Author: Faithful Servant

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”  (2 Corinthains 5:17 NIV)

How dramatic does an event have to be to bring about permanent change? It is a question often asked following a human tragedy or otherwise catastrophic occurrence which is accompanied by some form of imposed sacrifice. After such happenings, life as we know it is often altered for a while. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, experts told us that on the other side there would be what many referred to as a ‘new normal.’ No one was able to tell us exactly what that would look like or how long it would last. After a hurricane, for example, people frequently join to help their neighbors. They cut up one another’s fallen trees, drag waterlogged furniture to the curb, and grill food from powerless freezers. Sometimes, the bonds that form last forever; most times, however, they are fleeting. Life often returns to what it had previously been, and over time – the memory of the shared experience begins to fade. In the end, as we emerge on the other side of a life-altering event – we will likely struggle to define a new normal based upon what had once been mixed with the need to adapt as a result of what happened.

Experiencing new life and implementing a new normal are inherent in the Christian faith. Following the death of Jesus, Paul told the early Christians they were a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and that those who believed in Christ died with Him and would no longer live for themselves. Their lives would no longer be worldly; they were now more spiritual. The same is true for us, as our old sin nature was also nailed to the cross with Christ. It was buried with Him. As He was raised by the Father – so are we raised to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4 ESV). Because of the new life that we have been given, there is an expectation that we will live a ‘new normal.’ Paul continues: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV). It is then that our purposes, desires, and understandings are made fresh. We hopefully see the world differently with new feelings toward all people—a new love for family and friends, a new compassion never before felt for enemies, and a new respect for the world. 

A new normal can be experienced as either positive or negative, dependent on the way we react to the change. New norms encourage one to deal with current conditions, rather than lamenting about what could have been or what was. It is often dependent on our ability to exercise some degree of control over the situation in which we find ourselves. In those circumstances where social distancing is essential, perhaps a silver lining will occur awakening a better appreciation for the simple things. One can hope that we will never again take for granted a hug from our grandparents, the roar of a crowd at a sports event, coffee with a neighbor, a walk with a friend, a taste of communion, a pot-luck supper, a packed concert hall, or a handshake with a stranger. Possibly it’s our turn to answer the question many of us have asked of the older generation: ‘What did you do during such times, and how did you change?’ When the pause from our old normal ends, we will hopefully find that we have become more like the person we were called to be. And it just might be that we will change for the better because of the worst we have seen.

A new creation can be an amazing thing. But if it is imposed by an outside force like a pandemic, it may not lead to any permanent change. If it is a conscious choice, such as a decision to follow Christ, we are provided with an opportunity to transform our lives. When we decide to walk with God, He will be by our side and not abandon us. His word tells us, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV). If you’re on the cusp of a new normal, you won’t always know what to do, but those first fumbling steps can be a sweet training ground. As you follow Jesus, you’ll learn how to trust and lean on your faith. So be faithful, my friend, and allow that new normal to form a new you.

REFLECTION: As you walk into a season of life challenged with uncertainty – how can you prepare yourself for acceptance of that new reality, if only for a time? The apostle Paul wrote: “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on …” (Philippians 3:13-14 NIV). When you are faced with a sudden change in your life, in what ways can you positively press on in order to embrace what lies ahead?

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“A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.” (Ecclesiastes 3:5 NLT)

Years ago, I bumped into a lady I had gotten to know through a local business which I frequented. She no longer worked there, and it had been a while since I had seen her. Through our over-the-counter chats, she had shared that her father was up in years and had developed some health problems. It was natural then when I greeted her to ask how he was doing. She looked down and sadly said, “Oh he passed away last week due to influenza.” I moved toward her thinking maybe I should perhaps give her a hug in expression of sympathy, when she proceeded to say . . . “and now I think I have it too.” ‘It’, of course, referenced the ‘flu’. I found myself smiling and slowly backing away, continuing to say how sorry I was for her loss while strategizing how I might make a respectfully quick exit. As I reflect on this encounter, I believe how normal my response would have been for many others as well. We attempt to gather in order to do the right thing but find ourselves scattering whenever things don’t seem to be so good.

Gathering and scattering are fairly commonplace. Throughout the history of cultures, we come together to assemble and then return again to our various scattered places. Families and friends gather to recognize holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events. Classmates gather for reunions, and those who have a common interest such as hunting or football often gather to share in rivalry of these activities. I once worked with a lady who frequently talked about her monthly card club with a group of ladies. One day out of curiosity, I asked her what kind of cards they played. She snickered and said – “Oh my, we don’t play cards . . . we just get together to eat and enjoy each other’s company. Contained in God’s Word are regular references to gathering and scattering. We read in the Old Testament that there are times to gather and scatter stones. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan, Joshua had them gather stones, stating – “We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’” (Joshua 4:6 NLT). On another occasion, however, Isaiah spoke of the need to scatter stones: “He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines” (Isaiah 5:2 NIV).

Evidence of gathering and scattering is prominent in that holiest of weeks before Jesus suffered and died a horrible death on the cross. As Jesus gathered with His disciples in the Upper Room on the occasion of what Christian tradition has come to refer to as Maundy or Holy Thursday – it was the last time the chosen disciples would be together as ‘the twelve.’ “Jesus said, ‘I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God’” (Luke 22:15-16) NLT. Then Jesus told them – “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered’” (Matthew 26:31 NIV). As He broke bread with them, it was then that Jesus predicted one of His own would betray Him. It came to pass, for “as soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, ‘What you are about to do, do quickly’” (John 13:27 NIV). And Judas left at once.

Even though many of Jesus’ disciples were scattered at the time of His death and resurrection, Jesus gathered the remaining eleven at Galilee. There He commissioned them to scatter ‘and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19 NIV). Having gathered once more, those who followed Christ would now be equipped to do the other half of what they were called to achieve; that is, to scatter. The Church is, therefore, is tasked with this mission: to gather for worship, instruction, and fellowship, but also to find ways to effectively scatter as demonstrated by the early followers. “But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went” (Acts 8:4 NLT). For you see, being part of a Christ-centered community not only means knowing about Jesus, but it also means sharing Him as a living presence and personal savior. It is only when we do this that we will have captured the true meaning of Easter.

REFLECTION: The women who gathered at Jesus’ tomb were asked “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?” (Luke 24:5 NLT). How should Jesus’ resurrection prompt us to not only worship Him at our Easter gatherings but also prepare us as we scatter to serve Him in the days that follow?

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All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5 NIV)

Did you hear the one about the inspirational speaker who said he had a wonderful presentation on humility but was waiting for a large crowd before he delivered the speech? Although there is humor in that statement, the theme is no joke for it could easily serve to represent a realistic portrayal of anyone in today’s society. There’s another story about a humbler man named Lincoln who got caught up in a situation where he wanted to please a politician, so he issued a command to transfer certain regiments. When the secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, received the order, he refused to carry it out. He said that the President was a fool. Lincoln was told what Stanton had said, and he replied, “If Stanton said I’m a fool, then I must be, for he is nearly always right. I’ll see for myself.” As the two men talked, the President quickly realized that his decision was a serious mistake, and without hesitation he modestly withdrew it.

When it comes to the topic of humility, we might be wise to remember that oft-quoted passage from the Old Testament: “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV). Once Jesus went to eat in the home of a prominent Pharisee and was aware that He was being carefully observed. “When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, Give this person your seat. Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, Friend, move up to a better place. Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted’” (Luke 14:7-11 NIV). No one understood and could teach what it means to be humble like Jesus was able to do.

Once upon a time, a rider came across a few soldiers who were trying to move a heavy log of wood without success. The corporal was standing by just watching as the men struggled. The rider couldn’t believe it. He finally asked the corporal why he wasn’t helping. The corporal replied: “I am the corporal. I give orders.”The rider said nothing in response. Instead, he dismounted his horse and went up and stood by the soldiers. As they tried to lift the wood – he assisted them. With his help, the task was finally able to be carried out. Who was this kind rider? It was George Washington, the Commander-in-chief. He quietly mounted his horse and went to the corporal and said, “The next time your men need help, send for the commander-in-chief.” Likewise, God sent Jesus to serve as our commander-in-chief.

The events of Passover in that last week of Jesus’ life on earth are a true lesson in humility. As He entered Jerusalem, He did so on the back of a donkey. “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me” (Matthew 21:2 NLT). Any earthly king would have never presented himself in this manner, but in doing so He fulfilled a prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) and demonstrated humility rather than arrogance. In the midst of His betrayal as He was arrested, he reached out to restore the man who had his ear cut off by one of His disciples. “But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched the man’s ear and healed him” (Luke 22:51 NIV). This last recorded miracle before the cross flowed out of His humility. Only hours later, He was shamed and beaten. “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8 NIV). At Easter, we should fall on our knees with a humble spirit of gratitude and the assurance that ‘because He lives, we can face tomorrow. To be sure, Holy Week and the celebration of the risen Christ is indeed a lesson in humility for all of humankind. Each new day as we fail to pass the test, we live with hope and promise that He will keep on loving us just the same. Thanks to Him – our debt has been fully paid.

REFLECTION: How can we use the events of Christ’s final week on earth to serve as the ultimate test of humility? Consider ways that you might be a living example to others by showing an act of humility. In what manner might you be able to help an arrogant Christian learn to become a humbler person?

