WATCHWORD:
Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. 2 Timothy 2:1-7
Meditation:
Christian Rules?
Years ago, when I was living in Cincinnati, I had a physician friend and colleague who told me, much to my surprise, that she thought she might be an atheist. Nothing would have prepared me for that statement. We chatted about that for a while, and I shared a little of my Walk, then she said something like, “Good for you, Stan. But, you know, I don’t believe anyone can become a compassionate, practicing medical doctor without a conscience.”
To which I replied, “You mean, like a Higher Power?” She just smiled. Seeds.
What surprised me was that she lives her life dedicated to reaching out and helping the disadvantaged. She isn’t just a good person, she is an active good person who seeks ways where she can make a difference, and she does, volunteering in local clinics, visiting homeless and helping meet their needs for food or clothing. In addition, I believe, she makes significant donations to worthy and needy causes. This person, who claims she is not a Christian, is, nevertheless, acting out Christ’s love in a very real and substantive way. “They will know we are Christians by our love…,” right?
People who live their lives acting out of love, looking for all the world like Christians, and yet rejecting that label, are they Christians? How do you think Jesus would look upon them? I have friends who would say NO, they aren’t Christians! They would ask: Are they baptized? Have they accepted Christ? If they don’t believe in A, B and C they can’t be Christians! To my ear, that sounds a little like an ancient Rabbi checking off Judaism laws #611 through #613?
And Jesus said to the thief on His right, “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.” No baptism there. The A was, but no B or C.
I was in a couple’s neighborhood Bible Study group. One of our group had been a member of a local church for years and taught Christian Education to youth and adults. When a new pastor came to the church, my friend was told he could not teach any more, until he was “re-baptized”! He refused and, subsequently, was asked to leave that church. Ah, the rigid laws of Christianity at work.
What am I to say? In my heart, I believe that Christ is at work in them. I hear Christ say: “…For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and you invited me into your homes; naked and you clothed me; sick and in prison, and you visited me.” I also hear Him telling us about sowing seeds and making disciples. Christian love.
Can you be an invisible Christian? Can you be an anonymous Christian? “The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed aloud: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people– like this tax collector” (Luke 18:11). Is that what we have come to? We must declare? We have to wear signs?
If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it must be an atheist!
My friend, the doctor, is not a quack, believe me. What she believes she holds close to her heart. She lets her actions speak. I will not judge her, but there are times when I wish I was as dedicated and committed as she.
Stan
Bulletin Board:
Saturday Funny — “Doctor, I think my wife is getting hard of hearing.”
“There’s a simple test you can run to see how bad the problem is: Start out 40 feet away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone say something and see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response.”
That evening, the man’s wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he’s in the living room. In a normal tone, he asks, “Honey, what’s for supper?” No response.
So, he moves to the other end of the room and repeats, “Honey, what’s for supper?” Still no response. Next, he moves into the dining room. “Honey, what’s for supper?” No response, so he walks up to the kitchen door. “Honey, what’s for supper?” Again, there is no response, so he walks right up behind her. “Honey, what’s for supper?”
“For the fifth time, Bob, CHICKEN!”
Comment — Some of us will be worshiping in an actual church tonight or tomorrow. Some for the first time since March. My experience has been; it is different, maybe a bit more organized, and to be with others is good. I took communion with prayerful relief, surrendering my sins? I did miss the comfort of the couch, and the pjs, and maybe my extended conversations with God, also known as my prayers. Tomorrow it will be good to be back in my home church, worshipping with friends. May God bless you all. Stan Escott
Morning Prayers:
Gracious Father, as we begin a new day, help us to engage your will with a reckless faith. Teach us to trust in you, and help us grow in righteousness. Heavenly Lord, give us the courage to step out in faith this day. Fill our hearts with your spirit, and let us speak your words with pride. Amen.
Father, I praise You today for all that You have done in my life. You are faithful even when I am faithless. Your love pursues me even when I am unlovable. Your forgiveness covers my sin and frees me from its penalty. I praise You for your love and faithfulness to me. Your presence in my life changes everything, empowering me to live each moment of every day, content in knowing You are in control. As I face today, Lord, remind me that no matter what happens, I can praise You! In Your Name, Amen.
