“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.” (Luke 16:10-15 NIV)
I enjoy college basketball, particularly played by a certain team in eastern Kansas known as the Jayhawks, one of the “blue blood” programs in the college ranks. I have been a fan for more than 30 years, having served on the KU campus for more than 20. So it was with much interest that I read stories recently of the FBI’s investigation into the corrupt relationship between college coaches and the athletic apparel company, Adidas. Could KU coaches and their highly esteemed program be implicated? I am hoping not, but, honestly, I won’t be surprised if it happens.
Money is powerful. So much so that Jesus says if we are drawn to worship it, giving it supreme value, then it prevents us from worshiping God. It is something of which we need to approach warily and be on our guard. The evidence is everywhere. Governments around the world face the challenges of corruption. Corporate America is governed often by greed and the lust for more and more profit, not only by its high-level employees, but also by the investors in their companies. School sports, down to the elementary school level, are no longer about developing kids’ characters, but more and more about the money that can be made, through travel teams, clinics, and specialty coaching. What is driving this? Money. Money for organizers’ and agents’ pockets, and for parents who obsess about college scholarships and big payoffs for their tireless efforts to develop their child’s athletic potential.
It is no coincidence that many Christian parents are absent at church services on Sundays, because of their kids’ sports schedules. Many games and tournaments are played on Sunday mornings. They may contend that money has no hold on them, but the shift in priorities could not be more obvious.
Sports, however, is merely one example, and probably one of the lesser ones in terms of money’s influence in our lives. For all of us, money offers the temptation to be our provider for the things we both need and want. Rather than a means by which God provides for us, it becomes in our minds the source for our security and pleasures. So we are reluctant to give it away to anything that doesn’t promise to meet a need or want. For example, last week our church youth group held a fundraiser and I wanted to give something to their cause. I opened my wallet and found a twenty and a one-dollar bill, and I felt money’s pull. I was honestly hoping to see a five because I was willing to part with that much, but that twenty wanted to remain in my control and I wanted to control it.
That is the power of money. When we are called to part with some of it, or most of it, can we resist its pull and let it go? Can we give 10 or 20 percent of our income as a tithe? Can we let go of money we have saved for something we want in order to respond to the leading of the Spirit to give it to meet a need? When these questions are asked, then the truth of our Lord’s proclamation becomes clear. Last Sunday, I was tempted to value my money more than God. I wanted to keep it; He wanted me to give it away. The end result? I pulled out the twenty and put it in the basket. I chose at that moment to worship God rather than money.
Today, recognize the pull money can have in your life, whether you have a lot of it or not much at all. If you believe it is the provider for your needs and wants, you will pursue it and hold onto it. And you will choose it over God every time. Instead, realize the Lord is your Provider and He will take care of your needs and many of your wants. Then you can hold onto money with a loose grip, knowing that even if you give it away, you will always have enough of what you need.
© Jim Musser 2017
“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.” (Romans 1:18-25 NIV)
I can still see the scene in my mind’s eye though it has been five years since I witnessed it. The sun had just set when I noticed a heron silhouetted in the orange, rippling water of the Currituck Sound on the eastern coast of North Carolina. My with and I walked closer to get a better look. The elegant bird was out for some evening fishing. He waded in the shallow water, extending his long neck out to look into the water for his prey. Barely moving, he waited. Then suddenly his head shot into the water and he grabbed a sizeable fish. He held it for a while as it flapped, but then it grew still. He stuck it back into the water a couple times, presumably to see if it was still alive. Then with a quick flick of his head and neck, the bird swallowed the fish whole. We could see the fish quickly slide down the bird’s throat, and then it went back to look for another.
If we had been filming a documentary for Animal Planet or National Geographic, I can imagine the narrator explaining the heron had adapted to its environment by developing its long neck and sharp beak in order to catch fish. For this is the common narrative to explain the creation around us. Credit is given to the created rather than to the Creator.
Yet it seems obvious to me that the evidence of the Creator is all around us. The distance of the earth from the sun is exactly the right distance to sustain life. The earth’s rotation is exactly the right speed to maintain proper gravity. The atmosphere is perfect for our bodies. Do these facts not tell us of an awesome Creator, meticulous in His design? Or what about the vastness of the universe, glimpses of which we have seen from the Hubble Telescope or the intricate design of atoms and molecules that we have seen from the microscope? Or the intricate and unique design of human beings, male and female? Is there any question we were designed for one another, for procreation and pleasure?
It is clear then why Paul says we are without excuse if we deny the existence and supremacy of God. The evidence is all around us and unmistakable. Yet to those whose hearts are rebellious against Him, they will continue to believe a lie and devote their hearts to that which is created. And their thinking is the dominant narrative for anything involving Nature, and that means there is danger for those of us who worship the Creator. We will be tempted to compromise, to appear less strident in our views, to accept this other narrative as plausible while still claiming to follow the One who is over all creation and through whom all things were created (Colossians 1:15-16). Paul is very clear about the dangers of doing so.
Today, take a look around you. See clearly how God reveals Himself through that which He created. It tells us something, that there is only one God. He created everything just as He wanted it, and He is supreme over everything that is created. If you choose to believe otherwise, you will be without excuse.
© Jim Musser 2017
“As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” (Proverbs 26:11 NIV)
When my wife and I used to live further out of town, this time of year was when the mice began looking for a cozy place to nest for the winter and they always seemed to think my storage shed was an ideal spot. My strategy every year was to put a number of traps in the shed and it was usually very effective. But one time, I recall, one was able to make a bold escape.
Not finding a trap where I had placed it, I searched the shed suspecting the critter had caught its foot in the trap and had drug it somewhere else, fully expecting to find a dead mouse. However, what I found at the opposite end of the shed was an empty trap, well, almost empty. A piece of the tail was still there surrounded by gnaw marks. The mouse had chewed off its tail in order to escape the trap! Smart mouse, or so I thought.
I set the trap again, placing it in the same location, and checked it the next day. Once again, I had caught a mouse. As I picked up the trap to dispose of the critter, I noticed half of its tail was missing. The same mouse had returned to the same trap, but, unfortunately for it, the results were different this time. Not such a smart mouse after all!
How often do we escape a bad situation only to return to something similar again? I remember getting out of a bad relationship in college shortly after deciding to follow Jesus, but against the advice of many, decided to return to it with even worse results. According to Solomon, I was a fool, and I would wholeheartedly agree.
By his definition, all of us have been fools at one time or another, repeating the same mistakes over and over. Parolees are notorious for committing crimes within months of being released from prison. There are students who, despite their falling GPA’s, refuse to discipline themselves in their studies, opting rather to continue the lifestyle that contributed to their academic decline in the first place. I know people who have struggled financially for years, but continue to make the same poor economic choices.
The challenge is to take a step back and examine the bad choices we sometimes will inevitably make so we will not repeat them. However, that is much easier said than done. If it were easy, the world and our lives would be more perfect because we would learn from our mistakes and those of others. Yet, the overwhelming evidence is we don’t learn so easily. So what do we do to avoid becoming fools?
The Psalmist gives us an answer: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.” (Psalm 111:10) Having fear of the Lord is not being afraid as much as having a deep respect for our position in relation to God. We are far inferior and having a fear of the Lord is recognizing that. And when we do, we realize how much He has to teach us. That willingness to listen and obey is what will help keep us from being fools.
Today, recognize it is not enough to just get out of a bad situation. The question is how can you avoid getting into a similar one that may have even worse results? Humbling yourself before the Lord and gaining understanding from Him is a good place to start and the best way to avoid becoming a fool.
© Jim Musser 2017
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12 NIV)
In light of the recent controversy involving the National Football League and the National Anthem, memes of Tim Tebow kneeling in prayer on the football field are appearing on social media from those deriding the media and others for their hypocrisy. It is all right for players to sit during the Anthem, they observe, but what Tebow? Why was he so derided for what he did?
I have seen these memes and comments from friends on social media, and they follow what has been a trend for some time: Believers like to complain and murmur about their unfair treatment by the culture at-large. In the 80’s and 90’s, it was movies and art that sent many believers into rage, protests, and boycotts, as they interpreted them as direct assaults on their faith. Likewise, issues such as prayer in schools, same-sex, marriage, and even, saying “Merry Christmas” have stirred the pot of the so-called “culture wars.” And, as the name implies, many believers have been anxious to do battle, to push back against what they perceive as a frontal attack on their core beliefs.
What has surprised me over the years of observing this, and particularly more recently with the dominance of social media in our lives, is the seemingly utter shock and incredulity of many believers that their faith is under attack. And, as a result, many hit back hard, some with reasoned arguments pointing to the blatant hypocrisy of the other side’s positions, and others with a full dose of cynicism. The question is, why do we so often believe we need to defend against the attacks aimed at us or at our Lord, particularly in light of what He says?
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Where in this quote from the Sermon on the Mount do we get the idea persecution is something we should resent and fight against? Or why such a surprise when it happens when the Scriptures are so clear we WILL be persecuted as a result of our faith? And why do we feel the need to rail against how we are treated as Christians by the culture when Jesus says to “rejoice and be glad”?
Perhaps it is because this is exactly where our enemy wants to lead us—to expend our energies fighting fleshly battles rather than the more important ones against the principalities and powers of the heavenly realms. A thorough reading of the gospels reveals the Lord spent little time attacking those persecuting Him, with the exceptions of the religious leaders of the day. He didn’t bother because the work of the Kingdom was calling and it was far more important. He knew the hypocrites and the persecutors would, in time, have their day of judgment. With that assurance, He didn’t waste His time and energy on them. And neither should we.
Today, if you are all wound up about how you or your faith is being treated by the culture, it is time for you to re-examine the Scriptures. What you will see is persecution is inevitable and should be embraced rather than resented. There are far more important things on which to focus and expend your energy, and you should start today.
© Jim Musser 2017
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4 NIV)
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-6 NIV)
“Snowflakes” is a derisive term used to describe young people (mostly) who promote the need for “trigger warnings,” “safe spaces,” and the curtailing the use of “offensive speech.” We have some of this on our campus, but not as much as on others. Regardless of where you might stand on this, there is no doubt that young people, and our nation as a whole, struggle with life when it gets difficult.
As was highlighted during one of our recent staff meetings, students tend to want difficulties to just go away. They hate difficult times and, when they happen, they want relief immediately. I believe this is the reason the number one presenting problem at university counseling centers is anxiety. As a culture, we have moved away from seeing the value of perseverance in the midst of the inevitable difficulties in life toward trying to eliminate the difficulties so we don’t have to suffer. Many parents do all they can to make life less risky and painful for their children, thinking they are helping their them, but, in reality, what they are doing is depriving them of experiencing the value of perseverance through difficulties.
It is our natural bent to be risk-adverse. This is why Jesus stated that to follow Him, we must be willing to “take up our cross,“ a symbol of suffering. And by doing so, the Lord implies there is value in suffering.
I have referenced passages from both Paul and James that talk of the value of experiencing trials and suffering. Both say it enhances our character. In other words, we become better, deeper, and stronger as human beings when we persevere through difficult times rather than looking for an easy way out.
As I look back over my life, the spiritual growth spurts have come at some of the worst times in my life—a devastating break-up with my girlfriend, the deaths of my parents while a very young man, and being abandoned by my first wife. In a strange way, that only the Lord can bring about, I am far more spiritually mature because of what I have suffered.
Today, are you experiencing some difficult times? If so, don’t seek an escape from them, and do not become overly anxious. The Lord wants to use these times to mold you into the person He created you to be. Rather than run from them, embrace them as teaching moments from the Lord. Even though they make us miserable in the moment, persevering through hard times allows us to look back and see the amazing things He has done through them. What the enemy intends for our harm, the Lord can use for our good. That has definitely been true in my life. I believe it can for yours as well.
© Jim Musser 2017
“Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (Luke 13:1-5 NIV)
It occurs almost like clockwork. A catastrophic event happens and talk of God’s wrath against sinful man emerges. And so, in the summer of major hurricanes, such talk is in vogue once again. Back in 2004, Franklin Graham was roundly derided for his comments that Hurricane Katrina’s visit to New Orleans was the Lord’s retribution for the sin of the city. Televangelist Pat Robertson is also well known for attributing natural events to God’s hand. Naturally, most recoil at blaming such destruction and the loss of life on the Lord’s wrath.
The argument goes that a loving God would not do such things and those who say and/or believe such things are hypocrites because of their own sin. It wasn’t much different in the 1st Century. It was a widely held belief that bad things happen to bad people and good people were spared the cruelties of life because of their goodness. Thus, as He walked the streets of villages in Judea, Jesus heard this viewpoint when tragedy struck, such as the Galileans being slaughtered by the Romans or the tower of Siloam collapsing and killing 18 people. They were assuming the people got their just desserts for living sinfully. And like modern-day critics of such assumptions, Jesus was quick to correct them, but with a twist.
The critics of today lambast any talk of connecting anyone’s lifestyle with tragic events. Any talk of “they deserved it” is quickly shot down, just as Jesus did to the Jews of His day. But rather than just merely rebuke them, He reminded them of the need for repentance in everyone’s life. That is something never uttered by today’s critics of the idea of divine retribution. The prevailing attitude today is anyone should be able to live as he/she wants without consequence and their lifestyles are not to be judged as wrong. Talk of repentance is out of vogue and has been replaced by the idea that God is benevolent and loves us regardless of how we live. It is a half-truth.
Indeed, God loves us unconditionally, in the sense that His love for us does not depend on how we are living. But, and it is a big BUT, Jesus’ call to repentance cannot not be conveniently ignored.
Repentance is, by definition, turning away from sin and heading in the direction of righteous living. One cannot assume if he lives as he pleases, he will be just fine. On the contrary, Jesus says quite strongly, “He will perish.”
Today, recognize your need for repentance. It is not just for the “bad” people, and it is surely not out of vogue. The Lord demands it. You and I would do well to obey Him.
© Jim Musser 2017
Jesus replied: ‘A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, “Come, for everything is now ready.”
‘But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘”I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.”
‘Another said, “I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.”
‘Still another said, “I just got married, so I can’t come.”
‘The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.”
‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’
Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’” (Luke 14:16-23 NIV)
This morning I am going to a prayer meeting on campus with some of our students. It’s been going on for several weeks now, but I’ve always had excuses of why I couldn’t go. Last week, my wife referenced this parable of Jesus when I offered my reasoning for why I wasn’t going to attend. It was effective in changing my mind.
Through His story, Jesus is pointing out a universal truth of humankind: We easily can come up with excuses not to do things we really would rather not do. In my work with students, the excuses for not participating in things or for not praying or taking time to read and study the Scriptures is often the generic, “I’m too busy.” Sometimes, they get more specific. “I have to study for a test.” “I have a paper due tomorrow.” I have to work.” “I’m meeting with a friend.” Of course, some excuses are actually valid, but the truth is we find time to do the things we really want to do. We may not have time for prayer, but we have plenty of time to watch Netflix and hang out with friends. We may not have time to participate in a Bible study, but we have plenty of time to go for a hike or work out at the gym.
It’s a matter of perspective and this is what Jesus is driving at. What are the priorities of our lives? Is growing in our relationship and devotion to Him at the top of the list, or is it far down, crowded out by the things we truly want to do and the things we feel obligated to do. Note that excuses of the people in the parable weren’t lame, but reasonable to a degree. As was often the case, Jesus used hyperbole to make His point, which is true with this story. If we call ourselves Christians, followers of Christ, then He, by definition, has to be our first priority. What He draws into question is whether or not this is evidenced by the daily life choices we make. We may claim one thing, but do our lives back that up or reveal something else?
Today, consider the choices you are making. Do they reflect your commitment to Jesus or more to your own interests and desires? If it is the latter, know that while you may have excuses, they may be found wanting by the Lord because of the truth behind them.
© Jim Musser 2017
