People Watching

Have you ever heard someone talk about how they loved to people watch?  Well I am one of those people also.  I love to sit and watch people.  Sometimes it can be very entertaining to say the least.  I have seen people in a variety of settings ranging from malls to amusement parks and sporting events to concerts.  There have also been the opportunities to watch people in a variety of settings at worship events and churches.  There are times when you see some of the most unusual things take place.  Probably the funniest is when people are not paying attention to where they are going and stumble.  Of course, the first reaction of the individual which stumbled is to regroup and look to see if anyone was watching.  If they find that someone was watching then there is a tendency to begin to think how I can look as if that didn’t happen or I meant to do that! 

I remember when I was a student at Samford many years ago we were sitting in the school’s cafeteria.  On the far side of the room was a side door which was clearly labeled “do not exit, alarm will sound.”  As we sat there eating and talking someone noticed one of the freshmen girls heading to the aforementioned door.  All attention was on this young lady as she approached the door and pushed the bar to exit.  As you can imagine the alarm sounded and the young lady was quite embarrassed by her actions.  While there were some who were sympathetic to this young lady’s mistake many others in the room began to applaud and laugh.  Unfortunately for the young lady she chose to return the way she came rather than go ahead and exit the door. 

There are times when others around us do things which are humorous and then there are times when people are annoying.  Recently, I asked for a response on one of the social media outlets for answers to what is annoying about other people.  There were responses such as:  selfishness, fake people, overpowering people who demand their way is always right, judgmental people (especially within the church), rudeness, adults with lack of respect for one another, hypocrites, inconsistency, arrogance, slackers, and those who complain about situations but won’t do anything to help rectify the situation. 

But the one which caught my attention the most is those with a sense of entitlement.  While this attitude can take on a variety of meanings the one which most would correlate here is that of expecting that one deserves something.  I often hear people complain that the world is filled with individuals who have the mindset that they are owed something by the government, other people, the church, and even God.  At what point do we come to where we are owed something by someone else?  Is there a standard by which we can determine such a status of entitlement?  All valid questions, but the scripture does not teach such a demeanor.  In fact, Jesus taught us to care for the needs of others ahead of our own.  Paul encouraged us to bear the burdens of one another.  Should we insist on entitlement when the example of Jesus was to lay down His life for others?

In closing let me bring up one other thought.  When we see these attitudes and actions in others which irritate us do we stop to wonder what we might do which robs the joy of someone else?  It is easy to see the faults of others, but do we stop to contemplate that we too might have a fault?  Jesus spoke in the Sermon on the Mount by saying, “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye; but don’t notice the log in your own eye?” He continued by saying we would be wise to remove the log from our own eye in order to help our brothers with anything which might be in their own.  Let’s see what could be detrimental for the kingdom of God in our lives and remove it so as not to cause any hindrance for others coming to Christ!

Seeking His Way,

Pastor Ric

A Walk to Remember

As I read a post of a good friend this morning on Facebook my heart was saddened.  First, let me share with you the gist of the post.  Over the past several days several people have drawn a line in the sand regarding their beliefs about a certain movie which Hollywood recently released by the name of “Magic Mike.”  The storyline behind this film focuses on a “male stripper who teaches a younger performer how to party, pick up women, and make easy money” according to imdb.com.  My friend’s post on Facebook was in response to several professing Christians who were apparently celebrating the release of this film and their viewing of it coupled with the disapproval of others who were outspoken regarding the film and those going to see the film.  The point of the confrontation stemmed from people who approved of the movie.  They felt as they were being judged for lauding the film and viewing it in the theaters.  They cried judgmentalism against those who were anti-Magic Mike. 

As my friend wrote his views on the situation he reminded his Facebook friends of the words of the apostle Paul while writing to the Thessalonians.  In the closing chapter of 1 Thessalonians Paul reminds his readers to “stay away from every form of evil.”  The King James translates this passage to mean “stay away from the appearance of evil.”  While some theologians have a problem with this translation because of grammatical construction, I tend to like the way one commentator offered a rendering of it.  The author of the UBS New Testament Handbook Series inferred “one may render this admonition as ‘refuse to do anything which is evil,’ or ‘refuse to act in any way which even seems bad.’”  This dual meaning of interpretation covers the gamut of both ends of the spectrum.  As Christians we are commanded to not only abstain from doing inherit evil or wrong as well as anything which would give an improper perception of evil by others. 

As I look at the situation I am reminded of where many of us are in relation to our walk with God.  For some, going to see such a film is a no brainer!  They do not care what God thinks because they have no relationship with God.  For others they have a relationship with God but it is what I would call an acquaintance.  They know of God but they do not know Him in an intimate way; therefore, His opinion carries no weight.  Still others prefer to compartmentalize their life and think they can render unto God a portion of their heart while maintaining a lifestyle or action which is contrary to God because they see Him only as a part of their life and not their LIFE.  This is a dangerous and destructive ideology in that Jesus warned His followers that “no man could serve two masters!”  (Mt. 6:24)  Others profess to have a relationship with God, cry out to Him, praise Him, and even seek to serve Him, but fail to understand the importance of a holy life dedicated to Him.  The danger of such a walk is seen in Psalms 24:3-4 where the psalmist asks, “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?  Who may stand in His Holy place?  The one who has clean hands and a pure heart…” 

When we defile our lives with such things, we are pushing away the opportunity to walk with Christ in a pure and upright relationship, for which we were designed.   The issue at hand this week is a movie called “Magic Mike.”  What will the matter be next week?  If we would settle a greater matter of importance called the Lordship of Christ then these tertiary issues would not be of relevance.  Whether others are looking at us in a judgmental tone is not the greater issue for someone will always sit in judgment of our actions whether pure or improper.  The imperative question should be, “How is Jesus looking at my actions?”  My greater concern must be am I walking in a pure and undefiled relationship with God!  If we would each walk with such an intention in our heart then the trivial matters of life would be irrelevant.

Pastor Ric   

The Danger of Meism

As a small child my mother took me one day shopping with her.  During this outing to our pre-Wal-Mart general store named Howard Brothers as a 5 year old I decided that I needed a tag for the back of my bicycle.  However, selections that day were limited and they did not have Rickey or Rick.  I was not a patient young man.  In other words, I wanted what I wanted when I wanted!  (Ever been there? That you would admit!)   So as a creative genius I determined since my name is Rickey Edward Camp that I could simply use Edward, which they had.  In the most tactful manner I knew as a five year old I sought to convince my mother that even though I went by Rickey a bike tag with Edward would suffice.  Unfortunately, I thought at the time, my mom did not understand my reasoning nor did she succumb to my persuasion.  Her answer was a definitive, “NO!”  How dare her say no to a “valid” request such as mine. 

Not to be content with a negative response, I felt if I showed my grave disappointment in her denial of my request I might be more persuasive so I began to have a rather dejected and despondent disposition.  (That is a politically correct way of saying I pouted!)  However, a rather ornery attitude followed this period of pouting.  It wasn’t until my mom decided I needed to be taken behind the trash cans on the hardware aisle for an attitude adjustment that I could understand my mother’s point of view.  While that was not a moment I enjoyed or even appreciated at the time, I am grateful that mom understood the bigger picture in order to help prepare me for greater issues in life than not getting a bicycle tag that particular morning.

I recall a passage in the book of Judges where Samson as a young man saw something he wanted desperately.  What he desired was of greater consequence than a bicycle tag with the wrong name on it.  He wanted a young girl from a neighboring country which worshipped another god.  This young lady from the land of Philistia appealed to Samson so he went back to his mother and dad asking them to obtain her for him as his wife.  Samson’s parents knew the commands of God to not intermarry with foreigners and tried to reason with Samson.  However, in Judges 14:3 Samson demanded of his parents by saying, “Get her for me, because I want her.”  Here is a young man, not a five year old boy, pitching a fit to have his way because it “pleases” him.  While that is a sad picture, the more troubling issue is that his parents succumb to the wishes of a demanding son rather than teach him the deferral of pleasures, especially those which detracted him from obedience to God.  I wonder what would have happened to Samson later in life, especially with Delilah, had he learned to resist the temptations to disobey God.

When I think of this in relation to where I am today, I am thankful to how my parents taught me as a young boy the important lessons of life.  As I contemplate though I am fearful that too often I forget that lesson in Howard Brothers.  Are there times as an adult when I am demanding of my ways when God has something greater in mind?  Are there times when I am impatient with the directives of God because they do not fit into my schedule of activities and timeline?  Am I intolerable of things when I do not see the bigger picture?  God has not placed me in here to satisfying my longings.  His plan is for me to glorify Him by drawing unregenerate people to Him.  May my ways and plans never seek to glorify self but rather to honor a deserving and holy God in all ways.

Pastor Ric

  

Let Me Do That For You

When I began working on my master’s degree in seminary one of the first classes I took my first semester was a preaching class under Dr. Joel Gregory.  One of the assignments in the class was to take Philippians 2:1-11 and exegete it with the final product being a message from these scriptures.  While I was not extremely familiar with that passage at the time, when the class was over I felt as though it had become a favorite of mine from the New Testament.  Since then I have preached from the passage numerous times and used it as a reference in many more messages.  While the underlying principle for this passage deals with the role Jesus played in becoming man to provide salvation and reconciliation for unregenerate mankind, there are several factors which are profound teaching points within themselves ranging from unity to servanthood. 

The critical point comes in verse 5 where Paul tells the church of Philippi to have the same attitude as Christ Jesus.  That attitude is one of a servant.  This is a reminder from where Jesus stated about himself in Matthew 20:28 that “…the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve…”  Paul is stressing to the Philippians that importance of having an attitude of serving one another.  As I shared this thought with our staff this past week I related the story of when Lisa and I went to San Juan, Puerto Rico for our anniversary last year.  While in San Juan we enjoyed the luxury of staying in a nice resort where individuals were charged to serve us whether cleaning our room, bring food or sodas to us, or providing directions to various sights.  We even splurged and received a full-body massage at the spa.  Lisa and I thought, “We could get used to this type of treatment!”  Unfortunately, it only lasted for a few days while we were there on vacation.  The point is that we, as individuals, often enjoy being waited on by someone.  That is our nature often times, though not always. 

However, we are told where Jesus’ purpose in coming was not to be served, but to serve.  In like manner, we are to take on that same thought process or attitude in our daily lives.  We are to serve one another.  Jesus did not have to serve us.  He was of royalty.  He was not just a king; He was the King of Kings.  However, Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:6-7 that instead of holding onto or clutching His royalty selfishly that He emptied Himself of all rights by “assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men.” 

If we are to imitate Christ in our lives, then we must empty ourselves of our self!  Too often the issue of pride stands in the way.  We sit by and say, “Why should I serve him/her? He/She never serves me!”  That is a prideful attitude!  John Ortberg once said, “Pride destroys our capacity to love.”  When we boil it down serving someone is born out of love.  We must never let a deserving attitude or sense of entitlement enter the picture.  We will never deserve to be served, especially by God.  However, that is what He chose to do for us, out of pure love rooted in humility.  In verse 8 we read that He humbled Himself to the point of death for us. Why, because He loved us!   

Over the course of the next several days to week why not look for ways to serve someone else.  You might have opportunity to serve them a meal, clean up their mess after a meal, or offer to mow their lawn.  If fact the act could be as simple as letting someone take your place in line at the check-out.  Serving is about putting others first.  Jesus never thought about what advantage He would gain in coming to earth in the form of a servant to die for us.  He looked at how it would benefit us!  Why not do something to benefit someone else this week.

Have a Servants’ Heart,

Pastor Ric

Choosing

Over the course of time events take place in our lives which cause us to evaluate our relationship with God, decide whether our beliefs about God and His Word are real, or abandon our beliefs about God for a new set of beliefs.  Often these visceral moments are brought on by a tragic event or series of events, although they can come from a contemplative moment in life.  As I spoke with the officers of Dayshift B this past week at the Florence Police Department during roll call, I asked them to consider this scenario where we are called on to make a decision whether we believe the Word of God to be true or not.  While we often do not want to admit it, there are times when we will look at the Word of God and want to believe portions of it to be true yet wish to overlook them or ignore certain aspects of His Word. 

Several years ago I heard a preacher speak on this subject and he called it “cafeteria style” Christianity.  His reference to this smorgasbord is that while we go through the line of a cafeteria we often will select the foods which we enjoy and suit our palate.  At the same time, we choose not to select the foods which we find repulsive.  For instance, the times I have gone to a “potluck dinner” or a buffet style restaurant I quickly look over the selections and determine what I do not want; you know those foods which are not on the acceptable list for me stomach and taste buds.  As I peruse the selections I am quick to eliminate liver, onions, (casseroles with onions), beets, squash, cold pasta dishes, chicken/tuna/ham salads (because the generally have celery or onions in them) and lately (out of necessity) fried foods!  (Oh how I miss fried chicken!) 

Unfortunately, we let this same mentality creep into our spiritual life in regards to the Word of God.  We often make statements that we agree with the Bible.  However, when it comes to living out the Word of God and letting it become the mantra for our daily lives we choose to ignore certain portions of the His Word.  For instance, we have no problem loving our neighbor, as long as they are nice to us.  In addition, we have no problem submitting to God, as long as His will lines up with our will.  Or, we are quick to take up our cross so long as the cross is pretty, light weight, and conducive with our schedules.  We are even willing to deny ourselves, if we don’t care for that which we deny (i.e. the onion things in life!)  Oh and let’s not forget the “forgive our enemies part.”  We are willing to forgive if….if…well, we have a hard time with that one all the time.   

God does not expect us to pick and choose His commands, directives, and Words of comfort as if we are choosing our next meal.  We are told to come to God with absolute surrender.  We are to look to Him accepting all of His commands.  We must follow after Him in ALL things, at All times, and in ALL ways.  If we begin to pick and choose from God’s Word, then we have replaced God’s directives with our own convictions.  God’s Word must be our Convictions.  The difference in a desire and a conviction is that a desire is a wishful attitude and a conviction is a determined objective.  When it comes to the Word of God which is your attitude?  Is His Word your wishful desire, so long as it aligns with your desires?  Is it your life convictions being obedient in ALL things?  God commands and expects absolute surrender to His ways!  May we live in absolute surrender to God today!

Pastor Ric

An Encourager

There are certain people in our lives that whenever we get around them they seem to brighten our days, and even our lives. One of those is for me is one of our dear saints, Zel Huskey. There are several attributes which Ms. Zel possesses that makes my day better whenever I am around her.  First, there is rarely a time when you are around her that she is not smiling. Her smile seems to be contagious.  This seeming permanent smile is not one which is fake or manufactured.  I believe wholeheartedly that her smile is generated from the inside.  She has a way of looking optimistically at even the difficulties of life from a positive point of view.  When I leave I am smiling outwardly and inwardly.

The second thing which is so endearing about Zel is how she makes you feel as though you are the most important person in the world to her.  From the moment she sees you she offers genuine compliments and praise.  Once again, I do not sense there is anything fake about her words, nor do I believe she is offering praise manipulatively.  She genuinely speaks words of affirmation if not words of prophecy.  By prophecy I mean she says this is what I want to believe about you.  Here is a woman whom could have all the reason in the world to be down and depressed yet she chooses to be upbeat and encouraging.  How can one not leave her presence without feeling better about whom he is or life in general?  She is a true encourager.

We find another example of an encourager in the New Testament by the name of Barnabas.  In fact, his very name means exhorter or encourager.  We see this in several examples in the book of Acts.  First, Barnabas encourages the disciples to trust Paul for they were doubtful of him based on his previous reputation as a persecutor of the early church and Christians.  However, in Acts 9:26-31 we see where Barnabas brought Paul before the disciples offering them words of assurance that Paul had experienced a conversion experience on the road to Damascus.  Later, in Acts 11:19-26 Barnabas is sent to the outer regions of Antioch to encourage the early converts to hold true to their faith in Jesus Christ, even in the face of persecution.  Then finally, in Acts 15:36-41 Barnabas and Paul have a disagreement over whether to take John Mark with them on a missionary journey.  Paul remembered how John Mark had abandoned them on a previous journey in Pamphylia.  Barnabas believed in John Mark strongly and would not abandon him.  In fact, Barnabas and John Mark embarked on their own missionary journey to Cyprus while Paul departed for Syria and Cilicia with Silas. 

In each of these accounts Barnabas believed in either a group of people or an individual and made sure that he offered words of consolation and encouragement.  That is what I see in Zel, a special person who believes the best in people and seeks to bring it out.  I thank God for people like Zel, they are God’s gift of encouragement to each of us.

In closing, what type of person are you?  Are you a Barnabas and Zel or are you one who leaves discord?  God has called each of us to be instruments of peace and righteousness.  While we are human and will fail at times, we must seek to be God’s encouragers here on earth.  Paul told the church at Thessalonica to “…Encourage one another and build one another up…” (1 Thess. 5:11) 

In His Steps,

Pastor Ric

Tough Issues

This past week the President of the United States made history again.  This time he became the first sitting President to official endorse the issue of same sex marriages.  Since then there has been much discussion on the matter from the family dining room to board rooms and from the news analyst to ministers of the Gospel.  Much has been discussed about whether this was a political move to garner additional campaign funds and support or whether there was another motive.  Regardless of what the motive was of the President, the proverbial elephant in the room has been recognized.  In fact the social media outlets have been lit up with people weighing in on both sides of the issue.

The greater question of this controversial debate is not what the public opinion is but what God’s directive on this matter is.  The President has stated that his stance has been one which has evolved over the past few years.  He additionally has stated that according to scripture we should seek to live by the Golden Rule.  To address this we must understand that one matter is very clear when interpreting scripture; we are to never proof text in formulating a theological basis for our position.  Instead, we must constantly look at the theme of what the scripture teaches us on matters which some may consider being a “gray issue.”  While we are to treat one another as we would want them to treat us, we cannot ignore the facts of the scripture which teach that homosexuality is not God’s intended plan for sexuality and relationships.  This is seen in numerous examples throughout the scripture.

To address this topic, as well as other sensitive and difficult issues, I will be preaching a series for the next several on Sunday mornings beginning May 20.  While the issue of homosexuality is one of the issues I will address there are other topics with similar polarization abilities.  As we approach these topics I want us to look at them from the perspective of what God says about them, as well as how we as Christians are to respond toward individuals who embrace these topics in a different manner than we do. 

While I have several topics selected I would love to hear if there are any specific issues you would like to know what the Bible says regarding these sensitive or seemingly “gray areas.”  If there is a particular topic you would like discussed, please feel free to email me that topic at hogheaven@fbcflorence.com or simply drop me a line to the church address.  Although there is a limited time for this series, I would like to address the ones which are the most pressing or garner the most interest. 

I covet your prayers and support as we look to these topics over the next several weeks.  May God speak to us clearly regarding His views but also in how we should treat each other regarding these topics. 

Pastor Ric