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-bill

What Makes Motherhood Meaningful?

Last week I solicited mothers to share some of their thoughts pertaining to motherhood. I received some interesting responses. There is one response, which came from one of our sisters who does not have “natural” children. I want to share this with you before we look at the mothers’ responses.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a source to reference for these thoughts. Here is the substance of what she shared with me:

Bill,

I don't have 'natural' children of my own so I didn't respond to your request yesterday. However, when I received these this morning, I thought that perhaps you should have asked the children.

Have a blessed day,

-signed-

"Why God made moms" answers given by elementary school age children to the following questions… Be sure to read the story at the end….. 
 
—Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is. 
2. Mostly to clean the house. 
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

—How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.

3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts. 

—What ingredients are mothers made of? 

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.

2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

—Why did God give you your mother and not some other Mom?

1. We're related.

2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

—What kind of little girl was your Mom?

1. My Mom has always been my Mom and none of that other stuff.

2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

3. They say she used to be nice.

—What did Mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.

2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?

3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

—Why did your Mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.

3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

—Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goofball.

2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.

3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad. 

—What's the difference between moms and dads?

1. Moms work at work & work at home, & dads just go to work at work.

2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

—What does your Mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.

2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

—What would it take to make your Mom perfect? 

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

—If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.

2. I'd make my Mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.

3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on her back.

_________________________ 

This input from children really helps us gain insight into the meaning of motherhood, doesn’t it?

We must remember that not everyone sees this day as a special day. Some who wish to be mothers aren’t. We need to be sensitive to this. For some there are other issues related to motherhood. For some, those whose mothers failed to grasp the meaning of motherhood, this is a difficult day. For a larger number of people there is the challenge of adjusting to life after their mothers have passed away. We need to add an extra measure of sensitivity to others on days like today.

Since it is difficult for someone who is not and can never be a mother to explain what it means to be a mother, I solicited input for some of our sisters asking them to complete these three statements: (1) The best thing about being a mother is… (2) The most challenging thing about being a mother is… (3) If I could have three wishes they would be…

Now, let’s listen to how several mothers responded to the three statements I sent their way:

———-

1) The best thing about being a mother is watching my boys grow into caring, considerate, intelligent, talented, loving individuals.

(2) The most challenging thing about being a mother is the many difficult steps and perseverance it takes to get those results.

(3) If I could have three wishes, they would be for my boys become faithful Christian men; for them marry faithful Christian women; and, on some days, just a little more peace and quiet.

———-

(1) The best thing about being a mother is watching your children develop their own personalities. Seeing in them personality traits of other family members, hopefully good ones.

(2) The most challenging is to letting go.  Learning when not to do everything for them and letting them fall sometimes, but always being close enough to help put the pieces back together again with our love.

(3) My three wishes …….First I would like to have had the wisdom to have instilled in my children a better understanding of God's love for  them and an understanding of what their love for Him should be so that they one day should see him face to face and behold his glory. 

The second would be to see my children pass that kind of love and understanding to my grandchildren. The third would be that others would know "that we were Christians by our love".

———-

(1) The best thing about being a mother is…aside from the hugs and “I love you, mom” is watching them grow and accomplish things that make you proud of them.

(2) The most challenging thing about being a mother is…letting go and watching them go through trials that you hope will make them a stronger or better person when they come through it.

(3) If I could have three wishes, they would be…that my children were Christians, that they would be successful in whatever career they choose and that the Lord would bless me with grandchildren someday.

 

———-

(1) The best thing about being a mother is… A bond of love that can weather even the worst of times and grows through each difficulty.

(2) The most challenging thing about being a mother is… Letting go and allowing your children make their own decisions even when you see they may be bad for them. Not getting too involved when someone is hurting your child, especially when your child is an adult and wants to handle it all on her own and you can stand to see her hurt.

(3) If I could have three wishes, they would be…More prayers than wishes: The first is that my child grow strong in her faith. The second – that she meet a christian companion and husband. That she finish school, becomes economically stable and is able to be with her son and the church more. I could go on but you only asked for three.

 

———-

(1) The best thing about being a mother is…seeing the children grow up to become great parents and servants in the Lord's church.

(2) The most challenging thing about being a mother is…understanding the world from the child's point of view so as to communicate better.

(3) If I could have three wishes, they would be…1) to have the children & grandchildren live closer to us; 2) to see them more often; and 3) to be able to help them solve the problems they face as parents.

 

———-

#1 – The best thing about being a MOTHER is —–"BEING A MOTHER"

#2 – The most challenging thing about being a MOTHER is —— Sometimes you are a Mother and daughter at the same time  –  This week I am in ____ with my mother and it is time to switch roles. She is legally blind and deaf and refuses to leave her home or have anyone stay with her. At the same time I am giving support to my daughter and her family as her husband prepares for a kidney transplant in a few weeks.

#3 -  I only have one wish and that is that every woman that wishes to become a mother will get her wish and realize it is a blessing to be called, MOTHER.

 

———-

OK!

#1 The love you receive from your children. You give it unconditionally and they give it back in kind  The pride you take in all their accomplishments no matter how large or small and of course, the grand children the greatest gift to any mother,

#2 Finding enough time to do all the things you want to do with your children. They grow up too fast.

#3  More time    More grandchildren   My children living closer to me.

Just a few thoughts

———-

1- The best thing about being a mother is hugs and kisses from your children….big children or little children.  Hugs and kisses are the best.

2- The most challenging thing about being a mother is letting them fail.  You want to help them in everything, but they cannot walk until they fall down a few times. 

3- If I could have three wishes, they would be…

1- my children would follow God always.

2- love, joy and health for them always.

3- wisdom; both for them and for us.

 

One word for you, Bill.  Mothers are incomplete without fathers.

 

———-

(1) The best thing about being a mother is… The overwhelming, passionate, loving feelings I get when I look at my son. Just watching him do everything he does just creates such a warm rush of overpowering love that runs through me. The deep well of emotions when I see his face makes my heart flutter and swell with pride and joy.

(2) The most challenging thing about being a mother is… Setting a good example in all aspects of my life for him to follow as he gets older.

(3) If I could have three wishes, they would be… 1) That my mom was still alive & well to be with and see her 6 daughters and 12 grandchildren that she loved with such a passion. 2) That my son lives a long healthy satisfied Christian life, with a passionate love for his church, family, friends, country and Christ. 3) That we are the sole winners of the next $300+ million Powerball jackpot. (Note: I don’t make the news. I just report it. -bw)

———-

(1) The best thing about being a mother is… watching your child grow and mature into a fine person, and on occasion, teach you something.

(2) The most challenging thing about being a mother is… balance. Being loving, but not suffocating; being strict, but not harsh; providing for, but not spoiling; giving them resposibility, but not overburdening; pushing them to achieve, but not squashing their spirit; helping them to understand God's will in an unGodly world.

(3) If I could have three wishes, they would be…   More time to spend with her before she is grown; All the funds available to provide what she needs;  The Strength and Energy to keep up and at the same time, have fun.

___________________________ 

These comments give us great insight into the meaning of motherhood from a mother’s point-of-view. Thanks to all who took the time to share their thoughts.

So, then, what lesson can we learn from the Scriptures about the meaning of motherhood? Where do we turn? As I’ve thought about this lesson, one scene and one idea has continued to pass through my mind. Let’s look at the passages which contain the idea first.  These are:

(1) Luke 2:16-19, “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” 

(2) Luke 2:33-35, “The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

(3) Luke 2:51-52, “Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And as Jesus grew up, he increased in wisdom and in favor with God and people.” 

Now, let’s listen as the Apostle John describes the scene that playing in a loop in my mind this past week. We find it in John 19: 25-27, “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”

When I think about what makes motherhood meaningful, this scene, against the backdrop of Mary treasuring up in her heart the things that were revealed to her about her son. This really puts things into perspective. There Mary is looking up at her beloved son, who is in fact the Beloved Son of God. This scene really puts motherhood in perspective for me. A few observations related to what makes motherhood meaningful are: 

(1) Motherhood is a way God brings blessings into the world…

—Realizing this is the way God has chosen to work, helps us to appreciate what an honorable and meaningful thing it is to be a mother.

—Years ago I was privileged to speak at my wife’s grandmother’s memorial service. As I reflected on her life, it occurred to me, even though I never really had the opportunity to get to know her, I was deeply grateful for her life. Through her God brought the world the blessing of two wonderful Christian women: my mother-in-love, Ann; and her daughter, my wife Telesa. Motherhood is a way that God has richly blessed my life!

(2) Motherhood is a way God cares for those who are dear to His heart…

—When Jesus wanted to express the depth of His love for Jerusalem, He chose to use the imagery of a mother hen: Matthew 23:37, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”

—Paul did essentially the same thing: 1 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, “Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, ⁸ so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. ⁹ Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.” 

(3) Motherhood is a way God prepares people to live into their life-purpose…

—Consider the following, which was written by Thomas Merton: “The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.”

—Think about it, God entrusted the care, feeding and the spiritual nurturing of His Beloved Son to a young and apparently naïve girl who was probably still a teenager at his birth. In no small way, it was by her life and love that he was prepared for his life-purpose on earth. Motherhood is meaningful, indeed.

These three observations seem to make it that God is at work in the world through this thing we call motherhood. That makes it meaningful, indeed!

Climb Every Mountain

One of our family’s favorite movies is: The Sound of Music. I don’t think it would be exaggerating to say that we’ve watched it hundreds of times through the years.

As I was thinking about this morning’s lesson, one particular scene kept coming to mind. It portrays Maria during one of her darkest times. She is at a crossroads in her life. The possibility of romantic love with Captain Von Trapp lies in front of her; her vows as a nun behind her. She has gone into seclusion at the Abbey.

