Vol. 17 No. 11 | March 16, 2015

I have altered this illustration from The Grace of God by William MacDonald, just a bit to fit a little easier in our current economic situation. MacDonald wrote:

Imagine you have been invited to the White House by the President of the United States. You are seated at a table filled with the choicest foods. Every effort has been made to give you the most enjoyable evening. At the end of a lovely visit, the president stands at the front door to bid you good-bye.What do you do? As you leave, do you press a $20 dollar bill in his hand and say, “Thank you very much for your kindness. I have enjoyed the evening very much. I realize it has cost you a lot of money, and I want to help you pay for the meal”?

Is that the proper response to his kindness? On the contrary, it is a rude and insulting gesture. So it would be with God’s grace and how He has demonstrated His love for us.

Here is the application.

You have come to the end of your life and as you reach the gate into Heaven you are greeted there by God. As He is greeting you with “Well done good and faithful…” you interrupt him and hand him a list showing all the good things you have done in your life. As you show Him your list you say, “I know this has cost You a lot. I want to show You that I have done my part to help pay for it.”

It is as if, after considering all that God has done for you in demonstrating His love for you, you hand Him $20 worth of your own efforts and say, “I know this cost You a lot. I want to do my part to help pay for it.”

“I want to do my part to help pay for it.”

Question: How much is your part?

I chose a $20 dollar bill for the illustration because for most of us twenty dollars is a lot of money. If it is not now, it once was a lot of money. We hand God our $20 list of good deeds and expect Him to be impressed. We expect Him to say, “Why thank you. I could not have done it without you.”

That may not be what He says. He may instead say something like this. “Thank you very much for the good life you have lived. That shows me that you appreciated what I did for you by sending my one and only Son into the world. You know, when I allowed Him to die for you on that horrible day on that horrible cross, I did that for you. I let Him die for you. When His blood was spilled on that cross, your sins were covered. You were set free. Your entire debt was paid. I really do not need your list. I know what you have done. And, although I wish you could have relaxed a little while you were living in the world and not worried so much about doing all the right things and not doing all the wrong things, I am still glad you are here. Although I wish you could have trusted my love for you enough to enjoy the abundant life I provided for you more fully, I do love you and I really am glad you are finally here with me. Welcome home.”

Tom

© Copyright 2015 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 10 | March 9, 2015

Do We Really Not Know? 

We have been going to church all our lives. We have listened to hundreds, maybe thousands of sermons. We have attended conferences, workshops, seminars, and small group studies all designed to help us share our story of faith with other people. We have accumulated all that information and still we act like we do not know what they need.

We have resources at our fingertips that can help us understand our neighbors and give us insight into what life is like outside of the walls of our church buildings. We read books on understanding our times and we pride ourselves in knowing our communities and yet we still act like we do not know what the people in our communities need.

We read our Bibles and pray our prayers and sing our songs and offer to help by saying, “If there is anything we can do for you please let us know.” We have our times of fellowship, we pat one another on the back, we shake hands and ask, “How are you doing?” and sometimes they tell us. We know people are hurting and we know they are in need and yet we act like we do not know what they need.

Obviously these scenarios are not always true. Not all churches and not all Christians act like we do not know what people need, but many do. Do we really not know?

Do we really not know that marriages that are in trouble need help learning better and more effective ways to communicate and become better at managing their money, or us solid Biblical teaching about being married?

Do we really not know that parents who are having trouble with their teenage son or daughter need help understanding what life is like for a teenager, need help knowing how to communicate with their teen, and learning what it means to be a parent?

Do we really not know that the family of a fifteen year old boy who was shot in his own driveway needs help dealing with the shock, anger, and pure sadness that comes with such a loss?

Do we really not know that the family of the eleven year old boy responsible for the shooting need help as they deal with the confusion, the guilt, and the loss of their son being taken from them?

Do we really not know that the woman who lost her husband after fifty years of marriage needs help to move through the grieving progress?

Do we really not know that a teen age girl dealing with all the pressures of being a teenage girl needs a mother, or a grand mother, or another godly woman to invite her into life where a relationship of trust and understanding can grow?

Do we really not know? As followers of Jesus, after reading of His life, after knowing how He lived and loved and served and touched people, do we really not know? Maybe if we remember what He came to do it might help us remember.

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

and recovery of sight for the blind,

to set the oppressed free,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:14-23, NIV).

Do we really not know?

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 09 | March 2, 2015

I can remember the first “store bought” hamburger I ever ate. It was from Dad’s in Hope, Arkansas. I think we could get 5 for $1. The burger consisted of a bun, a thin hamburger patty, onions (lots of onions), and mustard. You could eat in (if you were a white person) by going to the window ordering your burger and sitting at a picnic table on a sawdust floor under the tin roof attached to the main building. If your skin was black you had to order from a window in the back of the building. I do not know if there was a picnic table. As I recall the menu consisted of these items: Hamburgers. If they had other items, I never knew it. The burgers were thin, greasy and covered with chopped onions. You usually smelled like onions after eating a burger. If you went to Dad’s you knew what you were getting: a hamburger. They did hamburgers well. (At least I thought they did.) It was a big deal for my family to “eat out” at Dad’s.

Things have changed. There are not many Dad’s around.

Restaurants that once specialized in certain items have changed. One burger place advertises more about gourmet coffee than burgers. It seems that a number of burger places are more interested in promoting their fish sandwiches, or their chicken sandwiches. One very popular pizza place highlights their brownies, not their pizza. When watching some perfume or cologne commercials you must watch very closely to understand what is being advertised. With some, even if you watch closely, you may still not understand. The same is true for some automobile commercials. I often find myself after some of these ads saying, “Whaaaaat?”

Things have changed. Is it too much to ask for hamburger businesses to sell hamburgers? Before I get too carried away with my nostalgic lament, let me admit that folks in my profession may be equally guilty. I wonder if people looking for a church might ask the same question, “Whaaaaat?”

Type “churches in my area” in your web browser and see what you get. Most likely you will have numerous options for additional searches. Churches of all names and sizes and brands. If you investigate further you are likely to find even more puzzling information. This church focuses on this. This church focuses on that. This church has this kind of worship. That church has that kind of worship. This group emphasizes these things. That church emphasizes those things. This church boosts of being enough for everyone to find a place. That church boosts of being small enough for everyone to feel at home. This church has this kind of preacher. That church has another kind of preacher. “Whaaaaat?”

Don’t misunderstand. As much as I would enjoy a good old Dad’s hamburger (or 5 for $1), I am glad we have other choices. My tastes for burgers have changed. The same is true for spiritual needs. Churches that met my needs as a teenager or young adult would not have the same appeal today. Churches that offer me spiritual nourishment might not offer anything worthwhile to someone decades younger than me.

The diversity is good. We like options. We value choices. We are all different. We have different needs and tastes and preferences.

There is one thing, however, that I believe is constant and necessary as we scan the globe for a spiritual community. What is it? Christ.

Paul said it as he explained his situation in prison as he talked of different motives and different preaching that was going on. “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” (Philippians 1:18, NIV)

That is what I look for in a church. Christ is preached. That is one thing I will not compromise. Christ is preached. That is one of my goals for where I preach and teach. Christ is preached.

Styles change. Preferences differ. Opinions are cheap. The emphasis we place on different methods and approaches to sharing the message are going to vary according to the context of the community and the make-up of the church. But please, I beg you, let Christ be preached.

This week I hope you find a good burger, a nice slice of pizza, and especially a church where Christ is preached.

Tom

© Copyright 2015 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 08 | February 23, 2015

Like many around the country the winter weather of the past week has either forced us to be confined to our home (Oh, don’t you just hate it when that happens!), off the streets and roads, or at the very least to alter our regular schedule of activity. (That’s for you folks up to the north who cannot understand how an inch or two of ice and/or snow can create such chaos.) We have sat by the fire, watching movies, listening to music, worked (or played) on our computers and mobile devices, and been amazed at how many times the weather forecasters can remind you that we have a “Winter Weather Alert in effect for your area.”

I have been reminded of stories of the good old days when “if we wanted entertainment we’d go downtown and watch the traffic light change.” This week part of our entertainment has been to look out our windows and doors, marvel at the beauty of the sun’s reflection on the snow and ice, check the current temperature, comment on how long the icicles have gotten, and wonder when the ice will melt. Well, slowly but surely it is melting (although as I write there are predictions of more on the way for this afternoon and tonight).

