Author: Dave Burchett

The daily ramblings have recently featured a little dialogue between father and son. Eldest son Matt has allowed me to post our discussion on some questions he is pondering. If you would like to catch up the series started when Matt had a thought provoking, soul-searching encounter with a homeless man in Salt Lake City. I responded to some of his questions about being more transparent, pride, and the challenge of finding real friends. Here is Matt’s response to the first round of the dialogue.

Dad,

First, I love the dialogue.  It’s a little more public than I would prefer but I appreciate the opportunity for a son to engage his father in the deeper things of life.  Thanks for taking the time.

The other night Holly and I were discussing this premise of authentic relationships.  (Before you think we are the intellectual types this conversation was jammed between recorded episodes of Grey’s Anatomy and ER).  She looked at me with cute blue eyes after hearing me ponder these lofty thoughts while using big, theological words and said, “Matt, the only thing that matters is who God believes you are”.  She turned to resume her consumption of scandalous, action-packed pablum in front of the television.  Her thought has not left me.

A few days later I brought it up again on a car trip.  The only thing that matters is what God believes of us…is that true?  I mean, I know it’s true in the same way I know what a baseball looks like kind of true.  Cognitively it makes sense.  But spiritually I can’t get my mind around it. Your thoughts on pride struck me in this same way. 

But I have to be honest with you. This will be a lifetime project. I have gotten better at allowing the Holy Spirit to gain control of my pride. But I still take back control at times. Why? Because I do have things to “protect”. I want you to think I am smart, successful, a good husband, a good Dad, a good Christian. The truth is I am all of those things some of the time but definitely not all of the time. And why is that such a problem to admit? 

Pride.

It makes sense to me.  Yet, making sense of something and living it are two distinct things.  In my head, I know pride and arrogance consumes me more than I wish to admit.  Years ago I recognized this while simultaneously loathing that part of me.  I can control these feelings through false humility, downplaying the gifts and blessings as not being special or different.  I can dip my eyes during a compliment or say quick thanks that belittle the person attempting a sincere gesture all for the sake of being “humble”. 

In keeping the C.S. Lewis theme going he said, “I would prefer to combat the ‘I’m special’ feeling not by the thought ‘I’m no more special than anyone else’ but by feeling ‘Everyone is as special as me’”.  Seriously?  I can understand we are all messed up.  We see that everyday.  But we are all special?  It sounds too Sunday school turned Stuart Smalley for me.  In our modern Christian culture the Fall dominates Creation.  Yet, the truth is God believes I am special, and you are special, and everyone around us, everyday, at every moment is equally special.       

Through false humility I deny what God has so graciously provided and, in the midst of this denial, neglect to recognize how special God sees those around me.  What would we have to do to see ourselves and those around us as equally special?  Is it even possible to not create layers, caste systems, socio-economic boundaries, denominational trenches, or the multitude of other things that separate us and label us superior or inferior?  It’s a discouraging thought.

But here’s something to ponder…Henri Nouwen writes in Out of Solitude (a great 1 hour read) that when we truly reflect and look deeply into our soul that “it is in this solitude that we realize that being is more important than having and that we are worth more than the sum of our efforts.  In solitude we discover that our life is not a possession to be defended, but a gift to be shared.  It’s there we recognize that the healing words we speak are not just our own, but are given to us; that the love we can express is part of a greater love; and that the new life we bring forth is not a property to cling to, but a gift to be received.”   

How do we change what we cling to daily?  Are Christians or churches more proud of being present for people or a resume of conversions, giving, and ministries?  Can anyone truly believe that God sees us as more valuable than the sum of our efforts?  And, if we did, what would that church or those kinds of Christians look like?

Those are my questions…I look forward to the dialogue.  

Eldest son Matt posed a series of questions recently that I have addressed in two previous blogs. I just received a follow-up from him that I will address in the days to come. It is fun, challenging, and a little annoying to have your progeny make you think this deeply. Matt is a bit uncomfortable with the public nature of the dialogue and I can understand that. I have several years of public declaration that I am an idiot saved by grace who is currently engaged in a fumbling, bumbling stagger to the finish line. It is a relief to acknowledge that simple fact and I found that, for me, that declaration was a turning point in my journey.

Today the question posed by Matt involves friendships.

Why can’t all friendships feel this freedom and openness and even honesty about our ugliness?

Hey Matt,

Real friends are a treasure. I know you have probably read all of the works of 17th century French classical author François La Rochefoucauld. In case you missed this quote I will refresh your memory.

“A true friend is the most precious of all possessions and the one we take the least thought about acquiring.”

That is so true. The kind of friendship that you desire will be, if not rare, at least unusual. You will have many good friends and that is a blessing. But you will have just a handful of real friends. Friends that you can tell anything and not be rejected. Friends that you can call at any time for any reason. I have just a handful of friends in that category. Relationships like that take time. It takes investment. And I think you have to go through a variety of experiences together to really go to the next level of friendship. You don’t really know a person until you go through adversity with them. That is not something you can plan or force.

I admire your desire for openness and honesty about the ugliness in all of our lives. That is a risk. Not everyone can handle that. But if you are willing to take the risk you will find friends that are willing to go there. And they will be in that trusted circle of real friends. I know you are a fan of writer Henri Nouwen (in addition to La Rochefoucauld). This thought from Nouwen captures the heart of friendship that goes beyond backslappin’ and bad manners.  

“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.” 

You can’t force that. But you can help the process by being a friend. It is no surprise that Proverbs contains some great thoughts on friendship. Solomon recognized that not everyone who starts out as a friend remains a real friend.

There are “friends” who destroy each other,
      but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.  Proverbs 18:24

The need for honesty is expressed in this familiar proverb.

As iron sharpens iron,
      so a friend sharpens a friend.  Proverbs 27:17

I think that is what you are looking for in a friendship. Beyond the fun times you want a friend who cares enough to challenge. And that is when you discover the state of your friendship union. Later we find this interesting nugget.

Wounds from a sincere friend
      are better than many kisses from an enemy.  Proverbs 27:6

That is a hard truth. But that is the friendship holy grail that you are seeking. Finding a friend like that is worth the risk and it is a risk. You will likely be disappointed and even hurt along the way. But finding that small number of real friends is worth it. All friends are a blessing. Real friends are a treasure. I will wrap this up with a quote from one of my sentimental favorites, the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life”.

Remember, no man is a failure who has friends. 

Enjoying the exchange,

Dad

Last week I had the first response to Eldest Son Matt’s questions about his encounter with a homeless man named Brett on a recent trip to Salt Lake City. Matt relayed the emotional and gut level prayer that Brett prayed for him.

I asked to pray for him (Brett) and said a generic prayer of protection, hope, forgiveness, and provision of resources. I reached for my wallet again and he stopped me. He asked to pray for me. He prayed a beautifully inarticulate prayer with his raspy broken voice,

“Matt, I pray you will not do drugs like I have. I pray your children love you and accept you. I pray your woman will love you and stay with you. I pray that you have a home, job, and food. I thank you for not being scared of me and talking to me. I pray that we can see each other again.”

Did you see it? He prayed that I wouldn’t be him. Pity turned to grace. It was his grace for me.

So here are Matt’s questions for today. How can a man I knew for 20 minutes pray the most sincere prayer for me? Can the pride that sequesters us to insincerity (we are all guilty) be broken in normal life circumstances?

Hey Matt,

I have been thinking about this a lot. I think the answer to the first question and second are the same.

Pride.

You and I still have lots of it. Brett doesn’t. Brett has nothing to “protect”. His image was not damaged by being real with you. He was not the least bit concerned that you would think he was a failure. He admitted that. Brett did not need to impress you and win your favor. You had extended grace yourself by giving him time and attention. How sad is it that a man created in the image of God thanks you for not being scared of him and for simply talking to him. You made me realize how I too often choose the safe route.

Part two of your questions is the tough one to address. Can that pride that causes us to be so phony be overcome in normal life circumstances? I wish I could say yes and give you 3 easy steps to conquer pride. But I have to be honest with you. This will be a lifetime project. I have gotten better at allowing the Holy Spirit to gain control of my pride. But I still take back control at times. Why? Because I do have things to “protect”. I want you to think I am smart, successful, a good husband, a good Dad, a good Christian. The truth is I am all of those things some of the time but definitely not all of the time. And why is that such a problem to admit?

Pride.

