17

Jump Start # 1396

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1396

Philemon 9 “yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.”

  In the short and personal letter from Paul to Philemon, the slave owner, whose possession, Onesimus, ran away, we learn many lessons about appealing to people. Onesimus was now a Christian, that was a game changer. He somehow found Paul and had become very helpful and useful to him. But there remained the right thing to do. The right thing isn’t always convenient nor easy. Paul could have kept the slave and that would have been the end of the story. But the right thing prevailed. The right thing was to send the run-a-way back home where he belonged. That decision was full of pressure, stress and fear. How would he be treated by Philemon? Most run-a-ways had to learn a lesson. Some were injured, some were killed. If nothing was done, what signal would that send to other slaves? What would other slave owners think about Philemon if he was too lenient? Sometimes we can talk ourselves out of doing the right thing simply because of all of the possible situations that we think up. Do the right thing.

Onesimus was sent back, carrying this letter, to Philemon who lived in Colossae. In the Colossian letter, probably carried at the same time, by the same people, there are general instructions about masters and slaves. Those instructions, with this personal letter, would pave the way for the right thing to be done in the right way.

 

In our verse today, Paul had stated that he could have “ordered” or commanded Philemon to accept the run-a-way back. Instead, he appealed to love’s sake. Love forgives. Love gives another chance. Love thinks the best. Love would allow Onesimus the opportunity to change. We do better when we are driven by love rather than commands. The same results may be accomplished, but the way you get there and the feeling it gives you is so much different. Love appeals to the heart. Commands appeal to the mind.

 

Stating all of this, Paul reveals something about himself. It is a personal note. Three simple words, “Paul, the aged.” The NIV uses the expression, “Paul, the old man.”  Some would take offense to that. Some tend to think of old as over the hill and beyond usefulness. Some would say it’s time for the rocking chair and the assisted living home. Had Paul not stated this, most would not have seen this in his travels and writings. He is a busy person. He endures much, teaches many and travels far. This is certainly not the time for his rocking chair. The definition of “aged” is much like the definition for “rich,” it’s not us.

 

There are two thoughts I’d like to explore concerning the “aged.”

 

1. There are special advantages that senior Christians have that others do not. First, the energy of taking care of kids, the expense of raising them and the necessity of working everyday is not there for most senior Christians. Simply put, senior Christians have more time than younger families. The clock doesn’t wake them up demanding that they roll out of bed, often still tired and longing for a few more minutes of sleep, and head to work. The senior Christian has time to do things and time to make a difference in people’s lives. Time to share deep lessons with grandchildren. Time to teach Bible classes. Time to help out where it is needed. Time to visit. Time to write cards. Also, with time, many, many senior Christians have a wealth of Biblical resources and knowledge. Imagine the number of sermons that one has listened to, the number of Bible classes they attended, the articles that they have read—there is a store house of knowledge that is equal to the hours of a PhD in most universities. What advantage it is to have senior Christians who can keep the younger set to stay the course and answer many of their questions. Is it any wonder that older women were to teach younger women and that one term for leaders in congregation is “elders.” Spiritual experience is priceless. Younger heads need to appreciate that. Many congregations have ignored and moved away from the older voice. As a result, those fast paced, younger believers have drifted off to la-la land and are dancing and clapping their way to Satan because they have ignored true Biblical principles. Wiser heads would have warned them. Wiser heads would have steered them to the right path. But, as it is so many times, the older voice was silenced and the younger and foolish advice sought, just as Solomon’s son did generations ago, and disaster loomed on the horizon. Use those heads of experience. Don’t ignore them.

