Mar
27
Written by:
Bob Flynn
3/27/2009 6:38 PM
The real leader has no need to lead—he is content to point the way. —Henry Miller, The Wisdom of the Heart
Bob Flynn, President/CEO
The title is a famous quote attributed to Thomas Paine, a voice of the common man and author of the book, Common Sense, a strong defense of American independence from England. Some would say that to quote someone who holds extreme views toward religion, is tantamount to giving aid and comfort to the enemies of all things religious. However, the wisdom expressed is time-honored and, sadly, much ignored.
We live in an age where technology allows the masses to express an opinion (good, bad, indifferent, true, or untrue) that travels at light-speed literally around the world. Popular thought would espouse that all opinions are of equal value, especially when expressed by the “epitome of moral turpitude” on “The View.” Truth is, there are good opinions and bad opinions; there are opinions that hurt others when expressed. For the last several months a zealous attorney has been attacking with great exuberance Christian organizations (ours and one other specifically) that serve the military society. His rhetoric demeans our existence in every way—complete with comparisons to Hitler and Stalin. His assertion is that no one should be allowed to share his faith anywhere— no matter how softly—which seems to me to be diametrically opposed to, “nor preventing the free expression thereof.”
I agree with Thomas Paine that:
THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, 1776
The time in which we live is certainly trying. Our Nation has been engaged in combat operations for seventeen years in the Iraqi theater of operations. The price of our democratic freedom has been paid for dearly by the lifeblood our neighbors. The certain reality for a nation that runs on energy is that 100,000 of our troops will continue to be deployed in support of our national security for years to come! The cost on marriages and families defies description. For the returning warrior there is an inexplicable emotional wound that burns like a furnace within the soul, that can only be quenched on Jesus’ breast.
Shall we then cower in the midst of adversity? Should we not consider with a caring heart the arguments of those who wish to do us harm?
There are reasons why my favorite book is entitled, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners—that is the name emblazoned upon my cheek. I am grateful daily that it was not the end of the story: for on my forehead is another name, “Belongs to Jesus”—a name that makes a difference for all eternity. In this book, John Bunyan relates his personal anguish and daily struggle to find a single thought that was not depraved. If ever there was an extra-biblical articulation of the Apostle Paul’s distress expressed in Romans Chapter Seven, this is it. It was this very same pit where I lay trapped when Christ’s love lifted me.
I have had people tell me that Romans 7 was written about a time before Paul was a believer. I believe it was written expressing the day he penned the epistle. The “peace of God that surpasses all understanding” is not a place absent of struggle. It is the armor. This is why Paul said that he buffeted his body daily to bring it into bondage so that the spiritual man feeding daily upon the manna of the Word would thrive.
“Instead I subdue my body and make it my slave…” (1 Cor. 9:27 NET)
How does the Chief of Sinners follow the Lord Jesus Christ? By spending ten years before the mast. One might think that a sojourn with the Lord that lasts a decade seems rather long. But when you compare it with eternity, it hardly seems long enough. Ten short years soaking and bathing in the vast truths of Philippians Chapter Two.
First impossible truth:
“Be humble, thinking (G2233 –esteem, regard, lit. to lead the way) of others as better than yourselves.” (v 3b NLT)
Before truth can be imparted, it must be communicated. Receiving eternal truth requires undivided attention. I am a bond-slave of Christ Jesus—a servitude by choice. In earthly practice when this choice was made, the master pressed the servant’s ear to the doorpost of the house and pierced it with an awl. A piece of the ear was permanently made part of the doorpost. Said another way, Jesus now has my ear.
Bond-servants: (G1401—doulos) A slave, one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another, his will being altogether consumed in the will of the other.
Paul expresses the Philippians truth another way in Romans 12:3, “Don’t think too highly of yourself”(paraphrase mine). In considering others, I am following and leading at the same time. But “I” must get out of the “Way” and let my will be altogether consumed in His. This consideration of others is in the light of letting the mind of Christ be in me — the mind of Christ that sacrificed Himself to give liberty to the lost. The question then becomes, does this mind of Christ express itself with a “regard” for those with whom you serve? Are you leading them in the way everlasting? Or are you stuck in the “I” chorus of Romans 7, not able to do those things to which you are called?
Look around. If you don’t see a thriving CMF fellowship where you are standing, look in the mirror and see if you discover the local leader willing to follow Jesus in starting one. Is the chapel program in need of helping hands willing to serve alongside the chaplain in support of the command religious program? Look in the mirror and see if there is a servant looking back at you.