Seventy-three Seconds

By Jesse LeMay

            Thirty-two years ago, on January 28, 1986, Christa McAuliffe was set to embark on a historical and incredible journey. She had won a competition that earned her the right to be part of the seven-member crew on NASA’s Challenger space shuttle. McAuliffe, who was a New Hampshire high school social studies teacher in her late thirties, was to be the first regular civilian and non-astronaut to be included among the few who have ventured into space. After months of training, anticipation, flight delays, and likely many anxious nights, McAuliffe and the rest of the Challenger crew were finally approaching the time of departure.

            From the launch site in Cape Canaveral, FL, with the countdown completed, at 11:38 a.m. EST, lift-off commenced. What began as an important mission into space and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a young woman like McAuliffe, quickly turned into an unimaginable scene. Seventy-three seconds into the flight disaster struck. With friends, family, and space enthusiasts watching on the ground, and millions more around the U.S. tuning in on television, the Challenger space shuttle disintegrated in mid-air. To the horror of everyone involved there were no survivors, nor were there any remains. It was as if they just vanished. In just seventy-three seconds, McAuliffe and the rest of the crew went from thinking about adventure and making history, to having it all come to an abrupt end.

            What if you only had seventy-three seconds left on earth? Would you be satisfied with the things you have done in your life? Scripture says, “you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and vanishes away” (James 4:14). If you had just seventy-three seconds would you still worry about the problems of tomorrow? Might you desire to show those closest to you how much you love them? Most importantly, how would you feel about your service to the Lord, to His church, and to the lost? Is there a friend, family member, or neighbor you wish you would have shared the gospel with? How much different would we live our lives if we recognized that our time could be up in seventy-three short seconds?

Equality

By Jesse LeMay

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a special holiday for many here in the United States. Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis in 1968, while leading the charge for equal civil rights. Although many advocated for a day in his honor soon after his death, it wasn’t until 1983 when Ronald Reagan finally made it a national holiday. In our current time of the 21^st century, King is widely recognized as the champion and hero of the civil rights movement. Answers would no doubt vary as to why one would coin Dr. King with this title, but as a whole, his non-violent and peaceful approach is what has appealed to most throughout the years.

            In addition to heading the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King, Jr. was also a believer in Christ. King himself said that his first priority was to preach the gospel and serve in ministry. Dr. King also made it well known publicly, that the non-violent approach that he passionately pushed for, was based on Christian ideals and the teachings of the New Testament. This peaceful approach was constantly challenged, as the men and women participating in the demonstrations were met with hatred and violence. Despite all of the violent opposition, King maintained his peaceful stance, all the while maintaining that ALL men were created equal. 

            If Dr. King were alive today, he would surely feel a sense of accomplishment and appreciation for where his and many others efforts have led. Martin Luther King’s message was “equality,” and he claimed that the origin of his message was from the Holy Scriptures. King was correct in that we are all created by God, and in His eyes we are all of equal worth. Sadly, the reality of such equality lies within the fact that we are all sinners in need of God’s saving grace (Romans 3:23). Yes, we are equally lost in our sin, and the only thing that can give us hope is the blood of Jesus Christ. True and glorious equality comes to those who are in Christ, and have been given the free gift of God’s grace (Galatians 3:28).

by Jesse LeMay

                Sometimes life is hard! Circumstances at work, or in school, or some other area of our lives may be at such a point that we just don’t feel a desire to keep up the struggle. It may cause us to want to just give up and move on to something else, or sadly give up all together. There is no doubt that times like these have and will come; however, there is one area of life that we must never throw in the towel. That area has to do with our service in the battle for the faith.

                At the end of his first letter to Timothy, Paul told the Christian evangelist to, “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (6:12). Just as other aspects of life can be tough and make us want to quit, so too can the spiritual struggle that we are engaged in each and every day. Part of this battle has to do with sharing our faith with others. Far too often, we may feel that this fight is not worth fighting, or that it may be a waste of time. Then there is the conflict we face concerning our own faith. Friends, co-workers, family members, and much of the world may be fighting to get us to wave the white flag of surrender. In addition, the previously mentioned struggles we experience in our jobs, studies, relationships and more, can pull on us to stray from God.

                No matter how great the pressure to quit might be. Regardless of the opposing forces and their desire to see us stop fighting, we must not give up, no matter what. Day by day, we must continue to “fight the good fight of faith.” In so doing, we will “take hold of the eternal life” by which we were called and promised the day we came to Christ. Yes, things may get hard at times. One thing we have to remember is that the battle is already won. All we have to do is keep fighting. Eternity is too important. Never stop fighting the good fight of faith!

That “New” Feeling

By Jesse LeMay

    Another new year is upon us. With that comes all sorts of actions, thoughts, emotions and more. Some look to change their occupation, embracing the phrase, “New Year New Career.” There are those who will relocate to a new home, city, state, or even country. Many are motivated to make New Year’s resolutions. They see the new year as an opportunity to correct some bad habit they might have, or do something they either know they should be doing or have always wanted to do.

A change of calendar stirs up feelings that are deep inside each and every one of us. We make New Year’s resolutions because it makes us feel good at the moment, with the hope that it will bring some positive change in the future. Psychologist Tim Pychyl uses the term “affective forecasting” in explaining this behavior (popsci.com). People in general like new things. There is a sense of freshness in putting away the old for that which is new. This is true with relationships, cars, houses, jobs, and pretty much everything else.

This same feeling should be present for all who decide to become a follower of Christ. In his first letter the Apostle Peter wrote praising God because He has given us a “new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” (1:3). What an amazing gift! In putting away our old sinful selves, we have a new life. A life of hope which is based on resurrection. Our own resurrection because of Jesus being raised. In a sense, when we obey the gospel, we are making a “New Life Resolution.”

