6.03.2011
The Fool Factor
11:27 PM | 
Posted by
Codie Leath
A sucker for inspirational YouTube videos, my mom e-mailed me one of a flash mob singing the Hallelujah chorus over the holiday season. I clicked on it halfheartedly, but was soon struck by the courage of the first singer. A 20-something, attractive and trendy, she blended into the perimeter of the bustling food court, chatting on her cell phone.
On cue, she startled the place with her booming soprano voice, collecting all kinds of rude looks and confused stares. The camera cut over to one table in particular where a lady rolled her eyes in disdain. “Who is this idiot who would discomfort us all by doing something socially awkward?” But when another singer joined her, the crowd immediately recalculated. Could this be planned? Could this be bigger than just one person?
As the third and fourth singers surfaced, all judgment suspended. Reevaluating, the crowd seemed intrigued and curious about this display of social-norm breaking. Expressions of pleasure and privilege emerged on their faces. They realized they were witnessing something bigger than themselves that had been beautifully orchestrated for their enjoyment. They started to sing along, sharing in the camaraderie. By the end, they celebrated the group, applauding the gift they received that afternoon in the food court.
Is not evangelism just like this? Do we not feel like an idiot when we’re the first to speak the gospel to a lost friend, or to a group of non-Christians? Is it not an extremely lonely place to be? What would motivate us to go first? What motivated that singer to sing the first line? I would guess three factors:
- She belonged to a team. She would not stand alone very long. As soon as the second singer joined the chorus, the audience started to change their mind. Team is a powerful force that brings much confidence. As Christians, it is important to expose our lost friends to other believers. It brings credibility to our message when they see we are not the only “crazy” ones. As often as you can, have other Christians join your conversation to share how Christ is changing their life.
- She knew they’d love it in the end. She probably had the assurance that the crowd would applaud at the end. I’ve yet to see a group be booed out of the subway or food court. The Bible is packed full of verses that give believers the same assurance. Phil. 2:10-11 says every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. Rev. 7:9-10 describes a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language worshiping Christ at the end of time. Knowing what the end holds, we can bear a few moments of painful rejection here on earth.
- She had her sister on the phone. The article explained she had her sister on the phone the entire time. I’m sure this was for moral support. How can this not remind us of our always open line to our Heavenly Father? As a believer in Jesus, you actually will never have to stand alone. You are always in the company of God Almighty. Psalm 91:1 says “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Sharing your faith is obeying God’s will for your life which certainly falls under the category of dwelling in the shelter of the Most High.
For me, the hardest part of evangelism is the initial break in. I don’t like making people feel uncomfortable. Putting others on the spot is not fun for me. I would love for my lost friends to ask, “Codie, I’m confused about the Bible. Will you explain it to me?” or “What is God like? I’ve always wondered.” or “Why are you so joyful and secure?”
But few ever ask these things.
I’ve never had anyone ask me any of those questions.
So you have to bring it up. You have to break the social norm.
If you want to be an evangelist, you’ve got to accept the fool factor. It’s part of following Christ. But just know - you aren’t a fool; God knows it and everyone else will see it eventually. And in being a fool for Christ, you put yourself in play and may actually win someone to Christ. If you never have, it’s the epitome of feeling useful and definitely worth hours of rejection. And think about the alternative for them if you never speak up…
4.02.2011
Let the Unthirsty Thirst
12:10 AM |
Posted by
Codie Leath
Have you ever noticed how Jesus gave grace to the humble but the law to the proud? In John 4, He offered the woman at the well living water and declined to condemn her for her loose lifestyle. Two chapters later, however, he boldly tells the Pharisees they don’t know God, aren’t righteous enough for heaven, and are actually sons of the devil. So…as students of the Master, which style of evangelism should we reproduce?
Obviously, both are valid, being that they were modeled by Christ Himself. There is a trend though: grace first, then law. I first see it in Exodus 33 when God passed by Moses and declared who He is in a list of character qualities. Of all the characteristics He could name, which do you think He chose first? The answer - compassion. Very interesting isn’t it! (You should stop and think about that for a second.) Then He continues His list with gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, forgiving wickedness, sin, and rebellion. The last trait listed, however, has a different feel. It is a little harder to read: “He does not leave the guilty unpunished.” Notice that He uses 7 adjectives to convey his love and grace and only 1 phrase to warn us about His justice. Now He’s no less just than He is loving but what this passage tells me is that He is patient! He patiently and carefully is teaching us to respond to His love and grace before He brings His judgment.
The same message of patience comes through when you look at Scripture as a whole. God bears with His chosen nation Israel for hundreds of years in the Old Testament as they move in and out of loyalty, mostly out. He sends prophets, kings, judges, and miracles, to shepherd, instruct, and rescue His people. He foreshadows and straight up predicts the coming of the Savior in hundreds of different ways, encouraging them to put their hope in Christ. All the while Israel is mostly defiant and suffering the consequences of “He does not leave the guilty unpunished.” God always preserves a remnant, though, a small remaining group of faithful Israelites, which eventually lead to the birth of Christ.
Then, as Jesus is interacting with individuals in the New Testament, He appeals to their hunger and thirst for eternal life. He calls Himself the living water and the bread of life. He could have just as accurately called Himself the Judge of the living and the dead like in Acts 10. But He’s graciously offering His life as the first approach of evangelism. With the Pharisees, who were professional students and teachers of the scripture, He exposes their sinfulness as His method of evangelism. This is because they were fully aware of God’s gracious call to salvation but pridefully remained standing on their own works.
I use this as a template for my evangelism. I begin by highlighting our inner thirst for purpose, security, and fulfillment. The New Testament and my life are full of examples of how Jesus quenches this thirst, supplying me with plenty of material to share with my non Christian friends. Despite this convincing evidence, I often get blank faces and unenthused responses. If you don’t feel thirsty, why drink the water? And some people just don’t feel the thirst. They are fine with themselves. So then I move to the law. I share such verses as Romans 3:10-12, 23, Genesis 6:5, 8:21, Isaiah 64:6. These verses expose our sinful nature as seen by God. They communicate to the unbeliever that even if you don’t feel a need to be saved, you are at odds with the Creator of the Universe and His wrath already remains on you (John 3:36). Its takes guts to go there but this is where evangelism gets good in the sense that their apathy is shaken and you are now dealing with an awake person. My fervent prayer is that salvation lies around the corner from these tough conversations, which always makes it worth it!
So how has it been in your life? Has God been patient with you as you put together the pieces of His gracious gospel? Has He spared you what you deserve so that you might come to Him? I hope you have responded in faith because if pride is all that’s in your heart then the 8th adjective is left for you: justice. God does not leave the guilty unpunished.
3.13.2011
YOUR TURN
3:50 PM |
Posted by
Codie Leath
I've shared with you some of my thoughts and experiences about mentoring. NOW I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:
- Have you ever been mentored?
- If so, were you initiated to or did you have to initiate the relationship?
- Is there organic or programmed mentoring going on at your church?
- Do you have an older lady in mind that you'd like to meet with?
- What is holding you back from asking her for an appointment?
- What areas of life do you need help with?
- If you have been mentored, what was the format?
- What was most helpful that your mentor did for you?
- Any other thoughts?
3.08.2011
Mentor Me! - Part 3
1:18 PM |
Posted by
Codie Leath
I think a reasonable amount of time to ask from your mentor is one appointment once a month for a six month commitment. Your mentor may be willing and able to give more which would be a bonus. It seems that every woman I have desired to spend hours with actually has very few to spare because she already gives so much to her family, church, and community.
Don’t expect her to spoon feed you. A good mentor helps you interpret your situation from a bird’s eye view and encourages you to take the narrow road, but the details typically still remain up to you and the Lord. It would be crippling to your growth for her to always fill in the blanks for you. You can, however, expect her to share the riches of wisdom she’s learned from her mountains and valleys, not to mention the prayer, encouragement, and support she’ll so enjoy showering on you. The women I’ve spoken with, who’ve stepped out in faith and begun to mentor a younger lady, are so expressive of the blessing they’re receiving from the experience. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Make it easy
You can’t push a noodle. I’ve tried and it’s brutal. The intangible, intimidating thing about mentoring is that there’s no real curriculum other than the issues going on in the life of the mentee. If you’re not willing to be transparent with your mentor then don’t even waste her time with an appointment. Also, don’t burden your mentor by showing up each time with nothing prepared. Here’s what you can do:
- Be FAT – Faithful, Available, Teachable – show up, on time, with a soft heart.
- Be Organized and Open – Organize ahead of time what you need help with. Present it to your mentor in a succinct way and ask some specific questions to invite her input. This is not your hour to boundlessly vent about all your frustrations. Keep it real but succinct. Leave time for her to help you. Remember, you’re only getting an hour or so a month, this time is gold, use it well!
Our obligation
Let’s correct the situation we’re in. Let’s pledge to pursue mentoring and to pass it on! Let’s not leave the generation of our daughters untrained. Let’s glean all we can from today’s pillars so we’ll have the spiritual depth to live lives worth emulating.
Just imagine if spiritual mentoring became the cultural norm in our churches. Our walks with God would mature, producing healthier marriages and tighter families. Our children would grow up with greater examples and deeper convictions. Our churches would be a web of interlocking relationships crossing all generations. We could actually function as a team in tending to each other and reaching the community, country, and world with the saving message of Jesus! And we’d have the lives to back it up!
So, mentee, what older, wiser woman will you contact?
