Doing What Matters

We will all breathe our last breath someday.  Will we be able, at that point, to say that we redeemed the time we were given for a greater cause than just fun and safety?

- tC

The Words We Speak

If you have ever been in a verbal confrontation with someone, you know that truths can easily be over-stated.  We often say things like, "You always..." or "How come you never...".  The truth is (and most of us know this) that comments that essentialize or over-state a reality are neither true nor helpful.         

But there are times when those kinds of (if you will) extreme and dramatic words are needed.  One of those situations is when Paul writes to the Church at Ephesus and in the 4th chapter says this:

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your moths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

Paul uses a very strong word when he says 'any'.  Here's my modern-day translation of Paul's writing: Do not let any unwholesome talk come from you, but instead your words should be all about building others up.  And in case you were wondering how God feels about unwholesome talk - it grieves Him.

Are my words defined by encouragement and edification?  Do I give myself leeway to say 'just a few' unwholesome or unhelpful things a day?  Paul doesn't give us that option.  And yet what he does tell us is that we have been given the opportunity  to bless and encourage others with our words.

Is my life characterized by words that build others up?  God, please help it to be so.

- tC  

My First Love

In preparation for the end of our church's "Read The Bible For Life" year-long reading experience, I was looking into the Book of Revelation today.  I am always intrigued by the seven letters John pens on behalf of Jesus as He speaks to seven real churches from that day.  Many argue about whether these churches are symbols of our churches today, and while it's worth discussing, the greater image and call of these letters is clear: be like the churches that do it well, don't be like the ones that fail.  
The one church I was most struck by today was the Church at Ephesus.  Interesting (to me at least) that I am leading a Bible study on the  Book of Ephesians right now with a great group of young adults, and that before I even made the connection, I was struck by this church's failures more than those of any of the other churches.  The charge from Jesus is this: you have lost your first love.

It's such a simple phrase but such a profound one as well.  The One you loved, the One who was your burning desire, the One who was constantly in your thoughts and heart - this One - He is no longer what He once was to you.  The passage doesn't read like they have completely forgotten their roots, but perhaps that is the scariest part.  It may be easier to hear something like, "You have totally forgotten Me, so come back" than it is to hear, "You are so busy doing for Me that you forgot Me."

In the hectic world in which we live, love is a hard thing to find.  We see all too often that other things either crowd out or kill love.  But the hard reality is this: love is not as often killed as much as we allow it die.  It is hard work to love, but there is nothing like it.  Jesus says in John 13 that we are blessed when we serve, when we humble ourselves, when we give ourselves for the sake of others.  This is love.  But it is also a deep sense within us that says, "You are my passion - I desire You."

May we forsake all other things - even those that are 'good' - and burn with loving passion for the One who made us for Himself.

- tC

Living A Life of Faith

Take 5 minutes and watch this.
Take heart - our God is able.




- tC