Pastor Joey Reflections

Thoughts from North Hollywood First United Methodist Church.

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REFLECTIONS: October 29, 2017

Idle gossip and rumor are curiosities of modern language.  Each harmless at  first glance, but when reviewed closely these terms wield power to harm others. We blame the media, entertainment world, educators, and religious institutions for the abundance of rumor and gossip.  However, the truth is, gossip and rumor are part of human nature.  When we do not accept or understand something or someone, we criticize and complain.  It is even part of our Biblical heritage.  In Exodus seventeen, the text records that the people found fault with Moses and murmured against him. It should then come as no surprise that the writings of Paul often deal with rumor and gossip.  He would write to places he was headed or had been in order to encourage folks to focus on faith rather than fear and hearsay.  In 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Paul writes in response to rumor and gossip.  He and his associates have just left Philipi quickly and at night.  Their critics have responded by calling them immoral heretics who have manipulated believers through trickery and greed. Paul=s words in the letter are direct questions.  How did we behave in your presence and what was your experience of our ministry?  He simply asked the people to rely on their understanding of his work rather than the working gossip of his opponents.   Of course, Paul was so effective that since his time rumor and gossip have had no effect on the Church.  If this were only true.  Across the ages the best exercise some faithful receive is recreational griping or jumping to conclusions.  For the most part it seems harmless until a reputation is destroyed or a soul is bruised. The question that begs, is how do we deal with gossip now? Understanding and humor are a good beginning. By understanding that like Paul those who have acted in faith, have been criticized, some to the point of death.  So, if we feel picked on we are not alone. In addition my mentor Dr. J. Miles Acker used to say if they are picking on me they=re leaving three other people alone. If neither of these thoughts bring comfort, consider a phrase my father would utter in reflecting on inappropriate criticism. In a loose paraphrase of Confucius he would say, “when using ones mouth it is best to be certain ones brain is fully engaged.”  All well and good for spiritual types, but did you hear the latest rumor? Dr. Joey K. McDonald's writing originally from 10-24-1999

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Pastor Joey McDonald on October 16, 2017. May his words and spirit live on. 

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REFLECTIONS: October 22, 2017

According to Webster’s Collegiate tenth edition, community may be defined as “a unified body of individuals: or people with common interests living in a common location, or a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society.” The definition part of community is easy, of course describing community or living effectively as a part of community is something altogether different.  For while diversity is a blessing, differences can beget distance and dissent which in time can destroy community.  The true strength of community is found in claiming gifts rather than exposing weakness. Paul understood this when he wrote to the cosmopolitan yet conflicted people of Corinth.  A diverse community at odds over who was in charge and how things were to be done.  To encourage the people Paul wrote, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit, and varieties of service, but the same God; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same Holy inspiration within each one... For the body does not consist of one member but of many.  If the foot should say, because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less a part of the body.” (I Cor. 12)  Paul’s use of body language was intended to instruct and inspire the people of Corinth to cooperate with and care for each other. To live in community, for Paul, meant to live without limits.  Not at random or wild and lawless, but in a manner other than one might be accustomed. Within community a unique language is born. It is steeped in understanding, and passed on to each successive generation with the care of passing on a family heirloom. When community takes root the nature of that community and the people who inhabit it become contagious and effervescent. Without community factions erupt.  Within community relationships blossom.  Divisions and turf wars and political infighting do not last for one simple reason. The only terrain a unified community is concerned with is the landscape of the human spirit.  Factions find fault whereas friends find a way.   Together.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald

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Pastor Sermon "Sour Grapes" October 8, 2017

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REFLECTIONS: October 15, 2017

“We give thee but thine own, whate’er the gift may be: All that we have is thine alone, a trust O Lord from thee.”  I grew up singing this hymn as a response to the offering.  In Philippians 4:10-19, Paul gives thanks for the financial support the people have sent him.  They had given for a time, stopped, then resumed gifts toward his ministry.  He affirms the gift, without lamenting the earlier absence of giving.  More importantly, he counts the gift as holy, and prays God’s blessing upon current and future offerings. When money comes up in Church someone is liable to be offended.  This is because of how personal money matters can be.  Someone will say all the church ever does is ask for money, which means don’t ask or tell me how to give.  So we soft sell stewardship.  We write letters, send estimate of giving cards and ask people to prayerfully consider their gifts.  It would be more effective to ask folks to put as much effort into giving as into buying a car or a TV.  That thinking is fractured because it is based on our need to purchase. The desire to receive something of value for money.  Stewardship, however, is based on our need to give.   Of course gifts to a local church are appreciated and needed.  From the blessings of the gathered community in worship, to feeding the hungry locally and the support given distant missionaries, giving money matters.  How much is a personal decision. If we speak passionately about a social issue, and invoke what the Bible says about it, and yet become forgetful in terms of stewardship, we have erred. Friends the Bible is clear, all of what we have belongs to God, we hold it in trust. In terms of giving, ten percent of what we have is the place we begin as stewards. How we figure that percent is up to us.   If we withhold our money from a church because we disagree with its theology, structure or program, we do so in ignorance of the aim of stewardship; which is sharing our abundance in grateful response to God’s goodness. Our faith is deepened by our need to give not the need of the church to receive.  If we are not being fed in a faith community, we are not vested in terms of time, talent and treasure in that place. A part of the imperative of faith is to put our money where our faith is.  In more base terms a colleague once spoke of a member saying of stewardship; “preaching what ain’t paid for don’t sound good.”

Dr. Joey K. McDonald

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Pastor Sermon "The Rhetorical If" 10/01/2017

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REFLECTIONS: October 8, 2017

It is fascinating that we live in a culture where we can buy beautiful things, like homes, clothes and cars.  We can even buy better looks through cosmetic surgery.  So, it only makes sense that spirituality would be tied to our consumer based nature.  To confirm this, one need only go to a bookstore, watch television or read a newspaper. From religious self-help publications to psychic readings and tarot cards, spirituality can be purchased on the half shell. When Paul writes in the third chapter of Philippians about the need to count as refuse, anything which keeps us from God, and encourages believers to press on toward the call of God in Christ.  He set a pattern for the work of faith. The intent of the Apostle was to instill in the mission communities that to be a person of faith requires effort, not to continue the debate over faith verses works.  Paul had begun his religious journey rooted in works, first as a scholar, then as a zealot.  However, when he experienced the transforming power of God through Christ, he came to know and then share that the work of faith follows experience. When we gather as a community, especially in the celebration of the sacrament of communion, it is an affirmation and a work of faith, as well.  In the songs we sing, in the prayers we say, in the love we hold for each other, for our community at large and for this world, we restate the ancient teachings anew. In the taking in of the worship experience, and through the elements of grape and grain; we say with Paul, because in Christ I am somebody, all I had and thought I was can be thought of as loss.  Yet, being found in God does not free the believer to vegetate.  The pull and press of belief begins in being found, so the work of faith is simply that. Dr. Joey K. McDonald

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REFLECTIONS: October 1, 2017

In Philippians 2:5, the Apostle Paul writes: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.”  He goes on to say in Hymn-like poetry that Jesus, though equal with God, did not assume God-like activities, but rather took the form of a servant, healer, and thus becomes our Savior. In Philippians 2:12-13, the Apostle Paul writes: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for God’s good pleasure.”  Paul writes this not to simplify salvation, but to remind believers (then and now) of one’s personal responsibility in matters of faith. Throughout his writings Paul instructs followers of Jesus to act and live as responsible persons.  So, to say here, salvation must be worked out in a personal way is not inconsistent with his teaching. This is not to say Paul did not believe in divine help.  The Christian doctrines of justification, sanctification, regeneration and grace are based largely on his letter to the Romans. The late Scottish theologian, William Barclay, wrote that, “A man has as much right to ask of my salvation, as I do how much money he has in the bank.”  Dr. Barclay saw salvation as personal and private.  He wrote in his autobiography, “...I am a simple-minded person.  I have neither a philosophical nor a theological mind.  For that reason I need to think in pictures.  As Regine Pernoud says in her book, Heloise and Ableard: ‘There is a world of difference between learning to repeat GOD IS AN OMNIPOTENT BEING and learning to address oneself straight to God saying:  THOU ART MY ROCK’.” Dr. Barclay lied.  He had a great mind.  For he used the Bible and great works of literature to help people see more plainly the work of God in their lives.  He spent his life teaching people to use their minds that their souls might be nourished.  Faith seeks form and function in the mind. Salvation is mostly a work of the heart. Paul wrote to the people of Philippi with the intent of informing them.  His letter was meant as a teaching tool by which the faithful could learn to be holy, and more effective as a body of believers.  He trusted people to use their heads, hands and feet to bless the world in the name of God.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald

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REFLECTIONS: September 24, 2017

We are a people who enjoy being first, in some measure because we equate first with best.  Politicians speak of being first in the arms race, or first in peace initiatives.  We are more loyal sports fans if our teams are in first, and who doesn’t want to be first in line at a concert or in line at the bank? So, when we read the parable of the workers in the vineyard, we can become confused or angered, for our protestant work ethic sensibilities are offended.  The story tells us that those who came to work in the last of the day are paid the same amount as those who worked all day.  Worse yet, those who came last are the first paid.  When questioned, the owner states the obvious; asking is he not free to do as he wishes with his money?  Jesus closes the teaching with the statement about this being God’s realm where the first are last and the last first.  Of course, this flies in the face of what most then (and now) believe to be right and fair.   On one level, this is a story about labor and management, and when is management ever fair to labor? We can relate to those who complained. To put in the greater time without greater reward can be frustrating.  In our jobs, in clubs, civic organizations and yes, in churches we assume certain entitlement based on seniority.  While this, in fact, is often true in terms of how these various groups operate, Jesus teaches in this parable that rank and station do not apply in the realm of God.  For Jesus, the Kingdom of God is not an exclusive country club but an inclusive community.   In some Manner, what Jesus is getting at is the relational aspect existing between creator and creature.  The complainers, of course, seek a close relationship with God.  They wish to be advisors.  Every now and then when I’m deep in prayer, telling God exactly what needs to happen, I am caught by the humor of it.  I trust God is as well.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald

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REFLECTIONS: September 17, 2017

The business of forgiveness is tricky at best.  For to forgive, one has to give up the resentment held toward another for hurt done.  Judgment on the other hand is quite easy.  It requires only the self-understanding of whom or what is wrong or right, followed by the exercise of jumping to a conclusion. Each day judgments are made without investigation and information.  If you question the veracity of this statement, remember it the next time you are treated rudely by a sales clerk, or are cut off in traffic.  We judge people by how they dress, where they live, how well they speak, their net worth, in short the list is practically endless. Judgments are made of every person we encounter and all events we experience; at times without the understanding that we are being judged as we are forming our judgments.  Of course, judgment alone is not a bad thing. Sound judgment allows us to sense danger, evaluate possible helps and hindrances and make choices for our lives.  Judgment which hurts is that based in fear and ignorance, one which places an unequal value of my view over yours, ours over theirs. Songwriter Lindsay Buckingham wrote these words to a song titled, Oh Well, “Don’t ask about the shape I’m in, I can’t sing, I’m not pretty and my legs are thin.  But, don’t ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to.”  Pointed, more than profound, his words remind us of how we tend to operate far too often. When Peter asked Jesus whether forgiving seven times was enough he, in fact, had exceeded the requirements of faith.  The norm for the day was three or four, so Peter’s suggestion was nearly twice the practiced religious response.  The response Jesus gave depending on translation is either seven times seventy, or seventy-seven.  In either case the direction Jesus gave is clear.  We are to act as ones who are loved, forgiven, and accepted.  When evaluating ourselves and others, err on the side of loving-kindness.  To do otherwise is to miss the mark. Dr. Joey K. McDonald

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REFLECTIONS: September 10, 2017

In truth, it can be said, only two people really appreciate change; a baby with a wet diaper, and the person with the cup begging on the corner. We resist change, yet from birth to eternity, we experience it. Physically, we grow and change radically from infancy to adulthood. Intellectually, we change from information seekers, as children, to seekers, users, and sources of information.  Our environment, the places we live, and the people we love, change.  Yet, change is often painful and difficult. At times, though, we embrace change as a means to an end: 1) In training for a new job or to enhance current employment.  2) Through diet and exercise in an effort to improve health and personal image. 3) With study and counseling to change personality.  4) To be more kind, loving, and effective in personal relationships.  5) In prayer, worship, and study to change and grow spiritually. Change, be it environmental, emotional, spiritual, or physical, is not often random.  To change involves a combination of intent and desire.  If the mind can conceive change is possible.  If the heart can believe, with effort, change will come; then the body can do the rest of the work.  It is no accident that Paul, in writing to early Christians, used change as a theme often.  The early church was in a constant state of change in terms of leaders and learning.  So Paul wrote to encourage people to be changed by spiritual things, not by earthly things.  He wrote suggesting believers not look back to what had been, but rather ahead to what is possible through grace.  He even wrote of how difficult change was for him; saying that the things he wanted to stop doing, he did, and the things he wanted to do, he didn’t.  So those of us resistant to change stand in good company.  As adults, we are too old to see from the perspective of a baby.  Let us hope we don’t need to stand with a tin cup at a freeway off ramp to appreciate change.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald

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REFLECTIONS: September 3, 2017

In Matthew 16:21-28, we find Jesus telling his disciples about his impending suffering and death.  He explains why he must go to Jerusalem to fulfill the will of God.  Peter rebukes him.  The response of Jesus is somewhat startling.  V23 “Get behind me, Satan!  You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”  Harsh words from Jesus to one of his most ardent followers.  His point seems to be:  don’t get in the way of the will of God.  Put a slightly different way, he was saying; do not put self-interest above soul interest. Think of it from the perspective of Peter for just a moment.  Jesus and the disciples are having effective ministry traveling from town to town teaching and healing.  Then Jesus says I must go to Jerusalem to suffer at the hands of the religious leaders and die.  Peter wants none of that for his leader and says no!  That is not what we want to happen to you.  In the response following the rebuke of Peter, Jesus sets the tone for the true pattern of discipleship.  Starting with verse 24, “Then Jesus told his disciples, if any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” To take up a cross has broad and manifold meanings.  It may mean to follow a cause that indeed may cost us our lives.  However, the far more frightening aspect of the word of Jesus is the implication of the need for self-denial.  What a painful thought.  The way, wonder, and work of God really isn’t about us?  May it ever be so!

Dr. Joey K. McDonald

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REFLECTIONS: August 27, 2017

Do you read advice columns?  They illustrate perfectly how relatives and religious people say some wonderful and awful things.  In one column, a while back, a person wrote to say that his understanding of faith called for him to ‘spiritually divorce’ himself from anyone whose views were not in tune with his.  The advice columnist response was this thinking did not fit with the general understanding that theology is about love rather than hate.  So the concept of staying apart from those who disagree with you would not be wise.  In a recent column “Ask Annie” was queried on how to stop a relative from being a bully?  Citing an earlier bit of advice where Annie had said simply leave when relatives become insulting and overbearing (the advice seeker) said this did not seem fair, and wanted to know how to change the behavior of said relative?  Annie responded by saying leaving is always the first best option because while we cannot change the way others treat us, we can remove ourselves from toxic circumstances.   I remember hearing a lively and engaging sermon some years ago.  The title was “You Can’t Box God, Your Arms Are Too Short.”  The premise was similar to most of the writings of Paul.  Who are we to argue with the workings and wonder of God?  Yet we humans have been doing just that for millennia.  Fighting with God over who is elect and who is damned?  Creating our own rules with regard to who is accepted and who must be shunned in the name of faith?  Even to the point of killing people simply because their views are different. It happens yet today.  In Romans 11 Paul is responding to serious questions.  The first is why and how Gentiles can be part of the realm of God?  The second is, if this is so, what becomes of Israel with regard to being the elect, or chosen of God? In his wonderful rhetorical idiom the Apostle asks and answers the questions.  Did God reject Israel?  Of course not, and then to underscore this point, “I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.” As to how gentiles are part of the ‘Party’ Paul writes in verse thirty-two “God has imprisoned all in disobedience in order to show mercy to all.”  This, of course, ended all dissent, debate, and demeaning treatment in all religious arenas.  Remember our brother writes before the Church split East and West, denominations, the crusades and all the fun religious bigotry of the twentieth century.  His point then and now still holds.  It is God who invites and invests in humanity.  In our dissent and undignified beliefs and behavior we often miss God’s graciousness. Dr. Joey K. McDonald

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REFLECTIONS: August 20, 2017

It has been said that the general difficulty with religion is not theology or doctrine or even belief in God, but the difficulty is found in people and especially with their interpretation.  A number of years ago, I remember watching a famous person being interviewed about his values.  When asked about faith he said, “I am religious, but I hope not in a way that shows.”  Perhaps what he was afraid of was what humorist, Garrison Keillor, describes in one of his stories.  “The problem with protestant ministers is that they come across just a bit too earnest like a used car salesperson, wearing too much corduroy and Hush Puppies.” In chapter fourteen of the gospel of Matthew, two of Jesus’ most powerful miracles are recorded.  The feeding of the five thousand in verses 13-21, and walking on water in verses 22-36.  This work is followed by what some scholars term the “tradition of the elders.” in chapter fifteen verses 10-20, & 21-28.  These passages find Jesus encountering the fierce legalism of the Pharisees with regard to food intake, the apparent inability of the disciples to comprehend what he is teaching, and his own understanding of what he is called by God to do with regard to those outside of the fold of Israel. In conversation with the Pharisees, Jesus points out that what a person takes in by mouth for food ultimately turns to waste, whereas, what proceeds from one’s mouth can have a potential, lasting harmful affect because it has come from a heart susceptible to all manner of evils. Therefore, religious dietary laws must be held in context with the internal bearing of the believer to do the will of God.  Next, the disciples admit they do not understand what he is talking about.  So he explains in greater detail the dangers of spiritual blindness, and especially of the spiritually blind leading others.  Finally, the disciples complain to him that a Canaanite woman is following asking for Jesus to heal her daughter. Since she is an outcast, not a part of the House of Israel, they ask that Jesus send her away.  Jesus speaks with her saying that he was sent to minister to the lost of Israel.  However, her faith touches him and he tells her that her daughter is healed. What Jesus models is transparent faith.  A religious pattern which shows that we follow God not our own biases.  His willingness to change his mind with regard to healing the Canaanite woman’s daughter bears witness to this.  The late philosopher, G. K. Chesterton, said with regard to the value of religious behavior, “For religion all persons are equal, as all pennies are equal, because the only value in any of them is that they bear the image of the King,.”  In the end, religiosity must take a back seat to being faithful. Dr. Joey K. McDonald

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REFLECTIONS: August 13, 2017

In the movie, “A Christmas Story,” the central character wants a BB gun for his Christmas present.  To his dismay his mother says no because she is afraid, “you will shoot your eye out.”  Any parent can relate to this mom’s fear.  As a matter of fact, I recall my own mother saying those words when I asked for a BB gun at about the age of ten. Fear is a genuine part of the human experience.  Life is fraught with enough scary stuff to cause one to be suspicious of those who are not afraid of something.  Be we an agoraphobe, or a xenophobe, we each have elements of life which heighten our anxiety levels.  The other side of this issue, of course, is those who are fascinated with fear.  Much money is spent each year to see movies or ride amusement park inventions created with the intent to make us afraid. Matthew 14:22-33 is a story of how fear can get in the way of holy happenings.  Jesus has sent the disciples by boat to the other side of the lake while he deals with the crowd.  Jesus drew apart to be alone and pray.  As evening came the water became rough and the disciples became frightened.  Jesus comes to them on the water making them more uneasy for they think he is a ghost.  Jesus speaks to them and Peter becomes courageous and says, “Lord if it is really you, command me to come to you on the water,” and Jesus does so.  Peter begins with great resolve, but the winds churn the water and he begins to sink.  He calls, “Lord save me,” and Jesus does so, saying to Peter, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”  Jesus calms the waters as they enter the boat and the disciples are awed by his power. As much as the holy appearance by Jesus, the response of the disciples is an invitation to consider how we might respond to the fears of life.  I remember a theologian lecturing once that fear and doubt in faith communities creates an atmosphere for developing skunks and turtles.  Think of how skunks respond to threats.  They stink up the place, hoping whatever they fear will leave.  The turtle when afraid pulls in, trusting that its hard shell will protect from the perceived danger.  The actions of Peter would suggest we are probably no different.  This all gets me to thinking about my need for a new and stronger cologne and a small dark quiet room to hide, I mean think.  How about you?

Dr. Joey K. McDonald

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REFLECTIONS: August 6, 2017

Have you ever stopped to consider how the Apostle Paul suffered for his faith?  He of course, eventually was killed because of his beliefs, but in between he was jailed.  While in prison he wrote.  He wrote complaining of the food, the unsanitary conditions, lack of recreational facilities and opportunities for rehabilitation.  Of course, he did not! What Paul did was write letters to the Churches he had founded encouraging them to continue in their work.  He considered his suffering minor in comparison to the suffering of Christ.  His living conditions a small inconvenience when so many lived without the comfort of grace.  We take so much for granted as people of faith that the idea of being imprisoned or martyred for our faith is beyond our mental grasp.  Yet, Paul lived to that end willingly. He did so because God called him to, continuing when most would fall, because of the strength he found in witness and prayer.  His witness through his writing and his prayer life is evident in his words. Throughout his letters, Paul reminds the people he remembers them in prayer, invites them to pray for him and those working with him. For faith to be real, as in who we are rather than what we do on Sundays or religious holidays, prayer is essential.  Not just the historic prayers of The Church, those found in the Bible and worship manuals.  We are called to look to the prayers we see lived before us in the lives of those we love.  In sharing the stories of those living prayers, the text then becomes written upon our hearts. Dr. Joey K. McDonald

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REFLECTIONS: July 30, 2017

On the power of words to hurt, the Greek philosopher Pythagoras wrote; “A wound from the tongue is worse than a wound from a sword; for the latter affects only the body, the former the spirit.”  Each and every day we are given opportunities to hurt or heal with our voices.  The phrase “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me,” is of course one of the great lies of childhood.  Unkind words can do long term harm to the heart and soul of individuals. Words, which demean a person physically, or make fun of one’s religious preference, cannot have a positive effect.  Political name-calling inflames rather than enhances dialogue.  The worst profanity is not the four-letter kind, but rather the vile terms some use in reference to racial differences. To ask why we have such a capacity for mean spirited speech toward each other neglects a fundamental operating principle.  We are human, the highest of life form, with the most complex method of communicating.  However, we as a higher life form are capable of such low-life behavior, simply because of our humanity.  How else do we explain the things we say to complete strangers who cut us off in traffic?  We take in new information reluctantly; holding dialogue and news, both good and bad, at arm’s length.  This freedom, void of in depth evaluation, frees us to say things to those with whom we disagree. Under the guise of public opinion, constructive criticism and quality assurance, we use words to tear down and trash people we disagree with and things we don’t understand.  It is at some level cultural.  Years ago Tom Paxton wrote in lyric; “My dog’s bigger than your dog, my dog’s bigger than yours, my dog’s bigger, and he chases mailmen, my dog’s bigger than yours.  My dad’s tougher than your dad, my dad’s tougher than yours, my dad’s tougher, and he can yell louder, my dad’s tougher than yours.”  Rhetoric is a part of our life, but imagine if we used it to the most hopeful and healing end. There is an article by an anonymous author that gives 101 ways to praise a child.  It begins with WOW - WAY TO GO and ends with THAT’S THE BEST - I LOVE YOU.  The p.s. reads, REMEMBER  A SMILE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS.  Imagine the impact we would have if for just one day every word we said was one of praise.  The obvious argument is, we are not children anymore; but each of us was someone’s child and all of us are children of God.  A tempting thing...to use only words of healing for a day.  A challenge though not an impossible task, but it would certainly require intentional effort.  What might we be called for not even attempting the task?  Loved, appreciated, forgiven, and cared for are a few words that come to mind. Dr. Joey K. McDonald

[pastorjoeyreflections]

REFLECTIONS: July 23, 2017

Throughout his letters to the emerging Churches of the first century, Paul consistently wrote about two themes.  The importance of grace over the law, and the tension existing between mind, body, and spirit.  As an excellent student of Church law, Paul came to know, through his relationship with Jesus, that when placed beside grace, legalistic thought becomes shrill and ultimately a deterrent to the development of disciples of Jesus Christ.  In regard to the relationship between mind, body, and spirit; likewise, he argued for the emphasis on the Spirit.  In his letters to the people of Rome and Corinth along with those to Galatia and Ephesus, he wrote that while we may not always trust our physical yearnings, we can rely on the work of the Spirit in our lives. In Romans 8:12-17, Paul speaks of the “spirit of adoption” we find with Christ in relationship to God.  He says that this relationship welds us to God and nothing can sever it, not even death.  In verses 1-11 of the same chapter, he puts forth the understanding that to live for human wants and needs is to die spiritually, while real living is found in an existence lived toward God. Paul was writing from his life experience rather than lofty heights.  He shared as much in Chapter 7:14-16, “What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way; but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise.  So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes that God’s spiritual command is necessary.” (The Message) Paul sees this as a life-long process, but not something we always get right.  A couple of examples in his letters are: Galatians 5:22-26, “...The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law...”  “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.  Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another.”  (New Revised Standard) Then to prove he is with us in the Spiritual quest, he writes in Philippians 4:14-15, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Let those of us who are mature be thus minded; and if in anything you are otherwise minded, God will reveal that also to you.” The Apostle was acutely aware of lock step certitude in matters of faith.  His own rigid adherence to absolutes with regard to interpreting the call and claim of God on the lives of believers had caused him to lose his sight both literally and spiritually.  Only when he began to view life through the lens of the grace of Christ and the leading of the Spirit did his sight become clear and strong.  For Paul, a restless spirituality is one that will never rust.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald