Charisa Stories

Tag: Jesus

  • Maybe I Should Spend More Time in the Owner’s Manual

    Maybe I Should Spend More Time in the Owner’s Manual

    The helpful bit of information below actually appears in a Nissan owner’s manual.

    Do not fold down the rear seats when occupants are in the rear seat area.
    (2012 Nissan Juke Owner’s Manual)

    We laugh but the sad possibility is that this actually happened or some lawyers proactively decided to cover their own rear seat area. A 2009 SAAB manual selfishly suggests “only one person per safety belt”. Mercedes Benz helpfully suggested in 2012 that the driver should “not switch off the ignition while driving” because some features would not work. You can’t make this stuff up.

    I have never read the owner’s manual of any of the vehicles I have owned from cover to cover. I know that is highly offensive to some. But for some reason I never have the time or concentration to find out how my car can operate more efficiently and trouble free for a longer period of time. Why should I do that?

    The same principles apply to the owner’s manual that we call the Bible. If this is God’s revelation to us wouldn’t it make sense that the Bible contains insight to operate more efficiently and trouble free? The growing cultural trend is to dismiss or marginalize the Bible. We look to find something archaic or culturally offensive to rant about instead of investigating the truth claims of Scripture. We get offended by a passage and dismiss much if not all of what the Bible proclaims.

    We are quick to find ways that unloving and graceless applications of Bible texts have done harm while dismissing the incredible positive impact this same book has had on history. Commandments against murder, stealing and lying are the basis of our legal system. The teachings of Jesus completely changed the status of women and children. Biblical stories and characters flow throughout great literature and art. Much of the true humanitarian work in medicine was born out of Biblical conviction. But the Enemy directs our focus to something that offends us in some way.

    Author/Pastor Tim Keller thoughtfully says this about the Bible.

    If the Bible really was the revelation of God, and therefore it wasn’t the product of any one culture, wouldn’t it contradict every culture at some point? Therefore, if it’s really from God, wouldn’t it have to offend your cultural sensibilities at some point?

    Tim Keller

    Yep.

    If the Bible is the revelation of God then it follows that this volume contains insights into our spiritual and emotional DNA that only the designer can fully explain. An engineer can look at a design problem and provide a solution. He or she designed it so they know where the problem exists. If we are designed in the image of God only He can truly understand the complexities of our operating system.

    I have found that no volume addresses the perplexing questions of life as completely as the Bible. Quit worrying about the Levitical laws for a moment and some cultural contexts that are different from today. You will find a story that does not sugarcoat the failings of the most revered Biblical figures. You will find honest explorations of evil, suffering and pain. You will find the basis for true justice for the poor and oppressed that we still seek today. You will find the principles for success in marriage, parenting, work, leadership and friendship. You will find hope for the future. You will find salvation that requires nothing to be sacrificed other than your unwillingness to confess your need for a Savior.

    N.T. Wright is one of the truly brilliant Christian thinkers of our generation. He is saddened by how we marginalize this amazing volume.

    “In the same way many Christians–whole generations of them, sometimes entire denominations–have in their possession a book which will do a thousand things not only in and for them but through them in the world. And they use it to sustain only three or four things they already do.

    NT Wright, (Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense)

    We have a strange relationship with the Bible. American Christians like to talk about the importance of God’s Word in culture and schools and government but we don’t know it (or more importantly don’t live it) ourselves. We shake our heads when we read that one in ten people think Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife. But most of us would not fare too well if quizzed on our own Biblical literacy.

    I have found this volume holds a power unlike any book I have encountered. Do I struggle with some of it? Of course. But I can read a passage that I have read countless times before and without warning find my heart pierced by a truth that changes my current situation if not my very life. Part of my own journey to reconnect with God and others and disconnect from anxiousness is to intentionally spend daily contemplative time in the Bible. Relaxed. Reading one verse or five chapters. Digging out truths of theology or enjoying stories of flawed humans like me being used in God’s grand purpose. Sitting down with this book, a cup of coffee, an open heart and an attitude of expectation is remarkably filling. I used to read with a performance goal in mind. I need to read the Bible in a year. I need to finish this study. Now I read with only the expectation that God will meet me there and direct our time together. That is one more step in Waking Up Slowly to God and being present in the moment.

