Holiness And Happiness
Sermon
Don't Forget This!
Second Lesson Sermons For Sundays After Pentecost (Last Third) Cycle C
Howard and Kopp with Real People celebrated its first anniversary on Adelphia Community Cablevision recently on the air with cake, candle, and terribly off-key duet. Joe Sorce, Robin Frick, Debbie Kurtz, Joann Scott, and the talented if unpredictable media students of Peters Township High School have made production a surprisingly painless as well as serendipitous adventure.
Now it's going national sometime this summer through "World Radio" (WRVG) in Georgetown, Kentucky, with the help of Pittsburgh's own WDUQ out of Duquesne University.
While we'll continue the television translation as long as somebody wants it, radio has some big advantages aside from eliminating the glare from our accelerating baldness and unsightliness of our expanding waistlines.
From what I gather, it's easier and cheaper to produce and distribute the show through radio. Easier is important because we're busy pastors, family types, and addicted linksters. Cheaper is important because a vow of poverty was imposed on us over two decades ago.
The goal of the show is simple. We're trying to provide an alternative to Howard Stern on the cutting edge of ecclesiastical evolution. Even more candidly, we're just a couple of clergy guys trying to have fun while exploring the many ways that our Lord works in the lives of real people.
Though we take Christology and vocation seriously, we don't take ourselves too seriously and refuse to use the show for anything remotely resembling a proselytizing agenda; unless having fun within the context of faith is considered sneaky evangelism.
We haven't had any complaints from our guests yet. Bantering, moaning, and contending have been reserved for an occasional joust, disputed soliloquy, dialogue, or even debate between the hosts. We don't feel the need or inclination to get over on our guests. Even when we think they're coming from the ozone layer of reality (which we do on occasion), we don't let them know it. We try to be gracious hosts. Or as somebody once told me, "God says, 'You love 'em! I'll judge 'em!' "
Of course, we do have our critics from the hard left and right who want us to advocate their bigotries. Some folks get really mad when we mention Jesus. Some folks get really mad because we don't tell people that they're going to hell unless they believe something or other. Some folks want us to be boringly mainline. Others, I guess, just want us off the air.
Fortunately, I recall this advice from a friend in the South (not Howard!): "If they're nippin' at your heels, they're behind you!" Or as I saw on a truck's bumper sticker the other day: "Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes!"
In short, we're trying in our own unconventional-and-sometimes-iconoclastic-but-always-respectful-of-God-and-his-real-people way to expose the connection between holiness and happiness.
Everybody wants to be happy. That's why Wal*Mart and my study sport so many smiley faces. Unfortunately, happiness is an illusion for too many folks.
Lots of people think money will make them happy. It doesn't. As one tycoon confessed when asked how much money is enough, "Just a little bit more than I have."
Lots of people think sports will make them happy. They don't. When was the last time you spotted a smiling jogger? Why are bowlers and golfers and tennis players always checking out the latest equipment catalogues? And there may be even more brawls at baseball and basketball games than church board meetings.
Lots of people think the right job will make them happy. It won't. There's always somebody who thinks she or he can do the job better than you can. Even my youngest son Daniel (seven years old) reminded me that I'm not as important as I sometimes fantasize. "I'm going to take over your job when you retire," he said resolutely. "When?" I asked. He answered, "When I'm old enough to read." And then there are those profoundly mixed messages about job performance. I got this note from Jamie Ignatius (a third grader) on Palm Sunday: "I'll always like your sermons even if they're bad."
Lots of people think marriage will make them happy. Obviously, those folks haven't walked down the aisle yet. Even the best marriages have those more maddening than precious moments. With all those heads nodding, I don't think it's necessary to go on. Nevertheless, I can't resist this gender insensitive thought that arrived through cyberspace not too long ago: "If a man is standing in the middle of the forest speaking and there is no woman around to hear him, is he still wrong?"
So lots of people are searching for, but not enough are arriving at, happiness.
Hugh Downs of 20/20 is right: "A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes."
Or as I've come to conclude over the years, no one can make you feel good or bad or whatever without your consent.
Simply, we choose to be or not to be happy.
Paul revealed the attitudinal key to happiness: "There is great gain in godliness with contentment" (1 Timothy 6:6 RSV).
William Hendriksen explained (1-2 Timothy and Titus, 1957).
The truly godly person is not interested in becoming rich. He possesses inner resources which furnish riches far beyond that which earth can offer ... This is the life of true devotion to God ... Such Christian living springs from the source of -- and is accompanied by -- soul-sufficiency. The truly pious individual has peace with God, spiritual joy, assurance of salvation.
In other words, the positively pious or godly or God-oriented are happy.
Here's the equation: holiness = happiness.
The holier we are, the happier we are.
It's axiomatic.
Maureen Smith recently told me about a wealthy man who shared a passion for art collecting with his son. The story illustrates the axiomatic equation:
Together they traveled around the world; adding only the finest art treasures to their collection.
Priceless works by Picasso, van Gogh, Monet, and many others adorned the walls of the family estate.
The widowed, elderly man looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.
As winter approached, war engulfed the nation and the young man left to serve his country.
After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news; fearing he would never see his son again.
His fears were confirmed in a few days. His son died while rushing another soldier to a medic.
Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season, a season that he and his son had so looked forward to every year, would visit his house no longer.
On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls reminded him that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself: "I was your son's friend. He was rescuing me when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you."
As the two began to talk, the soldier recounted how the man's son had told everyone of their love for fine art.
"I'm an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give you this."
As the old man unwrapped the package, a portrait of the man's son was revealed.
Though the world would never consider it to be a masterpiece, the painting featured the young man's face in striking detail.
Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier and promised to hang it over the fireplace.
After the soldier left, the old man put the painting above the fireplace and spent Christmas gazing at it.
As time passed, the man realized even though his son was no longer with him, the boy's life would live on because of those whom he had touched. Indeed, he learned his son had rescued many wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart.
As reports of his son's heroism continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease the grief. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession; eclipsing any interest in collecting more masterpieces. He told friends how the painting of his son was the greatest gift that he had ever received.
The man passed away the following spring.
The art world was almost breathless! The entire collection would be sold at an auction!
According to the will of the father, all of the art was to be sold on Christmas Day because that was when he received his greatest gift.
The day of the great auction arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world's most spectacular paintings.
The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum's list. It was the painting of the man's son.
The auctioneer asked for an opening bid.
The room was silent.
From the back of the room came a voice, "Who cares about that painting? Let's move on to the good stuff."
Voices of agreement echoed through the room.
"No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer. "Now who will take the son?"
Finally, a friend of the old man spoke, "Will you take ten dollars for it? That's all I have. I knew the boy. So I'd like to have it."
"I have ten dollars," said the auctioneer. "Will anyone go higher?"
After more silence, the auctioneer declared, "Going once, going twice, and now gone for ten dollars."
The gavel fell.
Cheers filled the room and someone yelled, "Now we can get on with it and bid on the masterpieces!"
The auctioneer looked at the art collectors, paused a long moment, and announced the auction as over.
Stunned disbelief filled the room.
Then questions were blurted out from every corner of the room: "What do you mean? It's over? We didn't come here for a picture of some old guy's son! What about all of the masterpieces? What about the millions of dollars of masterpieces that were to be sold today? What's going on?"
The auctioneer explained, "It's very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son gets it all."
It's the old story in a contemporary setting.
When we add the Word to our daily lives, it will be like this paraphrase of an Alan Price song from the 1970s:
If you have a friend on whom you think you can rely -- Jesus -- you are a blessed person!
If you've found the reason to live on and not to die -- Jesus -- you are a blessed person!
Preachers and poets and scholars may not know it.
Temples and statues and steeples may not show it.
If you've got the secret -- Jesus -- just try not to blow it -- stay a blessed person!
If you've found the meaning of the truth in this old world -- Jesus -- you are a blessed person!
If Jesus hangs around your neck like pearls instead of chains, you are a blessed person!
Again, holiness = happiness.
And it all begins the moment after inviting Jesus into our hearts as saving Lord.
Now it's going national sometime this summer through "World Radio" (WRVG) in Georgetown, Kentucky, with the help of Pittsburgh's own WDUQ out of Duquesne University.
While we'll continue the television translation as long as somebody wants it, radio has some big advantages aside from eliminating the glare from our accelerating baldness and unsightliness of our expanding waistlines.
From what I gather, it's easier and cheaper to produce and distribute the show through radio. Easier is important because we're busy pastors, family types, and addicted linksters. Cheaper is important because a vow of poverty was imposed on us over two decades ago.
The goal of the show is simple. We're trying to provide an alternative to Howard Stern on the cutting edge of ecclesiastical evolution. Even more candidly, we're just a couple of clergy guys trying to have fun while exploring the many ways that our Lord works in the lives of real people.
Though we take Christology and vocation seriously, we don't take ourselves too seriously and refuse to use the show for anything remotely resembling a proselytizing agenda; unless having fun within the context of faith is considered sneaky evangelism.
We haven't had any complaints from our guests yet. Bantering, moaning, and contending have been reserved for an occasional joust, disputed soliloquy, dialogue, or even debate between the hosts. We don't feel the need or inclination to get over on our guests. Even when we think they're coming from the ozone layer of reality (which we do on occasion), we don't let them know it. We try to be gracious hosts. Or as somebody once told me, "God says, 'You love 'em! I'll judge 'em!' "
Of course, we do have our critics from the hard left and right who want us to advocate their bigotries. Some folks get really mad when we mention Jesus. Some folks get really mad because we don't tell people that they're going to hell unless they believe something or other. Some folks want us to be boringly mainline. Others, I guess, just want us off the air.
Fortunately, I recall this advice from a friend in the South (not Howard!): "If they're nippin' at your heels, they're behind you!" Or as I saw on a truck's bumper sticker the other day: "Unless you're the lead dog, the scenery never changes!"
In short, we're trying in our own unconventional-and-sometimes-iconoclastic-but-always-respectful-of-God-and-his-real-people way to expose the connection between holiness and happiness.
Everybody wants to be happy. That's why Wal*Mart and my study sport so many smiley faces. Unfortunately, happiness is an illusion for too many folks.
Lots of people think money will make them happy. It doesn't. As one tycoon confessed when asked how much money is enough, "Just a little bit more than I have."
Lots of people think sports will make them happy. They don't. When was the last time you spotted a smiling jogger? Why are bowlers and golfers and tennis players always checking out the latest equipment catalogues? And there may be even more brawls at baseball and basketball games than church board meetings.
Lots of people think the right job will make them happy. It won't. There's always somebody who thinks she or he can do the job better than you can. Even my youngest son Daniel (seven years old) reminded me that I'm not as important as I sometimes fantasize. "I'm going to take over your job when you retire," he said resolutely. "When?" I asked. He answered, "When I'm old enough to read." And then there are those profoundly mixed messages about job performance. I got this note from Jamie Ignatius (a third grader) on Palm Sunday: "I'll always like your sermons even if they're bad."
Lots of people think marriage will make them happy. Obviously, those folks haven't walked down the aisle yet. Even the best marriages have those more maddening than precious moments. With all those heads nodding, I don't think it's necessary to go on. Nevertheless, I can't resist this gender insensitive thought that arrived through cyberspace not too long ago: "If a man is standing in the middle of the forest speaking and there is no woman around to hear him, is he still wrong?"
So lots of people are searching for, but not enough are arriving at, happiness.
Hugh Downs of 20/20 is right: "A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes."
Or as I've come to conclude over the years, no one can make you feel good or bad or whatever without your consent.
Simply, we choose to be or not to be happy.
Paul revealed the attitudinal key to happiness: "There is great gain in godliness with contentment" (1 Timothy 6:6 RSV).
William Hendriksen explained (1-2 Timothy and Titus, 1957).
The truly godly person is not interested in becoming rich. He possesses inner resources which furnish riches far beyond that which earth can offer ... This is the life of true devotion to God ... Such Christian living springs from the source of -- and is accompanied by -- soul-sufficiency. The truly pious individual has peace with God, spiritual joy, assurance of salvation.
In other words, the positively pious or godly or God-oriented are happy.
Here's the equation: holiness = happiness.
The holier we are, the happier we are.
It's axiomatic.
Maureen Smith recently told me about a wealthy man who shared a passion for art collecting with his son. The story illustrates the axiomatic equation:
Together they traveled around the world; adding only the finest art treasures to their collection.
Priceless works by Picasso, van Gogh, Monet, and many others adorned the walls of the family estate.
The widowed, elderly man looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.
As winter approached, war engulfed the nation and the young man left to serve his country.
After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news; fearing he would never see his son again.
His fears were confirmed in a few days. His son died while rushing another soldier to a medic.
Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season, a season that he and his son had so looked forward to every year, would visit his house no longer.
On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls reminded him that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself: "I was your son's friend. He was rescuing me when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you."
As the two began to talk, the soldier recounted how the man's son had told everyone of their love for fine art.
"I'm an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give you this."
As the old man unwrapped the package, a portrait of the man's son was revealed.
Though the world would never consider it to be a masterpiece, the painting featured the young man's face in striking detail.
Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier and promised to hang it over the fireplace.
After the soldier left, the old man put the painting above the fireplace and spent Christmas gazing at it.
As time passed, the man realized even though his son was no longer with him, the boy's life would live on because of those whom he had touched. Indeed, he learned his son had rescued many wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart.
As reports of his son's heroism continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease the grief. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession; eclipsing any interest in collecting more masterpieces. He told friends how the painting of his son was the greatest gift that he had ever received.
The man passed away the following spring.
The art world was almost breathless! The entire collection would be sold at an auction!
According to the will of the father, all of the art was to be sold on Christmas Day because that was when he received his greatest gift.
The day of the great auction arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world's most spectacular paintings.
The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum's list. It was the painting of the man's son.
The auctioneer asked for an opening bid.
The room was silent.
From the back of the room came a voice, "Who cares about that painting? Let's move on to the good stuff."
Voices of agreement echoed through the room.
"No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer. "Now who will take the son?"
Finally, a friend of the old man spoke, "Will you take ten dollars for it? That's all I have. I knew the boy. So I'd like to have it."
"I have ten dollars," said the auctioneer. "Will anyone go higher?"
After more silence, the auctioneer declared, "Going once, going twice, and now gone for ten dollars."
The gavel fell.
Cheers filled the room and someone yelled, "Now we can get on with it and bid on the masterpieces!"
The auctioneer looked at the art collectors, paused a long moment, and announced the auction as over.
Stunned disbelief filled the room.
Then questions were blurted out from every corner of the room: "What do you mean? It's over? We didn't come here for a picture of some old guy's son! What about all of the masterpieces? What about the millions of dollars of masterpieces that were to be sold today? What's going on?"
The auctioneer explained, "It's very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son gets it all."
It's the old story in a contemporary setting.
When we add the Word to our daily lives, it will be like this paraphrase of an Alan Price song from the 1970s:
If you have a friend on whom you think you can rely -- Jesus -- you are a blessed person!
If you've found the reason to live on and not to die -- Jesus -- you are a blessed person!
Preachers and poets and scholars may not know it.
Temples and statues and steeples may not show it.
If you've got the secret -- Jesus -- just try not to blow it -- stay a blessed person!
If you've found the meaning of the truth in this old world -- Jesus -- you are a blessed person!
If Jesus hangs around your neck like pearls instead of chains, you are a blessed person!
Again, holiness = happiness.
And it all begins the moment after inviting Jesus into our hearts as saving Lord.
