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Prioritizing Priorities

Prioritizing Priorities

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We’re just back from a wonderful post-Easter trip to Washington.  So this week I’m resharing a post from several years ago.  I pray it is thought-provoking and beneficial to you.  It’s certainly a great reminder to me!

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We all recognize that priorities are important, but few of us actually prioritize our lives.  At least, that’s the way it seems to me.  (And I count myself among the guilty!)

If asked what is truly important in our life, we could provide excellent answers: God, family, health, home, security, freedom, etc.  Yet often our day-to-day decisions don’t line up with the top items on our self-proclaimed priority list.

Why is this so?  We’re logical, practical people; why are those key items we deem critical so commonly neglected and even downright disregarded – overshadowed by so many lesser things?

There are many factors, of course.  But ultimately the root causes are brought on by the unholy trio of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature (flesh).  Satan enthralls our sinful natures with the wonders, pleasures, and responsibilities of the world, leading us effectively and easily away from pursuing the truly significant things.  Satan is the ultimate deceiver and distractor, and sadly we are easily dissuaded.

Consequently, we are constantly chasing after the “urgent” in our lives instead of devoting ourselves to the “important.”  Typically the “urgents” overwhelm us, receiving tremendous attention, while the “importants” quietly recede into the background.

Or to say it another way, we focus a tremendous amount of time and energy on “nick-nacks” rather than on true “treasures.”  And this leaves us frustrated and somewhat discombobulated.  We realize innately that our focus is misplaced and our emphasis off.

Thankfully, our Lord never mixes up his priorities.  And we are one of his top treasures!  The One who created the cosmos and orchestrates the world’s events – both great and small – made our salvation a top priority.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Furthermore, our loving Lord is with us every second of our lives.  He provides for us, protects us, guides us, and blesses us (Jer. 17.7).  How fortunate we are to be at the top of God’s priority list!

So how do we recognize the highest priorities in our lives?  And a more challenging question: how we do we live properly prioritized lives?

Here’s an exercise to evaluate our top priorities, and the order of those priorities.  It’s a variation of a process someone shared with me once.

Think of your priorities as personal treasures.  Now imagine yourself ruled by a king.  The king is powerful, and he is greedy.  He demands all your treasures … except for 10 items. 

What 10 treasures would you keep?  Take your time and think this out.  You must be specific, and you can only retain 10.  Recognize that treasures can also be spiritual or non-tangible.  Write your choices down.

Now imagine that this greedy king decides he wants more, so you have to give up another treasure.  Now you’ll be down to 9.  What will you give up?  Record your decision.

Repeat the process until you whittle your treasures down to one item.  (This process becomes increasingly agonizing as you go along!)  But after making your final decision, you are left with the top priority in your life!  The rest of the order of your treasures/priorities has also been established in descending order by the choices you made along the way. 

I trust that the Lord, his Word, and your faith rank highly on your list in some manner!  As Jesus himself reminded us, “Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

If you don’t care for my suggested approach, do an online search for setting priorities.  You’ll find many other alternatives.  The key is that you identify what your top priorities are.

Well done!  Your priorities are established.  But now the real challenge begins.  How do you live your life properly reflecting your top priorities?  How do the treasures you identified receive the daily recognition they deserve?

Here are a few suggestions to maintain course:

1. Print your list of priorities and display it in prominent places where you will see it and be reminded of what is truly important to you.

2. Commit to necessary changes. Simply noting your priorities won’t automatically translate into keeping those priorities; deliberate adjustments are needed.

3. Organization and self-established structure will help safeguard your priorities. Ranked sub-categories under your main points will help clarify your focus even more.

4. Set a schedule and routine that incorporates and supports your top priorities. Set times for specific key tasks, and hold to them.

5. Routinely address the most important things (your “treasures”) first. If less important things don’t get done, they don’t get done.  But you will still have given due attention to what’s most important to you.

6. Share your priorities with others who will encourage you and will hold you accountable.

7. Recognize that priorities can change over time, so reevaluate occasionally.

Establishing priorities … and living according to them … really should be a priority for all of us.  Because our “treasures” need to be properly treasured!

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Here are some wise Biblical words from an exceptionally wise man named Solomon.  The point of sharing these words is not to demonstrate that everything in this world is meaningless, but that many of the things to which we devote our time and energy are actually not so important.

Ecclesiastes 1:12-14
I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 2:22-26
What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless. A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness …

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Necessary Clean-Up

Necessary Clean-Up

As you may know, my wife and I now live in Michigan.  As you undoubtedly know, it snows in Michigan.  Sometimes a lot!

One of the remarkable things I have noticed since moving here is that the folks in central Michigan do not mess around with accumulated (or accumulating) snow. 

After the worst of the snow has fallen … and sometimes even while it is still piling up … armies of snow soldiers suddenly appear on the battlefields in front of their houses.  This isn’t just a few people in front of a few houses, but a massive force of troops.

Some (like me) are limited to basic weapons like shovels.  Many others have more advanced technology and go on the attack with snow-blowers. 

Then there are the calvary divisions.  They are the ones driving 4-wheel-drive pick-up trucks with mounted steel blades … most with a single blade.  (However, the really impressive ones carry v-blades that can be positioned in a number of different ways to clear the snow.)  These heavily armed vehicles come to the rescue of those who hired them, and in a few well-articulated passes clear an entire driveway in just moments.  They are also the ones paid to shove the snow into huge piles in the local parking lots.

And we dare not forget the heavy artillery!  The huge city and county trucks that grade the snow off the streets … typically pouring out ice-melting materials as they go.  (Unfortunately, they also tend to refill the bottom of driveways already cleared out!  And if the accumulation is significant, this occurs a number of times!)

Our city even has effective little special units which clean the white stuff off the city sidewalks!  I’d never seen that before, but I’ve been out of the Midwest for many years.

These many winter warriors are really an inspirational sight to behold, and they fight a battle that is repeated over-and-over-again every time the snow and ice make a local “attack.”

The last time I observed the conflict, (as I slowly fought a path out of my drive with my shovel), I remember once again being duly impressed by my fellow soldiers visible in the front yards down our street.  And I thought, “If only we were all so dedicated to spiritual warfare as we are to battling snow.”

But most of us don’t tend to attack our personal deficiencies nearly as actively.  Most don’t strive to clean up our spiritual messes nearly as aggressively.

Maybe they’re not as obvious as a pile of snow … at least to us.  Maybe they don’t cause us as many inconveniences or even shut us down like a half-foot of white can.  Cleaning up our spiritual issues definitely doesn’t seem quite as pressing as clearing out our driveway so we can get to work or the grocery store.  Certainly there’s not the peer pressure present as on a half-mile long street lined with houses.

And yet clearing our hearts of negative spiritual accumulation is far more important!  Which is why the Lord repeatedly urges us to clean up our hearts and lives! 

It’s a recuring theme in both the Old and New Testament.  Why?  Because, as the Holy Spirit inspires Paul to write, “I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).

God in his mercy and grace has made us his own, and Jesus’ blood has washed us clean.  But we are infected with a sinful nature, we are constantly under Satan’s attacks, and we live in wicked world.  Which means that as long as we live in this world, we are at spiritual risk.

So regular spiritual clean-up is a necessary thing!  The Scriptures provide beautiful descriptions of this purifying process, worked by God through God’s Word: 

Ezekiel described it this way: “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities …  I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you … I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. (Ezekiel 36:25-27)

Paul wrote, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  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 12:1-2).

In the Midwest, snow removal is a necessary and frequent task.  But for Christians anywhere, a frequent cleaning of the heart and mind is far more crucial, even if it may seem less pressing.  Thanks be to God, He does fantastic work in us whenever we hearing or reading God’s Word! 

Of course, the spiritual cleaning process has more involved in it than just being in the Word actively.  But that’s where it starts!

So it’s important we go on the spiritual offensive and immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, and let the Lord lovingly attack our spiritual messes!  It’s the best and most necessary clean-up of all.

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The Greatest “Sports” Spectacle of All!

The Greatest “Sports” Spectacle of All!

The world recently had the opportunity to watch one of the greatest sports events of the year – the Super Bowl.  65,000 fortunate folks saw it live in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.  For those purchasing seats for the game, they averaged approximately $8,600 a-piece.  Resale tickets bounced up to about $12,000.   But those prices are a steal of a deal when one considers that renting a suite cost an astounding 2.5 million!

Another 115 million viewers watched the game on screens.  That’s a new high, but it will undoubtedly be eclipsed in 2025, as viewership seems to rise each year.

As popular as the NFL’s biggest game may be, it doesn’t come close to being the most watched sporting event in the world.  That distinction is held by the Tour de France, which attracts massive audiences each year.  (3.5 billion people!)  The FIFA World Cup is right behind with 3.3 billion viewers, the Olympics with over 3 billion, and the Cricket World Cup with 2.6 billion. 

Those are staggering numbers! 

Why do sporting events draw such attention?  Why are they so emotionally compelling to so many people?  I believe Tom Guarriello explains it well in his article, “My Favorite Things: What Makes Sports So Popular?” 

I think the question of the emotional appeal of sports can be looked at from several points of view.  The first, and most common, is that team sports are tribal contests/rituals.  We identify with a team, whether it represents a country, a city, or a school, and invest a part of our identity…our self…our hopes of success and fears of failure, in the performance and achievements of these teams.

But the spotlight that sports shines on individual performances in structured, competitive situations…games…is another part of what makes sports so appealing for so many people.  One individual, in one moment, can make the difference between (maybe, a lifetime of?) triumphal exhilaration or inconsolable despair!

And, this is one of the most compelling aspects of competitive sports: what’s happening is real; what’s happening is now; and what’s happening will never happen like this again. Those who watch are witnessing history made live.

This uniqueness raises the possibility that every sporting event could be a captivating, memorable emotional experience.  Sports fans will always have a chance to see something happen (an impossible play!, a monumental blunder!) that elicits genuine emotions and feelings, sometimes joy and exhilaration, other times anger and despair.  Intense emotional experiences are always possible in sports.

This contrasts sharply with the mundanity of normal everyday life.

Which helps explains the allure of sporting events, and why so many watch.  Nor is this anything new!  Sporting contests and their popularity go way back in history.

So it should be no surprise that the Holy Spirit uses the illustration of an athletic event in the Scriptures to picture a spiritual truth.  Multiple times, actually.  And this is the most important … the most critical … contest ever.  At least for each of us as individuals. 

The event?  A believer’s spiritual race.

The challenge?  To avoid any obstacles that might keep him or her from finishing.

The goal?  To win the prize.

The prize?  The crown of eternal salvation.

Here’s how the Apostle Paul describes that race: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).

This race of faith is challenging and ongoing.  It’s not a 100-yard dash but a life-long marathon fraught with distractions and difficulties.  We must persevere to win the prize.  Thankfully we have some significant supporters.

The writer to the Hebrews adds another dimension to this spiritual race that perhaps we don’t often consider.  He reminds us of the spectators – the men and women of faith who have gone before us.  Not that they are necessarily watching us literally or specifically, but they are our “cheering section” nevertheless. 

They are the ones who have run the race before us and have persevered; they are reminders and encouragements to us that with God’s help, the race can be run and won.  These men and women of the faith are “in the stands,” eager for us to finish strong and gain the “championship.”

And these supporters are described as so numerous they form a great cloud that surrounds us.  (What a picture!) 

The writer runs through a lengthy and impressive list of those “looking on.”  It’s much more impressive than any of the athletes or celebrities attending a Super Bowl.  These are the warriors – the spiritual competitors – from the past. 

Abel, Enoch and Noah are there.  Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph as well.  Moses too, and a number of the “judges.”  David and Samuel also, and many, many others (Heb. 11)… including some whose race was extreme.  

“There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection.  Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.  They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated — the world was not worthy of them.  They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.  These were all commended for their faith …” (Hebrews 11:35-39a).

What an encouragement when we think of these previous victors!  What motivation to persevere through the hardships, frustrations and temptations in our spiritual run!

And what a joyous shout must rise from this mighty mass of onlookers every time another runner crosses the finish line into heaven.  What a victorious roar reverberates through the halls of heaven each time Jesus places the victor’s crown on another soul!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” … (and here’s the key to a victorious run!) … “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

The race to heaven is arduous.  Satan hates us and actively and viciously opposes us.  The world dismisses and discourages us.  Our sinful nature undermines us.  We need to focus on and cling to Jesus our Savior’s victory for us.  And we need the Holy Spirit to help us do so.

“Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees,” (Heb. 12:12) … your hearts and minds … regularly with God’s powerful gospel.  This is a very real contest … as is the trophy.  The race is temporary, but the crown lasts forever. 

It doesn’t get more intense or more critical than that. 

All of which is precisely why our spiritual race is the greatest “sports” spectacle of all! 

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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How Is Your Health?

How Is Your Health?

One of the many things one must do when moving to a new city in a new state in a different part of the country is to find local doctors.  My wife and I have finally gotten around to that, and we both have appointments set with our new docs to get acquainted.  Which sparked the concept for this post. 

Of course, we know what awaits us on our annual doctors’ visits.  We are about to undergo the usual poking and prodding, checking and examining, questioning and updating.  Much of it is innocuous; some is annoying.  But all I suppose is necessary.

As I “look forward” to my physical checkup, I began to consider what would be examined in a routine spiritual checkup … if there was such a thing.  It’s an intriguing question.  Here is the list that came to my mind:

SE Level – SE stands for “Scripture Exposure.”  How frequently are we hearing or reading God’s Word, and for how long?  The SE Level is the most significant indicator of, and contributor to, good spiritual health.

Senses Functions – Our five senses play significant roles in our spiritual well-being.  We hear God’s Word shared in Scripture, sermon and song; we see God’s truths as we read and sing them, as well as seeing the cleansing waters of Baptism of others (and perhaps feeling them if we are the one baptized); we smell, feel and taste the wafer and wine in the Lord’s Supper.  The more active our senses are in the spiritual realm, the more impact the Holy Spirit has, and the more spiritually healthy we probably are.

Heart Health – This is easily monitored physically, but not so easily spiritually.  But a mental assessment can shed some insight.  What fills our heart?  What do we love above all?  What are we living for?  Where is our primary focus and what drives us?  What excites our heart?  The answers to those questions can shed some light on our heart’s spiritual health.

Mental Acuity – This aspect of our spiritual checkup evaluates how much of God’s truths we know.  Not necessarily Bible history, (though this is extremely beneficial also), but rather the simple doctrinal teachings of God’s Word.  Such as, what is our most significant problem? (Sin!)  Is full atonement made?  (Yes!)  How?  (Through Jesus suffering, death and resurrection!)  Why would God do this?  (Because of his immense love for us and his astounding grace!)  How does forgiveness and salvation become ours?  (Through faith in our Savior!)

Temperature – Are we spiritually hot, lukewarm or cold?  To state it a different way, are we “on fire” for God, fairly ambivalent, or caught in a cold “could-care-less” place?  The hotter our spiritual temp, the healthier we are.

Blood Pressure – We recognize our many and deep-seated sins, and they weigh heavily upon us.  Are we relying upon our own sacrifices to make atonement for them, or on the holy sacrifice of Jesus, and the blood he shed?  The weight of guilt is extremely unhealthy, spiritually speaking, but Jesus’ blood alleviates that pressure, (thanks be to God!).

PT – No, no physical therapy, but “Prayer Time.”  How much time do we spend each day in conversation with our God?  Just as communication is a key factor in our earthly relationships, so it is with our most important spiritual one as well.  The more PT in our lives, the more likely our relationship with the Lord is strong

Activity Level – As in, how much spiritual exercise are we doing?  Are we active in worship?  Are we active in service in our church?  Do we carry out spiritual ministry in our personal lives?  Are we ambassadors of the Lord (2 Cor. 5:20) in our interactions with others?  Spiritual activity is often indicative of spiritual health.

TF Reading – Spiritually healthy people exhibit high TF (“Trust Factor”) readings.  That is, they trust the Lord and his promises no matter what is happening.  Though their physical eyes may see problems with no answers, their spiritual eyes envision the wonderful solutions their God is providing and/or the incredible blessings He is bringing through difficulties.  This significantly reduces stress and boosts emotional well-being.

The reality is that not a single person reading this list is as spiritually healthy as they could be or desire to be.  Don’t be discouraged!  Rather, go to the Great Physician named Jesus, and find help and healing in his care.  This is what he says to us:

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Mark 2:17).  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  “The LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, … to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:1-3, selected).

So, do you have any suggestions for items that you feel should be included in our spiritual checkup?  Please share them in the comments box below!

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.  OR simply comment you want to follow and I can add you!

