More Than Just A Rolling Stone

Our world is mobile... very much so.

Mobility drives our commuting patterns (or lack thereof) - flex time, telecommuting, swing shifts, etc.

Mobility quickens our expectations of the service industry - mobile car washing, mobile windshield repair, mobile dog grooming, etc.

Mobility opens our world up - more people moving, staying put shorter periods of time, video chat, etc.

Mobility has a charm to it - for me, its a katana that cuts both ways - mobility robs us like a ninja pick-pocketing a pirate, savvy?

Mobility can be the proverbial "loose gravel n the road" that makes our commute treacherous, the "flying rock" that collides with us and obscures our vision, the "rough dry stone wall" between us and our neighbors (and subsequently, our neighborhood).

Is our mobility detaching us from life? Are we "stoned" by our "mobility"? 

How about relationships - is it REALLY our desire to foster and participate in such a mobile environment serving as a distraction to building each other up, to being there for other people, to being honest, open and transparent with like-minded folks? Yes, I'm talking about the body of Christ, the Church - not the building.

So, we know "sticks and stones" don't make a church - the people of GOD serve as parts of the overall body of Christ, fulfilling (prayerfully) His purpose on Earth. We need all the "body parts" - eyes, ears, noses, fingers, feet, hands, elbows... doing what they were gifted and designed to do.

But why even gather - after all, we don't have to gather every time the doors (somewhere) are open, right? Right.

We don't HAVE to gather - most of us WANT to, out of gratitude, out of love, out of a desire for genuine fellowship - to worship, to study, to edify (lift up) like-minded (Christians), to minister both in and outside the body of Christ...

It may be counter-intuitive to say so, but, "mobility" has us out gathering stones together and building up walls at the same time we should be "casting away stones" and tilling the soil for the sake of others.

Do we need to BE the church (body of Christ, Christians) by being AT the church (building)? Are we in love with the literal interpretation of building (literally) upon the chief cornerstone (Christ)?

When I said, earlier, that its a katana that cuts both ways - I meant it. And now, I mean it again - but in this light: Perhaps BEING the church (body of Christ) is more about being "mobile" than it is about being "set in stone" (static, unmoving, behind a wall)?

Perhaps BEING the church is more about unsettling your foundations, getting up and going out into the streets, homes and just "rolling with it"?

Perhaps BEING the church is more about the relating to other residents of our communities instead of residing with our regular relatives?

Moss may not grow on a "rolling stone" - but its impact on anything in its path can result in a growth within and outside of us. MMLIA

I'm Voting Against the Process

Ah, the first Tuesday of November - regardless of its numeric value - turns stomachs and (at the same time) excites the masses. (Nope, I'm not Catholic - big "C".)

Since I cast my first ballot back in 19-ah-ha-hem (excuse me), I've noticed the political tongue wagging and war-waging has been elevated to an insane new level.

We all (if honest with ourselves) know that "running for office" involves misrepresentations made by (and against) our preferred candidates. And, for the most-part, many of us who think for ourselves know how to tune out the static.

But, what about the rest of our country? What do those who apply (only) a litmus test for a singular issue and/or continue voting based solely on party affiliation, a particular shared religious belief or (perish the thought) skin color?

If someone WANTS to be helped, they'll ask for help.

My advice this election day? Vote and tell others you voted... or don't vote and keep your mouth shut about it. (Oh, he's rude - yes, I am rather blunt about this.)

No one wants to endure someone waxing rhapsodic about a particular candidate, only to discover that they did not vote and simply wanted your attention (to what end, I do not know.)


My advice this election day? Stay off the streets the night of and the day after the election.

Since the Bush-Gore presidential election (that's the year 2000 for my 12 year old followers), I've noticed escalating violence (some reported, most not) typified by both the victor's and loser's respective followers.

We, as self-centered, comfortable and opinionated Americans do not like losing.
I predict - no, I don't have tonight's winning Power Ball numbers - that regardless of who wins, there will be civil unrest... so, don't be out in it (read: guilty by association). So, celebrate (or cry) in the comfort of your own homes.

My advice this election day? Stock up. On what? Well, that depends on who wins.

Now, I won't get into who wants big government and who doesn't; or, even, which candidate wants to print more money and which wants to balance the budget. None of that matters, right? (Insert facetious voice HERE)

My advice can be taken, left alone or forgotten. These are merely my opinions - which are like belly-buttons... everyone has one, but you want to make sure you clean it up before you share it with anyone. MMLIA

Transparency, But to What End?

How much is too much? Hmm.

We've often heard someone say, "Whoa, TMI, TMI!" (Read: Too Much Information).  Yes, we often devour - intentionally or unintentionally - shovel-fulls of information in our daily living.

Is "keeping it real" the same as "being transparent"? Well, that depends (or pampers) - do you have a moral compass and do you know how to use one?

Are we more interested in "coming out of the closet" than "cleaning it up"? Don't know - are YOU the one that'll be cleaning it up, or are you going to ask for help?

I know - seems to go down through the entire process in our brain buckets is going to exacerbate migraines, as the thought process has a tendency to generate more questions than it answers. And that's okay, if we're not asking the questions, we won't even begin addressing the problem(s).

So, what's the problem? Glad I asked myself this under the pretense that you (the reader) thought to think the question (now MY head hurts).

I cannot speak as to a third world tribesman in the darkest reaches of Africa. I cannot speak to you as if I was a noted politician in Parliament; nor, can I speak from the perspective of an over-educated elitist submerged in academia (see blog).

I can (however) speak to you as a Christian - and to that end, what the Church (sum total of all true believers in Christ) should be doing to BE transparent to those around us... not what the 21st century American church typically does (or chooses NOT to do).

We should...

1) Consider that our brothers and sisters in Christ are opportunities to honor and reflect Christ...

     And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, [fn] you did it to me.' ~ Jesus (Mat.25.40.esv)

2) Do for others - not just because we (ourselves) are blessed (by GOD) - but because we love Him...

     And he answered them, "Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise." ~ Jesus (Luk.3.11.esv)

3) Humble ourselves to receive any blessing (from GOD) - no matter how odd it may appear, getting over our "dignified reserve"...

     Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." ~ Peter and Jesus (Jhn.13.8.esv)

4) Make it a point to "lower the shields", show up and be available to participate in the blessings of others...

     And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Act.2.44-47.esv)

5) Find others and share our own needs within the body of Christ, so that GOD receives His glory...

     There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (Act.4.34-35.esv)

6) Make it a point to get involved in the lives of our brothers and sisters...

     Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. ~ Apostle Paul (Rom.12.13)

7) Realize that what's already been provided for us (Gentiles) didn't happen for us to merely write songs and authoritative books on - it was provided as a model of living...

     For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. ~ Apostle Paul (Rom.15.27.esv)

8) Take the lumps with others and celebrate with them as well...

     For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. ~ Apostle Paul (2Cr.1.5.esv)

9) Be thankful - whether you were there, receiving a blessing from the ministry of servants in the Church, or providing them yourselves...

     For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. ~ Apostle Paul (2Cr.9.12.esv)

10) Be mindful of the responsibility of the Word, in all matters spiritual and material...

     One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. ~ Apostle Paul (Gal.6.6.esv)

11) Remember, that were it not for GOD's grace, we would still be wretched and fixated on ourselves...

     Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. ~ Apostle Paul (Eph.4.28.esv)

12) Exercise your works, in Christ - lest your faith be meaningless...

     If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good [fn] is that? ~ James (Jam.2.15.esv)

Being transparent isn't about folks seeing you - warts and all - but more so, being who you desire to be, in Christ, for those in the fellowship who may be at different points along the very same road you all travel. MMLIA

You Can't Make This Stuff Up

Poignant moment this afternoon...
The wifey works with blind co-workers. She happened to see one of these delightful ladies board the bus prior to hopping in the car with me. As the bus (and our car) seem to be heading in the same direction, she rolls down her window and waves at her blind friend sitting beside the window seat on her side of our car. I wanted to crawl under my seat - well, maybe just a little bit.

Earlier today...
I told the beagle to go to her cage (as we were leaving for the workday). Her name is "Mustard" - no, the poodle's name isn't "Ketchup", we were merely going down the spice rack. Apparently this hound has a stellar grasp of prepositions - as she went "to" the cage but did not go "in" the cage. Guess the Mustard wasn't flowing as well as we'd hoped.

This past Monday...
I'm trying to get the pups squared away, put the food out on the deck, water (check) and go searching for the leads (a.k.a. leashes) whilst yonder dogs bark-and-bay (loudly, wanting out). I was NOT walking in the Spirit by the time I found them, realized that the reason the leads were beside the "other" door was because the "man of the house" decided over the weekend that we would be taking the pups out THAT door. I sheepishly apologized to my wife.

 
Last month...
When I went to "Wally World" and purchased a DVD, I decided to do the whole "self scan" thing - figuring I'd save time. So, after a couple of taps on the touchscreen, bagged my item, showed the cashier/jockey my receipt, passed the greeter... and set off the alarm. So, after going back two MORE times - and noticing folks who weren't even in line at some of the OTHER (read: normal) check-out lines leaving the store BEFORE me... I get the permission of Der Commissar to proceed with my guilt-ridden purchase, walking out feeling like "public enemy number one".

Earlier this year...

When our work office moved just north of the city, I took the opportunity to setup a co-worker for a practical joke. Most of the buildings were older than my father and use to "house" people. So, after walking about with two of my co-workers, I turn to the "mark" and point up to the third floor window, asking her, "Hey - did you see that, looked like a woman wearing a housecoat staring down here at us." Fast forward one week. I sneak in to the work area, after coming back from lunch, sit down outside her office and intermittently start tapping on the drywall. When she stops talking on the phone, I stop - when she resumes, so do I. Then I hear her say, "Let me call you back, I don't know what's going on in here." She comes around the corner and I tactfully introduce her heart to her tonsils (classic).

Couple of Halloween's ago...
My wifey had a marvelous notion to buy a fake, brown, wire-and-Styrofoam, four foot wide (legs) spider for our house. Not to be outdone, she wanted it to scare our eldest with it - who is near-deathly afraid of them. So-o, her younger sister gets wind of the freakish ambush awaiting her sibling and places a video camera in the closet, where I placed said arachnid (yep, I cow-towed and joined the hooligans). So-o, as you might've guessed, all went according to plan. Yep, our eldest opens the closet door and (yep) she freaks HARD - caught on camera, and, yep... if I wasn't a Christian, I'd definitely know WHY I was going to Hell after that one. MMLIA

What Ship Are We Booked On?

The 21st century Christian church in America has it (chiefly) wrong. Fellowship is not discipleship.

Now, Fellowship, in and of itself is not the problem - in fact, it's NECESSARY within the family of GOD; but, without Discipleship, even the best Fellowship will cannot grow the Kingdom of GOD the way Scripture intends.

As a body of believers meeting corporately (read: in a gaggle called "church"), we know that...

...rightly divining Scripture, by itself, is BIBLE STUDY.
...building relationships, by itself, is FELLOWSHIP.
...Christian service, by itself, is MINISTRY.
...communicating our needs to the LORD, by itself, is PRAYER

I fervently long for these things; but, what I want even more so is DISCIPLESHIP - to build all of these individual things (above) in to those who, walking in the Spirit, subsequently being in one accord, could be embolden in our church family for Christ in such a way as to impact our area of the county like its never been done before.

By way of example, for those not familiar with the concept of DISCIPLESHIP, it...

...goes through Scripture and doesn't ask, "How does that make you feel?" but rather, "As Christians, how then should we live in light of this?"
...gets intimately involved in the lives of others where folks become accountable to (and for) each other - "warts and all", per se
...grows individuals, prepares them to use their spiritual gifts for ministry, and partners with them - ensuring no one "goes it alone"
...grabs a hold of GOD's promise and prays fervently for each other, knowing that confidence is there - trusting whole-hardheartedly in His Word

More examples of what this looks like...

In Fellowship, one says, "We need to reach the lost."
In Discipleship, one says, "I desire to pour myself into you, who was once lost, to build the kingdom."

     "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Jesus, Mat.28.19.esv)

In Fellowship, one says,  "We love GOD and the family of GOD."
In Discipleship, one says, "I love GOD enough to pick up my brother's cross and walk with him."

     "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." (Jesus, Luk.14.27.esv)

In Fellowship, one says, "We love to hear the Word of GOD, because He has set us free!"
In Discipleship, one says, "I love to do what the Word of GOD says, because it can set those who were walking "in the Way" with me, free!"

     So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (Jesus, Jhn.8.31-32.esv)

In Fellowship, one says, "We came together, having so much in common, to worship the LORD and to edify fellow believers."
In Discipleship, one says, "I set out, apart from the comfort of my group, and went to my brother (or sister) because they had a need for encouragement and were in want."

     "And all who believed were together and had all things in common." (Luke, Act.2.44.esv)

     "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common." (Luke, Act.4.32.esv)

In Fellowship, one says, "We pray for each other, lifting our prayers up, together, to GOD."
In Discipleship, one says, "I got to know you well enough to pray for you the moment you voiced it, grieved with you in the darkest hour, and genuinely rejoiced when He delivered you from within these circumstances."

     "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James, half brother of Jesus; Jam.5.16.esv)

Fellowship requires the follow-on of Discipleship. Discipleship requires some basis of Fellowship to be effective. So, the questions beg...

Do you merely want Fellowship; or, are you needing Discipleship? And, are you at a place (or in a position) to disciple others? Ready to jump "ship" or to "board"? MMLIA

I'm Not An Island... I'm A Continent

The late English clergyman and poet, John Donne (1572-1631) was attributed the following quote from of one of his works on meditation, as saying...

"No man is an Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee."

There - you learned something today. You might want to sit down if the room's spinning on you - can only take SO much enlightenment at one time, eh?

Not As Strong As We Think We Are

Saw someone today I hadn't seen in a while - and when I say "seen" I don't mean via Facebook... I mean "seen" without the assistance of this "bane-and-blessing" known as technology.

It heartens me when these folks take the ferry from their "Island" (either by choice of His design) - conversely, what disheartens me is that there are many out there that want to be proverbial "Islands".

Everybody needs help, from headaches to hangovers, from splinters to (heart) splints, from callouses to cancer - if it weren't so, you wouldn't ever be in dire straits.

Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." (Gen.2.18.esv)

Double the Work Versus Half A Care?

Do we dare jump off our "Island" - leaping headlong or feet first?

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Eccl.4.9-12.esv)

Hello? This was written by one of the most (if not THE most) DEPRESSED individuals in The Bible. And, if he realized this... what's our excuse when we throw ourselves back into the briar patch (if you don't understand the reference, Google it)? His highness was brought low, even on an "Island" of fame, fortune and glory.

Having X-Ray Vision

Time wanes on - both on-and-off our "Island"; but we don't. Just because I use to act like Superman, looked like Superman (try to hold the chuckle in, will ya'), didn't make me Superman... I'm mortal enough to know (now) that although everything still "works", some things "hurt" when they do (LOL).

And getting together (fellowship) ain't the same as getting to know you, getting to know all about you... getting to like you, getting to hope you like me (kudos to R&H). That would be an honest, open and transparent discipleship going on there, boys and girls - no secret identities (a.k.a. masks), being the same in both public and in private!

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Heb.10.24-25.esv)

Damaged Goods or Good-n-Damaged?

People act like that don't want the very thing which you ain't caught. Oh, it's always more comfortable to keep folks at arms-length by bugging out for our "Islands"... why let those Christians get close, they'll only see everything about us and we'll get hurt.

Like any of our family members EVER hurt us before, right? It's true, those who know us best wound us deepest. They find the buttons... and press them.

They paint a big ole bullseye on the back of our heads, get a bead on us and then KA-POW, right?

Sorry, not everyone who says they ARE concerned are concerned with injuring you. But, we need to take the first step and lay that vulnerable side out there. Just know that in the vulnerability, something sacred is grown... a Continent (1Cr 12:20-26.esv). MMLIA

Things Scribbled on a Receipt

Sat down and ate breakfast this morning - with a lot on my mind; so, I jotted down some thoughts about the "human condition" - e.g. inside a church. What I came up with was more questions that I'd care to shake the proverbial stick at - what my "take away" was included answers and some more unanswered questions through Scripture...

As a church, how do we edify each other?  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works... (Heb.10.24.esv)

Do we really want fellowship without discipleship?  And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Act.2.42.esv)

Are we concerned about those whom we do not know as well within our church body, and let them know they're missed when not here?  My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. (Jam.2.1.esv)

Do we really desire to walk this journey with fellow believers who know us well enough to correct us, challenge us and love us (sometimes) despite ourselves?  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1Jo.1.7.esv)

Within our body of believers, where is our desire to "be transparent and to "broker some openness"? Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. (Act.4.32.esv)

If followed around for a week, would we be found to be the same person we are at church as we might be at home, at school or at work?  Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. (Eph.4.25.esv)

Have we emptied ourselves into the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ?  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Phl.2.4.esv)
Why is it easier to share our difficulties with complete strangers, whom we can comfortably keep at arm's length, versus those who want to know us?  Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (Jam.5.16.esv)

Thoughts, ideas, suggestions? MMLIA