"Shooting from the Lip"

“Shooting from the Lip”

 

The gunfights which marked the lawlessness of the American West in the latter part of the nineteenth century (at least if the movies depicting this period are to be believed) gave rise to the expression “shooting from the hip”. It refers to getting off a shot without raising the gun to aim and hoping for the best as quickness trumped accuracy. Over the years it found its way into our nation’s vernacular as a way to describe a hasty decision made by words and/or deeds without considering the possible consequences. The results of such thoughtless actions have negatively impacted families, businesses, churches, and many other areas of our lives, sometimes causing irreparable damage.

One of my high school teachers posted a sign on the bulletin board which told us, “Be sure brain is engaged before putting mouth in gear.” To state this principle in another way, “Beware of shooting from the lip.” Because accuracy is often sacrificed by impetuous words it’s the verbal equivalent of bullets flying from Colt .45’s.

Scripture frequently warns of the dangers of careless speech (aka shooting from the lip). It can take the form of slander (“…Whoever slanders is a fool.”—Proverbs 10:18), gossip (“Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly?”—Proverbs 18:8, The Message), lying (“The Lord detests lying lips….”—Proverbs 12:22), and judgment (“…Who are you to judge your neighbor?”—James 4:12) to name a few. Our Lord’s brother also states, “The tongue…corrupts the whole person….” (James 3:6). So much for the assertion of some that talk doesn’t matter! Besides which we’ll be held accountable for our words (“…Men will have to give an account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken.”—Matthew 12:36).

Contrast the above with God’s directives for the proper use of speech. It’s to be “…always full of grace….” (Colossians 4:6), “…in love….” (Ephesians 4:15), “…sweet to the soul….” (Proverbs 16:24), and “…aptly spoken….” (Proverbs 25:11). Think of the differences which would be made in families, churches, and the world if God’s words were taken seriously and practiced!

So the next time I’m tempted to shoot from the lip may I pray with David, “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3). Will you join me?

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Values"

“Values”

 

When the late Tom Landry was coach of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys he is said to have made essentially the same speech at training camp at the beginning of each of his 29 seasons as the team’s leader. He made it clear that the top priorities in his life were, in order, God, his family, and the Cowboys. From the start his coaching staff and players knew where he stood and what his values were. And the evidence shows he did well in all three areas.

I was reminded of Landry’s essentials in life recently as I was reading about Isaac. In Genesis 26:25 it’s said of him, “Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord. There he pitched his tent and there his servants dug a well.” Coach Landry’s priorities, then, were the same as Isaac’s had been almost 4000 years previously: God (“Isaac built an altar….”), family (“…He pitched his tent….”), and business (“…His servants dug a well.”). Who knows how many in the intervening centuries have found their lives enriched by setting the same standards (or possibly failed because they didn’t)?

The Bible is full of illustrations of those who emphasized the things that really count, including Moses (“…Moses…chose to be mistreated…rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin….”—Hebrews 11:24-25), Joshua (‘…As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”—Joshua 24:15), and Jesus Himself (“…I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”—John 5:30). Each was blessed and used by God because their lives were in proper order—in other words, they followed Jesus’ counsel in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first (God’s) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” May we too be challenged to obey!

Many things clamor for our attention each day. Will we operate on the basis of “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” or on biblical values? Isaac and Coach Landry got it right—will we?

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Servant Leaders"

“Servant Leaders”

 

One of my first assignments as a hospice chaplain was visiting in an assisted living facility where we had several patients. When I entered the lobby there were three hallways but no signs pointing to the office. As I stood looking confused a man came in and asked if he could help. I told him who I was and those I needed to see and he took me to their rooms. I thanked him and went about my business. I didn’t find out until I was leaving that he was the Executive Director.

Since moving to Florida Karen and I have become friends with a retired couple in our Sunday School class. The wife had been a hospice nurse (an immediate point of contact) and the husband managed country clubs in several states. He told us of an incident in which the line cook walked out for some reason during a large event. While the remaining workers panicked he put on an apron and began doing what needed to be done. Soon others followed suit and the tasks were completed successfully.

Both these Christian men exhibited servant leadership, which to me far surpasses sitting in an office or board room handing out decrees. By their actions they were following Jesus’ example when He washed His disciples’ feet (my favorite story from His life on earth). After He had completed this “dirty job” He explained its significance by saying, “Now that I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:14-15). Earlier He had verbally rebuked His friends for arguing over who was greatest among them (see Mark 9:33-37) but they didn’t get it until He showed them what true greatness was.

I’ve observed many leadership styles over the years and believe none to be more effective than leading by serving. This shouldn’t surprise us as it’s Jesus’ method. I wasn’t always successful, but it was my goal as a pastor to follow His pattern. It’s still my prayer that this will be my desire in whatever role He has for me now and in the future.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"The I-80 Classroom"

“The I-80 Classroom”

 

When I was in seminary I drove the 2000 or so miles from Long Island (Lon Gisland to you natives) in two installments with the R&R stop in Wheaton. After resting for a day or two I’d start out on the second leg at about 6:00 in the evening, drive through the night, and pull into Denver around noon the following day. You can rest assured that I was ready for some serious sleeping that night!

Around midnight on one trip I was on Interstate 80 somewhere in the boonies of Iowa. The sky was cloudy and it was DARK! But with my high beams on I could see far enough ahead on the road to avoid any danger. I was happy, though, when the sun made its appearance the next morning.

I had been thinking quite a bit about what God had in store for my life prior to that trip, and as I drove along on that moonless night it hit me as to how His leading was like my headlights. Their illumination on the highway didn’t enable me to see all the way to Denver, but it was sufficient to keep me out of trouble as long as I kept alert and watched where I was going. I also had to keep moving for the next area of road to become visible. God similarly shows us His way. He doesn’t let us look into the future and see our entire life (we’d probably be terrified if He did) but He always gives us adequate light to keep us from its hazards. We must, however, keep moving or the next step will never become apparent. He also gives us guidance from the Scripture to prevent our straying off the road (“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”—Psalm 32:8, KJV). We’re thankful we can depend on His faithfulness in keeping His promises.

God teaches us in the varied classrooms of life, including the driver’s seat of a 1959 Rambler on I-80 on a dreary night. Are we ready to learn from the Master Teacher wherever His instructions may be given?

 

Blessings!

                                                                               Jim McMillan