Watching World

I hope my mailman knew I was a Christian before I told him. He explained to me that he learns a lot about people through sorting and distributing their mail: what they read, where they shop, how they give. He knows when they receive late notices or divorce papers. He knows when their names change or when two people live in the same house with different names. He draws assumptions, sometimes inaccurately, but nevertheless he draws them. All around us, people are watching. The men who pick up our recycling know what we eat and what we drink. The meter readers know how much electricity and water we use. The man at the camera shop has seen my photos. The world does not always see my heart as God does, so may the satisfaction that I find in Him manifest itself in such a way that a watching world is compelled to ask, "Why do you have the hope that you have?"

Wise Counselors

My psychologist counseled. They suggested on the Today Show. My friend told me. Our pastor preached. The small group agreed. My feelings tell me. A book I read said. These are all openers to advice I've been given in times when I have sought spiritual help. They all came from Christians. I have come to look for certain criteria in my counselors. Do they spend time daily soaking in God's Word? Do they meditate on it and find it valuable enough to memorize? Do they point me to it and show me verses to support what they are saying? Do they spend time in prayer and do they pray with me? Do they love the Lord Jesus and does their life reflect it? Advice abounds; wise counsel is rare. "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ..." (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Waiting Wars

Sitting in a doctor's office. Standing in line. Waiting. Creeping through a toll plaza. Calling customer service. Waiting. We can convince ourselves that we have a right to better service. We can convince ourselves that our frustration is warranted. Don't they know I have to get back to work? Is this the best they can do? Don't they realize I have better things to do with my time? As our minds whirl with thoughts like these, we are demanding that others conform to our expectations. Join me in waging war against the subtle sin of impatience. Fill your mind with His Word. Sing songs of praise to the Lord. Pray for the others in line or the one on the other end of the line. "Love is patient." (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Joyful Hospitality

Twenty people packed into a tiny two-bedroom apartment down in the fan. Two Christian college kids had agreed to host this outreach event. Some sitting on the floor, some standing along the walls, everyone smiling and talking. Conversations about Christ mingled with conversations about school. Hospitality offered and received. It doesn't matter if you don't have a big home. In fact, you will depend more on God and His grace if you don't. So, open the door, welcome folks in, and let the joy begin. "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4:9)

Losing Sensitivity

Over twelve years ago we sold our television in a yard sale for $20, and we haven't had one since. It's rare that I will even see one except at a store or while visiting friends or family. Yesterday provided one of those occasions as all were gathered around the room while the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade marched across the screen in the background. Occasionally I would turn my eyes toward it, being drawn in by the drama of unreality. I was grieved by what I saw, and I was grieved by what others don't see. "Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as it indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more." (Ephesians 4:19)

Pondering Paths

Standing at a crossroad, I strain to see what lies ahead. Voices vie for my attention. Some tell me to turn right, some to turn left. My own voice wavers as I weigh my options. God's Word is my guide, His glory my goal. The voices that speak as ones speaking the very words of God begin to gain ground amidst the clamor of the voices of the world. Lord, help me to hear You. Help me to discern Your way. "Let your eyes look directly forward and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure." (Proverbs 4:25-26)

Aging Perseverance

The question "How are you?" was not answered with the perfunctory "fine," but rather with a placid "Not too well." The residents of the nursing home we were visiting smiled as they saw baby Jesse, but were quick to turn their attention to their ailments. So soon these days will come for all of us! As Christians, let us be prepared to persevere with joy and hope in our great God and answer each "How are you?" with confidence in what the Lord will bring about. "Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." (James 5:10-11)