Vol. 18 No. 47 | November 28, 2016

2 John 1:12,

“I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.”

Writers of the New Testament shared the Holy Spirit’s teachings in a similar style. They incorporated their own personal feelings for their recipients and expressed their desire to share more, but with the preference that this be done “face to face”.

A similar sentiment exists with many preachers, almost all writers, and all close knit families. We can preach a sermon, write an article, send texts and emails, and have telephone conversations, but, in the end, we usually feel that there is always more that we wanted to share. We are fortunate to have access to all of these methods of communication, but they are insufficient for sharing the full expression of feelings from the depths of the heart.

So it is with John.

In his first letter, he gave what he called a ‘new teaching’ on the importance of loving one another, although this teaching was not new to many of Jesus’s followers. John reiterated his teaching that Jesus is the Christ to dismantle contradictory teachings from deceptive teachers on their mission to confuse Jesus’s followers.

It is essential to express your love for the Father by loving one another and your fellow human beings, and the importance of walking in love. 

Paper and ink were not sufficient for communicating all of the things that John needed to share. Even though our methods of communication are vast and readily available to us, we may find it difficult to share our deeper thoughts until we are face to face.

• Serious and emotional discussions need to be shared face to face.
• Conversations about the future that involve plans for the future should happen face to face.
• Many business decisions should happen face to face.
• Tender and romantic conversations most surely should be face to face.
• An apology should be delivered face to face.
• Expressions of gratitude are more meaningful when exchanged face to face.
• Disappointment and heartbreak can be better expressed and handled face to face.
• Joy and happiness are better enjoyed and shared when face to face.
• Even anger is likely to be received and understood better when you can look into the eyes of the person with whom you are angry, or who is angry with you.

To be able to see the face of a loved one through an electronic device held in our hand or sitting on a tabletop is an absolute marvel of our day. Thanks to the technology we have available to us, many of us were blessed to share a Thanksgiving message with someone we love from hundreds or thousands of miles away. However, it is not the same as being able to reach over and touch their hand or see their expressions from across the table. I suspect we would all agree that it would have been better to have our loved ones home sitting next to us instead of looking at them through a screen.

This week you will likely have a moment of reflection or a thought of love that you would like to share with someone. Send a text, write an email, or make a phone call if you can or must, but if at all possible, do it face to face. You and whomever you are sharing it with will be blessed by it.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell. All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 46 | November 21, 2016

When I glanced at the schedule, I saw that the text for this week comes from John 1:6 of chapter 2, and this came to my mind:

“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”^[1]

The tendency when reading this one verse is to focus more on the physical activity, “living as Jesus did”, than the condition of the heart. But there is more to it than simply changing some of your actions.

Eugene Peterson puts it this way as he summarizes his letter:

“If we want to deal with God the right way, we have to learn to love the right way. If we want to love the right way, we have to deal with God the right way. God and love can’t be separated.”^[2] He carries this idea in his rendering of the passage: “Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.”^[3]

The examples of those who claim to be living like Jesus lived can vary dramatically. Politically speaking, one group claims that Jesus would exclude the weak, the needy, the helpless, and all who are different. He would send the immigrants back to where they came from. He would be proud of His status and His high standing in the social arena. He would withhold His blessings from anyone who could not carry his own load and perform all the requirements of the law. He would demand that members of His tribe be devoted to Him entirely and show no mercy on those who failed to live up to His expectations.

Another group would boast about their Jesus and declare His openness to all people; His inclusion of people from all nations; and His acceptance of people of all colors, all ages, all economic levels, and all gender identifications. He would love sacrificially and give generously. He would speak honestly and directly with the utmost gentleness and compassion.

Another group might claim that Jesus would dwell in the middle ground. He would be accepting, but also harsh. He would be gentle, but firm. He would be neither conservative nor liberal. He would stand up for the downtrodden and might speak disrespectfully of the wealthy and those who live extravagantly.

Another group might prefer a Jesus that lives simply, quietly, kindly, and gently. He would truly love all people, be giving, and lift up the fallen. His words would be consistent with His actions. When He spoke, you would know His words were true. If He made a promise, you would know that He would follow through with His promise.

Here are four things to consider as you respond to the challenge of living like Jesus:

First, read the gospels to get an accurate picture of the real Jesus. Do not depend on someone else to tell you how to live like Jesus. Let Jesus tell you how to live like Jesus.

Second, be prepared to make changes in your life. Even if you are already doing a decent job of living like Him, you will surely find ways to improve, which can sometimes result in uncomfortable adjustments.

Third, build in space for grace. Living like Jesus takes time. Living like Jesus will not always be easy or enjoyable.

Fourth, don’t give up. There will be times when you will want to quit. Don’t! If you keep moving toward living like Jesus, you will discover that all the effort and discomfort is more than worth it.

I recently rediscovered the song, “I Want to Live Like Jesus”, which can serve as a regular prayer to help you as you learn to live like Jesus

                        “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”[4]

You can do this! I am here for you, so please let me know how I can help!

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell. All Rights Reserved.

^[1]The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 1 Jn 2:6.

^[2] Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), 1 Jn.

^[3] Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), 1 Jn 2:6.

[4] Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), 1 Jn 2:6.

Vol. 18 No. 45 | November 14, 2016

In the introduction section to Peter’s letters The Message says this about Peter:

In the early church, his influence was enormous and acknowledged by all. By virtue of his position, he was easily the most powerful figure in the Christian community. And his energetic preaching, ardent prayer, bold healing and wise direction confirmed the trust placed in him.

The way Peter handled himself in that position of power is even more impressive than the power itself. He stayed out of the center, didn’t “wield” power, maintained a scrupulous subordination to Jesus. Given his charismatic personality and well-deserved position at the head, he could easily have taken over, using the prominence of his association with Jesus to promote himself. That he didn’t do it, given the frequency with which spiritual leaders do exactly that, is impressive. Peter is a breath of fresh air.

The two letters Peter wrote exhibit the qualities of Jesus that the Holy Spirit shaped in him: a readiness to embrace suffering rather than prestige, a wisdom developed from experience and not imposed from a book, a humility that lacked nothing in vigor or imagination. From what we know of the early stories of Peter, he had in him all the makings of a bully. That he didn’t become a bully (and religious bullies are the worst kind) but rather the boldly confident and humbly self-effacing servant of Jesus Christ that we discern in these letters, is a compelling witness to what he himself describes as “a brand-new life, with everything to live for.”

One line that stands out in this description is: “From what we know of the early stories of Peter, he had in him all the makings of a bully.”

We hear about and are appalled by bully stories. We cringe at stories of the damage done by bullies. We are horrified when we hear a story about a teenager who attempts to take her life as a result of being bullied at school and in social media. We are heartbroken by stories when the attempt is successful.

One would think that a spiritual community would be a safe place where bullying would not be a problem, but too often that is not the case. How sad it is to hear about a church leader, or would be leader, who abuse their power and influence by bullying those under their care. Spiritual bullying may result in the loss of faith, a separation from their church, or walking away from a relationship with God all together.

If you have ever dealt with a religious bully you will agree with Peterson’s comment that: “religious bullies are the worst kind.”

In the early part of chapter 5 Peter demonstrates his understanding of the better way, by offering wise counsel to those who serve as spiritual leaders. He says,

I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it’s like to be a leader, in on Christ’s sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here’s my concern: that you care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way. (1 Peter 5:1-4)

You see more proof of Peter’s understanding of the Jesus style by explaining how to avoid being a spiritual bully.

And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—

God has had it with the proud,

But takes delight in just plain people.

So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. (1 Peter 5:5-7, The Message)

Peter suggest two attitudes.

First, “Be down to earth with each other.” Why? Because “God has had it with the proud, but takes delight in just plain people.”

Second, “Be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs.” Why? Because “God’s strong hand is on you; He’ll promote you at the right time.”

This is not easy. Most of us have a desire for people to think like we think. Those of us who are considered spiritual leaders may have to really fight those same tendencies. We may, at times, try to persuade our friends, co-workers, and those under our care to adhere to our way of thinking and our style of living. If our way is not accepted we may resort to intimidation or forced conformity.

Peter says…Jesus says…Just be you. Let others be who they are. Live your life. Be a guide to others who look to you as an example. Encourage them. Teach them the Jesus life. Love them as they grow and just be plain people. Don’t be a bully! Because God knows how to deal with bullies.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 44 | November 7, 2016

The 4th chapter of James could be summed up with his one statement in verse 10: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

It is impossible to submit to God without humbling yourself to God.

Most fights and quarrels could be solved and resolved with a good dose of humility.

Making requests to God makes much more sense when you are humbling yourself before God.

Humbling yourself before God is the only way to get rid of pride.

Submitting yourself to God requires significant humility.

Try as you will, there is no way to resist the devil successfully without first humbling yourself and admitting that you cannot do it on your own.

If you have humbled yourself before the Lord, there is no reason to slander anyone, or speak against a brother or sister, or judge your neighbor. When you engage in those activities you confirm that you have not humbled yourself before the Lord.

When you boast about what you are going to do tomorrow, and where you are going to go, and how you are going to carry on business, you are certainly not humbling yourself before the Lord.

If you are busy trying to promote yourself, elevate yourself, push your way to the top, stepping on and over people to make sure you are first in line, you are not humbling yourself.

According to James humility is a pretty important thing. Apparently some in his day did not consider it as important. Unfortunately it does not appear to be very important in our day either.

Humility has not made much of a showing in the current election. Humility rarely makes an appearance on talk shows, in sporting events, or in movie theaters. There are not many job postings that read, “We are looking for a humble servant to lead our company.”

You may have heard about the man who won the award for being the most humble employee in his company. He proudly displayed the award in the office for all to see. He did not win it the next year.

Jesus reminded us of the importance of humility. He began His sermon with “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3) Later Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)

In Philippians 2:8 Paul reminds us that not only did Jesus talk about humility, but He lived it, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

Knowing Jesus so well and having watched the way He lived, it is no wonder that James emphasized the importance of humility by speaking into an apparent tense situation with, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

What are we to make of this idea of humility in these times when arrogance and pride seem to be the norm? Is it even possible for us to live a life of humility when there is so much encouragement for self-exultation and boasting? I think it is possible and here are three reasons why I believe that.

First, Jesus said this is the way to live. He would not have asked us and instructed us to live it out if it were not possible.

Second, Jesus lived it. Since Jesus lived it, I too must live it.

Third, as we become more like Him it is only natural that humility will begin to develop in us. If it is essential it is achievable.

It may not happen immediately, but maybe these practical suggestions will help getting it started.

When you feel the urge to brag about yourself, don’t.

When you have accomplished something significant, keep it to yourself.

When you have the chance to push others out of the way so you can get ahead, deny the urge.

When someone else brags on you or pays you a compliment, let them, thank them, then move on.

When you are feeling like the Lord is not acting fast enough to get you in the limelight, keep waiting and let Him do what needs to be done when He is ready.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” He will lift you up. It is not your job to do the lifting. Remember, He’s got this and He has you. So, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.