Who’s Number 1?

Alabama and Texas are facing off tonight to determine who is the number 1 college football team in the country. However, there is a much more important question that we face each day of our lives. Who is number 1 in our lives to drive our thoughts, actions, and habits? A lot of potential answers can be discussed, but they ultimately boil down to two options. Do we try to be the god of our own lives or do we allow the one Holy God to be sovereign in our lives?

Saying that we can serve both ourselves and God is not an acceptable answer. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:24 that “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Similarly, the account of the rich young ruler who could not bear to part with his possessions reminds us of how true Jesus’ words are (Luke 18:18-27). In addition, the accounts of Moses, David, and Peter give personal examples of how even God’s servants can succumb to their own selfish desires at times.

So, why should we allow God to be number 1 in our lives? For starters, He sent Christ to save the world (John 3:16). We are also told in Psalm 119:105 that God’s word is “...a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 23 reminds us that if we allow God to serve as our shepherd that we shall not be in want and shall fear no because God is with us. Paul reminds us in Romans 8:31 “...If God is for us, who can be against us?...”. I am encouraged when I am reminded of these great promises from God...I hope you are too.

What’s Your Role?

While you may hear farmers brag about the harvest they had in a particular year, you willl seldom hear them claim responsibility for the crop’s growth. You may hear some talk about working harder or smarter by picking the best variety of seed for their region, supplying additional nutrients with fertilizer or irrigation, or using a variety of methods to suppress the growth of weeds. At the end of the crop year, the farmer is ultimately dependent on a power higher than himself to make the harvest plentiful.

The same can be said about evangelism. We are told in 1st Corinthians 3:5-8 “What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe - as the Lord has assigned each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.

The parable of the four soils (Luke 8:4-18) tells us that the farmer went out to sow his seed (the word of God) and that the type of soil (heart of the person) it fell on determined what would happen to the seed. Whether you are a sower/planter or a waterer to family and friends this Christmas season, the results are not in your hands. God has given each of us a job to do and has told us to give it all, including the glory of a bountiful harvest, to God. The question is do you trust God enough to leave it in His hands?

Look Before You Leap

Have you ever made a decision and only later realized how much the decision cost you? How about the worker who was talking about cheating the company he works for only to find out that his boss is right behind him? Or what about the woman who racks up a huge credit line on her family’s credit card only to find that her family can’t pay the bills at the end of the month? Consequences may not always be immediate or severe, but they will come when we put our own desires first.

God told Moses to “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out water” (Numbers 20:8-12). Moses instead struck the rock twice with his staff. God told Moses that he and Aaron would not enter the promised land because of their disobedience. Talk about a huge disappointment after wandering in the desert for 40 years! Esau gave up his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34)...talk about buyer’s remorse! The prodigal son took his inheritance to live the good life in the city only to lose all of his inheritance and long to go home to be a servant for his father (Luke 15:11-32). All of these scenarios show us what can happen when we leap before we look.

Luke 14:28 says “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?” It is easy to criticize others for failing to plan for the end result at the beginning of a process. Let us learn from our own mistakes (and others’) and look at the potential consequences of our actions before we leap.

Letting Go of Your Clunker

Today, it was reported that approximately 700,000 clunkers were traded in for new vehicles during the government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program. People who brought their clunkers into dealerships as trade-in value for a new vehicle knew they were giving their vehicles up to be destroyed and that they would never be able to get them back. How then can we as Christians better get rid of the “clunker” aspects of our old life and grasp the new creation we are in Christ? (2nd Corinthians 5:17)

One thing we can do is to turn our focus to God. We are reminded that “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Proverbs 29:25). Jesus also told us “...do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him” (Luke 12:4-5).

Focusing on God also allows us to let go of worry when we believe God’s promises for us. Jesus told us “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34).

We need to let go of the “clunkers” in our life on a moment by moment basis. Focusing on fearing God more than man and remembering His promises are the keys to doing this. We have a great God who declares “For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Are you ready to give up your “clunker” for God’s hope and future for you?

Standing Firm Against Giants

It seems everyone in the media is talking about Brett Favre this week, so I’m not going to talk about his comeback with the Minnesota Vikings (whoops...I just did). This past week Y.E. Yang stared down the golfing “immortal” Tiger Woods and beat him in the PGA Championship (one of the four major championships of the year). It wouldn’t have been unusual if Yang would have wilted against Tiger since Tiger was 14-0 in major championships when leading going into the final round before facing Yang this past Sunday.

David was a small shepherd boy when he was sent to the battlefield to provide food for his brothers. He likely had no idea that God would move him to fight the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Yet God provided David with all he needed in a slingshot and 5 stones. Later in life he was on the run from the Israeli king Saul due to Saul’s being jealous of David’s popularity with the Israelites. David had at least two opportunity to kill Saul and end his harassment, but knew that it was not God’s will for him to do so. Likewise, Shadrach, Meschach, and Abendnego refused to bow down to their king’s idols because they served the one true God (Daniel 3). Yet another example is when God used Elijah to show the nation of Israel the one true God against 450 prophets of Baal (1st Kings 18:20-40)

So, we have examples of Christians who were willing to stand firm for their faith against what the world would view as giants. We are told that “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea.’ and it will obey you” (Luke 17:6). So, do you believe that your God is able to slay giants? What do your actions say?

Lessons From Failure

You may have heard about Josh Hamilton having a relapse from his battle with alcoholism. The actual incident occurred in January, but the photos were released this past Saturday (story on MLB.com). Unfortunately, this is all too vivid a reminder that “nothing concealed will not be known or brought out in the open” (Luke 8:17). So, what are we to take away from Mr. Hamilton’s night “off the wagon”?

1. We are all vulnerable - The great apostle Paul said “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do” (Romans 7:15). Paul had a remarkable change from being Saul of Tarsus responsible for killing Christians to being a major influence in spreading the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles. If a man as great as Paul still struggled with sin after such a dramatic change, why should we expect to be any different.
2. The story doesn’t have to end in failure - Samson was given great strength by God that enabled him to kill a 1,000 men with the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:13-15) . Yet over time he gave into his desires for Delilah, telling her that the secret of his strength was his hair (Judges 16:17). Once the Philistines learned his weak point, they shaved his head, seized him, and gouged out his eyes (Judges 16:19-22). Samson prayed to the Lord to return his strength and was able to kill more Philistines in his death than during his life (Judges 16:28-30). There are many other examples as well including: 1) Peter denying Christ 3 times (Luke 22:34, 54-60) and still being allowed to preach a sermon where 3,000 were saved and 2) David committing adultery with Bathsheba and then orchestrating the murder of her husband, yet being called a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). This is because “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Certainly Mr. Hamilton has people that believe his recovery isn’t real because of this relapse. Fortunately, Mr. Hamilton’s wife is firmly in his corner and her faith in God is quite evident in her responses to critics (Katie Hamilton article). Paul did not want to take Mark on a second mission trip after Mark had deserted them on a prior trip (Acts 15:37-40). After a sharp disagreement, Barnabas decided to part ways with Paul and take Mark with him. Later, Paul said “Get Mark and bring him with you, he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2nd Timothy 4:11). This doesn’t mean that any one person will have such a dramatic turnaround...although we can certainly hope, pray, and encourage them.

Special Treatment

There are stories about players being so talented that their teams felt it necessary to give special treatment. Barry Bonds had his own corner of the clubhouse when he played for the San Francisco Giants. When Manny Rameriz was with the Boston Red Sox, the phrase “Manny Being Manny” was said on a regular basis to reflect the superstar’s unique behavior. Both of these players have posted great numbers in their careers, but the favoritism they received may have cost their teams greater success.

We are also told not to play favorites in our lives as Christians (James 2:1). We are told not to judge by appearances or by monetary riches (James 2:2-3). In fact, Jesus said that we should seek to hold dinners for the poor, crippled, lame, and blind rather than for friends, family, and the rich who can repay the invitation (Luke 14:12-14). Furthermore, even slave owners were told not to show favoritism towards the treatment of free men versus their slaves because God is our Master and there is no favoritism with Him (Ephesians 6:9).

We serve a God that “...accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right” (Acts 10:34). Furthermore, God told Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height...Man looks at the outward appearance,but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). So, let us practice loving each other regardless of ability, charisma, or stature.

Who’s Your Neighbor?

If you haven’t heard Michael Oher’s story, you are in for a treat (ESPN video). Mr. Oher grew up homeless as 1 of 16 children and quit school to avoid being placed into foster care. A neighbor helped Mr. Oher become enrolled at a local Christian school in spite of concerns of his 0.6 GPA. Mr. Oher was walking from school in shorts and a t-shirt in the snow one day when the Tuohy family stopped and began to take him in gradually…first clothes, meals, and spending the night a few times per week…eventually leading to the Tuohy family adopting Mr. Oher. Mr. Oher blossomed in this loving environment boosting his GPA to 2.65 and being recruited to a SEC football program. Mr. Oher’s football career at Ole Miss was so successful that he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of this year’s NFL draft.

If something like this sounds familiar, it should. Jesus provided the parable of the Good Samaritan to answer an expert in Jewish law who asked, “…who is my neighbor?” This parable shows us that offering God’s love and mercy to others is more important than rules for religion’s sake (Luke 10:29-37). Also, a lame man had 4 friends who knew he needed to meet Jesus (Mark 2:2-12). They climbed up to the roof since the house was already full and opened a hole big enough to lower their friend down to meet Jesus. Jesus healed the man’s soul in addition to giving him the ability to walk (talk about hitting the jackpot!).

Unfortunately, we will come up against naysayers when we are obedient to God’s desire for us to show His love and grace to others. Other parents at the school Mr. Oher attended asked why they would let a black man live under the same roof as their white daughter. Similarly, some people questioned Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-5).

Neighbors are NOT defined by location, class, or status. If God has specially and wonderfully made someone to exist, that person is of great value. He tells us that he will come look for the 1% even if 99% are still in their place (Matthew 18:12-14). So, let’s extend God’s grace and love to our neighbors regardless of the consequences from others.

Who's Number One?

All this past weekend, the college football world was wondering who would win the Big 12 South and have the inside track for playing the SEC champion for the National Championship. Texas Tech fans were rooting for Oklahoma to lose, while Texas fans were rooting for Oklahoma to barely win so they might win a 3-way tie. As it turns out, all three teams won their games leaving it to the computers to determine whether Oklahoma or Texas would get the nod. Ultimately, Texas' petitioning for supremacy due to their head-to-head win over Oklahoma was not heard by the computers which awarded Oklahoma the Big 12 South championship. As you can imagine, this decision has sparked a lot of debate, consternation, pain (or happiness) among football fans.

Do you ever try to argue with God about who is number one in your life? You are not the only one. Samson bragged about his ability to kill 1,000 men with the jawbone of a donkey instead of crediting God for his strength (Judges 15:14-16). Wanting to be the best in our own strength can also lead to taking credit for what others have done in order to increase our reputation, like Saul took credit for Jonathon's victory over the Philistines in Geba (1 Samuel 13:3-4). It can also make us think that we have no faults like the Pharisee in Luke 18:11-12.

Well, there is only place for number one in our lives....there isn't 1a and 1b...just like 2 teams from the Big 12 South can't play in Kansas City this weekend for the Big 12 Championship. If we humble ourselves, we will be exalted...but if we try to exalt ourselves, we will be humbled (Luke 18:14). Proverbs 1:7 tells us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” There really should never be any doubt since God created the Earth, rescued His people from Egypt by parting the Red Sea, gave David the ability to slay Goliath with a sling and stones...the list goes on and on....most importantly having power over death by Jesus atoning for our sins. So, the next time you want to be number one, try to remember to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Hope and Change

We've already heard a lot about hope and change in this presidential race. How one candidate can improve America and our lives better than the other. One candidate talks about how decreasing taxes and government involvement will solve all America's ills. The other talks about how the government needs to increase taxes on businesses and the rich to level the playing field for all Americans. I am not here to tell you which side is closer to the correct answer or who to vote for this November. However, I believe that God is the only one who can offer us the blueprint for the hope and change we so deeply desire.

We are taught to be honest in our dealings or “not have two differing measures in our house” (Deuteronomy 25:13-16). When an Israelite was freeing a servant, the owner was to “supply him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. Give to him as the Lord your God has blessed you.” (Deuteronomy 15:13-15). In short, we are to “maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed” (Psalm 82:3) and be a “refuge for the needy” (Isiah 25:4).

I would hate for us to think that this is just an Old Testament thing, so here are a few example from the New Testament. In Galatians 2:10, we are reminded to remember the poor and to be eager to do so. In Acts 6:1-6 we are told of the selection of the seven to help ensure that widows were not overlooked when food was being distributed. In Matthew 12:31 we are told to “love your neighbor as yourself”...there doesn't seem to be an exception to exclude the poor here.

Regardless of your political affiliation, we can serve as God's agents of hope and change for the poor. Job found that wealth can be given, lost, and given again...wealth does not define our relationship with God and should not define our relationships with people. Jesus warned us that “a man's life does not consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). So, let's treat all people fairly and be the agents of hope and change that God desires us to be.

Wish Lists

Do you ever just let your mind wander and let your imagination be a Christmas catalog? Once we start down that road, it is real easy to keep going and going. Instead, we are to be happy with what we have been given. I know that it is easy to get wants and needs mixed up sometimes...a fan may want his team to win by 100, but all the team needs to win is one more point than their opponent. Similarly, a player may want to hit a home run every time he steps up the plate...but sometimes a walk will work just fine.

Don't get me wrong here...I'm not saying that nice things or wish lists are automatically bad. However, we can get our priorities out of line and place our wish lists in front of God's plan for our lives. Before we get self-righteous and say “I deserve this”, remember that “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9)”. Jesus told his us God the Father “knows what you need before you ask him (Matthew 6:8)...and Paul told us that “God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)”. Jesus also told the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) where the rich man planned to do everything for his own benefit without consulting God...he wound up losing his life that very night. Let us be thankful for God giving us what we need and be in constant communication with Him to use what He has given for the benefit of His kingdom.

Playing with the Hand You're Dealt

Maybe you've heard about some of the professional football players (i.e. Chad Johnson, Antwan Boldin, Steven Jackson) who haven't been happy with their contracts this off-season. Implicit in their demands for higher paying contracts is the sentiment, “I'd be happy if the team would only pay me what I'm worth”. Or maybe there's a player on your favorite sports team who says they want a bigger role. Maybe it is one of your colleagues at work saying “if only I were in charge of things” or one of your friends saying how things would be great if that “one thing” in their life would get fixed...it sounds so simple, right?

God is clear that we are not all dealt the same hand of cards in this game of life (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:12-28). If you would like to have more responsibility, be faithful with God has given you...then He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come share in your master's happiness!”. If you want God to be unpleased with you, bemoan your circumstances and just try to hold on to the little bit you've been given. We are also warned that the stakes go up when we are given more by God, as we also inherit more responsibility (Luke 12:48). So let's be faithful with what we have been given and God will be faithful in granting us additional opportunities for us to show off His glory.