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Catch of the Day
Amazing Grace
Friday, September 3, 2010
By: John Fischer
This is the second in a series of Catches exploring more deeply the 10 Prerequisites for Being Effective in the Marketplace (see August 24, 2010).
Prerequisite #2: An overwhelming sense of God's grace for me, and for everyone else
Every believer should be absolutely convinced of being the worst sinner on the face of the earth. And if this is not the case, if there is any inkling of a thought that somebody out there might be worse than I am, then there is reason to believe that I have not yet done adequate business with God about my own sin.
The great hymnwriters thought this way. Their salvation continually amazed them. Our hymnals portray their amazement. Consider lines like, "Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me!" No, this is not merely "die for me," as in a theological doctrine, this is "die for me," as in wonder that out of all the people in the world, he would have included me-in this case, Charles Wesley-the worst of the lot.
Phillip Bliss, another hymnwriter, makes it even clearer when he concludes that "Jesus loves even me." There's a wealth of meaning in that one word "even." Even me, the lowest, the least deserving, the worst. Or as Charles Wesley wrote, "'Tis mercy all, immense and free, for, O my God, it found out me!" His implication is, "God's mercy had to look really hard because I was a long way off!"
These hymnwriters placed themselves in a camp with the world. Yes, they were saved out of the world, but they never left it and never forgot who they were without Christ. I believe this is what Paul meant hen he said, "I am the worst"-present tense. He knew himself. He knew one thing separated him from the next guy: Jesus Christ and his death on Paul's behalf. The next guy either didn't know yet, or didn't get it. Either way, Jesus was the only difference.
We need to give people a more realistic presentation of ourselves-we've been scaring them away for too long with self-imposed images of our saintliness. The world has always been more ready to hear the astonished witness of a saved sinner than the calculated piety of a holy saint. I rather like the Catholic way of looking at sainthood. It's hard to get in-you have to die first. Whether you take that figuratively or literally, it's a good point.
And from my smitten heart with tears,
Two wonders I confess-
The wonder of redeeming love
And my unworthiness.
Elizabeth C. Clephane
Faith at Work
The Secret for Living the "Good Life"
Friday, September 3, 2010
by Rick Warren
A few years ago, the planned community of Mission Viejo, California in the U.S.A. launched an advertising campaign to attract home buyers. The campaign used phrases like, "Mission Viejo: the `California Promise'" and "The place to live the Good Life." I think every culture refers to "the good life" in one way or another. In Italian, for example, it's "la dolce vita" - literally, "the sweet life." Don't we all want the good life?
Even though it has become an oft-used, well-worn phrase, I wonder how many people have ever bothered to try defining what "the good life" really is - or what it should be.
Looking good. Some people confuse "the good life" with "looking good." They are preoccupied with appearances - as if that is what really matters in life. The American culture, for example, idolizes beauty and places high value on being attractive. Advertisers capitalize on this. knowing the promise of "looking good" causes men and women to spend billions on beauty products, tanning salons, plastic surgery, fat suction, custom color coordination, and the latest styles in clothing.
Feeling good. For others, "the good life" means the same as "feeling good." Their goal is minimizing pain and maximizing pleasure - and they will use whatever means they think necessary to achieve this: hot tubs, entertainment parks, drug addiction, virtual reality experiences, world travel, film or concert venues. The supplying of pleasure and entertainment has grown into the largest industry in some countries. A motto from the 1960s, "If it feels good, do it," has become personal philosophy for many people.
Having the goods. Then there are others who associate "the good life" with "having the goods." Their chief ambition in life is collecting all the goods and goodies of life - at least as many as possible. They earn as much money as they can so they can spend it as fast as they can. Some frankly identify their values with bumper stickers that declare, "The one that dies with the most toys wins." Others are not that brazen, but still believe this "good life" is something that can be acquired, like a commodity.
The truth is: None of these things ultimately satisfy.
No matter what you do, you cannot stop the aging process.
Pleasure is a byproduct of the good life; it should not be viewed as the goal of it. The greatest things in life are not things at all!
So, what truly is the Good Life? It is the personal fulfillment and joy that come from being good and doing good. It is the result of discovering and becoming exactly what God created you to be. Nothing else will fill that void in your soul. The Bible tells us: "You are God's workmanship, created...to do good works, which God prepared in advance for you to do" (Ephesians 2:10). When you use your life to help others - doing good - and know and trust God, you will feel good about yourself. That is the Good Life. Don't let anybody deceive you into thinking it is something else.
In the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus announced He came to give us life, making it possible for us to experience life abundantly - to its fullest (John 10:10). The Bible also declares we can have this abundant life right now, to the degree we trust God with every detail of our lives (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Reflection/Discussion Questions
1. If someone were to ask you about "the good life," how would you define it?
2. Based on your definition of the good life, do you believe you are experiencing it right now? Why or why not?
3. What do you think of the statement that looking good, feeling good, and "having the goods" - possessing desirable things - are nothing more than byproducts of the so-called "good life" and should not be the primary focus of our lives?
4. Do you agree that having a personal relationship with God enables us to be good and do good, ultimately making it possible for us to become all that He has designed us to be? Explain your answer.
NOTE: If you have a Bible, consider these other passages that relate to this topic:
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; Matthew 6:19-21, 25:21-23; Luke 16:10-12; Acts 20:35; 1 Timothy 6:17
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How does the Bible relate to ordinary life? Read the "Daily Bible Blast" to find inspiration and real life applications in our daily readings.
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Each series expands on the lectionary and gives you greater understanding of God's Word.
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