Thirteen months and we are rounding the corner on the last phase of our build-out. Our home has a number of amazing features and we are truly blessed; however, like most people, we wanted a few changes when we purchased. One of those changes was the addition of a detached garage. When the builder came by to put the sign in the yard and start the ground prep…I will admit…I got a little excited. In fact, I walk out (several times per day) to look at the trenched areas in the yard which serve as the foundation for the garage to come. This leads me to an important, observable truth about life.
Perhaps the most important part of any build is the foundation. It is rarely seen and is often overlooked once the structure is built; however, it is the most important step of the construction if one hopes for the building to last beyond a few years.
The same is true in many areas of our lives. Foundations matter.
As parents, we “build-out” our children with knowledge, experiences, and activities; however, if their foundation is weak…any real storm can cause their lives to crumble.
We pursue a career goal, climbing the ladder as
quickly as possible, but if we neglect foundational elements, we are but one
management change or crisis from it crumbling.
We pursue spiritual goals and embrace an understanding
of God’s purpose for our lives…but if we fail to lay a proper foundation, we
risk disillusionment, defeat, or even defection when difficulties arise.
One doesn’t put in a strong foundation for show. No one will ever see it once the block and brick go in. Foundations serve the purpose of providing stability and support for everything that will be built to rest upon it. A proper foundation requires digging down to the solid ground, removing debris, and installing reinforcements at times to ensure that once the weight of the structure is applied, the foundation will hold. Furthermore, everything built on top of the foundation is anchored to elements directly below it. This ties all of the parts together and ensures that the structure will withstand the winds of change.
What’s often the case in our lives is that more attention is given to what is seen above the surface than what all of that rests upon. We help our children become good students and disciplined athletes, but we compromise on instilling an appreciation of value and purpose as defined by our Creator and King. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his soul? (Mark 8:36). We serve in a dozen different ministry tasks through our church but lack the discipline of a consistent time of Scripture reading, meditation, contemplation, and prayer. (See Luke 10:40-42).
What is also true is God’s unchanging grace. If you build a building on a faulty foundation, there is often little recourse other than to tear it down and start over…or live with the imperfect construction. In our spiritual lives, however, God is quick to redeem and restore our failed build-outs. He doesn’t tire of His children’s cries to forgive and start again. So…if you know there are issues with your foundation, may I encourage you to acknowledge that before God, seek His forgiveness and begin again? It is a decision you will never regret.
It happens so often. I speak to someone and ask the question, “How’s it going?” or “How are you doing?” Often times, the response relates to some struggle, pain, discomfort, or trial the person is experiencing. Almost always the struggle and the pain is genuine. What is often also clear…is that the pain is winning.
Struggles in life are always certain. Jesus promised these
pressures (Greek word- thylipsis) would be part and parcel of our daily
lives (John 16:33). The Scriptures bear numerous accounts of these struggles in
the lives of God’s people. Somehow though, many of God’s people seem surprised
by these struggles and many of these seem to be defeated by them.
What is the answer? Does God intend for our lives to be
miserable, painful existences here for 70, 80, or 90 years until we finally get
to heaven? Are the troubles too big for God? If God really loves us… then why
does He permit our suffering?
Here are two truths:
Struggles are a non-negotiable part of life.
[Full Stop]
Jesus came that we would [present tense] have
life and have it to the full! (John 10:10b) [Full Stop]
Somehow, these two
truths must be reconcilable (no matter how difficult to do so).
The Apostle Paul indicates that these truths are reconciled in our attitude and approach…our focus:
5For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus
as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of
darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the
surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8we are afflicted
in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not
destroyed; 10always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that
the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for
Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal
flesh. 12So death works in us, but life in you.
13But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is
written, “I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,” we also believe,
therefore we also speak, 14knowing that He who raised the
Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. 15For all things are for your sakes, so that the
grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks
to abound to the glory of God.
16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is
decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal
weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the
things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the
things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Cor 4:5-18, NASB)
Paul’s
suffering (a suffering for the gospel by the way…and not the consequence of
unwise or sinful choices on his part) was extreme…yet He considered it “momentary
and light affliction” that produces a “weighty glory beyond comparison” (v.17).
Paul’s
focus was on the future days in His eternal reality. He looked to heaven and to
eternity. In comparison with these realities and in light of the expansive
Kingdom of God…His sufferings seemed light and temporary.
Furthermore,
Paul’s motivation was eternity but His purpose (as He seems to understand it) is
to produce life in others (v.12). Follow the flow of thought if you will: The
glory of God (light) shines out of darkness (Paul’s sufferings) and produces
life in others even as it produces death in him. And that is ok…even desired by
Paul.
My
reflections on this today are multi-faceted:
First…I focus more on my own
sufferings that I should. This is a product of my fallen nature and an area of
my life that must be mastered. How about you?
Second…my focus must be on
eternity. “No one gets out alive,” and no one stays here forever. This world
and the sufferings of it are a temporary state.
Third…my suffering, if approached
with the right focus may result in death in me but also life in others. I am
convinced that the “cotton candy and unicorns” image of life as a Christian
that many try to sell is damaging to the witness of His people, since it is
disconnected from reality. The world we are purposefully desiring to win for
Christ cannot relate to this “pie in the sky” fantasy that if you believe
enough and sow enough faith seed then you’ll have only good things in your
life! Why should they believe it? After all, our King was crucified! Yes…but He
was raised from the dead you may say…which is true…but the resurrection
followed the crucifixion.
So,
choose.
Choose today to focus on reality…on the existence that transcends…then
purposefully yield to whatever it takes for light to shine in darkness through
you today.
Patriotism. /n/ love for or devotion to one’s
country. (Webster)
I love the patriotic holidays. Honestly, I stand a little taller and my chest swells a little more when saluting the flag or during the playing of the National Anthem. I enjoy speaking of the greatness and even (if you will) the exceptionality of the United States.
I am moved when reentering the United States from travels abroad to hear welcome home from a Customs Agent. I become reflective and appreciative on remembrances like Veterans Day and Memorial Day because I recognize that the freedoms I enjoy today as a United States citizen have been declared, pursued, defended, and secured by other patriots through the ages.
I don’t have the same reaction when standing at attention
for the anthem of Mexico, Canada, France or the like. I stand respectfully…and
I understand why citizens of those nations stand taller during those moments
than I do, exhibiting the same response to their nation’s flag that I feel.
Honestly, I cannot imagine it any other way.
In my patriotism, I find common ground with other patriots:
Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, atheists and agnostics, Republicans, Democrats,
Independents, and even with budding socialists. After all, patriotism is simply
devotion to one’s country. I am not naïve. I know that not everyone shares my
specific ideals when the flag is displayed. Not everyone agrees with my views
on political policy. For every patriot though there is a sense of union even with
those who align in opposition on numerous subjects…a union around a single
shared and transcending tenet: we are lovingly devoted to our country.
For me, one of the greatest elements of the American experience is that there is no uniformity. I have a set of beliefs that I believe are right, a perspective that I believe is correct, and feelings that cry out with conviction without rival; however, I am glad that there are others who see it differently.
Some would say today, in our politically charged culture that the America I am loyal to and the one supported by people of differing political, racial, or social status are simply different “Americas.” I would disagree. It is the same America with a plethora of differing voices, differing desires and dreams, differing backgrounds and experiences, differing views of God, and differing perspectives on the rightful role of government; Each one, divinely endowed by the Creator with certain inalienable rights including the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I love that at the family table of the American experience, there are many seats, many perspectives, and many more opinions on a multiplicity of issues. I love that in view of (not in spite of) these distinctions, there is a singular anchor point that strengthens us in the assembled diversity…an anchor point of love and devotion to one’s country. That is what it means to be a patriot.
I challenge you on this fifth day of July…in light of our common patriotism, to live out your conviction of belief in a sea of diversity exhibiting the grace and patience of a holy God toward those also created in His image and seek unity…pressing in to the ideal that unity and uniformity are not synonymous but that unity acknowledges (and even appreciates) differences while clinging to a shared sense of patriotism—love for or devotion to one’s country.
A friend asked me recently what advice I would give to a man who was beginning his first year as a pastor. My initial answer felt a bit “lame” but I have since had an opportunity to process and refine my thoughts. In doing so, I find four things that a leader should intentionally embrace during the first year, and particularly if that leader is a pastor.
LISTEN. I know this sounds a bit cliche’; however, there is wisdom to have “having two ears and one mouth” so listen twice as much as you talk. What’s always true is that organizations appear different during the interview stage than they do once you’re on the inside. The leader’s perspective is also different. Take time to listen to all of the voices. Hear the words but listen for perspectives as well. Every opinion has a back story. Try to unpack the “why” behind the “what,” without signing on to anyone’s agenda. Bear in mind that some perceive your attention in listening without disagreement as ENDORSEMENT. Don’t endorse. Simply seek first to understand.
LEARN. One of the television shows I enjoy is “NCIS: New Orleans.” One of the signature phrases of the lead character is “go learn things.” He commissions his team of investigators to this task as they take on a new case. You have to take what you hear from the people and start to process it. Put it into buckets. Investigate. Verify. Validate. Seek oppositional views. Seek to understand motives as well as actions. This will help identify the institutional memory. A wise man once said, “Don’t tear down a fence until you learn why it was built to begin with. There may be a bull just beyond your view.”
LOVE. This one sounds “sappy” but it really isn’t from a biblical perspective. Take what you’ve heard and learned and deal with it with the people. Most everyone believes they are “right” in their perspective. Their conclusion is not always accurate but their opinion certainly seems that way to them. No one is entitled to a private version of the truth. Love requires you to challenge assumptions and conclusions at times. Be gracious in doing it, but love demands that you challenge wrong thinking. By the way, this is almost never popular…but now as the leader, you don’t have the luxury of seeking popularity. You are responsible for a higher calling and correction is one of the difficulties in that responsibility.
