His Glory is His Goodness

My church is in the middle of a sermon series about "The Ten Commandments." This might seem like elementary stuff. But going back to the basics of God's Word is fundamental in the life of every Christian. 
I admit, the Ten Commandments seems like a list of 'don'ts'; which is  a moniker for how the outside world views the Christ follower's life. For nonbelievers, our lives are a compiled list of harsh boundaries and things we 'won't do' in order to be righteous. The truth is the exact opposite. God's word isn't confining; it is by design to make you free. Freed from un-necessary pain, struggle, and shame. The psalmist in Psalm 31 put it this way:
….as for me, I trust in the Lord.
⁷ I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
    for you saw my affliction
    and knew the anguish of my soul.
⁸ You have not given me into the hands of the enemy
    but have set my feet in a spacious place.

When Cameron and Ben were little I used to tell them not to play in the street. It is not because I wanted to confine them. It is because I foresaw dangers they could not (like oncoming cars); my rules were to protect them, because I loved them.  The same is true for the ones God has laid out for us. God's word is for us, not against us. This has been one of the key themes as we look at each individual commandment; they point to God's goodness. 

But the second theme is really where my heart landed today. The Ten Commandments are also given to us to help live our lives to ultimately give God glory. "Giving God glory" is a phrase we use so often in church vernacular. I think when you hear something said so often you can easily let it become a colloquialism where you don't spend time really thinking about what it tangibly means. For me, "God's Glory" has always been a difficult concept to wrap my head around. If you asked people, you would probably hear several different words to describe what they think it is. For example, words like majesty, power, omniscience, or strength. And although these are all qualities of God, they are not the one He himself used to describe his Glory. What is someone's "glory"? It is the ONE thing they are most known for; it is something that secures praise or "renown". 

In Exodus 33 Moses was talking with God in the tent of meeting after the Lord has brought the Israelites out of Egypt. He wants to be assured that God will be with him as they go forward. 

Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”

 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." 

God's Glory is His Goodness. It is what He desires to be most known for. 

•  Psalm 103:8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love.
• Psalm 145:8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
• Joel 2:3 Return to the Lord for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love and He relents from sending calamity. 

He makes his goodness known to us through his word (the Bible) and the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. (John 1:14). Hebrews 1:3 tells us "the Son is the radiance of God's glory, and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." Want to see God's goodness (glory)? Look to Jesus. 

Now in light of this revelation. How does this relate to the Ten Commandments? What if every time we made a behavioral choice, even the tough ones, we asked ourselves if my decision will give God glory? In other words, does it point to the goodness of God? Just like Moses, this is how Christ followers distinguish themselves. They seek after God's presence and pursue his Glory; it is evident by the daily choices they make. The Holy Spirit recently challenged me on this new understood definition. I was dealing with some hurt feelings. I had felt snubbed and a bit rejected. In my flesh, this usually means distancing myself.  I told the Lord that the situation and people involved made me feel like I wasn't really chosen, but instead was a last desperate option. 

 And clear as day, He said to me..."How many times am I someone's last desperate option when they haven't chosen to live according to my laws?" And yet, the Lord is gracious, compassionate, and slow to anger. He is good. My decision on how to proceed became very clear. Choose love because that is what He always does. Because love always points to His goodness. 

Easter Reflections: What Is Your Cross?

If you define yourself as a Christ follower, then the Cross and all it symbolizes are central to your system of beliefs. It is both at the core of Christianity and what we celebrate at Easter: Jesus Christ, the one and only Son of God, came to Earth as a man to reconcile us to God. He died on a cross and rose back to life three days later as the perfect sacrifice and atonement for our sins. It was a free gift  that came at a great price. That is why we celebrate Easter. We recognize that our Savior is alive. Because of what He did, we too can defeat death and have eternal life with God.

But Jesus had this to say about the cross in Matthew 10:38, "If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine." Also in Matthew 16:24, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me." These statements tell us there is more to being a true Christ follower than celebration. These statements point to a change of heart that indicate it may cost you something. To understand what Jesus meant by this, I believe we have to ask ourselves three basic questions.

The first question to ask is: What is a Cross? Quite frankly, at the time that Jesus walked the Earth, the cross was a method of execution. It was a form of capital punishment where the victim was nailed or tied to a wooden stake and left to hang, often for several days, until they died from exhaustion or asphyxiation. Due to the weight of the hanging body, in order to breathe, the victim had to push themselves up with their legs, which caused excruciating pain. Eventually fatigue set in and they could no longer do so, and they would asphyxiate.  Often the legs of the victim were broken to hasten their death. The cross was also meant to be humiliating; the purpose was to dissuade others from perpetrating similar acts. Typically the victim was made to carry the crossbeam to the place of execution which could easily weigh over 300 pounds. To magnify their shame, they were  stripped naked as they were nailed to the crossbeam. So to recount, the Cross had three aims: it was meant to kill, shame, and publicly discourage.

This leads us to our second question: What is your Cross? Jesus told us in no uncertain terms we would be asked at some point in our walk of faith to carry a cross. After better understanding what the cross signified for Jesus, I think the 'cross' for every believer is whatever life events have the potential to destroy you, cause the death of your dreams, shame you or steal your happiness. We know this because scripture tells us what the enemy of your soul aims for: "the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy." (John 10:10) For many people this is a stumbling block. Why would a good God allow bad things to happen to good people? But the truth is, that really only happened once (at Calvary)! None of us measure up when compared to Jesus. So the first purpose of your cross is bring you to the realization of what Jesus did  to reconcile us to God. It is your acceptance of this gift that leads to your own salvation. How you choose to deal with those life events, or your walk of faith, is what conforms you to look like Christ. God does not cause bad things to happen. But He will work through them for your good.  For most of my life, my cross has looked like rejection. When one of the biggest challenges in my adult life came, I chose to press into the Word of God like I had never done before. Oh, I had read my Bible before then, but I had never read it as if my life depended on it. I looked for the promises of God over my situation, and in the process he showed me just how faithful, loving and good He really is. Had I not replaced the fear, anxiety and lies with the word of God, I couldn't have walked out fully the calling God has for me. Many of us know the scripture from Romans 8:28 that tells us that God can cause everything to eventually work for our good. But the next scripture in verse 29 more importantly tells us why; "to become like his Son."  Your cross is meant to help you work out your own personal salvation. Ultimately God will not protect us from anything that will make us more like Jesus.

Lastly, this leads to our final question: What are you willing to carry to save others? Trust me when I say that when you are dealing with life's challenges, the world is definitely watching. Many of our struggles are personal, but in God's economy they always have the potential for a larger impact.
I think that is in part why Jesus says specifically, "pick up your cross." He did not say drag it behind you or complain and leave it on the side of the road. How you deal with the challenge and how you carry it matters greatly. What you do when you walk out your challenges broadcasts far more loudly what you believe (about God) more than anything you can say. I say this with all humility. Part of maturing in our faith involves getting better at this; and I've probably failed more times than I can count. But I have come to realize through my profession that difficult circumstances can bring others to Christ. My own testimony started when a patient who was about to potentially lose their child showed me a kindness I had never experienced; it led to me to accepting Christ.  Don't underestimate the ability of your difficulties to save others. Knowing this, what burden are you willing to carry to ensure salvation for others?

Elizabeth Elliot was the wife of a missionary killed by the very tribe he was attempting to minister to. After his death, Elizabeth went back and continued to work with that same tribe bringing many to salvation in Christ. Their story is chronicled in the movie, "End of the Spear." Elizabeth understood what Christ meant by suffering being part of our calling in order to save others when she said, "The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances."

This Easter let us reflect both on the magnificence of the saving that happened at the cross, but also the challenge that it presents to us who truly follow Christ. Just like at Calvary, life's challenges present a manifold of opportunities to display Christ. What was intended for harm, "God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20.
Happy Easter!

New Year's Day is About Choices

At the end of one year and the beginning of a new one is a time of reflection for most people. Life is ultimately about choices. What will I become? Where am I headed? What do I need to change? The start of a new year I think begs us to ask these questions because in our hearts it makes us feel like we have some semblance of control over the very thing we cannot control: the passage of time. I have seen a lot of discussion/posts on social media regarding choices for the New Year. Many of them resound with the theme of not taking anything into the new year, "that didn't serve you in the last." The problem with this way of thinking is that scripture tells us our hearts are deceptive, very easily led astray, and inclined to pride. What 'serves' me best, is probably not where my focus should be if I am seeking a healthy faith walk. As Christians, I think a better way is asking ourselves, "What in my life last year didn't serve God and his calling for me?"

In meditating more about this New Year's dilemma, the Lord led me to a passage of scripture in Leviticus. (I know, crazy choice for a New Year's mantra?!)  The passage talks about obedience to God's word and the subsequent rewards that follow in our lives.

"Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the Lord your God. Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the Lord.If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands....I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. You will still be eating last year’s harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new." 

After reading it I had this thought: What if at the end of the year you were still so overwhelmed with God's blessings or favor, that you had to make room for new ones? Don't just think about this in worldly terms, such as financial or physical prosperity. Although God can certainly bring that too. Think about the blessings that flow from the fruit of a Spirit filled life: goodness, kindness, faithfulness, self-control, peace, love, and joy. That's the kind of New Year's inventory I want to take!  So how does that happen? The answer is through obedience that comes from reverence for God's word. As James 1:22 tells us, "Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." 

My Word Reminder for 2019

We are each given a certain measure of days on this Earth. At times one might not like the hand you've been dealt, but everyone has the power in the midst of any circumstance to choose how you will deal with it. Being able to choose wisely and in faith, is something that is divinely given. Proverbs 1:7 tells us that "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Wisdom is being able to see the outcome of a decision before it is made; only God has that ability. Why? Because He is the only one in the present and in the future at the same time.  It requires a unique discernment and judgement. To make the right choices, especially the ones that are going to provide the kind of blessings mentioned above, you need wisdom that only He can give. This is what led me to my word for 2019: REVEAL. The definition of the word reveal is "to make known through divine inspiration."

But here is the best news! Even though the real ability to make wise choices going into a new year only comes from God, He gives it away freely! James 1:5 tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
Looking back on 2018, I was reminded of my word for that year. It was Focus. Last year God asked me to look at things differently than I had in the past. My life was in transition; I needed a new perspective. The truth is this: how you look at things will change the things you look at. So to me, it naturally makes sense that the next year in 2019 with clearer focus, God works on revelation. I compare it to looking under a microscope. First you have to focus your eyes in the proper direction, and then through divine inspiration, God will adjust the lenses so that your eyes can see things that were once not visible. My part to play, is obedience through faith. I am believing that God is going to reveal both Himself and his wisdom for me, my children, and my husband as we move forward into 2019 in a big way.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for, and assurance in what we do not (yet) see. (Hebrews 11:1)
Happy New Year!

Advent: Expectant Waiting

My family recently travelled to the island of Maui in Hawaii. We planned an activity popular on the island, watching the sunrise on Haleakala. Haleakala is a dormant volcanic crater and its highest elevation at the summit is over 10,000 ft. To watch the sunrise you have to be prepared to arrive at least two hours before dawn to secure a spot along the railing lining the crater. For us, that meant leaving our hotel at 2:45am in the morning. We traveled up the mountain on treacherously curvy narrow roads and reached the vantage point. There, along with several hundred others, we anxiously waited in the darkness and cold for the sun to rise. And when I say it is cold, I am talking about 30 degrees and windy; it was freezing.
But there in between the shivering to keep warm, God reminded me of a scripture from Psalm 130.

"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits. And in his word I put my hope.

I wait for the Lord, more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning."

Have you ever been in a dark place in your life where you were desperate for the God of the universe "to show up", to intervene on your behalf? You desire not only for his presence. You need his presence to see the way out.
That is called expectant waiting. Another word for this is advent.

We often hear that word as it pertains to our current season leading up to Christmas. It is a time of 'expectant waiting' in preparation for the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The word literally means, "the arrival of a notable person, thing or event." Waiting for the sun to rise that morning and the precise moment that it would break through the clouds, was in a sense, an literal advent. That is what we were all there to see. And our discomfort, in the darkness, only made us that much more eager.
But the Lord spoke to me a few other truths after I waited in the dark. First, you have to be willing to wait there. Sunrise happens at a precise time every morning. And although faithful and predictable, you cannot rush it. God's timing in our lives is just like the sunrise (Hosea 6:3). It is faithful and always on time, but you have to endure to see it. Had I decided it was too cold or too uncomfortable to wait, and decided to go back to the car, I would have missed the glory of the moment. Sure the sun still would have come up, but the moment and the opportunity, would have passed me by.  The same is true for our season's of difficulty. If you look for an easy way out, you will miss the glory of when God shows up in your circumstances. Those unique moments are critical to your faith. Those moments are the bridge between head knowledge of God and heart knowledge of Him.  Why is this so? Because you can't know him as faithful, until you require faith. You can't know him as provider, until you have experienced lack. You can't know him as healer, until you have battled sickness. And you can't know him as comforter, until you have felt heartache. When we lean on Him during these moments, and more specifically his promises in scripture, and then wait for Him to illuminate our understanding, He also enlightens our hearts to know Him more. When we believe his promises, despite our circumstances, it is credited to us as righteousness. (Romans 4:5, James 2:23)

God's word promises that when you endure, He will breakthrough. So if you find yourself this Christmas in a season of literal advent, hang on to God and his promises. He will appear. And just like the sunrise that morning among the clouds, it will be glorious.

Haleakala Sunrise November 2018

" Then your light will break through like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear. Then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help and He will say: Here am I. " -Isaiah 58

When Disaster Passes Over: Hurricane Michael

I live in a small town on the Emerald Coast of Florida called Santa Rosa Beach near Destin, FL. We are called the Emerald Coast because of our pristinely white beaches which give the waters a beautiful emerald hue on most days. I live where other people vacation and I consider myself pretty lucky. Even on my 'worst days', I remind myself of this fact. 

There is another beach community just 50 miles to the east of where I live called Mexico Beach; there the coastline is known as "the Forgotten Coast", because it embodies old Florida living. It is mostly rural, slow paced and less touristy in nature. But just five days ago, this area received more attention, than it probably ever has in recent history. And hopefully not soon to be forgotten.

On October 10th, 2018 Hurricane Michael struck the Florida panhandle. A near category 5 storm, with its eyewall passing over Panama City and causing massive storm surge into Mexico City Beach, the hurricane has resulted in widespread devastation. 

The pictures literally look like something apocalyptic in nature. Entire neighborhoods and communities have been wiped out, with the landscape forever changed.

Most of the people I know in the Destin area made preparations for the storm not knowing how severely our area might be affected. Many folks evacuated;  along 30A there was a mass exodus leaving the area looking much like a ghost town. When the day had passed we were left with a mixture of emotions. There was relief and thankfulness that we did not see the worst effects of the storm. But people also articulated they weren't sure how to feel when disaster passes over you and hits your neighbor instead. Knowing that what happened to Panama City/Mexico Beach area, could have happened here instead brought a somber realization; we escaped what others have not. It's called survivors guilt. 

If you call yourself a Christ follower, this in fact should be our daily reality; not merely when the storms of life come uncomfortably near. By believing in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, and making him your Lord and Savior, death has already 'passed us over'. He paid the price for my sin, granting me the gift of eternal life with God. Knowing that there are people on each side of me, who will not escape that sentence, should produce in me the same mixture of emotions.

The first is gratitude. Because of what Jesus did for me, I am motivated to show the same grace to others. Gratitude compels us to action. We have seen this in our area. Countless individuals and churches immediately went into these devastated areas looking for physical needs that could be met. Motivated by the knowledge that this could have been them, they felt like they had to help.  Basic fundamentals like food, water, and shelter are first priority. When you meet a person's physical needs, it opens the door to meet their spiritual needs as well. Jesus demonstrated this reality over and over. In John 4 he met a woman at a well. Her physical need was thirst. But her spiritual need was to fill a hole in her soul that left her always thirsty. This is how we partner with God in his mission here on Earth. He very much cares when we have physical needs, but He cares the most about our greater spiritual need. The ultimate goal of our motivation to act should be the truth of the Gospel and it starts with us; it is the realization that I have been spared with a grace that I did not deserve and therefore I need to share what I have with you. 

"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. " - Luke 12:4-5. 

The other emotion many have felt is being overwhelmed. The task of re-building seems so big. Where do we start and to whom do we go to? I think the answer is always to follow the example of Christ. As he travelled in his ministry, He met the need of the person who was directly in front of Him. Many times that need was presented as an interruption or  by someone others would have overlooked. In our modern era, I think Mother Teresa is an example of someone who keenly understood how to look at a massive problem like the world's lack and be the solution. You start with the need that is directly in front you. You start with your neighbor.   Here are some of her thoughts:

• Love begins with the ones who are closest to us; it begins at home. 
• We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.
• If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one. 
• Do not wait for leaders. Do it alone. Person to person. 

I can't go to Panama City and pick up a chainsaw. But I can use the talents and gifts that God has given me and I can do it one expecting family at a time.

Lastly, one thing we should never question is the goodness of God, even when bad things like natural disasters happen. If you think the worldly devastation was massive, could you even begin to comprehend the spiritual aftermath that God is working?  It is upside down thinking to us, but God reveals himself in peoples lives how He chooses. Sometimes that is through some pretty fierce storms. I believe He was (and is) working in this midst of this storm in countless ways that our natural eyes don't easily see. Just read the stories on the internet and you will 'see' countless miracles if your eyes are looking for them. You can't fully know Him as comforter, until you have really known fear. You can't fully know him as provider, until you have really known lack.  You can't fully understand his love, until you really comprehend his grace. I can tell you without a doubt, that it was the hardest times in my life that have allowed me to better comprehend God's character. He doesn't just want me to have a head knowledge of his love, he wants me to experience it first hand. As residents of the Emerald Coast, this is our privilege. Disaster may have passed us over, but God's love did not. And by being his missionaries to our neighbors to the east, we are granted an incredible opportunity to know Him more.

Do you know what the name "Michael" means? It means "who is like God?" Who is like this God who controls the winds and waves, yet then cares for my intimate personal needs? Who is like this God who works in all things for the good of those who are called according to his purpose? (Romans 8:28) Who is like this God who would send his one and only son to die to save me from my own certain destruction? Who is like this God who can accomplish all of this without me, yet allows me to partner with him in the administration of grace?  The irony is that in God's economy, it may be the  story of the 'Forgotten Coast' that imprints upon my hometown the most indelible of life lessons. 

In His Image - #nofilter

 "Our problem following Jesus is we're trying to be a better version of us, rather than a more accurate reflection of him." I mentioned this quote by Bob Goff in my last post. It has really sunk into my marrow, which usually means God wants me to meditate on it. This was especially true after reading another book, "This is our Time: everyday myths in light of the gospel." by Trevin Wax. Scripture tells us that as we grow in our faith and mature in our discipleship we should look, act, and think more like Christ. In fact 1st Corinthians 2:16 tells us through the holy spirit we can actually "have the mind of Christ." Practically, what would that really look like in today's world? I've had to ask myself some hard questions to get to the answer. And I realize the struggle is a daily one.

