"When Things Get Cloudy"

“When Things Get Cloudy”

 

During my pastoral days our office copiers seemed to be accidents waiting to happen. One was destroyed by a ceiling leak (it took a while to explain that to our insurance carrier) and was eventually replaced, thereby saving numerous trips to Staples’ Copy Center. The new one soon began producing faded copies and was finally diagnosed as having a dirty sensor which was blocking the light and calling for insufficient toner. Once the film was cleaned off the machine did its job in the way intended.

The copier difficulty was much like a cataract on the eye which covers the lens and can eventually lead to blindness if not removed. After surgery the clouded eyesight is cleared up as if the vision clock has been turned back. Some who read this may have benefitted from this procedure and see better now than they did for many years previously.

Just as the dusty sensor affected the copier and cataracts obstruct eyesight there are hindrances that can keep us from seeing things as God wants us to. Maybe it’s selfishness, perhaps preconceived notions, possibly a lack of forgiveness—the list could go on. The point is we can’t allow anything to get in the way of what God intends us to see. In Mark 8 Jesus met a blind man who desired to have his sight restored. After the Lord touched him he said people looked like trees. Then Jesus touched him again and “…his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” (Verse 25). May we need to ask for that second touch from above.

When copiers or vision get cloudy something needs to be done or permanent damage can result. In the spiritual realm our testimony and impact can be impeded unless we ask God to remove the blockage (whatever it may be) and focus on what He wants us to understand about Him, His Word, and maybe ourselves. So with the psalmist let’s pray, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18).

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"An Old Saying in Reverse"

“An Old Saying in Reverse”

 

A bit of down-home wisdom (credited by many to Benjamin Franklin) tells us, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” Coupled with a maritime adage from early 18^th century France, “A stitch in time saves nine”, we have some sound advice to take care of what needs to be done sooner rather than later to save time, effort, and money. Think of how our lives would change if we took this seriously, especially while waiting on the post office line on the evening of April 15.

Many of us, however, yours truly included, have by our practice turned this suggestion around to read, “Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?” While this has its humorous side, experience tells us it can inconvenience or negatively impact others as well as ourselves. Karen once worked at a veterinary clinic which had a sign prominently posted in the waiting area reading, “Lack of planning on your part doesn’t create an emergency on our part.” Put another way, procrastination often brings unfavorable consequences.

Years ago I brought a message on this subject and found Scripture gives several reasons for this practice:

  Because of conditions. “The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore he will beg    in harvest, and have nothing.” (Proverbs 20:4, KJV).

  Because of covetousness. In response to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him a man asked that he be allowed to bury his father. Many commentators believe his motive was to safeguard his inheritance (Luke 9:59-60).

  Because of convenience. When the Roman Governor Felix heard Paul’s message he said, “That’s enough…When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” (Acts 24:25).

While we don’t know the end results of these incidents each brought the strong possibility of an unwanted outcome.

But as with many areas of life God calls for balance. Jesus used two “counting the cost” parables (Luke 14:28-33) to teach us not to be foolhardy but consider the possible impact before acting (see my previous article “Unneeded Exercise”). So I must ask myself: Is my inaction merely delaying what needs to be dealt with or genuinely seeking God’s direction? The answer will determine the order in which I place today and tomorrow and if I heed Ol’ Ben’s sage counsel.

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"A Tale of Two Geysers"

“A Tale of Two Geysers”

 

One of the features of Yellowstone National Park (a visit there is on my bucket list) is the approximately 200 geysers which shoot water and steam upward. The two best known are likely Steamboat and Old Faithful. These two natural wonders form an interesting contrast. Steamboat is probably the most powerful geyser in the Park, propelling its spray some 380 feet into the air. However, it does so at irregular intervals. In its history it once went 50+ years without a major eruption, then blew its top 29 times in 1964 and 23 times in 1982. Old Faithful, on the other hand, is far less impressive—its mist rises a little over 100 feet—but it performs regularly every 35 to 120 minutes. As  tourists, which would we be more likely to wait to see?

These two geysers form a great picture of God’s people. Some are like Steamboat: when they get involved in God’s work extraordinary things can happen but we never know when that might be. Others more closely resemble Old Faithful: their efforts may not be as spectacular but they can be counted on to “hang in there” over the long haul. Which has greater value to God? Let Him speak: “…It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Steamboat believers often make positive contributions to God’s work but it’s difficult to try to plan ministry around them (just as it is a vacation to view the geyser in Yellowstone). Conversely, Old Faithful believers can be counted on to serve quietly, dependably, and consistently. So a tale of two geysers is also a tale of two servants. Thus I must ask myself: Am I a Steamboat or Old Faithful follower of Christ?

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Lonely People"

“Lonely People”

 

During the Promise Keepers’ Pastors’ Conference mentioned in the previous article there were four of us who hung out together (Russ Bailey, Wally Holder, Don McDowell, and myself) which proved to be a blessing for each of us. After the gathering Wally and I built a special bond. We saw or called each other about twice a month to share and pray and worked together in various ministries until God called him Home in 2003. I think of him often and thank the Lord for putting him in my life.

As we four sat together in that huge arena I thanked the Lord for the fellowship we were enjoying. But then I noticed one man sitting across the stadium. He was in the top row with no one near him. I had no idea who he was or what his circumstances might have been but wondered if he was at a crossroads in his life and wanted to be alone with God to sort things out. I prayed silently for him then and still do so as the Lord brings him to mind.

As I’ve thought of this gentleman over the years I’m reminded that the world is full of lonely people. Some may be grieving the loss of a spouse or child, others may feel abandoned by family and friends, a few may have burned their bridges by carelessness or lack of kindness, or other reasons. Since God created us for interaction with others through marriage (“It is not good for the man to be alone….”—Genesis 2:18), friendship (“As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.”—Proverbs 27:17, NLT), and the church (“…in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”—Romans 12:5) loneliness suggests something is missing in a person’s life. How can this void be filled? Maybe by me or others.

Jesus encountered a number of people society had rejected as unworthy or sinful—lepers, the woman at the well, and Zacchaeus come to mind. But in each case He reached out and touched them with His love and acceptance. Can I do any less as His follower today?

There’s a line in an old hymn which says, “I would be friend of all—the foe, the friendless….” Who is out there crossing my path to whom I can keep this promise? How about yours?

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan