Tag Archive | Mark 16:15

Look At Me

Dec14

Galatians 1:10 – For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ. (HCSB)

My husband began to pastor his first church when our son was just a few months old. I had a Bible, a covered casserole dish and determination to be the best Baptist preacher’s wife ever and therefore took on the title in full confidence. I was unaware a lack of piano skills trumped covered casserole dish and quite possibly Bible. One particular female member was abundantly gifted with keen sight for my shortcomings. Apparently Mark 16:15 (And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation) was her life verse, but she stopped reading after the word “proclaim”. Thankfully, her proclamations only extended into her local world. Pointing out my many lapses and disappointments was her cross to bear and she bore it gladly. As If her actions didn’t make me frenzied enough, her favorite beginning to any conversation with me was, “Well, the LAST preacher’s wife” and I would be made aware of the paragon of sainthood who had preciously occupied my seat. James 1:2-4 says to consider it an opportunity for great joy when troubles come your way, but joy is pushed away when we are working to fit someone else’s measurement. Church became stressful torture for me trying to keep our son quiet – no worship, lots of worry. Serving became a burden and a chore – not pleasing to God or me and definitely not pleasing to my strict supervisor. My focus was shifting to pleasing someone other than God and my peace was disappearing like dandelion dust. I wish I could say I have repented of my people pleasing ways, but when my focus begins to shift I remember the words to the old hymn “Turn your eyes upon Jesus and the things of earth will grow strangely dim”. Jesus said, “And the one who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.” (John 12:45 HCSB). I will change my way of looking at things by changing the things I’m looking at.

 

Being Like A Child

Oct13

Matthew 18:3 – Then he said, “I tell all of you with certainty, unless you change and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom from heaven. (ISV)

 

My friends and I were sharing coffee and stories about our children because ….. well, that’s what moms do! One of my friends shared how she was left humbled by her five-year-old when they were preparing goodie bags for the daughter’s soccer team. As the mom filled each bag with a healthy snack, the daughter added a handmade cross. The mom told her that she shouldn’t be doing that, that not everyone would appreciate the addition and that some people might even be offended and angry about it. Her daughter ‘s reply was “Aren’t those the people who need the cross the most?” Another friend began to tell of a recent trip she had taken with her daughter. They were staying in a five star resort with all of the fanciness that goes along with each of those stars, but rather than being struck speechless by her surroundings, the little girl asked every person she saw if they knew Jesus. Once they were alone in their room, the mom sat her daughter down for a mother/daughter chat that began “You asking people if they know Jesus is a good thing, but “. Before she could finish her sentence, her daughter interrupted with “if you think it’s a good thing, why aren’t you doing it too?” Mark 8:38 tells us that being ashamed of God carries consequences. Most Christians would become quite defensive at being labeled “ashamed”, but aren’t we being ashamed when we are more concerned about other’s feelings than their future? Psalm 119:3 tells us not to be ashamed but to look at God’s commandments, and in Mark 16:15 Jesus commands us to tell the world. I’m not suggesting that we loudly proclaim that everyone we meet is a sinner bound for hell, but how would we behave if we saw them as lost in darkness and in need of light? Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (HCSB) News media reports when someone admits to being a Christian just before dying. What would it report if we lived that title every day?