"Masterpieces"

 

“Masterpieces”

 

Since 1971 PBS has aired “Masterpiece Theatre” (now called simply “Masterpiece”), a series which includes adaptations of novels and biographies as well as original dramas, perhaps most notably the widely acclaimed “Downton Abbey”. Karen and I have enjoyed many of these presentations, particularly those with an historical context. They provide quality entertainment and educational value.

Traditionally masterpiece has described an outstanding work of art. Usually we think of artists including Michelangelo (the Sistine Chapel ceiling and sculpture “Pieta”, both of which we viewed on an Italy tour) and Leonardo da Vinci (“Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper”); poets such as John Milton (“Paradise Lost”); novelists like Leo Tolstoy (War and Peace) and musicians including Beethoven (especially his Fifth Symphony) and Handel (“The Messiah”). Many experts likely believe that these and similar creations will never be surpassed in their beauty and significance.

The term “masterpiece” can also be used carelessly and its meaning cheapened. (See “A Misused Word” for another example of this tendency.) Interestingly I found only one occurrence of the term in the Bible translations I consulted. In Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) Paul writes, “…We are God’s masterpiece.” (Emphasis added). The Greek word is poiema (from which “poem” is derived) and only appears here and in Romans 1:20 where it’s rendered “made” in referring to God’s work of creation. So it’s a unique term describing something only God can do and thus must be used carefully.

Think of it: you and I are masterpieces from and belong to God! Each of us is “…fearfully and wonderfully made….” (Psalm 139:14) for a special purpose which Paul explains: “(God) has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT).

A comment in the Life Application Study Bible bears repeating: “If God considers us his masterpieces, we dare not treat ourselves or others with disrespect or as inferior work.” As a young boy has reportedly said, “God don’t make no junk!” So let’s see and thank God for our value to Him and put ourselves to use for His glory.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Complacency"

 

“Complacency”

 

The 1969 World Series and Super Bowl III in the same year had several things in common:

*A New York team (Mets and Jets respectively) defeated one from Baltimore.

*An upstart club beat one that had a history of success.

*The odds makers of the day likely took a bath.

*It could be that one of the main reasons for the unexpected outcomes was complacency on the part of the losers.

Shortly after my family moved from Brooklyn to Massapequa Park an election for a seat on the Village Board took place. A young man ran against a long-time incumbent and won by four votes, largely due to the “newbie’s” friends’ voting while the veteran’s supporters thought the outcome was a foregone conclusion and didn’t bother to go to the polls. Again complacency led to defeat, something that’s occurred again and again in the world of politics.

Complacency may be understood as smug satisfaction or false assurance of an outcome. Not only can it adversely affect sports teams and elections but also businesses (notably iconic retailers like A&P and Sears) and churches which exhibit this tendency and refuse to change their methods to meet the needs of the times. Vacant stores and church buildings illustrate this danger.

In the tragic account of Samson’s life his complacent attitude led to his downfall (“…He did not know that the Lord had left him.”—Judges 16:20). Subsequently he was blinded and humiliated by the Philistines but in their smugness they failed to notice that “…the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved.” (Judges 16:22). And it cost many their lives when his strength was renewed in response to his prayer (Judges 16:28-30).

God warned His people, “…I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent….” (Zephaniah 1:12). And through the Apostle Paul He cautions, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12). How do we avoid falling into this trap set by our archenemy? By heeding Jesus’ words: “…Apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, emphasis added) and recognizing that “Our only power and success come from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5, NLT).

It’s time to put off complacency in our own abilities and put on confidence in God’s strength.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Have You Sneezed Yet?"

 

“Have You Sneezed Yet?”

 

(The title comes from an Our Daily Bread devotional article many years ago. I don’t recall its main point but I’m adapting the idea to the thoughts expressed here. For another look at the theme see “Allergy Shots”.)

 

Spring arrives earlier in Florida than it does up north (if it ever leaves except for the scorching days of summer). So one of the things Karen and I enjoy most about living in Lakeland is seeing the colors of flowers and trees year round. But with the good comes the effects of pollen: the precipitation of allergies causing itchy eyes, breathing problems and the frequent explosive exhaling of air from the nose and mouth, commonly called sneezing.

An allergy can be defined as “a hypersensitive bodily reaction to environmental factors or substances…in amounts that do not affect most people”. Because of certain peculiarities in my body chemistry I’m susceptible to a variety of materials which, when present, bring no response in others but do in me. Something in me triggers my system and “Achoo!”—you get the idea. (Gesundheit!)

This “rite of spring” has parallels with how different people react to the Scriptures. Those who don’t hold to biblical truth are insensitive to it—they show no response. Why? “…People who aren’t Christians can’t understand…truths from God’s Spirit….” (1 Corinthians 2:14, NLT). On the other hand, those who believe the Word to be from God and that it’s His source of truth exhibit sensitivity to its principles and commands (“…If you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law…and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”—James 1:25, NLT). What makes the difference? Just as my body’s sensitivity to certain airborne particles causes me to sneeze, so my awareness to what God says should prompt me to respond in faith and obedience. So…have I sneezed yet? Have you?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Unemployment"

 

“Unemployment”

 

On the first Friday of each month the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the unemployment/jobless rate for the previous month. This is a highly anticipated report which is seen as a major factor in determining the nation’s economic health. But as with most statistics the numbers can be orchestrated to support one’s particular viewpoint.

The Government considers “full employment” (a balance between the work force and available jobs) to be 4.1% to 4.7%. During the COVID crisis the rate rose to around 10% but dropped to “normal” levels once the pandemic subsided. (The highest recorded U.S. rate was 24.7% in 1933 at the height of the Great Depression.) As time goes on the labor market changes with industry’s needs as technology and other factors advance. So job training must adapt to national and international conditions.

Even with “full employment” many people have difficulty finding work. But there’s one place where there’s never a shortage of “job opportunities”: Christ’s church. When a person receives Jesus as his/her Savior it begins a life of growth and service through the Holy Spirit’s empowerment (“…You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you….”—Acts 1:8) and gifting (“…Each of you has received a gift….”—1 Peter 4:10, NKJV) to be used “…to serve others….” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV). So the “employment rate” in the Body of Christ is intended to be 100%. But what’s the reality?

For years I’ve heard that in the average church 20% of the people do 80% of the ministry. After about 65 years of church involvement vocationally and as a volunteer I cannot dispute this assertion. Think of how the Church (and the world) would benefit if each of us were to take our commitment to follow Christ seriously. It’s trite but true that “no one can do everything but everyone can do something!”

What am I doing to help reduce the “unemployment rate” in my church?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(For more on this topic see the early posting “Slacklings”.)