Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Being Good


Location: Living Room/Dining Room/My Bedroom in "our" apartment in Sighisoara (13 January, about 3:30pm)

Yes, the Lord has blessed me with a very good living situation, and with a patient roommate. These photos will give you an idea of my bed, my roommate, and our view.

Certainly, good seems relative sometimes, but it is not. God is not just good because other things are bad. God is inherently good. In fact, it is His goodness that sets the standard for all other goodness. Thanks to our good God, I have had some very good days this past week or two. You already ready about some of it as I wrote and posted pictures. Sunday was another beautiful day, and that evening I unexpectedly ended up "preaching" the skeleton of that early morning sermon in a church I had never visited. Monday found me walking in the rain in a village that has been on my heart a lot, and I got to check out a little bit of beekeeping, as well as learning some Romanian history from a Saxon perspective. Indiana sugar cream pie waited for me for dessert that evening, and Tuesday was a productive day as well, with many good conversations with Christian friends and acquaintances.

Yes, I am often thought to be good; sometimes I am even told that I am: a good Christian, a good roommate, good help, or that would make a good husband, etc. Is that true?

Sunday morning humbled me. I walked past a woman begging for a handout, forgetting that I might as well be brushing off Jesus. I helped lead worship in church, so distracted by my responsibilities that I, myself, struggled to worship. I tried to discreetly slip some cash into the offering plate, wanting to be a good example to the children around me, but frustrated to be seen by a poor boy I know who already thinks I am a rich American and who thinks it is his job to tell everyone. So much for being a good Christian.

It was nice to have a "home" to go to after service, and I enjoyed being alone that afternoon. I try hard to be considerate of my host, but it seems like I often wake him up, buy some sort of grocery item he does not like, borrow something just when he needs it, or even break one of his drinking glasses. So much for being a good roommate.

Sure, I like to help out whenever I can, and I often do. Sometimes I am too eager, though, and I have startled unsuspecting pedestrians by offering to lend them a hand. Other times I see what needs to be done, but I do not know how to do it, so I end up standing around uselessly, or I do it wrong. Sometimes my leadership personality comes out when I am supposed to be serving humbly; sometimes I am loathe to continue working hard because it seems like no one else is contributing. So much for being good help.

Yeah, I am girl crazy; you probably know that. I often find myself attracted to God's beautiful daughters, and oddly enough, they often seem to like me, too. But with the typical masculine fear of commitment, a love of adventure that takes me into all kinds of unusual situations, an extreme appreciation of solitude and of the single life, and with no way to prove I could support a wife or a family, it turns out that I might not really make a good husband.

Why do I write this? I know it sounds like I am glum, and it is true, I was pretty down on Sunday morning. And with all of the important decisions I have to make during the next two weeks, with all the noes I have to say to people who will be disappointed by my plans that do not include them as much as they might like, and with a rather lengthy "To Do" list in my mind, maybe I should be more blue than I am. In fact, I am extremely happy right now.

HAPPY!

I feel very free after finishing four months' of internship, and I maintain good relationships with the folks I left behind there. My new living situation is a blessing, as are the many friendships I have developed in the area. I am enthusiastic about the work God is doing in this area and the people here, and I believe the Church is on the edge of a real spiritual growth spurt. I am feeling more sure of the plans God has for me, and I trust Him in both the things I understand and the things that mystify me. I am looking forward to visiting some friends on the way to Paris, to visiting friends and family in the States for a couple of months, and then to a return to God's work here. I know that by grace alone I am blessed and highly favored of the Lord, and I want to use that identity to bless others--even you! And I have just had a wonderful few weeks here, with eyes looking at more wonderful weeks to come!

So why write about being good? Because only God is good. If I try to be good, I will most certainly fail. But if I surrender all that I am to the mercy of God, then He is free to pour His goodness into me, to expand me and grow me in His goodness, and to disseminate His goodness through me. The same goes for you.

Even though I often fail to be a good Christian, God has used me for His glory.
Even though I often fail to be a good roommate, I have been welcomed into many homes.
Even though I make mistakes in my work, God uses it for my good and for His glory.
Even though I will never be the perfect husband, God most likely has a godly gal out there who will want to try to turn me into him (just kidding!).

But seriously, only God is good. Only because God is good do I have hope. Only because of this God am I in Romania. Only because of God's goodness do I have the privilege of speaking into your life and of praying for you. May Jesus, God's living Word, be Who you "hear" as I type my heart to you. May you know Him as you hear the cries from the Haitian earthquake or the begger woman in the street. May you know Him as you become frustrated by folks at church who seem so rooted in their ways that even Revelations' seven trumpets would not shake them from their nostalgia. May you know Him as your eyes look at your family and your mind recalls your empty wallet and your unemployed qualifications, wondering what secret recipe will result in the feast you wish you could prepare for tonight's dinner.

Cling to this truth: God is good. Only God is good.

And we can know that God through His Son Jesus, who died and rose so that we could have life, who left His Spirit to work in us even when we had lost all hope. He clings to us when we are loosing our grip.

I do not know where you are right now; maybe I do not know even who you are, but I want to encourge you. I am in now Romania, where I have spent a large amount of my time in dirty, poverty-stricken villages that are crumbling away into forgotten forevers. I have seen joy and pain in Russia, in South Africa, in France, and in the United States. I have heard hope and despair in children with psychiatric disorders, in young people with disabilities, in prisoners, in suicidal men, in depressed women, in cancer victims, in drunkards, and more. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13).

This "Him" is Jesus, the Son of the Living God, the Good God Who speaks compassion and comfort into our most difficult days, and who rejoices with us when we are exploding with delight. In the Name of this Jesus, who interceeds for you at the right hand of His Father, I bless you.

Today, let our God pour His goodness into you as He whispers words of delight and love into your heart. He is working for the good of those who love Him, in doing so, He is glorified!
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A Rose From Home

A Rose From Home

My Story (As prepared for my church congregation this spring--2009)


I have a story to tell you. I am the main character, but the story is not about me. I have traveled several parts of the world, but my adventure has been closer to home. I am twenty-six years old. My story begins like many of yours…

I grew up going to church. I had been born into a family who labeled themselves “Christian,” in a country that labels itself “Christian.” Every Sunday found me attending a worship service and Sunday school in a mainline denomination church. I served as an acolyte, attended Vacation Bible School, helped my dad count and record the offering money, sang in the youth choir, was a leader in the youth group, and occasionally served as liturgist. Baptized as an infant, I was confirmed at the age of twelve, thus becoming an “official” member of the church. Then, hurt by the church, my family left to find another.

Have you ever been hurt by the Church?

After months of searching, we settled into a very large independent church. Things were different there, and I was quickly welcomed and at home among new friends that truly had a passion for Jesus. The Word of God was taught boldly from the pulpit, and I was introduced to a missions-aware lifestyle. So it was with regret that I said goodbye only a couple of years later to move with my family to another church. I purposely remained aloof, not wanting to make new friendships before I left for college a year later. Besides, I was loosing my faith—or so I thought—and I didn’t want anyone to know. I was asking scary questions like “Is there really a God?” and, if so, “Is He the Christian God?” and “Would I be Christian if I had been born in another part of the world?”

Have you ever asked yourself unsettling questions about what you believe?

So I headed into college under a cloud of confusion that only worsened for the next two years. Though I didn’t know what I believed anymore, I continued to go to church every Sunday, and to help lead worship in chapel. Most importantly, even during this questioning, I continued my morning habit of daily study of the Bible. I had begun at age twelve, reading at first a chapter per day, then ten minutes each morning, then an half-hour, and so on. So, only by the grace of the very God I doubted, I remained anchored in His Word and in His community, though I felt like a fake most of the time. Since then I have learned that “fake” is the worst insult the world can give us; that is why the label of “hypocrite” is so offensive.

Have you ever felt like a fake?

Six weeks with missionaries in South Africa followed by a year in France began to teach me what life with God is all about. I began rebuilding my faith, this time it belonged to me, in contrast to me borrowing the faith of my parents, church, or anyone else. In my parent’s basement in 2003, on either Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, I invited Jesus to live in me; perhaps I had done so before, but I didn’t recall—but since 2003, I have never forgotten that moment. Unfortunately, nothing changed. I continued to do my best to act like a Christian, as I had done for so long.

Have you ever found yourself “doing your best” to be a good person, or to act like a Christian?

Though I did not realize it at the time, I was quenching the Spirit, even though I had welcomed Him into my life. During the next few years, the LORD continued to nurture me, and slowly things began to change. Several tough months in Idaho birthed my prayer-life. I spent three years being humbled in a job that was my informal seminary training. In 2007, a short stint in Mexico helped me to see things as they were, and not long afterward, I was baptized by immersion. No baptism of any kind can save a lost soul—only Jesus can do that. However, this baptism was an important covenant between me and God, symbolizing not only my death and resurrection with Jesus and my public profession of faith, but it also my life change, the beginning of my bearing fruit. “For each tree is known by its own fruit…”according to Luke 6:44. During the past year and a half, the LORD has provided me with an informal pastoral internship in my church, teaching me every aspect of discipleship. Simultaneously, I have been studying unceasing prayer and worship. I am now very different than I was five years ago.

In the Book of Acts (which tells the story of the earliest years of the Church) every time a person decided to follow Christ, two things took place—though not always in the same order. Each person experienced a life change, which I call the “baptism of repentance,” as well as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which I call the “baptism of the Spirit.” Looking back, I realize that the Holy Spirit was living in me in 2003, but it wasn’t until I surrendered everything to God, as represented by my immersion, that I allowed the Spirit to have His way in me and transform my life. “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now life in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (Galatians 2:20)”

Have you invited Jesus to live in you? Have you allowed the Spirit to transform your life?

I tell you this story for two reasons. First, I tell this story in order to boast in the LORD! May God our Father get all praise and glory forever! Second, I tell this story because it is relevant to you. Likely you have heard that I am leaving the country: I have let my light shine before you; please let your light shine within the Church, too! This congregation is in revival, and as each of you allows the Spirit to revive you, the entire Church will be revived and utterly transformed, to the glory of the Most High God. And for His glory is the reason He created us; the reason He sent His only Son to reveal Himself to us; the reason He became Sin for us and died for us on the cross—while we were still sinners; and the reason that He conquered death and offered us eternal life with Him.

It will cost you a lot—in fact, it will cost you everything, your very life. But if you have never surrendered your life to Christ Jesus, if you have never invited Him to send His Spirit into you and to transform your life, then do it right now. Just let go of everything to which you are desperately clinging; stop trying to do it yourself! This is the very reason you are still breathing in this physical life—God has been delaying His judgment of this sinful world because He is waiting for you—2 Peter 3:9 says He wants none to perish!

If you have already invited the Spirit into your life, then live like it! Bear fruit! Anyone and everyone who meets you or knows you or sees you or hears you should know immediately and clearly that Jesus the Christ lives in you and loves them! That is how stark the contrast should be between your life and the world around you!

Have you immersed yourself in God’s Word and in prayer in the last twenty-four hours?

If you call yourself a follower of Christ, then there is no excuse for not communing with Him daily! Anchor yourself in the Word! God has revealed Himself to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Bible is a complete and accurate record of that revelation. And prayer is humbly letting Him love us. Let Him love you! God doesn’t need us, but He wants us! God doesn’t need us to live for Him—He wants to live in and through us! Let us love and fellowship with one another, even when you disagree! Pray for each other—the names in the church directory are a great place to start! Church, we are not only the Body of Christ, but we are the Bride of Christ. We have allowed ourselves to get bedraggled and stained—now let us stand to the glory of God! Let’s let Him purify us, restore us, and love us!

My dear Brothers and Sisters, if you have ever once been blessed by God our Father at work in me, then I urge you, please, take seriously His desire to love and work in you, beyond anything you can ask or imagine! I have told you the beginning of my story—may it end in glory to the Father, in the Name of Jesus, by way of His Spirit.

Now, what is your story?