Our Wardrobe

It was tax free weekend this past weekend on things for school. So, if you needed pencils or a computer, you could get them tax free this past weekend. One thing that was tax free was clothes. I told the kids to clean out their closets, get rid of what did not fit, and figure out what was needed. There were several things needed, so we went shopping. It is amazing all the clothes, styles, and colors out there. Let’s take a pair of pants as an example. You can get them in all different fabrics, colors, styles, etc. Why? Because people like different things. It made me think about life and the choices we make about what we clothe ourselves in.

Some clothe themselves in athletic wear because that is how they define themselves. They are either athletes or support a certain team. Some wear political shirts to show which side they are on or which candidate they support. Some wear only the latest styles or most expensive clothing because they are overly concerned with how they look or feel they are better than others. Some are always in their work clothes because that is what they see as the most important. The reason some find that important is the paycheck tied to it and the greed in their hearts. The list could go on. I am not saying that any of these types of clothing are bad, as long as they are used in the right way. I want to ask, “What is the best clothing for a Christian?”

I believe the answer to that question is found in Galatians 3:27. It says, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” I am suggesting that to be clothed in Christ would be for people to see Christ when I speak because my thoughts are in Christ. For people to see Christ in my work and in my recreation. For Christ to be visible to others in me in my home or school. So that ultimately I will be seen in Christ on the day of judgment. What are you wearing?

Going For the Gold

It is hard to believe that it is time again for the Olympics. I remember as a kid watching and pulling for our country no matter the sport or even if I knew how the sport was played. I wanted the US to win the gold. It is amazing to think about the fact that these types of games were going on during the writing of the New Testament. I think Paul is probably referencing these types of games in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

Verse twenty-five references the self-control involved in participating in these games. I am thoroughly impressed when I hear about some of the things these athletes go through to prepare themselves for competition. They have to say “no” to so many things because they are going for the gold. They might have to say “no” to a hamburger due to diet restrictions. They might have to say “no” to an event because it interferes with training, and I am sure the list could go on. Then they have to say “yes” to many things. They might have to say “yes” to getting up at four a.m. to practice even if they do not feel like it. They might have to say “yes” to certain exercises because those exercises build the strength or endurance they need even though they are painful. Again, I am sure the list could go on.

So what is the point? Paul is comparing the athlete to the Christian. These athletes practice all kinds of self-control for a perishable wreath. We are going for an imperishable wreath. Since that is the case, how should we live our lives? With self-control. That involves me saying “no” to worldly things even though everyone else seems to be doing them and having a ball. Sometimes it means me saying “yes” to things that are right even when I do not want to do them because they are hard or painful. Let me encourage you today to not give up. Jesus is with His people, and it is worth it.

Good Grief

For those who have watched or read Peanuts, this phrase should sound familiar. This phrase is used often and seems to express astonishment or amazement. Have you ever thought about that phrase outside of Peanuts? The phrase seems like an oxymoron. Is grief really good? Most all of us have experienced loss of some type, and we do not remember it being good. Maybe we think of a loved one who was suffering and was a Christian, and we are thankful they are no longer suffering yet we still miss them and hurt that they are no longer with us. So this phrase can seem odd at best.

What if I told you I believe there is a such thing as good grief? My mind turns to the beatitudes in Matthew chapter five. Verse four says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Again, I struggle with the concept of being blessed while mourning, but if God is the comforter, then yes, maybe. I am not sure this passage is talking about losing someone. I think it is talking about sin. I think the passage is teaching that those who really understand sin and how it hurts them and others and separates them from God will want to repent and change. God will comfort them by forgiving them and helping them as they turn to Him.

It reminds me of what was going on in 2 Corinthians chapter seven. Paul has written to the Corinthians, and the letter has produced sorrow in their lives over their sin. That Godly sorrow has led to repentance, the desired result. Their sorrow was not worldly in the sense that they were sorry they got caught but would do it again if they did not get caught. Their sorrow seems to be one in which they understood the awfulness of their sin and its consequences. They were motivated to think differently about what they were doing and, in turn, change what they were doing to be more like Jesus. Dare I say, may we all have good grief in our lives.