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Last week a friend of mine spoke at our church on the incarnation of Jesus. Since then I have been doing some study on the subject and something that came up was idea of restraint in regards to the Incarnation. In studying this I ran across a story I thought was pretty incredible. I did not write it, I wish I had, but regardless it is pretty amazing.

“Restraint is the voluntary limitation of oneself for the benefit of someone else. The grocery store where I usually shop has a policy of hiring several employees who are intellectually limited. One particular man has been there about ten years; his job is to help people put groceries in their cars. He is hard of hearing and lacks social skills. The first time I had him put my groceries in my car, he was slow and threw the bags (eggs and all) into the trunk in disarray. I decided that from then on I would load the groceries myself.

On future shopping trips this man would offer help, and I would politely say, “No, thank you.” One day after I declined his help, he asked, “Are you sure, ma’am?” There was almost a pleading in his voice, and I realized that he was being rejected bye one customer after another. I felt the tug of God’s Spirit. I was, of course, in a hurry. It was raining – hard. But the tug came again, so I said yes. I stood in the rain, carefully made a couple of suggestions, and together we put the bags in my car.

When we finished the man asked, “Did I do a good job?” “Yes you did a good job,” I assured him. He seemed relieved. “Lots of ladies get mad at me because I don’t do so good.” I drove home weeping, asking God to teach me what this lesson was all about. This man suffers. He suffers in ways I have never experienced. He is treated with anger, disregard, annoyance, and frustration. God called me that day to restrain myself – to restrain my
quickness, my skill, my independence, my powers – in order to bestow dignity, value, and esteem on one who was suffering. As I pulled into my garage, I sensed God saying to me, Is that not a picture of my incarnation? Is that not a tiny taste of what I did for you? God of the Universe, a baby. Infinite wisdom, a little boy. Creator of the worlds, a carpenter. Master of the seas, in a boat. Eternal life, dead and buried. And I didn’t want to restrain myself for a retarded man!”

- Diane Langberg

Live Peace,
Mario

No matter where you stand politically our nation has experienced something historic.

I ran across this photo today and I found it rather insensitive. First because I think it is an unfair and untrue stereotype, but secondly, because I found it on the facebook of a fellow follower of Christ.

First in relation to the cartoon, is this really the perception Christians have of the poor and struggling? That those who are in need of assistance are lazy? I understand that in some cases this may be true. But in our nation it is becoming increasingly prevalent that individuals with college educations and beyond, struggle to find employment or make a decent living. So to characterize anyone who is financially struggling as lazy is unfair to say the least.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand where the person who posted this cartoon is coming from and their hesitance to the idea of wealth redistribution and a socialist society. For the most part I agree the ideal should be less government and more freedom for the private sector. However, this practice is only beneficial if the private sector is responsible. So what does a responsible private sector look like?

Less than a hundred years ago Henry Ford understood that it made no sense for his corporation to be successful if the people that worked for him could not afford to buy his product. So although Mr. Ford may have “deserved” higher pay, he was content with what made while still paying his workers a wage that allowed them to make a comfortable living.

Does this attitude still exist in business today? I will let you be the judge of that but I found this interesting fact. In 1978, CEO’s earned 35 times more than workers. In 2005, the average CEO made 262 times as much as the average worker, and that was 3 years ago. There are some numbers that place this number in upwards of double that. In terms of dollar differences, the average CEO made $10.9 million last year, while the average worker earned $41,861. Yet who receives the blame for this unfair distribution of wealth? Those who have most likely never been given the opportunity to earn a decent income let alone be the root cause of the financial issues of our nation.

Which brings me back to the topic of wealth redistribution. Why would the government take from the rich to give to the poor? Simple, a broken system in which individuals who have been trusted with large amounts of resources have used it not to empower and encourage, but rather, oppresses and take advantage of for selfish gain. The opportunity is there, the government only intervenes when there is no other option. Bottom line is this, we have shifted from a society of greater good to a society of individual good.

Now at this point you may be saying, “well thats society, that isn’t Christians.” But the Church is not exempt. In fact, a recent study showed the average amount tithed in churches among members and regular attenders is around 2-3% of each persons income. Even in the Church. Less about others, more about the individual. 

So what is answer? I would argue a start is some accountability and a refocus on the greater good. God has an amazing plan for our lives if we are willing to surrender everything to Him. How can we say we trust Jesus with our eternity if we can’t trust Him here today with our money? As Christians we cannot look at our wealth as ours, but rather, we must view everything we have as God’s. Not, 10% EVERYTHING, ALL HIS. I believe God can use every situation to bring glory to His Name and as Christians we have a chance to be a bright light into the world we live in. However, it cannot be accomplished if we do not understand that God blesses so that we may bless.

