Quick is not a word associated with spiritual development. Most of the uses of the word quick in the Bible are negative and connected to our anger. There is one place that breaks the rules, and it is in the book of James. He writes in chapter one, verse nineteen, that each one of us should be “Quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

This one piece of instruction could be the single best advice that everyone, especially in 2020, needs to follow. Everyone, including Christians, seems to be quick to respond, and it is often with anger or fear. We hear a story or see a thirty-second video clip, and immediately we take to our platform and let everyone know our thoughts. For many people, that platform is social media. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, blogs, and a few other ways allow us to vocalize our thoughts within moments of some seemingly big event.

Unfortunately, we are wrong so often. Later we find out that the video was edited, the scenes before and after were omitted on purpose, the story we heard or read was only half true. Because we did not take the time to carefully listen before we responded, our thoughts do damage.

James tells us, be quick to listen and slow to speak. Tell yourself; it is okay to not respond to an incident no matter how big it seems for at least 48 hours. Take the time to ask questions, read multiple viewpoints, do research, and, most importantly, remove the emotions to see the facts. Anger blinds us to truth and causes us to say things that harmful in ways we do not understand.

Significant events are coming. What we are seeing is just the tip of the iceberg. I am not saying that the followers of Jesus need to remain silent forever. This is not a plea for us to dial down our faith in the public arena. Instead, this is a request that we place listening as the highest priority on our list of actions and let our words come slowly from a place of thought rather than emotions. Quick tempters are destructive and quick listeners are constructive. No one was ever hurt by listening too intently.

This guy I know post questions on social media every day for connection and entertainment. He recently posted, “How much of your life is impacted by religion?” His followers are mostly non-Christians, so I was not overly surprised at the number one answer, “none.”

The second-highest number of responses did surprise me a little. It was “I’m spiritual, but not religious.” The best I could gather from their comments was that most of the people liked the idea behind faith. They loved the concept of heaven and really wanted to go there. These people knew there were things in this world that cannot be explained by natural means. They were trying to live “good lives” (whatever that means) and “be kind to others.” It was also clear from their words that these people did not want anything to do with the Church. They wanted God with no structure and no rules. They like what faith has to offer, but they want it on their terms.

My response is quite the opposite of those I read on that post. I am religious but not spiritual. On my own, I have no real concept of God, heaven, or even what it means to live a good life. There is no standard of right and wrong without God’s word. While I may have some crazy ideas about what lies beyond the known world, I need the one who lives there to explain it to me. As a result, I read my Bible and pray daily, I spend time with Christian people in organized groups, I attend worship each week, and I am a member of the local Church. I want to come to God on his terms.

Both groups of people want the good things that faith has to offer. One group wants it to be a free for all pursuit with no requirements of behavior or actions. The other wants to commit to the things God desires of us and allow him to run the show. We need a system of belief and worship to bring us closer to connecting with God and not a bunch of unique ideas that lead us back to ourselves. Religion might seem restrictive, but it is the only way to know the one true God.

Those of you who know me are aware that for the second (and final) time in my adult life, I have lost a lot of weight. I am not seeking praise for this transformation because I am the same guy who let myself get badly out of shape. I let myself go, and now I am reclaiming my body for the good of myself, my family, and the kingdom of God.

This change has brought one big issue into my life. As my waistline is shrinking, so is my wardrobe. I own very few clothes that fit me. Most often, I look like a child who has snuck into dad’s closet and put on clothes that are two sizes too big. These garments of my past fill my closet and drawers since I have been that size for ten years.

Here is what I have found interesting about this one issue. I have a difficult time giving up my old clothes. Even though they no longer fit my new lifestyle, I am reluctant to give away my old stuff. I went through the pants first and managed to give away most, but I held onto a couple of favorites. The shirts were next, and I kept eight of them that held some special connection to me. While I write this, I still have about 20 T-shirts hanging in my closet that do not fit, but I am too hardheaded to get rid of them.

The writers of the New Testament describe the transformation because of Jesus as clothing us in new garments. The Apostle Paul and Peter both use the description – Romans 13:14, Colossians 3:12 & 1 Peter 5:5.

It is easy to understand this imagery. Just like losing weight forces me to get rid of the old and put on new things, following Jesus pushes us to give up old behaviors and do new things. This process sounds easy, but those old clothes are so comfortable. I spent money on them, and some even have sentimental value. The past holds a sense of familiarity that makes moving forward to something new seem too costly.

Just like I need to go home and pack up all my old clothes because they no longer fit me, I also need to look over my life and see what is not proper for a believer. If clothes are hard to discard, habits are even more complicated. Yet, how ridiculous I look in my old shirts now is nothing compared to a believer living like they do not have Jesus.

