Pastor Janae’s Blog

In the movie Seven Pounds, Will Smith’s character, Ben Greene, says this line…”I have the power to drastically change his life, but I need to know if he’s a good person…” In other words, Ben Greene had the ability to perform a kind deed for someone who desperately needed it, but a prerequisite was the recipient’s worthiness.

Haven’t we all been on the receiving end of a benefactor’s good will? At some point in our lives, each of us has needed the generous or gracious hand of a mentor, sponsor, tutor, admissions committee, or perhaps debt collector. We may have lined up several justifications for our worthiness, including our tremendous efforts, past successes, or perceived need. Yet at the end of the day, we fell several degrees short of perfection and the ideal. There may have been another candidate more qualified or another student more focused. The benefactor may have looked at your curriculum vitae or your transcripts and said, “I have the power to drastically change his life, but I need to know if he’s a worthy candidate.” And at that moment, the words on the page become slaves to grace. It’s grace that gets you the promotion, the internship, the opportunity. It’s grace that stamps “approved” on the application. It’s grace that changes the formula against which you’re measured.

Ben Greene’s statement awakened my appreciation for grace. God through Jesus Christ extended a gift to me (and to you), a gift that had the power to drastically change my life. In this situation, however, my worthiness was not in question. For if it were, there was no doubt or uncertainty. I was definitely NOT worthy. For this gift, a gift more significant than any worldly treasure and more enduring than time, there were no prerequisites. There were no stipulations.

I applaud the Ben Greene’s of the world who are selfless enough to offer the very best of themselves that others may be better off. It does not compare, however, to the gift that God gave this world, his only son Jesus Christ. Let us be ever mindful of the enormous gift that God gave us in and through Jesus Christ. It is the gift that cannot be bought, but it can be passed on.

In this season of giving, what will you give? Join me and thousands of others in the Advent Conspiracy. We are giving more – our time, our energy, our compassion, our faith. Jesus gave without preconditions. Let us strive to do the same.

Comments (3) Dec 21 2008

What do you bring to your friendships, romantic relationships and professional relationships? Ideally, it would be balance. Whether it’s professional, platonic or passionate, relationship balance is essential. Relationships are a cornerstone of human existence. In them we are strengthened, sharpened, and nurtured. Those relationships that contain a rich and vibrant combination of giving and receiving, speaking and listening, and idea creation and contemplation are most rewarding.

This rich and vibrant exchange doesn’t happen by osmosis. It happens when people are prepared and equipped with experience, wisdom, and willingness to invite someone else into a shared experience. In other words, it happens when each one brings something to the table and is willing to share it with the other. We each need not bring the same thing, but we each should bring something.

I’d really like to lift Barack and Michelle Obama as an example of a balanced relationship. Each of them contribute to the vibrance of their family and one another by bringing their own offering to the table. Watching them maneuver presidential transition, parenting, relocation, and marriage with grace and ease is nothing short of amazing. But one need not be a Harvard Law graduate to substantially contribute to, or participate in, a healthy relationship.

A spiritually mature church engages in balanced relationship. This is where each person (clergy, staff, and laity) brings something to the table…and not only the offering table. When persons are willing to bring their spiritual gifts, talents, and time to the faith community, there is balance. Where there is balance there is abundance. Consider Ephesians 6:11-13. We each need not bring the same thing to the table, but each should bring something to the table. (I will pursue this topic again in a separate post about church growth strategies because I believe balanced spiritual relationships builds the Church.)

Given that balanced relationships are “life-giving” how (and why) is it that so many people do not experience balanced relationships? Submit a comment below.

Comments (3) Dec 17 2008

Many relationships suffocate because we place more pressure on the relationship than what it is able to bear. We enter with expectations, rules, walls, and baggage. We dump them covertly into the relationship reservoir and expect the other person to navigate the waters seamlessly. We create tension and stress because we think that the other person, if they’re our friend or family member, should put forth whatever energy necessary to navigate through the maze we’ve created with past hurts, disappointments, and unrealistic relationship ideals.

Imagine how our relationships with others would change if our expectations and behaviors matched the maturity level of the relationship. Oh how we could enjoy more refreshing relationships. When was the last time someone was refreshed from your presence in their life?

Take a look at Romans 15:32.

Paul knew he’d be exasperated from his missionary work and looked forward to spending time with those who refreshed him. He knew there was a group of individuals with whom he could relate with joy and eager expectation. Paul had refreshing relationships.

Refreshing relationships begin inside of us. When we contribute to the vitality, health, and freedom of the relationship and not wait for the relationship to serve our needs, it is refreshing.

Comments (2) Dec 13 2008