 

2. The church as a whole hasn’t given much thought about what to do with the older preacher. Paul, the aged, presents a problem for some today. The older model that many have followed is to use the preacher like a pack mule. Work him and work him until he wears out. At that point, he is replaced with a younger and stronger mule who will carry on the work. But what to do with that old one is a thought that few have considered. After years of service, the old preacher, still wanting to teach, is left behind by some who feel that he is too old and will not relate well with the young people. A younger preacher is hired and the older one is forgotten. Some simply retire. Some, because of financial reasons, cannot. Those few try to find another congregation that will give them a chance. If they are lucky, there will be a small congregation meeting in the area that the preacher tries to teach and encourage until the Lord takes him. For others, it means that they must move in the senior years, to find a congregation that will give him a chance. That’s hard and sad. Often, he doesn’t want to move, but necessity demands that he has to.

 

Once in a while, we hear of a congregation that allows the older preacher to remain on and be useful, while a younger preacher is hired to carry the heavy day-to-day work. That’s rare. Not many places can afford to do that, nor want to do that.

 

I’m not sure what the best answer to the aged preacher is. I hope that these writings will cause some to think about it for the first time. I hope that some will see the value of honoring a person who has poured decades into the heart of a congregation. I hope some would think about positive ways to take care of the aged servant of God. Younger preachers need to give this some thought. If the Lord allows, they too will be old some day. How you see a congregation taking care of the aged preacher is how they will take care of you when it’s your turn.

 

I’ve been around some old soldiers of Christ. I like them. They have funny stories and great insight into life. Most are humble to the core. Most are kind, sweet and just love Jesus. Most realize that they are not as sharp as they once were. They know that they miss things here and there. It bothers them greatly. Most simply want to be useful in the kingdom. Some, with a tear in their eyes, realize that they are no longer needed, wanted or used. No one calls them for advice anymore. No one asks them to come and preach for them. No one wants to read an article that they could author. They sit silently in a pew, wondering if this is how it is supposed to be. Tons of knowledge, love and wisdom, only to be silenced because of their age.

 

Paul, the aged. God included those two simple words, “the aged,” for a reason. I wonder if we have really given thought to that properly as the Lord would want us to. Maybe it’s time that we do.

 

Roger

 

16

Jump Start # 1395

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1395

2 Timothy 2:2 “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

  Once in a while, and not every often at that, a person experiences something so special that it is nearly a once in a lifetime experience. I’ve been to some weddings like that. The atmosphere, the setting, the music, was magical. It was such a special event and I’ve never seen anything like that again. Yesterday, was one of those rare, special and once in a lifetime events. It took place in a small town’s high school gym. A large crowd of over 300 people had gathered to celebrate the life of a former principal, a friend and a spiritual giant. The gathering was a funeral, a most unique funeral. It started with the playing of the National Anthem. The high school marching band played. The family, sitting in the front roll, across from the open casket, heard story after story of this magnificent man who touched so many lives. There were periods of amazing laughter. There were moments when the tears flowed. My friend was a giant in that community. Estimates of over 1,200 people stood in line for hours at his visitation. The high school gym that held his service was named after him, even though he never coach a game. I was honored to be on stage and read one of our Jump Starts that I had written about him. The service was long, but very fitting. He was a leader, a hero and a faithful believer.

 

Funerals have a way of making a person think. Solomon grasped that when he said that it was better to go to the house of mourning than the house of feasting. Funerals have a way of putting the brakes on in life. It makes us slow down, think and reflect. A person can’t help but wonder, who will come to my funeral? What will be said? What am I doing now that is really making a difference in people’s lives?

 

It is an interesting study why some people are the way they are. The bottom line of course is choices. They have chosen, most times, the easiest course to pursue. But even within a family, some stand out and others don’t. Some are making a difference, and some make little difference. Some are leaders, and some are not. Some are spiritual giants and some don’t seem to be interested. The bottom line is choices.

 

There are some fundamental choices in life that shape us and determine the course of our actions. Choices such as Christ. Choices such as being a worshipper of God, a reader of the Bible, and the people we allow to influence us, shape and mold our hearts into what we are today.

