Barbara's Banter

The Abundant Life: Riches money can’t buy…

The abundant life knows that change is hard. In fact, just mention the word “change” and an automatic resistance shield springs up around most of us.

Yes, change can be hard. Yet, change is inevitable—in our families, our homes, our communities, our world, our church, and everywhere. It’s been said that the only constant in life is change. Some changes are beyond our control and thrust upon us. Some changes we may have to accept. Others we must choose.

Change can be a friend or a foe, but it’s never easy. The Russian empress Catherine the Great described the changing times of the eighteenth century this way: “A great wind is blowing and that gives you either imagination or a headache.” Not much has changed regarding our reaction to change since then. We don’t like it. We struggle with it. We resist it. We fear it. However, as things around us change, we must adapt or make changes as well. Sometimes our survival depends on our ability to change.

When the Israelites faced the prospect of entering Canaan, they sent scouts out to take a look at this land God had promised them—a land “flowing with milk and honey.” Indeed, the land was all God said it would be. (Numbers 13:27) However, they perceived those inhabiting this land as much stronger than they were. (Numbers 13:31-33) So instead of going forward with God’s blessings, the majority wanted to return to Egypt where they had been enslaved. (Numbers 14:1-4) They would have preferred something familiar no matter how bad it was, rather than moving forward into the unknown.

Many of us are like that when faced with a significant change. Since we can’t be certain of the outcome, we back away. Some of us would prefer to just live in pain or be unhappy instead of stepping out in faith. However, if we want things to be different, we cannot remain the same. We either choose to act in faith or react in fear.

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a strong mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) The spirit He gives us has the ability to make changes when needed. Positive changes can mean growth. Those unwilling to change can become stagnant, lifeless, and lethargic.  

Many think that if they change it means what they’ve done in the past was all wrong. The past doesn’t have to be put in a negative context. After all, the past was a stepping stone to the future. Let’s face it, what we did fifty years ago may have worked well then, but times change. Circumstances change.

This is very evident in presenting the gospel message to others. The message is the same because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), but how we present it to others may need to adapt with the times.

Those living the abundant life know that if they don’t like what they are getting out of life, they must change what they are giving. In other words, they strive to be the change they want to see in others.

*****

“…I have come that they may have life and that they

may have it more abundantly.” ~John 10:10 (KJV)

The Abundant Life: Riches money can’t buy…

The abundant life knows that life is unpredictable. You can’t control life. However, you can control your reaction to it. That’s what the first part of the serenity prayer is all about. It says, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…”

This kind of serenity is not complacency. The prayer goes on to ask God for “courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” This serenity is what helps us deal with those “it is what it is” circumstances in our lives—those situations you can do nothing about.

For example, let’s say you are seated in a restaurant. When they bring the menu, there are no prices listed. You are too embarrassed to ask what the items cost or leave, so you order. Then the bill comes. It is what it is, so you pay it.  

Let’s say you have car trouble in a remote town. There is only one lone gas station and you need your car fixed. Then the bill comes. It is what it is, so you pay it.

Life is full of “it is what it is” moments. Some are inconveniences. Your child gets sick at school and you have to leave the big meeting to go get him. You have a really, really bad hair day. Your car won’t start, so you are late. It is what it is, so you deal with it.  

Some circumstances are very unfair. You do the work but your superior takes the credit. Your spouse has found someone younger and more attractive, so asks for a divorce. You are the victim of unwarranted gossip. It is what it is, so you cope.

Other things may be unfair but you get the benefit. You get the promotion when the other guy should have gotten it. You survive the accident when you should have died. The cop didn’t give you a ticket even though you were speeding. It is what it is, so you rejoice!

Much of life is a mystery. We don’t know what will come next all the time. It is what it is! I think God planned it that way. If we knew everything, we wouldn’t need faith. We don’t know what tomorrow holds. It is what it is! Fortunately, we know who holds tomorrow and God can see us through whatever lies ahead, if we let Him.

Those living the abundant life know that the great “I AM” (John 8:58) can help us make it through any “it is what it is” situations that come our way! They ask God to grant them the serenity to accept things they cannot change.