First, I know it would be completely counter cultural. The world tells me every day to work hard at being a better "Me." And even worse, I'm encouraged to make sure I reflect the best  version of myself that I can to the rest of the world. Facebook, Instagram and every other social media outlet is designed to help us carefully craft what the world sees us reflect. Filters, apps, pithy t-shirts, and stories are all designed to give us just the rightly constructed image to meet our needs. And fundamentally it does speak to one our true needs: the ultimate goal of the selfie is to be known. All of us, including myself, want to be seen and understood. We want to know that we are not invisible, someone really understands us, and that we matter. To be affirmed and accepted is core to human existence. The problem becomes when we are no longer seen doing, but instead doing things to be seen. This is the precise moment things can take a turn: "The primary myth the smartphone tells you every day is that you are the center of the universe."

As I read this I had a chilling thought. Do you know how God defines a carefully crafted image that seeks to put me first? It's called an IDOL. Prioritizing that image is called idolatry. God calls that sin.

   "Do not make any idols." Exodus 34:17

  “Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman?
    Or an image that teaches lies? For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation;
    he makes idols that cannot speak.
 Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!' Can it give guidance?
    It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.”. -Habbakuk 2:18

Oh how insidious this is in today's world. It's like a raging current. Before I know it, I am way downstream.  I am not suggesting that every Christian has to completely dump all social media. I like keeping up with friends through their posts and sharing with others what God is doing in my life; it helps us feel connected in a very busy world. Oh, and as an aside, some of those filters do wonders for the little fine lines that keep popping up.  However, one has to realize that to have the mind of Christ will require constant efforts against the flow of culture. When I realized the pull that likes, comments, and views were having on some of my decisions, the Holy Spirit convicted me and I immediately repented. The only way to reflect your true self, and the one God intended, is by living daily connected to the one who created you. It isn't through social media. It is through his Word. He knows you better than you know yourself anyway. That's being fully known. It will never be through the idol of a carefully crafted selfie. Without the Holy Spirit driving the thought processes, "there is no breath in it".  Which brings me to my final thought.

Without the divine breath of life, any idol we have crafted is dead. So ultimately it cannot save. I think one of most insidious and dangerous ways we craft idols is the way we choose to reflect to the world our relationship with God. Sometimes as Christians we think our families, or ourselves, need to look or act a certain way to appear spiritual and inspired. If I go on this mission trip, or adopt that child, participate in that service project or attend this conference, then I will gain a certain level of authenticity (especially if I make sure everyone knows I did it). One of the most extreme examples in scripture is the story of Annais and Saphira. (Acts 5)  They were two believers who brought money to the temple after selling property. That looks obedient, right? The problem is that they lied to the Apostles about the price it was sold for and therefore kept some back for themselves. Immediately God struck them both dead. This may seem really harsh, but the fact is they were trying to reflect a devotion to the Lord that was counterfeit. Their motive was about their appearance, not their worship. God knows this won't bring salvation to anyone including yourself. That he takes very seriously.

The truth is that to reflect the image of Christ it cannot be man-made at all. Otherwise, it is an idol whether religious appearing or secular in origin. So how do we have the mind of Christ and therefore reflect to the world the image for which we were created? By taking away the outer layers of pretense we create to veil our selves and pressing more deeply into the Word of God. With the currents of  prevailing culture, Christians need to know scripture. Then we go out and share those truths with the rest of the world. It's that simple. It is called the Gospel. No filter necessary.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. -2 Corinthians 3:18

Love Without Fear: Everybody Always

I just finished reading the new book by Bob Goff entitled "Everybody Always".

First let me tell you I highly recommend this read, but my recommendation comes with a warning: You're going to hate it. Wait, what? You read correctly; this book is about to get "all up in your business". It is a complete paradigm shift in your thinking about the way we think as Christians we are called to love others. I've only had one other book affect me like this; it was "So Long Insecurity" by Beth Moore. With a little reflection, I have now realized God has been weaving a work in me for quite some time, slowly but surely, layer by layer, molding me into a disciple who doesn't just give love, but as Bob puts it, "becomes love." By no means am I suggesting I have arrived, but after reading this book, I may better understand the path God has designed for me. It is a path that I might have to battle a few times before I can declare victory....not unlike a place called "Hacksaw Ridge."