This is the scene (as viewed in the assembly) follows:

Sister Margaretta describes Maria's silence to the Reverend Mother: "She doesn't say a word, Reverend Mother, except in prayer…It's strange. She seems happy to be back here, and yet she's unhappy too."

Then, in a private conference with the Reverend Mother, Maria confesses why she came back – to escape from her deep, unacknowledged romantic feelings for the Captain. She is persuaded by the sympathetic Mother to return, with the understanding that married love is also a holy vocation:

Maria: I left…I was frightened…I was confused, I felt, I've never felt that way before. I couldn't stay. I knew that here I'd be away from it. I'd be safe…I can't face him again…Oh, there were times when we would look at each other. Oh Mother, I could hardly breathe…That's what's been torturing me. I was there on God's errand. To have asked for his love would have been wrong. I couldn't stay, I just couldn't. I'm ready at this moment to take my vows. Please help me.

Reverend Mother: Maria, the love of a man and a woman is holy too. You have a great capacity to love. What you must find out is how God wants you to spend your love.

Maria: But I pledged my life to God. I pledged my life to his service.

Reverend Mother: My daughter, if you love this man, it doesn't mean you love God less. No, you must find out and you must go back.

Maria: Oh, Mother, you can't ask me to do that. Please let me stay, I beg of you.

Reverend Mother: Maria, these walls were not built to shut out problems. You have to face them. You have to live the life you were born to live.

The worldly-wise Reverend Mother sings the inspirational: "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" to encourage Maria.

One of the most poignant lines in this exchange is:

Maria, these walls were not built to shut out problems. You have to face them. You have to live the life you were born to live.

It is just so true to life—so on target when it comes to the challenges we face in life, that is. Against the back drop of this statement her life-coach (remember: it’s a musical) puts and exclamation point on these sentiments by singing the song from which this lesson draws its title: Climb Ev’ry Mountain.

Climb ev'ry mountain
Search high and low
Follow ev'ry by-way
Every path you know

Climb ev'ry mountain
Ford ev'ry stream
Follow ev'ry rainbow
'Till you find your dream

A dream that will need
All the love you can give
Everyday of your life
For as long as you live

Climb ev'ry mountain
Ford ev'ry stream
Follow ev'ry rainbow
'Till you find your dream

A dream that will need
All the love you can give
Everyday of your life
For as long as you live

Climb ev'ry mountain
Ford ev'ry stream
Follow ev'ry rainbow
'Till you find your dream

This scene (and this song) has occupied my thoughts this week because it seems to get to the very heart of the attitude we should take when we are faced with similar crossroads experiences in our lives. Maria was frightened. She was confused. She was ready to abandon her heart’s desire for what she felt like was safe, what was sure. Just think what she would have missed out on!

She needed something more than a pep talk. She needed a fresh perspective—she needed someone to urge her to see possibilities and not problems, purpose-driven choices not convenient escape routes. She needed to be challenged to face what future with faith and not fear!

In many respects this is what we find in New Testament book of Hebrews. The author summarized it as a brief word of exhortation—Hebrews 13:22. The heart of this message that gives Christians encouragement to see possibilities not problems; place emphasis on God’s purposes not personal convenience and ease; and walk victoriously by faith rather than limping through life in fear is found in chapter 11:1-12:3.

Listen as God lifts each one of us up from the valley of despair in order that we might have a crystal clear view of the mountains He wants us to climb…

¹Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ²This is what the ancients were commended for. ³By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. ⁴By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. ⁵By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. ⁶And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. ⁷By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. ⁸By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. ⁹By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. ¹⁰For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. ¹¹By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. ¹²And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

¹³All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. ¹⁴People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. ¹⁵If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. ¹⁶Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

¹⁷By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, ¹⁸even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” ¹⁹Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death. ²⁰By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future. ²¹By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. ²²By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones. ²³By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. ²⁴By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. ²⁵He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. ²⁶He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. ²⁷By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. ²⁸By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.

²⁹By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. ³⁰By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. ³¹By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. ³²And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, ³³who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, ³⁴quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.

³⁵Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. ³⁶Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. ³⁷They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— ³⁸the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.

³⁹These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. ⁴⁰God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. ¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

In a nutshell: Since so many have gone before and are now cheering us on, let us…

(1)   Cast off the shackles of self and sin;

(2)   Run with endurance the life we were born to live; and

(3)   Fix our eyes on Jesus!

When “What You Know” Really Matters

One of my favorite authors of Christian fiction is Francine Rivers. In Leota’s Garden (1999, Tyndale House Publishers), she tells the story of a rainbow lory (parrot) who experienced a no good, very bad day. The story of Barnaby, the rainbow lorry, is summarized by one of the characters in the story. He stated: “Imagine being sucked into a tornado only to land in a flood and then be dried in a desert whirlwind.”

As I remember it, the long-and-the-short of it is as follows: Barnaby’s owner left him in the care of friends. In order to clean up an unsightly mess under Barnaby’s cage, the “bird-sitter” is using a neighbor’s shop-vac. The phone rings. The bird-sitter turns to answer the phone, the business end of the shop-vac bangs into the bird cage knocking the door open and before you know it, Barnaby is sucked down the business end of the hose into the tunnel of doom which leads inexorably to what must surely be a cyclone of death. In a panic the bird-sitter shuts down the monster machine and retrieves Barnaby, issuing a huge sigh of relief that while the bird seems to be stunned it is still alive. But Barnaby is covered with fine dust and other debris in the canister. Any good bird-sitter knows that a parrot covered in dust needs a good scrubbing. To the kitchen sink we go for a shower under the bird-world equivalent to Niagara Falls. And, of course, Barnaby’s feathers cannot be left to air dry. He might catch bird pneumonia, or something of the sort. Barnaby’s next stop is the bathroom, where 1500 watts of blow dryer furry awaits! Little wonder, then, that the bird, which was once the epitome of caged energy, sat like a statue on his perch never to chirp, chatter or sing again. His song, quite literally, was sucked right out of him.

Have you ever felt like Barnaby?

Have you ever felt like you’ve had your song sucked right out of you? Of course, we can all answer this question in the affirmative. The question is not “if” we will feel this way; it is “when” and “how often?” James, the Lord’s brother, didn’t say that we should consider it all joy “if” we experience trials. He said, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (See: James 1:2)

Before we go further, there are some important things we need to keep in mind…

1. Knowing that trials are inevitable, doesn’t mean we’ve gotta go looking for them. Some people seem to have experienced a pavlovian-like conditioning which compels them to seek out suffering and pain. There are numerous biblical reasons for Christians to do otherwise. Chief amongst them is Jesus’ imperative to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first in our lives (Matthew 6:33). The self-destructive practice of seeking out occasions for suffering would certainly be precluded here.
2. Knowing that trials will come our way doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take precautions against being thrust into song-sucking situations. Nor does it mean that we shouldn’t minimize our involvement with people who habitually do the same. Philippians 4:8 seems to hit this nail right on the head. Here the Apostle Paul writes, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
3. Knowing that all people confront song-sucking situations and people, everyone of us should do everything with in our power to make sure that we don’t rain on anybody’s parade. Romans 14:19 states, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”

Now we are ready to proceed…

Since we know that trials are inevitable, the main issue that remains open is how we will respond to such incidents. This is when “what we know” really matters. This idea is drawn directly from the inspired words of James 1:3-4. Here we are told that we can know that:

1) The testing of our faith develops perseverance…

• Testing = δοκίμιον, refers more to “approval” than to “proving.” Compare: 1 Peter 1:6b-7, “…though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
• Perseverance = “Everyone has experienced both the pain of problems and the ensuing profit of persistence. There is no gain in endurance without some investment in trials.”[1]
• Perseverance is πομονή, the characteristic of a believer who is not swerved from deliberate purpose and loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings; a patient, enduring, sustaining, perseverance. [2]

2) Perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything…

• Oftentimes, we misunderstand trials, thinking they diminish the quality of our lives or indicate something is wrong in our lives.
• The reality is they do not take something away from us. Instead, the testing of our faith develops one of the most important qualities of all—perseverance. This is the ability to stand up under the load!
• Beyond providing us with a firm spiritual foundation, perseverance, according to Romans 5:4-5, produces character, which yields hope, which does not disappoint! Perseverance is the seedbed for hope, because it rests on the bedrock of proven faith.

It all comes around to this…

“What we know” really matters when we know why we fall into trials. If we think of the times when life sucks us into the tunnel of doom, spins us around in a cyclone of deadly debris and runs us through the ringer only from a human point-of-view, we might feel robbed of joy. However, when we view the experiences of life against the backdrop of eternity, we realize that the finished work of perseverance is our spiritual maturity and completion. This is when “what we know” really matters. It is this knowledge that allows us to “consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds.” We are not rejoicing for our trials, but in and through them! We can still sing our songs, because “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all,” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

© Bill Williams
November 20, 2005

[1]Walvoord, J. F., R. B. Zuck, & Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983-c1985.
[2]Strong, J. The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible : Showing Every Word of the Test of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurence of Each Word in Regular Order. electronic ed. Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship., 1996. G5281.

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Contemplating the significance of life…

Well known 19th century American philosopher Henry David Thoreau wrote many things about the human experience. One rolls off of my lips often, because it seems to summarize his philosophy regarding life most succinctly. By now, many of you know what it is. Thoreau stated: The masses of humanity live lives of quiet desperation.

While there is no shortage of desperation in our world, with certain people groups having more than their share and others seeming to have less, it appears that on the whole our lives consist more of just regular, ordinary sorts of things which are necessary for daily existence. While many search for the one idea, cause or purpose which gives these simple things meaning, most of our days are filled with the regular rather than the regal.

