There's an old country music song entitled, "Let's Give Them Something to Talk About." From the looks of some of the antics and accusations swirling around the Presidential candidates, this particular oldie but goodie just might be an appropriate theme song.
No one's perfect, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But, as I mentioned last week, we all could use someone close to us to help keep us accountable and save us from ourselves when necessary. Sometimes our biggest enemy is not Satan or another person, but the enemy that's in...uh...me!
Perhaps all of the accusations against Herman Cain are false and slanderous and perfectly timed to derail his campaign. But I remember an old saying that if someone calls you a horse once, you can ignore it. The second time, you might want to at least check yourself out in the mirror. The third time, get a saddle! I don't know what happens when it's said the fourth time, but it might be time to move into a stable!
Who knows which of us will be thrust into the public limelight some day by choice or by popular demand, so we never know when all of our shortcomings might be put on display for all the world to see. As Christians, however, we are always in the spotlight because we are ambassadors for Christ and there are, accordingly, certain expectations of us.
We know that people love to talk about leaders and people in positions of influence, so let's give them something to talk about. Let's commit random acts of kindness to others instead of random acts of selfish indulgence.
Let's boldly proclaim the name of Jesus and let the world know that it is He who has made us and not we ourselves. Let's not get caught up in political rhetoric or put blind faith into any political party. Let's go on record as being willing to freely share with others, even if it means an increase in taxes for those who can afford it. Let's not fight to hold on to "our" riches as if this life's rewards were greater than our heavenly reward.
Let's live, love and give in such a radical fashion that people begin to mockingly ask if we think we're Mother Theresa, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, or some other renowned Christian who generously poured out all they had to give on this side of glory.
If we must be accused of something, let it be of studying the Bible too much; let it be of praying too much; let it be of checking in with God before every decision, even what to wear; let it be of readily owning up to our mistakes and asking for forgiveness; let it be of teaching our children scripture and the Ten Commandments; let it be of telling our testimony too many times; let it be of praising God too loud; let it be of singing hymns and spiritual songs all the time....
Let's vow to help one another live our lives in such a way that God gets the glory, even out of our mistakes. That way, whenever anyone talks about us, they will end up talking about the Lord--and that's really giving them something worth talking about!
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
A weekly posting of encouraging and challenging thoughts about life from Rev. Karen W. Curry, a pastor's wife and mother of two who is also --in her "spare time"-- a dynamic preacher, teacher, motivational speaker, facilitator, writer, reviewer, poet, MC, liturgical dance/drama consultant and storyteller. Contact Rev. Karen at BNcouraged247@msn.com to speak at your next service or retreat.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
A Peer Into Peer Review
In the United States' justice system, if you ever have to undergo a trial you will be judged by a jury of your peers. In court, your peers-- people who are in the same broad category as you--will be called upon review the available evidence and render a verdict.
In the academic world, scholars and researchers who prepare articles and papers for publication have those items "peer reviewed" prior to publishing to ensure that the information presented meets industry standards and demonstrates basic integrity.
These are specific areas where the peer review process is standard practice. But, we could all use a little peer review in our daily lives.
For example, as Christians, do we fellowship with like-minded believers and welcome their feedback or critique of how consistent we are in our walk? Or, do we hide out and hang out with carnal Christians, or borderline fence-sitting Christians because we fear that others who are more consistent in their walk will judge us or not accept us as we are?
I don't espouse holier-than-thou or self-righteous judgement of others, but it's actually our right and responsibility as Christians to humbly judge one another, just as it is our civic duty and right to sit in a courtroom and judge the actions of our peers:
For the time [has come] for judgment to begin at the house of God.... (1 Peter 4:17)
Why do we readily accept the role and process of judgement in the world's judicial system but not in God's system? Why do we cry out, "no justice, no peace" begging our judicial system to weigh in on injustices, yet stubbornly declare, "only God can judge me" when it comes to our Christian peers reviewing our walk to see if it matches our talk?
Ultimately, the peer review process is all about "accountability"-- which is what some of us avoid at all costs, using our Christian freedom as a false cover.
If we declare that we are citizens of the United States, then we are governed by the laws of the land and are held accountable for our behavior. We are also rightfully subject to the consequences when we stray from the laws and expectations of our country. It's no different when we declare our allegiance to Christ.
When we truly desire to be all the God destined us to be, then we will allow God's Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us into all truth and surround us with people who will help keep us accountable.
Some of us don't want to answer to anyone because we are "grown." What we fail to realize is that being "grown" or "grown up" doesn't mean not having to answer to anyone. It's actually just the opposite. A truly mature person welcomes the safety and support of the peer review process, recognizing that,
Where [there is] no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors [there is] safety. (Proverbs 11:14)
When a fellow Christian raises a concern about our behavior, instead of taking offense, let's take inventory, let's take a look. If people we consider trustworthy and sincere take the time to point out things that we need to change, let's not get bitter, let's get busy and let's get better!
Everyone who challenges our way of thinking and behaving is not necessarily a "hater." They might actually be demonstrating more true love for us than people who "kiss up" to us and tell us what we want to hear instead of what we need to hear.
This Thanksgiving, if you have someone in your life that can offer you an honest peer review, give God thanks for that person and demonstrate your thankfulness by listening to them!
If you don't have anyone like that around you, keep looking and keep listening. They might actually already be in your life, it just might be that you are finally ready to accept their peer review as a preview of God's pure review of what we need to do to live our lives anew!
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
In the academic world, scholars and researchers who prepare articles and papers for publication have those items "peer reviewed" prior to publishing to ensure that the information presented meets industry standards and demonstrates basic integrity.
These are specific areas where the peer review process is standard practice. But, we could all use a little peer review in our daily lives.
For example, as Christians, do we fellowship with like-minded believers and welcome their feedback or critique of how consistent we are in our walk? Or, do we hide out and hang out with carnal Christians, or borderline fence-sitting Christians because we fear that others who are more consistent in their walk will judge us or not accept us as we are?
I don't espouse holier-than-thou or self-righteous judgement of others, but it's actually our right and responsibility as Christians to humbly judge one another, just as it is our civic duty and right to sit in a courtroom and judge the actions of our peers:
For the time [has come] for judgment to begin at the house of God.... (1 Peter 4:17)
Why do we readily accept the role and process of judgement in the world's judicial system but not in God's system? Why do we cry out, "no justice, no peace" begging our judicial system to weigh in on injustices, yet stubbornly declare, "only God can judge me" when it comes to our Christian peers reviewing our walk to see if it matches our talk?
Ultimately, the peer review process is all about "accountability"-- which is what some of us avoid at all costs, using our Christian freedom as a false cover.
If we declare that we are citizens of the United States, then we are governed by the laws of the land and are held accountable for our behavior. We are also rightfully subject to the consequences when we stray from the laws and expectations of our country. It's no different when we declare our allegiance to Christ.
When we truly desire to be all the God destined us to be, then we will allow God's Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us into all truth and surround us with people who will help keep us accountable.
Some of us don't want to answer to anyone because we are "grown." What we fail to realize is that being "grown" or "grown up" doesn't mean not having to answer to anyone. It's actually just the opposite. A truly mature person welcomes the safety and support of the peer review process, recognizing that,
Where [there is] no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors [there is] safety. (Proverbs 11:14)
When a fellow Christian raises a concern about our behavior, instead of taking offense, let's take inventory, let's take a look. If people we consider trustworthy and sincere take the time to point out things that we need to change, let's not get bitter, let's get busy and let's get better!
Everyone who challenges our way of thinking and behaving is not necessarily a "hater." They might actually be demonstrating more true love for us than people who "kiss up" to us and tell us what we want to hear instead of what we need to hear.
This Thanksgiving, if you have someone in your life that can offer you an honest peer review, give God thanks for that person and demonstrate your thankfulness by listening to them!
If you don't have anyone like that around you, keep looking and keep listening. They might actually already be in your life, it just might be that you are finally ready to accept their peer review as a preview of God's pure review of what we need to do to live our lives anew!
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Do Unto Others....
Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31
Many of us are familiar with the scriptural principle that admonishes us to "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
These days, however, there are a few variations of that theme. There's "Do unto others BEFORE they do unto you," and "Do unto others BECAUSE they did unto you,"and "Do unto others IF they do unto you."
These and other variations distort the original intent of the principle which is essentially, that we should always do the right thing in our interaction with others.
Our treatment of others is not supposed to be based on what the person does or does not do to or for us. It should be based on the fact that we are to reflect upon how we would like to be treated and extend that same quality of treatment to others--up front.
It's a call for us to demonstrate what we would like to see, even if others don't demonstrate it back to us. It means remaining consistent in who we are, even when others are inconsistent and unreliable.
It doesn't give us the right to repay evil for evil, although many like to employ it in that manner. It challenges us to rise above relating to others on a conditional basis--"I'll do this IF you do that."
It doesn't mean that we allow others to run over us, but we cannot allow the bad manners, insensitivity or evil intentions of others to ruin us.
For example, I routinely say hello to people I know. Whenever I have encountered someone who has mistreated me, without thinking about it, I find myself saying hello to them. It often startles them because they don't expect me to acknowledge their presence.
I really can't take any credit for speaking to them out of any real noble character on my part. It's simply happens as a matter of habit, because speaking to others is ingrained in me.
When it comes to the "do unto others" principle, if we have enough of the fruit of the Spirit ingrained in us, we will sometimes find ourselves automatically doing the right thing, even when it's not intentional. (Thank God!)
We won't wait and see how the other person is going to treat us before we decide how we are going to treat them. We will just do what we do because of who WE are, not who THEY are.
When we really get the true essence of this principle, we will realize that it is a real identity check. We need to check our own identity and make sure we understand that we are created in the image of God, and are inherently God's ambassadors.
Once we are clear on who and whose we are, we then need the desire, strength and courage to stay true to our identity regardless of what happens around us or to us. It's not easy, but it's also not impossible.
Part of our identity in God is that we are a people who are to "pray for those who despitefully use" us. That means we are to pray for those who hurt us and those who hurt others.
For example, how many of us are sincerely praying for Dr. Conrad Murray, the doctor convicted in the Michael Jackson murder trial? Can we see past the criticisms about what he should or should not have done to see a man on the verge of suicide and in need of intercession?
Not only that, but perhaps had enough of us interceded on Michael Jackson's behalf, he might not have lost his identity through the surgeon's knife and innumerable skin alterations, actions that set off a long chain reaction that I believe are the ultimate cause of his death. In my view, Michael Jackson "died" long before Dr. Murray came into the picture, and we watched him erode before our very eyes.
If we truly do unto others AS WE WOULD HAVE them do unto us, then we would pray for Dr. Murray, for we know God can do a mighty work through a broken spirit and a contrite heart.
Let's not be so quick to judge, and let's not be so quick to mimic and reflect the negative attitudes we encounter from others. For, if we keep justifying our "right" to judge, fly off the handle, curse or seek revenge on others, the principle of reaping and sowing will be in full effect and we will be repaid by what we Do Unto Others....
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
Many of us are familiar with the scriptural principle that admonishes us to "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
These days, however, there are a few variations of that theme. There's "Do unto others BEFORE they do unto you," and "Do unto others BECAUSE they did unto you,"and "Do unto others IF they do unto you."
These and other variations distort the original intent of the principle which is essentially, that we should always do the right thing in our interaction with others.
Our treatment of others is not supposed to be based on what the person does or does not do to or for us. It should be based on the fact that we are to reflect upon how we would like to be treated and extend that same quality of treatment to others--up front.
It's a call for us to demonstrate what we would like to see, even if others don't demonstrate it back to us. It means remaining consistent in who we are, even when others are inconsistent and unreliable.
It doesn't give us the right to repay evil for evil, although many like to employ it in that manner. It challenges us to rise above relating to others on a conditional basis--"I'll do this IF you do that."
It doesn't mean that we allow others to run over us, but we cannot allow the bad manners, insensitivity or evil intentions of others to ruin us.
For example, I routinely say hello to people I know. Whenever I have encountered someone who has mistreated me, without thinking about it, I find myself saying hello to them. It often startles them because they don't expect me to acknowledge their presence.
I really can't take any credit for speaking to them out of any real noble character on my part. It's simply happens as a matter of habit, because speaking to others is ingrained in me.
When it comes to the "do unto others" principle, if we have enough of the fruit of the Spirit ingrained in us, we will sometimes find ourselves automatically doing the right thing, even when it's not intentional. (Thank God!)
We won't wait and see how the other person is going to treat us before we decide how we are going to treat them. We will just do what we do because of who WE are, not who THEY are.
When we really get the true essence of this principle, we will realize that it is a real identity check. We need to check our own identity and make sure we understand that we are created in the image of God, and are inherently God's ambassadors.
Once we are clear on who and whose we are, we then need the desire, strength and courage to stay true to our identity regardless of what happens around us or to us. It's not easy, but it's also not impossible.
Part of our identity in God is that we are a people who are to "pray for those who despitefully use" us. That means we are to pray for those who hurt us and those who hurt others.
For example, how many of us are sincerely praying for Dr. Conrad Murray, the doctor convicted in the Michael Jackson murder trial? Can we see past the criticisms about what he should or should not have done to see a man on the verge of suicide and in need of intercession?
Not only that, but perhaps had enough of us interceded on Michael Jackson's behalf, he might not have lost his identity through the surgeon's knife and innumerable skin alterations, actions that set off a long chain reaction that I believe are the ultimate cause of his death. In my view, Michael Jackson "died" long before Dr. Murray came into the picture, and we watched him erode before our very eyes.
If we truly do unto others AS WE WOULD HAVE them do unto us, then we would pray for Dr. Murray, for we know God can do a mighty work through a broken spirit and a contrite heart.
Let's not be so quick to judge, and let's not be so quick to mimic and reflect the negative attitudes we encounter from others. For, if we keep justifying our "right" to judge, fly off the handle, curse or seek revenge on others, the principle of reaping and sowing will be in full effect and we will be repaid by what we Do Unto Others....
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
I Hear the Sound of Victory....
Maurette Brown-Clark sings a wonderful song entitled, "I Hear the Sound of Victory." For many years Maurette has combined her incredible gift of singing and songwriting with her gift of encouragement to uplift and inspire God's people worldwide.
A few days ago, I awoke with the chorus of "I Hear the Sound of Victory" ringing in my head. It sounded as clear as if it were coming from the radio, yet it was resonating from within me.
As I got up from bed and began moving around, I really began to focus in on the lyrics of the song:
I hear the sound of victory.
I know that things are gonna change for me....
And because of His blood (I overcome)
I don't have to fight (it's already won!)
Those lyrics reminded me that sometimes, we forget that we are more than conquerors, we are overcomers through Christ Jesus! We waste energy and time fighting battles that, first of all are not ours, and secondly, have already been won!
If we could just still our hearts, minds and bodies long enough we would be able to hear the sound of victory. When we listen, we would hear the sound of victory in the laughter of children who run and play without a care in the world and squeal with delight over the simplest things in life. We would realize that we are those children in God's sight and that we are to cast our cares on Him, for He cares for us.
If we could just stop allowing the negative comments from others to replay over and over in our minds we could hear the sound of victory. We would understand that we are to ignore negative reports and instead believe the report of the Lord which says we are filled, healed, free and walking in victory.
If we could just quiet our own negative voices ringing in our heads and substitute them for God's voice expressed through scripture or through the melodies of modern-day psalmists like Maurette, we would hear the sound of victory.
As that song rang through my head, a smile came upon my lips as I began to realize how much God has really blessed me. Sure, I have my share of challenges-- we all have our own load to bear in this life. But I realized that I don't have to dwell on them and let the cares of this world dominate every moment of my day.