Change cannot happen until you start something new. Repeating the same old behaviors will get you the same results.

There only two ways that these new beginnings happen, of which I am aware. One way they occur is through forced situations. A job loss, an injury, a doctor’s instruction or else, a spouse’s ultimatum are just a few of the ways we are forced into starting a new venture.

The other way that we come to new beginnings is through the power of the will. We decided deep within the recesses of our heart and soul that things are going to be different. These internally motivated changes are hard to capture and harder to explain.

One possible reason we have stopped attempting new projects is that we fear failure. Another reason is because we know that new things will make us uncomfortable for some time. Still, others push back from the conflict that will inevitably come with different actions. The result is that we keep repeating the same behaviors, even when we hate the results.

The challenge for every new day and every new month is to say deep within ourselves, “Today is the day that things are going to be different. Today is the day I am going to start a new chapter in my life.” Self-starting is difficult, but it is rewarding. The first step is to stop blaming others for your situation and believe you can take control of your future. I know God has a better future planned for you. As a believer, place your life in God’s hands, then step up and step out. The only thing holding you back is you.

After a lifetime of listening, learning, and reflecting, we have accumulated lots of good advice to offer people. If anyone is having a problem, we have one or two bits of useful information to help them get straightened out. Let me know your troubles and allow me to fix them with my wisdom.

Empathy is different. It is “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” When you are empathic, you are trying to connect on an emotional level rather than offering advice. You listen to their feelings, sympathize, share, and allow them space to feel the moment more than analyze it.

Know this fact about life: People want empathy over advice.

Most of the time, we know what to do. We even know how we should proceed. The emotions are what are holding us back. We need to share those feelings, and then we are ready to move forward.

So when your parents, spouse, kids, sibling, or friend is struggling. Keep the advice to yourself and allow them to share their emotions. It will help to build strong relationships in a world where advice is only a google search away.

Imagine a husband and a wife disagree one day. (This is not a hard concept for any married couple to grasp.) This difference of opinion makes the man mad. He can feel the anger building up inside of him, and even though he knows better, he says a string of words and phrases the hurt her and drive a wedge in their relationship.

She goes to one room, and he goes to the garage to cool off. After some time passes, several things could happen.

First, he might not even acknowledge he did anything wrong. He doesn’t have to live by her rules. If she cares that much, then she needs to come to him. It is her problem, not his.

Second, he can come back and grovel. He can fall to his knees and plead with her to forgive him with tears. She then must weigh his sincerity. Is he really sorry? If she believes his emotions, then she can forget what happened and try to move forward together.

Third, he can try to make it right with her through his actions. He can start trying to be the best husband on the planet. He can make her dinner and wash the dishes. He can give her pick the shows they watch on TV. He can clean the house and make the bed. He can do one thing after another to show her that he is sorry. Once she feels he has done enough, then she can tell him everything is good, and they can go back to normal.

Finally, he could just walk back in the room and say, “I am so sorry for what I said, will you forgive me?” She could look at him, and out of her love, say, “Yes, all is forgiven.” Their relationship can be restored, and they can move forward in love together.

Which of these describes your relationship with God? Some people deny they need God’s forgiveness. Others try to earn forgiveness through emotions, good works, and penance. The Bible teaches that God so loved the world that he took care of our sin through Jesus. All we need to do is come to him and ask for forgiveness in Jesus’ name. He will forgive us, and our relationship can be healed.

God offers us forgiveness through Jesus Christ. You can stop trying to earn his love, just come and accept what he offers. Once you have received, make sure that other people understand how this thing works.

It is easy to become obsessed with yourself.  We take selfies because we like to look at ourselves.  We buy things we think we want because we are selfish and self-centered.  Often our conversations scream out, “I want to talk about me, me, me!”  Live like this long enough, and you can have an over-inflated ego that believes you are the center of the universe, and everything else revolves around you.  We might not use those exact words, but our actions, conversations, and social media tell the true story of obsession with ourselves. 

That is what makes this statement by the Apostle Paul so shocking in his letter to the believers in Philippi.  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, (4) not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (5) In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:3-5 – NIV 2011) 

One of the projects of a follower of Jesus is to elevate others and get over our selfish inclinations. We are to seek the interest of others above our own.  This was modeled by Jesus with his words but primarily with his life.  The passage that follows this one in Philippians is a song about Jesus sacrificing himself for us.  He gave of himself for our benefit.  This is the very definition of selfless living. 

The concept is easy to grasp but difficult to implement.  Maybe the best way to start is with small expressions of selflessness and grow from there.  Today, take the time to say a kind word about the work of other people.  Praise them for their efforts no matter how small.  Ask about their thoughts and feelings, then sit quietly and listen to their response without interrupting.  Open doors for people and let others go ahead of you in line.  Let someone else have the best parking spot or the seat that you feel is the most desirable.  Share.  Post pictures of other people that will bring them joy.  Offer a helping hand.  Do something that lifts other people to a higher level. 

As you start making these little words and actions part of your routine, it won’t be long until you are willing to sacrifice more for others.  With each new day, you will begin to value other people in the way that Jesus did.  Soon, all those words that start with “self” will not apply to you, and Christ will be seen in you. 

For many people, this is a random Tuesday with no special meaning. Here in the community where I live, it is the first day of the school year. At our house, that means my youngest son is starting his Senior year. We are beginning a new chapter in his book that will end with graduation from High School.

Humans like to have fresh starts. We enjoy the opportunity to lie a blank page in front of us and write the next chapter. We celebrate birthdays, school beginnings, and the first day of new adventures. We have New Year’s Day, new months, and Sunday every seven days to start a new week. These are moments when we can pause and start a fresh story that will bring us joy and glory to God.

Today you might not be sending your child off to their final year of school, but that doesn’t mean it cannot be special. What if today was the day you decided to make a change? What if this was the first day of a new life? What if you forgot the past and started writing a new chapter in your life today?

This could be the day you stop doing something destructive. Determine that you will not be angry about everything, or put down the bottle and takes steps to freedom. This could be the day you start doing something new. The exercise you have been putting off could start tonight. You could read your Bible and pray for the very first time. The possibilities are unlimited.

Some new chapters in life are forced on us while others we choose. Today is an excellent time to decide to change. In fact, there has never been a better time to become the person you have always wanted. Just mark the day and call it the first day of the rest of your life.

Over the past month, I have been preaching a series of sermons called “The Masterpiece.” Each one added another layer of value and self-worth for those who are believers in God. I think it is significant enough information to repeat here before I move on to my next topic on Sunday mornings.

1. We are created in the image of God. According to Genesis 1:26-27, every single human being, no matter their gender or ethnic background, is made in the image of God. We bear the mark of our God on our bodies and souls. We are above all of creation and unique in our identity, making us “very good” in the eyes of God.
2. We are formed by the hands of God. Seven times in the Bible, there is the image that God is the potter, and we are the clay. He is molding our life from its conception (in our mother’s womb) into a one of a kind masterpiece. When he encounters issues with the clay, he reforms it to make it even more special.
3. We are loved by God. God displayed his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us on the cross. He is the atonement that brings us back into a right relationship with God through his death. He paid the ultimate price for our adoption. Anytime we question our value, we need to look at the cross and be reminded of the father’s love.
4. We are continually restored through the cross. Once you are a follower of Jesus, the goal is for us to live like Christ. But when we fall short, if we throw ourselves on God’s mercy and confess our sins, he cleans us off and keeps loving us. God gives us grace upon grace. Like a person who restores fine art, God’s grace makes you clean when you have failed as a believer.

Each of these statements is a declaration of God’s work in your life and the value of your life. They are true as you come to know God and walk with him over a lifetime. Nothing can take away your significance. When your world seems dark, and you wonder if anyone cares about you, know that God does, and you have great worth to him.

There has been a phrase I have heard in ministry for the past 25 years that has recently become extremely popular. With all the COVID issues and Churches unable to meet on Sundays, I see it on my social media posts almost daily. It is this: “The Church has left the building.”

In some places, there is an explanation about the Church being people and not a building. There is usually some spiritual lesson on the people of God taking the message of Jesus to the streets. While I understand the sentiment, I do find the concept flawed.

The Church I lead has two worship programs over three hours on Sunday morning. Some people come to serve in one and worship in the other. Other people have a small group time during one and worship during the other one. Another group serves both programs as part of our worship program. These groups are in the building for three hours total on Sunday. The vast majority come to one program and worship and then go home. They are giving a total of one hour in the Church building.

The community of believers has no problem going out into the world. Our most committed believers will spend 165 hours of their week out in the world. The average person will spend 167 hours outside of the building. The overwhelming majority of their time will be spent outside of the building. The issue has never been getting people to go out into the world.

The most difficult part of the Church is getting people to gather in the building together. The challenge is to get the people of God to leave the world and set aside time for corporate worship. The writer of Hebrews tells the people “not to give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing (Hebrews 10:25).” Missing worship is so easy; it can be habit-forming.

I agree that the Church is not a building, and living out your faith “in the real world” is essential. Don’t forget that one of the things God desires of us is to form a new community of faith with the people who follow Jesus. We are a “one another” people who spend time in worship as we invest, encourage, challenge, teach, rebuke, correct, love, and connect with each other.

My phrase of “The Church is meeting for worship, and you should be there” will never be as famous because it will require everyone to make an effort to be at worship. Just because it is not popular does not make it any less accurate.