So, we ask if it is possible for the mundane become a marvel and a wonder? Is it possible for the ordinary to take on extraordinary significance? I suggest that it is. In fact, I lean more towards the position of insisting that ordinary lives, when lived for God, is the sole requirement for living in such a way that the simple becomes sublime—the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

A couple of passages seem to highlight this idea:

1) Matthew 5:13-16, “13You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

2) Colossians 3:23-24, “23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

From Ordinary to Extraordinary…

This point is powerfully illustrated in the life of one of our sisters-in-Christ. Recently, she shared a few details about her life with me in order that I might share them with you. Her life story is an illustration of how God uses “ordinary things” to achieve extraordinary results.

Here is an excerpt from the email she sent on October 31, 2005:

Good Morning Bill,

Well I was born and raised in a christian family. My Grand parents were christians and so are my parents. The Church Minister of the Church of christ back home constantly reminded and asked me when I would get baptised every week he visited. I finally agreed cause I didn’t wanted him to ask me anymore and also I was well aware that its only through baptism I receive the Holy Spirit.

I did not get baptised with this urge inside to become Gods Child and to be like Jesus. I was as before after my baptism. Sunday christian, no difference in my behaviour (as there was not much besides school,church and home) etc. When my kid brother was asked by my parents to think abt Baptism 1.5 yrs after I got,he asked one thing which first me think abt being a CHRISTIAN in a deeper sense and it was ” tell me how better Suma got after baptism”. he repeatedly asked whomever asked him to get baptised.He asked this cos I was no better handling the situations when my brothers and I fought.I fought, gave bad names, angry for days…typical sibling rivalry.

And then during my Bachelors my mom got sick with her Kidney problems and Dad went almost bankrupt by trusting a friend and lending him huge money. I observed how God worked wonders in a span of 4 years helping us have a consistent health to mom (problem in her kidneys didn’t deteriorate) and Dad .The church, my parents prayed for the problem and witnessed God bringing betterment in the situations. The church had been incredibly supportive.

After I came to USA, I met people from church who are so kind and loving.When I prayed in times of need , God helped me. All these remind me to be thankful and prayerful to God not only in times of need or Sundays but ALWAYS. Being with Dagnans and Cedars, I see how people are warmly and affectionately welcomed for just one reason that we are all brothers and sisters in HIM. It helps me be kind and helpful too.

So like any other chirstian, mine is a regular story. I am constantly trying to develop the nature to accept any situation good or bad (Esp. bad) as God’s Plan for me and pray for His help to face it.I still see God helping Mom with her health and rest of my family each day. I also see how God helps me when I pray for any
situation at work.

Thanks for the prayers for my Mom. Pray for me and others
who need help with spiritual growth.

In His Love,
Suma

Extraordinary results from ordinary circumstances…

Suma’s only hesitancy in permitting me to share this was a concern that the emphasis would be on a person rather than God. It is clear, however, that the ordinary became extraordinary, because God was active in Suma’s life through these circumstances. Because God is the focus of her life, God is glorified through her life.

Here are some “ordinary” circumstances in one person’s life which seem to ended in extraordinary results:

1) Raised in a Christian family
2) Encouraged by caring Christians
3) Instructed in the way of the Lord
4) Willing to put on Christ in baptism
5) Aware of her influence on others
6) Found God to be faithful
7) Walking by faith and not by sight

What sublime things is God doing through your life? How is God shaping you in such a way that extraordinary results are coming about through the ordinary events of your daily life?

How is this possible?

It all hinges around whether or not we are:

1) Salting our portion of the earth;
2) Letting our lights shine before others; and,
3) Working with all our hearts for the Lord!

© Bill Williams
November 6, 2005

Because His Grace Reaches Me

When it comes to the subject of grace, what we don’t need is another discussion of what grace is and how we benefit from grace. While there is always more to learn regarding any biblical subject, I’m convinced our best means of learning beyond the basics is through living out and living into the truths we already know. The question for each of us to ponder is: How do we respond to grace? Or, we might reflect on how we complete the following statement: Because God’s grace reaches me…?

Biblical insight…

A couple of passages give us insight into this topic. These are:

1) Ephesians 2:1-10, especially verses 8-10. Here we read:

8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2) Titus 3:1-8, especially verses 3-8. Here we read:

3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Everything has changed…

What do we observe about how we should respond to grace in these two passages? While there are a host of things that could be said about grace in general, one phrase sums up our response. It’s simple to say, but difficult to live out. It is this: Everything has changed! Our lives are radically changed. Though we were once dead in our transgressions and sins, now we are alive with Christ! Though we were once objects of God’s wrath we are now the workmanship of God! Though we were once foolishly enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures, we have now been justified by God’s grace. When these things are stressed those who have trusted in God will know that everything has changed so that we will be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.

