Mark Conner Think About It

The Love of God

Many years ago, a man living in an insane asylum died and was carried to his grave. When they were cleaning out his room they found some words written on the patient’s wall. This is what he had written …

    Could we with ink the ocean fill

    And were the skies of parchment made

    Were every stalk on earth a quill    

    And every man a scribe by trade

    To write the love of God above

    Would drain the ocean dry

    Nor could the scroll contain the whole

    Though stretched from sky to sky

These amazing words were eventually incorporated as a verse in a well-known hymn about the love of God.

It is one thing to know that “God is love” and quite another to know that God loves you. If you could only grasp how much God loves you, it could change your life … and provide a strong foundation for you to have what it takes to truly love others.

The question I’d like to ask you today is not, “How much do you love God?” … but “Do you realize how much God loves you?”

God’s love … think about it.

Mark Conner Think About It

Trust

Someone once said that trust in the glue of all relationships. Trust holds things together. In contrast, when there is no trust, the relationship starts to break down.

Trust creates confidence and removes suspicion and fear. When trust is high in a relationship, you could say the wrong thing and it will be okay. People give you the benefit of the doubt. Where trust is low, you could say the right thing and even then, people take you wrong or misinterpret you.

How do we build trust?

  • Trust starts with being trustworthy.
  • Be transparent – open, real and genuine.  Don’t be fake or two-faced. Don’t wear masks.
  • Have the courage to speak the truth in love.
  • Treat people with respect, as you would want to be treated.
  • Admit it when you are wrong and be big enough to apologize.
  • Be loyal and avoid gossip. Integrity is how we treat those who are not present.
  • Keep your commitments and your word.
  • Restore trust when it has been lost.
  • Be quick to forgive.

How is the level of trust in your relationships?

Trust… think about it.

Mark Conner Think About It

The Others

If you think about it, the entire population of the world, with one exception, is composed of OTHERS.

What would life look like if we stopped seeking to get everyone else to revolve around US and started taking OTHER people’s needs and interests as our first concern. That would be pretty counter-cultural in a world that tells us to “Look out for number 1!”

What kind of a world are we creating when everyone wants everything and everyone to orbit around them? When people do things and give affection to others, only as long as it helps meet his or her personal goals and needs, nobody gets anywhere. Life becomes hazardous.

What would it look like if today we each made a move – away from self-centered living towards self-giving love … for OTHERS. What if we all focused on accepting, serving, giving to, seeking the welfare of, and honoring others? What a different world it would be!

Okay, I can hear some of you thinking, “What about me? It isn’t fair …” Well, the truth is, that it is often in giving that we also receive.

Others … think about it. 

Mark Conner Think About It

The Trinity

The apostle John boldly declares that, “God is love.” He doesn’t say that God is loving, although that is true OR that one of God’s activities is love, although that is true too. He says that God IS love – it is the very core of his being and nature.

The Christian God is revealed as one God existing as three persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – a Trinity.

Think about it … If there is NO God, then we are here by blind chance, merely a result of natural selection and love is nothing more than a chemical reaction in our brain.

If God exists but is only ONE, then he cannot be love because love can only exist in a relationship.

But if God exists as a community of persons knowing and loving one another, then the ultimate reality in the universe is love relationships – three persons in a dynamic, pulsating activity, a life that could be described as a dance.

The Trinity is not just a nice theological concept. I believe it is a model or prototype for human relationships.   

The Trinity … think about it. 

Mark Conner Think About It

Forgiveness

Have you ever been hurt or offended by someone? If you haven’t, you probably haven’t lived long or you need to get out a bit more. Everyone gets hurt – many times, either intentionally or unintentionally.

When other people hurt us we have two options.

1. Our first and natural response is often one of anger, bitterness, resentment, hatred or even revenge. We want to make the other person pay. Unfortunately, this type of response stops the healing process, which results in dramatic affects on us physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually. We were not designed to live with the destructive poison of bitterness on the inside of us.

2. The second possible response is to forgive. To forgive means to give up the right to revenge, to give up the desire to punish or get even, and to surrender our right to hurt the person back.

Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean reconciliation. It doesn’t mean we should avoid confronting an issue or stay in an abusive relationship. However, forgiveness pleases God, it frees us and it has the potential to stop the cycle of pain and revenge.

Forgiveness … think about it. 

Mark Conner Think About It

Faith

The majority of Australians believe in God – they have some sort of what we could call ‘faith.’ Genuine faith in God provides a strong foundation for many people’s lives – especially when everything else around us seems so uncertain.

Of course, real faith is more than just believing in something or someone.

Back in the 1800s there was a famous acrobat named Blondin. He became well known for crossing the Niagara Falls on a tightrope 335 metres long and 50 metres above the raging water. He astonished people by carrying a small table, chair and stove to the halfway point, where he cooked and then ate a meal.

At one point he pushed a wheelbarrow across the wire. He then turned to the crowd and asked if they believed he could carry someone across in the wheelbarrow. Everyone cheered. He then asked for a volunteer. The crowd went quiet.

Faith in God is not just belief or mental agreement. It is a willingness to get in the wheelbarrow and entrust our life into his hands.

Do you believe in God?

Faith … think about it. 

Mark Conner Personal Development

A Rabbit on the Swim Team

Rabbit Once upon a time, the animals decided they would do something meaningful to meet the problems of the new world. So they organized a school. They adopted an activity curriculum of running, climbing, swimming and flying. To make it easier to administer the curriculum, all the animals took all the subjects.

The duck was excellent in swimming; in fact, better than his instructor. But he made only passing grades in flying, and was very poor in running. Since he was slow in running, he had to drop swimming and stay after school to practice running. This caused his web feet to be badly worn, so that he was only average in swimming. But average was quite acceptable, so nobody worried about that – except the duck.

The rabbit started at the top of his class in running, but developed a nervous twitch in his leg muscles because of so much make-up work in swimming.

The squirrel was excellent in climbing, but he encountered constant frustration in flying class because his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of from the treetop down. He developed cramps from overexertion, and so only got a C in climbing and a D in running. 

The eagle was a problem child and was severely disciplined for being non-conformist. In climbing classes he beat all the others to the top of the tree, but insisted on using his own way to get there…

We all know that animals aren't that dumb. But us humans? 

The moral of the story is that each one of us has unique own capabilities. If we DISCOVER and use them, then we will naturally excel. If we don't, we end up trying to be somebody else, which results in frustration, discouragement, guilt, and mediocrity.

Nobody else is exactly like you. Don't compare yourself with others. Be who God has made YOU to be and appreciate others. 

After all, there’s plenty of room in the forest.

Mark Conner Contemporary Culture, General Interest

How Christianity Changed the World

How Have you ever considered the tangible impact of the coming of Jesus Christ on our world? Sociologist, Alvin Schmit decided to do an extensive research project to answer this question. A summary of his research can be found in his excellent book How Christianity Changed the World (formerly published with the title Under the Influence). It is an inspiring and insightful tour of church history, from the first century right through to our modern world. The number of people transformed through their faith in Jesus Christ is nothing short of astonishing, as is the resulting impact on every sector of society.

Consider the following areas:

1. Sanctity of human life

One of the more moral of Rome's philosophers, Seneca, said “We drown children who at birth are weakly and abnormal.” At that time, families wanted no more than one daughter so abandoned infants were commonplace. Followers of Christ valued human life – all life. Afra of Augsburg (late third century) was a converted prostitute who “developed a ministry to abandoned children of prisoners, thieves, smugglers, pirates, and runaway slaves.” Although it took time, through the influence of Christians, human sacrifice was stopped as were the cruel gladiatorial games.

2. Sexual Morality

Rome was known for its sexual permissiveness, with everything from adultery to fornication to pedophilia being seen as acceptable. There we no constraints on any sexual pleasure. This led to a very low view of marriage. Followers of Christ brought honour and faithfulness back into the marriage relationship and urged true love, not lust, as the highest goal.

3. Women’s Dignity and Freedom

In the first century, woman had an extremely low status in society. They had no freedom and were more like slaves to men. They lived in silence and were seen as having no social value. Without doubt, the birth of Jesus was turning point in history of women.

4. Charity and Compassion

The old Roman world was a world without charity. The Christians changed that with their loving care for everyone, including orphans, children, and the aged. 

Continue reading “How Christianity Changed the World” →

Mark Conner Personal Development

Discover!

Discover

As a child, I am sure someone asked you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” We each had ideas about what our future might one day become. Sometimes those dreams become reality while at other times our very desires change. However, one thing we all want to be is useful. None of us want to be useless! Deep inside of us there is a longing to make a contribution and to leave the world a better place than we found it.

God's Purpose

To understand our purpose, we need to begin with God, not ourselves. God is our Creator (Ps.139:14-16. Col.1:16). Our purpose is not something we decide; it is something we discover. God made everything for a purpose (Prov.16:4). Like in the natural, you could use your life for a variety of purposes but you will be most effective and most joyful when you live for the purpose for which God created you. God knew you even before you were born (Jer.1:5) and he planned you for a purpose, including the very time and place you would live (Acts 17:26).

As followers of Jesus, we have been “saved” and “called” with a holy calling (2 Tim.1:9). We weren’t saved just to go to heaven when we die but also to contribute to God’s purpose on the earth right here during our lifetime. Although we are not saved by our own works, we were created to do certain “good works” that God prepared in advance for us to do (Eph.2:8-10). We are God’s masterpiece – or work of art  - and he is committed to finishing the work he has begun in our lives (Phil.1:6).

In many ways, you were born pre-packaged. God looked at your entire life, determined your assignment, and gave you the tools to do the job. What has God put in your suitcase? Have you taken time to discover what he has already invested in you? God has fully equipped you for your unique purpose. The apostle Paul tells us, “Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants (Eph.5:17. MB)” then, “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that (Gal.6:4. MB).”

Discovering your SHAPE

About 20 years ago, American pastor Rick Warren came up with the concept of SHAPE, a simple acrostic to help us remember five factors that God uses to equip us for our purpose:

  • Spiritual Gifts: spiritual gifts are a set of special abilities that God has given you to share his love and serve others (1Cor.12. Rom.12:4-8. 1Pet.4:10-11. Eph.4:7-16). A spiritual gift is not a ministry in itself but rather a tool to use for the job at hand. God wants us to discover, develop then deploy our gifts for the benefit of others (1Pet.4:10).
  • Heart: our heart refers to the special passions God has given you so that you can glorify him on earth. What do you enjoy doing? What do you get excited about? What makes you angry? What do you desire? Who are your heroes and the people you admire?
  • Abilities: abilities are the set of talents that God gave you when you were born, which he also wants you to use to make an impact for him. What are your strengths? What is your best contribution? Where are you most effective?
  • Personality: your personality is the special way God wired you to navigate life and fulfil your unique kingdom purpose.
  • Experience: experience refers to those parts of your past, both positive and negative, which God intends to use in great ways.

If you don’t understand your SHAPE, you end up doing things God never intended or designed you to do. [Would you put a rabbit on the swim team?] When your gifts don’t meet the role you play in life, you feel like a square peg in a round hole. This is frustrating, both to you and to others. Not only does it produce limited results, it is also an enormous waste of your talents time and energy.

Living Out Your Purpose

You live out your purpose within the church of Jesus Christ. Each Christian is a member of Christ’s body and has a job to do (1Cor.12). The health and growth of the church is dependent on each person’s contribution (Eph.4:16). Everyone is needed and there should be no spiritual unemployment.

Your God-given purpose also includes your contribution to society (Mt.5:13-16). This begins at home and flows out to your neighbourhood, your local community, your school, your workplace and the wider global village we are a part of. The world should be a better place because of who we are and what we do for God. [Click here to read more about how Christianity has changed our world throughout history]

One day God will look for a return on his investment in your life (see Mt.25:14-30). Our eternal destiny will be based on our response to Jesus Christ. However, our future rewards will be based on what we did and didn’t do with how God shaped us for purpose while on earth.

Cultivating a Servant Mindset

Jesus is our example and he came to earth not to be served but to serve and give his life for others (Mk 10:45. Jn.13:15). As his followers, we are to develop the same mindset (Phil.2:3-5. Gal.5:13). Bill Hybels puts it this way: “The fundamental paradox of the Christian life is that following Jesus into radical servanthood is the sure pathway to fullness of life.” A servant focuses on the needs, desires and interests of other rather than their own. They are willing to do whatever is needed. The best servants are proactive, taking initiative rather than waiting to be asked, they serve with excellence, always doing their best, and they have a willing and joyful attitude and in how they go about their work.

Sample Discussion Questions

1. When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

2. Who are some of your heroes? What do you admire about them?

3. Reflect on the statement, “You can be anything you want to be!” Is this true?

4. How would you describe your God-given SHAPE?

     a. How would you know what spiritual gifts you have been given?

     b. What do you enjoy doing? What makes you angry and what insight does this reveal?

     c. What life experience do you have that could be of benefit to others?

