Author: Bill

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Discipleship is not a spectator sport

Contrary to what is apparent by observing our western societal norms Christianity, specifically Discipleship, is NOT a spectator sport. We, as Disciples of Christ, are called to action by Jesus himself. Most of us have heard of The Great Commission as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt.28:19-20 ESV

Perhaps not so often quoted, the Apostle Mark also wrote of Jesus’ last set of instructions, just before ascending into Heaven. Mark gave us this account of The Savior’s last words.

15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:15-18 ESV

Though Jesus spoke specifically to the Eleven (Judas Iscariot had already hanged himself in shame over The Betrayal), I can’t imagine that his words were only intended for those ears. The implication here is clearly that this teaching is to spread from teacher to follower, that follower becoming a teacher, and in turn teaching a new group of followers and so on through the ages to present day.

All too often, we are complacent to allow our Pastors and Deacons to carry the load. To be the teacher. We, as followers, are happy to tune in on Sunday mornings. Feeling satisfied that we have done our duty to God by our mere presence in Church. After all, we sang. We heard the sermon or the homily (can’t leave out Catholics). We even took Communion. What more does He want?

Tighten your seat belts folks! Here comes the big question! We call ourselves the Body of Christ. How can we be the hands and feet of Christ if we are sitting on our hands with our feet propped up in the grandstands? Pretty much just what many of us are doing. It is time for us to get up, get in the game.

Anybody can do it. We must do it. Before you say that you aren’t qualified or that you are afraid you will fail, consider these lyrics from Broken Things by Matthew West.

“The pages of history they tell me it’s true
That it’s never the perfect; it’s always the ones with the scars that You use
It’s the rebels and the prodigals; it’s the humble and the weak
The misfit heroes You chose
Tell me there’s hope for sinners like me”

The Body of Christ is so necessary today. Don’t believe it. Look at the violence in the streets, the racial unrest, and those stupid pink hats. We need to stand up. Stand up for Christ. He certainly stood up for us, all the way to the Cross of Calvary. We don’t have to be deal closers but we have to be present in the deal. The movement started over two thousand years ago. We just need to place our shoulders to the stone and make it roll again.

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Love the one you’re with

Nope, this is not a 60’s flashback. My apologies to Stephen Stills and to you for the song now playing in your mind. I haven’t completely lost mine. Though it occasionally wanders off on its own when left without adult supervision.

Actually, I am rather referencing the second great commandment as Jesus gave us in Matthew 22:36-40

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Amazing in its simplicity. Not nearly as easy as it sounds.

A little over twenty years ago, while attending Freshman’s parent orientation at Catholic High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, I picked up a bit of wisdom from the featured speaker that has resonated through me constantly throughout my days since.  The speaker was Lou Holtz, once the football coach at Notre Dame and Arkansas among others.  Lou has always impressed me as a man to listen to when he speaks. The address to this auditorium of eager parents did not disappoint. He said many things that day that would leave a lasting impression on many of those in attendance.

Probably the most profound thing that he shared was this. Talking specifically about some of the difficulties involved in turning his players from growing, testosterone-driven athletes into teachable young men of purpose. Lou’s pungent point was simply, “Those who need love the most, usually deserve love the least.” From that moment forth I will always lend an ear when that wise old football coach speaks, hoping to glean another bit of an inspiring life-lesson.

It is easy to love your spouse (most of the time) because you share so many happy times. The same is true of the people at work who, along with you, band together to triumph over the dilemma-of-the-day. Those with whom you share church services, singing songs of praise; my heart swells just looking at the angelic faces. Jesus knew that we were easily capable of this type of love.

I believe that Jesus and Lou were both speaking about the guy who cut you off in traffic and then took up two spaces in the parking lot you both turned into. Maybe it is the lady behind you in the lunch-time line at the bank who is having a meltdown about how horrible her day is and feels that it is her duty and right to make every individual she comes into contact with as miserable as she is. It is the homeless guy standing in front of McDonalds or the kid down the street practicing the bagpipes, sounding like he is killing the golden goose.

It isn’t always easy! If it was everyone would do it. I think we should challenge ourselves to share kindness with every person with whom we come in contact. It may take prayer and it will be difficult some days. The results will be more pleasing than not and, I promise, every day it will get to be easier and your day will be better. Less anxiety-filled.

We must see others through the eyes of the Savior. We were all created in the same manner. He loves us all the same. He favors us all. When we make the effort to love the one we are with, not superficial love, nor romantic love but the unconditional Love of Jesus Christ, we will change lives. I have. Maybe the largest change is the one in my own life.

 

 

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The journey begins

Today I have had the idea placed in my heart to open a document to chronical my journey.  I will not start at the very beginning, nor will start at the end, but I will try to set the stage for where I am now and how and why I have arrived at this place and state of mind. The opinions expressed here are solely mine unless otherwise noted. I have had many influences in my life, many good, many not so good, many that were bad. In the end, it is my fondest hope that I shall hear my Creator say “Well done, good and faithful servant.”(Matt. 25:23 ESV). That is closer to the end of my story, let me rewind a bit.

I am the son of a sailor. I was unchurched in my youth. I never attended any school longer than 2 years until my father retired. Oddly, I attended high school (all 4 years) with kids with whom I shared the first grade. I was a better than average student –Beta Club and National Honor Society. I was an average athlete, earning my letter in basketball and track. I made a failed attempt at college, was the president of the Residence Hall Association, served in Student Government and ultimately spent more time playing Hearts and Spades than attending class.

I have been married more than once. More than twice… a fact that I am not proud of, but in the end, I am married to the one that was meant for me. The most important factor in our longevity is that God is a third member of our union. Sadly, He was not in previous attempts, thus my track record is not what I wish it could be. My wife, Cynthia, and I have been through a lot over the years. Like many others, we have had our good times and our bad times, our sickness and health; but by God’s Grace, we have survived to find a stronger love than most discover in a lifetime.

I am a broken sinner, as I believe we all are. I believe I may have been more broken than most. I am a child of the 60’s. I experienced all that brings to mind. I worked in the bar business for years and saw, often participated in, some of the least wholesome activities imaginable. As they say, there was sex (lots of sex), drugs (too many drugs) and rock and roll. I am not proud of my time spent in darkness. I am overjoyed that Jesus Christ sought me in the darkness and extended His loving arms to pull me into the light of His Mercy. I survived, no thanks to my own efforts but by the Grace of Almighty God.

Throughout my lifetime I have grown to believe in the Truth of God’s Word, the power of prayer, the unconditional Love that we are called to offer each other, and that we are all God’s Children. We are Citizens of Heaven and sojourners in this world. Just passing through. We are being prepared for Life Eternal. For some of us, the lessons come more easily than for others of us. Many receive their gifts from God at an early age. Sadly, I have come late into my inheritance. But now that I have received, I am thirsty for all I can consume.

That which follows will reflect my journey down the path of discipleship. Join me if you are so inclined. The Holy Spirit will light the way…