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“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV)

Not long ago, a lady writes to an advice columnist that “while she likes doing kind things for people,” she believes that her “kind acts should be appreciated but not to be expected.” She goes on to express that her generosity has begun to turn to resentment. She must feel some guilt from this, because she asks the advice-giver what she is doing wrong. The words of wisdom shared from the columnist are no doubt intended to get the writer to examine her own actions. At one point she states, “If your self-worth is tied up in the idea that you’re a generous person, you should disengage it.” While that advice might be adequate for many in today’s society, it should also be compared with Biblical teachings when considered by modern-day Christians.

Scripture is filled with many examples of kindness and self-sacrifice. In the New Testament, we read about a person named Tabitha from Joppa who was always doing good. Dorcas, as she was also called, was known for her compassion for the poor in her community and investing in those who were needy. In Acts 9:36-40, we learn about her at the time of her death. Friends search for Peter to see if there was something he could do. Widows showed him all the clothing Dorcas had made for them—gifts that reminded them of her love. Dorcas is described as a disciple and was one who imitated the generosity of God.

From the beginning of Creation, God has been generous toward us. He created us in His image, provides for us, and wants us to be in a relationship with Him. Above all, God demonstrated His generosity when He offered His Son as a sacrifice to atone for our wickedness. The gift of Jesus to sinful mankind was the ultimate validation of His love. He is always seeking people who will reflect His character and model His generosity through self-sacrifice, evidenced by their attitude and actions toward others. While at times we might feel that our generosity is unappreciated, we are not to expect repayment in kind or from any worldly praise. Our reward will come from the Lord, in His way and in His time. In fact, we are challenged to show generosity even to our enemies: “If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them . . . But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:29,35 NIV).

During the Lenten season, we are encouraged to make sacrifices as children of God and followers of Christ. The sacrifices should remind us of the one made by Jesus through which He saved us from sin and won salvation of our souls. While the historical intent behind the season of Lent is purposeful, it has often lost meaning in our culture. It has become fashionable to ‘give up something’ for Lent, so why not consider allowing it to be a period of generosity through self-sacrifice? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone could benefit from the sacrificial offerings of your acts of service? Mother Teresa reminds us that “You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” True generosity begins with a heart of sacrificial service ending with God’s grace and the knowledge that He alone has been exalted.

REFLECTION: If you rely on your generosity to be based on the acceptance and praise from others, how does your attitude and obedience change on a daily basis? How can you combat the falsehood that what God can do through you is limited to what others expect from you? Consider ways you might display God’s generous heart to someone in need through an unexpected act of service?

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…” (Psalm 37:7 NIV)

You snap the photo just as the key play is made or as the colors of the sunset are most vibrant. You submit the application as a vacancy occurs for a job requiring the exact credentials we possess. Or when you’re on vacation, you pull off the highway minutes before a nasty storm and register for the last room the hotel has available that night. Some would call it luck; others might say it was just perfect timing. Whatever it was, you’re just glad it happened that way. But what about when it doesn’t? What happens if we have to wait or if our plans are altered?  I remember once checking into the gate at an airport to be told that my flight had been overbooked and that I was on standby. Even though I tried to be courteous, I insisted that I needed to get home. I am sure that I appeared frustrated, impatient, and perhaps less than gracious while efforts were being made to acknowledge my reservation and get me home in a timely manner. In the hustle and bustle of our hectic lives, we often find it difficult to wait for anything or anyone. We want what we want, and we want it now.

It’s always an uplifting occasion as the weekend arrives when we set the clocks ahead to begin Daylight Savings Time. No matter what’s happening outside with the weather – the days will now seem to be longer, and we know that Spring is just around the corner. Most of the clocks in my house are electric, but I do have one that instead can be erratic. It is a battery-powered atomic clock that resets itself.  When I wake up the morning after a time change, it will have successfully gained or lost an hour depending whether it’s spring or fall. But just as I think it’s up and running the way it should, it will suddenly adjust itself again and the timing will be totally off. Precise timing is hard to achieve with most things in life. I am so glad that we have a God whose timing is always perfect, even though we might not always think so. Charles Stanley says: “When we surrender to His timing, He does mighty things in and for us, according to His will and His timing. God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.”

Three friends of Jesus were caught up in a timing issue.  They were sisters Mary and Martha as well as their brother Lazarus, all known to Jesus. Lazarus became ill, and the sisters sent word to Jesus about their brother’s failing condition. When Jesus received the news, He intentionally waited where He was for several more days (John 11:5-6). By the time Jesus arrived, scripture tells us that Lazarus had died and was already in the grave for four days (John 11:17). A grieving Mary said to Jesus that she knew if He had been there that her brother would not have died (John 11:32) and Martha states that even so, she is confident that God will do whatever Jesus asks of Him (John 11:22). The event provides opportunity for Jesus to demonstrate that He was who He claimed to be, as He indeed raises Lazarus from the dead.  He also sends a clear message that God will be glorified for all those who have faith and wait on Him

We can rest assured that our heavenly Father knows exactly where we are in our lives and what we need at every moment. He allows us to sometimes walk down a difficult path in order to develop patience (Galatians 5:22) and draw us closer to Him. “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in his keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV). God knows the big picture, not the one where the timing of events makes no sense and seems impossible for us. It’s our job to cross the finish line, trusting Him with each step. We need to stop trying to figure out all of the details and simply let God be God. And if, by chance, we are someday able to look back and reflect on the journey – we will affirm with all certainty: “That was perfect timing. It was exactly the way it was supposed to be.”

REFLECTION: Do you become frustrated when it seems like your prayers have not been answered?  Are there times that you have found that waiting for an answer turns out to be the best direction for where you are in your journey? Can you remember a time when a period of waiting provided spiritual growth as you found yourself drawing closer to Him? 

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“The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.”  (Mark 4:26-27 NLT)

A public comment made years ago can be most unhelpful if that individual decides to later run for office. It can serve to negatively bias the opinion of thousands of perspective voters. An example was a politician who once said that he could teach anyone how to be a farmer. He went on to explain that all you have to do is dig a hole, put a seed in with dirt on top, add water, and up comes the corn. While this recorded remark was likely a minor portion of a larger conversation, it served to isolate and insult the intelligence of many hard-working Americans who spend a huge portion of their day growing the food that eventually ends up on our tables. The comment is an oversimplification of what has become a complex industry in our country. Even the novice who may occasionally start a plant in their backyard realizes that there is more involved in the process. For unless you loosen the soil, provide appropriate fertilizer, and do some occasional weeding – your garden isn’t going to amount to much.

In many ways, each of us has the opportunity to do our own sowing of seeds. Many times, however, they are not found in a packet but instead evidence themselves in the seed of ideas. Parents and grandparents, educators, government officials, journalists, pastors, and even those of us who philosophize or express our opinions can become influencers in the way others think and act. We need not look any further than the destructive seeds planted by the propaganda of Adolph Hitler which led to the rise of the Nazi party in Germany, the perpetration of the Holocaust, a World War and the deaths of millions of Jews and other victims. Fortunately, there are also many who have had the opportunity to build character and influence lives for good. One such individual was Fred Rogers, a crafted listener who labored over three decades to plant seeds of hope and expression in the lives of children who sometimes felt angry, worthless, or unloved. Without a doubt, he demonstrated the positive value of influential seed planting.

The late Oral Roberts coined the “seed-faith” principle. It included three basic components: Recognizing that God is your source (Philippians 4:19); giving first, so that it may be given back to you (Luke 6:38); and, expecting a miracle (Mark 11:24). Roberts once wrote, “The moment we ask God for something—the moment we do our part and plant our seed of faith—we should believe God that the answer is on its way. It’s important to expect our miracle so we can recognize it and reach out to take it when it comes. And it’s also important to remember that God controls the time and method He will use to give back to us. We must keep trusting Him and expecting our miracle, no matter how long it takes to reach us.” Out of this philosophy came the highly persuasive concept of ‘seed faith offerings’ which unfortunately was misused to prey upon the desperate and hurting among some of God’s people.

The apostle Paul focused on a different kind of seed faith in his first letter to the early church whose members were totally divided over which of their leaders they should follow. He wrote, “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6 NLT). Paul knew that a real understanding of ‘faith farming’ occurs when we realize that it is God who enables its seeds to sprout roots and ultimately provide for a bountiful harvest. It affirms the once-told story of a older man who prided himself on his beautiful, well-tended garden of flowers. One day while he was on his hands and knees, a neighbor passed by and complimented him on his grand floral display. “Ah,” said the neighbor, “how good the Lord is to produce such wonderful growth. “Yes,” said the gardener, “but you should have seen how magnificent the garden was when God had it all to himself.”  So you see, it’s not as simplistic as just digging a hole and planting a seed. The garden only begins to flourish when God becomes involved in ways we don’t quite comprehend. It is evidenced in the fact that our faith is a result of the improbable fruit of what many in Jesus’ time would have considered a worthless exercise in farming. This should not surprise us . . . for they hadn’t yet come to understand the Kingdom of God.

REFLECTION: Can you recall a time when you have seen seeds of faith yielding a harvest where you would have least expected it? Have there been other times when your faith seeds have not taken root? Consider planting some new seeds and envision what it will be like when the season of dormancy passes.