As those three items – and a load of others – bombard us over the next six-plus weeks, I resolve (and challenge you) to remember:

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us … And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”

John 1:14, 16 ESV

Check it out if you can – it’s a great film that  documents Pelosi’s “travels across the U.S. to attend naturalization ceremonies in all 50 states and meets brand-new citizens to find out why they chose America as their home.”

I’ll admit – I did get choked up a few times…  It made me feel thankful and proud to be an American and was a great reminder of how much we take for granted as native-born citizens:

“Many people would wish to be an animal in the United States.”

- Hazeem Taee, Iraq

Preview:

[YouTube]

Maybe I’m just getting old, but  for some reason it really bugs me when a 5 or 6 year old uses the word “hella” in a sentence…

…or, maybe it’s just me.

Come and listen to a story, ‘bout a gal named Sue
Church volunteer – amateur singer, too
The crowds and the judges were doubtful of her skill
She reminded all you can’t prejudge – although we prob’ly will
(Forgive us, Lord. It’s sin. We know.)

AND

Come and listen to a story, ‘bout Carrie Prejean
Christian first, then model…beauty queen!
The crowds and the judges were sure of her skill
Till she showed integrity – now it’s all ill will
(I wonder Lord, would I have done the same? Hopefully, that is,
through the p’wer of Your Spirit!)

Wow…in the space of two weeks, two confident women – with differing public reactions.

I blogged about Susan Boyle last week – one of the main points being that people often base their belief in Christ by His appearance through me and you. What a profound and pressure-filled thought…someone may accept or reject even considering Christ because of my actions (or lake thereof), good and bad.

The Apostle Paul writes:

“Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.”
Colossians 3:17

With Carrie Prejean (Miss California and 2009 Miss USA runner-up), we see somewhat the opposite from Susan Boyle. We see someone who is appealing and beautiful in the world’s eyes; but, when she stated her belief on a controversial issue, was vilified by people (starting with one and quickly spreading…).

No mater how someone feels about a topic, you would think that we would choose to intelligently and respectfully discuss and converse about the topic/issue. I am thinking of both sides of the particular issue that caused the uproar with Prejean – gay Marriage.  I’ve seen poor behavior all around – God forgive us. In reality, I don’t think people will come to a “happy medium” on the issue of gay marriage. People are passionate about their opinions on both sides – some with perceived rights, some with the authority of scripture behind them.

I don’t know Prejean or anything about her other than reading her Wikipedia page – our only connections would be that we live in the same state and; it would appear, share the same Lord and Savior and belief in marriage.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I am teaching a Sunday school class this quarter on Francis Chan’s book, Crazy Love. This past week’s chapter was called “Profile of the Lukewarm” – a deep chapter that described a lukewarm person – not based on Francis Chan’s opinion, but based solely the authority of God’s Word. One of the characteristics that was listed was how lukewarm people “tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They want to fit in at church and outside church. They care more about what people think than what God thinks.”

So this is what God thinks:

“I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” Revelation 3:1

Reflecting on Carrie Prejean’s choice and example, I pray that I/we would make brave and integrity-laden choices when faced with similar situations. Just think, we follow in Christ’s footsteps when we do.

Chalk up two for the ladies – thanks for great lessons Susan and Carrie!

x

Ponder this:

Father, make of me a crisis man. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me. – Jim Elliot, Missionary

The obvious lesson here is how we judge by appearances – all of us. Whether we are willing to admit it or not, we do it. We know it’s wrong and unfair, but it’s a natural reaction…

In an interview with the Washington Post, Boyle said it all to well:

“Modern society is too quick to judge people on their appearances. … There is not much you can do about it; it is the way they think; it is the way they are. But maybe this could teach them a lesson, or set an example.”

That’s the obvious take away…I have two other observations:

First, can you imagine what it would have been like if people based their belief in Jesus solely on his looks during his life on earth?

We don’t have any actual images of Jesus and The Bible never gives any physical description of Him. The closest we have is found in Isaiah 53:2, “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.” So basically, we can surmise that Jesus’ appearance was just like any other man’s – quite ordinary-looking. We can probably surmise other things, based how people from that region look, on his profession as a carpenter, and the fact that he probably traveled by foot a lot (he would have had to have been somewhat fit). Jesus established his credibility and authority with miracles and by speaking with an authority that had not been seen or heard…not with his looks.

Ponder this: two thousand years later, people base their belief on His appearance – His appearance through me and you. What a profound and pressure-filled thought…someone may accept or reject even considering Christ because of my actions (or lake thereof). “Let every detail in your lives-words, actions, whatever-be done in the name of the Master, Jesus,…” Col 3:17 [MSG] I guess if one is a “secret agent” follower of Christ (which is an oxymoron) you may be able to get by; but, if one is truly living a genuine and dependent life of worship, people will see Jesus in us and possibly make a decision to reject, consider, or believe.

It’s a lot of pressure, but nothing new to followers of Christ!

Second, it’s sad how we let our desire for acceptance influence our actions and image of ourselves – especially in light of how God sees us.

So I am not talking about talent and skill – some of us have them in certain areas and some don’t…that was obvious from Susan Boyle’s experience. I am talking about self image and letting what others think suppress our actions.

There are a ton of self-help books and resources out there that seek to build self confidence and image – they are great tools and serve a purpose. My point here is that even before we turn to those resources, we forget the basic and best resource: the fact that God formed us, loves us, and sees us as beautiful! It’s more than a game show with fantastic prizes – it’s the unconditional acceptance and love of the creator of the entire universe! In the words of MC Hammer, the world “…Can’t Touch This”!

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Psalm 139: 13-15

Simon…all the “judges” in our lives…”U Can’t Touch This!”

WORD!

x

The choruses in two favorite songs speak to this – one from The David Crowder Band and the other from Tommy Walker:

Everything Glorious
David Crowder

You make ev’rything glorious
You make ev’rything glorious
You make ev’rything glorious
And I am Yours
What does that make me?

He Knows My Name
Tommy Walker

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call
He hears me when I call

x

Amen & Peace out!