UNDERCOVER WORK

 “Oh, rats!” In my childhood, anything remotely sounding like a curse abusing God's name was thoroughly discouraged. I think we got away with “Fiddlesticks” (even though it denigrated my future music passion), “Bummer!” or “Rats!” All of which I could have recalled (though refrained from reviving) for a recent household emergency—with the exception of the last. Because watching television isn't my “thing,” my evenings are quiet, often spent reading. So when I heard thumps and bumps and clattering in the ceiling—and there was no chance of the fabled Santa Claus and his four-footed flying helpers being the reason—I knew I had a problem.

Rats roam the neighborhood, probably still insulted that their wonderful Rat City (huge vacant lot behind the fences of homes on my street) was disturbed and banned when developers put up a huge neighborhood of townhouses on the site. Do rats have scouting parties that work in the dark? And how would they get in my attic to have nighttime square-dancing contests that scared me spit-less (more or less)?

Sharing my plight with some friends, we decided the rats had looked for a back door to success—in my case, a tiny chewed-away part of the wood frame of the screened “plug” to my foundation well access. Once under the house, party time! And somehow, the party moved upstairs through walls to my attic. A caring friend came over with eradication supplies (spell that e-RAT-ication) and helped me with the dastardly task. Another brought a bent piece of metal to cover the tiny suspected-chewed entry of the screen's wooden frame. A couple weeks later, the unwelcome clatter faded. I heard a tiny ceiling chunk-e-dunk a couple nights ago, but not the full-fledged square-dancing-romps of previous weeks.

As I considered the tiny access making way for a vermin celebration, I thought of how sin can be just as sneaky. Give sin an inch, and it chews away at a one's character:

Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them. (Ephesians 5:11)

Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

This is the message we have heard from Him and announced to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. (1 John 1:5-6)

Disclaimer: I'm not pointing any fingers in writing about this problem. Any Christian faces the threat of spiritual “rats”: “Do not be deceived: bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). We don't have to turn up at unsavory places in person. Pushing the “on” button on a computer can take someone to virtual bad places as well. The more someone spends time in such negative places, the more it can erode one's character.

Oddly, mice and rats have been gentrified (made “normal”) through the pens and brushes of cartoonists. Remember the mice who helped Cinderella get ready for her life-changing ball? Or the comic critters with big ears, long tails and vicious dental work who starred in Disney's 2007 cartoon “Ratatouille”? Sorry, not the real world. My unwelcome visitors didn't have names, except maybe “Ugh.” Eradication, not entertaining them, was my aim. Hmm, sounds like spiritual warfare for believers, too....

TOUGH TOOLS

Most household toolboxes or workbenches have tools like these, and they're helpful in building and repairing. But when their behavioral counterparts are used, watch out. If you've ever been unfairly criticized or demeaned, you've probably experienced the resulting emotional wounding. Maybe you've asked if God noticed or even cared. From the opposite perspective, maybe you endured the “blows” of shaping and correction when your behavior slipped from God-honoring choices.

When those questions have come to my mind, I've had an “attitude correction” from a quote I heard years ago by A.W. Tozer (1897-1963). An American Christian pastor, author, magazine editor and spiritual mentor, he was best known for writing The Knowledge of the Holy and The Pursuit of God. These are not “lite-fare” reading. They're chewy, soul-searching. What's more amazing is that Tozer, born into poverty, was self-educated through university level studies.

One quote that has stuck with me through the years is this:
It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply.

One of the misconceptions about the Christian life is that after asking Christ into one's life, everything should be sweet and easy. Not so. We're “messes” that need a lot of shaping and hammering—often through unwelcome adversity—to pound out the spoiled attitudes that whine “it's all about me.” To continue Tozer's quote:
God actually rises up storms of conflict in relationships at times in order to accomplish that deeper work in our character. We cannot love our enemies in our own strength. This is graduate-level grace. Are you willing to enter this school? Are you willing to take the test? If you pass, you can expect to be elevated to a new level in the Kingdom. For He brings us through these tests as preparation for greater use in the kingdom. You must pass the test first.

In a few days, we'll flip our calendars over to not only a new month, but a new year. We cannot know what will happen in 2025—but God does. We might be tempted to pray, “Bless me bunches,” thinking of material things or happy relationships. But God may have another agenda, a better one, maybe a painful one, to shape us into the image of His beloved Son.

SWEET REMINDERS

Oops, some got eaten already!

Some friends gifted us at Christmas with a specially-ordered box of chocolates. Instead of flavor names, each piece was labeled with a fun word. My husband, knocked by a recent serious illness, chose one labeled “longevity.” I'd tried hard to keep upbeat through it all, so picked “charm.” Yum, those few seconds of chocolate bliss while we chewed and swallowed!

On second thought, though it would have tasted the same, I thought I should have gone for “wisdom.” I This past year I needed that quality as we navigated so many medical emergencies. But read on....

I know some Christian writers who choose a “focus word” for the year. One is Lucinda Secrest McDowell, of Connecticut, who has written several books packed with short chapters that focus on the spiritual meaning of one word at a time. Her “Ordinary Graces” and “Dwelling Places” (both Abingdon Press) are often-reread treasures in my bookcase. Every year she has a “focus word” that just makes sense for the way she anticipates spiritual growth and deepening.*

Another similarly gifted and word-sensitive writer-speaker is Grace Fox of the Vancouver, Canada, area. She and her husband, who are also support staff for an overseas mission, live simply on a moored boat. That type of housing can have its disadvantages—like how dampness from a prolonged rainy season recently filled their cramped floating home with mildew. And that prompted her to choose “Restore” as her word for 2023 to focus on her need of physical and “habitat” restoration.*

As 2022 ended, I started thinking about what—besides “wisdom”--God might be building in my life. Of all things, the word “humble” came to mind, along with the drawings in E.B. White's delightful childen's book, Charlotte's Web. Most folks know its story: of how a clever spider named Charlotte spun webs with words spelled within the crossing strands. Seeking how to save her barnyard friend, a pig named Wilbur, from slaughter, she spun “some pig,” “terrific,” “radiant” and “humble” above her barn friend before she herself died.

Like the Bible's Solomon, I could have chosen
this label, but another pricked my heart.

Except for “some pig,” I wouldn't mind any of those labels myself. But the word “humble” snagged my heart. I thought of 1 Peter 5:6-7: “Humble yourself, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

In my earlier years, the words “achieve,” “surpass,” and “exceed” might have described me. I graduated from high school in the top ten of my class of more than 400, plus was the orchestra concertmistress. I was a college newspaper editor and graduated magna cum laude. I finished a master's degree “with highest honors.” Several books and hundreds of magazine articles carried my byline. But there comes a time in spiritual growth when these labels take on a different perspective. Those achievements weren't mine to fling around, but occasions for me to acknowledge my dependence on the Lord. To humbly acknowledge that without Him and His smile, any of the world's glitter and honors are meaningless.

And so, in 2023 I will put the word “humble” at the bottom of my computer screen. It's a word that will roll around in my heart all year in my continuing journey of living for Him.

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Here are the "word of the year" blogs mentioned above:

MyWord for the Year is in Hebrew – Lucinda Secrest McDowell

How Does a Yearly Focus Word Help Us Grow? | Grace Fox Ministries

LISTED

This sign I spotted at a tourist attraction gift store made me pause and ask, “Who could be so perfect as to be all of that!” Then I realized that every character quality it named is worthy of embracing. Impossible goals? Not with this admonition tucked into the end of Peter's second letter to Christians trying to live in a messed-up world. (And how contemporary his words!) He closes with this: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen" (2 Peter 3:18 NIV).

I have an author-friend, Lucinda Secrest McDowell, who annually chooses just one word as her spiritual focus for the year, usually a character quality she wants to consciously cultivate. She has written devotional books that do just that: expand on dozens of words with spiritual-growth implications.* 

As a new, uncharted year opens before us, why not choose a “goal word”? This plaque has great suggestions for personal reflection and aspiration, but there are many more out there. Whatever you choose, consider posting it somewhere (like the bathroom mirror or above the kitchen sink) where you'll see it regularly. (One year I taped mine, “Inspire,” over the camera “dot” of my laptop computer.) An added idea: write out below the word a Bible verse explaining it. 

Here are some I thought of in connection with the plaque's “qualities” list: 

TRUE—Paul urged us to think on things that are true (Phil. 4:8), not half- or shaded-”truth.” We're to draw near to Jesus with true hearts (Hebrews 10:22). 

SMART—More Paul-advice: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:15-16). 

HUMBLE—God watches for those who are God-focused, “contrite and lowly in spirit” (Isaiah 57:15). Peter, again: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). 

CLEAN—This isn't just about washing machines, showers, or housekeeping—although taking care of our possessions is part of showing appreciation to God for His provision. It's also about heart-care. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). 

 INVOLVED—My favorite role model, an ancient seamstress (also known as Dorcas): “Tabitha...was always doing good and helping the poor” (Acts 9:56). 

GRATEFUL—Making gratitude a lifestyle: “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Pursue the habit of arrow-gratitude—quick prayers that begin, “Thank you, Lord, for....” 

POSITIVE—From the heart of Paul, who experienced terrible opposition and barely escaped alive from scary situations: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). 

STILL—Pursue times away from the constant busyness of our media and electronic lifestyle: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

PRAYERFUL—Live above the mundane, with hope and expectation: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving [see “grateful,” above], present your requests to God” (more advice from Paul, Philippians 4:6).

The sign in the shop probably didn't weigh more than a couple pounds, but oh, how heavy the words inscribed on it! Each is worthy of “dwelling” on for a year. Or maybe you have your own word. If so, could you share in the comments section of this blog? 

*For exceptional insights regarding "single words,"  *I commend McDowell's Dwelling Place and Ordinary Graces, both published by Abingdon Press (2016, 2017)

CHARACTERS

For various reasons they land at our local animal shelter. Some came from litters, some found as strays. Some were given up, perhaps because an owner died or could no longer care for a pet.  And some were abused or even, well, bad.  Every week our small-town newspaper features “Adopt a Pet” ads where shelter cats’ and dogs’ positive qualities are extolled. But just to keep truth in advertising, the write-ups include cautions.

*Some have Cage Trauma, like these cats: “Shelter life is hard for this gentle feline.” “This kitty has been frightened of shelter life but is gradually finding it’s not all that bad.”

*Some have lots of energy that needs directed: “This dog is very intelligent and will need games to stimulate his mind.”  “She’s a show dog or rather a showoff dog who loves to entertain you and your friends.”

*Some were abused:  “This dog is crazy in love with humans and it’s a wonder since he hasn’t been treated well in the past. He is looking forward to a nice big doggie bed and someone to love.”

ABOUT THOSE CHARACTER GAPS....
Reading these made me think of those “love connection” websites where the whole truth about character isn’t always revealed. Some have done okay with such sites; others have stepped into minefields. That’s because “compatibility” is more than shared interests and hobbies. It also involves integrity and personal growth issues, as described in best-selling Christian author-psychologist Dr. Henry Cloud’s leadership book, Integrity (Harper, 2006).

Cloud observed that some people have gaps in showing good character “because they are unwilling to make the shifts that character demands. They kind of ‘flip off’ reality, the light, wisdom, or whatever influence comes into their lives.  They have a stance that is past resistance and is defiant.  For them, we can try to motivate, but ultimately, they have to make a choice.” Some people blame their past or genes for bad character. But Cloud challenges those excuses, saying each person can make decisions to change the negative parts of who they are.

If only people were as easy to retrain as pets.  If only a comfortable bed and appetizing kibbles made a difference.  Changing the negative parts of a personality and world outlook is hard work. As for those who’ve tried to help people who struggle with life and relationships, Cloud adds: “If you are trying so help someone, and he is not responding after many attempts by you to help, he may just be resistant. You might do better to spend your time with someone who really wants to change" (p. 278). 

Does that remind you of some of the sick people Jesus encountered? Like the disabled man who hung out by a Jerusalem water reservoir begging for alms, unaware that the Healer—the One able to bring spiritual and physical wholeness--stood in front of him (John 5:13)?

There are no guarantees that those animals offered for adoption will work out in their new home. Animals can be resilient but also stubborn.  So, too, a human—except for the amazing grace of Christ who’s in the business of transformation, building the character that honors Him.

Sweet treats

Spring’s first strawberries to hit stores are hard to resist—big, plump, appealing to winter-starved tasted buds. But usually something is missing: true flavor. Those early Goliaths, probably forced in greenhouses, simply taste flat. So this year, when my husband brought home some clearance strawberry plants, I was eager to plant them for real taste.  My usual planting spot now ant-ridden, I decided to put these in pots in another part of the yard.  When the first ones reddened, ah…there is nothing like a tiny, vine-ripened strawberry.

The deliciousness of true fruit is aptly used in the Bible’s analogy of the “fruit of the spirit.”  Probably best known is Paul’s Galatians 5:22-23 list of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

But I wonder if it’s easy to get stuck in familiar lists. Wherever the Bible talks about good character, those all are “fruits” of a life connected to God. Proverbs, for example, is plum (pun intended) full of observations of good (and bad) character. But one list I’ve been drawn to lately is in Peter’s second letter, where he talks about progressive holy character.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.(2 Peter 1:5-8)

Consider how Eugene Peterson paraphrased the same passage in The Message:

So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, completing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others.

Time—and the nourishment of soil, water, and sun—produce the sweetest strawberries, So, too, our faith. We need time on the divine “Vine”—staying connected to Jesus—to offer a sweet “taste” of Him to the world.

Some people read Psalm 34:8 (“O taste and see that the LORD is good” ) and think of workers in food warehouse stores, white mesh nets over their hair, standing at promotion carts with little taste-cups of featured food. One way non-Christians get “tastes” of God is through the lives of believers who are manifesting godly traits like “reverent wonder” and “generous love.” All the more reason to “ripen” with godly character, such as those character qualities in lists like the apostle Peter’s.

In the meantime, anybody for a bowl of cereal with a just-picked ruby prize?  There might be enough for two in my backyard pots.