3.06.2011
Mentor Me! - Part 2
2:52 PM |
Posted by
Codie Leath
How to get it
If you want to be spiritually mentored, but there is no organic or programmed mentoring going on in your church, then here is what you should do:
- Keep your eyes open to notice who the wise, Godly women are in your congregation and pray for God’s lead.
- Ask for a one on one with one of these ladies that has caught your attention. Tell her you’ve admired her life from afar and would like to spend an hour with her over lunch or coffee. Tell her you have a few simple questions you’d like to ask her about life in general.
- Prepare 3 authentic questions that are on your heart. These will probably reflect areas of your life where God is working on you. After casual chit chat, ask your questions and then be a good listener. Expect to walk away with at least one significant thing God taught you through her.
- Repeat this practice whenever you cross paths with a wise woman that sparks your interest. You may notice that you have a particular connection with one of these ladies. Ask for a second appointment; bring more questions, and share more of your life situation. If the connection continues to grow and you sense she is mutually blessed by the relationship, ask her to mentor you.
Sample Questions
- Do you mind sharing with me about some of your mountains and valleys?
- How do you keep your marriage fresh?
- What has worked for you in the area of parenting?
- What about your singleness have you enjoyed/did you enjoy?
- What verses have been instrumental to you in times of discontentment?
- Do you use any systems in your daily time with God? Could you share them with me?
3.05.2011
Mentor Me! - Part 1
11:16 AM |
Posted by
Codie Leath
I have been spiritually mentored off and on for the past 10 years. Sometimes it was a weekly one on one appointment, sometimes a monthly phone call. A few times it fell in my lap, mostly I had to go out and get it. But it was always a tremendous privilege! Outside of my personal, daily time with God, discipleship and mentoring have been the #1 contributors to my spiritual health. I realize I am in the very small percentage of women who ever get these opportunities and I’m determined to do something about it. Let’s start with a practical dissection of the subject:
Why we need it
Humans flourish with personal attention. It’s true in every facet of life. Your grades were better when you were tutored, your athletic performance improved when your coach was around, salespeople sell more when they talk regularly with a sales coach. Our spiritual lives are no exceptions. If a wiser woman gave you personal attention on a regular basis, assuming your cooperation, you would notice increased fruit in your life.
Tiger, Peyton, and Serena all have coaches. Is it because they are the best or is it in part what has made them the best?
It’s time we all stopped ignoring the 4th spoke of our life wheel, our spiritual life, and give it the same intentionality with which we’ve supplied our intellectual, physical, and social lives.
What it is & What it’s not
General Definition: Mentoring is the intentional relationship between 2 people where the wiser, more experienced person counsels and guides the other.
In the realm of spiritual growth, let’s make some distinctions:
Discipleship – curriculum based training program to establish a new convert in the basics of Christianity
Mentoring – life coaching for the already established believer
Professional Counseling – counseling for loss, tragedy, addiction, victims of abuse, etc.
It is helpful to note that one does not need a seminary degree or counseling degree to mentor. A track record of walking in cooperation with God’s lead in your life is what it takes.
Why the lack of it
Despite the command in Titus 2:3-5 for the older women to train the younger women, we’re not seeing much mentoring in the Christian community. Here are 3 reasons why:
- It’s hard to do something you’ve never seen done or had done for you.
- The older generation tends to be private and modest, thinking, “Who am I to probe into your life?” or “Who am I to be able to help you?”
- Proactive & Reactive - Many crucial ministries such as divorce recovery, crisis pregnancy, inner city tutoring, soup kitchens, recovering addict groups, and single moms’ classes are reactive in nature. In addition to these, we should think proactively about ministry by mentoring those younger than us. In this way, we can save marriages before they break down and avert addictions before they start. Over time, there would be less need for reactive, mercy ministries because our proactive efforts would counteract the problems before they even arise.
2.22.2011
Something From Nothing
2:36 PM |
Posted by
Codie Leath
“I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs…so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.” Isaiah 41:18, 20
This is my new favorite passage because it reminds me of God’s fiat power. He can make something from nothing. He made all of creation from no raw material, just from nothing, and with only the power of His word. Sometimes when I’m explaining this to my son I point my finger and say, “Let there be light” to show him how light came about and then I realize God didn’t even have to point his finger. His words were enough.
In this Isaiah passage, God is promising provision for Israel. He could have said he’d show them where to find the water as they went on their journey. But dramatically He declares he will turn dry land into flowing rivers. Verse 20 explains why. The main point of the provision, and of everything else God does then and now, is so that all people would understand that He did it. All glory to the Lord.
