I love to sing and dance. Many of you have heard me sing. Few if any have seen me dance. I used to be pretty good. In fact, the largest trophy I have ever received was for second place in the Madison County 4H Fair talent show, where I performed an elegant tap dance routine with a girl named Nancy. We were nearly flawless, but were outshined by an older girl who tap danced on a special suspended floor while standing on her head! (No kidding!)
I started dancing when I was barely able to walk, I think. It was a long time ago and the pictures remind me of those special times. It started with me an one other guy and about 12 girls all practicing and performing together a single routine. As one year turned into the next, the group turned into one guy (me) and 5 girls. Eventually everyone else quit or shifted to another group and it was just Nancy and me learning the routines, practicing our movements together, rhythmical coordination of feet, taps, arms, and bodies, to the music. We learned to flow with each other.
I stopped tap dancing by the time I was 13. But never stopped dancing. by the time I reached High School I couldn't wait to get to the dances after ball games, taking and eventually teaching Disco (this is a hard thing to confess) lessons and singing and dancing in the Swing Choir and in the Musical productions at school. There's something about the beauty of moving together, knowing each others response and reaction. Dance can be beautiful when it's performed right.
The Church is performing a great dance. "God filled the earth with gifts. He handed out gifts...to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working withing Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son." (Ephesians 4:14-16a, The Message) The beauty of the Church's dance comes when every player does her part in anticipation of the next move. A great dance comes not just when one performs a move, but performing a move in preparation for the next. A truly great dance is give and take. It is serving your part to another and they in return until it flows together.
Even though it was my decision to quit dancing because I hated it so (at 13 it didn't seem like the most masculine thing I could be doing!), I look fondly back on those days. By the time I reached High School and saw Gregory Hines perform his version of modern tap, I wished I had continued. To this day I drive my wife nuts when I tap my foot or fingers to music. It's a part of me and I still get to dance...
...when I serve Christ and serve you.
Can I have this dance?
Peace ><>
PC
Friday, February 17, 2006
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Slaves to Servants
I watch Desperate Housewives on Sunday evening. Maybe it's a sickness or an obsession, but it is entertaining as these women and their families get into all sorts of trouble trying to make sense of their lives. Their lives are filled with gossip, intrigue, secrets, rash behaviors and so many lessons of life from the caricatures they play. It could almost be described as a "how-not-to-live-as-a-neighbor" show.
This week, though, something happened that bears reflection. One of the other neighbors, not a regular, was found to have a slave living in her house, doing most of her housework and providing some exceptional gourmet cooking. Well, the slave girl was discovered, she was taken in by the repentant husband of one of the housewives (through his priest) and awaited reuniting with her family (from China). While in this sanctuary, she begins to do all the things she had done before, but as an act of thanks and the show ends up with the "slave girl" becoming a (paid) servant. She was doing the same tasks, but with a difference...freedom.
Some would say that being a Christian is more like the former than the latter. That the tasks of being Christian cause us to have to do things that we'd rather not do. That it resembles force-labor. They are wrong.
Jesus said that the yoke of slavery was the law (of Moses), that it provided nothing more than a mirror to see our imperfections and not provide any (or at least much) help for living. Christ, though, didn't come to remind us of our sinfulness, but to rescue us from it. He set us free from the law, from sin, from ourselves. "Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you." (Galatians 5:1, The Message)
We've gone from slaves to servants. We're doing the same tasks, but from a different perspective. We are doing the right things, but now for the right reasons. We are obedient, not because of fear of wrath, but because of gratitude and love. We give our tithes not out of forced tribute but out of thanksgiving. We give our hearts not because they are forced from us, but because we want to share them. There's a vast difference between slavery and servanthood. God has called us heirs, children, friends, servants not slaves.
"It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. "(Galatians 5:13-14, The Message)
Peace ><>
A Servant of the King
This week, though, something happened that bears reflection. One of the other neighbors, not a regular, was found to have a slave living in her house, doing most of her housework and providing some exceptional gourmet cooking. Well, the slave girl was discovered, she was taken in by the repentant husband of one of the housewives (through his priest) and awaited reuniting with her family (from China). While in this sanctuary, she begins to do all the things she had done before, but as an act of thanks and the show ends up with the "slave girl" becoming a (paid) servant. She was doing the same tasks, but with a difference...freedom.
