15

Jump Start # 1167

Posted on August 15, 2014 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1167

Revelation 22:20 “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

  This week we have been writing on the tough issues of depression and mental illness. So many of you readers have poured your hearts out to me about personal journeys and the difficulties you have experienced from those who did not understand. From all across the country I have received email after email expressing the pain and guilt you have carried for years. For most of you the journey with these difficulties continues. You have good moments and good days but then suddenly, like a raging flood, the darkness and gloom returns. It seems for every two steps forward you take, you find yourself going back one. It is a struggle. Most do not understand and thankfully you continue on with the Lord.

 

You are not alone in your journey. I wish you could have read what was shared with me from so many others. Good and godly folks, some serving as elders and preachers and others you have walked with the Lord for a long, long time have struggled with the darkness of valleys in their lives. Sometimes it may feel like you are the only one who is going through these things. You are not. You may feel like you are the only Christian who has ever had these troubles. You are not. You may feel that you are the only Christian who had to take prescription medication or had to seek professional help for the troubles in your mind. You are not. It doesn’t shorten your journey, but it helps to know that you are not a freak, nor an odd ball. There are others. Many, many others.

 

It also helps to know that the dark thoughts and doubts you have experienced have not only been felt by others, but they have learned to manage them and found ways to continue to serve the Lord. Preachers have continued to preach, fighting the darkness of depression. Elders have continued to serve, dealing with their own emotional and mental issues. These folks have not given up. They continued on with the Lord. There is great hope and encouragement in that. I went to a PGA golf tournament last week. Watching those pros didn’t help my game. They were so amazingly good that I thought I could never do what they are doing. But when I go out with a bunch of friends who all golf around the same score and one of us has a great shot, it encourages me. I can do that too. He’s like me and I’m like him. There is great hope in knowing and seeing others who are like you who are doing well with the Lord. Together, you help one another. Together, you offer encouragement. Don’t give up.

 

The thread I saw this week through all the stories from you readers is faith in the Lord. One shared with me that he has thought about suicide before. Others fight those thoughts. But what pulled them out and kept them going was the Lord. The medicine helped. The professionals had a place. But nothing beat the Lord. That theme was loud and clear. That theme is found throughout the Psalms and in Paul’s writings. In 2 Timothy 4, Paul revealed that everyone had abandoned him. He was in prison. Caesar was soon to be through with Paul and execute him. He proclaimed, “The Lord stood with me and strengthened me.” What a great thought and what great hope. Like Paul, you may feel deserted. Abandoned by your family. Left alone by your church. Friends, no where to be found. And then darkness descends. Yet the Lord is there. David would say in that classic shepherd Psalm, “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me.” What is interesting about the layout of Psalms 23 is that at the beginning of the chapter David talks ABOUT God. You know it, ‘The Lord is my shepherd…He makes me lie down.” The expressions are about God. But something remarkable happens in the fourth verse. There, when he mentions journeying through the valley, he says YOU are with me. YOUR rod and YOUR staff, they comfort me. He switches from talking about God to talking TO God. This takes place in the valley. It is in the valleys that we need the Lord so much. It is in the valleys that doubts, fears and worries are the greatest. It is in the valley that we truly need to talk TO God. Prayers come from the valleys.

 

Finally, our verse today, “Come, Lord Jesus,” is a absolute reminder that God is greater than your problems. John wrote, “Greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world.” Come, Lord Jesus and end this suffering and pain. Come, Lord Jesus and take us home with You. Come, Lord Jesus and unite us again with our loved ones who have gone on before. Come, Lord Jesus and finally put Satan where he belongs—Hell. Come, Lord Jesus, so we can be together forever. All troubles, problems and anxieties remain on this side of life. Some day they will be over. Some day we are out of here. Some day we are home where we belong.

 

Thank you for your kindness in these difficult things I have written this week. Thank you for your encouragement. My prayer is that you have found some comfort and hope. Maybe, just maybe, we will be more compassionate, patient and helpful with those who struggle with these mental issues. Maybe, just maybe, instead of pointing fingers, we will open our arms and extend a hug to those who are hurting. Maybe, just maybe, we will include in our prayers those who struggle with mental illness and depression. Maybe, just maybe, we have removed some fears and some will be able to step out behind the curtain and masks that they have worn for years. Maybe, just maybe, we can be real with each other and find out that it’s ok to laugh and it’s ok to cry. Maybe, just maybe, we can learn to accept each other as Jesus does.

 

Come, Lord Jesus.

 

Roger

 

 

 

14

Jump Start # 1166

Posted on August 14, 2014 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1166

Luke 15:17 “But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger.’”

  There are several moments in life when we realize this is it. A young man dating a girl realizes this is the one that I want to marry. He has that moment. A couple is out house hunting. House after house. Nothing seems right. The price isn’t right. The yard isn’t right. The neighborhood isn’t right. Then they find that one house. It hits them. This is it. Sometimes that moment is painful and hard. A person has been sticking it out at work. The conditions are terrible. The stress is off the charts. He hangs on. Finally it hits him, he must leave. The search begins for another job.

 

Our verse today surrounds that reality moment. It finally all came together in the mind. He finally got it. Our passage is from our Lord’s great parable, the prodigal son. The young man has been away from home. He left with a pocket full of money and a head full of ideas and dreams. He was finally going to be free and do what he wanted to do. It didn’t take long for his dreams to turn into nightmares. He spent through the money. A serve famine came. Now broke, hopeless and alone, he finds work feeding pigs. Not the work for a Jewish young man. Not a picture of success. How embarrassed his father would be to see him now. Back home, there were servants to feed the animals. Back home the servants had food. He was so hungry that he thought about eating the pig food. Empty. Crashed. Physically wrecked. The prodigal started thinking. That was a major problem earlier, he just didn’t think. Now he does. He remembers. He wants what the servants back home have. Life as a servant back home was better than what he had now. What a failure. What a loser. It was those thoughts, that driving moment that made him come to his senses. It was then that the process of returning home began.

 

Coming to our senses is the key. It didn’t happen when he was walking away from home with money in his pocket. It didn’t happen when he was free living and spending as if there was no tomorrow. He crashed physically and that opened his eyes spiritually.

 

There are many prodigals who never come to their senses. They never sink to the depth that our prodigal in this story did. Parents, government and others keep a safety net about him so that he never gets too bad off. We do things like this because we care. But sometimes those safety nets keep a person from their senses. Always having an answer, always ready with a check, always ready to step in, may be the very thing that keeps some from ever coming back home.

 

This prodigal would never have changed had he not came to his senses. He saw what a mistake he made. He realized that his plans and dreams were selfish, dumb and not thought out. He never planned for a famine. He never thought beyond the moment. Impulsive, indifferent and careless, he now sees what a big mistake he made. The money was gone. The reputation ruined. His only avenue was home. He knew he could go home.

 

His emptiness made him see his father for the first time as he really was. His father was a good man. His father took care of the servants. His father would take him back, even if it meant earning his way as a servant. His father was industrious. His father provided and shared. His father was a better man than he was. He saw his father for the first time.

 

I fear that some don’t have that picture. They’ve lived without God for so long that they have no home to return to. The emptiness and hopelessness of their choices leads them to giving up all together. Drugs and alcohol are chosen to numb the feeling and forget what a failure they are. Deeper and deeper they plunge. It takes more drugs and more alcohol to lessen the pain. In time, even the drugs and booze won’t work. Disconnected from family and God, suicide becomes the only option. Just end the sorrow and pain. They just want rest. Not fearing God, because they have given up on Him years ago, death seems the only way out of this miserable life.

 

The death of Robin Williams is opening the world’s eyes to topics such as mental illness, suicide and depression. There are hundreds of Robin Williams every day who look into the barrel of a gun or fondle a bottle of sleeping pills and wonder. Their minds are toiling with the idea. This is the only option that they see.

 

It hurts to think that the pain some have caused have led families and churches to close their doors and backs to them. They do not feel that they can go back home. And living without God, they do not even consider the Almighty any longer.

 

The homosexual who is estranged from his family. The teenager who got pregnant and left. The addict who stole from family to keep himself supplied. The habitual liar who has ruined relationships. The man who has destroyed his marriage by his affairs. The embezzler. The cheat. The gossip. The sins are deep and destructive. The heartache has been severe. The only option has been to draw a line. When it was crossed, they had to go. This is understood. This is right at the time. This is the best option for all involved. However, that way home must still be allowed. The porch light must remain on. The door to the heart cannot be locked.

 

Our God never gives up on us. The story of the prodigal is not about families, depression or suicide. It is about us coming home to God. We are still loved by God. We are still wanted by God. After all that we have done, He has not given up on us. Broke, ruined and messed up, God is still looking for us. We can go home. We can always go home to God. That is the Gospel message. It is affective upon those who have lost it all. It appeals to those who are without answers. It fits those who are hurting.

 

That’s the message we need to spread. God wants you. God loves you. God hasn’t given up. It is important for God’s people to act that way. Some can’t see God for all the closed hearts standing in front of Him. If God loves, so must we. If God welcomes back, so must we. Through us, the prodigals feel welcome. By us, the prodigals begin that journey home.

 

Can you share this with someone? Is there that person in your family that has spent time with pigs? Understand they are messy, dirty and mistake ridden. They have guilt. They don’t need you to give them more. They see where they went wrong. What they need is love. What they need is to be shown that they are welcome. Will you let them sit beside you in church? Will you let them come home and sit at the table? Hopeless—they need to talk. Helpless—they need support. Broken– they need assurance. Will God forgive them? They wonder that. Are they too far gone for even God to help them? Then want to know. Can they start over? How?

 

Coming to the senses is where all of this begins. They must know that the porch light remains on for them.

 

Roger

 

13

Jump Start # 1165

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1165

2 Corinthians 3:2 “You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men.”

  Yesterday in our Jump Start, I discussed the tragic death of Robin Williams and the subject of mental illness. There is more to be said. This is a delicate topic, a complex topic and one that most congregations shy away from. I think the attitude many have is, “Just go away.” That seems to be the easiest way to deal with mental issues. I’ve seen that attitude expressed. I’ve often wondered, where are they to go to? I don’t find my Savior sending people away.

Our verse today expresses the idea of influence among others. People are layered with connections. There are work relationships, family relationships and friends. Our impact upon one person can impact all these layers. Being cold and heartless has far reaching implications that many never see or realize.

Four more thoughts about mental illness that I didn’t have room for yesterday.

1. One does not have to have mental illness to be able to speak about it. Like I said yesterday, those who have never been down that dark valley may never understand what it is like, yet there is still help, hope and lessons to be learned. I sense among some, that only those who have experienced it can be in the position to say anything. That thought I do not agree with. While some many never know the dark days or what it feels like, there are valuable things that they can say. I encountered a similar thing when I was a young puppy preacher. I was single and gave a lesson about marriage. Man, they blistered me for daring to say anything about marriage. What did I know. Well, then I was married and gave a lesson about parenting. I did that before I had any kids. Again, I got blistered for speaking out on something I had no understanding. That fried my biscuits. I said in a sermon, “I’ve never been to Hell, but I can preach about it.” Does a preacher have to have been drunk in his past before he can speak on that subject? Does one have to taste every sin, every problem to be able say what God reveals? We are preaching His word, not sharing our experiences. No, I have not experienced clinical depression. I’ve never taken medication for mood swings or antidepressants. I don’t know what it feels like to want to stay in bed all day. However, I can see what God told Elijah. I can see what God did with Paul. I can share those wonderful words with others. It’s not my insights, but God’s that I want to share.

 

2. There is a delicate balance between mental illness and behavioral choices. How much will God hold one accountable for is up to God to decide and not you and I. It’s hard to know what is racing through someone’s head. However, this is a big however, it is very easy to use any illness as a cover for wrong choices. “I can’t help it,” may be true. It may also be a mask for laziness, indifference, and other problematic choices. Only the person truly knows. There have been people through the years that just couldn’t make it out to church services, but somehow they could go shopping, golfing and vacationing. We must be careful about others. This point is directed to us internally. I know me. I know why I do what I do. I know when I’m genuine and when I’m putting on a front. I know. God also knows. I can fool others, but I can’t fool God. It doesn’t help my character, my walk with God, nor my influence when I could but I won’t. Laziness doesn’t fly well with God. Read Proverbs. The sluggard is not held in high regards with God. Maybe a guy can’t go to work. I don’t know. I know if I can. When I can and I don’t, that’s a choice. That’s not mental illness. That’s not being responsible. Sometimes people don’t want to do things. Life is like that. Kids don’t want to go to school. Tough. You have to go. Some don’t want to be parents. Tough. Be a parent. Some don’t want to go to work. Too bad. Go. The impression from the Gospels is that Jesus did not want to go to the cross. He prayed for another way. There was no other way. He did what was hard, tough, and He didn’t like. We must do the same. Hiding behind mental illness, when that is not the cause, is wrong.

 

3. In describing homosexuality, Romans says, “women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural.” I find that expression interesting. Did the unnatural behavior also make their mind think unnatural? Or was it an unnatural mind that led to unnatural behavior? God condemned them for what they did. He didn’t get into the “I can’t help it,” or, “It’s natural to me,” nor, “That’s just the way I am.” No, it was sin. It is sin. I don’t understand how someone can think the unnatural is natural. I can’t understand how they think this is normal. Our thinking leads to our behavior. However, with Christ, learning self control and to think rightly, our thoughts do not have to become behavior. Every thought becomes captured in Christ. The Corinthians were told that. The sin of the mind does not have to become the sin of the body. The lust of the mind does not have to be fulfilled in fornication. Change the thinking and the behavior changes. The key is the mind. Renew the mind. Set your mind on things above. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you. Walk by the Spirit. These are not just positive thoughts to stencil on the walls of our homes. This is it. This is the difference. Who you hang around with. What you fill your mind with—the type of music, movies, TV. What you read. All of these things lead us, influences us and leaves an impression upon us. Satan is shifting us to become “unnatural” in all ways. God is influencing us to be righteous and holy. There is a battle taking place in our minds every day. Mental illness affects this and makes this difficult. Will God excuse someone because they “weren’t in their mind?” You and I can’t say. That’s God’s department. As an old preacher once wrote, that’s God’s end of the stick. We are not to whittle on His side of things. Don’t spend time worrying or trying to figure out what we can’t know. Spend our time on ourselves. I know. I know what I can do. I can’t hide my sins behind anything. I need to confess and be honest with myself and with God. My hope is not in excuses but in my Savior.

 

4. Clinical depression and many, many mental illnesses are not something that a person “gets over” like the cold. It is different from being down. There are let downs in life. Monday morning after a vacation can be a real bummer but it’s not a life changer. I’ve had many young preachers ask me if I ever felt like quitting. My standard answer is, “Yes, every Monday. But Tuesday comes and I have to get things done.” So telling a person to “snap out of it,” is similar to telling a blind person to “see.” He can’t. There are things that can help a person manage and even make him functional and productive in life, but it may be a battle he has the rest of his life. Some of us will never know nor understand this. There have been few prayers offered for those who struggle mentally. Maybe it’s about time we started. We sure pray for the physical sick, why not mental illness? I think we are afraid. It’s time to get over that fear and seek Heaven’s help.

