Good Quote

This past Lord's Day we looked at John 10:1-21, Jesus is the Good/Model Shepherd. That is something we've probably heard before... though the joy of it never gets old. What may have been surprising - it was for me at least - was the contrast made between Jesus (Good Shepherd) and Pharisees (bad shepherds). We usually quote John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy" in reference to Satan. But in context, it's actually in reference to bad religious leaders!

Lord, am I a thief among your sheep? As I was examining my own heart as a pastor, I read this by David Wells:

"Far too many leaders and churches are out for the quick kill, the instant success, the enviable numbers, the bulging auditoria, the numbers to be boasted about -- 'my church went from ten to ten thousand once I arrived!' -- the filled parking lots, the success story all dolled up for the pages of Christianity Today or Leadership. All of this is about the short-term interest of the pastor, not the long-term health of the church."

Sheep, beware the many thieves posing as shepherds! And shepherds, be careful with the flock of God!

8 Minus Jon & Kate

Much has been made recently of the marital problems of Jon & Kate Gosselin, famous parents of 8-year-old twins and 5-year-old sextuplets. In tonight's episode of Jon & Kate Plus 8, the couple announced the tragic news that they are separating. I've never followed this show closely, but because of its popularity (especially among evangelical Christians), I feel a pastoral need to speak about it. Before you argue that it's none of our business, be reminded that it was their choice to make their lives public... particularly this sad part of their lives, which I believe God, in His providence, has given us as an example/warning. So let's learn a few things to help us make Christ supreme in our own marriages.

I watched part of the show tonight, and the thing I kept hearing was "it's all for the kids," "we want what's best for the kids," "this is the kids' house, not ours," "I'll do anything for the kids to have peace." Marriages fail when couples put their children before each other. Granted, it must be extremely difficult to raise sextuplets and twins, but it is never impossible to obey God. Christians, learn from this that the most important relationship in your home is not parent-child; it's husband-wife. The best thing you can do for your children is love your spouse!

Another sad reality with this couple is that their relationship, even in the good times, was never obedient to the biblical roles for husband and wife (Eph. 5:22-30). Kate is not a submissive wife. Jon is not a leader. Please understand I'm not throwing stones. If I invited (key word) a TV crew into my house, I'm sure it would reveal my lack of leadership. But it doesn't seem like the Gosselins were even trying to obey God's Word in this area. When those male/female roles are reversed, Satan wins and disaster strikes. Christians, learn from this that God's good design is for men to be the servant-leaders of their homes and women to be helpmates to their husbands.

For Christians, divorce just isn't an option. It cannot be on the table. Yes, God allows two scenarios for divorce (it seems): Adultery (Matt. 19:9) and desertion of an unbelieving spouse (1 Co. 7:15). Yet even in those situations, forgiveness trumps adultery, and, in the case of desertion, it's the unbelieving spouse calling for the divorce, not the believing spouse! Christians, learn that divorce isn't an option for us. Take that choice off the table! No way can that happen! You're in this for life... for better or for worse, remember? You vowed to God that you would work it out no matter what. Keep your word.

The situation for Jon and Kate is awful. That they're putting it on TV for all to see is shameful and defaming the name of Christ. Even still, let it serve as a warning/example for us. Pray for the Gosselin's marriage. Pray for your marriage. Pray for each others' marriages. And as you do, remember that marriage is given, ultimately, to point us to Christ's passionate pursuit of His bride...

... and He never gives up.

Vacation from God?

School lets out Wednesday here in Laurens, unofficially marking the beginning of summer! The weather is great and everybody needs a break by now. My "pastoral advice" to everyone is GO ON VACATION! Plan a trip... get away... have some fun... be refreshed! It will do you and your family a world of good.

Let me give you another pastoral encouragement, though. Don't take a vacation from God. That's so easy to do isn't it? Summertime is busy. The weather is nice. The lake is inviting. It would be so easy to skip worship and spend the Lord's Day having fun in the sun. But remember, it's the Lord's Day, not Our day! You're going to miss worship in your local church this summer. You'll be on family trips, scout camps, etc. As your pastor, I understand that you'll be out of town. And I say go! It's good to get out of town from time to time. But don't skip worship when you're in town! Don't put summer fun before Christ. Don't let Satan deceive you into thinking that the lake brings more joy than Jesus or that a day by the pool is more satisfying than hearing the Word of God. The truth is your greatest happiness and enjoyment comes from a close walk with the Lord. Don't let summer steal that from you!

But even when you're out of town, don't leave God at home. Take Him with you. Here are a few ways to walk with God even on your vacation:

1) Take your Bible with you... don't dare leave home without it!

2) Locate a Bible-believing church in the city you'll be visiting. Why not go to church if you're away on a Sunday? This website and this website will help you locate a good church.

3) If you can't locate a church, then spend time on the Lord's Day in family worship. Read the Bible, pray and sing together. Find a good Bible-preacher on TV (NOT Joel Osteen!) and watch together.

The point is don't allow the summer to stall your relationship with God. He's blessed you with the finances to take that vacation. He created the beautiful beaches and mountains and the nice weather we enjoy. He loves you and invites you to find your greatest enjoyment in Him... even in the summertime.