"Godly Counsel"

“Godly Counsel”

 

On July 30 I received an email from the Chaplaincy Director at the hospital where I work that a colleague had tested positive for COVID-19. Since the virus had been declared a pandemic in March I’d been taken off the schedule on April 1 due to my being chronologically challenged and returned around June 10 when the disease’s spread had somewhat abated. It has since spiked in Florida and our county has been especially hard hit, But with appropriate protective measures such as distancing, masks and face shields I was able to cover several day shifts and one week of off-hours call. This was the spirit of Jesus’ words in a parable, “Do business until I come.” (Luke 19:13, NKJV). (See the previous posting “Coronavirus” for more about an initial response to this health crisis.)

When my boss’s message arrived Karen contacted Dave and Kristie and we agreed that the best option at present was to remove myself from duty for August then reevaluate whether or not it was safe and wise to return. We also sought counsel from godly and trusted friends who concurred with our decision. We discovered the truth of Solomon’s words: “…With many counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14, NLT) and thank God for our network of family and friends.

While advice from fellow believers is an important part of decision-making (along with Scripture, the Holy Spirit’s voice, spiritual discernment and understanding our individual circumstances) prayer is the key element. Our Lord’s brother writes, “If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:5-7. NLT). As we prayed God confirmed the choice He’d led us to make. We thank Him for His love and direction.

We don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. God’s promised never to leave us (Hebrews 13:5) and has given us His Holy Spirit to live in and guide us (John 14:16-17), But we need each other as well (“Each one should use whatever gift {he or she} has received to serve others….”—1 Peter 4:10). My brothers and sisters have served me well—may I also reach out to them when they need a lift. That’s the church being the church to God’s glory.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

 

"Traditions"

“Traditions”

 

In 1951 a McMillan family tradition began when my father, grandfather and uncle took me to my first Major League game at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Then in 1979 my dad, brother and I took my son Dave to his first game at Shea Stadium. And in 2010 Dave and I took Nate to see a Red Sox/Orioles match-up at Camden Yards in Baltimore. And if Jesus tarries and God doesn’t take me Home beforehand I’d like to be part of continuing our family’s tradition by taking a great-grandchild to his or her first game.

Many families have ongoing practices which span the generations. Often these are eagerly anticipated and carry great meaning, especially as we grow older. For example, in rural areas in which we’ve lived family reunions have been major events for many years. But one thing is true about traditions: they had a starting point—they became traditions as they were repeated.

Traditions are good because they remind us of where we came from and thus help us appreciate our heritage. But as with many things they can have a down side. We can become so tied to a past practice that it’s difficult (and maybe almost impossible) to change. Some iconic businesses of the past are no longer around or are shadows of what they once were due to not adapting to new trends. Unfortunately the same can happen with churches and other ministries.

The Greek word for tradition comes from a verb meaning to give over. The context determines if it’s to be embraced or avoided. Paul wrote, “…Stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught….” (2 Thessalonians 2:15, NKJV, emphasis added. Other versions render it “teachings”.) Here it refers to God’s truth. On the other hand, Jesus took the religious leaders to task when He told them, “…You nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.” (Matthew 15:6, emphasis added) because they put their own practices ahead of God’s commands. In Be Complete, a commentary on Colossians, Warren Wiersbe puts it well: “While it is not wrong to have church traditions that remind us of our godly heritage, we must be careful not to make these traditions equal to the Word of God.”

There’s only one final Authority: God (“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it….”—Psalm 24:1), and He’s spoken authoritatively through His Word (“All Scripture is God-breathed….”—2 Timothy 3:16). And He’s said, “See that you do all I command you; do not add to (My Word) or take away from it.” (Deuteronomy 12:32)—by tradition or anything else!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Dealing with MMQ's"

“Dealing with ‘MMQ’s’”

(A sequel to “Monday Morning Quarterbacks”)

 

A number of notable sayings characterize Charles Schulz’s “Charlie Brown’s” status as a “lovable loser” including “I think I’m becoming allergic to criticism.” (I once had a coworker named Charlie Brown who had a sweatshirt with this quote on the back.) A lot of us can identify with Charlie’s struggles as critics (aka “Monday Morning Quarterbacks”, or “MMQ’s”) are a dime a dozen.

A village in which we served had a small hospital overseen by a local Board of Directors. The physician who admitted a majority of patients and who was extremely popular in the community had his privileges suspended as a result of an independent pathology evaluation. During a tumultuous public meeting one man called for the removal of the Administrator and Board—but offered no alternative management plan. Years ago when visiting my mother’s church a “leader” confronted me and confessed all the pastor’s “sins”. When I asked if he had considered that his perception might be wrong the conversation ended. In both these cases the critics pointed out perceived problems but had no constructive solutions. Such is often the case with “MMQ’s”.

Jesus encountered “MMQ’s” who criticized His words and actions because He upset the “good thing” they had going. But He always brought them back to God’s Word (e.g. His cleansing the temple in Matthew 21:12-13 and the religious leaders’ finding fault with His disciples in Matthew 15:1-9). So before trying to answer the “MMQ’s” in our lives we must follow His example and see “What does the Scripture say?” (Romans 4:3). The Master responded to Satan’s temptation in this way—can we do any less?

Criticism is hard to hear (especially if it’s based on the opinion of a self-appointed “guardian” of the way things should be) but over the years I’ve learned a bit about how to respond to “MMQ’s”. For openers, listen to what they have to say—much as I might not want to admit it they may have a valid point or two (“{One} who answers before listening—that is {one’s} folly and…shame”—Proverbs 18:13). Then ask for specifics—it’s hard to “fix” generalizations (Jesus asked His accusers, “Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?”—John 8:46). Finally, ask if they’re willing to help (“Remind the people…to do whatever is good….”—Titus 3:1). Frequently the last two steps are lacking so I challenge the “MMQ” to think about them and get back to me—their decision here largely determines if they’re serious about addressing the issue.

Criticism (aka “MMQing”) isn’t a spiritual gift but serving is (1 Peter 4:10). Which will I choose?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

 

"Monday Morning Quarterbacks"

“Monday Morning Quarterbacks”

 

The term “Monday Morning Quarterback” made its first known appearance in a 1931 speech by Harvard quarterback Barry Wood, who used it to describe criticism from the comfort of 20/20 hindsight. (Synonyms include “Armchair Quarterback” and second guessing.) Often the “experts” expressing the “couldas, wouldas and shouldas” are self-appointed and non-accountable “analysts”. Politics, sports, business, ministry and other areas of life can be targets of these faultfinders.

Karen and I recently saw “Sully”, a movie detailing USAirways Flight 1549 on January 15, 2009. The pilot, Capt. Chesley (“Sully”) Sullenburger, “landed” the aircraft on the Hudson River in New York after a bird strike disabled both its engines. All 155 passengers and crew survived with only five serious injuries. The incident turned Sully into a national hero. However, an investigative panel (aka group of “Monday Morning Quarterbacks”) maintained that he could have made it back to LaGuardia Airport or gone to Teterboro Airport in northern New Jersey and his career was thus threatened. But when all the facts were in and evaluated it was determined that Sully had acted appropriately in this potentially tragic situation. This supports my contention that anyone can be a “MMQ” but it’s much harder to be a “Sunday Afternoon Quarterback”.

During my CPE training I encountered a skilled care facility nurse who was grieving the loss of a resident she’d served for some time. She shared with me the things she wished she’d done for the patient which might have prevented her death. With God’s guidance I was able to encourage the caregiver that she’d done well and to rejoice that she’d had the opportunity to assist her friend in her times of need. The nurse illustrates that sometimes we can become our own “MMQ’s” when there’s no reason to question our actions.

God in His mercy and grace hasn’t allowed us to see the specifics of what’s ahead for us (we’d likely be terrified if we could). Indeed, “…you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” (James 4:14) but “The Lord will guide you always….” (Isaiah 58:11). David recognized this when he wrote, “My times are in (God’s) hands….” (Psalm 31:15) and God assures us that He knows and guides our future (“’…I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’”—Jeremiah 29:11).  (See “Directional Signals” for some ways God does this in our lives.)

Let’s let God be our “Sunday Afternoon Quarterback” and put the MMQ’s where they belong: on the sidelines!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan