Steve May, Author at Steve May

When the Angel Said ‘Fear Not…’

Last week I talked about the show-stealing scene in the Peanuts special A Charlie Brown Christmas, the one where Linus reads from the gospel of Luke.

Today I want to say a little bit more about it.

There’s a detail in this scene that I never noticed until a friend pointed it out last year. Since then I’ve seen it referenced by several others; it’s just too good to overlook.

As you remember, Linus is the one who always carries the blanket. It’s called a security blanket, but it doesn’t really symbolize security. It symbolizes insecurity — the fear of uncertainty, the fear of inadequacy.

In this scene, Linus takes the stage with his ever-present blanket and begins to recite the story…

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid…(Luke 2:9)

And then, when he gets to the part that says Fear not, he lets go of the blanket. That insignificant piece of cloth representing all of his insecurities suddenly becomes unnecessary in light of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And so the blanket falls to the floor.

The blankets we carry aren’t nearly as conspicuous as his, but ours exist nonetheless:

The security blanket of needing more money.

Or needing a drink to make it through the day.

Or needing to build yourself up by putting others down.

Or needing to win at all costs.

We carry these blankets with us because we think they will shield us from fear. But they never can, and they never do.

There’s only one way to escape fear — and that is to drop the blanket, once and for all, and decide that you will dare to live this day in the power of Jesus Christ. He has promised to be with you always, and he has promised to see you through every uncertain moment. And his promise is worth the risk.

Linus shared with Charlie Brown the true meaning of Christmas: Because of this child born in Bethlehem — the one who came to bear our sorrows and take away our sins — you can drop the blanket and embrace God’s presence in your life.

If We Don’t Tell the Story

Last week, for the 54th consecutive year, A Charlie Brown Christmas was broadcast on a major network to a national audience. It’s still as good as it ever was.

It’s interesting that the scene that stole the show almost didn’t happen.

Do you remember it? As the gang is preparing for their local Christmas play, everyone gets mad at Charlie Brown for buying a pitiful, almost hopeless, tree.

Dejected, he says, “Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I don’t know what Christmas is all about.” And he cries out: “Is there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”

Linus says, “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.”

He then steps center stage and recites the Nativity story from Luke 2 —the story of the angels appearing before the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus.

When network executives previewed the program, they objected: “You can’t read long passages of the King James Version on broadcast TV; you’ll lose your audience.”

Peanuts creator Charles Schulz was adamant. He said, “If we don’t tell the Christmas story, who will?”

The scene stayed in, and it turned out that the network executives were wrong. After the program aired, critics praised Linus’ reading, calling it the “dramatic highlight of the season.”

Schultz has a point — one which every church, every preacher, every believer would do well to consider. “If we don’t tell the Christmas story, who will?”

I’m referring to more than merely repeating the sequence of events found in Matthew and Luke. I’m referring to proclaiming the message of the season … the meaning of it all.

Some may never know, if they don’t hear it from you or me, that Christmas means that God is in our presence: Our loving Heavenly Father sent his Son to take life’s journey with us, to make right that which had gone wrong, to save us from our sin and from ourselves.

In the coming days you may encounter a Charlie Brown, beaten down and discouraged, who wonders what this season — or life itself — is really about.

Be sure to let them know.

Enduring the Bleak Mid-Winter

Last year some family members and I were talking about our favorite Christmas songs. Just about everyone named one of the many bouncy, cheerful carols that we all know and love.

Mine, however, didn’t quite fall into that category.

My favorite Christmas hymn is a contemplative tune that deeply resonates with my experience of knowing Jesus. It’s called In The Bleak Midwinter. Doesn’t sound very bouncy, does it?

Here are some of the words…

In the bleak mid-winter frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter long ago.

These words so resonate with me — and with so many others, I’m sure — because we know all too well the bleak mid-winter experience. Many know what it’s like to feel alone and abandoned, to feel discouraged and disappointed — in yourself, in others, and in the circumstances of life. I would venture to say that we all have weathered, at some time, the bleak mid-winter.

And for some, the bleakness seems to never end. Life appears to be like it once was in Narnia, before Aslan arrived: always winter, never Christmas.

The good news is that the winter doesn’t last forever. If you find yourself sometimes paralyzed by fear and uncertainty, there was a simple promise made to all people everywhere on that first Christmas night, a promise you can claim as your own: You don’t have to be afraid. You can even dare to yield to joy.

These were the first words spoken by the angel to the young shepherds, as they stood terrified before the heavenly host.

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)

Fear not, because God is here.

We know from experience that there is no solace to be found in the ice and snow, no comfort to gain from the frosty wind. But if you’re willing to reach beyond the surrounding elements of winter … to dare to put your future in the hands of the God who loves you, then you can be sure that joy, and hope, and favor await you in his presence.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter a stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Living the As If Life

During World War II, James Michener worked as a naval historian in the South Pacific. Overall, a fairly mild tour of duty, till one fateful brush with death, a near fatal landing in French New Caledonia, forever changed his life.

He later wrote in his autobiography:

But as the stars came out and I could see the low mountains. I had escaped, I swore: “I’m going to live the rest of my life as if I were a great man.”

And despite the terrible braggadocio of those words, I understood precisely what I meant: “I’m going to erase envy and cheap thoughts. I’m going to concentrate my life on the biggest ideals and ideas I can handle. I’m going to associate myself with people who know more than I do. I’m going to tackle objectives of moment.”

From there Michener began to pursue his life’s work, publishing Tales of the South Pacific in 1947, ending some fifty books / fifty years later with Miracle in Seville.

It’s the as-if part of his declaration that most captures the imagination: I will live the rest of my life as if I were a great man.

To that point, his life had been, for the most part, non-descript. Maybe he didn’t yet believe he had greatness in him. But he chose to live as if greatness were already there.

Is there an as-if declaration waiting to be made in your life? Chances are, it’s already there, waiting for you to reach out and take it.

• I will live today as if I’m forgiven. (Because you are, by the way.)

• I will live today as if Christ lives in me. (Because he does, you know.)

• I will live today as if I can make a difference. (Because you most certainly can.)

• I will live today as if the words “I am with you always” were meant for me. (Because they surely were, and they still are.)

There is no limit to how meaningful every day can become when you dare to live as if the purpose of God can be fulfilled in your life.

You were chosen according to the purpose of God the Father and were made a holy people by his Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be purified by his blood. May grace and peace be yours in full measure. (1 Peter 1:2)

The Fine Art of Giving Advice

Have you ever noticed how other people’s lives seem so easy to figure out? Their problems are so well defined, the solutions so clear-cut — unlike your own problems, which are complicated and nuanced.

This is certainly the case with me sometimes.

One frustrating aspect about giving advice is summed up in the old saying, “Advice is least heeded when most needed.”

In fact, in a letter Lord Chesterton wrote to his son in 1770, he said, “I wish to God that you had as much pleasure in following my advice, as I have in giving it to you.”

See, parents? Not much has changed in the last couple of centuries.

ADVICE-GIVING GUIDELINES

During those times when others do turn to you for advice, here are six guidelines to go by.

1. Wait till you’re asked.

It’s tempting to jump in and tell others exactly what they need to do to get their lives straightened out — after all, their problems are begging for your expert touch. However, unasked-for advice is really thinly-veiled criticism. It usually goes ignored.

George Washington wrote, “Give not advice without being asked, and [then], do it briefly.”

2. Speak from experience.

One evening during dinner with friends, a member of our group began telling another how she could improve some aspects of her web consulting and design business.

Her business did, in fact, need improvement, but with all due respect to the volunteer advisor, though his words may have been well-intentioned, he didn’t really know what he was talking about. He had never been in business for himself, had never been a consultant, and knew nothing about design. Other than that, he was an expert.

The truth is, if you haven’t been there, you’re not in a position to tell someone else how to get there.

3. Attack the problem, not the person.

“You’re lazy, disorganized and inefficient,” isn’t good advice. It’s not even advice. It’s merely an observation, and probably not an accurate one.

Understand that when a person seeks advice, he or she has made an important (and laudable) step in the right direction. Make sure, then, that your counsel focuses on pointing out the possible solution, rather than dwelling on the other person’s faults and foibles.

4. Focus on what needs to be done, which actions need to be taken.

People need to know today what they can do today to start solving the problem today. Telling someone what they could have done yesterday or what they should have been doing all along is only telling them what they already know.

It’s easy to point out the obvious; identifying workable solutions requires wisdom.

5. Don’t hesitate to tell the truth.

When someone comes to you for advice, they need to hear the truth.

This part of the process is often difficult, and it should be. If it hurts them to hear it, it should hurt you to say it. But you do need to say it — for their own good.

It’s like the time Eli went to Samuel, asking him about the vision God had given him. The Bible says that Samuel was afraid to tell Eli, but Eli insisted, “Tell me everything.” 1 Samuel 3:18 says, “So Samuel told Eli everything, he didn’t hold anything back.” [NLT]

Those who come to you for counsel deserve the same. Tell them the truth. But be sure you’re telling them the empowering, solution-focused truth.

6. The rest is up to them.

If they have done their job, you are only one of many from whom they sought advice, because “many advisers make victory sure.” (Proverbs 11:14 NIV)

Maybe they’ll follow your advice, maybe they’ll choose to act on the advice of someone else.

You cannot take responsibility for their problems, or their actions, but you can offer your best wisdom on what actions they should take. That’s as much as you can do, and it’s all you need to do.

OUR SOLEMN OBLIGATION

The ability to give good advice is as valuable as it is rare. That’s why consultants — the good ones, the ones who get results — are well paid. Giving good advice is not as easy as it looks.

Remember the words of Solomon: The godly give good advice. (Proverbs 10:21 NLT)

When someone asks for your input, they have paid you an enormous compliment. It is our solemn obligation to approach the task seriously, thoughtfully, carefully and prayerfully.

When To Settle for a Tie? (Hint: Never)

Yesterday NFL fans witnessed two examples of courageous coaching — one that paid off and one that didn’t.

Both happened in overtime.

When the Tennessee Titans had a chance to kick a field goal to guarantee a tie with the Philadelphia Eagles, coach Mike Vrabel chose instead to go for it on 4th and 2. The try was successful and a minute later Marcus Mariota threw a game-winning touchdown pass.

When the Indianapolis Colts had a chance to punt to secure a tie with the Houston Texans, coach Frank Reich chose to go for it fourth down, in an effort to continue the drive and keep the hope of victory alive. The fourth down effort failed; Houston capitalized and kicked a game-winning field goal with seconds left.

Inevitably, one will coach will be praised and the other will be criticized, because that’s what analysts get paid to do between Sundays.

However, I love both decisions. And I especially like what losing coach Reich said in his post-game press conference. When asked about the risky decision, he said:

“I’ll address it now: I’m not playing to tie. I’ll do that 10 times out of 10. That’s just the way it’s got to roll.”

(As an aside, you may remember Frank Reich as the quarterback who led both the greatest college comeback and the greatest NFL comeback in history. He’s nothing if not competitive.)

Jesus once told a story [Matthew 25] about a servant who was entrusted with an amount of money, who — instead of risking an investment — chose to bury it in the sand. The servant later reported back to his master, saying (in effect), “Here’s the money you gave me. I didn’t earn anything with it, but I didn’t lose any either. Let’s call it a tie.”

Interestingly, the master in this parable called the servant “wicked and lazy” — because he was unwilling to take a risk.

In a letter to the church in Corinth, Paul said…

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24)

Paul is saying: Don’t live your life half-way. Don’t settle for a tie.

Fulfilling God’s call on your life sometimes involves risk: the risk of failure, the risk of opposition, the risk of hardship. But the reward, it cannot be denied, is worth more than the risk, always. The prize is worth more than the price, always.

Maybe there’s an area of your life where you’ve been tempted to settle for a tie — to run with the pack instead of running with the best. Now is the time to ask yourself:

What courageous decision do I need to make? What can I do today to run in such a way that I can win the prize?

Kindness and Truth

Do not let kindness and truth leave you… (Proverbs 3:3)

Sometimes those who think they have a corner on the truth don’t feel the need to have a corner on kindness.

Both are necessary. Truth is good. It is even better when coupled with kindness.

Sir Barton’s Ode

I remember reading Sir Barton’s Ode in college. (To be accurate, I remember reading about Sir Barton’s Ode — thank you, Cliff Notes.)

Sir Andrew Barton was a 16th century High Admiral who sailed the seas on behalf of the Scottish Crown. He was considered a hero by some, a pirate by others. He was eventually captured and executed by British authorities.

The Old English ballad that describes his life contains this phrase, his account of one of his many battles.

I am hurt but I am not slain
I’ll lay me down and bleed awhile
Then I’ll rise to fight again.

His words remind us of the words of St. Paul, who said…

We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 CEV)

Paul is saying, “We may be hurt, but we are not slain…we can get up and try again.” There are more than a few times when life will knock you down. At that point, we have the choice to stay down … or merely to lay down, for a while, to “bleed awhile,” and then rise to try again.

There’s power in the second try, and even greater power in the third, fourth, and fifth try. You may feel like you’re getting weaker every time you fail, but the fact is that every time you get back on your feet, you build a little more muscle, a little more momentum, and you tap in to the power of perseverance.

And you don’t have to do it on your own.

The real power comes from God and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

Maybe you’ve been knocked down a time or two. Knocked down doesn’t equal knocked out. Through the power of Christ in you, you can rise to try again.

In Need of a Nudge?

Researchers at San Diego State University looked at whether a simple sign could persuade people to better choices.

For 10 non-consecutive days they posted a sign in front of an airport escalator encouraging travelers to take the stairs instead. Some examples:

• Please reserve the escalator for those who need it.

• Don’t lose time, lose weight. Use the stairs.

• If you want to feel younger, act younger. Step it up! Use the stairs.

The result? On days when the sign was present, twice as many people took the stairs.

Significantly, the prompts appeared to work for all types: those who exercise frequently and those who never exercise were both persuaded to take the stairs this time — because of the sign.

Sometimes all you need is a little nudge. Maybe a note strategically placed near the refrigerator, near the door, near your computer, near your sofa, near your Bible is all you need to make the next good decision. Who knows? It could work.

Those close to you could sometimes use a nudge, too. (A nudge, not a nag.) Most people know what they need to do — and they really want to do it — but apparently it helps to be reminded.

Let’s see if we can make it habit to remind ourselves and gently remind one another.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Staring Down Misconceptions

There are numerous misconceptions floating around, frequently quoted as authoritative. So many that Wikipedia has a page devoted to them.

A few examples.

Abner Doubleday did not invent baseball. Neither did it originate in Cooperstown, New York. It is believed to have evolved from other bat-and-ball-based-games such as cricket and rounders. It first took its modern form in New York City.

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was not caused by Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicking over a lantern. A newspaper reporter invented the story to make colorful copy. (Imagine that.)

Houseflies have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 days, not 24 hours.

Eating less than an hour before swimming does not increase the risk of experiencing muscle cramps.

People do not use only ten percent of their brains. This misconception dates back to the early 20th century. It has been attributed to psychologist William James, who used the expression metaphorically.

Another common misconception is that the Bible says “God helps those who help themselves.” Many will say it’s their favorite verse, thought they’re hard pressed to tell you exactly where it can be found.

The list of misconceptions goes on and on, underlying a simple reality:

Just because you’ve heard something all your life doesn’t make it true.

OTHER ALL-TOO COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS.

What are some other misrepresentations we’re prone to believe? Maybe the list would include:

• God has forgotten me, and now he is finished with me.

• My life will always be what it is today.

• I don’t have the strength to change, or the strength to face what I must face.

• I am alone.

• I have good reason to worry. I have good reason to fear. I have good reason to give up.

These misconceptions will never be true, no matter how many times you’ve heard them, no matter how many times you’ve repeated them.

Solomon once said, somewhat sternly…

The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps. (Proverbs 14:15)

Today our challenge is to confront every belief that seeks to limit the possibility of God doing something great in our lives. Give thought to each one: Stare it down, tear it apart, see if it has any basis at all in the truth of God’s Word.

The world will say it what it can to keep you down, merely for the sake of colorful copy. Don’t give these misconceptions the final word.

Trust, instead, in what God says about you, about today, about your future, and about his plans for you.

Your Time Will Come

Satchel Paige threw his first major league pitch at the age of 42.

Actually, he was good enough to play in the majors at 18, but he couldn’t: Satchel Paige was African American.

Seven years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball, Paige, an undisputed superstar everywhere but in the major leagues, finally got his chance.

Cleveland owner Bill Veek was criticized for adding such an “old man” to his roster; some sportswriters and critics called it a publicity stunt. Others said Paige was finally getting the break he had deserved for years, though most doubted his ability to compete effectively at his age.

Paige silenced the critics when he won his first three games as a pro, shutting out Chicago twice in the process.

All along he knew he was good enough to pitch in the major leagues, and when he finally got his chance, he proved it. He went on to win 28 games during his pro career, and even made a brief comeback at the age of 59, pitching three innings for the Kansas City A’s.

He approached his major league pitching debut no differently than he approached any of the 2,500 games he pitched during his career. “It was just another game,” he said. “And home plate was where it always was.”

Though Paige had the ability to make throwing a baseball look effortless, he spent his life perfecting the art. And, eventually, he got his chance to show the world he was capable of competing with the best.

King Solomon said…

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men. (Proverbs 22:29)

Solomon is emphasizing that commitment to quality is more important than self-promotion. Do your job well, he says, and you’ll get your chance to serve before the best.

In the work that you do, you may have to wait years before you get your chance to play in the big leagues. And the fact is, the chance may never come in the way you would like.

But you can be sure your time will come.

Believers can work with the assurance that our jobs — even the most menial tasks — are performed before our King. Our efforts do not go unnoticed. All the more reason to pursue excellence in all we do.

Your time will come; never give up on the dream of being the best.

A Living Example

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

Paul wrote these words to Timothy because Timothy’s age appears to be the one thing most likely to hinder him in ministry.

Chances are, it was more of a stumbling block to Timothy than to anyone else. Regardless, it was an obstacle that could be overcome with action: Being a living example of the person God calls us to be, Paul said, will get you past whatever whatever limitations you may think you have.

If Paul were writing to you today, how would finish this verse? “Don’t let anyone look down on you because …”

Because what?

Because you’re old? Because you’re different? Because of your race or gender? Because you lack education or financial resources? Because you have a past? Because you’re less than perfect?

Which things, real or imagined, stand between you and your ability to be the leader God has called you to be?

Today is the day to put them aside. Focus instead on being the person God called you to be. Focus instead, today specifically, on being an example for others.

In spite of your perceived limitations, you can still show others how this life is to be lived. As The Message phrases this verse…

Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.

Whatever your limitations may appear to be, they cannot stand in the way of your commitment to be a living example of God’s presence in your life.