Author: Dave Burchett

Today is date day with my bride at the Slow Drip Spa. That is our name for the infusion suite at the cancer center. So I am posting a “gently” read article from earlier.
Blessings and joy in the journey,

Dave

This morning I looked out in the backyard and noticed that adopted dog Hannah was vibrating. She usually only vibrates when she meets a new friend so I got a little curious. When I investigated I found that Hannah had “befriended” a box turtle that had somehow found it’s way through our fences and into our yard. The turtle seemed considerably less excited about the relationship with Hannah but he/she did seem to sense that the vibrating lab was, at worst, annoying.

A few minutes later I checked again on the turtle. The turtle had managed to fall into our pool and it was apparent that land turtles cannot swim. I looked for the leaf skimmer but we had attached the brush instead. In the meantime the poor little thing was flailing, stretching it’s neck as much as it could to break the surface, and it was clear the turtle was doomed without some help. So I jumped in and saved the turtle. I don’t want to overstate the case. I wasn’t dressed in an Armani suit with Italian loafers. I was just in shorts and a t-shirt. But I got pretty soaked in the waist deep water the turtle had fallen in. I put the turtle back on land and he simply crawled away. I dried off and wondered how many people in America rescue box turtles from pools on any given day. I might be the only one in the whole country today.

Later I reflected on the turtle’s response. Once I put him down he just went on his way. No thank you. No nod of his scaly noggin. Nothing. And I didn’t care because I didn’t rescue the turtle with any expectations that I would receive anything. It was just the right thing to do because one of God’s creatures was in distress.

That response made me wonder about some of my motives when I reach out to others. If I don’t receive a response I sometimes get perturbed. If there is not acknowledgement of my “heroics” I feel hurt or angry. When I simply do the right thing for one of God’s struggling creatures should I expect anything in return? What is my reason for helping if I do? I know the turtle was incapable of a response. Maybe some of the people we come in contact are nearly as incapable of gratitude at that point in their journey.

I liked the turtle’s response. He made me think about why I serve the Lord. Is for Him or for me? If it is for Him I won’t care if I do the right thing and the recipient just goes on their way. Solomon wrote this in Proverbs.

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
       when it is in your power to act.  Prov 23  NIV

So next time you do a kind thing make that your reward. Just representing Jesus is thanks enough.

Today we return to the experiment known as the iPod devotional series. Here is how it works. On the old iPod is a “shuffle songs” feature. You hit the button and the iPod randomly picks a song.  I am writing a blog about whatever song the device selects on that day from the 1,000 plus songs on my iPod. My music list will further confirm my status as a Christian who makes others feel superior. My music goes from Al Green to the Youngbloods. Beatles to U2. Old hymns to modern praise music. Toby Keith to Frank Sinatra. Oldies to the soundtrack from Monty Python’s Spamalot. This could be interesting.

We took a little detour to respond to Rosie O’Donnell’s shot across the Christian bow but today we are back to our September series. So let’s pick up the iPod, push the shuffle feature, and hope for the best.

The winner is Matthew West and the song is called “Nothing Else”. You might better know Matthew West from a song called “Next Thing You Know”. His CD called History is one of my favorites and today’s song is an honest reflection on the journey to find happiness. Here are some of the lyrics to Nothing Else.

I tried money I got as much as I could and I went to the store And I bought it all But it wasn’t enough ’cause I wanted some more But my house was full So I bought a bigger house and filled it up And there I was with all that stuff And empty.

Been there. Done that. Just took the t-shirt in a bag of other stuff to Goodwill. We have so much stuff at our house. Other Christians are so convinced that God is angry over one or more of the top 10 sins on their personal countdown. I have a deep burden that He is most unhappy about our lack of commitment to His Lordship and our lack of giving in the midst of incredible wealth. If you go through Scripture you will find that Jesus is described as Savior 16 times. Jesus is described as Lord of our lives over 400 times. God’s Word talks about Jesus as Lord 96% of the time and describes Him as Savior 4% of the time.

I would suggest that we have it all backwards. I would guess that we talk about Jesus as Savior 96% of the time and reluctantly talk about Jesus as Lord about 4% of the time. I believe that because I have done exactly that for most of my Christian journey.

I want the Savior part of Jesus. I desperately wanted to be reconciled to God. I knew He was Holy. I also knew I was not. I wanted to spend eternity in heaven. But making Him Lord of my life is another story. That takes sacrifice. I have to give up control. I have to surrender to the Holy Spirit. I can tell you that control and surrender don’t sleep well together. How can the God of the universe who created the amazing complexity of life know what career move is best for me? I had better take control of that. Silly, isn’t it? But human nature is to want a savior…not Lord.

Matthew West nails the essence of our often futile pursuit of happiness in the chorus of Nothing Else.

Nothing else can take the place of You Nothing else can take the place of You

A very simple concept. A very difficult application. Matthew West, like most of us, tried something else.

Still I try friendship I called everyone I knew And invited them over for a party They ate all the free food And they told me how much they loved me But when the food was gone My friends were gone And there I was all alone And empty

So take the place The place of You And fill this space The way You do I’m tired of searching Those days are through So take the place It’s made for You Not friends or money or alcohol None of these things, believe me You can try them all Not status Not success I know none of these things will ever bring true happiness

Realizing the simple truth of these powerful lyrics can save you years of frustration. Nothing else can take the place of Him. I have tried. I am convinced of that simple statement. We were created to be in fellowship with God and nothing short of that satisfies. You can try other things. But just remember that God will be patiently waiting when you figure out that nothing else can take the place of Him.

In athletic competition one of the most grueling disciplines is the iron man triathlon. These amazing and perhaps crazy people run a marathon, ride a bicycle over 110 miles, and swim about 2 and one-half miles all in one ridiculous day. I have a bewildered respect for these athletes. But I have even more respect for the hundreds of thousands of men and women who are iron men and women in the race to defeat cancer. Regular readers of these humble ramblings know about Joni’s journey through the trial of breast cancer.

For Joni the first and most grueling stage (we pray) of the cancer triathlon has been the chemo marathon. We have been plodding through this course for over five months. Now we are down to only 3 weeks left. It has been a very difficult journey. But we are grateful.

• Grateful that the end of this part of the race is nearing an end.
• Grateful that we will have a chance to reach this finish line. Not all get that opportunity.
• Grateful for friends, family, co-workers and complete strangers who have daily lifted Joni’s spiritual, emotional, and physical health before the throne of grace.
• Grateful for what we have learned about ourselves and our God through this journey.
• Grateful that we can walk together through this trial. How tough it must be for those who must go it alone.

I could go on and on. We are blessed in the midst of the storm. Please pray for Joni’s strength and energy as we finish the chemotherapy. She is tired of being tired. But she knows that is temporary and she soldiers on. Joni is incredible. Paul often talked about running the race with purpose.

Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step.  1 Cor 9   NLT

I have watched with humble and real admiration as Joni has run straight toward her goal with purpose in every step. She is well aware of her eternal prize but we are prayerfully expectant that she will win this cancer triathalon.

I have incredible respect for iron man triathletes. But with all due respect to the triathletes…you got nothin’ on my bride.

I have been receiving an overwhelming response to my article about “confessing my agenda” to Rosie O’Donnell after her less than positive comments about Christianity. Many of you have written asking for permission to use/print/reproduce those comments. I am blessed that so many of you found that article helpful. Feel free to use it with my blessings. If you reproduce it in a publication simply note the source. If you decide to use it at a website please link it to Crosswalk.com or to my site at Confessions of a Bad Christian. If you use it from the pulpit without accredidation just know that Jesus is watching. For newcomers…I am kidding!

If this post communicates your heart why not forward the “agenda” to your circle of influence? We might as well start a groundswell of Christians committed to this “radical” and “troublesome” brand of faith.

Blessings and joy in the journey,

Dave

Note to my tens of loyal readers…the iPod Devotional Series will resume tomorrow.

You never know which weblogs will resonate with readers. I posted my response to the Rosie O’Donnell flap last week and almost immediately began receiving responses…both posted on the website and via emails. Most were overwhelmingly kind and encouraging. A few not so much. Regular readers of these ramblings know that we have some house rules here at Bad Christian Central. No personal attacks. No rude or inflammatory posts. No CYBER SHOUTING. The discourse at this site will remain civil and graceful. Why? Because I am paying for the server. Buy your own site and you can do what you want. Visit mine and those are the groundrules.

Having said that, I am learning that negative responses are often food for thought and opportunities for clarification. That is why I am taking a rare detour to address a couple of less than complimentary responses. While I doubt the original posters will ever read this the opportunity to clarify is important. First up is Ed who took exception with my article about Rosie.

So who gets to decide who is a christian and who isn’t. Apparently you believe this is your job. Everyone is allowed to be a christian in your eyes until they do or say something you disagree with and then you decree that they are not or never were a christian. Convenient for you but not in any way related to the reality of the situation.

Let me make one thing very clear if I haven’t before. God decides who is a Christian and who isn’t. If you can find any example where I wrote that any particular person is not a Christian (who claims to be) I will correct it. Because I don’t know the hearts of other people and for me to attempt to figure out who is really a Christian and who is not is walking on theologically thin ice. But I do think it is Biblically appropriate to evaluate the actions of those who take the name of Christ to see if those actions are consistent with His teachings. I submit myself to this standard willingly. If you find that I am doing something that damages the name of Christ I want to be gracefully but firmly corrected. There are an untold number of Christians who have done something I have disagreed with and I am sure they are still in the faith. As I grow older I am more convinced than ever that we need to focus on who unites us (Jesus) instead of the myriad of issues that divide us.

Here is my argument on the blanket application of the title Christian. There are sects and cults that appropriate the name into activities that violate the law of the land and of God’s Word. If a criminal dons a police uniform and does evil in that uniform he is not a policeman. No one talks about how “policemen” are phony because of actions like this. His actions do not mean that other police officers are bad and, fortunately,  few see it that way. But when someone identified as a Christian does something evil it does seem to tarnish the entire faith to many who hear the news. That is my frustration when I write about the title Christian being used so casually.  I believe it is biblically appropriate to judge actions but not salvation.

Allow me also to respond to what I think my “job” is as a follower of Christ. It is a simple job description. To work out my salvation with fear and trembling, to love the Lord my God with all of my heart and my neighbor as myself, to go and make disciples in the name of the Lord, and to do no damage to the precious name of Jesus. My job performance is inconsistent but slowly improving.

Reader Lisa responded with a couple of interesting observations. She listed a number of people who have discredited the faith with their actions or by taking controversial and/or unbiblical stands.

These are the Christians who unfortunately are front and center.

That is true. Every person that is in Christian leadership or speaks for the faith is accountable to God for their actions and words. And so am I with my itty-bitty little circle of influence that my books and modest blog have generated. Some celebrity Christians are front and center in the media but the reality is that I am front and center in my world. And you, Lisa, are front and center in your world. I can make a difference to those around me. You can do the same. I can love and serve those I come in contact with in the love of Jesus. And so can you. My experience is that when I love people and care and show them Jesus they don’t really care what TV Preacher Foghorn Blowhard said last week. I am accountable for me and I will answer for me on the judgment day. And you will answer for you. Period.

Minus some of the sanctimony in your blog, I wish you would gain a bigger stage. Then maybe us Christians can affect real change that is more consistent with teachings of Christ.

Okay Lisa, I am throwing a flag on that one for unfair use of terms. Dictionary.com defines sanctimony as pretended, affected, or hypocritical religious devotion, righteousness, etc. And frankly, you do not know me well enough to call my words pretended or hypocritical. If that description came from my wife, sons, workmates, or friends I will hit my knees in repentance. With all grace filled respect, you don’t have that knowledge. So…do you still want me to have a bigger stage?

Unfortunately, so-called “Christians” who espouse your views have little to no voice regarding public discourse, nor much power to affect public policy.

Here is the most thought provoking statement of all from Lisa. She is spot on right that I have little to no voice regarding public discourse, nor much power to affect public policy. But does that really matter? Is God looking for people of great influence or people of great obedience? Does He change history through the powerful or the prayerful? Would it make a greater difference to have a Christian legislature and court system or Christians truly living by His teachings?

God could have chosen a “Damascus Road” experience for the powerful politicians of Rome to jumpstart the early church. That would have been my strategy. God could have spoken directory to the influential philosophers and teachers of the era to get out His plan. That would have been my phase 2 marketing approach. But He chose to use the sold out lives of regular people. His plan remains the same. And whether you call it sanctimonious or not, I want to be a part of that plan.

When I was younger you knew exactly when a celebrities career had peaked and had begun to spiral slowly downward. That career reversal could be duly noted when a one time big star was booked on the Love Boat. So it is with some reluctance that I address the brouhaha surrounding the comments by talk show host Rosie O’Donnell. I am reluctant to discuss this because I think that Rosie is in the Love Boat phase of her career. To be fair, she has forged a career that garners her national attention. My career has made me a household name only in my household. Nonetheless, her comments conveyed a common misconception (make that lie) about the “agenda” of Christians in this country. Here is what the always genteel Rosie had to say during a recent episode of  The View.

“Radical Christianity is just as threatening as radical Islam in a country like America where we have separation of church and state.”

Perhaps part of the problem is a lack of clarity in definition. Unfortunately the sacred name of Christian has been compromised. People who clearly do not follow the directives of Christ are still reported as Christians in many media stories. And frankly, many have taken the name on themselves who are not representing Christ in their lives or beliefs. So when Rosie throws out the term “radical Christianity” I really don’t know what or who she is talking about. If she is talking about the millions of people in this country who call themselves “born-again” Christians then I believe she is sadly misinformed.

The predictable (and likely hoped for outrage) is happening. Already there are calls from Christian organizations for her removal from the show. Some are demanding that Rosie apologize. Regular readers of these humble ramblings know that I take a different approach to situations like this. I don’t call for boycotts or dismissals. Instead I look to stick my foot in the cultural debate door that situations like this inevitably open to discuss my faith. I was disappointed when The Book of Daniel was removed so quickly because I was having a field day sharing my beliefs with others because of that truly bad television show.

And now, because of this incident, I am willing to totally outline my “agenda” for Rosie O’Donnell. Am I a radical Christian? By my definition I would like to be but I am still trying to get there. My definition of a radical Christian is one who lives everyday trying to become more like Jesus. That makes you pretty darn radical in this self-absorbed and materialistic culture.

I had written an earlier post after I had been outed by an internet blogger as being “apparently religious” in my viewpoints. I was stunned at his intellectual prowess in figuring out that a blog called “Confessions of a Bad Christian” was written from a religious perspective. How did I ever get discovered? I thought my cover was airtight! At that time I wrote about my agenda and those words are appropriate today.

When I became aware that word of my Evangelical Christianity was out I went to the secret underground bunker where we all meet to plan how to advance our agenda.
“I have been Valerie Plumed!” I told the group.
“They know?”, they asked.
“I’m afraid so. Should I come clean?”
They looked horrified. “You mean tell them your agenda?”
“Yes,” I said boldly. “I am going to lay out my entire agenda so there will be no doubt.”

So here it is. I certainly don’t speak for all Evangelical Christians but I think I just might represent a number of them. Rosie, I am coming clean. Here is what I believe and my entire agenda.

I believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God. I believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, His sinless life, and miracles.  I believe in His atoning death, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory. I believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.

Let me tell you what this particular evangelical Christian does not believe…

I do not believe you have to be a Republican to be a Christian despited accusations to the contrary by some of my critics. Like it or not, heaven will be bipartisan and I am totally fine that there will not be sides of the golden aisles.
I do not believe that God is “judging” America for any particular sin. But if He is judging this country I would suspect it is for the massive squandering of wealth and resources that we have been blessed with while giving back an average of less than three percent.
I do not believe in ranking sins for their offensiveness to a Holy God. Some things are more offensive to us but all sin is equally intolerable to a Holy God.
I do not believe that censorship, boycotts, or politics will redeem this culture…only a spiritual renewal can accomplish such redemption.
I do not believe that it is my place to relish or desire eternal punishment for others. I am willing to leave that to a righteous and just God who sees the real heart and motives for each one of us and Who will judge justly.

And finally, here is my complete agenda.

• To try and see everyone through the eyes of Jesus because my eyes are prejudiced and prideful.


• To try and love them like Jesus because my love is selfish.


• To let them others know that my relationship with Jesus has changed my life, given my life purpose, given me strength to endure tragedy, and real hope for the future.


• To authentically relate how this personal relationship with the living God saved my marriage and made me a better father to my sons.


• To be gentle in relating the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to people in every situation and mired in any sin. My goal is to introduce them to Jesus and let them work out their salvation in fear and trembling.


• To exhibit grace and forgiveness to those who attack me for not sharing their views.


• To be an example of the living Christ to everyone I come in contact so that I can be salt and light to my little circle of influence.


• To be a advocate for those wounded by the church and other Christians. Our lack of unity must grieve the Lord who prayed for unity of the body during His final agonizing hours before His betrayal, mock trial, and crucifixion.


• To try to never be surprised or repulsed by the actions of those who do not have a relationship with Jesus. The Lord Himself was always gentle with sinners and always tough on religious hypocrites. We have reversed his example far too often. We are too tough on sinners and too gentle with the hypocrites.


• To try and give generously of my time and treasure to those who have not been as materially blessed in my neighborhood, my country, and around the world.


• To let people know that I love Jesus and I am not at all ashamed of that fact.

In short, I am praying to be a “troublesome” Christian. It is easy to dismiss the hypocrite. No problem to ignore the angry and judgmental religious types. But I was troubled when I saw some Christians who displayed something different in their lives. I could not dismiss so readily the joy, peace, strength, courage, and love they modeled. They were “troublesome” Christians to me.  I could not ignore them because their lives were authentic and different (different good, not weird). I want to be that kind of Christian. That is my agenda. Sorry if I have disappointed you conspiracy types. But I have come completely clean with you. My entire agenda is to be a “troublesome” Christian because Jesus is transforming my life every day. My prayer for Rosie O’Donnell is that she meets one of these troublesome Christians and then that she encounter Jesus. That’s it. End of agenda. That’s all I’ve got. I am so relieved that you finally know the truth.

Welcome to the experiment known as the iPod devotional series. Here is how it works. On the old iPod is a “shuffle songs” feature. You hit the button and the iPod randomly picks a song.  I am writing a blog about whatever song the device selects on that day from the 1,000 plus songs on my iPod. My music list will further confirm my status as a Christian who makes others feel superior. My music goes from Al Green to the Youngbloods. Beatles to U2. Old hymns to modern praise music. Toby Keith to Frank Sinatra. Oldies to the soundtrack from Monty Python’s Spamalot. This could be interesting.

So far in the series we have had songs from the Undisputed Truth, Chris Rice, Toby Keith, Andrew Peterson, Alison Krause and Union Station, The Youngbloods, and Willie Nelson. I would call that blend eclectic. You probably call it weird. Today’s edition of “As the iPod Turns” lands us on a song by Percy Sledge. I loved Motown music as a teen and I still do. My secret desire was to perform as the bass singer with the Temptations. Remember the song “Papa was a Rolling Stone”?  I wanted to be the guy that said “and that ain’t right” in that deep, deep bass voice. But my lack of talent, dancing ability, and the general composition of the group precluded that dream from becoming reality.

The tune that came up today is a classic. “When a Man Loves a Woman” reached number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B charts in 1966.

The song was number 54 in the 500 best songs of all time in a poll by Rolling Stone Magazine. Anyone who has ever been in love can feel these lyrics deep in your soul. I remember when I fell in love with the stunning Mrs.Burchett. I could have written these lyrics in those halcyon days of young love.

When a man loves a woman
Can’t keep his mind on nothin’ else
He’d trade the world
For a good thing he’s found
If she is bad, he can’t see it
She can do no wrong
Turn his back on his best friend If he puts her down

When a man loves a woman
Spend his very last dime
Trying to hold on to what he needs
He’d give up all his comforts
And sleep out in the rain
If she said that’s the way
It ought to be

I give you everything I’ve got (yeah)
Trying to hold on
To your precious love

Could there be a more powerful description of how it feels to be giddy in love? You really can’t think of anything else but your new love. I couldn’t help but reflect about this song in the context of my relationship with God. When I first became a Christian I was so happy, so relieved, and so grateful for forgiveness. I really couldn’t keep my mind on nothin’ else except this new relationship with Jesus. I was so sold out to my relationship with God that I believe I would have traded the whole world for the good thing I’d found. But, much like romantic love, things change over time if you are not aware.

It happened, sadly, with my romantic love. I am not proud to admit that I forgot for a few years how much this man loved his wife. The pursuit of career and status changed how I approached my marriage and it was a rocky time. Fortunately I realized what God had given me and I changed my ways. Thank God we hung tough and I love Joni more today than I did over thirty years ago.

The same thing happens at times with my relationship with God. I say I love Jesus but there are days that I can hardly force myself to think of spiritual things. There are times when talking to God and praying is a burden. And I wonder if I would trade the world now for the good thing I’ve found in Jesus? My pew-litically correct answer is of course I would. Then why can it be so difficult to sacrifice even a little bit of my comfort for others? If I am truly willing to trade the whole world maybe I should have a few less possessions and and a lot more giving. Wouldn’t that be a true indicator of my love for God? Would I give my last dime for Jesus? Or would I be like the rich young man of the Bible and turn away sadly at the cost He demands? Would I give up all my comforts if God called me to do that? Or would I rationalize that I can “do more” where I am? Do I give Him everything I’ve got?

But here is where this love relationship with Jesus is so different from the romantic love that Percy Sledge describes. I don’t have to do those things and give everything I’ve got to try and hold on to His precious love. That is already done.  God’s love is always there. It was signed, sealed, and delivered at Calvary. When I accepted that gift of mercy I no longer had to try to hold on or earn that love. When a man loves God he does so out of gratitude. Because God extended grace to a person who did not deserve it. When a man (or woman) loves God there is nothing you can do to earn that love. But there is much that you can do to show it. “You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving.” That was the insightful quote from Amy Carmichael, a missionary to India. That is true when a man loves a woman. And also when a man loves God.