 

It’s this last choice, the influencers in our life, that I want us to give some thought to. We are all impressed by certain people. It may be the Hollywood crowd. This is why magazines are devoted to following that scene. Who is wearing what and who is kissing who and who is doing what must be important to some folks or else those magazines wouldn’t sell. For others, it’s the world of sports. They follow their heroes with devoted interests. Then there are our friends. Work friends. School friends. Life long friends.

 

Our passage talks about the molding and influence in a spiritual direction. Paul mentions “faithful men.” Those faithful men were to be taught what Timothy had learned. In turn, because of their faithfulness, they would teach others. It was a passing of the baton, one to another. In Galatians, Paul referred to “spiritual” ones who would restore one who has fallen by the wayside.

 

Faithful men and spiritual men—God’s people. Godly influences. I can’t help but think that the higher the quality of people we surround ourselves with the better we will become. If we hang around with low life, we will become low life. If we hang around and allow ourselves to be influenced by faithful men and spiritual men, then guess what? Those things tend to help us make the right choices and influence us to being faithful and spiritual ourselves.

 

We get this lesson when we are talking to teenagers. We love to use 1 Cor 15:33, “evil companions corrupt good morals,” to add some substance and weight to what we are saying. We can leave the impression that Paul wrote those words for a Friday night devo with teens. The evil companions in that chapter are brethren who were denying the resurrection of Christ. The evil companions may well have been in their 40’s, 50’s or even 60’s.

 

Faithful men—surround yourself around them. Notice them. Learn from them. We get this in other areas of life. If you want to be successful with money, you learn, listen and watch what successful people do. If you listen to your broke cousin for advice, you’ll be broke like he is in no time. If you want advice about exercise, you don’t ask a couch potato. You ask the neighbor who runs everyday or the guy at work who goes to the gym. If you want to make a difference in your life and walk with the Lord, you don’t seek advice on Google, where every nutcase can post anything. You seek out faithful men. You notice what faithful men do.

 

So here is a short list of things to consider:

 

1. Have you ever noticed what makes the shepherds of the congregation tick? What are their habits? What is a typical day like for them? They are spiritual leaders. They are experienced spiritually. They know what they are doing, so just what is it that they are doing? Have you asked them, “What are you reading?” Have you asked them, “What are your prayers like?” You see them visiting the hospitals. You see them hanging around the church building, long after most have left. You see them teaching classes. You see them talking to others. Faithful men—right before our eyes. Do we allow them to influence us?

 

2. Have you ever really considered what your preacher does? Sure we see the classes and hear the sermons. There’s the bulletin, website stuff and things like that. But what does he do? How does he do it? Faithful men, do I see the footprints that he is leaving for me to follow?

 

3. Godly men and women, often not even in the congregation where you worship, but you know about them. People you see attending meetings. People you are drawn to because they have a caring heart. People who go out of their way to encourage you. What makes them that way? Why are they that way?

 

God places faithful witnesses all around us. I could start with New Albany, Indiana, where my congregation meets and begin a list of faithful witnesses. The circle would grow to those in Southern Indiana, then the state of Indiana, then all across this nation, folks in Florida, Texas, California, Minnesota,  the East Coast, Africa, India, Philippines, Norway and on and on, all across this planet. Men and women who have chosen to follow the Lord. Men and women who are encouragers, helpers and have that special kind heart. Men like my friend Jim, who we buried yesterday, who touched so many. Their kind is not easily forgotten. They will continue to speak, like Abel, though they are gone.

 

Sometimes we do not see the value of including faithful people in our lives. Sometimes we do not name the faithful of God as our dearest and closest friends. Some come and worship, but keep their distance. They don’t get close to others and as a result they miss out on being influenced for the better. Some don’t know faithful people and it shows in their choices and their decisions.

 

It has been said that we will be exactly the way we are in five years except for the people we hang around with and the books we read. Influencers in our lives.

 

Paul wanted Timothy to teach faithful men who in turn would teach others. Men who would be true to God’s word. Men who understood faithfulness with God. Men who loved the Lord and His ways. Men who treasured God and His people.

 

The best people on the earth are Christians. They are not perfect. They are not without mistakes. They are not finished becoming, but they are the best. Faithful ones—these are the people who we need to ask for advice. These are the ones that you need to listen to. These are the ones that you need to have in your home. These are the ones that will make you a better person.

 

Faithful ones—are you such a person yourself?

 

Roger

 

15

Jump Start # 1394

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1394

Luke 10:35 “On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.”

  Our passage today comes from the wonderful story we know as the good Samaritan. This was a parable that Jesus used to answer a lawyer who was a bit too full of himself and truly didn’t have the heart that he should have had.

 

The parable is rich with lessons. There is the man who is minding his own business and traveling alone. Then there are the thieves that no only rob the man, but beat him and leave him for dead. Then there is the priest and the Levite who ignore the injured man. They may have had their reasons or their excuses, but they illustrated the high and mighty religious sect in Jesus’ day that was long on talk and short on doing. Too good for others, and too much pride in themselves. The hero of the day is a Samaritan, someone who would have been shunned, mocked and ignored by the established Jews. The Samaritan stopped and helped the injured. Had it been a Jew seeing an injured Samaritan, he would have walked on and ignored him.

 

Jesus uses this to story to show who is our neighbor. It is anyone that we can help. The Samaritan didn’t preach a sermon to the injured about the dangers of walking alone. He didn’t seem to ask him “the whys” this happened. He just stopped and he did what he could. The story ends with Jesus saying, “go and do thou likewise.” Go do this. Repeat this. Be this kind of person.

 

Our verse brings out two interesting thoughts for us.

 

First, “on the next day,” the text reads. The Samaritan took the injured man to the inn. We often think that he dropped him off and went on his way. Such a nice act. But according to the text, the Samaritan stayed with the injured man through the night. It was the “next day,” that he left. The plans of the Samaritan changed. He had to rearrange his schedule and what he was doing. Taking care of this injured man was now the most important thing. He didn’t just drop a few coins in the injured man’s hand and leave him with a promise that I hope you get better, “I’ll say a prayer for you.” No. He poured oil on his wounds, put him on the donkey, took him to the inn, and stayed with him through the night. The Samaritan poured himself into the care of that injured man. Not too busy to care for another. Not believing the idea that “I don’t want to get involved.” He did get involved. He made a difference.

 

Second, our verse tells us that the Samaritan paid two denarii, which is two days wages and left a promise to return and pay for any more expenses. Why? It wasn’t his problem? He showed compassion and love. The injured man didn’t have any money, he was robbed. Who would pay for these things? Why injure the man further with financial stress and burdens. He would take care of it.

 

Now, here is something that is interesting. In the 2014 “Survey of Household Economics and Decision making,” as reported in USA Today, 47%, nearly half of Americans, could not cover an emergency in their home costing $400. Nearly half of Americans could not come up with $400. The survey said that they would either have to sell something or borrow it, which means going into debt. The air conditioner goes out, the car breaks down, a medical emergency, and half of Americans couldn’t deal with the costs. It further implies that nearly half of Americans are not saving and are living paycheck to paycheck. This sad stat affects our passage today. Coming across a need, nearly half couldn’t do anything because they do not have the money to take care of their own emergencies. A modern Samaritan would have to leave the injured man because he wouldn’t have any money to leave at the inn.

 

Stewardship means not only taking care of ourselves and our families, but living in such a way that we can be God’s tools when opportunities arise. This financial statistic is troublesome. It would hinder some from doing hospitality, just don’t have the money. The Galatians 6:10, “as we have opportunity let us do good to all men, especially to the household of faith,” falls flat because there is no money to do good. It is all spent. I have known of far too many folks, preachers especially, who have passed away, having no life insurance and placing their families in a financial burden. Who will pay for the funeral? Who will now pay for the mortgage? This is not good stewardship. Life insurance isn’t that expensive.

 

I wonder if we walk on the other side of opportunities because we simply tell ourselves, “We don’t have any money.” Opportunities to help. Opportunities to let our lights shine. Opportunities to be the neighbor that Jesus wants us to. Opportunities missed because there is no money.

 

Congregations for years have steered clear of discussing money matters, thinking that such topics do not belong in Biblical discussions. Failing to see that Jesus talked more about money than He did Heaven, and failing to instruct others about our responsibilities to help others, a generation has grown that doesn’t understand money and Biblical principles. I earn it, I get to spend it, ALL, is the thinking of too many. Viewing credit cards as cash, instead of debt, living paycheck to paycheck affects contributions. It affects what happens down the road when a person no longer can work. What then? If I have less than $400 that I could use for an emergency, how will I live after I no longer can work? Go to the church for help? Are we crippling the good that can be done by not being good stewards today? How many Samaritans die on the road because there is no money to help or our purse strings are pulled too tight because we want to spend our money only on ourselves.

 

These are thoughts that need to be openly discussed. This not only affects today, but greatly affects tomorrow. Parents living paycheck to paycheck, piling up deep debt, are showing their children and the next generation, what to do. It will continue unless someone says “enough,” and starts becoming more responsible.

 

The Samaritan wasn’t just one who was a neighbor, compassionate, helpful, but he was one who had some money and shared it when there was a need.

 

Could you cover an emergency that cost $400? Would you have to use your credit card to do that? Have you given serious thought to your handling of money and Biblical principles? Maybe it’s time to have those discussions. Maybe it’s time to make some adjustments. Maybe it’s time…

 

Roger

 

14

Jump Start # 1393

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1393

Hebrews 2:16 “For assuredly He does not hive help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham.”

  Angels have always been a curiosity among many folks. Gift stores sell figurines of angels. Most of those are wearing white, with wings and are either females or chubby little babies. People like the thought that they have a special or assigned angel, like a guardian, that is watching over them. Some even give credit for their safety, not to God, but to their watchful angel.

 

Angels are found throughout the Bible. They rescued God’s people, brought messages from Heaven and gave comfort to the Lord. It was the angels that carried the precious soul of Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom. Some angels disobeyed. They were set aside for a coming punishment. Many think that the Devil started off as one of God’s angels before he turned. I’m not sure about that one.

 

Our passage today, setting the great place of Christ and mankind, shows what God does for His people. God will do things for the descendant of Abraham that He doesn’t do for angels. The Psalmist said in Psalms 8, “What is man that you take thought of him…you have made him lower than the angels and you crown him with glory and majesty.”

 

Have you ever thought how we are lower than angels?

 

  • It seems that angels do not age. We certainly do.
  • Angels are not confined to the things of this world. We are. We’ve had storms. In the winter, it snows. In the summer, it’s hot. We have bugs. We must eat. We must sleep. We have to go to work. I doubt that there is an “Angel school” in Heaven. Angels are spirits, so they are not affected by physical things. There are no bugs in Heaven. They do not hunger. They don’t have to carry umbrellas.
  • Angels do not die. We do.
  • We start off little and must learn everything. Angels are created as God wants them. There is no “little angel” who grows up to become a “big angel.”

 

Although we are lower than the angels, there are many superior things about us that angels do not experience.

 

  • We have Jesus. He is a Savior for us. He died not for angels, but us. He is our example. He is our friend. He is our help.
  • We have the Gospel message that was preached to us. The Gospel was not preached to angels. That wonderful message that fills our hope and comforts the weary soul and calms the nervous heart is for us, not angels.
  • Jesus went to prepare a place for us in Heaven, not angels.
  • God created angels to serve us, not the other way around. We do not serve angels.
  • God’s help, as our verse says, is for us, not angels.

 

These reminders help us to see how valuable and important we are to God. The Lord loves us, cares for us and wants us to walk with Him and spend eternity with Him in Heaven. We are not angels that become human, nor do we become angels when we die. We are the people of God.

 

God’s thoughts are about you. God’s love is directed toward you. God is working things in your life to bring you closer to Him. God has left footprints, first through the Bible, and now, through living examples of where we should go and what we ought to be doing. It is our prayers that God answers. It is our heart that God seeks.

 

These reminders are important but must be used with care. Without some careful thought, we may think that we are better than what we really are. Yes, God thinks this much of us, however, we are sinners that have disappointed Him and broken His heart. Worthlessness and pride are two extremes that we do not belong in. Understanding how God views you makes us understand that we are special to Him. However, seeing ourselves in the mirror, will eliminate any pride, because we have failed Him. We need God. Without God, we drift with the current of the times that has no compass and no moral standard. Without God, we become our own god and we decide based upon feelings, what is right and wrong. With God, we have direction, purpose, forgiveness and a standard to love and follow.

 

Since the first page of the Bible, God has shown that mankind is different. We are not like animals and we are not a part of the animal kingdom. The animal world is not our brother. We are not like angels. We are like God, made in His image. We are to model God and develop His character and His heart.

 

God gives help to the descendant of Abraham. Help in the form of answered prayers. Help in the form of revealed word. Help in the form of blessings from Heaven. Help by inviting us, including us, and using us in His kingdom. Help in the form of bringing life lessons that ought to awaken us, challenge us, and form us to being the spiritual people that He wants.

 

We do not journey alone. God is helping us. What a thought that is!

 

Roger

 

13

Jump Start # 1392

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1392

2 Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”

  It happened again. It didn’t just happen again, but exactly two weeks in a row. Another Sunday, and another dear friend and godly soul parted from this world. His name was Jim. I’d know him and his sweet wife for years. I used to run into them in Florida at a series of lectures. I can’t remember when we first met, it seems that we have always known each other. Since I moved back to Indiana, nearly eight years ago, our friendship exploded. My, he was dear to my heart and family. The memories are so rich. He and his wife would just drop by the church building whenever they were in the area. They always made two stops, first to Zestos and then to see me. Sometimes we combined the two. I have spent a week in his home and what a rich time that was. We loved to talk about spiritual things. He’d call me and ask about a passage. He was good to the core. His handshake would crush your knuckles, but he knew just how firm to shake. He once taught school and was a principle. Walking with him in his area was a real hoot. Folks would toot their horn and wave. He was loved by everyone, even those who he helped turn around. Many times on our walks someone would wave and shout, “Hi, Jim.” He’d go on to tell me that he spanked that one in school. I learned that he spanked a lot of people in that county, but they weren’t angry or mean towards him. They saw that he was responsible for turning their lives around. He was asked to preach so many funerals of students. It amazed him. It didn’t me. He was that kind of soul that one just couldn’t forget. We’d talk about his family, my family, church, questions and hope. My, he was such a dear, dear friend to me. He was always amazed that I thought so much of him and I was amazed that he thought so much of me. My children loved him dearly.

 

But there was one very special area that Jim and I shared, and that was this little avenue of writing called Jump Starts. I think he was one of our first readers outside of the congregation where I preach. He read nearly everyone. He sent me so many kind, kind words and encouraged so many others to read these.  We talked very personally and intimately about how long these Jump Starts were going to continue on. No one talked to me in detail about these things like he did. Every milestone reached, number 500, number 800, number 1000, he’d call, and we’d talk. Soon I will be writing number 1400, and my friend would have called that day to talk in detail about how long this should continue. He was such an encouragement. He’d gotten sick recently. It was serious, very serious. I’d not seen him in a while and with my travels, I just couldn’t get over to where he lives. This week was to be the week. I had plans to go see him this week. And then, yesterday morning, word came that he had passed away early in the morning, Sunday morning. I have been crushed every since. In his honor, I nearly pulled the plug on these Jump Starts last night. I gave serious thought to just stopping them for good. But I know what my friend would say. I know what he would have me to do. The journey continues for us.

 

Our verse today, is the passage that immediately came to my mind when I thought about my friend’s passing. Paul’s words to the young preacher are hopeful and helpful. They are layered with three main thoughts.

 

First, be diligent. That word simply means, “get to it.” Don’t put it on the back burner. Don’t delay in these things. Don’t say, “when I get a round to it.” Jump on it now. Make this priority one. Drop all things and get about it. My daughter used to say when she was at home, “Do it,” and then she’d add emphatically, “NOW.” The way she said it, made a person get up and do it, now. This is what Paul is saying to Timothy and to us.

 

Second, present yourself approved. Approved. Passing the test. God can be pleased. Well done, is what the five talent man was told. He was approved by the master. Gained approval is the statement used of the heroes in Hebrews 11. They all gained approval with God. We can know what God wants. We can be approved by God. This is how we are to present ourselves, each day, every day. We must be diligent about that. It’s time to get rid of the lazy bones and the lame excuses and pointing fingers at others, especially the congregation, and ask ourselves, “Why am I not approved by God?” Why does my attendance stink? Why do I not know the word of God? Why am I not praying very much? Why don’t I engage in hospitality? Why am I not letting my light shine? Why am I watching dumb movies, listening to trashy songs and hanging out with people who don’t love the Lord? Why have I not surrounded myself with quality people who love the Lord and will influence me for good? Why am I not an encourager, like my friend was? Present yourself approved. Do what God wants you to do.

 

Third, as a workman who does not need to be ashamed. What a great and simple illustration the apostle gives to us. A workman works to get paid. That’s the goal of what he does. A guy who works hard and works well, has nothing to be ashamed of. It doesn’t matter whether he digs a ditch, fixes teeth, preaches a sermon, drives a school bus, or is a principal, as my friend was. Work hard at your job. Do it well. We understand that concept. The guy who is playing computer games all day or is texting more than he is working ought to turn in his paycheck. I drove by some workers the other day that were working on the road. I don’t know if it was break time, lunch time, or time to call it a day, but I saw three different ones sitting down looking at their phones. Now, if they were supposed to be working, then there was a problem. This working in such a way as not to be ashamed, is not connected to our jobs, but in how we are diligent to be approved to God. Do what God says, in the way that God says it, with all that you can, and you have nothing to be ashamed of. Stop comparing yourself to others. Egos, jealousy and bad things happen when a person does that. Stop just giving it a ‘lick and a promise,’ as my grandma would say. Do it right the first time and you don’t have to do it over. Get over your hurt feelings and bad experiences and present yourself approved to God. Don’t use excuses. Get about doing what you ought to do.

 

Unashamed workman. A person that is giving it his best. This comes from the inside out. This comes from a heart that wants to please the Lord. This comes from one who sees what is really important.

 

The apostle tells us how all this is accomplished, by rightly dividing the word of God. By knowing, following and keeping the will of God in our hearts. By being true to the book. By standing upon the word of God. By saying “yes,” to what God says, “yes,” to, and by saying, “no,” to what God says “No,” to. It’s not being original, different, unconventional, or just plain odd. It’ s by rightly dividing God’s word. I expect if the word can be “rightly divided,” then it might be “wrongly divided” as well. Our roles is to be those who divide it rightly. I expect a person can pull a verse and make it seem like Heaven approves of any sordid behavior that folks can dream up. That’s not using the word as God intended. That’s not rightly dividing. That’s not being that unashamed workman. Someone who twists God’s word to push their agenda, ought to be ashamed. Let God speak for Himself. Don’t twist His words. Don’t put words in His mouth. Listen and follow what He says.

 

Be diligent. Present yourself approved to God. Like an unashamed workman. That was my friend. That was, Jim Babcock. I will miss you dearly. I am glad you made it safely. I hate death and I long for the day when there shall be no more tears, for my eyes are full of them today.

 

Thank you, my friend. Thank you, my Jesus for allowing our lives to cross. I benefited on that one.

 

Roger