    Quotes from comedian George Carlin don’t find themselves into a lot of Christian writings but this quip is worthy. “I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older; then it dawned on me – they’re cramming for their final exam.” There is some validity to that since my final exam date may soon be on the docket. That sentiment of cramming to try and measure up reflects my early church upbringing that salvation is primarily to avoid Hell. My journey since I discovered grace has been dramatically different. Now Scripture sharpens, softens, refines, redeems, corrects, inspires and comforts me.

    Here is today’s grace assignment. Sit down with Jesus and God’s Word. This is not about studying or accomplishing. This is about relationship. Reading a Gospel parable, a Psalm or an encouragement from the Word. Read, relax and enjoy hanging out with your Abba Father. He knows you like no one else does.

    Excerpt from Waking Up Slowly…a 21 day journey to connect more closely with God and one another.

  • Sanctification Insights from a Dog

    Sanctification Insights from a Dog

    Our canine friend Maggie recently sought us out while dog sitting a rambunctious young pup. Maggie had played some with the younger dog, patiently endured the persistent attempts to play more, and now was urging us to help her find personal space. We chuckled and Joni remarked about what a good and easy dog Maggie is to care for.

    Later I reflected on that comment. That was far from the case when we rescued Maggie from unknown circumstances nearly a decade ago. I reviewed her story from my book Stay. Here is what I wrote about our initial experience with Maggie.

    For the first two weeks Maggie was pretty well behaved. But now she is showing some decidedly less attractive sides to her personality. She is independent. She is stubborn. She is affectionate only when she wants to be affectionate. She acts out on occasion. She chews things that are not approved for that activity. I am finding out that a “honeymoon” period is pretty common for rescue dogs. That was not mentioned in the brochure. Now that the honeymoon is over, I guess we get down to the challenge of making this relationship work.

    I wish we knew more of Maggie’s backstory. We found out from the veterinarian’s report that Maggie had a fresh gash on her leg when she was rescued near Van Alstyne, Texas. The exam showed that she was visibly undernourished and tested positive for hookworms. Everything else was a mystery. Was she wanted and ran away? Was she unwanted and abandoned to fend for herself? Was she treated poorly? Had she been socialized with other animals and people? The details of her story—who, what, where, when, why—surely have influenced her behavior.

    Maggie’s biggest issue has been trust. I certainly get that. She was captured, kenneled, and then fostered. If I had been bounced around as a child, I would have trust issues. Oh wait—I didn’t experience any of that, and I still have trust issues.

    Of course, Maggie isn’t a unique case. Many rescued dogs suffer from behavioral baggage. Some have severe separation anxiety that may have started when the pups were taken from their mother too early. If a dog has fended for itself, it can become dangerously territorial over food and possessions. When a dog flinches or cowers at the gentlest human touch, it breaks my heart. 

    Each day, I tried to read Maggie’s expressions and body language. Did she think we were just one more way station on her sad journey? She seemed appreciative of everything we gave her, yet she was still wary. Her personality was friendly at times, but then she’d become withdrawn and want to hide. She would accept affection but she rarely initiated it. The message she was sending was “It’s okay. I can make it on my own.”

    Stay: Lesssons My Dogs Taught Me about Life, Loss, and Grace

    Those memories reminded me of my own journey. I came to Jesus with baggage. I wasn’t abandoned but I certainly needed Him to rescue me from my own selfish desires and stubborn insistence that I could “do it on my own”.

    I thought about my experience with Maggie and compared it with how Jesus could report His experience with me.

    Both of us could be frustratingly inconsistent in our obedience. We shared a penchant to react impulsively to certain stimuli instead of calming evaluating our next step. We both chose to be selective with our affection and caring for others.

    Now I look at Maggie and I see how she has matured. She has learned to trust us and knows we will take care of her. The only time she shows any anxiety now is when we are packing a suitcase and she knows her caretakers might be absent. That must be hard for a dog because they don’t have a calendar to know when or even if we are coming back.

    Again, I compared that to my journey with Jesus. When I slow down long enough to reflect I can see how I have matured over the years. I have learned to trust Him. My obedience is no longer begrudging compliance but comes out of gratitude for the gift of grace and mercy I receive every day.

    I can see how many areas of growth I have experienced. Satan wants me to focus on the areas that still need refining and ignore how much God has already done in my life.

    I know that Jesus will take care of me today and forever. Because of that promise I don’t experience the anxiety that Maggie does on occasion. Jesus made this amazing promise in the Gospel of Matthew.

    20 …And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

    Matthew 28:20, NLT

    I have the assurance of my eternity and that I will never be abandoned.

