Recently I conducted a Renewal Weekend at a large mid-western church.  The pastor is an educated, articulate leader known for his preaching acumen.  He even writes books to help preachers create effective sermons.

After the final service of the weekend (a Sunday evening worship-based prayer experience) he stood before his church with tears and offered two observations.  First, he stated that he had not experienced the presence of God in such a powerful way since his early days in ministry where revival broke out in the church where he served on staff.  Indeed, it was a powerful evening of worship and heart-felt prayer.

His second observation was incredibly insightful.  He said to his congregation, “Over the years I’ve told you that the corporate prayer level of our church will never rise above our personal prayer lives.”  He continued, “Tonight I want to correct that statement.  I have concluded that our personal prayer lives will never rise above our corporate prayer experience because this is how we all learn to pray – in community.  And I am resolved to lead you in that experience that we might truly become a house of prayer."

You could conclude that this courageous pastor decided to come out of his prayer closet and start leading his people in the actual experience of prayer. That decision has been a big victory for him, for his congregation, and for Christ-honoring ministry in that community.

Toward a Consistent View of Leadership

Of course, it is an essential and wonderful thing that many pastors prioritize personal time in prayer.  However, far too few come to the conviction of this pastor in the firm understanding that they must lead their people in prayer by example while modeling prayer in community experience.  In reality, they are adopting a view of leadership that leaves their people far short of Christ’s ideal for the church.

Let me illustrate.  Imagine a pastor named Charlie.  He claims to have a deep conviction about the importance of the Bible in his life and ministry.  He speaks highly of the Scriptures in personal conversations and writes compellingly about it in his philosophy of ministry.  He claims to have a strong personal regimen of Bible reading and study.

Yet, the pattern of this leadership demonstrates an actual contradiction.  In his public ministry Charlie is apathetic about the existence of Bible studies in his church.  He never teaches people how to study the Bible.  He seldom leads any Bible studies with others.  When he does on those rare occasions, he seems uncomfortable and half-hearted.

In spite of Charlie’s verbal assent about the benefit of the Bible, he makes minimal references to the Scriptures when the church gathers.  He rarely invests any substantive amount of time teaching the Bible to his congregation in corporate worship on Sundays.  Instead, he tells stories and packs the services with an abundance of music, drama, and interesting anecdotes about current events.

Any church worth their salt would be grieved about the contradiction of Pastor Charlie’s words.  They would wonder about his real commitment to the centrality of the Scriptures.  While Charlie might talk a good talk, he obviously is failing to lead his church in the love for and understanding of the Bible.

In fact, the real commodity by which we judge any pastor’s commitment to the Scriptures is TIME.  This includes time spent personally in the Word but ALSO time given to teaching and experiencing the power of applied truth in the corporate gatherings.  If he does not give time to the Bible, we rightfully conclude he does not really value it.

Leading from the Closet Does Not Work

When it comes to prayer, many pastors live in the same contradictory gray twilight as Charlie.  Somehow flowery words about prayer and claims of “doing business with God” in “the closet” suffice, while the church starves for leadership, never really learning how to pray.  Jesus grieves because His house does not become a house of prayer.  The Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 2 indicating that the church should FIRST be a place of prayer are essentially ignored – because no one is leading the church in that direction.  The commands to pray, given in the New Testament, are largely ignored in the community experience of the church.

In my travels, I see this so often.  Many respected and godly leaders purport to have a strong prayer life – in private.  However, they appear to have little conviction about modeling prayer and leading their people into life-changing experiences of prayer (we will talk about the reasons later).  Of course, these pastors never lead powerful, praying churches because it is impossible to POINT the way in prayer.  One must LEAD the way in prayer.

Just as you cannot lead the church in the ministry of the word simply from a desk, neither can you lead a church in prayer simply from a closet.  In Acts 6:4 the early leaders were committed to engaging collectively and leading the church in BOTH prayer and the ministry of the word.  Today, like those leaders, pastors must come out of their private closets and provide bold, biblical, and consistent leadership.

Why Church Leaders Hide in their Prayer Closets

Let me say clearly that the value of private prayer is beyond measure.  Responsible pastors seek the Lord individually and regularly intercede for others.  Yet, too many good pastors seem content with leaving their prayer impact at the closet door.  Why is this?

In my book Fresh Encounters, I wrote extensively about this challenge – based on my own struggle in prayer and conversations with many pastoral colleagues.  In summary, our reluctance to lead our churches in prayer is rooted in the following factors:

1.      Rugged individualism

2.      Closet confusion

3.      Limited vision

4.      Inadequate training

5.      Cultural pushback 

6.      Personal defeat

7.      Spiritual distraction

8.      Fear of intimacy

In next week’s e-devotion we will elaborate on each of these eight factors and encourage your heart with some truths about the blessings that occur when pastors come out of their prayer closets to lead their people in biblical, balanced prayer.

In the meantime, pray for your pastor today.  Pray that the Lord will draw him close to His heart and teach him more about the joys of seeking God’s face.  Pray that, in His time, the Lord will help him see the calling to lead the church in regular and life-giving experiences of prayer.  In the meantime, keep a loving and supportive attitude and look for opportunities to make a difference on your knees in your own church.  The Lord will bless you as you support your leadership and pray for their growth in Christ.

Not long ago I had the honor of leading in a renewal conference hosted by Central Wesleyan Church in Holland, MI.  Paul Hontz, the Sr. Pastor, has served that fellowship for 30 years and led the church to become one of the largest congregations of their denomination in the U.S.  How delightful to see a large and influential congregation so hungry for a fresh movement of spiritual power and impact!

