"Busybodies Needed"

 

“Busybodies Needed”

 

We’ve all run into people who seem to think everyone else’s business is theirs as well. They ask probing personal questions and can be offended if they’re not answered. They delight in juicy tidbits of gossip, rumors and innuendo and are quick to make sure others know it as well (“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a {person’s} inmost parts.”—Proverbs 18:8). Years ago a TV commercial for a “newspaper” dedicated to exposing “the truth” about people and events included a reader’s saying, “I want to know!” Why? Maybe to try to prove they’re “not so bad” when compared to others.

A term used to describe such an

 individual is busybody, defined as one who inserts him/herself into the affairs of others without invitation. They do so because of insecurity, pride or simply not having enough to do. While it’s prevalent in today’s culture it goes back to ancient times—Proverbs deals with related subjects such as gossip (11:13), betraying confidences (20:19), backbiting (25:23, NKJV) and slander (10:18). In the first century it crept into the church which Paul confronted head-on: “We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.” (2 Thessalonians 3:11). Apparently some had stopped working because they believed Jesus would return quickly thus sponged off others. The Greek word means literally working around and carries the idea of accomplishing nothing worthwhile. (A similar statement is found in 1 Timothy 5:13.) A few years later in 1 Peter 4:15 the Apostle uses the term “meddler”, or inserting oneself into others’ business. This continues to plague the church and cause divisions, often “…(separating) close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9).

Do we need busybodies? Certainly not in the sense described above but we do in a much more positive way. Following his doctrinal treatise on God’s plan of salvation (Romans 1-11) Paul calls for his readers’ (and our) response: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?” (Romans 12:1, NLT, emphasis added). Put another way, we’re to be busybodies about living for and serving our Lord. In writing to his protégé the Apostle builds on this theme: “If (one is cleansed, one) will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21). If we keep our hearts, minds and bodies busy about God’s business rather than that of others wouldn’t the church be enriched? That’s the kind of busybodies He needs—will we (I) be one for Him?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

"Hobbies"

 

“Hobbies”

 

In television’s early days a local station in New York City aired a children’s program called “The Small Fry Club”. By today’s standards it would have been considered trite but it taught values in ways preschoolers and early grade schoolers of that era could understand. One emphasis was on developing healthy hobbies using a jingle, part of which said, “Everyone should find yourself a hobby; it keeps you wide awake and happy too.” It’s still good advice seven decades later.

A hobby is a leisure activity which is fun to do in one’s spare time. The possibilities are virtually limitless—just take a stroll around Hobby Lobby or Michael’s and see what’s offered with arts and crafts. Other areas include collecting particular items, travel, sports, learning new skills and a host of other endeavors to help deal with life’s stressful situations.

Properly utilized, hobbies can have great value in bringing order to our lives. However, we mustn’t allow them to so control us that they negatively impact our family life, work performance or relationship with God. It’s always a good idea to periodically take personal inventory to be sure our priorities are in order (“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”—Lamentations 3:40).

A youth evangelist from years ago (his name escapes me after decades) observed that from His youth Jesus maintained a healthy balance in four key areas of His life summarized in Luke 2:52: “…Jesus grew in wisdom (mental) and stature (physical), and in favor with God (spiritual) and (people) (social).” He’s “…(left us) an example, that (we) should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21), one which is certainly worth imitating (“As children copy their fathers you, as God’s children, are to copy him.” (Ephesians 5:1, PH).

One more thought: Is reading, studying and meditating on and living out God’s Word a hobby or regular practice in my life? God told Joshua about 3500 years ago, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8). He says the same to me (and you) today. May we move from hobby to habit in this key area of our lives.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

"Sports by the Numbers"

 

“Sports by the Numbers”

 

When we attend a high level sporting event it’s easy to identify the players by the number worn on the back and (in most cases) the name above it. However, such wasn’t always the case. While the NFL used numbers on the back from its inception in 1921 and the NBA did likewise from its inaugural season in 1946 the NHL did so on armbands beginning in 1911. Major League Baseball (MLB), however, went almost three decades making fans try to figure out who was who before using numbers:

*The Indians and Yankees began so identifying players in 1929 (all teams did so by 1937).

*Originally they indicated a place in the batting order or the fielding position but now are randomly assigned.

*The While Sox began using names as well as numbers in 1960. The team’s owner, Bill Veeck, was widely ridiculed for blazing this trail but today only one major sports team (the Yankees) hasn’t adopted it in some fashion.

MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL have retired over 200 numbers to honor past greats (players, managers, coaches) as well as in memory of those who passed away prematurely. The Boston Celtics have put the most in mothballs (24) followed by the Yankees (22). And three numbers are no longer assigned by their leagues: 42 (MLB) honoring Jackie Robinson), 99 (NHL) for Wayne Gretzky and 6 (NBA) recognizing Bill Russell.

Today the most significant number for any of us is the one assigned by the Social Security Administration. (And it’s also the one crooks try to capture to steal identities so guard it carefully.) We can’t conduct our lives without it—try opening a bank account or getting a driver’s license. Sounds pretty impersonal, doesn’t it?

While athletes are identified by uniform numbers and U.S. citizens by a Social Security number aren’t you glad (I certainly am) that

 we’re not a number but a name to God? He told His prophets, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you….” (Jeremiah 1:5) and “…I have written your name on my hand.” (Isaiah 49:16, NLT, emphasis added). Jesus Himself indicated how well God knows each of us (“…The very hairs of your head are all numbered.”—Matthew 10:30). Think of the times God called His servants by name (e.g. Abraham, Moses, Samuel), not SSN 123-45-6789, and rejoice. Let’s be thankful, too, that “(He loves us) with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Dress Up Day"

 

“Dress Up Day”

 

During my high school years the Student Government designated Fridays as “Dress Up Day”. The usual daily attire back then was what would be viewed today as dressy casual (jeans and shorts for all and pants for girls were no-no’s) but “Sunday best” was encouraged on the last day of the school week. Some always complied, some occasionally (including yours truly) and others never. It’s interesting that today’s culture often calls Friday “Dress Down Day”—check it out the next time you’re in a bank or professional office—one of the myriad of changes we’ve seen over the past couple of generations.

In the Old Testament priestly garments were made and worn according to God’s directions. An entire chapter (Exodus 28) is devoted to these instructions and in the next chapter (29:29-30) the clothing to be worn by the high priest receives special emphasis because of his unique responsibilities. Each part of the priestly attire symbolized God’s presence among the Israelites and ultimately pointed to Christ.

One of the pictures of our lives as God’s people is how we “dress”. The New Testament word translated “clothe” or “put on” appears 28 times and likens our new life in Christ to donning new garments. Some examples include (emphasis added in each case):

*”…Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24).

*”Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light.” (Romans 13:12, NLT—see also Ephesians 6:11).

*”Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12).

One more merits our attention; “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another….” (1 Peter 5:5). The Greek word is used only here in the New Testament and refers to a servant’s apron. Think of the many possible applications to our life and service.

What’s our “Dress Up Day”? Based on the above statements shouldn’t it be every day? So let’s “Dress (ourselves) in Christ, and be up and about.” (Romans 13:14, TM).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(For more on how this figure is used see the series of ten articles beginning with “Dressing Ourselves” as well as “A Routine Day?”)

"Taking the Long Look"

 

“Taking the Long Look”

 

During our time of ministry in Hancock, NY (1977-1984) the High School conducted a Baccalaureate Service the Sunday prior to graduation. The four pastors in the village participated each year with responsibilities rotated. One year when I had the privilege of bringing the message I chose the title “Taking the Long Look” using Abraham’s faith described in Hebrews 11:10: “…Abraham’s eyes were looking forward to that city with solid foundations of which God himself is both architect and builder” (Phillips). As I spoke to these young people with most of their lives ahead of them God gave me words of challenge: “Don’t sacrifice your future on the altar of the immediate!” I encouraged them to walk by faith as Abraham did to avoid the instant gratification contemporary culture promotes. Over almost 50 years I’ve lost track of these students but pray for them when God reminds me of my words spoken that evening.

All of us, whether young, middle-aged or (in the words of a gentleman in a church we served) “You’re looking good!” are faced with the options of immediate satisfaction (promoted by Madison Avenue types) or weighing pros and cons before committing to a course of action. God gives us His counsel for this decision-making process: “You can make plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21). Centuries later our Lord’s brother echoed the same thought in his warning about rash planning: “…You ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:15). (Emphasis added in both cases.) And let’s not forget God’s twice repeated words of caution: “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25, NLT).

Years ago Karen sang in a gospel trio with a husband and wife. One of the songs that was often included in their concerts was Gordon Jensen’s “Forever Is a Long, Long Time”, part of which says, “I can’t comprehend forever, Eternity’s beyond my human mind…Heaven’s golden day will last forever And forever is a long, long time.” (Emphasis added). Given that each one will spend eternity (endless life after death) either in God’s presence or absent from Him (“Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”—Daniel 12:2, emphasis added) it would behoove us to “take the long look” and consider where it will be. In the words of Jesus’ friend, “(God) does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent.” (2 Peter 3:9, NLT). Use this time well—your forever depends on it!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Sign Language"

 

“Sign Language”

 

As automobiles became more commonplace in the early 20^th century signs were developed for traffic safety and control and could be identified by their shape: rectangular for regulatory purposes (e.g. speed limits); octagonal for stopping, especially at crossroads; diamond for warning (e.g. curves) and round for railroad crossings. But a familiar one didn’t make its debut unto 1950: an upside down triangular one saying “Yield”. It was invented by Clinton Riggs, a Tulsa, OK police officer, to be used where two roads or lanes blended into one, perhaps most noticeable on today’s entrance ramps to interstate and other major highways. Even though at times these signs may seem unnecessary and even annoying think of where we’d be without their bringing some semblance of order to our roadways. This might be called “Sign language for drivers”

Yield and its synonym, submit, mean to defer to another in some way.  In the New Testament, the word translated “submit” and its variations appears 27 times and literally means place under. We’re told to do this in several ways (emphasis added throughout):

*”Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21) as we recall Paul’s words to “…in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3).

*”…Submit to (those who have been faithful in God’s work….)” (1 Corinthians 16:16), reminding us of Paul’s previous admonition to “…appreciate those who diligently labor among you….” (1 Thessalonians 5:12, NASB).

*”Wives, submit to your husbands, as it is fitting in the Lord.” (Colossians 3:18), but the Apostle goes on to say, “Husbands, love your wives….” (Verse 19), using the word for selfless, giving love (we husbands need to take note).

*”Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect….” (1 Peter 2:18) and “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord….” (Ephesians 6:7).

*”Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution….” (1 Peter 2:13, NASB), in light of Jesus words, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17).

*”Submit yourselves…to God.” (James 4:7) by “…(offering our) bodies as living sacrifices….” (Romans 12:1).

So the next time you see that upside down triangle as you maneuver into interstate traffic think of yielding to God and His ways. And don’t ignore the rest of those irritating reminders placed there for our benefit. Hopefully this will lead to Esso’s slogan, “Happy Motoring!”

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Missionaries to the Military"

 

“Missionaries to the Military”

 

During my six years as a member of the CBAmerica (now Venture Church Network) Board in the 1990’s I was assigned to the Chaplaincy Committee. This group had the responsibility of interviewing candidates for endorsement to serve in the military, prisons, health care and other areas. This experience gave me a new appreciation for those called to these ministries and was one of the factors God used to lead me into health care chaplaincy after concluding my pastoral work in 2009. Although I “retired” in 2021 I still welcome opportunities to be utilized as a volunteer to assist those in health crises.

About twelve years ago our Fellowship’s then Chaplaincy Director asked me to be part of his Advisory Council as health care representative. This was an “as needed” panel to deal with “out of the box” situations in which he sought input. Soon God prompted me to pray for our active duty military chaplains, retirees and Reservists and National Guardsmen on deployment. So for more than a decade it’s been my privilege to uphold these men (currently 47) and their families around the world on a rotating basis and send emails inviting them to share prayer needs. Many respond with words of appreciation and requests. This has proven to be one of the most rewarding activities of my 55+ years of vocational ministry. “To God Be the Glory!”

Not long ago I read a devotional based on Deuteronomy 20. In Verses 1-4 God said through Moses, “When you go to war against your enemies…do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God…will be with you. When you are about to go into battle the priest shall come forward and address the army. He shall say: ‘…Do not be fainthearted or afraid…For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you….’” (Emphasis added.) (This reminds me of the classic photo of Gen. Eisenhower’s encouraging American troops before D-Day in 1944—I’m sure chaplains were also there mingling with the soldiers.) So it appears that God instituted military chaplains around 1450 BC, long before the Continental Congress did so in 1775.

Our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and Coast Guard chaplains put their lives at risk to provide spiritual counsel and resources to those protecting our nation. These “Missionaries to the Military” and their families are in need of our prayers as they serve our Lord and country. Will you join me in keeping them before the Lord?

(For more on the VCN Chaplain Ministry go to venturechurches.org and click on chaplaincy.)

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan