Tuesdays with Morris

This week I did a bit of a study in 1 John. Throughout this book, there is much talk about how we can know we are with God and we love His people. Basically…the way to this is simply by loving God and keeping His commands. Sounds simple enough…right?

See, I love God. And, I feel that for the most part, I love His people. However, do I really do that great of a job of keeping His commands? Do I really do a good job of showing love for His people, for His creation.

Love God and keep His commands. So simple, yet so complex. Jesus taught that God’s commands could basically be summed up by loving God and loving others. If we can love Him and love those around us, the rest of His commands will sort of naturally take care of themselves.

I don’t know about you…but I’ve got a lot of work to do on loving God and loving others. I have a great desire to follow Him and do what He calls us too…but daily I fall short of carrying this out.

But, each day I strive to do better than the day before. Sometimes I’m successful, sometimes I’m not. But, I think God appreciates the effort.

Yesterday, my mother treated me to a Colts game. Now, when my mother treats me to a Colts game, that means we sit in a suite and enjoy free food and beverages! So, as soon as praise and worship was over, we headed out the door and down to the Dome for the big game against the Jaguars.

The game was incredible…with the Colts pulling out the victory…even with all the blown calls. This was possibly one of the worst officiating crews I’ve ever seen…there were numerous no-calls right in front of the officials.

Anyway, the food this year was incredible (it’s always been good…but they took it up a notch this year). A beautiful roast, potato’s, veggies, this incredible Mexican pastry type thing, chili, big brats, veggie lasagna, shrimp, fruit, amazing desserts, beer, wine, sodas…good stuff. I definitely filled my belly.

And, it was great to come home to Emily and Samantha! I had a busy weekend with the Fall Youth Rally, church, and the game. But, I was able to get some good time with Em and Sammy on Friday, early Saturday, and last night. I’m so glad to have such a wonderful wife and daughter!

Go Colts!

I stole the title from a question that Rusty has been using throughout our preaching series on giving (I even used it in my message). Anyway, I think it fits.

Over the past few days, I’ve really been doing a lot of reflecting on the importance of rejoicing, celebrating, shouting for joy…and the importance of being kind and loving.

Today, while reading Psalm 40 (made popular in the Bible, but also by the band U2), I paused to reflect on the first part of verse 16. It says, “…may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You.”

This whole concept of rejoicing and being glad seems to be running through my life a lot lately. I believe that God is trying to help me focus on the positives, rather than the negatives. It’s so easy to focus on what we think is wrong in the world…so we often fail to reflect, even rejoice in the things that are working well.

Each day, we have the wonderful opportunity to “rejoice and be glad.” We can either take advantage of that opportunity…or we can pass it up in favor of complaining and being mad. It’s up to you.

This morning I was doing some reading and I was deeply struck by a passage in 2 Peter 1.

In verse 3, we’re told that “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness…” This is talking about God here. He has given us “everything we need.” Doesn’t that sound like a cheesy Ball State jingle? The difference is that BSU claims to give you everything you need to succeed in an educational and vocational manner. This passage is talking about succeeding in life and godliness.

As Christians, we’re called to live the life that Jesus showed us is not just a possibility, but a reality. We are to strive for life and godliness. I don’t know about you…but I really stink at living the way we’re called to live. And here’s why I say that…

In verses 5-8, Peter tells us to “make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, self-control; and to self control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

See…I’m not good at this whole kindness and love thing. It’s just not always in my nature to be kind and loving. Yes, I’m working at it…But, I realize that I have to make an effort. Otherwise I will remain ineffective and unproductive.

I don’t think that we will necessarily master these qualities. However, in a passionate pursuit of trying to become more like Christ, the qualities will begin to make more of a regular appearance in our lives.

I believe half of the battle in this life is simply in making the effort. It would be really easy for me to look at this list and say…”Um, I give up.” But, I think I’d rather look my Maker eye to eye and say…”Well, I gave it my best shot.”

So, today I’m seeing the value in making an effort.

During my time in ministry, I’ve learned many important lessons. At each of the three mainline churches I’ve had the pleasure of working at, one lesson has stood out among the other…The importance of bringing others along.

I’m the kind of person that is able to see what kind of changes need to be made and how we should go about making those changes. That’s a good thing. However, I’m also the kind of person that says, “Let’s make these changes today.” In my enthusiasm, I often fail to remember the importance of that one lesson…what was it??? Something about bringing others along.

It’s much easier to institute changes when you have the support and team work of those around you. Talking through changes with key people prior to introducing them to larger groups can be very beneficial. I remember at one church I was preparing to make a significant change to the way we went about our ministry for youth. The senior pastor encouraged me to talk to one particular leader in the church…implying that if I had his support, others would fall in line completely. At first, this left me feeling a bit cold. How could the church be so political? Of course, I then saw how this truly worked and realized it’s not so much about politics as it is about bringing others along.

Most of us don’t like to be surprised. We like to know what to expect. When you go to a restaurant and order the “chicken-brie-raspberry” you expect to be served a dish that contains chicken, brie, and raspberry and not the pork wellington.

Some elements of surprise are welcome and needed in some cases. But, today I’m being reminded of the great value in bringing others along.

Often I get frustrated that the changes I believe are much needed at Center Chapel are taking so long to come about. I need to remember that things at the church have been pretty much the same for about 20 years. To make changes takes time and working with others to get everyone on the same page.

Jesus had to bring others along…why shouldn’t I? I mean, look at Peter. He goes from being the “rock” to being called “satan”. Jesus asks Peter what he believes about Him and Peter says “You are the Christ”, only later to deny any affiliation with Jesus. However, later (like after the resurrection), Jesus reinstates Peter, telling him to feed and care for His sheep.

We also know that sometimes Jesus would introduce some new ways of looking at things and those who were following Him deserted Him. That happens with change too! But, look at what happened as a result of His working closely with a small number of people to bring about a new way of life. Some 2,000 years later and people are still following Him.

Jesus knew the importance of bringing others along. I need to remember to put this lesson into practice.