Billions Served

Once at a wedding in which I was officiating, I challenged the couple right before the service: "You'll enjoy this wedding a lot if you guys take the attitude, 'This isn't about me. I'm here to serve.'" Seems ironic doesn't it? Isn't the wedding all about the bride and maybe a little bit about the groom? Yes and no. Everyone there has something they want out of it: parents, friends, family--everyone has hopes. It may be the acknowledgment of a gift, a kiss from the bride, communication of affection, or even just a big piece of cake! But they all have expectations.

I know as Christians, we sometimes get flustered: "Christmas is all about Jesus. It's been hijacked by pop culture." I lament over the loss too. It's not fair to Jesus. But in a way, some of the hullabaloo reiterates the truth of Christmas: God came to serve, not be served. (See Mat. 20.28) We've even found a way to serve ourselves on His birthday! Oh, the selfishness of man!

But God is love and Jesus is still serving up joy and celebration to mankind on the day we mark as His birthday. What a Savior we have!

What would it take to get you to fight?

What would it take to get you to fight? I mean is there a line where you say, "No more?"

I know we all have a line, that with enough provocation, we will make some attempt at decking someone. But as a pastor it's heartbreaking to watch people roll over when it comes to life--especially, passive men. I've watched people give up on things worth fighting for:

• a man and wife won't spend the money for counseling because it "costs too much." (How much will divorce cost you?)
• a man won't go after a ministry dream because he's gotten use to a style of living and can't imagine downsizing
• a student won't finish his degree because she's intimidated by two classes on economics
• a guy gives up on his dream of marrying a girl because her Daddy said, "Not until you get a real job." 

Faith is something to fight for. Paul wrote to Timothy, "Fight the good fight of faith..." 1 Tim. 6:12. Last time I checked, a fight means that there's one who is facing opposition! That resistance may come from well-meaning family, church members, and the Enemy himself--the one who roars and intimidates you with lion noises (see 1 Peter 5:8).

What would it take to get you fired up enough to fight? Come on.