Growth In Christ

I met a person the other day who told me how he had lost his job. He said that he worked in an environment where deception was necessary in order to survive. The workers would fudge on details in reports made to superiors because the work was stressful and people felt like they couldn't accomplish everything expected of them. My friend, who is a Christian, tried to be honest in his dealings with people and his reporting. However, one situation arose where he failed. During a meeting he was confronted about a difficult situation he had been involved in. He looked his superior straight in the eye and told a lie. What he said was what the supervisor wanted to hear, but it wasn't the truth. My friend left that meeting and was seized with remorse. He had done the very thing everyone else was doing, but it wasn't the way of Christ. He went back and confessed. The end result was he lost his job.

Later in our conversation he asked what I was preaching on Sunday. As I described the difference between "growth in confidence" and "growth in Christ" he asked a question about the concept of joining Christ in his suffering and becoming like him in his death. I told him that his returning to his supervisior was a perfect example of "dying to self" so that Christ could live through him. Although he lost the job, he grew spiritually. Because of his willingness to humble himself he came to know Christ better and thus was able to imitate him.

A Novel Idea!

I recently finished reading Tim Woodroof's wonderful novel based on Paul's letter to the Philippians. The first edition is called A Distant Presence. Although the book is out of print, one can still find used (or should I say pre-owned) copies available for purchase. The first 2/3 of the book contain the story of Paul's relationship to the Philippian church including reasons for writing them a and the reaction of the church upon receiving it. The second part of the book contains a commentary of the book of Phillippians where the author explains why he included what he did in the narrative. As one who has devoted his life to studying the scriptures and helping people understand and apply that information; I loved this book! To read my review look to the left on my blog and click on the link, Byron's Brief Book Reviews. You will also be directed to where you can order a used copy or a new copy of The Messenger, which is the same novel without the commentary.

Spiritual Role Models

Thinking about role models this week made me want to begin the sermon talking about actors, models, athletes, and musicians. It seems that we often limit our talk of role models to high profile, high paid entertainers. We marvel whenever they are "good role models" and whine when one of them is a terrible embarrassment to the human race and call them "bad role models". Thankfully I resisted the urge to include such rambling in the sermon (sorry I can't say the same for my blog :-).

I find Paul's use of Timothy and Epaphroditus as "spiritual role models" for the Philippians as an insightful, pastoral way to help these new Christians have some "flesh and blood" examples of how to follow Jesus. If the greatest goal of our lives is to become like Jesus we must find those who are serving him well and imitate them as they imitate Christ. They are seldom found among the high profile, wealthy, influential individuals often held up as "role models." True spiritual role models will usually be found among the low profile, humble, selfless servants who go about their business of following Christ whether anyone is watching or not.

The Attitude of Love

"If only we could live the words that we sing." This sentiment might have been on the Apostle's heart as he penned the words to a familiar hymn in Philippians 2:6ff. This afternoon as I reflect on the morning sermon I am thinking of a different sentiment, "It's easier to preach on Sunday than it is to live what I preach on Monday."

How do I live my life so that I Act in love rather than React in fear? Who are the people and what are the situations in my life that need a healthy dose of "love in action" rather than my animal instincts of "fight or flight"? As God reveals these things to me I pray that he will do so for you so that we may all "shine like stars in the sky."

By the way, isn't Bear a handsome dog? If you come to my house I'll show you how he can hold a treat on his paw until I tell him to eat it. Good boy!