Ok, for daily application…where do you need God’s fiat power? Where is the desert in your life that needs to be turned into a pool? What is dead in your world that needs to be brought to life? A spiritually lost friend? Your lost soul? A relationship? Your marriage? Your hope in the future? A vision for how God can use you? A battle with a specific sin? Acknowledge His complete effortless ability to bring it to life. Beg Him to exercise His power and pledge your cooperation! We know from all over the Bible that God is eager to help us. James 4:8 says “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” So the ball is in your court.
When the victory comes and God breathes life into the situation, remember verse 20 and help those around you to see, know, consider, and understand that God’s hand did it!
Ok, now for an old favorite. 2 Cor. 5:20 – “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” As God is performing miracles all over the world using His fiat power, He’s allowing us to be the conduits or ambassadors of this power. Can you believe this? This is the most significant job we could ever have! So, while He’s getting all the glory, we’re getting to be His hands and feet. For anyone who loves to feel important and productive, this is a transforming truth!
Here is part of my record of God’s fiat power in my life: As a child, God used my parents’ conversion to open my eyes to the truth of Christ. In college, he used Jennie Patton, the lady who discipled me, to breathe life into my limping walk with Christ. He used my brother Bo, my future husband Brad, Christy, Missi, Janet, Ryan, Mason, Tim, Corey, Joel, Mike, David, Lisa, Chris, Jennie, and many other college students to fan into flame a vision for how God could use me in this life to advance His Kingdom. As a wife, God used Brent, Joanne, Dana, Janet and Corey to bring life to dying areas of my marriage. In the area of friendships, God used my husband’s advice and example to rescue several terminal friendships.
Do you see? God’s fiat power in my life almost always takes the form of a person’s tangible help. And I’m sure it’s the same with you if you were to stop and take a look. We are His conduits. So go deliver God’s fiat power as a friend, spouse, evangelist, discipler, mentor, counselor, whatever! And all glory to Him.
2.19.2011
Rejoice in the Lord Always
4:38 PM |
Posted by
Codie Leath
You may never have noticed that God commands you to have certain emotions. We’re used to Him commanding our actions, attitudes, and thoughts, but sometimes don’t realize our emotions are under His jurisdiction as well. Can we help what we feel? Are we obligated to produce certain feelings for God? Yes and Yes!
Rejoice means to feel great delight. At times we have plenty of delight in our Lord but then it fades quickly at the slightest threat of discomfort, opposition, or stress. Think about the last time you genuinely rejoiced in the Lord. How long was it before you lost your great delight in Him?
Our biggest barrier to rejoicing is our worldly paradigm. We are ever forgetting that the spiritual realm is more real than the physical one. The physical realities of pain and disappointment cast dark shadows over the spiritual realities of life and victory. Like all other spiritual issues, the battle is in the mind and intentional effort is paramount to victory. The fuel for rejoicing is found in the truths of Scripture. There are ample verses in the Bible that, when taken to heart, quickly supply great delight in Christ, so we’re not without ammunition. Most of us, however, are without skill or the habit of discipline.
Let’s talk about skill. Quote 5 verses that instantly give you great delight in the Lord. This should be easy assuming our extensive exposure to God’s Word, but so few Christians actually memorize Scripture. Start now. Choose 2 verses, write them on a note card and begin to meditate on them. To meditate is to chew on the meaning in your mind repeatedly till the concepts are deeply embedded in your heart and the words easily come to mind. When you meditate, memorization happens naturally. Place your note cards somewhere you frequent – your dashboard, mirror, window sill above the kitchen sink. I keep mine on my treadmill to meditate on while I run. It’s hard to read when you run so I use very large font on half sheets of paper. Without fail, I always leave my workout with a heart full of love and joy for my Savior. The Word of God is living and active!!
That leaves the habit of discipline. To continue a habit requires completely different ingredients than starting one. You have to have resolve and accountability and guts. Look at yourself in the mirror and ask, “Are you going to stay this way forever or are you serious about changing?” Weigh the pros and cons. Convince yourself to work hard at cooperating with the change God is trying to bring about in you. Then write a few goals, a simple plan to follow on a daily basis. If you meditated on God’s Word and prayed to Him every day for as little as 30 minutes, your life would transform!! You have to try it!! Then tell someone your plan that has the heart and care to ask you about it regularly. Lastly, when life squeezes you hard to drop your plan, beg God for strength and step out in faith. James 4:8 says “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Notice who’s to take the first step. You are!
Pray with me: “Lord, there are a million plus reasons why I should take great delight in You but I often don’t. I confess this and am deeply sorry. I am wrong for putting this world’s circumstances first in my heart and mind. I want to make a change. Help me to establish a doable plan to meditate on Your Word and pray to You every day. I do rejoice in You because You have rescued me from the pit and crowned me with loving kindness! And for a million more reasons, I love You! Thank You for all Your involvement in my life. I want to be on Your page and cooperate with Your agenda. Change me. Use me. Amen.”
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