A Quiz for the New Year
Let’s begin the New Year with a pop quiz! Everyone’s eyes on your own paper. This is a timed quiz. You will have twenty seconds to complete the quiz. Ready? Go!
Quiz Question: What is more?
a) More is more
b) Less is more
Time is up. What is your answer?
You probably fell into one of three groups. The first group is the logical/analytical group who said, “Well, of course more is more. It’s logical. More is always more. I pick ‘a’.” The second group is the philosophical group who doesn’t like to be confined to the strict boundaries of logic and possibly feels that progress comes at too great a cost. You will say, “I don’t care what logic says. I think less is more.”
The third group, into which probably most of you fall, says, “I know he is up to something. It’s a trick question. I’m not going to play his little game.” You didn’t mark anything at all.
You’re right. I don’t have a answer for you. But I do want to challenge the idea that more is always more. Because biblically speaking, more is not always more.
Let me give you some examples:
§ Gideon’s Army (Judges 6-8). He was called by God to lead an army against the Midianites. Their army was 120,000 strong. He recruited his army, but only 32,000 showed up. God said, “I want to talk to you about the number of your army.” Gideon said, “Good. I’ve been concerned about that, too.” God said, “There are too many men.” Gideon said, “That’s actually not what I was thinking…” God was saying less is more. Gideon was thinking that more is more.
The army of 32,000 was first reduced to 10,000. Still too many. The army was then reduced to 300 men. An army of 300 men against 120,000. Just right. God won.
§ David & Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Goliath was the champion of the Philistines. His name means ‘Great’ and he was said to be a giant. David was the youth who was just bringing supplies to the army. Goliath had a bronze helmet on his head; wore a coat of mail; had bronze armor on his legs; carried a bronze javelin and a huge spear with a bronze spearhead; he also had a sword and his shield-bearer carried his huge shield. David had only a sling, a walking staff and five smooth stones. Less was more on this day. God won.
§ Solomon (1 Kings 11:3). For being such a wise man, it is hard to believe that he didn’t figure out when it comes to wives, more is not more – less is more. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines (wives of a lower status). Many of them were foreign women and they turned his heart away from God. More was less.
From the New Testament:
§ The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19, Mark 10, Luke 18). A young ruler came to Jesus with a lot to offer. Jesus said, “Go give it all away and then come and follow Me.” He didn’t get it and couldn’t do it. How could less be more? He walked away.
§ The Widow’s Mite (Mark 12, Luke 21). Jesus and the disciples were sitting in the temple near the place where the offering was made. It says, “The rich put in much.” Jesus made no comment. Then a widow came and put in the least of everyone. That’s when Jesus spoke up and said, “Her gift is greater than all the rest.” Jesus said, in effect, that in this case less was truly more.
I could give more examples, but maybe in this case less is more. So, let’s move on.
Revelation 2:1-7 (NKJV)
1 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”
The church in Ephesus had much going for them: their works, their labor, and their patience. They rooted out evil and dealt with it. They persevered in tough circumstances and didn’t give up. They had a great church resume.
It is all wiped out by one word in verse 4 – nevertheless. “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” No matter what or how much you place on the left side of the balance, if there is a nevertheless it is all outweighed by one thing on the right side – your first love. All of the activity and accomplishments and righteousness of this church meant nothing because they lost the one thing that really matters the most: their first love. More wasn’t the answer. First love was the answer.
How many ‘nevertheless’ churches are there today? “You do a lot of impressive things and keep very busy and look very righteous… nevertheless…
I do not want us to become a nevertheless church.
Repent, turn around, go back and do the first things. C.S. Lewis made the observation that sometimes the only way to go forward is by doubling back. It may feel like losing ground, but it is real progress.
The word ‘first’ is the word protos, from which we get our word ‘prototype’. It means first in sequence or in preeminence. The initial things. The most fundamental things. The most important things.
“This is a football”
When Vince Lombardi was the new coach with the Green Bay Packers they had been losing for almost ten straight years. They were at the bottom of the standings, and morale was sagging. Charged with the challenge of turning this franchise around, he began leading practices, inspiring, training, motivating. But at one point in a practice, he just got so frustrated with what was going on with the players that he blew the whistle.
"Everybody stop and gather around," he said. Then he knelt down, picked up the pigskin, and said, "Let's start at the beginning. This is a football. These are the yard markers. I'm the coach. You are the players." He went on, in the most elementary of ways, to explain the basics of football. Lombardi’s Packers went on to win Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II. Today, the Super Bowl trophy awarded is the Lombardi trophy.
The Apostle Paul said to the Philippians, “For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.” (Philippians 3:1) He kept going back to the basics.
THREE IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES
Our theme over these next weeks and over this New Year is this: Simplify. It requires a bold step of faith. It involves returning to the basics; returning to our first love and doing again the first works.
