The Mystery: Revealed

            One of my most favorite mini-series ever made was “Band of Brothers”. Based on real live stories of World War II, HBO produced a dynamic retelling of the lives of Easy Company of the 101^st Airborne Paratroopers. Now not as many people are as intrigued about WWII as I am, but most people can remember the historical significance of D-Day when the Allied Forces landed on the beaches of Normandy.   However, most people don’t know of this elite group, the Band Of Brothers, who had to be air dropped into enemy territory before and during that invasion. Without these people, Europe could be speaking a lot more German right now.

            In our lives there are people who are like this Band of Brothers. People who may not get recognized, but quietly and usually without fanfare, accomplish tasks, services, and impact peoples lives. Shoreline Church calls them volunteers and  Life Group leader. Our successes are directly tied our “Band of Brothers” that faithfully give of their lives, time, and talents. Even the Apostle Paul had his Band of Brothers.

 Colossians 4:7-18

 7          Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.

8          I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.

9          He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

10         My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)

11         Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.

12         Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.

13         I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.

14         Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.

15         Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

16         After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

17         Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.”

18         I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you”

         Scholars credit much of the New Testament to the writing of Paul, but seldom do we hear about those who travel with him. These men and women often personally relayed the hand written letters from city to city. From practical assistance like gathering supplies, to visiting Paul while he was in chains, this dedicated “Band of Brothers” were a vital part of the Gospel reaching the known world.

         Now at that moment, probably not one of these people fathomed the ripple effect of their work, but we can appreciate it from our position years later. What history is to be told of Shoreline Church years from now? I am not sure, but I am convinced it will be directly linked on the efforts of our “Band of Brothers (and Sisters)” who serve today. To those who are serving in the trenches, I salute you.

        If you take a short tour though Wikipedia, you could learn a lot about salt. For example, salt is a compound of sodium (Na), an unstable metal that can suddenly burst into flame, and chloride (Cl), a lethal gas. Salt regulates the exchange of water between cells and their environment, aiding the absorption of nutrients and the disposal of waste into the bloodstream. Sodium, which the body cannot manufacture, is necessary for muscle contraction, as well as the transmission of nervous impulses. Chloride is essential for digestion and respiration. An adult body contains about 250 grams of salt—enough to fill 3 or 4 saltshakers—but we are constantly losing it through bodily functions. It is imperative that we replace this lost salt, as any athlete or day laborer sidelined by cramping knows all to well.

         During the times in which the Bible was written, salt was much more precious, and people better understood its value. “And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt” (Leviticus 2:13). The need for various animal sacrifices passed with the death of Jesus Christ. However, the apostle Paul urges us to “present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). In the Old Testament for a sacrifice to be acceptable to God, it must be salted. So today, in a symbolic manner, our lives (Matt 5:13) and speech (Col 4:6) must be salted as well. As much as our bodies need physical salt, so our community needs some spiritual saltshakers.

 Colossians 4:5-6   “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

         Here in Destin I have learned the meaning of the phrase, “old salt”. It generally describes someone who has made the ocean a center point in their life. Whether it is a life spent fishing or boating, the “salt” title is only available to those who actually live the life around the ocean.  In contrast to the tourists who patron our shops and beaches and buy the “I Love Destin” T-Shirts, and act like professional fishermen, then return home where their “real” life begins its familiar routine – a routine that is completely depleted of the ocean and salt lifestyle.

         I pray that Shoreline Church is know for having “salty” people who make Christ an everyday part of their life, not just on weekends trips or as a church tourist. Our community desperately needs more salt and less t-shirt slogans. Now go on and be that saltshaker…

        I remember this first time I shared my faith with someone I was totally caught off guard by the opportunity, but somehow fumbled my way through it like most people do their first kiss. I think my heart was pounding just as hard. I was around 11 years old and just finished riding my bike and decided to do what most 11 year old boys do, I climbed a tree. I was alone for a few minutes when some other teen boy rode by and was inspired by my tree climbing skills that he joined me in this large tree. I forgot what we initially started talking (probably transformers vs. go-bots) and somehow our conversation ventured into God stuff.  Now you have to understand that I was a shy kid, especially about faith stuff, but some reason God still choose to use me. I remember as if it were a movie clip. I nervously asked him if he wanted to pray to receive Christ. I was shocked that I asked him, but even more shocked that he said yes. I didn’t know what to do next. So I tried to find something that looked like an altar that you could kneel at (that seemed like the churchy thing to do), so we biked around the neighborhood and found a pile of dirt. Close enough. We prayed, smiled at each other and then he went on his way. I went home to tell my mom. That day opportunity knocked.

        Fast forward 5 years of rebellion, 3 parental divorces, and 6 address changes I found myself as a recently rededicated follower of Christ sitting in a World History class in 11^th grade. I was casually talking with one of my friends about my youth group when a few students nearby asked what we were talking about. I remember getting just as nervous as when I was in the climbing tree, but I talked about why I went to church, why Christ died, and why I made the recent changes in my life. I thought I presented a clear message but when I asked if they wanted prayer or to get some more info about Christianity they politely said, “No, but thanks for answering our questions.” At first I felt like I failed and was devastated. But later I understood that if people had the freedom to accept Christ, then they also have the freedom to reject Him. I often wished I had said it smoother, perhaps differently, or with a flannel board that the message would have been received differently. But in hindsight, my words were seeds that may be harvested at another time, with another person – perhaps in a climbing tree.

         Paul had this same desire to communicate the message of Christ clearly.

 Colossians 4:2-4  “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

             Paul gives us some advice when it comes to communicating the message of Christ. In v2 he reminds us to stay connected to God which will help us to stay awake and vigilant of what we really need to focus on and be thankful for- a God centered perspective. I wish I could say that I jumped so willingly at every opportunity, but I admit to have knowingly missed some opportunities. I am sure even Paul did. That is where God’s grace is evident – for the one who missed the opportunity to talk and the one who missed the opportunity to listen.

            I want to encourage you to continue to be watchful – much like in the words of Paul. And when God opens the next door in front of us, or perhaps up in a tree, I pray we act graciously and soberly. 

Most people are familiar of the Golden Rule – “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Matt 7:12; Luke 6:31) Parents often use this rule to help teach “little Johnny” not to light “little Suzie’s” fluffy build-a-bear on fire.  Adults begin to rethink how they talk to the disgruntle teenage employee at Taco Bell because they may not want the ”special saliva sauce treatment” on their chalupa. The golden rule is very popular, and is also common sense. But have you heard of the “Platinum Rule”? 

This seldom heard rule is exclusively reserved to leaders and people with authority, but it is finally revealed in Colossians 4:1. It is paraphrased as this, “Leaders, treat your staff with the level of excellence and fairness that you would want God (your boss) to treat you.” Why is Paul reminding “masters” about fairness? It is because in that day, masters could get away with pretty much anything because there was little accountability. That same temptation stands in the doorway of any leader, teacher, or public official today when he or she recklessly leads with the absence of accountability. That is why Paul reminds us all that we are accountable to God, especially leaders. Leaders, teachers, and pastors tend to get judged on a higher scale because much more has been entrusted to them. Even Peter Parker (Spiderman) knows this principle, “with great power comes great responsibility.” As you lead, I challenge you to remember how you lead is just as important as where you lead. And to help you lead here are some questions to sharpen your focus.

1. Who am I accountable to and do they regularly invest their attention in my leadership character? A great place to be connected is Shoreline Insider where leaders and volunteers go to tune up together.

2. Have I been fair and gracious to the people who serve? When it is in your power to be fair, show fairness. And when it is in your power to show grace, especially to the people that handle your food, extend grace liberally, or you may have to cancel your chalupa order.