Above reproach
When Paul wrote to his friend and disciple Timothy, he said that overseers must be “above reproach.” When he wrote to Titus, Paul also said that elders should be “above reproach” (although he uses a different adjective than the one he used when writing to Timothy).
Lately, I’ve been thinking about this little adjective “above reproach.” What does it mean? How is someone “above reproach” or not? How do we know if someone is “above reproach”?
(It might also be interesting to notice that widows are to be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 5:7) and Timothy was to be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 6:14).)
I had always thought of “above reproach” like this: a person who has such a good reputation with people that if anyone were to accuse him or her of something (and he or she didn’t do it) the people who truly know him or her would know it is a lie.
But, the problem is, this really doesn’t fit with Paul (or perhaps to Jesus either). Paul was accused to several things. Some people who knew Paul believed the accusations; some people who knew Paul did not believe the accusations. So, was Paul “above reproach”?
What do you think? What does it mean to be “above reproach” and how do we rec0gnize when someone is “above reproach”?
Self Portrait
My daughter, Miranda, loves photography. For Christmas, she was given a very nice DSLR camera. Last week, she started taking photography classes from a local photographer.
Her first assignment is to take a self portrait. But, here’s the catch: she can’t be in the self portrait. So, she has to take a picture of something that represents her. She decided to put together several items that are important to her, and take a picture of that.
Her assignment started wheels turning in my head. What would I include in a self portrait of me? What items best represent who I am?
Well, this is really tough. There are items that I would want to include, like Scripture, and maybe a picture of my family and friends. Other items like books and computers are a big part of my life. Perhaps I could include some of my favorite foods: Thai, Ethiopian, Steak. I would want to include something that represents my concern for the least and lost of this world.
Then, I started thinking, I wonder if my family, my friends, and other people who live with me believe that they are important to me… Would they agree that they should be in a picture that best represents me?
I don’t know… food for thought, I guess.
But, what about you? If you had to take a self portrait that didn’t include you, what items would you include in the portrait that best represent who you are?
Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco, disciples!
As I mentioned last week, my friend Danny came to visit us last weekend. We were able to spend Saturday afternoon and evening and Sunday morning and afternoon with him. Also, since Danny and I went to Ethiopia together, we decided to take Danny to an Ethiopian restaurant in Raleigh.
Several days before our trip to the Ethiopian restaurant, I decided to brush up on my Amharic words and phrases. While doing that, I found the journal that I took with me to Ethiopia, and I read through it. I had written down something that happened while we were there that I have not shared on my blog… until now.
Often, while we were sitting around with our Ethiopian friends, they would be teaching us Amharic words and phrases. Once, while comparing languages, I started teaching Nigussie (my primary translator) how to count to five in Spanish. I would say, “Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco,” and Nigussie would repeat. We did this over and over again until he knew how to count to five in Spanish.
About that time, our host’s seven year old daughter, Rani, came into the room. (Rani is in the picture above between Danny and her brother Tacu.) Rani heard Nigussie counting in Spanish and ran over to him. She asked what he was doing, and when he explained, she said that she wanted to learn also. So, Nigussie began to teach Rani how to count to five in Spanish. Yes, Nigussie had just learned to count to five in Spanish, but he was now teaching Rani.
Rani was a quick learner. She learned to count to five in Spanish very quickly. Once she could remember the words, she ran over to one of her friends and immediately began to teach her how to count to five in Spanish. It had been less than 10 minutes since I started teaching Nigussie, but we were already seeing a second generation disciple teaching a third generation disciple.
When Rani’s friend learned to count to five, she turned to Rani and asked, “So, how do you say six, seven, eight, nine, and ten?” (Of course, Rani’s friend asked this in Amharic.) Rani thought for a second, then ran back to Nigussie, and asked him how to count from six to ten in Spanish. Then, Nigussie turned to me, and I began to teach him the numbers, “Seis, siete, ocho, nueve, diez.”
Think about this story for a moment. Can you see how this applies to discipleship? Can you see how quickly someone can both learn how to live for Christ and to help others live for Christ in this manner?
The first generation disciple (Nigussie) did not wait until he knew everything before he started discipling someone else (Rani). Then the second generation disciple (Rani) immediate began to train another disciple (her friend).
Also, I thought it was interesting that the desire for more discipleship did not come from the original disciple (me). Instead, it came from one of the new disciples.
What do you think about this story and its illustration of discipleship?
Living Sent
Dave Black pointed us to an old post by Jonathan Grubbs. On his blog, Jonathan answers “An Honest Question about ‘House Church.’”
What question? Well, apparently a friend asked him on Twitter, “How does a house church not grow into a “Sunday morning church” so to speak?”
Jonathan explains how he answered that question in 4 “tweets.” Then he adds a few more sentences of explanation. (You can read the entire “answer” in his post.
Then, Jonathan adds this final paragraph:
But, I have also learned that God has commanded us to make disciples as we are going and “living sent” in the world that God put is in. I have learned that God can work through us much better when we are learning to “be the light” in the darkness, instead of only gathering to shine our lights with other lights. I think the key to not growing into a “Sunday morning church” as the original question is asking is for us to be very intentional about being outward focused and multiplying and not inward focused and simply growing in numbers.
As many of my readers know, I am not part of a “house church,” although I would say that we exhibit traits that are often used to describe simple or organic churches.
However, I think Jonathan’s description of “living sent” is important for all of Jesus’ followers to consider. In fact, I really like the idea of “living sent.” What do you think?
A Day I Saw Jesus
This post is part of the January 2011 synchroblog on the topic “The Manifestation of God.” Now, when I first read about this synchroblog – and the fact that it would fall around the celebration of the Ephiphany – I again thought about not participating.
As most of my readers know, I did not grow up in a liturgical tradition. I mean, obviously, we had our “liturgy,” but it didn’t follow the traditional Christian calendar.
Then, I thought more about the description of this synchroblog topic:
This month’s synchroblog’s theme is inspired by the season of Epiphany which begins on January 6 and ends the day before Ash Wednesday. The word “epiphany” is rich in meaning. Epiphany is derived from the Greek epiphaneia and means manifestation, shining forth, revelation, or appearance. In a religious context, the term describes the appearance of an invisible divine being in a visible form. It can also indicate a sudden realization or comprehension of the (larger) essence or meaning of something. An “epiphany” might refer to those times in life when something becomes manifest, a deep realization, a sudden recognition that changes one’s view of themselves or their social condition and often sparks a reversal or change of heart. In the spirit of Epiphany we invite you to share stories, experiences and/or thoughts about “The Manifestation of God.”
I realized that while I did not celebrate “the season of Ephiphany” annually, the idea of epiphany is central to my understanding of who I am in Jesus Christ.
In fact, it all goes back to Jesus’ statement to Peter upon Peter’s confession that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17 ESV)
I believe that all who are God’s children have such an “epiphany” – that is, such a revelation from God that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that we have salvation, a place in God’s kingdom, and a restored relationship with God through him.
So, I began to ask myself, when have I seen Jesus Christ revealed? Immediately, so many examples popped into my mind. But one episode stood out clearest. So, I decided to share about this one particular day that I saw Jesus revealed.
Rhonna was a friend of ours. We had met her several months before in “the Neighborhood” – a government assisted housing project in our city. She was a single mother with four children who was both working and going to school to try to make a better life for herself and her family. Over those months, Rhonna had begun to share part of her story with my wife, Margaret. She had had a rough past.
Once, when we were out of town, Rhonna called us. She had gotten into some legal trouble when she tried to break up a fight. Now, because of the legal trouble, she was being kicked out of her duplex.
After several weeks of trying to get the decision reversed, the government organization gave Rhonna and her family an eviction notice. She had to move out; there was not further recourse available.
We told some of our friends about Rhonna and her situation. She had to move out of her duplex, and she had to move right away. Could anyone help?
Several of our friends showed up at Rhonna’s duplex with a couple of trucks and willing hearts. Together, we loaded the family’s belongings into the trucks and a few cars and made several trips to a local storage facility. Rhonna had decided to store her belongings and move in with her mother in a nearby city.
That night, I saw Jesus several times. I saw Jesus in the humility of a single mother who was willing to ask for and accept help – even from strangers. I saw Jesus when Rhonna began to weep and share with my wife about her struggles and her past experiences with domestic abuse. I saw Jesus in the faces of my friends who were willing to give up their evening for a complete stranger who could never repay their kindness.
I saw Jesus that night so many times and in so many ways. As our lives intertwined with his, I knew that our Father in heaven was revealing something special to us. That night, the kingdom of heaven was close.
You see, it’s very possible for God to reveal himself to us in the form of dreams or visions. But, God is present with his children every moment of every day. We should look for and expect to see “revelations” from God when his children are following him.
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Here is a list of other posts that are part of the January 2011 synchroblog “The Manifestation of God“:
Beth Patterson – A Robust Universe Includes The Botched and Bungled
Jeff Goins – The Manifestation Of God
Jeremy Myers – Pagan Prophecies Of Christ
Mark Smith – Manifestation Of God
Ellen Haroutunian – Stories of Epiphany
Liz Dyer – God Breaking Through Moments
Josh Morgan – The Manifestation Of God
Steve Hayes – Theophany: the manifestation of God
Sarah Bessey – In which Annie opens the door of her heart
Christine Sine – Eve of Epiphany – We Have Come, We Have Seen, Now We Must Follow
Tammy Carter – Paralysis In His Presence
Peter Walker – Epiphany Outside Theophany (Outside Christianity)
I didn’t know something was missing
A few years ago, some friends introduced us to crab rangoon at a local Chinese restaurants. The crab rangoon that we were served was fried dumplings with some cream cheese on the inside served with the standard orange sweet and sour sauce. They were okay, but they were not as great as most people made them out to be.
Then, a few weeks ago, we tried crab rangoon at a new Japanese sushi restaurant in town. This time, the crab rangoon was completely different. Yes, it was still fried dumplings. But instead of cream cheese, this time there was some type of delicious crab salad on the inside. And, the sweet and sour sauce was not the typical orange sticky mess. It was a wonderful sauce with a combination of sweet and chips of peppers for the “sour” part.
We fell in love with this type of crab rangoon, and we realized that we had never truly had crab rangoon before.
Our experience with crab rangoon illustrates something that I’ve learned about Christians and the church, especially when it comes to fellowship, discipleship, edification, community, service, etc.
Often, it turns out, Christians have never really experienced these things before. But, they don’t realized that they’re missing something until they begin experiencing it for the first time.
For too long now, the illustrations, principles, and commands of Scripture have been placed under the hermeneutical (interpretive) pattern of the traditional local church organization, hierarchical leadership, and “worship service.”
As I’ve met more and more people who begin to understand how the patterns and descriptions and instructions of Scripture can and should apply to their entire life and to all of their relationships and time spent with other believers, they also begin to realize that something was missing all along. But, of course, they didn’t realize that something was missing, because they had always been told that everything was great.
When people move away from “fellowship” as a covered dish meal, and their eyes are opened to how they can experience the community of the Holy Spirit with one another, they begin to see what they’ve been missing. When those who are following Jesus Christ step away from “discipleship classes” and truly begin to share life with one another, they also start to understand what they’ve been missing.
And, I have to add, these things that are missing from the lives of many Christians (and were missing from my life for a long time) are much more important than crab salad and good sweet and sour sauce in a crab rangoon.
Jesus Christ has a full, exciting, interesting life awaiting those of his children who leave their old life behind and begin to follow him. It is much, much more than singing a few songs, putting money in an offering plate, and listening to a sermon. It is much, much more than attending a few classes and taking part in some programs.
Don’t misunderstanding me… this full, exciting, interesting life is always packed with struggles, troubles, trials, hard work, sweat, tears, pain, etc. But, you’ll find your life also stuffed with Jesus along with the struggles.
Many of my readers know exactly what I’m talking about, because they’ve tasted the difference. Some of you may not understand what I mean. But, I hope that soon God will allow you to live the life of fellowship, service, love, discipleship, etc. that he has for you, and that you will be able to say, “I didn’t know something was missing.”
Another Example of Serving
As you know, I often write about how I (or my family or friends) serve others. For the latest example, see my previous post “More Than Meals.”
I’ve taken some heat for this before. Occasionally, someone will point out that Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1 ESV) First of all, I think that Jesus was talking about serving with a motivation of being seen by others. In other words, I’ll do this so that other people will see me serving and then they’ll think better of me (or whatever).
We must remember that Jesus also said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 ESV) So, while we must always check our motivation, we should also be willing to serve openly in a way that will urge others to glorify God.
I think we need to see more and more examples of serving. We need to see these as examples to follow and examples that will encourage, challenge, even admonish us toward demonstrating love and good works.
For this reason, I’m glad that Lionel at “A View of the Woods” has shared an example of how he has been serving the elderly in his community for the past year in a post called “What You Do To The Least of These: Lend A Helping Hand.” (Apparently Lionel likes long post titles, too.)
I hope you read Lionel’s post and look at the pictures that he has posted. If you are not involved in serving “the least” (particularly those who cannot serve or love you back), then I hope that Lionel’s example is an encouragement and admonishment for you. Why? Because if you are following Jesus then you will be caring for “the least.”
If you are involved in serving the least, then use Lionel’s example as an opportunity to praise God for working through another one of his children to show his love to the world!
Following a guy who actually does stuff
Sol at “Looking for Church” asks very good questions and gives an excellent example in his post “Who Was The Leader.”
His post is about leadership. No, not that kind of leadership. Not the kind of leadership in which the person up front or the person at the top tells the others what to do.
Sol wrote about the kind of leadership where someone is serving and others want to follow his example.
He writes:
At lunch today, I experienced a great form of leadership. Leadership isn’t telling others what to do, but doing something, and showing others how to do it, among other things. Those two things are what I am thinking about today, so that is as deep as we’ll go for now.
To the story: My friends and I have been talking, and discussing a lot of things lately, but not really doing much. Well today I got an email; “I have an idea, want to come along?â€
My friend and I left work, grabbed a quick lunch, and headed over to an older man’s home, who actually does stuff instead of just talking about it.
Yep. That’s leadership. That’s leading because it’s serving. Anything else (besides serving) is not leading according to Jesus.
Follow Me
You don’t have to read much of the Gospels to understand that following Jesus was very important.
Jesus told Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow him (Matthew 4:18-22). To a disciple who wanted to bury his father, Jesus said, “Follow me” (Matthew 8:21-22). He called a tax collector (hated by the Jews) to follow him (Matthew 9:9). Jesus told the rich, young ruler to sell all of his possessions and follow him (Matthew 19:21). To Phillip, Jesus said, “Follow me” (John 1:43).
In general, to all of those who believe in him, Jesus said, “Follow me” (see, for example, Matthew 10:38, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23, John 8:12, John 10:27, John 12:26).
Obviously, those of us who are God’s children, those to whom Jesus is Lord and Master, are to follow Jesus. So, are we following him? Are we going place that Jesus is going? Are we doing things that Jesus is doing?
Are we following Jesus? Where is he going? What is he doing? How do we know?
Help or Get Out of the Way
Within the last 12 months, two people have shared very similar stories with me. Unfortunately, these stories are not encouraging. But, I’m afraid that they are becoming more and more common. I’ll briefly share the last story.
I had lunch with a business associate. After we talked about web sites and such, he said he wanted to talk to me about something church related.
He said that he had met many people around the city of Raleigh through his business connections. He had a desire to introduce these people to Christ and to help them live in community with one another and those around them. He wanted to begin getting together with those who were interested in the gospel of Jesus Christ and disciple them as they shared their lives together.
Now, this friend is part of a church in the Raleigh area. He approached one of his pastors with this idea. He explained his desire to disciple people and help them live in community with Christ and with one another.
The pastor said, “No.” It’s true. My friend was told that he could not do this. He was given three reasons: 1) Whatever my friend did, he would need to work through his local church and their Bible study programs. 2) My friend would have to go through his church’s Bible study program leadership training routine. 3) My friend’s group would have to focus on promoting their church.
My friend was dumbfounded. He was expecting encouragement and support from this leader. He said that he had heard the pastors talk about reaching their city with the gospel. It now seemed that was not their only (or primary?) interest.
Like I said, this is not an isolated instance. Another good friend ran into the same kind of resistance when he and some friends wanted to start evangelizing and discipling their neighborhood. Their leaders told them, “No,” because they would have to go through their church programs, and there was no one in leadership available to oversee their endeavor.
May I speak directly to those in leadership who feel threatened by this kinds of plan? I know that you feel you are protecting people and building your organization for the glory of God. But, if you ever stand in the way of someone evangelizing and making disciples because it’s not going through your organization, then know that you are standing in opposition to God, not with him.
If someone approaches you with a desire to disciple those around them and live in community in Christ with them, either help, or get out of the way!