Bulldog Tenacity

Submitted for The Senintel Life Notes column

There is a story about an old man that owned a small store in a run-down area. He was the last open store in a failed commercial development and he just refused to quit. A young commercial developer saw an opportunity to buy cheap property in a decent location and formulated a plan. He bought all the property surrounding the small store and made the old man a generous offer for his property too. But the stubborn man wasn't interested. He wouldn't sell no matter how much money was offered.

The real estate developer was forced to move forward with his plans without the old man's property. After two full years of development the time neared when the new shopping center would open. The new buildings towered over and completely surrounded the old man's small shop. Those that had watched the David-and-Goliath-like struggle between the old man and the developer shook their heads knowing that the coming of the new shopping center would surely sound the death toll for the old man's business.

But when the day came for the big opening, the old man still had a trick or two up his sleeve. Gigantic, beautiful banners hung from all sides of the new construction proclaiming, "Grand Opening!" and "Best Prices in Town". Not to be outdone, the old man strung a banner of his own right across the little store that stood at the very center of the new shopping center. His banner read "Main Entrance".

That's bulldog tenacity. The never-give-up-mentality that believes that for every challenge there is a solution—we would all do well to have a little bit of that same spirit inside us. Far too often we find it is easier to give up when the going gets rough.

This life is full of challenges, opposition and disappointments. The Scriptures tell us that we will be offended by others. The question is how we will choose to respond to those offenses.

The book of James says it this way:

When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

Has your faith ever been tested? Have you ever been tempted to give up? James reminds us that it is in these moments of pressure and difficulty that we are most ready to grow—but only if we grab onto that which is solid and hold on with bulldog tenacity.

The people that I admire and respect the most are those who have learned that life is simply a training ground for eternity. These precious people have decided that no matter what the challenge or trial, they won't quit and they won't allow their circumstances to dictate their reactions. They have an unfailing trust and faith in the One who is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

So let me ask you, how's your tenacity level? What are you holding on to? What is going to keep you going even though the massive towers of life surround you on every side? Those that have found their stability in Father God find that He has a way of turning impossible situations into "Main Entrances" for His activity and blessing.

Does It Hurt Much?

Submitted for The Sentinel's LifeNotes column

Over the years I have both given and received lots of "junk gifts". These are the ones often given out of obligation. We feel we must give something because of a birthday or because it is Christmas and the giving of gifts, no matter how lame, is the rule. And although the best intentions are used in the giving of these "wonderful" gifts (after all, who doesn't need another Christmas mug, flamboyant tie or novelty gag gift), most often these gifts are given out of obligation, and not from the heart.

A gift that is given from the heart is always more meaningful, both to the giver and the recipient. There is a certain cost that is exacted from the giver, not necessarily a cost in terms of dollars (although sometimes many dollars are required), but in time, attention and thought. Something is expended by the giver that actually adds value to the gift itself. The most meaningful gifts are those that have taken the most time or are given with the most love.

When the giver does not expend these things, then something important is missing from the gift. We all know what it is like to receive gifts that have little or no monetary value and yet are incredibly meaningful. On the other hand, we know (if not by experience then certainly by imagination) that it is possible to receive a very expensive gift that really has little value to the receiver because it was given with so little thought.

I was reminded of the importance of the "cost" of our gifts while reading the story of David in 1 Chronicles recently. David is at a place in his life when he wants to make an offering to the Lord and he says the following:

"I will not...sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing."

David understood that to give the Lord a "token" or "junk" gift was unacceptable. You don't give the Lord something that doesn't cost you anything—it's an insult. God is the King of the universe, the Maker of everything and the Giver of the very life we enjoy. To give God a gift that cost David no sweat, no effort, no thought—in short, no heart—was unthinkable.

Which begs the question, how often do I give God "worthless" gifts? It is so easy to accept God's love, His grace, His forgiveness and His great plan for my life and repay Him with what is easy. It is easy to tell Him "thank you" with my lips. It is easy to drop a few dollars into the plate now and then. It is easy to act like a nice guy to the right people because I know I should "act like a Christian".

But that costs me nothing. And it's worthless. I've decided it really is. So much of what we do for God and others is just window dressing. We do it to make us feel better. We do it to make us look good. We do it because its easy.

But I think God wants something more. I know He deserves something more. He deserves my whole life. My most valued possessions, my deepest secrets, my greatest fears, my faithfulness and my obedience—He deserves all of them because they cost me to give them to Him. But I find that I don't like giving things that hurt to give. I will do almost anything to wiggle out of doing what I know I should. I excuse myself and my lack of commitment. But then I remember, it cost Him everything, how can I give something that costs me nothing?

The question for all of us is just that—are we willing to give what hurts the most? Because what hurts the most is what is most valuable. I've decided I'm only giving God gifts that cost me something—that hurt me a little to give, have you?

This weekend, the pastors in the Kings County would love the opportunity to help you get closer to the One who is worthy of everything we could ever give and more. Why don't you take your family to church this weekend? It may be the best gift you could give them!