The Measure of a Man

How do you and I measure a person's worth? By one's station in life? The kind of car one drives? One's address or the elaborateness of one's home? What kind of job one holds or what one has done in the past? The level of one's education? Are we tempted to focus on the number of conquests that someone has made in their personal life, in business or the number of spiritual gifts one claims? Can we be 100 percent certain that our perception is completely accurate if we only measure by outward appearances? Absolutely not!

In Matthew's Gospel, these words of Jesus are recorded: "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogue and on the streets to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not left your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be done in secret. Then, your [heavenly] Father, who see what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:1-4 NIV)

We human beings hunger for recognition from our friends and our families. It is true that I have enjoyed being in the spotlight or holding positions of leadership. What is also very true is that being in the spotlight or holding a position of leadership does not define who I am or put me in a better stead with God than anyone else. In the same chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, Jesus is further quoted as saying: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV)

Throughout my lifetime, church parishioners, family and friends have related their spiritual gifts, contributions to the church, or "Christian" viewpoints on politics and world affairs. Quite often, there are a number of questions burning within me that I want to pour forth in response to them. For example, one I have used in sermons more than a few times. "What have you done to reach out to the unchurched family living across from the church?" Given our current economic stresses, how about this question: "Have you invited your neighbors who have lost their jobs to dinner? Did you ask if there was anything you could do to help them?" Does anyone think about how they might assist a family or an individual who might be losing their home due to foreclosure? Is there anything more that we can do besides say "Isn't it a shame" and go on our way to our comfortable home and close out the world?

Praying for our country, for world peace and for family members and strangers is great. There is no mistaking the power of prayer. As people of faith we need to back up our faith and our prayers with actions. Otherwise, our prayer becomes simply a show. Again, in Matthew chapter 6, Jesus teaches his disciples: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 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. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." (Matthew 6:5-8 NIV)

Another year is upon us. It is hard to believe that after midnight it will be 2010 and the calendar has already changed in more than half the world. Once again, each of us will face challenges and opportunities. One of the greatest challenges we will ever face is to remember that a person's worth is not determined by their earthly possessions or outward deeds. Our greatest accomplishments will likely not be published in a newspaper or broadcast on television. Those things which we do to put our faith in action may may only be reocgnized by our God. Whatever we do, may it be done to the glory of God!

-DB Turnmire

Blog First, Book To Follow? (Blog #49)

For several years now, I have been encouraged by a few close loved ones and friends to put my writing skills to use by writing a book. My response has almost always been, "I don't think I would be able to write a book." Then I started writing a blog. Recently, it occurred to me that the amount of effort put into consistently writing a blog would eventually translate into the amount of work required to write a book. Having said that (actually written the words), it also occurs to me that there are a few other questions that would need to be answered before undertaking a project like writing my own book.

Among the first questions to be answered would be "What is the subject matter?" Furthermore, "What type of book would I write?" Will I write an autobiography? If so, who will read it. Should I write a work of fiction instead? Is there an audience for that type of work? Better yet, would it be most prudent to publish a book of poetry? Since I am well on the way with the number of unpublished poems which I have written in the past eight years, that choice would seem to a logical one.

These are all great questions to ponder. Then again, considering my background and education, something in the religious realm would not be out of the question either. At this juncture, I will find it prudent to rely on my faith and seek guidance from my Creator. One of the favorite books to study from the Bible, at least for me, is the Book of Proverbs. From the onset, the writer (possibly Solomon) provides us with incomparable wisdom like the following verses.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

[Proverbs 1:5-6 NIV]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." [Psalm 119:105 NIV]

Guide me, O Lord, in the path You have set before me. In all that I say and do throughout my life, may You receive the glory. Amen.

~ DB Turnmire

Take My Life, O Lord, Renew (Blog #17)

Surprisingly to me, the words of a hymn popped into my head earlier this morning as I was driving down the road and I began to sing. Perhaps you will join me in this prayer for today.

Take my life, O Lord, renew, Consecrate my heart to you;
Take my moments and my days; Let them sing your ceaseless praise.

Take my hands and let them do Works that show my love for you;
Take my feet and lead their way, Never let them go astray.

Take my voice and let me sing, Praises to my Savior King;
Take my lips and keep them true, Filled with messages from you.

Take my silver and my gold, All is yours a thousand-fold;
Take my intellect, and use Ev'ry pow'r as you shall choose.

May my will your holy shrine, It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is your own It shall be your royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour At your feet its treasure store;
Take my self, Lord, let me be Yours alone eternally.

[Translation from Lutheran Worship #404
Concordia Publishing House, copyright 1982]

Text: Frances R. Havergal , 1836-79

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"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' " [Matthew 25:37-40 NIV]

~ DB Turnmire

Difficult Transitions (Blog #5)

Transitions may be wonderful times in our lives. In fact, we may be excited and eager for certain transitions to take place. Such transitions might include graduation from high school, the change that takes place when two people move from being single to married and partnered, or the transition that takes place when one leaves a job to pursue a better, more fulfilling opportunity.

Other transitions that we face in our lives may not be so pleasant or enjoyable. On the other hand, there may be transitions that are bittersweet as well. For example, parents may experience joy in knowing children have grown to adulthood yet, at the same time, they may also have a sense of sadness knowing that they have now become empty-nesters. One who is retiring after a long career may be joyous and sad at the same time. It is very common for retirees to have difficulty making the transition from working every day to a more relaxed and casual pace of life.

There are also those transitions which we are totally unprepared for. Situations may be thrust upon completely without warning and preparation. For example, a few million individuals have found themselves without jobs in the last few years. These individuals have face transitions without preparation, anticipating further transitions and further life changes. Millions have been forced to make the transition from living in their own homes to rental homes and apartments, living with friends or relatives, or even finding themselves homeless. Not only are we unprepared for these types of transitions, we may never become comfortable with the changes we are forced to make.

Heavenly Father, you know the innermost yearning of our hearts and you know the path you have chosen for us to follow. Send your Holy Spirit, we pray, to heal our pains in the face of unwanted transitions which may be thrust upon us. Give us courage and wisdom to overcome our heartaches and guide us toward a greater good in our lives. Watch over us, guide us, protect and direct us along the path of righteousness. In Jesus' name, Amen!

~DB Turnmire