Being Single-minded
Sermon
Sermons on the Second Readings
Series II, Cycle B
The Second Coming of Christ was much in the thoughts of the ancient church. Saint Paul was no exception, as his letters often indicate. Time was growing short and soon the present form of this world would be passing away. The expectation must have been both thrilling and somewhat ominous for Christ's people.
There is a particularity about the events coming soon after our Lord's Ascension and the Day of Pentecost. A single-mindedness is virtually demanded. It all has to do with a single God/man they knew was the one in whom they found their salvation. He had given them more than hope. He had given them assurances of heaven with him.
In one sense, nothing has changed during those twenty centuries. We are to be centered on the one and only certain Savior of humankind, that little Jewish boy born of Mary. As he made his way as a lad and to maturity, including dying a terrible death and conquering the grave, anticipation filled the air. He was the Father's Son!
So, we are called to immerse ourselves completely in him, leaving no stone unturned. It is a radical invitation that begins and ends with him, and him alone. Perhaps we could use the clich? "the more things change, the more they are the same." Christ bids us to come both to die and arise with him.
Focus
We belong totally to Christ and no other.
Body
1. We are to believe in Christ for our salvation.
The radical and unequivocal nature of such a dogmatic stance has caused highly tensioned feelings in countless numbers. Yet, if we believe in the New Testament as the inspired word of God, both our choice and answer are clear. To live changed lives with the promise of heaven is our positive plight and all that entails. For those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as the way, the truth, and the life we have, at least, an elementary understanding of the price we must pay. Also, by the grace of God, we have a built-in resource that refuses to be defeated. We don't always like what we are doing or refraining from doing but that is mostly irrelevant!
One's salvation is the most highly valued possession we have. It is who and what we are. To some extent, everyone has salvation or a set of beliefs and behavior patterns that manifest themselves. Even the cold and committed communist has this! Some follow and are absorbed by various ideologies but we must be very careful to stay the course with our Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Some say, almost derisively he/she finds identity only in his/her job. Well, I guess in a way that's we Christians! People and positions come and go in our lives but our true occupation or vocation remains the same. To live differently from this is to invite spiritual complications that only tend to muddle and postpone what (who) is intended for us.
The interreligious nature of today's world must be confronted and hopefully reconciled in ways helpful for all concerned. Arguments are seldom useful, especially if they are heated arguments before numbers of people. Our call is one to dialogue as peacefully as we can -- in particular -- among Jews and Muslims. Respect is always necessary. After all, aren't they also God's children? Yes, and do we presume to know all the ways God has and does deal with all of his dear children? Of real assistance along this line is a reading and pondering of Romans 9, 10, and 11. All three religions have Abraham for their father. Our call to radical living under the banner of Christ does not close the door to intelligent and dutiful dialogue.
Who has to have the greatest influence in our lives? Friends, this is a no-brainer! We are to be immersed in the healing waters of his love. It is a love that knows no bounds. It reasonably follows that such a style of living will rub off on others. In the Christian context, not to be fishers of men and women is a sad commentary and contradiction. To be sure, idealism is much at work here and we may try to be more than we are intended to be. Frankly, I don't think we should be overly worried about this. Remember, to pray that every day is successful in God's sight and not ours. This is a brilliant conditioner that allows us a kind of holy objectivity, which can immensely aid our spiritual growth. To live every day in his shadow is not to live in darkness but in light the world scoffs at and finds mostly meaningless. Christ beckons for us to be fully open to him.
2. All our bets are placed in Christ.
Casino gambling, as well as numerous other forms of gambling, seem to have become more and more popular in our nation. All of the reasons are well beyond me, but I do believe the one that comes quickly to the forefront is the chance for a winner to become independently wealthy and create an image of power in the recipient. Such a windfall brings immediate attention and both positive and negative recognition. It is a way of becoming somebody overnight and the realization that what was once out of reach financially, is no longer true. Christians take all we have and are; then we bet them on the belief Christ is the answer to our sins and incompleteness.
From the time we are small, some of us were taught not to put all of our eggs in one basket. Then, in a spiritual sense, that is exactly what we are inspired to do! Perhaps the thought occurs to us from time to time, that if we are wrong in our decision, we have lived a wasted life. It is a sobering thought. For the thinking person it makes perfectly good sense, even though it can be depressively destructive. To have lived and died in vain is perhaps the most horrendous thought a sane human being can have. It can send terrifying chills running up and down our backs. At its worst, urges to commit suicide come upon us. Paul would tell us confidently and firmly he hasn't changed his mind. All bets, not just some or most, are placed on the master, the man of Galilee. This is the way our lives are intended. There is no change on the horizon!
The gift we have and the grace provided to be encompassed by it is one that those with a mostly secular orientation to life will not understand. Some days I am not sure how much the dear Lord's disciples understood it! It is in our willing spirit and temperament of heart that we discover such magnificence to be worked out. It really isn't news but there is a genuine difference between Christ's people and the world. That does not mean we are to run away and hide for fear of contamination. However, it certainly does mean we have placed our bets on the Father's Son. We are risk takers, betting 100 percent on the authenticity of our salvation here and now and forever and ever. It is the right thing to do!
Are you satisfied with all of this? Would you rather it be some other way? Perhaps you would like to travel about the country or even the world, placing your bets in different casinos. Then, at least, you would have the chance of winning under various circumstances. The saying, "winning some and losing some" may be a more shrewd approach to what you understand life to be. Don't bet on it! Saint Paul is lurking around with compassion but a firm hand, telling you in no uncertain terms to get with the revealed program. It is difficult to imagine him humorous, except possibly to prove the point he lived and died by. If you want to squander some extra cash with a cult or new age guru, this could be quite an eye-opener and lead to betting everything on Christ. It could also put you on a demonic roller coaster that eventually runs with an outrageous and fatal ending.
3. Our destiny is tied to Christ.
We are a peculiar people. One extraordinary man was born into history who we say is God in the flesh. We worship him and call him several names but, in particular, Savior and Lord. Our revelation in the New Testament indicates without reservation he was with the Father from the beginning. Securely linked to this Son, we are locked into a unique relationship for all time and even when time is dissolved as a principle found in creation. Wow! Isn't that mind-boggling? Indeed, we are a peculiar people. This is so much true we, at times, have laborious moments attempting to communicate with others the supposedly simple story of Jesus. It is hard to come up with all the superlatives!
It is as though we are owned by him and have become his slaves. Well, we were bought with a price and that was his precious and holy blood. To attempt to tell of our destiny separate and apart from this Jewish fellow, is most difficult -- if not impossible. What we have to tell the world in joy and humility is the unparalleled satisfaction we have. If we go all the way with him, we have a peace that passes all understanding. That does not mean we are free from various kinds of pain or even, at times, serious doubts. It is more than a change of pace. It is joy unspeakable that remains calm in the face of the lovely becoming decidedly unlovely. Yes, it is likened to the man who searched the world over and found the pearl of great price, discarding gladly all the others.
Whenever the end comes, either with the Second Coming or our deaths, we are hopeful in ways foreign to those who do not have this Savior and Lord. Well, are we claiming too much? Is Paul pointing us in a direction that is never realized? Are we so peculiar we have our heads in the sand and could possibly be having hallucinations? My answer to this not uncommon inquiry is, "But, my dear friends, have you tried it?" As that answer is being given we must never assume power in our own strength. As Paul discovered, God's grace is sufficient because his power is made perfect in weakness. This is an imperative we must learn, hopefully early! We were bought with the supreme price of the Father's Son.
