"Lost Baggage"

“Lost Baggage”

When a couple came to me asking that I officiate at their wedding I gave them a paper explaining the guidelines of my involvement which included three to five premarital counseling sessions. (It wasn’t uncommon that they decided to make other arrangements once they found out about the procedure.) As part of the preparation process I led the prospective bride and groom through an exercise in which they wrote down some things they were bringing into their relationship and how potential conflicts could be addressed. I’d learned from pastoral experience that if these matters weren’t discussed beforehand the resulting “baggage” was likely to cause problems and lend credence to the old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

As used in the scenario above baggage refers to issues from one’s past which can negatively impact his/her present and future. If these factors aren’t taken seriously and dealt with the results can be devastating for everyone involved. Some try to avoid coming to grips with such concerns by finding a new job, moving to a new location, divorcing, attending a different church or other attempts to evade confronting them. But unless one believes that God can bring positive changes and is committed to allowing Him to do His work a new environment or relationship will soon become “same ol’, same ol’”.

Scripture provides cases in point of people who were able to “lose” their baggage when they met Jesus and followed Him (the two tax collectors, Matthew/Levi and Zacchaeus, are notable examples—read about them in Luke 5:27-28 and 19:1-10 respectively). But the greatest illustration is Saul of Tarsus, later known as The Apostle Paul. He had a past of persecuting God’s people which he regretted but God’s grace provided the wherewithal to “…(Forget) what is behind and (strain) towards what is ahead….” (Philippians 3:13) because he was sure that “I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” (Philippians 4:13, NLT, emphasis added). The same divine resource is available to each of us.

When we travel by plane a fee is usually charged for checked luggage. There’s also a price to be paid for taking baggage with us through life—broken relationships, unhappiness and lack of purpose can rob us of the best God has for us, Usually missent possessions are found and a joyful reunion takes place (been there, done that). But life’s lost baggage is best left behind so it doesn’t entangle us in its clutches. David invites us to “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.” (Psalm 55:22, NLT). Will you accept His offer?

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(With helpful input from Karen)

"Getting More from Lesss"

“Getting More from Less”

My family moved from Brooklyn to the Long Island suburbs in 1948. Over the next twelve years I was told the population of my home town grew from about 700 to almost 20,000. In order to accommodate this rapid post-World War II expansion many area potato farms were purchased on which what today would be called starter homes were built. So how did a new fast-food chain named McDonald’s find enough spuds for its French Fries? Agricultural science must have discovered new methods to produce larger crops on less land. In more recent times Florida has seen many citrus groves disappear to provide retirement homes for northerners (like Karen and me) who wanted to escape snowy winters. As with Long Island’s potatoes new types of trees were likely developed to keep Americans in orange and grapefruit juice for breakfast. The same scenario has probably been seen in other parts of our country: getting more from less.

In my early days as a pastor I put in many hours but didn’t use them efficiently. As the years went on and I gained experience I began to work smarter and my ministry became more effective. And as an added bonus God gave me more family and personal time which was a blessing. I only wish I’d learned this lesson sooner.

Our Men’s Bible Study completed a study of Ecclesiastes not long ago (took us about two years). Among the most challenging statements Solomon makes is, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might….” (9:10). In other words, “Work as hard as you can.” Right? Not really. Israel’s wise (but flawed as we all are) king went on to say, “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.” (10:10). Put differently. “Work smarter and you’ll accomplish a whole lot more.” Right? You betcha!

The Apostle Paul worked harder than most but he did so with a sharp ax. Some of the methods he employed in his ministry included going to larger cities from which the Word could spread (“The Lord’s message sounded out from you…{and} your faith in God has become known everywhere."--1 Thessalonians 1:8); he trained young men to assist (“…The things you have heard me say…entrust to reliable {people} who will also be qualified to teach others.”—2 Timothy 2:2); he planted churches led by trained elders (“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders…in each church….”—Acts 14:23); he changed his approach but not his message as needed (“I have become all things to all {people} so that by all possible means I might save some.”—1 Corinthians 9:22) and he wrote letters to address issues and give instructions (13 in the New Testament).

Want to get more from less? Sharpen your ax and see what happens.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"The Canine Classroom"

“The Canine Classroom”

In our present community many residents have dogs which they walk through the streets. We have a leash ordinance so the owners keep them in check. Such wasn’t the case in my growing up years on Long Island—most canines either were tightly restricted or ran loose. Four in particular have remained on my mind for 60+ years.

One small dog was tied to a stake by a rope about ten feet long. He/she was rather hyper and would run at passersby only to be jerked back. Another mid-sized one a couple of houses away from ours was kept in a pen and ran in circles all day (a rut was worn at the fence’s edge). A third larger who-knows-what breed roamed the neighborhood chasing cars, scaring children, tipping over trash cans and leaving evidence of his presence on various lawns. Then there was a puppy across the street which belonged to a family with a large (by Long Island standards) fenced-in yard in which he/she happily cavorted. I rarely saw people walking their pets as I do now—most fit into one of the above categories.

These four canines picture ways we can live as God’s people. As with Dogs #1 and #2 we can be so restricted by the rules and opinions of others that we become reluctant to act lest we be looked down upon (this can be referred to as legalism). The opposite extreme (sometimes called license) is represented by Dog #3 with no barriers or guidelines which can bring many pitfalls. (This one eventually disappeared under unknown circumstances.) Then there was Dog #4. This small creature had the time of its life and may not have realized that he/she was restricted because the parameters were so broad (this is what the Scriptures mean by liberty).

Paul wrote, “Stand fast…in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1, NKJV, emphasis added). But in order that their deliverance from legalism didn’t become license he went on to say, “…You have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Verse 13, NKJV, emphasis added). We’re further cautioned to exercise liberty to build others up (Romans 14:19), consider others’ interests (Philippians 2:4), not cause vulnerable believers to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9) or as a “justification” for sin (1 Peter 2:16). As we use our liberty in Jesus responsibly we honor Him and open doors to touch others with His love and grace.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(For another example of animal teachers see the recent posting “Professor Gus”)

"Who's in Charge Here?"

“Who’s in Charge Here?”

In 1962 Gerald Gardner released a book of pictures with humorous captions called Who’s in Charge Here? (In my research I found a 1944 volume of the same title by George Price featuring cartoons surrounding World War II themes.) Gardner’s work was popular on my college campus and many of its photos found their way onto various bulletin boards. I don’t remember most of them but they brought a lot of laughs in the midst of serious (?) study.

A classmate told a group of us of another way this phrase came up. His church was preparing for an outdoor service in a city park for which the needed permission had been secured. Apparently one policeman hadn’t gotten the memo because he walked up to the group and loudly asked, “Who’s in charge here?” My friend was in the background, heard the commotion and answered, “The Lord!” The officer stopped for a brief moment then turned, walked away and the event went on as scheduled. (The local newspaper reported the incident, including my friend’s comment, and concluded the story with, “And you can’t get much higher than that!”)

This question is always a valid concern when it comes to God’s work. He told Job, “Everything under heaven belongs to me.” (Job 41:11, emphasis added) so He’s already given His answer. This includes our planet (“The earth is the Lord’s….”—Psalm 24:1), the creatures that inhabit it (“…Every animal of the forest is mine….”—Psalm 50:10), its riches (“The silver and the gold is mine….”—Haggai 2:8) and whether or not we recognize it our very lives (“…Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”—Romans 14:8). I might say, “It’s my life and I’ll do as I please!” But Solomon reminds me, “We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.” (Proverbs 16:9, TM) and “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” (Proverbs 14:12, NLT). Contrast this with “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” (Proverbs 4:18). Which is more promising?

In 1874 Frances Havergal wrote a hymn expressing the outcome of putting God in charge. Summarized I’m asking Him to “Take my life, moments and days, hands, feet, voice, lips, silver and gold, intellect, love, myself, will and heart.” My question to myself: Am I being truthful or dishonest when I sing it?

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"The Answer to 'What If....?'"

“The Answer to ‘What If….?’”

During my seminary days we received complimentary copies of Christianity Today. (In my case the magazine made a profitable investment as I’ve renewed it continuously since 1968.) Those earlier issues always had a John Lawing cartoon under the general title “What If….?” which depicted biblical themes from a humorous point of view. The scenarios illustrated never happened (church history would have taken a very different course if they had) but they presented some light moments in the midst of dealing with serious matters.

Not long ago our pastor, Wayne Blackburn, was speaking about the “what ifs….?” of life in which we expect the worst (which almost never happens) and thus worry needlessly. Karen leaned over to me and said, “The answer to ‘what if….?’ Is ‘God is….’”. Since then I’ve thought about how to finish this statement when the struggles of life overwhelm us with “what ifs….?”. Here are my top ten completers:

*God is great (“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.”—Psalm 145:3).

*God is good (“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”—Nahum 1:7).

*God is loving (“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”—Jeremiah 31:3, NLT).

*God is just (“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.”—Deuteronomy 32:4).

*God is truthful (“…God…cannot lie….”—Titus 1:2).

*God is patient (“The Lord…is patient toward you….”—2 Peter 3:9. NASB).

*God is gentle (“He will not crush those who are weak or quench the smallest hope.”—Isaiah 42:3, NLT).

*God is compassionate (“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him….”—Psalm 103:13).

*God is always present (“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”—Hebrews 13:5).

And perhaps best of all….

*God is faithful (“God, who calls you, is faithful….”—1 Thessalonians 5:24, NLT).

(All scriptural emphases are added.)

At the time of this writing the world is gripped by the Coronavirus pandemic. Perhaps many are thinking (and maybe saying aloud), “What will become of humanity?” If our archenemy puts this in your mind remember the “God is'es” above. Billy Graham’s broadcasts often concluded with Robert Cole’s song, “He’s the Christ of Every Crisis”. And He still is—including COVID-19!

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan