subtlety is the best response to a cataclysmic event.

That Sunday, everything changed but not in the way people think.

The cross was not the last word. The crucifixion was not the act that we would remember forever. The resurrection would change everything and the ministry and message of Jesus would go on. However, on that Sunday, the lives of the followers of Jesus did not get safer. Life became even more dangerous. Jesus’ followers and many others believed he was the Messiah that would overthrow the Roman government and usher in God’s kingdom. But Jesus died. Disappointing some and pleasing others. News of the resurrection reached the Roman officials and Jewish leaders who probably got their first good night's sleep since Jesus came onto the scene. Imagine their disbelief, rage and consternation upon hearing the resurrection news.

What got released on Sunday was not a message of comfort but a profound message of hope. Things would go on but following Jesus would be anything but comfortable.  The resurrection confirmed there IS something on the other side but we may not always understand it. Jesus' followers would gather as a new community to tell and retell the resurrection story maybe for their own benefit but now thankfully for our benefit too. Jesus gave the command to pick up our crosses daily and follow him. I think dying is the easy part. Living as followers of the resurrected Jesus is a dangerous, open-ended thing. Hope has a power all its own.

Jesus had the last word. Nothing fancy, super-religious or theological. I think it's kind of unexpected and true to Jesus' form. He didn't have a big stage. All he said was, "Hi." Sometimes subtlety is the best response.

He is risen! Happy Easter.

-Pastor Jen

Disappointed in Jesus

"Leadership is the art of disappointing people at a rate they can stand. -Ron Heifitz, Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading, 2002

In the midst of the crowded streets of Jerusalem were palm branch-waving skeptics. The very popular young teacher from the Galilee region rode into the capital city on a donkey as people shouted, "Hosanna! Lord, save us!" He certainly had a following. Everyone agreed. But, there were many who were not pleased to watch Jesus ride by on display for the entire world to see.

Zealots may have waved a palm branch or dropped a cloak in front of Jesus but I don't think they were impressed with the parade. Zealots were politically motivated to rid Judea of Roman oppression. They tried everything they could to cause trouble for Roman soldiers. Zealots hated Rome with a passion. They were at the ready to take out a sword and die for what they believed in. Imagine their disappointment upon hearing Jesus' words, "My kingdom is not of this world."

Essenes retreated from the chaos of the capital to the quiet shore of the Dead Sea. Certainly, desert living had its own reward of implied intimacy with God. The austere living conditions removed any temptation of comfort or luxury and left room only for community, worship and a simple life with God. However, this community of Jews withdrew from life in the city or worship at the Temple to prepare for war. Make no mistake, the Essenes were a small sect of hopeful believers called the Sons of Light. They prepared for battle against the Sons of Darkness. Most likely not present at the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, their disappointment would've been an aloof head-turn away and dismissal of the shouts of "Hosanna! Save us!" Essenes were content to save themselves.

Sadducees fought the war by assimilating into the culture of the day. "If you can't beat 'em--join 'em," could have been their unique strategy to outlive the onslaught of religious propriety. Sadducees most certainly lined the streets of Jerusalem along with the Pharisees from distant lands waving palm branches vigorously in the warm Spring air. The Passover celebration in Jerusalem would've been a magnificent cosmopolitan mix of diversity. The Sadducee's disappointment was probably a scoff and a dismissal of a hand-wave as the word 'hypocrite' landed on their hearts convicting them of something every Jew knew deep within their heart. God does not tolerate such sin.

I like to imagine myself cheering along the roadside as Jesus entered Jerusalem. I've been to those streets many times and walked the way from the Mount of Olives to the city gate. But, I admit, I never imagined Jesus weeping as he approached the holy city. I suppose I too have misunderstood Jesus' true mission. There was no overthrow of the Roman government nor any other government that I know of. Maybe I just don't want to imagine a weepy Jesus. I confess I can be disappointed with him too. I misunderstand Jesus' true mission is not of violent action nor of somehow placing me on the donkey. Jesus' rightful place as he remains is the king of love. Perhaps he weeps as we still struggle with what truly brings us peace.

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes." -Luke 19:41-42 (NIV)

-Pastor Jen

What is God Saying to Me?

 

"Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act." -Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Cost of Discipleship, 1937

This Lenten season has been unusually blessed for me this year.

            1. For three days, my husband Bill and I hosted a bishop from Pakistan. Yaqub mobilized Christians in 2,000 Pakistani churches to help him take clothing, shoes, food and medical supplies to the poverty-stricken mountain region of Northern Pakistan. The recipients belonged to the Taliban.

            2. We met and became friends with a guy named Pete who owns Second Chance Coffee in Wheaton, IL. He employs convicted felons and believes in the win-win benefits of conscious capitalism. We listened to one of Pete's employees named Louis tell his story. Louis was convicted of such violent crimes as a young man that he was sentenced to serve three consecutive life sentences plus one hundred years. Louis talked about finding Jesus Christ in a maximum security prison. He described how hard it was to find a job and begin a new life post-prison after his miraculous release.           

            3. For four days Bill and I hosted our friend Prem from Hope for Today Ministries. We learned more about church planting in India as thousands of people are being reached for Christ through the indigenous church planting discipleship movement. Hope for Today has been a ministry partner of Wheatland Salem Church for more than twenty five years. There are currently 493 house churches flourishing in the northern regions of India as men and women walk village to village sharing the Gospel.

            4. As you read this blog, Yousef is driving a truck filled with clothing, food and medical supplies to christians in Iraq. He sent me an email the night before he left. He felt compelled by Christ to go to the Iraqi Christians. Yousef is an evangelical Egyptian christian and is driving with one other christian from Egypt. He asked me to pray for him and the journey. While we were together in Houston he said, "You American christians think persecution is terrible but for us it's everyday life."

            5. A devout Muslim woman came into church as I was leaving my office Monday evening. She had never been inside a church. She was looking for help for her son.

            6. This morning, I listened to Naghmeh Abedini whose husband, Pastor Saeed Abedini, is currently imprisoned in Iran because of his christian beliefs. She tells her incredible story of leaving the Muslim faith and coming to faith in Jesus during an interview on "Focus on the Family." She also discusses the persecution her husband is facing and the importance of praying for persecuted Christians around the world. You can listen to the interview here. LINK

It feels like the world has come to our doorstep. I can no longer ignore the gnawing feeling that Christ is calling me to something greater. I don't know what 'something greater' is but I trust him. I think that's all that matters.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12 NIV

 

Triage

Imagine the scene of a hectic emergency room at a local hospital. The frantic pace can appear chaotic to someone who's there for a medical emergency but the flow of the chaos is very organized for those who work in the ER. A member of a highly technically trained staff makes an assessment within minutes of a patient's arrival. This process is called triage.

Triage is the sorting of patients (as in an emergency room) according to the urgency of their need for care. Triage is the necessary first step in discerning a patient's needs. It's looking at the big picture not just the individual. Not all crises are created equal. The triage process ensures those who are at risk for dying are seen and treated first. Often urgency can be in the eye of the beholder.

I think it might be a good thing to use the triage sorting technique when working with just about any crisis situation. Different situations call for different responses whether we are working with the poor, our own families or friends. It's pretty easy to get sucked into someone else's crisis and want to provide relief.

One of the biggest mistakes we can make is not adequately triaging a situation and attempting to apply relief in situations where rehabilitation or relationship development is the appropriate intervention. It's very important for others to feel the pain of irresponsible behavior. The point is not to punish people for mistakes but ensure the appropriate lessons are learned so that mistakes are not repeated. Take some time to consider how you handle crisis. Consider the big picture. Remember not all crises are created equal. Have you been quick to provide relief when relationship development is what is truly needed?

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. -Matthew 5:6

Time for New Glasses?

Meekness-a calm temper of mind, not easily provoked, humble, willing to suffer under oppression. Easton's Bible Dictionary.

None of us are neutral when it comes to understanding how the world works. We all have a huge depository of experiences, images, memories and a whole lot of other stuff that contributes to what we believe and why. Our total set of beliefs or assumptions is called our worldview. Think of your worldview as a pair of lenses you use to see the world. Imagine what happens if you put on the wrong pair of glasses. What you see can be blurry. But, imagine putting on the right pair of glasses and everything you see becomes crystal-clear.

Sometimes we can have a distorted view of ourselves and others. I noticed I can often be harder on myself than I need to be. But there are plenty of times when I go easy on myself when I truly need to be convicted and repentant. I know I need an outside point of view to keep me focused on becoming more like Jesus. I need a constant reminder that my own worldview needs transformation. I need to start with me before I set out to change the world for someone else.

This may appear amazingly easy or even cliche. But, just because I envision a concept in my mind about how the world should work or how my relationships should go doesn't mean my worldview or relationships are working well or healthy. Healthy world views and relationships require transformed hearts not just transformed brains.

So, can we know our hearts are being transformed? I think we can begin by identifying some Christ-like behaviors like humility, teachability, patience during suffering and being willing to follow gospel teaching even when the teaching collides with the world views of others. Our confidence rests clearly on the power of God's word and the active presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Do a little self-assessment this week. Get your vision tested. Is it time for a new pair of glasses?

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

Exceptions Not the Rule

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 NRSV

Have you ever wondered what motivates people to do good things? Why does someone give their seat to an elderly person on a crowded bus or train? Why does someone give back the incorrect change in the grocery line?  Why would someone purposely allow another person to go ahead of them in a long line? Why do some people work tirelessly with the poor?

People practice acts of kindness everyday. But, I wonder if the actions I just described are exceptions not the rule. I witness acts of aggression and omission on a daily basis. Truthfully, I am not always as kind as I need to be. I sometimes struggle with how I can respond to a certain situation. There have been times when I knew God was prompting me to respond in a way that would honor him but disobediently did what I thought was right in my own eyes.

Maybe it's time we all take some time to seriously consider how close to Christ we really are and discover together how much work we still have to do. The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. The initiation into the Lenten season is a stark reminder, "From ashes you have come and to ashes you will return." Lent can be a season of introspection. We can discover what motivates us to do good things. We are commanded to become more like Christ honoring all he has already accomplished and work toward the reconciliation of our world. Let's do some introspection together and help each other along the way.