When the end for us comes in this life, are we prepared to have a glimpse of our funeral service and place of burial? Are the ushers and pallbearers the ones we have chosen? Will good and accurate things be said about us? Will our family and friends be present to bid us farewell? It is only human nature to ask such questions but aren't they all secondary? Some of us, more than anything else, want to hear our family and friends assuredly say he/she was a genuinely good person whose destiny was unquestionably tied to the ever-living Christ. The here and now meets eternity. Our witness is given and preserved because of his love for us and our response of giving ourselves unconditionally. Any artist would be hard-pressed to show this on a canvas or writer in a book. On our knees in silence or with heads high, shouting his praises, we are going to our real home.
4. We are to stay focused and live accordingly.
Anyone in the workaday world knows the importance of staying focused. Perhaps this has always been true but in the current era the demands are such that most would never hold a job for any length of time unfocused. The computer has much to do with this, and certainly the ever-increasing sophistication with intricate maneuvering is another. Our grandparents and even parents -- depending on our age -- would likely find few ways even to begin to comprehend what's going on in the workforce today. That is not in any way to cast aspersions. Since we were not at our peaks in their day, maybe we should note that their focusing may have been far more physically demanding.
The single-minded follower of Christ is different from the world at large. In the first place, we shut out the clamor of those who would rob us of our spiritually esteemed place. We do not necessarily devalue the world and its trimmings. After all, we certainly need it to survive! Our secret is in not allowing hurtful forces to take over our time, energy, and talents. In short, we stay focused on Christ and live accordingly. In the second place we never forget from whom our help comes. We do not save ourselves and we are not smart enough to provide the guidance essential for victorious living. We admit leaning on the everlasting arms is more than words set to music. A drummer different from that orchestrated by the world is continually at work. We love the angels singing.
The enemy of our souls has countless tools at his disposal. They come in shades and sizes we may or may not recognize. As some revivalists of yesteryear used to say, "Even the devil quotes scripture." To maintain there is no such evil force is to be blinded to the spiritual reality of our great leaders who paved the way for us. It seems the most persuasive person can be on the payroll of the one who tempted our Lord in the wilderness. You and I can readily recognize all of this at work, only to learn we are also at the brink of being duped! Note how easily we are led astray simply by getting us to focus in directions where Christ is not present.
Our lives tell stories. Others listen to them. Some watch them. We are on display! The Christian witness calls attention to itself in ways intended to be powerfully positive. We are being graded. That doesn't mean the teachers always know what they are talking about. It does mean they are either trying to tear down what they experience or desire what we have. We must not fail or if we do, quickly repent with forgiveness and continue our spiritual journey. So much is intended for all of us! The table is filled to overflowing with goodies. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Friends, stay focused and live accordingly under the banner of Jesus Christ. While God is all-powerful, he still uses our hands, feet, minds, and hearts to carry the gospel of his Son. To whom do we belong? There is only one correct answer: Jesus Christ. All others are secondary.
Summary And Conclusion
Spiritually speaking, a scatter-brained person is in serious trouble! We cannot live our precious lives this way and that way, expecting to have the assurance of salvation. To wander across the fields of this and that provides only an unrest that may last a lifetime. Let the externals come and go. Let them be good times and bad times. Let friends come and go. Just be sure your interior life is in peaceful acceptance of Christ. Have we not heard? Jesus is primarily interested in our hearts. He wants to reside there permanently and do for us what we can never do for ourselves. Yes, we -- at our very best -- belong totally to Christ and no other. He provides a safety net for all of humanity. He continues to knock on the doors of those who have spurned his love, some for a lifetime.
The popularity of Second Coming publications is, at times, unbelievable. The hungry public in large numbers never seem to get their fill, and lots of money is made. Our call is not to be caught up in something we really have never known much about. In fact, our Lord tells us only the Father knows the day or night. Our major mode of living always has directly to do with the man born in a manger. If he returns right now, fine. If he returns, centuries from now, fine. We are to stay focused on to whom we belong. Not only that but rid ourselves of any competitor. Jesus will not tolerate others before him. In a way it is the restoration of one of the Ten Commandments. Be steadfast and of good cheer. Hold fast to that you know is satisfaction par excellence!
There is a particularity about the events coming soon after our Lord's Ascension and the Day of Pentecost. A single-mindedness is virtually demanded. It all has to do with a single God/man they knew was the one in whom they found their salvation. He had given them more than hope. He had given them assurances of heaven with him.
In one sense, nothing has changed during those twenty centuries. We are to be centered on the one and only certain Savior of humankind, that little Jewish boy born of Mary. As he made his way as a lad and to maturity, including dying a terrible death and conquering the grave, anticipation filled the air. He was the Father's Son!
So, we are called to immerse ourselves completely in him, leaving no stone unturned. It is a radical invitation that begins and ends with him, and him alone. Perhaps we could use the clich? "the more things change, the more they are the same." Christ bids us to come both to die and arise with him.
Focus
We belong totally to Christ and no other.
Body
1. We are to believe in Christ for our salvation.
The radical and unequivocal nature of such a dogmatic stance has caused highly tensioned feelings in countless numbers. Yet, if we believe in the New Testament as the inspired word of God, both our choice and answer are clear. To live changed lives with the promise of heaven is our positive plight and all that entails. For those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as the way, the truth, and the life we have, at least, an elementary understanding of the price we must pay. Also, by the grace of God, we have a built-in resource that refuses to be defeated. We don't always like what we are doing or refraining from doing but that is mostly irrelevant!
One's salvation is the most highly valued possession we have. It is who and what we are. To some extent, everyone has salvation or a set of beliefs and behavior patterns that manifest themselves. Even the cold and committed communist has this! Some follow and are absorbed by various ideologies but we must be very careful to stay the course with our Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Some say, almost derisively he/she finds identity only in his/her job. Well, I guess in a way that's we Christians! People and positions come and go in our lives but our true occupation or vocation remains the same. To live differently from this is to invite spiritual complications that only tend to muddle and postpone what (who) is intended for us.
The interreligious nature of today's world must be confronted and hopefully reconciled in ways helpful for all concerned. Arguments are seldom useful, especially if they are heated arguments before numbers of people. Our call is one to dialogue as peacefully as we can -- in particular -- among Jews and Muslims. Respect is always necessary. After all, aren't they also God's children? Yes, and do we presume to know all the ways God has and does deal with all of his dear children? Of real assistance along this line is a reading and pondering of Romans 9, 10, and 11. All three religions have Abraham for their father. Our call to radical living under the banner of Christ does not close the door to intelligent and dutiful dialogue.
Who has to have the greatest influence in our lives? Friends, this is a no-brainer! We are to be immersed in the healing waters of his love. It is a love that knows no bounds. It reasonably follows that such a style of living will rub off on others. In the Christian context, not to be fishers of men and women is a sad commentary and contradiction. To be sure, idealism is much at work here and we may try to be more than we are intended to be. Frankly, I don't think we should be overly worried about this. Remember, to pray that every day is successful in God's sight and not ours. This is a brilliant conditioner that allows us a kind of holy objectivity, which can immensely aid our spiritual growth. To live every day in his shadow is not to live in darkness but in light the world scoffs at and finds mostly meaningless. Christ beckons for us to be fully open to him.
2. All our bets are placed in Christ.
Casino gambling, as well as numerous other forms of gambling, seem to have become more and more popular in our nation. All of the reasons are well beyond me, but I do believe the one that comes quickly to the forefront is the chance for a winner to become independently wealthy and create an image of power in the recipient. Such a windfall brings immediate attention and both positive and negative recognition. It is a way of becoming somebody overnight and the realization that what was once out of reach financially, is no longer true. Christians take all we have and are; then we bet them on the belief Christ is the answer to our sins and incompleteness.
From the time we are small, some of us were taught not to put all of our eggs in one basket. Then, in a spiritual sense, that is exactly what we are inspired to do! Perhaps the thought occurs to us from time to time, that if we are wrong in our decision, we have lived a wasted life. It is a sobering thought. For the thinking person it makes perfectly good sense, even though it can be depressively destructive. To have lived and died in vain is perhaps the most horrendous thought a sane human being can have. It can send terrifying chills running up and down our backs. At its worst, urges to commit suicide come upon us. Paul would tell us confidently and firmly he hasn't changed his mind. All bets, not just some or most, are placed on the master, the man of Galilee. This is the way our lives are intended. There is no change on the horizon!
The gift we have and the grace provided to be encompassed by it is one that those with a mostly secular orientation to life will not understand. Some days I am not sure how much the dear Lord's disciples understood it! It is in our willing spirit and temperament of heart that we discover such magnificence to be worked out. It really isn't news but there is a genuine difference between Christ's people and the world. That does not mean we are to run away and hide for fear of contamination. However, it certainly does mean we have placed our bets on the Father's Son. We are risk takers, betting 100 percent on the authenticity of our salvation here and now and forever and ever. It is the right thing to do!
Are you satisfied with all of this? Would you rather it be some other way? Perhaps you would like to travel about the country or even the world, placing your bets in different casinos. Then, at least, you would have the chance of winning under various circumstances. The saying, "winning some and losing some" may be a more shrewd approach to what you understand life to be. Don't bet on it! Saint Paul is lurking around with compassion but a firm hand, telling you in no uncertain terms to get with the revealed program. It is difficult to imagine him humorous, except possibly to prove the point he lived and died by. If you want to squander some extra cash with a cult or new age guru, this could be quite an eye-opener and lead to betting everything on Christ. It could also put you on a demonic roller coaster that eventually runs with an outrageous and fatal ending.
3. Our destiny is tied to Christ.
We are a peculiar people. One extraordinary man was born into history who we say is God in the flesh. We worship him and call him several names but, in particular, Savior and Lord. Our revelation in the New Testament indicates without reservation he was with the Father from the beginning. Securely linked to this Son, we are locked into a unique relationship for all time and even when time is dissolved as a principle found in creation. Wow! Isn't that mind-boggling? Indeed, we are a peculiar people. This is so much true we, at times, have laborious moments attempting to communicate with others the supposedly simple story of Jesus. It is hard to come up with all the superlatives!
It is as though we are owned by him and have become his slaves. Well, we were bought with a price and that was his precious and holy blood. To attempt to tell of our destiny separate and apart from this Jewish fellow, is most difficult -- if not impossible. What we have to tell the world in joy and humility is the unparalleled satisfaction we have. If we go all the way with him, we have a peace that passes all understanding. That does not mean we are free from various kinds of pain or even, at times, serious doubts. It is more than a change of pace. It is joy unspeakable that remains calm in the face of the lovely becoming decidedly unlovely. Yes, it is likened to the man who searched the world over and found the pearl of great price, discarding gladly all the others.
Whenever the end comes, either with the Second Coming or our deaths, we are hopeful in ways foreign to those who do not have this Savior and Lord. Well, are we claiming too much? Is Paul pointing us in a direction that is never realized? Are we so peculiar we have our heads in the sand and could possibly be having hallucinations? My answer to this not uncommon inquiry is, "But, my dear friends, have you tried it?" As that answer is being given we must never assume power in our own strength. As Paul discovered, God's grace is sufficient because his power is made perfect in weakness. This is an imperative we must learn, hopefully early! We were bought with the supreme price of the Father's Son.
When the end for us comes in this life, are we prepared to have a glimpse of our funeral service and place of burial? Are the ushers and pallbearers the ones we have chosen? Will good and accurate things be said about us? Will our family and friends be present to bid us farewell? It is only human nature to ask such questions but aren't they all secondary? Some of us, more than anything else, want to hear our family and friends assuredly say he/she was a genuinely good person whose destiny was unquestionably tied to the ever-living Christ. The here and now meets eternity. Our witness is given and preserved because of his love for us and our response of giving ourselves unconditionally. Any artist would be hard-pressed to show this on a canvas or writer in a book. On our knees in silence or with heads high, shouting his praises, we are going to our real home.
4. We are to stay focused and live accordingly.
Anyone in the workaday world knows the importance of staying focused. Perhaps this has always been true but in the current era the demands are such that most would never hold a job for any length of time unfocused. The computer has much to do with this, and certainly the ever-increasing sophistication with intricate maneuvering is another. Our grandparents and even parents -- depending on our age -- would likely find few ways even to begin to comprehend what's going on in the workforce today. That is not in any way to cast aspersions. Since we were not at our peaks in their day, maybe we should note that their focusing may have been far more physically demanding.
The single-minded follower of Christ is different from the world at large. In the first place, we shut out the clamor of those who would rob us of our spiritually esteemed place. We do not necessarily devalue the world and its trimmings. After all, we certainly need it to survive! Our secret is in not allowing hurtful forces to take over our time, energy, and talents. In short, we stay focused on Christ and live accordingly. In the second place we never forget from whom our help comes. We do not save ourselves and we are not smart enough to provide the guidance essential for victorious living. We admit leaning on the everlasting arms is more than words set to music. A drummer different from that orchestrated by the world is continually at work. We love the angels singing.
The enemy of our souls has countless tools at his disposal. They come in shades and sizes we may or may not recognize. As some revivalists of yesteryear used to say, "Even the devil quotes scripture." To maintain there is no such evil force is to be blinded to the spiritual reality of our great leaders who paved the way for us. It seems the most persuasive person can be on the payroll of the one who tempted our Lord in the wilderness. You and I can readily recognize all of this at work, only to learn we are also at the brink of being duped! Note how easily we are led astray simply by getting us to focus in directions where Christ is not present.
Our lives tell stories. Others listen to them. Some watch them. We are on display! The Christian witness calls attention to itself in ways intended to be powerfully positive. We are being graded. That doesn't mean the teachers always know what they are talking about. It does mean they are either trying to tear down what they experience or desire what we have. We must not fail or if we do, quickly repent with forgiveness and continue our spiritual journey. So much is intended for all of us! The table is filled to overflowing with goodies. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Friends, stay focused and live accordingly under the banner of Jesus Christ. While God is all-powerful, he still uses our hands, feet, minds, and hearts to carry the gospel of his Son. To whom do we belong? There is only one correct answer: Jesus Christ. All others are secondary.
Summary And Conclusion
Spiritually speaking, a scatter-brained person is in serious trouble! We cannot live our precious lives this way and that way, expecting to have the assurance of salvation. To wander across the fields of this and that provides only an unrest that may last a lifetime. Let the externals come and go. Let them be good times and bad times. Let friends come and go. Just be sure your interior life is in peaceful acceptance of Christ. Have we not heard? Jesus is primarily interested in our hearts. He wants to reside there permanently and do for us what we can never do for ourselves. Yes, we -- at our very best -- belong totally to Christ and no other. He provides a safety net for all of humanity. He continues to knock on the doors of those who have spurned his love, some for a lifetime.
The popularity of Second Coming publications is, at times, unbelievable. The hungry public in large numbers never seem to get their fill, and lots of money is made. Our call is not to be caught up in something we really have never known much about. In fact, our Lord tells us only the Father knows the day or night. Our major mode of living always has directly to do with the man born in a manger. If he returns right now, fine. If he returns, centuries from now, fine. We are to stay focused on to whom we belong. Not only that but rid ourselves of any competitor. Jesus will not tolerate others before him. In a way it is the restoration of one of the Ten Commandments. Be steadfast and of good cheer. Hold fast to that you know is satisfaction par excellence!