One of the things that happens when the ice melts is that we start moving again. We move slowly at first to make sure we have solid ground upon which to stand, walk, or drive. Once we are convinced it is safe we begin to move more freely and with greater confidence.

The same happens with relationships.

A relationship begins with a simple, “Hello, my name is Tom.” The other person responds in like manner and the usual chit-chat begins that includes where you are from, where you work, your family status, and maybe a few other significant facts about yourself. The ice has been broken. Then, there’s that long awkward space in time where you and/or the person is deciding if the relationship will go any further, or if it will end having shared those few basic facts.

Sometimes, not always, the broken ice begins to melt and conversation continues. You are interested in this person. You feel comfortable with the person and see potential in pursuing a relationship, so you continue the conversation. The ice melts and a relationship is born.

Once the relationship is born, assuming that the relationship is nurtured and given space to develop, it will grow and mature as one would expect. This is a wonderful season for relationships. Rich times of enjoyment are common. Memories are made as the life-long relationship continues to thrive. The relationship, though solid and enjoyable, is still fragile.

One day something happens. The ice that had melted refreezes. You experience hurt feelings, betrayal, struggles with life, or distractions. The closeness begins to separate and the relationship becomes distant and disconnected. The ice hardens.

“I want the ice to melt again!” you cry.

Start with an acknowledgement that something has happened, something has changed, the warmth has been replaced with coldness. Sometimes simply the honesty of acknowledgement can begin the melting process.

Deal with the problem. Try not to blame or criticize or judge or assume. Attack the problem; not the person. Do whatever it takes to thaw the ice. Long hours of conversation, prayer, listening and understanding.

Apply forgiveness as needed. Request it. Offer it. All the power of forgiveness to do what nothing else can do: provide the atmosphere where healing can take place. Without forgiveness the ice will never melt.

The temperatures have risen above the freezing mark today. Rain is falling. The ice and snow are slowly melting. Before long movement will take place and life will get back to normal. (Whatever that is.) There is hope that warmer weather and the flowers of spring are not far away.

May your relationships this week be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control!

Tom

© Copyright 2015 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 07 | February 16, 2015

 
Let’s review. A few weeks ago I wrote about not being in such a hurry in “What’s the Hurry?”. The next week I switched gears and wrote about “What Are You Waiting For?” And last week I wrote, “What Are You Waiting For Church?” In each of those article I wanted to challenge us to think about our motives, our actions, or in some cases, our lack of action in answering Jesus’ call to be the salt and light. This week I want to bring the idea even closer to home by asking us to look even deeper into our souls by asking “What am I waiting for?”

I know a young couple who have been married a couple of years, live far from any immediate family, and are both working hard and under a heavy load of stress. They have a good group of friends and are involved in a solid spiritual community. During the last few weeks I have noticed a change. Nothing major, but enough to signal that something is not right. I have a choice. I can ignore it and assume they are simply going through the adjustments of marriage. Or, I can invite them to our home for a meal, tell them how much we love them, and offer them listening ears, caring hearts, whatever help we can from our years of experience. What am I waiting for?

I have known this couple for years. We have enjoyed dinners together. We have attended sporting events. We have watched movies together. We have talked about our marriages, our family histories, our children, our concerns for the world and the future, and had seriously challenging spiritual conversations. Busy schedules, distance, and lack of communication has taken a toll on our once extremely close relationship. I can write it up as just the way of relationships or I can contact them to set a time to get together and once again enjoy the closeness of a truly lifelong friend. What am I waiting for?

Every week I attend multiple church gatherings, read multiple passages of scripture, listen to multiple recordings of spiritual songs, sermons, devotional thoughts, and read multiple Christian-related articles, read portions Christian books, and when possible attend lectures by well known Christian speakers. Every week I teach classes, preach sermons, write articles, counsel people all with the intent of encouraging people to love God and live like Jesus. Every week I tell myself I am going to do better at practicing the things I encourage others to practice, and every week I wish I had done better. I can go through another week waiting to live more like Jesus or I can start today. What am I waiting for?

I have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life every day. It may be someone I know well, it may be someone I have recently met, it may be a church member, it may be a person who is waiting on me or providing a service that makes my life better. I can be creative and do something that is unexpected, say a kind encouraging word, or I can let the opportunities pass and look back on the day and wish I had done better. What am I waiting for?

Every day God gives us the opportunity to improve our life, lift the spirits of another, share the Good News, and just be Jesus. What am I waiting for?

I want to try not to wait to do and be what God is calling me to be. If you do the same, and encourage someone else to do the same imagine what a difference we can make.

Tom
© Copyright 2015 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 06 | February 9, 2015

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. What are you waiting for church?

The world is looking for good news. You have it. What are you waiting for church?

There are children in your neighborhood who need food, clothing, someone to take care of them after school, someone to show them the love of Christ. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.” What are you waiting for church?

There are couples in your community who need help with their marriage. They need someone to help them learn what it means to love their spouse as Christ loved the church. They do not know how because they have never seen a living example. What are you waiting for church?

There are parents in your community who are struggling with the overwhelming responsibility of rearing their children. They need guidance on how to be good guides for their children. What are you waiting for, church?

There widows in your community who have no one to call when their pipes freeze, their car does not start, or when they are sick and need a ride to the doctor’s office. When the sun goes down they have no one to talk to, to watch tv with, or to tell they are lonely. What are you waiting for church?

There are widowers in your community who spend day after day all alone because they have never had to ask for help so they don’t know how. They are still healthy and enjoy having fun as much as they ever did, but no one ever invites them out to dinner, or to go with them to a movie, or to come for a home cooked meal. What are you waiting for church?

There are homeless people in your community who need a little help getting back on their feet. They are not looking for a free ride. They are willing to work. They do not want to live on the street or in a shelter. They would enjoy having a real conversation about life, family, politics, the economy, religion, maybe even your faith. What are you waiting for church?

There are young men in your community who need a father figure in their life. They have questions about girls, getting an education, being a good employee, and how to be a godly man. They are interested in goals you had at their age, and how you have achieved the them. What are you waiting for church?

There are likely people in your community who struggle with drug addictions, alcohol addictions, sexual additions, sexual identity issues, some may be involved in sexual exploitation of various forms, some struggle with eating disorders, some struggle due to sexual abuse, or have anger issues. Some of them want help, but the last place they would think of turning to for help is a church. We can do better. What are you waiting for church?

There are neighborhoods in your community that need to be cleaned up, playgrounds that need to be repaired, and buildings that could use a little paint. There are businesses that need your support. There are public servants who need to know you support them. What are you waiting for, church?

There are young ladies in your community who are pregnant and have no idea what to do or where to go. They are scared. They feel terribly alone. They feel abandoned and overwhelmed by the thought of taking care of themselves, and cannot imagine taking care of another human being. They need support, they need guidance, and they need to be loved just as they are. What are you waiting for church?

Tom

© Copyright 2015 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 05 | February 2, 2015

Here is another common traffic scenario (or it seems fairly common to me). You are at an intersection. There is a right turn lane. There is a left turn lane. The person in front of you is straddling the line (thus blocking both lanes) but turning left. They wait for traffic to clear. And they wait. And they wait. And they wait. From your perspective there have been many opportunities for them to turn, but they wait. At the height of your frustration you yell, “WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?” They do not hear you and you quickly look around to make sure your windows are closed and nobody heard you. “Finally!” you say once they move.

Although there are legitimate reasons to stop hurrying as I wrote last week (What’s the Hurry?), there are also times to stop the waiting and get on with the life we are created to live; do the thing we are gifted to do.

You have worked hard. You have received the necessary training. You have the credentials and the qualifications. A job is offered. You love the company. You love the location. You love the salary. Your spouse is thrilled that you have this opportunity. Everything about it screams that this is a great opportunity. What are you waiting for?

You have been going to church your entire life. You have listened to more sermons than anyone you know. You know the Bible. You understand the message. You love the Lord and try to follow the teaching of Jesus. You are a good husband, and good father, and good employee, and a good neighbor. But you have never really made any firm commitment to give your life to God. What are you waiting for?

All your life you have prayed that the Lord would send you a Christian mate. You have your standards and you have stuck to them. You have been waiting and continued to pray. Finally you meet him. He is more than you had asked for or imagined. You are amazed. He asks you to marry him. You could not ask for more in a man. What are you waiting for?

