One thought on “Men’s Group: March 11, 2009 Humble Love”

1. Dave shared this via email:
   I wrote this earlier this afternoon right after service. We then went and spent the afternoon and evening with Cynthia’s Mom. Cynthia read this before we left. She requested that I find someone else to write about (Cynthia does not like drawing attention to herself). I told her I cannot promise that. I think if you’ve spent any time getting to know Cynthia you understand why I say the things I say about her.

   A few Sundays ago, Ben Applebee spoke on Humble Love, using Matthew 18, verses 1-3. In these verses we find the apostles arguing over who will be, “the greatest” (kind of like Ali – Frazier). Then Jesus sets the apostles straight by telling them unless they change and become like little children they will never enter the kingdom of heaven. I found that amazing. These were the guys following Jesus, and unless they made significant changes they weren’t going to make it into heaven. So what changes do we need to make to get there? I know Jesus made it clear – we must become like little children. Last Wednesday, we explored that very thing. What does it look like to become like a little child? We came up with some great answers; words I wrote down were, innocence, trust and no fear. But a few of the better descriptions were dependence, “no masks” and from the title of this session – humility and love. A little child depends on its parents for nearly everything in life – food, clothing, shelter and guidance. It knows it needs to be in constant relationship with its parents. Children also don’t wear masks – they are the same person to everyone. They are examples of pure innocence. What do you think Jesus was saying to the apostles? Was he letting them know they needed to be transparent? Was he telling them they needed to learn to submit and depend on their Father, and trust He will provide everything they need? This last one was what I sat down to write. I was going to use my, “most Christians should go to prison” theory. But something happened. As I sat to write, the words that struck me were humility and love. See, I am at Cynthia’s, in her living room on her laptop. Just outside, the view from the bay window reveals, is a small front courtyard. There are some potted plants and a hummingbird feeder. A beautiful hummingbird with a bright red neck keeps buzzing in and out of the area taking nourishment and flying off. Can you picture it in your mind? The reason that hummingbird flies in and out is because five feet away is Cynthia. She is kneeling in the dirt, planting roses; Cynthia loves to garden. It takes a certain type of person to find pleasure in kneeling down, digging in the dirt and planting something that looks like nothing. It takes a humble person, doesn’t it? To want to plant something, nurture it, help it blossom and realize its full potential. To sacrifice some of yourself in someway; maybe being sore and dirty and tired afterwards. And, after all of your hard work, the plant may never blossom or produce fruit. But gardeners don’t quit gardening if something doesn’t blossom, do they? Isn’t that what God does with us? Doesn’t He keep on gardening? I offered to help her but Cynthia knew I had something I wanted to get on paper (that prison thing I was itching to say), so she told me, “write your Men of the Path message and I will plant the roses.” But, as I sit here, I find myself watching Cynthia happily work and that hummingbird buzzing around, and I am saying, “Thank You, God, for Your humble love toward me and using Cynthia as an example of Your humble love. Thank You for not quitting and continuing to plant and garden even though I was not blossoming” Many of you know about the life I led (if not, please go to Drew’s website, http://www.uberlumen.com; you may listen to it there, and find a ton of great resources and information that will help you make great strides in your walk with God). For 40+ years I believed there was a God, but I had not given my life to Him and was not walking in relationship with Him. God would not allow a woman of Cynthia’s caliber in my life. No way would He allow me to hurt a Godly woman. No, someone like Cynthia wasn’t coming my way; not until I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. Now, for the first time in my life I am being nurtured and tended to and receiving the encouragement to blossom. I hope and pray you have a Cynthia in your life; someone who, when you sit back and watch them do something as simple as work in their garden, you see Christ in them. Someone who doesn’t send you out the door to keep a certain lifestyle, but truly understands the value in seeking Him first, knowing everything else will come. Of course, that voice sending you out the door doesn’t have to come from a physical person, it can be that voice in your head. The one that tells you, you are not enough; that your identity is in your job and the things you possess. Well,your identity isn’t in what you do, what you drive, where you live or anything else that can be bought on this earth; it is in Jesus Christ. As Bucky said today, please take some time each day this week to observe God’s beauty in our natural surroundings. God created all of this, but the thing He wants most is to hear from you. So, while you are out enjoying God’s creation, have a conversation with Him. Feel funny about that? Don’t know what to say? Just start by saying, “Dear God.” The words will start flowing after that.

   {Someday, I hope I get the opportunity to present my theory on why most Christians should go to prison.}

   Take care; I hope to see you Wednesday morning.

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