I hope this starts some conversations and stirs some thoughts in all of you.

Live Peace,

Mario

As the election nears here in the States I recently brought up a couple of issues I have seen direct the way many Christians are planning to vote. In response to this I decided to follow up with some thoughts on these issues. The first issue addressed was abortion and the second will be gay marriage. My intent is not to promote a particular candidate or to give a set or verses about this issue. Rather, my hope is to begin a conversation about the heart of God and the subsequent response of His people in relation to this issue.

Depending on the laws of your particular state the definition of marriage may be different. In some states gay marriage is legal while in others it is defined as “the union between one man and one woman.” However, as Christians I believe it is important not to ask what is the definition of ones particular state, But rather, what is God’s definition? And perhaps almost as equally imperative, what is God’s view of the homosexual lifestyle?

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Many would argue based on this passage that it is very clear that homosexuals do not inherit the kingdom of God. I mean that is what the text says right? If you are a practicing homosexual you don’t go to heaven. Or is it more complex. Now this is usually where some Christians would say something like, “Well one would only not inherit the kingdom if they are unrepentant about their homosexuality.” But is it really that simple?

Take a closer look, what else is on that list? Idolators, adulterers, slanderers, swindlers. Jesus tells us that a man who lusts after a woman is guilty of adultery. So based on this definition, a man who views pornography or even thinks about another woman would not inherit the kingdom.

Or what about this. What if a pastor, who has devoted his entire life to Jesus Christ and serving his people has a secret addiction to pornography and dies unrepentant in that addiction. Does he not trust Jesus? Does he not inherit the kingdom? Is he eternally separated from God over this struggle?

I believe we must ask the question does God base our devotion to him on a list of our actions and what we bring to the table or perhaps, is God’s grace based on Christ’s finished work on the cross and our trust in Him? Is it more about us, or Jesus, or both?

What on earth does all this have to do with gay marriage or the election? I painted this picture because like abortion, this issue is not as simple as some make it. To simply say that “I am a Christian and God is against homosexual behavior, therefore I support a candidate who upholds this belief” may not uphold our call as followers of Jesus.

Will electing a certain candidate transform someone’s heart? Will a particular law bring healing to a hurting persons life? Will the world ultimately become the place God intends for it to be through rules or through relationships?

No matter how you choose to vote or if you even choose to vote keep this in mind. God is truth. God is love. Not one, not the other, both. As followers of him our call is bigger than knowing what is wrong with the world and not supporting it. As Christians our call is to be actively making it right. In every relationship we should strive to make the world more like the “kingdom” God intends for it to be.

Many have already made up their minds concerning next months election. But, those of you who have your minds made up, no matter what side you are on, I would ask you consider this thought. Why are you voting for who you are voting for? This question made me quite curious, so I began to poll many people about their reasons for who they were voting for. Many cited the economy, the war, but the overwhelming majority citied “values” as their number one reason. When asked more deeply about these values, most stated the two biggest issues in relation to their values were abortion and gay marriage.

As a Christian I would like to unpack these issues that so singlehandedly sway the vote of so many. I will address these issues in two separate posts. Today I will address the issue of abortion. First off, I want to be very clear, as a Christian I uphold the truth of God’s word pertaining to the sanctity of human life. I believe any practice, which devalues, dehumanizes, and selfishly takes human life is not at all what God intends.

A common verse used to support this is Psalm 139:13-16 which states,

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.”

These are powerful word words about a Creators love for his children, which I wholeheartedly embrace. But I have to ask the question; does this verse only apply to babies?  Or perhaps, is there a bigger picture? I believe one must ask the question, why is abortion wrong? The answer is not because the Church says so, nor is it because babies never had a chance? The answer to this question is that abortion is contrary to the will of God because all life created by God is sacred. ALL LIFE. This means that every human being created by God is sacred, from an unborn baby to someone who would fly a plane into a building. All created by God, all sacred.  Which should cause us to ask the question, can we as Christians, in clear conscience, support a candidate solely on the fact they value unborn babies. Or is there a bigger picture concerning God’s view of the sanctity of life.

A 2006 study done by Johns Hopkins University puts the death toll of Iraqi’s since the US-led invasion at somewhere around 655,000, although, some figures put the number well above 900,000. This may seem like just a number but to give some perspective. This is more than the population of Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw, Flint, Kalamazoo, and Battle Creek, COMBINED!  I don’t know about you, but to me, that is a lot of sacred life.

So what does all this mean? How should we react to this as Christians?  I would say this. Abortion is a horrible atrocity that claims over a million unborn babies every year and as Christians we must evaluate such a practice with great discernment.  In the same breath, war is a horrible atrocity that has taken in between a half a million to a million people in the country of Iraq over the past 5 years and as Christians we must evaluate such a conflict with great discernment.

There is not one answer or candidate that honors “Christian Values” and one who does not pertaining to this issue. The issue is much larger than abortion. The issue is about the sanctity of human life and as Christians we must understand that by voting against abortion while supporting the taking of human life in the conflict in the Middle East we are not upholding our values. In the same way, voting for a candidate that will end the war that supports abortion in certain cases does not fully honor “Christian Values”. 

At this point you may be asking the question, “Well then as a Christian who should I vote for?” I will leave that up to you. It is not my intention to sway anyone or to tell anyone who to vote for. My intention is to open the eyes of Christians to evaluate why we believe the things we do and hopefully to begin a conversation that will lead to growth in your life and a furthering of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Last weekend I was invited to a  rather unusual graduation ceremony. The graduation was a weekend event for an organization called “Reformers Unanimous”. RU is a Christ driven rehabilitation program for both men and women who have addictions to drugs, alcohol, pornography, work, and everything in between.

Going into the weekend I was very skeptical. The RU program claims a 74% success rate in dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. Now this may not seem that great but evaluating this statistic in light of the fact that “Alcoholics Anonymous” only has a success rate of somewhere around 3-4% you can see why I was a little skeptical about such a claim by RU.

It was not very long into the weekend I learned how they are so successful. The focus of the RU program is not simply dealing with addiction, but rather, focusing on a healthier life lived for something bigger than ones self. You may say, doesn’t AA do that? Yes they do, but RU does not stop at a general “Higher Power”. The focus of the transformation is on the giver of life himself, Jesus Christ. The program has intense study of the word and God and his will for every persons life. The program focuses on 10 keys points of life transformation in Christ to ensure success beyond the program. 

At the graduation ceremony I saw 19 men who 6 months ago were pot heads, cocaine addicts, alcoholics, child abusers, womanizers, and many other unthinkable things. But on Sunday night, 6 months later, they were different, they were transformed. A graduate of the program, Dr. Raul Jiminez stated “20 years ago a read a book that I based my life on, it is called 3 Reasons Jesus did not Raise from the Dead. Tonight as I look at my brothers graduating around me, I can tell you with complete certainty that I no longer need to base my life on 3 reasons Jesus did not raise from the dead because here around me are 19 reasons why he did raise from the dead.” 

Dr. Jiminez’s statement brought me to tears. So often we fail to recognize that the power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to each one of us if we are willing to submit ourselves to it. You see the 74% stat was not fudged, it is very real, it is very Jesus. RU is not successful because it is a great program, it is successful because it is a group of people teaching other people to submit to the will of Jesus for their lives.  The men and women who completed the program were transformed people, new creations. I think we often lose sight of the power of Jesus to dramatically transform people and situations. He has, He can, and He will, if we are willing to let him. This weekend I went in a skeptic and came out a a much stronger believer.

For more information on RU go to: www.reformu.com

Very often I think, gosh we live in a screwed up world. It seems sometimes like the task is too great. There is so much pain, sorrow, and need. I sometimes really struggle with finding God in all of it. I mean lets face it. Starving children, sickness from pollution, and the greed are not exactly images that bring glory to God. But recently I ran across an excerpt from a message by Tony Campolo and I think it has some very powerful implications if we truly believe it. I think it clearly shows us that it is not perfect here. But there is a perfection coming. Now notice I did not say, there is a perfection we are “going to some day”. THERE IS A PERFECTION COMING! Today we may live in a screwed up world but our great hope is that one day Jesus will come again. Jesus will comfort those who mourn, and bind up the broken hearted. This is the day we look forward to. Here is the excerpt.

It’s Friday, but Sunday’s a comin’. It was Friday, and my Jesus is dead on a tree. But that’s Friday, and Sunday’s a comin’. Friday, Mary’s crying her eyes out, the disciples are running in every direction like sheep without a shepherd. But that’s Friday, and Sunday’s a comin’. Friday, some are looking at the world and saying, “As things have been, so they shall be. You can’t change nothing in this world! You can’t change nothing in this world!” But they didn’t know that it was only Friday, and Sunday’s a comin’. Friday, them forces that oppress the poor and keep people down, them forces that destroy people, the forces in control now, them forces that are gonna rule, they don’t know it’s only Friday, but Sunday’s a comin’. Friday, people are saying, “Darkness is gonna rule the world, sadness is gonna be everywhere,” but they don’t know it’s only Friday, but Sunday’s a comin’. Even though this world is rotten, as it is right now, we know it’s only Friday. But Sunday’s a comin’.

It’s Friday and the world is a terrible, unjust place to live; over thirty-thousand children died last night because they had no food, those with no homes are just now leaving the shelters, the powers and principalities of this world are oppressing humanity, but it’s only Friday.

 Sunday is coming.

Over the past few months I have taken a break. I came to a point where God was clearly dealing with me on some areas in my life and as a result I have gone through many changes.  You could call it a “complete overhaul”.  Yeah thats it, a “complete overhaul” that sounds a lot better than a nervous breakdown. Anyway,  in this “time off” I resigned from my position as a student ministries pastor, took a break on grad school, and refocused on what exactly God was calling me to as a husband, friend, and minister of the gospel. I guess to properly explain what brought me to this point I should explain just where I came from and share with you a little bit of my story. First off, many of you reading this may be surprised to know that there was a time in my life where I actually did not follow Jesus. In fact, there were 18 years where I did not know Jesus as my Savior. In that time I lived somewhat of a “wild” life. Spring breaks, parties, and everything that goes with it were a part of who I was. I knew full well what it meant to walk in darkness, separated from community with God and his people. I can remember a time where I felt so alone, I know what it is like to seek acceptance through achievements, or relationships. Darkness was not foreign to me. So whenGod in his grace and sovereignty  called me out of darkness into the marvelous light of my Lord and Savior Jesus I was changed.  I traded the old life, one of darkness and despair for a new, vibrant, unpredictable, exciting life following the way of Jesus Christ. And my first 4 years as a Christian that is what I experienced. I took steps of faith, I shared with others what Christ was doing in my life, I sacrificially gave to those who were in need, I found myself in remote corners of the world serving those that the rest of the world had seemingly forgotten. I did not have a lot of money or great job security but life was full, it was the way God intended for it to be. I loved life and I trusted  God and His leading in my life. I did not try to rationalize what I felt I was being called to do. I did it! I saw some amazing things happen. I found that in my transformed life others lives were being transformed. People from the community who were know as drunks, bad fathers, womanizers, and porn addicts were yielding their lives to Jesus Christ. We found ourselves meeting together not as just at formal church functions, but as friends. We would have dinner or go out for a beer (yes a beer) and discuss what Christ was doing in our lives. We open about our struggles, we shared in eachothers pain. We celebrated births together and mourned deaths. We were a biblical community! But, as time passed I began to think that this is what it looked like for everyone who followed Jesus. I thought every church was like this.  And being that this was all I knew of the church I believed the very essence of what it meant to follow Jesus was seeing dramatic life change, selfless giving of resources and talent, true community, and reliance on God for everything. In fact, I was so secure in the idea that this was simply how the Church as a whole operated. I actually chose to leave the community of believers I was a part of to take a full time ministry position elsewhere and in doing so learned very quickly that what I had previously experienced was not the picture of Jesus everywhere.After about 6 months in my new position I had come to place where following Jesus became a job for me. I showed up at the church, taught Sunday school, and put on the face that everything was okay. But deep inside, I was dying. The very core of me was slowly drifting further and further away from what God  created me to do. I was in constant tension of my service at the church and truly following my calling as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Now don’t get me wrong I was “in ministry”. I was working my butt off. Sixty, seventy, sometimes eighty hours a week all in the name of Jesus and I gained a lot of valuable experience in that position. But it was different. I was no longer selflessly giving to others, my wife and I were not sitting down with brothers and sisters in Christ and sharing our struggles and triumphs, we were struggling and celebrating alone.  After ten months of this tension and isolation I began to have physical symptoms and on October 3, 2007 I was taken to the Emergency Room for what I thought was a heart attack. After many tests the diagnosis was a panic attack. I could not believe it. I have actually worked myself into physical symptoms for this tension I was feeling in my spirit. It was at this point I realized I had a decision to make. I had to decide whether I would simply accept the life that I had in ministry with a nice paycheck in a cozy little middle class community as a blessing from God and give up some of the ideals I held in such high regard or I had to leave and return to the ideals and way of life that had initially led me Christ. I left. I had no idea what the future held. In fact, I really was not sure how I was going to pay the next months rent. But I knew without a doubt that God had called me to something bigger. I knew that this “ideal” that most churches saw as lofty and unrealistic was possible. I know it because I have seen it. I know it doesn’t take years of clever teaching or planning the right events. Just do it. Love people the way Jesus calls us to and they will be changed. Feed the hungry, invest in one another. God will do the rest.Which leads me to where I am at today. Contemplating the next step, what does it look like, where will it be, what role will I play in it? Through a series of seemingly unfortunate circumstances the community that I originally was a part of is closing it’s doors and there is a potential opportunity that I would be able to return there as the senior pastor with a new leadership team and fresh vision. I am extremely excited about the possibility of this and I am praying through who may be involved. It seems like a big step, but thats the only way I know.