5. Most churches are short of volunteers? Why do you think this is so and what can be done to see more Christians active in ministering within their local church?

6. How can we develop a stronger belief that our daily work is part of our God-given purpose?

Mark Conner Contemporary Culture, Family

Technology and Families

Tech A new study by the Barna Group reveals that families are more dependent on technology and media than ever and could benefit from some reflection on how they manage their time on-line, in front of the TV and on their digital devices. The research found that:

  • Parents are just as dependent on technology as teens and tweens.
  • Most family member, parents included, believe technology has been a positive influence on their families.
  • Very few adults or youth take substantial breaks from technology.
  • Few families have heard or expect to hear churches address technology.

David Kinnaman, president of the Barna Group, summed up action that the findings call for: "The Christian community needs a better, more holistic understanding of how to manage existing and coming technological advances. Parents, tween and teens need more coaching and input in order to face the countless choices they make regarding how technology affects their attention, interests, talents and resources."

Read the full report at www.barna.org

Mark Conner Family

The Grass Will Grow

GrassI first heard this story in a sermon by Tony Campolo. It never fails to bring a tear to my eye …

"There was once a little boy named Mike. When he just was a toddler, he wanted a sand box and his mother said, 'That’ll be good', but his father said, 'There goes the back yard. There’ll be sand all over the place and it will kill the grass.' The little boy’s mother smiled and said back, 'The grass will grow back.'

When Mike was 5 he wanted a jungle gym that would enable him to climb into the sky and swings that would take his breath away. His father said, 'If we put that thing in the back yard, every kid in the neighbourhood will be over here. They’ll run back and forth, back and forth and they’ll kill the grass.' Mike’s mother smiled and said, 'The grass will grow back.'

Between breaths as he was blowing up the plastic swimming pool, Mike’s father said, 'You know what? They’re going to condemn this place and make it into a missile site. You won’t be able to take the garbage out without coming back with mud up to your neck. It’s going to kill the grass.' And Mike’s mother smiled and said, 'The grass will grow back.'

When Mike was 12, he volunteered his yard for a campout. When the neighbourhood boys drilled the spikes into the ground and stomped around with their big feet, Mike’s father looked out the window and said, 'Why don’t I just save myself the trouble and put the grass seed in cereal bowls … I know, I know, the grass will grow back.'

The basketball hoop on the side of the garage drew a bigger crowd than the summer Olympics. The barren spot under the hoop got larger and larger until it encompassed the whole side yard. And just when it looked as though new grass was going to take root, winter came, snow fell, and sled runners beat the grass into the ground. Mike’s father said, 'Lord, I never asked for much in this life, just a few crummy blades of grass.' Mike’s mother smiled and said, 'The grass will grow back.'

… Well the grass this year was beautiful. It rolled out like a carpet, like a green sponge out along the driveway where bicycles once fell, out along the flowerbeds where little boys once dug with tea spoons, but Mike’s father never saw the grass. Instead his eyes were lifted beyond the yard and he said with a catch in his voice, 'He will come back, he will come back, he will come back, won’t he?'

Continue reading “The Grass Will Grow” →

Mark Conner Theology

A Macho Jesus?

Jesus What would Jesus look like if he were living on earth today? One artist, Stephen Sawyer, thinks he'd be more macho than wimp. Click here to read all about it.

No doubt our image of Jesus is important. It's so easy to create a God who is what we want him to be and something we are comfortable with. The philosopher Rousseau once said, "God created us in his own image then we returned the favour." 

Today we have images of a spooky Jesus, a plain Galilean Jesus, a hippy Jesus, a revolutionary Jesus and now a macho Jesus. 

We believe that Jesus is fully human and fully divine – the God man. As a man, he was a carpenter who would have helped run Joseph's business in Nazareth until he turned 30. In his ministry, he spent time with everyone from fishermen to government officials. No doubt, he was strong physically as well as in personality and character. At the same time he demonstrated softer qualities such as kindness, empathy and gentleness.

Today Jesus is the risen Saviour and Lord of all. His best friend and closest disciple, John, had a vision of Him in His risen glory and fell at his feet as a dead man, overwhelmed by the majesty of Jesus (see Rev.1). 

Check out the book reJesus for an excellent discussion of how important influential our picture of Jesus is on our personal lives and on the church.

How do you see Jesus?