LEAD. Ultimately, you were not sent or commissioned to take opinion polls and then implement popular desires. You were sent to equip the people and lead them to engage. Equip and lead. Nothing truly happens in any organization without movement. Leaders affect movement; otherwise, you are a commentator and not a leader. You must help people move. Finally, and particularly for pastoral leadership these 10 bullets have proven true in my experience. At times, they have served as an anchor for my soul. At other times, they served to prod me on when sitting comfortably seemed more attractive.
“You cannot lead those you do not influence.” Dr. Johnny Hunt. There is a reason that great generals lead from the front edge of battle. Their courage, bravery, and passion is contagious. It inspires people to follow.
Remember who you serve and WHOSE you are. Some people will think of you as theirs. You must remember that you are His. You serve the people by listening, learning, loving, and leading but they are not your authority. Your authority is derived from the One who called you. Many “pastors” have been fired and continued to serve as a pastor of the church. They are chaplains and event coordinators, orators and entertainers. The pastor’s authority has long since been revoked by the One who owns him.
Criticism goes with the calling. Many will refuse to follow while simultaneously charge you with not leading. They will make their errant opinions known broadly. Take it in stride.
“Don’t read your own press clippings.” Dr. Michael Cloer. You are not as good as some claim you are. You are also not as bad as some claim you are.
Work hard. Your family will be OK if you work hard. Some evenings away are actually a good example to your children. Make the most of the moments you have. Engage the entire family in the calling.
Have a pastor/coach. You need a truth speaker who has already earned battle scars. He must love you enough to wound you and to encourage as the circumstances dictate. This is not a peer, an evangelist, or a friend you lead in ministry. It must be a pastor that you think of as pastor. Every pastor needs someone who understands without having to explain.
Gather friends in ministry for a safe place to offload the weight of Office. Think of this as peer support or peer accountability. There is a rising tide of peer coaching/support groups today for pastors.
It is not as easy as it looked before you took the chair. It sometimes takes weeks but often months before the weightiness of the Office sets in. The difficulty is not a sign you are doing it wrong…it is just validation that it looked easier from the outside looking in.
Lighten up. Fun is important. You’re not perfect and shouldn’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does (smile). Try to laugh–a lot. It is hard to be angry with a guy who is laughing.
Soak in every minute. I’ve done some difficult things in my life. Pastoring has proven to be the most grueling and also the most rewarding. Watching the lights turn on and seeing people grow to understand and love Jesus absolutely lights my fire! Most leaders never experience the kind of joy that pastors do. You are involved in an eternal enterprise as a select servant of the Sovereign King!
So…new pastor (and a few old pastors who benefit from the reminder)…fulfill the calling you have been entrusted with.
If this article has been a blessing to you, or if you’d add to it, let me hear from you. Press on!
In my seminary days in New York, the beginning of each chapel included the singing of the alma mater.
To all the world for Jesus’ sake Where bodies hurt and sad hearts ache Lift high the cross, His love proclaim Mid-America bear His Name.
One thing I noticed, particularly in a school which was focused on training pastors and missionaries: everyone heard that calling through a filter. If you sensed the calling to foreign missions… “all the world” meant panta ta ethne (all the people groups of the world). If you knew that God had called you to local church ministry, it meant the unreached people in your city.
Regardless of one’s filter, the alma mater reminded us, regularly and consistently that we exist for the glory of God and are purposefully deployed in this world to proclaim Christ’s love for the broken and hurting. Our message is simple: “The Cross.”
In “the cross” we see the gravity of sin. In its day, the crucifixion was reserved as punishment for the highest of crimes and the worst of criminals. God’s view of our sin is not that of some little indiscretion but of a capital offense. Only a perfect God could hold such a view…since we, as sinners, are often seeking to minimize the offensiveness of sin. We turn “false witness” into a partial truth or “little lie” as if that were so. Ultimately though, it is the Judge’s judgment that stands, not the person on trial. Sin is horrendous.
In “the cross” we see the substitutionary sacrifice of God for us. He is both JUST (in His judgment of sin) and JUSTIFIER of man (because He assumed the punishment for our sin). His justification was not in response to some sense of merit in us, but according to His own good purpose and predetermined plan.
In “the cross” we find hope. No one is crucified twice. For those condemned (cursed) to die on a tree, once the penalty is paid, it is paid. In Christ’s vicarious (representative) atoning work, each person’s debt is settled.
In “the cross” we find the prescribed response. We look at the Innocent One who took our place, experienced the fullness of the cup of God’s wrath poured out on Him, and as it (the cross) is lifted high, we are called to look upon it. If we do, we feel conviction, shame, and unworthiness. As we hear Him call to us we are drawn. The acknowledgment of our sin and insufficiency of our efforts to atone for our sin are overshadowed by the gracious invitation to yield and KNOW eternal life.
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