Tipping Point

The tipping point is the critical point in an evolving situation that leads to a new and irreversible development.

Of course, we all live in evolving situations. Family. Work. Relationships. Government. (insert your situation here) But to me, the key word here is ‘irreversible’. There is no going back. Once the tipping point is passed, it cannot be undone.

Probably the most famous ‘tipping point’ is ‘The straw that broke the camel’s back.” The straw itself may seem relatively small and represent an insignificant amount of weight, but the camel was already carrying the maximum load it could handle. Any more weight, and it would break. ANY more weight…like a straw. Now, the camel’s back is broken and he cannot carry anything.

Irreversible development.

I bet you wish you hadn’t put that straw on the camel’s back, huh? Well, it’s too late now.

Was it the government lawsuit against Microsoft in 2000 that was the tipping point that burst the tech bubble? Some think so. Was it the failure of Lehman Brothers or Countrywide Mortgage in 2008 that was the tipping point for the crumpling of our housing market, job market and stock market? Probably.

A news commentator stated today that the current debt ceiling/government shutdown/Obamacare deadline/deadlock in our congress is a ‘tipping point’ for our nation. I would agree, but I’m not going to talk about the economy or the government today. It only got me thinking about the ‘tipping point’.

There is a point…everybody has one. The tipping point can seem relatively small to people looking on. It was, after all, just a straw. But what is not noticed is the enormous weight of circumstances that precede the fateful moment.

There was one car that was the tipping point on the bridge that collapsed on I-35 in Minnesota several years ago. Millions of vehicles crossed the bridge during its lifespan. It was holding up the weight of several cars and trucks, then, one more car drove onto the bridge. . . and it couldn’t take it.

Irreversible development.

Or there’s the kid in school who has been bullied his whole life, then one day, ‘he just snapped.’

Tipping point. Irreversible development.

With the tipping point, it’s not one thing. It’s not that you forgot to take out the garbage or were late for dinner or broke a promise. It’s a combination of sometimes years of abuse, unacceptable behavior, unfair treatment . . . or stress.

Everybody has these moments of no return. Parents, pupils, and pastors. If you think about it, you’ve probably reached a tipping point at some time in your life. I’ve had a few in the last 51 years. I remember them well. (Only the one in fifth grade involved violence) And, I remember the straw. It seemed like such a small thing to those around me. But it was…‘the last straw’. And true to the definition, all of my tipping points resulted in an irreversible development. Good or bad, there was no going back.

What if, . . . instead of adding the straw to the camel’s back, you said, “Here, you’re carrying a lot of weight and are under so much pressure. Let me take off 25 pounds and carry it for you.” The camel could have carried hundreds of pounds everyday for many years to come. And you’d be his favorite person, because when everyone else was piling on, you lightened his load. 

Food for thought. And try not to push anyone over the edge today.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Gal. 6:2

Enjoying the Journey,

David

Family Reunion

We had a GREAT week with our entire family here for Dad's 85th birthday extravaganza. My brother and sister and their entire families and all of our kids and grand-kids were together for the first time in years.

Serving in Ministry for 30+ years (and counting) has caused us to live far away from parents, children, brothers and sisters. Because of that, our reunions are extra special.

This week brought to mind this Scripture passage.

28 Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. - Mark 10:28-30

There is both great sacrifice and great reward to this calling. Oh, and persecution. Check, Check, and Check. But, we consider ourselves most blessed in this life. I can't imagine a life richer in family relationships, friendships and fulfillment.

I and billions of other Christians through the centuries are grateful that the disciples didn't stay in Jerusalem, but scattered into all the world to preach the gospel (as commanded). Neither did Paul stay put, but went where the Lord sent him.

This brings to mind the old hymn (1899)

I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,
O’er mountain, or plain, or sea;
I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I’ll be what You want me to be.

Or for those in the Modern Service:

Where You go, I'll go. Where you stay, I'll stay
Where You move, I'll move, I will follow you.

Enjoying the Journey,
David

'Put 'em Up!'

Some people like to watch a fight. I never got into the PPV fight scene, even though the MMA fighters choose to fight and are paid to fight, it just doesn't appeal to me. 

Others will run to a fight. They can't wait to get involved, . . . to participate. That can mean taking up the offense of someone else and jumping in the middle. This is seen in the bench-clearing brawls in hockey, baseball, and ... well, most of our sports.

Then there are those who live to fight. They're not content unless there is conflict. Whether subconsciously or by their will, if things get too peaceful, they'll create a conflict just to give them something to fight about. This can happen in the home between a husband and wife, in the workplace, or (gasp) even in the church. 

Wherever it occurs, this quarreling and arguing is not a characteristic of Christ, it is of the world. 

Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 1 Cor. 3:1-3 

Remember, this letter was written to a local church in Corinth. According to the Scripture, quarreling and fighting proves that we are still living as the world, not by the Spirit. We are immature, walking according to the flesh which is supposed to be crucified with Christ. You've probably heard the stories of church splits over the color of the carpet or which side the organ should be on. Sadly, these instances grieve the heart of God and are disastrous to the local church and contribute to an unflattering view of Christianity.  (We avoid the 'where the organ should be' argument by moving the organ, french horns, guitars, etc. every couple of weeks).

When Christian people act like the world, ... quarreling, bickering and fighting, the world doesn't see Jesus, it sees more of the world. More darkness, not the light of Christ. It also reveals our true spiritual maturity level...babies. It's understandable that new believers would be dealing with things like this as they allow the Spirit to reform the areas in their lives, attitudes and actions. But believers who have been Christians for decades (like me) should model the attitude of Jesus and live by the Spirit in this area. 

In the 'mortal' words of Rodney King, "Can we all get along?"

In the 'immortal' words of Jesus, "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35 NLT

Prayer: Lord, help me to live at peace with my brother, and to exhibit the love of Christ to Your church, and to the world. 
 
Enjoying the Journey,
David

Words

There are some words that Jesus wouldn’t say. And as those who are striving to imitate Him, neither should we. 

No foul language. 

No dirty jokes. 

No innuendos.

No disparaging words about another ethnicity.

Words are important. In the Old Testament, at least two of the Ten Commandments focus on words. 

1) Don’t take the Name of the Lord in vain. 

2) Don’t Lie 

In the New Testament, Jesus said that we will give an account for every idle word, and that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Our words matter. So what words should identify the modern day disciple of Jesus? The Apostle Paul tells the church in Ephesus, and us…

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Eph. 4:29 NLT

The words of a new favorite song of mine called ‘Words’ by Hawk Nelson read…

Let my words be life, Let my words be truth

I don’t want to say a word, unless it points the world back to You.

Let the words I say be the sound of Your grace

I don’t want to say a word, unless it points the world back to You.

Prayer: Dear God, let my words be life. Let my words be truth. Let my words encourage and not tear down. May the words of my mouth glorify You. May the meditation of my heart that is the seedbed for my speech be pure, holy and pleasing to You. May I only speak words that Jesus would say, so that by my speech, the world will recognize me as a follower of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Upside Down

My dad's favorite dessert is Pineapple Upside Down Cake. This is the only thing I can think of that is good when it is upside down. Things are created to work upside...up. That's why boxes are labeled 'This side UP'. . . because it matters.

Have you ever tried to play a piano that was upside down? Or sit on a chair that was upside down? The pieces of our culture were created by inventors and designers with a certain order, and to work a certain way. Cars do not drive if they are tipped over on their roof. Ever open a filing cabinet that is upside down? The examples are endless.

God, too has designed and created with a divine structure and order. When this order is 'upside down' you have chaos and disaster. For example:

Consider the inmates running the asylum, or children running the home. (don't let this happen to you!)

God has designed the husband to be the head of the home, and the parents, in submission to God and one other are to be in loving leadership over the children. Children are commanded in the Scripture to obey their parents, and to honor their father and mother. This is the divine order. Loving leadership, and loving, willing submission. Homes that have a different authority structure in design or in practice are destined for trouble, if not disaster.

There is a designed and divine order in the family of God as well. Jesus is the Head of the church. (That's a relief!) He has given spiritual leaders, . . . apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to the church to bring leadership, discipleship, preach and teach the Word of God, and to equip 'the saints' to do the work of the ministry. Just as in the home, these spiritual leaders, in submission to God are responsible for the leadership of the local church...and must give an account to God for their leadership.

In Scripture, the writer of Hebrews in the last few paragraphs of the letter gives this reminder.

Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Hebrews 13:17 NLT

Pray for your spiritual leaders today. Use your own words or pray something like this:

Prayer: Thank You, God that you have given spiritual leaders to Your church. Thank You for these men and women who watch over my soul and are concerned about my spiritual growth. I pray for the spiritual leaders in my life today. (mention them by name and pray for God's blessing on them) I thank You that they hear Your voice and follow You. May I have an attitude of submission and support toward those You have placed in my life, as unto You. And may my life and obedience cause them joy and not sorrow as they serve and obey You, and teach me to live like Christ. Amen.

Where Are You Going?

We are all headed in a spiritual direction. Our goal as disciples of Jesus is to become increasingly and ultimately like Him as we walk in the Spirit. Our journey of faith is ultimately about imitating the life of Jesus as He lived on this earth. 

I just finished teaching a Bible course to our ministry students on the synoptic gospels, a study of the life of Christ. Additionally, the Bible reading program I started on Jan. 1 goes through the New Testament in 60 days. So I've been looking a lot at the life Jesus modeled for me. That's what my life is supposed to look like. 

Consider the words of the Apostle John...

We can be sure that we know God if we obey his commands. Anyone who says, “I know God,” but does not obey God’s commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if someone obeys God’s teaching, then in that person God’s love has truly reached its goal. This is how we can be sure we are living in God: Whoever says that he lives in God must live as Jesus lived. 1 John 2:3-6 NCV

So, what direction are you headed? Moving more and more toward living like Jesus lived? Or moving in the other direction? Before you freak out, I'm not talking about legalism or salvation by our good works, but when there has been true transformation or 'rebirth' of our nature, the fruit of our lives is different. There is a change. 'Old things are passed away, and all things have become new.' At least that's what the Scriptures teach. (2 Cor. 5:17)

Maybe you know some people that profess to be Christians but their lives look nothing like Jesus describes of His followers. At best, they are misrepresenting what it means to be a follower of Jesus. At worst, they are lost and headed for an eternity apart from God.

So, I think it's good for all of us to evaluate how we are doing in spiritual maturity when held up to the standard of Christ. If I've gotten off course, I want to allow God's Word to redirect me. If we are really followers of Jesus, what will our lives look like? 

Here's one measurement:
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

A characteristic of Jesus is not anger. Anger = not a fruit of the Spirit. In fact, the opposite is true. Human anger does not produce righteousness in our lives. If we are continually spouting off and blowing up at people in our home, our work or in our church, this is an indicator that something is seriously wrong at the core of our spiritual life. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, let my life imitate You today. As You are compassionate, gracious and slow to anger, may I find these traits in myself. May I not be provoked quickly because Your Word says that anger resides in the lap of fools. May I not take offense, but live in peace with those around me. And above all things, may my fervent love for others cover a multitude of sins. Amen.

Staying on course...

David