Package Deal

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

– Matthew 2:1-2

For many folks, receiving and opening presents is the highlight of their Christmas morning. But giving to others is also satisfying — especially when the gift is significant or has a story behind it. So imagine how you would feel if you bought a particularly expensive gift while overseas, waited patiently while it passed through customs and then paid extra to ship it back home … and then later discovered that the recipient hadn’t even bothered to open the box!

God has also gone through extreme lengths to offer us a costly gift that we can never afford ourselves: total forgiveness of our sins and salvation through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. But just like any other gift, this forgiveness and salvation is worthless unless we unwrap the package, and then accept it. 

That means:

• Accepting it with gratitude (because we didn’t pay for it). 
• Accepting it with humility (because we could never afford it). 
• Accepting it with joy (because God chose us when we didn’t deserve it).

It's Christmastime. But we don’t have to wait until December 25 to open a priceless gift that has our name written all over it. In fact, the Bible tells us that we can start untying the bows and shredding the wrapping paper … right now:

“For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you,’” we read in 2 Corinthians 6:2. “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

Start Spreading the News

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

– Luke 6:21

If it leads, it bleeds is an old saying in the news business. Surf the web, turn on the TV or listen to a podcast, and you’re bound to come across story after story about pandemics, government corruption, natural disasters and degenerate behavior. The fact is that the media thrives off bad news and hyping the worst possible scenarios for maximum effect. After all, good news rarely drives ratings or sells ad space.

With bad news and scary headlines in such plentiful supply these days, how about counting our blessings and taking a much-needed break? It’s easier than you might think. For one week, make the effort to avoid TV —particularly news broadcasts or shows with a political bent. Keep away from the same type of content on social media. And don’t bother with newspapers and magazines. Even many of the so-called entertainment magazines have fully embraced politics.

At the end of those quiet seven days, maybe you won’t feel quite as informed as you would have had you stayed glued to Facebook or the evening newscast. But odds are that you’ll experience much less stress and enjoy a more positive outlook on life.

That’s sound advice for ditching the bad news. But what about finding something good for a change?

As Christ-followers, the Good News about Jesus is what gives us hope — plus a much clearer perspective on the future. And as we read in the Bible about the many promises God has kept over the centuries, our anticipation only grows as we ponder the amazing future that awaits us. It’s through our life-journey that we'll encounter much more than happiness — which comes from external things and circumstances — but joy, which springs from within through our relationship with God.

Is your life the stuff of headlines these days? Hang in there. Good News and the contentment that accompanies it are closer than you think!

Stress Test

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

– John 16:33

The holidays are idealized as special, fun-filled times with friends and family. The flip side, however, is the stress that accompanies them. And that can be more serious than a dinnertime disagreement with your in-laws. Stress is actually a life-and-death proposition that leads to cardiovascular disease, workplace injuries, sleep disturbances, ulcers and even cancer. In fact, the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reports that healthcare expenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who endure high levels of stress.

It's unfortunate that the Christmas season comes with such a hefty price tag — and we're not talking about those sky-high MasterCard and VISA bills that will arrive in January. Like the socks or sweaters you might receive from an aunt or distant cousin, Christmas-related stress comes in a variety of colors and styles. It can be physical, emotional and financial. And not only can Christmas strain your bank account, December 25 can bring emotional turmoil when it's a reminder of a broken relationship or the death of a loved one.

The vibrant reds and greens of Christmas often seem deep blue for many hurting people. And that's when God enters the picture.

The Bible tells us that long before the world was formed, our Creator knew our names. He knew when and where we would be born, what sort of lives we would lead, and when we would die. And he also knew that we'd need someone to save us from the consequences of our many failures and shortcomings. So God decided to do it himself by personally living out the human experience on Earth through his Son, Jesus Christ.

By literally becoming God among us, Jesus understands the stress of Christmas — and in ways we might not have considered. Leading up to that first Christmas when Jesus was born among a stable-full of less-than-spotless farm animals, Joseph and Mary (his earthly parents) were quite familiar with it. They experienced emotional stress from the scandalous rumors swirling around Mary's pregnancy. They endured physical stress from the grueling trip to Bethlehem mandated by the Roman census. And with money in short supply, financial stress was abundant.

But because he personally experienced it all, Jesus relates to our stress and sorrows, whether it's December 25 or any other day of the year. What's more, he's promised his followers — that's you and me — that he'll never leave them or forget them. So while the holidays may be stressful, it's through our Savior that we can always find peace of mind. May we never forget this calming passage from the book of Isaiah: 

Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace — in peace because they trust in you.

Hope for the Best

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God,  for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

– Psalm 43:5

It was a tiny investment that purchased hope for millions.

Haunted by the poor health conditions he encountered in the South Pacific during World War II, Dr. William B. Walsh persuaded President Dwight D. Eisenhower to sell him a navy hospital ship for just $150. And with the help of corporate and private contributions, the SS Hope was soon born.

The Project Hope website reports that the refurbished vessel’s maiden voyage involved the training of local healthcare professionals and the delivery of medical care around the globe. Gradually, the private volunteer organization called Project Hope expanded its impact and spread optimism for better days ahead. And over the next 60 years, it worked behind the Iron Curtain to improve health services for Polish children, launch HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Africa, help victims of the Bosnian war, and provide humanitarian relief to those affected by Hurricane Katrina and the Indonesian tsunami.

Most of us have never personally experienced the devastation of a tsunami, the effects of an Ebola outbreak or the ravages of a civil war. But we’ve all felt from time to time like our situation had spiraled out of control. And maybe you feel like that today — and for good reason. 

But have hope: God has it covered.  

This is a fundamental truth that every Christ-follower should embrace. But one reason we don't always feel his influence is because we can't see the big picture. We don’t know the life-changing people and situations that he’ll introduce to our existence. We also don’t have his vantage point of knowing what’s around the corner and miles up the road. Moreover, it’s hard for us to see a greater purpose in our lives when we're going through the pain of unemployment, lingering illness, family problems or even death. But God is in control. And for those who trust and follow him, he offers this assurance:

"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you,” says our Creator. “Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Has life become a tidal wave of depression and frustration? Don’t ever lose hope. God knows what we need — and he knows it long before we ask him for help. 

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,” we read in the book of Micah. “I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”

Double Trouble

 Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!

– 1 Samuel 12:16

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

It’s been about 2,000 years since Jesus’ first disciples heard these great words of wisdom found in Matthew’s gospel. And aren’t they just as relevant and reassuring to his followers today? Surf the Web or turn on the TV, and just try to avoid the never-ending news coverage of COVID-19, social unrest, politics and the economy. And that’s not to mention the turmoil found in every other nation of the world. 

The point is that there’s trouble everywhere. And there’s no escape — even when your TV is off and you’ve turned away from YouTube. For some people, trouble comes in the form of a job loss or furlough. For others, it’s an illness or the prospect of major surgery. Or maybe your problem involves family or relationship issues such as a divorce or the loss of a loved one. Everyone faces trouble, and their obstacles are significant.

Under such gloomy circumstances, it’s good to know that we worship a God who’s much greater than any pandemic, economic difficulty or international dispute. Ours is a loving Creator who literally spoke the universe into existence, formed great mountain ranges with his hands and parted the seas with a breath.

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” asks the writer of Genesis, the first book of the Bible.

Let’s take God at his Word when he tells us that through all things in life, he works for the good of those who love him and who have been called according to his purpose. We’re not immune from trouble once we turn our lives over to Jesus and become Christ-followers. But we do gain access to a Power that helps us endure any difficulty — great or small. Likewise, we also become the beneficiaries of an eternal inheritance of a magnitude that will make our current troubles fade into oblivion. The barriers and sorrows that seem so great today will become laughably insignificant tomorrow.

With that in mind, let’s consider these timeless words of assurance from Jesus:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Trouble may be all around us, but there's no need to be anxious about it. Let’s remember that when everything seems to be falling to pieces, the truth is that the pieces are falling into place.

Fear Not

 

“Don't be afraid!" Moses replied. "God has come only to test you, so that by obeying him you won't sin."

– Exodus 20:20

With 2022 just weeks away, many people will soon begin to think about their New Year’s resolutions. Popular goals include losing weight, learning a new language and landing a better job. And that makes sense. After all, the New Year represents a clean slate with plenty of possibilities. But then again, there’s also a certain level of anxiety. Considering how our lives have changed over the past two years, who knows what tomorrow may bring?

It’s said that the admonition Fear Not appears in the Bible 365 times: one for every day of the year. However, Christ-followers aren’t immune from anxiety and fear. For example, it’s safe to say that many — or perhaps even most of us — are afraid of saying yes to God. One of the problems is that we too often think of our Lord as a cosmic consultant who offers well-intentioned suggestions rather than the all-knowing Creator who made us, loves us and wants only the best for us. But when we get down to it, saying no to God is perhaps the most basic definition of sin. And mankind has been doing just that since those early days of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

We know in our heads and our hearts that God loves us. In fact, he loves us so much that he sent his only Son to die on the cross to pay for our many failures in life. So with this in mind, why would anyone be anxious about saying yes to God?

 

First, saying no and playing it safe is a basic human instinct. Fleeing from danger (real or perceived) is logical when we consider our innate desire for self-preservation. We also can say no to God when he calls us to do something that’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. And taking that first step can be awkward, difficult — and sometimes scary.

But maybe selfishness is the biggest reason so many people are afraid to say yes to God. After all, agreeing with God often means we’re saying no to us. But be forewarned: When we turn our backs to God, we need to prepare for a certain level of spiritual storminess and turmoil. God knows what he wants and how he wants to do it. So we shouldn’t be surprised when we find ourselves in a much worse situation after our refusal. As the saying goes, sometimes we need to feel the heat before we can see the light.

A New Year is around the corner. Let’s resolve to make the most of its opportunities by surrendering our anxiety and fears, stepping out in faith and saying yes to God.

All Things New

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

– Romans 12:2

Ever had a computer or smartphone infected by a virus or malware? If so, you know that helpless feeling when it crashes, freezes or slows to a maddening crawl. And soon enough, that once top-of-the-line machine becomes nothing more than an expensive plastic paperweight.

But don’t give up hope quite yet. There are reputable companies that can not only clean out such infections, they can also help prevent future problems by fixing unrelated computer performance issues. What was once a dead or crippled computer can become better than new. And all that time spent on the phone with your company’s Help Desk will look like a bargain in retrospect. 

Every Christ-follower for the last 2,000 years can recognize this modern-day cyber-illustration. Like a crippled machine made whole again, Christ-followers become born again once they accept Jesus Christ through faith as their Lord and Savior. We start over at that point with a clean slate with God — now ready to do good works to advance his kingdom. Think about it: Everything we’ve done wrong since birth — none of it will be held against us after we leave this life on earth! All the pitiful ways we’ve treated others, the lies we’ve told and the potential we’ve wasted over the years … it’s all forgiven because Jesus paid the price and died for us on the cross. 

The result is that we’re now free and have an incredible future with God because of our faith in Christ. But this is much more than a simple intellectual exercise. Instead, authentic, faith-filled Christ-followers must demonstrate tangible changes in who they are, what they think … and especially what they do. As we read in the New Testament’s Book of James:

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Of course, we’re not saved from the punishment we deserve because of any good deeds we might do. If that were the case, it would be possible to earn our way to God’s acceptance. The fact is that our feeble efforts and good intentions are never enough. There’s nothing left for us to do except follow God’s plan of salvation — and accept his free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

It's then for us that all things become new.

The Jealous Type

You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.

– James 4:2

Millions of Americans invest in their health by working out at the gym, eating organic food and avoiding excess sugar and fat. Nevertheless, our nation still has a heart condition. According to current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, now claiming almost 660,000 lives each year. That’s about one of every four fatalities.

Heart disease is more than a physical infirmity — it’s also a debilitating and deadly spiritual condition. One variety is jealousy, and there are several well-known cases of it recorded in the Bible. The first occurs within the opening chapters of Genesis between brothers Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. Cain was jealous that God preferred Abel’s offering over his own. And unable to control his bitterness and envy, he killed Abel, and then tried to mislead God about his crime. When his Creator asked about Abel’s whereabouts, the murderer responded, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” 

It’s later in Genesis that we find another instance of jealousy and deception. This time it involves Joseph, the son of Jacob — the patriarch of the nation of Israel. Jacob doted on Joseph, and the boy’s older brothers resented it. Joseph also didn’t win their affection by telling them about his symbolic dreams, which suggested that they would one day bow down to him. What’s more, Jacob had presented Joseph with a special coat of many colors, which signified the prominence of this handsome young son in his heart. One day, when Joseph ventured out in the fields to find his brothers, they spied him from afar and conspired to kill him. But they soon had a change of heart and instead decided to sell him into slavery.

