Jumping Without A Chute: part III

Continued from before....

Suddenly, gifts, calling, freedom, mission all began to swirl around inside of me until I thought I was going to explode. (not literally, of course.)

I believe all Christians are "called", meaning that God has gifted all that follow Him, and designed us to fulfill his Kingdom purposes through us. Everyone.

But the calling isn't about a title or an obligation. It should be a mission that is burning beyond simple duty. It's unquenchable. It's undeniable. Yes, it can be avoided, but avoiding it leaves a scar of dissatisfaction that never truly heals.

The "mission" is calling me. Not a job. Not a place. Not a title. I'm being drawn to a mission that is just now coming into focus.

Perhaps that will mean a job serving in a church. Perhaps it will mean living a Kingdom life while in a job outside what we consider "the church." But, as McNeal writes, "the venue provides a platform for the leader to pursue a life mission. The venue is negotiable; the mission is non-negotiable."

I get the sense that God is drawing me to a mission that will feel much more natural and free than youth ministry ever did. And that's saying something.

What am I doing? Yeah, I don't really know yet. I'm just trying to be obedient, nothing more, nothing less. I've learned that when God says "move", one really should move.

I'm not chasing a ministry job. I'm finding my mission!

So, if someone asks me "do you know who you look like?" hopefully the answer will be

"someone whose spleen is talking to them!"

Next Post: "Charred"

Jumping Without A Chute: part II

continued from part I

When I stopped working FOR God and started walking with Him, some interesting conversations developed. I sensed God asking me "what are your gifts? What are your passions in ministry? What have I made you to do and be?" For so long I had been stuck in the mentality that who I am is "youth pastor" that I hadn't really thought of the gifts God had given me, or how those specific gifts can be used in a wide range of areas, not just youth ministry.

So I made a list of my gifts and passions in serving God. It's wasn't about defining a job or seeking a role or title. The question was: when, where and how does God work through me? What does He do that really gets my "fire" going?

The truth is, there are many things I CAN do. But there are only a few that I was MADE to do.

Once I realized and acknowledged my gifts and passions in ministry, I sensed God asking me "what do you need? What do you need when you serve, so that you can be healthy and accountable and free?" I was totally freaked out by this question! "Need? NEED????

Wait, It's okay to NEED something???" I thought needing anything but God was not right, right?

Right???

In reality I had succumbed to the martyr notion that to need showed weakness or selfishness or something immature. It was wrong to need! Or so I thought. But, after prayer and quietness, I tried out a little humility and made a list of the things I needed, not what everyone needs, just me. Honestly, I still felt a little guilty for "needing", but soon realized the profound arrogance of thinking I don't "need" something in order to function the way I was designed.

Then it happened. Yosemite National Park. (yes, yes, yes. It's where I chased the bear. But that's another story).

In May Michele and I went to Yosemite and every single time I got quiet I heard God whisper "I want you to be free. I want you to be free. I want you to be free." At first I didn't understand what he meant but I soon discovered that the freedom He was wanting for me wasn't what one might assume. It was freedom FROM living under the calling of "Youth Pastor" for 20 years, and freedom TO live differently.

In his book "Practicing Greatness" Reggie McNeal talks about "being on a mission." He writes "People, even leaders, typically define themselves in terms of jobs, position descriptions, roles. When asked what they are about in life they respond with, 'I'm a _______________ (fill in the blank with some line of work)' or 'I work at ___________' (some company or organization)."

He goes on to say "Great leaders, on the other hand, tell you what they are intending to accomplish, the mission they are on. 'I am working to change ___________' or 'I am investing my life in order to ____________." These leaders speak in terms of contribution, of significance, of changing the world.'"

Then McNeal writes "The life mission of great leaders determines the content of their days, of their work, of their energies and talents."

I realized God was calling me, my gifts, my passions, my needs to something new; not a job...........................................

but a mission.

NEXT POST: PART 3

Jumping Without A Chute: part I

For the last week or so I've been asked the questions "where you goin'?" or "why you leavin'?" or "do you know who you look like?" (that last one seems somewhat unrelated to current circumstances) In trying to answer I find that unless we, you and I, sit down and have an in depth conversation that lasts a week, I'm just not sure I possess the language skills needed to explain it sufficiently. You know, when things start moving in your heart, words seem like a poor tool for descriptive purposes. But here in my unused blog, I'll try.

When I was 12 years old I was sitting in church, not really listening to the youth pastor's message because the girl in front of me was cute, and the guy beside me kept dropping his pencil on the hard tile floor, which sounded like a small cannon firing each time it hit the ground. But suddenly, I heard a voice inside me that seemed not to come from my head, but rather it resonated up from somewhere much deeper, like my spleen. I knew it was God, and when my eyes hit my youth pastor, the voice said "That's what you're going to do. You're going to be a youth pastor."

Yes, it scared me. And I ran. At least for a while.

But when I stopped running, and accepted it, life began to happen and working with teenagers in ministry was as natural as breathing. Sure, I was young and not too wise, but still, it was obvious what God had made me to do. Fast forward almost 30 years, and I felt that God was telling me that my time working with youth was winding down. That knowledge didn't really scare me, because I knew that God had something new planned, I just didn't know what.

As I saw the end of my youth ministry days approaching, I started trying to figure out what was next, but I did this without ever really asking God. I assumed that it would become obvious, if I just kept busy.

So, I did what any faithful, patient, mature follower of God would do. I tried to "make it happen." I accepted any responsibility I was offered and took on any ministry task I was given, looking for all opportunities to use my gifts, all in a search for what was next. The result was that I had chosen to become very busy doing ministry, but I felt very far from myself and I started to become depressed but I couldn't figure out why. I had become a poser, trying to do all that was expected of me, or all that I could take on, in order to find my place, find where my gifts now fit. I was trying to find something that felt as natural and free as youth ministry had. Yet, nothing felt quite the same.

Through no one's fault but my own, I found myself wandering. (Or, perhaps that was God's intent all along.)

That's when I finally stopped, listened and waited.

NEXT POST: PART 2

"HALLELUJAH" AND OTHER WEIRD STUFF WE SAY

A car passed me the other day as I was driving through Salem, Oregon- one of those christianese cars that, as a Jesus follower, makes me want to crawl under my bed, hide and play with whatever legos I might find, purely out of embarrassment and shame. The car itself was a few years old, a faded, gold colored sedan, covered with those vinyl car wraps, which list strange "christian" sayings or websites such as www.GODHATESCABLETELEVISIONANDGREENBEANS.com. Once I saw a red car covered in "LUCKY CHARMS" wraps.  I'm clearly no longer cool.  My car is just black.

Scripted across the side of the Jesus car were the words, "FOR OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE!" True enough, it is a real verse from the Bible, specifically from Hebrews 12:29 in the New Testament, Which I suppose makes it a car-worthy message. The verse itself is making the point that those who despise God and his commands will face his wrath. This is a biblical reality. Yet to many people, it's one of those "join us or die" kind of "good news!" verses.  Us vs. Them.  Right vs. Wrong.  Holy vs. Evil.  Saints vs. Falcons.

Staring at the words there on the good news mobile, I shook my head disapprovingly and rolled my eyes in annoyance.  Then, an evil desire began to creep up on me, one I seemingly could not control. Since the driver's window was down, I wanted to yell -"HEY! YOUR CAR IS THE REASON PEOPLE HATE CHRISTIANS!"  But as I pulled up beside him, I saw that he was smoking a cigarette, and then it made sense.  God is a smoker!  Fire Consumed!  Cool.

Another christian-ism is "Hallelujah!" a Hebrew term that simply means "Praise the Lord" but if you think about it, how many Hebrew terms do us Jesus followers actually use in pour normal day-to-day life. Why not just say "Praise God!" or "God You Rock!" or "Praise the Most High Smoker!"?

Our next door neighbor while in seminary was a fellow from India who truly loved God; his ability to see God in all circumstances was inspiring.  His name was Narendra and his standard response to any sort of situation was a pure and genuine proclamation - "PRAISE GOD!"

Narendra, I cut the grass today!

PRAISE GOD!

Narendra, I got a C on my theology test.

PRAISE GOD

Narendra, the Back Street Boys broke up!

PRAISE GOD!

In his heart he saw the goodness of God at work in all things, good or bad, and couldn't suppress his joy at the greatness of God.  I never once heard him say "hallelujah!"  He may have said it in Hindi, but I don't speak Hindi.

Knowing that I had been a lifeguard and swimming instructor years ago, Narendra came to me one day to ask a favor.  He said "before I complete school and return to India, I would like for you to teach me, "the swimming."  At that moment, Dr. Narendra had instilled within me a new phraseology. Adding the article "the" to almost any term can make it funny.  My friend dropped his beer and I couldn't help myself; I looked at him sadly and compassionately and said, "that is the sucking."  Try it out for yourself!

Some Christian terms that sound normal to us but make no sense to those who are looking for some sign of God:

• Glory - "Your Glory is beautiful!"  "Glory to God!"  "GLOW-REE!"
• Fellowship - "we're doing the fellowshipping!"  This word should only be used by a gang of creatures who have a ring to deliver.
• Washed in the blood - ewwwwwww
• "He's my guardian angel now" (after someone dies).  NO.  Angels are angels.  No human can become an angel.  No angel can become a platypus.  
• Bring Your Fire!  - Hope this place has a sprinkler system
• Hedge of protection - The God of shrubberies?
• Blessed and Highly Favored.  - Someone said this to me once and I could swear they said "blessed and honey flavored."  mmmmmmmmmmm
• Megadeth (psych! Made you look!)

I guess this blog is mostly about our being aware of the terminology we use, the words that we have grown up with, words we have assimilated into our Christian vocabulary without realizing their foreign nature to "outsiders." Words that confuse, befuddle and frighten those who are seeking; those who have no idea about what it is that we are saying.  We need to not only be aware of the phrases we use, but we need to find better, simpler ways to express them.  We need to be, in our speaking, diligent about giving some form of explanation of the words we assume everyone understands.  I'm not advocating pitching verses from the Bible or watering down truth.  Just a sensitivity to others.

You may disagree, which is fine.  If you want to discuss it with me come find me, I will be doing The Praising!  I might be doing the texting.  I won't be doing the hallelujahing. 

IGNORANCE, SELF-AWARENESS AND FILING CABINETS

Pause, clothes your eyes, set your coffee down, gently (actually I guess you should put your coffee down first, then close your eyes).  Reflect on the history of your time here on this planet and mentally fashion a timeline in your thoughts.  A timeline of what?  A timeline of epiphanies, moments of self-awareness, head on collisions with an aspect of yourself you never knew existed, a buried scar, a behavior, attitude or way of responding that was............... "less than healthy."

Within the office of my head is a wall lined with various sized and colored filing cabinets; each filled with manila folders containing all my flaws, behavioral issues, wounds, insensitive reactions, cheese obsessions etc..  Roughly half of these filing cabinets have been opened thus far. Only half have been opened because I can't just open them myself at will.  No, they have to be opened by someone else, by a situation, a life-change, a book Oprah recommends  or by God's Spirit.  I have neither the password nor the key. Self-awareness doesn't drop on us all at once.  It is a process, that is, unless you're Jesus or Morgan Freeman.

One of the already opened files is the moment in 9th grade when I learned how incessantly I talked. One day during lunch a girl named Cindy sat across from me and at one point randomly bet me that I couldn't go one minute without talking.  I think I lasted about 15 seconds.  (Truth be known she sort of taunted me and I fell for it and started blabbing.) FAIL! I can now painfully imagine that my verbosity must have been maddening to her and everyone else. Her willingness to open one of my filing cabinets was impressive if not a bit unnerving. Oh yeah, I was voted "Most Talkative" that year.  A dubious award I think.

But it showed my lack of self-control and lack of self-awareness.  Upon that file being opened I began to observe myself, slowly becoming aware of how often my mouth spewed every thought I had.  But on a deeper level I learned from the Bible "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45) I began to learn there were some issues in my heart, in my past, in my family, in myself - that were seeping out through my speaking.

From then on I began a quest to listen more, ask more questions, opine less and yammer not at all, if possible; to be quick to listen and slow to speak.  Now, many people think I don't talk enough! (well, SOME think that).  From the outside many see me as an introvert. (giggle).

