I think it was my pastor, Barry Jass, who first spoke of how the modern world seems to have lost most of it's courtesy and replaced it with efficiancy. Over the last 7 months at Panera and 1 year at Border's a few years before, I have come to see this as blazingly true. A huge majority of the people I serve expect expediant service with a smile, even when the employees, like myself are under a large amount of pressure. Say, for instance the 16th person in a 30+ person line, wants a very specific order and s/he becoms irrate and surpirsed when the employee messes up a single aspect or, horror of horrors, needs part of the the order repeated because s/he didn't get totally the first time. The patiant and helpful customer seems a rarity at best, and yet they all expect us to be cheerfully efficiant. Of course I understand if some of the spicifics are health related, but most of the time this simply is not the case. Never mind the fact that most of the time, we're barely paid enough to live off of. Panera pays me $7.72 p/h and Borders paid $6.50p/h. Oh, the injustice of it all ;-)
Seriously though. I do think we, as Christians, need to set the example and raise the bar on how we treat others, Whether they are fellow Christians or not. It shouldn't matter if you will never see this person again in your life, they are still a beloved creation of God whom He longs to know more deeply, and your kindness may help to open the way for another's witness. So, here are a few suggestions to ponder the next time you're waiting in line:
1. Remeber, above all else, the person behind the counter is just as much a human being as you are and deserves to be treated as such,
2. If you manage to get a customer service rep. who really does everything exactly the way you like it and smiles cheerfully the whole time through, do be impressed. You are truly in the presence of a living miracle. Such a person deserves, at the least, a good tip.
3. Be gracious and patiant while the employee takes your order and carries it out. S/he has probably had a long day full of busy, pushy customers and the last thing they need is another one.
In closing, let me remind of one of the lessons Jesus taight us: Love one another as I have loved you (Jn 13:34-35). He loved you enough to come and serve you by dying on your behalf and He calls you to do likewise for your brothers and sisters. Think on that, the next time you find yourself in a rather long line with your patiance running thin. I hope you are all well. God bless each of you!
Saturday, August 21, 2004
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Of Jesus and Human Nature
The more I think about, the less I am inclined to agree with the common Christian belief that we are all inherently sinful from birth. I really started to have issues with this when I was doing a research paper on the Humanity of Jesus Christ. A commom issue among the theolgians I read was how to deal with Christ's dual nature and specifically how to deal with it in respect to temptation and sin. The question was could Jesus have sinned and the overwhelming answer was in His humanity, yes. In His Divity, no. In addition, there seemed to be a prevailent beleif that Jesus' humanity was differnt from ours. Ours is inherently sinful, His is pure through and through. Yet if that holds true, wouldn't it go against Hebrews 4:15, which says that Jesus was tempted in every way we are? How could He have been tempted in every way in which we are if, at His core, He does not expereince temptation the same way we do? Maybe Jesus had exactly the same kind of human nature we do. Maybe we just don't fully comprehend our own nature.
So, if I don't buy the whole sin nature thing, what do I believe about our human nature? I think Abraham Joshua Heschel put it best: "It is because we are made in the image of God that our righteousness is expected, yet it is because we were made from the dust of the earth thast our inequeties are forgiven." Heschel postulates that we are, in fact, trinitarain beings. On the one hand we were made in the image of God. We are divine creations. On the other hand, we were created from the dust of the earth. We are only human. Both of these aspects come into play wth the third, that we were made for a relationship with God.
I think Jesus had the same humanity that we do. When He took on human form, He took on a nature that was created in the image of God and made from the dust of the earth. If He was different in any respect, I would say it was in the third. Jesus had a relationship with His Father unlike anyone else who has walked this earth. There was nothing He did apart from God (John 8:28). In everything He was wholly dependant upon God. That is what makes Him what He is and that is when He offers us. A way to become wholly what we were meant to be from the beginning. In loving dependant relationtionship with God. What's more, I think that as we grow in this relationship, one of the by-products will be a lessoning in sin. Not through conscious effort, but simply because we no longer desire it. Sin offers itself as a substitute for God and the more we allow God into our lives, the less sin space sin will have.
Well, those are my thoughts as they currently stand. Any comments?