Although the brothers’ horrendous deed led to years of heartbreak and struggle for both Joseph and Jacob, God used their jealousy as a vehicle for good. Joseph was both blessed and protected while in captivity. And he gained favor in the eyes of Egypt’s pharaoh — so much so that he eventually became the second-most powerful man in that nation. When a famine spread across the region, Joseph would even use his God-given wisdom to rescue millions of people from starvation — including his brothers and father. And yes, the brothers did bow down to Joseph, just as his dreams had predicted.

“You meant to do me harm, but God meant it for good,” Joseph explained, “so that it would come about as it is today, with many people’s lives being saved.”  

Are you the jealous type? Rather than envying each other’s accomplishments, possessions or good fortune, the cure for jealousy — the so-called Green-Eyed Monster — is to adopt an attitude of gratitude for our own many blessings. With this in mind, we’d be wise to take this passage from the Book of Jonah to heart:

“But as for me, I will sacrifice to you with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that which I have vowed. Salvation and deliverance belong to the Lord!”

Help Wanted

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

– Luke 10:2

Although millions of Americans lost their jobs following the COVID-19 business shutdowns, there’s lots of good news on the employment front. Companies like FedEx, Amazon and UPS are hiring thousands of new workers in preparation for the busy holiday season. There’s a nationwide shortage of truck drivers. And Help Wanted signs are commonplace in storefronts, with some businesses struggling to fill their open positions.

But if you’re in the job market, be aware that employers still prefer experienced, can-do candidates who meet their exacting criteria. Those who fail to impress and excel in some categories face the reality of not making it to that critical second interview.

Your first hurdle is to prove to the interviewer that you can do the job. What’s more, employers have to decide if they like you. Even if you’re well-qualified, you probably won’t get the job if they think you lack the right chemistry. They also want to know if you’re a risk. In other words, do you have a reputation for being difficult to manage? And finally, you must be affordable. Employers will eliminate you from the running if they think your salary demands are unreasonable.

Fortune 500 companies aren’t the only ones with high standards for their team members. For example, Christ-followers are tasked with preparing God’s Kingdom and being a bright light in a dark, troubled world. And since it’s such an important job that can yield eternal, life-changing rewards, only certain candidates are considered. First, they must be available on an as-needed basis. (Expect to work  weekends and holidays!) They also need to be obedient and follow the Boss’s (Jesus) directions — even if they don’t make much sense at the time. Effective Christ-followers must also be humble in their work and share the credit whenever it’s due. Overtime and sacrifice are a given. And to top it off, they must display initiative and be on the lookout for opportunities to help their customers (neighbors), both local and foreign.

Is it any wonder that most people won’t respond to Christ’s Help Wanted sign? To quote the Navy’s old recruiting slogan, “It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure.” Here’s how Luke’s gospel records Jesus’ words to his would-be candidates:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”

Landing a job can be hard — even in a vibrant economy. But here’s some good news: Jesus is hiring right now for his organization’s growing team. And many of his highest-producers have had no experience in the field. Yes, the working conditions aren’t always ideal. But there are plenty of rewards along the way. And the retirement plan is out of this world.

Fighting Words

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

– Matthew 5:22 

The saying goes that you don’t let your mouth write a check that you can’t cash. In other words, don’t threaten to do something unless you’re willing to back it up with action. The message is that our tongues can get us into lots of hot water. And when we’re too quick to speak and even quicker to anger, catastrophe and regret can follow.

The sentiment of this sage advice is hardly new. About 2,000 years ago, James — the half-brother of Jesus — wrote the following New Testament passage:

“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”

Do these words hit close to home? Anger is one of mankind's earliest and strongest emotions, and it even played itself out early in the Bible through the world's first murder, when Cain killed his brother Abel.  

We couldn't control our anger back then in that quiet, agrarian setting, and we still can't today — sometimes in the form of petty arguments or even road rage on traffic-snarled highways. But Christ-followers are to live to a much higher standard and strive for gentleness as evidence that God lives through us. But keep in mind that gentleness isn't another word for wimpiness. Instead, biblical gentleness is the transformation of our innate anger into the power to do God's will in the world. A good definition is power focused on the positive.   

If you're a Christ-follower who's finding it hard to tame your tongue, take heart. The transformation from our old self into a new creation is a work in progress that's on God's timetable. It's a change that takes place bit by bit and day after day along each step of our faith-journey. But the problem is that the journey's pathway is narrow, twisting and full of unexpected hairpin curves. And when we don't keep our eyes on the destination, we tend to end up in the ditch.

Jesus also told his disciples to expect bumps and potholes in this road. "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come," he explained. "But woe to that person through whom they come."

It’s with the same mouth that we can both bless and curse others. And if we use our tongue the wrong way, we must accept the consequences. But the good news is that when we fail and sin, we can freely ask for help from our Savior, who lived the perfect, sin-free life to wash them all away: past, present and future. That's because Jesus paid in full when our mouth wrote that check.

Words to the Wise

When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.

– 1 Kings 3:28

We read in the Old Testament book of 1 Kings that God gave Solomon — the son of Israel’s famous King David — wisdom and very great insight, as well as a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. In fact, Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom found in all of Egypt, and kings from all nations sent their people to listen to him.

One of Solomon’s wisest acts was to ask God for wisdom — rather than riches or fame — after he assumed the throne following his father's death. God honored Solomon's astute request with wisdom beyond human understanding. And great riches and fame soon followed it.
 
Solomon was an effective ruler when he lived by God's standards, and he used his wisdom to administer justice throughout Israel. But despite this, Solomon tended to falter in his personal life and make poor decisions when he took his eyes off God. It's through his years of learning-it-the-hard-way that Solomon penned Ecclesiastes, the book of the Bible that summarizes many of the wise king's observations about life.
 
His first observation was that this is our one and only life. And it's only through God that we can find true happiness in it. Likewise, our lives are short. Therefore, we need to make the most of the opportunities God gives us each day.
 
Although our lives are brief, they are more like cross-country marathons than straight-away sprints. Jesus centuries later reinforced Solomon's observation: "For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction," Christ warned his followers, "and many enter through it."  The takeaway is that we must enter the Kingdom of God via life's winding roads and narrow gate. The hard way is the only way.
 
Finally, Solomon wrote that everyone's hour will come when they leave this brief lifetime and pass into the next chapter of existence. And since none of us knows exactly when that will be, we all must be ready — both for when we'll die and for where we'll spend eternity. 
 