Life is too short to spend it stressing over things that are just temporary hurdles on this side of glory. For, "when we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory."
The victory that is in store for us in glory is music to my ears. And, I'm not going to wait until I get to Heaven to believe God for the victory. I believe it now, so I need to live like I believe it now, regardless of my circumstances. I hear the sound of victory, even when life's challenges get louder, more intense and much harder than I expected...
And the louder it gets (the louder I praise)
The more intense (the more I praise)
And the harder it gets (the harder I praise)
My victory is on the way...and it's in my praise!
Do you hear what I hear? I hear the sound of VICTORY!
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
A few days ago, I awoke with the chorus of "I Hear the Sound of Victory" ringing in my head. It sounded as clear as if it were coming from the radio, yet it was resonating from within me.
As I got up from bed and began moving around, I really began to focus in on the lyrics of the song:
I hear the sound of victory.
I know that things are gonna change for me....
And because of His blood (I overcome)
I don't have to fight (it's already won!)
Those lyrics reminded me that sometimes, we forget that we are more than conquerors, we are overcomers through Christ Jesus! We waste energy and time fighting battles that, first of all are not ours, and secondly, have already been won!
If we could just still our hearts, minds and bodies long enough we would be able to hear the sound of victory. When we listen, we would hear the sound of victory in the laughter of children who run and play without a care in the world and squeal with delight over the simplest things in life. We would realize that we are those children in God's sight and that we are to cast our cares on Him, for He cares for us.
If we could just stop allowing the negative comments from others to replay over and over in our minds we could hear the sound of victory. We would understand that we are to ignore negative reports and instead believe the report of the Lord which says we are filled, healed, free and walking in victory.
If we could just quiet our own negative voices ringing in our heads and substitute them for God's voice expressed through scripture or through the melodies of modern-day psalmists like Maurette, we would hear the sound of victory.
As that song rang through my head, a smile came upon my lips as I began to realize how much God has really blessed me. Sure, I have my share of challenges-- we all have our own load to bear in this life. But I realized that I don't have to dwell on them and let the cares of this world dominate every moment of my day.
Life is too short to spend it stressing over things that are just temporary hurdles on this side of glory. For, "when we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory."
The victory that is in store for us in glory is music to my ears. And, I'm not going to wait until I get to Heaven to believe God for the victory. I believe it now, so I need to live like I believe it now, regardless of my circumstances. I hear the sound of victory, even when life's challenges get louder, more intense and much harder than I expected...
And the louder it gets (the louder I praise)
The more intense (the more I praise)
And the harder it gets (the harder I praise)
My victory is on the way...and it's in my praise!
Do you hear what I hear? I hear the sound of VICTORY!
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Hocus Pocus! Where's Your Focus?
"Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least." Goethe
"Hocus Pocus!" is a phrase magicians use to introduce or prepare the audience for a magic trick. When we hear that familiar phrase, we know that something is likely to disappear--or at least appear to disappear--right before our very eyes. Just when we think we have our eyes keenly focused on what's in front of us, it's gone!
We understand that magicians don't really have the power to make things disappear, but we are entertained and sometimes amazed by their skill in deflection, distraction and slight of hand. There are, however, some street hustlers who really can make things disappear--like your money if you fall for their enticing shell game and fail to keep your eye on the ball!
When it comes to our ability to keep our eyes focused on what's most important in life, sometimes it seems as if someone has yelled to us, "Hocus Pocus!" and then "poof!" our focus has disappeared.
There are so many competing priorities in life that sometimes it's hard to maintain our focus. The enemy loves to keep us in a fog about where we should focus our energy and attention, because as long as we stay in a fog, we're less likely to get on course or help others stay on course.
Some of us have found ourselves habitually putting our energy into temper tantrums, criticizing others, circular arguments that benefit no one, "get rich quick" schemes, pity parties, or trying to force everyone around us to accept our shortcomings instead of allowing God to transform us and renew our minds.
This inability to focus our attention and energy in more productive directions could be the result of the lingering presence of childhood wounds in which people inflicted anger, criticism or insensitivity on us or modeled those behaviors around us.
Our brains are like super absorbent sponges with video recorders attached to them. We soak up things involuntarily and then it only takes a touch of our buttons to replay the trauma over and over again. Some of what we are so intently focused on today would change completely if we would allow God's healing hand to free us from yesterday's trauma and drama that left us with wounded hearts, tainted minds and clouded eyesight.
God's Holy Spirit leads us and guides us into all truth. An important truth that should be a focal point for our lives is that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are God's workmanship, vessels designed to showcase the best in life, not the worst.
On October 31, I saw a number of houses decorated to look like the worst nightmare. People actually but their best into making their homes the worst. Do we focus that kind of energy into adorning our houses (our bodies) and living our lives in such a way that we display the glory of God to everyone who sees us?
People showed no shame and spared no expense to display death and promote darkness on October 31, what is actually All Hallows Eve, the evening before All Saints Day. How many of us are willing to boldly promote that real joy doesn't come from revelry but is a fruit of the Spirit and comes with no shame?
Life is too short for us to keep running in circles chasing our own tails or following the tail or trail of anyone else who's running in circles. God has promised to keep us in perfect peace if we keep our mind stayed--focused-- on Him. So let's keep the main thing the main thing, leave the "Hocus Pocus" to the magicians, and keep our focus on the Master.
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
"Hocus Pocus!" is a phrase magicians use to introduce or prepare the audience for a magic trick. When we hear that familiar phrase, we know that something is likely to disappear--or at least appear to disappear--right before our very eyes. Just when we think we have our eyes keenly focused on what's in front of us, it's gone!
We understand that magicians don't really have the power to make things disappear, but we are entertained and sometimes amazed by their skill in deflection, distraction and slight of hand. There are, however, some street hustlers who really can make things disappear--like your money if you fall for their enticing shell game and fail to keep your eye on the ball!
When it comes to our ability to keep our eyes focused on what's most important in life, sometimes it seems as if someone has yelled to us, "Hocus Pocus!" and then "poof!" our focus has disappeared.
There are so many competing priorities in life that sometimes it's hard to maintain our focus. The enemy loves to keep us in a fog about where we should focus our energy and attention, because as long as we stay in a fog, we're less likely to get on course or help others stay on course.
Some of us have found ourselves habitually putting our energy into temper tantrums, criticizing others, circular arguments that benefit no one, "get rich quick" schemes, pity parties, or trying to force everyone around us to accept our shortcomings instead of allowing God to transform us and renew our minds.
This inability to focus our attention and energy in more productive directions could be the result of the lingering presence of childhood wounds in which people inflicted anger, criticism or insensitivity on us or modeled those behaviors around us.
Our brains are like super absorbent sponges with video recorders attached to them. We soak up things involuntarily and then it only takes a touch of our buttons to replay the trauma over and over again. Some of what we are so intently focused on today would change completely if we would allow God's healing hand to free us from yesterday's trauma and drama that left us with wounded hearts, tainted minds and clouded eyesight.
God's Holy Spirit leads us and guides us into all truth. An important truth that should be a focal point for our lives is that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are God's workmanship, vessels designed to showcase the best in life, not the worst.
On October 31, I saw a number of houses decorated to look like the worst nightmare. People actually but their best into making their homes the worst. Do we focus that kind of energy into adorning our houses (our bodies) and living our lives in such a way that we display the glory of God to everyone who sees us?
People showed no shame and spared no expense to display death and promote darkness on October 31, what is actually All Hallows Eve, the evening before All Saints Day. How many of us are willing to boldly promote that real joy doesn't come from revelry but is a fruit of the Spirit and comes with no shame?
Life is too short for us to keep running in circles chasing our own tails or following the tail or trail of anyone else who's running in circles. God has promised to keep us in perfect peace if we keep our mind stayed--focused-- on Him. So let's keep the main thing the main thing, leave the "Hocus Pocus" to the magicians, and keep our focus on the Master.
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
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