Habits

Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, ⁷ in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility

Titus 2:6-7

What makes a “habit” a “habit”? Although, I could identify many variables that contribute the formation of a habit, “repetition” is one of the key contributors. If something is “habitual”, it seems to me that it must be repetitive. There is a certain amount of predictability. There is a pattern of behavior. When Paul wrote to Titus, he gave some instructions for “young men”. Even though, Paul’s instructions were addressed to young men, the value is not lost on those of us who are not so young any more. Paul mentioned the importance of developing a pattern of good works.

Read between the lines and you can hear Paul raise an important question. Are you in the habit of doing good works? If you study the Greek text of Paul’s letter, you might just smile. The transliteration for the Greek word for pattern is typos. I must confess that at times I feel more like my life is more like a “typo” than a pattern of good works…. desperately in need of spell check, an editor and immediate correction. That misses the mark of what Paul intends. The idea behind the Greek word typos is that of an impression or imprint made by a forceful stroke. Think about it. My habits, my patterns of behavior make an impression. The impression is twofold. The impression is internal and external. My habits form my character. My habits shape my influence.

I suspect one reason Paul addressed this particular instruction to the “younger” is that habits are forward reaching. Habits have an impact on the future that is seldom considered in the present. That’s a little tricky. It’s unlikely that I will consider the unintended consequences of my habits the first time I choose a behavior. In fact, it’s highly unlikely that I will consider the fact that my own habits may influence other persons that I do not even know. Sometimes, others recognize my habits long before I recognize them myself. Habits are a part of life. Good habits require a heavy investment. But, the dividends are far reaching.

Living the Resurrection Life

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”

1 Peter 1:3

What does it mean to be born into a living hope? When Peter wrote about a living hope it’s clear to me that he was describing a new way of life. Though I don’t use the word “begotten” every day, frequently I do think in terms of a new way of living. It’s what Eugene Peterson calls living the “resurrection life”. Peterson’s language reminds me of two critical facts that define my existence. First, it’s a reminder that the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is not obsolete. Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection change everything. My past is forgiven. My present is vibrant. My future is promising. Second, the resurrection of Jesus issues a call for change. Because I have gained a “living hope”, life is different. I am engaged in a dynamic process. I have been changed and I am being changed by the presence of a living Savior. The challenge is clear. Learn how to mature in the resurrection life. Peterson describes the journey with the risen Savior this way:

When we practice resurrection, we keep company with Jesus, alive and present, who knows where we are going better than we do….The practice of resurrection is an intentional, deliberate decision to believe and participate in resurrection life, life out of death, life that trumps death, life that is the last word, Jesus life…Real life, in a world preoccupied with death and the devil.

The difference between death and life is dramatic. Not only is new life possible, it is God’s plan.

Good Friday

But they shouted, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”

And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

Luke 22:21,33-34

Take a look at a group picture. If I am in the picture, my eyes will scan the crowd and find my own face. C’mon, be honest. I suspect I’m not the only one to do that. It’s natural for us to locate ourselves in the crowd.

Sometimes it’s painful to find ourselves. Such is the case today when I reflect on the crucifixion of my Lord. He is my Lord. He is my Savior. I know Jesus died for the sin of the world. But, I cannot be a part of an anonymous crowd conveniently consigned in my mind as “the world” and not find myself in the picture. “Crucify Him!” Yes, those are my words. I cannot afford to believe “All of sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and deny my presence in the “all”. Sin required a sacrifice. My sin is included. If Jesus is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”, then my sin was in the mix and must be covered. Jesus was crucified among the criminals. I was a criminal who was pardoned. I was a Barabbas who was released and replaced. When I look at the picture, I see myself. I’m trapped in sin and far from God.

The picture enlarges. No longer do I see my face. There is a moment when my focus is torn away from me. It is no longer a time to look. It is a time for me to listen. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to relegate “forgiveness”? Have you pushed forgiveness aside to a safe place? It is a prize virtue. It is like a trophy on a shelf. Something we have received. Something we give when we want to. Something we pull down when it’s convenient. As long as it remains sterile, it’s safe to have. But, forgiveness is not real until it is stained with the blood of real life. The pain was excruciating. His shame was tangible. The moment was unimaginable. God chose to display His mission in raw human terms. God was broken, bleeding and exhausted. Somehow, He was not too tired to speak. On that day the darkness of my soul lost. Darkness could not overcome the Light of the world. Jesus spoke. He spoke to me. “Father, forgive him.” I can no longer bear to look at myself in the picture. Christ’s love becomes a magnet and His words pull me close to the cross today.

Behold the Lamb

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)

The Gospel of John is divided into chapters. Chapter 12 is a big chapter. I’m not referring to the length of the chapter as measured by verses. I’m referring to the depth of meaning. This chapter begins with Jesus at the home of friends in Bethany. During the visit, Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive oil and the fragrance filled the room. After that, Jesus traveled from Bethany to Jerusalem and entered the city amidst shouts of adoration. A multitude of voices shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!” On the surface, these seem to be two contrasting scenes of worship. One is a very special private worship in a home. The other is an explosion of praise that might best be described as a triumphal procession. In fact, both were signs of preparation. Jesus was preparing to die. While at Bethany, after the fragrance filled the room, Jesus mentions his burial (v. 8). After a vivid description of Jesus’ entry into the city, John provides clarification that the disciples did not understand the significance of the moment until after Jesus went to the cross (v. 16). Then, the poignant words of Jesus bring clarity. “The time has come that the Son of man should be glorified” (v. 23).  Jesus reminded them that a grain of wheat does not produce much grain until it dies. Jesus told them “He who loves his life will lose it” (v. 25).

The words of Fulton Sheen frame the event.

It was the month of Nisan. The Book of Exodus ordered that in this month the Paschal Lamb was to be selected, and four days later was to be taken to the place where it was to be sacrificed. On Palm Sunday, the Lamb was chosen by popular acclaim in Jerusalem; on Good Friday He was crucified.

This week will bring focus to these events. For me, they are so much more than a historical record. Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (v. 32). Today, I am drawn to the cross. I am drawn to Jesus. And I am forever changed.

Love

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, ⁴ traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God

2 Timothy 3:1-4

It’s a tough description. This particular stretch in Paul’s letter to Timothy provides a laundry list of misguided attitudes, desire, behaviors and priorities.  In the midst of this list is a great message about love. The message is summarized in two words that are tucked away in the fourth verse: “rather than”. At first these words may seem innocuous. But they are tethered to desire and choice. “Rather than” exposes what happens when a heart is inclined in the wrong direction. Oh, it’s not that Paul is teaching that self, money or pleasure is the great evil. Instead, Paul wants to warn against an unholy competition. Will I love money, rather than God? Will I love myself as if I am in charge of my life? Will I love pleasure so much that I would not consider suffering inconvenience on God’s behalf? Today, it’s easy to live a “rather than” life. But, the cost is immeasurable. Slowly, we forget that the objects of my affection motivate me. If my love for something other than God climbs to the top of my priorities, my life will drift. What do I love? Who do I love? I need to revisit these important questions on a regular basis. And I need to cultivate my love for God.

There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God. Those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it; yet I do not advise you to do it from that motive. It is not pleasure which we ought to seek in this exercise, but let us do it from a principle of love, and because God would have us.

Brother Lawrence

God's gifts

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

Wise council is sometimes straightforward and to the point. Such is the case with this particular reminder from Timothy’s spiritual mentor. Paul reminded Timothy to reject fear and embrace the gifts of God. Paul understood that fear paralyzes and love is a catalyst for action. Another wise elder of the early church reminded the recipients of his letter “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). God’s love is an antidote for unhealthy fear. But, that is only the beginning. Not only does God give us love, He gives us power and a sound mind.

Sometimes power gets a bad name. There are many ways to exercise power. Is it possible to abuse power? Of course it is. I don’t think Paul is reminding Timothy of a God given power to abuse others or dominate the people he served. Instead, I believe the three gifts of God named by Paul in his letter to Timothy are interconnected.  God gives us power. God gives us love. And God gives us a sound mind. Love is at the center of it all. If my life is transformed by the love of God, my use of power will reflect His character. In essence, God empowers me to love others the way He has loved me. Likewise, God’s love will be reflected in the way I engage my mind. God’s love will help govern and illuminate my thoughts. A sound mind contributes to self-control. God love creates a craving for virtuous thinking and distaste for deception. It’s good for me to consider how the love of God impacts my judgment and decision-making. Also, it’s wise for me to recognize that when my thinking is dominated by fear, my perspective is apt to be distorted.

The New Testament is filled with descriptions of gifts that God loves to share with His children. Each is undeserved. The generosity of God is so difficult for me to fathom apart from my trust in His love for me. As a recipient of His love, I feel the weight responsibility that comes with power and a sound mind.