"Don't Go to Church..."

“Don’t Go to Church….”

 

A church Karen and I attended in South Carolina had tee shirts made up which proclaimed in bold letters, “Don’t Go to Church….” This raised a few eyebrows until the wearers turned around so the observers could see the completed statement on the back: “Be the Church.” In this way the leaders were emphasizing that attending church was only part of the members’ responsibility. But what does it mean to “Be the Church”? Let me try to answer with two stories.

When Karen and I were moving from New Hampshire to South Carolina she and our son Dave were in one car and I followed in our second vehicle. About an hour into the trip my car’s transmission died, never to be resurrected. I called Karen and told her and Dave to continue their trip and I’d figure out what to do. She phoned some friends and asked them to pray for me. About five minutes later I got a call from one of her friends’ husband who was a car dealer (half the vehicles in our church parking lot had his name on them). He asked where I was then said, “I’ll be there in an hour or so. We’ll bring you and the car back to Manchester, you’ll stay at our house tonight, and tomorrow pick out a car and pay me when you can.” I’m still driving that Nissan five years and 80,000 miles later. Denis was being the church to Karen and me as he put God’s Word into practice (“…As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”—Galatians 6:10).

Recently the pastor of our Florida church shared that he’d heard about an area church of another denomination that was threatened with closure because, despite the sacrificial giving of the congregation, they didn’t have the funds to pay an insurance premium. Our pastor went to the other church’s pastor (whom he’d never met) and told him the bill would be paid by our church so its ministry could continue. Pastor Wayne was being the church to those brothers and sisters in Christ (“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is within your power to act.”—Proverbs 3:27).

Do you and I go to church? Most reading this would say we do. But are we being the church (whatever form that may take)? Listen to our Lord’s friend and disciple: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:17-18). Are we ready to move beyond goers to be-ers when it comes to Christ’s church?

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

When Ignorance Isn't Bliss

“When Ignorance Isn’t Bliss”

 

While working at a camp one summer during my teen years I received a birthday card on which a grinning clown proclaimed, “No wonder you’re so happy.” I opened it with fear and trembling and was greeted with the words, “Ignorance is bliss!” It was signed (naturally), “Guess who!” (I had a few ideas but never found out for sure who the culprit was.)

Many years later this memory escaped from the deepest inner recesses of my gray matter and I realized (again) that whoever coined the phrase didn’t know what he or she was talking about. Some examples from the Old Testament show why. In Exodus 1:8 we read, “Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt.” In his ignorance of history, Pharaoh bound the Israelites in slavery leading to a series of events which ended with the death of the firstborn in every Egyptian family, the Jews’ deliverance from captivity, and the destruction of Egypt’s army (Exodus 12-14). How about Samson? After years of rebellion against God it’s said of him, “…He didn’t know that the Lord had left him.” (Judges 16:20) and he was captured and humiliated by his enemies. And there’s the whole nation of Israel, about whom God’s prophet Hosea said, “…My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” Of what? God’s truth (“…You have ignored the law of your God….”)—Hosea 4:6.

Today we as God’s people can fall into the same trap of not taking His Word seriously. This is certainly not bliss because it leaves us vulnerable to satanic deception and the influence of false teaching. Jesus met the devil’s temptation with His Father’s truth (Matthew 4:1-11)—is Scripture any less an effective resource for us?

The believers at Berea probably never heard this saying but their actions show they wouldn’t have bought it because they “…examined the Scriptures every day….” (Acts 17:11). As present-day Bereans let’s make biblical ignorance a thing of the past and say with the psalmist, “I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” (Psalm 119:16).

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

Don't Be Conned!

“Don’t Be Conned!”

 

For almost four centuries Peter Minuit, the Dutch Director-General of New Netherlands (now New York) has been vilified as a slick swindler for purchasing Manhattan Island from the Canarsie Indians in 1624 for about $24. But who had the last laugh? After the deal was closed the Canarsies took their money and went home—across what’s now called the East River to today’s Brooklyn! (In fact, an area in southeastern Brooklyn is still called Canarsie.) So they sold what they didn’t own! Talk about the con being conned!

When I read this account in Paul Harvey’s book DESTINY (a collection of his “The Rest of the Story” anecdotes) a few years ago I thought of Satan’s temptation of Jesus. The third attempt he made to discredit our Savior was the possession test. From a mountain which offered a panoramic view of the world he told our Lord, “All this I will give you…if you will bow down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:9). But Jesus resisted by citing God’s Word and the devil was defeated (“Then the devil left him….”—Matthew 4:11).

As  the Canarsies did, Satan tried to promise what wasn’t his to give. While he’s called “…The god of this world….” (2 Corinthians 4:4) the “world” refers to the system he dominates, not Planet Earth—that belongs to God alone (“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it….”—Psalm 24:1). In His omniscience Jesus saw through the enemy’s scheme and couldn’t be conned. And because He resisted He was fit to pay the price for your sin and mine (“…Christ died…the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God….”—1 Peter 3:18).

Don’t be conned—Satan can’t give anyone what he says he will (happiness, satisfaction, purpose, contentment) and he has no intention of doing so because he is the “father of lies” (John 8:44) and has the goal of destroying God’s people (1 Peter 5:8). But we can count on Jesus to deliver on His promise of full and meaningful life (“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”—John 10:10). Which is the best deal? Reject the devil and rely on Jesus—He’ll never con or reject those who call on Him in faith.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

“It’s Never Too Late”

(This article is written in the manner of the late news commentator Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story.” His inimitable style and surprise endings will likely never be duplicated. Even though I know the outcomes of his stories from repeatedly reading his books of essays my mind continues to be refreshed from his insights and his unique way of expressing them.)

Charley went to work for a well-known corporation at the tender age of 19. His aptitude and skill brought him recognition in the industry along with a growing salary. He enjoyed the perks his position provided which enabled him to live “the good life.”

A few years after Charley began his employment Rich got a job with the same company. Rich proved to be a reliable employee but never reached the high standard of performance Charley did. Even though their skill levels and life-styles were different Charley and Rich developed a friendship which continued during their time as coworkers and persevered after both left the business and pursued new ventures.

Years later Charley’s unhealthy habits caught up with him and he became critically ill. Despite the efforts of many doctors and others it became apparent that he wouldn’t get well. He contacted his friend Rich and asked him to visit. When he arrived at the hospital Charley greeted him by saying, “Rich, I’ve accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior.” Rich (who became involved with Christian ministries and teaching after he left his former job) was thrilled to hear of his friend’s decision. Charley then asked Rich to conduct his funeral service which was witnessed by hundreds of thousands on TV on August 15, 1995.

If you haven’t guessed it by now, here’s “the rest of the story”: the employer was the New York Yankees, Rich second-baseman Bobby Richardson, and Charley…Hall of Famer Mickey Charles Mantle.

So you can see it’s never too late (or early) to seek God’s forgiveness, receive Christ, and look forward to being in His presence in Heaven forever.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

“Effort Required”

Years ago I read a magazine article about how a college Admissions Committee went about its task. One example given was that of a candidate who met all the basic requirements for acceptance (grades, references, activities, etc.) and had requested financial aid. On further review, however, it was found that the applicant had never held an after-school or summer job. Based on his perceived lack of effort he was denied admission.

As I’ve read through the Gospels over the years I’ve noticed how often Jesus required effort on the part of those He helped and healed. In Luke 17 He told 10 men suffering from leprosy to go to the Jewish priests and “…as they went they were cleansed.” To the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5) He said, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” Once the man did so he was cured. And how about the man with a shriveled hand in Mark 3 to whom Jesus said, “Stretch out your hand” and saw his useless limb restored. If these (and others) hadn’t been willing to make the effort to do what Jesus told them to they’d never have received the blessing of being made whole.

In Luke 18:1 Jesus tells us we “…should always pray and not give up.” And God has promised to answer our prayers as we obey and please Him (1 John 3:22). But I believe He expects us to use the resources, abilities, and common sense He’s entrusted to us. For example, when we ask for our material needs to be met are we making an effort to work or seek employment if we’re able (“If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”—2 Thessalonians 3:10)? Or if we’re asking for loved ones and friends to be saved are we sharing the message of Jesus with them (“…you will be my witnesses….”—Acts 1:8)? As someone once put it, God wants us to be available to be the answers to our prayers should He choose to work in that way.

Growth in faith isn’t automatic; it comes from a willingness to pay the price. Are we ready to put forth the needed effort to make it a reality?

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

“Good New Days”

Many years ago Karen’s grandmother (known affectionately as Tweet) had an article about her memories as a young girl published in a magazine called “Good Old Days.” While almost all of us have fond recollections of years gone by were they all good? Ask the members of a British family who agreed to live under conditions of 100 years ago for a PBS special. They found the old days anything but good because they’d become accustomed to modern life and conveniences. So it can be tough returning to “those thrilling days of yesteryear.”

The first century Jewish Christians saw things differently. Because of the difficulties brought about by persecution from their own countrymen as well as the Roman government they were thinking about going back to their former ways of worship in the temple (the “good old days”). But the writer of Hebrews said they couldn’t (“We must pay more perfect attention…to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”—2:1). And even if they could go back, he counsels his readers that it would be foolish to do so because of all they’d received as a result of Christ’s death (“…We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”—10:10). So the good new days were far better than the good old days. To reinforce this point the Holy Spirit moved the author of Hebrews to use the word “better” 11 times and “superior” 4 times.

Our good new days with Christ are much better than the bad old days without Him. Peter (who wrote about the same time as did Hebrews’ author) described his fellow believers as those “…called out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9). Whatever our circumstances, God tells us, “’Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5). Let’s be thankful for these good new days Jesus has given us and live them out to honor Him.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

“Slacklings”

In addition to his South Carolina radio commentaries on money matters, Financial Planner Kevin Skipper hosts a spot called “Parent Care Minute.” (He’s well qualified to discuss this issue since he took responsibility for his mother and step-mother, both of whom were afflicted with dementia.) On one program he referred to “Slacklings”, which may be defined as siblings of caregivers who do little but say much. The term became part of our hospice team’s vocabulary as we saw this happen in many families we worked with, sometimes causing considerable relational tensions.

