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As we get older we tend to mellow. There are many things that I used to get so uptight about that just don’t matter that much any more. But there is one area where I am not more mellow. In fact, the truth is I am less mellow and tolerant about this than I used to be. There is a kind of Christian that I just don’t understand and don’t want to be around.

To be honest, I can’t stand being around “mean-spirited” Christ followers. They usually major on minors and they are the self-appointed protectors of truth. They suck the joy out of every room they walk into. A cranky and crotchety Christian is a contradiction. It seems that the longer we walk with Jesus, the more kind and gracious and unselfish and loving we should become.

In fact, Jesus said in John 13:35 that there was one criteria by which he gave the world the right to judge the authenticity of our faith… “by this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” One of the signs of a healthy soul is a loving spirit.

Take a moment and reflect. Over the last 30 days, how loving have you been? What if we asked the people who know you best… what would they say? Over these next couple of days I am going to work at being loving to everybody I encounter. That means slowing down… listening… being present… praying…caring… and responding. Remember… you can’t be cranky and Christlike at the same time.

Tonight I am sitting in 12A. We are soaring 35,000 feet above the earth. I am surrounded by people, all who are pre-occupied with their own world. There’s nothing special about 12A except that tonight it has become my own little sanctuary. At least for these minutes, this is “holy ground”. I’ve got my headphones on and I’m listening to some great worship music. My heart is full, my spirit overflows with gratitude… and I am humbled by all the good gifts of God. It’s actually hard to put into words the kind of joy I feel in moments like this. It is almost like I can literally feel my spiritual tank being refilled.

I need times like this. I really do. My life, just like yours, is full of obligations and deadlines and responsibilities and “stuff”. I regularly need chunks of life where it’s not about my “to do” list or the e-mails I need to return. Life and ministry these days are exhilarating, but they can leave me feeling over-extended and under-nourished.

In fact, the faster you run, the more often you need to stop and get your tank refilled. So, how about finding your own 12A sanctuary this week and just spend time “being” with your Father.

One of the best days of your life is the day you take full responsibility for your own life and health. I can’t tell you how many times I played the “victim card”. Or, I would lie to myself with statements like “it will get better” or “this is just for a season” or “once we get through this building campaign”. Living in denial caused such stress in our marriage that my wife Connie would stop me in mid-sentence. When I would be justifying my out-of-control schedule she would say “Just stop. There will always be something else. It never gets better.” She was right.

One thing I do know from 30 years of experience in ministry is that ministry will take whatever you give it. The job is never done and there is always more to do.

I still struggle with this issue but there is a great passage in Deuteronomy 30 that has really helped me. As the chapter opens, Moses is describing the life of blessing that awaits the people of Israel. Moses declares that if they would turn to God and follow him that they would enjoy prosperity and blessing from the hand of God.

Then, he calls on them to take personal responsibility. He says
Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. (Deut. 30:11-14)

It is “not too difficult for you” and “it is not beyond your reach.” Then, I love his words “the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart”. The life of blessing is mine for the taking. The life of emotional and spiritual health is within grasp. But, first, I have to “own it” for myself. Nobody is going to do it for you. No good intentioned deacon or elder or close friend can protect you from yourself if you choose to lead an unhealthy life.

What I have come to embrace is that no one is holding a gun to my head. My biggest problem with my drivenness and excessive busyness was not my environment or the demands placed on me. I was my biggest problem. I had and have choices. And, so do you!