As Pastor Hontz, Leif Aronsen (one of our board members), and I sat in the pastor’s office Sunday morning before the services, I could not help but notice a small quote on the wall.  It read, “To the world you may just be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”  Wow.  I could not get that off my mind. 

Real Impact

So many times we get confused about the nature of real impact in this world.  It seems that our culture is in a mad scramble for the top of the pile.  Notoriety. Fame.  Name recognition.  These are the common pursuits of driven people, both religious and secular. Yet we know all of this can evaporate overnight and ultimately fade so quickly from the radar screen of real significance. 

On the other hand, who can estimate the impact of a life that meaningfully touches just one soul for eternity?  How can we quantify the example of a godly father to his son, or a caring mother to her daughter?  How can we measure the influence of a Christ-like neighbor or work associate who really loves and cares for the folks around him?  Can we really comprehend the loving investment of a Sunday School teacher in the life of a lonely, fatherless child? 

The examples could go on endlessly. The point is that we cannot undermine the value of tuning in to the needs of just one person by becoming caught up in the grandiosity of the bigger and better pursuits in life. 

Our Ultimate Example

Think of Jesus, individually selecting twelve awfully common men to become recipients of His discipleship investment.  Remember His invitation to a single, stubby tax collector in a tree.  Don’t forget the obscure woman with the issue of blood, lost in a crowd of needy people, but singled out to receive heavenly healing power.  Consider His advocacy for a sinful, guilty adulteress about to be stoned by the religious hypocrites.  Feel the wonder of His determination – over and over again – to stop whatever He was doing to touch a broken body, to heed the call of a hurting parent whose child was suffering, and to engage in life-changing conversations with individuals beyond number.

To the world, He was just one person – but to one person, He became the world.  I am among the millions touched by His individual love – and so are you.  How appropriate that He would care so much that we should pass that love on to others – one soul at a time.

Our Necessary Focus

In college, I recorded a collection of songs with a friend.  We selected the songs for the cassette not because they were famous, but because each had a message that had deeply touched our lives.  One tune was originally recorded by Steve Chapman and his band and was titled, “If I Forget the Ones.”  Even now, I can recall every word by memory.  The verses went like this:

I’d love to stand upon a mountain

And look down upon the world and see

A thousand times a thousand people

And tell them all what Jesus did for me

I’d love to visit all the sick and aged

And tell them there’s new life to be

I’d love to visit all the kinds of prisons

And tell each one there He can set them free

And I’d love to travel on the oceans

To all the nations and the seas

And show the wanderer traveling in darkness

The light that shines upon the road for me

Then, the chorus so tenderly and carefully says:

Oh, but Lord, remind me daily of my neighbor

And those who may know me by my name

If I forget the ones and think of millions

It would be much more for me than eternal shame

Just one.  That’s all He asks us to focus on.  Who will it be today?  To the world you may just be one person – but to that person you may be the world.  In that instance, show them Jesus.  Their world will never be the same.

In Part One of this devotion we recognized that recent events surrounding the death and legacy of Michael Jackson gave us a glimpse of our seeming obsession with entertainment in this nation.

One of the observations we made is that many Americans worship those who entertain them.  While “worship” may seem a strong word, it is hard to deny the blatant adulation and willing sacrifice of money, time, and attention given to entertainment icons in our culture.

Many Americans Scorn Those Who Lead Them to Real Worship

The other side of this coin is the reality that many Americans also reject those who call them to true worship.  This is not to say that modern-day believers reject the feelings of contemporary songs or the influence of well-known Christian concert artists.  This part of our modern-day version of Christianity is “entertaining” and enjoyable.

What 21^st century religious folks don’t like is the legitimate and Spirit-filled voices that call them to repent of their idols and bow in absolute surrender and sacrifice before the claims and Lordship of Christ alone.  This produces discomfort, and the crowds soon gravitate to an easier, more entertaining feeding source in our land of many spiritual options.

The Apostle Paul’s words offer relevant commentary: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables (myths or entertaining stories)”  (2 Timothy 4:2-4 – NIV).

Our response should be that of Paul’s next verse: "But you should keep a clear mind in every situation.  Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord.  Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you” (2 Timothy 4:5 – NLT).

Many Christians Have Confused Worship With Entertainment

Our inundation with entertainment and our incorporation thereof into the very fabric of our lives produces a third danger.  Again, Tozer says it so very boldly:

“For centuries the church stood solidly against every form of worldly entertainment, recognizing it for what it was – a device for wasting time, a refuge from the disturbing voice of conscience, a scheme to divert attention from moral accountability.  For this, she got herself abused roundly by the sons of this world. But of late she has become tired of the abuse and has given over the struggle.  She appears to have decided that if she cannot conquer the great god Entertainment she may as well join forces with him and make what use she can of his powers.  So today we have the astonishing spectacle of millions of dollars being poured in the unholy job of providing earthly entertainment for the so-called sons of heaven.  Religious entertainment is in many places rapidly crowding out the serious things of God.  Many churches these days have become little more than poor theatres where fifth-rate ‘producers’ peddle their shoddy wares with the full approval of evangelical leaders who can even quote a holy text in defense of their delinquency.  And hardly a man dares raise his voice against it."

In so many ways today we see the symptoms of the slow creep of entertainment into the fabric of our “worship.”  In many Sunday services it seems we are more eager to give a standing ovation in response to human talent than we are to do a face plant in response to the presence of God.  Our love for the thrill of visual stimulation seems to outweigh our hunger for the truth of solid teaching.  We can tend to get more excited about the personality of an amusing speaker than the challenge brought to our hearts by the clear, uncompromising teaching of God’s Word.

In Philippians 3, Paul spoke about those who polluted real Christian faith with a reliance on anything else.  In his time, it was circumcision.  Could entertainment be one of those things in our day?  In Paul’s day some proclaimed, “Sure, believe in Jesus – just be circumcised.” Today, our cry could be, “Yes, embrace Jesus – but keep it entertaining.”    In the face of this challenge, Paul wrote, “For we are the true circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."

Today we need a revival of understanding about what it means to worship God in the Spirit, with or without any of the trappings of entertaining stimulation.  We need a resurgence of joy that is found in the sufficiency of Jesus Christ, not in the widgets of current worship trends.  We need a resolve to place no confidence in the things of the flesh or the things designed for the flesh.  Our great need is an authentic trust in, and passion for, the truth and presence of Jesus Christ as the singular centerpiece of our worship – and the source of all our satisfaction.

Having said all of this, I am very encouraged by what I see in so many places around our nation as pastors and churches are recognizing the failure of an entertainment-oriented approach to truly transform lives.  I see a growing desire among church leaders for a fresh focus on the power of genuine worship and a prayerful passion for the transforming presence of Christ experienced in prayer.  Even though the idols of entertainment loom large in our culture, the greater power of pure and passionate worship is gripping the hearts of a growing army of gospel-oriented souls, who refuse to bow before any other gods.  This is the “renewal army” that will lead the way to a fresh spiritual awakening.  By God’s grace, I want to be part of that company.

In case you did not notice, Michael Jackson died.  His was a sad and tragic story of a hugely famous, immensely talented, and extraordinarily wealthy cultural icon, whose life was very broken and confused.  I am sorry for his family and friends who are legitimately grieving his passing.

However, this e-devotion is not about Michael Jackson.  We have all had our fill of the debates about his music, his morality, and the nuances of his personal life.  I have no compulsion to weigh in on this.  This devotion is about our need to fully grasp this present snapshot of our culture that was captured by the events celebrating Jackson’s entertainment legacy.

Desperate for Entertaining Stimulation

The insightful and prophetic writer and pastor A.W. Tozer wrote about our society’s captivation with entertainment in a chapter titled, “The Great God Entertainment.”  His words say it better than mine do:

 “. . . the more a man has in his own heart the less he will require from the outside; excessive need for support from without is proof of the bankruptcy of the inner man. . . The present inordinate attachment to every form of entertainment is evidence that the inner life of modern man is in serious decline. The average man has no central core of moral assurance, no spring within his own breast, no inner strength to place him above the need for repeated psychological shots to give him the courage to go on living.  He has become a parasite on the world drawing his life from his environment, unable to live a day apart from the stimulation which society affords him."

He goes on to observe, “There are millions who cannot live without amusement; life without some form of entertainment for them is simply intolerable; they look forward to the blessed relief afforded by professional entertainers and other forms of psychological narcotics as a dope addict looks to his daily shot of heroin. Without them they could not summon courage to face existence."

Tozer’s words hardly seem like something written in the mid-50’s.  Think of what he might observe today in our media -dominated, celebrity-crazed, and technology-titillated society.  His article would surely become a book of many chapters.  Once again, we find ourselves worshiping at the altar of “The Great God Entertainment,” cheered on by money-hungry media as we bow in adulation before the latest celebrity icons.

Of course, Tozer quickly adds, as I would, that life is full of legitimate simple pleasures.  There is nothing wrong with harmless forms of entertainment that help us relax, stimulate our minds, and enable us to connect with others.  We need to find time for good reading, wholesome movies, stimulating hobbies, healthy recreation, and fun with friends and family.  If we are burning the candle at both ends we are not as bright as we think we are.

Again, Tozer clarifies, “The all-out devotion to entertainment as a major activity for which and by which men live is definitely something else again.  The abuse of a harmless thing is the essence of sin."

So what is the real concern over our abusive interest with entertainment as was so vividly pictured in the media’s madness over Jackson’s entertainment value in this society?

Many Americans Worship Those who Entertain Them

“Entertain me and I will worship you” almost seems to be the common cry of the empty-souled American.  “Worship” may seem a strong word but it is hard to deny the blatant adulation and willing sacrifice of money, time, and attention given to entertainment icons in our culture.

The Apostle Paul warned of these societal trends in 2 Timothy 3, where he wrote, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves. . .lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."

Tozer again speaks with insight and courage about this very issue when he writes, “It (entertainment) has been built into a multimillion dollar racket with greater power over human minds and human character than any other educational influence on earth.  And the ominous thing is that its power is almost exclusively evil, rotting the inner life, crowding out the long eternal thoughts which would fill the souls of men if they were worthy to entertain them.  And the whole thing has grown into a veritable religion which holds its devotees with strange fascination, and a religion, incidentally, against which it is now dangerous to speak."

Again, recent news stories show us the incredible influence entertainment holds over swooning fans that faint at the sight of a celebrity and spend exorbitant amounts of money for the latest sound, sight, or sensation dished out by famous and talented entertainers.

True Christ-followers must carefully discern this and resist the lure of excessive and unprofitable entertainment, remembering the first two commandments to worship the Lord God alone and refusing the lure of any kind of idolatry (Exodus 20:3-6).  The aged Apostle John appealed to us, “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (I John 5: 21).

We should also remember to pray for those we know who are bowing before the god of Entertainment, as we demonstrate the life of Christ and pray for their eyes to be opened to the truth that can fill their souls with life-changing substance and set them free.   We also need to pray for those in the entertainment industry to experience an awakening of grace and truth.  I am grateful for people like Jim and Karen Covell who have decided to light a candle rather than curse the darkness as they lead the Hollywood Prayer Network, interceding for those in the entertainment industry to turn to Christ (check it out at www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org).

One of my best sermons as a young college student came from Philippians 3:7-8, where Paul wrote:

"But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.  Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ."

I spoke passionately about how we needed to count our plans, people, and possessions as “rubbish” compared to knowing Christ.  I even had the audience write down the specific descriptions of things they valued, and then challenged them to bring that piece of paper forward to deposit the list in a trashcan in front of the auditorium.  I felt so inspired, and the sermon seemed to be truly effective.

Actually, my experience with the biblical text was very shallow.  For any of us to say we have “suffered the loss of all things” is disingenuous in our prosperous American society where everything is about upward mobility and accumulation of more stuff.  I was young at the time, with the promise of the world in front of me – so I knew very little about “loss.”  How could I really understand the depth of this passage?  I was sincere, but shallow in my efforts to embrace and teach this passage.

Our good and loving God has a way of making truth real in our lives in order to make us more mature and authentic in our faith.  He has kindly helped me in this way, allowing me to understand a little more about “losses” and “gains” in my spiritual pilgrimage.

Possessions, People, and Plans

Recently our family has experienced some fresh losses as a direct result of our obedience to the call of God on our lives.   Because of our commitment to pursue full-time ministry with Strategic Renewal, we left the security of the Sr. Pastor role and followed the Lord’s direction to move to Virginia.  In the process, I had to give up my plans for the security and “success” of a mega-church pastor.

Recently, we sold our home in Minnesota (after two long years of double mortgage payments).  This was an answer to prayer.  Along the way, we lost a lot of savings and all of our home equity.  The reality of losing possessions for the sake of Christ is much more real today than it was in college.

In the last six months, we have lost the physical presence of all three of our children in our home as each one has followed the call of God to marriage, work, or school.  This is a “gain” for each of them, and a blessing to Christ’s kingdom, but the void parents feel is very real in seasons like this.  We are learning to count even our children as “loss” for the sake of Christ and His purposes.

In a variety of other ways, our obedience to the call of God has involved loss of status, security, certainty, friendships, and even sleep.  Of course, these losses are miniscule when contrasted with eternity’s reward for obedient service.  Compared to the painful “losses” others we know are experiencing right now, our sacrifice may seem trivial.  I have friends who have lost a spouse, a career, all financial security, and even their health in recent days.  Still, they love and serve Christ.

Trading Loss for Gain

Having said all of this, I am not whining – but I am seeking a deeper level of worship.  Sure, times of self-pity and carnal regret can surface.  At those moments I am reminded that “a man’s life does not consist of the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:14) and that we must be willing to leave all, take up our cross, and follow Christ if we are to be classified as a true disciple (Luke 14:26-27).

Clearly, the trade-in is worth it – even though it is not easy.  It is good to remember that with every loss, we can gain:

·        A deeper knowledge of Christ, who was unencumbered by the trappings of this world.  This knowledge is truly priceless (Philippians 3:7-8, 10).

·        A mature and biblical perspective about the things that really matter in this life (Philippians 3:8).

·        A powerful sense of Christ-reliance rather than self-reliance, where we discover the sufficiency of His work on the cross and His righteous life in us (Philippians 3:9).

·        A new experience of the power of His resurrection, which brings new life out of death – and ultimate gain from our losses (Philippians 3:10).

·        A fresh infusion of grace, that works most powerfully when we are weak (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Our losses in life are God’s way of prying our fingers off our comfortable idols in order to free our hands to more fully embrace Christ as our all in all.

The Positive "Pathway of Price"

The challenge we face in today’s world is that we can actually prefer the commonplace pathway of our easy idols.  It is the “broad way” of our culture and a difficult thing to relinquish.

That is why we have to turn our eyes on Jesus – so that the things of earth might grow strangely dim.  He is our model in all things.  Even though He knew all the glories of Heaven and had authority over the riches of this world, He described His lifestyle as one where He did not even have a place to lay His head (Matthew 8:20).  No single life has transformed this world more than His, but His impact was completely unrelated to His net worth.  It was directly connected to His selfless sacrifice.

In Philippians 3:7-8, Paul shows us how he was walking in the pathway of Christ.  Paul counted all reliance on formal learning, social status, and notable accomplishments as “rubbish” or “dung”.  The idea of “counting as loss” represents an accounting term and reflects a deliberate business transaction that rejects certain assets to gain something more valuable.

Although a brilliant, accomplished, and gifted leader in every respect, Paul always pursued the pathway of price.  We read about the detailed losses he faced in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.  This list included a variety of dangers, life-threatening situations, and incredible traumas.  This was all a testament of his resolve to be a “servant of Christ” – but in all of these situations, he received abundant grace and was laying up a sure reward in eternity.

Today, you may be facing loss.  Consider the example of Paul.  Turn your eyes on Jesus.  Open your heart to the incalculable “gains” of knowing Christ.  No matter what, keep living for the ultimate prize of a life that really matters.