You have prayed for an opportunity to share your faith with your friend. You have asked the Lord to give you the words and the courage and show you just the right time. The Lord answers your prayers. Not only is the perfect time in the conversation, but they ask you about your faith. They want to know. What are you waiting for?

You have dreamed of the day you could be out on your own, away from home, away from your parents, doing what you want to do when you want. You are there. Your parents have taught you and prepared you for this day. You are ready. They are ready. What are you waiting for?

What causes us wait? What causes us to hesitate? What causes us to stand still when everything and everyone around us tells us to move? Fear. Fear of failure. Fear of looking foolish. Fear of making the wrong decision. Fear of being disappointed. Fear of change. Fear. Fear stops us. Fear paralyzes us. When we are afraid we freeze, we panic, we freak out, and we make poor choices. When we are afraid often do what we were afraid we were going to do.

Do this. Go to your favorite Bible app or website or concordance and look up or type in “Do not be afraid.” Read through the passages. Here’s one of my favorites in the long list:

“I know your afflictions and your poverty — yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.” (Revelation 2:9-11, NIV)

It is not necessary to read all of them, but take time to read some of them. Hear the Lord reminding you of His presence, His care, His guidance, His courage, His Spirit, His protection, His power, and His nature. As you read let your fear and anxiety disappear. That is what He wants. That is what you want.

What are you waiting for?

Tom

© Copyright 2015 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 04 | January 26, 2015
Maybe this has happened to you. You are driving down the freeway or multi-lane street when you notice the car behind you is right behind you. They are on your rear so close that if you had to apply your brakes there is no way they could stop before ramming you. My wife has been known to call them “Proctologist Drivers.” You wonder, “What’s the hurry?”

As soon as there is a break in traffic they whirl into the other lane, gun the accelerator and blow by you, only to discover that there is no place to go. The vehicle now in front of them is moving slower than you are so they conduct their medical exam on the new car. That is until they see about half enough space to get back in front of you. Not really enough space, but enough that they give it a try. So, they swing over in front of you causing you to slam on your brakes to keep from hitting them. All this only to realize there is another car now in front of them and everyone must come to a stop at a red light. You again shake your head and wonder, “What’s the hurry?”

Or maybe you have been standing in line to check out at the grocery store or a department store when a frazzled mother attempts to corral two small children as they reach and grab and pull things off the shelves. As she finishes her business and prepares to leave she notices one of her little ones has wandered back around the candy counter investigating the magazines and gadgets positioned there to attract just such curious eyes. At the peak of her frustration the mother uses his full name as she pleads, “Pleeeeeaaaaase hurry up!” Though you understand her frustration and fatigue you wonder, “What’s the hurry?”

Or maybe this scenario is more familiar and personal. You have an important appointment, not life changing, but important. Traffic is slow. Like the driver mentioned earlier you are edging closer and closer, too close, to the car in front of you. You reach the parking lot, quickly exit your car, and move quickly and deliberately toward the door. Out of the corner of your eye you notice an older couple, frail and weak, struggling to get out of their car. You move on. Sitting in the waiting room you reflect on the last half hour and ask yourself, “What’s the hurry?”

“What’s the hurry?”

I wonder if Jesus had our hurried pace in mind when He spoke, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34, NIV) Or, when He invited us to, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)

As I read those words it is as if He would add, “Tom, what’s your hurry? I have given you plenty of time to do everything I want you do on this day. If you will walk with me throughout the day, you will accomplish all the things I have planned for your to accomplish. Relax. Rest in me. Live in the moments of this day. Do not hurry beyond the moment. I have something special planned for you in each moment, each human encounter, and even in each irritating interruption.”

Maybe Jesus is asking you the same question as you hurry through your day. Just in case you are too busy to hear Him let me ask, “What’s your hurry?”

Tom
© Copyright 2015 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.

Vol. 17 No. 03 | January 18, 2015
Six times in the gospels Jesus is recorded saying, “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” (Matthew 11:15, 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9; Luke 8:8; 14:35) Whether giving specific instructions or telling a story His message was the same, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” This is good advice when listening to Jesus and good advice in every day living.

If you had only listened to the warning signs you might not have taken that job that required so much of you that you neglected your family.

