(…remember those jackets?)

I was in 5^th grade (’84 & ’85) when those “Members Only” jackets were so cool.  They didn’t last very long (as I recall, that fad was quickly replaced by denim jean jackets).  For a lowly 5^th grader the “members only” tag on the chest gave one a feeling of elite exclusivity (which was totally absurd, of course, since millions of people were wearing them).  What it really meant was: “I want to be accepted; I want you to like me, admire me, treat me like I’m important and valuable, etc.” 

Personally – I was never ‘cool’ in elementary school (and did little better at achieving that status in high school or college).  To begin with, I had red hair (only red-heads understand this).  I had nice clothes, but not the latest fads.  As a 5^th grader, I didn’t go to the theatre, watch TV, attend popular concerts or do any of the rest of the things that I thought all of the “normal” kids around me were so familiar with.  I had no four wheeler, no Nintendo, to tan and no idea what the lyrics were to the current country or rock songs: I was disconnected.  I wasn’t necessarily an outcast, it was just that I was just on the fringes.  I was the son of a Fundamental, separated Baptist preacher (somewhat rare), so I thought I had to be twice as rebellious as everyone else just to fit in.  Needless to say, I spent a tremendous amount of time in the principal’s office that year.  Despite my valiant effort, this produced minimal gains for me socially among my peers.

Through the mild harassment that I got for being different, I learned to be something of a maverick.  I knew that I would never be allowed to fully adapt to the “worldly ways” of my schoolmates.  Not only that, but also I got saved during the summer after 5^th grade, so I actually cared (a little) less about being ‘cool’ than I had previously.  Or, maybe it was actually just that I was less willing to fight for acceptance at any cost after becoming a Christian (we all want acceptance, naturally, whether we are saved or not). 

One day, I remember telling a chum in 6^th grade that I didn’t want to see the picture of a topless African woman that he was trying to show me (in the National Geographic magazine from the library in our Christian School).  Now, I would not have dared to turn him down in 5^th grade.  Something had changed in me.  There was a new and unique desire to do right and be right, a desire that I did not have (or that at least I did not succeed in satisfying) prior to my conversion.

Then, there was another epiphanous realization that I experienced in 7^th grade.  Having been saturated with biblical preaching and teaching for 12 years, I had a fairly good handle on spiritual and doctrinal “information” compared to most of my fellow schoolmates (or, maybe I was just more willing to answer questions that other kids).  One night in a church youth group meeting, I answered some questions that apparently no one else in the room knew the answers to (except the youth pastor, of course).  I will never forget how I basked in the “adoring” comments that I got afterward from one particular girl inquiring as to how I knew so much about the Bible.  Unfortunately, for a very carnal and selfish reason I began using the tools that I had to get the attention that I craved.

A few years later I realized that I could gain attention, respect, admiration and status through sports as well, so I began to pour my energies into that hole.  To me, at least I got the attention and admiration that I wanted on the basketball court.  It didn’t make me cool, but I was accepted to some degree anyway.  I still didn’t fit in and I knew it.  So, I made the most of it.  I tried creating my own place. 

I can remember (with some humor) how I developed some eccentric habits that would make me stand out.  I didn’t realize then why I was doing it – but now I do.  I was the only player on the team with a flat top hair cut (not cool in the early 90’s).  I was the only player who used a mouthpiece “for safety.”  I was the only player who wore an overcoat to away games.  I was the only player who wore cowboy boots (not to play in).  I was the only player in my little school to play in Converse sneakers when Nike Air Jordan basketball shoes were in vogue. 

In addition to all of this, I discovered that an air of aloofness, bordering on a hermit like independence, provided a measure of mysterious security for me to recede into safely whenever I needed to feel like I was in control of my life.

All of this ridiculous hullabaloo was, of course, indications of a horribly egocentric and self-absorbed view of life.  I felt like I couldn’t really belong in anyone’s group – so, I became a group of one… allowing others in only from time to time according to their interests and my convenience.  What a ridiculous way to live: cordial to everyone, yet distant and detached in my own way even from close acquaintances and family members.

Now, today I’m immensely grateful that God took me on the path that He did.  I know how sheltered and blessed I was.  Wonderful parents, wonderful education, wonderful leaders, wonderful role models (mostly) and less negative peer pressure than most kids experience.

But – no man is an island.  John Donne wrote, “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main…”  I am a member of a family, a member of a race, a member of a community, a member of society and (most importantly) a member of the body and bride of Jesus Christ.  Each of us must learn to look past ourselves.  We must learn to study those who are seen through our windows just as we study the one we see in the mirror.

There are two 12^th chapters in the NT that speak powerfully to this issue: Romans 12 and First Corinthians 12.

Romans 12, verse 3 and following: “I say to every man that is among you, not to think of himself (we could stop there and learn much)… not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think…  For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us… let love be without hypocrisy.  Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer…  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.  Be of the same mind one toward another.  Recompense to no man evil for evil.  If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.   Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore if your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink...  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

First Corinthians 12, verse 12 and following: “As the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.  For the body is not one member, but many.  If the foot shall say, ‘Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body;’ is it therefore not of the body?  And if the ear shall say, ‘Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body;’ is it therefore not of the body?  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?  But now God has set the members every one of them in the body, as it has pleased Him.  And if they were all one member, where were the body?  But now they are many members, yet but one body.  And the eye cannot say unto the hand, ‘I have no need of thee:’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’  Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: and those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.  For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.  Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”

Being a member of the body of Christ is a huge privilege, but it is also a terrific responsibility.  Paul told us in Romans that we are to prefer one another.  How do we do this?  Let me illustrate.  If my wife asks me to get out of bed to deal with some “mysterious and fearful sound in the night” – I’m supposed to be more concerned (at least in practice) with her nerves than I am with my lazy bohonkus.  Regardless of how hesitant I am to climb out of the waterbed to go check on phantom noises – I’m to do so.  Why?  Because we are both members of the same family and (according to my experience) that particular night-time job has been eternally assigned to the man of the house.  Now I don’t like weird noises at night any more than the most trepid female on the planet, but then, I don’t have anyone I can pass the buck to – so, I grab my shotgun and go check out the creaks and groans.  The welfare and sanity of the whole family takes precedent over the horizontal relaxation of my overstuffed body.  Amen?  

In the Christian life we are supposed to be a contributing member of a local body of believers (I’m not sure that a “hand” is very useful all alone).  Yet, as we come together corporately, we always find that there are some members (parts, individuals, families, ministries, sections) that are weak or hyper-sensitive.  We are all different!  Every church has some member who is a crooked little toe that gets stubbed with every other step that the congregation takes.  What do we do – amputate the toe?  Hit it with a holy hammer when it aches?  Of course not – we are to protect it and guard it carefully.  The wise “eye” of the church is to look out for every object that might cause pain in the life of that troubled little toe so that the “brain” of the church can steer the “foot” in the church away from unnecessary obstructions.  Hence… prefer one another…

Additionally, we must remember that no member in a local body of believers is indispensable.  God can accomplish His purposes without me or you.  God can replace us as easily and as effortlessly as He replaces clouds in the sky.  Yet it is also equally true that no member of the body should be seen as expendable in our eyes.  Paul wrote pointedly in Corinthians, the “head” can’t say to the “foot” (legitimately), “I don’t need you!”

Do certain members (organs, appendages; people) become so eaten up with sin that they have to be treated sternly to prevent the destruction of the whole body?  Sure!  But this is always to be an agonizing last resort.  The removal of a part of the body is always painful and tragic.  There are no (should be no) spiritual vestigial organs. 

Do predatory entities sometimes attach themselves to local churches like a blood sucking leech?  Certainly!  And these subversive, unregenerate “wolves” must be driven away from the flock.  But we must never label genuine members of the body as if they were carnivorous parasites. 

To those of us who are real believers – collectively, we are the body of Christ.  We are the expression of God’s love to the lost world around us.  True, we are each individual, unique, particular members – but, let me never forget that membership implies a greater whole of which I am a part.  Unity may be an impossible mirage in the political world, but it should be a constant realty in the spiritual world among Spirit led believers.

One of the members of GBC sent me one of the most potent passages of Scripture this week.  It is found in First Corinthians also, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no division among you; but ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1:10).  What power!  A house divided against itself can not stand, but remember also that a threefold cord is not easily broken.  Can we sacrifice truth and righteousness upon the altar of unity?  Never!  But neither should we ever frivolously sacrifice unity on the altars of passion, pride or convenience.

Am I a soldier of the cross?  Isaac Watts wrote that He was. 

“Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb, and shall I fear to own His cause... are there no foes for me to face?  Sure I must fight if I would reign; increase my courage, Lord.  I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by Thy Word.  Thy saints in all this glorious war shall conquer…”

“When that illustrious day shall rise, and all Thy armies shine in robes of victory through the skies, The glory shall be Thine!”

Surely I am a soldier in the Lord’s army.  I am a member of a great horde of saintly believers who are to be following the biding of the Captain of our salvation, Jesus Christ.  Do I want to injure those who fight along beside me?  Never!  Are we all equal in skill and valor in this great fight against evil?  Hardly!  But, we are on the same team, in one army, part of a single family, joined as one body, serving one Lord. 

Sadly, recently I have lost sight of that truth.  “Lord, help me not to forget it again…”    

“Members Only” does not have to be taken with an exclusionary tone.  Think of Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men (not just to the nice ones), especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”  I’m a small piece of a glorious and beautiful entity – the church.  I don’t want t be self-absorbed.  I want to do my part to support, encourage, strengthen and motivate the “members” around me toward higher and holier ground.   Amen?   I want to do this with compassion, sincerity, honesty, humility, patience, holiness and love.  Mmmmmm….. I’m gonna’ need God’s help – ain’t I now?  How about you?

The 11^th Commandment?

Is the 11^th commandment, "Thou shalt be dumb!"????  Sometimes I wonder.

There does seem to be an awful lot of us who appear to be striving and attempting terribly diligently to attain to that low rung on the ladder.  Could imbecility be so widespread and dominant by accident?  I'm be factitious - of course... (well, sorta’ kinda’)

This year I’m reading through the New Testament repeatedly rather than reading through the whole Bible as I have in the past.  Already it has been a particular blessing.  One of the blessings that I encountered could have just as easily been found in the Old Testament.  But then, at a rate of 3 chapters a day, I would have had to wait until something like August 7^th to encounter it in Ezekiel 3: “Thou shalt be dumb!”  (Truly one of the most widely obeyed “commandments” in the Bible).  Naturally, I’m taking it out of context for levity’s sake.  God has never placed a premium on stupidity.  The “dumbness” spoken of in these passages refers to the inability to communicate with spoken words, and no, indeed, these were not commands at all, but only declarations.    

Other than the fact that one should not take phrases out of context upon which to build doctrine – what can we learn from these words? 

When I read “…thou shalt be dumb…” in my personal quiet time several days ago, it brought a smile to my face because of the indirect implication which is possible through misinterpretation and redefinition.  Yet, the more I think about it, the graver those words are.  The value of communication is truly inestimable.  What price would be sufficient to purchase from you your ability to speak?  I wouldn’t sell my capacity to speak (such as it is – lol) for 10 billion dollars!  I can’t imagine trying to live nine months without it, much less the rest of my life. 

Why is it that our aptitude for vocalization is so precious to us? 

Admittedly, I don’t think deeply enough to answer that question completely – yet, I do recognize a few reasons why it is so important to me personally. 

I’m reminded of the prophet Jeremiah, who, because he was mocked by his audience, attempted to be purposely dumb in contradiction to his holy vocation and calling – but he couldn’t stand it.  Read his words for yourself: “Then I said, ‘I will not make mention of Him, nor speak any more in His name.’ But His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay” (Jeremiah 20:9).  He had a message from the Lord and couldn’t tolerate the withholding of it. 

Now I know that being dumb (mute) refers to audible communication, but imagine this in a broader context.  Contemplate what it would be like to be totally shut off from the possibility of expressing that which is the passion of your soul.

Added to this stew pot in my mind is the realization that the manifestation of God Almighty (invisible, transcendent and spiritual) to us is most clearly seen in the person of Christ; Christ, who is referred to in more than one passage as “THE WORD OF GOD.”  Jesus Christ is the expression of the Father to us.  Jesus Christ is God’s living communication, His speech, His message of love to this fallen race.  If the method that God chose to restore creation to Himself was through the vocalization of His heart in the incarnation of His only begotten Son (the Word made flesh), well, then the words that we utter (spoken, written, signed or otherwise) suddenly take on a much greater significance to me.  And why not – Jesus said (as recorded in Matthew 12:34), “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.  But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.”

Unfortunately the longer I live and the more I have to be involved in saying things, the dumber I feel.  I strain under the weight of both inadequacy and inability.  I encounter within my own spirit both kinds of dumbness.  I am both ignorant and tongue-tied.  There are passions and principles that I seem unable or unwilling to express.  When I try to be clear and eloquent… I get it mixed up: emphasizing minor issues and neglecting major ones… adding irrelevant distractions for the sake of entertainment, interest or to avoid conflict.

Reflecting back on the first verses that God used to bring me into the ministry – I’m amazed at how easily and how quickly the truth of them get ignored (by me).  Exodus 4:11 “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the LORD?  Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”  Are we dependent upon our own intellect and personal eloquence in oratory or are we dependent upon the Spirit of God to lead (drive) us?  No wonder it is written that God chose through the “foolishness of preaching to save those who will believe” (First Corinthians 1:21).  God has elected and ordained that He will use foolish, simple and incompetent people and things to do mighty works and accomplish the expression of His truth.  God has so designed His plan that it is actually out of the mouths of babes that He brings forth the strong and perfect praise that pleases Him most (Psalm 8:2 & Matthew 21:16).  If God could use a “dumb ass” (or donkey, see Second Peter 2:16) to communicate the truth effectively – surely He can use us! 

MY PRAYER:  “Lord, I’m dumb (foolish) and always will be . . . on my own  . . .  and again, I should be dumb (silent) if I’m on my own . . . yet with Your anointing any of us can have miraculous boldness, courage, power and authority in our respective expressive ministries.  Do plant the words (Your words) in my heart and on my lips; words that You can and will use in the hearts of others (and in me) to work in them (and in me) wisdom, strength, victory, humility, holiness, faith, compassion, patience, peace and sacrifice.”

Maybe the 11^th commandment should actually be; “Thou shalt NOT be dumb!” 

…or the God of grace.

Am I splitting hairs to differentiate between these two?  In every situation there are various views and perspectives of a single circumstance. 

I once heard of a marriage counselor who laid a rock on a table between a husband and a wife.  He asked them to write down a description of that rock.  The story went something like this: the husband wrote that the rock was rough, pitted and brown; the wife wrote that the rock was smooth, symmetrical and black.  When he asked them to exchange descriptions… they were a little puzzled – that is, until he turned the rock around to reveal that it had two very different sides.  In addition to this being a great reminder for us about the need to listen to our spouse’s outlook on things even when we are certain that we have considered every angle…. we need to be reminded that we can look at life from a different perspective ourselves if we are willing to listen to wise counsel. 

In Psalm 62:10b I read these word; “…If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.”  A person can certainly have wealth and yet be consumed with the GIVER of those material possessions rather than with the possessions themselves.  Job was proof of this.  Satan postulated that the only reason Job had faith was because God had spoiled him so extravagantly.  This was not the case.  Job trusted in the Lord and loved him despite the negative change in circumstances.  His focus was upon the God of all comfort rather than on the comfort of God – Hallelujah!

I know it seems innocuous to be taken with the gifts of God – yet there is a higher plane that we must strive for.  A temporary thrill in the good gifts of God is natural and wholesome, yet we should shortly be driven to our knees in joyful gratitude and then in admiration and love for the good God who gave the gifts.

In an extreme example of a warped perspective – consider Romans 1:25.  Here Paul wrote that ungodly men “changed the truth of God into a lie, and worship and serve the creature more than the Creator…”  I think this is clear enough.  The creature was not made evil originally, but when given a higher place of prominence than God intended, evil resulted.  This can be done with just about anything.

I’m thankful that God has given me a wonderful wife and beautiful children – but I must never allow my passion for them to eclipse my love for Christ.  Jesus made this truth clear enough in Luke 14:26, (comparatively speaking) “If any man come to me, and hate not his…wife and children…he cannot be my disciple.”

Again - Jesus Christ established the church and has blessed it and used it in many, many ways – yet we must never worship the church.  If the possessions (facilities), the ministries (activities) or even the members of the church overtake our private devotion to and fellowship with the Savior – then a good thing has become evil to us. 

One last way of saying this; it is an illustration that I have used before, but it is pointed enough to me to seal my mind on the principle.  In our culture, if a young man asks his sweetheart to marry him, he generally signifies the sincerity of his request and commitment by lavishly giving an exorbitantly priced diamond ring to his new fiancé for her to sport on her finger to represent his love.  But, what if she loves the ring and ignores the young man.  If she runs off on her own and shows off her wonderful ring “forever” while neglecting the fellow who gave it – would we expect that he would be pleased with this arrangement?  In the words of Christ: “I think not!”  And, of course, neither is God impressed or satisfied with His children when we live days, weeks and years being distracted by the blessings He has poured upon us, while seemingly oblivious to the invitation to fellowship with the BLESSOR – the Son of Man, Christ Jesus. 

What are you enamored with today – God’s grace…or, the God of grace?

Can it be any more strongly stated than it was to the father of the faithful by God in Genesis 15: “Abram: I am thy exceeding great reward.” 

My Jesus – I love thee!  I am yours and you are mine – what could matter in comparison?

A little more subtly, but in the same vein, Jesus spoke to His disciples in Luke 10:19, saying, “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”  i.e. – what’s more valuable?  Having the power of God or dwelling forever with the God of all power.  Amen!