"The Right Words

“The Right Words”

One of my responsibilities during my chaplaincy training program was periodically being on call for emergencies overnight and weekends. When the pagers went off I was told by text or phone the location and nature of the need. I rarely knew for sure what I’d face when I arrived on the unit or in the ER. Since it was a large complex and took some time to reach the different areas I got into the habit of praying something like this on the way: “Lord, I have no idea what I’ll find and what I’ll do or say. Please put into my mind, mouth, and hands what will help those I’m being called to serve.” I honestly can’t think of a case in which I was unable to provide some support to those who desired it. God showed His faithfulness again and again as I asked and looked to Him.

In Matthew 10 we read of Jesus’ instructions to His disciples when He sent them out to spread His message. He knew they had some fear of what they’d encounter because He said to them, “…When they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Verses 19-20). Later when He told His followers what they’d face after His departure He encouraged them not to worry about what to say “For I will give you words and wisdom….” (Luke 21:15). In both cases persecution was primarily in view but I believe we can apply the principle to times of crisis and need (but not to carelessness or lack of adequate preparation—it doesn’t work that way and I say that from experience). That’s how it played out for me at 3 AM in an acute care hospital.

When God calls us to a task He gives us the resources (including words) to complete it. This promise to Moses (Exodus 4:12) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:7) answered their objections. You and I are told to “…make disciples….” (Matthew 28:19) and “…be (his) witnesses….” (Acts 1:8) under His authority and in the Holy Spirit’s power. We can therefore count on His giving us what we need to serve in the place and manner He’s called us.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Reaching the Summit"

“Reaching the Summit”

 

This past November I read High Adventure, Sir Edmund Hillary’s account of his ascent of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. Many others had previously attempted to reach the summit without success, but Hillary and his Nepalese companion Tenzing Norgay achieved the goal on May 29, 1953. Since then others have stood “on the top of the world” but Hillary’s and Norgay’s pioneering work blazed the trail and helped make subsequent expeditions triumphant.

Hillary’s book describes the intense effort that resulted in attaining this long-sought-after objective. At one point he said, “My whole body was crying out for rest, but I knew it was just a weak delusion of the flesh that had to be ignored.” He and Norgay were able to overcome the physical, emotional, and natural barriers by keeping their focus on the desired result. But he was quick to acknowledge the contributions of the entire team for this amazing accomplishment—without their support the mission would have failed.

As Hillary and his fellow climbers gave themselves completely to the goal of reaching the summit you and I as God’s people are called to do likewise. The Apostle Paul described his focus in this way: “…One thing I do…I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14). “Press on” is the translation of a classical Greek word used to describe a hunter stalking his prey. We too must “…throw off everything that hinders and…fix our eyes on Jesus….” (Hebrews 12:1-2) if we’re to reach the summit in our lives and service.

It’s easy to get distracted by good things and miss the best God has for us. Jesus never allowed Himself to be sidetracked from His purpose in coming to earth: “I must preach the good news…that is why I was sent.” (Luke 4:43), and just before Calvary He was able to say, “…I have finished the work which you have given me to do.” (John 17:4, NKJV). So He did what He came to do.

D.L. Moody once said, “Give me this one thing I do rather than these fifty I dabble in.” What’s the “one thing” which will take me to the summit of my life and service? That’s where I need and want to invest my energy until God calls me Home.

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"We Never Know"

“We Never Know”

 

One summer day about 35 years ago I had the unique privilege of explaining the basic elements of Christianity to a group of 30 Orthodox Jewish teenagers and four of their adult leaders from a nearby Hebrew camp. I had never before been presented with such an opportunity. I prayed then (and still do when I remember the incident) that the seeds sown in their hearts and minds might grow and cause these people to recognize that Jesus is their Messiah.

You might be wondering how this happened. Three summers previously one of the teaching rabbis stopped by our church and asked if he could use the piano to practice some classical music as there was no suitable instrument available at the camp. We gave permission and two or three times a week he would come and work to develop his talent. When that year’s instructor suggested that a Christian minister be asked to speak to the group our piano playing friend gave him my name. The arrangements were made and about 35 of God’s chosen people heard the story of Jesus Christ, their Messiah.

This series of events shows us that we never know how God will use the seeds we sow day by day. In this case it was three years before we could see God’s purpose and how He’d planned it all out. Had the piano player gone somewhere else to practice or had we not allowed him to use our building we never would have been able to present Christ to these people. Praise God for opening this door!

Do you sometimes get discouraged because you feel you’re not contributing much to spreading the message of Christ? If so, remember “…It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2). So God isn’t looking for visible results as much as He is for faithful servants. And in 1 Corinthians 3:6 it says, “I (Paul) planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” This shows we each have our job to do and God will bring about the results if we serve using our special combination of spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences (Rick Warren calls this our S.H.A.P.E.).

Friend, keep sowing those seeds—we never know how God might make them grow.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Pulling Rank"

“Pulling Rank”

 

Some years ago a ten-year-old boy was throwing a ball in a church hallway when an adult asked him to stop as it was posing a danger to others. The youngster replied, “My father is a pastor. I can do what I want!” (Thankfully, it wasn’t my son!) In his childishness he acted improperly and it’s likely his dad used this as a teaching tool about playing the privilege card.

During the Cold War a U.S. military transport plane filled with service personnel returning home from overseas on emergency leave was preparing for departure when a colonel taking his vacation boarded with his family. He ordered several enlisted men off the aircraft and refused to listen to their pleas. The bumped soldiers went to the base commander (a major general) to report the incident. The c.o. promptly ordered the flight to return. When it landed he got on the plane, removed the rank puller and his family, and personally saw to it that those needing the seats got them. Can you imagine what that colonel’s next performance evaluation looked like? And the dressing down he received?

The Urban Dictionary describes pulling rank as using one’s position to exercise power or force compliance, usually accompanied by arrogance and pride. God speaks plainly against these sins (“…I hate pride and arrogance….”—Proverbs 8:13) and warns of the consequences (“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”—Proverbs 16:18). Read the stories of Haman’s downfall in Esther 7 and Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation in Daniel 4 to see that God means what He says.

When the religious leaders of Jesus’ day tried to pull rank with Him He soundly rebuked them (see Matthew 23). This serves as a warning to us. Because of our trust in Christ “…He gave (us) the right to become children of God….” (John 1:12), but with this privilege comes responsibility (“…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”--Ephesians 4:1). This means no pulling rank to get our way but following Jesus’ example of humbly serving others (“…He…began to wash his disciples’ feet…’I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.’”—John 13:5,15).

Are we ready to “…follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)?

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan