My Pizza God

Thanks to a strong recommendation from a good friend, my family and I tried a new pizza place over the weekend.  It's not your ordinary pizza joint.  Kinda like Chipotle, but without the burrito.  You make your pizza anyway you want.   You get to choose the type of bread, sauce, cheese, and toppings.  It's fantastic!

It's also very popular.  The line was nearly to the door and more and more people poured in the entire time we were there on Sunday.  As I wolfed my pizza-pie down my face, I couldn't help but wonder why it was so popular?  Maybe it's just a novelty that will wear off soon. 

I think it has to do with the fact that ultimate control is in the hands of the guy ordering.  You basically get to make your pizza anyway you want!  We love to be in control and this pizza concept feeds not only the stomach, but also the ego. 

But this blog isn't about pizza. 

This experience reminds me of something much more important.  It has to do with God....or how we "make" God the way we want him to be.  It's no longer fashionable to order the God off the Bible menu.  Nah, we want to make him according to our own, personal recipe.  Sure, we may choose some toppings from the Bible.  You know, the stuff like, "God is a God of love" and tasty stuff like that. 

But like strong garlic or sardines on our pizza, the idea that God expects something from us in return we can simply do without such nonsense.  Yes, God today for most is a god that is made from various teachings, ideas, and the imagination of the beholder.  He, she, it, or whatever is just the way we want him, her, or it to be.

This is not a new phenomenon.  It's as old as the Bible itself.  One of the most beloved characters of the New Testament is John the Baptist.  He was a rockstar in his day.  People travelled from all over Judea to visit the crazy man dressed in animal skins, eating locust, and screaming to all who would listen, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 3:2). 

John was convinced that his mission was to prepare the way of the Lord so he gave up everything to fulfill his mission.  He was certain that he would look directly into the face of God before he died. 

Then, one day, it happened.  John met the Lord..  Here is the narrative of one gospel writer who recorded the encounter:

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!   This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’  I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” (John 1)

John met the Lord face to face on that day and knew instantly that Christ was God.  If anyone was sold out for God it had to be John, right?  After all, John gave up his life to follow Jesus. 

This is not exactly true.  Just a short time after meeting Christ, John sent some of his disciple to ask Jesus, " Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew11:2)

I guess Jesus let him down. 

John, like the rest of us, had a preconceived view of who he thought God was.  He was expecting a liberator, not a suffering servant.  He expected a king.  He expected Christ to be a lot of things, but when Jesus did not live up to his expectations he questioned whether he was even God. 

Sure, we can make a pizza anyway we fancy.  God, however, is not made according to our liking.  You see, it really doesn't matter what we believe about God.  He is.  Period.  He existed before there were any views about what and who he is and he will exist longer after we walk this earth.  God is dependent upon no one or no thing.  That's what it means to be God.

So what is your view on God?  Do you accept him for who he is or do you insist on re-making him the way you like?

If You Love Me

In John Chapter Two, after Christ's baptism and commission to ministry, we read that Jesus appeared in at Cana in Galilee.  This small town was celebrating a great wedding feast in which Jesus and his disciples were invited along with his mother.  This was a significant event.  Wedding feasts in ancient Israel were quite a celebration and lasted for many days. 

Now During the middle of the celebration something tragic occurred -- the bridegroom ran out of wine for his guests.  This may not seem like a big deal to you and me, but it was a terrible offense in Palestine because hospitality was extremely important then as it is to this day.  It is obvious that Mary was terribly concerned as she asked Jesus to perform a miracle and he finally agrees to intervene. 

But in order to carry out the miracle, Jesus enlisted the aid of the servant who were at the wedding.  Mary, wanting to make sure his purpose was accomplished, commanded them to "Do whatever he tells you”  (John 2:5).

This is not only good advice, it is a necessary part of what it means to be a Christian.  As a servant of Christ, I am compelled to do whatever he commands me to do.  It is not always easy, for example to turn the other cheek when I have been offended, but it is my Christian duty.
 
Unfortunately, obedience to Christ has been somewhat lost on modern church-goers.  However, it is not optional according to Jesus who said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15).  yes, our obedience is an expression of our love.  We cannot possibly love God if we do not obey him. 

Obedience is a reflection of our faith as well.  The stronger the faith, the greater the obedience.  Mary was obedient and exhibit her faith when she said, "Do whatever he tells you."  The servants also demonstrated great faith because they did just as Jesus commanded and on that day a miracle was performed in their midst.   

Do you want to see a miracle in your life today?  Then do whatever he asks you to do... 

Tough Love

The expression "tough love" was first coined and made popular by author Bill Milliken who wrote a book with that same title.  The idea behind "tough love" is to help people in the long run by treating them sternly or even harshly when they are misbehaving or doing something that is self-destructive.  For example, genuinely concerned parents of a drug-addicted child may impose strong disciplinary actions or punishment as an expression of their "tough love." 

Tough love is a popular slogan within the church.  I have heard it preached from the pulpit and I have seen it employed in youth groups and addiction recovery ministries.  Entire youth programs, called "boot camps," have been established that are aimed at helping troubled, rebellious teenagers by enforcing strict rules and military-like training regimens.  Biblical counselors have used it as a foundation for marriage and family counseling. 

Unfortunately, the concept of "tough love" is unbiblical and has absolutely nothing to do with Christ's teaching on love.  It is a gross distortion of the true definition of Christian love and has no place in the church. 

If we want to understand the true definition and application of love, we should look to Christ who provided a wonderful example of what it means to love:

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.  But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 8:6-8).

Does the above sound like "tough love?"  Hardly.  God did not wait for us to get our act together before sending Christ into the world.  In fact, He did just the opposite!  He came while we were a mess; dead in sin and incapable of doing anything right. 

Proponents of "tough love" argue that being stern with those who live in sin is necessary.  We are told that it leads to repentance and builds character.  It is a kind of conditional love.  I am eternally grateful that Christ demonstrated a different kind of love altogether.  While he was hanging on the Cross, gasping for air and suffering torment and great pain, he cried out, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."  Christ's love was and is unconditional.

True love, the kind of love shown by Christ on the Cross, is "not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.  It does not demand its own way.  It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance" (1 Corinthians 13).

Making Your Years Count

It's President's Day and on a day when we celebrate many of our great presidents I thought I would share a little something from my favorite president -- Abraham Lincoln.  President Lincoln is credited with many incredible and wonderful achievements, including ending slavery and reuniting a broken country.  These achievements, however, are not what I am going to share today.  Instead, I am going to recite a quote I recently read from the former President:

"It's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years that count."

Although only one sentence, this quote speaks volumes to me.  Life is not just about living many years, but it's about making the most of the years you have been given.  Yes, how we live our life is so much more important than living a long life. 

It begins with our choices.  Let me explain what I mean.  For the most part, what we do in life has everything to do with what we choose to do.  This is sometimes hard to understand because not every choice has an immediate impact on our lives.  For example, choosing to go to college may not show any tangible benefits for 4 years (or in my case, 6 years.  Yes, I was able to cram 4 years of college into 6 years).

Of course, going to college is a big decision and not every decision may be that dramatic.  However, all of our choices add up over time.  Every minute of your life is critical.  Choosing to watch 2 hours of TV tonight may mean you will miss out on doing something more significant, like learning a new song on the piano, writing another chapter of your book, or spending time with a dear friend who needs your encouragement. 

So I am learning that making the most of every opportunity is key in living a full, productive life in every area -- from relationships to spirituality.    I have a long way to go in learning this important life-lesson.   Another great man, St. Paul, has inspired me as well in this regard:

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.  And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Eph. 5:15-20)

I glean from this passage that I should never  waste the precious moments that have been given to me.  Wise words indeed and an encouargement to me to choose the time I spend thoughtfully.  I hope that you have been encouraged as well.  Make the most of every opportunity and you will truly discover that it is not just about the years in your life, but the life in your years that really count!

Embracing Change

I begin a new job this Monday. There is always a certain amount of anxiety and hesitation associated with something new.  Despite my nerves, I'm really looking forward to this new challenge because I know with every challenge in life there is great opportunity.  I know, however, that in order to truly experience all that this new job has to offer I must let go of the past.

This experience reminds me a lot of our spiritual journey in life. God is always on the move. He is constantly working His "master plan." Jesus noted this when he said, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working" (John 5:17).

God's plan often involves us as His children. Keeping step with God may require that we let go of the past and embrace what is new. In my case, it is a new job that will involve making new friends, building relationships with people I have never met, perhaps learning a new skill, and definitely being challenged in ways I had not yet previously imagined.

I heard a great quote the other day that went something like this: "You cannot embrace the new thing God is doing in your life if you hang on to the past." This is really true. As new creations in Christ, we are asked to let go of the past so we can enjoy the future in God's kingdom.

But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Phil. 3:13,14)

What is God calling you to do? It may not be a new job, but He may be leading you into a new opportunity of your own.  Perhaps it is time to clean out the closet and let go of those old clothes that you will never wear.  Maybe it is time to jump into a new ministry or even attend a new church.  Maybe you are stuck in an unhealthy relationship that you know God is asking you to end. God may be asking you to make other significant life decisions like quitting smoking cigarettes or eliminating alcohol.  You may have considered having a child but you are unsure because of social or financial pressures that pale in comparison to the joy and blessing with raising children. 

There are any number of decisions on your horizon, but they involve change.  So are you open to change or are you still clinging to the past?  This "new thing" God is asking you to do may require that you grab onto it with both hands so let go of the past!

He will give us all things!

I was recently asked “How come you are so positive?” The question was probably the result of curiosity mixed with a twinge of irritation. Yes, I admit that I am a very positive person overall. I definitely see life through rose colored glasses.

The reason I am so incredibly optimistic has everything to do with my confidence in the Lord. I have absolutely no doubt that God is in control of every circumstance that I face. There are no random events in my life. Everything is meticulously planned according to God’s sovereign will and good pleasure.

If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:31)

God gave his son so that whoever believes in him would have everlasting life. I rejoice in this gift of life. Therefore, I am confident in every circumstance because God’s love did not stop on the Cross. When I face trials in my life, I know that God will provide what I need, when I need it. He will graciously provide all of my daily needs according to his will. After all, if God gave his Son to redeem me from my sin, I trust that he will give me “all things!” So I am positive and optimistic. I am happy, content, and filled with great satisfaction.…

This has been a journey for me. I have to confess that it has taken more than 25 years of walking with the Lord to comprehend the depth of his love. The life I live is now one lived by faith. I cannot possibly see what is ahead nor can I say with certainty that there will not be great trials and challenges in my future. I am convinced, however, that absolutely nothing can separate me from God’s great love:

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31,38-39)

If you’re facing struggles in your life I hope that you can draw from God’s promises in Romans 8. He gave his Son for you and will also graciously give you all things required for life and happiness. Have faith in God and trust that he is in control of every circumstance in your life. Most of all, believe that absolutely nothing will separate you from his great love!

Accentuate the Positive

In the 1940s crooner Bing Crosby recorded “Accentuate the Positive” and it became an instant classic.  The song was originally written by Johnny Mercer who was inspired by a charismatic speaker who exhorted his listeners to focus on the positive rather than the negative.  I love this song because it has a wonderful message.  Here is Bing singing this song with the Andrew Sisters.

This is much more than just a song.  I believe that our lives are truly enriched when we truly accentuate the positive.   Positive people experience a great deal more happiness and overall satisfaction than those who are negative and pessimistic.  They are healthier and live a longer, healthier life studies show.

Positive thinking people are generally more thankful as well.  Thankfulness is a beautiful quality that brings peace to a restless soul.  It is an ability to see what is good even in the midst of trial and great adversity.  Those who are thankful can rejoice in God’s grace and mercy:  “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe…” (Hebrews 12:28).  Because we are God’s children we can rejoice and be truly thankful indeed.

Positive people are optimistic about their lives and possibilities for blessing and success.  They are able to see beyond what some believe they “cannot do” and focus instead on what is possible!  They achieve great things and shape the world in positive, creative ways.  They live their dreams and overcome their greatest fears and disappointments. 

Happiness, thankfulness, and optimism are just a few of the reasons why it is important to accentuate the positive.  Certainly the world has a fair amount of negativity, but that does not mean that you have to dwell on it.  Make it your goal this week to look at the positive because there is always something good in every situation. Sometimes you have to search for it.  Just remember, “You’ve got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.  And latch on to the affirmative, don’t mess with Mister In-Between.”  Live the words of this song and your life will be more satisfying and rewarding!