Perhaps the best way to measure your success in life can be addressed by asking one simple question, "does the room get brighter when you enter it, or when you leave it?" And sometimes, we just don't need your help! Or desire it either. And as we watched from Joplin last week, a few events stood out in our memories, rooms, if you will, where we wish that a person would leave to brighten it, and times where we were glad to see help, and it brightened up the room.
Sadly the Pharisees are still alive and well in many churches. They wonder "how can God ever get things done without us?" And using their insensitive, and legalistic attitudes, remind us of why some people don't go to church. People don't have trouble with Jesus, but His fan club is notorious for running those in need off. Two examples, from one church. Three men who volunteered, one had the heart of God, the others the heart of a Pharisee. Your test, see which one you relate to.
A church in Tulsa had donated enough items for tornado victims it almost filled a 53' semi. We had formed firing lines, and were unloading anything from diapers, water, toilet paper, and hygiene items. We had organized pallets for each item, and then they were taken inside. hard work on a 90 degree, 90% humidity night, without lights, but the workers were eager, and we were gettin 'er done. When suddenly three men showed up. And in the midst of unloading this truck, wanted to call a meeting for volunteers. He had identified me as new, and said I had to go to the meeting. I replied, "I didn't drive 1600 miles to go to a meeting. We are here to help." When he again pushed the issue, I said "fine, I am no longer a volunteer. These people are my friends." And took off my name sticker. And the others assisting, said, "we're family!" And the truck driver and his wife said "yes, all these helpers are our family!" And as we continued to unload the truck, much to his dismay. I warned this man, "get out of the way, or you may get hurt," for these guys were handling two cases of water at a time, a work area where he could get hurt, not a scenario to prove your point. And so he left, and when I encountered him the rest of the night, he kissed up to me. Which I find even more reprehensible than his wanting to call a meeting. And I never did see him helping anyone.
The second man in the group, saw how it was a good thing to help, so joined in the line. And was doing OK until he came across a box marked plush animals. He then announced that toys were not allowed, and threw it over his head into an overfull dumpster. This group had decided to not accept toys, or blankets or things not in their factory wrappings. They were looking out for terrorist items! At which point, the truck drivers wife, who was next to me, started to cry. "I called ahead, and they said send toys for the children." The man never responded, except that the rules were the rules. I had opportunity to talk with her often after that, and she was so hurt by this callous man, and his rules. And unloving attitude. I cannot remember ever losing respect for someone so fast.
I assured her that this "cheese ball" of a person was wrong, and what she and her church did in love was right. God sees her attitude, but sadly He sees his too. Which one would He call good and faithful servant? And which one would He address as a Pharisee? But the damage had been done, and his sin had caused her to now have to forgive this callous Pharisee. There is no isolated sin.
The third man, was busy fixing plumbing in the only two bathrooms in the building. He and I had been talking, and when I told him of this he winced. "Mike, they only want boxed items. And yesterday I had a similar event happen to me. A little girl handed me a box of toys form her Sunday School class. When I saw them unwrapped, I told her that I would deliver them special, since they were given in such love. And I did. These people need love, not more rules." The little girl left smiling and making a difference. Encouraged to help others.
Two men, same scenario, one caught up in rules, the other in grace. One missed the blessing, one was part of the blessing. One had the heart of Jesus, the other the heart of a Pharisee.
What would your church have done? What would you do? Jesus got 'er done. Where sin abounded, His grace abounded even more. He handled things with compassion, thinking of the other person first. Sadly these two other men not only weren't a blessing, they robbed others of theirs. A lesson for those who are called to represent God. You see, if you have told others you are a Christian, they expect you to act like one. But if you act like one, when you add words they will have a stronger effect. And you don't have toa announce you are one.
For love covers a multitude of sins. Are your sins covered today? Maybe you need to let go and let Jesus change your heart. Terrorists in the rubble of a tornado? Doubtful. But the terror from not showing God's love can be just as tragic. You keep your rules, I'll keep my morals. You keep your programs and procedures, and I'll keep the Holy Spirit. For like a man once said, quoting the Bible without love is heresy. May God continue to forgive us all.
For love covers a multitude of sins. Are your sins covered today? Maybe you need to let go and let Jesus change your heart. Terrorists in the rubble of a tornado? Doubtful. But the terror from not showing God's love can be just as tragic. You keep your rules, I'll keep my morals. You keep your programs and procedures, and I'll keep the Holy Spirit. For like a man once said, quoting the Bible without love is heresy. May God continue to forgive us all.
And whoever does this to the least of these people, does it to Jesus. You see, someone is always looking. Even in the midst of a catastrophe, Jesus still cares. Let Him care through you.
And both the room you enter, and the room you leave will be brighter. That's my decision. What's yours?
love with compassion,
Mike
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