Charity

1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. - 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (King James)

The first time I heard of this passage translated as "...and have not charity," I was taken aback. I had always heard "... and have not love." I understand that the definition charity involves love, as in caring for others; caring enough to give to meet their needs. The meaning of the passage is clear, you can walk the walk, but without truly caring for others, it means nothing.

 

The third sentence puzzles me, though. The author is hypothetically giving to the poor, which means charity to me. He's sacrificing his body for the good of others. How does one do that without charity?

 

Perhaps it is possible to perform acts of charity, without really FEELING it. I'm reminded of Mitt Romney after Hurricane Sandy. He was campaigning in the mid-west at the time, and he collected cans of food for the victims of the storm. It was a kind gesture, but some wondered if it was genuine. There were rumors that he gave out the cans to people as they entered the rally, only to have them donate it back to him as a photo opportunity. Others felt that collecting canned food was kind of an empty gesture, as people in the flood areas didn't need canned food, they needed other things.

 

What Romney's act of charity really is depends on whether there was "charity" in his heart when he performed this act. Did he truly have love for the victims of Sandy? Was he trying to help, or was he doing what seemed to be the right thing at the time. (There's a disaster, we collect food.) I like to think that Mitt Romney wanted to really help out. Even though people may criticize the level of impact the collection made, anything, no matter how small, when done with love, makes a difference.

 

Lord, when I do the things I do for others, please make my heart truly caring and thoughtful. Keep my mind on how to help, rather than wanting to appear to help. In Jesus' name I pray.

 

And I Think to myself, What a Wonderful World

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?" - Matthew 6:25-30

In high school, I was eleventh in my graduating class. I know this because I had the exact same GPA as the 10 ranked student, and Scholarships were awarded only to the top 10 students; and not to me. I argued this as much as I could, but to no avail. There was no additional funds for another scholarship, and to give it to me would mean taking it from the other guy. These rankings are arbitrary, of course, but it was a terrible feeling, being NOT in the elite of the school. It was very easy to get into a funk about it, and to feel like I'm somehow "less than;" ignoring the fact that I was every bit as good as the number 10 student.

I was also denied admission to the National Honor Society. The claim was that I didn't have enough "service" on my application. I had shown how I participated in fund raisers, and performances which benefited charities, but apparently, that wasn't what they were looking for. I became very resentful of this and the fact that I missed out on the scholarship, and began creating conspiracy theories about how the NHS was prejudiced against musicians. See, most of my grades came from music classes, and nearly all of my service was performance-related. I chose to exist in a world where people were actually trying to keep me from succeeding out of jealousy, or prejudice. I have no idea why I would want to live in that world, it seems to me to be rather miserable.

Especially since the world WASN'T out to get me. It turns out that the world is pretty good. It's a world where I get to participate in all of those classes and performances, and help the charities I helped. It's a world where I'm NUMBER 11 in my class, which is not too shabby after all! It was my personal mental attitude that prevented me from seeing the wonderful world around me.

Jesus taught us to reconsider the world WE live in. In Matthew 6, He tells us not to see the world as one where we might run out of food or clothing at any moment. To stop worrying about how we will survive, and instead begin to see the world as God actually created it: Abundant, Beautiful, and Plentiful. There is, it turns out, a lot to be thankful for, we need only choose to recognize it.

Lord, thank you for the wonderful world You created. Help us to see the world as a bountiful place to enjoy, and not as a horrible place that we need to survive. Help calm our minds when we begin to doubt. In Jesus' name we pray.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
 
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. - Matthew 10:29-31

Rejecting the World of Measurement

14Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.15Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. - 1 Corinthians 12:14-18

Chapter 2 of Rosamunde and Benjamin Zander's book, "The Art of Possibility," describes what they call the "World of Measurement." This is a world where we are constantly measuring our own worth as compared to standards given to us not by God, but by man. It is a world where we feel like we're in constant competition with others. It's the source of most of our angst and depression. How often do we feel sad or disappointed with ourselves, not because we did something wrong, but rather that we didn't reach that standard we had in our mind. 

Our Choir often feels that way. They'll do a perfectly fine piece of music, and then afterwards with say to me, "Well, we weren't that bad today." As if to say, "Despite the multitude of mistakes we so obviously made, the congregation seemed to like it." I find myself reminding them that it's not about doing a perfect performance, but rather, about participating in the making of music for the glory of God.

I had to struggle with this kind of "Stinking Thinking" all of my life. I often find myself obsessing over how well I did in comparison to others. This would lead to a downward spiral of depression which would just ruin my life. Two things that saved me: My return to the church in 2004, and letting go of perfectionism. 

To me, that's what this passage from Corinthians means. I should not be made to feel "less than" simply because I don't fit in with someone else's idea of what a Christian should be. God made me with the talents that I possess, which I can use for the glory of God. And if I stop comparing myself to others, and instead view myself the way God sees me, I see that I am an integral part of His plan for the Universe.
Lord, thank you for reminding me to see myself through Your eyes, not through those that make me feel inadequate. Help me to use my talents to fulfill Your will. In Jesus' name I pray.

"You May Have Heard That You Were Told..."

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:43-45

I've always been interested in the wording of this Passage. In Godspell, the Musical, it is worded: "You may have heard that you were told...." Not "You were told," or, "It is said," but "You have HEARD that it is said."

I'm reminded of what used to be taught in English Classes about primary and secondary sources. A primary source is like a newspaper, the AP feed, or direct witness accounts, where you're getting the information first hand. A Secondary source is like when Sean Hannity writes a book which cites an article in the New York Post. He's not directly reporting it, he's reporting that the Post reported it. The further away from the primary source you get, the LESS reliable the information is.

Much of what people believed about their faith back in 30 A.D. didn't come from the Primary source: God, or a prophet; but through secondary or even tertiary sources: priests, politicians, and others. God's message was somehow twisted since the days of Abraham, Isaac, and Moses. We were no longer practicing what God said to us, as written in the Torah; but rather, we were doing what somebody TOLD us God said to us. Many of these ideas, such as "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy," came not from God, but from man. Jesus came to clarify what God really wants for us. Jesus came to tell us that "man" got it wrong.

Often we find ourselves acting on a pre-conceived notion of how our religion works, based on something a person told somebody that God said to them.

You have heard that it is said... that you must marry someone of your own faith and race.

You have heard that it is said... that anyone who says "Happy Holidays" is anti-Christian.

You have heard that it is said... that you should protest the funerals of soldiers to make your political point about gay marriage.

I used to only follow what I KNOW Jesus said, according to the Gospels. We sometimes call people like that, "Red Letter Christians," as in they follow only the words highlighted in red. I now understand that the Holy Spirit flowed through Paul, James and the authors of the other books as well. Whenever I hear someone making a very religious statement, I check it against what I know from the Bible. I often second guess extreme ideas, especially if they conflict with Jesus' message of peace and love.

Rosamunde and Benjamin Zander, in their book, "The Art of Possibility," encourage readers to be conscious of the fact that we perceive the world according to certain ideas, many of which are false. They also encourage us to "invent" a different scenario that opens us up to more possibilities. I think we, as Christians, need to do the same from time to time. Checking our ideas about God and the world against GOD's plan for the world, as taught to us by Jesus Christ. Often, I find, that when things get confusing and hectic; doing this clarifies everything and makes the solution clear.

Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to clarify what you want from us, and to teach us your will. Help us to filter out the false ideas of the world, and to focus on your view of the world. In Jesus' name we pray.

Keep Christ In Christmas

You should know that this is not my only blog. I also have one, shall we say, for things NOT affiliated with the church! On that blog, in less churchly terms, I have debated the so-called "War on Christmas" that I hear about on Facebook and Fox news all the time. The links to those lovely rants appear below, but here, I'd like to approach it differently.

In short, I think that the whole idea of a "War on Christmas" is ridiculous. No one is in danger of anyone forbidding the celebration, and the simple fact that we greet each other with a hearty "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" isn't ruining the celebration. For all the people throwing out the phrase "Keep Christ in Christmas," many of them are attempting to rally people to their "side;" Sort of a Team Christmas vs. Team Other Holidays.

I DO believe that we should Keep Christ in Christmas. But what that means to me is different than you may expect. I'm coming from a unique perspective: I have researched this over the course of many years in writing my holiday musical, "The Legend of Saint Nicholas." So, I understand that to a certain extent, performing the secular acts associated with Christmas IS THE SAME as keeping Christ in Christmas.

This holiday is beautiful because it's an amazing blend of the sacred and the frofane. Everyone's getting ripped on Egg Nog, because it's Jesus' Birthday! My electric bill is through the roof from all the lights on my house... for Jesus! I love all the secular elements of this season, and I believe that it shouldn't take away from the sacred elements of the season.

I don't mind Santa Claus coming to my house, because I know that St. Nicholas was a Catholic priest, known for his extreme generosity. Following Jesus' instruction: “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets... But when you give to the needy... your giving may be in secret;" (Matthew 6) Nicholas gave his gifts in secret, sneaking into people's houses and hiding gifts in their stockings. Therefore, continuing that tradition IS keeping Christ in Christmas.

The Christmas Tree is a pagan symbol, but it's been adopted by Christians because of its symbolism. The triangular shape of most trees is a symbol of the Trinity. The fact that it's an evergreen is symbolic of everlasting life. I always find it morbidly ironic that cutting down a live tree and in a sense, killing it, is to symbolize everlasting life, which is why my tree is a fake one. But ON the tree we hang decorations, often ornaments that we collect over the course of our family's life together. The act of decorating is a family get together in and of itself. Dedication to family... very Christian indeed.

Shopping? Oy, vey. We scramble to buy just the perfect gift. We often put ourselves into debt to commercialize the holiday. But don't forget, we're giving to emulate the giving of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh to the Baby Jesus. Since I'm pretty sure my Uncle Joe would NOT appreciate me giving him Myrrh; instead, I look for gifts he may need or want, to make his life a bit happier. The first gifts, given by Saint Nicholas were needs, not wants. And according to my musical, and the book on which it is based, ("The Autobiography of Santa Claus,") he decided to focus his giving on Children, and the best gift for children is a toy. Food will be eaten, then you're hungry again. Clothing will be outgrown. Most acts of Charity are temporary. The way to make a lasting impression on a child's life is to spark their imagination, and give them the gift of happiness and hope. I'm pretty sure Jesus would approve.

Lord, When we say, "Keep Christ in Christmas," let us not do so by abandoning those secular traditions, but rather let us strive to understand them, change the WAY we do them, and most importantly, teach our children what's really important about them.

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

² “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
⁵ “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ⁷ And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Click the links if you really, REALLY want to read my other thoughts on the subject:
The "War on Christmas" is Stupid; The "War on Christmas" is Anti-semitic; The focus of the "War on Christmas" on Christmas Trees is Stupid; and The "War on Christmas" is NOT, in fact, Christian!

Rules

While Flipping through my hymnal one Sunday, I stumbled across one of the opening pages. It printed the directions for singing presented by John Wesley. They made me giggle, but also offer insight into how to praise God through music.

I. Learn these tunes before you learn any others; afterwards learn as many as you please. I like to do an ecclectic mix of music at SUMC. Hold true to the classics, but also introduce more contemporary. Traditiona Hymns, but also Classical pieces.
II. Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all; and if you have learned to sing them otherwise, unlearn it as soon as you can. That one is for everyone who tries to put syncopated rhythms on the beat, or add those extra measures to Amazing Grace.
III. Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a single degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up, and you will find it a blessing. 'Nuff said?
IV. Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, then when you sung the songs of Satan. The hymns aren't chores. They ARE praise. They ARE worship.
V. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound. That one's for me. :)
VI. Sing in time. Whatever time is sung be sure to keep with it. Do not run before nor stay behind it; but attend close to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can; and take care not to sing to slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first. And Watch your Conductor!
VII. Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve here, and reward you when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.

From John Wesley's Select Hymns, 1761
 

Watch your conductor Part Two

In my very first blog entry, I recollected a true event that happened right in our church. That event got me thinking about ways that a musician following a conductor is similar to us following God. If you haven't read the first one yet, please click the link and do so. I'll wait....

Well, we held the annual conference at SUMC recently, and two moments from that weekend gave me reason to revisit other aspects of this topic.

The first happened on Saturday, at the conference. I was called in to play the hymns. And I did so, faithfully. One of the people from another church brought along a Djembe Drum. I did not realize this until I suddenly heard drumming along with the music. Problem was: this guy was not playing at the same tempo as I was. He was keeping a clear beat of his own, but it wasn't in sync with me or the other singers. I later found out that he was one of the Pastors.

As we battled for the correct rhythm, I wondered, can he just not hear me? Is he trying to take charge and change the tempo? Is he hinting that the song should be faster or slower? And where does he get off telling ME what to do?

The speaker then reported about the National Methodist Conference. They were debating some changes to how the church does things. One particular issue was in such dispute, and time was running out, so they jumped the gun, and put in a final proposal just to get the issue off the table. Suddenly, someone stood up to speak. She reminded the assembly that the Holy Spirit was talking to them. They weren't done with this issue yet. They tabled the issue for more discussion until the next meeting.The report became a reminder that it's not all about us down here. It's about God's purpose, and serving God's will.

I was reminded that it's not all about me, the leader/conductor/organist, and it's not all about the drummer helper guy. What's important to God is that everyone is participating in the song. In a different layout of a church, I could help the drummer keep tempo with the rest of us. But all we could do for the moment, was just be, and participate.

The next day. Sunday. I woke up AT 9am. I'm supposed to be at church by 9am. I shouted some very unchristian words, and raced out the door. I called Seba, with simple instructions: I'll be there soon; go over the parts for today's anthem.

Now, it was Mother's Day, and our traditional Anthem for mother's day is a piece called "As A Mother Comforts Her Child." It's a bit deep, and not very pop-ish, and there's a verse about a bear killing someone who threatens her cubs. It also has some counterpoint which is doable, but very challenging for the choir. It's always a lot of work to get them psyched about doing it.

So, during the time I was commuting, the choir had some discussion. They started expressing that fear we all have of going out in front of people not fully prepared. They were unsure of the anthem, and a little intimidated by the response to the psalm for that day. Instead of spending that 15 minutes-half hour learning the parts to get ready, they debated whether or not to even do it, and with our pastor's permission, suggested an alternative anthem, and chose the easier alternate response for the psalm.

Now remember, in this allegory, I'm the conductor, representing God, and they are the choir, representing all of us. Has that ever happened to you? You hear and understand God's plan for you, and what you should do, but it seems difficult, and you are afraid of failure and humiliation; so you reason your way into finding an alternative course of action. One that strays from God's path for you.

When I finally arrived, and the choir informed me of the decisions regarding music planning that THEY did; I corrected them, ran through the parts of "As the Mother" and it went amazingly. Because of time constraints, I went with the alternate response for the psalm, which incidently, was for use during Christmastime. It was the first line of "Joy To The World." In May. On Mother's Day.

Often when we try to take the easier path, which we know is not God's plan, the results are just as disastrous. Before I started going back to church several years ago, I had not been defying God's instructions, but rather ignoring them, and trying to find my own way. Like a choir planning their own music without a conductor to guide them. After my return to the church, my way was clear, and things in my life became easier, and more managable. Still an occasional "bad performance" but nothing to compare with singing "Joy to The World" on Mother's Day.

Lord, forgive us when we try to reroute the journey you have planned for us. Help us to know our part, and give us the confidence to trust your guidance. And when someone or something throws off our tempo, help us to find a way to play together, rather than fight each other. Amen


But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. Job 28:12-13

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Psalm 119:34-39