Some would say that being a Christian is more like the former than the latter. That the tasks of being Christian cause us to have to do things that we'd rather not do. That it resembles force-labor. They are wrong.
Jesus said that the yoke of slavery was the law (of Moses), that it provided nothing more than a mirror to see our imperfections and not provide any (or at least much) help for living. Christ, though, didn't come to remind us of our sinfulness, but to rescue us from it. He set us free from the law, from sin, from ourselves. "Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you." (Galatians 5:1, The Message)
We've gone from slaves to servants. We're doing the same tasks, but from a different perspective. We are doing the right things, but now for the right reasons. We are obedient, not because of fear of wrath, but because of gratitude and love. We give our tithes not out of forced tribute but out of thanksgiving. We give our hearts not because they are forced from us, but because we want to share them. There's a vast difference between slavery and servanthood. God has called us heirs, children, friends, servants not slaves.
"It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. "(Galatians 5:13-14, The Message)
Jesus was not a slave, but a King yet he came to serve. The difference is freedom; and he gave it to us.
Peace ><>
A Servant of the King
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
The Joy of Service
Yesterday was Valentine's Day. Did you spend time with your sweetie? Discover a way to show your significant other just how much you care? I did something a bit different this year by serving my family a 3 course meal. While everyone was away doing their own thing late in the afternoon, I took over the kitchen and dining room to prepare a meal that I knew they would enjoy. The table was set with red and white, using the fancy plates saved only for special occasions, candles were lit and each of my girls (living at home) were escorted to the table. (okay, it wasn't quite as picture perfect as this, but it was fun. Hannah couldn't stay for the start of the meal, so she had to catch up when she returned home.) It was a beautiful time together, sharing my love with them, and theirs with me through their enjoyment and their laughter.
I'm not bragging. I'm just blessed. And I tell this story simply because I received an additional blessing through my service to them last night, giving of my time and my energy to do something for someone else. And it was fun!
Did you ever wonder what Jesus meant when he said these things?
"But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then." (Matthew 19:30, NLT).
“And so it is, that many who are first now will be last then; and those who are last now will be first then.” (Matthew 20:16, NLT).
These phrases, spoken one right after the other, were (and still are) meant to challenge the disciples and to show them the true nature of the kingdom. It's not about them, it's not about me, rather it's about God and it's about those around us. And the nature of people in the kingdom...servants.
That's right, servants. It's what we are to become if we are to enter the kingdom, if we are to fully become like Christ, if we are to take seriously what Jesus said and does.
This week, we'll press the easy button and look at becoming a servant of God and a servant of the people of God. And I can guarantee one thing...
...It's not easy, but it's right!
Peace ><>
PC
I'm not bragging. I'm just blessed. And I tell this story simply because I received an additional blessing through my service to them last night, giving of my time and my energy to do something for someone else. And it was fun!
Did you ever wonder what Jesus meant when he said these things?
"But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then." (Matthew 19:30, NLT).
“And so it is, that many who are first now will be last then; and those who are last now will be first then.” (Matthew 20:16, NLT).
These phrases, spoken one right after the other, were (and still are) meant to challenge the disciples and to show them the true nature of the kingdom. It's not about them, it's not about me, rather it's about God and it's about those around us. And the nature of people in the kingdom...servants.
That's right, servants. It's what we are to become if we are to enter the kingdom, if we are to fully become like Christ, if we are to take seriously what Jesus said and does.
This week, we'll press the easy button and look at becoming a servant of God and a servant of the people of God. And I can guarantee one thing...
...It's not easy, but it's right!
Peace ><>
PC
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
B&B Hospitality
For our anniversary a few years ago my wife and I set off for a weekend retreat. We found a quaint Bed & Breakfast in one of our favorite places here in Indiana and planned on a relaxing, comfortable time together. We had stayed in a Bed & Breakfast before and expected the homey atmosphere, the down-home hospitality, the accomodations like being hosted by one of your own family. But there was something missing.