So, if I don't buy the whole sin nature thing, what do I believe about our human nature? I think Abraham Joshua Heschel put it best: "It is because we are made in the image of God that our righteousness is expected, yet it is because we were made from the dust of the earth thast our inequeties are forgiven." Heschel postulates that we are, in fact, trinitarain beings. On the one hand we were made in the image of God. We are divine creations. On the other hand, we were created from the dust of the earth. We are only human. Both of these aspects come into play wth the third, that we were made for a relationship with God.
I think Jesus had the same humanity that we do. When He took on human form, He took on a nature that was created in the image of God and made from the dust of the earth. If He was different in any respect, I would say it was in the third. Jesus had a relationship with His Father unlike anyone else who has walked this earth. There was nothing He did apart from God (John 8:28). In everything He was wholly dependant upon God. That is what makes Him what He is and that is when He offers us. A way to become wholly what we were meant to be from the beginning. In loving dependant relationtionship with God. What's more, I think that as we grow in this relationship, one of the by-products will be a lessoning in sin. Not through conscious effort, but simply because we no longer desire it. Sin offers itself as a substitute for God and the more we allow God into our lives, the less sin space sin will have.
Well, those are my thoughts as they currently stand. Any comments?
On Men & Women
A complaint I often here from women is this: Why can't men get past the physical? This, of course is voiced in different forms, like, "All men are interested in is T&A" or other wordings. Yet the issue is the same, we men do have a troubles getting past a woman's outer appearence.There are whole industreis build on catering to this taste. However, I don't think we're alone in this issue. Over the years I've noticed something similar in women. At the risk of simplifying the issue way to much, let me start by phrasing the issue like this: Men are to the ideal physical felmale form as women are to the romantic one. Many women think rightly that men have a perfect women in our minds that they will never be able to measure up to. Maybe I'm just being a cynical male, but I think it's the same way with them. They have such an high romantic ideal that we ordinary guys would never stand a chance. I think, maybe, we both need to come back down to earth and realize the reality of the situation. There are no perfect men and women. The ideals we've built up in our heads simply do not exist in real life. To go the Christian route, they are idols that we need to get rid of. They are clouding our view of who each other really is and not allowing us to see each other for who we trully are: beloved children of our heavenly Father.
None of this is meant to excuse either men or women, just to put forth some thoughts. I hope you are all well. God bless!
None of this is meant to excuse either men or women, just to put forth some thoughts. I hope you are all well. God bless!
Monday, August 16, 2004
Mike's Musings
• Mike’s Musings (7/31/04) •
Dear family & friends,
• The Time Between, pt. 2
Another month has passed and not much has changed. I’m still at Panera, though due to an hour shortage they have been unable to give me full time hours or raise my wage beyond its current Associate minimum. So, for about a few months now I’ve been searching for both a job and a ministry position. It feels a bit odd, to say the least. I do have some pending job opportunities I’m waiting to hear back from, but I’ve also already gotten a few “redirection” letters and calls. I say “redirection” because none of them have out right rejected me, instead, they praised my accomplishments, yet stated that I simply “was not the right man for the job.” Maybe I’m just being optimistic.
Anyway, the whole thing has gotten me thinking a lot about discipleship and our mental transformation as Christians (Romans 12:2). The more I learn and read about discipleship and spiritual formation, the more I am seeing it as standing in direct opposition to the American culture which I grew up in and which is still very present today. Maybe even worse. What specifically am I talking about? Well, it’s hard to know where to begin, but over the past month, what I’ve found myself struggling with again and again is my often over-bearing need for immediate satisfaction. In this culture of “why wait, when you can get what you want right now?” I find myself a bit perplexed because what I really want – i.e. lasting deeply felt peace, joy and love between God and myself – is not instantaneously accessible.
What I really long for is to be who I am ultimately meant to be, to have the ministry position I was made for and which God is calling me towards right now. What I am finding myself come face to face with on a daily basis is that I am just not ready yet for such a position. Not that Bethel Seminary hasn’t done an excellent job of preparing me for ministry, they have. Not that I’ve made an irreparable errors along the way that have kept me out of the running, I haven’t. It’s more like what God has in store for me is going to take every ounce of strength, energy and spiritual depth that I’ve grown over the years and have yet to grow and He doesn’t want to bring me into it before I’m ready. Yet, as I mentioned before, I find myself hopeful and optimistic. Why? Read on!!
It occurs to me that those things I really long for are truly the things I desire above all else exactly because they are designed to be achieved over the long haul. The peace, joy, and love that God offers us would not even be close to the same thing, if we could get them right now, as they are. We’re asking for mere tokens when God longs to give us treasure troves. I am reminded of a Jewish parable I once heard of where heaven and hell were describe. Both were equally adorned dinning rooms filled with every kind of food and beverage imaginable. Both were immaculate and splendid in their place settings and dishes. Then the guests came for dinner, and we find that they look exactly like us except for one thing. Their arms are locked at the elbows. Both groups find themselves in the same predicament of being unable to feed themselves. Now the feast begins and we finally see what distinguishes heaven from hell. In hell, food and dishes are flying everywhere as people continually persist in the impossible task of feeding themselves. In heaven, we find people serving each other and eating from each other’s hands. So we see that it is not the environment, nor the outer circumstances of the inhabitants, but what comes from the inside, that make heaven and hell what they are, This servant’s attitude comes not from a behavior enforced system, but from an inner peace grown during years of experiencing God’s faithfulness.
That I believe is a picture of what God is preparing me for even now. Yet I do not think He loves me any less now than He will on that day. Yes, it is true, I am not right at this moment all I am meant to be, but it is utterly crucial that I be exactly where I am now in order to attain that future glory. You see, God sees each of us as a story and He is the master storyteller. Every point has its reason and everything its season. God sees me exactly as I am today and loves me just the same.
As these thoughts have been stumbling around in my mind with them two songs have been intertwined. For the sake of disk space, I will only include their lyrics here, but will gladly loan the cd’s to anyone who asks.
Steady as She Goes
I see the thunderheads gather
In the northern sky
In the threatening tide
‘Cause my port side’s heavy
With the worries of life
And the worries of dying
On the starboard side
Well, I wonder am I really
Stout-hearted enough?
‘Cause the ocean is rolling
And these waters are rough
There’s a storm cloud brewing
In the sky above
So let my vessel be sturdy
Let my anchor be tough
Chorus: ‘Cause the clouds are known to gather
And the wind is prone to blow
I’ll keep her stead as a river
When the wild wind comes to blow
I’ve already been delivered
So I’ll keep her steady as she goes
Well, I shiver in the wake of the raging storm
And my rigging is tattered
And the sails are torn
I may cast this cargo overboard
But I ain’t setting my headings
For no change in course
Chorus
When you can’t find the faith the slumber
When you’re thrown by every swell
You know that you’re not going under
With the Captain at the helm
-Andrew Peterson, Clear to Venus
This is Your Life
Yesterday is a wrinkle on your forehead
Yesterday is a promise that you've broken
Don't close your eyes, don't close your eyes
This is your life and today is all you've got now
Yeah, and today is all you'll ever have
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be?
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose?
Yesterday is a kid in the corner
Yesterday is dead and over
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose?
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
This is your life are you who you want to be?
This is your life are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed it would be
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose?
And you had everything to lose?
-Switchfoot, The Beautiful Letdown
Well, that’s it for now. Thanks for coming by again. With grateful prayers and loving thoughts of your ever gracious return, I bid you adu. I hope you are each well. God bless!
In His Grip,
Michel Jon Willard
Dear family & friends,
• The Time Between, pt. 2
Another month has passed and not much has changed. I’m still at Panera, though due to an hour shortage they have been unable to give me full time hours or raise my wage beyond its current Associate minimum. So, for about a few months now I’ve been searching for both a job and a ministry position. It feels a bit odd, to say the least. I do have some pending job opportunities I’m waiting to hear back from, but I’ve also already gotten a few “redirection” letters and calls. I say “redirection” because none of them have out right rejected me, instead, they praised my accomplishments, yet stated that I simply “was not the right man for the job.” Maybe I’m just being optimistic.
Anyway, the whole thing has gotten me thinking a lot about discipleship and our mental transformation as Christians (Romans 12:2). The more I learn and read about discipleship and spiritual formation, the more I am seeing it as standing in direct opposition to the American culture which I grew up in and which is still very present today. Maybe even worse. What specifically am I talking about? Well, it’s hard to know where to begin, but over the past month, what I’ve found myself struggling with again and again is my often over-bearing need for immediate satisfaction. In this culture of “why wait, when you can get what you want right now?” I find myself a bit perplexed because what I really want – i.e. lasting deeply felt peace, joy and love between God and myself – is not instantaneously accessible.
What I really long for is to be who I am ultimately meant to be, to have the ministry position I was made for and which God is calling me towards right now. What I am finding myself come face to face with on a daily basis is that I am just not ready yet for such a position. Not that Bethel Seminary hasn’t done an excellent job of preparing me for ministry, they have. Not that I’ve made an irreparable errors along the way that have kept me out of the running, I haven’t. It’s more like what God has in store for me is going to take every ounce of strength, energy and spiritual depth that I’ve grown over the years and have yet to grow and He doesn’t want to bring me into it before I’m ready. Yet, as I mentioned before, I find myself hopeful and optimistic. Why? Read on!!
It occurs to me that those things I really long for are truly the things I desire above all else exactly because they are designed to be achieved over the long haul. The peace, joy, and love that God offers us would not even be close to the same thing, if we could get them right now, as they are. We’re asking for mere tokens when God longs to give us treasure troves. I am reminded of a Jewish parable I once heard of where heaven and hell were describe. Both were equally adorned dinning rooms filled with every kind of food and beverage imaginable. Both were immaculate and splendid in their place settings and dishes. Then the guests came for dinner, and we find that they look exactly like us except for one thing. Their arms are locked at the elbows. Both groups find themselves in the same predicament of being unable to feed themselves. Now the feast begins and we finally see what distinguishes heaven from hell. In hell, food and dishes are flying everywhere as people continually persist in the impossible task of feeding themselves. In heaven, we find people serving each other and eating from each other’s hands. So we see that it is not the environment, nor the outer circumstances of the inhabitants, but what comes from the inside, that make heaven and hell what they are, This servant’s attitude comes not from a behavior enforced system, but from an inner peace grown during years of experiencing God’s faithfulness.
That I believe is a picture of what God is preparing me for even now. Yet I do not think He loves me any less now than He will on that day. Yes, it is true, I am not right at this moment all I am meant to be, but it is utterly crucial that I be exactly where I am now in order to attain that future glory. You see, God sees each of us as a story and He is the master storyteller. Every point has its reason and everything its season. God sees me exactly as I am today and loves me just the same.
As these thoughts have been stumbling around in my mind with them two songs have been intertwined. For the sake of disk space, I will only include their lyrics here, but will gladly loan the cd’s to anyone who asks.
Steady as She Goes
I see the thunderheads gather
In the northern sky
In the threatening tide
‘Cause my port side’s heavy
With the worries of life
And the worries of dying
On the starboard side
Well, I wonder am I really
Stout-hearted enough?
‘Cause the ocean is rolling
And these waters are rough
There’s a storm cloud brewing
In the sky above
So let my vessel be sturdy
Let my anchor be tough
Chorus: ‘Cause the clouds are known to gather
And the wind is prone to blow
I’ll keep her stead as a river
When the wild wind comes to blow
I’ve already been delivered
So I’ll keep her steady as she goes
Well, I shiver in the wake of the raging storm
And my rigging is tattered
And the sails are torn
I may cast this cargo overboard
But I ain’t setting my headings
For no change in course
Chorus
When you can’t find the faith the slumber
When you’re thrown by every swell
You know that you’re not going under
With the Captain at the helm
-Andrew Peterson, Clear to Venus
This is Your Life
Yesterday is a wrinkle on your forehead
Yesterday is a promise that you've broken
Don't close your eyes, don't close your eyes
This is your life and today is all you've got now
Yeah, and today is all you'll ever have
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be?
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose?
Yesterday is a kid in the corner
Yesterday is dead and over
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose?
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
This is your life are you who you want to be?
This is your life are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, are you who you want to be?
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed it would be
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose?
And you had everything to lose?
-Switchfoot, The Beautiful Letdown
Well, that’s it for now. Thanks for coming by again. With grateful prayers and loving thoughts of your ever gracious return, I bid you adu. I hope you are each well. God bless!
In His Grip,
Michel Jon Willard
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