For This Cause

In today’s world, causes are not in short supply:  Healthcare reform, civil rights, climate change, immigration, impeachment, education, animal cruelty, the homeless, vaccinations, Save the White Whale, Save the Dolphin, save “whatever,” house churches, and countless others.  

Cause-oriented and cause-driven people fill Facebook posts; and conversations in general center around those causes near and dear to us.  Inherently, there is nothing wrong with this; however, let me sound a warning, especially to all professing Christians.

God’s people need to remember that one CAUSE overrides all others:  the CAUSE of Jesus Christ.  Even in the church, people tend to elevate CAUSES over this most important issue.  Music preferences, preaching series, prophetic ministry, church government, sound volumes, and other issues catch the attention of church-goers, often “CAUS-ing” division and unrest.  I’m amazed at how often the enemy successfully CAUSES godly people to focus on lesser pursuits.  

My friend, believe me, a lot of issues beckon for my attention; however, I’m becoming very selective as to what I give my time and energy.  I understand that blogs like this tend to put well-meaning people on edge, but this I caution:

1. If you feel strongly about a given issue, avoid becoming disagreeable in the face of disagreements.
2. Ask yourself:  Does my approach need to be altered?  Am I building bridges or walls? Have I come across hateful and mean-spirited?  Christians especially, HAVE to consider the “how’ to’s.”
3. Am I adhering to the “Good-Better-Best” principle in my life?  Always remember, good and better causes abound.  But am I giving my life to those things closest to God’s heart?  In other words, is what I’m doing “cause-worthy?”
4. Do you understand that some causes are best confronted through fervent prayer?  The infamous quote, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,”  has merit, but be careful saint, that what you devote your life to is pushing back evil, not just reinforcing a strong opinion.
5. The Apostle Paul makes it clear to believers that ONE CAUSE supersedes all others:  “For this cause (reason), I Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ..” (Ephesians 3:1).  Paul’s cause (reason for living) was to carry the life-changing Gospel to Gentiles. I may be splitting hairs here, but it concerns me when Christ followers spend their time and energy never affecting positive change, ending their days tired and frustrated and living with an antagonistic mindset.  Positive, long-term change seldom, if ever, comes when divisive, at times violent, confrontational hearts demand their way.  Yes, Paul was at times confrontational, but always love-driven.  He says in 2 Corinthians 5:14, “The love of Christ constrains (compels) me.”  Another translation says, “The love of Christ drives me…”  Love for the lost was his motivating force!

We may live under a mindset where “opinion is king.” However, the downside to this liberty is mishandling our approach to those issues we feel so strongly about. Talking down to people, degrading comments, and unkind words never achieve righteous outcomes.  It concerns me that the Church in many sectors of society is known more for what we’re against than what we’re for. Do we walk in agape (God’s) love?  

My friend, we possess the greatest CAUSE known to mankind -- “that Christ Jesus came into the world to  save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).   YOUR GREATEST CAUSE AS A BELIEVER IS TO TELL ANYONE AND EVERYONE WHO WILL LISTEN!  The believer’s greatest cause is “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2)!

Tell everyone!  Witness with not only your words, but with your lifestyle, your actions and attitudes.  If Jesus tells you to speak out against a certain cause, then speak out in love and brokenness.  And make sure that your primary cause -- Jesus Christ -- is first and foremost! 

Filter every cause through the Cross.  Weigh the temporary against the eternal, and make sure the scales of endeavor first and foremost lean others toward the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. The Proverb says, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise,” 11:30).  The preacher encourages us to use our righteous influence to touch and change our surroundings.  He reminds us that there’s our way, and then God’s way of doing things.  Follow the way of wisdom!  Sadly, many causes are picked up by those who employ counter-productive methods. 

Are You a Project?

Many years ago, at my invitation, I had breakfast with another pastor.  Instead of pouring into him and enjoying his company, I used the time to whine about a church problem.  The man abruptly interrupted me mid-sentence and said, “I didn’t come here to listen to your problems. Frankly, I don’t want to hear about them.”  Then, he got up and left.  

Admittedly, I was embarrassed and my feelings were hurt.  Anger quickly followed. “Who does he think he is?” I thought.  “What an arrogant, uncaring pastor.”

Was the man rude?  Yes. Did his approach leave something to be desired?  Absolutely! But out of that emotionally painful experience the Lord showed me that I had become a “project.”  I was all too willing to tell anyone who would listen about my woes. I was not enjoyable to be around because I allowed my personal hurts to define me.  I wasn’t interested in changing my outlook or moving past my pain. In this particular case, I was seeking the wrong kind of attention, unwilling to learn from his response, no matter how unkind.  

Nobody needs a “project.”  Why? Because nothing ever changes with some people. They get stuck.  They spin their wheels in the deep ruts of their past. They seek out those willing to validate their pain.  “Projects” become broken records that fixate on the same things. They never change, nor do they want to. They are the same today as they were three years ago!  Pain and on-going drama become their “normal.”

What do “project people” look like?  What are their characteristics?

1. They are totally self-centered.  Everything is about their pain.
2. They seldom, if ever, ask about others.
3. They tell the same stories over and over, refusing to walk in forgiveness.
4. They usually become social misfits, unable to make or keep friends.
5. They leave a trail of broken relationships behind them, often including family members.
6. They become unattached to the needs of others and easily angered when others try to redirect them.  
7. They despise healthy social boundaries.
8.  They become unteachable.
9.  Finally, they spend their lives playing the victim.

How do we address “project people?”  Sadly, many times these individuals cannot be helped until the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.

“Projects” gravitate toward sympathetic listening ears.  Once...twice...three times, maybe; then an on-going “project” has to be lovingly confronted.  Often, “projects” move toward flight instead of being willing to honestly confront their deeper issues.

We are followers of Christ, who of course, should love everyone.  Sometimes, however, tough love is needed to effect life change. Until  “projects” are willing to make the necessary adjustments in their thinking patterns and actions, they remain time wasters.  

Remember, everyone is precious to God and possesses divinely given potential.  Some, however, refuse to improve the quality of their present, by allowing their past to enslave them.   

Do you know someone you view as a “project?”  Refuse to live in guilt when you have to call them to task. At times we offer the wrong kind of help that only perpetuates already negatively-established patterns. We are called upon to teach “project people” how to plant wheat instead of always giving them bread. 

Open, honest, and loving confrontation may drive them away temporarily, but in the long run, our prayer is that these “projects” seek life change that rebuilds their credibility and integrity.

Say "NO" to Drama

Drama.  Why would anyone choose to create or live in drama?  Daily life brings enough drama without having to look for it.

For example, both men and women follow television soap operas, where drama is king.  Many are able to recite play by play accounts of misery, gossip, lust, exaggeration, lying and tomfoolery, all which should come under the subheading, “As the Stomach Turns.”  Do they not have enough drama without rehearsing its damaging effects in the lives of paid actors?

In 1 Thessalonians 4:11, Paul tells his beloved church at Thessalonica to “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.”  What was he suggesting?  Paul knew that believers may not be able to shut themselves off from the world, but they certainly don’t have to add to the noise!

This verse is sandwiched between two admonitions that make sense.  In verse 4 the Apostle encourages believers to love one another.  In verses 11-12 he very pointedly tells them, “You should mind your own business and work with your hands, so outsiders respect you and you’re not a burden on anyone.” 

What’s he saying?  I believe his words refer to more than financial freeloaders.  He in essence is saying “Don’t become someone’s project.”  Drama-driven individuals always take, never give – depleting others of precious time and energy.  They suck their “victims” dry, spiritually and emotionally.   We’re all much too busy for that! 

As Christians, of course we desire to come alongside people in their trials and difficulties; but no one wants to join ranks with those bent on making drama their identifying trademark.  Misery may breed company, but that doesn’t mean we have to invite the “drama club” over for supper on Friday evening! 

I have personally declared war on drama in my life and others, because I think that drama is a much lesser choice.  I know people who cannot live drama-free lives because drama has become their “normal.”  Take away the drama and they find themselves stripped of their comfort zone.  It’s sick! 

What does drama look like in those who embrace and coddle it?  I’ve noticed these characteristics:

1.  Individuals who walk into a room and immediately begin sharing drama without caring who’s in the room or even before greeting anyone present are probably drama-driven.  Often, they are loud and obnoxious. 

2.  Individuals who talk only about their problems, illnesses, disappointments, trials or problems non-stop are probably drama-driven.

3.  Individuals who never ask how you are or what’s going on in your life and keep the conversation alive with their woes, are probably drama-driven.

4.  Individuals who put down, blast and criticize their loved ones – children, spouse, grandchildren – and supposed friends are probably drama-driven. 

May I encourage you to not degrade your loved ones in public venues?  First, no one wants to hear it, and your family members deserve your confidentiality.  They deserve your loyalty.  If problems exist, take them to the altar and tell the One who never exposes dirty laundry, or to the counseling room, where confidentiality reigns.  How sad that some people live in such a small, confining world – one that never reaches past their front steps!

Drama-driven people spray poison every time they open their mouth.  In short, they are toxic.  I’ve determined not to give them time or energy.  These sad people generally have few real friends and the ones they do have tend to be toxic as well.  Notice too that competitive toxicity minimizes proper listening skills in drama-driven people, as they furiously vie for attention.  Put them in a room together and they push to “out toxic” one another.  It becomes a crap fest!  I am repelled by such goings on.

Today, I choose to follow Paul’s admonition to “lead a quiet life,” and to love others.  I expect the world to breed toxicity but believers in Jesus should live a cut above hurtful, hateful, harsh toxicity.  Join me by officially declaring war on drama and the toxicity it produces in peoples’ lives.  Lord, give us grace mixed with compassion to righteously and honestly confront drama-driven people. 

Such people need to learn that we who choose to live on the plain of peace and quietness don’t care what goes on in the deep, deep pits of chosen shallowness and disparity.  Life is far too precious and brief to spend it in the drama zone. 

Let’s live in the light of God’s unconditional love so that people say when they leave our presence, “I feel encouraged and better because of my recent interaction.”  God forbid that people want to run the other way when they see us coming.

Death to drama and hooray to those who make conscious efforts to “lead quiet lives!”