Nobody Likes Money

Tonight I will be meeting with a group of high school students for 24 hours of prayer and fasting. Together with some of our high school leaders we will be walking through seven spiritual disciplines that Christians should follow. And although giving does not make the list we will be covering, the practice of stewardship is certainly informed by the disciplines we will be discussing.

I think that most of us can get on board with the basic tenets of our faith and agree that the principles found in God’s Word are second to none in guiding our lives. But when we reach the parts of the Bible that talk about money (and there are a LOT of them), the advice doesn’t seem as providential. In fact, it seems to go against every other message in our culture that we receive about money.

Now - DISCLAIMER ALERT - I’m not writing this as a guy who has his J-O-B at a church and therefore needs to drum up revenue. Our church has experienced one of the greatest seasons of giving in its history. Rather, I want to convey that God’s principles and guidance regarding money are just as critical as His teachings about love, commitment, and salvation. 

But having said that, please know that as a minister of the Gospel I wear the responsibility of stewardship differently (I think) than Joe Church Member. You see, since I’m responsible for spending resources that come into God’s house, I feel the need to make sure those monies are spent in ways that honor His Kingdom, broaden the scope and reach of His message, and facilitate spiritual transformation in the lives of individuals and families. That can be challenging since opinions about how those things are accomplished are broad. Yet, still, that’s not where the burden ends for me. I HAVE to be a participant.

I have several things driving me to be a participant in the stewardship of God’s resources. 

1 - It’s a biblical mandate. Just like the other areas that I do my best (and fail miserably sometimes) to follow in God’s Word, money was and is an important part of a Christ follower’s life. It can’t be ignored as a necessary characteristic of a mature or maturing Christian.

2 - It makes me a better manager of money. Setting aside a tithe and/or offering each month in our family budget helps us pay attention to what we are spending. Being disciplined in just this one area of your budget will help drive discipline in other money areas for your family. Hmmmm - makes you wonder how THAT factors into God’s agenda regarding stewardship.

3 - It helps my conscience. There are sooooo many disciplines that I struggle to maintain even though I KNOW they make my life better when I just follow them as God instructed. Being faithful in stewardship is no exception. Yet, if there are things that I choose to give God’s money to that benefit me for entertainment or pleasure, I need to “own” my choice to please me rather than please Him. I have to remind myself sometimes that pleasing Him is for MY benefit - He wants what is BEST for me - that’s why He has given me a guide for how to use my money.

4 - I’m charged with His disbursements. As I mentioned earlier, I’m responsible for spending some of God’s resources on behalf of our church. I could not, in good faith, authorize monies to be distributed if I were not participating in the process. I couldn’t speak to curriculum we purchase, causes we chase, scholarships for students, not even purchasing paper clips - if I was not a willing participant in the stewardship of my own money toward the mission and vision of The Glade Church. 

5 - It’s a measure of trust. It might be tough to admit, but ALL of the resources we have (house, car, job - EVERYTHING) - it ALL belongs to Him already. He’s simply entrusted it to our care for this season. When we are faithful with small things, He can trust us with big things. Just be cautious with this mindset - this is not a promise of prosperity for faithfulness in stewardship. 

6 - It brings me joy. I know some view the attention that we pay to stewardship at different times of the year as an affront. Not me. It makes me mindful of all that He has given me (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) and challenges me to give on a level commensurate with His goodness and grace in my life. It makes me happy to try to give at a challenging level because of all that He has given me. 

So - since we’ve barely scratched the surface of 2014, it’s a great time to take a look at your resources and ask the difficult question about your money: Am I honoring God with what He has entrusted to me? If not, I would challenge you to lay out a plan to get there. Take a 45 day tithing challenge where you give for 6 weeks and reassess at the end of that period. If you feel tithing is too great of a spiritual leap for you right now, start with something. Just make a plan - use Malachi 3:10 to guide you. He will prove faithful - just like He’s already doing in your life in other areas right now!

- Michael

You've Got An Opportunity This Christmas

On Wednesday night I shared with your students about the “insignificant” community of people who were a part of the birth of Christ. Simple people without much money, poor actually. Dirty shepherds who were known for not being very trustworthy. It really was a hodgepodge of humanity into which Christ was birthed.

Consider that this season brings an opportunity to remember just how much we have in common with those “common” folks Christ spent His life and ministry with. He walked and talked with an unlikely group to show that His ultimate sacrifice and message of grace was for “all people.”

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Bullying - It's Not What It Used To Be

I've had the opportunity to overhear (not eavesdrop) on a few conversations lately regarding bullying. Without unpacking all of the minutia of those discussions, the long and short of it from folks in my generation, and those ahead of mine, seems to be somewhat disconnected from the current narrative coming from those in education or working with children and/or students on a regular basis.

The typical statements include, "We had bullies at my school, but we never had to have a program to tell us how to deal with it." Or, "I don't understand why we have to keep hearing about this all the time. Kids are kids - bullying is a part of growing up."

I want to offer just a few counter points to these views to help bridge the gaps for those who, like me at one time, have a difficult time grasping what's "new" with bullying.

1 - We are right in the middle of the "trophy" generation.

The Millennials, or Generation Y, have been told since birth that they are exceptional. Every team member gets a trophy in sports. The lines between those who excel at something and those who do not are increasingly blurred. I'm not saying that's necessarily wrong; it just can't be ignored that this generation is being told they can do anything and that they will be great at it. When bullies confront - their message is quite the contrary.

2 - We celebrate the smallest achievement yet we value life, itself, less.

I don't want to be political AT ALL - that's not the driver here. But the fact is we have lessened the value of life in the past generation more than ever before. The voice of the unborn has been completely lost to the point that terminating an unborn life seems an acceptable/alternative contraceptive. The relativism permeating our theological views suggests that there is no morality, a view that leads to no "wrong or right" which, ultimately, means you can do whatever you want. If I value life that's fine for me; if you do not that's fine for you. It violates the overarching moral law that lives in us that tells us, deep down, that there is such thing as right and wrong. Life is of the utmost value. We just do not treat it as such.

3 - Playground fights have been replaced by weapons and blanket judgment.

Back in the day when a couple of kids had an argument it was often settled in a fight during school on the playground or in the bathroom...or right after school in the parking lot. Today more students are bringing weapons to school and when pushed to their breaking point, they lash out at a group rather than an individual. Again, I would revisit the fact that life has become less valuable - to the extent that when students are troubled they do not value the life of the one causing their pain more than the need to equalize (in their minds) the pain they have felt with retribution in the highest form imaginable to them.

4 - The issue is, seldom, the issue

I can't deny that I agree with some of statements I have heard about bullying because it has, truly, happened to all of us in some form. I remember all to well the young man I most feared, and hated, during and well after high school. It was nearly two decades after my high school graduation, though, that I learned what this young man's childhood was like. He lacked the caring family that I had and, in fact, lived in an abusive environment that I could not possibly relate to. The pain driving him, and those like him today, was very real and inescapable. My hatred for him has turned to compassion and forgiveness...a posture I'm certain Christ would have had me adopt a lifetime ago for this troubled soul. Sure, it's not just an abusive home that leads to bullying. But you can bet that the pain that is the source of the rage in bullies does not completely rest in their bullying target(s).

5 - Social media makes bullying available 24/7

When my generation struggled with bullying, at least we had a few hours of peace when we were away from school. Today, students are so connected digitally that the bullying they experience is not limited to school hours or those who are present to witness their humiliation. Cell phones are at the ready to record every dehumanizing action and the slurs that accompany the Twitter, Vine, YouTube, and Facebook videos are willing to keep the verbal and written punches flying around the clock.

This is far from an exhaustive list on the nature of bullying and conveys my opinion on the matter - not facts I've gleaned from years of training on the subject. My hope, though, is that parents and grandparents of this generation can get a glimpse of how the choices we have made on behalf of the future (the Millennials) have made a contribution to what we are experiencing with bullying. Bullying today is not what it was in my generation - it's worse. And my generation helped, albeit unintentionally, to make it that way.

If there's anything I can pray about for you or your family - please let me know. Also, if your child is struggling with bullying please check out the Stop Bullying Website and seek out a meeting with your school counselor.

- Michael

Talking - Not Judging.

For the past two weeks on Wednesday nights I have been having a conversation with your students about "Why I Am Not An Atheist." Our discussion began last week by looking at truth - can two opposing statements about faith be true at the same time? What are the implications if the answer is no? This past week we took a look the Cosmological argument and the Teleological argument...reviewing facts about the universe that point to design.

Although there are a few differing beliefs represented in the room, we have not had unmanageable conflict arise as a result of discussing these different beliefs. In fact, we are fostering an environment where dialogue is encouraged about areas in which we disagree. Our intent is to get students thinking critically about their faith and the "why's" behind their belief systems.

Don't forget that next week we will be heading to New Orleans for our fall mission trip. Please be praying for our safety as we travel and that we would well represent Christ to our friends in the New Orleans area.

Have a great weekend!

Michael

Communion and Missions

Hi Highs School Parents!

Last night we had a communion service in our high school area. Small group leaders knelt before their students and washed their hands, served the bread and cup to their students, and finished the night by worshiping together. 

This coming Sunday we will be talking about how the holiness of God undergirds all of His other attributes. His holiness forms the basis for His righteous character, His commitment to justice, and His jealous love for His people. God's love for us is the motivating force for our joining Him in His mission of seeking and saving the lost.

Don't forget that girls groups are meeting on Sunday nights at Jimmy and Faith Whatley's house. Guys groups begin this coming Sunday night at 6:00 PM with our Fantasy Football draft, pizza, and group study/discussion. We will meet at the church in the Student Life Center (Annex 2).

Please let me know if there's anything I can pray about for you or your family.

- Michael

The Body Of Christ

The Body Of Christ

God in His infinite wisdom has given all of us unique gifts. Sometimes that's frustrating because we can't understand why God didn't gift others with the same things He gave to us…we don't "get" how those "other" people aren't wired the way we are. We struggle to make sense of why they aren't like "us."

That is until you get to witness what I saw this week: ALL of God's unique gifts for individuals coming together to form the Body of Christ for the sake of bringing Him glory and making Him famous.

What I watched unfold at our New Orleans mission trip this week is nothing short of amazing. Each individual brought a significant contribution to make KidzDays in the Parish work like a well-oiled machine. If we had all come down here with the same talent - we would have experienced HUGE gaps in what God wanted us to accomplish. What we experienced, though, was a diverse set of gifting, talents and calling that contributed to the transforming power of Jesus Christ being conveyed through sport, dance, song, proclamation, and example.

The more organized among our group found a home in registration and bringing order to what could have easily been chaos. Those who are dreamers found a place to share ideas and make a contribution to the larger scope of our mission. Those who are preachers and teachers were able to share and communicate God's Truth. Those who are encouragers had countless opportunities to uplift and encourage those who were participating in our camp this week. And the list goes on.

It's humbling to see God at work in such a powerful way. We are the Body of Christ. We need all of our parts to work!


-Michael


Remember these important dates:

Illuminate - Both services on August 4
Back To School Bash - Wednesday, August 7

Stop And Smell The Roses - It's Not Girlie!

A lot of times I get into a rhythm at work or other places that gets me out of a rhythm at home. Of all the resources our New Generations Team prays over, produces, and suggests for families - taking our own advice is difficult at times. We sit right where you do, as parents, trying to lead godly lives and be godly parents.

This week I did something that I should do much more often; I took time to stop and smell the roses. Well, in this case - it was actually taking time to stop and look at the water, rocks, and trees of Burgess Falls. I took time off from work to go with my family to a state park (free!) and just enjoy them. We prayed for safety. We thanked God for His creation. And we were "just" together. We were His family, in His creation, on His time. It was amazing!! One bonus to the state park - really, REALLY bad cell service!! Yay!!

We did all of this because I took time to be a dad. Kelley took time to be a mom. And Carver had both of his parents undivided attention. We took time to be a family. That wouldn't have happened if any of us had decided to do something else or be somewhere else.

Take some time this week to focus on your family in a godly way. Men - it's easy for us to get distracted...trust me - I'm the poster child of distraction! But give it a shot and unplug to just be together with your family. Honor them. Treasure them. Pray for them. Love them. Stop and smell the roses - it's not girlie!