I heard someone say once that man is a rational being that does irrational things. After 42 years as a pastor and hearing people tell me all kinds of strange behavior, I am inclined to agree with that statement. I have reflected on it often, and would like to share some conclusions with you this week.
IRRATIONALITY
The problem with irrationality manifests mostly with where we begin in our thought process. In this short space, I think it best to give you an example and go from there. In Mark 3:1-5, we read
Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.
How often have you said, "Lord, if I had a sign to confirm your will, I would do it!" In this story, the Pharisees witnessed a magnificent and startling sign: A man's withered hand was unwithered before their very eyes. What was their response? We read in Mark 3:6: "Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus."
They saw Jesus perform a miracle and what was their response? They determined He had to die! That's irrational! Yes it is, and the problem was their starting point. They assumed they knew all there was to know about the Sabbath and further believed it was their job to protect that day on God's behalf from violators. When they saw the miracle, they had an irrational starting point. From then on, they acted perfectly rational, for if they were correct, then the rational thing to do was punish Jesus for His offense.
STARTING POINT EXAMPLES
What's the point? The point is that you have starting points and they impact how you rationally carry out your life and ministry. Here are some examples:
Starting point: I don't have time to write a book." Result: You don't even try. Truth: You have all the time in the world (24 hours every day) but are probably using the lack of time as a front for your fear.
Starting point: "I don't have money to give." Result: You don't give, God doesn't bless you, so you have less to give. Truth: Even a small "widow's mite" can have an affect on God and the situation into which you are giving.
Where are you rationally living in a pattern that began with an irrational starting point? The only way to find out is to continually challenge your thinking where starting points are concerned. You don't have time to write a book? How is it then that I have written 28? (I am writing this Memo at 4:30 AM Kenya time. Rationality says, "Get some sleep," but that is actually irrational because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.)
You don't have money to give? How is it that you have $200 for cable television service? Because you have never challenged your "need" for so much television, you don't give. You are correct (rationally) that you don't have money to give--because you are wasting it on something to satisfy your own desires!
This week, I want you to challenge some of your starting points to check them out and see if they are passing as rational when they really are not. If they aren't, then if you change your "starting point," you can change your life! Have a blessed week.
Feel free to write your comment or question to this entry on the site where it is posted.
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URGENT NEED: I have discovered, as I always do when I come to Kenya, that there is an urgent need in one of our orphanages. I need to raise $1,000 by the time I depart this coming Saturday. I ask you to give a "widow's mite" or a larger gift. Remember, challenge your starting point, which may say, "I don't have anything to give," which is irrational. Look around and God will show you what you have that you can share with an orphan.
You can give through PayPal ("Oh, I don't use online services because I am afraid of them." That is another irrational starting point that you have rationally carried out by remaining computer illiterate) or by sending a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0882. If you send a check, let me know how much you are sending so I can included it in the running total I will keep this week. Thank you!
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