Because God’s grace reaches me…

1) I have a new attitude towards God—Psalm 103:1-22…

1Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 7He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: 8The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; 14for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. 15As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— 18with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. 19The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. 22 Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, O my soul.

2) I have a new attitude towards self—Galatians 2:20…

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

3) I have a new attitude towards service—1 Peter 4:10-11…

10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

4) I have a new attitude towards others—Ephesians 4:20-32…

20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

5) I have a new attitude towards adversity—Romans 5:1-5…

1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

A final thought…

Paul spoke of the radical change grace made in his life in many different places. He stated it succinctly in 1 Corinthians 15:10. Here Paul said, “10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.”

Has God’s grace impacted your life in the way God wishes it to? Has it changed everything? What or you holding back? Are you holding on to anything that’s holding you back?

With What Shall We Come Before the Lord?

In his book The Good Book: Reading the Bible with Mind and Heart, Peter J. Gomes, a member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and of the Faculty of Divinity, Minister in Harvard’s Memorial Church, and Plummer Professor of Christian Morals, has observed:

“What I see in growing numbers are people on a pilgrimage of spirituality. We are having a deeper sense of unease in our lives and the material goods are leaving us less and less satisfied.”

Few would dispute his observations. In fact, becoming “seeker-sensitive” has become a buzz word in Christian circles in recent years. Some churches have so “successfully” marched under this banner that an entirely new category for church profiles, the mega-church, has emerged. Additionally, developing specialized ministries to target seekers has become the sole priority of many outreach oriented churches, resulting in an array of seeker-centered ministries, all of which seem to enshrine the notion that what matters the most to any number of identifiable affinity groups matters the most to God.

The end result in my estimation is the consumerization of Christianity. When this attitude is full-blown what matters most seems to be how well a church or an organization is doing in the categories of brand recognition; market share and repeat customers (visitors).

The whole “seeker” discussion is much bigger than a flashy fad to follow or evangelistic strategy to implement. We cheapen the idea when we reduce it to these terms. “Seeking God” lies at the heart of discipleship. Jesus said that it all begins with desire. Read: Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23; and Mark 8:34. Jesus said that Yagottawanna! Well, actually, the key Greek word used in each of these verses is thelō, which means: to purpose, decide, will, want, desire or wish [1].

In essence, Jesus said: If you yearn for God—if you are a seeker—it will be evidenced in the priorities you set for your life. To begin with, you must purpose to, decide to, will to, want to, desire to, or wish to deny yourself; take up your cross and follow me. Seeking God is the single most important step that any person—every person—will take in life!

Numerous biblical examples make this clear:

1) Moses’ Prophecy: Deuteronomy 4:28-29, “28There you will worship man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell. 29But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

2) David’s Counsel: 1 Chronicles 22:19, “19Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the Lord.”

3) Paul’s Assertion: Acts 17:21-28, “24 The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. 26From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’”

4) Jesus’ exhortation: Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Against this backdrop we turn to our primary text for this lesson: Micah 6:8, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

This is more than just a quick and simple list of God’s requirements outlined as follows:

What God Requires of Each of Us…
1) Do the right thing;
2) Do the right thing with loving mercy;
3) Do the right thing with characteristic humility.

You see, there is something more here. Look at the context. This verse is preceded by an exchange between God and His children. Through the prophet, God takes them to task for their infidelity to Him; their injustice towards one another; and apparent disdain for the righteous acts of God on their behalf.

He reminds them that He has not been a burden to them. Why, then, would they abandon Him? He brought them out of Egypt. He redeemed them from the land of slavery. He led them through Moses, Aaron and Miriam. He protected them from Balak. He blessed them when others wanted to curse them. Ultimately, He brought them safely to the Promised Land. All of these things speak of His fidelity to His promises. God’s sovereignty and holiness shine through.

Beyond this, it appears as though God even suggests how He wants His children to respond to His interrogation. He does so in the words which follow the rhetorical question: “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God?” (Micah 6:6a)

What an act of grace! Do these people deserve His help? Not hardly. They don’t even deserve a hint, much less explicit instruction for their return journey!

It is as though God says something like: “Just in case you are wondering and because I don’t want you to mess this up, this is not how I want you to respond. Let’s run through the list that you might have in mind. Burnt offerings, with calves a year old? No! The fruit of my body, my firstborn for my transgression? No!”

So, it seems logical that Israel would inquire: “What offering do you want from me?”

God’s reply: “I want your heart. I want you to stop living for your selves and start living for me. I want you to seek me first in all that you do.”

“How?” is Israel’s reply.

That which follows is not a quick fix or a mere patch job, though it is a succinct statement, which cuts to the very heart of the matter. These wandering children need to find their way back home. They’ve had their own way long enough! No sacrifice—no matter how excessive or extreme—will suffice.