    The first canine hero of my book Stay was another rescued Labrador. Hannah was a once in a lifetime dog that came into a tough season of our life and was an amazing companion. To be honest, Maggie was a challenge compared to Hannah. But that is how relationships of love go. Some are easier than others, but all are worth the effort.

    The apostle Peter said it well in his first letter, words that we all should take to heart.

    Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

    1 Peter 4:8

    We all fall short. We all sin. We all need love when we fail. We all need grace. My prayer for all of us is that we will become infectious carriers of God’s amazing grace. We played the long game with Maggie and she has become a sweet and gentle friend. Jesus plays that long game with me and I can see how His patient hand is refining me over time. If you are a follower of Jesus He is doing the same thing for you. Even if you are in a bad season Jesus is patiently and tenderly waiting to be your strength and bring triumph out of trials. My prayer is that you will trust and embrace the process.

  • Day by Day

    Day by Day

    Music trivia lovers often talk about one hit wonders. These are songwriters or singers who had only one breakthrough song in their careers. People with similar mileage on their life odometer to mine will remember the catchy and annoying song 96 Tears by ? and the Mysterians. Songwriter Rudy Martinez attempted to change his legal name to the question mark symbol but the government agencies rejected that. He had to settle for the name Question Mark. Imagine that scenario later in life.

    “Order for….(long pause)….Question Mark????”

    Some other examples of one hit wonders include Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin and The Macarena by Los Dos Rios. Perhaps the most unlikely candidate to be a one hit wonder songwriter is a Bishop who lived over 700 years ago.

    A chart topping hit in the 70’s came from a prayer by Richard de Wych who happened to be the Bishop of Chichester. King Henry III refused him the land he was entitled to because the King wanted a different person in that role. The Bishop of Chicester traveled around his diocese penniless and on foot. Eventually his rights were restored but he still chose to live an ascetic and simple life.

    Legend has it that this was his dying prayer in 1253.

    Thanks be to you, our Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which you have given us, for all the pains and insults which you have borne for us. Most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day.

    Amen.

    Fast forward 718 years and that prayer would become the basis of a hit song in a Broadway show. As a young believer I loved the song Day by Day from the musical Godspell. The lyrics were simple and moving.

    Day by day
    Day by day
    Oh Dear Lord
    Three things I pray
    To see thee more clearly
    Love thee more dearly
    Follow thee more nearly
    Day by day

    I had no idea that the lyricist was a Medieval Bishop. I love that this simple prayer is completely relevant today. These three things I need to pray day by day as well.

    To See God more clearly.

    God is present every moment. I need to follow the wisdom of the Psalms.

    Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

    Through His Word I can see God more clearly. But I need quietness and the leading of the Holy Spirit so I can see Him more clearly. Through the beauty of His Creation I can see Him more clearly. To see God more clearly requires humble presence with Him.

    To Love God more dearly.

    Loving God more dearly begins with praise for who God is and not what my circumstances are at the moment.

    Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
        how I praise you!
    I will praise you as long as I live,
        lifting up my hands to you in prayer. (Psalm 63:3-4, NLT)

    I can love God more dearly when I focus on the outrageous gift of grace given to me. When I think about His forgiveness of my sins past, present, and future. When I stop to be grateful for His love and the promise of eternity. And when I experience the peace that only the Spirit of God can give in troubled times.

    To Follow God more nearly.

    Jesus didn’t say to figure Him out. He said, “follow me”. When we seek to know God more clearly and love Him more dearly it becomes an exercise of joy follow Him more nearly. Along the way the Spirit gently refines and matures us as we faithfully follow Him. It is a slow, patient, and loving process that God initiates to grow us to be more like Jesus.

    I had a long way to go in my spiritual maturity back in the 70’s when I first heard this song. Today I am still working on the three prayers the Bishop of Chichester offered centuries ago. He may have been a one-hit wonder musically but the truth of that prayer will be a hit for all of eternity. I want to live these three prayers day by day.

  • Jesus Loves the Broken Ones

    Jesus Loves the Broken Ones

    We all go through hard seasons in life. Recently I have had to walk with some very dear friends through dark valleys. I had to say goodbye to one close friend. Actually, I had to say “see you later”. I rejoice in the hope of our heavenly reunion someday.

    I love when God sends an unexpected blessing when you are crushed by the weight of this world. My sweet wife Joni calls them “Postcards from God”. I received an electronic post card recently.

    Regular readers of these humble ramblings know that I have become a fan of bluegrass singer, songwriter, and producer Jerry Salley. His song about our mutual hometown of Chillicothe, Ohio still fills my heart with warm memories of my small town upbringing. I absolutely fell in love with his lyrical storytelling. We connected on a professional level and I sent him a couple of my books.

    In late June I received my postcard. Jerry began reading my book Stay: Lessons My Dogs Taught Me about Life, Loss, and Grace. He asked his Mom if she knew a Dave Burchett from Chillicothe.

    “I do know him. You’re related.”

    It turns out my grandmother and his grandmother were sisters. This talented artist is my second cousin! I felt a little better because I always wondered where the family musical talent had gone. Cousin Jerry took it all. We have had the most amazing exchange of memories since our revelation of being related.

    I had previously written about his powerful song “Without Forgiveness” and a song about leaving a legacy titled “How I Want to Be Remembered”. Another sweet story hit my heart while listening to Jerry’s catalogue of music.

    A song called the Broken Ones has been recorded by Jerry and also by a group called the Amundruds. The lyrics describe a little girl named Maggie who pulls a Raggedy Ann doll out of a neighbor’s trash can. The doll is missing an arm and one button eye hangs on by a thread. She finds a place for this broken one with her other dolls. The chorus is touching as it describes the heart of this young girl.

    She loves the broken ones, the ones that need a little patching up
    She sees the diamond in the rough and makes it shine like new
    It really doesn’t take that much, a willing heart and a tender touch
    If everybody loved like she does, there’d be a lot less broken ones.

    Years later Maggie is working at a shelter when a young drug addict stumbles in lost and hopeless. Maggie embraces her and invites this broken soul into that safe place. She helps the young woman find healing.

    The lyrics go on to describe how many viewed Maggie as a hero because of her heart for those who are broken. She deferred the credit to someone else.

    If you call her and angel, she’ll be quick to say to you
    She’s just doing what the One who died for her would do.

    She was simply doing what Jesus does. He loved the broken ones. The song ends with this addition to the chorus.

    If everybody loved like Jesus, there’d be a lot less broken ones.

    Amen.

    The message of the song is spot on. Jesus loves the broken ones.

    This journey is not easy. Never will be. One of the big mistakes we make in sharing our faith is making it seem like all troubles are over when you embrace Christianity. That is not in the contract. We will still have problems and heartaches and even tragedies. King David wrote these words while escaping down a broken road.

    The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;       
    he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.  Psalm 34:18

    There are so many brokenhearted people who simply need a caring heart. Warren Wiersbe beautifully describes why we should not be quick to condemn.

    “I am not as critical as I used to be, not because my standards are lower, but because my sight is clearer. What I thought were blemishes in others have turned out to be scars.”

    In the Gospel of John Jesus talked about the Holy Spirit coming to be our advocate and comforter on this earth. He left this amazing promise that I cling to more fervently everyday.

    “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27, NLT)

    I am experiencing that peace even in this difficult season. I am not afraid because I know without a doubt that He loves the broken ones. That is my assurance today.

  • We Need This Parable More Than Ever

    We Need This Parable More Than Ever

    I can’t remember a more contentious cultural climate in my lifetime. Followers of Christ are wondering how to make a difference in an unfriendly environment. I think modeling a parable related by Jesus is desperately needed today. You know the story well.

     One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”

    Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”

    The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

    “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”

    The religious “expert” should have quit right there. Instead he did what many of us try to do when Jesus tweaks our hearts. We look for the loopholes.

    The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

    He was hoping to put boundaries on his personal responsibility. The Greek and Hebrew definition of neighbor would have been someone nearby or that they associate with. That clarification would have eliminated Samaritans, Gentiles, and foreigners. That was the answer the scholar was hoping for when Jesus blew the lid off his selfish hope.

    Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

    “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

     “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.  Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’

    Jesus always looks on the heart. He knew exactly what the man was doing so He presented a scenario that had no nuance. The man was robbed and stripped so he could not be identified by his garments. He was simply a man in dire need. A priest would have known the law of love in God’s teaching. He chose to not get involved. He could have rationalized that touching the man would have made him unclean for priestly duties. A Levite or Temple assistant also walked by without helping. To be fair to both of them stopping to help could have put the Priest or Levite in personal danger. So the easy thing to do was look away and keep walking. The one who stopped and risked everything was reviled in that culture as an unclean sinner. The Samaritan not only put himself at personal risk but also gave unselfishly from his own resources to make sure the victim would be cared for. His gesture was an extraordinary example of compassion and kindness. The kind of mercy that turns heads. And then Jesus asked the uncomfortable question.

    “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.

    Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

    The religious expert couldn’t even bring himself to call the man who was a good neighbor a Samaritan. He simply called him the “one who showed mercy”. Jesus drove home that there is no one outside of the mercy and compassion of God and therefore there should be none outside of our own caring.

    The parable Jesus told is a vital one for Christians in our contentious society. Followers of Jesus need to show kindness and compassion to the neighbors we are comfortable and especially to those we are are uncomfortable with. We can not look away when we encounter any person in need no matter what their color, status, beliefs, or behaviors might be. We are called to compassion and only that kind of faith will cause change.

    My friend Christ Taylor recently went to be with Jesus. He made this parable so practical in real life. His take on helping others will always be in my heart. Chris had this simple but profound approach to loving your neighbor.

    “If I can help someone I don’t need to think or pray about it. I just do it.”

    That is exactly what Jesus was saying to the religious expert. Don’t rationalize why you can’t help your neighbor. If you can help then you do it. That is how Christianity got an early foothold in an antagonistic culture.

    Professor E. Glenn Hinson writes, “The early Christians impressed the culture with high moral standards and their practice of charity for all, regardless of social status” (emphasis added). Today’s church could earn a doctorate in cultural impact just by integrating those two qualities into the fabric of daily life.

    That is the kind of faith that makes a difference. We are past the point of legislating, arguing, and litigating change. How can you risk loving and having compassion for those who oppose you? By remembering the gift of grace that you received from a merciful, loving, and exceedingly patient God. Two-thousand years later we still describe those who go above and beyond as Good Samaritans. We need God to raise up an army of those selfless servants to impact this culture. Volunteers are needed today.

  • Revisiting Grace Rules of Engagement

    Revisiting Grace Rules of Engagement

    I made a conscious decision a few years ago to focus on communicating the message of grace and identity in Christ. With that I decided to avoid the polarizing path of politics. Some have told me that is cowardly but I can honestly say there is no message more important to me than the liberating freedom of grace. I want to share the joy of living out of what Jesus has already accomplished and what God says is true about me.

    That I am a saint. A new creation. A beloved child of God. I relate to the mission statement of Paul when he wrote these words.

    But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. (Acts 20:24, NLT)

    I feel called to be a messenger of hope and grace. Plus I feel like the negative team has a pretty full roster of contributors. 

    I still believe that is my calling with these humble ramblings. But how does grace enter into the conversation when we have sincere disagreements over cultural and political issues?

    It is fascinating how two people can look at the same information and reach completely opposite conclusions. So I am going to offer the “Grace Rules of Engagement” as a roadmap for civil discussion. 

    • Sincere followers of Jesus can look at cultural or political issues and have very different opinions. Jesus loves His children on both sides of the argument.

    I know I have changed my views on some cultural issues over my years of walking with Jesus. I was a child in the era when divorce was a mortal sin. I absolutely am committed to the idea of a husband and wife taking their vows seriously. But I learned that the cultural shame of divorce caused many Christian women to feel trapped in relationships of abuse. Clearly that was not the desire of a loving Heavenly Father who ordained marriage. In those sad situations it is necessary to divorce an abusive spouse. In the pulpits of my youth the message was no divorce outside of adultery was ever justified. I had a blind spot about how a declaration that appeared Biblical could foster abuse. So many issues we discuss have similar and complex nuances. We need to discuss, not demonize.

    • The goal of a discussion should not be to win.

    Thoughtful discourse is impossible when one of the participants only cares about winning the debate. The goal of any conversation should be graceful exchange of ideas without rude interruptions, condescending gestures, or angry exchanges. I would rather have a goal of being winsome instead of winning. That attitude fosters conversation. 

    • People of different viewpoints should commit to listen. Nothing shows respect more than carefully listening to the arguments of those with whom you disagree and then gently offering thoughtful responses. 

    Listen to talking heads on television news shows as they “discuss” different points of view. As soon as one side starts talking the other shakes their head, smirks, and then interrupts and talks over the other person. How is that going to persuade anyone? Yet we tend to do the same thing when we have significant disagreements with people of faith. Listen. Really listen. Let them finish their point. Then respond in grace.

    • Ask questions.

    You will not influence another person by arguing. The way to connect is to ask questions and try to understand why they feel the way they do. I have found that many times people I talk with don’t have a solid reason for their feelings. That can be a opening to honestly discuss difficult topics. 

