Scripture Reading
Hebrews 12:1-3
2 Timothy 2:1-13
On many occasions, I have heard it said about the Christian life: “The Christian life is not a sprint. It is a marathon.” I have also heard the Christian life likened to a journey. I believe that both sayings have a lot of merit. I gave my life to Christ in January of 1994, over 20 years ago. It has been quit a challenging road for me.
I wonder how many of you have done some major hiking and/or backpacking? When I was 10 years old, my parents, my dad's cousin, his god-son, and I hiked the Grand Canyon (http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm). We went down the South Rim and stayed the night at several different places at the bottom. After about 6 days, we hiked up the North Rim. It was a very tiring experience, but a very positive memory. It was almost as taxing mentally as it was physically. Especially the last day when we hiked up the North Rim. We all had to encourage each other to keep on going, to put one foot in front of another. And, there were times where we had to remind ourselves that we needed to take a break and rest for a while.
Having been in the Army for over 15 years, I have gone on many ruck marches. For those who have not had the joy of experience it, imagine this… You are wearing a 5+ lb. helmet, carrying at 2-4 liters of water, carrying a M4, M16 or another type of weapon (8 lbs. or more), and a ruck sack with at least 35 lbs. Most of the time when I have done it, we left the barracks early in the morning and then marched roughly 6-8 miles back as a group. Then, when our leadership decided to, we would be released to walk the rest of the way back to the barracks. The thing is, we had to accomplish the whole ruck march within a specific period of time, and it was about 12 miles long. Needless to say, we were all quite tired by the end.
But yet, I would never be able to do a ruck march or a long hike without some sort of training. For the ruck march, we would often do short rucks (as we call them) with rucks carrying anywhere from 45-60 lbs. Although these rucks would be significantly shorter (45 minutes to just over an hour), they would be demanding enough to prepare us for the actual ruck march that we would have to do each year. Combine the rucking with running on a regular basis and you set yourself up for good stamina to accomplish the ruck march.
Speaking of running… Twice a year I have to do what's called the APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test). The standard test includes how many push-ups one can do within 2 minutes, how many sit-ups a person can do within 2 minutes, and how fast a person can run 2 miles. For me, I have to run the 2 miles in less than 17 minutes. For some people, the 2 miles run is a piece of cake. But, for some people like me, we have have to purposely work at our runs.
I do a variety of different kinds of runs to prepare myself for doing the 2 mile run. I will run a longer distance at a somewhat slower pace (right now, my long run is 6.2 miles) to build on my sustained cardio. Right now, running the 10 K takes me anywhere from 57 minutes to 1 hour and 5 minutes. Although I like to run it at a faster time, my goal is to complete the route without walking, even if it means jogging slowly for a while. On other days, I will do a shorter run, usually about 2-3 miles, at a faster pace. My goal then is to maintain an average time to where I would past my APFT run. As long as I run faster than a 9 minute mile, I am good. I will also add sprints, interval running, or something similar to work on my over all speed.
As with the ruck marching, I have to be purposeful in my training. I have to disciple myself to run at least 2 times a week, preferably 3 times a week. Its the same with doing calisthenics (push-ups, sit-ups, etc.) 2-3 times a week so that I will do well. Although I would rather get up early and exercise, sometimes I have things that I need to do in the morning, or my body needs some extra sleep. Then, I have to take time in the evenings to work out. As with learning a new language, studying for a test, or learning a new hobby, it takes time and self-disciple.
The Christian life is the same thing. After 20+ years, I still stumble and fall. Just like I can get distracted or not fill like exercising, I have to pick myself back up when I miss a workout or don't do well on a particular day. And yes, there are days where I go for a run and my body, for what ever reason, is so exhausted that completing it is not extremely difficult. The other day I went to the gym to do my regular calisthenics and kettlebell routine. But, because I had completed a long run the day before and had not taken in enough calories to compensate for all that I had burned, I was not at my best that morning. In fact, I really struggled to complete my workout and had to change some of the routines a little so that I could do them safely.
All of us have things that we struggle with. Whether it is lustful thoughts, pride, mistakes that we made in the past, chemical dependency, healing from abusive relationships, etc., each of these can make life much more difficult. Over time, having a prayer and accountability partner, regular devotions, an active prayer life, regular church and Bible Study attendance, etc., can help us to better deal with each of these. And, each of those help us to deepen our relationship with Christ. This strengthening of that relationship enables us to become more like Him, which is what we Protestants call sanctification. It is an ongoing process, one we will be engaging in for the rest of our natural lives here on earth. Just as it often helps to have an exercise partner so that one stays consistent and is challenged to improve, so meeting with other Christians for prayer and encouragement is very important.
I have heard said once that each of us should have a 'Timothy,' a 'Paul,' and a 'Silas.' Timothy was a young man that Paul mentored to become a pastor. Several of his Epistles (especially 1 & 2 Timothy) talk about this relationship, as well as several places in Acts. That is, each of us should seek to have a 'Timothy,' someone that we can mentor, and a 'Paul,' someone whom can mentor us. And the 'Silas' relationship? Silas was a close friend and traveling companion of Paul. Silas was a close friend that Paul to turn to for help, guidance, sharing burdens, etc. A close friend in Christ. The 'Paul' in our lives gives us someone to look up to and mentor us in our walks with Christ because of their experiences. And, we often have many people in our lives that are a 'Paul' to us. Some for only a season and some who mentor us for many, many years.
The 'Silas' would be the ones that we regular do things with, like prayer groups, family outings, coffee and doughnuts, etc., so that you can encourage each other, share experiences, use as a sounding board, etc. And, finally, the 'Timothy' is one that you mentor. Even if you have not been a Christian for very long, mentoring someone else in things that you have learned is very helpful. To be able to teach something to someone else, it challenges you to learn it well. Even if it's the bare basics, I am sure that God can help you find someone that you can mentor. And, just like the 'Paul,' the 'Silas,' and the 'Timothy's' in our lives can change often.
Just as each of these relationships are important in one's growth, so too is spending time with God in personal and cooperate worship. I know that, for most of you, cooperate worship is self-explanatory. Attending Bible Studies, prayer services, worship services, etc., are all well known forms of cooperate worship. But, you might be wondering what I might mean by personal worship.
Two of the more well known forms of personal worship are doing individual Bible reading/studying/devotions and spending time in prayer. In on, Bible study/devotions, you read Scripture to learn what God has to say to you and learn more about Him. In prayer, you life of your needs and desires to Him and seek to listen to His response. Something else I have added to this for my own spiritual growth is going on a prayer walk.
In doing a prayer walk, I do just that… I literately put on my walking shoes, make sure I am dressed for the weather, and go for a walk. But, while I am walking, instead of letting my thoughts wander about my day, how much I am missing my family at that time, how much someone that I work with has bugged me that day, etc., I spend time in prayer. I pray for those who might be around me, I pray for the leadership of the military base that I am on, I pray for my leadership, I pray for my family, I pray for the country that I am in, and what ever else God brings to my mind. I have found it to be a great way to not only get some physical exercise, but to get some good spiritual exercising. Not only am I praying for others, but I am seeking to listen to God with what He might be saying to me.
There are many things that one can do to help draw closer to God, with others and alone. Just like with physical exercise, growing in one's faith takes dedication, time, and energy. Just like there are things that can hinder one's physical exercising (lack of sleep, physical injury, lack of time, etc.), there are many things that can hinder a person's spiritual growth (unrepentant sin in one's life, lack of discipline, becoming to busy with other things, apathy, etc.). And, just like one can plateau in physical exercise, so one can plateau in spiritual exercises, where it seems that you are not going anywhere.
