Take Root and Write

Boots and Blessings

When I was a baby my parents didn't realize there was something wrong with my feet until I started trying to walk. Instead of moving forward when my legs went into high gear, each of my feet charged off in different directions causing me to land on my diaper clad bottom. It seems that instead of pointing forward like feet are suppose to, my tootsies turned outward in opposite directions; hence my many crash landings.

Sometime after my first birthday I was fitted with special shoes that sat on opposite ends of a hinged bar. It was quite the fashion statement. At various intervals of time, the orthopedic doctor adjusted the bar until my feet were ultimately pointing forward. The entire process took about six months and my mother celebrated my emancipation from the "fashionable footwear"; gone were the tears of her frustrated toddler and visits to the trash can to rescue the "enemy" shoes I was constantly trying to eradicate from my life.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the end of my treatment. For many years afterwards I had to wear corrective shoes with supportive sides and soles. They were fairly expensive and hideously ugly! And, to make matters worse, they came in limited colors...brown, brown, and brown. It was this little girl's nightmare because I grew up in the era of go-go boots and Nancy Sinatra belting out her hit song "These Boots Were Made for Walking." I dreamed of having her bouncy blonde locks and awesome boots but, alas, I was stuck with my short, home-styled "do" and brown corrective clunkers.

Adding insult to injury, my older and more fashionable sister (who had normal feet) had two pairs of go-go boots. One pair was bright red and the other was black and white patent leather. I was so desperate for my defective feet to be cradled inside a pair of sumptuous boots that I would steal Gail's and clandestinely prance around in the closet.

God and Politics?

 

There is no room for earthly politics in God's world, but I believe it's appropriate and necessary to insert God into our political reality. Why? Because, as much as many of us hate it, politics affects the daily lives of the very people it governs and that includes God's children.

I know on this first Friday after the election the results are starting to sink in. Some of us are jumping for joy, while others of us are sitting in stunned silence contmeplating the future under our new leader. Ironically, whether you supported McCain or Obama, emotions ran so high, that for many voters, the "other" guy was the devil. There was a lot riding on this election and the more informed you were, the greater your understanding of what's at stake for our country over the next four years.

I purposely wrote this week's column before knowing the results of Tuesday's contest; I didn't want my own biases to taint my words. But, more importantly, I wanted God's words to be glorified. Who else but God could offer comfort to all people of a nation so politically divided. No matter what side of the aisle we find ourselves politically, we serve a mighty God who is big enough to embrace us all.

The Old Testament book of Habakkuk is full of practical Christianity for an emotionally charged election season. Just the mere fact that Habukkuk means "to embrace" should draw us all in. I would encourage every single one you to read this short book of the Bible in it's entirety in conjunction with this post. I know you will be blessed.

Leader of the Band

It all started when my roommate and I saw a flyer advertising for flag girls to join our college marching band. The vision of adventure plus a $200 scholarship was irresistible, so with no experience whatsoever, Karla and I became the the newest members of the Greyhound Sound Marching Band.

Looking back, they must have been desperate, otherwise why would've they embraced us; we were like Lucy and Ethel navigating through our latest adventure and flipping flags wasn't as easy as it looked. Fortunately, there was another freshman on the squad who had twirled flags throughout high school; she saw how hopeless we were and helped us learn the moves.

Much to the dismay of our mentor, the "Lucy and Ethel" tendencies that characterized Karla's and my friendship would often creep out. We were constantly distracted by cute musicians, talking too much, and giggling when we would make mistakes. Our poor mentor spent much of her time reigning us in.

Then there were the uniforms. Remember the flamboyant fashions that dominated the '80's? Well, picture this: an entire squad of flag twirling co-eds in white blouses and long, flowing black skirts enhanced with six-inch green satin sashes and go-go boots, topped off with black cowboy hats (turned up on one side) trying to contain big, 80's hair. Are you with me? Karla and I could barely twirl flags and march, much less do it in those outrageous outfits! Needless to say, the new "Lucy and Ethel" flag girls challenged everyone.