All the believers were in one heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32 NIV

First Seek to Understand

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 NIV 

Seek first to understand. This sentence has been a guide and a convicting agent for change in me when it comes to conflict. I try to consider all sides of an argument or what's fueling behavior in people when conflict escalates. I notice how abruptly people can change. Maybe you have too. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was written in 1886 by a Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson. The novella explored how dual personalities can exist within one person. The title influenced a common reference to a radical behavior change people often refer to as Jekyll and Hyde. Evidently, many people seek to understand the conflict within us.

I think self-assessment is an excellent spiritual discipline to practice. The work of transformation can begin with our internal world. We can seek to understand what's going on within us spiritually, psychologically, emotionally and physically. But, I don't think our journey ends there. I think God calls us to more.

I think it's tempting to limit our understanding to personal conflict often because it takes up so much of our time and energy. John Paul Lederach suggests there is one guiding question that needs to drive our desire for transformation. He challenges us to consider how we can end something not desired and build something we do desire. Lederach suggests the work of reconciliation is more than personal. It's the gospel message for the lost and broken world.

Reconciliation is God's intention for all of humanity. Our mission is to align ourselves with God who is working to reconcile all things to himself. God's desire is to bless all families on the earth. The Apostle Paul describes this dynamic vision of the new humanity as possible through Christ Jesus. He is the first-born of the new creation. He provides the possibility of a new relationship. Jesus acted decisively. He moved toward people, pain and conflict. His desired outcome is a new relationship. As followers of Christ, our mission is to move toward people, pain and conflict where ever they are in the world.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. Many believe it was God's great dream for humanity. Let's dream together and imagine what could happen if we embraced such a transformational vision. What action are we being mobilized to take? Where is the risk or greatest conflict emerging? Imagine the new relationships that could be waiting to be forged. Our faith beckons us to join the cloud of witnesses who wait in eager anticipation of what the people of God can do.  

"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility." Ephesians 2:14-16 NIV

Management by Hand Grenade

"Conflict is an opportunity, a gift."  John Paul Lederach

There is an elephant in the middle of the room but no one wants to talk about it. But, then, someone makes a comment. Another person chimes in. Soon there is a heated argument. Words are said. Accusations are made. People get up out of their chairs and leave. Some people leave in brooding sulking silence and others leave with an insulting comment or a threat.

This scenario is sometimes called 'managing by hand grenade' in the business world. Executive coach, Scott Elbin wrote a clever blog to give us some tips on how to handle a hand grenade in our in-box.

I wonder sometimes, if we're too quick to find solutions to issues when God asks us to care about people. When it comes to becoming more like Christ and leading by his example, I think about how much time he spent building relationships with people. It's pretty clear the issues were second on the list. The issue at hand can easily be resolved once we decide that a new relationship is what Jesus is asking us to work on and a new relationship is what's necessary in this situation.

So, what if we can diffuse the hand grenade before it goes off? I think we begin by acknowledging our own behavior in the situation. First, identify our own hurts, habits and hang-ups with how we personally respond when conflict rises. We have to understand what goes on inside us. Sometimes we contribute to the awkward or volatile situation without realizing it. So, begin with a surrendered Christ-honoring frame of mind then ask how you might lead in this situation. Observe and learn, first alone with Christ and then with others. Once we are surrendered to Christ and his leadership in this situation, we can begin with trying to understand people and then the issue.

"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility..." Ephesians 2:14NIV

Why Settle for Conflict Management?

Reconcile: to restore friendship or harmony; to make consistent or congruous; to cause to submit or accept something unpleasant (Merriam-Webster On-line Dictionary)

Conflict is rarely easy to negotiate. Many people avoid it like the plague. It can occupy a lot of our energy whether we are conflicted about a relationship or about the way things are going around the world. Deep conflicts are often stressful and painful. At worst, they are violent and destructive. Yet, at the same time, conflict can be transforming and intensely spiritual. We might even propose conflict to be an open pathway toward revelation and reconciliation. 

Conflict is normal. It's part of our human relationships. But, conflict transformation may be a new perspective for us to consider. Many business and professional models use conflict management tools instead of considering a different approach like conflict transformation. Why settle for managing conflict when we can experience transformation through it?

The Apostle Paul has a lot to say about reconciliation. In the New Testament book of Colossians, Paul links our human need for reconciliation with our primary relationship with God. At one time, we were all alienated from God and were enemies of him. But, God, himself reconciled us through Christ. Paul suggests that our atonement is not limited to the one-time sacrifice of Jesus Christ that satisfies our individual debt. He emphasizes atonement as a personal, social and political process of reconciliation and healing. Holiness (being Christ-like) is carried out through people who embody the reconciling love of God and take up residence in real-life problems and relationships--with all the ambiguity they bring.

We begin in new series called Reconcile this Sunday. I pray this series will bring new insights and help equip you to handle conflicts in a God-honoring way whether you are a seasoned pro at handling conflict or someone who is in need to some new tools. I look forward to seeing you in church. You might want to invite someone to come with you so you can start a conversation and learn together.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,  and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19 NIV