Let me share with you quickly three important principles to keep in mind regarding simplicity and three powerful practices that we will take on as a church.
1. The Principle of Focus.
If you are now wondering what benefit would ever come through simplifying, or how less could ever be more, than consider the principle of focus. We are familiar with the great power of focus from burning bugs with our magnifying glasses on a sunny day to the laser beam that uses focus to direct light power on a single, deadly spot. Simply taking the energy that is already present and directed it on a limited area multiplies the power of that energy. The first law of focus is to limit or simplify your output.
You can’t focus on everything. That is a contradiction.
Why does God want you to simplify? To gain focus. Cut away the distractions so that you can focus on what is really important. Better to do a few things exceedingly well than to do many things poorly. Simplifying is the first step towards sharp focus.
2. The Principle of Dependency.
We are dependent, you and I. We need something. The question is not: Am I dependent. The question is: What do I depend upon?
We tend to depend upon more: more money, more stuff, more strength, more people, more intelligence, more planning, more activity, more, more, more. Not depending upon more allows me to really depend upon God.
Gideon couldn’t depend upon the number of his army. He had to depend upon God. David couldn’t depend upon his strength and weaponry. He had to depend upon God. The rich, young ruler depended more upon the amount of his wealth for his identity and his satisfaction than he was willing to depend upon God.
The Principle of Dependency says that simplification shows where your dependence really lies.
3. The Principle of Extravagance.
The final principle that I want to talk about is the Principle of Extravagance. It is contrary to the idea of simplification. Extravagance says, “More is more. More is always more. The more the merrier. I want more.” This has been, culturally, the anthem of the Baby Boomer Generation. We have brought it into our relationship with God and serving Him.
This is perfectly demonstrated in the classic quote from the 1987 movie ‘Wall Street’ starring Michael Douglas: “Greed… is good.”
‘Extravagance’
The word ‘extravagance’ literally means: wandering beyond bounds. It is related to the words vague and vagabond. It is contrary to the focus and simplicity. A choice has to be made. Will extravagance be our ultimate goal, or focus and simplicity?
Let’s begin the New Year with a pop quiz! Everyone’s eyes on your own paper. This is a timed quiz. You will have twenty seconds to complete the quiz. Ready? Go!
Quiz Question: What is more?
a) More is more
b) Less is more
Time is up. What is your answer?
You probably fell into one of three groups. The first group is the logical/analytical group who said, “Well, of course more is more. It’s logical. More is always more. I pick ‘a’.” The second group is the philosophical group who doesn’t like to be confined to the strict boundaries of logic and possibly feels that progress comes at too great a cost. You will say, “I don’t care what logic says. I think less is more.”
The third group, into which probably most of you fall, says, “I know he is up to something. It’s a trick question. I’m not going to play his little game.” You didn’t mark anything at all.
You’re right. I don’t have a answer for you. But I do want to challenge the idea that more is always more. Because biblically speaking, more is not always more.
Let me give you some examples:
§ Gideon’s Army (Judges 6-8). He was called by God to lead an army against the Midianites. Their army was 120,000 strong. He recruited his army, but only 32,000 showed up. God said, “I want to talk to you about the number of your army.” Gideon said, “Good. I’ve been concerned about that, too.” God said, “There are too many men.” Gideon said, “That’s actually not what I was thinking…” God was saying less is more. Gideon was thinking that more is more.
The army of 32,000 was first reduced to 10,000. Still too many. The army was then reduced to 300 men. An army of 300 men against 120,000. Just right. God won.
§ David & Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Goliath was the champion of the Philistines. His name means ‘Great’ and he was said to be a giant. David was the youth who was just bringing supplies to the army. Goliath had a bronze helmet on his head; wore a coat of mail; had bronze armor on his legs; carried a bronze javelin and a huge spear with a bronze spearhead; he also had a sword and his shield-bearer carried his huge shield. David had only a sling, a walking staff and five smooth stones. Less was more on this day. God won.
§ Solomon (1 Kings 11:3). For being such a wise man, it is hard to believe that he didn’t figure out when it comes to wives, more is not more – less is more. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines (wives of a lower status). Many of them were foreign women and they turned his heart away from God. More was less.
From the New Testament:
§ The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19, Mark 10, Luke 18). A young ruler came to Jesus with a lot to offer. Jesus said, “Go give it all away and then come and follow Me.” He didn’t get it and couldn’t do it. How could less be more? He walked away.
§ The Widow’s Mite (Mark 12, Luke 21). Jesus and the disciples were sitting in the temple near the place where the offering was made. It says, “The rich put in much.” Jesus made no comment. Then a widow came and put in the least of everyone. That’s when Jesus spoke up and said, “Her gift is greater than all the rest.” Jesus said, in effect, that in this case less was truly more.
I could give more examples, but maybe in this case less is more. So, let’s move on.
Revelation 2:1-7 (NKJV)
1 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”
The church in Ephesus had much going for them: their works, their labor, and their patience. They rooted out evil and dealt with it. They persevered in tough circumstances and didn’t give up. They had a great church resume.
It is all wiped out by one word in verse 4 – nevertheless. “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” No matter what or how much you place on the left side of the balance, if there is a nevertheless it is all outweighed by one thing on the right side – your first love. All of the activity and accomplishments and righteousness of this church meant nothing because they lost the one thing that really matters the most: their first love. More wasn’t the answer. First love was the answer.
How many ‘nevertheless’ churches are there today? “You do a lot of impressive things and keep very busy and look very righteous… nevertheless…
I do not want us to become a nevertheless church.
Repent, turn around, go back and do the first things. C.S. Lewis made the observation that sometimes the only way to go forward is by doubling back. It may feel like losing ground, but it is real progress.
The word ‘first’ is the word protos, from which we get our word ‘prototype’. It means first in sequence or in preeminence. The initial things. The most fundamental things. The most important things.
“This is a football”
When Vince Lombardi was the new coach with the Green Bay Packers they had been losing for almost ten straight years. They were at the bottom of the standings, and morale was sagging. Charged with the challenge of turning this franchise around, he began leading practices, inspiring, training, motivating. But at one point in a practice, he just got so frustrated with what was going on with the players that he blew the whistle.
"Everybody stop and gather around," he said. Then he knelt down, picked up the pigskin, and said, "Let's start at the beginning. This is a football. These are the yard markers. I'm the coach. You are the players." He went on, in the most elementary of ways, to explain the basics of football. Lombardi’s Packers went on to win Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II. Today, the Super Bowl trophy awarded is the Lombardi trophy.
The Apostle Paul said to the Philippians, “For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.” (Philippians 3:1) He kept going back to the basics.
THREE IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES
Our theme over these next weeks and over this New Year is this: Simplify. It requires a bold step of faith. It involves returning to the basics; returning to our first love and doing again the first works.
Let me share with you quickly three important principles to keep in mind regarding simplicity and three powerful practices that we will take on as a church.
1. The Principle of Focus.
If you are now wondering what benefit would ever come through simplifying, or how less could ever be more, than consider the principle of focus. We are familiar with the great power of focus from burning bugs with our magnifying glasses on a sunny day to the laser beam that uses focus to direct light power on a single, deadly spot. Simply taking the energy that is already present and directed it on a limited area multiplies the power of that energy. The first law of focus is to limit or simplify your output.
You can’t focus on everything. That is a contradiction.
Why does God want you to simplify? To gain focus. Cut away the distractions so that you can focus on what is really important. Better to do a few things exceedingly well than to do many things poorly. Simplifying is the first step towards sharp focus.
2. The Principle of Dependency.
We are dependent, you and I. We need something. The question is not: Am I dependent. The question is: What do I depend upon?
We tend to depend upon more: more money, more stuff, more strength, more people, more intelligence, more planning, more activity, more, more, more. Not depending upon more allows me to really depend upon God.
Gideon couldn’t depend upon the number of his army. He had to depend upon God. David couldn’t depend upon his strength and weaponry. He had to depend upon God. The rich, young ruler depended more upon the amount of his wealth for his identity and his satisfaction than he was willing to depend upon God.
The Principle of Dependency says that simplification shows where your dependence really lies.
3. The Principle of Extravagance.
The final principle that I want to talk about is the Principle of Extravagance. It is contrary to the idea of simplification. Extravagance says, “More is more. More is always more. The more the merrier. I want more.” This has been, culturally, the anthem of the Baby Boomer Generation. We have brought it into our relationship with God and serving Him.
This is perfectly demonstrated in the classic quote from the 1987 movie ‘Wall Street’ starring Michael Douglas: “Greed… is good.”
‘Extravagance’
The word ‘extravagance’ literally means: wandering beyond bounds. It is related to the words vague and vagabond. It is contrary to the focus and simplicity. A choice has to be made. Will extravagance be our ultimate goal, or focus and simplicity?
THREE POWERFUL PRACTICES
Here are three practical, biblical ways to begin to apply focus and simplicity:
Practice #1: Fasting
In fasting, less is more.
We have lost a priceless, spiritual tool in the discipline of fasting. “Why would I not eat when I have plenty of food? Why deny myself?” That is exactly the point. We do not know how to deny ourselves, especially our flesh, or anything that it craves and is immediately available. As a result, we have become an addictive society. I am talking not talking about them out there, but us in here: the Church.