Somehow, though, we pulled it all together for the halftime performances during football season. As long as Karla and I tucked Lucy and Ethel away, focused on the leader, and tried our best despite our uniforms and lack of skills, we were effective members of the band. We only twirled flags for one year, but I've never forgotten our adventures and the lessons we learned.

Treadmill Training

I'm not sure if it was vanity or the cute little beach wrap I received as a gift that made me determined to lose the flab that had quietly taken up residence around my waist. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but it was probably the "vanity" thing coupled with my opinion that beach wraps are much cuter with two-piece swimming suits. Besides, we were headed to Hawaii in a few months. Thus, my goal was set and I focused my attention on our treadmill with determined distain.

So, with grit teeth and visions of Hawaii dancing in my daydreams, I discovered I was pathetically out of shape. Twenty minutes on the rumbling beast and I was not only physically spent, but was also bored to tears. I was in desperate need of inspiration (and a new cardio vascular system) when I remember a CD my husband had made me of my favorite songs. That alleviated the boredom, but only time and discipline would help in the endurance and waistline departments.

Practical Christianity needs time and discipline to be truly effective. No one becomes "Super Christian" on their first day of salvation. In fact, I don't believe anyone reaches the ranks of Super Christian in this life. It just doesn't happen. We won't reach our full potential until we are face-to-face with Jesus in heaven; then it won't be about who we are, but rather basking in the presence of who He is! But, in the meantime we have things to accomplish in this world. Time and discipline will help us reach those goals.

My training paid off because I lost three inches off my waist in three months. Plus, my pathetic twenty minutes of treadmill time grew to forty minutes, half of which had become a slow jog. I was amazed at my accomplishments and realized that the same principles I'd employed for my physical wellbeing would work in my spiritual life. I'd like to share my discoveries with you.

Things Are Not Always As They Seem

As my husband, son, and I pulled into the driveway we noticed a gift bag hanging on our front door. Eric, piqued with curiosity, jumped from the car to retrieve the mysterious package.

Upon entering the house we gathered around the rather feminine bag adorned with flowers and a miniature paper dress. It was fairly obvious that the treasure nestled in the bed of pink and white tissue paper was meant for me. However, still bathed in excitement, Eric reached into the bag and pulled out a pink ceramic elephant with purple toenails. Being a teenaged boy aflutter with testosterone, he quickly lost interest and left the goofy gift in my charge.

I dived into the bag looking for a clue as to who had provided my newest knickknack and I found the following note:

Shona,

The donkey will be residing at my house this year. Miss Elephant needs a place to live. I know you'll take her in.

Allison

Upon calling my thoughtful friend I discovered that she had originally obtained the molded piece of pink clay several years ago from an aunt's estate. A relative insisted that she take the funny little beast home. Allison had never developed a deep affection for "Little Miss" and thought I might enjoy her. The fact that Allison and I enjoy a friendly political rivalry every four years made the election year timing of the gift irresistible.

Check Your Labels

Labels...our world is bombarded with labels. Labels shape our attitudes and drive our actions. Whether it's what we buy at the grocery store or how we treat people, labels are a powerful influence in our lives.

We consider a person wearing a cross necklace a Christian until they do something ungracious, then we label them a hypocrite. Our kindly neighbor with a well-manicured yard is Mr. Rogers until he displays the "wrong" political sign in his yard; he then becomes the fiendish Mr. Hyde and is dubbed the neighborhood wacko! What about women who wear designer clothes? We may label an apparent "fashionista" a rich girl, spoiled, socialite, or snob before discovering she frequents thrift stores. Yes, we can make a label out of almost anything.

Many years ago the location of my house provided me an interesting label. One of my elementary school friends wanted to invite me to her birthday party but, according to her mother, I was "from the wrong side of the tracks." I was the only one in our four-girl group that didn't live in the country club section of town. I guess the label stuck because once we left elementary school, I was never accepted by them again.

It's obvious that Jesus didn't label people. His life may have been easier if He had, but look who He chose to associate  with...a bug-eating man from the wilderness, smelly fishermen, dishonest tax collectors, a Pharisee named Nicodemus, and a rich man from Arimathea. Jesus looked into the hearts of people who could've easily been labeled wilderness weirdo, working-class low life, politician, holy-roller, and arrogant snob. But Jesus loved them despite who they were and, first and foremost, they were sinners. I guess "sinner" could be consider a label, but for Jesus it was (and still is) a label of love; it's a label that fits everyone. It's a label you and I wear.

Haggai, Part 6

God Chose You - Haggai 2:20-23

The Times

Haggai delivered a message earlier in the day, but God isn't finished. On the same day a second message is spoken directly to  Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah.

The first message proclaimed prosperity to the obedient people. The next is more sobering as it tells the governor of  tumultuous times to come. However, the message also offers encouragement as God says, "I will take you," in the midst of the turmoil.

Current Application

It seems that something alarming is always looming on the horizon for those of us here on earth...high energy costs, terrorism, scary economic times, bird flu, global warming, and vaccine shortages. You name it and it has probably tried to scare us at some point during the last ten years. But fear isn't of the Lord. Although it's prudent to prepare as best we can, it's more important to remember that God chose us...even before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).

Scary times are always knocking on some door within the pages of the Bible, but God is always telling His children to be brave and courageous. Why? Because He's with them. Why is He with them? Because He chose them. It's the same with us today; we face scary times and God is with us because He chose us.

Back to the Bible - Haggai, Part 5

Tentative Steps Are Faithful Steps - Haggai 2:10-19

The Times

God's people are finally working the temple but, more importantly, they are actively obeying God. That obedience is  not only laying a physical foundation, but it is also building a spiritual one on which their faith will blossom and blessings will abound.

During this community revival a third message from God pours from Haggai's mouth. The prophet passes on two points to ponder. Loosely paraphrased Haggai asks the priests that if unclean food touches "holy" food, does the unclean food become holy? They answer, "No." Then Haggai poses the question of an unclean person touching the holy food. Will the holy food become unclean? They answer, "Yes."

The purpose of these questions was to illuminate the fact that holiness doesn't rub off on others.

Current Application

It's never our place to judge others, but there is much to learn by pondering some of the obvious and confusing actions of others. For example, do you know anyone who runs to church every Sunday but, you'd never know they were a Christian from the way they act the other six days of the week? It might make us wonder if holiness can rub off on them or, conversely, if they are spreading uncleanliness around the church. Is that harsh? Perhaps. Can we learn something from it? Definately. We may not see the entire picture surrounding the lives of those people, but it's plausible we can learn from their actions or, possibly, their lack of action.

The Jews in Haggai's day didn't start out looking very much like people of God. They were disobedient and barely existing. Thankfully they eventually turned to God. No telling what would have happened had they decided to continue going through the motions of living and failed to actively follow God. That's how it is with many "Sunday Only" Christians. They go through the motions of following Jesus. In some cases something snaps and, hallelujah, they get it! But all too often, they just go through the same motions year after year and never experience the joy of Lord. Maybe they think that they will soak up the spiritual necessities from merely sitting in the pews when, in actuality, it's putting into action what we learn in the pews that moves us forward in God's kindgom. Stepping out in faith is where it's at!

Back to the Bible - Haggai, Part 4

We Are in This Together - Haggai 2:1-9

The Times

The people are are finally working on God's temple. They responded obediently after Haggai's message; they are full of the spirit and are enthusiastic. The right priorities have been established. The Jewish remnant is no longer resisting God and will move beyond merely existing to lives full of blessings. Over the next four years they will exhibit the persistence required to complete the the temple.

In the midst of this glorious rivival Haggai brings another message from God. Unlike the first word which was announced directly to the leaders and filtered down to the people, Haggai proclaims this one to the citizens along with the two authority figures. "Take courage all you people of the land...for I am with you" (Haggai 2:4, NRSV).

Current Application

In today's society, not everyone seeks or relies on God. And, some get downright vehement when denying Jesus or the Holy Spirit. Even though Christians, above all else, should easily see our need for God the Father, Jesus the Son and His saving grace, and the Holy Spirit's power, we don't always rely on it. Just as people need leaders and leaders require people...we all need the Trinity. Practical Christianity means we are in this together. God makes this principle abundantly clear through Haggai as words of courage flow from the prophet's lips.

Can you imagine how bountiful an existence our countries would live if Christian leaders and Christian citizens joined together with God? In today's times we need courage and God has promised He'd be with us just like He has been for His people throughout the ages.

Back to the Bible - Haggai, Part 3

RESIST, EXIST, or PERSIST - Haggai 1:7-15

The Times

Haggai has addressed the Jewish leaders and inhabitants of Jerusalem. He pointed out their disobedience by shining the spotlight on their failure to prioritize God's call to rebuild the temple.

Through the prophet Haggai, God forces the people to take a long hard look at their meager existence...sowing much, but harvesting little.

Current Application

As the book of Haggai progresses we see the principles of resist and exist unfold before our eyes. The Jewish remnant resisted building God's temple and opted, instead, to concentrate their efforts on building their personal dwellings. The result of their misguided actions led to an existence that the Lord did not bless. Although the Bible specifically records the deficiencies in their physical existence, it probably isn't too much of a stretch to assume they were suffering spiritually as well.

Today's Christians are not immune to deficit living. Very few, if any, people live a charmed existence: one where every day is full of sunshine and there are no trials or tribulations. This is true of Christians and non-Christians alike. There are believers who live a scant lifestyle but are spiritually alive because of their relationship with God. They are filled like no others. On the other hand, there are Christians who have all their physical needs met, but are perennially thristing for more.

The Jews resisted rebuilding God's temple and as a result they found themselves barely existing no matter how  much they sowed. Many of us are in that same position. What a sad state of affairs and no one is grieved more than God.

But the good news...Haggai's message was taken to heart and the spirit stirred in the leaders and the people. They began work on the temple. It would take four years to complete the massive project, but they would persist and find success!

Back to the Bible - Haggai, Part 2

PRIORITIES -  Haggai 1:1-6

The Times

The Jewish remnant that returned from Babylon to rebuild the temple and reestablish life in Jerusalem, wasn't accomplishing God's main objective. The temple still sat in ruins. They had lost their enthusiasm and as a result had established other priorities.

God's people turned their energies toward building their own homes, meeting their own needs, and reestablishing their new lives. God's work had been put on the back burner and the stove was off!

Current Application

As Christians we carry a responsibility that nonbelievers never will: we are living examples of the One True God. In Haggai 1:1, Haggai, on behalf of the Lord, addresses Zerubbabel (the governor of Judah) and Joshua (the high priest). Haggai shines a spiritual spotlight on the complacent attitude that had usurped the Jews original enthusiasm and effectively turned their focus away from God. Haggai also points out that the meager existence they were living was a direct result of their disobedience.

Even though many of us are not "official" community leaders, practical Christianity means we are leaders in our communities. The big question is: Are we effective Christian leaders? Or do we look like everyone else? Whether your realm of influence consists of your home, your church, your child's school, volunteer opportunites, or walking the sidewalks with your dogs, you are a kingdom leader. My family speaks volumes for God's kingdom every time we pick up after our dogs when we are out on walks. Believe me, there are plenty of dog owners who don't and it affects everyone who comes along after them. Our priority as Christians should be to present an effective kingdom witness in everything we do...no matter how big or small.

Keeping God as our priority is not a call for the faint of heart. In order to keep enthusiasm abounding in our lives, we must establish priorities or we risk traveling down the same road as the complacent remnant who failed to complete God's temple.

Back to the Bible - Haggai

Every once in a while, as part of Practical Christianity, we will go "Back to the Bible." It's only natural since the Bible is where we learn how to be Christians, or better yet, to be more Christ like. Although studying Jesus and the way He lived is one of the best ways to learn, the Old Testament is full of principles that fit nicely into our search to be more effective Christians.

I hope you will enjoy this six-week journey through Haggai. After that, we will return to the usual format until the Spirit, again, moves this column "Back to the Bible."

ENTHUSIASM - Introduction to Haggai

The Times

In 537 BC, the people of Israel had been living in exile for close to seventy years. In that same year, many of them answered God's call to return to Jerusalem, rebuild the temple, and reestablish life in their homeland. By the time Haggai entered the picture in 520 BC, the returnee's construction resolve had waned and the temple sat unfinished fifteen years after their arrival.

The Atmosphere

The returning Jews had lost their enthusiasm to rebuild God's temple. When they originally prepared to leave Babylon en route to Jerusalem, each heart was aglow with a consuming fire as they answered God's call. Ezra 1:5 captures the electric atmosphere:

"The heads of the families of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites--everyone whose spirit God had stirred--got ready to go up and rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem." (NRSV)

But somewhere along the way their fire fizzled. Enter Haggai. Enter ENTHUSIASM.

Current Application

As summer winds down, change is in the air. A new season approaches as the summer sun slowly yields to fall. Children are back in school and many of us are setting sail toward different endeavors, be they life changes or just getting back into our autumn routines. Most of us have some type of harvest on our mind.

The prospect of change breeds new life into many of our spirits, while others of us feel shackled by monotony. No worries, the Bible records the completion of the temple in 516 BC despite the prevailing procrastination and apathetic attitude of God's people. Somewhere along the way the spirit of enthusiasm, once again, enveloped their hearts. In Haggai we, too, will discover some of the principles of enthusiasm that will fan our own flames of excitement in order to build, or rebuild, the temples in our own lives.

The Bachelor and Practical Chrisitanity?

I debated for a long time whether to post an article based on the reality television show The Bachelor. I didn't want to risk my credibility with you, the readers, or take any legitimacy away from "Take Root and Write." Many Christians consider The Bachelor bad programming and a lot of people in general think it's cheesy. Both groups have a point, but I'll admit I'm hooked. However, after pondering the show's usefulness in this column, I decided to take a chance. I hope you will not think less of me, but rather see the bigger picture that proves we can find lessons in practical Christianity everywhere...even in a secular TV show.

For those not familiar with the show, it follows a bachelor who is ready to get married through the process of  dating twenty five single women. All the ladies are vying for his attention and the chance to get engaged. In season 11, the bachelor, Brad Womack, seemed like a nice guy and I was hoping he'd find his soulmate during the course of the show.

On the season finale it was down to the last two girls and we all held our breath as we waited to see which young lady had captured Brad's heart. Jenni, a vivacious girl from Kansas, was the first to face Brad during the nail-biting episode. Unfortunately, even though Brad had developed feelings for her, she was devestated when he didn't pick her.

That left DeAnna, the southern girl. Since she was the last one standing, the audience knew she was his choice so the only question was: would he propose? Or would he feel more comfortable dating when the cameras stopped rolling? The fans were stunned when Brad didn't pick her either!

Flying the Friendly Skies

My family and I recently returned from a fun-filled vacation in Hawaii. Memories of our adventure started accumulating in our mental photo albums during the flights to our island destination.

The first leg of our trip was uneventful, but as we flew the friendly skies between Phoenix and Hawaii the virtual snapshots began to develop when my husband found himself seated next to an active young boy and his grandmother.

Warren is good with young children but is more comfortable with older kids. Our two teenaged sons and I were sitting across the aisle from Warren and were quite entertained watching the interactions between our Dad and his new friend. At one point Warren was holding a Batman action figure, but we really got tickled when we saw the man of our house playing a mechanical fishing game with the youngster. The boy was obviously delighted to have a new playmate.

On several occasions during the six-hour flight, the boy's grandmother acknowledged Warren's good attitude and patience despite the less-than-relaxing circumstances created by the kindergartner. Not only was the child playful, but he thrived on frequent trips to the potty which meant both boy and grandmother crawled over Warren many times. My dear husband truly captured the spirit of flying the friendly skies.

Unfortunately, the same spirit was absent from the travelers sitting in front of me. A young couple occupied the two seats closest to the window. They must've been completely in love because they had eyes only for one another, except when the flight attendents passed by offering refreshments. The amorous travelers constantly whispered sweet nothings to each other and when it came time to catch a few winks, they propped their pillows together and napped cheek-to-cheek.

Take My Hand

It had been four years since I'd spoken with Amy and I wasn't sure if she would remember me. I was currently volunteering at a senior celebration for the graduates who had gleefully received their diplomas earlier in the day. Amy had come to my station to get her ticket punched for the festivities and I asked her if she knew who I was.

Her eyes squinted with concentration as the wheels in her head slowly started turning. It wasn't long before those wheels of remembrance carried her back in time to the white beaches of Playa del Carmen and her face lit with recognition, "We played in the ocean together in Mexico!" As I proceeded to punch her ticket we chatted about her future plans and then she disappeared into the sea of recent graduates.

I was glad she recognized me, but I was surprised that she recalled me as more than an adult chaperone and actually mentioned a moment we had shared together. Although it was one of my favorite memories from our trip, I assumed it was an insignificant incident in her teen world.

Now it was time for me to stroll down memory land and I was back on a beautiful beach soaking up the Mexican sun.

That particular day our traveling band of Spanish students and chaperones had a free afternoon and decided to spend it relaxing on the beach. The kids were happily building sand castles, playing in the surf, and lazing around in small groups. Everyone except Amy. Amy and her friend, who had embarked on the Yucatan adventure together, had been fighting. Amy's buddy had been absorbed into another group of girls, but Amy was left on her own.

Amy must have been feeling the pangs of solitude because she sought out the company of us three middle-aged chaperones as we sat in the surf rubbing fine sand all over our arms and legs attempting to create our own Mexican spa encounter. As we chatted and enjoyed Amy's company, we discovered that she was afraid to go into the water. Well, you can't visit the beach, any beach, and not play in the surf! I jumped up and told Amy we were heading to the waves.

Neitherworld

After my oldest son turned eighteen I occasionally had to remind him he lived in Neitherworld. Brian, a high school   senior, was flapping around like a baby bird ready to strike out on his own. He constantly tested his wings of independence and was desperate to stretch them beyond their readiness...beyond Neitherworld; the no man's land inhabited by young people who are neither adults nor children. In Neitherworld, their lives are a confusing combination of both worlds where parents are usually still the bosses.

Brian seemed to forget his citizenship in Neitherworld when it came to chores versus priviledges. On one occasion Brian's failure to clean his room, an activity required by minors in our home, prevented him from obtaining gas money, an adult priviledge we provide our boys when their rooms are clean. When Brian realized he was going to have to pay fifty dollars for a tank of gas, you'd have thought I had a tiger by the tail.

Brimming with classic teen reasoning, Brian told me that if he was adult enough to buy his own gas, he was old enough to take a road trip to visit his cousin in Lubbock, Texas. My mommy reasoning promptly retorted that if he was, indeed, old enough to set his own travel itinerary, he was adult enough to pay for his room and board, buy "his" truck from his father and me, and pay for his own insurance. It didn't take long for my precious fledging to reclaim his citizenship in Neitherworld.

Private Dancer

My eighteen-year old son recently busted my dancing a jig in the kitchen. With a raised eyebrow and a suppressed grin on his lips he asked, "What are you doing?" I was so busted that confession was my only recourse.

"I'm dancing a jig. I always dance jigs around the house when I think no one is watching." My secret was out. It's amazing what little quirks reveal themselves in the solitude of our own company. Some us sing or dance...or both! And for those of us over forty, what about posing or flexing in the mirror while assessing our sagging bodies. I'll bet there's even a few of us who eat chocolate from secret stashes when no one is looking. Shhh, your secret is safe with me.

Believe it or not, in regards to practical Christianity there are some things that should be done quietly and away from watchful eyes. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a glimpse of a few activites that should be enjoyed outside the glare of a spotlight.

Youth Baseball, Ugh!

Maybe I'm being cynical, but over the years I've developed a dislike for many aspects of youth baseball. Maybe you can relate. I've logged a lot of hours in the bleachers cheering on my two sons while witnessing too many life lessons at the expense of the fun "America's pastime" is suppose to elicit.

Don't get me wrong, sports can provide a wonderful venue to learn life lessons. But, when those lessons consistantly revolve around unfair methods, teamwork deteriorating into harassment, and hard work being usurped by "political" connections, it's easy to let the roots of bitterness reach deep into one's heart.

But the spirit of bitterness doesn't have a place in practical Christianity. It is a weed that produces the malicious blossoms of wrath, anger, clamor, and slander. But God, the Master Gardener, provides an effective kingdom spray that prevents this wicked weed from blooming in our hearts. This miracle cure is free of charge and available in any Bible.

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice" (Ephesians 4:31 NASB).

Have you ever nurtured the dark weed of bitterness? I have. In the past I've been guilty of watering it, protecting it  from frost, and giving it a plant light on cloudy days! But when I saw the ugly blossoms it produced, the weeding process began.

The painful treatment started when I yanked the bitter roots from my heart and head. I discovered that my crummy attitude caused me to judge the motives of coaches, umpires, cocky players, and obnoxious sounding fans in the bleachers. First, I had to realize I couldn't control anyone but myself. I had to let go of the resentments I had been fostering. Not only that, but I had to admit I wasn't privy to the motives driving the decisions and actions of those around me. I needed to learn that God is in complete control and knows exactly what is going on. Sports (and life in general) is His business, not mine, and He will deal with others appropriately.

(Note: sometimes God will lead us to intervene on behalf of our children, but grace, calmness, and practical Christianity should always accompany our actions.)

What is Practical Christianity?

Have you ever encountered a grouchy Christian? Has a "righteous" believer ever pointed an accusing finger at you while you suppress a giggle because they didn't realize that the rest of their fingers are pointing back at them?

People like that may actually be Christians but only God knows for sure. If they are, they certainly aren't winning friends, influencing people, or furthering God's kingdom.

Practical Christianity is a living, loving, and laughing example of God's presence in the lives of His children. When we allow God to be a practical presence in our lives, we likewise become a practical presence in the lives of others.

Paul, the writer of most of the New Testament, started out as a grouchy, finger-pointing (maybe finger-smashing is more accurate) Pharisee. He thought he was on God's team, but quite the opposite. He was on a spritiually perverted team called "Practical Persecution" and he was one mean dude.

Acts 8 tells us that Paul, known as Saul at the time, "began ravaging the church, entering house after house; dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison." Paul had a negative and often devestating impact on the lives of others. But, the church wasn't going away. It kept growing and little did Paul know that God had great plans for him.

Paul was converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9) and the rest is, as they say, history. He was transformed and the world was never the same. Even today Christians everywhere are encouraged and educated by Paul's words. He is still a practical presence in people's lives.

All of us, like Paul, have been transformed by the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we allow  Jesus to be a practical presence in our lives we are given the opportunity to become a practical presence in the lives of others. Thus, practical Christianity is born.

I hope you are ready to explore the many places where "Practical Christianity" will pop up. I see it everywhere; in an extended hand, a goofy jig in the kitchen, and even in youth sports. Join me starting on Friday, July 18 and every week thereafter, to discover the practicality of Christianity in everyday life.