    • Climb out of your bubble

    Find out what the other person is reading and watching. Expose yourself to different points of view and encourage those you have disagreements with to do the same. If you are confident in your beliefs there should be no fear in being exposed to differing viewpoints.

    • All of us are a work in process.

    Every child of God is in process. I am a very different Christian than I was 20, 10, or even 5 years ago. I am growing (hopefully) in grace and truth. I strongly believed and said things years ago that I am grieved about today. Thankfully God was patiently working with my heart and gently shining the light of the Holy Spirit on my blind spots. I need to give that grace to others. 

    • Pray for wisdom and grace then leave the results to God.

    So what is the goal when you have sincere disagreements with another believer over cultural issues? Use the “Grace Guidelines” and relax. God may be using you to plant seeds in the heart of the other person. Maybe you have a blind spot that needs the refining work of the Holy Spirit. Share your heart with love and kindness and be open to the possibility that you may be the one who needs to change your heart.

    • Grace never cancels

    Grace does not “cancel”. Grace does not shame. Grace does not answer anger with anger. The person you totally disagree with may be crying out of pain and deep wounding. Perhaps a gentle answer will give hope. Grace does not lash out when challenged. Grace is kind and gentle.

    Being graceful can be a pain in the hind regions but it is what we are called to offer to others. Paul addresses this to the church at Colossae. 

    Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

    Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

    Colossians 3:12-17, NLT

    Perhaps the most important thing all of us can do to further the unity in the body of Christ is to memorize that passage and try to implement those words for 30 days. By the grace of God it could become a habit.

    Be kind to those who disagree and remember the words of author Alexander MacLaren. “Kindness makes a person attractive. If you would win the world, melt it, do not hammer it.”

  • The Yoke of Jesus is Easy? Really?

    The Yoke of Jesus is Easy? Really?

    This has been a tough season of life for many people I care deeply about. My heart feels heavy as I remember the words of Jesus.

    “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

    I wrote about this passage in my book Stay: Lessons My Dogs Taught Me about Life, Loss, and Grace.

    What did Jesus mean by that statement, “My yoke is easy”? Clearly, the burdens of life are heavy. There is nothing easy about heartache, pain, and loss.

    I reread Jesus’ inviting words: “Come to me.” No one needs to go through life’s difficulties alone, but the truth is that Jesus will not force Himself on you. The wonderful news is you have permission to come to Jesus whenever you are ready.

    In Jesus’ day, oxen were harnessed together with a wooden yoke, a beam that fit over the animals’ shoulders to keep them moving together in one direction. The oxen shared the effort to accomplish the task. That idea fit quite well into my performance-driven faith. Of course Jesus is with me, but I decided that I had to pull my weight. The only problem with my view was that it was unbiblical and even dangerous.

    In this passage Jesus is not speaking of physical burdens. Jesus was talking about the yoke of the Torah, the yoke of the law of Moses, which his Jewish listeners would have known well. The Old Testament yoke represented submission to authority. The Jews knew that the law was impossible to keep, but they kept trying. Jesus was offering them His yoke of grace. Compared to the impossible standards of the Pharisees and the law, His way was easy. Agreed.

    Jesus makes another important offer. “Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart.”

    For years, I strained to pull my weight by self-effort, while Jesus quietly offered a better way. I don’t have to figure this out to be loved by Jesus. I just need to be available.

    “Let me teach you.”

    I wore myself out trying to do more to please Him, even as He whispered, “I am humble and gentle at heart. Your trust and faith pleases Me, not your joyless self-efforts to be better.”

    Members of that agrarian culture of Jesus’ time would have known that you train a young ox by pairing it with an experienced ox. The mature ox would carry the bulk of the burden as the younger one walked by its side and learned. That is a beautiful image. Jesus walking alongside me, but carrying the bulk of the burden (if not all of it) as I learn from Him. I don’t need to strain myself in an attempt to shoulder everything on my own; Jesus wants me to be willing to gently submit to His strength and not rely solely on mine. He is extending an offer to those who are exhausted, emotionally drained, and buckling under what life brings. Pain and loss are a given in this life, but it is comforting to know that I can find rest for my weary soul, even as I grieve and doubt and waver. When I am exhausted, I can take time and seek respite in Him.

    Corrie Ten Boom wisely wrote these words. “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” That strength is found in Jesus. He is your strength and your hope. Keep your eyes on Jesus and the words of a classic old church hymn will begin to ring true in your heart.

    Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
    Look full in His wonderful face,
    And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
    In the light of His glory and grace.