*****

“…I have come that they may have life and that they

may have it more abundantly.” ~John 10:10 (KJV)

The Abundant Life: Riches money can’t buy…

The abundant life endeavors to master the art of knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. They strive to control their tongues, rather than letting their tongues control them.

Words are powerful tools. They can calm, cheer, and encourage. (Proverbs 12:25) They can also destroy. (Proverbs 18:21) Maybe that’s why David asked God to set a guard over his mouth. (Psalm 141:3)

What we say matters! Even if we apologize for making careless statements to or about others, that does not erase what was said. We cannot strike it from the record or take it back, because people will remember it even if we really didn’t mean it. Spoken words don’t just dissolve into thin air. They live on.

Lawyers know this. Many times they will ask an objectionable question knowing the judge will not allow it. The judge will strike it from the record and instruct the jury not to give it any credibility when rendering a decision, but it will be too late. Lawyers know the jury will remember what is said. They are counting on it because what is said lingers in a person’s mind. Words have a life of their own.

No wonder the Bible speaks about taming our tongues. (James 3) Both David and James use the metaphor of bridling our tongues. (Psalms 39:1, James 1:26) A bridle is a leather harness and bit placed in a horse’s mouth to control it. That might seem a bit drastic to us, but in all honesty some of us could benefit from a built in muzzle that clamps over our mouths when we are about to say something we are going to regret.

As Christians we know the biblical admonitions about not having a flattering tongue (Psalm 5:9), a haughty tongue (Psalm 12:2-4), a lying tongue (Proverbs 25:18), a backbiting tongue (Proverbs 25:23), a tale bearers tongue (Proverbs 18:8), a cursing tongue (Romans 3:13, 14), or a sharp tongue (Proverbs 12:18).

Solomon said to weigh our words carefully. (Ecclesiastes 5:2, 3) James said to think before we speak. (James 1:19) Jesus said what goes into our mouths is not as important as what we say. (Matthew 15:11)

Careless, thoughtless words can be poisonous. (James 3:8) Heartfelt words spoken with kindness, consideration, and love are beautiful. (Proverbs 25:11) Those living the abundant life know this, so they try very hard to tame their tongues.

*****

“…I have come that they may have life and that they

may have it more abundantly.” ~John 10:10 (KJV)

The Abundant Life: Riches money can’t buy…

The abundant life recognizes priceless treasures.

Priceless treasures are so valuable that you would never want to part with them. That doesn’t mean they are costly or expensive. Most of us think of what something is worth in terms of money, or perhaps gold and silver. Those living the abundance life know that priceless treasures cannot be bought or sold. They are too precious.

When Mother’s Day comes around I think about when we had our first child over fifty years ago. My father-in-law gave me a poem which he lovingly hand wrote as a keepsake. It was by that famous author, Anonymous. I memorized the first two lines.

“Some have silver and some have gold,

But you have a child in your arms to hold.”

Each stanza describes those who have land, power, riches, pride, or fame. But how can those things compare to a child’s smile, embrace, footsteps, first words, or kiss? That poem has provided me with an inner compass. When our other two children were born I would reread it just to keep perspective of what is most important in life. I did the same thing when the grandkids arrived.

Who hasn’t longed for a wealth and riches? Who hasn’t longed to be able to afford expensive works of art? Having traveled a bit, I’ve been dazzled by Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lilies, and Whistler’s Portrait of the Painter’s Mother. I’ve marveled at Michelangelo’s Statue of David, the Greek Venus de Milo, and Rodin’s The Thinker. I’ve been a guest in homes so lavish and pristine you were afraid to breathe, much less sit down. And I can say without hesitation that none of these can compare to my own assortment of priceless treasures which have taken me years to accumulate.

My cherished collection includes but is not limited to the following:

• Carnations made out of pink Kleenex tissues
• A hanging wall letter holder made from paper plates
• Popsicle framed pictures
• A teabag taped to a picture of a teapot
• A jewelry box made from macaroni glued to a cigar box and spray painted gold
• Abstract (and I do mean abstract) works of art
• Family collages of pictures pasted on construction paper
• Handmade greeting cards with original poems beginning with “Roses are red and violets are blue”
• Awards with “World’s Greatest Mom” written in crayon
• Colorful potholders made from material scraps
• A cutting board made in shop class
• Message holders made from clothespins
• Paper weights made from painted rocks
• Plaster of paris foot prints
• Coupons that say, “I will take out the trash” or “I will clean my room.”
• A child’s handprint accompanied by a poem about children leaving fingerprints everywhere in a home

It’s taken years to acquire these priceless treasures. And even more priceless yet were the “little treasures” who presented them to me, because as the last stanza of my poem explains…

“What matter then if wealth we miss?

For what is gold compared to this?”

Yes, those living the abundant life know the difference between money and priceless treasures.

*****

“…I have come that they may have life and that they

may have it more abundantly.” ~John 10:10 (KJV)

The Abundant Life: Riches money can’t buy…

The abundant life knows how to be still and surrender to God

We are in such a hurry, always going here and there, always doing this and that. But constant activity does not equal productivity or progress. A hamster can constantly run on a wheel but he’s not really getting anywhere, is he? Let’s face it… some of us are never “still” long enough to give God a chance to work in our lives.

God tells us, “Be still and know I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) The Hebrew word here for still is “raphe” which means to be weak, let go, or release. It actually means to surrender our will to God’s. 

I think this is the kind of stillness Jesus had when He remained silent as men reviled Him and when He died on the cross. He had the power to bring everyone to their knees. He could have brought fire down from heaven to consume them. Yet, he remained silent, allowing them to say and do their worst. He had surrendered His will to His Father.

This kind of stillness gives God the opportunity to work for us and fight our battles. We don’t need to vindicate ourselves, seek revenge, or plot how to bring others down who do us wrong. We can surrender our will to God’s and let Him provide the answers.

If we read all of Psalm 46, we see that God is our refuge, strength, and our present help in time of trouble. God takes care of and defends His people. So when verse 10 says, “Be still and know that I am God” in a way it is also telling us to stop struggling and surrender ourselves to God who is our refuge and strength. God has it all under control. We need to “let-go” of our worries and “let-God” do His thing!

That’s basically what Moses told the children of Israel to do. “Fear not, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” (Exodus 14:13) Then God parted the waters, killed the Egyptians, and delivered them from their enemy.

Those living the abundant life know that it’s difficult to see the salvation of the Lord if we never take the time to be still and look for it.

*****

“…I have come that they may have life and that they

may have it more abundantly.” ~John 10:10 (KJV)

The Abundant Life: Riches money can’t buy…

The abundant life does not try to control people.  

If we are truthful, we would like to control people. In fact, we would like to control every situation and outcome. We just like to be in control, don’t we? After all, we think we know what is best. We might not actually say that out loud but secretly that’s what most of us believe. Of course, we know controlling everything is not realistic, but that doesn’t stop us from trying.

Many don’t realize that the concept of control is an illusion. So much of life cannot be controlled. We can’t control the past or the future. We can’t control the weather or natural disasters. We can’t control time. Just ask those of us who are aging and we will tell you that time marches on—and usually all over our bodies. We can’t control cats. Well, you can try but most cats will do what they want to do, much like people. Speaking of people, you can’t control them either.  

People will think what they want to think, like what they want to like, believe what they want to believe, and treat you how they want to treat you. You can’t control their motives. You can’t control their actions because they will do what they want to do. We just can’t control or change others no matter how hard we try.

However, we can try to control ourselves. Believe it or not, the positive changes we make in our own lives can have a beneficial effect on those around us. There is an old adage that says: Be the change you want to see in others.

We can control our thoughts and mindset. (2 Corinthians 10:5) We can control how we treat others. (Matthew 7:12) We can offer forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:32) We can practice what we preach. (James 1:22) We can be a light in a darkened world. (Matthew 5:16) We can express thanks. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) We can choose to react with kindness instead of anger. (Romans 12:17-20) Yes, we can do this and so much more with God’s help.

In fact, this is what God wants us to “put out” into the world. I’ve heard it said that we control the output, but God controls the outcome. God can take what we do and use it for His glory.

Those living the abundant life know that they cannot control others. So they let go of their preconceived ideas of what is best for everyone, and place people into God’s loving hands. 

*****

“…I have come that they may have life and that they

may have it more abundantly.” ~John 10:10 (KJV)

The Abundant Life: Riches money can’t buy…

The abundant life works well with others. This is done by looking for ways to edify or build others up, not by cutting them down in order to look or feel superior.   

Edify is an interesting word. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages us to edify one another. In this passage, the Greek word for edify is “oikodomeo” and technically it means to build up. This does not mean false flattery. Edify means to enlighten or improve. The advantage of building others up is that we become a stepping stone to a good result, not a stumbling block.

1 Corinthians 8:1 tells us that knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. When dealing with others, it is better to take a loving approach which is reflected in what we do or say. Situations are enhanced or improved because others are willing to listen. People rarely listen to those who think they know it all or think they are better than others.

Romans 14:19 (NLT) says we should aim for harmony and try to build each other up. Having a spirit of harmony is another way of saying we should strive to work well with others. This is not accomplished by being overly critical, but by letting others know they are valued and appreciated. Listening to what others have to say has a validating effect.

Edifiers foster a feeling of cooperation. Although they may be the team leader, they have the ability to be a team player as well. They won’t ask others to do what they aren’t willing to do themselves. They treat others with the same kind of dignity and respect they wish to receive. They realize that putting others down never eases a situation. Better to say something that will help, rather than hurt. Admonition does not have to leave someone devastated.

When we were youngsters, we would receive evaluations from our teachers. Some comments might say, “Little Johnny plays well with others” or perhaps “Little Johnny does not play well with others.” If little Johnny did not learn to play well with others then, he might not know how to work well with others now—because the same basic principles apply.  

Those living the abundant life have learned how to play and work well with others. They know how to bring out the best in another person, so everyone can benefit.  

*****

“…I have come that they may have life and that they

may have it more abundantly.” ~John 10:10 (KJV)

The Abundant Life: Riches money can’t buy…

The abundant life knows that Jesus is enough.  

We live in a world where nothing is ever enough. We are bombarded with subliminal messages letting us know we aren’t rich enough, thin enough, smart enough, successful enough, happy enough, or good enough. In the eyes of the world, we will never measure up because we will never be enough!

That’s the bad news! The good news is we don’t have to be enough because we have Jesus.

We learn from the story of the widow giving just a tiny donation, that it was enough once placed in Jesus’s hands. It was valued more than what wealthy people gave. (Luke 21:1-4) We learn from the story of the two loaves and five fishes which couldn’t have possibly fed the multitude. Yet, it was more than enough in Jesus’s hands. (Matthew 14:15-21)

Jesus is enough. He is the bread of life. (John 6:35) He is the living water. (John 4:13-14) He is the strength of our hearts. (Psalm 73:25-26) He is love. (1 John 4:8)

This message of not being good enough even carries over into the Christian community. I remember when my grandfather became ill. He was a gentle man who became a Christian at a young age. He was a deacon in a little country Baptist church where he taught Sunday School for decades. He helped neighbors and strangers alike, and never said one unkind thing about anyone. He had an exemplary reputation and was affectionately called “Uncle Doug” by all who knew him. At his funeral, I heard not one but several people say, “Well if Uncle Doug doesn’t make it to heaven, there is no chance for the rest of us.”

They would be surprised to know that when I spent a week with my grandfather while he was in the hospital, I came into his room and found him crying. I asked what I could get for him. What did he need? Did he need pain medication? No—he was crying because he felt like he was a sinner. He hadn’t done enough for God. He wasn’t good enough to meet his Maker. He was concerned that he would not make it to heaven.

He was right about a couple of things. We are all sinners. We will never be able to do enough for God. However, he was wrong thinking he wouldn’t make it to heaven. What he didn’t fully grasp is that’s it’s not our goodness that gets us to heaven. It’s God’s greatness. When Jesus lives in us, He is enough. (Galatians 2:20) 

Those living the abundant life don’t weigh themselves down trying to earn God’s love. They realize God’s love is freely given. (Romans 5:8) After all, if we could be good enough on our own, we wouldn’t need Jesus.

*****

“…I have come that they may have life and that they

may have it more abundantly.” ~John 10:10 (KJV)

The Abundant Life: Riches money can’t buy…

The abundant life will sometimes embrace illogical thought.

Most of us are logical thinkers capable of reasoning in a cogent way, but the abundant life realizes not everything beautiful or miraculous is logical. It isn’t really logical to mix the colors blue and green, yet there is no other way to see purple. It isn’t logical to think the smaller guy will win the battle, yet David killed Goliath. And I won’t even approach the logic of whom we choose to love.

Today is Easter Sunday, a time when we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ and one of the few times a year some people come to church. One has to wonder how they would even know which Sunday they should come to church since the date of Easter changes from year to year, which is not logical. 

Plus, the history of Easter is a bit confusing. No one knows the exact date of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, but scriptures tell us it was near the Jewish Passover. Therefore, Easter used to be a local custom celebrated around that time of year. As with all things pertaining to Christ, this became controversial because Christians were not all celebrating on the same day. So in 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea decided a specific day should be set aside for this observance. Eventually it was decided Easter would be on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox. Hmm? Even when people try to simplify something, it’s complex.  

Further complications abound today. For example, the East and the West observe Easter on separate dates because one uses the Julian calendar and the other uses the Gregorian calendar. I won’t get into the differences between the two because it would take too long, but suffice it to say it involves Julius Caesar, Pope Gregory the Thirteenth, plus 10 to 12 skipped days here and there when their calendars were instituted. Oh yes, and let’s not forget that both the Julian and Gregorian calendars follow the cycle of the sun and seasons, but Easter is calculated by following cycles of the moon (lunar).

Then the name itself is unusual when you think about it. The word “Easter” really has nothing to do with Christ’s resurrection no matter how hard we try to make it say that it does. Add to this an Easter bunny who brings candy and parents who hide decorated hard boiled eggs. I guess it’s a miracle we can focus on what the day is supposed to commemorate. It’s all so illogical!

However, in spite of all these distractions, the message of Christ being crucified, raised from the dead, and living will not be muddled. Pulpits across the world will proclaim this good news and many who only come to church this one day a year will hear it—and their lives will be more abundant because they do!

*****

“…I have come that they may have life and that they

may have it more abundantly.” ~John 10:10 (KJV)

The Abundant Life: Riches money can’t buy…

The abundant life enjoys all our seasons, especially spring.  

Spring has begun. During spring, the trees start budding, the flowers start blooming, and the birds start singing.

When I hear the birds sing I often remember a spring when our daughter Sherisa was four and we were living in Kentucky. We had church services in a rustic building located in a wooded area. One day when we came out of church, she lifted her hands towards heaven, twirled around slowly, and said, “The birds, the birds! Listen to the birds.” Actually, it sounded more like, “The boirds, the boirds! Listen to the boirds!” What a precious, sweet spring moment to savor!

Spring isn’t a season you want to rush through. I guess after being cooped up all winter, the tendency is to rush out and do things. Sometimes when you rush into things, you miss so much! It’s nice to slow down and reflect a bit. Spring is a wonderful time for reflection.

With spring comes a message of rebirth, renewal, and hope. We see dormant flowers start to bloom and trees budding with new growth. We hear birds singing and see more people walking in the mornings. It’s as if the whole world comes back to life.

Is it any wonder God chose this time of year for the resurrection of Jesus Christ? People witnessed his crucifixion and death. Many thought what He stood for was all gone. Yet, He rose from the grave and came to life. (1 Peter 1:3) Of course, everyday is a day to celebrate Jesus! But the rebirth of spring is a gentle reminder of one of the reasons we do.

Those who live the abundant life know this, so they slow down a bit and savor the spring season.    

*****

“…I have come that they may have life and that they

may have it more abundantly.” ~John 10:10 (KJV)