If you had only listened to the doctor’s advice you would have taken better care of yourself and maybe you would not be so sick and experiencing poor health today.

If you had only listened to your parents when they warned you about some of your friends, you might not have gotten pulled into some of the compromising situations.

If you had only listened to your friends when they warned you about that guy you were dating you might not have gotten into the mess you did with him.

If you had only listened to everything the salesman was saying you would not have gotten suckered into that deal that sounded too good to be true.

If you had only listened to your boss you would have known more about the customer and might have made the sale.

If you had only listened to your mentor you could have avoided many of the mistakes you have made and would be further along in your career.

If you had only listened to your coach you might have gotten that scholarship and played in college like you had dreamed of doing.

If you had only listened to your college advisor you would have graduated on time and might have gotten that job you really wanted instead of feeling stuck where you are.

If you had only listened to Spirit when you sensed He was speaking to you would have followed His nudge and stopped and talked that lady you rode in the elevator with, and would have asked her, “Are you okay? Can I help?”

If you had only listened to the Word when you were reading you would have understood the point the other guy was making and not jumped to such an outlandish judgment.

If you had only listened to the Lord when you felt He was calling your to follow the passion of your heart you might be living the dream in the mission field.

If you had only listened to your heart instead of always doing what seemed to be the safest and most practical route you might not be hounded by so many regrets in your life today.

If you had only listened instead of planning what you were going to say when they stopped talking you might have realized that you had much more in common than you thought you did.

If you had only listened you might not be reading this and thinking about those times you wish you had listened.

James said it like this, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20, NIV)

If you had only listened…

“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

Tom

Vol. 17 No. 02 | January 12, 2015

On Sunday morning I preached from the judgement scene passage from Matthew 25:31-46. I admitted that every time I dwell for very long on this passage I become angry, sad, disappointed, and discouraged because we so often fall short of ministering to the least of these as the sheep are rewarded for doing.

During my sermon I included this piece of writing that I have periodically read and shared in various settings for forty years.

You Seem So Holy
I was hungry, and you formed a humanities group to discuss my hunger.
I was imprisoned, and you crept off to your chapel and prayed for my released.
I was naked, and in your mind you debate the morality of my appearance.
I was sick, and you knelt and thanked God for your health.
I was homeless, and you preached to me of the spiritual shelter of the love of God.
I was lonely, and you left me alone to pray for me.
You seem so holy, so close to God
But I am still very hungry — and lonely — and cold.
[Anonymous]

My challenge to the assembly and my challenge to this electronic congregation is when?

When will we — God’s people — realize that taking care of the least of these…the hungry, the lonely, the helpless, and those in bondage?

When will we — God’s people — realize that our work is not about bigger buildings, deeper pockets, more elaborate programming, or larger numbers in our assemblies?

When will we — God’s people — realize that our mission field is lost people, not people of faith who are attached to a community of faith that goes by a name different than ours?

When will we — God’s people — acknowledge that we tend to be easily distracted from our purpose by trying to do too much, build a reputation, or gain political influence?

When will we — God’s people — understand that turning on our lights, providing comfortable seating, and setting out coffee and donuts is not all there is to ministering to the least of these?

When will we — God’s people — realize that demanding that the Ten Commandments be posted in public places, complaining about prayer being unlawful in public schools, protesting outside abortion clinics is not the same as feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and spending time with a lonely person?

When will we — God’s people — realize that ministering to the least of these means that it doesn’t matter how they are dressed, how the smell, the kind of language the may use, or the amount of ink on their body?

When will we — God’s people — understand that ministering to the least of these is not limited exclusively to ministers, priests, clergy, elders, deacons, and credentialed professionals?

When will we — God’s people — realize that ministering to the least of these may require us to interact with people of another color, another culture, or another political party.

When will we — God’s people — realize that ministering to the least of these may involve sacrifice, inconvenience, and unpleasantness, not merely writing a check or dropping some cash in a basket.

When will we — God’s people — realize that ministering to the least of these is not our legal obligation that insures our ticket into heaven, but the natural response to being counted as one of God’s children.

When will we — God’s people — realize that ministering to the least of these is the same as ministering to Jesus and is the same thing that Jesus did and would do if He were here today.

When?

Soon I hope.

Tom

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