What happens in families is frequently evident among God’s people, whether in churches or other ministries. Slacklings in God’s family readily express their opinions about what need to be done but are nowhere to be found when it comes to doing it. (They seem to paraphrase Isaiah 6:8 as “Here am I. Send him/her.”) And how often do they find fault with those who are actually doing the work!

One of Scripture’s primary purposes is that God’s people “…may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17). God has also gifted each of us for spiritual ministry (“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others….”—1 Peter 4:10). Putting these two passages together, there’s no excuse for any of us to be a slackling in the things of God. Peter also put it this way: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness….” (2 Peter 1:3). In other words, ALL of us have an obligation to do something.

Jesus set the example of serving others by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13) and giving His life for us (“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”—Matthew 20:28). Wouldn’t God’s work take off if we all followed His example and there were more servlings and fewer slacklings? Which one am I?

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

“Firing God”

In an episode of the long-running TV series “Touched by an Angel” Monica (the angel who appears in human form) was talking with a man who was grieving over the loss of his wife and questioning God’s existence. During their conversation Monica told him, “You can’t fire God.” Is this true? Well, yes and no. But before I’m accused of waffling let me explain.

The Bible teaches that God is the Sovereign Ruler over the universe (“…the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.”—Deuteronomy 4:39) and He can’t be removed from His rightful position. Satan’s attempt to stage a coup was answered by God’s driving him from His presence (Isaiah 14:12-15). If the greatest of God’s angels couldn’t fire Him from His position how can any of us?

We can, however, fire Him as Master of our lives because who or what controls us is a matter of personal choice. Jesus warned of this possibility by saying, “No one can serve two masters.” (Matthew 6:24). Both Joshua and Elijah challenged Israel to choose between God and idols because the people couldn’t give allegiance to both. Under these godly leaders the false gods were fired, but one of the tragedies of Old Testament history is that soon after they passed from the scene the nation fired God, rehired the idols, and it never fully recovered.

Have you and I fired God by saying no to Him and going our own way? If so, has it worked? I know it hasn’t for me and chances are it hasn’t for you either! Should this be surprising? Let God speak: “…The way of the unfaithful is hard.” (Proverbs 13:15). But we can hire Him back by turning ourselves over to His direction for our lives. Let’s never forget, “…His way (not ours) is perfect.” (Psalm 18:30).

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

“Building a Reputation”

In the early 1950’s the Brooklyn Dodgers had a pitcher named Chris Van Cuyk. His primary attribute wasn’t his prowess on the mound (he had a 7-11 win-loss record over three big league seasons) but a rather loud voice with which he was quite generous in his assessment of umpires’ skills (or lack thereof). One day the comments from the Dodger bench about the competence of the home plate umpire were less than flattering and Van Cuyk was thrown out of the game. Only one small problem surfaced: he wasn’t there! He’d been sent back to the minors the day before! Undoubtedly this is the most far-reaching ejection in major league history!

Because of the reputation Van Cuyk had established the umpire jumped to an unwarranted conclusion. The same can happen with any of us. Whether we realize it or not, you and I are building a reputation with those around us. Our actions and words cause others to form opinions about us. How are we coming across to them?

When the church was born at Pentecost (recorded in Acts 2) it was crucial for Jesus’ followers to send a positive message. Did they? Verse 47 says they were “…enjoying the favor of all the people.” As a result of their actions those around them were impressed that they were genuine and the church experienced rapid growth. To use an old cliché, they walked the walk, not just talked the talk.

It usually takes time to build a good reputation but it can be destroyed almost instantly. This may be part of the reason Paul wrote, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders….” (Colossians 4:5). This isn’t just good advice—it’s a command! For our own good (but more importantly God’s) we must take it seriously and obey.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

“Why Pastoral Ponderings?”

 

In 1973 I began writing monthly articles for our church bulletin under the title “Pastor’s Platter.” (The name was changed to “Pastoral Ponderings” within a couple of years.) The purpose was to take incidents and observations from nature, sports, news, history, and a variety of other sources and relate them to biblical principles to help God’s people grow in faith. Over the years the response from congregations, family, and friends has encouraged me to continue this practice through 36 additional years of pastoral ministry and (more informally and irregularly) 4+ years as a hospital and hospice chaplain.

In the early 1990’s my wife Karen and our children Dave and Kristie suggested that I consolidate these writings into book form. After “pondering” (pun intended) the idea for several months I decided to do so and with Karen’s help began the process of editing (and in some cases eliminating!). Some months later a notebook with 175 articles emerged. From time to time I thumb through these thoughts and thank God for my changed attitudes (and hopefully actions).

As I began to think seriously about retirement the idea of a blog surfaced and I began praying for direction. When I stepped down from my chaplaincy position in April 2014 the concept began to take shape. So with God’s help my goal is a weekly posting with input from Karen’s insights. My prayer is that God would use our thoughts and experiences to comfort and challenge those who read them and that together we’ll grow in faith.

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan