The Jeff Blog

Self Righteous Service vs. True Service

Jeff — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 02:58:51 +0000

My pastor and I are are co-teaching a class on the Spiritual Disciplines during our Wednesday night service. We are four weeks into this series and it has already been very challenging. This past week I taught on the spiritual discipline of service. It impacted me so much that I thought I would post an excerpt here. The following points come directly from Richard Foster in his book, “Celebration of Discipline.” These are some ways that you can tell the difference between self-righteous service and true service. By the way, if you have not read this book I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy. You will be challenged!

1. Self-righteous service comes through human effort; true service comes from a relationship with the divine Other deep inside.

True service expends energy, but it is not the frantic energy that so often characterizes much of our service.

2. Self-righteous service is impressed with the “big deal”; true service finds it almost impossible to distinguish the small from the large service.

Self righteous service loves to serve when the project is BIG. However, true servants often go unnoticed since they serve when people may not be looking.

3. Self-righteous service requires external rewards; true service rests contented in hiddenness.

Self-righteous service needs to know that it will be appreciated for its efforts. The thought might come to mind, “There better be a thank you card in the mail.”

4. Self-righteous service is highly concerned about results; true service is free of the need to calculate results.

The self righteous servant eagerly awaits to see if their service will be reciprocated. This person operates by the motto, “I will do for you if you do for me.” If this does not happen, the person will often become bitter.

5. Self-righteous service picks and chooses whom to serve; true service is indiscriminate in its ministry.

Those with great status are served because of what can be gained as a result. The poor may even be served because the service can promote a humble perception which would benefit the one rendering the service.

6. Self-righteous service is affected by moods and whims; true service ministers simply and faithfully because there is a need.

Self righteous service only serves when it is, “moved by the Spirit.”

7. Self-righteous service is temporary; true service is a lifestyle.

8. Self-righteous service is insensitive; true service can withhold the service as freely as perform it.

This is often cloaked in the famous religious words, “This is my spiritual gift! You are not going to let me use the gifts that God has given me to serve?”

9. Self-righteous service fractures community; true service builds community.

Richard Foster says, “Once all of the religious trappings are removed from self-righteous service, you can see that it centers on the individual. It puts others into its debt and can become one of the most subtle forms of manipulation.”

These points challenge me to re-evaluate how I am serving. I want to serve out of a pure heart and not because I want something in return. What about you? Which one of these are you challenged by?

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Down Time

Jeff — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:01:01 +0000

This is what every day has looked like since being in California. No emails…no to do lists…no appointments…just time with my family to relax and prepare for the new year. For the past several years I have had the opportunity of taking the week between Christmas and New Years off. This is a week where I recuperate from the end of the year rush as well as take time to think ahead and set goals for the future.
As I am currently coming to the end of a great week off, I hope to begin January with important tasks accomplished.

Take a breather

Since I love sports analogies, this one resonates with me. In the same way an athlete needs time to rest and prepare for the task that lies ahead, I must take time to rest from the busy season that I have found myself in so that I can regain strength to perform well in all areas of life. Specifically, I hope to finish strong as I will receive my masters degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in May. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Since school has been so demanding, this week is a much needed rest.

Look back

This week is a time to reflect on the past year’s events and evaluate myself. I can honestly say that I did many things well. However, there are many areas in which I need to grow. If I don’t take time to look into the rearview mirror, then I may overlook areas in my life that are not as good as they could be.

Look ahead

Looking back is only helpful if one purposes to look ahead. During this week I hope to highlight key areas of my life where I desire to see the most growth and put a plan in place so that I see that growth occur in 2012. These are what some would goals, but what I am speaking of is more detailed that simply writing goals down on a piece of paper. More on this to come later.

For now I must finish drinking my Starbuck so that I can take that nap that I have been meaning to take. Then it is off to dinner with family and a night of fun I am sure. I love this week!

What do you do so that you are ready for the new year to start? Leave some suggestions in the comment section. We could all learn from your insight.

Time To Slow Down

I’m Still Here…

Jeff — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 13:00:40 +0000

So it has only been about seven months and seven days since my last post, but who’s counting? Well…I am. I have finally come to the realization that I needed to sit down and get back on track. That is what this post is all about. I am a long way off of my post per week goal, but with this post I hope to regain some traction.

Where have I been? Sitting at my kitchen table from 8pm-11:30pm almost every night of the week. That is where I study as I get closer to obtaining my Masters degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary here in Kansas City. For the past seven months I have tried to juggle family, ministry, and school. I am still alive, but I am definitely ready to be done and have some margin in my life once again. Between reading, writing papers, and posting in the discussion forums this Masters program is extremely rigorous and is stretching me in every way. While I could sit down and talk convincingly about what it means to be made in the image of God, it seems that I am not quite as proficient in talking about current events or even discussing sports. By the way, are the Tigers still in the playoffs? That is the reason that this blog has gone silent for approximately seven months and seven days. However, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Today I just finished up another term and only have three terms left. Now I begin the push towards Christmas break. The end is definitely near.

