What footprint are you leaving?
Posted by Randy in Church, Culture, Family, Leadership on July 22, 2010
A few weeks ago we had the joy of all three of our kids, their spouses, and all eight grandkids being together for a few days. One of those days we went to a park and there was a statue of an old farmer. He was wearing a “suit” consisting of overalls with a dress shirt and tie underneath, and suit coat over. As I saw it, I was struck at how much it looked like my great-grandfather, “Pa” Christian.
Pa Christian was a coal miner and a “jake leg” preacher–a preacher with no formal training who simply “got the call to preach” and started doing it. When I knew him, I wasn’t a Christian, and didn’t really even believe in God.
But I remember him, and his faith. I remember as a teenager getting word that he had died after praying all morning with a friend that God would take him. I remember a lightning trip back to Kentucky for his funeral, and finding out when we got there that “Ma” Christian had also died. She had been in a coma for weeks in a nursing home, and was never told of Pa’s death. She died 19 hours after he did–after he had prayed all morning that God would bring them both home.
That didn’t make a believer out of me. But it did stick with me. And after I came to know the Lord it became an example of God’s sovereignty over our lives.
The kids were more intent on climbing on the statue than looking at it, but as we were resting there, I pulled my oldest grandson, six year old Jaden, aside. I said “Jaden, do you know who that looks like?”
He said “No. Who does it look like?”
I said, “That looks just like my grandpa’s father. Did you know that makes him your great-great-great-grandfather?”
His eyes lit up and he said, “Wow!” That’s three greats!
As I told him just a little bit about his great-great-grandfather, a man who died before Jaden’s dad was even born, I saw myself as a link between that old man and this little boy. A link in time between my grandkids and those who came before me.
And I wondered.
Will Jaden one day see a statue that reminds him of me? Will he pull his grandson, or great-grandson aside and tell him about me?
And what will he say?
Will he tell him about how we played together? About Grandpa’s “big bike”? About our mornings at Starbuck’s?
Will he remember my faith? Will it point him to our Lord and help him to rely on God when he is hurting or feeling helpless?
Pa Christian didn’t know who or what I would be. He didn’t know I would have eight grandchildren. He didn’t know that what he did would impact me years later. But he left a footprint of faith.
The name of this blog is “faith footprint”. Each of us leaves a footprint–evidence of our life–when we have passed this way. What will that footprint be, and who will read its signs?
Why I’m not a proud American.
Yesterday was the 4th of July, a day Americans celebrate with food, fireworks and other things. Every year I find myself feeling out of place, and out of sync with most of those around me who proclaim their pride in America. That doesn’t surprise me. You see, I’m not a proud American.
Before you put me on your “Detested Persons List”, I should say I am grateful for many things about this country. It has afforded me opportunity and relative freedom. It is beautiful. It has many benefits provided by our taxes—and unlike many proud Americans around me, I never complain about paying those taxes.
So, why am I not a proud American?
First, those of us who belong to the Lord have been warned about the “pride” part. The Bible says God is opposed to the proud. But I can hear the objection from Christian Americans: “Isn’t it a good thing to be proud of your country?”
No. Unless there is a caveat in the scripture that says “…except when you’re proud of being an American”.
This isn’t a figure of speech, or a suggestion. It’s a statement of where we stand with God when we adopt pride.
So, being a “proud” American, for a Christian, is just a bad idea.
But it doesn’t stop there. Those of us who belong to the Lord need to answer a simple question about identity. Are we Americans who are Christian, or Christians who live in America? I have found I have to be a Christian. My American citizenship is nice, but its primary value should be for how it can benefit my real country–the Kingdom of God.
The Bible also says that those of us who belong to the Lord are strangers in a strange land. We don’t belong here. Our citizenship is in heaven.
Also not a figure of speech.
We can debate the implications of this, but however we apply it, we have to take it seriously. I grew up in an environment where many claimed to be Christian, but were Americans—their allegiance was first and foremost to this country, and they obeyed the Lord if—and only if—doing so didn’t conflict with their American identity.
Some would say this isn’t a problem. I’m making too much of this. Christians in America surely can rest easy. Our allegiance to our earthly country won’t conflict with our allegiance to God. But history is full of examples where people believed that. And reading that history we shake our heads wondering how they couldn’t see the problem.
If our faith is real, we have to be vigilant. Not against worldly enemies or political powers or policies. But against our own tendency to equate “good” with “us”, and to be proud that we’re Americans.
You never know…
Posted by Randy in Church, Everything Else, Leadership on June 26, 2010
One of the most amazing and humbling experiences I have as a minister is when I see what God does with what I do–even when I don’t know I did it, or how important it was to people.
Years ago I was called as a police chaplain to a trailer. An 18 year old boy had taken his own life by putting a shot-gun in his mouth and pulling the trigger. I sat with his family as the coroner and police did their work 20 feet away. I told each family member what happened as they arrived. Then I sat with them more. For hours. When I left I felt useless, unable to do anything to help. I wondered why the family didn’t just tell me to leave.
The next year I was talking with a professor at the local university. When she found out my name she said, “I know about you!”. It seems one of the young man’s sisters was her assistant. I was stunned when she said” “She never stops talking about you, and how grateful her family is for all you did. She said they never would have made it through that day without you”.
I never knew. I thought I was useless. But God used me even when I didn’t know it!
A few years ago one of the homeless men who had begun to attend our church (donuts are attractive!) told us he had made a commitment of his life to the Lord and wanted to be baptized. We baptized him that week. A few months later he was found dead, lying under the bush he called home. We have a number of people in our church who are homeless, or have been homeless, and when we held a memorial service for this man, many of them turned out. Then, except for a few stories told occasionally, he was forgotten.
Today I received an email from a friend in our church (thanks Rita!). She told me she had heard about a friend of hers–the mother of the homeless man we baptized and memorialized. She told me she had heard from another friend who visited this mother that she is in the final stages of Alzheimers and couldn’t remember much of her life. She apparently had a few memories that have, for some reason, burned themselves into her mind.
One of those memories is of “that church on Lincoln” who gave her son a memorial service, and showed love for him and her.
When I read that email, I was surprised, humbled, amazed, and grateful that years later God had uses something we did to encourage this woman and remind her when she remembers virtually nothing that God’s people love her.
Love Jesus, and Be Faithful. You never know…
Love can make you sick
Love Can Make You Sick.
All parents can relate to this. Your small child is sick. She feels hot on the forehead. She doesn’t look good. Then she loses her lunch all over the floor, getting some on her in the process. So what does love do? Love cleans her up, strokes her hair and comforts her. The problem is, I have a reaction to the smell of vomit—I join the action. Donna had the misfortune of being able to handle the smell without getting violently ill herself.
Love can make you sick.
This week I talked with several people who were really hurting. In their pain they were not pretty. They were angry, frustrated, scared, confused—and when someone was willing to listen all that pain spewed out. Some got on them. Some got on me. Fortunately, I didn’t have the same physical response.
Hurting people aren’t always easy to be with. Loving them can be hard. Awkward. Even painful.
Sometimes, when we’re around people who are hurting, we want to get away. They lost someone. They’re getting a divorce. They got laid off.
If we see them coming we turn around. If we see their name on caller id we don’t answer. It isn’t because we hate them, or even don’t like them. It’s because we aren’t sure we can love them. Because loving can be hard. Awkward. Painful.
We can’t always change that, but we can change our response to it.
The thing is, as a dad, even when loving my kids literally made me sick, I loved them. I cleaned them up, and cleaned up after them (if Donna wasn’t thereJ). No smell, no ugliness of illness could dent my commitment to them. Love is stronger than that.
It’s ok to feel awkward around someone, but we can still stand by them. It’s ok to be confused–even to feel pain with another–but we can still tell them we care, even if we don’t have magic words to make the hurt go away. In the long run, it isn’t our words that make a difference. It’s our willingness to be with someone.
I wonder how Jesus feels. Do I make him sick sometimes? Probably. That’s how I know we can love even if we don’t feel like it.
Jesus’ love is stronger than mine. No matter what I do. No matter how smelly I am. No matter how ugly, it doesn’t change his love. It’s stronger than that. It’s stronger than my ugliness. It always will be.
When should we worry?
Posted by Randy in Church, Culture, Leadership on June 18, 2010
Well, by now the recession has affected pretty much everyone it is going to effect. In southern California, that means almost everyone in one way or another. Churches aren’t exempt–in fact they were among the first to feel the pressure of the recession a few years ago, and many are seriously struggling.
Like us.
Last Sunday the chairman of our elders gave a sort of state-of-the-congregation address to the church. He explained how God is doing some great things in our church, and we’re excited about what is ahead. At the same time, we are seriously under budget–and our budget is pretty bare-bones. We have some reserves, but as we approach our budget for next year, we are facing the reality that we may have to consider serious measures–like selling our property, or laying off staff.
Those are never fun things to say.
People in the congregation had different reactions. One guy came to me and said “you guys got me scared”. I think he wanted me to tell him there was no need to worry.
So, is there a need?
I think there is a time to be scared. To worry. But it isn’t necessarily when we think it is. So, when should we worry?
Well, it isn’t when circumstances are bad–or even insurmountable. God is bigger than circumstances. Any circumstances. The reserves we are relying on at NOCC were provided in an unexpected way by God. He can do that again if chooses to. He can provide jobs and bless businesses. He has the resources. That’s not a problem.
So when should we worry? I think we should worry when we decide not to follow the Lord. Part of our problem is the economy–lost jobs, failed businesses, etc. But that isn’t the whole story.
Part of our problem is some of us DO have the resources, but have simply decided not to use them.
Some are afraid.
Some think it is someone else’s problem.
Some are mad at God or are simply too selfish to give.
All of these are symptoms of one problem–the problem that should cause us to worry. They are symptoms of a lack of faith.
God is faithful. He always has been. He always will be. He is. We don’t need to wonder or worry about whether he will do what he has promised. We, on the other hand, are notoriously unfaithful (yes, “faithfulness” is part of “faith”). The problem is, God will let us be unfaithful.
When we are unfaithful, there are consequences. And God is too good a father to allow us to be unfaithful without experiencing the consequences. In other words, when we are unfaithful, we can’t expect God to “bail us out”.
The answer is not to hope God will somehow do something to bail us out. The answer is to repent, and be faithful. And if we refuse, then perhaps it is time to worry.
How much does God love me?
Posted by Randy in Bible, Church, Culture, Everything Else, Family, Leadership on June 10, 2010
This theme came up in our home group, and I thought it was worth a brief discussion.
How much does God love me? So many people wonder whether God loves them at all. They have lots of reasons–their sin, their history, the fact that no one else seems to love them, the belief that they are “unlovable”. So how can God love me? And if he does, how far will that love go?
For others, the knowledge that God loves them brings a sense of entitlement. God loves me, THEREFORE he wants me to be happy. And if he wants me to be happy, and this (whatever “this” is) makes me happy, then God must be good with that. So I can do, or be whatever I want, and God is good with that.
So, is it true? Does God love me? And if he loves me, how much?
The answer is YES!!!!!
The whole point of Jesus’ life is God’s love. God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him would not perish, but have everlasting life.
God loves you so much he became like you, then gave his life for you. He loves you that much.
But?
Yes, there is a “but”. He loves you that much–so much that his love knows no bounds.
And if he loves you that much, if he wants the best for you, why would he leave you lost in your sin? Why would he stand by and say “as long as you’re happy” knowing your “happiness” is destroying you?
He wouldn’t.
Jesus loves you just the way you are–he died for you just as you are. BUT, he loves you too much to leave you that way.
Paul says those of us who are in Christ are new creations. That’s not just a cool saying, it’s for real.
Paul also said the Holy Spirit is busy working within us, producing the fruit of the Spirit–love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. And since this isn’t who we are (none of us is righteous, no, not one!) that means he apparently isn’t interested in leaving us the way we are.
So, does God want you to change. Of course! He wants you to grow!
Does that desire to see you be different mean he doesn’t love you the way you are?
Of course not! If that was the case, what we know as Christianity wouldn’t exist–because it is based on the sacrifice Jesus made for you and me WHILE WE WERE STILL IN OUR SIN.
God loves you just the way you are, but he loves you too much to leave you that way.
We’re the same, just different
Posted by Randy in Church, Culture, Everything Else on May 28, 2010
I made this as short as I could:-).
We’re back home in Socal now, trying to readjust and wondering if that was really only an 11 day trip. I’m sure the Lord will work in me–and hopefully through me–as the impact of this trip on me and those I taught unfolds. For now, I find my mind flashing through two conflicting themes–how different we are, and how much we’re the same.
The oppressive heat and humidity hit us as soon as we walked out of the airport–at 6:30 a.m.–as well as the ubiquitous scooters of every shape (only small size) and configuration. Maybe the humidity is why they don’t much bother with paper towels or napkins–or toilet paper. Mostly just a hose next to the toilet.
Our attention was drawn to the giant billboards, and the portraits of the King which were EVERYWHERE. Of course, one of us drives on the ride side of the road–and car. Our plugs don’t work there. Dogs were everywhere, but they weren’t pets. This is part of the Buddhist influence, also everywhere apparent with the opulent temples and statues in the midst of poverty. Even in our similarities we’re different. The malls have many store names we recognize, and as we were led through the make-up section–a full floor–I was a bit taken back to see all of the shoppers using the displays to apply their make up–all of them young men. Thai massage parlors are everywhere–full body and foot. There were of course many more differences, but there were also a lot of similarities
Some of these are due to western influence. Most signs were in English, and many of the stores are the same ones we have. The food is quite different–if you eat traditional. However, KFC, Burger King, Sizzler, and McDonald’s are everywhere. EVERYONE has a cell phone, and every student has a laptop. Traditional Thai dress is hard to find. Traffic is reminiscent of any city of millions of people–except that motor scooters are everywhere and they make California lane splitting look seriously tame!
Perhaps the place the similarities showed the most were in the Thai church. Comprising only a few percent of the country’s population, Thai Christians are unusual, especially in Bangkok. The songs are western, and even the little chapel in a seriously rural mountain village had an electric guitar in the corner. The worship services consisted of the same elements, though everyone praying aloud at once was strange to my American ears, and the men and women segregated on different sides of the room was strange.
The problems the church deals with are amazingly similar to ours. The tendency to “believe” but still live however they want–and the fear of leaders that if they practice church discipline they’ll lose popularity. The competition between congregations for members in some churches was disheartening, but not unfamiliar (some churches are “growing” tremendously by wooing members of other churches). Problems with immorality and inconsistency were brought up constantly.
And there was another similarity–some churches are growing, and some are dying. I was a bit taken aback to hear that Dr. Chun and I were among the few guest lecturers who relied on scripture for our teaching. Apparently the influence of the liberal churches through the denominational structures who originally sent missionaries has become extreme, and many of these church leaders reflect this. Others have remained faithful to the Lordship of Jesus and the authority of scripture. Some were gratified at our Biblical foundations, some weren’t sure what to do with it. When I answered their objections to something I said with “but I just quoted scripture” the differences in the group were clear:-).
Despite the differences in our cultures and lifestyles these people are basically the same as we are. They sin, they are lost, and they need the Lord. And when they find the Lord, their faith is the same. Some had faith so strong it moved me. Others have allowed the world to distract them from the Lordship of Christ. Lord willing we helped to point back to Him.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Elephant poop, polygamy and the church: lessons from Thailand.
Posted by Randy in Bible, Church, Culture, Everything Else, Leadership on May 22, 2010
What do these three things have in common? I am learning something about each one in Thailand.
First, elephant poop floats. I learned this as we were walking *in* (not across) a river on a 1 hour long elephant ride near the Myan-mar border this morning. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination.
Second, polygamy is legal, and if not common, certainly not rare in Thailand. This poses a particular problem for ministers seeking to implement family ministries in Thai churches. We had over an hour of discussion on this question yesterday morning.
Third, the church is amazingly similar world wide. This one is honestly a bit depressing to me. I was hoping to learn of the great commitment of Christians in this overwhelmingly Buddhist country. After all, it is swimming upstream just to call yourself Christian here.
What I have learned is that most Thai Christians are like most American Christians. They tend to get “Thai” and “Christian” a bit mixed up. Just as American Christians have overwhelmingly fallen into a an “American” lifestyle–whether it matches scriptural teaching or not; Thai Christians are apparently constantly wrestling with the demands of being “Thai” and their implications for Christians.
The problem seems to be that we forget we belong to another kingdom. That isn’t picturesque speech, it is a literal and very real fact.
If we belong to Jesus, we are NOT American Christians. We are Christians who live in America. Our allegiance must be first to Christ and his kingdom. Our “culture” should be built on the norms of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Instead, we so often find ourselves fitting into the world quite nicely, and not following our Lord.
Nothing new, considering Paul told the Roman church to STOP (it was already going on) letting the world conform them to its own mold.
Churches all over the world seem to be wrestling with this, because Christians all over the world are wrestling with it. I’m not saying the answer is easy–or even simple.
I am saying that if we ask FIRST “what does following Jesus look like in this situation?”, we will inevitably be stronger in our relationship with the Lord.
An Open Letter To All Who Are Married Or Might be
Posted by Randy in Culture, Everything Else, Family on May 15, 2010
In honor of my wife who yesterday caught up with me in age yet again, I write an open letter to all who are married, or might be in the future.
Before you marry, you have a choice. I will, or I won’t. After you marry, the choice is made. But marriage doesn’t happen to you. It is what you (and yes, the “you” is plural) make it. You will have a good marriage, a “blah” marriage, or a bad marriage as a result of what you decide to do and be. I don’t put down people who have not stayed married–especially those who wanted to. But I literally grieve with those who decide it’s too hard, or they’re not in love any more, or God doesn’t want them to be unhappy–and divorce. Staying with it is worth it.
Donna and I got married too young. The odds were against us (appx. 98% likelihood of divorce in the first five years). And we know why. Our first two years were miserable. We didn’t like each other, we didn’t like being with each other. We didn’t trust each other. BUT we didn’t believe in divorce, so we stayed together when everyone around us (EXCEPT those at the Bible college I attended who supported us staying together) told us we should divorce. We were only 18, we could start over and it would be like it never happened
Instead, we asked for help. From a counselor, from other couples, from “Old Married People”. And we grew. And God changed us.
The difference between us and the 98% was that we honored God’s command and others who belonged to him helped us. In short, we didn’t give up. We stayed.
So what?
Because we stayed together, we learned to like each other and became best friends. We have stayed that way our whole lives. Yesterday, my best friend had a birthday:-).
Because we stayed together, we shared ministry together for over 30 years. We’ve been honored to help thousands of people across the country. Together.
Because we stayed together we shared three fantastic kids. We loved them, we raised them, we disciplined them, and we did it all as a team.
Because we stayed together we saw those kids leave and were able to comfort each other as we realized we’d never have them home as “kids” again.
Because we stayed together we watched them get married, and celebrated with a deepened love between us.
Because we stayed together we get to play together with our grandkids.
Because we stayed together I have gotten to see God continue to grow her and change her and mature her and make her into an even more amazing person (and I don’t use “amazing” to describe just anything!).
Yesterday, this amazing person had a birthday. And I got to be with her all day.
Yeah, It’s worth it.
Amazing self destruction.
Posted by Randy in Bible, Church, Everything Else, Leadership on May 13, 2010
The past few days I have been increasingly amazed at our capacity for self-destruction. Jesus wept over the people of Jerusalem, saying how often he had longed to protect them like a hen gathering her chicks under her wings–but they wouldn’t let him.
Often, we don’t let him either.
A Christian woman knows the man she is going out with has a deep desire for her–and none at all for our Lord. She sees him anyway.
A Christian man asks for prayer that he can regain his physical strength and that his finances will improve. Then he goes over to the sidewalk to have a cigarette.
A young mother is furious with the church staff because we won’t allow a known pedophile to sit with her preschool age son during dinner.
A teen is so enamored with the idea of joining the military and killing the enemy he forgets he has given his life to the Prince of Peace.
Amazing.
You may not like all my examples. And yes, there are reasons people are the way they are.
The fact remains, we are our own worst enemy. We have a seemingly unlimited drive toward self-destruction.
It doesn’t have to be that way. But then we know that too. It doesn’t stop us.
Jesus died for us, knowing we most of us were bent on our own self-destruction anyway.
Amazing.
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