While the accomodations were splendid, the room comfortable, the breakfast hot and delicious, the setting nearly perfect (as it was just on the edge of a golf course!), the problem was the feeling. Our host had changed from one day to the next. This B&B didn't have a live in caretaker, it had employees. It didn't feel like being a guest in someone's home, rather it was like staying there without them being present. We didn't feel as if we were treated with hospitality (like a B&B's reputation) but with customer service.
I've been in churches who have offered customer service. I've been served by Christians who gave customer service. It was something they thought they had to do, was expected of them, would give pleasure to God. But that's not what God had in mind for us. We were not called to work for God, becoming employees of the kingdom. We were called to work with God as participants in the kingdom.
"Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it's needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it!" (Hebrews 13:1-2, The Message)
Hospitality is about being real. It is about being who we are, or who we were made to be. It's about looking beyond my own needs toward the needs of others. It's about being Christ in the flesh for someone else. It's not something that is required of us rather it is expected of us. It is how were are treated by God and how God wants us to treat others. It's what's expected of the Church.
But sometimes hospitality goes beyond what happens when we entertain guests in our house (or church). Hospitality happens outside the church walls, too. "So let's go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is - not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. This "insider world" is not our home. We have eyes peeled for the City about to come." (Hebrews 13:13-14, The Message) We are to be hospitable for the Kingdom. That's our home and it's to be opened to all on the outside!
I don't know if we'll ever stay in a B&B again. For the feelings we got, I think we'd rather stay in an inn or a nice hotel. Good customer service is better than fake hospitality any day. And real hospitality is priceless.
Peace ><>
PC
While the accomodations were splendid, the room comfortable, the breakfast hot and delicious, the setting nearly perfect (as it was just on the edge of a golf course!), the problem was the feeling. Our host had changed from one day to the next. This B&B didn't have a live in caretaker, it had employees. It didn't feel like being a guest in someone's home, rather it was like staying there without them being present. We didn't feel as if we were treated with hospitality (like a B&B's reputation) but with customer service.
I've been in churches who have offered customer service. I've been served by Christians who gave customer service. It was something they thought they had to do, was expected of them, would give pleasure to God. But that's not what God had in mind for us. We were not called to work for God, becoming employees of the kingdom. We were called to work with God as participants in the kingdom.
"Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it's needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it!" (Hebrews 13:1-2, The Message)
Hospitality is about being real. It is about being who we are, or who we were made to be. It's about looking beyond my own needs toward the needs of others. It's about being Christ in the flesh for someone else. It's not something that is required of us rather it is expected of us. It is how were are treated by God and how God wants us to treat others. It's what's expected of the Church.
But sometimes hospitality goes beyond what happens when we entertain guests in our house (or church). Hospitality happens outside the church walls, too. "So let's go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is - not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. This "insider world" is not our home. We have eyes peeled for the City about to come." (Hebrews 13:13-14, The Message) We are to be hospitable for the Kingdom. That's our home and it's to be opened to all on the outside!
I don't know if we'll ever stay in a B&B again. For the feelings we got, I think we'd rather stay in an inn or a nice hotel. Good customer service is better than fake hospitality any day. And real hospitality is priceless.
Peace ><>
PC
Monday, February 13, 2006
Right Alliances
You cannot win the game by self-reliance. Rather it is necessary to learn with whom to make the right alliances. To become the Survivor on CBS's hit show, you must align yourself with the right people, those who would befriend you, help you, protect you. If you fail to make those alliances, you are "voted off the island."
Alliances are important throughout life. We started making them on the playground years ago when teams were divided. I always tried to get close to the strongest players, the best athletes, the right friends. I often found myself on the winning team because of it. Some alliances are simply friends who help us cope, who are in similar circumstances, who understand us and we them. Other alliances are beneficial for our professional life, they help us succeed, they make us better than we are, they encourage us to work harder and may even be competitive.(Like those friends who train together, then compete against each other on race day. It's an healthy alliance.)
What happens when we fail to make these alliances in life? You've heard the phrase, "no man is an island." We are not meant to live alone like this, alliance free. We were never meant to be lonely or to have to make in on our own. We need the help of others. Maybe that's why we are called the human race?
Why the discussion on alliances? No, I'm not planning on trying out for Survivor: Timbuktu, rather there is an alliance we must nurture in order to receive the most from this life, our alliance with God.
King Solomon had grown up learning the benefits of deep faith. He witnessed it and experienced it through his parents, King David and Bathsheba. I am sure he heard often the stories of his older brother (the one who died in childbirth), his father's faithfulness and the answered prayer that produced Solomon (Jedidiah). He understood the benefits of knowing God and living on God's side. The very life of the Kingdom of Israel was dependent on Solomon's alliance with God. (That's a lot to put on one person, but then again, he was the king!)
"Live in my presence...pure in heart and action, living the life I've set out for you, attentively obedient to my guidance and judgments." (1 Kings 9:4, The Message)
The promise to Solomon was that if he were faithful, David's Kingdom, Israel, would sit on a solid foundation and the kingdom would have one of his descendents always sitting on the throne and that God would have Israel's back forever. What an awesome promise. If only he trusted God.
If you remember the story, although through much of his early life, Solomon did trust God, but began early in his reign to enjoy the benefits of being King. He enjoyed his fame, he enjoyed a host of gifts from exotic places (including princesses for him to marry) and his wealth. And he turned aside from the alliance with God. And in the few years following his death, Israel had started to become a God-visited devastation.
A life that honors God is more than simply following the commandments. It is a life that is aligned with God. It's living rightly and being attentitively obedient to God's guidance and judgment. It's living in an active alliance with God. On the playground I always wanted to be on the strongest team, the one guaranteed to win, the one that used the rules to it's advantage. I still do...
...God's team.
Peace ><>
PC
Alliances are important throughout life. We started making them on the playground years ago when teams were divided. I always tried to get close to the strongest players, the best athletes, the right friends. I often found myself on the winning team because of it. Some alliances are simply friends who help us cope, who are in similar circumstances, who understand us and we them. Other alliances are beneficial for our professional life, they help us succeed, they make us better than we are, they encourage us to work harder and may even be competitive.(Like those friends who train together, then compete against each other on race day. It's an healthy alliance.)
What happens when we fail to make these alliances in life? You've heard the phrase, "no man is an island." We are not meant to live alone like this, alliance free. We were never meant to be lonely or to have to make in on our own. We need the help of others. Maybe that's why we are called the human race?
Why the discussion on alliances? No, I'm not planning on trying out for Survivor: Timbuktu, rather there is an alliance we must nurture in order to receive the most from this life, our alliance with God.
King Solomon had grown up learning the benefits of deep faith. He witnessed it and experienced it through his parents, King David and Bathsheba. I am sure he heard often the stories of his older brother (the one who died in childbirth), his father's faithfulness and the answered prayer that produced Solomon (Jedidiah). He understood the benefits of knowing God and living on God's side. The very life of the Kingdom of Israel was dependent on Solomon's alliance with God. (That's a lot to put on one person, but then again, he was the king!)
"Live in my presence...pure in heart and action, living the life I've set out for you, attentively obedient to my guidance and judgments." (1 Kings 9:4, The Message)
The promise to Solomon was that if he were faithful, David's Kingdom, Israel, would sit on a solid foundation and the kingdom would have one of his descendents always sitting on the throne and that God would have Israel's back forever. What an awesome promise. If only he trusted God.
If you remember the story, although through much of his early life, Solomon did trust God, but began early in his reign to enjoy the benefits of being King. He enjoyed his fame, he enjoyed a host of gifts from exotic places (including princesses for him to marry) and his wealth. And he turned aside from the alliance with God. And in the few years following his death, Israel had started to become a God-visited devastation.
A life that honors God is more than simply following the commandments. It is a life that is aligned with God. It's living rightly and being attentitively obedient to God's guidance and judgment. It's living in an active alliance with God. On the playground I always wanted to be on the strongest team, the one guaranteed to win, the one that used the rules to it's advantage. I still do...
...God's team.
Peace ><>
PC
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