Old Glory

While I realize there is a flag anti-desecration amendment being tossed around Congress, this post has nothing to do with that, so in your comments please go easy on the often sensitive and emotionally charged discussions about flag burning, desecration, etc. This is simply the experience of a single citizen who is more importantly, a citizen of a much bigger Kingdom.

I put my hanging-banner styled US flag out today in honor of the approaching July 4th holiday. Every time I attach the flag to the flag pole I have flashbacks and memories of experiences I have had with the flag. There are too many for this blog, but here are a few that are unique to me:

• I remember in the mid 90's when I was in the Boston area serving on a church mission team with a dear friend and colleague in ministry over the July 4th holiday. Both of us love to write, read and passionately discuss life, faith, politics, economics and the culture. As we watched a local July 4th parade in a quaint and picturesque coastal town outside Boston, I remember the smells, and ambiance complete with firetrucks, kids with ice cream, the American Legion and VFW members marching by. Everyone was waving flags. During the fireworks over the harbor a very large town flag was waving in the wind as colorful explosions and displays painted the sky. My friend turned to me to comment on how uniquely American this was and it was obvious that both of us were humbled by the moment and filled with a profound appreciation for what those stars and stripes represented. We didn't have to speak, the moment reminded both of us just how special, unique and what a privilege it is to be born in the country that bears those colors.
• While traveling in Europe and South America on different occasions, I remember the powerful emotions that were stirred when I saw that flag waving at U.S. Embassies or facilities on foreign soil. I can recall returning to the U.S. and walking through Customs being overwhelmed with profound gratitude to enter the line marked "U.S. Citizens," and seeing the flag as we entered. Its symbolic silence served as a grand reminder that I was privileged and blessed to be born in a free country and that with those freedoms come responsibilities. The same can be said of every Christ follower (regardless of their country of origin) who has experienced the grace of God. Because of grace, we have a responsibility while living in His Kingdom.
• Around the same period we took our family out west to visit a sister and her husband who were stationed in San Diego. Both were active Navy Chief's at the time. I remember boarding his cruiser which was in port, as two sailors were raising the flag in the shipyard among all those gray Navy ships. As the flag went up, I bowed my head in appreciation for the many, many sailors, airmen, marines and soldiers who lost their lives in times long gone to preserve, insure and protect the very rights, and privileges that flag represents.
• Among my first funerals as a pastor was one for an active Army Colonel with full military honors. The intentional crispness and simultaneous gentle care with which the coffin flag was folded and put in the hands of the widow, as the soldier said, "On behalf of a grateful nation," can still be heard in my memory bank.
• Memories of adult and childhood travels to Independence Hall, Boston, and the many historic sights in our nation's capital recall flags prominently flying or displayed incased to preserve the history, memory and cause for which they stood.
• The flag that is folded and incased with various medals of honor and achievement from my sister-in-law's career retirement from the Navy hangs on a wall in her house. There's not a time I do not see it that I am overwhelmed with gratitude for her service, the service of other family members, friends and more importantly, people I have and will never know who put their lives on the line for you and me.
• An enormous, I mean huge flag, that a friend, veteran and retired auto dealer flew over his dealership (his son still does) blew in the Florida breeze during my daily commute and served as reminder of the freedoms afforded those who call Old Glory their flag. Thanks Cecil!

I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. One last picture is one I wish we could see more of today. Our deeply politically polarized country needs it. It occured soon after 911. Members of the Senate and House gathered on the Capitol's steps, flanked by the flag, serendipitously broke out in song and sang "God Bless America". On that day there were no, conservatives, liberals, southerners, Yankees, Democrats or, Republicans, African, Asian or Hispanic Americans, just simply Americans who stood united in freedom. Prayer, honest and principled leaders, and the charitable hand of God are the only things that will make that a reality again. Perhaps every new member of Congress (and especially some of our career politicians) ought to have to visit many of the historic flag bearing places in Washington D.C., and as they stand before those flags, reflect and contemplate on the freedoms, rights, responsibilities and privileges those flags represent. Perhaps we all should!

I don't worship my country or the flag. I worship God. I am also fully aware that America wasn't even on the radar when Christ walked the earth and we do not have exclusive rights to God's blessings. But that does not lessen my love, respect and loyalty to my country. If anything, it only strengthens it. It humbles me. So, if you've got a flag somewhere, fly it this week, and if you don't, go buy one and fly it. Leave the political interpretations or commentary of what you are doing to the pundits and naysayers on both sides. Let's just fly our flags and celebrate America!

Saving for What?

A recent Washington Post article revealed global plans for a "Doomsday Vault". Plans are being made to build a high security vault the length of a football field on a remote island near the Artic Circle. According to the article, more than 100 nations have endorsed the vault's construction as one of the most secure facilities in the world. The vault is to serve as a global agricultural backup in case of a world catastrophe. Castrophic circumstances either by human hands (nuclear war, bio terror), or natural disaster (global pandemic, or an off course asteroid) are the motivation behind the planned fortress. It will be designed to protect, millions and millions of seeds. Yes, seeds! It takes a lot of crops to feed the world and those crops all had to begin as seeds. The evolution of seeds, both natural and hybrid (drought and disease resistant) have taken thousands of years to achieve. Protection of the seeds would guarantee that human agricultural efforts wouldn't have to start from scratch in the years following such a disaster.

As a Christ follower looking forward to spending eternity with God while living in this world, this would be laughable, if it wasn't so sad. Now hold the letters on the need for emergency preparation and being on guard for such events. Let me finish. I know we need to prepare for the future and potential disasters of epic proportions. However, has anyone really thought this proposal through? I mean really? For those of us with a biblical worldview we know that life on this earth WILL pass away and so will our failed human flesh. But for those following Christ, the world to come is promised to be far better than anything we can experience on earth, including Hawaii. And our eyes are supposed to be eternally focused, not blinded by human stuff or things.

Such extreme precautionary living puts the focus on human surivial at all costs. It conveys the attitude and idea that there is nothing worth living for beyond this world. As for me, if all out nuclear war comes, or an asteroid slams into the planet destroying plant life, oxygen, water and sunlight, I want Jesus to take me quickly. I don't want to live in a world that worships the world or people. I want to learn to pray with the Psalmist, "Be pleased, O LORD, to save me;O LORD, come quickly to help me." (Psalm 40:13)

Who wants to live in a world protected by glass domes, no sun, running water, or clean air? And just how are they going to get to these seeds if they are stashed way up north if life as we know is over? If the soil is destroyed how will we get anything to grow? The writer of Hebrews says, that the, "land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. " (Hebrews 6:8).

When the disciples argued about who would be first in the Kingdom of God, Jesus admonished them and urged them to live life as though the end were near any moment. The Apostle Paul writing the believers in Thesolanica stressed the need for Christ followers to live every day as though Christ were coming (1 Thess 5:1-75):

"Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled."

I'm all for emergency planning, but I want people to know that I will not cling to this world and I am not putting my hope in humanity. My hope is in Jesus Christ and His coming Kingdom. I need to live in the here and now, in such a way that points the hopeless people of the world to that promised Kingdom of God to come and life with Him beyond the grave. Go ahead and plan and prepare for such a world that will be dark, barren and lifeless. But I'm going to cling to the words of the the old Apostle John, exiled on the Isle of Patmos, who gives us a glimpse of a life that's far better than anything here on earth:

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:1-5)

A Cry for Help!

A recent survey of college students at two Ivy League schools revealed that 1 in 5 students are practicing self-mutilation. The students cut, or burn themselves. It's a growing and disturbing trend that should serve as a huge wake-up call for parents, grandparents and anyone working with students.

Emerging generations are hurting so bad that they resort to self-inflicted wounds to fit in, or to gain attention. Others state it's a way for them to relieve stress, or put a visible face on deep-seeded emotional pain. In my college days parents worried more about heavy drinking at parties, sexual promiscuity, cigarettes and rock concerts. No, these weren't good either, but it was a far cry from cutting yourself.

And before you say, "consider the source," remember that we're talking about students at Princeton and Cornell. Two schools whose annual tuition is probably more than my annual salary. Aside from scholarships, many of these students are from places long reserved for families high on the socioeconomic ladder. So don't say it's all those children from single parent families or homes of lesser means. The fear of trickle down is already being realized as counselors report similar incidents in high school and middle schools!

The study found 400 websites devoted to self-mutilation and many of them encourage the practice. So much for days when you worried about your kid entering a chat room without your knowledge. In comparison that's small potatoes. One 20-year old student admitted that she started cutting herself when she was 16. She said it, "helps socially isolated kids feel as though they belong." Researchers acknowledge that students as young as grade school have admitted to the secretive behavior.

OK, youth ministers, parents, coaches, grandparents and teachers, let's be on the lookout for marginalized or stressed-out students. Let's do our best to listen to all of our kids, even if they express views with which we strongly disagree. Spend time with them and communicate. Let's develop a "safe culture" where kids are affirmed and we help them develop a healthy God image. We should continually remind them that they have been fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139), and bought with a precious price (John 3:16). They are worth immeasurable amounts to our families, churches, schools, communities and God! We need to let them know they are precious and are very valuable to all of us, but especially to God. It may not stop the cutting practice in dramatic numbers, but if it changes one student, it will affect many others. Just as they did in the 70's when I was in school (yeah I'm that old), students desperately want to be loved, affirmed and valued. Let's make sure we aren't giving them reasons (valid or not) to hurt themselves. Let's do the Jesus thing and Love People!

Country Songs Tell Stories

My longest stint in broadcasting was at an FM country music radio station in the Midwest. I've always been ecclectic when it comes to music, but it was during those years that I grew to really appreciate the lyrics of country music. It's been 20 years since then, but I love the country genre even more. I know some people can't stand country music for many reasons, and some still call it "country & western", or "twang". However, many suburban and urban dwellers have come to appreciate the authentic and soulful lyrics that not only tell stories, but deal with real life issues. Songs dealing with life issues from the ridiculous and sublime to the most difficult circumstances. A song about Mama's cookin' can be followed immediately about a song describing the loss of a loved one, or the details of a messy divorce. Just like life, some are pretty, joyful and even funny, but others are dark, sad and dreary. Many of these songs tell stories about people of faith, God, and Jesus Christ (e.g., Carrie Underwood's, Jesus Take the Wheel).

The latest Brooks and Dunn hit, "Believe," is a great example. It recounts the life long relationship between a young boy and an old man whose had his share of life challenges. The singer is reflecting on his experiences and the life lessons he learned from the old man. When the young boy asks the old man how he has coped with serious life troubles and pains, the elder shares that his faith, the Bible, worship and the promise of eternal life have enabled him to keep living.

Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton have a duet entitled, "When I Get Where I'm Going," a powerful song stressing the perfection of heaven and the absence of earthly pains and trials. The song notes that earth isn't the final destination and greater things await in heaven.

These are just two examples you can hear right next to Toby Keith's carousing songs and Kenny Chesney's songs about the fast life. What a witness! The late author Bob Briner ("Roaring Lambs") said the church desperately needs more people of faith working in the secular culture. He maintained that Christian doctors, lawyers, artists, secretaries and carpenters can have a far greater impact on the culture than just those who are called to full-time vocational ministry. These two song writers and the musicians who recorded them are reaching far more people than I will through a lifetime of teaching and preaching.

Just like Jesus, these soul poets tell of something far greater and glorious as they live in the middle of a decaying culture. They aren't isolating themselves to a "holy club", but are making an impact on a culture that desperately needs the hope of Christ. I close with the chorus from "Believe":

I raise my hands, bow my head,
I'm finding more and more truth in the words written in red,
They tell me that there's more to life than just what i can see,
Oh i believe.....

Power Player or Shot Maker?

This week the U.S. Open is being played at historic Winged Foot's West Course in Mamaroneck, NY. It's the first major since the Master's in April, and it's the first tournament Tiger Woods has played since the death of his father, Earl.

Radio, print and television golf analysts will have plenty to talk about since the Open was last held at Winged Foot when Davis Love III, won in the mid 90's. The course boasts the longest par 4 in U.S. Open history (#9 @ 514 yards) and one of the longest holes in the Open's history (#12, a par five that can be played at 640 yards!).

Of special interest will be how the players choose to play the par 3, third hole that will play from 217-243 yards depending on the tee box and pin locations. During the 1959 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, tournament champion Billy Casper creatively played the hole like none before him or since. Instead of going for the green from the tee as most pros do on Par 3's, Casper took the safe and shorter route by playing the hole all four days with an iron. Short of the green, he then hit his wedge and putted for par all four days. According to Golf Digest, "No other pro is known to have intentionally played the hole that way in competition before or since." He won the first of his two U.S. Open victories by one stroke over Bob Rosburg. Casper used creativity and discipline to win in 1959.

As a struggling golfer and Christ-follower, I'm intrigued by Billy Casper's decision to exercise a conservative game plan at the third hole when everyone else was trying to "go for it". In the 21st century where everyone from pros to hackers seem to place so much emphasis on power and distance off the tee box, Billy Casper's shot-making decision stands out. It also serves as a powerful reminder: it's not as much about how you get there as it is how you finish.

Like golf in 2006, many churches and Christ followers seem to be caught in the power game. In the power game, bigger is always viewed as better. Record attendance, new buildings and mega finances are stressed, or appear to be valued higher than personal growth (shot-making). A visible ministry launched to the masses is often funded and praised far more than personal spiritual formation efforts that focus on developing individual, devoted Christ followers.

Power players live primarily from tee box to tee box (event to event). They can miss a lot in between tee boxes. Shot-makers see the entire round played one hole and even one shot at a time. They also get to use every club in their bag and see more of the course. They live moment by moment. Power will eventually fade, but shot-making seems to have a much longer shelf life. I've got a friend who's around 80 and he shoots at, or just above par nearly every round. He doesn't hit the ball very far, but he can put it wherever he wants. Sure, power is great and we'd all like more. However, if you gave me the choice of being able to make shots at will, or having more power, I'd take the shots any day. As Christ-followers we would do well to strike a balance between power and shot-making faith.

So this weekend with all eyes on Tiger, Vijay, Lefty, Retief and others, let's not forget the shot-making Billy Casper who won 27 PGA tour events between 1964-1970, while Arnold Palmer and Gary Player won a combined 21 tour events for the same period!

It’s Not Limited to Driving!

According to the Associated Press, a recent government study found that 8 out of 10 car wrecks involve drivers who are drowsy, talking on cell phones, putting on makeup, or reaching for a moving object. Researchers reviewed thousands of hours of video and data from sensors connected to more than 200 drivers in the study.

Dialing or talking on a cell phone and applying makeup raised the risk of a crash nearly three times. Reaching for an object increased crash chances by nine times.

The acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (believe it or not, there is one!), said the study, “illustrates the potentially dire circumstances that can occur while driving distracted or drowsy. It’s crucial that drivers always be alert when on the road.”

Our multi-tasking obsessed culture continues to find more things to do while performing primary tasks like driving. Whether it’s the cell phone, drinking coffee, correcting the kids in the back seat, replying to a text message or reaching for a fallen object the research shows we are easily distracted and other drivers often pay the price of our inattentiveness. Hey, I’m guilty regarding some of these too, so please don’t think I’m pointing fingers at others!

Driving isn’t he only place we’re plagued by distractions. Christ-followers seem to be having the same trouble in America. For example, we may serve in a specific ministry at church, faithfully attend worship and participate in a weekly small group, but such a rapid pace can sacrifice precious time alone with God=CRASH!

The church is among the worst when it comes to piling on stuff and watching her people crash while trying to do several things at once without doing any of them well! Our focus becomes so wide that we’re incapable of focusing on the one or two things that enable us to become healthy and growing Christ-followers.

We need to focus our attention and concentrate. If we’re serving then we need to concentrate on ministering to others. If it’s worship then we need to give priority to praising God. However, attempting to do all of these simultaneously is a prescription for Christian burnout. A workaholic pastor friend used to say that, “Christian’s never experience burnout.” I wanted to laugh whenever he said it as hundreds of faces of people in previous churches who were absolutely slap burned out passed across my mental screen. I also thought of Pastor John Ortberg’s words of warning from his mentor, Dr. Dallas Willard when he told him he was going to join the staff of Chicago mega church, Willow Creek: “Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”

You are too precious to God to let that happen! Jesus may have multi-tasked but He was not distracted. Even in His multitasking He had balance. Balance is the key word too. Jesus kept His focus on God’s primary purpose for His life and ministry. Nothing got in the way of it, and nothing kept Him from achieving it for God, the Father. “My will is to do the will of the One who sent me.” Now that’s focus! May God help us as we attempt to focus on things that really matter to Christ and make them a priority! God, we ask you to help us strike a balance as we attempt to walk where Jesus walked.

Truth in Advertising, uh, Ministry

Recently my wife and I went to a very popular business in our area that's built a reputation for great deals and is a volume leader in their industry. It was a nightmare! We went on a Saturday afternoon. I don't have to tell you how precious a "free" Saturday is these days. We drove 30 miles one way when a similar retailer was only 9 miles away! We had obviously made a significant effort to be there.

We were straight up about what we wanted and the price. The salesman repeated everything we said, as if to say, "I'm with you and I hear exactly what you are saying." Despite promises that he heard exactly what we said, he didn't. Or somebody didn't, because four hours later we were talking about something so far from what we had originally said it wasn't even in the same zip code. Don't laugh, we should've left after the first hour, but wanting to believe the best in people and take them at their word we stuck it out. The proposal wasn't even on our radar. It was a horrible experience. We felt betrayed, deceived and misled. It left a bad taste in our mouth about all retailers in this business. I know that's not fair, but the experience left an indelible mark on us.

As I reflected on this experience it occurred to me that many of the non-churched and infrequently churched feel the same way about churches. I'm not talking about the people who routinely hop and shop churches trying to meet their self-absorbed expectations. I'm talking about people who are sincere in their search. Often what's promoted in a church isn't reality. People often come to the church and leave completely disappointed or disillusioned. For example: A church identifies itself as a "friendly" church and the single mother, or guy with tatoos leaves without ever meeting anyone. Or the "caring" church seems to only care about itself when you consider what's being emphasized from the platform to the newsletter, website, or publicity. Talk of more buildings, budgets and capital campaigns seems to indicate they do "care", about themselves. I could go on and on.

There are some things sincere seekers ought to be able to expect from every single Christian faith community regardless of denominational affiliation, the style of music, or the type of liturgy that's used in worship. When you come to a Christian church you should expect:

• Unconditional love
• Respect and feeling genuinely wanted
• Honesty
• Compassion
• Authentic worship with Christ being exalted, not people, or programs
• Encouraging people
• To encounter Jesus through worship and His people
• The Holy Spirit to be present
• A climate of grace

Our experience was the furthest thing from the environment and culture this particular business portrays to the public. We felt used, duped and victims of unethical business practices. There ought to be a "standards and practices" book from which Christian churches minister so seekers can expect and receive the same thing from every church regardless of slight differences. Oh I forgot, there is one. It's called the Bible! Perhaps it's time we (Christ-followers) focused more on becoming Acts 2 churches than trying to create an image or perception that isn't reality.