Is It OK for a Servant of the Lord to Have Fun?

(I wrote this post to encourage my missionary colleagues--a very dedicated, hard-working group.
It occurs to me, though that almost all of what is in this post applies to many other folks that I need. In the last few months I've met and heard about a number of Sunday School teachers, youth workers, deacons, pastors and other dedicated Christian servants who either are, or are close to being burnt out. Some of them didn't know how bad off they were until after they stepped back for a while. Their self-awareness was more accurate in hindsight.
Perhaps this applies to you, or someone you love.)

Over the years, I have frequently asked myself, and sometimes others, a question that always impresses me as being very unspiritual. After a Sunday’s activities, or even more likely after some big event, I’ll ask someone who was involved, “Did we have fun?” I ask this question knowing that there are many folks—sometimes I’m in that crowd—who live in order to have a good time. I know there are other metrics for judging whether something is good or bad, and I know that at least part of the time those criteria are more important than the presence or absence of a smile on my face. Still, I find my hedonistic question to be of some value, and I don’t think I’m alone.

I’ve been camped out for a while in Solomon’s “Life Under the Sun” resort. It rains a lot there, and all the tents leak. When the sun does shine, which it does from time to time, campers can make out the sign on the building that houses the recreation facilities, including the ice cream parlor. The sign reads:

“There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink

and see good for themselves in their toil”

(Ecc 2:24).

I’ll quit with camping resort illustration. Before Solomon gets to his big, serious conclusion at the end of his somewhat enigmatic book (12:13-14), as if he were riding on a merry-go-round, he keeps circling around to this eat-and-drink theme. It’s a theme that is repeated elsewhere in Scripture, and it doesn’t always get a good press.

• I ran into one instance, last week, as I was working on a sermon. In Luke 17, Jesus is speaking about being ready for judgment. He brings up two notable examples. In Noah’s day, the people were eating and drinking and doing other fun things (Luke 17:27). They were distracted and didn’t pay attention to the preaching of Noah. The end result was no fun at all, “[T]he flood came and destroyed them all.”
  Likewise with the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah in Lot’s day (Luke 17:28). In addition to eating and drinking, they did a lot of shopping. This time it was brimstone instead of a flood, but the three key words are the same, “destroyed them all.”
  
  
• The guy we often call the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) was really enjoying his agricultural success. He said to his soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”God called him a fool.

1 Miller, D. B. (2010). Ecclesiastes (p. 59). Herald Press.

• In 1 Corinthians 15:32, the Apostle Paul says this eating-and-drinking lifestyle is appropriate for those who don’t know about, or don’t believe in life after this life. Indeed, all of us who have spent some time looking around in this “under the sun” world have seen versions of the rich fool. A good time was being had, until it wasn’t, and then it really wasn’t. Tragic.

So far what I’ve said would lead one to believe that my question about fun is at best a faulty metric and

 at worst a downright sinful measurement. However, as I ride the carousel with Qoheleth I see some legitimacy to asking, “Are we having fun?”

Solomon gives a version of what many would call a “hedonistic” value system perhaps half-a-dozen times—2:24-26, 3:12-13, 5:18-20, 8:15, 9:7-9, & (perhaps) 10:19. You can read them for yourself. If it’s been a while since you read Ecclesiastes, I encourage you to read the whole book.

Perhaps we could explain (explain away) Solomon’s devotion to enjoying life as a result of his cynicism. The first couple chapters of Ecclesiastes certainly have a cynical ring. I’d probably be cynical too if I had to put up with what Solomon put himself through. A wise observer named, “Jim,” comments on just one aspect of Solomon’s troubles—his many wives and concubines. “. . . why would a wise man want to live in de mids' er sich a blim-blammin' all de time? No -- 'deed he wouldn't. A wise man 'ud take en buil' a biler-factry [boiler making was famous for making people deaf]; en den he could shet down de biler-factry when he want to res'." (Jim to Huckleberry Finn in Mark Twain’s classic)

The word, “jaded” was probably invented for Solomon. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that he had a jade encrusted robe. Jaded folks don’t see things right.

