Come Fly with Me

June 11, 1997. Game 5 of the NBA Championships against the Utah Jazz. With a 103 degree fever and “flu like symptoms” requiring IV fluid during the game, Michael Jordan scored 38 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to winning the game, and ultimately the championship.

Growing up in the Chicago suburbs in the 80’s and 90’s, I followed the Bulls to their multiple championships and still believe that MIchael Jordan is the greatest athlete of all time. MJ’s “flu game” is one of my most memorable. I recently read an interesting article about his leadership and mentoring younger teamates (Click here for article). Specifically:

• Under Head Coach Phil Jackson’s encouragment, Jordan transitioned from being a “one man show” to involving others in clutch plays. 
• Jordan spent much time with the other players on and off the court to build relationships and trust. 
• MJ invested one-on-one time with younger players, mentoring them in the game. 
• Jordan became the leader that others wanted to follow, pursuing a common goal.

As the church and followers of Jesus Christ, there is much we can learn from Michael Jordan’s example.

We are not a one-man or one-woman ministry. We need each other. For too long I’ve had the attitude that when the heat is on in ministry, I’ll do it myself. Jordan did this for years. But like Jordan, we need to learn to pass the ball during clutch situations.

Relationships and trust are essential. We can put together great teaching outlines or create a great ministry strategy, but time must be spent knowing and being known by others. The early church focused on the Word, prayer, and being with one another. We must do the same. Personal “me” time must be sacrificied to build these life-giving relationships. This includes one-on-one mentoring and discipleship.

Be a leader that others want to follow. If we want others to follow Jesus Christ passionately and with their whole hearts- we must set the example. We must also be quick to encourage others and raise the bar in the common goal of loving God and loving others, making Him known to a lost world.

The church will be stronger and more sustainable in the long term by focusing on these three strategies.

While Jordan has struggled off the court with various pursuits and failed relationships, much can be gleaned from his on court intensity and focus.

Epic Jordan

John Paxson's game winning shot in 1993

Identity

Who am I?

Intorvert. Shy. Perfectionist.

For the longest time these adjectives have shaped me and resulted in various expressions to a degree I do not still fully realize. As a result,

• I struggle in connecting with people and making friends
• I give up easily if it can not be done perfectly
• I am hypercritical of my failures, beating myself up over them
• I can be hard on others, holding them to the same unrealistic expectations of perfectionism
• I tend to focus on the negative rather than the positive

But then I come to Scripture.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 3:1–14 (ESV)

Who am I?

Chosen. Forgiven. Adopted. Blessed. Sealed. Inheriter.

The Apostle Paul got it; understanding His identity in Jesus Christ. Consider his words in Philippians 3:

For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:3–11)

I still struggle daily with my introverted and perfectionistic tendencies; sometimes to an almost crippling degree. I’m in the process of working through the root sins contributing to these behaviors (e.g. pride and arrogrance). As I continue to grow in Jesus Christ, I want to be defined by Him- for the glory of His Name and the furthering of His Kingdom.

Caleb: Holding Onto God's Promises

Caleb was 85 years old and had experienced much since bringing back one of the two positive reports (out of 12) after spying out the Promised Land 45 years earlier. As a result of lack of trust in the Lord and disobedience, the Israelites experienced decades of hardship and death in their years of wandering. But Caleb wholly followed God (Joshua 14:8, 14) and persevered- holding onto God’s promises when the time to enter the Promised Land arrived. Caleb asked to take the land he spied out 45 years earlier (Numbers 13) and was granted his request. What a marvelous example of faith and perseverance! When God does not respond “instantly”, it is easy to start doubting God and/or making other plans. We begin thinking that there is something wrong with us (or Him, if we are honest) if He doesn’t answer on our timetable. We lose hope and move on. Yet, Caleb never lost hope or sight of that which God promised four decades earlier.

Examining my own life, I’ve given up too often in different areas after growing inpatient because God had not answered in my timeframe. Most recently, this has been true in our current adoption process. Even though many months have passed, I cannot stop praying and trusting the Lord for our next child…in His time, knowing that He has led us to our specific agency and adoption program. Caleb waited 45 years without giving up hope; I need to do the same in our waiting period. Like Caleb, I must make sure that my heart is wholly devoted to the Lord (Joshua 14:14).

As the church in America we are experiencing perilous times as religious freedoms and liberties diminish in the wake of gay “marriage” legalization. Speech and freedoms will be limited as we are ostracized for holding fast to biblical truth regarding sexual morality and marriage. However the Supreme Court rules in the coming weeks, the gates of hell will not triumph over a church on the move, declaring the Gospel. His kingdom will not be defeated. Like Caleb, we need to keep a long-range view, holding fast to His promises, especially in the midst of various short-term “defeats” and difficult times. The wheat will be separated from the chaff in American churches. Many will fall away, but a remnant will remain who are faithful to biblical truth. It will be difficult, but God is faithful. He will deliver us. Like Caleb, we must remain wholly devoted to the Lord and follow Him no matter the circumstances. Our ultimate deliverance will come when Jesus returns and we enter the “Promised Land” of His Kingdom!

Joy in the Journey

The popular How it Should Have Ended website parodies popular movies by suggesting alternate “improved” endings to the films. As seen below, the alternate ending for The Lord of the Rings trilogy shows Frodo riding one of the eagles into Mordor and quickly depositing the ring into the fires of Mt. Doom. In the closing dialog, the characters comment on the foolishness if they had walked the entire way.

 While we laugh at the parody, consider what was gained by traveling on foot in this epic story:

• A strong friendship formed between an elf and dwarf, who began the story despising each other’s kind.
• Skills and wisdom gained by the previously dismissed hobbit halflings, tested in battle and diplomatic situations.
• New relationships created along the way with the opportunity and allow them to participate in the process (e.g. Treebeard recognizing that the Ents had a role to play).
• Aragorn recognizing his true position and calling as king of Gondor.
• Various evils exposed (e.g. Grima Wormtongue, Saruman)

None of these would have been accomplished if Frodo had ridden the eagles into Mordor. There was growth and gains in the lengthy and costly process.

There are great parallels as followers of Jesus Christ when we consider our sanctification process. Sanctification is the progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives (Grudem). While it begins at salvation (regeneration), it continues throughout our lives until we are with The Lord after we die, as illustrated in the following diagram.

photo credit: Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology (1994). Zondervan, p. 750.    

 How often do we desire “instant sanctification”, rather than the progressive nature of slow forward movement with occasional set backs and plateaus? Yet, like Frodo’s journey, consider how much would be missed in our Christian experience without the life-long sanctification journey accomplished through:

• Bible reading and meditation (Psalm 1:2, Matthew 4:4, John 17:17)
• Prayer (Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6)
• Worship (Ephesians 5:18-20)
• Witnessing (Matthew 28:19-20)
• Christian fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25)
• Self-discipline and self-control (Galatians 5:23, Titus 1:8)

While we all probably wish at times for our sanctification to occur more quickly and/or without the ongoing struggle in our sinful flesh, take time to reflect on how God is at work and blessing in the process of being conformed into His image and for the glory of His Name. There is joy in the journey!

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Philippians 2:12-13

Top Books of 2014

I set a new personal record in 2014 by reading over 50 books. Like every year, some of the books were excellent and others were not. Looking back, here is my annual “top books” list, along with some honorable mentions. While I read many more good books, these are the ones that challenged me the most. This year I thought I’d publish my list before Christmas, to allow time to add to your list J.

1. Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung. In a day when the Bible is being discredited from outside and inside the professing church, including the endorsement of anti-biblical positions on many issues, this is an essential read. In 124 pages DeYoung succinctly makes the case on the reliability and sufficiency of Scripture. DeYoung's stated purpose is "to convince you and (and make sure I'm convinced myself) that the Bible makes no mistakes, can be understood, cannot be overturned, and is the most important word in your life, the most relevant thing you can read every day" (page 16). Written in every-day and non-technical language this book should be widely read and discussed by students, parents, church leaders, families, church small groups, and churches as a whole. 

2. What’s Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms How You Get Things Done by Matt Perman. It has been a long time since I have been personally challenged as much by a book as I have by this one. This book connected with me on several levels. First, as a Healthcare Process Improvement Specialist, I found the practical teaching on schedules, delegation, and efficiency/effectiveness very helpful. However, I especially appreciated the Gospel-centered approach to all of the issues covered. This book examined productivity and life focus in light of the Gospel and who I am in Jesus Christ. Perman's arguments are rooted in the fact that we are called to do good unto others as followers of Jesus Christ. He effectively supports his argument through the 350+ pages. Related, the section I found most beneficial was where he walked the reader the identifying and developing a personal mission statement, life principles, finding a life calling, and understanding life roles and responsibilities. Personally, this content has already been life transforming, as it has created a "laser beam focus" to schedules, commitments and ministry activity.

3. When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. This book challenged me to consider the best approaches to address material poverty in a Gospel-centered way that respects and helps individuals, rather than inappropriately throwing money and resources toward them; contributing to the issue rather than alleviating it. The book uncovers the history and root causes of poverty in our nation and world. Having finished reading the book earlier today, I’m still wrestling with my personal action steps.

Honorable Mentions that I Would Highly Recommend

·      Hamlet’s Blackberry by William Powers. A practical philosophy for building a good life in the digital age, this book examines how to live in our constantly connected world.

·      Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. This classic Christian allegory is a must read. However, I recommend a modern English edition.

·      Real Christianity by William Wilberforce. Written in 1797, this book could have been written in 2014. Wilberforce contrasts cultural Christianity with authentic faith.

·      Recovering Redemption by Matt Chandler. A book on change for the Christian and breaking from sinful patterns based on the Gospel and our position in Jesus Christ.

·      Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney. A  great book on the basic disciplines required for growth in Jesus Christ, including Bible intake, prayer, fasting, serving, evangelism, and journaling.

Great Biographies Read During 2014

·      The Thunder by Douglas Bond. A historical novel about the Scottish Reformer John Knox.

·      Amazing Grace by Eric Metxes. A biography on William Wilberforce, the 18^th century abolitionist and one of my personal heroes.

·      John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aiken. A biography about the former slave ship captain and author of the beloved hymn Amazing Grace. Newton was Wilberforce’s pastor and co-laborer in the abolitionist movement.

·      Fierce Convictions by Karen Swallow Prior. Another biography about a contemporary of Wilberforce and partner in the abolitionist movement, Hannah More. A compelling and challenging story.

Happy reading!