One other thing that has helped me a lot, both with physical exercising and with spiritual growth, is the setting of goals. I'll give you an example of when I do the 10K/6.2 mile run. On the course that I run, there are a number of large buildings or other landmarks that I pass by. During my route, I focus on the next goal that I am running towards. At one point, there is a long distance between some of the landmarks. But, throughout the rest of the course, the landmarks are much closer together. I take advantage of this and constantly remind myself that “Building 123” is my next goal, as I am approaching it. When I get close, I remind myself “Almost to Building 123, tower XT is my next goal.” And, as I get close to that goal, I focus on that goal and what the next one is. Even when my body is feeling extremely tired, that has really helped me to stay focused and at least maintain a jogging pace.
The same can be applied to one's spiritual life. Setting small goals and 'landmarks' throughout the week, and one's life, to help keep you focused. For example, one goal might be to read a Psalm a day. Or, you might focus on studying each of the Minor Prophets. Another goal could be setting aside a specific time during the day to do 5-10 minutes of devotions and prayer. Another could be to meet with a friend who is also a Christian once a week for coffee, going for a walk, or something else where you can share prayer requests, insights, etc. While I was stationed at FT Bragg, my prayer life was deeply blessed by a friend we spent a few minutes most days talking and praying. It became a 'running joke' between us with one of us would start the prayer (dial) and the other would end it (hang up). Considering the fact that we usually did this over the phone, it was quite appropriate. Even when one, or even both of us, were in the field, we tried to do this at least weekly. It was something that both of us really benefited from.
As we journey through life, we will encounter all sorts of joys, headaches, sorrows, and excitements. The same is true with our spiritual walks. Just as it makes things easier sharing the joys, sorrows, etc., of life with others, so it is with one's spiritual walk. I encourage each of you reading this blog entry (and, yes, I know it is rather long), to seek out ways to improve you walk with Christ. It will take time and the road may often be bumpy. But, I know that I have been richly blessed by the different things that I have done over the years. And, my life has been even more difficult when I have not been disciplining myself spiritual. So, therefore I seek to learn from my mistakes (and apathy) and draw closer to Christ, “the Author and finisher” of my faith.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Reflections and Short-Comings
When I first arrived here in the Middle East, I had hoped to help lead worship at some point and maybe help teach a Bible Study or two. To my great surprise, I was invited to preach not long after my arrival. Soon after that, the Chaplains said that they were looking for someone to lead one of the two Bible Studies. Although I felt God nudging me, because of work, I was not available to do anything. So, I spent time praying about. The nudging from God continued, so when work settled down, I volunteered to lead the Bible Study, which the Chaplains immediately thanked me for. Initially I though I would to a study on specific topics or current events. But, one afternoon or evening, as I was thinking about different topics to discuss, I felt God nudging me a different direction.
The direction that I felt God nudging me was to study the Minor Prophets. The Major Prophets are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. The Minor Prophets are Jonah, Micah, Haggai, Zephaniah, etc. The reason why they are called a 'Major' or 'Minor' Prophet is not because of content, but because of length. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the other Major Prophets have 40 or more chapters. The Minor Prophets have 14 or fewer chapters. The content of all the Books of the Prophets are important. Some wrote more, some wrote less.
Although I have been writing a blog entry about doing the Bible Study on the Minor Prophets, that is not this particular entry. This entry is about something else that has been weighing on me, that God has been correcting me on. And, part of it is because of the studying that I have been doing.
If one studies the Old Testament, it becomes apparent that the Hebrew people would go through times of being very devout and sincere in following Yahweh (the Hebrew Name for God). And, there were times when they would very eagerly seek after the false gods of their neighbors and commit spiritual adultery against God, Who was to be their first and only love. And, with their spiritual adultery, along would come actual sexual immorality, human sacrifice and even child sacrifice, corruption within the legal and religious leaders, etc. God would repeatedly send Judges and later prophets to rebuke His people and call them to repentance so that they could, once again, enjoy His blessings.
Throughout Israel's history, they would sometimes being very faithful to God and sometimes be utterly rebellious against Him. But yet, God still sent people to call them to repentance. In Ezekiel 3 and 33, God calls Ezekiel to be the 'watchman' for Israel. Now, the role of a watchman was to, literately, stand in a tower or on the wall of the fortified town or city. They were there to watch for danger and, if they saw it coming, to give the inhabitants of the town or city warning. If they did their job and warned the people of pending danger, the people had a choice of listening or not to him. God called Ezekiel to be the watchman for Israel to warn them of coming judgment for their sins and rebellion. If Ezekiel did his part, he would not be held accountable for the actions of others. But, if Ezekiel did not do his part and warn others of God's judgments for their sins, then they would suffer the consequences and Ezekiel would be held accountable for not warning them.
Over the centuries, the Church (Body of Christ, not just a physical church or a particular denomination) has been both faithful and unfaithful to God. There have been seasons where the Church has eagerly sought God, to be obedient to His Will, and to allow Him to mighty and awesome things through them in the lives of others. And, there have been times where the Church, just like Israel, has abandoned God and sought the pleasures of the world. I know that not all churches in the United States and in Europe have forsaken God to embrace secularism, sexual immorality, etc. But, many have. In fact, several denominations have already turned towards or have embraced these things. They have given up the things of God in return to be accepted by the world and please others. And, for many of us in the Church, instead of fervently praying for our political leaders, religious leaders, etc., we have become more focused on other things. I know I have.
But yet, I am reminded of what God promised Solomon in I Kings 8. That is, no matter how far away a person or a nation may turn from God. Upon acknowledging their sins and turning back to God, He promised to forgive them and heal them. Jesus repeatedly told us in parables, like The Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son, that God seeks out those who are lost and eagerly welcomes them back when they repent. Today, God has given each of those who are His Disciples the Holy Spirit. We are called to listen to God speak to us, through Scripture, through our prayer lives, throughout our lives as we work and play. God wants to use us to minister to others, to pray for others, to be His ambassadors. For renewal, or even revival to happen, we must make ourselves available to Him.
As I mentioned in my blog entry a while back about Dietrich Bonhoeffer. There is cheap grace and there is costly grace. Cheap grace is where we are not challenged, we are not changed. It costs us nothing. Costly grace is grace that causes us to change in response. That is, out of thankfulness to God for saving and redeeming us through the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we willing choose to do His Will. And, actively following God costs us. It costs us comfort, it costs us relationships, it might even cost us our jobs or maybe even our lives.
As I continue to lead the Bible Studies on the Minor Prophets, worship God in the Chapel services, and do my work here, I know I need to be more purposeful in praying for others. For the people of the country that I am, for the leaders here, and for those back in the States. I encourage each of you to share in this with me. But, more importantly than just praying for others… We all need to actively seek God's will with using us to bring about change that honors Him. It very well may cost some of us a lot. As a US Soldier, I am reminded often that “All gave some, some gave all.” In the E-mail devotional I get concerning the Persecuted Church, I am reminded daily that for Christ, “...some gave all.” Should I not be just as willing??
The direction that I felt God nudging me was to study the Minor Prophets. The Major Prophets are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. The Minor Prophets are Jonah, Micah, Haggai, Zephaniah, etc. The reason why they are called a 'Major' or 'Minor' Prophet is not because of content, but because of length. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the other Major Prophets have 40 or more chapters. The Minor Prophets have 14 or fewer chapters. The content of all the Books of the Prophets are important. Some wrote more, some wrote less.
Although I have been writing a blog entry about doing the Bible Study on the Minor Prophets, that is not this particular entry. This entry is about something else that has been weighing on me, that God has been correcting me on. And, part of it is because of the studying that I have been doing.
If one studies the Old Testament, it becomes apparent that the Hebrew people would go through times of being very devout and sincere in following Yahweh (the Hebrew Name for God). And, there were times when they would very eagerly seek after the false gods of their neighbors and commit spiritual adultery against God, Who was to be their first and only love. And, with their spiritual adultery, along would come actual sexual immorality, human sacrifice and even child sacrifice, corruption within the legal and religious leaders, etc. God would repeatedly send Judges and later prophets to rebuke His people and call them to repentance so that they could, once again, enjoy His blessings.
Throughout Israel's history, they would sometimes being very faithful to God and sometimes be utterly rebellious against Him. But yet, God still sent people to call them to repentance. In Ezekiel 3 and 33, God calls Ezekiel to be the 'watchman' for Israel. Now, the role of a watchman was to, literately, stand in a tower or on the wall of the fortified town or city. They were there to watch for danger and, if they saw it coming, to give the inhabitants of the town or city warning. If they did their job and warned the people of pending danger, the people had a choice of listening or not to him. God called Ezekiel to be the watchman for Israel to warn them of coming judgment for their sins and rebellion. If Ezekiel did his part, he would not be held accountable for the actions of others. But, if Ezekiel did not do his part and warn others of God's judgments for their sins, then they would suffer the consequences and Ezekiel would be held accountable for not warning them.
Over the centuries, the Church (Body of Christ, not just a physical church or a particular denomination) has been both faithful and unfaithful to God. There have been seasons where the Church has eagerly sought God, to be obedient to His Will, and to allow Him to mighty and awesome things through them in the lives of others. And, there have been times where the Church, just like Israel, has abandoned God and sought the pleasures of the world. I know that not all churches in the United States and in Europe have forsaken God to embrace secularism, sexual immorality, etc. But, many have. In fact, several denominations have already turned towards or have embraced these things. They have given up the things of God in return to be accepted by the world and please others. And, for many of us in the Church, instead of fervently praying for our political leaders, religious leaders, etc., we have become more focused on other things. I know I have.
But yet, I am reminded of what God promised Solomon in I Kings 8. That is, no matter how far away a person or a nation may turn from God. Upon acknowledging their sins and turning back to God, He promised to forgive them and heal them. Jesus repeatedly told us in parables, like The Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son, that God seeks out those who are lost and eagerly welcomes them back when they repent. Today, God has given each of those who are His Disciples the Holy Spirit. We are called to listen to God speak to us, through Scripture, through our prayer lives, throughout our lives as we work and play. God wants to use us to minister to others, to pray for others, to be His ambassadors. For renewal, or even revival to happen, we must make ourselves available to Him.
As I mentioned in my blog entry a while back about Dietrich Bonhoeffer. There is cheap grace and there is costly grace. Cheap grace is where we are not challenged, we are not changed. It costs us nothing. Costly grace is grace that causes us to change in response. That is, out of thankfulness to God for saving and redeeming us through the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we willing choose to do His Will. And, actively following God costs us. It costs us comfort, it costs us relationships, it might even cost us our jobs or maybe even our lives.
As I continue to lead the Bible Studies on the Minor Prophets, worship God in the Chapel services, and do my work here, I know I need to be more purposeful in praying for others. For the people of the country that I am, for the leaders here, and for those back in the States. I encourage each of you to share in this with me. But, more importantly than just praying for others… We all need to actively seek God's will with using us to bring about change that honors Him. It very well may cost some of us a lot. As a US Soldier, I am reminded often that “All gave some, some gave all.” In the E-mail devotional I get concerning the Persecuted Church, I am reminded daily that for Christ, “...some gave all.” Should I not be just as willing??
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Why "Law and Grace"?
There are probably a number of you out there who are wondering, "Where on earth did you get the idea of 'law and grace' for theme of your blog?" That is a good question. It is actually a reflection of who I am as a person and the kind of training that I have gone through over the years. Yes, it is quite a paradox. But, then again, when you read Scripture, God seems to be quite a paradox, too. That is, He is Holy and Righteous and cannot look upon sin. However, God is also loving and forgiving and became a Man, Jesus, the Christ, and took our place on the cross.
Some people train for one kind of job and continue doing that as their career. I am not talking about summer jobs as a kid or one's first job as a teenager. I am talking more towards that of adults. While in college, people will train with a particular field in mind, like accounting, business management, languages, etc. After graduation, they will typically pursue that as their career. Though their work may vary over the years, their particular career field does not vary much. However, that is becoming less and less the case it seems. A lot of people may train to become an elementary school teacher but then they find work on an assembly line and that becomes their career. Or, they may major in business management but then, because of the job market, find work as a cook and that becomes their career. Others might join the military right out of high school and have one profession there. But, after retiring from the military, they get a college or masters degree in something very different and work that for the rest of their lives.
While in college, I gave my life to Christ and, about 6 months later, I felt God calling me to go to seminary and pursue a career in ministry. Although I initially resisted that idea, God won the argument and I began the process of searching for a seminary to attend. I graduated from Centre College in 1996 with a BA in German Studies and started my ministry training at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS) that following summer.
During my time there, one of the things that was emphasized to me was the importance of ministering to a person's felt needs. At least, that is where you start ministering. For example, lets say I am ministering to a family whose pregnancy had ended in a stillborn. Due to their understanding of church and faith, they wanted their child baptized prior to being buried. As a Presbyterian, we do not believe in baptizing the dead. However, do I just outright refuse, saying that my faith forbids it, do I go against my conscience, or do I seek another way to minister to their needs? The answer would be the latter… I could either seek out a pastor who does believe in baptizing the dead, or I could sit down with them, explain my theological perspective, and talk with them about ministry and funeral options that would help them gain closure and not violate my theological convictions. This was something that was highly emphasized, the meeting the people where they were at, and then to help them in the direction that they need to go.
Well, after graduating from seminary, my first wife and I ended up moving to Colorado. We lived with her family due do many different factors. While there, I worked for a Christian radio ministry organization in the shipping and receiving department. I have to admit, I was not happy there. I was greatly frustrated that I was working a job that would not enable us to live on our own. I was very frustrated with working a job that felt like a dead-end-job. Even though I knew that I was supporting and enabling a major Christian ministry, I felt under used and totally out of place. I also felt very frustrated with having spent years training to do ministry in a church kind of setting, and not doing anything remotely like that.
So, after about a year, I joined the Army and started my Basic Training in May of 2001. It would be along and difficult journey for me. Partly because my wife, at the time, and I got a divorce. Another part was because I was entering a totally different lifestyle then what I had grown up experiencing. Instead of having lots of freedoms to come and go as I pleased, my life was suddenly very regimented. It was very different for me and took quite a while to get used to. But, adjust I did.
A few years later, after much prayer and considering my options, I felt God directing me to leave Active Duty and pursue a job in Nebraska and live near my parents. For about 6 months, I searched for a job, preferring a ministry job, but considering other options. Finally, though, I applied for a job with the Nebraska Department of Corrections for Custody Staff/Corrections Officer. Although it was a job that I had seen on many occasions, it was one that I had no interest in applying for. Since my unemployment insurance was running out, I did not see much other choice and I applied. Even though the testing and interview process seemed to go poorly (I came down with some sort of 24 hour cold on my way down to the test and interview and it went away as I returned home… Hmmmm….), I was offered a job and I accepted.
My training for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services seemed to be a lot like that of the Army, of strict rule enforcement. Not the total picture, as I would find out later, but that was my initial impression. At least it was something familiar. But, again I found myself becoming frustrated and angry with God that I was doing anything but ministry. But, this attitude gradually changed as I worked more with other staff and inmates. Although enforcing the rules was necessary, I started finding that ministering to staff and inmates enabled me to better do my job. To minister to their felt needs, I would listen to what their needs or concerns were and find a way to address them that the rules that I worked by would allow. I now incorporate this approach to working with others as much as possible. Over the 8 years that I have worked with the Nebraska Department of Corrections (I had a break in service for over a year, but that is another conversation), I found that many of my co-workers and inmates needed someone to listen to their concerns, to be reminded that God had not forgotten them, that they were still valued as a human being, etc.
I picked 'Law and Grace' because it is a theme that most accurately describes who I am. As I go through life, after my years of training in ministry, Military Law Enforcement, Nebraska Department of Corrections, etc., it has become second nature to deal with issues that I face from both perspectives. Most of the time, my personal preference is a ministerial one. That is, I seek to understand what the problem is and how can I best address it, given the rules that I have to work within. But, there are times where that is not appropriate. When dealing with an out-of-control inmate or suspect, the chances of me being able to minister to them are very slim and I am more likely to rely on my Law Enforcement training. Sometimes, to prevent myself or someone else from being injured or killed, force has to be used to stop someone else. Unfortunately, that is totally natural in a fallen world. But, there are times where, even when I have to enforce laws and regulations, I still strive to show some grace. For example, while I might have to do some corrective counseling or write a misconduct report, I still try to help the person that I am correcting to see both the inappropriate actions as well as what they have done right. It's a challenge, and easier said then done on many occasions.
In reality, we all live in a world where we can deal with things from a 'law' standpoint or from a 'grace' standpoint. Although, if you ask me, it is usually a combination of both, with more of an emphasis on one or the other. Very rarely do I see people dealing with a situation from a purely grace or law perspective. In seeking to address situations from either a 'law' or from a 'grace' perspective at the same time, I find myself better able to deal with most situations effectively. It isn't easy, and sometimes it is more draining to seek to approach situations from both perspectives instead of either one or another. However, I have personally found that, when seek to find a balance between dealing with something with both 'law' and 'grace,' I have more options to choose from. And, many times the person that I am dealing with is more open to what I have to say when I use such an approach. Though it takes a lot more mental energy and time to consider my options, it becomes more of a win-win situation for everyone.
As I continue on my journey looking at life from these two different lenses, I hope to help others learn to do so. Perhaps, when more people can better look at life from these two lenses, there can be more reconciliation and, by God's Grace, a better world around us.
Some people train for one kind of job and continue doing that as their career. I am not talking about summer jobs as a kid or one's first job as a teenager. I am talking more towards that of adults. While in college, people will train with a particular field in mind, like accounting, business management, languages, etc. After graduation, they will typically pursue that as their career. Though their work may vary over the years, their particular career field does not vary much. However, that is becoming less and less the case it seems. A lot of people may train to become an elementary school teacher but then they find work on an assembly line and that becomes their career. Or, they may major in business management but then, because of the job market, find work as a cook and that becomes their career. Others might join the military right out of high school and have one profession there. But, after retiring from the military, they get a college or masters degree in something very different and work that for the rest of their lives.
While in college, I gave my life to Christ and, about 6 months later, I felt God calling me to go to seminary and pursue a career in ministry. Although I initially resisted that idea, God won the argument and I began the process of searching for a seminary to attend. I graduated from Centre College in 1996 with a BA in German Studies and started my ministry training at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS) that following summer.
During my time there, one of the things that was emphasized to me was the importance of ministering to a person's felt needs. At least, that is where you start ministering. For example, lets say I am ministering to a family whose pregnancy had ended in a stillborn. Due to their understanding of church and faith, they wanted their child baptized prior to being buried. As a Presbyterian, we do not believe in baptizing the dead. However, do I just outright refuse, saying that my faith forbids it, do I go against my conscience, or do I seek another way to minister to their needs? The answer would be the latter… I could either seek out a pastor who does believe in baptizing the dead, or I could sit down with them, explain my theological perspective, and talk with them about ministry and funeral options that would help them gain closure and not violate my theological convictions. This was something that was highly emphasized, the meeting the people where they were at, and then to help them in the direction that they need to go.
Well, after graduating from seminary, my first wife and I ended up moving to Colorado. We lived with her family due do many different factors. While there, I worked for a Christian radio ministry organization in the shipping and receiving department. I have to admit, I was not happy there. I was greatly frustrated that I was working a job that would not enable us to live on our own. I was very frustrated with working a job that felt like a dead-end-job. Even though I knew that I was supporting and enabling a major Christian ministry, I felt under used and totally out of place. I also felt very frustrated with having spent years training to do ministry in a church kind of setting, and not doing anything remotely like that.
So, after about a year, I joined the Army and started my Basic Training in May of 2001. It would be along and difficult journey for me. Partly because my wife, at the time, and I got a divorce. Another part was because I was entering a totally different lifestyle then what I had grown up experiencing. Instead of having lots of freedoms to come and go as I pleased, my life was suddenly very regimented. It was very different for me and took quite a while to get used to. But, adjust I did.
A few years later, after much prayer and considering my options, I felt God directing me to leave Active Duty and pursue a job in Nebraska and live near my parents. For about 6 months, I searched for a job, preferring a ministry job, but considering other options. Finally, though, I applied for a job with the Nebraska Department of Corrections for Custody Staff/Corrections Officer. Although it was a job that I had seen on many occasions, it was one that I had no interest in applying for. Since my unemployment insurance was running out, I did not see much other choice and I applied. Even though the testing and interview process seemed to go poorly (I came down with some sort of 24 hour cold on my way down to the test and interview and it went away as I returned home… Hmmmm….), I was offered a job and I accepted.
My training for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services seemed to be a lot like that of the Army, of strict rule enforcement. Not the total picture, as I would find out later, but that was my initial impression. At least it was something familiar. But, again I found myself becoming frustrated and angry with God that I was doing anything but ministry. But, this attitude gradually changed as I worked more with other staff and inmates. Although enforcing the rules was necessary, I started finding that ministering to staff and inmates enabled me to better do my job. To minister to their felt needs, I would listen to what their needs or concerns were and find a way to address them that the rules that I worked by would allow. I now incorporate this approach to working with others as much as possible. Over the 8 years that I have worked with the Nebraska Department of Corrections (I had a break in service for over a year, but that is another conversation), I found that many of my co-workers and inmates needed someone to listen to their concerns, to be reminded that God had not forgotten them, that they were still valued as a human being, etc.
I picked 'Law and Grace' because it is a theme that most accurately describes who I am. As I go through life, after my years of training in ministry, Military Law Enforcement, Nebraska Department of Corrections, etc., it has become second nature to deal with issues that I face from both perspectives. Most of the time, my personal preference is a ministerial one. That is, I seek to understand what the problem is and how can I best address it, given the rules that I have to work within. But, there are times where that is not appropriate. When dealing with an out-of-control inmate or suspect, the chances of me being able to minister to them are very slim and I am more likely to rely on my Law Enforcement training. Sometimes, to prevent myself or someone else from being injured or killed, force has to be used to stop someone else. Unfortunately, that is totally natural in a fallen world. But, there are times where, even when I have to enforce laws and regulations, I still strive to show some grace. For example, while I might have to do some corrective counseling or write a misconduct report, I still try to help the person that I am correcting to see both the inappropriate actions as well as what they have done right. It's a challenge, and easier said then done on many occasions.
In reality, we all live in a world where we can deal with things from a 'law' standpoint or from a 'grace' standpoint. Although, if you ask me, it is usually a combination of both, with more of an emphasis on one or the other. Very rarely do I see people dealing with a situation from a purely grace or law perspective. In seeking to address situations from either a 'law' or from a 'grace' perspective at the same time, I find myself better able to deal with most situations effectively. It isn't easy, and sometimes it is more draining to seek to approach situations from both perspectives instead of either one or another. However, I have personally found that, when seek to find a balance between dealing with something with both 'law' and 'grace,' I have more options to choose from. And, many times the person that I am dealing with is more open to what I have to say when I use such an approach. Though it takes a lot more mental energy and time to consider my options, it becomes more of a win-win situation for everyone.
As I continue on my journey looking at life from these two different lenses, I hope to help others learn to do so. Perhaps, when more people can better look at life from these two lenses, there can be more reconciliation and, by God's Grace, a better world around us.
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