Friends: Here is an encouragement letter I wrote last week to a good kid I care deeply about (name withheld). Feel free to join Pam and me in prayer. - Bob

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Spirituality Column #969

June 10, 2025

Common Christianity / Uncommon Commentary

Wild Potential

By Bob Walters

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18

One of my MCA students, after a challenging school year, embarked this week on an early-summer high adventure camp with his dad to help sort things out. The California camp is heavy on family relationships and Jesus, and invites letters of encouragement from friends and influencers.  If you’ve attended the Great Banquet, you know the concept.

His mom reached out to me as one of his teachers, and here is what I wrote:

“Hey (student name),

“Mr. Walters here. You were part of that joyous 7^th grade U.S. History class three years ago when I first began teaching part-time at MCA – remember the “seven dates of World War II” and memorizing all the U.S. Presidents?  I remember little of how that classwork went but remember distinctly the respectful and kindly “vibe” of the group. And I remember well your personal politeness, sense of humor, and ready-to-help demeanor.  I appreciated it then, and throughout this past year and looking ahead at MCA, I enjoy having you in the classroom. You finished this past school year strong.

“If parts of the year were difficult for you – news flash: you will find throughout life that most years come with an assortment of loose shingles and pot-holes – your comportment (conduct) with me rarely wavered. I noticed, and respect you for that.

“As you have had these days with your dad embracing life and physical challenges in the wilds of northern California, I pray – and Mrs. Walters and I have been praying for you both all week – that you have sensed the love of your God and your family who see in you this capable and courageous, budding young man. You will grow, in the coming years, with strength you have not yet fully realized, but I see those seeds in you and I see that strength in your family. By that I mean strength of faith, strength of love, strength of purpose, and strength of wisdom.  These are gifts every adult in your life prays you will embrace, even those of us – maybe especially those of us – who get on your case every so often.

“Growing up I always hated when people said I “had potential.” I knew I did, and I knew I didn’t want to hear about it; I felt it was an uninvited expectation and an invasion of my freedom.  Only later did I learn that freedom is anchored by responsibility, and responsibility is the lifeline for unlocking whatever potential God and our families and loved ones see in us. We all see it in you, and what counts is your expectation for yourself.  God will help you with that one, and Jesus will always tell you the truth.

“Remember: God doesn’t command us for His good; God commands us for our good, to lead our lives in human joy and the peace of seeking His will and trusting His love. That’s what freedom is truly for: to know and love God, and to know and love others.

“My prayer for you, my young friend, is for you to flex your freedom and choose wisely as you navigate your talents, your interests, your strengths, your faith, and yes, your potential. I am so very thankful that I will be around these next years at MCA to get on your case about it. You are among the very good reasons I am there.

“I am also beyond thankful for this time you have shared with your dad.  May God bless you both.

“With love from your teacher, friend, and cheerleader … Mr. Walters”

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com) notes that MCA is Mission Christian Academy in Fishers, Ind., where he teaches high school history and Mrs. Walters teaches English.

Friends: Our memories keep absent friends close to us; the truth keeps Jesus close to humanity. See the column below. Blessings! Bob

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Spirituality Column #968

June 3, 2025

Common Christianity / Uncommon Commentary

Hard to Say Goodbye

By Pam Walters

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” Jesus to the Disciples, John 15:4

Hey friends, I’m sitting in the bleachers again this week basking in the reflected glow of my wife Pam’s deep relationships with her Mission Christian Academy students and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pam was called upon this week to present the communion homily in the traditional service at our East 91^st Street Christian Church. It is a brief message (below) not only of loving God and loving others, but also of pursuing our own lives in Christ. 

A unique aspect of a small high school like MCA is that even though the students change classes through seven daily periods, they are largely with the same students all day and in various classes with the same specialized teachers – and the other students – for four years. We all know each other well.

Pam and I will attend approximately 24 MCA graduation receptions (currently 18 down, six to go). What I find remarkable is the robust enthusiasm among the grads, younger students, staff, and parents to celebrate and anticipate their futures while holding fast to the love and community we share with each other in Christ.

It is a lesson to remember with our church families as well. Here is Pam’s homily.

“Another school year has ended, and a week ago Friday night MCA graduated 34 seniors.  The year they began as freshmen was my first year at MCA, so I had the privilege of being their English teacher for all four years of their high school careers.

“These kids are an interesting mix of abilities, talents, quirks, and interests.  They can be annoying, stubborn, and lazy, but mostly a joy to be around.  Because they spend so much time together and know each other so well, they are more like brothers and sisters.  They are an amazing group of young people who love the Lord and each other.  As you might imagine, it is very difficult to see them go, but it is exciting to think of their futures and how the Lord will use them.  The memories I have will keep them close until we meet again.

“During His three years of ministry and teaching, Jesus spent a great deal of time with a rag-tag group of men. They came from different walks of life with their own mix of abilities and quirks.  They were also annoying when they didn’t listen and failed to understand what Jesus was trying to teach them.  He shared truth; He challenged their old ways of thinking.

“Jesus rebuked them when they were wrong, but the whole time, He loved them and worked to make them ready for a time when He would no longer be with them and they would carry out the purpose for which He had been preparing them.

“Jesus knew their parting would be difficult, so He told them to remember Him whenever they shared a cup and bread.  That sweet communion celebrated among believers and friends restored their joy as they felt His presence with them.

“Each time we come together as believers and participate in communion, we celebrate the bond, the friendship, the love we have for each other and for the Lord.  The bread and the cup restore and refresh, and we look forward to the day when we will partake with Him in person.  This weekly remembrance brings us close to Him and we recall what He did for us on the cross … with love, mercy, obedience, and grace.”

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com), Bob, that is, teaches history and civics at MCA, a private school in Fishers, Ind., that opened in the fall of 2021 with 38 students.  MCA’s fall term of 2025 currently shows a K-12 enrollment beyond 500. Praise God. As for the column, Bob will be back on his own next week.

Friends: Whose name do we seek to glorify in this life: Ours, or the name of our Lord Jesus Christ? My wife Pam shared some thoughts on the matter at MCA’s graduation Friday night. School’s out! Enjoy the summer. Blessings, Bob

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Spirituality Column #967

May 27, 2025

Common Christianity / Uncommon Commentary

Your Name Here

By Pam Walters

“… a name which is above every name … that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow … and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” – Philippians 2:9-11

Once again, I give the byline to my wife Pam, who Friday night May 23 delivered the “Charge to Seniors” at our Class of 2025 Mission Christian Academy graduation. I present this not just because I am biased, but because I pray for this message to resonate in every high school graduate’s heart.  Only a few will hear it.

Pam points out that her inspiration for this message came from a sermon a couple months ago by Dave Faust, senior associate minister at our East 91^st Street Christian Church in northeast Indianapolis. He preached about Bible names famous and not so famous, focusing on Aaron’s brother-in-law Nahshon (Numbers1, 2, 7, and 10). Nahshon is also listed in genealogies appearing in Ruth, 1 Chronicles, and Matthew 1.

But Dave’s point wasn’t about rarely heralded Nahshon; his point was about whose name do we prioritize: Ours, or the Lords? That message struck Pam as a “spot on” winner for her address to her beloved MCA graduating seniors.

We just heard each of your names called as you received your diplomas.

It seems like yesterday that I was calling off many of your names, taking attendance on our first MCA day together four years ago. Not all of you were present on that August day in 2021.  You joined the class in later months and years, each addition adding to the rich fabric and vitality of this class of 2025.  

Somewhere along the line, I realized that none of you have the same name.  Yes, two girls in the class share the same name, but they are spelled differently so this still works.  Each of your names is your own.  The hearing of each of your names brings a flood of memories and emotions to everyone in this place who knows you.  You have each left your mark on MCA and on each of our hearts.  We love you, and in the days to come, every time we hear one of your names, we will smile.

