The Value of Perspective in Why I Run

I was feeling great about today's race...until I saw the results.

I posted a 1:04:30 in a 10K.  That was a PR for me!! I know that I'm not fast compared to many but I'm faster than I was three years ago when I didn't run.  I know that I'm not fast but I'm faster than I was two years ago when I started running and was 20 lbs heavier that I am today.  I know that I'm not fast but I'm in better shape at 43 than I was at 23.  All those are very good things...until I saw the results.

I posted a 1:04:30.  A PR that was good enough for 147 of 222 finishers, behind more than half of the pack.  A PR good enough for 13 in my age group, of which there were only 16.  A PR that was more than double the time of the overall winner.

And therein lies the value of perspective.

I have no expectation of winning a race.
 It isn't why I run.

I have no expectation of winning my age group.  It isn't why I run.

I have no expectation of becoming an "elite" runner.  It isn't why I run.

I have no expectation of making a podium.
It isn't why I run.

I have no expectation of winning anything but a finisher's medal (I do love me some SWAG).  It isn't why I run (ok, the t-shirt is part of why I run).

I run because I am called to be a good steward of the body that God has given me and running helps.

I run, not to be the fastest; but I am outrunning heart disease, diabetes, and obesity (and they're gonna have to WORK to catch me).

I run because it makes me healthier and I want to be around to be Amy's husband and Abby, Campbell, Graham, Christian, and Nathanael's dad for a loooooooong time.

I run because it makes me healthier and I don't want poor health to be a reason or an excuse to not be able to do something God has planned for me.

I run because I know my own tendency toward being undisciplined, and running screams against that.

I run because it's fun.

I run because it makes me feel awesome (after the horrible stops).

I run because I can.

I run because I am a runner.

So perspective.  As long as there are the Ryan Shrums, Sujeel Taj, and Matt Calhouns of the world still running (all wonderful runners and brothers who I respect and admire greatly and all around good guys) I'll be happy to take my place in the middle of the pack.  I'll be outrunning heart disease and his evil buddies.  I'll be the happy, sweaty guy greeting the volunteers and thanking them for helping.  I'll be the guy encouraging all the other 'middle of the packers' who are feeling a bit defeated.  I'll be happy on days when I get a PR, and a bit disappointed when I don't (I'm still a runner, and runners want to improve).

But with perspective comes a great deal of peace.  My road to running has been different than these guys.  Like I said, three years ago I wasn't a runner.  I'm faster than I was then but slower than I'll be this time next year. But more so the greater reality guides my course and moves my feet:

     "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God." - Hebrews 12:1-2

So wherever you finished today, GREAT JOB!  If you didn't run, I hope you rested well.  If you needed to run and didn't, get up and go.  And in the process, enjoy some perspective.

Go Run,
Brian

Deer Hunting PSA

PSA - It is Sept 23, just a few days before the beginning of deer season, so as a help to all who know me, here are a few things to expect. 

1.  If I seem a bit distracted, I am. You may have to repeat yourself. I apologize and thank you in advance. 

2.  If you happen to ride in my truck, expect it to smell a bit of a mixture of deer pee, fresh earth cover scent, coffee (ok, that one is year round), and any other food item I may have eaten on the way to the woods. 

3.  Also, if you happen to ride in my truck, please excuse the "muddy" boots, the variety of hanging camo articles, potential weaponry required, numerous backpack/belt packs as I may find necessary, calls, and other implements as the season will dictate.

4.  If I smell a bit of a mixture of deer pee, fresh earth cover scent, coffee (ok, that one is year round too), and any other food item I may have eaten on the way to the woods; yes, I did shower. But come on, it's pee. That smell tends to linger. 

5.  I appreciate your patience. On behalf of all of us who lay awake at night waiting for these days and dream of them when we finally drift off to sleep only to be jarred awake mere moments later to get 20 ft up a tree before the sun comes up; we thank you. Thank you for tolerating our odd smells.  Thank you for feigning interest when we show you the latest trail cam pics on our phones. Thank you for reserving judgement when pictures of our kids or family reunions had to be deleted so as to have said pics. 

6.  Be patient. January will roll around and all will be back to normal soon enough. Then we get to wait 9 months and do it all over again. 

Why would a Calvinist care about missions?

Recently, David Platt was selected to be the next president of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.  For the last several years David has been used by God as the Sr. Pastor of the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama.  In his time there God has afforded him the platform to become a person of increased influence for the kingdom and a voice to make the name of Christ and the gospel known in all nations.  Like many, I celebrated the news of David's new position of service and have been praying for him and his family as they prepare for the next season of life and ministry.  However, among the massive swell of support I have read through a variety of sources, there have been a few voices of concern.

All of the comments have followed the same basic pattern.  They have all lauded David as a man of great love of Christ, a love for the Word of God, a passion for the nations, and a heart for the local and universal church. They have recognized his love for his wife and children, and marked him as a man of great character. These things have all been said to set up the inevitable "but there is one thing I'm concerned about" portion of the article/blog post, etc. The critiques have come in forms similar to this, "Dr. Platt is at the forefront of the Calvinist movement in the SBC."  "David is often associated with the modern current of Calvinism that is tearing our denomination apart."  But then there was the question that sparked this blog post, "Why would a Calvinist care about missions?  If it's all predetermined, why would he care about sending missionaries around the world?"

My response to this question was three-fold. (Actually four if you count the head shaking.).  Initially I thought This person has never met or heard David Platt.  There is no questioning David's heart for the nations and his serious commitment to and investment in seeing Jesus named in all the world.  It is the blank-check approach to discipleship that we are called to as Christ followers.

Secondly I thought This person doesn't understand the current situation of the Southern Baptist Convention . The numbers aren't good. I am not at all hopeless as a Southern Baptist.  I don't believe the greatest and most effective days of the SBC are behind us. I believe that God is at work and has a great plan for kingdom work for the churches that partner together to make up the SBC (please rightly understand the nature and form of the Southern Baptist Convention). But I do know that our current reports aren't encouraging. Evangelism and baptism numbers are decreasing. I am convinced that the reasons for this have NOTHING to do with doctrinal stance in the Calvinism/Arminian debate. I believe many are filled with apathy for the nations and their neighbors that is rooted in a lethargic approach to God's Word.  This leads to my third response.

Thirdly, I thought This person doesn't understand the foundation of evangelism. Why would a Calvinist care about missions?  Really?  Easy question, Because they care about the Great Commission and they take the Bible seriously.  The speculation is that a Calvinist would not care about missions because of their misguided idea that If God has already decided who is going to be saved then it doesn't matter if we go or not.  It does matter if we go, because Jesus said go. It is rooted in the call of (if I can use the word) Radical discipleship. Jesus commands us to go. He gave us the Commission to carry the good news of the gospel into all the world and to baptize and teach. A Calvinist, like any other disciple of Jesus,  would care about missions because he takes the commission of Christ seriously, not simply as an optional aspect of life. A Calvinist would care about missions because God cares about missions. God has a heart for the nations and as a disciple, our heart should look like His.

So we find ourselves here. What do you do with the call of Christ?  Calvinist or Arminian, the commission is the same. Go into all the world and preach the gospel. Proclaim boldly the good news that Jesus has died in our place to pay the penalty for our sin and there is hope and life only in Him. Call people to repentance and faith in Jesus. Make disciples and teach them. Until He comes.

People often ask me Are you a Calvinist? or Are you Reformed?  My reply is always the same. There are two reasons I'd rather not be associated with the name of any man. Reason number one is that based on my reply you will assume that you know things about me that may or may not be true based upon your presuppositions about that answer. Secondly, why would I subject myself to be marked by the name of a man when I've been marked by the redemption of Jesus?  I am a disciple of Jesus. My loyalty is to Him and to His word. I am a follower of Jesus and I strive to be a Biblicist. By using the term Biblicist I mean that it is my desire and intent to live by the truth of God's word in the Bible. (Now, if you have questions about my stance on a particular topic or issue, I'll be happy to talk about that.)

So, why would a Calvinist care about missions?  Easy.  Because Jesus does.

The Osteen Video

Really pondering more about the current Osteen's video that is making the rounds on social media. - Some are being as gracious as possible, some not. - I don't know the Osteens. We've never met. I've never been to their home, never sat in his office, never had a cup of coffee with him. We've never had a conversation. I say that to say that I have no platform on which to speak of motive that they may or may not work from. - But I do say this. They are intentionally deceiving thousands of people OR they have been deceived and are deceiving thousands of people without realizing it. Either way, I don't see truth in what they teach. (Now before supporters bring me instances of things that he may have said that were true, please don't. I'm not saying that he has never said anything that is true; however, the doctrinal and theological platform that he espouses is false.) - I'm not one to often use labels on people, but what she proclaimed in that video is false. It props up the idol of self. There is NO Biblical backing for what she said. If you are a fan of theirs, I would exhort you in the name of Christ; examine what they say compared to the Bible. Be a student of the Word. Be able to, with sensitivity from the Holy Spirit and guided by the truth of the Bible, identify error and falsehood and cling tightly to the truth. - He may be a great motivational speaker and that is fine; but a preacher and teacher of the scripture, he doesn't appear to be.

 When people have asked me "What do I think of Joel Osteen?" I tell them I don't know him. He seems like a really nice guy, but like I said, I've never met him. Then the inevitable eye-roll comes and they ask me what I think of his teaching/writing. I've never read one of his books. (I don't need to know how to feel better about myself. I struggle enough with pride.) I'd rather spend that time looking at what the Bible tells me God says about me. As a preacher, I've got about this (...) much time to listen to preachers on tv and Osteen NEVER TEACHES ME ANYTHING except how to have a positive metal attitude and about how something new and better is coming my way.

Tell that to my brothers and sisters in Christ who will die tomorrow for their faith. Yes, eternity is coming their way, but I don't think that is what Joel is talking about.

Tell that to my brothers and sisters in Christ who share our faith but not our freedom and who will hide tomorrow instead of worship in a stadium.

Tell that to my deceived and spiritually immature brothers and sisters who are rolling in it and assume that God is blessing them and the sketchy way they do business b/c of the financial results. 

Tell that to millions of believers in the world who pray not that they will avoid persecution but rather that their backs will be strong in withstanding it.

 So I guess, no. I don't like his teaching. And if he isn't a false teacher in our day, I'd say he's as close as we've got.

A Love for Obedience

Yesterday was one of those days as a parent. Things didn't go as they say they should in all the parenting books. Actuallly they were very much the opposite. I gave instruction of a couple age appropriate chores for the kids to do. I insured that clear and God-honoring communication had taken place and that the children understood what was expected of them. I had kindly reminded them what they were to do and had given ample and reasonable time for their obedience. Imagine my surprise when all the strategies of the books didn't seem to be agreeable to all of our kids. In order to maintain my composure and to not be given to a fit of anger when I discovered the tasks not being started, much less completed; I went outside and sat on a tree stump by the vegetable garden. While I sat and prayed (and steamed a bit) one of my younger sons came outside. He came to my side, laid his head on my shoulder, and sighed. I am not a man who fears or is uncomfortable with physical affection from my childen. I hug and kiss them daily. I high-five my boys and hold hands with my daughter. Physical affection as an expression of love is a regular and daily reality in our home. However, in that moment I didn't want a hug from my son. I didn't merely want his affection. What I wanted was his obedience. So I told him that. I told him how much I love him (a fact he alreay knew with great certainty); however, in that moment affection was not a substitute for obedience. I love his hugs. I love his affection. However,I do not want it as a substitute for his obedience. I want his obedience as an expression of his love for me, as an expression of his affection for me. My concern is that this is the way that many (and at times I would/must admit I am guilty as well) treat a relationship with God. We run to express our affection through worship. We eagerly jump at the chance for the next worship event, but cringe at the thought of what may be perceived as difficult obedience. Obedience that costs us. Obedience that puts us at odds with our own desire. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. (1 John 5:3 ESV) Indeed, we show our love for God in worship. It is certainly appropriate that we shower Him with affection. It us good and right that we as God's children would enjoy singing praises to Him in worship; both individually and corporately. But in the same way we cannot deny our love for Him in disobedience. A healthy relationship with God requires both obedience and affection. May we sing and serve with equal vigor. Brothers and sisters, may we pour out our love for our Father in abundance through obedience and worship. fs

FREE Sweet Potatoes and the gospel...really?

This morning I had the pleasure of having coffee with a brother at a local coffee establisment. We exchanged the usual pleasantries and then moved into more of the purpose of our meeting and conversation. As the purposeful business-like portion of our conversation moved toward its conclusion we began to discuss more important matters like my friend's upcoming trip and the places he and his beloved would see on their journey.

WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN...(caps to add emphasis and drama) we were interrupted by a wonderfully excited woman who had embodied the role of the mouthpiece of declaration for the opportunity to collect FREE SWEET POTATOES. Apparently, just around the corner, behind another business establishment, a church was giving away sweet potatoes. Neither I nor my coffee companion had opportunity to pursue further information about this potential sweet potato score that I would have deemed necessary to partake in the veggie jackpot; i.e. the source of said free sugary spuds, the trip they had endured to reach their destination and the sanitation status of their mode of transport, and other less important tidbits. I had no opportunity because the bearer of the bounty had already moved to three other tables by the time I realized I wasn't on a hidden camera show and that she was serious. Not only serious, but she had apparently taken it upon herself to inform EVERYONE in the place of the opportunity they were missing because of their current business. The status of conversation mattered not to my ysm informant. Business meetings had to be interrupted, casual conversation was no match for the vigor with which the potato proclaimer conveyed her message of hope for all those who were currently lacking in sweet potato potential or possession. PEOPLE MUST HEAR THE GOOD NEWS OF FREE SWEET POTATO OPPORTUNITY THAT WAS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!

I admit that in that moment this morning, my friend and I did more chuckling that considering. We were neither one in the market this morning for sweet potatoes. We weren't looking for the opportunity for sweet potatoes. I was merely amused by someone who was so wonderfully excited about the potential that someone, anyone who was willing, had the chance to enjoy free yams.

But as I consider the event, I am moved to more serious matters. My life is no better or worse because of a lack of sweet potatoes. But I am encouraged by the enthusiasm of the messenger I encountered this morning. While I am not sold on the method of communication, I cannot fault her in energy, enthusiasm, and engagement. She had a message and people needed to know. I think we as Christ followers can learn a lesson by my yam fan encounter this morning. We have information that people need to hear. People need to know of the truth of the gospel. People are sitting in contexts and circumstances unaware that God loves them and that Jesus died in their place to take the punishment for their sin. We've been given the mandate to be the one who will go and tell.

So thank you unknown person for your willingness to step into people's circumstance and share some good news of something that was freely available to them; for in that, God used you to remind me and cause me to consider again the message with which I've been entrusted. Eternally Good News, that all need to hear...

The Land of My Sojourn (From several years ago)

Today is September 12, 2006. Five years post 9/11 but that is not what this is really about. September 12, 2006 is 8 weeks from what we’ve come to know as mid-term elections.

Election time each year always brings me to an acute awareness of my growing discomfort here. Not here in America. I do believe that we live in the greatest country in the world. What I do not believe, and my confession of this fact betrays my Southern upbringing, is that we are God’s favorite or His chosen people. The reality of the opulence of our country reminds my of the truth that to whom much is given much is required. And the stark veracity is that we’ve been given much in the way of freedom and resource and we’ve not made good use. But that is for another blog. Let’s get back to my discomfort.

The discomfort I feel “here” is just that. Here. In this world. In this frail, fragile, fallible body. Just HERE. Here, where people fly planes into buildings. Here where people still get cancer and still in the light of great faith and love for and from God still die. Here, where people just have to deal with all the stuff that muddles our days. Loneliness, poverty, wealth, business, having too little time or too much, remembering and forgetting and wishing we could just do more of the other. Sticky little hands that just want to touch your face. Small, innocent faces that greet you in the morning, and the beautiful face that tells you goodnight. The thrill of seeing people move from death to life and the heartache of watching people walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Walking the tightrope between where you are and where you wish you could be. The urge and ache to be part of something huge and world changing woven into the tension of the minutia and mundane of the everyday. Just life as we remember it. The good, the bad, and the rest…just life. The highs and lows, the pitfalls and props of people who are created for eternity who for a time are bound to a fallen world and fallen bodies that will one day be built for glory.

That is why this time of the year brings this sensitivity to the fact that we should be somewhat discontent here. This isn’t home. Each time I go into the voting booth I am reminded that I am voting as a resident alien. Not politically, but spiritually. This world is not my home. I love my wife and children and the life that God has given me here, but there is a nagging part of my heart that will always be discontent here, because this is not home. This is indeed the land of my sojourn. It is the here and now, even though it is not the now and forever. So while I am wrapped in this flesh and subject to all the gripes and grace that comes with it, I’ll walk in the joy that comes in being a bit homesick, knowing that when this tent collapses and I jump off the ledge that is this world into eternity there is a loving God who will be there to catch me as faithful Father, just as I catch my three when they jump to me. Only He’s a much better catcher than I.