Monthly Archives: July 2009

>Time to Step Down?

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“And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings. And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces” (Leviticus 9:22-24).

I read the above passage a few weeks for my devotions and have been mulling over it every since. What has particularly struck me is the fact that after Aaron had performed the sacrifices, “he came down.” And then “the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the people” and they fell down in worship.

Leviticus is primarily a book that outlines the ordinances of God to the people of Israel. It is full of what they should be doing and what they should refrain from doing. Particularly detailed are the instructions to offering sacrifices which the priests were to obey explicitly. And so I find it interesting that in the midst of this book of law, there is this verse describing Aaron as coming down from the offering to behold the glory of the Lord with the people. His work was done; it was time to watch God work.

I was reminded that the purpose of service and sacrifice is to witness God’s glory. The Westminster Catechism says that “man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.” After reading Leviticus 9, I wrote this is in my journal: “How often do I get caught up in ‘my’ work (though I may call it the Lord’s work) and forget to ‘be still and know’ the greatness of His glory? Am I too caught up in the earthly aspects of Christianity? If I am not beholding and knowing the glory of God and ‘shouting for joy’ and falling on my face in worship, then yes, I am. It is good to serve, to be diligent in living out my faith – I am called to these things – but it is just as necessary a part of worship to step down, quiet myself, and witness the presence of the Lord, Who deserves all the glory.”

In order to behold the glory of God, I must step down as Aaron did, and be still. Jim Eliot said it this way: “I think the devil has made it his business to monopolize on three elements: noise, hurry, crowds. If he can keep us hearing radios, gossip, conversation, or even sermons, he is happy. But he will not allow quietness. For he believes Isaiah [‘In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength’] where we do not. Satan is quite aware of the power of silence. The voice of God, though persistent, is soft…Let us resist the devil in this by avoiding noise as much as we can, purposefully seeking to spend time alone facing ourselves in the Word…Satan is aware of where we find our strength. May he not rob us!” (Shadow of the Almighty)

So many things demand our attention and occupy our thoughts. Our days go by as whirlwinds and our list of things to do never ends or seems to diminish. And yet God often calls us to wait on Him. “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). He calls us to meditate on His goodness and to remember that it is His work, not mine, that matters. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippiams 2:12,13).

Take time, along with being busy about good works, to step down and be still. “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still” (Psalm 4:4). Those who wait on God will not be disappointed. “And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him” (Isaiah 30:18)”. It is after all, the witnessing and the knowledge of God’s glory that spurs us to worship and service. His attributes of goodness, mercy, faithfulness, love and sovereignty are the driving force behind our grateful adoration.

“And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth” (Deuteronomy 5:24).

>Lion, Otter, Beaver, or Golden Retriever?

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I love taking personality tests! Maybe it is because I have always been fascinated in knowing what makes people think and act the way they do…maybe it is because I wonder what makes me act and think the way I do! Anyway, I think that besides being fun, many personality test can be helpful in pointing out the strengths and weaknesses that we each have. Here is a fun, easy, and informative one that compares your personality to animals: Lion, Otter, Beaver and Golden Retriever.

I was suprised by how accurate this was! This was my resut:


You are a Golden Retriever – Golden retrievers are great at making friends. They are very loyal. Retriever personalities do not like big changes. They look for security and can be very sensitive. Retrievers are very caring and have deep relationships, but usually have only a couple of close friends. A golden retriever wants to be loved by everyone. He looks for appreciation and works best in a limited situation with a steady work pattern.

Biblical Example: Abraham
Case Study: Genesis 12-22
Strength: Accommodating, calm, affirming
Weakness: Indecisive,
indifferent, unable to express emotions, too soft on other people
Limitation: Seeing the need to be more assertive, holding others accountable

What kind of animal are you? You may be a combination of types (i.e., Lion/Otter) or predominantely one type. Score your points and let me know the results!

Oh, and a really cute children’s book has been written by the authors of this test: The Treasure Tree by Gary Smalley and John Trent. It is always a staple in my babysitting bag and wonderfully illustrates the importance of getting along with friends whose personalities may be different than your own! :o )

>Living Compassion Part II: Learning from Wilberforce

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This is a continuation of the previous post…


2. Compassion means working to relieve the pain I see and following the example of Christ Who gave His very life to rescue the perishing.

Wilberforce’s life was not an easy one. When he was only nine years old, his father died and he spent most of his growing up years separated from his mother and siblings. He was also plagued by chronic illness throughout his life, which often left him bedridden and depressed. But as Wilberforce’s favorite poet, William Cowper wrote, “The bud may have a bitter taste / But sweet will be the flower”, there was a purpose to pain: that he might empathize with the pain of others.

“I am permanently hurt about the slave trade,” Wilberforce wrote to a friend. This burden came largely from the influence of John Newton, who Wilberforce often visited as a child. Being convinced that slavery was not only ethically, but also morally wrong, Wilberforce began a long fight to also convince his fellow countrymen of the fact. He poured himself and all his energies and passion into the abolishment to slavery, exposing its horrors and the cruel conditions of slave ships. The Archbishop of Canterbury said this: “Wilberforce believed there is a principle above everything political and that is the Divine will expressed through the Christian faith and the Christian gospel. Man’s inhumanity to man – so exemplified in the slave trade was, like evil itself, to be conquered rather than merely condemned.”

Wilberforce knew that to be successful in ending the slave trade, he would need to free himself from the distractions of personal ambitions and seek only the glory of Christ. Despite ill health, public dislike, disdain from friends, and many other odds, Wilberforce would not back down from the purposes to which he believed God had appointed him for. His life goal was not to promote his own cause but the cause of Christ. He was called the “conscience of England” because he knew that transformation could only come as a result of God at work in men’s hearts, not a mere change of opinion.

Even his enemies could not hate him. “His was a name, with which there is probably associated more love and veneration than ever fell to the lot of any civilized individual throughout the civilized globe. His warfare is accomplished. He kept the faith. Those who regard him merely as a philanthropist, in the worldly sense of that abused term know but little of his character.” On February 23, 1807, one of the most significant nights of British history, after being defeated time and time again and yet persevering, Wilberforce finally saw some fruit of his labor. Parliament voted once more on the Abolition Bill and the vote came: 283 for, 16 against. The eyes of Englishman had at last been opened to the plight of many by the tireless work of one man.

3. The best way I can show compassion is to introduce people to the merciful and loving Savior, Jesus Christ.

Those in literal slavery were not the only ones that Wilberforce was burdened for. “God has set before me two great objects,” he wrote in his diary, “the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.” He was deeply grieved about the moral corruption that he saw in eighteenth century English society. The disregard for God and His law, particularly in the lives of London’s young people broke Wilberforce’s heart and also spurred him to action. “The best way of dealing with that general spirit of licentiousness which is present in every species of vice was to change the hearts of men.”

Wilberforce fulfilled the Great Commission in his own city. He felt a passionate sense of duty to provide protection for those who were left defenseless. He funded houses and better living conditions for poor families, was involved in the relief of prisoners, prison reform, factory reform, but his main desire was that the lives he touched, particularly the children would hear the gospel. The plight of the neglected and abused English children pained him. The young chimneysweepers lived agonizing lives of starvation, beatings, and horrific early deaths. Factory children worked and were treated as adults and had no time to learn how to read and write or study the Bible. The Sunday School movement was an important part of Wilberforce’s life as he strove to help fill the need that was greater than food or shelter: the need of a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

In studying the life of William Wilberforce, I was reminded that true life is not about seeking to add gain and advantages to my life, but to advance the cause of Christ in everyway that I can. The most valuable gift, the very best expression of compassion is to lead others to the One who can fulfill all their deepest longings and heal their anguished hearts. Only salvation can bring hope and life to the despairing, dying world we see around us. To be a reflector of Jesus’ love, that draws not attention to itself but rather to the Son echoes – that is what brings fulfillment to my life and the lives of others! That my prayer might be that of John the Baptist who lived for others and thus doing, “prepared the way for the Lord”: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Wilberforce did not live for vain glory but for the exaltation of heavenly glory.. This life purpose, to love God, serve Him, and make Him known, is what enabled him to display such Christ-like compassion to the despised and neglected of his world.

I wonder, are we seeking that same life purpose? Are we willing to “count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus”? (Philippians 3:8). Are we willing to sacrifice personal advancements and the approval of man in order and embrace the “outcasts”: the elderly in nursing homes, the homeless, poor, mentally retarded, and handicapped?

I can’t say that I always am. I still am so self-centered in my thoughts and actions. And so I pray. I pray that Christ would be first and foremost in my life, that He would fill me and live through me. I am a marred vessel in Your hands, O Lord. Break me, reshape me, mold me in whatever way You wish so that I might be most able to pour our Your love.

“Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.”

~ The prayer of St. Patrick

>Living Compassion Part II: Historical Profile

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>His breaths came heavily, each one more taxing than the last, each one taking just a bit more life from him. “William! William!” He opened his weary eyes to see the eager face of his dear friend Thomas Babington Macaulay bending over him. “It has happened at last! The House of Commons has read the bill for the second time – it has been assured that within a year all 800,000 slaves in the England and the British territories will be set free!”

Though his hearing was faded and the words came as only a faint echo, each one penetrated into his soul with as much clarity and precision as the gong of the church steeple bell. His feeble frame trembled and he waited until his voice was steady enough to whisper the words: “Thank God that I should have lived to witness a day in which England is willing to give twenty millions sterling for the abolishment of slavery.

That was July 26, 1833. Three days later, William Wilberforce died. After twenty-six years, he finally saw victorious results of the cause he had devoted his life, passions and energies into; the battle for which he had long been fighting was at last won and the world would never be the same again.

The story of William Wilberforce is amazing and inspirational. If you have not yet read anything about the life and work of this man, you are missing out. While studying compassion of late, I have been drawn again to the story of Wilberforce as a man of whom it was said: “He wore his enemies down with his love and compassion.” Through studying how his sensitive and merciful heart emancipated an entire race and reformed a nation, I learned three key concepts that I think we can all apply to our own lives as we strive to make a difference through active compassion (Jude 22).

  1. In order to love and show mercy others, I must be filled with the love and mercy of God.

In 1786, William Wilberforce experienced what he called “the great change.” After being for the most part an atheist, he at last recognized his need of a Savior and called upon the Lord for salvation. By this time, he was already a Member of Parliament and a driven young man, but after his conversion, his life took on greater purpose. His colleagues noted the time of his conversion because of the transformation of character that took place. He mended broken relationships with other politicians and became known as a man whose good faith existed not only in words but also in actions. No longer merely content with political achievement, he said: “I devoted myself for whatever might be the term of my future life, to the service of my God and Savior.” His willingness to be used of God in whatever capacity (he even considered dropping out of politics and losing his career) enabled him to be an effective instrument in the Lord’s hands.

Wilberforce had a deep and abiding awareness of the mercy of God. He wrote, “Surely when I think of the way in which I went on for many years…, I can only fall down in astonishment…before the throne of grace and adore with wonder…that infinite mercy of God which did not cast me off; but on the contrary, guiding me by a way which I knew not, led me to those from whom I was to receive the knowledge of.” This viewpoint is what enabled him to show sensitivity and mercy to others. “Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?” (Matthew 18:33)

Wilberforce believed that all life, even the lives of the despised and lowly, is precious to God. Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: (Zechariah 7:9) He shared the unconditional love of God by loving others despite their race, social status, or infirmities. “His leadership was based on genuine love for God and others – especially those whose lives had been maimed and deprived of justice.” Each day, before going to Parliament, he would spend hours in prayer and communion with God, thus softening his conscience and cultivating his sensitivity.

Questions of Application:

  • Do I fully recognize the love and mercy that was lavished on me? “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9)

  • Do I see my worth as not in myself put in Christ who lives in me? “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20)
  • What is my response to this marvelous gift of mercy? “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” (Ephesians 5:2) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

Because this article is too lengthy for one post, I will be posting the continuation tomorrow!

>Living Compassion Part I: Cultivating the Art of Listening

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>“…May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all…” (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

I have often joked to my family that our local grocery store has been one of the steadiest certainties of my life. For nine years, I have been inside its doors almost once a week or sometimes several times a week (does anyone else have a problem coming home with a trunk full of bags and then realize how much stuff you’ve forgotten?). Never changing, it’s like a familiar and comfortable friend; I know the place almost as well as my own home. I could probably find any product imaginable within five minutes. While wearing a blindfold. Extra firm silken tofu, anyone?

A few months ago, my mom, Elizabeth, and I were standing in the usual position in the well-known check-out line. My mind was on something else as I went through the routine motions of transferring food from cart to belt that I don’t even know how it got started. All I know is that I looked up and saw the woman behind the cashier register in tears and my mom gently pat her hand.

In the car, I heard the whole story. Apparently this woman, seeming rather sad as she and my mom exchanged the normal niceties of “How are you” and so on, was encouraged by Mommy’s interest to tell her about her son who had just been arrested for drug abuse. Her sorrow overflowed into words and eventually tears as she expressed her heartbreak, fears, and loneliness. Though I wasn’t aware of the conversation at the time, I remember being impressed by the sympathy and love my mom communicated to this woman through the understanding and attentiveness in her eyes and a few simple but heartfelt words of comfort. Chances are good that this lady really needed someone to listen to her, to grasp at an opportunity over a grocery store conveyor belt.

That was quite a few months ago but now every time we see that woman at the grocery store, her eyes light up, she greets us warmly, and she almost never fails to thank my mom for caring enough to listen on her difficult day.

Listening. It seems so simple, such a basic aspect of life, and yet it is in truth an art that can either be cultivated or wasted. Unfortunately, in our humanistic society that promotes an egotistical and self-ambitious mindset, the latter alternative is mostly true as most of us are unwilling to exert ourselves in any activity that will not directly benefit ourselves.

The keys to genuine listening are humility, sensitivity, love, and availability – all facets of compassion. Humility is building life around God and others rather than around myself – “What can I do to lift this person up?” Sensitivity is exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me – “Is the anger, bitterness, or fear that this person is expressing merely the manifestations of a inward hurt?” Love is giving others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward – “How can I best help this person find joy and be successful? What do I have of value to give?” Availability is making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving – “How can I best give of myself to this person?” *

When we are cultivating these qualities in our hearts, replacing our natural selfishness, we will be able to respond in a Christ like compassion that seeks to meet an important need that every human being has: the need to express his or her heart. Our joys, dreams, passions, fears and sorrows were not meant to be kept to ourselves, but to be shared. Many, however do not have this need met. Because of repeated rejections, some give up altogether and don’t expect to be listened to at all.

An important characteristic in a compassionate listener is the ability to get others to talk. How can we do this? Perhaps by having these two attitudes:

1) Being approachable. This is number one. If we make others feel unwelcome or a bother, then most likely they will never feel safe in talking to us. I want to be accessible – someone who is readily willing to listen; someone that others can depend on to listen. Greeting people with an enthusiastic smile and letting them know that we are happy to see them makes it easy for them to approach us. Being approachable also includes a willingness to sacrifice my time. At church the other day, Elizabeth and I were walking through the narthex when we passed by two sweet young girls we know. I was glad to see them, but I was preoccupied with finding the rest of our family so I simply gave them a smile and a “Hi! How are you?” as I whizzed by. Later, Elizabeth gently told me that these girls had looked eager to see us and talk with us but I had squelched any opportunity for conversation with my haste.

2) Showing genuine interest. We all know what it is like to wonder if someone is really listening to us. Their eyes are roaming around the room and their only response to what we are saying is an occasional nod or noncommittal “Uh-huh.” Am I willing to sacrifice my own interest to encourage someone else? We can express how genuinely we care about others by how genuinely we listen. Maintaining eye contact, asking questions, and approaching others are all ways we can “actively” listen.

We recently had a family we do not see very often over for dinner. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and after they had gone, we all remarked on how much we enjoyed talking to the oldest girl, a young lady in her late twenties. I was trying to figure out what she did to make each of us feel so special and loved and I realized that she knew the art of listening. She knew just what to say to open me up and her eye contact and responses assured me that she was listening. She asked follow up questions and offered many words of encouragement. Her attitude in my conversations with her was so selfless and I later ashamedly realized that she had talked very little about herself. I was encouraged after that night to see conversations as more of an opportunity to invest myself in others than to exalt myself.

In conclusion, I encourage you to think of how the Heavenly Father exemplifies this whole concept of compassionate listening. Think of His infinite patience when we pour our hearts out to Him in prayer. How grateful I am that He does not hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the throne of grace! Being such debtors of His mercy, can we not extend that mercy to others? Listening requires so little of us and yet can fill such voids in others, healing hidden cares and burdens. Let us today ask the Lord to give us willing hearts, an approachable spirit, and attentive ears.

* These definitions are adapted from The Power of True Success, published by the Institute in Basic Life Principles