 

Robin Williams’ death reminds us that behind the curtain things may look differently. I hope these couple of articles have opened our eyes and our hearts. It would be wonderful for some honest and open discussions about this to begin in our families and congregations. I hope it helps us watch what we say to one another. I hope it helps those who have spent a long time in those dark valleys. God loves you. He always has. Now, it’s our turn to love you and to quit trying to make everyone “Normal.” The only place you find normal is a setting on your dryer. Every family has drama. Every congregation has issues. Everyone of us has good days and bad days. And God loves everyone of us.

 

I must end on this note: several years ago I was preaching in Illinois. There is a town named Normal. Nearby is another town, Oblong. The local paper said, “Normal man marries Oblong woman.”

 

‘Nuff said.

 

Roger

 

 

12

Jump Start # 1164

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1164

Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

 

Along with most of the world, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Robin Williams and even more that his death was from suicide. Such a wonderful talent and the best at what he did. Now behind the curtain we learn of long battles with depression and addictions. This allows us the opportunity to discuss some things that are behind our curtain. We too, can put on a good show and wear masks that hide deeper problems and cover some serious issues. Mental illness is something that has baffled me Biblically for years, and it still does. Aside from King Saul, who seemed to have lost his senses and his mind, while trying to kill David, the subject is not addressed in the Scriptures. Demon possession was not the same thing as mental illness. Demons were real spiritual creatures that were only cast out by a miraculous power. This is not the same thing. There is a hint that the apostle Paul suffered with depression. He wondered if his work with the Galatians was in “vain” or useless. He told the Corinthians that “his flesh had no rest,”  afflicted with conflicts without and fears within. The following verse tells us that God comforts the depressed and he comforted us by the sending of Titus (2 Cor 7:5-6). But this is about it. I know several that have different mental issues. I know preachers that fight depression. The suicide of Robin Williams makes us see how serious mental illness is. Someone who is successful, rich, and adorned by millions, still depressed, and still took his life.

 

Some thoughts for us:

 

1. Depression and mental illness is hard to understand, especially for those who do not have it. This is much deeper and much more serious than just “feeling the blues,” or, “being down” now and then. Depression is a deep and dark valley. It’s hard to understand. It’s hard to understand that some want to stay in bed all day, for several days. These things do not make sense to those who have never walked down that path. Our solutions are shallow and simplistic. Catchy phrases and cheap clichés are not helpful. “Turn your lemons to lemonade” may do wonders for you, it doesn’t help the person who is depressed. “Go to church,” seems logical to most of us, it doesn’t when one is depressed. I find it very difficult to know what to say, do and suggest when it comes to mental illness. It bothers me that too many, even in leadership roles in the church, do not take this seriously. Their insensitive and cold remarks only deepens and worsens the problem. Some feel unwelcomed and unwanted in congregations because of the remarks of others.

 

2. Mental illness is not just a faith issue. Too many who do not understand present it this way. This too only worsens matters. Now, not only does a person and the family have to deal with the depression, but they are looked upon as not being very spiritual. Now some thoughts here.

– some matters are faith connected. Fear, worry, doubt—those are lessened by a greater faith in God.

– there is a place for medication. Some mental issues are a result of chemical imbalances. We don’t have a problem taking medicine when we do not feel well physically, why should it be different mentally. Now, some in the mental health industry, pass out medicine like it was M & M’s. Pills are not the answer for all things. Pills may be necessary to calm nerves, allow some sleep, regulate moods—but pills will not solve problems. The issues that may drive a person to have troubles, will still be there, but now he may be able to face them.

– there is a place for trained help. Bootstrap psychologists, such as most preachers become, can quickly get over their heads and talk about things that they really do not understand when dealing with bipolar disorder and depression. Eating disorders, addictions and complicated mental issues are not quickly solved nor do they go away by simply reading a verse. Some of our preachers need to understand that. Patience, loving hearts and kindness must be the rule. Those that teach need to be kind and find clever ways of working with and encouraging, not discouraging those who because of mental illness want to answer every question, always raise their hands and talk out. Removing them from class is not the right approach.

– for those who do not walk down the dark valley of mental illness, it’s hard to understand why some need medication to get through the day. We don’t understand. So, be kind, as Jesus would.

 

3. Mental illness can take away the will to live. Suicide is hard to understand. Not wanting to live is hard to understand. Elijah wanted to die. He hid in a cave. He was not suicidal. He simply wanted God to do it. He was afraid of Jezebel. Jonah wanted to die. His reasons were different than Elijah. He was disgusted with Nineveh and didn’t want God to forgive them. He was not suicidal either. He wanted God to do it. Job’s wife told him to give up and die. Not sure what all she implied by that. He didn’t listen to her. Among us, in our congregations and in our families, may be those who do not wish to live. Their problems seem greater than they can deal with. Their problems seem greater than God. Hope is slipping away. Their dark doubts dominate them. It’s time to seek help, real help. It’s not a time for finger pointing or “I told you.” Take these things seriously and help others get help. I think some in our fellowship suffer alone because they fear being judged by others if they seek professional help. Shame on us for throwing stones. Life is precious and all avenues of help out to be sought out. There will be some among us who will have all the answers as to what Robin Williams should have done and where he made his mistakes, shame on them, they didn’t even know him. I’m sorry that it happened. It leaves his family with more questions and more guilt. All the tears in the world will not bring him back now. That is the danger of suicide. It’s a one way road. It’s permanent. It doesn’t solve the problems.

 

I hope those among us that are in leadership roles will take a moment and consider their approach to the depressed among them. Learn how to recognize it and consider what the Lord would want you to do.

 

Those of our readers who know what I am talking about, I am sorry. Why is it that some have this and others don’t? I have no answers for that. But as our verse teaches us, I can rejoice when you are rejoicing and I can weep when you are weeping.

 

May the Lord help you. May you continue to follow Him. Realize someday, you will be out of this valley when we are with the Lord. Our issues, problems and illnesses stay here, thankfully! May you not be ashamed to get help, real help. And when brethren say some insensitive things, just smile, if you can, and ask them to pray for you.

 

We shall see the King some day. For that, I am glad.

 

Roger

 

11

Jump Start # 1163

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1163

Jude 4 “For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

    The book of Jude is one of five books in our Bible that has only one chapter. Most of this book characterizes trouble makers who are sent on causing damage among God’s people. Later we are told that these people are “grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering the people for the sake of gaining an advantage” (v. 16). These are not good people. They have an agenda and it’s not God.

Our verse begins this long section by stating that certain ones have “crept in unnoticed.” What an interesting expression. They were subtle. They achieved an entrance and an acceptance. Jude knew and now he was warning the church about them.

 

You won’t find these verses in most devotionals. There isn’t much happy, happy, happy to be found here. Yet, these verses should not be overlooked because of the serious tone that they carry.

 

Consider a few thoughts:

 

1. “Crept in among you,” does not mean that they slipped in the back door or they climbed in through the window of the church building. Remember, back then, there were no church buildings. The creeping in, was not in a building but in a fellowship. They pretended to be Christians. They faked being believers, when they were not. Our verse states that they “deny  our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” You can’t be a Christian and deny Christ. Christian and Christ go together. It means belongs to Christ. How did they accomplish this? Some know the right words to say. Some are good at putting on a show. They were slick. They fooled the church. These “crept in unnoticed.” It didn’t mean that the church didn’t know that they were there, it means the church didn’t recognize their true colors. The church was fooled. They had an agenda that was ungodly. Their purpose was to disrupt and destroy the good that was going on.

 

– You’d think if they didn’t believe, why not just leave the church alone. Do your own thing. Some can’t stand that the church exists, so they set to undermine, destroy and deny all the good that it does. The same happens today. There are some militant and aggressively liberal thinking people that want the church to be outlawed and shut down. Some on the extreme homosexual movement are this way. Some foreign religions are this way. Some extreme evolutionists are this way. They can’t sit still as long as they know the church is in the community. Some things never change.

 

– Some people connect with a congregation but their motives are not genuine. Some have been told that unless you are a member, you cannot marry into the family. So, off they go and find a church to become a member of, however, they don’t believe. They are not interested. They have one intention, get married. They’ve faked their way into the hearts of a family and a church. Much too often, these folks don’t last long, in either the church or the marriage. They soon are off somewhere else. Sad, but they never truly believed.

 

2. How can a congregation know if someone is genuine or if they are playing a game? Generally, their attitude, actions, interests will reveal where their heart is. Jesus said where your treasure is that is where your heart will be. Playing church—it’s pretty easy to see after a while. Folks who play aren’t serious about learning, growing, sharing and becoming. They just want to fill a spot. They don’t volunteer. They don’t show up unless they have to. They don’t participate. They just come and sit. Sometimes they have even fooled themselves. They have convinced themselves that sitting in a church service is better than sitting at the lake fishing. Even though they are zoned out, half asleep, and clueless to anything that is going on, they are satisfied that they are doing good.

 

All of this reminds us that we leave impressions upon others. The way we worship and what we do together, leaves images for others. They see if we are serious or not. They see if we are excited or bored. They notice if we are going through the motions or if God is truly dwelling in our hearts. So this tells us that worship is much more than just between me and God. It’s more than just my praising God and my being thankful and edified. I’m leaving a mark for others to see and follow. Children will notice how their parents worship. My oldest, when he was just a little guy, would come home from services, stand on my brief case, take an old pitch pipe and mimic the song leaders from church. He was watching. Today, he is a fine song leader. People notice.

 

This is how the church somehow missed it in Jude’s day. They didn’t notice that some were ungodly and not believers in Christ. Among them were pretenders. Their hearts were dark and false. The words of Jude are serious and stern. God doesn’t tolerate anyone damaging His people. God’s wrath spills out upon those who do not believe, especially those who deny Christ.

 

Does this call for a “security squad” at church to roam the isle and “notice” others? Jude said they crept in “unnoticed.” No, that’s not the answer. The noticing comes from our interaction and connections with each other. You can quickly tell when one doesn’t want to be a part of the rest. You can see when someone has no interest. The actions of these false people were wicked and ungodly. That isn’t easily hidden. Their sin would find them out and it did.

 

I think about that poor bent over woman in the Gospels who Jesus healed. She was in the synagogue. She had her crippling disease for 18 long years. Yet, she was still worshipping God. I’m sure she had prayed and prayed about her problem. No answer. Not any better. Jesus saw her that day and called her forward. Before the audience, Jesus healed her. I wonder how many in that audience never really saw her. She had been there often. There are people just like her in every church. Some are bent with health problems. Some are bent with family troubles. For others, they are crippled financially. Others are weighed down with stress and worry. Week after week, we worship with this folks, but do we NOTICE?

 

The false people crept in unnoticed. We may have people among us who need us, but they are unnoticed. We are so busy with ourselves that we do not see others. We are busy with friends that we do not have time. Could it be a visitor who took a chance and showed up one Sunday? Did anyone notice? Could it be a person who has been away for a long time and one Sunday they show up? Did anyone notice? Could it be a person who is struggling with addiction? Do we notice?

 

It’s easy to blame Jude’s people for not noticing, but I tend to think we all have that problem. It’s hard to have eyes like Jesus. He saw. He cared. He did things. Too often we walk right past opportunity.

 

After Jude’s words, there would be no more creeping in. The folks would be ready now. They understood. Calling yourself a Christian doesn’t make you one. It’s what’s in your heart and what you do.

 

One final thought, there won’t be any creeping into Heaven either. We’ll be ushered in by Christ because of His grace and our faith. There’s no back door. There’s no slipping Peter a few bills to get you in. Those vain and dumb ideas do not deserve serious thought. They are not Biblical nor fit in with the concept of being a Christian.

 

Someday we will be there. Won’t that be great!

 

Roger