Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!
- From Numbers 11
When Moses called all the elders together, to help him run the nation by delegating his responsibilities to them, there were two that hung out in the camp, without going all the way in to receive the Lord's spirit. Their names were Eldad and Medad.
They were out among the people preaching, encouraging, and making connections. Soon the spirit of the Lord came upon them as well. But some that were in the big meeting with Moses were jealous. Here were these two guys that failed to make the meeting, and they were already being highly effective in motivating the people. What were they doing with God's spirit?
They showed up.
Showing up means going where the need is. It's going where you didn't plan to go. It's changing your plans. It's stopping to help someone along the way. They didn't need to go all the way into the tent-meeting . . . they were already working the mission.
It isn't surprising that God blesses people that show up. You get a little extra power, a little extra help, a little extra support. You get empowerment.
We've got to get over our bumper stickers and placards; our marches and voter drives; our anger and divisions; our power and politics. These methods, that can garner us attention and a lot of "likes" are not helpful to the people that need it most - the people God placed in our path; our friends and family. There are plenty of needs there, and if we think there's something more important or urgent than that, we are sadly mistaken.
We've got to show up.
Someone told me, on Facebook, the other day, how he "ran" to South Korea, because I guess he didn't like the US. He has a background of a father he was not close to. I do not know the details, but when old enough he took his mother's maiden name. "Ran" is a good word. This young man suggested that he is really making a difference in South Korea. He likes their politics better. And he hates an awful lot about the US. But does he hate the US . . . or does he hate the reality of basically having no Dad?
He left behind others that may have been similarly affected as him, by the very same things. He left them behind. He fled a country that probably still provides him support he cannot name. He left the people that will unconditionally love him. It is good that he is doing good in Korea. But his life choices stem directly from a refusal to help out where he was placed.
Showing up means doing what needs to be done, now. You cannot show up by running away.
Show up.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Show Up! IV
Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor lingered in the way of sinners,
nor sat in the seats of the scornful
- From Psalm 1
Psalm is probably the most-read Psalm.
Sure, we are more familiar with other Psalms, especially the 23rd.
But those are memorization Psalms. We hear them more frequently in sermons, and in Christian music.
We just think we have read them more times.
The person that has embarked on a Read the Bible program, that doesn't start at Genesis 1, will often start with the Psalms. Or the Gospels first, then the Psalms. But the point is, the Psalms are at the top of the list of Bible books we want to get to first.
And so, human though we are . . . we begin, and read Psalm 1. We get through some number of other Psalms, maybe through the entire book, and then on to the next book, maybe Proverbs, or maybe the Epistles.
At some point, most of us stop our forward progress . . . only to commit once again, at some later date, to read the entire Bible, at which point we start all over again.
And Psalm 1 becomes the one single Psalm that we have read more than any others.
God knows this, and must have made it very important. And He did.
He draws a stark comparison between the righteous and the wicked, in just a few verses.
When we don't show up at the right places, where do we go instead? Usually, where we oughtn't. There really are no neutrals. You're either on the right path, or not. And if you're not on the right path, you're on the wrong path. If only one path leads to life . . . then it's the path you want.
You can walk in the counsel of the wicked. You've shown up in a place where bad advice is given.
You can linger in the way of sinners . . . you've shown up, and deliberately gone to a place where bad things are done.
You can sit in the seats of the scornful . . . be right there present, with these intelligent, cool, successful people that are very good at mocking and belittling the people of God and all the other deplorables. You feel safe. You feel wanted. But you're not in God's presence and you're not in life.
Real "show-uppers" know that it is more difficult to get to the right place. You have to go to people that need you . . . to people that can do nothing for you, that can repay you little to nothing, for the good you do.
But that's how you know you've shown up at the right place.
Show up. It's one of the hardest things to do. But it's the right thing to do.
nor sat in the seats of the scornful
- From Psalm 1
Psalm is probably the most-read Psalm.
Sure, we are more familiar with other Psalms, especially the 23rd.
But those are memorization Psalms. We hear them more frequently in sermons, and in Christian music.
We just think we have read them more times.
The person that has embarked on a Read the Bible program, that doesn't start at Genesis 1, will often start with the Psalms. Or the Gospels first, then the Psalms. But the point is, the Psalms are at the top of the list of Bible books we want to get to first.
And so, human though we are . . . we begin, and read Psalm 1. We get through some number of other Psalms, maybe through the entire book, and then on to the next book, maybe Proverbs, or maybe the Epistles.
At some point, most of us stop our forward progress . . . only to commit once again, at some later date, to read the entire Bible, at which point we start all over again.
And Psalm 1 becomes the one single Psalm that we have read more than any others.
God knows this, and must have made it very important. And He did.
He draws a stark comparison between the righteous and the wicked, in just a few verses.
When we don't show up at the right places, where do we go instead? Usually, where we oughtn't. There really are no neutrals. You're either on the right path, or not. And if you're not on the right path, you're on the wrong path. If only one path leads to life . . . then it's the path you want.
You can walk in the counsel of the wicked. You've shown up in a place where bad advice is given.
You can linger in the way of sinners . . . you've shown up, and deliberately gone to a place where bad things are done.
You can sit in the seats of the scornful . . . be right there present, with these intelligent, cool, successful people that are very good at mocking and belittling the people of God and all the other deplorables. You feel safe. You feel wanted. But you're not in God's presence and you're not in life.
Real "show-uppers" know that it is more difficult to get to the right place. You have to go to people that need you . . . to people that can do nothing for you, that can repay you little to nothing, for the good you do.
But that's how you know you've shown up at the right place.
Show up. It's one of the hardest things to do. But it's the right thing to do.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Show Up! III
Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you.
- From Proverbs 3
The proverb indicates that, when we cease to be loyal, or faithful, it is because, in a way, we have been cheated. There's an idea, that sin is not really something we choose to do. We just kind of do it without thinking. Good behavior "forsakes" us. It's not what we wanted.
So don't let that happen. Make faithfulness and loyalty want to stay with you.
Here's the problem:
We do sin. It happens. We're going about our daily routines, and along the way we discover that we have yielded to some improper thought. We said something unkind to someone else. We committed some unhealthy act, because we "deserved" it. We were unfair to someone. We took something that isn't ours. He told a white lie.
Our better sense . . . our faithfulness . . . our loyalty to God, let us down. It betrayed us.
The problem is that we don't do anything about it. We don't go out and fight for loyalty and faithfulness to return to their position of god favor with us.
Do those simple acts, that show you are faithful, and loyal, to someone else.
Listen to them when they talk to you.
Send those Christmas cards.
Jot down a note, or an email, to someone that needs a kind work (everybody).
If you're invited to something, go to it.
Visit people in the hospital. Or in prison.
Be faithful. By loyal. Be proactive about it.
Show up.
- From Proverbs 3
The proverb indicates that, when we cease to be loyal, or faithful, it is because, in a way, we have been cheated. There's an idea, that sin is not really something we choose to do. We just kind of do it without thinking. Good behavior "forsakes" us. It's not what we wanted.
So don't let that happen. Make faithfulness and loyalty want to stay with you.
Here's the problem:
We do sin. It happens. We're going about our daily routines, and along the way we discover that we have yielded to some improper thought. We said something unkind to someone else. We committed some unhealthy act, because we "deserved" it. We were unfair to someone. We took something that isn't ours. He told a white lie.
Our better sense . . . our faithfulness . . . our loyalty to God, let us down. It betrayed us.
The problem is that we don't do anything about it. We don't go out and fight for loyalty and faithfulness to return to their position of god favor with us.
Do those simple acts, that show you are faithful, and loyal, to someone else.
Listen to them when they talk to you.
Send those Christmas cards.
Jot down a note, or an email, to someone that needs a kind work (everybody).
If you're invited to something, go to it.
Visit people in the hospital. Or in prison.
Be faithful. By loyal. Be proactive about it.
Show up.
Monday, September 17, 2018
Show Up! II
For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.
- From Matthew 9
I was in a conversation earlier today. Someone told me that, in her observation, families pull apart when it comes to caring for their aging parents. One, or two, of them will seem to be pulling more than their share of the weight, in providing care. It's a taxing job, but a necessary one.
And God seems to call out just one of us, at a time, to do the big jobs. He doesn't call a team, or a group, or a movement. He calls an individual. And if the individual can find no help from others, then that's going to have to be okay. The work is there to do. And it cannot wait for stragglers.
Do the right thing cheerfully. Christ was soon surrounded by the deplorables of His generation. And it drove the ancient Hollywood-types crazy.
Here's the thing about showing up: if you are the one doing all the showing up, you don't get to feel resentful against them that don't. That's not what "showing up" is all about.
Yes, we need people to be present. We need help. We need you to be there. We miss you when you're not. You help ease the burden. Without you, the job is more draining on us.
But that's all that needs to be said. If "showing up" means complaining about them that didn't make it, then it's better you just stay home.
Because: Christ is calling everybody. Some answer, some don't. Some say "yes," and some say "no." Some say "later."
But you show up. You help. Your example is way more motivating than your words of disapproval.
- From Matthew 9
I was in a conversation earlier today. Someone told me that, in her observation, families pull apart when it comes to caring for their aging parents. One, or two, of them will seem to be pulling more than their share of the weight, in providing care. It's a taxing job, but a necessary one.
And God seems to call out just one of us, at a time, to do the big jobs. He doesn't call a team, or a group, or a movement. He calls an individual. And if the individual can find no help from others, then that's going to have to be okay. The work is there to do. And it cannot wait for stragglers.
Do the right thing cheerfully. Christ was soon surrounded by the deplorables of His generation. And it drove the ancient Hollywood-types crazy.
Here's the thing about showing up: if you are the one doing all the showing up, you don't get to feel resentful against them that don't. That's not what "showing up" is all about.
Yes, we need people to be present. We need help. We need you to be there. We miss you when you're not. You help ease the burden. Without you, the job is more draining on us.
But that's all that needs to be said. If "showing up" means complaining about them that didn't make it, then it's better you just stay home.
Because: Christ is calling everybody. Some answer, some don't. Some say "yes," and some say "no." Some say "later."
But you show up. You help. Your example is way more motivating than your words of disapproval.
Friday, September 14, 2018
Show Up!
May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!
- From Galatians 6
We have a crisis in our times, of failing to show up to things.
Oh . . . people will show up to work. They have no problem enjoying their own preferred leisure on weekends. If they can get on camera, they're there! And if some event has anything to do with "being on the right side of history," by gosh they'll make a point to be there!
I'm talking about taking care of the urgent, important things that are right there before us. Show up. That's really all you need to do.
I've been overnight in a hospital, twice in my life. I really didn't for people to come visit, if they were going to sit there an talk.
But if they showed up, and just sat for a while, quietly. I really appreciated that.
In the home of my mother, since the death of my Dad, there's nothing like the sight of company. Just let one of those living room chairs be occupied by somebody, and that's really special.
You don't need to bring money, or food, or gifts. You don't need to talk. Just be there. Being there is everything.
We don't show up like we should. The Old Testament puts something on an even higher plane than being hospitable to sojourners and aliens: and it is, to care for widows and orphans.
And really all it takes, is go visit the widow (or widower). And then go to the home of the orphan, or give the orphan a home. In our times, it means, go to the games of that niece of nephew whose father died. Go visit the single mom (or Dad) in their home. Just be there.
When you're present, it will become obvious what you need to do next.
You no longer need wonder what you must do tonight. Visit a widow, especially the ones in your family. Go look in on your single niece or nephew, with children.
Show up.
- From Galatians 6
We have a crisis in our times, of failing to show up to things.
Oh . . . people will show up to work. They have no problem enjoying their own preferred leisure on weekends. If they can get on camera, they're there! And if some event has anything to do with "being on the right side of history," by gosh they'll make a point to be there!
I'm talking about taking care of the urgent, important things that are right there before us. Show up. That's really all you need to do.
I've been overnight in a hospital, twice in my life. I really didn't for people to come visit, if they were going to sit there an talk.
But if they showed up, and just sat for a while, quietly. I really appreciated that.
In the home of my mother, since the death of my Dad, there's nothing like the sight of company. Just let one of those living room chairs be occupied by somebody, and that's really special.
You don't need to bring money, or food, or gifts. You don't need to talk. Just be there. Being there is everything.
We don't show up like we should. The Old Testament puts something on an even higher plane than being hospitable to sojourners and aliens: and it is, to care for widows and orphans.
And really all it takes, is go visit the widow (or widower). And then go to the home of the orphan, or give the orphan a home. In our times, it means, go to the games of that niece of nephew whose father died. Go visit the single mom (or Dad) in their home. Just be there.
When you're present, it will become obvious what you need to do next.
