I am 5 feet, 11 and 1/2 inches tall. And that is the story of my life.
For men - or maybe I should only speak for myself - being 6 feet tall feels like a significant threshold. And I never met it. My children remind me periodically that I used to claim 6 feet - and I did. That was my tall tale. A particular nurse garnished me with the cherished title, but she was either rounding up or simply failed to discount the half inch attributable to the sneakers on my feet. So I admit…I am only 5 feet, 11 and 1/2. (I guess the half is similar to children who add 1/2 to their age. You’re almost the next number and you’re way removed from the previous one. So it helps just a bit in the ego department.)
In most ways, I am an exceedingly average guy. I do many things, but in an average way. I play the guitar and write songs, I even record them, but I’ve never won an award for it, and likely never will. I’ve never filled an auditorium. I usually receive tepid ovations - but that could be because I often play for Presbyterians who turn tepid into cool. But I can’t blame it on my Presbyterian brethren, truth be told, my music notoriously arouses introspection, if not a deep depression.
I’m an OK athlete - but my football friends remind me that I was just a punter. Even if you punt the ball better than anyone else, in the football world, you’re still average. And no expert has ever brandished a punter - an athlete. You’ll not find many cocky punters…not many of their teammates would allow it…no reporters sticking microphones in their faces…no body asking for their autograph.
I’ve always been an average student, an average preacher, an average photographer…just fill in the blank, I can probably be counted on to do it in an average way. And so, even though I know it is wrong to do so, I nevertheless find myself envying the abilities and talents of others.
There are some things that I’ve developed a reputation for being really good at, like fighting my way through traffic, but I don’t think it is especially good to be talented at that. I’ve mastered the art of selfishness, among many other vulnerabilities I’m too embarrassed to reveal, but none of these superior traits are to my credit.
Perhaps, you can identify with me. Perhaps you find yourself envying the talents of others in their spheres. Maybe you’re an engineer and have been successful, but you know some other engineers whose skills tower over yours. Maybe you’re a businessman, and you’ve had some success, but you’ve never come close to reaching your goals. Maybe you’re a stay at home Mom, but your best friends mini-van is plastered with bumper stickers highlighting their honor role kids. For all of you, my friends - those of you who do average in the most excellent way - there is some really good news that I’m eager to share. Just hang on. I’m getting around to the main point.
First, did you know that pastors play the envy game too? I recently met a person who admitted that he possessed a "man crush" for Tim Keller. Tim Keller is a Presbyterian Pastor in Manhattan, NY who exudes excellence and intellect. There are an abundance of contemporary pastors in my denomination that envy his towering gifts. Many folks order his tapes, name their churches after his and spend their down time with fellow pastor friends talking about him. And if you’ve never heard of him - attend at least three or so of those churches - and you will. At least one of the pastors is likely to be re-preaching his material.
I on the other hand respect Tim a great deal, but have never envied his gifts. Tim is really smart. I mean REAL smart. But I’ve never desired that particular burden. And I never wanted to embarrass myself by trying to create the impression that I was a man of his intellectual caliber. Most persons with at least an average intelligence and who know me well would know I was faking it.
The truth is many of us succumb to the the thought that it is only the highly talented who can make a difference - those who are gifted that can change the world. But this is not the case. In fact, Jesus did not recruit highly talented people. He took average people, just like you and me, and taught them how to live radical lives. And through these average people, Jesus turned the world upside down!
Jesus himself suprisingly did not appear to be an extraordinarily talented person. Or at least the Bible doesn’t make record of his special talents. But his life continues to be the most historically and redemptively important human life ever lived.
And the lifestyle that Jesus calls us to, is in fact the stuff that changes the world. And that lifestyle is not limited by the lack of talent, nor is it especially enhanced by talents either.
So there is good news for the average person out there - good news for those who are devoid of incredible talent. YOU TOO can play a big role in the building of His Kingdom. Suffice it to say for the time being that we - the average person - can make a tremendous impact in the Kingdom of Christ by making ourselves willing to take the radical step of simply following Jesus. For when we come to a true understanding of what that means - to follow Him - we’ll find our lives becoming anything but average! And in the eyes of those that really matter, we’ll be standing taller than we could ever thought possible.
I hope you are all deeply encouraged and walking with Him!
Keep praying for us in New Orleans and for my travels. I’ll send out a detailed update on my activities soon.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Giving Thanks…Even for Shattered Dreams!
All young boys dream of their lives in heroic terms. I was no exception. Nor have I thoroughly outgrown this childhood fantasy.
But it should be said that most of our biblical heroes lived tragic lives of shattered dreams. For instance, Moses didn’t make it to the promised land. David didn’t build the temple, nor did he step foot in it. Elijah’s ministry ended in exile. Peter was crucified. Paul was killed. John was deserted on an island.
I, on the other hand, have sought to write my own more satisfying script. I imagine and I always envision happiness and heroism in the final chapter. In my mind, my life ends with the completion of many goals and then the inevitable and proverbial riding off into the sunset. I imagine myself finally aging in a front porch swing next to my bride, Ellen, with periodic visits from young folks seeking and soliciting my wisdom.
Laughable, huh…
Truth is, I sometimes believe that I am entitled to that kind of resolution. I’m a helpless believer in happily ever after. And I sometimes erroneously think that faith is the sacred formula for securing that kind of affirmative final chapter. Never do I envisage burning stakes, angry mobs, or betrayal from friends.
I sometimes wonder why God does not ensure the certitude of happy resolution in this life. Is not the Bible the Divine formula and prescription for our joy and contentment? Are we not promised, that if we live in a certain way, that if we walk on the suggested path of wisdom and righteousness, that our lives will be better, abundant and prosperous? Did not Christ come that we might have life and life more abundantly?
If this is true then we must explain the aforementioned heroes of the faith. We must account for the book of Hebrews showcase of exemplary persons who suffered to the end in indescribable ways - whose lives finished miserably at the hands of wicked oppressors.
It is true that Joseph’s injustice led to spiritual redemption. It is true that Job’s suffering ended with greater blessing and deeper understanding. But they were the lucky ones. It is also true that some folk’s lives ended tragically for no apparent higher purpose or outcome.
I remember when our childhood home burst into flames, just months after the death of my Father. Sitting on embankment, my bowed head in clasped hands as the flames grew higher, I pondered the purposes of a sovereign God - who conforms everything to His purpose and will. "What possible purpose did he have for me through this pain?" I thought.
I also remember the seemingly senseless passing of my first son.
I recall the difficult demise of everything I owned and had built in a 100 year storm.
I recollect the unnecessary termination of many friendships in the course of a long ministry.
And so, it is true that sometimes life hurts for no reason that we can imagine. I have learned one thing through this though - that we were never meant to envision permanent dwelling in this place nor to have enduring affections for this life. In addition to discovering the temporal nature of all things on this side of the Jordan, we find the permanence and higher quality of His love, grace and mercy. In the midst of an otherwise miserable existence, His love and enduring faithfulness has become for me my only real home. In other words, it is through pain that God purges the yielded of inferior affections and shows Himself the only deserving object of our primary passion. For that purging, that pruning…I am thankful - yes thankful even for shattered dreams.
Moreover, as a result of these trials and many other disappointments, I have come to visualize my life as being hidden in the life of another - a vicarious life - where true heroism is finally and fully found.
So, today I say again that I feel thankful. Deeply so.
"Why?" you might say…
Not because my life is blessed, as many would quantify blessing.
Above all else, I am thankful to be an adopted son of my own personal Hero, who loves perfectly and perpetually - Abba Father.
I am thankful to know, that due to the heroism of King Jesus, no single sin from my deeply flawed life is registered in God’s ledger.
I am thankful, that through His suffering and sacrifice, my Hero extends eternal hope beyond the grave.
I am thankful that on that day, I will wear my Hero’s robe in my new and luxurious home.
I am thankful to know, that in this life, my Hero watches over my every breath, my every move, my every thought with sovereign care and abundant mercy.
I am thankful to be the humble and temporary under-hero of a beautiful quiver full of children and the undeserving partner of a sweet and gentle woman who enables and supports me in simple service to my Savior.
No matter how my life ends - whether in pain or in prosperity - I know that it will return to its Source. I so long for that day. And through faith I know that it will come. Until it comes, I hope that you will continue to be the encouragement that you already are to me…that I might persevere in His grace and in His purposes!
May you all enjoy Him in His fullness during this season of Thanksgiving and rejoice in the one gift that is greater than any and all others. May we together glorify Him - the only real Hero the world has ever known.
But it should be said that most of our biblical heroes lived tragic lives of shattered dreams. For instance, Moses didn’t make it to the promised land. David didn’t build the temple, nor did he step foot in it. Elijah’s ministry ended in exile. Peter was crucified. Paul was killed. John was deserted on an island.
I, on the other hand, have sought to write my own more satisfying script. I imagine and I always envision happiness and heroism in the final chapter. In my mind, my life ends with the completion of many goals and then the inevitable and proverbial riding off into the sunset. I imagine myself finally aging in a front porch swing next to my bride, Ellen, with periodic visits from young folks seeking and soliciting my wisdom.
Laughable, huh…
Truth is, I sometimes believe that I am entitled to that kind of resolution. I’m a helpless believer in happily ever after. And I sometimes erroneously think that faith is the sacred formula for securing that kind of affirmative final chapter. Never do I envisage burning stakes, angry mobs, or betrayal from friends.
I sometimes wonder why God does not ensure the certitude of happy resolution in this life. Is not the Bible the Divine formula and prescription for our joy and contentment? Are we not promised, that if we live in a certain way, that if we walk on the suggested path of wisdom and righteousness, that our lives will be better, abundant and prosperous? Did not Christ come that we might have life and life more abundantly?
If this is true then we must explain the aforementioned heroes of the faith. We must account for the book of Hebrews showcase of exemplary persons who suffered to the end in indescribable ways - whose lives finished miserably at the hands of wicked oppressors.
It is true that Joseph’s injustice led to spiritual redemption. It is true that Job’s suffering ended with greater blessing and deeper understanding. But they were the lucky ones. It is also true that some folk’s lives ended tragically for no apparent higher purpose or outcome.
I remember when our childhood home burst into flames, just months after the death of my Father. Sitting on embankment, my bowed head in clasped hands as the flames grew higher, I pondered the purposes of a sovereign God - who conforms everything to His purpose and will. "What possible purpose did he have for me through this pain?" I thought.
I also remember the seemingly senseless passing of my first son.
I recall the difficult demise of everything I owned and had built in a 100 year storm.
I recollect the unnecessary termination of many friendships in the course of a long ministry.
And so, it is true that sometimes life hurts for no reason that we can imagine. I have learned one thing through this though - that we were never meant to envision permanent dwelling in this place nor to have enduring affections for this life. In addition to discovering the temporal nature of all things on this side of the Jordan, we find the permanence and higher quality of His love, grace and mercy. In the midst of an otherwise miserable existence, His love and enduring faithfulness has become for me my only real home. In other words, it is through pain that God purges the yielded of inferior affections and shows Himself the only deserving object of our primary passion. For that purging, that pruning…I am thankful - yes thankful even for shattered dreams.
Moreover, as a result of these trials and many other disappointments, I have come to visualize my life as being hidden in the life of another - a vicarious life - where true heroism is finally and fully found.
So, today I say again that I feel thankful. Deeply so.
"Why?" you might say…
Not because my life is blessed, as many would quantify blessing.
Above all else, I am thankful to be an adopted son of my own personal Hero, who loves perfectly and perpetually - Abba Father.
I am thankful to know, that due to the heroism of King Jesus, no single sin from my deeply flawed life is registered in God’s ledger.
I am thankful, that through His suffering and sacrifice, my Hero extends eternal hope beyond the grave.
I am thankful that on that day, I will wear my Hero’s robe in my new and luxurious home.
I am thankful to know, that in this life, my Hero watches over my every breath, my every move, my every thought with sovereign care and abundant mercy.
I am thankful to be the humble and temporary under-hero of a beautiful quiver full of children and the undeserving partner of a sweet and gentle woman who enables and supports me in simple service to my Savior.
No matter how my life ends - whether in pain or in prosperity - I know that it will return to its Source. I so long for that day. And through faith I know that it will come. Until it comes, I hope that you will continue to be the encouragement that you already are to me…that I might persevere in His grace and in His purposes!
May you all enjoy Him in His fullness during this season of Thanksgiving and rejoice in the one gift that is greater than any and all others. May we together glorify Him - the only real Hero the world has ever known.
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