When you were born, your parents gave you that name, and naming you was no small decision.  Perhaps there was a family name and tradition, dictating what would be your name. Some of your names were chosen because of what they mean, and your name carries a message with it, reflecting certain traits or values.  Whether you view your name as good or bad, it is yours, and it will follow you all of your life.  It is part of your story.

There are many well-known names throughout history:  General Grant, Joan of Arc, Michael Jordan, Hitler, Corey Ten Boom.  We hear these names, and they stir feelings of respect and admiration or horror.  In the Bible, certain names bring similar responses:  David, Moses, Rahab, and Saul.  These are names we all recognize.  But what about Hezron? Ram? Amminadab and Nahshon? These aren’t quite so recognizable, but they all had a story and a name known unto God.

You are going from this place in many different directions with many different goals.  There may be times when you feel like you aren’t accomplishing much, that what you are doing is insignificant.  In those times, remember that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.  The life you lead from this moment on should not be about being famous - striving to make a name for yourself – but about being faithful.  God loves you greatly and always will even if your name is never widely known among men.

I mentioned the Biblical name of Nahshon.  Not a character most of us know, and probably not the name you will choose for your first born son. But when you look into his story, you will learn that his sister married Aaron, which therefore put Nahshon and Moses together at family reunions. 

We learn he was a leader of one of the tribes of Judah, ruling over 74,000 people.  When the temple was dedicated, he was the first to show up with a large offering.  And Jewish tradition – not Biblical – says that Nahshon was the first one to step into the Red Sea, and it was up to his nose before the waters parted. Nahshon is listed in the genealogy of Jesus.  Who knew that Nahshon was kind of a big deal!!!  God knew.

The world will tell you to go out there and make a name for yourself.  Do something to leave your mark on society; seek after fame and fortune so you can leave a legacy for those who follow.  But Jesus tells us to seek after Him first.  Make your life’s goal service to Him; bring glory to His name, not your own.  Do not let your motivation be to be seen of men (Matthew 6:1), but to honor and glorify our great and awesome God. Let your life be holy. Let your actions be pure. Let your priorities keep you faithful because the book of Proverbs tells us that “a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1).

When I was young, I remember being told that I might be the only Bible someone ever reads. The same will be true of each of you.  Therefore, let your lives speak volumes about the God you serve. When others hear your name, may they recall a person who represents Christ Jesus. When others look at you, may they see someone who lives his or her life to honor and glorify the name of Jesus.

Everyone here at MCA has been blessed by your lives.  You are a very special group of young people; we hope that the education you have received will serve you well as you make choices about your future.  But more importantly, we hope you will stand on the unshakeable foundation of Jesus, and that you will take His name with you wherever you go, in whatever you do.

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com), Bob, that is, notes that MCA in Fishers, Ind., opened in the fall of 2021 in a small rented church with 38 students. Enrollment this fall will top 530. It is MCA’s third graduating class, and Pam’s third year giving the senior charge, which by the way also appears in the MCA yearbook. And …  Aaron’s wife’s name was Elisheba, mentioned only in Exodus 6:23. For Pam’s previous column, her address to MCA’s April all-school chapel, here’s a link: #963 4-29-25 - His Name is Jesus. 

Friends: Another trip around the sun, a few more thoughts on truth and salvation. Blessings, Bob

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Spirituality Column #966

May 20, 2025

Common Christianity / Uncommon Commentary

This Aging Thing

By Bob Walters

“They will still bear fruit in old age … proclaiming ‘The Lord is upright;’” Psalms 92:14-15

Well, happy birthday to me, again.  I’ll be 71 this Friday, having for now slightly outkicked the coverage of the Bible’s declaration in Psalms 90:10 that “The length of our days is seventy years – or eighty, if we have the strength.”

Psalm 90 continues uncheerfully, “… yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass and we fly away.” I’m sure you have noticed how often throughout the psalms, the verses go quickly from being uplifting, hopeful, and peaceful while praising God, and then switching to complaints, laments, or asking God to smite one’s enemies.

Praise-to-anger, or anger-to-praise, is a recurring pattern, though Psalms 23, 91, and 93 come quickly to mind as notable exceptions.  They are absent condemnation or vengeance while steadfastly declaring trust in God and acknowledging His goodness and love. God promises us, the faithful, in Psalms 91:14-16, “Because he loves me, I will rescue him … with long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.”

Let me go on record here that I am praising God, secure in His love and the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and that the Holy Spirit is alive in my life. When someone challenges me or asks if I “am saved,” I say only that I trust Jesus and my eternal destiny is up to God.  I am thankful, even overjoyed, that I know that – and that I know it now – in this life.  God will show me His salvation; He does every day.

I cannot imagine what is next, but see plainly, always, that God paints reality.  I am thankful to be beyond the guessing game of whether God exists, truth exists, or purpose exists; they all do. Salvation in Jesus Christ exists. The Holy Spirit shares God’s knowledge and grace.   I can’t prove it … nor feel that I need to. 

God knows, and that’s enough. If others see it, then my joy is complete.

As for the great beyond, I often quote my friend and minister Dave Faust who baptized me in 2001 when I was 47 years old. I asked him a few years back about heaven and rewards and who does what inside the pearly gates. Dave noted, “Whatever it is, you won’t be disappointed.”  Amen.  I haven’t worried about it since.

My wife Pam shares life’s joy and God’s purpose not only with family and grandkids, but in the loving ministry of teaching high school English at Mission Christian Academy here in Fishers, Ind.  She catches up with me, age wise, in October. I’m blessed with the same MCA ministry, teaching high school history and civics, pouring into the students’ budding Christian lives, but not as much as they pour into a very necessary component of my existence: that of purpose and investing my faith. 

You may have noticed last week that famed billionaire investor Warren Buffett, 94, announced he would retire from his position of CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of this year.  He said, “I noticed a couple of years ago that I was starting to feel old.”

Buffett has 23 years on me, and while I don’t “feel old,” I notice my balance isn’t what it used to be, and our three-day teaching weeks at MCA come close to maxing out my energy reserves. Back in the day, 80-hour work weeks were not uncommon.

I spent my first 47 years not bearing fruit for the Lord and only feel the loss of opportunity, not guilt. Praise God for the length of my years, whatever they may be.

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com), after attending 45 Indianapolis 500s and not missing one since 1982, is sitting out the 500 this year. His old legs’ incompatibility with the E Stand stairs tell him the season has passed. Praise God, and start your engines…  

Speaking of Dave Faust, he wrote a good pastoral, practical, scriptural book last year on aging, Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years.

And, if it’s not stuck behind a paywall, here is the link to the WSJ story on Buffett’s retirement: Buffett Steps Down After Finally Feeling His Age.

 

Friends: Against conventional Catholic wisdom that an American can’t be pope (we’re a superpower, after all), Peruvian missionary Bob Prevost, now Leo XIV, hails from Chicago.  Blessings, Bob

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Spirituality Column #965

May 13, 2025

Common Christianity / Uncommon Commentary

Citizen of the World’

By Bob Walters

“But our citizenship is in heaven.” – Philippians 4:20

Pope Leo XIV – born Robert Francis Prevost, Sept. 14, 1955, in Chicago – was the “surprise” choice last week when white smoke danced from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel chimney. “Habemus Papam!” – “We have a Pope.”

This new leader of the 1.4 billion worldwide congregants of the Roman Catholic Church – this new Bishop of Rome occupying the 2,000-year-old Chair of St. Peter – is the first American successor to the apostle. It turns out Prevost wasn’t really a surprise, but since he served for decades in Peru, I didn’t, at first, get that he is American.

But American he is; American enough to be a White Sox and Bears fan growing up on the south side of Chicago, attending high school at St. Augustine prep in Holland, Mich., and graduating from Villanova University. He earned a masters of divinity at Chicago Theological Union (1982), and carries dual American and Peruvian citizenship.

As for a “surprise” pick, it is true that few outside his various pastorates and bishoprics knew him. But Pope Francis, who died April 21, personally recruited and elevated Archbishop Prevost to a high level Vatican cardinal in 2023 as the Director of the Dicastery of Bishops, the cardinal bishop in charge of who became Catholic bishops. That position recently along with Prevost’s extensive mission work made him well known to cardinals as a highly able pastor and administrator.

The odds-on favorite for pope was Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State and de facto No. 2 to Pope Francis. He was the best known of the 133 attending cardinals – who largely didn’t know each other – but was a career-long Vatican bureaucrat.  Prevost, from now on Leo XIV, was deemed better suited to the Church’s global missions reach. He was elected after only four rounds of balloting.

Quoting the weekend Wall Street Journal: “The 69-year-old long-time Bishop of Chiclayo in Peru was from the U.S. but of the global south. Many of his supporters described the polyglot prelate by the same four words: ‘citizen of the world.’”

Every Christian knows we are “citizens of heaven,” not of the world.  But given the Roman Catholic history of worldwide missions work in the spirit of Jesus’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 – “make disciples of all nations” – let’s read that as a compliment of dedicated global ministry, not a negative of worldly passions.

Anyway … top Catholic leaders around the world knew of Prevost’s leadership.

Regarding the Vatican’s well-known current financial difficulties, WSJ columnist Peggy Noonan pointed out that Leo is the first Vatican “boss who is assumed to be versed in the general principles of American management.” That can’t hurt.

Personally, I was fascinated that Leo is of the “Augustinian Order,” organized by hermit monks in 1255. Taking the name “Leo,” he reminds us of fifth century pope “Leo the Great” who defended against heresies, built Christian doctrine as to the dual nature of Christ (God and man), and also talked Atilla the Hun out of sacking Rome in 452.

Leo XIII, 1878 to 1903, was highly consequential outlining Catholic social instruction and the rights of workers in an era of heavy U.S. union organization.

Leo the XIV promises to be neither as liberal nor as conservative as various factions in the Church fear or promote. If he’s a Godly citizen of the world with a loving pastoral touch, dedication to Church traditions, and steeped in scriptural truth, perhaps he will be the shepherd who draws the flock and staves off the wolves.

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com) is aware that many of his Bible Christian brethren are wary of Catholic doctrines, that many Catholics are skeptical of Bible Christians, and that there is no shortage of dispute, scandal, and intrigue surrounding Vatican global influence and local pastoral misconduct … yet Walters hesitates to cast the first stone. May Jesus Christ be known and loved by all. Btw … here is a Facebook Reel of Bishop Prevost at a White Sox World Series game in 2005: Prevost at Sox WS game. Leo XIV will be formally installed as Pope next Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Friends: Catholic cardinals convene this week in Rome to steer the issue-laden Church toward its 266^th pope. The private proceedings promise to be lively. Blessings, Bob

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Spirituality Column #964

May 6, 2025

Common Christianity / Uncommon Commentary

Navigating the Holy See

By Bob Walters

“Apostolica Sedes Vacans,” or “The Chair of Peter is empty.” – Vatican.va

The Roman Catholic Church begins its conclave to name a new pope this week when the global 165-man College of Cardinals convenes in Vatican City – in the Sistine Chapel, specifically – to elect a successor to Pope Francis.

Leading 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, the pope shepherds Christianity’s largest denomination. Francis – born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Dec. 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina – became the first Latin American pope on March 13, 2013.  He died Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at age 88 of pneumonia that had weakened him in the preceding months. Lung issues plagued Francis throughout his life.

Francis was the 266^th pope in a 2,000-year line of succession that goes back to the Apostle Peter, the fisherman who was a disciple of Jesus. “Apostolica Sedes Vacans” currently appears on the Vatican website (LINK- The Holy See – Vatican.va) referring to the “apostle’s seat” being vacant. The office of pope is also called the Holy See (for “seat”) or the Papacy (PAY-puh-see}. The Pope himself is also known as the Vicar of Jesus Christ, the Bishop of Rome, the Pontiff (Summus Pontifex}, the Sovereign of the Vatican, and the Successor of the Prince of the Apostles (i.e., Peter).

