On Watching Baseball

I went to a local high school baseball game last night to see one of my youth guys. I took my friend Robby along with me so that I didn't have to go sit in the stands and watch the game by myself. After all, I didn't want to look like that creepy 23 year old college guy who likes to hang out at high school events for one reason or another....

As soon as we got to the field and sat down to watch the game, we immediately did what I'm sure thousands of other people do when they attend such games: reminisce. Oh yeah. We sat down and immediate I said, "I actually played on this field once.....," and the conversation went from there. We proceeded to talk about the "glory days" of when we played baseball for several minutes, not even really paying attention to the game at hand.

It was a pretty sloppy game. There were a lot of errors, and it just wasn't very pretty. I enjoyed watching the game, but I found myself evaluating everything and almost judging the plays to see what the players were doing wrong rather than simply watching the game for pleasure.

I then realized that I committed a fault that many Christians run into in their spiritual lives: the sin of judging. Watching the game, criticizing plays and errors, thinking I could do things better than the kids that were out there....Haha. It's so foolish, I laugh at myself right now. There I was, Old Man Peek up in the stands, harkening back to the glory days of when we used to play baseball the right way, thinking that I could do it better than the kids on the field.

We do the same thing with our faith. We look back at the way we did things and judge the way that our contemporaries do them. But here's the thing: at least they're doing something. As I was sitting in the stands, I wasn't on the field. I wasn't fielding those balls or swinging at those pitches. Who was I to think I could do it better then them? Yet we do the same thing to our brothers and sisters in Christ, judging them for doing things "wrong" in church or in their spiritual lives. At least they're doing something! Too many times we sit there and judge the way our fellow Christians operate while we are doing nothing except glorying in the past.

We cannot continue to do this. The Lord does not call us to hold up our trophies of our past accomplishments and judge those who are living out their faith right now. He wants us to continue working hard for him, growing in our relationship with him, and encouraging the people around us to do the same thing.

And we can't do that when we're just sitting there criticizing people.

On Taking a New Job

It is now official: I have accepted a job as the Youth Minister at First Baptist Church in Moultrie, Ga.

Boy, is it good to finally say that publicly.

Let me start by saying that I'm really excited about this opportunity. God has really been moving in that local church throughout this past year, and it's an exciting time to hop on board with them. I'm really looking forward to what God is going to do.

It's really neat how he's worked this out. When I first got a phone call asking for my resume for the open position, I was very hesitant (to put it mildly). I wasn't looking for a new church. I was very content at East Vernon in LaGrange, working at a smaller church for pretty small pay. These things were not an issue. God was working at EVBC, and I really felt like he wanted me there. For those of you who know my whole story, you know that I stepped out on faith a year ago to stay at East Vernon another year, even though I didn't know how in the world I was going to do it (thanks Nate and Katie for giving me a place to stay, and thanks to the church for giving me a raise to enable me to stay).

God, however, would not let my heart rest in regards to this position at Moultrie. Consequently, I put in my resume.

I remained very apprehensive early in the process. I had a lot of questions: How could God be calling me away from a youth group in which he had been moving so obviously? How could he call me away from students who had such need (most of you know that I 90% of my students are in broken homes and have little-to-no parent involvement in their lives, much less the church)? How could he call me away from such a loving and supportive church?

Then I realized something very important: it's not about me. God never needed me in the first place. I am just an instrument in his hands, and he can do whatever he wants with me. I just need to be willing to follow him wherever he wants, regardless of the cost (Matt. 16:24-27).

Over the several months that this whole process took, God slowly worked things out, both on my end and on the part of the search committee at FBC Moultrie. He opened doors for me there and shut doors on the other applicants for the position until I was the only one left.

It's quite humbling, honestly. I never thought that at the age of 23, with no seminary experience yet, and having never had a full-time job at a church that I would even be considered for the job at FBC. However, God never calls us where he doesn't equip us. I'm just glad that FBC had the faith to follow the direction that God led them in: toward me.

To an outside observer, it would be very easy to assume that I took this position for several reasons: It's where my parents live. It's a bigger church with better monetary benefits. It's a "step up the ladder" as one of my church members told me. But please understand that NONE of these reasons had ANY influence on this decision. I can say that with 100% honesty. You can ask my parents and close friends in whom I confided for wisdom during this process. The only reason I am going to Moultrie is because that's where the Lord is leading me.

Sure, it'll be nice being with my family. And sure, being taken care of financially is definitely a blessing. However, these are just additional blessings on top of the fact that I get the opportunity to serve the Lord in youth ministry. Hands down. If this job was on the other side of the planet and paid diddly squat, I would still take it. I can say that with all honesty. I have come to the point in my life where I will follow the Lord wherever he leads, trying my best to live out what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

Yes, it's going to be hard stepping away from my place at East Vernon. I've grown to love that church dearly, and I would give my life for any of the students under my watch. I told the church last night, and it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to say to anyone. It's not going to be easy, but I know that it's necessary.

I don't know how everything's going to turn out. I don't know what's going to happen at East Vernon, but I know the Lord will provide. I don't know how God's going to use me at FBC Moultrie, but I'm sure he's going to and that he'll provide me with everything I need to effectively serve him there as long as I remain humble enough to seek him faithfully. I do know, however, that God is sovereign and that his ways are higher than our ways.

My last day in LaGrange is May 17. Then, I'll be heading down to Moultrie that week so that I can start at FBC Moultrie on Sunday, May 24.

It's an exciting time. It's going to be a big change, but I'm highly enthusiastic about what God has in store. Please continue to pray for me, East Vernon, and FBC Moultrie as we all make this transition together.

To God be the glory, honor, and praise for all that he has done and all that he is going to do.

All praise to God.

On Wearing Prom Clothes to Worship

No, I did not go to the prom this weekend, do not worry. I am not the 23 year old weirdo that hangs out at the local high school prom....

However, my sister did go to her senior prom this weekend. At her high school, they do this thing called the "Grand March" where every single person that goes to prom lines up at the football field and walkes through this little archway with their dates while everyone oohs and aahs and takes pictures.

Well, I went to the Grand March this year with my parents to watch my sister. I'll be honest: it took foroever. She goes to a really big high school. After waiting about 45 minutes, my sister finally came through the arch for her 15 seconds of fame.

As I sat there watching everybody going through the archway, decked out in their prom best (or worst--depending on the outfit), I thought it was pretty representative of how we treat worship. No, I'm not talking about the way we dress--not at all. Instead, I'm referring to the condition of our hearts.

Let me explain.

Before prom, everyone goes and spends tons of money on these expensive outfits so that they can dress up really nice for the big event. Some families drop over $1000 on this thing. I just don't get it, but that's beside the point. All this money goes into the outfits and everything, and what's the result? Most of the kids don't wear the thing for more than a few hours. Why? Because it's not really them.

I remember when I went to prom, most of the guys took their coats, ties, and vests off immediately after they got their picture taken. They could care less about the tux. They just wore it because they felt like they had to. Most of the girls take their shoes and fancy jewelry off after awhile for the same reason. Then, as soon as they leave the dance, they change into something more comfortable.

How does that relate to worship? In worship, we put on this show of everything being nice and in order, and then a few hours later, we turn into different people. We want everyone to see us looking good while we "walk throught the arch" of publich worship, so to speak, but then as soon as the main event is finished, we drop the facade and we go back to living a completely unholy life.

Sure, some people take worship seriously. But most of us just put on the front while we're in front of people.

God hates that. He doesn't care what we look like on the outside. He doesn't care about the presentation that we put on for the people around us. He's concerned with our hearts, with the innermost parts of our being. Our glam and flashiness don't impress him. He just wants us to be genuine.

And I'd much rather have God's approval than anyone else's.

On Playing with Kittens

We've got a couple of cats at the house, one of which is about half a year old. His name is Corporal Nobby Nobbs (I call him Nobster). Don't ask about the name--I didn't name him. My housemates did.

Anyway, ole' Nobster is pretty cool. He's a rambunctious little fellow, always running around biting stuff. I was laying in the floor earlier this evening, playing around with him using a little keychain clip that I have. It's one of those things that has the little cord that extends and retracts. Nobster likes to chomp down on the clasp and pull it out until he lets go, so that it shoots back up into the coil. Then he grabs it again, and the cycle continues.

Watching Nobster, I'm amazed at how enamored he can get with the simplest of things. His eyes get big and black (almost like a great white shark's), and he focuses so intently on whatever toy he has decided to play with--be it a rubber band, a toy mouse, a sock (boy does he love socks...)a piece of string, or just a scrap of paper. It doesn't matter to him. Once he finds his toy, he's sticking with it.

I wish I was the same way with God.

I want to be infatuated with him, desiring him above all things, not letting go no matter how hard something tries to pull me away. Yet so many times, as I attempt to seek God, I get distracted by other things and immediately lose interest. There is no passion in my attempt to seek him. I do not become fixated on the Lord and his Word. I prefer to have my God in small doses whenever I want him, and when something "better" comes along, I go that direction.

How fickle I am! How unfaithful!

I'm reminded of the third verse of one of my favorite hymns, which always encourages me in my times of infidelity:

Oh to grace, how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be.
Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.
Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above.

I want to be enamored with God, like a kitten with a toy. I want to desire God above all things. I don't want to wander around aimlessly, flitting with various worldly things.

Here's my heart, Lord. Take it, seal it, make it yours.

May I always be captivated by you.

On Being Prodded

It's been awhile since my last post. Between orientation weekend for my East Asia mission trip (woohoo!), a mission trip to New Orleans, going to Secret Church at Brook Hills (7 hours with David Platt teaching--it was phenomenal), and Easter, I've been spread a little thin. But I'm back now, trying to get back into blogging. I got my computer fixed, I'm back into a somewhat normal schedule, and I'm ready to rejoin the blogging world.

It's kind of weird getting back into something from which you've taken a break. For instance, a friend of mine and I started working out just over a month ago. Because of spring break and all that, we weren't able to work out during last week. Today, we're going to start back up, and I'll be honest---I'm dreading it. I guess it's laziness. I just cannot get myself psyched back up to work out today.

That's why I have a work out partner. If I had tried to work out on my own for the past month, I probably wouldn't have made it a week before stopping. Thankfully, though, Robby has helped push me. It's nice having a work out buddy. Not only do we keep each other accountable for showing up to work out, we push each other in the gym. It's very beneficial.

How many times do we try to work out on our own spiritually and fail? How many times do we attempt to start reading our Bible more, or begin a journal, or schedule a regular quiet time only to stop doing it after about a week?

There are a variety of reasons why we cannot fulfill our spiritual commitments, primarily stemming from laziness, apathy, selfishness, and lack of discipline. However, I've found that one of the best ways to persevere in spiritual disciplines is with the help of a spiritual partner. We all need accountability and encouragement. We were never meant to walk this spiritual journey on our own.

We each have our own responsibilities and relationships with the Lord. Sometimes, though, we just need a little prodding to keep us moving in the right direction.

Encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ to faithfully continue their spiritual journey, and be willing to be prodded when they call you out on something, too.

Keeping up an effective spiritual discipline "work out" isn't always easy or comfortable, but it is necessary, and we need to do whatever it takes to maintain it, even if that requires a kick in the pants every now and then.

On Spring Cleaning

I started cleaning out my closet the other day (no, not in the Eminem sense....). You know--going through clothes, getting rid of junk, trying to clean out stuff that you don't really need or use.

As I started going through clothing and random items, I realized that I've got a lot of stuff that I don't need. I mean seriuosly--how many pairs of khaki pants do I actually need? So, I started putting stuff in a box to give to Goodwill. My giveaway pile has grown quite large over the past day or two.

I accumulate a lot of junk. I do tend to save things that I'll never need. I don't know why. Perhaps it's the human condition. It's just hard for me to let go of things, I guess.

My heart is often the same way. I keep a lot of things inside that shouldn't be there: grudges, pride, sinful habits, etc. For some reason, I just have a hard time letting go of these things. I know that they're just cluttering up my spirit and dragging me down, but I just can't seem to part ways with it.

It's kind of my like my Frodo complex. You remember in Lord of the Rings when Frodo stands at Mount Doom, ready to cast the ring of power into the fiery lava and destroy Sauron's strength forever? Remember how he just couldn't let go of it because it just had too much of a hold on his life? Yeah, I have a lot of those things in my life as well.

We are not called to live a life that is cluttered by the things of this world. We are not called to have a spirit that is choked out by sinful things. We are called to a life of freedom. Jesus wanted for us to be free indeed--free from everything in this world. Free to live, free to love, free to grow, free to be joyful, free to serve, and free to glorify him without anything else dragging us down.

To get that freedom, though, we've got to do some cleaning, even if it means throwing something away that we really want to hold on to.

Kind of like that Hawaiian shirt in my closet....