Then there is Solomon’s literary visor, the one he pulled down far enough so that he couldn’t see anything above the horizon. The phrase, “under the sun,” is used almost thirty times in Ecclesiastes. Solomon chose, for literary reasons, to write from the perspective that only included what a human, apart from Divine revelation, could experience down here under the sun. As you’ll see in a moment, however, there are times in the book that Solomon takes his visor off and let’s the light of God’s revealed truth shine in. But, I’m ahead of myself.

If not for one concept that comes through clearly in Solomon’s attempt to make sense of life down here, I’d just say, the Book of Ecclesiastes is an old man venting his spleen about how hard life is. I’d conclude that his repeated recommendation of good food and drink was just another version of Y.O.L.O (You Only Live Once) with the wise Kings commentary, “and it ain’t gonna be no walk in the park, so if you get a chance to have a little fun you better grab it before somebody else greedier and quicker than you snatches it away.”

The one thing that keeps me from labeling Ecclesiastes as the cynical musing of a jaded old man who is terribly disappointed with life is this:

Every time Solomon mentions his formula that, “There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good” (2:24). He also says that this is from God.

• “This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God” (2:24).
• “It is the gift of God” (3:13).
• “This is the gift of God” (5:19). 
• “This will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun” (8:15). 
• “This is your reward in life” (9:9).

I add to the words of Solomon, the declaration of the Apostle Paul. “. . . God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).

So, what does all this have to do with hard working servants of Christ?

I’ll answer your question with the question I started with.

Are you having fun?

I’m not saying that fun is our chief end. Solomon pretty well clobbered that notion in Ecclesiastes 2:1-2. I haven’t converted to health-and-wealth-ism. I know that there are hard things, sometimes really hard things that need to be dealt with in God honoring ways. But, I maintain that in general we ought to have some fun. Certainly, we shouldn’t be afraid of or ashamed of a wholesome good time. 

Right now, I’m going to go ride my bike.

By His Grace,

HM

Some thoughts on news of the death of John MacArthur

I heard this morning that John MacArthur, Lead Pastor of Grace Community Church in Los Angeles died. I'm praying for his family and the church he pastored

Quite early in our ministry at Covington Bible Church, where we served for more than forty years, Kathy and I attended an early version of the Shepherd's Conference, held by the staff of Grace Community Church. The conference was held in Kansas City. 

John MacArthur's ministry at that conference, as well as that of several members of the staff of GCC, confirmed and shaped our ministry for the rest of our careers. I still remember the humility with which Pastor MacArthur addressed fellow pastors. The congregation of Grace Community Church already numbered in the thousands, yet MacArthur belittled that in comparison to a church where a friend of his pastored. His friend served in a community of a few hundred — a tiny fraction of L.A. —yet his flock numbered in the hundreds. MacArthur commented with genuine admiration, "How do you do that?" I don't think I was the only small-town pastor who was affirmed by that simple comment. MacArthur modeled faithfulness, leaving the results to the Lord.

Under MacArthur's ministry, a thriving women's ministry was growing. The director of that ministry was one of the presenters at this conference. I wish I rembered that woman's name. Kathy took great interest in what she had to say. I'm confident this lady is with the Lord now. Kathy was impressed with the Bible-based, real-life, relevant women's ministry that was presented. Coffeebreak, a ministry that has impacted scores of women in Covington VA was the result. In turn, other wiomen's ministries sprang up in various places, inspired by Kathy, who had been inspired by a dedicated member of MacArthur's staff.

That is one example of how MacArthur and the church he led served as a model for ministry around the world. Pastor MacArthur, in keeping with Ephesians 4:12, wanted to equip others to serve the Lord. It isn't that we mindlessly followed what we heard and saw emanating from L.A. I don't believe Pastor MacArthur would have been pleased if we did. His devotion was preemently to the expostional  preaching of the Scripture. The big question is, "What does the Word of God say?" I didn't always agree with what MacArthur said. I did always find him to be passionate about anchoring what he said to the Word of God.

I hope I'm remembered for the same passion.

I didn't know John MacArthur personally. I do know some people who worked closely with him. I'm praying for them. To my fellow pastors, especially those younger than me I issue a challenge. I encourage you to follow the core principle that drove John MacArthur's ministry: You may do it in bigger chunks than "one verse at a time," but be devoted to "unleashing God's truth." Rest in Peace Pastor John. For the rest of us, our rest is coming. Right now, Sunday's coming. Folks need to hear the Word. Preach it.

Keep going, if you are going in the right direction, Proverbs 10

 In my Bible reading for 2025 (I'm not reading through the Bible this year. I'm taking a deeper dive into particular books.) I've arrived at Proverbs 10. Proverbs 1-9 is a series of meditations/exhortations/warnings about wisdom and folly. Most are addressed to the young. Beginning with Proverbs 10, we have what appears to be a reach in the hat and pull out nuggets of wisdom, each of which can nearly fit on a bumper sticker.

As I read through chapter 10, I was struck by the impression that most, if not all, the proverbs in the chapter have a long-term perspective in mind. Here are a few examples. These examples are quoted from the New Living Translation:

A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother. (10:1)

People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. (10:17)

"When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation." (10:25)

You can find other examples, both in Proverbs and elsewhere in Scripture. "The fleeting pleasures of sin," in Hebrews 11:25, is another example.

Here's my conclusion for the day. It's in two steps.

1. Make sure you're going in the right direction.
2. Keep going.

The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing. The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked. (Proverbs 10:28–29, NLT)  

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #5: When should I, and for what should I, give thanks?

 Psalm 107 begins with an exhortation/command to those of us who are redeemed--"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting." While not using the word "thanks," the writer in typical Hebrew fashion, comes back to the thought in the conclusion of the Psalm. ". . . give heed to these things, And consider the lovingkindnesses of the LORD."

As we read through the Psalm we find obvious points for thanksgiving. They are what we can call the redemption statements. Each is introduced by the statement, "He delivered/saved/brought them out of their distresses." Each of these lines is followed by a further description of the Lord's deliverance to each distressed group.

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #4, God's sovereignty

 I'm planning one more post on this marvelous psalm. Today's will be quite brief.

After the section on the four representative groups of the redeemed (4-32), the psalmist adds what I call a coda (33-41). I wrote about this section in my first post on this psalm.  This section is "full of what God does. "He changes . . .."makes . . .. blesses . . .. does not let . . .. pours . . .. [and] sets . . .."

In brief, God is sovereign. Psalm 107 is addressed to the redeemed. As one of God's redeemed, it is good for me to look back and see God's hand in bringing me to Himself. It's not my fault that I am redeemed. It is God's doing. Read Romans 8 for more on this. 

Lord willing, I'll see you tomorrow.

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #3; Who are these folks?

 We meet four groups of people in Psalm 107. They are all part of the “redeemed,” spoken of in the psalm’s introduction. I wrote about the word redeemed and the concept of redemption in my first post on Psalm 107. I encourage you to read that, if you didn’t, or if you have forgotten. The way the word is used in Psalm 107 is:

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #2

 

There is an Evangelistic element that runs through this poem. I find it similar to the Great Commission passages of the New Testament. Notice the introductory words of v 2, "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Also, take note of the refrain in the Psalm, "Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men!" (8, 15, 21, & 31) I see this sentiment repeated throughout Scripture. A couple of examples:

Thoughts on Psalm 107, #1

 A Beautiful Song of Thanksgiving, Psalm 107:

I've been taking a slow tour through the Psalms. As one ought to do on a leisurely road trip, I've given myself permission to stop, get out, and ask questions about what interests me along my journey. When I started the trip, I knew I'd take some time walking around and looking at this psalm. 

So, here I am.

Especially since over the past ten years I've had more of an itinerant ministry, it has been my privilege to preach from Psalm 107 on several occasions. It is a "go-to" message on gratitude. Still, though I've grown somewhat familiar with this masterpiece, I've enjoyed wandering around and looking at this monument to God's Hesed. I'll come back to that in a moment. 

A Chat with King David and the Apostle Paul About Life, Death, and God's Glory

 

As I approach my 75th Birthday, I can't avoid some thoughts about mortality. If I were a gallon of milk, the storekeeper would move me to the front of the dairy case--short shelf-life. I'm not whining, just being realistic.

In my devotions today, I read Psalm 6. I'm reading the Psalms from the New Living Translation. Verses 4 and 5 really piqued my interest.

   Return, O LORD, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love. 

   For the dead do not remember you. Who can praise you from the grave? 

At the risk of being jumped on by my Theological watchdog friends, I don't think all of David's prayers

are  good models for my prayer life. Yes, I believe the Psalms are part of God's inspired word and therefore are "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16). Holy Spirit led David to record a poem about a time of struggle in his life. He was faced with formidable enemies (7 & 10). It appears that David was sick. He describes himself as being sick, in agony, and having blurred vision. 

Apparently, there was some sin in David's life. He speaks of God's rebuke and discipline. As I look through David's prayer, though, I don't see a request to be forgiven. In other Psalms, David freely confesses his sin and begs God to forgive him. Psalm 51:1-4 is a notable example. I can't be sure, but I think David had sinned. His sin placed him in a vulnerable position before his enemies and some bodily affliction had invaded David's life. Perhaps it was an illness that was directly sent from God in chastisement, or maybe what David describes is the general malaise that guilt and regret wreck on the health of sinners. At any rate, in the scenario that I think may be behind this psalm, David does repent and seek God's forgiveness, yet, as often is the case, the consequences of David's sin hang on. Sin can be like a nagging cold: "I feel fine, except for this nagging cough."

Don't think me arrogant, but I know more about sin and forgiveness than David. I am more sure of my status with the Lord than he was. I live on the other side of the Cross. I have the benefit of the New Testament. I can stand on this reality: "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom 8:1).

So, I come back to Psalm 6:4-5. Some may think that David was trying to make a deal with God. "Save me from this deadly distress and I'll praise You for the rest of my life." Perhaps, but I don't think so. I see in David's prayer a quality that I see in the Apostle Paul's musing and praying about life and death.

   “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,” (Philippians 1:21–25, NASB95)  

Within the minor-key song of the shepherd/warrior/king/song-writer of the Old Testament and the autobiographical thoughts of the Apostle who wrote much of the New, there is a basic truth that I need to hold to, live by, and pray in the light of--my life is not my own. It is God's. It needs to be lived for His glory and it ought to come to its end for the same purpose. 

So Lord, as I approach the fourth quadrant of a century of life on this earth, I ask that you will help me live for your glory. Use me as you choose. When I do come to death's door, may I approach that final transition holding onto the grace that has led me to this point. 

Whether by life or by death, be glorified, Lord.

An article worth reading, especially for those who preach the word, or try to:

 I am on Trevin Wax's mailing list, not his publicity team. :)
I do, however, find his weekly articles stimulating.

This one came to me at a time when I'm involved in some issues of "What does the Bible say about . . .?"
At first, I thought Trevin's excerpts from Augustine (I'm not a scholar on him) were too far in the direction

of being mushy, uncertain, or non-commital in one's hermeneutics. Looking a little more carefully, I think the article punches at errors on both sides.
Clearly the first article that Trevin references in his list which follows his own thoughts strives for an "avoidance of both the right and left ditches that run alongside the road of orthodoxy. I find the reference to Lewis's "Christianity-and" very helpful.

Like me, several of you in this email will be teaching and/or preaching God's word this weekend. Our world needs that--we need that! Give it your best, but know that's not enough, so let's pray for power, wisdom, and skill that goes beyond us.

https://mailchi.mp/f60e8083f6cd/theological-debates-need-less-pride-more-augustine?e=cbe6cfd979

Trevin Wax on doubt and surety, Thanks, Trevin

 I remember a while back, probably a couple of decades ago, when the "emerging church" was a thing. I read Blue Like Jazz, and the other book by that author, about a long trip in an old VW. I read Brian McLaren's book, "A New Kind of Orthodoxy," or something like that. I thought Blue Like Jazz was a

marvelously beautiful, skillfully written book, that in the end was a waste of great talent. I got so mad at McLaren's book that I wanted to throw it across the room. (That was in my pre-digital-book time.) I think a friend of mine did give the volume a heave.

It seemed that the books and the movement in general gloried in doubt. The "seemed" in that last sentence is not an expression of doubt. It's an attempt at humility. The authors bragged about being less sure than anybody else. Reading Trevon Wax's article. Reminded me of those days. I could feel Trevin's hand patting me on the back. "You were right, Howard. Hang in there." I love it when people tell me I'm right--except when I'm not. :) Then, if they are a credible corrector, I listen and, if need be, make the necessary corrections. I hate it when someone with absolute surety tells me I'm wrong just for thinking I'm right, and they act as if they are totally sure about that.

Thanks, Trevin.

You are right.

The rest of you would be right to read what Trevin says.

Treven's article: https://mailchi.mp/e3afdd6f30a1/enough-with-the-valorization-of-doubt?e=cbe6cfd979 

On the Eve of the Inauguration:

 When I put my ear to the cultural-ground I hear a mix of sounds. As one who has the privilege of being a "Minister of the Gospel" (I think that's what my ordination certificate says) I need to make sure that I listen to what I hear and speak truth into this cultural moment with wisdom, compassion, and proper tolerance. Here are some things I'm trying to remember. Perhaps they'll jog your thinking as well.

1. Politics is always messy. By that, I mean that no candidate or government official is all good or all bad. From a Biblical perspective, some are in closer alignment with what is right, while others are seriously out of line. I need to resist the urge to "gush" over those with whom I agree and acknowledge that most of the time those with whom I disagree have some redeeming quality. I need to be cautious about joining the cheering crowd on the bandwagon and resistant to throwing people under the bus.
2. All people are God's special creation. They bear God's image and are therefore worthy of respect. While the saying, "Love the sinner but hate the sin," is often overused and wrongly applied, it's not a bad general guideline. 
3. Yes, a sovereign nation ought to control its borders, and laws need to be respected and enforced. There is growing agreement that sanctuary cities and states are a mistake. Mayor Adams of New York is at least a partial convert.
   But, I have to acknowledge that many immigrants who crossed our border illegally did so for reasons that resonate with me as a husband and father. There are those who were carried across the border as infants. Legally they have no right to be here. Ethically, do I have a right to demand their deportation to a country that is as strange to them as it is to me? I need to avoid overgeneralization on this matter. To quote Micah, I need to, "do justice . . .love kindness, [a]nd . . . walk humbly."
4. Going back to point 1, in politics, nobody is always right, and nobody is always wrong. Mussolini did make the trains run on time. I've had to repent of some of my criticism of the underdressed Senator from PA. Go figure.
5. As we try to teach our kids when they play sports, I need to win humbly and lose gracefully. The words of Republican President Gerald Ford shared at Democrat President Jimmy Carter's funeral are a great example. These men held political convictions that separated them. Ford's loss to Carter in the Presidential election could have made them lifelong enemies. Instead, they formed a friendship that extended past the grave. Lord, give me that kind of grace.
6. Chiefly, I need to, whenever I can, avoid doing or saying anything that will detract from my ability to minister the Gospel.

Lord, I need your wisdom,  compassion, and discernment, especially over the next few days. Amen.