So…yes I am still here. I will push myself to post once a week and hopefully have something of significance to say. Pray that I finish strong!

Have you ever had a busy time in your life that derailed you from accomplishing some of your goals? Let us know in the comments.

Busy and Overwhelmed

Busy and Overwhelmed

Jeff — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:43:23 +0000

I am overridden with guilt as I realize that it has been almost a month since I last posted. Definitely a far cry from my 3-4 post per week goal! The story behind this? Well…I have spent the past few weeks finishing my first term for my Master’s Degree. Between that, spending time with my family, and doing my “regular” job…blogging has fallen in priority. I told myself that during my week break in between terms I would get back on track. A week has gone by and I am not on track. I find myself a little overwhelmed with everything that is going on right now.So where do I go from here? I am going to stop feeling sorry for myself and get on with life. During this busy time I am going to set a more realistic goal of 1-2 posts per week. I would rather write fewer quality posts than simply fill up space with words that will only waste your time. This will be my plan for the next year as I finish my Masters.

Sometimes a change in plan is necessary. A BIG question to help with clarity in this matter is, “What do I need to spend less time doing?” For me the answer was blogging. I definitely do not spend inordinate amounts of time in this activity, but it is something that is expendable. There you have it! The story behind my month long silence.

Have you ever felt really busy and overwhelmed? What do you need to spend less time doing? Share your story in the comments. I think we could all gain encouragement from hearing how others deal with busyness.

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Excellent Worship For Your Children!

Jeff — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:43:14 +0000

A few weeks ago my pastor said from the pulpit that the church is supposed to be supplemental in the raising of your children. I take this idea very seriously as a pastor and I am always trying to find ways to equip parents. Today I want to recommend what I would consider the best worship music out there for children right now.

More than a few times a parent has asked me how they could get their hands on quality worship music for their children.I always direct them to Hillsong Kids because I think it is great and it is what we play around our house. It is relevant, entertaining, and biblically sound. My daughter Madelynn loves this music and can’t help but dance to it. My hope and prayer for Madelynn is that as she grows she would cultivate a heart of worship. It is never too early to start the process!

Let me encourage you to make this area of your child’s spiritual growth a priority. I want to make it as easy as possible for you to get your hands on this resource so I have included a link below to buy a CD right from Amazon. There are more CD’s than just this one, but I couldn’t include every link right here. Go ahead…try it out and let me know what you think.

What are some other ideas that you can give us about worship music for children? I would love to hear your recommendations. Leave those below in the comments.

Snowmageddon

Snowmageddon

Jeff — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 21:53:06 +0000

It is the aftermath of what people are calling, “Snowmageddon.” The snow has finally stopped, but to try and get out of your house or neighborhood is virtually impossible. My next priority is to shovel the driveway. This should be fun, since it is 2 degrees outside right now. I honestly think that this is the worst snowstorm that I can ever remember! So this leads to the question, what to do on a snow day? These are some of the things I will be doing.

Dance wildly around the house with my daughter

Madelynn loves music! She loves it even more when all of us dance around the house with her. The crazier I look the more fun she has. Our music of choice is usually Hillsong Kids. This my friends is a true dance party! If you look inside my window and see me looking really foolish, just know that it is all for the kids.

The road leading to our neighborhood

Shovel the driveway

This is a daunting task, but one that is reserved for the man of the house. I am that man! I will brave the elements to make sure that my driveway is immaculately shoveled. Is it weird that I compare the shoveling job of my driveway with the job of others in my neighborhood? Since it is a mundane task I just have to make it a competition.

Get ahead

I will use this time when the rest of the world is shut down to get ahead. Right now I am about a day ahead of schedule with everything I have to do. This is a good feeling! I may not be at the office, but I am definitely working.

Our neighborhood

Take advantage of the time

I will also take advantage of this opportunity to spend some quality time with Rochelle and Madelynn. How often do snow days like this happen? This year they seem to be happening more often than not, but I will take advantage of the extra time I get to spend with my family. Why not have fun with the extra time that is given you?

What are some things you like to do on a snow day? Let us know in the comments.

Purity…Much Bigger Than Sex

Jeff — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:36:46 +0000

Next week we are starting our purity series in our student ministry. I am calling this a purity series because purity is so much bigger than sex. There is the mistaken notion that there is this line drawn somewhere, and when we cross it we have lost our purity. What a horrible view that we often pass down to our students. Ironically, this view leads to both permissiveness and legalism. Both of which are prevalent among students, leaders, and parents. Not only is this wrong but it is unbiblical.

During this series I hope to go beyond the concept of crossing an imaginary line and instead challenge students to pursue a life of purity. When we do this, our standards will be much higher and the outcome of our lives much greater. There are many students who are not having sex, but that is not synonymous with purity. Purity is lost long before someone decides to have sex. In some cases…years before someone makes the decision to compromise sexually. Compromising sexually is simply one of many symptoms of an impure lifestyle.

We live in an impure and sex saturated culture. In the midst of this I will challenge students to be bold enough to live differently. I will not compromise and think, “They will just do it anyway.” This line of reasoning is faulty and sets every student up for failure. God has called us to live at a higher level, and that is what I will communicate to our students.

This series will look different in that my wife and I are separating the guys and the girls. I believe this will lead to more open discussion and give them the opportunity to ask questions they otherwise might not ask. My wife will be taking the girls through the book, “And The Bride Wore White” by Dannah Gresh. I will be using the book, “Every Young Man’s Battle” by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker to challenge our young men. If you are interested in purchasing either of these resources, I have included a link below. If you attend our church come and see me for these resources.

I am looking forward to the next several weeks! It will be challenging, but our students will hear truth.

In your opinion, does the Church teach on purity enough? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.

A Challenge From 2010

Brokers of Truth

Jeff — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:41:51 +0000

“…I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”

Jude 3 ESV

Lately, I have been drawn to the book of Jude. This verse has my attention and I have been thinking through its implications for us today. These words, written by the brother of Jesus are a call to action. A call for us not to sit idly by, but to be an active part in viscously defending the truth.

I heard someone recently when referring to pastors say, “God has called you to be brokers of truth to your congregations.” I will go further and say that I think God has called every believer to be a broker of truth to the world around them. Jude may not have had this exact principle in mind, but when he calls for us to contend for the faith it certainly fits. Someone who contends for the faith is someone who stands in the midst of their culture as an agent of truth, speaking truth to counter the lies that are being widely accepted . They are the people who come off the sidelines to fight evil head on, doing everything possible to protect the people around them from destructive messages. Contending for the faith is an active endeavor not a passive one. Passive Christianity is useless in our world today. We need something more and what Jude describes could not be more applicable than right now in 2011.

If we are to be brokers of truth in our world, we need to be immersed in God’s Word. Let me challenge you to make God’s Word a central fixture in your life. It is so important!

What are some lies that we are being sold today? If we are going to contend for the faith we should know some of the issues we are up against.

Don’t Judge…Truth or Myth?

More Than A Coach

Jeff — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 17:16:16 +0000

A couple of days ago I learned that my high school football coach, Jack Schugars, retired after 42 years of coaching. This is definitely an accomplishment and much more can be said about his coaching. His win/loss record was 262-78. He won 19 league titles. He had 20 playoff appearances, won 3 state titles, and is the Muskegon area’s most winningest football coach. Not to mention that he was my dad’s assistant football coach when my dad played football. Talk about staying power! Why would I dedicate an entire post to my football coach? Because he was more than a coach.

I remember on countless occassions Coach Schugars talking to us about character. This was a HUGE thing in our football program. I am not saying that everyone practiced this kind of character all of the time, but the message stuck and when people were around him they rose to the level he expected.

Another thing about coach Schugars is that his faith was evident to all. Players, parents, and members of the community knew what he stood for and he did not apologize for that. Stories have been told by players and articles have been written in the newspaper about this faith that he professed. I remember on one occasion during practice he called me over and said, “You know what? You are going to be a great pastor someday.” At the time it felt awkward since this statement came right in the middle of practice, but twelve years later I am still talking about it. My coach was an encouragement in all areas of life…not just football.

It sounds cliche, but with Coach Schugars football was more than a game. The principles he used in coaching can be transferred to leadership, family, and even spirituality. You just have to know him to understand how true that statement really is.

What about you? Has there ever been a coach, teacher, or mentor in your life that has greatly impacted you? Let us know in the comments.

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“All To Us” by Chris Tomlin

Jeff — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:44:32 +0000

I feel like I have stumbled upon what could be the next big declaration of worship for the local Church. Every so often, there comes a song that says what we are feeling and thinking, but can’t quite put into words. These songs, when sung corporately, seem to have a distinct energy and power to them. Instead of a song, these become declarations that we want to live our lives by.I feel that, “All To Us” by Chris Tomlin is one of these songs that will capture the heart of this generation of worshipers. It is extremely powerful and describes what I feel should be the sole purpose of the local church. Here are the lyrics that capture my attention.

Chorus:

Let the glory of Your name

Be the passion of the Church

Let the righteousness of God

Be a holy flame that burns

Let the saving love of Christ

Be the measure of our lives

We believe You’re all to us

These lyrics challenge me to a greater walk with Christ. I am challenged to make Jesus Christ my BIGGEST passion. I am challenged to make righteousness something that burns within me. I am challenged to measure my life not on success or failure but solely on the saving love of Jesus Christ. Until this happens I cannot say that Christ is all to me, but this is what I want to pursue.

Certainly we do not place any song on the same footing of Scripture, but songs such as this one can be an excellent supplement for growth in our Christian lives.

Click here to download the song from iTunes or click below to order the CD from Amazon.

Have you heard this song yet? What do you think about it? What do you feel is the challenge for the local Church contained in this song?