You no longer need wonder what you must do tonight. Visit a widow, especially the ones in your family. Go look in on your single niece or nephew, with children.
Show up.
Friday, September 7, 2018
Servants & Patrons X
My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ?
- From James 2
So, the whole point of my "Servants & Patrons" series is that, since we all don't are to serve others, let us at least support them that do.
James talks about not showing favoritism, in this case, to people with the trappings of wealth.
The current crisis of American society is that we all show too much favoritism, and it's about something even more superficial than apparent wealth:
Our favoritism is based on someone's political views. And we've begun to divide our political selves, based on moral and ethical standards, which vary from person to person. At the start of my life, people with vices, like smoking, and excessive drinking, would at least be welcomed into the fold - into churches, into families. We put up with each other.
But now, we're so judgmental. Everybody gets a label. And if the label is not ours, we withhold our favor from them. We boycott them. We shun them. What if you're a pure Democrat that finds out a local restaurant is owned by a devoted Conservative? And then, what if you lead a boycott that ruins his business? Do you know how many people are dependant upon that job, or that business thriving? What if Democrats, of modest means, are linked to the success of that business?
When a business goes down, an entire supply chain is affected. Buyers, suppliers, stores on the same block, a local economy, may all go down with it.
Favoritism is not favored in Scripture. And since God practices unconditional love, we can conclude that he means your favoritism should not be conditional.
Stop being so analytical! Stop having so many logical reasons why you are rude to this or that person! Stop making excuses for hating someone! What?! Someone is lacking in certain "human" traits? How do you know? Who made you the arbiter and judge?
Love unconditionally! That person you do not want to think highly of? Forget it!
Be the light in the darkness.
Look about you. Who needs help? Who needs affirming? Who is suffering? Who is marginalized?
Doesn't matter why. Your politics pale in comparison to the real human needs around you.
Whatever is making you choose one person over another has got to be jettisoned from your attitude.
Serve others. Support servants.
Next Series: Show Up!
- From James 2
So, the whole point of my "Servants & Patrons" series is that, since we all don't are to serve others, let us at least support them that do.
James talks about not showing favoritism, in this case, to people with the trappings of wealth.
The current crisis of American society is that we all show too much favoritism, and it's about something even more superficial than apparent wealth:
Our favoritism is based on someone's political views. And we've begun to divide our political selves, based on moral and ethical standards, which vary from person to person. At the start of my life, people with vices, like smoking, and excessive drinking, would at least be welcomed into the fold - into churches, into families. We put up with each other.
But now, we're so judgmental. Everybody gets a label. And if the label is not ours, we withhold our favor from them. We boycott them. We shun them. What if you're a pure Democrat that finds out a local restaurant is owned by a devoted Conservative? And then, what if you lead a boycott that ruins his business? Do you know how many people are dependant upon that job, or that business thriving? What if Democrats, of modest means, are linked to the success of that business?
When a business goes down, an entire supply chain is affected. Buyers, suppliers, stores on the same block, a local economy, may all go down with it.
Favoritism is not favored in Scripture. And since God practices unconditional love, we can conclude that he means your favoritism should not be conditional.
Stop being so analytical! Stop having so many logical reasons why you are rude to this or that person! Stop making excuses for hating someone! What?! Someone is lacking in certain "human" traits? How do you know? Who made you the arbiter and judge?
Love unconditionally! That person you do not want to think highly of? Forget it!
Be the light in the darkness.
Look about you. Who needs help? Who needs affirming? Who is suffering? Who is marginalized?
Doesn't matter why. Your politics pale in comparison to the real human needs around you.
Whatever is making you choose one person over another has got to be jettisoned from your attitude.
Serve others. Support servants.
Next Series: Show Up!
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Servants and Patrons IX
Put not your trust in rulers . . .
- From Psalm 146
Why do people put their trust in "rulers"? In fact, why do they make their happiness and sense of purpose, so dependent on someone else, or on circumstances they cannot control?
I've had almost ten years now, of Facebook. And if there is one theme that defines the first decade of Social Media, it's that people are way to concerned about who wins elections. In a way, elections have all the importance of Sunday football. We take it way too seriously, and get our emotions too wrapped up in it.
You really should not care who is in charge. The psalmist says not to put any trust in those that are in charge.
Because . . . they're not the ones doing anything of real value.
The servants around you, helping others, looking for real needs and doing something about it - they are the ones that matter.
What if we cared about supporting people in our midst, that are actually doing something . . . half as much as we cared about what's going on in Washington, or whether or not the President's complexion resembled a snack food?
Imagine one of your friends - - - unbeknownst to you or really, anybody - this friend serves the needy in the inner city, one day a week, for no pay. Let's say that person is getting discouraged because she has bills to pay and can no longer afford to take a day off, to serve others.
Isn't that more important than the President's birth certificate?
Here's what we don't need - more bumper stickers. More angry crowds. More legislation. More lawsuits. More investigations. More demonstrations. More professional athletes on magazine covers.
Here's what we do need - More awareness of the real needs around us. More people doing something about it. More people supporting them that are doing something about it.
Get perspective.
Be a servant. Or if you can't, or won't. Then support a servant.
Please.
- From Psalm 146
Why do people put their trust in "rulers"? In fact, why do they make their happiness and sense of purpose, so dependent on someone else, or on circumstances they cannot control?
I've had almost ten years now, of Facebook. And if there is one theme that defines the first decade of Social Media, it's that people are way to concerned about who wins elections. In a way, elections have all the importance of Sunday football. We take it way too seriously, and get our emotions too wrapped up in it.
You really should not care who is in charge. The psalmist says not to put any trust in those that are in charge.
Because . . . they're not the ones doing anything of real value.
The servants around you, helping others, looking for real needs and doing something about it - they are the ones that matter.
What if we cared about supporting people in our midst, that are actually doing something . . . half as much as we cared about what's going on in Washington, or whether or not the President's complexion resembled a snack food?
Imagine one of your friends - - - unbeknownst to you or really, anybody - this friend serves the needy in the inner city, one day a week, for no pay. Let's say that person is getting discouraged because she has bills to pay and can no longer afford to take a day off, to serve others.
Isn't that more important than the President's birth certificate?
Here's what we don't need - more bumper stickers. More angry crowds. More legislation. More lawsuits. More investigations. More demonstrations. More professional athletes on magazine covers.
Here's what we do need - More awareness of the real needs around us. More people doing something about it. More people supporting them that are doing something about it.
Get perspective.
Be a servant. Or if you can't, or won't. Then support a servant.
Please.
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Servants and Patrons VIII
Say to those who are of a fearful heart,"Be strong, do not fear!"
- From Isaiah 35
So, servants live a life of the utmost peace. They live confidently. When you serve others, you are rewarded many times over. Perhaps the most valuable reward, is the sense that you really matter. Each day . . . you have truly mattered. You made a difference - - - A Real Difference (not a fake difference).
If you are a 99%-er, than you have the task of making a difference in the lives of the 98%ers, all the way down to the 1%ers. But 1%ers are responsible for helping the 0%ers. We all have a role. We all can make a difference. And we all will feel rewarded and fulfilled, when we do that.
There is no fulfillment in asking a percentile higher than you, to help you. You can, of course. You may be forced to. But if all you do is ask for help, without ever helping others, yourself, you will miss a great experience, and will have lost the moral authority you will need, when asking for help.
Yes, their lives are fulfilled and peaceful. Yet they still have to keep one eye open all the time. They have to look over their shoulders all the time. They are vulnerable to predators, because they believe in peaceful solutions. If they are realistic, they will always have an element of fear.
Let's look at on-line behaviors. Servants, and people of peace, do not believe in using vulgarity and insults, when interacting with others. They view such language as a form of violence. You can shut up a servant, on-line, for instance, by dropping f-bombs. Act angry, use the "f-word." That feels like a violent threat to a servant. They will back down. They will continue on their way, courageously, but they may be less likely to speak their mind. And we need to hear what they have to say.
What can a patron do, when a servant is being attacked on-line?
Stand up for them! Call out the offender!
Do you really believe you would go against the crowd that shouted "Crucify!!"
Really? Do you stand up to on-line bullies and their unacceptable language?
It's a very easy test for us. My money is on the defender of servants. Bullies back down when they see that even two people are standing up for the person they just cruelly attacked.
There are servants all around us. They get mistreated. They scrimp and save and live from paycheck to paycheck.
If you don't want to be a servant, be the next best thing: a patron.
We all enable something. Enable something good - enable servanthood.
- From Isaiah 35
So, servants live a life of the utmost peace. They live confidently. When you serve others, you are rewarded many times over. Perhaps the most valuable reward, is the sense that you really matter. Each day . . . you have truly mattered. You made a difference - - - A Real Difference (not a fake difference).
If you are a 99%-er, than you have the task of making a difference in the lives of the 98%ers, all the way down to the 1%ers. But 1%ers are responsible for helping the 0%ers. We all have a role. We all can make a difference. And we all will feel rewarded and fulfilled, when we do that.
There is no fulfillment in asking a percentile higher than you, to help you. You can, of course. You may be forced to. But if all you do is ask for help, without ever helping others, yourself, you will miss a great experience, and will have lost the moral authority you will need, when asking for help.
Yes, their lives are fulfilled and peaceful. Yet they still have to keep one eye open all the time. They have to look over their shoulders all the time. They are vulnerable to predators, because they believe in peaceful solutions. If they are realistic, they will always have an element of fear.
Let's look at on-line behaviors. Servants, and people of peace, do not believe in using vulgarity and insults, when interacting with others. They view such language as a form of violence. You can shut up a servant, on-line, for instance, by dropping f-bombs. Act angry, use the "f-word." That feels like a violent threat to a servant. They will back down. They will continue on their way, courageously, but they may be less likely to speak their mind. And we need to hear what they have to say.
What can a patron do, when a servant is being attacked on-line?
Stand up for them! Call out the offender!
Do you really believe you would go against the crowd that shouted "Crucify!!"
Really? Do you stand up to on-line bullies and their unacceptable language?
It's a very easy test for us. My money is on the defender of servants. Bullies back down when they see that even two people are standing up for the person they just cruelly attacked.
There are servants all around us. They get mistreated. They scrimp and save and live from paycheck to paycheck.
If you don't want to be a servant, be the next best thing: a patron.
We all enable something. Enable something good - enable servanthood.
Monday, September 3, 2018
Servants and Patrons VII
For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
- From Psalm 107
It's Labor Day. Today we recognize the contributions made by unsung heroes in our history; people that worked, saved, invested, volunteered, to make the land great.
Yes, I know. It's more popular to recognize blue collar union people today, and none other. But everybody on the front lines of our economy, doing the manual labor, getting their hands dirty, merit respect on this day.
Not just union members.
And I would include all middle managers . . . the anonymous people grinding away at their desk, day after day, bringing in sales, balancing the books, writing the reports, doing the research, designing the products. Today is for all people that do the work and get little credit. It's for them.
Research shows that something like 65% of people fit the profile of someone that just wants to do good, quality work for eight hours a day. They do not seek credit for it. Just pay them well and leave them alone when they go home to their families and hobbies. That's the overwhelming majority of people. And it's too bad our government has to be so dominated by people on the edges, on the fringe; people whose influence is unfairly magnified just because they are a celebrity, or wealthy, or a famous sports figure.
They are not the ones doing the real work, and they are not what today is all about.
A day off, though, doesn't go far enough. We need to recognize these Real People in our economy, throughout the year. And I believe it's up to families to make sure they're well taken care of . . . especially their kids and elderly parents.
This is the work of a servant. Servants begin close to home - they help there first, and then they branch out. And servants need support. Not just a day off. They need to be checked in on, and treated as though they are a the CEO of our extended families: a person so valuable that we don't want a competitor to take them away.
Labor Day, like Christmas, needs to be all the year long. And it needs to focus on the Real People making life better for all of us . . . make them comfortable; for they spend their entire lives doing that for us.
- From Psalm 107
It's Labor Day. Today we recognize the contributions made by unsung heroes in our history; people that worked, saved, invested, volunteered, to make the land great.
Yes, I know. It's more popular to recognize blue collar union people today, and none other. But everybody on the front lines of our economy, doing the manual labor, getting their hands dirty, merit respect on this day.
Not just union members.
And I would include all middle managers . . . the anonymous people grinding away at their desk, day after day, bringing in sales, balancing the books, writing the reports, doing the research, designing the products. Today is for all people that do the work and get little credit. It's for them.
Research shows that something like 65% of people fit the profile of someone that just wants to do good, quality work for eight hours a day. They do not seek credit for it. Just pay them well and leave them alone when they go home to their families and hobbies. That's the overwhelming majority of people. And it's too bad our government has to be so dominated by people on the edges, on the fringe; people whose influence is unfairly magnified just because they are a celebrity, or wealthy, or a famous sports figure.
They are not the ones doing the real work, and they are not what today is all about.
A day off, though, doesn't go far enough. We need to recognize these Real People in our economy, throughout the year. And I believe it's up to families to make sure they're well taken care of . . . especially their kids and elderly parents.
This is the work of a servant. Servants begin close to home - they help there first, and then they branch out. And servants need support. Not just a day off. They need to be checked in on, and treated as though they are a the CEO of our extended families: a person so valuable that we don't want a competitor to take them away.
Labor Day, like Christmas, needs to be all the year long. And it needs to focus on the Real People making life better for all of us . . . make them comfortable; for they spend their entire lives doing that for us.
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Servants and Patrons VI
. . . for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.
- From Song of Solomon 2
Servants recognize their Master's voice. In the Song of Solomon, the maiden, who has been waiting for what seemed like ages, finally hears the voice of her lover . . . her Master . . . from way off in the distance. She knows it is Him, for she has practiced listening since she first met Him.
Her Master is her Lover. And with that we identify the chief component of Real Love: a setting aside of oneself, and a prizing of one's Life Partner. Real Love, marital love, godly love, is superior to brotherly love, and much more so, than romantic love. Brotherly love is a sort of 50-50 agreement where the relationship works as long as we both enjoy being together and helping one another out. Romantic love is no more than a chemically-induced response to another person, that makes you "feel good." You get a sort of narcotic rush from this form of "love."
But Love that acts as servant to the Lover (an attitude which is reciprocated) is Real Love. It's eternal, and it's unconditional.
Some people, in our times, will cringe at the way the maiden here sits around doing nothing, just pining away for her Lover . . . her Master . . . to finally come and take her away. But didn't Christ serve his brethren . . . His disciples? Didn't he feed them, teach them, forgive them, wash their feet, heal them, die for them? He deserves to be called "Master," for He was the ultimate servant to us.
Our acts, our idle tasks and busy-ness, counts as pining compared to the acts of Christ. And I have seen even the most ardent feminist admit to wanting to be swept away by a champion . . . if such fairy tales could only come true.
A servant is a listener. A servant does not serve grudgingly. A servant loves pleasing his or her Master! Servants practice Real Love. And Love is what we all desire most.
And, a servant is also a patron. Christ served us . . . but then provided for us, enabled us, cared for us. He checks in on us. And He gives to us.
Interesting . . . that the support for servants, ultimately, comes from other servants.
- From Song of Solomon 2
Servants recognize their Master's voice. In the Song of Solomon, the maiden, who has been waiting for what seemed like ages, finally hears the voice of her lover . . . her Master . . . from way off in the distance. She knows it is Him, for she has practiced listening since she first met Him.
Her Master is her Lover. And with that we identify the chief component of Real Love: a setting aside of oneself, and a prizing of one's Life Partner. Real Love, marital love, godly love, is superior to brotherly love, and much more so, than romantic love. Brotherly love is a sort of 50-50 agreement where the relationship works as long as we both enjoy being together and helping one another out. Romantic love is no more than a chemically-induced response to another person, that makes you "feel good." You get a sort of narcotic rush from this form of "love."
But Love that acts as servant to the Lover (an attitude which is reciprocated) is Real Love. It's eternal, and it's unconditional.
Some people, in our times, will cringe at the way the maiden here sits around doing nothing, just pining away for her Lover . . . her Master . . . to finally come and take her away. But didn't Christ serve his brethren . . . His disciples? Didn't he feed them, teach them, forgive them, wash their feet, heal them, die for them? He deserves to be called "Master," for He was the ultimate servant to us.
Our acts, our idle tasks and busy-ness, counts as pining compared to the acts of Christ. And I have seen even the most ardent feminist admit to wanting to be swept away by a champion . . . if such fairy tales could only come true.
A servant is a listener. A servant does not serve grudgingly. A servant loves pleasing his or her Master! Servants practice Real Love. And Love is what we all desire most.
And, a servant is also a patron. Christ served us . . . but then provided for us, enabled us, cared for us. He checks in on us. And He gives to us.
Interesting . . . that the support for servants, ultimately, comes from other servants.
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