Perspectives from the Choir Loft
by
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Neither Grace nor Mercy are Four-Letter Words
Proverbs 3:21-35
Grace and mercy are not four-lettered words, but all too often we treat them as such. Instead of stepping up to assist with a problem, we turn aside and wait to see what will happen. We find it easy to listen to the story of the Good Samaritan, yet assuming the role of a neighbor often seems foreign and uncomfortable.
Throughout history there have been people in need, both for reasons of their own making and circumstances beyond their control. Regardless of their situations, however, many of these individuals have gone without assistance or support from those of us with whom they come into contact. Why is that? Why is it so difficult for us to offer assistance when there is a need? Why also is it so difficult for us to stand up for what is right? Why do we rail against the evening news but never get up out of our easy chair to turn the tide?
Unfortunately, it is not only in the area of assistance where a problem exists. It is also difficult for many of us to show mercy and grace to the fallen. Christ was able to show mercy to the sinner far more easily than most of the church leaders of His day. He didn’t tend to launch attacks upon the fallen from His high horse of self-righteousness and piety. Neither did He compromise away the faith in a self-defeating attempt to be politically correct and tolerant.
Christ stood for what was right and never backed down. When He saw a need He waded in with both feet, got His hands dirty, and made a difference. He didn’t look for opportunities to condemn sinners, neither did He dismiss their shame with a wink. He knew how to deplore what was wrong, stand for what was right, inspire, love, understand, admonish and encourage all at the same time. He understood the motives of His critics, and never backed down from a controversy. Christ understood balance. He knew the difference between right and wrong and acted accordingly.
Would that we could learn from His example and follow it. Would that we could consistently apply the truth of His teaching to our lives without vacillating or misinterpreting the truth. Alas, we are not the perfect person Christ was. We see the world through jaded eyes too easily swayed by cares of the world and sin. Utopia is not here, neither are we its citizens. Nevertheless, we have a mission to fulfill; a calling beyond our shortcomings and faults.
We are called to embody the love of God for this lost world we call home (even if it is only a temporary abode). In that light, it is our duty and responsibility to carry the message of grace and mercy to this world God has given us as a mission field. The call will require dirty hands, tired bodies, passionate persistence and endless energy. Christ brought all of these elements to His ministry to touch the lives of those He met, and to be an example to those of us who would follow Him.
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About the Book
In her 1996 Essentials Collection, Dionne Warwick asks, “What’s it all about, Alfie?” Indeed, that is a key question. It’s the cry of a lost soul wondering how life, after chasing excesses that leave his soul in shambles, could have any meaning at all. More than just the title of a song written and made famous almost 60 years ago, the lyrics ask relevant questions haunting the hearts of the lost and searching among us still today.
Perspectives From the Choir Loft is a sometimes humorous, sometimes serious devotional book that isn’t afraid to ask why. Why do Christians act the way they do? Why is the Bible still relevant today? And, why are moose never mentioned in the Bible? Relevant questions all.
John Lennox, a Christian apologist, recently observed that the Church often does not do well with bringing people to Christ because it does not adequately answer their questions. Perspectives From the Choir Loft is a book designed to encourage thinking about and responding to pertinent questions in a way that breaks away from the usual tried and true approach. So, if you’re willing to spend a few moments thinking about new ways to respond to questions you thought you knew the answers to, then maybe you should consider gaining some new Perspectives From the Choir Loft!
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About the Author
Convinced that life’s meaning extends primarily from a real and active relationship with Jesus Christ, Mark Wilken approaches his days as potential training grounds for learning how to be a blessing to others in this life. A 1982 (BS – Accounting) and 1983 (MBA) graduate of Oral Roberts University, Mark spent the first 30 plus years of his professional career in a variety of positions with a Fortune 500 company. After being diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s Disease in January 2011, he decided to retire early and pursue other adventures.
Throughout his life, Mark has learned that giving into the lives of others is one of the most meaningful endeavors one can pursue. Experience has taught him that even during seasons when life seems only to serve up curve balls, that ultimately, the love and faithfulness of God shines through. Perspectives From the Choir Loft is intended to reflect the heart of a Christian individual navigating through the uncharted and sometimes stormy seas of everyday life.
Currently residing in the Northeast Oklahoma, Mark and his wife, Leigh, have two children, a daughter-in-law and son-in-law, and two grandchildren.