Can a pastor be spiritually healthy but lead a spiritually unhealthy congregation?  Yes – but not for long.  Conversely, can a church be spiritually healthy but have an unhealthy pastor at the helm? Yes – but not for long.  Over time, a healthy ministry requires both healthy leadership and healthy followers.  It is a two-sided coin.

Healthy Leader + Unhealthy Church

Often a spiritually healthy pastor is called to a spiritually unhealthy church.  Typically it is a congregation with a history of problems.  In some cases a previous pastor wounded the church deeply and they are floundering in distrust or discord.  Sometimes the church has been stuck in a rut of control games, petty infighting, or battles over “sacred cows.”  Usually they have a history of churning through short-term pastors.

However, if they are willing to trust the leadership, respond in repentance and faith to the systematic teaching of God’s Word, get on their knees, and embrace a new outward-focused vision – health can prevail.  If not, their petty dissensions will eventually suck the life out of every subsequent pastor.  Each one leaves – looking for a better environment to serve and raise his family.  Good for him.   Sad for the church.  Two steps forward, three steps back.

Healthy Church  + Unhealthy Leader

Sometimes a pastor falls into unhealthy patterns while leading a strong congregation.  Perhaps he is overworked, physically ill, or encountering unresolved challenges at home.  Usually the overlap of physical problems, emotional fatigue, and family conflicts begin to decimate him spiritually.

A healthy congregation will spot these symptoms and insist that action be taken to renew the pastor (or his marriage & family) back to health, no matter the cost.  This is a wise and worthy course. 

On the other hand, if the leadership team ignores the “elephant in the room” – simply hoping the pastor will get better – the situation is likely to implode.  Eventually the pastor’s dysfunction will manifest in staff relationships, the quality of preaching, and the overall focus of the ministry.  Well-founded suspicions and fears begin to distract everyone from the primary task.  Either the condition of the pastor will eventually infect the culture of the church, or the pastor will leave under difficult circumstances.  Everyone loses again.

The Pain of Dual Dysfunction

Pilots who lose visibility in the cockpit, or fly into severe storms, will experience “spatial disorientation” (vertigo) if they do not trust their objective instrument readings.  Many a pilot has lost his life because he trusted his own senses in the midst of inclement and confusing conditions.

Pastors and churches can get into the same dilemma.  If a pastor does not trust the things that are objective and true (God’s Word, wise counsel, the assurance of the call, etc.) it is easy to lose perspective and throw in the towel, often too soon.  This is fresh on my mind as I am currently finishing the final edits for a new book with Moody Press titled Defying Gravity - How to Survive the Storms of Pastoral Ministry.  The book examines nine objective gauges that leaders must trust when they are navigating difficult personal circumstances or ministry troubles.

A church that is unhealthy also needs objective input.  Sick patients should trust the wisdom and objective tests of a doctor.  Ill churches need wise, bold, and godly input from experienced leaders who do not have a “dog in the fight” and can clearly point out the problems and recommend solutions.  These counselors could be a denominational representative or a group of wise pastoral consultants from other churches. 

The Joy of Mutual Health

When a godly pastor leads a church for many years and is faithfully maintaining his spiritual, emotional, physical, and family health – it is a strong indicator that the church he shepherds will become strong.  Over time, a healthy pastor, leading a responsive church, is privileged to see a ministry that honors Christ and enjoys transformational impact on the community for the Gospel.

A healthy and godly congregation becomes wind beneath his wings.  Their love for Christ and one another dominates the congregational culture.  They are a people who cherish the Word, pray diligently, and serve with gladness.  It doesn’t get any better than this for people who are committed to making an eternal impact during their short earthly journey.

Toward Balanced, Biblical Health

So, what should a pastor and congregation do about these ideals?  First, a pastor should define what “health” looks like for him and his family. He should set priorities that help him maintain those values.  He must have the courage to say “no” to the things that distract and damage, not out of egotistical self-preservation, but for the sake of his family, his church, and his Lord’s honor.  He must find rhythms that will balance his passion with seasons of rest and renewal.

He should lead his staff and church in such a way that they will cherish the power of God’s Word and love the pursuit of spiritual intimacy with Christ through prayer.  He should teach them to have a high view of every “saint” in the church to accomplish official and Spirit-empowered ministry.  He must work hard to keep the main thing the main thing as they savor the nobility of the Great Commission.

The congregation should pray for their pastor and church leaders with great consistency and passion.  Prayer will not only be a channel of spiritual power and encouragement for the pastors – it will keep the church members’ hearts warm to the will of the Lord and the needs of the leadership. 

Of course, they should accept biblical teaching, not simply as the ideas of men but as the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).  They should strive to serve, and NOT to be served (Matthew 20:28).  They should pray for eyes to see the harvest and express the compassion of Christ at every opportunity as they live among the community and the nations.

With this in mind, I feel deep passion about the mission of Strategic Renewal.  We have the joy of strengthening pastors, leading them into “times of refreshing” that come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:20).  We equip them to be renewal leaders in their churches.  What a joy! 

Of course, every month we also have the joy of mobilizing churches to seek renewal and equipping them to pray more effectively.  We elevate biblical teaching in all that we do.

In the long run, we want to be a vital part of the two sides of church health.  With your partnership, we can.  The great need of our nation is for healthy, spiritually-powerful, Gospel-preaching churches.  When the light shines brightly through churches across the nation, it will confront and defeat darkness.  Christ will be exalted and lives will be changed.  That is a vision worth our total commitment.

In the midst of his incredible trials, Job offered a matter-of-fact reality in these words: “For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7).  Solomon was considerably more cynical when he framed it this way: “For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 2:23).

No doubt life can seem pretty tough and futile at times.  Whether we observe the apparent hopelessness of the world politics and looming terror or simply look around at our circle of friends and family, it is apparent that we have enough pain and disappointment to go around.

As a pastor for 26 years, I have often felt the heaviness of sitting with a dying parishioner, counseling a heart-broken and desperate parent, or praying with a deeply discouraged brother in Christ.  In recent days, I find that I am listening to many friends describing unprecedented financial problems that are negatively affecting their family, relationships, and emotions very deeply.  I find myself talking to myself about the same themes.

The economic forecasts and cultural trends are enough to leave any of us reeling in bewilderment.  Before you know it, you can find yourself in a funk.  Have I thoroughly depressed you yet?

The Bible says of the Lord, “You open Your hand, they are filled with good” (Psalm 104:28).  No matter how tough life gets, we can still experience abundant goodness.  The key to this rests in our answer to two questions.  First, where are you looking?  Second, what are you thinking?

Where Are You Looking? 

Too often we look to the wrong sources for blessing.  If we are not careful, we can start expecting good from sources that can never meet our expectations.  People, circumstances, weather, health, finances, careers, and events cannot provide ultimate happiness.  We can sometimes be like the guy who stood in front of a common vending machine after depositing his three quarters, expecting a new car to suddenly pop out.

The Psalmist declared, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills — From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD Who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).  Psalm 145:15-16 reiterates, “The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.”

It is important to look past the people, problems, perils, and pains of life to see the good hand of God.  We must look to Him as our ultimate and only source of real goodness.  He wants to pour his blessing, presence, and provision into our hearts everyday, no matter how tough life gets.  The question is, will we recognize it and receive it by keeping the proper focus?

What Are You Thinking?  

I find it so helpful to fix my thoughts not on what I see, experience, or feel – but on what I know to be true.  Isaiah 26:3& 4 reminds us, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal” (NIV).  Goodness comes to the one who fixes his mind on things that are true.

I remember one occasion at a recent Prayer Summit when we as participants were all reflecting on the many blessings of those days of worship, prayer, and fellowship.  I commented on how the Lord had satisfied the deep needs and longings of our hearts, as only He can do.  I repeated the verse again, “You open you hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Then I suggested, “Let’s take some time to thank the Lord for the satisfaction He has accomplished in us by opening His hand of provision.  Who would finish the sentence, ‘Lord, You have opened Your hand and satisfied my desire for…?’” 

As we often do, I encouraged a group response, taking my cue from Psalm 104:28, “You open Your hand, and they are filled with good.” I asked the group to echo a response by saying, “And we are filled with good!” It took off immediately.

People cried out:

“Lord, You have opened Your hand and satisfied my desire for forgiveness.”

“Lord, You have opened Your hand and satisfied my desire for acceptance.”

“Lord, You have opened Your hand and satisfied my desire for renewed joy.”

“Lord, You have opened Your hand and satisfied my desire for peace.”

The responses went on for many minutes and were as personal and unique as the depths of each heart.  We were amazed at the power of God’s hand to minister satisfaction in such practical ways.  With deep enthusiasm we were able to echo, “And we are filled with good!”

Regardless of your current trials and burdens, consider this exercise for your own soul.  He has opened His hand.  He is opening His hand.  He will open His hand, and satisfy your desires.  And you will be filled with good.

Imagine the current global population of almost seven billion people arranged in one massive single-file line.  Picture yourself in the line.  Regardless of how you rank in the American economic scale, you will be near the front of the line simply because you live in the United States.

Up the line are the people who have more than you.  At the front you find people like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and other mega-billionaires.  At the back of the line might be a 2-year-old-orphan girl from Sudan with a distended belly, taking her last breath due to extreme starvation.  There are millions like her at the back of the line.

Here is the question: What is your outlook from your position in the line?  Are you spending most of your energy looking up the line at those who have more than you?  Are you investing energy looking down that line at those less fortunate?  Is your approach working for you?  How does it affect the way you live every day? 

All of us have some very important options in our outlook from where we stand in the line.

LOOKING UP THE LINE?

It is customary for high-achieving Americans to spend most of our energy looking up the line.  We are ambitious people.  We are also bombarded by advertising and television shows that seek to convince us that the key to real happiness and significance is somewhere up the line.

If we spend most of our time looking up the line, comparing our situation with those who are more “rich and famous”, we typically reap the internal fruit of ingratitude, discontent, greed, and even idolatry.

LOOKING DOWN THE LINE?

Most of the world is down the line…VERY far down the line.  Unless you have traveled to some of the poverty-stricken nations, observed the masses of broken lives, and been touched by the sights and smells of human devastation, it can be hard to even imagine life for those billions who live “down the line” from you.  It is not so hard to imagine friends and family who are not so far down the line, but who need help and encouragement from us.

If we do our best to focus down the line, cultivating a greater awareness of the deep spiritual, social, and materials needs of others, we usually become more grateful, humble, compassionate, and sacrificial in how we think and live.

LOOKING BELOW THE LINE?

It is also important to look below the line in both directions.  Deeper than the surface appearances of wealth or poverty we often discover the real “happiness” factor of daily life.  This “below the line” happiness has much to do with an authentic walk with Christ, quality relationships, gratitude for the simple gifts of life, and a willingness to choose joy in all circumstances.  Both experience and the Bible tell us that moving up the line does not guarantee greater satisfaction.  In fact, we usually find just the opposite can be true.

Jesus stated that a man’s life does not consist of the things he possesses (Luke 12:15). Paul warns that a love for money is a root of all kinds of evil that can pierce our soul (1 Timothy 6:9-10). The Bible consistently honors the poor, not as an endorsement of poverty or laziness, but as recognition of the humble and gracious heart that is often exhibited by the less fortunate, even in tough circumstances.

Obviously, God blesses some people to move up the line so that they can use those blessings as stewards to advance His kingdom.  Others are “driven” up the line by an ambition that eventually backfires and robs them of true well-being.

LOOKING ABOVE THE LINE?

Probably the most important look is the upward look.  Above the line of humanity is a good, sovereign, and just God.  He knows where we are on the line.  His providence allows us to be there.  He knows the beginning from the end and our times are in His hands (Psalm 31:15).  He will guide us as we move up or down the line. 

Keeping our eyes focused on Him in humble trust and active faith is one of the keys to a healthy outlook.  In obedience to His Word we should work hard, be aware of open doors, be generous stewards, diligently serve others, and let Him guide our steps as we live on the line.

IS YOUR OUTLOOK WORKING?

As you live on the line of humanity, recognize the choices you have in your outlook. Choose the approach that works and cultivates a good and godly growth in your life.   As I often say, “The hardest thing about the Christian life is that it is so daily.”  Every day we must ask God for the grace to choose the best perspective, and then trust Him as we seek to live faithfully and fruitfully on the line – and for the sake of eternity.

Each one of us on the human journey has struggled with some degree of unpleasant and tormenting emotion.  Maybe you are in the middle of a storm that has you reeling to find true north in your feelings and thoughts.  Many of the great people in the Bible can relate.  So can I.

Recently I was struck by the emotional battle but positive breakthrough described in Psalm 22.  We know it as a “Messianic Psalm” because it echoes the very words and experiences of Jesus during the darkest moment in human history.  He hung on the cross in agony and utter rejection, bearing the full weight of His Father’s wrath against our sin.  He cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Yet, the Psalm was also written as an expression of the real-life distresses of David.  We read of his genuine battle to keep faith and embrace hope while grappling with deep anguish and pain.  The focus of the Psalm bounces back and forth from descriptions of David’s misery to declarations of God’s character and ways.  This is clear when you see him interrupting his emotional struggle with the repeated declaration of faith, “Yet You, God, are…” (vv. 3, 9 & 19).  His emotions swing repeatedly from his real feelings of pain to his faith in his God. 

OUR STRUGGLE THROUGH FEELINGS TO EMBRACE FAITH

In so many ways, this is a picture of our own struggle to survive and endure the trials of our lives.  The battle is not just daily – it is moment by moment.  Observe this basic outline of the Psalm that I composed as I have meditated on it in recent days:

·        FEELINGS: The agony of feeling utterly forsaken – vv. 1-2

·        FAITH: The truth of God as the holy, reigning God in whom his fathers trusted – vv. 3-5

·        FEELINGS: The pain of repeated rejection and ridicule – vv. 6-8

·        FAITH: The truth of God’s care and presence in his life since birth – vv. 9-11

·        FEELINGS: The torment of being threatened and attacked by evil – vv. 12-18

·        FAITH: The truth of God’s present help and deliverance – vv. 19-21

A BREAKTHROUGH IN PERSPECTIVE

It seems that a breakthrough occurs between vv. 21 & 22.  The remainder of the Psalm reflects a restoration of perspective and hope.  Here is how it unfolds:

·        LOOKING OUTWARD: Enlisting others to praise the Lord for His saving help – vv. 22-24

·        LOOKING UPWARD: Receiving grace for continued praise, obedience, and satisfaction from God – vv. 25-26

·        LOOKING FORWARD: Declaring God’s ultimate victory and the eternal worship of His glorious name – vv. 27-31

Of course, if we go back to the Messianic relevance of the Psalm, we know it is only through the suffering and finished work of Christ in death and resurrection that we can have such a powerful perspective of victory and hope as seen in vv. 22-31.  Praise God for the indescribable gift of Christ and His salvation.

OUR CHOICES TODAY

All of this brings us to the fact of human suffering and the basic set of choices we face every day.  Pain, disappointment, fear, and trouble are inevitable in this life.  A breakthrough of perspective is optional.

I have learned – and have to re-learn every day – that in the midst of trials I must make a choice: 

1.      Will I believe what I feel, trusting my emotions in the midst of the storm?

2.      Will I believe what I see, settling for the temporal problems that surround me?

3.      Will I believe what I know to be true about God, keeping my eyes on the eternal reality of who He is and what He will  accomplish?

Today, your life may be painful – but God is still holy and faithful.  Things may seem out of control – but God is sovereign and wise.  The situation you face may feel very unfair – but God is just and righteous in all His ways.  Things may appear to be very bad – but God is good and compassionate.  You may feel all alone – but God is ever-present and able to comfort your heart.  The horizon may seem dark and hopeless – but God is glorious and victorious.

Our emotions are very real, and sometimes troubling. Yet, as David demonstrated in this Psalm, we must keep subjecting what we feel to what we know to be true in order to experience a positive breakthrough in perspective.  Jesus also understands our pain and agony.  He went from the cruelty of a cross to the darkness of a grave to the glories of Heaven.  He lives today, making intercession for us and sympathizing with our weaknesses.  He can give us grace to manage our emotions and live in dynamic faith today.  Yes, it is a battle – but it is a battle that has been won, and can be won, through Christ.

Our shared vision for revival in our nation must also involve a keen awareness of the spiritual battle we wage as we pray and work for a spiritual awakening.  This spiritual battle is unseen and very consequential.  The Bible reminds us that “we are not unaware” of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).  So as we partner to see a mighty work of renewal in our hearts, homes, churches, and nation we must also remind ourselves of the devices the enemy will use to derail our lives and undermine our spiritual efforts.

I am convinced that a primary strategy of the enemy is to destroy Christian relationships and specifically encourage a spirit of unforgiveness.  Twice the New Testament speaks of this as the primary area where our spiritual enemy gains advantage over Christians.  In speaking of the dangers of unresolved anger and coddled bitterness, Paul warns us not to give a foothold to the devil in our lives (Ephesians 4:16-31).  In speaking of the need for forgiveness, Paul also warns that we cannot let the devil take advantage of us (2 Corinthians 2:11).

The Importance of Forgiveness

We know how important forgiveness is because we realize how many people truly need to experience forgiveness in this life.  Ernest Hemingway writes about a Spanish father who decided to reconcile with his son who had run away to Madrid.  In an attempt to locate his son, the father took out an ad in the El Liberal newspaper: "PACO, MEET ME AT HOTEL MONTANA NOON TUESDAY. ALL IS FORGIVEN, PAPA."  Paco is a common name in Spain, and when the father went to the square he found 800 young men named Paco waiting for their fathers.

We know that forgiveness is commanded, even “seventy times seven” times (Matthew 18:21-11).  Forgiveness is essential to our commitment to be like Christ (Luke 23:24; 1 Peter 2:21-23).  We are required to extend forgiveness if we are to enjoy the full experience of forgiveness with our Heavenly Father (Mark 11:26).

The Sensibility of Forgiveness

Of course, because God is wise and His ways are always good, forgiveness also makes sense.  It leads to a sensible freedom, a sensible fellowship, and a sensible future.

A Sensible Freedom – When we forgive, we enjoy a practical freedom.  It’s been said that, “Forgiveness doesn’t make the other person right, it makes you free.”  Unforgiveness is a "control mechanism" whereby we try to exercise some kind of emotional jurisdiction and power over the situation and the other person.  When we forgive we become free of all the exhausting attempts to manage the situation in our flesh.  We are free to trust God for the outcome.

As author Phil Ryken has written, “Forgiveness brings great joy, not only to the forgiven, but especially to the forgiver. The Greek term for ‘forgiveness’ (aphiemi) comes from a word that means ‘to let go.’” Forgiveness is a release, a letting go of self-destructive feelings such as anger, bitterness, and revenge.

All of us experience pain in life.  We can be deeply hurt by abandonment, criticism, lies, slander, abusive words, and disappointed expectations.  Pain is inevitable.  Bitter misery is optional.  When we know that God gives us the grace to forgive and be forgiven, but refuse to make that choice, we live in unnecessary, self-inflicted pain.    That makes no sense.

A Sensible Fellowship – God created us with a deep need for intimacy with Himself and others.  Forgiveness opens up the supply line of indescribable blessing both in our relationships with God and with other people.

Often, the very person toward whom we are angry or bitter is one from whom we need to receive love, affirmation, and grace.  Unforgiveness keeps us from enjoying the benefits of this relationship.  It is like a person who intentionally starves himself to death while a table full of delicious and nutritious food is within reach.

A failure to forgive soon turns into bitterness, which in time also defiles and wounds many other people (Hebrews 12:15).  No rational, loving person would detonate a hand grenade at a gathering of friends and family.  Yet an unforgiving spirit has that very effect spiritually, emotionally, and relationally on anyone close to an embittered person.

I’ve heard it said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.  Not only does anger and bitterness eventually kill us emotionally, it negatively impacts our very ability to relate to others in a healthy way.  In a world where we all need the support, grace, counsel, and love of other believers, forgiveness makes a lot of sense.

A Sensible Future – God’s forgiveness has unleashed a real and abiding hope in our lives.  Forgiveness always brings hope to troubled relationships.  Conversely, unforgiveness kills hope.  An embittered heart sees only the worst in others, in themselves, in situations, and in the future.  This pessimism is in opposition to the truth about God and His plan for our lives.

A life that chooses forgiveness, extends blessing, and pursues peace is a life that will be richly rewarded by Christ.  The person living this kind of life has been a careful and thoughtful steward of God’s grace.  It just makes sense to live this way.

Forgiven Much to Forgive Much

In Luke 7:47, Jesus explained that when we are forgiven much, we love much.  The great English preacher Martin Lloyd-Jones said, “Whenever I see myself before God and realize something of what my blessed Lord has done for me at Calvary, I am ready to forgive anybody anything.  I cannot withhold it.  I do not even want to withhold it.”

Ken Sande, in his book The Peacemaker, writes, “We take God’s forgiveness for granted when we stubbornly withhold our forgiveness from others.  In effect, we behave as though others’ sins against us are more serious than our sins against God.”

When the power of the Gospel has made sense to us – forgiveness makes sense.  It is the good and right thing to do. 

Henry Ward Beecher stated that, “Every man should keep a fair-sized cemetery in which to bury the faults of his friends.“ It is God’s will that our cemetery of forgetfulness grows as our commitment to truly and completely forgive increases.  The devil hates it when we truly understand these things.  But, it just makes sense.

Copyright © 2009 Daniel Henderson. All rights reserved.