There is something in all of us that desires honor. We don't necessarily want fame and fortune; but we do want honor. We want to feel like someone notices, someone cares; and someone feels we are doing something right. Whether it is as an employee, friend, spouse, or teammate, honor is something that is special when given. It is actually a fine thing to seek, with the right motivation. The Bible would say honor is a good thing; but it is the attitude in which it is sought that holds the key.
When I was playing basketball my freshman year of college, my basketball coach liked to quote a particular part of a particular verse of Scripture: "before honor comes humility." - Proverbs 15:33
His point, as it relates to basketball, is that before you get to the height of your ability in the sport, and on the team, you have to put in the hard work. You have to practice hard, even when no one else is looking, in order to be the best you can be. You have to humble yourself, to do the tedious drills, and to listen to the coach, and to be a good team player, before you are recognized for your accomplishments, and honored for anything. The same principle applies to all of life.
Yes, it is true that it doesn't always seem to work out that way. Some people seem to be honored without ever being humble. In fact, they seem to be honored for their arrogance! We can't control that; but we can believe the Scriptures: real honor, especially that which comes from God, will only come after we humble ourselves. It is a good lesson I am learning, and it is something we want to pass along to our children. We can either embrace humility training or we can despise and reject it. Only those who embrace it will be honored by God - in His timing - in His way. He loves to lift up the humble:
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble"; "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." (James 4:6,10)
God has given me some recent opportunities to embrace humility: living with someone else (no home of our own); working at a fast food joint (I mean quick service restaurant!); applying for state help for health insurance (for low income families); talking about my weaknesses every day; depending on others for many things that most people in my stage of life are independent in. This is not said to gain pity or a handout. These are things that are gifts from God, for me, for our family, for this time. These are things that remind me of: what is really important in life; who God is; what God expects of me. This is the time for humility. I want honor, but I don't want yours. I want God's. And it only comes through humility. Humble circumstances, such as the ones we are experiencing now, don't guarantee a humble attitude. However, they certainly give us a great opportunity to develop true humility.
So, thanks Coach Huckaby, for your wise words; or at least for your wise use of the Scriptures, in teaching me, in a new and meaningful way, the power and importance of humility. Let's hope I was learning something. I still am.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
There's no crying in vacuuming!
Tom Hanks, in his role as a women's baseball manager, famously said: "There's no crying in baseball"! I thought of that quote yesterday as I was crying while vacuuming. Here in Georgia, we live with my brother-in-law and his family; which makes for 14 of us, plus 2 dogs in their home. It has been great and we really appreciate their hospitality. We have tried to carry on some traditions, such as "super Saturday". That is what my wife coined, to describe a detailed cleaning of the house. In Cleveland, it would take about 1.5 hours for our family to do a good cleaning on a Saturday. Not bad. Here in Georgia, we began doing that as well; and with all of us involved, even in this larger home, we are able to "knock it out" in a good amount of time. My favorite "super Saturday" job is vacuuming. I haven't been able to get that job the last couple of weeks. It was mine yesterday.
While I vacuumed, I listened to music on my phone; and just listened to the same 3 songs over and over again: "10,000 reasons" by Matt Redman;"Forever Reign" by Hillsong; and "One Thing Remains" by Jesus Culture. In case you have not heard these songs, let me give you just a sampling of the lyrics. And then, I would encourage you, as soon as possible, to listen to them. You don't have to be vacuuming to listen (just in case you were wondering).
10,000 reasons:
"And on that day, when my strength is failing; The end draws near and my time has come...
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending; Ten Thousand years and then forevermore...
Chorus: Bless the Lord O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name.
Sing like never before, O my soul; Worship His holy name."
Forever Reign:
"You are good, You are good, when there's nothing good in me
You are love, You are love, on display for all to see
You are light, You are light, when the darkness closes in
You are hope, You are hope You ahave covered all my sin
Chorus: Oh, I'm running to Your arms, I'm running to Your arms
The riches of your love, will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace, Light of the World forever reign"
One Thing Remains:
"Higher than the mountains that I face; Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change, One thing remains - One thing remains
Chorus: Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me
Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me.
On and on and on and on it goes; it overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never, ever, have to be afraid, this one thing remains, one thing remains
[repeat chorus]
I don't know how you respond to lyrics like that; but I already told you how I did.
And that brought to mind Tom Hanks line, which is easily carried over to the houseworking world:
"There's no crying in vacuuming"!
Well, I guess there is now!
So, turn on the vacuum, the ipod, and then have a good cry!
And you can tell your family and friends I said it was o.k.
While I vacuumed, I listened to music on my phone; and just listened to the same 3 songs over and over again: "10,000 reasons" by Matt Redman;"Forever Reign" by Hillsong; and "One Thing Remains" by Jesus Culture. In case you have not heard these songs, let me give you just a sampling of the lyrics. And then, I would encourage you, as soon as possible, to listen to them. You don't have to be vacuuming to listen (just in case you were wondering).
10,000 reasons:
"And on that day, when my strength is failing; The end draws near and my time has come...
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending; Ten Thousand years and then forevermore...
Chorus: Bless the Lord O my soul, O my soul; Worship His holy name.
Sing like never before, O my soul; Worship His holy name."
Forever Reign:
"You are good, You are good, when there's nothing good in me
You are love, You are love, on display for all to see
You are light, You are light, when the darkness closes in
You are hope, You are hope You ahave covered all my sin
Chorus: Oh, I'm running to Your arms, I'm running to Your arms
The riches of your love, will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace, Light of the World forever reign"
One Thing Remains:
"Higher than the mountains that I face; Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change, One thing remains - One thing remains
Chorus: Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me
Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me.
On and on and on and on it goes; it overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never, ever, have to be afraid, this one thing remains, one thing remains
[repeat chorus]
I don't know how you respond to lyrics like that; but I already told you how I did.
And that brought to mind Tom Hanks line, which is easily carried over to the houseworking world:
"There's no crying in vacuuming"!
Well, I guess there is now!
So, turn on the vacuum, the ipod, and then have a good cry!
And you can tell your family and friends I said it was o.k.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
GOD'S "SENIOR MOMENT"
Me: Hi God...it's me. I was wondering if we could talk for awhile.
God: Of course, my son...I am always available to you. You really don't even need to ask. Just start talking to me, anytime, anywhere.
Me: O.k. Thanks! I wanted to talk to you about my sin. It is really bothering me.
God: What sin?
Me: That's funny God. You know: THE SIN! The one, or more accurately, the ones, that have seemingly ruined everything.
God: Sorry...I have no idea what you're talking about.
Me: And people say you don't have a sense of humor! Very funny. Come on: you know everything; and you are a holy, just God. Certainly you remember the sins I am speaking of. You know: they were the BIG ones!
God: My son, you are not listening to me. I don't remember your sins; and you only have a portion of my character listed. I am much greater and much broader than what your puny mind can imagine.
Me: Of course, you are right God. You always are. But, I'm still confused. All I can seem to think about is my sin. Others remember my sin. I know I should know this; but can you remind me, just one more time, why it is that you have forgotten the sins I am talking about?
God: I am very patient, my son; and so I am going to lead you through this...again.
God: Have you confessed your sin?
Me: Yes God, I have
God: Have you been broken in repentance, truly desiring to live differently?
Me: Yes God...certainly, you know this to be true.
God: Yes I do; but you don't seem to understand yet.
Me: Help me understand God. I desperately want to. I seem to be in constant mourning, grief and guilt about my sin.
God: STOP IT!
Me: What do you mean, stop it? I thought I was supposed to mourn over my sin.
God: Yes, mourning is a part of the repentance process; but once you are forgiven of your sin, it is time to stop mourning and begin rejoicing.
Me: rejoicing? for what?
God: You are so self-centered...rejoicing, because I have forgiven you. You should be rejoicing because of the incredible God you call your Father!
Me: So, why am I still thinking about my sin every day?
God: Because you are not like me...not yet; and you refuse to believe my Word.
Me: whoa...hang on a minute there God. I do believe in your Word. I love your Word. Your Word is truth.
God: Liar.
Me: How God? How am I lying?
God: My son. If you truly believed my Word, then you would already know the answer to your dilemma. Let me give you some more help in understanding.
Me: I would greatly appreciate that God!
God: What does my Word say I will do if you confess your sins
Me: You will be faithful to your own character and forgive my sins
God: That's right. And what does My Word say about my remembering your confessed sins?
Me: It says that you will "remember my sins no more."
God: Yes. I don't remember your sins, because I have forgiven them. They are covered by my blood, and I cannot see them anymore. More directly: I will not hold your sins against you or make you pay for the sins I have already paid for. I don't remember your sins...only you do...only other sinful humans do. For me, it is done
Me: But it is so hard to leave my sin; especially when it's "those" sins
God: My son, that is your evaluation and human standard for rating sins...not mine. Don't put your human standards on me. Yes, I am a just and holy God. I am also a gracious, merciful and loving God. And when it comes to forgiving sins, I don't joke around with that. In fact, as you should know, if you don't forgive other's sins against you, then you cannot claim to be my follower, or my child. Don't expect to be forgiven if you don't forgive others. This is how important it is to me.
Me: Tell me more.
God: Really, the only time you should be talking about your past, forgiven, cleansed sins, is in order to talk about my forgiveness, my grace and mercy; and bring me glory. Stop focusing on yourself and focus on me. Your sin may seem like a heavy burden to you; but it was absolutely no problem for me. I died a brutal death, in order to conquer sin and death. So now, it is not hard for me to place your sins "as far as the east is from west." I have thrown them away. Stop trying to bring them back out of the garbage can, out of the sewer system.
Me: But, what if I still sin?
God: Of course you are still going to sin. I told you that in my Word. The key is what you do once my Spirit let's you know of your sin. Will you humble yourself and confess it....or not? And once you confess it and sincerely ask for forgiveness, trust me enough to live in that forgiveness. Don't keep living as though you are in bondage to the sins I already set you free from. Live in my grace, in my mercy; and tell others about it.
Me: It is so hard God
God: I know my son. But, don't forget that I love you; and as my Word says: I promise to complete in you (despite your weaknesses, your sins) what I have started. Don't forget - you are:
"God-designed, purpose-intended, significant, lavishly loved, prince, son, of the King of the Universe."
Now go live that way.
Me: Thanks God. I needed that!
God: Of course, my son...I am always available to you. You really don't even need to ask. Just start talking to me, anytime, anywhere.
Me: O.k. Thanks! I wanted to talk to you about my sin. It is really bothering me.
God: What sin?
Me: That's funny God. You know: THE SIN! The one, or more accurately, the ones, that have seemingly ruined everything.
God: Sorry...I have no idea what you're talking about.
Me: And people say you don't have a sense of humor! Very funny. Come on: you know everything; and you are a holy, just God. Certainly you remember the sins I am speaking of. You know: they were the BIG ones!
God: My son, you are not listening to me. I don't remember your sins; and you only have a portion of my character listed. I am much greater and much broader than what your puny mind can imagine.
Me: Of course, you are right God. You always are. But, I'm still confused. All I can seem to think about is my sin. Others remember my sin. I know I should know this; but can you remind me, just one more time, why it is that you have forgotten the sins I am talking about?
God: I am very patient, my son; and so I am going to lead you through this...again.
God: Have you confessed your sin?
Me: Yes God, I have
God: Have you been broken in repentance, truly desiring to live differently?
Me: Yes God...certainly, you know this to be true.
God: Yes I do; but you don't seem to understand yet.
Me: Help me understand God. I desperately want to. I seem to be in constant mourning, grief and guilt about my sin.
God: STOP IT!
Me: What do you mean, stop it? I thought I was supposed to mourn over my sin.
God: Yes, mourning is a part of the repentance process; but once you are forgiven of your sin, it is time to stop mourning and begin rejoicing.
Me: rejoicing? for what?
God: You are so self-centered...rejoicing, because I have forgiven you. You should be rejoicing because of the incredible God you call your Father!
Me: So, why am I still thinking about my sin every day?
God: Because you are not like me...not yet; and you refuse to believe my Word.
Me: whoa...hang on a minute there God. I do believe in your Word. I love your Word. Your Word is truth.
God: Liar.
Me: How God? How am I lying?
God: My son. If you truly believed my Word, then you would already know the answer to your dilemma. Let me give you some more help in understanding.
Me: I would greatly appreciate that God!
God: What does my Word say I will do if you confess your sins
Me: You will be faithful to your own character and forgive my sins
God: That's right. And what does My Word say about my remembering your confessed sins?
Me: It says that you will "remember my sins no more."
God: Yes. I don't remember your sins, because I have forgiven them. They are covered by my blood, and I cannot see them anymore. More directly: I will not hold your sins against you or make you pay for the sins I have already paid for. I don't remember your sins...only you do...only other sinful humans do. For me, it is done
Me: But it is so hard to leave my sin; especially when it's "those" sins
God: My son, that is your evaluation and human standard for rating sins...not mine. Don't put your human standards on me. Yes, I am a just and holy God. I am also a gracious, merciful and loving God. And when it comes to forgiving sins, I don't joke around with that. In fact, as you should know, if you don't forgive other's sins against you, then you cannot claim to be my follower, or my child. Don't expect to be forgiven if you don't forgive others. This is how important it is to me.
Me: Tell me more.
God: Really, the only time you should be talking about your past, forgiven, cleansed sins, is in order to talk about my forgiveness, my grace and mercy; and bring me glory. Stop focusing on yourself and focus on me. Your sin may seem like a heavy burden to you; but it was absolutely no problem for me. I died a brutal death, in order to conquer sin and death. So now, it is not hard for me to place your sins "as far as the east is from west." I have thrown them away. Stop trying to bring them back out of the garbage can, out of the sewer system.
Me: But, what if I still sin?
God: Of course you are still going to sin. I told you that in my Word. The key is what you do once my Spirit let's you know of your sin. Will you humble yourself and confess it....or not? And once you confess it and sincerely ask for forgiveness, trust me enough to live in that forgiveness. Don't keep living as though you are in bondage to the sins I already set you free from. Live in my grace, in my mercy; and tell others about it.
Me: It is so hard God
God: I know my son. But, don't forget that I love you; and as my Word says: I promise to complete in you (despite your weaknesses, your sins) what I have started. Don't forget - you are:
"God-designed, purpose-intended, significant, lavishly loved, prince, son, of the King of the Universe."
Now go live that way.
Me: Thanks God. I needed that!
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