Such a resolution demands that we put the old things behind us, and embrace the newness which comes with that hope of positive change in the future. The key is doing away with the old. It is our responsibility to remember this, to never forget the new life that Christ has given us, and the wonderful hope connected with that gift of life. Unlike most New Year’s resolutions, we must stick to our promise to follow Jesus. We must remain resolute in our Christian walk. In so doing nothing will ever cause us to fall short of our goal of eternal resurrection.

Why Christ was Born

By Jesse LeMay

                Sleigh bells are ringing, rooftops are glistening, carolers are singing, and families are coalescing. Yep, Christmas time is here again. For many, especially the little ones, this is their favorite part of the year. Trees get cut down and dragged into the house (unless they are stowed away in a box somewhere in the basement or garage). Lights and decorations are strung everywhere. Endless shopping and last-minute gift wrapping fill the days and nights leading up to the big gathering. Despite all the festivities, Christmas is recognized by many as representing the birth of Christ.

                While it is true that millions around the world associate Christmas with Jesus’ birth, nowhere in the Bible are we given such a date. Nor do we read about Christians celebrating this birth in any way. In contrast, what we do read is Christ’s followers gathering together in worship on the first day of every week for the main purpose of taking the Lord’s supper in remembrance of Jesus’ death. That being said, as long as we understand that there is no biblical credence to celebrating Christmas, there is no harm in spending time with family and loved ones enjoying the holiday.

                One positive that comes out of Christmas is that many are thinking about Jesus and His birth. Having the Lord in the forefront of our minds is never a bad thing. A question that hopefully is brought to fruition is, “Why was Jesus born?” The Gospels of Matthew and Luke give fabulous details in their openings about the birth of Jesus. Certainly inspired by God and worth reading, there are other passages in Scripture which tell us about “Why” Christ was born and came to earth. In fact, Jesus Himself gives us such a description.

                Also recorded in Luke’s Gospel, in speaking to Zaccheus, Jesus told him that, “the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost” (19:10). Jesus was speaking to Zaccheus, but in simplicity, that is why the Christ was born. Jesus is seeking those who are in need of a Savior. Unfortunately, that is everyone, as all are guilty of sin. While Jesus does seek the lost, we must do our part by seeking after Him. May we strive to remember why the Christ was born every day, and not just at the end of each December.

      

The Value of Patience

By Jesse LeMay

We have all heard the old phrase, “Patience is a virtue.” Origin of this valuable concept is not exactly clear; however, many believe that it dates back to the fifth century epic poem Psychomania, written by the Latin poet Prudentius. Included in this writing are seven virtues which are in conflict with seven vices (yourdictionary.com). Regardless of where it comes from, there is no doubt that patience is needed in our lives in so many ways.

As individuals we must remember to be patient with others and with ourselves. Along with “love,” “kindness,” and other Christ-like qualities, Paul lists “patience” among the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23). People are not always going to do the things we want them to do, nor are they always going to be the people we think they should be. Included in that group of people is self. Sometimes we fail to be the example Christ expects of His follower. However, with enough encouragement and patience, people can change.

Leaders of the home, of the church, of anything, need to have patience. Their responsibility is to help others grow and become better people. Unfortunately, sometimes individuals are happy right where they are, and see no need to grow. Arnold Glasgow once said, “The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.” Be persistent, never stop encouraging and leading by example, but be patient.

Perhaps patience is such a virtue because God Himself possesses it towards us. When we are caught committing a crime in the world we receive due punishment. In contrast, the Lord does not bring immediate retribution upon those who have wronged Him. Furthermore, He is delaying His return to bring glory and justice because of patience. Concerning this topic, in his second letter, the Apostle Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not desiring for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (3:9).

Our Creator is patient. Patient because He wants what is best for us. We too must be patient. With self and with others. Persevering even when we feel like giving up. There is great value in patience. After all, it is a virtue. 

Rally for the Cause

By Jesse LeMay

For the men, women, and children living in and around Honolulu, Hawaii, December 7, 1941 began as any other Sunday morning. Church goers were making their way to services, nearby military personnel were enjoying a late day of sleeping in on their day off. This sun-filled peaceful morning would soon become anything but typical. Everything changed when just before 8 a.m. planes began raining down bullets and bombs, unbeknownst to all on the island. 

The Empire of Japan was launching a surprise attack on the United States and its naval base of Pearl Harbor. It was a devastating attack, which included an 1,800-pond bomb being dropped directly on the battleship USS Arizona, causing it to quickly sink with more than 1,000 men trapped inside (history.com). By the time it was over, no less than 2,400 Americans had been killed and almost half as many wounded.

President Roosevelt addressed Congress the next day requesting a declaration of war. With shocked and fearful citizens listening, the President said that December 7, 1941 would be “a date which will live in infamy.” 

The attack that day became a rallying point for Americans. For four years, there was a spirit of determination and unity, with men and women fighting, sacrificing, and working together for a common cause. As a result of this cohesiveness, which began that day at Pearl Harbor, the U.S. and its allies were able to overcome and achieve something that would change history.

Do we have such a rallying point as Christians? What is our cause? The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is that cause. Faith leads us to join Christ by being baptized for the forgiveness of our sins, and being resurrected to a newness of life (Col. 2:12). 

Once this happens we are in a spiritual battle every day. Paul the Apostle said that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Eph. 6:12). He told Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…” (1 Tim. 6:12). 

If we as Christians can unite and work together, we too can achieve great things. There never has been, nor will there ever be a greater cause than fighting for Christ. Not physically, but spiritually, bringing others to Jesus and changing eternity for them. May we all rally for the cause!