As Good As It Gets
1 Timothy 6:6-19
The title of the sermon is the same as the title of a movie starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, and Greg Kinnear. In the movie, Nicholson plays the role of a character that has an obsessive-compulsive personality. When walking, he avoids stepping on the cracks in the sidewalk. When washing his hands, he always uses a brand new bar of soap. When he locks the door to his apartment from the inside, he always counts and clicks the lock the same number of times each time he locks the door. (Of course, we know that he only needs to click the lock one time to lock it.) He is a man who doesn’t like change of any kind. One day he has a bad day. He is upset, and he goes to his counselor without having an appointment. When the counselor refuses to see him, he turns to everyone in the office waiting room and says, “What if this is as good as it gets?” He is worried that his life may not get any better. If there is no hope that things will get better, then there appear to be two options. One option is discouragement and despair that things won’t ever get any better. Another option is acceptance and perhaps even contentment with the way things are. This may be a good question to ask ourselves: What if this is as good as it gets? Of course, we know that things may change, we have different chapters in our lives. Good things and bad things happen to us and to those that we love. But what if, generally speaking, this is as good as it gets?
The apostle Paul wrote at least two letters to Timothy. In the first letter, he wrote that there is great gain in godliness with contentment. The key word here seems to be contentment. There were some people that Paul knew who were not content with what they had – they wanted more. These people thought that more money would make their lives better and that they would be happier. Paul also writes that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. It is important to note that he did not say that money is the root of all evil, but that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul writes to address the danger of people’s lives getting out of balance. Those who have become obsessed with getting rich have wandered from the Christian faith. They have caused themselves and others great pain. They thought that more money would solve their problems, and that if they just had enough (which meant more than they currently had), then they would be happy and content. But their search for contentment through riches has not gotten them what they wanted. They have more, but they are still not content. For Paul’s audience, the issue was the love of money. But that is not the only love that can threaten our faith.
Another focus that can threaten our faith is the love of relationships. We may want to be accepted and want to fit in so badly that we may compromise our values and miss out on the very happiness that we are seeking. We may want the approval of others and may want to be liked so much that we will do anything to get it. In the process, we may cause ourselves and other great pain. Everyone wants to be loved, but sometimes it is not worth the price that we have to pay to get the approval of others.
Another focus that can threaten our faith is the love of success. We can give ourselves so completely to being successful in one area of our lives, that we may fail in other areas of our lives. People can be so focused upon their work and career that they may sacrifice the quality of personal relationships. Success at work may mean that the family has to suffer. It can be a challenge to keep things balanced and in perspective. We may also view life as a constant competition – we feel we always need to win and that we will do whatever it takes to win, or to be successful. In the meantime, we may lose other things that we have neglected in our pursuit of success.
Another focus that can threaten our faith is the love of security. We may be afraid to make any changes, to take any risks, or to make any sacrifices, because we are afraid we might fail, or that something bad may happen to us. And so, we never change, we never take any risks, and in our pursuit of security we become very insecure. In trying to protect ourselves, we may miss out on much that we have to offer to others, and much that others have to offer to us.
We all want to be happy. But a better goal may be found in the words of Paul. Our aim could be to have godliness with contentment. That could mean that faith would give balance and perspective to our lives. And it could mean that we would learn to be content with what we have. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have goals and dreams. But it does mean that our faith keeps us from being consumed with money, relationships, success, or security. Faith can remind us to keep all of those things in balance in our lives.
This seems to be the basic message that Paul is trying to give to those who read his letter:
1) Fight the good fight of faith – wrestle and struggle with your desires and dreams, and with your wants and needs.
2) Look beyond today, tomorrow, and even next year, and see the bigger picture. Look far ahead and ask yourself what will really matter in the end.
3) Remember that God created all things and that Jesus gave us the example of a faithful life. Ultimately, the only thing that matters and that lasts is faith in God through Jesus Christ.
Remember the words of Paul: There is great gain in godliness with contentment. That is a good as it gets.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Are We Addicted to Money?
Are We Addicted to Money?
Luke 16:10-13
Some years ago I attended a church management seminar. A part of the seminar focused upon stress- what can cause it, and how to manage it. The seminar leader handed out Biodots during the seminar. These look like small plastic circles and they are smaller than the end of your finger. When placed on the skin the changing color indicates the level of stress that a person is experiencing. Blue indicates that a person is very relaxed, and green indicates that a person is somewhat relaxed. Brown indicates somewhat stressed, and black indicates a person is very stressed. When I was in the seminar the colors of my Biodot were brown and green. While I drove home from the seminar, the colors were green and blue. When I arrived home and started balancing my checkbook, the color was black. This told me that although I was not aware of it, balancing my checkbook was a very stressful and emotional experience for me.
In his book Financial Meltdown in the Mainline? , Loren Mead asks the question: “Are we addicted to money?” This is a good question for us to ask ourselves from time to time. And it is helpful to remember that the question is not just a financial one, but also has to do with our quality of life, and the quality of our spiritual lives. Mead writes that an addict is someone who focuses their attention, emotion, and commitment upon that to which they are addicted. He lists several signs of addiction to money.
One of the signs of addiction to money is discomfort with the wealth that we have. There can be several things that we do or don’t do that indicate that we are uncomfortable with our wealth. For example, we may be slow to admit that we are rich. If we live in the United States, we have more than 90% of all other people in the world. And yet, we are more comfortable believing that we are poor, or at least, that we don’t have enough. Other indicators that we are uncomfortable with what we have are that we resist making wills, or we are unable to establish or keep a budget. These are basic tasks that are related to our financial lives. If we are uncomfortable doing them, then it probably means that we are uncomfortable with how much or how little that we think we have.
Another sign of our addition to money is our anxiety about money. We worry about making it to the next paycheck, even though we have made it for the last 5, 10, or 20 years. We answer the question “How much is enough?” with “Just a little bit more.” We wonder how we can make more money, or get more money. We spend time and energy working longer hours at work. We worry about the checkbook, the credit cards, and the mortgage. Let’s face it, it is important for us to manage our resources wisely, but there is the danger of becoming consumed with worry about money. It can keep us from being fully alive and living with joy.
Another sign of our addiction to money is that we are never satisfied. We want more money for ourselves and we are envious of other people’s money. It may be difficult for us to appreciate the wealth and success of other people. We may think that if someone else is wealthy or successful, that it takes something about from us. Money can be a source of tension and conflict at home, at work, at church, and in the community. We may be worried that there will never be enough.
Are we addicted to money? The answer is yes, most of us probably struggle with the addiction. And, if we see it as a spiritual issue, then our best response is to repent, or turn around. Instead of depending upon money and wealth to give us meaning and joy, we can turn and depend upon God and one another for meaning and joy in our lives. Instead of spending more time and energy to make more money, we can invest time in being servants to our families and our neighbors. It means that life is more than how much we make, or how much we have. It means that life is found in our relationships with God and one another.
Once there was a cartoon on the editorial page of the local paper. It was a cartoon strip with several frames. One man was talking and this is what he said: ”When the stock market dropped, I had a moment of understanding. I realized that my values had become skewed. I had been measuring my life in terms of material gain. I saw that all of that could be swept away in an instant. What I was going to have to do was restructure my life to seek and appreciate things of a deeper, spiritual nature. But then, luckily, the stock market went back up!”
When things are going well, it is more difficult to pay attention to spiritual issues. But a financial crisis can lead to a spiritual crisis. We may need to be reminded to turn from our reliance upon our wealth and ourselves, to reliance upon God. We may need to be reminded that we are not in control. That doesn’t mean that we don’t plan, budget, and use our money wisely. But it does mean that we don’t invest too much emotion, attention, and commitment to money. If we have can do that, then the next time we balance our checkbooks, or pay our bills, it may be that the Biodot will be green (somewhat relaxed), or maybe even blue (completely relaxed).
Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Who, or what are we serving?
Luke 16:10-13
Some years ago I attended a church management seminar. A part of the seminar focused upon stress- what can cause it, and how to manage it. The seminar leader handed out Biodots during the seminar. These look like small plastic circles and they are smaller than the end of your finger. When placed on the skin the changing color indicates the level of stress that a person is experiencing. Blue indicates that a person is very relaxed, and green indicates that a person is somewhat relaxed. Brown indicates somewhat stressed, and black indicates a person is very stressed. When I was in the seminar the colors of my Biodot were brown and green. While I drove home from the seminar, the colors were green and blue. When I arrived home and started balancing my checkbook, the color was black. This told me that although I was not aware of it, balancing my checkbook was a very stressful and emotional experience for me.
In his book Financial Meltdown in the Mainline? , Loren Mead asks the question: “Are we addicted to money?” This is a good question for us to ask ourselves from time to time. And it is helpful to remember that the question is not just a financial one, but also has to do with our quality of life, and the quality of our spiritual lives. Mead writes that an addict is someone who focuses their attention, emotion, and commitment upon that to which they are addicted. He lists several signs of addiction to money.
One of the signs of addiction to money is discomfort with the wealth that we have. There can be several things that we do or don’t do that indicate that we are uncomfortable with our wealth. For example, we may be slow to admit that we are rich. If we live in the United States, we have more than 90% of all other people in the world. And yet, we are more comfortable believing that we are poor, or at least, that we don’t have enough. Other indicators that we are uncomfortable with what we have are that we resist making wills, or we are unable to establish or keep a budget. These are basic tasks that are related to our financial lives. If we are uncomfortable doing them, then it probably means that we are uncomfortable with how much or how little that we think we have.
Another sign of our addition to money is our anxiety about money. We worry about making it to the next paycheck, even though we have made it for the last 5, 10, or 20 years. We answer the question “How much is enough?” with “Just a little bit more.” We wonder how we can make more money, or get more money. We spend time and energy working longer hours at work. We worry about the checkbook, the credit cards, and the mortgage. Let’s face it, it is important for us to manage our resources wisely, but there is the danger of becoming consumed with worry about money. It can keep us from being fully alive and living with joy.
Another sign of our addiction to money is that we are never satisfied. We want more money for ourselves and we are envious of other people’s money. It may be difficult for us to appreciate the wealth and success of other people. We may think that if someone else is wealthy or successful, that it takes something about from us. Money can be a source of tension and conflict at home, at work, at church, and in the community. We may be worried that there will never be enough.
Are we addicted to money? The answer is yes, most of us probably struggle with the addiction. And, if we see it as a spiritual issue, then our best response is to repent, or turn around. Instead of depending upon money and wealth to give us meaning and joy, we can turn and depend upon God and one another for meaning and joy in our lives. Instead of spending more time and energy to make more money, we can invest time in being servants to our families and our neighbors. It means that life is more than how much we make, or how much we have. It means that life is found in our relationships with God and one another.
Once there was a cartoon on the editorial page of the local paper. It was a cartoon strip with several frames. One man was talking and this is what he said: ”When the stock market dropped, I had a moment of understanding. I realized that my values had become skewed. I had been measuring my life in terms of material gain. I saw that all of that could be swept away in an instant. What I was going to have to do was restructure my life to seek and appreciate things of a deeper, spiritual nature. But then, luckily, the stock market went back up!”
When things are going well, it is more difficult to pay attention to spiritual issues. But a financial crisis can lead to a spiritual crisis. We may need to be reminded to turn from our reliance upon our wealth and ourselves, to reliance upon God. We may need to be reminded that we are not in control. That doesn’t mean that we don’t plan, budget, and use our money wisely. But it does mean that we don’t invest too much emotion, attention, and commitment to money. If we have can do that, then the next time we balance our checkbooks, or pay our bills, it may be that the Biodot will be green (somewhat relaxed), or maybe even blue (completely relaxed).
Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Who, or what are we serving?
Lost and Found
Lost and Found
Luke 15:1-10
A few years ago I was at King’s Dominion in Virginia by the Log Flume ride. While I was standing there, I noticed a young couple. They caught my attention because they looked very worried and were looking around, walking in different directions, gesturing, and then began talking with a security guard. It became obvious that there was a serious problem. Within a few minutes I noticed the mother again and saw a little girl, 8 or 9 years old, clinging to her mom and sobbing. It was obvious that she was lost and had been found. Both she and her parents appeared to be relieved and happy. Something like that can be a parent’s worst nightmare, and it is something that a parent and a child don’t forget.
Jesus said that God is like a shepherd who searches for lost sheep, like a woman who searches for a lost coin, and like a parent who searches for a lost child. This is good news for us, because sometimes we get lost. Sometimes we get distracted, go in other directions, and wander away from God. There are life crises that may test our faith- a divorce, a lost job, or a death. We make mistakes, poor choices (the Bible calls those sins), and we are reminded that we have wandered away. We may just be too busy for God, and our lives out of balance. None of us is perfect and we all need to be found. Our faith needs to be renewed.
We live with tensions and contradictions. We wrestle with being self-centered and God-centered. We are both judgmental and gracious. There are times when we are at our best, with the best motives and good deeds. And at times we are short-sighted and fail to do the good that we could do. The good news is that God is always searching for us, and calling us to have faith. There is nothing that we may do that is so bad that will keep God from loving us and calling us.
Jesus told the stories of the lost sheep and the lost coin for those who are away from God. They are stories for those who need to be forgiven, for those who need a new start and a clean slate. They are also stories for those who need to forgive, who need to find a way to be gracious to those who have done them wrong. Sometimes we divide people into saints and sinners. That was true with the religious leaders in Jesus’ day. They thought they were better than most other people. They made the religious rules, and if anyone broke them, it meant that they were not holy. The religious leaders thought they were saints, but they were ungracious and judgmental.
One of the themes of the teachings of Jesus is that God is more gracious with us than we are with each other. God doesn’t hate sinners. He doesn’t discriminate, or write anybody off. There is hope for everyone. There is always a chance that each person with respond to God’s grace, God’s undeserved, unconditional love. That is the way that God sees people, and it is the way we can see them too.
God is like a shepherd, who searches for one lost sheep. God is like a woman who searches for a lost coin. God is like a parent, who searches for a lost child. God is a gracious and loving God. Like the words of a famous hymns say: “I once was lost, but now am found…”, those can be the words for each one of us. God is gracious and loving with all of us, and calls us to be gracious with one another. God doesn’t give up on anyone, and neither should we. God is always searching for those who are lost.
Luke 15:1-10
A few years ago I was at King’s Dominion in Virginia by the Log Flume ride. While I was standing there, I noticed a young couple. They caught my attention because they looked very worried and were looking around, walking in different directions, gesturing, and then began talking with a security guard. It became obvious that there was a serious problem. Within a few minutes I noticed the mother again and saw a little girl, 8 or 9 years old, clinging to her mom and sobbing. It was obvious that she was lost and had been found. Both she and her parents appeared to be relieved and happy. Something like that can be a parent’s worst nightmare, and it is something that a parent and a child don’t forget.
Jesus said that God is like a shepherd who searches for lost sheep, like a woman who searches for a lost coin, and like a parent who searches for a lost child. This is good news for us, because sometimes we get lost. Sometimes we get distracted, go in other directions, and wander away from God. There are life crises that may test our faith- a divorce, a lost job, or a death. We make mistakes, poor choices (the Bible calls those sins), and we are reminded that we have wandered away. We may just be too busy for God, and our lives out of balance. None of us is perfect and we all need to be found. Our faith needs to be renewed.
We live with tensions and contradictions. We wrestle with being self-centered and God-centered. We are both judgmental and gracious. There are times when we are at our best, with the best motives and good deeds. And at times we are short-sighted and fail to do the good that we could do. The good news is that God is always searching for us, and calling us to have faith. There is nothing that we may do that is so bad that will keep God from loving us and calling us.
Jesus told the stories of the lost sheep and the lost coin for those who are away from God. They are stories for those who need to be forgiven, for those who need a new start and a clean slate. They are also stories for those who need to forgive, who need to find a way to be gracious to those who have done them wrong. Sometimes we divide people into saints and sinners. That was true with the religious leaders in Jesus’ day. They thought they were better than most other people. They made the religious rules, and if anyone broke them, it meant that they were not holy. The religious leaders thought they were saints, but they were ungracious and judgmental.
One of the themes of the teachings of Jesus is that God is more gracious with us than we are with each other. God doesn’t hate sinners. He doesn’t discriminate, or write anybody off. There is hope for everyone. There is always a chance that each person with respond to God’s grace, God’s undeserved, unconditional love. That is the way that God sees people, and it is the way we can see them too.
God is like a shepherd, who searches for one lost sheep. God is like a woman who searches for a lost coin. God is like a parent, who searches for a lost child. God is a gracious and loving God. Like the words of a famous hymns say: “I once was lost, but now am found…”, those can be the words for each one of us. God is gracious and loving with all of us, and calls us to be gracious with one another. God doesn’t give up on anyone, and neither should we. God is always searching for those who are lost.
Friday, September 3, 2010
How to Be a Disciple
How to Be a Disciple
Luke 14:25-33
At the point of this reading in the Gospel of Luke, the Jesus movement is going great. People are being healed. A woman who was crippled for 18 years is healed. A man who was seriously ill with swollen legs (make your own diagnosis), is also healed. Jesus is also telling the good news that everyone is invited to God’s banquet. All are welcome – the poor, the homeless, the powerless, and the marginal in society. Large crowds are following Jesus. And why not? He is telling them and showing them what good things God can do for them.
But as Jesus sees the large crowds gathering, he begins to change the focus of his teaching. He talks about what it means to be one of his disciples. We can assume that he wants to have more than just 12 disciples. He chose those twelve and now he seems to be encouraging people to choose him and become his disciples. Of course, there are requirements for disciples. Not just anyone can be a disciple. Jesus gives a list of the qualifications.
1.Whoever does not hate their family, cannot be a disciple of Jesus.
What a shocking statement. I have always interpreted this statement and others, as hyperbole, that is, an exaggeration to get people’s attention and to make a point. Another interpretation is that “hate” was not as strong a word in the days of Jesus as it is today. The Contemporary English Version of the Bible interprets this passage by having Jesus say, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must love me more than their family.” This interpretation highlights the issue of priorities. What is most important? – God, family, country?
In the days of Jesus, becoming a disciple of Jesus usually meant alienation from family, tradition, and roots. That is not as true in the United States, but it is still true in other parts of the world. In fact, we like to think that Christianity and faith can strengthen families and family relationships. This is especially true when faith is a joint venture, a shared journey in a family.
2.Whoever does not take up their cross and follow Jesus, cannot be his disciple.
Jesus sees cross-taking and/or cross bearing as a voluntary decision. He calls people to be servants, and to make sacrifices for the Kingdom of God. He says that those who are his disciples will be givers, rather than takers. They will be outward focused, rather than being concerned only about themselves. Jesus was the model for cross-taking as he gave his life for the sake of all people by dying on a cross.
3.Whoever does not give away everything that they own, cannot be a disciple of Jesus.
Now here is a way to shrink the large crowds. If you start talking about money and possessions, people will turn you off, and go on to the next attraction, or back to their normal routines. This is another statement that we can interpret as hyperbole, or exaggeration. Another way of saying could be “Being a disciple of Jesus is more important than our possessions, and more important than our own comfort and prosperity. “ We probably have not given away everything that we own. We worry about having enough to pay the bills, or having enough for the future. But to be a disciple of Jesus means that we remember that everything we have is given to us by God, and is to be managed and used for God’s purposes, rather than our own.
We might note that there is a difference between being a follower of Jesus and being a disciple of Jesus. We can say that a follower is someone who doesn’t reflect, or commit seriously, or finish what they have started. Most of the people in the large crowds around Jesus were followers. They were looking for miracles and easy blessings. On the other hand, we can say that disciples are those who make deliberate, reflective decisions. They commit to an uncertain journey, and place their ultimate trust in Jesus. It is easier to be a follower, than to be a disciple. It is easier to receive blessings, than it is to make sacrifices. It is easier to attend church than it is to be a disciple.
To be a disciple means that nothing is more important than our devotion to Jesus Christ. No other relationships, including family relationships are more important. Our own comfort and fulfillment is not more important than being a disciple of Jesus. And our possessions, and our net worth are not more important than being disciples. If we are truly disciples, then all that we have and all that we are is committed to Jesus Christ.
To be a disciple means letting go of all that seeks to own us, so that we may go where God leads us, and do what God has for us to do.
Luke 14:25-33
At the point of this reading in the Gospel of Luke, the Jesus movement is going great. People are being healed. A woman who was crippled for 18 years is healed. A man who was seriously ill with swollen legs (make your own diagnosis), is also healed. Jesus is also telling the good news that everyone is invited to God’s banquet. All are welcome – the poor, the homeless, the powerless, and the marginal in society. Large crowds are following Jesus. And why not? He is telling them and showing them what good things God can do for them.
But as Jesus sees the large crowds gathering, he begins to change the focus of his teaching. He talks about what it means to be one of his disciples. We can assume that he wants to have more than just 12 disciples. He chose those twelve and now he seems to be encouraging people to choose him and become his disciples. Of course, there are requirements for disciples. Not just anyone can be a disciple. Jesus gives a list of the qualifications.
1.Whoever does not hate their family, cannot be a disciple of Jesus.
What a shocking statement. I have always interpreted this statement and others, as hyperbole, that is, an exaggeration to get people’s attention and to make a point. Another interpretation is that “hate” was not as strong a word in the days of Jesus as it is today. The Contemporary English Version of the Bible interprets this passage by having Jesus say, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must love me more than their family.” This interpretation highlights the issue of priorities. What is most important? – God, family, country?
In the days of Jesus, becoming a disciple of Jesus usually meant alienation from family, tradition, and roots. That is not as true in the United States, but it is still true in other parts of the world. In fact, we like to think that Christianity and faith can strengthen families and family relationships. This is especially true when faith is a joint venture, a shared journey in a family.
2.Whoever does not take up their cross and follow Jesus, cannot be his disciple.
Jesus sees cross-taking and/or cross bearing as a voluntary decision. He calls people to be servants, and to make sacrifices for the Kingdom of God. He says that those who are his disciples will be givers, rather than takers. They will be outward focused, rather than being concerned only about themselves. Jesus was the model for cross-taking as he gave his life for the sake of all people by dying on a cross.
3.Whoever does not give away everything that they own, cannot be a disciple of Jesus.
Now here is a way to shrink the large crowds. If you start talking about money and possessions, people will turn you off, and go on to the next attraction, or back to their normal routines. This is another statement that we can interpret as hyperbole, or exaggeration. Another way of saying could be “Being a disciple of Jesus is more important than our possessions, and more important than our own comfort and prosperity. “ We probably have not given away everything that we own. We worry about having enough to pay the bills, or having enough for the future. But to be a disciple of Jesus means that we remember that everything we have is given to us by God, and is to be managed and used for God’s purposes, rather than our own.
We might note that there is a difference between being a follower of Jesus and being a disciple of Jesus. We can say that a follower is someone who doesn’t reflect, or commit seriously, or finish what they have started. Most of the people in the large crowds around Jesus were followers. They were looking for miracles and easy blessings. On the other hand, we can say that disciples are those who make deliberate, reflective decisions. They commit to an uncertain journey, and place their ultimate trust in Jesus. It is easier to be a follower, than to be a disciple. It is easier to receive blessings, than it is to make sacrifices. It is easier to attend church than it is to be a disciple.
To be a disciple means that nothing is more important than our devotion to Jesus Christ. No other relationships, including family relationships are more important. Our own comfort and fulfillment is not more important than being a disciple of Jesus. And our possessions, and our net worth are not more important than being disciples. If we are truly disciples, then all that we have and all that we are is committed to Jesus Christ.
To be a disciple means letting go of all that seeks to own us, so that we may go where God leads us, and do what God has for us to do.
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