Those are indeed words to the wise. 

Saved to Serve

In the same way, faith by itself — that does nothing — is dead.

– James 2:26

Rejecting half-heartedness and non-committal, Jesus calls for total devotion from his disciples and would-be followers. That’s why as believers, our lives must show tangible actions that reflect our faith in him. 

That doesn’t mean we must work to earn our way into God’s favor by living a so-called “good life,” doing good deeds, going to church … and then contributing a few dollars each Sunday. That wouldn’t be nearly enough. After all, God demands perfection. And not one of us comes even close to meeting that high standard. That’s why Jesus — who did indeed live a perfect life — was the only acceptable sacrifice to pay the penalty we all deserve for our sinfulness.

The price to redeem us was exorbitant, but he willingly saved his followers so they could serve. To illustrate this expectation, Jesus told a story about a rich man who gave each of his three servants a considerable amount of money to invest while he was away on an extended trip. After a while, he returned to claim what was his. The man was very pleased with the first two servants, who had invested what he had given them and doubled his money. But it wasn’t so with the third, who was afraid of his master’s stern reputation and feared risking a loss. He instead played it safe by burying the money in a hole in the ground. Rather than commending the servant’s regard for safeguarding his funds, the rich man was furious because of the wasted opportunity to invest and multiply the treasure. 

We read this account in Matthew’s gospel:

“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.”

For Christ-followers, the lesson is that faith is a rule of life rather than an intellectual pursuit. So if we’re to translate our faith into action, let’s ask ourselves if we’re really directing our time, talents and resources toward the benefit of others … or if we’re simply playing it safe. Unlike the stock market or the commodities exchange, this is one investment that’s guaranteed to pay big dividends in the long run.

Semper Fi

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.

– 1 Chronicles 29:17

Founded a year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the US Marine Corps is famous for its involvement in some of the greatest battles in history. And more than two centuries later, the Marines continue to serve our nation with uncommon distinction, valor and integrity. But as courageous as they are, the Leathernecks would be ineffective without the high caliber of its officers. So vital are these leaders that the Marines continually recruit individuals who demonstrate the following key attributes:

• BEARING – Personal conduct reflecting alertness, competence, confidence and control.
• COURAGE – Remaining calm while recognizing fear.
• DECISIVENESS – Making good decisions without delay.
• DEPENDABILITY – The ability to be relied upon to perform duties properly. 
• ENDURANCE – The mental and physical stamina measured by your ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress and hardship.
• ENTHUSIASM – Sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. 
• INITIATIVE – Taking action without direction when necessary. 
• INTEGRITY – Honesty and truthfulness in what you say and do.
• JUDGMENT – The ability to think about things clearly and calmly to enable good decision-making.
• JUSTICE – The practice of being fair and consistent.
• KNOWLEDGE – Acquiring information and understanding people.
• LOYALTY – Devoted to your country, the Corps, and to your seniors, peers and subordinates. 
• TACT – Dealing with others in a manner that maintains good relations and avoids problems. 
• UNSELFISHNESS – Avoiding making yourself comfortable at the expense of others. 

That’s an admirable list that’s summed up in the Corps’ famous motto, Semper Fi (“Always Faithful”).

Jesus’ army of followers — collectively known as The Church — also needs outstanding leaders to help maximize their effectiveness as the citizen-soldiers of God’s Kingdom. We read in the New Testament’s Acts of the Apostles that Paul and Barnabas “… appointed elders for each church. With prayer and fasting, they committed these elders to the Lord, in whom they had placed their trust.”

Likewise, Paul wrote that “(t)he elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” And what are the key attributes of effective church elders? 

He puts it this way:

“Elders should be without fault. They should be faithful to their spouse, and have faithful children who can’t be accused of self-indulgence or rebelliousness. This is because overseers should be without fault as God’s managers: they shouldn’t be stubborn, irritable, addicted to alcohol, a bully, or greedy. Instead, they should show hospitality, love what is good, and be reasonable, ethical, godly, and self-controlled. They must pay attention to the reliable message as it has been taught to them so that they can encourage people with healthy instruction and refute those who speak against it.”

Like the Marines, Christ-followers are also fighting across the globe. But our battles are against the spiritual evils (“powers and principalities”) that dominate society. Faced with such powerful enemies, it’s no wonder that every local church — and The Church as a whole — needs wise leaders who demonstrate unwavering levels of integrity, character and faith in Jesus: leaders who are Semper Fi.

Servant Leadership

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

– Mark 9:35

Consider it our Book of Life — God’s words for us to live by. 

It’s through the Bible's pages that we learn our Creator not only loves us, but he will do whatever it takes to have an everlasting relationship with us. We also discover that God’s ways aren’t our ways. And his thoughts aren’t our own.

That’s quite an understatement. For example, the world teaches us to beat the competition, climb the corporate ladder and keep up with the neighbors (and then pass them by). We must have the biggest, the best and the shiniest. And we also need to drive the right car and have the right job. After all, life is all about us. 

There’s little room for humility with that attitude. But God invites Christ-followers to see things from his perspective: To be first, we must be last — and the servant of all. Of course, this viewpoint turns things totally inside out. And that invites a question:

How much better would the world be if we adopted a servant’s attitude and put the interests of others before our own?

Jesus responded by example. First, he willingly surrendered his advantages as God’s only son. He was born amidst humble circumstances — in a lowly animal feeding trough. When he grew older, he made a workingman’s living as a carpenter. And he could have lived in splendor as the King of Kings. But instead, Christ chose a nomadic existence to teach the Good News of salvation to his people. 

Of course, Jesus’ ultimate act of humility was to suffer the fate of a common criminal — one that he didn’t deserve because of his sinless, fault-free life. His was a horrific death on a cross to pay for the countless ways we’ve all failed to live up to God’s perfect standards.

How can we acquire Christ's remarkable servant-leader attitude? 

Above all, we must embrace our blessings by recognizing the wonderful things God has done for us — and continues to do for us every day. Without him, we are nothing. But through him, all things are possible.

Embracing servant-leadership to make God’s ways and thoughts our own will never be society’s formula for success. But when we turn our backs on the world and follow The Way, we’ll see that it’s through humility — not ambition — that both we and the world change for the better. 

Mission Statement

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

– Colossians 3:23-24

Many companies and organizations have a mission statement, which is a written declaration that sets out their purpose, work and goals. For example, CSX Corporation strives to “… be the safest, most progressive North American railroad, relentless in the pursuit of customer and employee excellence.” Levi Strauss & Co.’s mission statement says, “People love our clothes and trust our company. We will market the most appealing and widely worn casual clothing in the world. We will clothe the world.” Meanwhile, The Hershey Company — the manufacturer of delicious treats such as Twizzlers, Hershey’s Kisses and Reese’s peanut butter cups — gets right down to business with its stark mission statement: “Undisputed Marketplace Leadership.”

A common denominator here is the principle of return on investment, primarily to the organizations’ customers and stockholders. After all, these companies understand that they would not exist without their investors’ ongoing confidence and support. Likewise, their backers expect to see positive results from the company in one form or another.  

This is hardly a new concept. About 2,000 years ago, Jesus told a story about a master who gave three servants a considerable amount of money (“talents”) to invest while he was away on an extended trip. After a while, the master returned to claim what was his. He was very pleased with the first two servants, who had invested what he had given them and doubled the master’s money. But it wasn’t so with the third servant, who feared his master’s stern reputation and sought to avoid a loss. He played it safe and literally buried the money in a hole in the ground. The master was displeased, to say the least! Instead of commending the servant’s concern for safeguarding his resources, he was furious because of the wasted opportunity to invest and multiply his treasure.

That’s where Jesus’ mission statement for his followers enters the picture. God has given us various resources, skills, opportunities and circumstances for investing in the spiritual lives of others. They could be as close as your spouse, sibling or child. But they might be a co-worker, neighbor or someone God puts in your path at a most unexpected moment.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you,” Jesus assured his apostles, “and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

How are you using the talents God has given you? Are you investing them boldly in the lives of others — or are you simply playing it safe? It’s through Jesus that our mission is possible.

All In a Day's Work

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

– Luke 10:2

Thinking about switching jobs … or considering a new career? 

Now might be the time. The workplace has changed in the wake of COVID-19, and many jobs — particularly in the transportation, manufacturing, and construction industries — are going unfilled. Even so, landing that dream job is often a job itself — even in the best of circumstances. Employers are on the lookout for experienced, can-do candidates who meet some exacting criteria. And those who fail to impress won’t make it to that critical second interview.

The first hurdle is proving that you can do the job. A smart strategy is to share stories with the interviewer about how you’ve met challenges and succeeded at other organizations. Personality is also a factor. Even if you’re well-qualified, you probably won’t get the job if the employer doesn’t sense the right chemistry. And are you a risk? In other words, do you have a reputation for being difficult to manage? Meanwhile, you must be affordable. There are many well-qualified professionals in the job market, so employers can eliminate you from consideration if they think your salary expectations are unreasonable.

Fortune 500 companies aren’t the only ones with such high standards. For example, Christ-followers are tasked with being a bright light of hope in a dark, troubled world. And since it’s such an important job that can yield eternal, life-changing rewards, only certain candidates are considered. First, they must be available on an as-needed basis. (Expect to work some overtime, weekends and holidays!) They must also follow the Boss’ (Jesus) instructions — even if what he says doesn’t make much sense at the time. Christ-followers should be humble in their work and share the credit whenever it’s due. And to top it off, they need to demonstrate initiative and seek opportunities to help others and make a difference.

Is it any wonder that most folks won’t respond to Christ’s help wanted ad? To borrow the U.S. Navy’s old recruiting slogan, “It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure.” Here’s how Luke’s gospel records Jesus’ words to his would-be candidates:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”

Landing a job can be difficult — even in today’s economy. But here’s some good news: Jesus is hiring right now for his organization’s growing team. And many of his highest producers had no previous experience in the field. Sure, the working conditions aren’t always ideal. But there are plenty of rewards along the way … and the retirement plan is out of this world!

City of Joy

And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.

– Deuteronomy 10:19

Our indebted nation is divided politically, inflation is on the rise and we’re still battling the effects of COVID-19. If you believe the news media, there’s not much to feel joyous about these days. But the truth is that millions around the world would do just about anything to trade places with us. That’s because even the poorest of the poor in the United States are considered rich (at least statistically) when compared with the rest of the humanity.

If that thought doesn’t brighten your day, maybe the City of Joy will put things into perspective. In his book of the same name, author Dominique Lapierre writes about Anand Nagar (“The City of Joy”), which is a slum in the center of Kolkata, India. Its residents are of different castes and religions, but they tirelessly help one another in the midst of grinding poverty and injustice. As one book critic described it, Lapierre met people there who possessed nothing, yet seemed to have everything. The City of Joy was a place where the innocent actually thrived on poverty because of their freedom from care and zest for life. In fact, Lapierre found more heroism, joy and happiness in the Indian slums than in many cities of the affluent West. It was these unlikely residents who turned a place of darkness into a City of Joy.

As Christ-followers, our relationship with Jesus grants us literal access to our Creator — a loving Father who hears our prayers and looks for ways to bless us. So no matter how bad things get in our lives, we already know that our ultimate story will end on a very positive note. Jesus’ idea when he sent out his original disciples 2,000 years ago — as well as you and me today — is to reach the world with his message of grace and joy, and put off our selfish concerns and desires. What’s more, he wants us to show compassion to a broken and needy world. Following Christ means following the example he set: feeding, clothing and providing resources to refugees and the poor who would otherwise do without. As we read in Proverbs 31: 8-9:

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Out of the Darkness

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

– Matthew 5:10

For Christ-followers, recent headlines have been anything but encouraging. Our brothers and sisters in faith are being persecuted and killed by the thousands throughout the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Foreign aid to Christian-run hospitals and schools has been blocked by the Indian government. And according to the Christian advocacy group Open Doors, more than 340 million Christians across the globe are facing high levels of persecution and discrimination, such as through the refusal of COVID-19-related aid in Nigeria. 

It’s in troubling times like these we must remember Jesus’ admonition to some of his earliest followers:

“Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.”

What does Jesus mean by light? It’s really that “spark” or inner power that God grants each Christ-follower for demonstrating his goodness through their words and deeds. We might show it by running a much-needed errand for an elderly neighbor. Or volunteering to manage a co-worker’s project when they're struggling to finish an earlier assignment. Or it might involve cleaning up a community park, buying groceries for a shut-in or visiting the residents of an assisted living center. Ultimately, it’s about living out our faith.

As he did 2,000 years ago, Jesus also calls on his modern-day followers to be the salt of the earth — that crucial element of preservation and flavor — while we await his return. That means we’re to help prepare for his Kingdom by making the most of the different gifts and talents he’s given us. And while serving the least of his creation, we’ll become more like him along the way.

“In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served,” Jesus explains. “He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people."  

These are indeed dark times, marked by multiple levels of persecution. But it’s because of this darkness that many outside our faith are recognizing their own plight and the need for answers — as well as a brighter future. As Christ-followers, let’s turn our faith into salt and light by accepting Jesus’ invitation to help illuminate a bleak, dying world that’s so much in need of our Savior’s guidance, truth and love. 

1 Peter Principle

Dear friends, don't be surprised or shocked that you are going through testing that is like walking through fire.

– 1 Peter 4:12

The Peter Principle is a hypothesis introduced by Dr. Laurence Peter and Raymond Hull that asserts that in a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his or her level of incompetence. Dr. Peter also observed that work in an organization is actually accomplished by those employees who haven't yet reached their level of incompetence.

If you’ve ever been a cubical-dweller in corporate America or you're a fan of the comic strip Dilbert, you know that Dr. Peter was onto something. On the other hand, many people have legitimately worked their way through the ranks and earned their way to the top. But once they made it, the experience sometimes defied their expectations. Challenges arose, problems materialized and the limelight of prestige began to burn. That once sought-after corner office quickly became a place of tension and anxiety. 

If opposition and distraction are what many people face once they attain success (as the world defines it), what's it like for Christ-followers who strive for life's real measure of accomplishment: faithfulness to God? For the Lord’s perspective on the matter, let’s consider what we might call the 1 Peter Principle.   

The Bible teaches that those who’ve accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior can also expect opposition. In fact, they can count on it. The key to enduring the onslaught is learning how to recognize the opposition — and then turning it to an advantage — and all while placing our hope in God.

It's important to understand that this opposition will always bring added challenges. But the life-long habits we develop as Christ-followers — such as consistent prayer, Bible study and regular time with other believers — will prove themselves worthwhile many times over. It's like the long-distance runner, whose car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. That’s a desperate scenario for many people. But for those who’ve trained and prepared, that 5-mile jog to the nearest gas station is a mere inconvenience.

The challenges that Christ-followers face are also sure to bring testing. Maybe it's a layoff at work, an illness in the family or an unanticipated, budget-busting expense. Whatever it is, we can respond by either giving up … or placing our faith in our Creator to see us through the storm. Real faith and hope will stand strong to the end. But what's false is bound to fail. As the Bible puts it, "blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him." 

Is your faith-journey’s ladder to the top shaky or rock-solid? And if you’ve already landed that hard-earned promotion, are you finding that the view isn’t quite what you expected? If so, maybe it’s time to talk to The Boss:  

“I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give,” Jesus reminds his followers. “It isn't like the peace that this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid.”

Dirty Laundry

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

– Matthew 8:5

Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

You won’t find that familiar saying anywhere in the Bible. But many people believe it’s the Gospel truth. We start or end most days with a hot shower or bath. We stock our bathrooms with antibacterial soaps. And we buy costly laundry detergents and bleaches promising brilliant whites and vivid colors. It all adds up to a global soap and detergent industry involving hundreds of companies with combined annual revenues exceeding $95 billion.

Cleanliness is also part of our popular culture. Mr. Clean has been a recognized Proctor and Gamble icon for more than 50 years. Ivory Soap — famous for more than a century — promotes itself as 99 44/100% Pure. And there’s even a popular Tide detergent NASCAR race car.

 

Our desire to stay clean seems to be hard-wired into our DNA. But this intense longing covers much more than our face and hands. We also want to be just as clean on the inside. That means a clean heart, a clean conscience and a clean spirit. And what we want most is a clean start in life.

But from the earliest chapters of the Bible, we read that mankind chose to turn its back on God and do its own thing. We decided to live our lives on our own terms and ignore the One who made us, knows us and loves us. And by disobeying God, we destroyed our perfect environment and became soiled with a black spot on our souls that the strongest detergent can never remove. 

“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin,” pleaded King David, the one who was called a man after God’s own heart. It’s this same plea that we should offer up to God every day.

The good news is that God long ago responded to our helplessness in a most miraculous way. But not by devising some sort of payment plan for all the damage we’ve done to our own lives and to others. The price was much too high for that.

Instead, God decided to pay the price himself through the death of his only Son, Jesus Christ. And as predicted centuries earlier in the Old Testament, he came to earth in the form of a helpless infant, grew up and lived a faultless, sin-free life, and was unjustly executed for trumped-up crimes that he didn’t commit. 

It was all so grossly unfair because Jesus was without fault. But there was no other way to fully pay the penalty that we alone deserve. Jesus was more than a teacher, more than a king — and certainly more than a man. He was the perfect sacrifice who came to earth to make us right with God. So when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, God sees us as he sees his own Son: One who is spotless and blameless. All we need to do is accept this free — and incredibly generous — gift of grace. 

“I, the LORD, invite you to come and talk it over,” says God in the book of Isaiah. “Your sins are scarlet red, but they will be whiter than snow or wool.” 

Are you ready to come clean with God?

What Kind of Church Is This?

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

– Matthew 16:18

What comes to mind when you hear the word church ?

Ask 10 different people, and you’ll likely get 10 different answers. But a common denominator for most is that church is a sacred place for feeling closer with God. Some feel closer to their Creator in a traditional worship setting — one typically characterized by stained glass windows, choirs, sanctuaries and sacred organ music. Other Christ-followers have a different perspective. They feel comfortable with meeting in diverse locations ranging from storefronts to movie theaters. And still others contend that the formalities of a traditional church can actually hinder authentic worship.

We may envision church as a cathedral, a coffee house or something in between, but the Bible defines it quite differently. Rather than being a structure filled with pews and crowned by a soaring steeple, the church is actually people: all those who count Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. No matter who you are and where you live — if you’re a Christ-follower — you’re part of his church called the Body of Christ.

Opinions vary. But regardless of where we gather on Sundays (or some other day of the week), we should all agree that it’s no replacement for the sacred presence of God with us. Jesus — who is God in the flesh — paid for his church with something much more valuable than money or gold. He came to earth to personally live out the human experience, and then buy our spiritual freedom and eternal future at the price of his own blood. One result is that Believers are now one body —the Church — joined through a common faith. 

Yes, an awe-inspiring church sanctuary can be a holy place of prayer and celebration. But for that matter, so can the workplace, gym or supermarket. Let’s just remember that wherever we are each day, our sacred place of worship should be there as well.

What Will You Do?

He has shown all you people what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

– Micah 6:8

Back in the 1970s, American Express launched a popular series of TV commercials that invited viewers to imagine their worst travel nightmares. 

“What will you do?” asked celebrity narrator Karl Malden. “What will you do?”

In one episode, a traveler is in a run-down hotel in some unnamed Third World country. He’s just discovered that his wallet and travelers checks were stolen by a pickpocket. His luggage is also missing. With no money, identification or any way to get help, the unwitting victim is in deep trouble because he can’t re-pay his debt. But had he purchased American Express Travelers Cheques (yes, that’s how they really spell them), his loss would have been repaid in full within 24 hours, regardless of his location.

Although that's a bit far-fetched in these days of PayPal, credit cards, emails and iPhones, this classic commercial still illustrates a basic spiritual truth. Because of the way we’ve lived our lives and treated others, we’ve all run up an immense bill with no way to repay it. But with God’s grace and mercy through Jesus’ death on the cross, the spiritual debt of every Christ-follower is completely paid in full. 

Since God shows us great mercy even though we really deserve death, we’re now expected to show mercy to others. That sounds simple enough. But somehow, it conflicts with our sense of fair play. After all, aren’t there some people who just have it coming? Shouldn’t they get what they deserve? Someone needs to even the score.

Does anyone in particular come to mind? How about that guy who kept cutting you off in traffic this morning? Or what about that woman who butted in line at the DMV ... or that neighbor who lets their dog loose in your yard? There’s no shortage of examples.

Yes, everyone has faced injustice and hurt in one way or another. So don’t those people need to pay us back to make it right? After all, they owe us. 

Maybe. But we owe God much, much more. And since he canceled out our huge debt, it’s up to us to spread grace toward those who have wronged us. Yes, it’s a hard lesson. But never forget that God doesn’t ask us to give more mercy than what he’s already given us. 

What exactly does the Lord require of you and me as Christ-followers? It’s in Micah 6:8 that we learn the answer: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

With this in mind, Jesus — and Karl Malden — want to know: What will you do?

 

Guilty as Sin

LORD, the God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence.

– Ezra 9:15

It takes just a single word — positive or negative — to paint a vivid picture of someone. For example, we might link words like genius or visionary to Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs, or leader to George Washington and Martin Luther King. Likewise, we might label Ted Bundy or Hitler as murderer.

How about you?

Would you label yourself as generous, energetic, successful … or maybe humble? Or what about lonely, abused or divorced? How about addicted?

Ask that question to 20 different people, and you’ll probably get 20 different answers. But the apostle Paul tells us through the book of Romans that there’s one word that fits everyone: GUILTY.

He explains that everyone (that’s you and me) has in one way or another broken God’s perfect Law. That’s because we’ve all lied, cheated, stole and killed — either literally or figuratively. We’re all guilty as sin. And according to God’s Law, the death penalty is the just response to our wrongdoings. 

Scripture affirms this. It’s in Romans 6:23 that we read the wages of sin is death.

But here’s the good news: This same Bible passage adds that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. Paul writes that God paid the penalty we all deserve through the death of his own son (Jesus) on the cross. So as far as our Creator is concerned, we’re considered RIGHTEOUS, or right in the eyes of God, and are now free to live out our lives and follow his ways. 

Have you put your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If so, he’s cancelled your debt. And as far as he’s concerned, your label is now innocent. Paul sums it up this way in 2 Corinthians 5:21:

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Pride Before the Fall

 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

– Proverbs 11:2

There’s a certain pride factor when you do it yourself and do it right. Who can deny the satisfaction gained from viewing a shiny polished car or a lush, manicured lawn? And that goes double when you put hours of hard work into your efforts. Yes, you should be proud.

Or should you?

Maybe taking pride in a job well done is OK to a point. But as Christ-followers, we need to understand that PRIDE is actually one of those giants that can hurt us badly if we don’t watch out. But is pride really that much of a big deal? It’s not like one of those negative-sounding issues like FEAR and DEATH. And there’s not the shame that’s associated with LUST.

But as it turns out, the Bible teaches that misplaced pride really IS a big deal to God. That’s because pride can be a crippling disease with some very nasty side effects. First, we see it in other people but not in ourselves. And eventually, we get to the point where we think we can do it all — and all while forgetting the fact that God is the true power and source of our successes. We become arrogant, vain, stubborn and defensive. We may even develop a strange sense of satisfaction when others (sometimes even our friends) face difficulties or tragedies in their lives. These symptoms last for a while. But only up to the point where God finally lets us crumble and fall flat from some unforeseen situation or circumstance. 

It’s called the pride before the fall. And it’s only then that we come back to our senses and come back to God with a humble heart. 

What’s the prescription for curing this infection called PRIDE? It’s not about adopting a permanently low self-esteem or a woe-is-me attitude. Instead, it’s all about replacing self-confidence with God-confidence. Our best strategy is to always put God first in our lives and remember that we can do nothing without him. Always give him the credit for your blessings and successes. And then remember that God chooses and uses the humble to do great things in the world.

The Bible sums it up with some solid advice: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." 

Authentic Compassion

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

-- John 13:35

As Christ-followers, we're often reminded about the importance of helping our neighbors and showing compassion to strangers. Jesus taught this principle through The Good Samaritan: one of the most familiar stories of the Bible. 

It’s in Luke’s gospel that we read about a traveler who was attacked by robbers and left for dead. A priest saw the wounded man but elected to pass him by. Later, a Levite (a member of one of the tribes of Israel) also saw the man lying on the ground. And he too avoided him. But when a Samaritan — a member of a despised ethnic group — happened to come by, he bandaged up the injured stranger, checked him into a motel and even prepaid the bill!

Two supposedly "good" people had a chance to help the helpless, but they went out of their way to do nothing. Instead, it was the Samaritan who found God's approval because he had shown practical compassion to his neighbor (a total stranger).

Although that's a lesson we all need to learn and live by, helping neighbors and strangers isn't always easy. We too often let selfishness and pride get in our way. We don't want to get our hands dirty. And then we end up like the supposedly "good" people in Jesus' story. But let's consider the other side of the coin: How are we showing compassion to our fellow Christ-followers — not strangers — but rather other Believers?