What God wants from them is that which they’ve given away to self-indulgence and idolatry. He wants their full devotion. He wants their hearts. He wants them to seek Him with all of their hearts and souls! He wants something more than perfunctory obedience. He wants them to do more than mechanically do the right thing.

He wants them to remember that they serve a God:
1) Who is concerned about justice for all people; therefore act justly towards all people;
2) Who is loves to show mercy to those who are in need; therefore, practice loving mercy towards others;
3) Who has gone to the most incredible lengths to be friends with us; therefore, respectfully join Him for the journey from here to eternity. In giving them they need to come before the Lord at all times, He gives people of all times what we need to come before the Lord.

Thus, we observe that the lives that please the Lord have:
1) An internal compass – act justly;
2) An external focus – love mercy;
3) An eternal emphasis – walk humbly with your God.

So, how are you doing?

What matters most, in my estimation, is not that we do everything in our power to become “seeker-sensitive”. Instead, we should simply strive to be sensitive seekers. It is true for every generation, no matter where we wander, if we seek the Lord God, we will find him if we look for him with all our heart and with all our soul.”

© Bill Williams, October 23, 2005
_________________________
[1] Thomas, R. L. New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition. Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998, 1981. H8674.

To Dream Again

When you look at an old, abandoned house, what comes to mind? Do you wonder what happened to the people who once lived there? Do you wonder why they abandoned their home?

When you reflect a bit longer on such a dilapidated building, it occurs that it may well represent something more. At the very least it suggests the possibility of shattered dreams and dashed hopes.

You can easily imagine a young couple surveying this site in some yesteryear, talking about how it is the perfect place for their dream home. You can easily imagine this same couple talking about the dreams they have for their future together, along with the exciting dreams they share for each of their children. Did they imagine themselves teaching their grandchildren how to fish in pond out back?

Why did this building fall into this state of disrepair? What caused the residents of this home to abandon their dreams which compelled them to make this house a home? Perhaps they didn’t lose their vision for the future. That is a possibility. They could have just moved on. Yet, the photograph suggests the possibility that something happened. Something derailed them. Perhaps some tragedy overwhelmed them, robbing them of their imagined future. What could it have been? Why did it occur?

In a sense this building represents the disappointments and dashed hopes that most of us have encountered. Some of our dreams have been shattered. We’ve known frustrations in our careers, feeling trapped in dead-end jobs. We’ve experienced trouble in our relationships with the people that matter most in our lives. We’ve known the emptiness of hearts grown cold and spirits that have lost their sparkle.

While our curiosity prompts us to wonder just what happened and why it happened, would it not be better to inquire whether or not they were able to overcome? And, if they did, how did they overcome? This seems to be the central issue of our lives. When our dreams have been shattered, how do we learn to dream again? How do we shape a positive vision for the future, when our house needs an extreme makeover?

While I believe our text provides three simple suggestions of positive steps we can take, I wouldn’t suggest to you that solutions come easy—that there will be no costs, no challenges. We may find ourselves struggling against strong currents. Still, we persevere, knowing that even the struggle itself brings benefits.

Philippians 3:12-14, “12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” [1]

The Apostle Paul’s strategic plan for shaping a positive vision for the future:

1) Verse 12: Be realistic about whose you are, where you are and where you are going.

2) Verse 13: Be resolved to live “in the moment” applying every ounce of your energy to what lies ahead, being utterly oblivious of and completely unconcerned about what has occurred in the past, putting it completely out of mind—not crying over spilt milk, nor resting on your laurels.

3) Verse 14: Be realistic about whose you are, where you are and where you are going!

© Bill Williams
October 16, 2005
_______________________
[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996, c1984. Php 3:12-14.

When Christians Gather to Worship God

Yet a time is coming and has now come
when the true worshipers will worship
the Father in spirit and truth, for they
are the kind of worshipers the Father
seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers
must worship in spirit and in truth.”
—John 4:23-24 NIV

Worship can speak of two distinct matters: It means to hold in high regard with extravagant honor and devotion. This comes from the Greek word LATREUO, which literally means to render service or homage. Worship also refers to the formal act of expressing reverence and praise. In this instance, the Greek root is PROSKUNEO, which literally means, to kiss toward. It means to make obeisance or do reverence by specific actions prompted by a desire and intent to honor God. Thus, one might think of Christian worship assemblies are special gatherings of those who seek to render service to God with their lives (LATREUO) for the purpose of honoring God through certain acts of obeisance (PROSKUNEO).

Worship is multifaceted. It is an expression of faith in God at the same time that it is a faith-building experience. Through worship Christians are edified and edify others. In worship we express thanksgiving to God for our own salvation and proclaim the basis of that salvation to those who seek the Savior. Thus, while worship is primarily an expression of reverence directed to God, it should, also, dramatically impact the lives of all who participate.

Researchers are rediscovering this important factor in the dynamics of church growth. John Ellis, of the Center for Church Growth, reports the results of a comprehensive study of both growing and declining churches of Christ in his book Clear Choices for Churches. He found that when asked, “What one characteristic attracted you most to come to this congregation?” in growing churches a significantly higher percentage of respondents indicated that the number one factor was the worship assembly. Consequently, he states: “The worship assembly’s ability to attract new members was the number one growth factor” for growing churches of Christ. (Clear Choices, p. 58)

Thus, in order that we might render unto God worship that truly honors Him; engage in worshipful acts which effectively edify one another; and in so doing more effectively attract lost souls to Christ, let us look again at God’s design and desire for our worship assemblies.

God has a design for our worship assemblies, according to John 4:23-24. Here Jesus says, “…A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” Notice the design. True worship is directed by and towards God. Drawing near to God is the priority of worship; rather than expressing human preferences. In fact, worship which does not respect these parameters is, by implication, vain worship (cf. Mark 7:6-9). Jesus further stipulates that true worship is: In Spirit—the Realm (in accord with God’s nature); and, In Truth—the Reality (in accord with God’s will). Thus, true worshippers assemble to: stimulate one another to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24); teach and admonish one another through song (Colossians 3:16); display our faith in God and unity in purpose by giving to advance the cause of Christ (2 Corinthians 8 – 9); share in remembering our precious Savior and His sacrifice by observing the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:24-29); honor God in a time of hearing the Word of God proclaimed, being instructed in His ways and challenged to live holy lives for Him (2 Timothy 4:2 and Titus 2:12).

There is a marvelous dual quality in Christian worship. While worship is first directed upwards towards God, it is also designed by God to reach outward towards others. Its reach is both vertical and horizontal. As illustrated by the fact that while singing praises to God, we teach one another of His majesty.

God desires Christian worship to powerfully impact our lives! Hebrews 10:23-25 reads, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

First, God wants worship to be a soul-stirring experience. How can we come into the presence of God without having our souls stirred by His majesty? (See: Psalm 34:1-3; 96:7-9; & 100:1-5.) Second, God wishes worship to be a life-changing experience. How can we contemplate the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf without being changed? (See: 1 Corinthians 11:23ff) Third, God desires our worship to be spiritually enriching for all who participate. How can individual giftedness be utilized for self aggrandizement when God desires all things be done for the strengthening of the church? (1 Corinthians 14:26)

We should be concerned with both the content and he character of our worship assemblies. By doing so, we will more effectively please God in our worship; the church will be strengthened and the lost will be led to Christ.

© Bill Williams
October 12, 2005

When Christians Commune

“…Do this in remembrance
of me.” — 1 Corinthians 11:24

As a fine-cut diamond has many facets and is beautiful to behold from any angle, so also, the Lord’s Supper, which is a multi-faceted aspect of Christian worship, dazzles the spiritual senses of the believer. When saints commune with Christ a marvelously wonderful scene unfolds. Let’s spend a couple of moments taking a few quick glances at some of the fascinating facets of this sacred supper.

In 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 we read, “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” Thus, the Holy Spirit reveals that participation in the Lord’s Supper is an occasion for both declaring and celebrating our oneness with all believers.

Through the eye of faith, we see Jesus’ sinless body crucified on the cross—an innocent victim paying a debt He did not owe. We shudder as we contemplate the scene. Jesus, beaten and bruised, is nailed to a cross. We agonize at the thought of streams of blood flowing from His thorn pierced brow. When, through our mind’s eye, we see the spear tear through the flesh of His side; there is an emotional tidal wave which wells up inside. Thus, when saints commune, we do so, as Jesus instructed, in remembrance of Him. (1 Corinthians 11:24-25)

Though there are no words spoken, except prayers of gratitude, saints make a mighty proclamation in communion. Paul’s inspired words to the Corinthians were: “Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26) The message is clear! Indeed, our Lord Jesus died for our sins and shed His blood for the new covenant. This we remember full well. But, the Christ who died and was buried in a tomb was also resurrected on the third day. He is alive! Thus, each time we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we proclaim not only His death, but, also, His resurrection. Praise the Lord! He is coming again!

As much as communion is a time for considering these things, it is also an occasion for introspection. We are behooved to examine our own lives in light of the extreme sacrifice, which Jesus Christ made for each of us. The Word of God is very specific in this regard. In 1 Corinthians 11:28-29, we read the following: “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.” When Christians commune, we should each ask ourselves penetrating questions such as: Since God loves me so much, how am I showing my love for Him in return? Since Christ has done so much for me, how am I lovingly serving Him in response to all He has done? Considering that His sacrifice was for my sins, am I living in such a way as to honor Him for the price He paid for my freedom?

So much more could be said. Hopefully these thoughts are sufficient for the purpose at hand. Truly, the moments we spend surrounding the Lord ’s Table in memory of Him are of monumental significance for God’s holy people. For, when saints commune, we’re standing on holy ground in the presence of our Great Redeemer!

© Bill Williams
July 16, 2003