"Pursuing the Best"

“Pursuing the Best”

When I went to Auburn, NY as Youth Pastor fresh out of seminary one of the first people I met was Art Beardsley. He was part of the Deacon Board that interviewed me as well as a choir member and soloist. Little did either of us know at the time that some 14 months later he would become my father-in-law.

During the time Karen and I dated I got to know Dad as well as the rest of my soon-to-be family. I discovered he had a great sense of humor (corny jokes and all), liked to eat, and held some strong opinions on a variety of issues which led to some interesting discussions. But above all he loved God and his family.

Dad grew up in a musical family and after receiving Christ as his Savior (interestingly he and I were baptized on the same day—Easter Sunday 1953) he dedicated his talent to serving his Lord. He believed God deserved his best so was diligent in attending choir rehearsals and in his preparation for solos and group numbers. As I observed how seriously he viewed his responsibility to glorify God through his finest efforts I learned a lesson I hope I never forget: God doesn’t expect perfection but He does merit the best we can offer Him. Dad practiced the principles set forth by King Solomon (“Whatever your hand {in his case voice} finds to do, do it with all your might….”—Ecclesiastes 9:10) and the Apostle Paul (“…Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”—1 Corinthians 10:31). And in so doing blessed many at church services, over the radio, and on recordings.

On June 28, 2000 Dad joined the Heavenly Choir and I’m sure continues to raise his voice in worship and praise of Jesus. When he stepped into God’s presence I believe he heard the words, “Well sung!” And if I take my ministry as earnestly as he did his I pray I’ll hear my Savior say, “Well done!”

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"What Really Matters"

“What Really Matters”

I come from a small family. My father had one brother and my mother two sisters, and from them I had six first cousins. Since Dad’s brother and one of Mom’s sisters lived at a distance my family became especially close to my Aunt Blanche, Uncle Al, and cousin Lillian (now known as Lee) who were nearby. We spent a lot of time together as I grew up, and even after I moved to upstate New York we enjoyed getting together when Karen, Dave, Kristie, and I visited Long Island.

As the years went by I grew to appreciate Uncle Al’s wisdom and how he lived out his faith. Several examples stand out. He was probably the first member of our family to recognize that God’s family was bigger than the circles we were part of. At one Christmas dinner the discussion around the table drifted towards a check list of what a “good Christian” did (or didn’t do). Finally Uncle Al said something like, “If you believe the Bible and that you’re saved by faith in Christ, you’re a friend of mine!” This began my journey of seeing all believers as one unit (“…In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”—Romans 12:5).

During a difficult period almost 30 years ago Uncle Al (by then he and Aunt Blanche were living in Arizona) wrote me affirming his belief that my actions had been biblically correct but asking me what I’d learned that would help shape the future. This was one of a number of factors which made the second half of my pastoral ministry much different (and better). “My troubles turned out all for the best—they forced me to learn from your textbook.” (Psalm 119:71, The Message).

Aunt Blanche stepped into Heaven in 2011 at the age of 93. Guess who was her main caregiver at age 96—right, Uncle Al. He set a great example of honoring his commitment made 70 years before: “Husbands, love your wives….” (Ephesians 5:25) and “…Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13). May his tribe increase!

Jesus (and Aunt Blanche) welcomed Uncle Al Home in 2013 at 98 years young. He left a great legacy which still speaks to me and others by showing what really matters. Hopefully I’ve learned (and will continue to learn) my lessons well.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"First Things First"

“First Things First”

 

After graduating from college my brother Dave (not to be confused with my son of the same name) followed in our father’s footsteps and began working in the insurance industry in New York City. After serving our nation in the army for two years he returned to his employer and began to move through the ranks, retiring as an Assistant Vice President after 31 years. Through his vocational path and in his retirement he has honored God with his service and giving and spent quality time with his family.

Around the midpoint of his career Dave met with a supervisor to discuss his long-term objectives. He was told (or at least he got the impression) that moving up the corporate ladder would require his putting the company first. Dave responded that he wasn’t prepared to “demote” God or his family but would be a loyal employee and do the best job he could. God has honored his putting first things first as He did Isaac (see Genesis 26:25) and football legend Tom Landry (see the “Values” article).

As was sadly typical of many young pastors of my generation I made the mistake of equating my relationship with God with ministry. Consequently I wasn’t fair with my family. As time went on God used several factors, including Dave’s example, to show me this was wrong. I then, with His help, made things right by asking Karen, Dave (of the son variety), and Kristie to forgive me. My priorities then changed—and so did my home and ministry circumstances.

All of us are faced with the decision of who or what will be numero uno. Jesus spoke to this question when, in answer to a religious leader’s inquiry about the Law’s greatest commandment, He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37). Once this is settled we’re in a position to “…Seek first (God’s) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (i.e. life’s necessities) will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33). When our hearts are right our actions will be as well and God will bless.

Thanks, kid brother, for setting a valuable example of putting first things first. I hope I never forget the lesson. I love you!

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Important Stuff"

“Important Stuff”

 

When our grandson Nate was in second grade (he’s just finished his sophomore year of high school) Dave and Jenna received a call from his teacher saying he had a habit of talking at inappropriate times in class. When Dave asked him about this Nate said it was true with this explanation: “But it’s important stuff, Dad!” Dave then used this as an opportunity to tell him there was a time to speak with others but also times to be quiet and listen. (Funny how this also fits a 70+ year old.)

In his seven-year-old mind what Nate had to say was significant enough to warrant disturbing his teacher and classmates. As he’s grown up he’s learned there’s “…a time to be silent and a time to speak….” (Ecclesiastes 3:7) and his parents didn’t receive another call like the one mentioned above. (To ease everyone’s mind, Nate told me it was OK to tell this tale out of school—pun intended).

As happened with our granddaughter Kimbur (see the article “Not Always the Teacher”) in this instance I became Nate’s student. I thought about what’s important enough for me to speak about when the door opens (or even if I have to push it a little). Over the years this has included life-changing experiences (sometimes in the School of Hard Knocks), thankfulness for putting Karen (aka Gram) in my life, and the antics of our grandchildren as they’ve grown up. But one area in which I’ve often been remiss (to my shame and regret) is sharing my faith. The psalmist admonishes us, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so….” (Psalm107:2, KJV and NASB) and Jesus’ apostles put this into practice in a time of challenge by saying to the religious leaders, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard,” (Acts 4:19-20). This is the important stuff—I have to ask myself why I’m slow to talk about it and quick to wax eloquent about things that matter much less.

We as grandparents have fond memories of seeing our grandkids grow up, and without realizing it we often become their students. Thanks, Nate, for teaching me a great life lesson. Gram and I love you!

Blessings!

Jim McMillan (aka Gramps)

"Discarding the Labels"

“Discarding the Labels”

 

(Note: The next ten articles represent some things I’ve learned from the men of my family, both young and “old” {funny how that term has changed its meaning over the years}. Seeing the qualities they’ve brought into my life has made me thankful for each of them. I share these memories with the prayer that all will appreciate the contributions of others in making us who we are.)

Shortly after graduating from college my son (and Karen’s too) Dave said, “Dad, I don’t think I want to be called a Baptist anymore.” I assured him I was okay with this but was curious about why. He responded that he didn’t want to have a label beyond Christian but made it clear that he firmly held to the basic beliefs he’d been taught and adopted as his own. And to this day he hasn’t wavered from that decision of 20+ years ago.

Recently I talked with Dave about this conversation. He told me it went back to participating in a youth musical ministry during his senior year of high school which was made up of Christian teens from many different church backgrounds who worked together to honor their Lord. His odyssey continued during his four years at a Christian college where many denominations were represented. He came to realize that there were essential convictions which he embraced and fringe areas which he didn’t want to become tests of fellowship. This has led to his involvement with various churches and ministries as God has worked in his life.

As the years have gone by I’ve seen a similar transition in my own journey. While I remained in the same association my outlook changed and I began to broaden my perspective to include fellowship with pastors and other believers from different traditions. I saw that God’s family was bigger than my circles, and labels didn’t tell the whole story. I now simply describe myself as a believer who attends Victory Church.

There’s a place for specific designations but not at the expense of the larger issue. In Acts 11:26 Dr. Luke writes, “The disciples were first called Christians (literally, “followers of Christ”) at Antioch.” Now that’s a label worth having!

Dave, your Mom and I are proud of you and thank God for the man you’ve become and for showing us what matters. We love you!

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan (aka Dad)