G.K.Chesterton once said, “If I had only one sermon to preach it would be a sermon against pride.” Powerful. Because Chesterton was a man with a lot of insight on a number of issues. We foolishly take ownership and control of things that we do not really own or control. The ultimate irony for control freaks is that they truly control nothing. One moment (like your Mom’s cancer diagnosis) causes your house of control cards to come tumbling down. We have no control. So we should remember daily that we are called to live our lives as “dual citizens” with both earthly and heavenly goals. As C.S.Lewis more eloquently stated…

“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”

I think when we have that perspective we have a chance to put things in perspective apart from a tragic life circumstance. Seeking a very intentional balance of eternal and temporal helps to keep you grounded. Homework assignment for you. Read Romans 12 everyday for a month. Maybe change translations each week to get a different feel and to keep it fresh. Memorizing that text for living would go a long way toward your goal of living an authentic and transparent life. Here is a little snippet from The Message…

Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.

I love the language. Don’t be “stuck-up” and don’t be the “great somebody”. I really dislike the “no cursing under your breath” part. That is such a great way to be a covert “Bad Christian”. Paul does understand our nature.

Focus on what matters. As you alluded to in your letter it is easy to get off course in those years when you are establishing your career. I did. But here is what I have figured out. You gain satisfaction from your career, from doing a good job, and from success in various endeavors. But you gain joy from relationships. The most common verse on pride is likely Proverbs 16:18 about how pride goes before a fall. But earlier in Proverbs we read this truth.

Pride leads to disgrace,
      but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2  NLT

Matt, when I think of the Christians who I most admired, respected, and desired to emulate there was one common trait.

Humility.

That is not a popular word in this culture. But if you want to really pursue your goal of authentic relationships then seek to be humble and kind through the power of the Holy Spirit. You will fail at times. But if you stay sensitive to the gentle, quiet voice of the Holy Spirit and the not always so quiet and gentle voices of those who love you then you can succeed more often than not.  Your goal is a Godly and worthy goal. I will pray for you as you pursue it. Your thoughts?

Dad

 

 

Regular readers of the humble ramblings know that eldest Son Matt is an occasional contributor. Yesterday I posted his recent experience with a homeless man named Brett. At the end Matt posed some questions. In the interest of brevity (I know I am long-worded) I am taking one question at a time. Here is the first round and my response to one of his questions.

What will it take to shed off layers and layers of protective amour that guard my heart everyday?

Hey Matt,

When your Mom and I were dating three decades ago there was a popular book called Why Am I Afraid To Tell You Who I Am. The book was written by John Powell and he suggested that we are afraid that people will not like us if they know what we are really like, so we often assume poses to avoid being honest with them and ourselves. He identified different poses we assume to avoid showing who we really are as people. If I remember correctly I was a “clown” and “cynic”.

Not much has changed, huh?

So I went into marriage and my Christian journey as a husband determined to be real and not afraid to reveal who I was, warts and all. That lasted until the rehearsal dinner. I had built my entire facade on being funny, upbeat, and glib (okay…that is my scouting report) so I could not take the risk that I could be likeable apart from that act. So I kept the act going and it gradually damaged my marriage and my relationship with the Lord. Being a phony will tend to do that. Even though others thought I was okay I knew I should be placed on the “as-is” table. Damaged goods. No returns. I knew, they didn’t, and I felt like I had to keep it that way. That is an open door for Satan to mess with your mind and heart.

Because I lacked a college degree I felt like I had to “prove” that I was smart (like that is possible). So I worked too much. My lack of confidence led to defensiveness. I could not be wrong because that would make me look less intelligent and expose me as a fraud. Maybe people would then reexamine me. “Wait a minute…Dave has an ‘as-is’ sticker on him! He is damaged. Who let him in here?”

No one knew the internal struggle. I didn’t even tell your Mom about the lack of confidence and the wavering self-image. Instead I made sure that I made people laugh. Chris Rock noted that “comedy is the blues for people that can’t sing”. There is a lot of truth in that statement.

That is a little background to answer your first question. And here is what I have figured out.  

• Recognize that you are uniquely gifted with both strengths and weaknesses. I finally figured out that God has gifted me with some things I do well. Instead of worrying about what I can’t do I finally started asking God how He could use what I can do well for His glory.
  
• Remember that pride is, as C.S.Lewis beautifully described, the “anti-God state of mind”. Pride keeps us from being comfortable with revealing who we are. What if you think less of me? What if you laugh at me? Recognize that as the grating voice of pride. More on that to come in a later post.
  
• Recognize that every single person on this planet is limited in some way. Why should you be the one who is not? It is okay to let others know that you are not as strong in some areas. That makes you a member of the human race.
  
• Realize that Jesus has already penetrated the layers and layers of protective armor. He has seen you at your worst. He has seen the ugliest side of your heart and He has written a message on the cross. I love you just as you are. I forgive you just as you are. I accept you just as you are.
  
• Take the risk. I can’t promise that you will not experience someone who will see you in your raw and authentic state and turn away. That is their problem. The risk/reward factor is worth it. Because when your bride and few real friends see you as you are and still love you it is life changing. Being loved as we truly are is a earthly demonstration of grace.

Casting Crowns has a song called Stained Glass Masquerade.  The lyrics talk about how everyone at church seems so strong and the writer wonders if he is only one that is struggling. And then the question is asked. What would happen if I dared to let them see the truth?

Is there anyone who’s been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who’s traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

Take the chance Matt. If you have found a real friend then the love of Jesus will be more than enough to make them stay. If they do not stay then you have learned a hard but valuable truth. They were not your friend. Those real relationships are possible. Those relationships are what make this journey special. You may have to take a couple of painful hits along the way when you drop the armor. But the man that God will mold out of that pain and honesty will be well worth it.

To be continued…

Dad

 

Regular readers of the humble ramblings know that eldest Son Matt is an occasional contributor. I have threatened to cut him off from this site because his thoughts often get better responses than the Old Man receives. Recently Matt wrote to me about a very personal experience and he posed some questions. He has given me permission to allow you to “eavesdrop” and even contribute to our dialogue. I think you will see why I am filled with the good kind of pride when I see how God is working in Matt’s life. His Mom did a heckuva job. And she has also done an awesome job with the younger Sons. We are blessed with three kind, Godly men.

Here is Matt’s letter. I will respond tomorrow.

Dad,

A decade into the most formative years in my life, 18-28, there are far more questions than answers. I know that you already know this.and might tell me that it will never change. You will tell me that wisdom is not answers but the asking of right questions. Well, I have a question.

I was riding a public train in Salt Lake City, UT. The train was cramped and I was traveling with friends to dinner. Sitting next to me was a man, unshaven, dirty, ratty clothes, bad breath, and inarticulate. We began talking and asking general questions of where we grew up and jobs and family but soon he, Brett, went straight to the heart of it all. He was homeless. He lifted up his battered jean jacket to show me the scars on his arms from years of dope and heroin use. He told me about his wife dying and the restraining order his only daughter has on him. He was in jail and lost his job and doesn’t go to church anymore. It was a sad story. In my experience these are the stories that lead tourists (or Christians) like me to offer money or dinner or whatever to help. If you are feeling sorry for Brett, as I did, there is a certain level of pride or superiority to it all. We want to help. It’s a natural feeling. But this is not grace. It is pity. I reached for my wallet but something inside me hesitated. I asked him to walk with me towards the restaurant.

The conversation wasn’t nearly as deep on the way to the restaurant. We debated the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks. I asked questions about the Salt Lake Olympics. We joked with people around us. When we reached the restaurant I asked him if I could buy him dinner. He had already eaten. “Can I walk you to the shelter?” We walked for a couple hundred yards while my friends went to the restaurant. We sat on bench in the cold mountain air and started talking again.

As he elaborated on his story he started crying. I started crying. It broke my heart. We cried together as people walked by and looked strangely at the preppy young man in Polo and the homeless guy in rags sitting together at this exquisite outdoor shopping mall crying.

The raw, unedited man that was before me cared less about what I thought of him. He opened the darkest part of him, the graphic ugliness of life, and screamed aloud, “HERE I AM. ALL OF ME”. Drugs, alcohol, death, pain, hopelessness.his story is probably like thousands of others. He was so exposed in that moment. But he didn’t flinch. No hesitation. He knew he would most likely never see me again so the risk was low. It was safe to be this person with a stranger. But it wasn’t safe for me.

I was exposed. My life is full of moments that are guarded. Even in my finest hour I would describe myself as only less guarded. I am never fully open or honest. Not like Brett. All he had was his story and his brokenness and his pain. He entered into it with me and I was exposed.

I asked to pray for him and said a quaint sincere prayer of protection, hope, forgiveness, and provision of resources. I reached for my wallet again and he stopped me. He asked to pray for me. He prayed a beautifully inarticulate prayer with his raspy broken voice, “Matt.I pray you will not do drugs like I have. I pray your children love you and accept you. I pray your woman will love you and stay with you. I pray that you have a home, job, and food. I thank you for not being scared of me and talking to me. I pray that we can see each other again.” Did you see it? He prayed that I wouldn’t be him. Pity turned to grace. It was his grace for me.

We hugged and said good-bye. He patted me on the chest and whispered “Go Mavericks” as if he had to hide this little exchange from those Jazz fans around us. I gave him some cash and turned to walk away. It felt great and awful all in one step.

Earlier I promised a question. This is what I thought as I walked away from Brett. How can a man I knew for 20 minutes pray the most sincere prayer for me? Why did I feel so unguarded and open to this man that had, in most circumstances, very little to offer me? The risk was low.I know. But do we really weigh our relationship depth on risk? Why can’t all friendships feel this freedom and openness and ugliness?

Somehow Brett knew himself the way I think God sees me. He sees my raw, unedited, and ugly me when I, albeit completely internal, whisper to God in a low inaudible voice “here I am.all of me”. What will it take to shed off layers and layers of protective armor that guard my heart everyday? Will I have to experience a life like Brett to fully understand it? Can the pride that sequesters us to insincerity (we are all guilty) be broken in normal life circumstances?

These are my questions. I look forward to the dialogue.

Matt

I did not respond right away to the allegations against Pastor Ted Haggard. I waited to see if the charges were proved to be partly or wholly true. And then I waited to see how Ted Haggard responded. Regular readers of these ramblings know that I believe strongly in everyone’s personal responsibility and accountability when we publically proclaim the name of Jesus Christ. It is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. And I do not take lightly any rebukes that I offer to others who have fallen short in their journey. I believe that every follower of Jesus should not only love the Lord with all of their hearts but should also seek to follow the credo of  primum non nocere, “first, do no harm”.

My heart is broken when a very public Christian falls. My heart is broken because it does do harm. I hear the mocking comments and sneers. I cringe at the glee that some enjoy as they proclaim that incidents like this prove that all Christians are “phony”. My heart is broken for a church who put their faith in this man. My heart is broken for a family that is deeply wounded as I write these words today. My heart is broken for new believers who are shaken by such stories. My heart is broken for Ted Haggard.

Regular readers of this site know that I try to keep my little engine chugging down the parallel tracks of truth and grace. This is a tough one. The sin of Ted Haggard made me angry. His initial denials frustrated me after more of the truth began to be revealed. But as I have reflected and prayed for Ted Haggard (I highly suggest that) I have focused on some positives in this sad story.

I am taking some excerpts of Ted Haggard’s letter to his church.

You can choose to be cynical here. You can decide that he is only trying to save himself. You can throw this out as a desperate attempt to survive after being caught. But I hear the words of a man devastated in his soul by sin. I choose to believe that this is his heart as he attempts to rebuild his life from the shards of a broken man. Here are just a few excerpts from that letter.

I am so sorry. I am sorry for the disappointment, the betrayal, and the hurt. I am sorry for the horrible example I have set for you. I have an overwhelming, all-consuming sadness in my heart for the pain that you and I and my family have experienced over the past few days. I am so sorry for the circumstances that have caused shame and embarrassment to all of you.

…I have further confused the situation with some of the things I’ve said during interviews with reporters who would catch me coming or going from my home. But I alone am responsible for the confusion caused by my inconsistent statements. The fact is, I am guilty of sexual immorality, and I take responsibility for the entire problem.

I cannot imagine the pain that Ted Haggard is feeling. I appreciate the raw honesty of these comments.

I am a deceiver and a liar. There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I’ve been warring against it all of my adult life. For extended periods of time, I would enjoy victory and rejoice in freedom. Then, from time to time, the dirt that I thought was gone would resurface, and I would find myself thinking thoughts and experiencing desires that were contrary to everything I believe and teach.

Through the years, I’ve sought assistance in a variety of ways, with none of them proving to be effective in me. Then, because of pride, I began deceiving those I love the most because I didn’t want to hurt or disappoint them.

One of the aspects of God’s Word that I love is the gut level honesty about His people. If this is a book written by men to deceive us to believe their “religion” then they didn’t use very good examples at times. The greatest men of God failed and they often failed miserably. David sinned sexually, lied, covered up the sin, and then directly caused the death of Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah. No one would have known. But God sent Nathan to confront the King in 2 Samuel…

Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”
   Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin. Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the Lord by doing this…

The consequences were horrible. The baby of that union died. David’s life would never be the same. But he was restored. I am not saying that Ted Haggard’s situation exactly parallels the story of David. But God chose to put such honest revelations of our capacity to sin in the Bible for a reason. I am praying for the restoration of Ted Haggard. Here are some reasons that I believe it is possible.

Ted Haggard has taken full responsibility. He has admitted his pride. He has expressed deep sorrow and contrition. He has submitted to full accountability. 

The accusations that have been leveled against me are not all true, but enough of them are true that I have been appropriately and lovingly removed from ministry. Our church’s overseers have required me to submit to the oversight of Dr. James Dobson, Pastor Jack Hayford, and Pastor Tommy Barnett. Those men will perform a thorough analysis of my mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical life. They will guide me through a program with the goal of healing and restoration for my life, my marriage, and my family.

He has asked for us to forgive the man who told the media. His timing and motives were questionable but that is not the issue here.

Please forgive my accuser. He is revealing the deception and sensuality that was in my life. Those sins, and others, need to be dealt with harshly. So, forgive him and, actually, thank God for him. I am trusting that his action will make me, my wife and family, and ultimately all of you, stronger. He didn’t violate you; I did.

Let us not get caught up in the type of sin. Sin is sin. We are the ones who rank them by degree. God sees sin. Period.

If Ted Haggard really means this final statement then his healing and restoration can happen.

Please forgive me. I am so embarrassed and ashamed. I caused this and I have no excuse. I am a sinner. I have fallen. I desperately need to be forgiven and healed.

That is one more thing I love about following Jesus. You can fail and still be restored. Redemption is always patiently waiting there. The Father will always race to meet and hug the prodigal son who wanders away. That is grace. This will not be easy for Ted Haggard. His life will always reflect the consequences of these bad choices. But he can be restored. I am praying for him and rooting for him.

The Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins  traces the origin of a familiar phrase. “On seeing several criminals being led to the scaffold in the 16th century, English Protestant martyr John Bradford remarked, ‘There but for the grace of God, goes John Bradford.’ His words, without his name, are still very common ones today for expressing one’s blessings compared to the fate of another. Bradford was later burned at the stake as a heretic.”

Many of that have personalized that to read, ‘There but for the grace of God, go I’. Adrian Room commented that this was a phrase used “by the self-righteous or smug when others are faced with disaster, disgrace or the like as a result of their actions. It implies that they could well have been in the same position but have been fortunate enough to escape”. I have examined my heart today. I don’t feel very self-righteous and I certainly don’t feel smug. I mainly feel sad. For Ted Haggard and for others who harbor secret sins that grieve the Lord and that He longs to cleanse. I pray that the Holy Spirit will search the hidden compartments of my soul for sins that can lead me to ruin.

My feelings are best summarized by the tax collector in the Gospel of Luke. Allow me to personalize this a bit.

“But the blog writer stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’  NLT

Today I sat through an annual corporate seminar for a broadcast network. The seminar concluded with a long presentation on diversity, sexual harrassment, and creating a non-hostile workplace atmosphere. I understand and support the need for such a program. But I have to admit that somewhere around the forty-five minute mark I started thinking that the Apostle Paul could have accomplished this seminar in about…oh…2 minutes. Two passages pretty much would have covered everything that had been laid out in painstaking and lengthy detail. Here is my fantasy Human Resources seminar with Paul.

“Hi, my name is Paul from Tarsus. I was asked to stand in for the HR director. First of all, here is a little policy I wrote for the Ephesians.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Got that?

Cool.

And this one worked well for the Philippians.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Any questions? Okay. Have a nice day. I have tents to make and letters to write.”