Allow me to explain. Not coincidentally just as I finished the book I watched a movie about the true life story of Desmond Doss, entitled "Hacksaw Ridge." Let me assure you after reading "Everybody Always" I just know that Bob and Desmond would have been great friends. Desmond Doss was a conscientious objector in WWII and served as a combat medic; he refused to carry a gun. You could say his only weapon was his bible. Desmond Doss saved 75 injured men single handed after a gruesome battle, carrying or dragging, each one to safety. With each attempt, he would have to go back into enemy territory, to find someone who needed rescue, unarmed and with danger all around.  In the movie, the scene is climatic as Desmond exhausted and bloody, asks God with each rescue to help him save "Just one more."  The imagery is  profound.  Desmond, knowing the Lord was with him and "armed" with only the sword of the Spirit, knew he didn't need to be afraid. Bob Goff puts it like this,"What I'm learning about love is that we have to tackle a good amount of fear to love people who are difficult." and ultimately to love like Jesus did. This is how we are to make disciples; one at a time. "People don't bloom where they are planted. They bloom where they are loved." (Bob Goff)  How would you love if you weren't afraid? Bob's book challenges me to love that way. Ouch.

You see most of my life I have struggled with the fear of rejection. Rooted in my childhood experiences, I have always sought after the approval of others. Until I read Beth Moore's book I mentioned earlier, I did not even fully grasp how much my behaviors were controlled by it. It took finally comprehending God's love for me,trusting the promises in his Word (which meant actually reading it and taking it to heart), and facing a searing rejection as an adult before God helped me overcome that stronghold. Now I distinctly heard his voice say it was time to take the next step in maturing my faith.

What if I rejection didn't just have a hold over me, but I actually really loved in the face of it? I heard in my spirit 1John 4:18 : There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.(NIV) The Message bible puts it this way:

God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.

The last sentence of this scripture is the punch in gut. If you want to love like Christ, you cannot let fear get in the way. It is the only way to mature your faith. But wait a minute. To love like that might hurt and it is definitely going to be hard. Yep. And truth be told, I am more likely than not going to mess up. Bob tells us this is when we get honest with God and ask for help.

"I still mess up more often than I want to. When I do, instead of beating myself up, wishing I were the guy who had it all figured out, I hear the kind and gently voice of Jesus reminding me once again to stop laying sod where He's planting seed in my life. His reason is simple: He's more interested in making us grow than having us look finished. He wants me to realize I'm just not quite there yet."

"Our problem following Jesus is we're trying to be a better version of us, rather than a more accurate reflection of him." (Bob Goff)  Let that sentence marinate for a few minutes.  When I do that, it brings me to tears.

Now back to the movie scene where Desmond keeps going back for each wounded soul. Once he brings them to safety, he has to lower them down a steep cliff with a rope. The friction has eventually worn the skin off his hands that are now bloody. But he doesn't stop.

Looking at those bloody hands, I realized he was more like Christ in that moment than ever before. Loving everybody always is going to cost you and more likely than not is going to hurt. But to save peoples souls, it is the price we need to pay. Bob suggests this may ultimately be the report card on our faith. "Maybe God made loving Him and our enemies the easiest way to tell whether we just agree with Jesus or if we want to be perfect like Him."

This year God gave me the word FOCUS for 2018. Focus as a verb means "adapt to the prevailing level of light and become able to see clearly." This book has been like a light switch for me; God adjusted the level of light in my life to look at things differently. But my healing is more a gradual process like in Mark 8.

 They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around." Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

Maybe my focus for this year is not just a noun but a verb. It is a call to see people differently. 
Why? Because Love Does.