Category: Uncategorized

Sequoia Or Scrub Oak?

Neal Pollard

A few years ago I visited King’s Canyon National Park, home of “General Grant.”  General Grant is the second-tallest living thing on earth at 267 feet tall, 40 feet in diameter and 107 feet in basal circumference.  It has been called the “Nation’s Christmas Tree” as well as the nation’s only living National Shrine because it was dedicated to Americans who died serving our country during time of war.   It is hard to describe the sense of awe standing before the massive act of God’s hand.  Sequoias are said to be the largest living things on earth.  While California Redwoods grow taller, Sequoias grow larger trunks and wider branches.  In fact, the bark on a Sequoia can be four feet thick and they can grow up to two feet per year and live hundreds of years.

The scrub oak, on the other hand, makes quite a contrast.  It has prickly, dull colored leaves which are hairy on its underside.  The trees almost never grow higher than eight feet tall.  It is often referred to as a hybrid and is often thought of as much as a shrub as a tree.  Scrub oaks often combine together in “groves” to form brambly thickets.  The acorns are distinct for their hairy, warty and overlapping scales when they reach maturity.

The interesting thing is that one of the major species of scrub oak grows not far from areas where sequoias and redwoods can be found.  They are subject to the same general conditions, have access to the same nutrients, soil, and weather conditions.  Obviously, though, they are made of different stuff!

Now, a scrub oak cannot make a decision to be a sequoia.  That is pre-determined by God and His laws of nature and propagation.  But, we can choose what kind of person we will be.  We can be magnanimous, charitable, helpful, reliable, kind, and serving, the kind of Christian who builds and helps the church grow and be better.  Such a person makes a huge impact wherever he or she is planted.  Or, we can choose to be small-minded, petty, cantankerous, disagreeable, prickly, and contentious.  This kind of person is also known by his or her fruit, and the comparison between that fruit and a scrub acorn is compelling!  Whatever type of Christian you set out to be, you will be observed by those around you.  When you are thus observed, what will you be?  A sequoia or scrub oak?

What To Do When The Bull Takes You By The Horns

Neal Pollard

It’s one of those pictures where you are relieved to know that the people captured in a painful predicament survived and recovered just fine.  That way, you don’t feel guilty laughing at them.  In the October 2007 issue of Reader’s Digest (p. 109), there is an incredible picture from the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain.  What are the chances that one bull would be lucky enough to skewer brothers.  One either end of this bull’s rack are Americans that were, um, painfully caught.  The bull, literally, took them by his horns.  Even Hemingway would have to call this “poetic justice.”

It would be interesting to learn the etymology of the phrase, “take the bull by the horns.”  We know it is an encouragement to endure the risks in doing something bold, daring, and difficult.  It depicts bravery, bravado, and brazenness.

What happens when risk and daring backfire?  What about when you stick your neck out and your nearly lose it?  What about when your big dreams come to resemble a nightmare?

When the bull takes you by the horns, it hurts.  Though I don’t know this from first hand experience, I have seen the video footage and enough photos like the one in RD to believe it.  It hurts when you take that big risk (to invite a friend to church, to have a Bible study not end in baptism, to hand an olive branch to someone you’re at odds with and have the hand slapped, etc.).  Acknowledge that those who dare and do will sometimes know defeat.

When the bull takes you by the horns, it’s not usually fatal.  I have concluded it is the adrenaline rush of staring death in the face that gets these Type A’s into the narrow streets of Pamplona.  The dread of the goring is felt many more times often than the point of the horns.  If you’ve failed trying something big for the Lord, you may wrestle with being gun-shy.  Yet, ask yourself, “Did it kill me?”  If you are reading this, it obviously did not!  Try again!  Your next attempt may be your greatest.

When the bull takes you by the horns, learn from it!  When it comes to the running of the bulls, I’d say that the lesson to be learned is stay off the streets when angry bulls seeing a lot of red are turned loose there.  Perhaps another lesson is to run at least a step or two faster than the guy beside you.   But, when daring to do great things for God, learn from the mistakes and failures.  Let it instruct you.  Be wiser next time.  Try a different approach.  But, at all costs, do not stop doing your very best for Christ.

THE BEST PLAY WAS NOT EVEN ON THE FIELD!

Neal Pollard

Yesterday, professional football fans saw one of the most exciting, improbable victories in its history climaxed by the stunning first play from scrimmage in overtime when Tebow hit Thomas for a playoff, overtime record 80 yards in a playoff, overtime record 11 seconds.  Local play-by-play man Dave Logan’s call, which will likely go down in Bronco lore, captures how monumental it was for the underdog Denver team.  If you watch ESPN, there will be several highlights of passes, runs, and defensive plays.  However, without a doubt, the best play of the day happened up in the stands, almost on the front row in the seats at the 15 yard line.  The game was tied, 23-23, and it was about 5:45 P.M.  The outcome was completely unknown and very much in doubt.  The last minute of regulation, alone, was a pins and needles affair.  It was right about then that a Christian husband and father, a deacon in this congregation, told his son, “It’s time for us to go.”  The son, a huge Tim Tebow and Broncos fan, was curious as to why.  His dad explained, “We’ve got something more important to do.”

Wait a minute.  What is more important than seeing on the biggest sports moments in this town in years?  That father knew that the saints were assembling at 6:00 P.M., and he wanted his son to know that worshipping God was the highest priority.  Here is a father who is raising his son to enjoy and appreciate those normal “guy things” that will be a source of entertainment for this young man for decades to come.  But, he is also teaching him something infinitely more important!  Those earthly diversions and entertainments are subordinate to “kingdom matters” (Mat. 6:33).  This father was showing his son Who reigns on the throne of his heart.  I pray that this man’s example will influence us all to remember what really matters most in the end.

Thanks, Dean!  What a great “play”!

MISSED WHEN ABSENT (THE SEQUEL)

Neal Pollard

Some years ago, I wrote a Daily Bread article comparing the ecological crisis known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), which in many places is causing the honey worker bees to disappear, to our hardworking church members whose absence makes all the difference in what gets done or does not get done in a congregation. I wrote:

“Think about how many in the church are like the honey bee.  They work almost undetectably, behind the scenes and unheralded.  Without them, however, much work would go undone.  Occasionally, these workers may get discouraged by opposition, unappreciation, and criticism.  In some instances, they may be prone to give up and ‘disappear.’  Yet, think about what happens to the life and work of a congregation that loses or lacks these quiet workers.  Bulletin boards aren’t decorated.  Kitchens aren’t cleaned.  Tract racks aren’t stocked.  Shut-ins and the sick aren’t contacted.  Cards aren’t sent.  People aren’t encouraged and new Christians and new members aren’t exhorted.  Visits aren’t made.  Individually, these workers may not be able to do much, but collectively their impact is huge!”

I ended by writing to those who are those hardworking, behind-the-scenes members, “We notice you, and we need you.”

I found it interesting that buried in today’s Denver Post is the probable cause of Colony Collapse Disorder.  Scientists in northern California think “a parasitic fly hijacks the bees’ bodies and causes them to abandon hives” (1/5/12, 11A).  The fly has been a known parasite in bumblebees (ibid.), but may now be the culprit decimating honey bee hives in the United States and overseas.

If that is true, what an illustration of a warning God gives His workers in Hebrews 12.  “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…” (1-2a).  Be it discouragement, lack of endurance, personal sin, or some other “parasite” of faith and faithfulness, we must keep them away and fix our eyes on Jesus.  No matter what tempts us to veer off course or how difficult the challenge is to stay at the work, that is exactly what God wants us to do and what we must do!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE COMPASSIONATE?


Neal Pollard

Christians are called to be compassionate.  There is no denying that.  Colossians 3:12 puts compassion at the head of a list of eight important qualities God’s chosen are to “put on.”  Frequently, we see Jesus as a model of compassion (Mat. 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; 20:34).  The Samaritan in Jesus’ parable is upheld as exemplary for his compassion (Lk. 10:33).  Compassion is used to describe God’s dealings with us (Js. 5:11).

The problem can become what the world calls compassion as contrasted with what the Bible means by it.  The biblical meaning of the word speaks of the intense emotion of sympathy, even to the point of grief, that leads to the merciful treatment of the object of that compassion.  Compassion moved Jesus to heal and feed the crowds.  It moved the “Good Samaritan” to treat the wounds and pay for the medical care of the man left for dead.  God’s compassion moves Him to forgive us and bless us.

The world’s mistaken notion of compassion too often involves tolerating sin or compromising so as not to hurt the feelings of another.  Under the guise of compassion, too many basically “good” people are averse to condemning such sinful behavior as homosexuality, abortion, fornication, adultery, drunkenness, and the list of “such like” things is rather long (cf. Gal. 5:19-21).  Whereas the compassionate thing in such a case is to lovingly teach truth rather than validate wickedness, perhaps some are afraid of the negative backlash that comes from a courageous rebuke.  Compassion does not enable people to stay in unhealthy moral, ethical, economic, or emotional situations.  Compassion calls for sympathy, gentleness, and understanding, but that is not synonymous with endorsing evil.  It is antonymous!  Jesus was the king of compassion, but He was plainspoken about sin.  May we follow in His steps, being loving and merciful while staying true to God’s revealed standard.

Why Is Movie Attendance Falling?

Neal Pollard

Apparently, churches are not the only ones bemoaning falling attendance.  Amy Kaufman of the L.A. Times reports that only 1.28 billion people bought a ticket for a movie in the U.S. and Canada in 2011.  That may still like a huge number of patrons, but  it is the lowest number in 16 years. Those of us who rarely darken the darkened Hollywood houses would point to ticket prices, especially a cost to value comparison being woefully dissatisfying. Kaufman points to a disconnect between the industry and a new generation of movie-watchers.

I confess to knowing very little about marketing particularly this product.  But I wonder if there is another factor or two at play beyond economics and a generation gap.  As I heard the statistic about falling movie attendance first on radio news, my mind went back to a book my brother-in-law, Bud Woodall, gave to me 15 years ago.  It is called Five Lies of the Century and is written by David T. Moore.  Moore explores five myths of our culture, one of which is that “Entertainment Is Harmless.”  One of the media myths he explores is the idea that the media just gives people what they want.  Moore says, “If the media is really giving people what they want, then why are fewer people going to movies, concerts, and watching TV?…Seventy-eight percent of Americans go to two films or fewer a year. When they do go, it’s nearly always to see an exceptionally good film” (283-284).  He makes the point that in the 1980s, despite “G” rated movies far outperforming “R” movies, the industry increased production of “R” rated movies by almost 20% in that decade.

So, a generation later, people have patronized movies full of filthy language, irreverence, gratuitous violence, and sexual immorality of every flavor and kind.  Like a lesser drug loses its pull eventually, movies that titillate also desensitize much the way that lemons take the enamel off a tooth.  Movies have to push the envelope more and move the edge further.  This will work for a while, along with technological advances like 3-D and interactive theatre seats.  Perhaps, like someone living on a diet of fat and sugar, north American movie-goers are glutted with drug, sex, vulgarity, and profanity.  If the past is any kind of predictor, the majority will return after their hiatus.  May we, as Christians, not follow them.  Remember, the majority are on the wrong spiritual road (Mt. 7:13-14).

Excel Still More

Neal Pollard

As this year is still very new, you may be looking back at the your past and contemplating your future.  You may be the type that says, “I don’t ‘do’ resolutions.”  Perhaps it is silly to suddenly jump into healthier habits and aim for higher heights just because the calendar indicates that the new day is a new year, but there is biblical precedence for continual striving to do and be better.

Paul writes Thessalonica and twice urges them to “excel still more” (1 Thess. 4:1,10).  Reading the text reveals that this more excellent approach includes proper walking and pleasing God (1).  It includes practicing brotherly love (9).  It includes sexual self-control and purity (3-7). It is attached to such behaviors as industriousness and evangelistic example (11-12).  So, it takes in a wide variety of conduct that makes us better personally, morally, evangelistically, and ethically.

When you examine yourself this time next year, should the Lord allow time to stand, will you be living more excellently than you are today?  If not, does that thought satisfy you?  Don’t wait for January first, but don’t delay for any reason.  Get started today on becoming a better you.  This will benefit yourself, those around you, and the kingdom of God!  Who needs more incentive than that?

2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 17,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 6 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

I DON’T WANT TO BE A “HIRED WORKER”

Neal Pollard
W. Robert Nicoll tells us that the word translated “selfish ambition” in Philippians 1:17, eritheia, was “originally, the character of a worker for pay. A hired worker was looked down upon because his laboring was wholly for his own interest” (Reinecker and Rogers 547).  From the primary source, we also read, “…it was a sign of the noble to devote himself to the common weal” (i.e., for the best of others) (Nicoll, Expositors Grek Testament, Vol. 3, 425).
In context, the imprisoned Paul, bound only for preaching Christ, observed his fellow preachers.  Some preached from poor motivation, including, probably, the incentive of “preaching for hire.”  As preachers face, with the rest of society, the escalating costs of living, health insurance, housing costs, college tuition for their kids, and adequate retirement planning, while the world (and even at times) the church grow more immoral and bolder in sin, how easy it is to yield to the temptation to preach for the paycheck.
This has led some preachers to revert to the Old Law, at least in the sense of observing the “Passover.”  They pass over needed sermons such as addressing the sin of instrumental music in worship, denominationalism, immodesty, unfaithful attendance, heartless giving, unscriptural divorce and remarriage, and other “taboo” subjects.  They pass over needed lessons promoting the essentiality of baptism, the oneness of the church, the absolute of personal evangelism, and the call for unwavering commitment.
Please pray for me and for every other preacher mounting a pulpit among congregations of the Lord’s church. Pray that we will never be blind to our divinely given charge of preaching the word (2 Tim. 4:1ff) by a rectangular piece of paper or a financial contract.  God’s preacher must, like the slaves addressed by Paul, “With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free” (Eph. 6:7).  James reminds us that where “selfish ambition” exists, “there is disorder and every evil thing” (3:16).  So it will be in places where pulpits are silent where the Bible says to speak.

Where Is Friday, Samoa?

Neal Pollard

Singapore’s “Straits Time” reports that Samoa’s parliament announced they were switching time zones so that it lies west of the international date line.  That island nation’s government makes this decision to get on the same time zone as its major trading partner, Australia. Currently, the dateline runs just west of the main island, making them 11 hours behind GMT and one of the last places to see the end of each day.  Incidentally, 767 residents were born and 43 resident couples were married on December 30th.  What are they going to do?  Next year, they will have a December 30th, but this one is being stolen from them.  Samoa will go from 11:59 PM on Thursday to 12:00 AM on Saturday morning.  That day will be lost!

I don’t blame whatever percentage of the nation’s 200,000 people that will feel gipped of an entire day!  However, we do that to ourselves in much smaller increments all the time.  It is so easy to squander the precious, limited commodity we call time.  We may not rob ourselves of entire days, but we may do so with our minutes and hours.  We’ve heard the adage, “Time.  That’s the stuff life is made of.”  Yet, how many opportunities do we allow to go by the boards?  Some spend much time in chat rooms, online discussion groups, or even Face Book rants.  Time flies and lost souls have not been evangelized, sick have not been visited, lonely have not been tangibly encouraged, and on we could go!  Entire days get lost this way!  Web surfers do the same thing to themselves, as do those who while away their time glued to the TV or their computer screens in idle pursuits.

Stewardship refers to managing our God-given resources.  Time is a fixed, finite, inflexible commodity from God to us.  How are we using God’s golden moments?

 

Swept Away, Enslaved Then Reunited

Neal Pollard

 

Seven years ago today, an 8-year-old girl was torn from her family by a violent tsunami wave that struck her hometown of Meulaboh, Indonesia.  She was recovered by a wicked woman “who called her Wati and forced her to beg, sometimes beating her and keeping her in the streets until 1 a.m.” (Fakhrurradzie Gade, AP, via Denver Post, 12/25/11, 14A).  When she stopped bringing money in to the woman, she told her to leave and find her parents.  She even told her the hometown from which she hailed.  Now a teenager, “Wati” had to draw on vague recollections to find her family.  She remembered her grandfather was named “Ibrahim,” and locals in Meulaboh took her to the man and ultimately to her parents.  They had long given up hope that she had survived.  230,000 people perished in that infamous tsunami, including tens of thousands in her province alone, but Meri Yuranda, Wati’s real name, was reunited with her overjoyed parents (ibid.).

Such reunions are, sadly, rare, but they are thrilling when they occur.  The imagination races with all the twists and turns of a seven year journey that began with a tidal wave and ended with a solemn, yet happy, rejoining.  That the girl would escape death and then survive an unhappy experience far from home is amazing enough.  That she would be resourceful and savvy enough to rediscover her family is almost unbelievable.

How it illustrates the terrible, spiritual circumstances facing the vast majority of this world.  Swept away and enslaved by sin (Eph. 4:14; Rom. 6:16-18), they find themselves in the cruel far country (cf. Lk. 15:13).  Too often, they never find their way to the Father.  However, when they do search for Him, they find Him (Ac. 17:27)!  It sets off a joyful celebration in the Father’s House (Lk. 15:25ff)!  The Father never ceases hoping and longing for the return of the wayward ones, but we must come back to Him.  What a happy ending is made when we are reunited with the loving, waiting Father!

The Dignity Of Snow (POEM)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neal Pollard

A dusky silent morn, white blanket on the ground,

The earth with powder to adorn, a heaping, icy mound.

No worldly voices heard, no bustling bodies stirred,

Just God’s master portrait, as the land He gently girds.

The clouds He made to flurry, to drop its winter moisture,

With white the ground to bury flakes in a fluffy cluster.

Refreshing and replenishing, a landscape with downy finishing,

Behold the omnipotent picture, nothing the beauty diminishing.

Its purity is simplicity, it covers the dirt and the gloom.

It tells us all implicitly of God’s power to clean and groom.

Clean and distinctly bright, a terrestrial tint of white

See the Savior’s snapshot, a solemn, soothing sight.

Another “Scandal” Involving A College Football Coach!

Neal Pollard

Everyone knows about the tragic situation at Penn State and even one involving Syracuse’s basketball coach.  Ohio State just received punishment for its misdeeds.  The list of university’s punished for transgressions is lengthy, with new investigations seemingly starting every month.  Add my beloved University of Georgia to the list, thanks to head coach Mark Richt.  He was sanctioned for NCAA rules violations in an issue investigators closed on November 30th.  Of course, it had to do with money.  Here is what Mr. Richt had the audacity to do: he paid several staffers (he felt were not adequately compensated by the school) out of his own pocket.  He paid coaches, the director of player development, director of sports medicine, video coordinators, and other assistants more than $60,000 of his own money.

That’s refreshing!  I know that Richt can afford to do that better than you and I can, but it still represents uncommon generosity.  He did not have to do this.  He was concerned about those he deemed under-compensated, and he gave to them.  Neither the university nor Richt were fined or penalized, but he was reprimanded.  The casual observer of college and professional athletics, where selfishness too often prevails, might secretly hope for a rash of Richt-like behavior.

You and I have the power to do this.  To some degree, we all can do it financially.  It may be a $20 sent anonymously in a card to someone in need.  It may be generously stocking the church pantry.  It may be taking a meal to a family.  It may be contributing money to missionaries at year’s end.

Yet, we can be generous in ways that do not involve money and have the same impact.  It may be a visit, babysitting, housecleaning, providing transportation, or the like.  But, going about doing good (cf. Ac. 20:35; Gal. 6:10) catches people off-guard.  In an “I-me-my” world, Christians can have the element of surprise simply by acts of kindness.  Let’s!

What Does God Want From Us?

Neal Pollard

The words might be bewilderingly spoken in frustration, through a voice broken by the tears of trial or temptation, or from a puzzlement borne of a lack of adequate information.  But, many times over, men have asked the question posed by Moses in Deuteronomy 10:12.  “What does the Lord your God require of you?”  What does He want from us anyway?

Micah knew what the answer was not.  Rhetorically, he asks, “Does the Lord take delight in thousands of rams, in ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” (Mic. 6:7).  The obvious answer is “no.”  The first idea is finally and logistically prohibitive.  The second idea, though the greatest sacrifice a human could make, is spiritually repulsive to God.  So, if we cannot pay our own debt, what does God want from us?

He wants an AWE (Dt. 10:12–“Fear the Lord your God”).  He rejects flippant, heartless, lackadaisical, bored, and faithless approaches, but He praises the one who falls before Him in godly fear (Heb. 12:28).  God calls such “blessed” (Ps. 128:1), “life-giving” (Pr. 10:27; 14:27), “preserving” (Pr. 16:6), “growth-inducing” (Ac. 9:31), and “persuasive” (2 Cor. 5:11).

He wants an ACT (Dt. 10:12–“Walk in all His ways”).  Lip-service (cf. Isa. 29:13) apart from living sacrifice (Rm. 12:1) sickens God!  Notice, He does not want partial obedience.  He expects us to walk in all His ways!  We do not get to follow God on our own terms.  He wants full obedience!

He wants an AFFECTION (Dt. 10:12–“love Him”).  This is the first, greatest command (Mt. 22:37).  God modeled the kind of love He wants reciprocated (1 Jn. 4:19).  He is not satisfied with a cold, aloof “relationship.”  Jesus is proof positive that He wants intimacy and closeness.

He wants an ATTITUDE (Dt. 10:12–“Serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul”).  Man wants to receive.  He wants to be “king of the mountain.”  He wants happiness and fulfillment at the price of another.  God wants us to give, humble self, and consider what others need (Ph. 2:4).  In fact, He calls this “great” (Mt. 20:26-28).

He wants an APPLICATION (Dt. 10:13–“Keep the Lord’s commandments and His statutes”).  Intellectual assent, alone, is insufficient.  He wants His truth to live in our lives!  He wants His will to play out in our thoughts, words, and deeds (Lk. 6:46; Mt. 7:21ff).

Why does God want all of this from us?  The answer is simple, profound, but not surprising, the better we understand God.  Moses says all of these divine expectations are “for your good” (Dt. 10:13).  God wants from us only what will help us be the very best individuals we can be.  That is not possible unless we are spiritually OK.  More than anything, that is what God wants for us!

TEBOW’S IMPACT ON CHURCHES?

Neal Pollard

Wait a minute!  This is not “another story on Tim Tebow”… per se.  I have used great restraint in not writing about the Denver quarterback, but this is a bit different.  Over the weekend, we received a phone call from the New York Daily.  Columnist Erik German was working on a story about the impact Tebow has had on churches in the Denver area.

That made me wonder.  The very question is a commentary on our times.  Tebow, very openly, unashamedly devout, is making waves at water coolers everywhere.  This story is bigger than Denver.  As big as his winning ways is his attempt to glorify God whenever given the opportunity.  It is hard to describe how exciting it is to have such a positive role model being given such prominence.  But, again, why the question?

Maybe the Bear Valley congregation is an aberration.  Maybe other congregations of the Lord’s people are having streams of people drop in because of Tebowmania or even Tebowing.  Maybe the denominations are feeling a similar impact.  Maybe we have had people stop by our services because of this phenomenon, but just chose not to tell us. But, so far as I know, we have not been the benificiary of this ballplayer’s bold beliefs.

But, here is the point.  We already have a “Mile High Messiah.”  All indications are that He has no direct interest in the outcome of football games or other athletic contests.  If it takes Tebow (or any other celebrity) to put us “on the map” with the community, then maybe we should ask ourselves where we have been before now.  What we have in Christ and what Christ wants to offer the world far transcends what anybody else has to offer.

Maybe Tebow will inspire those of us who know and have obeyed the truth to shine the light brighter than ever.  Maybe we will be unashamed to tell them the good news. Maybe this will wake us up to the power of our collective influence.  Maybe we will sustain such zeal and boldness, no matter what number 15 does on the playing field.  Let us pray to that end!

FIVE MEMBERS I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE

Neal Pollard

THE ENCOURAGER.  This selfless person is always looking for a back to pat or a hand to lift.  He or she is intent on others being appreciated for their contribution to the Lord’s work.  These have a knack for doing so actively and genuinely.

THE UPBEAT.  This smiling person has not had fewer surgeries, health issues, or reverses of life (in fact, many times they have had more than their share).  Though you know they are suffering, if you ask them how they are you hear a silver-lining answer and see a twinkle in their eyes that betrays hope and optimism.  They seem focused on heaven, not their hurts.

THE WORKER.  This serving person does not have more leisure time or fewer potential life interests, but you will see them often between services, at church gatherings, at all the services, and wherever help is needed.  Their energy and time reserve seems endless, and without them the needs of hurting members would go unmet, the souls of lost people would go untaught, and the jobs for all members would go undone.

THE STEADY.  This steadfast person is not immune from long days at work, times of tiredness, family obligations, and other diversions.  They are not above the ups and downs and highs and lows of life.  But, whenever the doors are open, they are present.  They do not blow hot and cold.  They see the Christian race as a marathon, one which they are not about to quit.  They just keep a constant, methodical pace.  They may not be the most outspoken, vivacious, or even talented spark-plug in the congregation.  They just keep going and going and going.

