"The Original Spin"

“The Original Spin”

From 1996-2002 ABC aired the sitcom “Spin City”. Its premise was the fictionalized inner workings of the New York City mayor’s office in which the main character (portrayed by Michael J. Fox) sought to make the city administration look good and efficient by reframing the true facts. (The term “spin doctor” had emerged during the 1980’s to describe a person who gives a favorable interpretation of circumstances to media outlets.} In the real political world “spinning” has become an art form to promote personal and party agendas. (See the earlier posting “The Spin Cycle” for another look at this theme.)

Spinning uses disingenuous, deceptive, manipulative and other questionable tactics to distort words and events to achieve desired ends. Given human nature it shouldn’t surprise us that although it’s become much more commonplace in recent years it’s nothing new—it goes back to the Garden of Eden. In his conversation with Eve recorded in Genesis 3:1-6 the devil used disingenuous, deceptive and manipulative tactics to lead her to eat from the tree which God had said was off limits (Genesis 2:16-17). Satan’s lies were believed (“…The devil…is a liar and the father of lies.”—John 8:44), Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit and their descendants (including each of us) have been dealing with the effects ever since, all because of the original spin which led to the original sin.

Another example is worth noting. After Jesus rose from the dead the religious leaders couldn’t explain the empty tomb so their spin doctors went to work. They cooked up a scheme with the soldiers who’d guarded the grave site to say His disciples stole His body while they slept (Matthew 28:11-15). My question: How could they know His followers took His body if they were snoring away? But “…this story has been widely circulated…to this very day.” (Matthew 28:15). Apparently spins don’t die easily.

At least eight times in Scripture God warns us not to be deceived because serious consequences can result (e, g, Galatians 6:7-8; Ephesians 5:6). So to whom should we listen? Solomon has some wise counsel (“The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.”—Proverbs 12:5) as does Paul (“What does the Scripture say?”—Romans 4:3, emphasis added). God’s Word and godly people are an unbeatable combination for fighting the original (or any) spin of His truth. Let’s listen to both.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Stand Up"

“Stand Up”

A form of a familiar adage (attributed to, among others, Rev. Peter Marshall and early American leader Alexander Hamilton) says, “If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything.” This may appear to be in conflict with my previous posting “Stand Down” but which one is appropriate depends on the facts of a given situation. Both have their challenges but remember to “…approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, emphasis added).

It can be uncomfortable to stand up for what’s right when the wrong is popular or seemingly in control. But throughout the pages of Scripture we find examples of those who did just that. How about Joshua and Caleb, who stood against the tide of public opinion after they and ten others spied out Canaan and who alone said, “We can do it because God is with us!” (See Numbers 13 and 14). Or Elijah, a minority of one when he encountered 850 false prophets on Mount Carmel, who prayed for God to reveal Himself to rebellious Israel and received His answer by fire from Heaven (1 Kings 18). And let’s not forget Jesus’ apostles, who when told to keep quiet and not teach in His name responded to the religious leaders, “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29). In each case God honored His servants for standing up for Him, His truth and His purposes.

We’re living in difficult days in which the truth of Jesus’ words to His disciples just before His arrest and crucifixion is more and more apparent: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first…In this world you will have trouble.” (John 15:18; 16:33). But He concludes with words of hope: “But take heart. I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, emphasis added). A generation later Paul described the resource God provided for those of his day who were facing hard times (and which are there for us today): “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…Stand firm….” (Ephesians 6:11-14, emphasis added). He then goes on to tell of the spiritual tools at our disposal to defend ourselves as well as our two offensive weapons: God’s Word and prayer (Verses 14-18).

So how will I answer the summons from an old hymn, “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”? How will you?

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Stand Down"

“Stand Down”

(Recently a friend texted Karen’s small group ladies a prayer for someone going through a personal struggle. Part of this petition to God was stated in these words: “Comfort, defend, ward off, love, provide and be our mighty God. May we stand up or stand down when needed.” {Emphasis added}. In this and the following piece I hope to show how there’s a time for both. But since not acting when we might want to {standing down} is often harder than standing up I’m reversing the order expressed in the prayer.)

From time to time a military or law enforcement unit is given a command to “stand down”. By this the superior instructs his or her subordinates to take no further aggressive action in a given situation. There are usually good reasons for issuing such an order (e.g. to allow time for a peaceful resolution or minimize the risk of making things more dangerous) but sometimes it comes from a personal agenda or reluctance to deal with a crisis proactively. But the underlings are obligated to obey the directive whether or not they agree with it.

Many years ago I went through a ministry crisis and was anxious and determined to prove myself right. In the midst of my turmoil I received a letter from my Uncle Al in Arizona saying in effect that I needed to “stand down”, give it to God and learn from the experience. I did, and with Karen’s and others’ loving support God brought me through. (For a further look at this godly gentleman see the article “What Really Matters”.) By God’s grace I learned that “The suffering (he) sent was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to (his) principles.” (Psalm 119:71, NLT).

Peter wrote his first letter to encourage his fellow believers as they faced trials and persecution for their faith. He counsels them (and us today) to “stand down” as Jesus did (“…Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps…Whenthey hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate….”—1 Peter 2:21,23, emphasis added). Paul admonishes his readers, “Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God.” (Romans 12:19, NLT, emphasis added). Just as soldiers and police officers must follow their commanders’ orders, we must follow the directives our Commander gives. Hard? Probably. But “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, emphasis added).

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"The 'Fish and Chips' Principle"

“The ‘Fish and Chips’ Principle”

This past summer Karen and I were privileged to spend eighteen days exploring historical and noteworthy sites in Great Britain. We visited (among other places) Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare’s birthplace), Edinburgh, the beautiful landscape of the Scottish Highlands, Liverpool, Bristol, Bath and Stonehenge before settling in for a week in London. There we saw the old favorites like Big Ben (covered in scaffolding with only the clock face exposed), Tower of London, Churchill’s War Rooms (a must see if you ever travel across the Pond), Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace as well as the London Eye, a gigantic Ferris Wheel on the bank of the River Thames, and other iconic places. Several months would be required to see all our “mother country” has to offer so we barely scratched the surface.

We stopped for lunch one day at a British version of a fast-food restaurant. While we were there I saw a sign prominently proclaiming, “The Portuguese gave us fried fish, the Belgians invented chips, but 150 years ago Great Britain united them to create The World’s Greatest Double Act; fish and chips.” (Guess what we were eating at the time.) It made me think of some other great food combos: pie and ice cream, hot dogs and sauerkraut, peanut butter and jelly to cite a few. (Notice liver and onions isn’t on the list!) Each stands well on its own but blending them adds to their appeal.

As God’s people we have individual interests, talents and gifts which He uses in His work. But not one of us can do everything—we join with others to carry out His purposes. Paul pointed this out to a church troubled by factions and pride in personal abilities: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6. emphasis added). We might call this the “Fish and Chips Principle”. As the British brought two parts together to produce an enjoyable meal so God brings His people together to build a winning team. And it works in any time period or culture in any ministry in any part of the world because it comes from Him and His truth is timeless (“Your word. O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”—Psalm 119:89).

So let’s enjoy our mix and match cuisine and as we do think of how God has mixed and matched us to honor and serve Him wherever He puts us.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan