Simplicity Contradicts an American Trend

Try showing up at an American dinner party, or cookout and start talking about the need for simplicity, or the practical ways we can live simple lives and your likely to be asked to leave. Americans are noted for their love affair with the latest gadgets, electronic toys and plain old stuff. We are awash in possessions that scream "affluence" to Third World and emerging countries struggling to break free of the chains of poverty and injustice.

We are a nation of pack rats. We tend to collect and keep our stuff. An article by Tim Jones in the Chicago Tribune a few weeks ago shed some light on our affection for stuff. He wrote:

"We may no longer be the top dogs in the production of steel,
cars, televisions and other manufactured goods, and we may be losing our
edge in science and technology. But the explosion in the number of
self-storage facilities clearly suggest a recurrent America, indeed a nation
of stuff. There are at least 55,000 self-storage facilities
scattered around the nation."

Jones cited a cultural observation made by Robert Hartwig, the chief economist at the Insurance Information Institute who sounds more like a sociologist:

"Thirty or 40 years ago people had more kids and less stuff. Now they have
fewer kids and more stuff. Part of this is simply affluence in America. Each and every family member now has more possessions."

Few, if any of us have a clear conscience much less garage, shed or storage building in this matter. Christ-followers should take the lead in scaling down, reducing and simplifying our homes. Afterall, our very leader declared in Matthew 8:20, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." Granted, this statement was about the cost of following Jesus and not an inventory of His earthly possessions. However, the point is well made, Jesus led and modeled the simple life. No matter how hard you try you can't read the words and teachings of Jesus and square them with a lifestyle that consumes more stuff than we actually need.

In his classic best-seller, "Celebration of Discipline," theologian Richard Foster devotes an entire chapter to the outward spritual discipline of simplicity. He shares ten controlling principles for how Christ-followers should live out the discipline of simplicity. Here are five of them:

1. Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.
2. Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you. (e.g., chocolate, food,television, etc.)
3. Develop a habit of giving things away.
4. Learn to enjoy things without owning them.
5. Shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the kingdom of God.

Perhaps it's time we all went through the garage, basement, attic or storage barn. Here are some questions that should guide our journeys into storage areas: What can I live without? What do I have that someone else in need can use? What am I hoarding, that I do not use and could really give away? How can I acquire less "stuff," and still realize much more substance or fullness of life? Are there consuming areas of my life that have captivated my wallet and held my heart hostage as well? What does the Bible say about possessions, wealth, etc.? These are all good questions and an excellent starting point for a simplicity self-examination . Let's keep it simple and search ourselves as well as our homes as we try to keep life simple. Jesus maintained a simple life, so follow His lead and resist the temptation to make it more complicated and cluttered than it's supposed to be!

To The Person Who Stole From Our Church

Dear Thief:

I wish I could use a different title to greet you, but that’s what you are—a common, every day, petty thief. Did you know when you broke into our storage building that you not only violated the people who represent Mosaic, but you violated God? You stole from the very people God has called and entrusted to do His work, the New Testament church. Perhaps you don’t understand how important the church is to God. The church is part of the divine plan. His only Son, Jesus Christ willingly gave His life so the church might be presented to God as pure, blameless and without blemish. Jesus is described as the bridegroom and the church is His bride. So you insulted Jesus’ wife! I don’t have a storage building, but it would have been better for you, had you broken into mine instead of God’s.

I can’t imagine the desperate circumstance that forced you to steal from a church. Was it:

· drugs, or another addiction
· divorce
· the loss of a job
· mismanagement of funds due to poor decisions
· a rare medical need, or a child in need

Perhaps you simply did it out of spite, meanness, or anger. Did you know you didn’t need to do it? Our church is known for its heart for people. We really believe God called us to help the broken, wounded and hurting. That’s why we would’ve given you the new weed eater, blower, and portable gas grill if you had asked for them.

By the way, we’re not mad at you! We ache for you, we pray for you and desperately want you to experience the unconditional love and grace of God. I hope you got the estimated $650 we valued the stolen goods to be. If not, you got cheated and settled for way less. Perhaps that’s the whole point….you have settled for less your whole life---less, than your life potential, gifts and talents. Less than what God desires for you. That must be a terrible weight to carry.

I hope you are making good use of the weed eater and the next time you are tempted to break into a church, let me suggest you call first and use the front door. Chances are we’ll not only let you in, but help you carry the stuff out, or meet your need in a more direct way. I hope you get all this straightened out with God before it’s too late. Because God will get what’s His, history and scripture bear witness to that fact. Be safe and sleep well!

When Life Demands Grace

I believe there are daily events, actions, experiences, and people we encounter that demand grace. I don't mean the people demand it like a king touting orders to his court, but the circumstances demand grace from Christ-followers. As you survey the evangelical landscape of America do you believe most Christ-followers are dispensing grace more today than in the past? Or, have we adopted America's self-absorbed, consumer culture of affluence to the point that we extend a grace with limits, if we extend it at all?

This applies to the sublime as well as the serious. For example, yesterday, a doctor who works out where I go to sweat, camped on the horn of his late model Mercedes as we waited to turn out of the center after working out. He does not know me, but I know him. He was behind me and there was no place for me to go as rushhour traffic crawled by like a snail. Apparently, he wanted me to move faster than traffic would allow. This wasn't a friendly horn tap to wake up. It was a sustained horn blast that is usually produced with a fist on the steering wheel. My first reaction was not grace-filled. After muttering some chosen words of blessing I contemplated putting my car in park and just getting out to falsely inspect my tires as if something was wrong. I thought about going 30 MPH in the 45 MPH speed zone. I thought about shaking my fist at him outside my window. But I didn't. I simply pulled out as traffic allowed, but was unable to get him off my mind or my tail. Yes, he was tailgaiting as we pulled out. As I headed toward my next stop in the slow moving traffic on the single lane city street, I passed a truck that was trying to turn into our lane from a neighborhood street in between stoplights. I didn't stop to let him in because traffic was thick and to be honest, I was still thinking about the horn-blaring Mercedes. Then it happened, all in my rear view mirror.

The Mercedes stopped and let the truck turn in traffic and get between us! Wait a minute, he wasn't supposed to do that! There it was in the middle of a hectic commute, a small act of grace in the least expected place, by the least suspected person. While I didn't react in anger, I didn't display grace in this situation either. My focus was still on the Mercedes and its driver who had obviously moved on. Maybe he was late for a critical hospital visit, or consult with another doctor. Perhaps he had just received an important call from home or the office. He could have just been having a bad day. None of that entered my mind. I was focused on his act of anger toward me, instead of my response. Lesson learned, humble pie served and God spoke to me through the unexpected generosity of a honking-mad doctor!

I was able to return the favor when I arrived at my destination and allowed someone to pull in front of me. However, my reaction to the blaring horn caused some serious introspection. If I was slow to extend grace in that situation what about bigger issues? Am I dispensing grace toward fundamental Muslims and Christians, who invoke the name of God in their condemnation of others? Are my arms of grace wide enough to hold the convicted child-molestor, or the drunken driver convicted of vehicular homicide? Do I have enough grace for the ocassional self-centered, affluent, materially consumed people I see and overhear at Starbucks, or the Goth-decked student covered in piercings, tatoos and skull t-shirts? What about the man with obvious mental issues who uses the restroom and everyone avoids while enjoying their $3 latte's? And the Washington politicians with which I disagree on many issues that other Christians are quick to pronounce eternal judgment upon? What about that group of teenage, African-American boys with hats donned sideways, and shorts about to fall off, making off-handed outspoken remarks about women who pass them in a mall I frequent?

Grace isn't a biblical option for the people of God. That which we personally crave the most must be evident in our treatment of others. How can we ask for grace when we aren't willing to extend it to others? God's grace isn't conditional. His grace is supposed to be our model. Jesus extended grace to a thief on the cross as He faced his own death. He extended it to the very hands of those who crucified Him. Yes, he set the grace standard high. That's what makes grace so special and so uniquely Jesus!

In 1993, Willow Creek pastor, Bill Hybels bared his soul to a packed R.A. Torrey auditorium at the annual Moody Pastor's School. His sermon shared his own story of being so busy with the things of God that he forgot the very work of God in his own heart. At the time it was courageously transparent. After the message, then Moody President, Joe Stowell rose from his chair and began leading the 1200+ pastors in singing: "Grace, grace, God's grace, grace that is greater than all our sin." It was quite an emotional, holy and spiritual moment. Dr. Stowell was right, it's all grace. Perhaps like me, you need to ask God to reveal the areas of your life that need to be more grace-giving. He will. When He does, act on it.

Blessed and Blessing

A few years ago, country singer, Martina McBride recorded the song, "Blessed". I heard it recently while returning from a birthday party for a family member where extended family and old friends gathered. As I looked around the room there were kids I held as babies who were now in college or just out, there were some seasoned saints, some who held me as a child, and others who helped me grow in ministry with much grace and patience. There were parents of kids I had led in youth ministry who were now grandparents and friends I had served with when I began my vocational ministry.

As I surveyed the room and retreated to the kitchen before a tear could slip out, I couldn't help but think how blessed my life has been. I was overwhelmed with just how much God has blessed my life and none of it had to do with anything I've done. I am so rich in God's blessings. I'm not wealthy in material possessions or awash in affluence, but I am drowning in God's gracious blessings upon my life over the years. Every good and perfect gift in my life has come from God. And my blessed state has not been dependent upon my mood, my Christian walk, or tough times because He has continued to bless me even in very difficult times and challenges. Most of the time He has blessed me in spite of my undeserving behavior, attitude and actions.

You may not be aware of God's blessings in your life. Right now you may be in a season of great pain, challenge, doubt or fear. It might be the result of a decision you've made, or something someone else has done. I've been there. Maybe not necessarily where you are, but I've known trouble, disappointment, heartache, sin and pain. However, as I reflect on those times, I can see the hand of God and His blessing in my life. Sometimes it's a hand of discipline and the blessing is within His loving correction.

From wonderful weather, abiding friendships, close family ties, children, clothing, food, heat, air conditioning, employment, transportation, clean water, and the unconditional love of people I frequently disappoint, God continues to bless my life. He blesses yours too! Sometimes we even forget that our personal accomplishments (job, education, positions, knowledge, talents,etc.) are the direct result of God's blessing. I love the translation of the latter part of verse 5 of the 23rd Psalm in the New Living Translation: "My cup overflows with blessings." Martina you are right, I have been blessed!

Recognition of God's blessing should prompt two responses from His followers: gratitude to God and blessing others in His name. Passing a blessing in the Old Testament was serious business. In simple terms it was viewed as conveying God's favor upon someone. We who have been blessed are indebted to God and must be a blessing to others. Our overflowing cups should ooze blessing. Is there someone who needs your blessing? Take the time to bless them today by calling, sending a card, flowers, an email, or by doing performing a simple act of service. Take time to thank God for His blessings. Here's the chorus to Martina's song:

I have been blessed

And I feel like I've found my way

I thank God for all I've been given

At the end of every day

I have been blessed

With so much more than I deserve

To be here with the ones that love me

To love them so much it hurts

I have been blessed