Francis was also the first Jesuit (Society of Jesus} pope, and took the name of Francis of Assisi who cared for the poor. Francis named 80 percent of the current 165 Cardinals who will begin voting this week to replace him.  Francis’s ascendance made sense in 2013 given the global rise in Catholic membership in the southern hemisphere. Today there are controversies about Francis’s liberality and doctrinal propriety.

The conclave of cardinals will elect a new pope from its membership by a vote of two-thirds-plus-one. After each non-electing round, the ballots are burned in a stove installed in the Sistine Chapel, sending black smoke out of a chimney for all to see.

When a new pope is elected, the ballots are burned mixed with chemicals (potassium nitrate, lactose, and pine resin) that emit a bright, white smoke, signaling the Chair of St. Peter has been filled. It promises to be quite a lively internecine battle.

While the Second Vatican Council of the 1960s considerably loosened Catholic practices – for example, making it not required that the Eucharist / Mass / Communion be celebrated in Latin – later Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, who retired in 2013, nevertheless remained conservative in cultural issues like abortion, marriage, divorce, and the exclusivity of who may participate in the Eucharist. Francis was, um, less strict.

Catholicism has rich extra-scriptural traditions and doctrines that it equates with the authority of scripture. With respect, I do not share that view. I am a Bible Christian, not Roman Catholic, but am also a long-time reader of the Catholic journal First Things.

I read and study extensively with a special focus on church history, the development of denominations, Bible literacy, and modern historical context for how the church, faith, Christianity, religion in general, politics, culture and academia have all arrived at perhaps the most confused, chaotic, convoluted, complicated, feverish faith / political / moral moment in the history of humanity. Still, Christ can save us.

If the new pope tempers culture’s fever and promotes fervor for Jesus, I’m for it.

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com) adds: 1) Jesus told Peter he would be a “fisher of men,” hence the column’s title. 2) If Walters had a vote in the papal conclave, he’d write-in current New York Cardinal Tim Dolan. 3) Walters wrote a piece on Francis and Dolan back in 2015, LINK – And the Crowd Goes Wild, 4) This period between popes is called an “interregnum” – “between reigns.” 5) BTW, “Vatican.com” is a tourism site.

 

 

Friends: My wife Pam had a few thoughts about “fitting in” for the students at our school. To wit, we can always fit in with Jesus.  Blessings, Bob

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Spirituality Column #963

April 29, 2025                                    

Common Christianity / Uncommon Commentary

His Name is Jesus

By Pam Walters

“We are strangers in a foreign land.” – Exodus 22:21

All right … this is Bob, but the following is a Mission Christian Academy chapel address my wife Pam delivered last Thursday. It is well worth sharing, so it is her byline.

We both teach high school at MCA – she’s English, and I’m history – and all 400 spirited students, grades K-12, were packed in the gym for our monthly chapel.

Pam (“Mrs. Walters” to the students) opened with having been a third-grade misfit, and spoke of a “misfit” label that accompanied her through high school and on into her teaching profession. Early in life, several times she was the “new kid” in school, was always the tallest girl, as a seventh grader was the only girl both in shop class and in the high school band drumline, and as a “nerdy” “preacher’s kid” often had to forego school social events.  But she met Jesus in third grade.

In what was otherwise a raucous and rollicking MCA youth worship service, 400 boisterous students sat in shockingly attentive silence listening to her story unfold.

Here is what Pam had to say.

         At various points in my life, I have been a misfit.  One of those people who just didn’t fit in, just didn’t seem to belong. My earliest recollection of this was third grade.  At that time, I attended a one-room school house.  There were about 40 of us in kindergarten through eighth grade in one room with one teacher, so when it came to math and reading, we were sorted according to ability.  I loved to read, so I was in a reading group with the seventh and eighth graders.  They didn’t want me in their group, and the other third graders resented my placement.  I was a misfit.