THE TENDER.  This sweet person is on the phone, on the move, or at the pew, with caring spirit, tending to the cares and concerns of others.  No doubt these same members are the mightiest prayer warriors in the church, those who love with a pure heart fervently.  They grasp the concept that we are a family, and they love in deed and not just in tongue.  You know they genuinely care about you.  In fact, you may have them to thank in part if you stand at the Lord’s right hand some day.

Think about these five members.  Did you have other names, specific first and last names, that you would substitute for the five names mentioned?  Where would your name go?  In place of any of those five, or would you have to look elsewhere?  It’s a choice we all make.  How do we want to be seen?

“Thou Shalt Not Steal”

Neal Pollard

 

It is such a problem that there are companies who specialize in creating systems to monitor, prevent, and thereby punish it.  Statistics and estimates abound concerning the massive problem it is, not only in this nation but in businesses and corporations across the globe.  It goes by the name “time theft,” a term used to describe employees who steal time from their employers.  This can happen through a variety of ways:

  • Showing up late and/or leaving early.
  • Slowing down the work pace to get to overtime pay scales
  • Using company time to conduct another business
  • Using company time to conduct personal business (bill paying, checkbook reconciling, and other such activity that is not “made up”)
  • Excessive use of social media (Facebook, Twitter, web surfing, fantasy sports leagues, online games and quizzes, etc.)
  • Excessive personal phone time (whether voice or texting)
  • Taking long lunch hours and breaks
  • Daydreaming, excessive socializing with other employees, and even sleeping on the job.

No doubt, other items could be added to this list.  Acroprint of Raleigh, North Carolina, goes so far to say that such “occurs in every organization with a payroll.”  They also cite “a leading authority on employment issues” that asserts “the average employee ‘steals’ approximately 54 minutes per day, or 4.5 hours per week, from his/her employer”

(www.acroprint.com)!

Certainly, everyone of us has been guilty of that from time to time.  But, as Christians, we should be averse to making such the pattern and habit of our work ethic.  The Bible, in both testaments, warns against stealing.  Paul warned, “He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need” (Eph. 4:28). He also said, “We have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Cor. 8:21).

As Christians, we should work hard to avoid stealing anything, including time, from our employers.  We should also realize that all sin is ultimately against God.  None of us will do this perfectly, but may we make the proper use of our time so that our pay is earned rather than stolen!

GO ABOUT DOING GOOD

Neal Pollard

One good man told another good man that the Greatest Man “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38).  In the midst of a statement about His Deity and His power, this profound principle still stands out about His deeds.  Obviously, Jesus would not go about doing evil (1 Pet. 2:22), but neither would He settle for mediocrity and uninvolvement.  He was the proactive Prince of Peace!

Of course, He wants us to follow Him (cf. Mt. 4:19; 1 Co. 11:1; 1 Pet. 2:21).  As His followers, we must go about doing good.  When we consider what scripture says about our doing good, it should make us eager to be a full-fledged participant.  Consider:

  • Doing good brings glory to God (Mt. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:12).
  • Doing good makes us rich in the only way that counts (1 Tim. 6:18).
  • Doing good is the pathway to the resurrection of life (Jn. 5:29).
  • Doing good proves that we are owned by God (Titus 2:14).
  • Doing good is how we show that we are fruitful (Titus 3:14).
  • Doing good is how to show yourself as the right kind of example (Titus 2:7).
  • Doing good will eventually reap wonderful benefits (Gal. 6:9).
  • Doing good pleases God (Heb. 13:16).
  • Doing good results in eternal life (Rom. 2:7).
  • Doing good is learned behavior (Isa. 1:17).
  • Doing good is an ever-present opportunity (Mk. 14:17).
  • Doing good comes with a window of opportunity (Gal. 6:10).
  • Doing good helps one love life and see good days (1 Pet. 3:10-11).

Look at the blessings attached to doing good.  It brightens others’ lives.  It enriches our own lives.  It brings eternal life.  It pleases the One who is “The Life” (cf. Jn. 14:6).  Doing good is truly the good life and the only life.  It may be a word, a smile, an action, a favor, a sacrifice, a gift, or a prayer.  It may take a moment.  It may take much longer.  Do it to make others happy, to contribute to your own happiness, and to make God happy.  Most importantly, just do it!

It’s Dangerous For YOU To Text And Drive!

Neal Pollard

Today’s Denver Post revealed the findings of a national study released this week (via AP, 12/9/11, 6-A).  Among the findings are that half of all American drivers between 21-24 have texted while driving, 44% of those between 18-20, 26% of those between 25-34, and nearly 20% of those 35-44.  Overall, almost one in five male and female drivers are texting while driving.  What is telling is that 90% of all interviewed say that they feel unsafe as passengers when someone else is texting or emailing while behind the wheel!  Russ Rader of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says, “Everyone thinks he or she is an above-average driver–it’s all the nuts out there who need educating” (ibid.).

Perhaps it is simply human nature to have a myopic (i.e., lack of clear insight) view of our faults versus others’.  We can see with 20/20 clarity the faults and shortcomings of others while being virtually blind to the same qualities in our own lives.  In fact, we can be hardest on the faults of others with which we struggle most mightily.  While Matthew 7:1-5 is one of the most abused passages in scripture, is this at least in part what Jesus is considering in the matter of unrighteous judgment?  Certainly, we may be looking at a completely unrelated, speck-sized fault from our own beam-sized failure when we engage in hypercriticism and unholy judgment.  Yet, how often are they similar or even identical?

The answer is not letting the sins of others “slide,” to compromise or ignore unrighteousness.  The answer is to temper our criticism and condemnation with humility and self-awareness.   This will help us avoid looking as though we are coming from a “holier than thou” position.  Sin is hideous to God, and it will cost the souls of the majority of mankind (Mat. 7:13-14).  It is so disdainful to God that He cannot look at it (Hab. 1:13).  It cost the life’s blood of the Son He sent to earth to save us from its awful clutches (cf. Ac. 20:28).  But, when we remember that our sin looks equally deplorable in His perfect sight, we will have the compassion and clarity of sight needed to help others fight the same battle we ourselves fight (Gal. 6:1-2).

A COUPLE OF FAMILIAR STORIES AND A PHILOSOPHY

Neal Pollard

You have heard the story about the “man on the wall.”  A traveler down the road reaches the city where a sage sits at its gate.  The traveler is thinking of moving to this city, but wants to know more about it.  He asks the sage, “What kind of people do you have in this town?”  The sage responds, “Well, what kind of people do you have in the town from which you come?”  The traveler retorts, “Oh, they are snobbish, selfish, cruel, hateful, and unkind.”  The sage says, “You will find the same in this city.”  Before long, another traveler reaches the city gate and has the same interest as the first man.  He asks the sage, “What kind of people do you have in this town?”  Again, the sage replies, “Well, what kind of people do you have in the town from which you come?”  The traveler thinks, then quips, “Oh, they are helpful, kind, charitable, and pleasant!”  The sage says, “You will find the same in this city.”

Another well-traveled story is that of the man, his son, and their donkey.  They are making a long journey, and begin with both of them on the back of this beast of burden.  They reach the first city, and people say, “Such cruel people to weigh down that animal so!”  Struck by those words, they decided to make a change.  The father climbed down and walked alongside the donkey, which carried his son.  At the next town, the citizens loudly denounced the situation: “How could that healthy young man so mistreat his father and relegate him to walking?”  Embarrassed, the son and father switched places.  At the next town, critics chided this arrangement, too.  “What an abusive father, to force his son to walk while he rides in luxury?”  Flabbergasted, the two concocted their solution.  Both walked, guiding the donkey as they went.  The townspeople they next encountered laughed them to scorn, saying, “What foolish men, to have such an animal and not make use of him!”

The common thread in these two stories is attitude.  One illustrates the attitude we have in life while the other should brace us to handle the attitudes of others.  One encourages having a proper outlook, while the other encourages us to properly handle the “in-look” of others.  While the moral of the second is that we will never please everyone, the moral of the first is that we are in charge of our own happiness and joy.

Attitude may seem like such a minor thing, but it is the fulcrum of either success or failure, happiness or unhappiness.  Ultimately, nobody else can make you one or the other.  You are in charge of that!  “Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; and shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart” (Ps. 32:11).  Paul said it best: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Phil. 4:11b).  Choose the route of optimism and hope.  As those in Christ, how could we find ourselves anywhere else?