The All-Encompassing Cure

The All-Encompassing Cure

The huge hall was packed with missionaries, evangelists, and pastors from around the world.  They were gathering for the keynote address of the week-long ecumenical Christian conference. 

As the conference was wrapping up, the attendees were reflecting on the insights they had gained on more effectively and economically growing their ministries.  Some were chatting quietly with new acquaintances, comparing notes and sharing ideas.  Others were reviewing their travel plans and checking their flight status on their phones.

The conference folders were strangely lacking on information for this final presentation.  The time and place were provided, of course, but little else.  The topic was listed as “The All-Encompassing Cure,” and the captivating summary was simply this: “The most important presentation of the conference.” 

The presenter was to be E. Manuel.  No other information was given; no credentials, no biography, no place of service.

No one – not even the conference organizers, if the truth be told – quite understood who the presenter was or how he got the coveted gig of addressing the gathered hundreds.  To say there was a bit of unease in the group, and especially among the coordinators, would be accurate.  But there was also a fair amount of curiosity … even fascination.  What were they about to hear?

The hall lights flickered the message that the presentation was about to start.  The assembled church workers turned their attention to the stage.  The lighting was dim, causing many to suspect there were some technical difficulties. 

A man of medium-height and darker complexion strode to the center of the stage.  He wore a beige dress shirt with a striking picture of a wooden cross offset on the upper right side.  His slacks were brown khakis; his shoes simple loafers.  A neatly trimmed beard adorned his chin; his hair was gathered into a “man-bun.” 

He slowly scanned the audience, his gaze sweeping to one side of the auditorium, then sweeping gradually back to the other side.  The speaker said not a word for the longest time.  A stunned silence gripped the hall, and people began to shift uncomfortably in their seats.

When words finally came, they were brimming with power … not just with volume, but with authority. 

“My message will be brief, but it is critical.  I will not cast any judgements today; I will only speak the truth.  Each of you can make your own assessments of yourselves and your approach to ministry from what I share.  Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear!”1  A involuntary shudder rolled through the crowd.  Their eyes were riveted on the man before them.

The speaker continued: “You have spent hours-upon-hours this week learning sophisticated ministry strategies.   You are excited about utilizing new technologies.  You can’t wait to implement new programs in your churches.  Most of it has a place in ministry.  Most can indeed be useful.”

“But these are not the ultimate goal.  Rather, they are only a means to the true goal.” The speaker raised his right hand, his pointer finger extended.  “And they are not the key components of ministry.  They are only tools to the true key component.”

The eyes of many listeners widened. 

“The single most important tool in your ministries is … God’s Word!”  The speaker paused and once again scanned the audience.  Those there felt as if he were looking deep inside them. 

Finally he continued.  “Let me repeat: the single most important tool in your ministries is God’s Word!  ALL of God’s Word.  NOT a Bible gutted of truth by picking and choosing what one wants to believe.  And NOT a Bible polluted by adding things God did not say.  But the Bible God has given you.”

“The Bible God has given you is truth … absolute truth.2  It is God’s own Word, and God doesn’t lie or change his mind.3  It is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens!”4 

“Furthermore, the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates soul and spirit!5  The gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes!”6

“God’s Word is the key to a truly successful ministry … that is, a spiritually successful ministry.  Utilize the many ministry approaches you explored this week to do true ministry – which is sharing God’s full Word with as many people as possible.  And let God’s Holy Spirit work through the living, powerful, life-changing truths God has given!”

Another pause.  More shifting in the listeners.  Some were profoundly uncomfortable and desired to leave, but somehow none could.  None dared.

“This is the first part of the all-encompassing cure.  The Lord has given you everything you need in his words to address any earthly situation you or your people may run into in your ministries.”

“Which leads us to the second part of the cure.  Please turn your attention to the screens.”

Two large screens, one at each end of the platform, lit up.  “Let me show you some real people and their very real struggles.”

A sobbing woman appeared on the screens.  There were no captions; no comments made from the presenter.  Yet intuitively every person looking on recognized that she was a lonely wife longing to feel loved and treasured by her distracted husband. 

She remained in view just long enough for everyone to intensely feel her pain, and then another person … a meth addict … came into view.  Again, everyone somehow understood the situation and the man’s feeling of bondage and hopelessness.  And so it was for each example that followed.

A wealthy businessman chasing even more wealth and power.

A twenty-something male confused on what to believe and searching for meaning in life.

A homeless beggar longing to get out of the cold and to eat a hot meal.

A man in a foreign country unfairly imprisoned by an oppressive government.

An attention-seeking socialite consumed with her appearance and popularity.

A young child wondering why her parents were always fighting.

A man struggling to get out of the gloom of severe depression.

A teenaged boy crying himself to sleep and dreading to face the bullies at school again tomorrow.

A middle-aged couple at a significant juncture of their lives agonizing over the difficult decisions they had to make and the direction to go.

A hungry family in a third world country gathered around a fire, dirt-covered and dressed in rags.

A cancer victim in hospice with only limited time left.

A guilt-wracked sinner with his head in his hands, weeping over his sin.

A weary and despairing person, wondering if there is anything better than this world.

The screens went black.  The presenter stood before them with his hands in his pockets and his eyes closed.  Tears were streaming down his cheeks.  And he was not alone.  In fact, there wasn’t a dry eye in the entire auditorium.  How could there be after what they had just witnessed?  So much hurt!

Eventually, the speaker gathered himself.  In a quieter voice, he asked, “What do all these people have in common?”  Only muffled crying was heard in response. 

Finally, a meek voice in front row said, “They need help.”

“Yes, they do.  But their hurts and needs are so different.  How will you help all of them?”

“Love them,” someone else ventured.

“Well, that’s a nice gesture.  But it won’t fundamentally bring them the cure they need.”

“Refer them to agencies that might assist them,” another voiced.

“There may be some help there.  But the fundamental issues remain.”

“Pray for them?”

“A wonderful idea!  But you will undoubtedly be praying that they find the help they need.  Where will that come from?”

“The Word!  Read them appropriate passages from God’s Word, as you talked about earlier.”

“Excellent!  Now we’re getting somewhere!”  The speaker raised both hands questioningly.  “And what does all of God’s Word revolve around?”  Another pause.  “All of God’s Word revolves around God’s love demonstrated to sinners in Jesus-Made-Man.”

“In short, show them Jesus!  All these people need Jesus!  Everyone needs Jesus!  Not some watered-down, rationalized, sterilized Jesus, but the living, loving, caring Jesus of the Bible!”

“The Jesus who loves them so much he died for them.  The Jesus who rose back to life and walked out of the tomb.  The Jesus who ascended to heaven to resume his rightful throne and to prepare a place there for all who believe in him.”7

“The Jesus who is both in heaven and still always with them.  The Jesus who answers their prayers, who provides for them and protects them; the Jesus who guides them and accompanies them through all their difficulties.  The Jesus who loves them with all his heart!”

“Jesus is the All-Encompassing Cure.  No, he doesn’t always take all the hardships away, but he always carries his people through them.  He always eases the hurt and he always brings help and blessing.  Show Jesus to your people.”

The speaker’s head tilted upward, and his arms raised heavenward.  “The Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve.  To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”7

He lowered his gaze back to the people before him.  “Everyone needs Jesus.”  He pulled back his sleeves and held up his nail-marked wrists.  “Everyone needs these, and the one who loves them enough to suffer these.”  

With that, E. Manuel – “God With Us”10 – turned and walked briskly into the shadows. 

  1. Mark 4:9
  2. John 17:17
  3. Numbers 23:19
  4. Psalm 119:89
  5. Hebrews 4:12
  6. Romans 1:16
  7. John 14:3
  8. Matthew 28:20
  9. Isaiah 61:1-3
  10. Matthew 1:23

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I don’t really presume to know what Jesus would say to such a group; I can only guess.  However, in light of how the Bible is being attacked, undermined and disregarded, and recognizing how Jesus, the Savior, is being pushed into almost irrelevance … even sometimes in the church … the Lord might very well say something like this. 

As always, I pray that these words are thought-provoking, and ultimately a blessing to you.  Cherish God’s Word, and God’s Son which God’s Word shows us.  They really are the cure for all that ails us.

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What Would It Take?

What Would It Take?

What would it take to make you happy?

It’s a simple question.  Perhaps you are convinced that there’s a simple answer as well.  Maybe the words, “Well, if only I had … (fill in the blank) …” immediately come to mind.

The “path-to-happiness” possibilities are endless, of course, and differ significantly from person to person.  Some would claim a change in a relationship would do it.  Others a change in health or appearance.  Still others, a championship for their favorite team.  Many would lean toward material things – financial gain, the purchase of that one special item, or personal success.

Again, endless possibilities, and great variance between people’s designated key to contentment.  But almost everyone – if not everyone! – would be able to fill in that blank.

However, if others are like me, … (and I like to think that others are and I’m not singularly strange) … then that fill-in-the-blank-for-happiness-item has changed repeatedly over time!

In fact, the Lord in his abundant goodness has often filled in that blank for me with exactly what I was convinced would bring me lasting joy … and my joy didn’t last.  It wasn’t that I wasn’t appreciative.  Actually, every time the Lord provided me with what I thought I needed to be content, I was delighted.  And joyful.  And abundantly thankful! 

At least, for a while.  Then my “happiness blank” reappeared in my mind with something different inserted.

I’m not proud of this.  I’m even aware that I have done this repeatedly, and that until I get to heaven I will almost certainly continue to do this.  You can criticize me and castigate me if you want … and I don’t dispute I deserve it. 

However, I suspect that if you are honest, you will have to admit that you have done the same thing.  Also repeatedly.

What a wretched burden and disgusting encumbrance is our sinful nature!  To receive blessings upon blessings from our good God, and then so easily overlook or quickly dismiss them in favor of longing for something different or “better.”

The older I get the more I recognize this simple truth: the only answer placed in the “happiness blank” that truly delivers comprehensive and enduring joy is “Jesus.” 

“If only I have Jesus, I am and I will be happy.”  Not just in this life, but in the life to come.  In truth, when I have Jesus, I will be happy forever!  Jesus loves me.  He lived for me, died for me, and lives again for me.  And for you too! 

Jesus fills our greatest needs, (love! acceptance! forgiveness! peace with God! salvation!), and he fills those needs completely.  Nothing else in all of existence provides that kind of happiness jolt, nor carries that amount of lasting impact!

The Apostle Paul realized this, and expounds on this concept in his letter to the Philippians: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him [Jesus!] who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).

And then a few verses later, Paul reiterates how God enables him to be content in all situations. “My God will meet all [our] needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

In other words, when we know Jesus our Savior, we are unimaginably rich!  Regardless of whatever else we have or don’t have, when we have Christ, we literally have everything we could want or need … despite our sinful natures’ arguments to the contrary.

Some may accuse me of being overly simplistic, but I would argue that ultimately – no matter how long (or short) we live or what we all have (or don’t have) – when God calls us out of this world, only one thing matters: Jesus.  An eternity of joy depends on our relationship with Jesus.

And knowing an eternity of happiness awaits us because of what Jesus has done for us makes life in this world a whole lot happier as well.  So inserting Jesus into the happiness blank really is the best (and only!) answer.  Everything else that the Lord gives us is just a bonus.

What would it take to make us happy?  The answer is simple but profound – “Just Jesus.”  It’s not the answer we typically look for, but it’s the only One that truly works.

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(1 Timothy 6:6-8) — But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Hebrews 13:5 — Keep your lives free from the love of [earthly things] and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you;  never will I forsake you.”

2 Corinthians 4:18 — So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

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How Is Your “Yard” Looking?

How Is Your “Yard” Looking?

With my daughter’s wedding and my youngest son’s graduation both occurring this week, I’m sharing another blog “rerun.”  As always, I pray this post encourages you in some little way.

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In the summertime, my wife and I try to take a daily walk.  Sometimes we drive to a local park for a change of scenery, but usually we simply stroll around our neighborhood.  We vary our paths so the “scenery” varies as well.

Inevitably we spot something interesting.  A decked-out vehicle.  Various projects or intriguing decorations on the homes.  Curious choices for house colors.  Fascinating plants in the yards.  There always seems to be something to see.  For example, once we noticed that the automatic street lights were lit on one block but not the adjacent block.  Not sure why, but it certainly sparked some conversation among us.

As we walk by the many homes, one immediately evident thing is the state of the yards.  The majority of lawns receive a modicum of care; they are mowed somewhat regularly and look fairly presentable.  The yards may or may not have flower beds.  And if there are beds, they may or may not be weeded.  This is the usual.

But there are always some yards that stand out, either because of the great amount of care given to them or because of the complete lack of attention they receive. 

A few of the yards are impeccably groomed.  The lawns are weedless and the grass looks like a golf-course green.  The flower beds are delightfully arranged and immaculate.  Invariably there are some fairly exotic trees, bushes or flowers present.  Clearly someone who lives in those homes loves yard care, (or struggles mightily with perfectionism!).

Then there are other yards that haven’t seen a lick of care in quite some time.  The beds are overrun with weeds, and the grass looks like a prairie, standing tall as a person.  It’s usually impossible to see anything in those yards.  One might hesitate to wander into them for fear of the wild critters that might be encountered, or of getting lost and never finding your way back out again!  I remember the time my wife and I spotted a push mower barely visible in the midst of a jungle of grass.  We speculated that sometime in the distant past either the mower or the owner simply surrendered to the towering turf.  

Of course, there are a multitude of reasons why a yard could be neglected.  Finally, the way a yard looks just isn’t that important.  I know there are some who will disagree with that statement, but that’s the truth of the matter.  There are many matters much more important than the appearance of one’s yard.  

However, it did set my mind to pondering.  It’s very evident how much care a yard receives … or doesn’t.  What if the wellbeing of our souls was as evident as the health of our yards?  What if the amount of care we give to our souls was as obvious as the amount of time spent on our lawns?  How would our soul look?

If our soul was on display, would it be evident that we take good care of it?  Is it well-watered by God’s Word; well-trimmed by God’s Law and well-fertilized by God’s Gospel?  Are the weeds of sin largely removed, or are they sprouting everywhere?  Is the grass mowed and edged, or are worldly blades growing wild and unchecked?  Are the beds clean, or littered with trash and undesirable plants?  Are portions of our souls even dead?

I admit that this concept gives me pause.  I tend to take pretty good care of our yard; our place generally looks fairly-well kept.  But if my soul were visible for all to see, what would it look like?  How would it compare with my yard?

Jesus himself underscores the value of a healthy soul.  “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?  Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”  (Matthew 16:26).  In other words, the state of our soul is far more important than the state of our yard … or anything else on earth, for that matter!

Thankfully, we have a gracious, loving, and forgiving God … which prompts our hearts to join with David in words of praise! 

“Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.  Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:1-5).

How is your yard looking?  Finally, it really doesn’t matter!  How is your soul looking?  Now that’s a much more important issue!

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A Few Lessons Learned from Life

A Few Lessons Learned from Life

Recently I was privileged to lead my final chapel service at Evergreen Lutheran High School where all my children have attended, and where my youngest son, now a senior, is wrapping up his high school adventure. 

Since it was my final message to the school body, and because graduation and summer break are so close, I decided to share what I consider ten incredibly important life lessons. 

I’m not super intelligent.  I’m not even smarter than the average person.   However, I have learned a few things over nearly 60 years of life, through 35 years of marriage and 33 years of ministry, and after raising 6 children.

Perhaps the “lessons” I shared with those high school students might be beneficial for all of us to consider.  In the chapel I shared additional thoughts on each point with the school body, but here I’ll simply list the points and a supporting Bible passage.  I’m confident, if you give some consideration to each item, that you can make your own applications.

1)  God loves you with all his heart!  Don’t ever doubt that!

(1 John 3:1)  See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

2)  You are never alone; your God and his love are always with you!

(Romans 8:38-39)  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

3)  Let God steer (guide you) through life! Trust him completely; he knows what he’s doing!

(Proverbs 3:5-6)  Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

4)  Guard your soul ferociously! (And someday your children’s and family members’ souls as well!)

(Matthew 16:26)  What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

5)  You will always be under attack in this world! Satan will never stop trying to undermine your relationship with God.

(1 Peter 5:8)  Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

6)  Beware the distractions of life! They are everywhere and can easily divert our attention from the most important things.

(1 John 2:15-17)  Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.  For everything in the world …  comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

7)  Prioritize God and God’s Word! Nothing else in this world is nearly as important.

(Romans 1:16)  For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes …

8)  Choose your friends (and your spouse) wisely! They profoundly impact your life.

(1 Corinthians 15:33)  Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

9)  Treasure the precious moments (and family and friends) that God gives you!  Embrace them!

(James 1:17)  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights …

10)  You need God, your Rock and Fortress!  You need Jesus, your Savior!

(John 14:6)  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

So there’s my list.  What would you add or change?  I’d love to hear your thoughts.  Please share them in the comments section.

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A Shocking but Enlightening View

A Shocking but Enlightening View

WARNING: Portions of this story will be shocking and unpleasant.  While just a story, I believe it to be an accurate representation of God’s truths and the immensity of God’s love for us, and therefore, I pray, also enlightening.  Finally, (and as always), I pray that these words are spiritually encouraging … as unsettling as some of pictures they portray may be.

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Being a Christian shouldn’t be this difficult!  Yet Benjamin was struggling.  He knew God was real, and he believed Jesus was his Savior.  But “the devil was in the details.”

When was he converted?  Was he fully converted?  How did it happen?  Had he personally done enough to cross over the sacred line of faith?  Was there more he needed to do? 

How could he know with conviction the answers to any of these questions?

Ben was an avid reader of theological books and an eager listener to Bible preachers, teachers and pod-cast speakers.  And the input he was getting supplied different answers.  They all sounded knowledgeable and convincing, yet they drew different conclusions!  Who was right?  Whose “take” should he take to heart?

Being a conscientious guy, Ben struggled to find peace.  He knew the Lord desired … even promised … peace to him.  Yet it was elusive.  Repeatedly he begged, “Lord, give me the peace you promised.  I long for it!   I need it!”

After yet another prelude of agonized prayer, tossing and turning on his bed, Ben’s exhausted body finally fell into a troubled sleep.  In the deepest recesses of the darkness, as his mind settled slowly into the heavy mists of slumber, a gentle, soothing voice called out to him. “Benjamin.  Benjamin.”

Ben’s befuddled brain slowly cleared, and his awareness heightened.  He recognized he was still wrapped in sleep, yet he was fully conscious.  “Benjamin,” the voice called again.  “Dear Benjamin.”

“Who is calling me?”

“It’s me – Jesus.  I am here to give you peace.”

Ben was incredulous.  Overwhelmed.  Was the Lord really speaking to him?

“Yes, Ben, I Am.  And I’m really speaking to you.”  There was a brief pause.  “Do you recognize what I just did there?” Jesus asked with a smile in his voice. 

“I do,” Ben answered merrily.  The Lord had put him at ease so easily.

“Good for you!” Jesus continued.  “Well, Ben, I’m here to bring you the peace you have prayed so earnestly for.”

A flurry of emotions swarmed Ben.  Astonishment.  Awe.  Joy!  A bit of trepidation.  A surge of hope.  But remarkably, no fear.

“I have something to show you, Ben,” Jesus stated.  “It will be one of the most disturbing experiences you will ever endure.  But you must take it in.  All of it … for this is the way to peace.”

Ben hesitated.  “Can I handle it, Lord?”

“I will never give you anything you can’t handle, Ben.  And we will be with you.”

“We?”

“My Father, my Spirit, and me.”

“Of course!  I’m sorry.”  Ben was embarrassed he didn’t make the obvious connection.  “I will trust you, Lord.  Show me what I need to see.”

A slight breeze began to nudge the shadows past him.  They carried an odor on their currents – the unmistakable stench of death.  It began as just a whiff, but rapidly increased in intensity until it became almost unbearable.  At the same time the view became clearer; the murk dissipating and Ben’s focus becoming more fully defined.

He wasn’t prepared for the scene before him.

A rotting carcass lay face down on the grassless soil – the decomposing body leaving a slimy film of liquid leaching into the dirt around it.  The body was unclothed, and seemed to be subtly writhing, appearing almost as a hologram.  But then Ben realized with horror that the movement came from thousands of maggots consuming the flesh.  The stench was overpowering, and Ben gagged and retched. 

Intuitively he knew that the body was his.  “O no!  I’m dead!  I’m dead!”  Ben was nauseated not only from the sight and smell, but from the ramifications.

“Yes, Ben, that was you.  And you were dead in unbelief and sin.”  Jesus paused, then continued.  “But now observe.”

For a moment nothing changed.  Ben found himself riveted to the macabre scene, unable to look away; his horror escalating.  Then movement caught his eye as a figure slowly approached the grisly corpse, walking forward from a position previously behind Ben.  “Watch out!” he shouted, concerned the man would inadvertently stumble over the rotten mess, though it would be nearly impossible for it to go unnoticed. 

But the person continued easing closer to the body, undaunted and unwavering.  He knelt in the liquidy slop near the head.  “No! No! No!” Ben moaned.  He wanted to turn away, but couldn’t. The kneeling man turned toward Ben with a loving smile.  It was Jesus!  Then he turned back toward the reeking carcass and leaned close.  The maggots wriggled frantically away as Jesus’ face drew near. 

Then he kissed the dead Ben’s cheek as the observing Ben gasped.  “I love you, Ben,” Jesus stated softly, as he lifted his hand over the decaying Ben’s head.  A vibrant red drop of blood formed under the wound in that hand, gradually growing larger until it separated and cascaded downward, landing with a splash on the deceased’s forehead. 

Meanwhile, a gleaming white dove circled closer and closer to the body, trailing a fluorescent wake.

Then another voice, rich and full and resonant, announced, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.  I will put my Spirit in you and you will live.  Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it.”  

Simultaneously, the dove plunged into the corpse, which immediately began to twitch and spasm and glow.  Then the transformation began in earnest.  The white, writhing maggots grew still, turned brown and then shriveled black, finally disintegrating altogether.  The liquid pool around the body was drawn back into the frame and the sallow, sagging flesh firmed up, taking on a healthy tone.

Jesus flipped his extended hand over, his fingers splayed wide.  There was a flash, and a brilliant robe of white enveloped the body – a purple sash encircling its waist.  The ribcage rose and fell as breath filled the lungs.  Previously opaque eyes began to glimmer; eyelids blinked; a grin formed, followed by a gleeful laugh.

Formerly dead Ben lifted his head, pulled his arms and legs underneath him, and pushed himself up to a kneeling position.  Jesus gripped his arm and helped him to his feet.  At that moment, the observing Ben’s viewpoint changed; suddenly he was seeing through the eyes of the newly quickened Ben.  And he was looking at the joyous face of Jesus.

“Do you understand now, Benjamin?  You were spiritually dead; there was nothing … absolutely nothing … you could do to change your condition.  But we brought you to life.  Your spiritual life and your salvation are not dependent upon you, but upon us.  Totally upon us!  It is our gracious gift to you.  So do not get too caught up in the words and views of people; immerse yourself in our words.  The truth is magnificent, yes – but it is also simple.  We have done it, so it is done!  Be at peace, Ben, and live in joy for us.”

The Lord embraced Ben, then held him at arm’s length.  “You now live, Ben.  And you are always loved.”  Jesus released him, smiled once more and then disappeared. 

Ben woke with a start, his eyes rocketing open.  He sat up and reflected on what he had just experienced.   “That was wonderful,” he thought.  “But was it real?”  (It sure seemed real.)

He became aware of something in his right ear.  He reached up and plucked it out.  It was a blackened, dried maggot.  As he stared at it, it dissolved. 

Tears flooded down his cheeks as he poured out his thanks to the Lord who loved him and had given him life.  A glorious peace filled his heart; the gracious Lord had done great things in him … and for him!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ephesians 2:1-10
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ezekiel 37:1-14
The hand of the LORD was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.

He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign LORD, you alone know.”

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’ ”

So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’ ”

So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet — a vast army.

Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them.  I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.’ ”

Ephesians 5:14
This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Isaiah 26:19
But your dead will live, LORD; their bodies will rise — let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy — your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead.

John 1:12-13
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes …

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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The Ultimate Trophy

The Ultimate Trophy

As I write this, the world is gearing up for Super Bowl LVII (57) in Arizona.  While it’s not the most watched sporting event in the world – events such as the Olympics and the world soccer championship which include athletes from many countries understandably rank higher – the Super Bowl IS the most watched American sports championship. 

And it isn’t even close!  45 percent of U.S. households will tune in.  Well over 100 million viewers worldwide are following the action. (Or at least the commercials!)  No other American sporting playoffs draw even 20 million viewers.

An interesting sidenote regarding Super Bowl Sunday: it is the second-highest food consumption date for Americans!  The only day of the year when more food is eaten is on Thanksgiving.

Of course, the immensity of the attraction makes the event a high-money one.  According to Fox, which is airing the game, this year’s Super Bowl commercials cost as much as 7 million dollars for a 30-second spot.  Tickets to the game started at $6,000.  (Astounding when one considers that tickets to the first Super Bowl in 1967 cost only $12, and some tickets went unsold!)

Those players fortunate enough to play in the game benefit monetarily as well.  The ones on the winning team will receive $83,000 each, as well as a unique Super Bowl ring worth between $30,000 – $50,000.  But the losers aren’t left out; they’ll still earn a cool $42,000.

Naturally there can’t be a championship game without a championship trophy.  The Super Bowl version is named the Vince Lombardi Trophy.  It’s made by the New York jewelry giant, Tiffany & Company.  The award is constructed of sterling silver and valued at more than $10,000.  However, should a winning team put the trophy up for auction, the purchasing bid would undoubtedly be exorbitant. 

For some … perhaps even many … the Lombardi Trophy is the ultimate trophy on earth.  For others, they might prize the NBA, NHL, or MLB trophies greater.  Though it’s hard to argue that the FIFA Soccer World Cup isn’t the most valuable one of all.  Made of 18-carat gold, it’s worth is estimated to be 20 million dollars.

As monetarily valuable and as sentimentally treasured as these trophies might be, in the end they are nothing.  Because in the end, everyone dies, and their earthly trophies never make the journey with them.  And in the Final End …  the Last Day when the Lord Jesus returns … all earthly awards will be dissolved when the whole earth is made new.  (Is. 65:17, 2 Peter 3:10-13).

Which is why the Scriptures repeatedly encourage us to focus on spiritual victories.  On heavenly glories.  On eternal awards.  On honors that the Lord bestows, and not people.  These are the ultimate trophies!

It is so challenging for humans to see past the physical and focus on and treasure the spiritual.  Our five senses seem much more present and pressing than our silent souls.  Our bodies aggressively demand attention but are temporary; our souls quietly reside out of sight but will exist forever.  Where they eternally exist will depend on God’s grace, of course, and on the attention we give them in this life.  Food for the body is rarely neglected; food for the soul (God’s Word!) often is but never should be!

The Apostle Paul’s inspired words fit well in this discussion.  He used physical competition to picture spiritual striving, and contrasts earthly awards with the heavenly one. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).

Jesus summarized this same truth in his message to the Church in Smyrna in Revelation: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). 

The writer to the Hebrews shows us how this is done.  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

One of the football teams will hoist the coveted Lombardi Trophy into the air this Sunday.  Good for them and for their fans.  I’ll certainly be watching.  But God grant that our focus will always be on receiving the ultimate trophy of God’s crown of life.  It’s the only trophy that really matters.

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(Matthew 6:19-20)  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

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