         At the time I entered seventh grade, my dad who was a pastor took a different church so we had moved to a small town in northern Michigan.  Evaluations by the band director had determined that I was good with rhythm, so I soon found myself in the high school marching band.  Talk about being a misfit: I was an incredibly shy 7^th grader, a new student, and the only girl in a drum section made up of eight high school boys.

That same year I was the only girl in the wood shop class, and to top it all off, I was growing.  Between the beginning of 7^th grade and the end of 7^th grade, I grew four inches.  My clothes never fit right. I had to wear ugly shoes to correct my fallen arches from too much jumping rope. I needed braces and I had this mop of wildly curly blond hair that was out of control.  You talk about a misfit.

         We moved again, so being the new kid started all over in eighth grade.  By the time I was a freshman, I was six feet tall, without question the tallest girl in the school and taller than most of the boys.  I heard every “tall” joke ever written. 

In freshmen English that year we read Romeo and Juliet.  I absolutely loved it.  I read it over and over.  Then came the day when our teacher announced that we would be going to the movie theater to see a just-released production of the play.  I was not allowed to go to movies, so when the entire freshman class went out for lunch and to the movie, I sat alone in the library at school.  I didn’t belong.

         When I became an adult and took my first teaching position in 1978, I realized pretty quickly that I didn’t quite fit.  I was ostracized by many because I chose not to join the teachers’ union.  When they learned I was a “church girl” I was never invited to social events and parties.  There were days when I felt very alone.

         By now, you are probably feeling pretty sorry for me.  You probably think that I was a sad, lonely, and lost individual.  But I wasn’t.  Because when I was eight years old, I met Jesus.

Over the years as I grew in my knowledge and understanding of Him, I realized that Jesus was a misfit too.  I imagine that his parents were often perplexed by their son.  Can you imagine being the brother or sister of this kid who NEVER messed up, was perfect in every way?  When he grew older, his home town of Nazareth didn’t want Him.  The religious leaders of the day wanted Him dead, and in the end, all of His closest friends abandoned Him.  He just didn’t belong.

Jesus was known for associating with misfits.  His band of disciples was an odd and motley crew. The book of Luke records his time spent with various outcasts: the leper whom no one would touch – but Jesus did. The paralytic whom all had given up on – but not Jesus.  The tax collector whom everyone avoided and was despised – but Jesus didn’t. The sinful woman who poured oil on His feet but who was cast out of society – but not cast away from Jesus.

Working too hard at “being seen” can be a problem as that pursuit can become an idol.  An idol is anything more important to you than God, and while there is often nothing wrong with our hopes and desires, when we believe achieving them will bring us happiness, we are headed down the wrong path.

Remember the tower of Babel? Those people wanted to make a name for themselves, not bring glory to God.  Sometimes we want to build our own tower to make a name for ourselves.  We want others to see us as worthy of attention and not a nobody who is invisible. We want others to recognize and know us, but only God can truly know us and see us.

Psalm 139 says:

13 You created every part of me;

         You put me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because you are to be feared;

         all you do is strange and wonderful.

         I know it with all my heart.

15 When my bones were being formed,

         carefully put together in my mother’s womb,

         when I was growing there in secret,

         you know that I was there –

16 you saw me before I was born.

You may at times feel like a misfit, fell like you don’t belong, but remember that misfits are fit for the kingdom of God.  We are called strangers in a foreign land (Exodus 22:21), a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9), called to be set apart (Hebrews 1-:10, no longer conforming to this world (Romans 12:2), but to Christ, the king of glory.

So do not fix your eyes on what is seen (2 Corinthians 4:18), on the things of this world, or on the things this world believes are important, but fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).

When you feel invisible, keep you eyes on the Invisible One.

When ever you feel like you don’t belong, remember the One to whom you do belong.  His name is Jesus.

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com) is happy to pass along your comments to Pam.  And seriously, it was jaw-dropping how inspiringly quiet ALL the kids were, K-12.  Then … thunderous applause. FYI, the MCA website is MissionChristianAcademy.com, Fishers, Indiana USA.