The moment we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become a member of an enormous family of faith spanning race, nationality, gender and generation. We may be very different, but it's our faith in Jesus that bridges the gaps. For all of us, Jesus is at the core of our thoughts and motivations. And we all share a common eternal destiny and a loving Father.

This truth sets apart Christ-followers from all others in the world. But since the world is watching us and questioning our motives, it’s crucial that we demonstrate lives of authentic compassion.

How should we do that? It’s by celebrating each other's triumphs, mourning each other's losses and sacrificing our own selfish interests that we exhibit much more than transformed lives and ongoing spiritual growth. Above all, we need to follow Jesus' example: one where love is an action-word lived out every day through a changed heart.

 

The Pursuit of Happiness

 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

– Isaiah 12:3

The world is reeling from a pandemic, millions are unemployed, the nation is divided politically, and inflation is on the rise. What’s more, the news headlines are both disturbing and depressing. Nevertheless, billions would be happy to trade places with us. That’s because even the poorest of the poor in America are considered rich (at least statistically) when compared with so much of humanity.

We understand that the concepts of wealth and poverty are relative because a dollar obviously stretches further in Montana than in Monte Carlo. But regardless of your address and the size of your bank account, money still can’t buy you happiness and joy. In fact, the Bible reveals that excessive wealth can be an obstacle to spiritual health. That's because of the temptation to rely on it rather than its ultimate source, God. Society, however, continues to spread a false narrative about riches, and it's even altered the definition of joy.

But true joy isn’t the reaction to something external, like a new car or a piece of jewelry. Instead, it’s an internal source of gladness and thanksgiving that reveals the true picture though the most difficult of circumstances. As Christ-followers, our relationship with Jesus grants us access to our Creator — a loving Father who hears our prayers and looks for ways to bless us. So no matter how bad things get in our lives, we already know that our ultimate story will end on a very positive note. Let’s consider the experience of the apostle Paul:

“Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,” he wrote in 2 Corinthians. “I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.”

That doesn’t sound like a happy, fun-filled experience. Yet Paul wrote that he was joyful.

When we have lives that are filled with joy, even the most unpleasant of circumstances can’t bring us down. Paul spent years in prison chained to his guards while under the constant threat of death. But he always prayed thankfully. And instead of feeling sorry for himself, he used the situation to change the lives of fellow prisoners and jailers alike — and all while writing much of what we today know as the New Testament. The lesson for modern-day Christ-followers like you and me is that we must habitually look for the good and dwell on the positive.

Yes, we are living in complicated, unprecedented times that can pull us down both physically and emotionally. But Paul’s advice to you and me is both simple and profound:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Houston, We Have a Problem

 We are ruined by our own stupidity, though we blame the Lord.

– Proverbs 19:3

NASA’s original plan for the April 1970 Apollo 13 mission was to land on the moon, survey it and develop mankind’s ability to work in the lunar environment. But then came these fateful words from astronaut Jack Swigert: 

Houston… We’ve had a problem here.

That problem was caused by an oxygen tank explosion aboard the spacecraft, which nearly ended the mission in disaster. The crew was forced to return to earth without ever landing on the moon, and they had to improvise a way to conserve onboard electricity while reducing the buildup of deadly gases inside the cabin. More troubling still was that no one could determine if the damaged capsule would withstand the intense heat generated while re-entering the earth’s atmosphere.

Earth-based radar stations tracked Apollo 13’s progress home while NASA stayed in radio contact with the astronauts. But as expected, communications were lost when super-heated plasma built up around the spacecraft. It wasn’t until minutes later that Mission Control heard the astronauts’ voices break through the static. The prayers of millions of around the world were answered that day as Apollo 13 and its crew splashed down safely to earth.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that everyone’s plans — big or small — result in varying degrees of success or failure. And depending on the circumstances, we may feel like we have a handle on the situation … or that the situation has run amok. Maybe you feel like that today — and for good reason. But believe it or not, God is in control.  

This is a fundamental truth that every Christ-follower should embrace. One reason that we don't feel his power is because we can't see the big picture. We don’t know the life-changing people and situations that he’ll introduce to the mix. We also don’t have his vantage point of knowing what’s around the corner and miles up the road. Moreover, it’s hard for us to see a greater purpose in our lives when we're going through the pain of unemployment, lingering illness, family problems or even death. But God is in control. And for those who trust and follow him, he offers this assurance:

"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you,” says our Creator. “Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Have your best-laid plans led to frustration and depression? Don’t lose hope. God knows what we need — and he knows it long before we ask him for help. And when our plans align with his purpose, success is on the horizon.  

Swiss Army Knife

I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough.

– Philippians 4:12

If it takes the right tool to do the job right, chances are that the Victorinox Swiss Army knife is that tool. 

First produced in 1891 for — as its name suggests — the Swiss army — this folding, all-in-one pocketknife is easily recognized by its red handle and cross logo. What's more, the iconic cutlery is produced in dozens of models with ingenious implements including corkscrews, tweezers, bottle-openers, can openers, and even nail files. Newer models feature everything from USB computer storage drives to laser pointers. And there’s even a 9-inch-wide version with 85 tools for the outdoorsman (or outdoorswoman) who has everything.

Speaking of having everything, God has blessed us with a nation of incredible abundance and wealth. And although millions of Americans seemingly do have it all, we live amidst an epidemic of discontentment. The more possessions we gather and the higher we climb the corporate ladder, the more unfulfilled and disillusioned we become. And rather than thanking God for his blessings and making the most of them, we wonder if that’s all there is to life.

This contagious disease comes with some nasty symptoms. Those afflicted often turn to alcohol, street drugs, illicit relationships and gambling to ease the pain. They find that things might get better for a while. But the hunger for fulfillment returns soon enough.

This problem is hardly new. And it's not confined to the United States or even Western society. In fact, the Bible addressed the issues of naught and disappointment centuries ago. And its advice is as valid today as it was back then.

First, let’s think about all the ways God has blessed us. That could include family, career, health and friends — to name a few. Next, we must quit comparing our possessions with our neighbor’s. Advertising agencies thrive when they convince us that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. 

The only remedy is found in the One known as The Great Physician: Jesus. And a growing relationship with him produces contentment because there's nothing bigger, better or more necessary in life. Comparisons fall away and material things lose their luster. With Christ as our Master, what was once so important soon fades into obscurity. 

Does this sound simplistic or too good to be true? Fulfillment is just inches away — the distance between our head and our heart. 

"Seek first God's kingdom and what God wants," Jesus invites us through Matthew's gospel. "Then all your other needs will be met as well."