An Open Serving Policy

Greystone Bakery taught me about grace once again.

Anyone that comes to the front door of their bakery is given the chance to work, no questions asked. When a job becomes available they take the next person off the waiting list and give them a job.

I want to be part of a church that has an “open” serving policy. Anyone who wants to serve, can. This doesn’t mean they can do whatever they want, in whatever way they want.

There are standards and expectations for certain types of service. Elders and deacons are held to higher standards than others. But, graceful churches, like Jesus, can adopt an open serving policy. Think of the band of misfits Jesus used. One of them wasn’t even a believer.

The open hiring policy of Greystone says your past isn’t your future.

Reluctance:

1. Children need protection from predators.
2. Financial integrity is essential.
3. Quality of service needs to be held high.

In other words, open serving doesn’t mean anyone can do anything. But, its incumbent for those who believe in grace to express grace by providing places of service for anyone.

Religious pressure:

Could it be that you are worried about what other believers think? After all, what would “they” think if the person who is passing out bulletins was drunk last night?

I’d rather offend a religious person than belittle an unbeliever by excluding them, unnecessarily.

Bigger issue:

The bigger issue is you feel superior to “them.” Your sins aren’t as bad as their sins. But, you don’t have permission to look down on outsiders, especially when Jesus loves them and died for them.

Low responsibility jobs have low or no standards. For example, the next time you take out the garbage, ask the guy who was drunk last night to help.

The Right Idea – The Wrong Idea

Grace is under-appreciated and abused. But, protecting grace from being abused turns some into self-righteous rule-makers.

I was reminded yesterday that people might get the wrong idea when they hear a graceful message from the Bible. The “wrong” idea is that sin doesn’t matter.

Paul was concerned the Roman believers might get the wrong idea.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? Romans 6:1 (ESV)

What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? Romans 6:15 (ESV)

10 Observations:

1. You haven’t taught grace until people start asking, “Does sinning matter?”
2. Grace always goes one step beyond your sin, regardless of how much you sin (Rom. 5:20).
3. Don’t solve your concerns about abuse by re-instituting the law. We aren’t under law (Rom 6:15)
4. Sin has negative consequences, even for people under grace.
5. Believers who fall into sin need more grace not less.
6. Grace changes us from the inside out.
7. Laws don’t have power to change us. Telling people what not to do never changes their heart.
8. Freedom in grace is freedom to love and be loved.
9. The standards of grace are higher and nobler than law. We live by the law of love.
10. Holy living must be freely embraced.

Source of concern:

Why was Paul concerned that believers might get the wrong idea about grace? Because he was teaching in a way that might give people the “wrong” idea.

The question, “Does behavior matter,” only comes up when you teach that people are made right with God by faith, apart from behaviors. (Rom 4:5).

The idea that someone could be righteous before God and have unrighteousness in their life is astonishing. Grace is astonishing.

Can grace be abused? You abuse it everyday.

Should we remind people that sin matters? Paul did.

Why Have you Forsaken Me

During his darkest hours, Jesus craved connection.

Matthew 27:45–46 (ESV)

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

In the darkness Jesus kept crying out to God, “Why have you forsaken me?”

Craving

We crave connection when things are the darkest.

Being alone makes everything worse.

Jesus nearly died the night before the crucifixion.

Matthew 26:38 (ESV)

Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”

“… watch with me.” Do you feel his desire for connection?

Jesus desire for connection is scattered through the New Testament.

• “I am the vine. You are the branches.” Jn. 15:5
• “I in them and You in me.” – Jn. 17:23
• “Remember me.” – Lk. 22:19 (Lit. “In remembrance of me)

The human craving for connection finds it’s roots in a God who embraces and looks for connection.

“Where are you Adam.” Gen. 3:9

Connecting factors:

• We only connect with those we trust.
• Transparency and vulnerability fuel connection. Fakers can’t connect.
• Connection suggests acceptance.
• Judging others destroys connection.

Glorify God and Pass the Salt

Christians say, “Glorify God,” as easily as, “Pass the salt.” Actually, pass the salt may have more meaning.

We exist to glorify God. The Church exists to glorify God. Even, nature exists to glorify God. But, glorifying God isn’t a mystical experience that happens in isolation.

One behavior best exemplifies what it means to glorify God.

One purpose:

Everything the Church does has one purpose – winning people to Jesus and helping them grow so they can win people to Jesus. We are here to win people.

Paul teaches us that the Church is the body of Christ. Luke tells us that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. So, if we are the body of Christ, we are here to seek and save the lost.

Lets give teeth to religious language and say that everything the Church is here to do one basic thing – win people to Jesus and help them grow so they can win people to Jesus. Nothing less. Nothing more. Nothing else.

Everything:

What the Church does:

1. Teaching
2. Fellowship
3. Worship
4. Support
5. Encouragement
6. Friendship
7. Social engagement
8. Meeting needs
9. You name it ….

Everything we do traces back to one objective, win people to Jesus.

The “edification of the saints,” is so they can win people.

Teaching the Bible loses it’s ultimate purpose if it doesn’t equip us to win people. Furthermore, fellowship isn’t just for our comfort and enjoyment. It’s to enable us to win people.

Winning people gives purpose and meaning to everything believers do. Without the objective of winning people, we’re just going through the motions and God is not glorified, regardless of what you do.

Method:

The method is as clear as the mission. Love people.

Now that I think about it, glorifying God is a bit like passing the salt.

Stop Making it Difficult

The first church fight addressed issues we grapple with today.

Who can be part of us?

What do you have to do to belong?

The issue, back then, was do you have to keep the law to be/become a Christian?

The fight is recorded in Acts 15. After the fight, James summarizes the key principle in verse 19 (NIV):

It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

In other words, make it easy. The rule applies to those who have and those who are turning.

Make it easy:

1. Invite people to turn TO God. It’s easy to point out what’s bad. Turn away from drugs, sex, and rock-n-roll, for example. But, the gospel is good news, not bad.
2. Forget about fixing people. Let God fix.
3. Err on the side of grace. When in doubt choose compassion over confrontation.
4. Avoid arguments on peripheral issues. Trusting Jesus is THE issue. Nothing else matters until that issue is resolved.

Four rules:

The four rules James gave gentile believers in Acts 15:20 (NIV) illustrate the “make it easy” rule.

Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.

1. No “idol” food.
2. No sexual immorality.
3. No strangled animals.
4. Drain the blood.

Why these rules? Acts 15:21 (NIV):

For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.

James says the principle of “don’t make it difficult,” applies both ways. Jewish believers in Jerusalem are working to make it easy for Gentiles to turn to God. Gentile believers should be concerned for the Jews in their communities. Make it easy for them to turn to God, too. Avoid offensive behaviors for the sake of the Gospel. 

How to be a Friend of “Sinners”

It’s a great compliment to have self-righteous Christians complain that you’re too friendly with non-Christians. The religious elite made a similar complaint about Jesus – the friend of sinners (Lk. 7:34).

But there’s another side to this issue.

1 Corinthians 15:33 (ESV) “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Our friends predict our future.

How can you be a friend to “sinners”?

The inner circle:

Cultivate and develop an inner circle of three deeply committed believers. One of them should be a visionary like Peter. One should be a doer like James. And the other, should be a lover like John.

Questions to ask before becoming a “friend of sinners”:

1. Do you know who you are?
2. Where do you look for approval? Or, who are you trying to please?
3. Are you deeply connected to committed believers?
4. Can you explain the gospel quickly, simply, and clearly. (The best way to do that is tell your own story of trusting Jesus.”
5. Do you deeply love “sinners”? If God loved the world, so can you.

Three attitudes:

Every believer who aspires to be a friend of sinners knows they are:

1. “One of” not “one above.” Christianity isn’t morality. Christianity is Jesus. Everyone is in the “falling short” bucket. The fact that you may sin less doesn’t make you sinless.
2. Not trying to change or reform “sinners”. Your job is sharing Jesus. Changes are his business. Getting people to sin less, might make life better, but it doesn’t help in the long-term.
3. Dedicated to serve others, not be served. Jesus came as one who serves and you aren’t above Him. The path to influence is the path of service. Solve a problem. Meet a need.

Embrace these attitudes or you’re doing more damage than good.

Be a friend of sinners. But, fasten your spiritual seat-belt. You’re in for a challenging ride.

The Tongue Rule Challenge

Of all the people in the world, Christians should use words more skillfully than anyone.

Ephesians 4:29 (GNB)

Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.

Sadly, we have a reputation for speaking against things rather than for. Frankly, we are often known for negativity.

Positive speech, in some Christians circles, seems like a sin. We go so far as to suggest that railing against something indicates strength and holiness. In reality, tearing down is unbiblical, misguided, and weak.

Yes, there are exceptions. Jesus hammered the religious elite. If you’re inclined to fight, attack denominational leaders who choose law over grace. Call them pretty coffins full of dried up bones.

But, the tongue rule may be a better option.

The tongue rule:

“Only open your mouth to make something better.”

Other than that, be quiet.

Even if you’re pointing out a problem, only point it out so you can explore how to make it better.

Sounds simple enough. But, James, the brother of Jesus said,

But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. James 3:8 (GNB)

Developing a graceful tongue:

If you enjoy challenges, adopt the tongue rule challenge.

1. It’s a journey.
2. Receive and enjoy God’s favor.
3. Treat others the way God treats you.
4. Find some friends who are on the “tongue taming” journey with you.
5. Start again after you screw up. Grace is beginning again, again.
6. Talk less. But, realize silence isn’t the goal, building up is.
7. Only speak to make things better.

The Long Holy Nose

Christians, under the guise of holiness, judge and condemn “sinners.” When we do, we condemn ourselves.

What makes you better than others?

• You don’t murder. But, you hate.
• You don’t rob banks. But, you steal another’s reputation with gossip.
• You aren’t a drunk. But, you disobey your parents.

I’m not trying to make you feel bad. I’m trying to help you see that Christians aren’t above others.

Stop looking down your long holy nose at people God loves.

The long holy nose makes us ugly. I’m convinced that the ugliest people in the world are self-righteous, good-living, religious people. The truth is, “We” need God’s love as much as “they” do.

Holy living is not an excuse from compassion, respect, or kindness.

Holiness:

Lets call fellow believers to holiness. The issue isn’t should we live holy lives. The issue is how we grow in grace by faith.

Inviting Christians to holiness requires transparent connection. Apart from connection, calling fellow believers to holiness is self-righteous and arrogant. When you call someone to holiness, get in it with them.

Faith:

Lets call people who aren’t believers, to trust in Jesus. The issue isn’t moral reform. It’s Jesus.

Inviting people to trust in Jesus requires connection. Connection empowers the call. Disconnection makes us look like arrogant fools.

Let’s call fellow believers to trust God in new ways. We need to trust Jesus today like we did when we trusted Jesus for the first time.

The people “out there” didn’t make Jesus dirty when he rubbed elbows with them. They won’t make you dirty when you connect with them, either.

Love:

Love is not rude or arrogant. Love is kind, patient, hopeful. Love endures. You have permission to live a holy life and treat people who don’t know Jesus with Love.

Acceptable Service

The “why” of service matters more than the service itself.

Christian service is an expression of love and gratitude, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.

Ungrateful service is arrogance in disguise.

Arrogant servants think:

1. I deserve better.
2. I’m not appreciated.
3. What about them?
4. Whose serving me?

Ungrateful servants whine and complain. Grateful service, on the other hand, frees us.

Service as response is privilege and opportunity.

Service as obligation is a burden.

Focus:

The focus of grateful service is Jesus, not the people you serve.

Arrogant service focuses more on results than response. Results matter. Serve where you have impact. But, results come second to response.

Engaged:

Those who aren’t serving haven’t seen grace. Law may pressure into service. But, law never produces acceptable service.

Perfect gratefulness:

How grateful is grateful enough?

We all always falling short. Sometimes you serve out of obligation, other times out of love and gratitude.

When you see the signs of arrogance I listed above, don’t try to be humble. Instead, refocus on Jesus. Remember his grace.

Give yourself space to respond.

Gratitude can’t be demanded or manipulated. But, you can let it happen. When it’s absent, keep on serving. But at the same time acknowledge your brokenness and believe in his grace.

Let gratitude rise in you. If it doesn’t, know you have forgotten how Jesus served you.

Whatever

It sounds spiritual to pray, “God please show me what you want me to do.” It’s also safe.

Believers pray for God to show them His will and then slip under the covers for a snooze.

Fake Spirituality:

Praying without taking action is fake spirituality. I hear someone cry, “Don’t be so harsh. I’m waiting on God.”

If waiting on God is doing nothing, then stop waiting on God! Waiting on God, in reality, is doing everything you can while waiting for further guidance in one area.

Waiting on God isn’t an excuse for self-indulgent spiritual.

How not what:

“But what,” you ask, “Should I do?”

You’re too concerned about “what.” God is concerned about “how.”

Colossians 3:23 (NIV84) “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,”

Worry less about “what.” Go do “whatever.” Worry more about “how” – “with all your heart.”

Excuses:

Uncertainty is the excuse of fake spirituality. “I’m not sure what God wants me to do, so I’ll do nothing.” Excuse makers:

1. Believe certainty indicates God’s guidance.
2. Know what they don’t want to do.
3. Feel spiritual doing nothing.

Whatever:

Doing nothing takes you nowhere.

Stop making excuses and go do “whatever.”

Do:

1. Good for another.
2. Meet a need, the bigger the better.
3. Act on your point of highest certainty. Forget perfect certainty.

Most importantly, whatever you do… “Do it with all your heart.” Uncertainty is an opportunity to trust God. Perfect service opportunities don’t exist. Go all-in on an imperfect opportunity.

Under grace you are free to do good to others
as much as you want!

New prayer:

Rather than praying for God to tell you what to do, pray for an opportunity to serve. “God give me an opportunity to serve someone.” Get up off your knees and get busy. That’s real spirituality.

Half-hearted Christians are unhappy Christians.

When you focus more on wholeheartedness and forget about perfect answers and opportunities, life grows bright. You become happier and more useful.

My prayer is, “God, give us more ‘whatever’ Believers.”