You Can't Take It With You

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it. – 1 Timothy 6:6-7

In 1936, the hilarious play written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, You Can’t Take it With You, opened at Booth Theatre, staring Jimmy Stewart, Lionel Barrymore and a host of other livewire actors. The play ended up being the basis for the 1933 Academy Award winning film by the same name.

In this play, two wacky families come together for a hilarious stage of quirky events, one in which the grandfather is investigated by the IRS for tax evasion. Throughout this play the audiences howl over by the many eccentric oddities of these families, when at last the famous sentence “You can’t take it with you” evolves.

Though this play brings you to your knees laughing, there is one sad underlying theme – it’s the dishonesty and personal greed worked into the lives of these family members. Everytime I see this play or the movie, I find myself roaring with laughter over a somewhat sad situation. The facts boil down to this: our earthly riches are purely earthly and they have nothing to do with our spiritual eternity.

Greed rears its head in many ways. Sometimes it is through the desire for wealth, but other times it is through our own personal selfishness. When someone asks us to volunteer for a cause, we quickly become greedy with our time. We don’t want to participate due to time restraints. Or perhaps we see a homeless person begging on the side of the road and our first response is, “Why don’t they get a job?” That’s greed as well.

Christ taught the ultimate “greed-free” lesson when He willingly climbed Calvary to die for us. When was the last time that you really thought – truly thought, dwelled on, considered, pondered, absorbed – exactly how unselfish Jesus was?

He tried over His short ministry to teach people that the wealth of the earth was unimportant. He taught that one couldn’t take their riches with them to heaven. Look at the story of the rich young man. He claimed to be such a good person and when he asked Jesus how to get to heaven, Jesus told him to sell his riches, give them to the poor, and follow Him. Jesus told him that his riches would be in heaven. The man, basically, walked away in tears.

Again, the theme is there. “You can’t take it with you!” This is not to say that one cannot enjoy earthly riches, but as a good friend once said, “When you have wealth, it’s not how much you have, but what and how you use it, that counts.” How true. Humanitarians willingly and joyfully share their wealth daily – what is amazing is, the more they give the more they receive (both in wealth and in joy).

Godliness and contentment are wonderful gifts. Strive for these and aim for a greed-free life. Remember, you can’t take it with you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to remain humble, freely giving, willingly offering all that we have to you.

Me - Timid? Yeah, Right!

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7

My son and I watched piled into matching recliners one Sunday afternoon. Sandwiches in hand, soft drinks on the end tables, we flipped on the television to watch The Sound of Music. The von Trapp Family can’t hold a candle to Chase and me singing, Do Re Me.

There is something magical about that wonderful movie. Perhaps it’s the beauty of the Alps, or maybe it’s the love story that develops. What intrigues me most are the voices. Not just the singing voices, but the voice of a man who believes and trusts completely in his homeland. Still the heartfelt belief that von Trapp felt for his country touches my heart. He was not afraid to tell anyone about this deep devotion for his homeland. One could say there was not a timid bone in his body.

Listening through some of the great music of this movie set me to thinking about my own timidity. Most would say, I have none, however, those who really know me, know that deep down, at heart – I am somewhat timid and backward. I’ve never been a good socialite, and large mingling crowds find me sitting to side smiling intently. Still, I know how deeply I love the Lord.

In my love for Christ, I have to ask myself just how bashful am I? It is my hope that my example stands to speak for me when my mouth will not. I am, by no means, perfect. There are moments I’m cranky, and even hateful. Tell me, who of us isn’t at times. I will say, to my own credit, I am not ashamed to apologize when I am wrong. Neither here nor there, I felt it necessary to rate my overall timidity about Christ.

I don’t shout Christ from the mountain tops, and I don’t stand on a street corner singing, “I shall not be moved.” I don’t man a huge cross and drag it through the city streets, nor do I point my finger and preach at every individual I meet. Does that mean I’m timid? Heaven’s no, it simply means I’m a bit more reserved with my witness than shouting at everyone who will listen. So, my question to you is, does that make me a bad disciple? What kind of a witness would I have been for Christ in His time?

The question looms and I doubt I would have been in the top 12. I can’t even offer a good excuse for my lack of ability or tenacity. I can only say, that I praise God that He is a loving and forgiving Father. I have come to realize that my efforts are not in vain when I am the best person I can be, or when I interject something Christ-like into a conversation. Either way, I am so grateful to know that Christ can take me just as I am and make me what He wants me to be. I only have to make the effort. He takes it from there, offering me the peace, the tenacity, and the courage to speak where and when I need to speak. I know God understands my personal humility, backwardness, and shyness. Regardless, when I open my heart, He gives me a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline that rivals none.

I can only say that I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind. He has provided for me when I deserved nothing, and He has lifted me to a pinnacle where even The Sound of Music cannot go. I am who I am, bought at a price, and made whole. Hey, perhaps I shout louder than I thought.

Prayer: Lord, we are so unworthy of Your love, still You lift us up and love us dearly.

Tradition

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. – Colossians 2:8

James and Mattie stood at their wedding rehearsal gazing into one another’s eyes. The minister smiled as he asked Mattie to have a seat on the front pew. “Tradition, Mattie. It’s bad luck for the bride to practice the vows before the wedding.”

Mattie’s eyes dropped. “But, I…”

“Nope! Bride sits this one out.” replied her maid-of-honor as she took Mattie by the arm and led her to the front pew. “It’s my job to stand in on this one.” James wiggled in discomfort.

The minister continued. “If any one should object to this union let them now be heard.”

Mattie jumped to her feet. “I object.” Tears filled her eyes. “I object to everything. This silly tradition is preventing James and me from enjoying our own wedding. I don’t want someone to have an opportunity to object to my marriage and I don’t want my maid-of-honor standing in my shoes.” A hush covered the room.

James stepped forward taking his bride’s hand. He looked her in the eyes and placed his hand on her cheek. “I, James Montgomery, love you, Mattie Hawthrone, just as Christ told us to love Him in Matthew 22:37 …with all our heart, soul, and mind. I take you to be my wife, through every obstacle that comes our way, until Jesus takes us home.”

Mattie’s tears faded. “Just as Christ loved us, so do I love you.”

Tradition is nice. It holds some very meaningful ceremonies such as weddings. However, there are times we allow tradition to overtake our train of thought. We allow it to rule what we do. Even Paul warned the Colossians to be careful they did not allow people to take them captive through things that focused on the world rather than on Christ. Tradition can become an easy pitfall, and before we know it, we have fallen into the depths of the pit.

We sometimes find ourselves locked into the traditions of our regular Sunday Service. Even switching the order of the service seems sacrilegious to some. Learning that it’s not the order of the service or even the particular way the songs are sung, or the offering is taken that makes a worship service what it is. The mindset we take when we enter the doors of the church, the concentration we place upon the Father, and the humility, praise and submission we offer God while we commune with Him in His house is what counts. Traditions are nice, and can be very meaningful, but when we act on tradition rather than the meaning behind the action, we are losing sight of our Father in heaven.

Study to show yourself approved, and worship to offer the glory and praise to our Father that He richly deserves. Truly worship God during church and you will be amazed at the change in your life.

Prayer: Lord, help us to remain focused only on You. May we offer You all the praise and glory which belongs to You.

LOVE

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Most of us can remember our first puppy love. Some brought us memorable times, while others brought us hurt. There are those few who married their first love, but fewer who are still in that original relationship. The point is relationships are difficult.

In our youth, we easily fall head over heals for the one guy or gal who seems the most impossible match. More times than not, we find ourselves being used for a specific purpose or agenda by that person, rather than having them see us for who we are. We’re taken advantage of, used, then tossed to the side to lick our wounds.

Finally, there are those select few who completely entrust their entire being to what or whom Christ places in their lives. There is something to be said for those who trust in God’s plan. Eventually, just the right person comes into their lives at exactly the appropriate time. These individuals may find love immediately while others wait years, but when that one special person comes their way, it’s as though they were never apart.

It’s very easy to stand on the sideline and preach to those who have yet to find that perfect mate, it’s another thing to uplift those people in friendship and prayer and help fill their lives with joy and peace until the one God has chosen comes their way.

1 Corinthians 13 is often referred to as the love chapter, but actually it’s a very difficult set of guidelines for us to follow. Though worded beautifully and used frequently in weddings, the meaning within this scripture is deep, self-convicting, and difficult. These things scrub against the very nature of what humans tend to do. Love is patient, kind, not envious, not boastful and it is not proud. It is not rude, self-seeking, easily angered and it keeps no records of wrong. Rather is protects and rejoices in the truth, trusts, hopes and perseveres. Love never fails. More so, love is hard because it requires we become self-sacrificing. Whether in a marriage or dating relationship, or whether in our daily walk with the Lord, love is hard. We are required to work constantly to maintain the relationship we’ve been given.

There are times our earthly relationships fail. One person cannot a two-person relationship make, and likewise is our relationship with the Father. It cannot be one-sided and be expected to work. The Father never fails on His end, it is us who walk away from Him. In Christ, we can find the happiest love we will ever know and from there, the rest falls into place. If we trust, believe and step out on faith, God will bring just the right person into our life. And if His timing is different than ours, forging the love we have between our Father and ourselves can be sufficient.

Remember, love is patient and the Father knows our needs.

Prayer: Father, hold us close when we are alone. Help us to forge a deep and abiding relationship with You in the forefront.

Loneliness

Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” – Matthew 8:22

Loneliness is an awful thing. As humans, we carry an instinctive desire to have others around us. This is part of who we are. Many times we are forced into loneliness through circumstances which we have no control. Perhaps a spouse dies or a maybe we have had a disagreement where others push us to the side. Sometimes our beliefs set us aside. Regardless of how the separation occurs, no one likes to be completely alone.

When we spend too much time alone, the consequence takes its toll. We lose our social skills – our communication lacks, we become awkward and uncomfortable in a group. Worse yet, we tend to stop leaning on others for any type of companionship – not a place we want or need to be.

When I think of someone who was truly lonely, I think of Howard Hughes. Most would call him eccentric, and though that was true to a great extent, one could not deny his eccentricities forced him into a very lonely lifestyle. To have wealth and power, but to still have no one to share life’s quiet moments with must have been a terrible thing.

Jesus told his followers that He had no place to lay his head. Even surrounded by His disciples and the thousands who followed His teaching, He never felt as though He had a place He could call His own. There was a sense of loneliness that encircled Him. Perhaps because He knew what lay ahead for Him or maybe it was a form of protection until His time came. One way or the other Jesus felt loneliness.

The amazing thing was Christ never allowed that feeling to overwhelm Him or get in the way of His service. He continued forward, preaching and teaching. He had moments of joy, and times He felt successful in His mission, but still in the background loomed that sense of being alone. Only Jesus could have died on the cross and saved us from our sins. In that respect, He was alone. Only the Son of Man could have risen from the dead in victory. One thing is for sure, Christ never took His eyes off the Father. When He hung, abandoned on the cross, He still looked to heaven and called to His Father. He was an unfaltering example of love, strength, and forgiveness.

When we feel alone the quickest way to find peace is to look to the Father. There is a fulfilling essence about God that erases the sadness of being alone – one that takes us to a place of peacefulness. Reach out to the Father and embrace all that He is to us. Allow Him to fill the emptiness of your spirit to a point of overflowing joy. This is the great advantage of knowing Christ. Within Him, there is peace.

Prayer: Father, Help us to remember that Your grace is sufficient for us. Fill us with Your grace and love.

Finding Peace

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Ruby paced the hospital corridor. When will this end? The minutes dragged into hours and with every moment that passed her imagination twisted her thoughts.

“Any word yet?” Alice, Ruby’s best friend waved as she came down the hallway.

“Nothing. It was only supposed to be a 40 minute surgery. It’s been three hours. I can’t imagine what has happened. The doctor hasn’t even called to update me.” Tears filled Ruby’s eyes.

Another hour passed before the phone rang at the receptionist desk. “Mrs. Ruby Telford, come to the front desk.”

Ruby made a dash for the receptionist, arriving just as she placed the receiver on the hook. “I’m Ruby Telford. Was that the doctor?”

“Yes it was. He wants you to meet him down the hall in the family room.”

The family room. This can’t be good. Fear filled her heart as she pushed the door open and headed toward the family room. The doctor waited just inside.

“How’s Ace? What’s taking so long?”

The doctor motioned for Ruby to sit down, then he began to tell her the result of the surgery. “The surgery turned up a surprise. There was a tumor next to the appendix. We couldn’t get to the appendix until we removed the tumor. It appears to be benign, but we’ll send it out to be sure. However, the appendix did rupture and there was quite a bit of blood loss. We almost lost him at one point.” The doctor rubbed his hand across his head pushing his surgical cap off. “He should recuperate fine.” Grateful, Ruby lifted her hands toward heaven and thanked God for His peace.

When troubles beseech us it becomes difficult to look past the hardships into a positive approach. Our fears of the unknown take hold of us and build an overwhelming anxiety – one that can physically make us ill.

Jesus told His disciples all the things that would happen to Him. He prepared them as best He could and as best as they could understand. He explained He was giving this information so they would have peace. When we understand the things that are happening around us, we may still fear, but there is a peace about us, which makes things bearable.

When we are able to grasp hold of the truth and embrace it, our trials seem to have less affect on us. It’s the loving peace of Christ that helps us to realize He is the Master and in control of everything. There are still trials and hardships, but we seem to pass through them a bit easier. Through His mighty grace, we are able to overcome. Trust your heart to Christ. Listen when He speaks and He will tell you all you need to know to help you find peace.

Prayer: Oh Lord, You are the Maker of all things. Give us peace and grace to overcome.

He Calls Us Friend

You are my friend if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. – John 15: 14-15

Friendship is a noun – at least that’s how you will find it listed in the dictionary. I, however, think it’s a verb because it requires action in order to be successful. This unique bond grows between individuals is the most cherished gift we have. Those who choose to be our friends are always by our side. They may not ultimately agree with all we do, but they are supportive. Some may be quiet, while others laugh at your jokes when no one else finds them funny. However, the mark of a real friend is one who can lovingly rebuke you when necessary.

I had the pleasure of talking with a wonderful friend whom I’ve not seen in months. When I speak with her it’s as though no time has passed. We simply pick up where our last conversation ended. There is laughter, sometimes tears, but through it all, there is a wonderfully deep bond. I completely trust her and her judgment. She can speak frankly knowing she won’t offend me.

There are times when I am alone at home and the house is completely silent. Within moments of the onset of silence, my head fills with the laughter and voices of my friends. The silence has been broken. Even when they are not physically in my presence, they are with me.

This is the relationship every Christian should have with God. At any given time we should be able to close our eyes and hear His voice – feel His presence. This is one friend who never leaves our side.

When Jesus spoke with His disciples, He told them there was no greater love than that of a friend who would lay their life down for them. And within a few words, He actually called His disciples “friends.” Though He spent huge amounts of time training them for the continuance of His ministry, He taught them to be servants, to be faithful to the word, and He taught them to be friends.

Jesus shared all He had with His disciples, and then He went a step further – to die for them. Though His death, the bonds of friendship were made eternal. It’s a great comfort to know the Son of God not only considers us friends, but that He calls us friend as well. Ever present, ever listening, all knowing – our Lord and Savior, our friend, is constantly with us.

We are blessed beyond measure to have the love of such a great God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are honored that You call us friend. Thank you for Your active presence in our lives.