Pastor Essays

HAVE A LITTLE FAITH by sports writer and movie producer Mitch Ablom is a true story and a moving and inspiring book. Ostensibly about a Rabbi and a Pastor, it is really about life and joy. You can read it in 3 hours. I couldn’t put it down. It really made me think. Do read it! You will be rewarded! The book sent me to introspection and filled my heart with the loving possibilities open to us all. And, it stimulated me to remember such important truths as:

1. You never know the burdens and stresses the other person endures. You cannot perceive the world as he/she does.

2. People CAN change. “Conversion” can be real and VERY positive. Some have gone from “criminal” to “saint.”

3. Be forgiving of other’s and your own faults.

4. Be generous. Help others. There is truth in the “law of Karma” as stated by Jesus: “As you sow, so shall you reap.”

5, Don’t be easily offended. Grievance takes precious energy and thought that would be better spent on constructive things.

6. Practice courtesy and kindness.

7. Develop a wider vision. There are huge considerations in God’s great world, and they all impinge on our lives directly and/or indirectly. Everything and everyone are related.

7. A church is a community; an extended family. In Roman Catholic terminology the organization and corporation
are “accident.” The “organism”—the community—is the “essence.” That is to say that, for legal reasons, we have to the “outward and visible” form (a corporation), but, our reality is the “inward and invisible” spiritual realities of friendship, service, vision, purpose, & more.

In these next few weeks, I hope to show that the “10 Commandments” are not only “dressed” in ancient thought forms and conditioned by an ancient culture, but also express valuable truth that knows no limits of time, place and culture. They contain that which empowers us to live more successful and more fruitful lives. To do that helps bring peace, prosperity, health and accord to our world.

July 9, 2011
Today,  a popular approach to parenting involves near constant monitoring in a well intentioned attempt to avoid the pitfalls and discomforts  of life.   Disappointment causes unhappiness and helicopter parents want happy children.   In order to avert risky and difficult situations,  such parents allow only well supervised play, write school papers and avoid true athletic competition.   In the bubble of happiness, there are trophies for everyone.

Jesus didn’t grow up in a bubble. As soon as Mary learns about her pregnancy,  she heads off on a 100 mile journey in the summer heat to visit her cousin Elizabeth.  It’s to Bethlehem at month nine and, only days after childbirth, the dangerous trek to Egypt. All we know about  Jesus’ childhood is that his parents travelled, once a year  to Jerusalem and, at 12 he joined the entourage.  “As they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind….. and Joseph and his mother knew not of it “. They found him “three days later” amidst religious teachers and were “amazed by his wisdom,  asking only why did you do this?” To raise such an exceptionally learned child, Mary and Joseph obviously didn’t hover but had to have demanded  hard work and excellence.

The next biblical insight to parenting is at the wedding in Cana when Mary asked Jesus to solve a problem by turning water into wine. She pushes him beyond his comfort level, which he’s clearly not happy about. Hey mom, it’s not my time.  But Mary pays no heed, ordering the servants to go to Jesus and do whatever he says. Not surprisingly, they do and he does, perhaps even amazing himself with miracle #1.

Gabriel told Mary at the onset that her child would be great, a reigning king for all  time.   If ever there was reason to protect a kid, that would surely be it.  Mary did not succumb.  She let her son find his own passion, focusing on helping him  reach his potential no matter what the cost. Had she not let him fall down, get lost, take risk,  it is doubtful he would have had the strength and courage to get up again and again and again on his way to Calvary.

July, 31, 2011
Many of us are saddened and some of us are angry about the present partisanship in Washington. The strife there may well have shaken the world’s financial foundation.  The significance of the various possible outcomes is in dispute.   But, many economists state that the matter is VERY significant and could have large economic consequences for us ALL.    It is quite possible that there are a variety of viewpoints on this cluster of issues within our own spiritual family of Pilgrim Chapel.   In fact, I’d be very surprised if we all had the same psychological makeup, the same education, the same set of experiences, and the same views.   But, our own perspectives shared with one another can benefit us all.

There is, in the controversy, some ancillary matters that are of great importance to a Christian community.    It is important that we be respectful of one another’s views.   It is important that we deal courteously with others.    It is important that we be honest and open to one another.   It is important that we strive to be thoughtful and responsible Christian citizens who respond to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit.

I strongly believe that God is honored when we share—openly, courteously and respectfully—our own views on important concerns with others.   Let it be stipulated that none of us can EVER know ALL the facts.   Hence, no matter our feeling of certainty, there is always a possibility of some error in our thinking.   Hence, there is every reason for personal humility, and openness to learning from one another.    EVERY person here today knows SOMETHING that would be of value to every other person here, if he/she knew that “something.”

Writing Mini-Essay forces the writer to think and to express the thoughts in a compact space.   It would be WONDERFUL if YOU—and every other “Pilgrim” would write for this space a mini-essay.