A man I know will regularly say about someone, "he doesn't know, what he doesn't know." A way of saying that someone is ignorant about his own ignorance.  It's a dangerous thing to say, that comment on another's ignorance. It's a judgment of someone which then opens oneself up for the exact same judgment - which one can honestly investigate or blissfully deny.  Personally, several blinding revelations have occurred within me in the last few years hurling me out of (some of) my ignorance. I am now strangely aware of a different version of myself. I am "relearning" who I am.

In his book "Practicing Greatness" Reggie McNeal writes "the single most important piece of information a leader can have is self-awareness."  

Who has access to your "office", to your filing cabinets where your potential flaws can be accessed?  If your filing cabinets fly open, do you welcome the information, do you fight to remain ignorant and in denial about your issues?  

One of those dangerous prayers that can completely uproot our self portrait:

PSALM 139: 23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
    and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

I just realized I used the word "clothes" instead of "close" in the opening line of this blog. One more file cabinet opened.  8,794,224 to go.

GAYS IN SCOUTING: VIEWS OF AN EAGLE SCOUT AND JESUS FOLLOWER

In my last Blog REVERENT, I referenced the Boy Scout Handbook, specifically the section that says "He respects the beliefs of others."

Recently the Boy Scouts of America made a controversial decision allowing membership to teens who are openly homosexual.  The reaction has been pretty much what you would expect.

Yes, Scouting as started by Lord Baden Powell was admittedly a Christian boys organization but it quickly evolved into an organization that is accepting of people of all beliefs.  Religious belief being important, but a specific belief system was not required.  I've known Buddhists, Muslims, Agnostics, Cultists, etc, etc, etc, - all of whom were accepted or were quiet about their "faith."  Even Scout "chapel" services are what they call "non-sectarian" - meaning a vague gathering not specific to any faith. Therefore, people's opposition to this recent change based purely on an assumed "Christian" basis for Scouting is in error.

(I should note- I spent a great deal of time with many other Boy Scouts drinking heavily, at the age of 14, 15, 16.  Not sure where that fits within the Christian moral code of Scouting.)

Many Christians love to quote the Apostle Paul regarding homosexuality not fitting into Scouting's "morality."  But I love how we (Christians) pounce on certain verses and conveniently ignore or re-interpret others that don't fit within our social construct. 

For instance, 1st Corinthians 5: 12-13 which states "It isn't my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside..."

(Clearly The Westboro Baptist Church has NEVER read this verse)

I have no problem with openly gay teens experiencing all that scouting has to offer - so long as people are accepted, but Scouting itself is not changed. That is my opinion. I stand by it.  Obviously some Boy Scout troops are sponsored by churches, and those individual churches will have to make some hard decisions about who is and isn't allowed, or if those churches will end their affiliation with Scouting.  But that is a local issue for those churches. Some Scout troops are not connected with churches and some are sponsored by churches who are accepting of gays, even ordaining and marrying them as adults.  The decision as to how to respond to this change is a local one for each troop and its sponsor to face.

Already some have begun planning an "alternative" to the Boy Scouts where homosexuals are excluded (and probably anyone else with differing life views).  Lord Baden Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, said that religious belief helps scouts bring about the Kingdom of God to others.  Nothing helps "share the Kingdom of God" like exclusion! (sarcasm intentional).  Once again people are being shunned rather than loved - in the name of Jesus. It grieves me. 

Have you ever noticed how the privileged, or groups of Caucasians have left public schools and fled to private schools, some leaving due to racial diversity.  What is the result?  The original public school system plunges into failure.  I believe this is what will take place if an alternative to the Boy Scouts of America is created. The organization so loved and revered will be abandoned until it is nothing more than a shadow of its once great history and becoming a forgotten disgrace - its legacy destroyed.  I would hate to see this happen.

Realistically it isn't likely that a mass influx of homosexual teens will suddenly join the Boy Scouts, an evolution which many fear for some reason. What WILL happen is those who have hidden who they are, will be allowed now to be themselves - an end to the lying they are forced into if they desire to experience the life-changing opportunities the Boy Scouts offer.  Also, it will bring an end to the taunting and bullying that some Boy Scouts have reigned down upon those they know or suspect are gay.

I'm sure there are both Boy Scouts and Christians who will disagree with me and I'm open to discussing it.  Comment as you will, I won't be offended.

PREVIOUS BLOG: A SCOUT IS REVERENT

REVERENT: THOUGHTS OF AN EAGLE SCOUT AND JESUS FOLLOWER

A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and REVERENT.

From the Scout Handbook - "A scout is Reverent.  A Scout is reverent toward God.  He is faithful in his religious duties.  He respects the beliefs of others."

Describing Reverent, the Boy Scouts of America state:
"While in the wilds, a scout may come face-to-face with God.  He may feel God around him in the wind, the water, the earth, and the open, wild beauty.  When the scout returns home, he needs to continue that respect and awe towards God by participating in the practices of his religion.  Becoming a complete citizen includes fulfilling expectations of the church to which a person belongs."

I find it curiously intriguing that God should employ nature to reveal himself and HIS nature, a revelation that man himself seems to struggle to illustrate at times.  Those of us who are/were Boy Scouts are taught to show reverence to God, a deep respect for Him, combined with a sense of wonder and awe both with Him and with the wondrous beauty He has created.

Romans 1:20 tells us, "For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."

For more than two hours I stood in what's called Valley View, a great photo spot in Yosemite National Park, patiently waiting on the perfect lighting for my dream photo to emerge.  No, the lighting never did what I wanted.  But there, in God's wondrous nature, being still, quiet and open - I heard God.  He asked me about my life, my dreams, my needs and was I happy.  For thirty minutes or more I basked in the presence of God simply sensing His love and Desires for me.  It was a life-changing moment that has affected almost every decision since. 

From that Yosemite moment, I have left what was surely killing me, ministry that turned into a difficult job, relocating to a place that God allowed me to dream about for twenty years.  He set me free, to be in a reverent place, a place where his creation cries out in testimony to His artwork.  Reverence breeds more reverence.  Strange how that works.

PREVIOUS BLOG: OBEDIENT: DEALING WITH AUTHORITY

OBEDIENT: AUTHORITY- THOUGHTS OF AN EAGLE SCOUT AND JESUS FOLLOWER

A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, OBEDIENT, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.

Obedient to whom???  That's a big question and the answer can be astonishingly murky.

Let's start here:  In the Bible, Paul wrote "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God."

I am a staunch believer in submitting to one's authority, not only because the Bible says to, but because logically, if I am rebellious to MY authority, chances are that those I lead will follow my lead and be rebellious to me. And in so doing, according to this verse, when we rebel against authority, we are really rebelling against God.

* NOTE:  If we become all religious about this we WILL evolve into pharisees or worse yet, we will submit to authorities who are dangerous (ever heard of cults?).

As kids and scouts, we think in concrete terms where we have to follow directions of parents, adults, teachers, or police.  As adults the abstract thought process makes things a little less black and white as we start to consider ideals, right and wrong and the needs of others.  (The classic example being - would you break into a drug store to steal a medication that would save a loved one's life?) 

Plus, if we are willing to look around our world we'll find all manner of authority which we must choose to obey or not.  Street signs for instance - yes, including speed limits.  That's authority.  Right now I see a sign that reads "no skateboarding."  That's authority.  And, the one that really gets to my flesh, when people roll a basket full of items into the "20 Items Or Less" aisle at Walmart!

When under an authority, including the church, and one's authority has been.... "less than" honest, abusive, hypocritical, has asked one to do something unethical or has taught heresy - what is one to do?

1.  Express our thoughts with our authority, in a humble manner.

If dissatisfied with how that meeting goes, then your options are:

2. Submit willingly and be openly supportive  (and not speak negatively about the leaders or the situation) 
3.  Rebel against that authority, stir up dissension, causing a split in loyalties
4.  Remove ourselves from under that authority.  (My suggestion is to speak with the authority and explain, again humbly, why you are leaving.  Don't argue or accuse).

An extreme example might be disagreeing with your state's laws so you choose to move to a state that more suits your ideals.

At times there are just no easy solutions.  Our authority is not_____________________ and can no longer be followed and our only choice is to remove ourselves from under their authority.  But we must do it well, honoring God, in humility.

In my own spiritual and ministry journey, I've rebuked people who openly and casually gossip, badmouth and undermine our authority.  They do this even though they are unwilling to remove themselves from that authority.  Sadly, I will admit, on occasions I have handled obedience very badly; my need for honesty and justice overpowering my willingness to submit.

But then there is this: "But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority." Acts 5:29

We can quickly become rebellious using this verse as our justification.  However, that justification is very dangerous due to the fact that we had better be damn sure that God is directing us to disobey our authority.  We cannot act on this lightly.

To sum up - we must obey our authority, whatever form it takes because God has, for his own reasons, placed that authority in our world.  In obeying our earthly authorities we honor and show our trust in God's authority.  Amen.

PREVIOUS BLOG: KIND

KIND: THOUGHTS OF AN EAGLE SCOUT AND JESUS FOLLOWER

A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.

Let's try some antonyms to help us define "kind":
Cruel                           Unsympathetic
Inconsiderate                Distant
Apathetic                     Rude
Merciless                      Judgemental
Pitiless                         Insensitive
Uncaring                      Jerk (that one I threw in)

Most humans feel a strong devotion to treating animals with kindness, sometimes more so than they do to fellow humans.  I guess animals aren't as likely to abuse one's kindness, take advantage of us or lie to us and use our generosity to buy a cheap box of wine. 

Kindness is a vastly more expansive concept than just friendliness, a passing obligatory and semi-social "how ya doin'?" in which we couldn't care less about their answer or, for that matter, them.  It refers to "compassion", a word that literally means "to suffer with"  or to sympathize with a patient, someone who is suffering.

Com= with
Passion= suffer(ing)

with suffering or suffer with, or be a co-sufferer

Pink Floyd (yes, Pink Floyd, whom I truly enjoy) wrote a song called "On The Turning Away."  The opening lyrics go like this:

"On the turning away
From the pale and downtrodden
And the words they say
Which we won't understand
Don't accept that what's happening
Is just a case of others' suffering
Or you'll find that you're joining in
The turning away" 

Words to illuminate for us how easily we can slip into apathy and uncaring for those who suffer, regardless of the manner of their suffering and regardless of our judgment as to whether their suffering is, in our view, valid.

Kindness Takes Notice of Others, Looking Beyond Our Own Situation

Kindness is Not Being Consumed With Our Own Importance Or Opinions

Kindness Is Interest In the Plight Of Others

Kindness Is Seeing (not ignoring) Those Who Wound Or Abuse Others

Kindness Is Sacrificing MY Time For Others Who Need Aid

Kindness Is Being Interested In The Welfare Of Others

Kindness Is Not Accepting Suffering As Something That We Can't Help
Kindness is Feeling A Wound That Makes No Sense To Us, But Is Very Real To Someone Else

For some reason we (Christians) find it easy be kind to people 10,000 miles away, supporting efforts to bring the Kingdom of God to people we don't know.  Yet it can be sinfully easy to ignore the suffering, the needs, the lives of the people in the office right next door to ours, perhaps the people who sit next to us in our church service. 

suffer with

Suffer With

SUFFER WITH

SUFFER WITH

SUFFER WITH

I've met people in my life who look at a person who is in pain and easily dismiss that person's suffering simply because they disagree with it, convinced that what the person is feeling is silly and illogical .  Ironically, these judges of what is suffer-worthy usually get their feelings (or egos) hurt more quickly than most.

I'm not the compassionate person I want to be.  I don't "suffer-with" nearly enough.  Over the last few years I have been transforming into a much softer version of myself and I believe I've become more likely to suffer-with.  I want to be worthy, in terms of Kindness, of the title Eagle Scout.

PREVIOUS POST: LOYAL

LOYAL: THOUGHTS OF AN EAGLE SCOUT AND JESUS FOLLOWER

A Scout is Trustworthy, LOYAL, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.

This morning I was contemplating loyalty while in the shower. (Not what I meant)  Take 2-  While in the shower, I was contemplating the concept of loyalty, it's function and likelihood in a broken world and what is a truly inspiring example of someone being loyal.  How about this:

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."  Romans 5" 8

Loyalty, driven by love for us, willing to die for us even though we had nothing useful to offer in return, no way to reciprocate, even considering we had already proven ourselves to be wholly untrustworthy.  God's deep loyalty to his poor, rebellious, self-centered, missing the point, creation - is beyond our flesh and blood understanding.

Or how about this:

"I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love."  Romans 8:38

From the deepest depths a love emerges, fighting for us, protecting us - protecting our present and our future.  More than any human could ever hope to be, God is loyal to us, his broken children.  He fights for us and adores us when we fail, with a guarantee that he will not let ANYTHING break his loyalty to us.  Oh how the church would shine (even more) if we could embrace and assimilate God's example into our lives of how to be loyal to others.

John Wimber said "Wherever the Church is obeying the words and works of Jesus there is an outpost of the Kingdom of God."

If the church (we who are Jesus followers) is an outpost of the Kingdom, then one of the of the defining features of that outpost should be LOYALTY borne out of love, fighting for others, not disposing of people because they don't meet our expectations of how WE think they SHOULD be.  Loyalty is demonstrated from the top down, just as God shows us loyalty, church leaders should live that loyalty to those they lead, as a picture for us to first experience, then learn, and then practice, ESPECIALLY with those who hurt us or disappoint us.

Today, too many things in our world have become disposable.  Sadly, people, friends, co-laborers of God have also become easy to cast aside and cut off from relationship, the lack of loyalty revealing what is lurking underneath, a lack of love for what is difficult or simply just uncomfortable.  People have become projects or tools.  Few are the number of advocates for people who need loyalty.

Yet God, still fights for us.  His loyalty unyielding, His love given without expectation, knowing we will fail Him. Hear Him say about you, "IF YOU WANT HIM, COME AND CLAIM HIM!"  His loyalty is alive, as should ours.


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CLEAN : THOUGHTS OF AN EAGLE SCOUT

A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, CLEAN and Reverent.

(Yes, these are out of order.  Sorry)

For centuries or more, most of us who have studied and taught the Bible, specifically the Pentateuch, have misinterpreted the meaning behind one of the Ten Commandments. It goes something like this 

1 No other gods!

2.No graven images! (gods)

3. Don't curse using God's name!  No "GDs!"

4. Keep the Sabbath Holy!

Wait.  What?  

Here in these commandments are God's directives about no other Gods, then He addresses cursing?  Odd, don't you think? But that's how it's been taught.  In fact, at least so far as my studying has revealed - the Third commandment is better translated as "Don't take on God's name lightly."  Or, put another way, if you're going to claim to follow God, you damn well better do it in a way that does not dishonor his name!  And no, I'm not advocating using God's name in swearing.

Similarly, the points of the Scout Law, especially "Clean", can be misinterpreted or interpreted too literally.  The Scout Laws all address attitudes and behaviors, not physical issues and so the idea of "Clean" specifically referring to physical cleanliness misses the mark.  Let it be known though, I have known some less than clean scouts and more than once this particular Law has been employed to remedy an odor problem.

Generally the idea of "Clean" is addressing one's mental and even spiritual purity, implying one cannot fulfill the ideal of scouting if one's mind is cluttered with mental manure.  

Paul wrote in Ephesians to "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior."

In Philippians he wrote "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

In Psalm 24 King David wrote

Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
    who do not worship idols
    and never tell lies.

A Scout is CLEAN.  It's a heart issue, an admonition not to take in nor dwell upon anything that is not pure, lovely, or admirable.  Avoid arrogance, judgement, idolatry, lust, revenge and don't take in anything which diminishes one's character or pollutes one's values.  Focus on what is good and excellent.

And don't forget the deodorant.

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TRUSTWORTHY: THOUGHTS OF AN EAGLE SCOUT

A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.

(Yes, these are out of order.  Sorry)

NOTE: Scouting is about, among other things, Leadership Development.  My Eagle Scout blogs are not about my time in Boy Scouts, but about how they have affected me as an adult.  Considering most of my life has been spent serving in ministry, it is not unusual that much of the content of this blog falls within that context, and junk.

In my journeys I have been blessed and overwhelmed by the people and personalities I've encountered that have engendered true trustworthy-ness.  By definition this is, in theory, an easy concept - a person is worthy and deserving of trust.

One of my favorite stories is of Darrell, a man who simply wanted to serve our Student Ministry and every week would give his time setting up and tearing down over 200 chairs, hauling them out across a gym, then putting them back after the service was over.  He had no desire to be noticed, nor did he have time in his life to be a "leader."  But I knew I could depend on him, no matter what. If he was going to be out of town, he always let me know at least two weeks in advance.  He was more than worthy of my trust.

A bad example would be the church I worked for while in Seminary.  The Sr. Pastor asked me to create and have made a large sign that pointed to our church, to be placed on a roadway near the church.  I called the highway department and discovered the road was a scenic / historic highway and no signs were allowed.  Any signs placed there regardless of the size, would result in a $1,000 fine.  When I told the Sr. Pastor this, he said to do it anyway.  "All they'll do is make us take it down."  (hello? Authority?).  I respectfully declined and after a few more oddities such as this I offered my resignation.  I didn't want to be associated with that type of behavior and I certainly didn't want to assimilate it into my ministry heart.  When he asked why I was resigning I told him flatly "because I don't trust you.

Friends I've met I have come to trust with my deepest hurts, longings and joys, knowing that what I shared was safe with them.  But I also learned that these people loved me enough to tell me the truth no matter how painful it might be.  As such, I knew their words were for my own good, not to hurt me, but to protect me.

"Dear brothers and sisters,[a] not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way."  James: 3: 1-2

Trustworthy is (in leadership)

• Leading by example (if you want praying people, you SHOW them how to pray by praying with them regularly.) Leading by example produces trust.
• Seeing the best in people and giving them opportunities to grow, not simply critiquing them when they fail.  This makes the people we lead KNOW they can trust us and they have out best interest in mind.  The opposite only causes people to be fearful, scared of being themselves and being "cut off."
• Not forcing others into a situation where they must "lie" in order to protect the leader.  
• A Trustworthy person invests their time and energy in the people they lead.  This is in a personal context, not just a business "meeting" context, where you simply check up on people.  Relationship builds trust.  The absence of relationship builds uncertainty and fear.

One thing I've noticed in 20+ years of ministry is that the best leaders have real, structured accountability; people (a group) to whom a leader willingly and humbly submits.  This type of accountability is not just a couple of casual "buddies" who talk with him/her, nor is it a group of "yes men" who simply rubber stamp what the leader says without investigating all aspects of a situation.

No, these are trained, mentored, and, wise people who are able to look at the leader and say "no, you were wrong to do that."  They are also able to say "you hit that out of the park!"  Likely more frustrating is when they say "I don't think this is the time to do that" because leaders always want to move.

Accountability is not to hinder a leader, like a committee might.  No, accountability is the first line of defense for a leader.  Their stated job is to protect the leader, to watch his/her back, to confirm or "veto" an idea or an action.  A leader's protection and encouragement is the goal.  Without this manner of protection a leader, with the purist of heart, and the strongest calling of God, can slip into questionable attitudes and behaviors, and there is no one to say "that was wrong!"  In such a situation he / she probably would likely not listen even if they did.  It becomes easy to imagine, without that safety net, that followers who have questions or disagree with you, are against you.  Or, it can be thought they "just don't get it."  Without accountability, arrogance is free to flourish.  Some leaders will be upset at my writing this, angry at the suggestion that they need, or perhaps don't have, real accountability.

Accountability equals Trustworthiness.  Whatever my future, I won't take a position in a church without an organized system of leadership accountability.  I won't even attend one for long.  It is that important.  Always ask your leader "who do you submit to, locally, here in the church?"   It is my prayer that churches are led by Godly people who have Godly accountability.  People worthy of trust.  If one searches within churches, government or any institutions, one will find leaders of character who are worthy of trust.  They are out there!

But this is just my experience, and my viewpoint.  I'm open to being wrong.

Like most points of the Scout Law, I long to be someone worthy of TRUST.

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