There is a way for us to teach ourselves how to deny our flesh. It is called fasting. We have labeled it old-fashioned, archaic, not under grace – and deeper into bondage to our physical urges we go. Fasting is one of the foundational things of faith.
Among other things, scripture says that fasting:
§ Is a mark of a disciple (Mark 2:18-20)
§ Is a key to spiritual power (Matthew 17:21)
§ Gives freedom (Isaiah 58:6)
§ Gives mastery over physical urges (Hebrews 12:16)
I invite you to join us as a church in beginning 2008 with a Daniel Fast. This is a three week period, from January 14 to February 3, based on Daniel 10:3. The idea is to make sacrificial choices in your diet during that time to hear from God individually and together as a church. The focus is on no meat or sugar during that time. You may need to make your own adjustments.
A woman from our congregation gave me some great insights and information about the Daniel Fast. One of the things that she did was show me if you rearrange the letters in the word ‘Daniel’ you get the word ‘denial’, or the word ‘nailed’! Additional information is available at the Community Life Center. Specific prayer points will be made available each week.
Practice #2: Sabbath
The Sabbath principle, taking a time of rest, is also about less is more.
There are seven days in a week to get stuff done. God said work in seven of them and rest in one of them. Trust me on that day of inactivity. Not only that, but every seventh year let the land have a Sabbath. Don’t work the land in that year. Let it rest from activity. Trust me to provide enough in the six years for that time of rest.
They did what many of us would do. They did the math. A field that will provide this much in six years will provide more in seven years. I want more. I’m going to work my field. I can’t rest. That’s lazy. Certainly God doesn’t want me to be lazy. Besides, I’ll lose all the momentum that I have created. I just can’t sit back.
I think we need to take a ministry Sabbath. I have spoken with the leadership team, and for the next three months we won’t be doing any ministry activities outside of Sunday morning and Wednesday night. Host Homes, Women’s Ministry, other groups and events will be on Sabbath. Not because they are unimportant, but because they are very important. During this time we are going to seek God about what we do here, why we do it and how we do it. I believe with this Sabbath there will be a freshness and new vitality brought to these areas. We will focus on the ‘first things’ during this time: Sunday and Wednesday services, Children’s, Youth and Worship.
You may think, “But, we’ll lose momentum. We can’t stop these activities.” Our trust is in God, not in momentum. If an area of ministry can’t survive a three month Sabbath, then maybe it shouldn’t continue at all.
Our adult small groups will be focused into these choices: Sunday morning you can attend ‘The Core’ (a great place to start), or a class on biblical finances. Wednesday night we have a class called “Dig in!” We will dig deeper in the topics and context of Sunday’s morning service. That means that you can write down questions, comments, concerns or additional insights on Sunday and come discuss those things on Wednesday night. This week we can talk more about the context of Revelation 2, more about fasting, or more about your questions and comments.
Sunday morning and Wednesday night; Children, Youth, Worship and only a few smaller group options. This will be our focus. We will hear God for the next step as it comes.
Practice #3: Life Journals
Finally, as we talk about ‘first things’ and ‘first love’, I want to encourage you once again in the area of Life Journals. For me personally, if I had to pare my activity down to just one activity and let everything else go, that one activity would be Life Journals. I receive more from my Life Journal than from any other source.
Life Journals are available at the Community Life Center. Instructions on use are inside.
Conclusion
As we continue in this series, we will focus on the fundamental elements of who we are as a church – our calling, our purpose and our vision – from Psalm chapter one.
Are you ready to make this year something different; something special; not like all the others? My wife and I own a gold 2002 Toyota Camry. It’s a nice car, but it is certainly not unique. It seems like one out of every three cars on the road is a gold 2002 Toyota Camry. I was rushing out of a grocery store one day in the rain. While running towards the car I hit the keyless entry, ready to jump into the unlocked car when I got to it. I opened the door and slid into the driver’s seat. I noticed the seat was pushed uncomfortably forward and I thought, “Oh, Dalene must have been driving the car.” But then I realized, I’m the one who drove it to the store. I looked around and saw some things I didn’t recognize. “Hmmm, that’s funny,” I thought. And then it hit me – I am sitting in someone else’s car. I jumped out and noticed my gold Camry two cars away.
Don’t just jump into this New Year. Slow down. Take a moment. Look around. What does God have for you this year?
Here are three practical, biblical ways to begin to apply focus and simplicity:
Practice #1: Fasting
In fasting, less is more.
We have lost a priceless, spiritual tool in the discipline of fasting. “Why would I not eat when I have plenty of food? Why deny myself?” That is exactly the point. We do not know how to deny ourselves, especially our flesh, or anything that it craves and is immediately available. As a result, we have become an addictive society. I am talking not talking about them out there, but us in here: the Church.
There is a way for us to teach ourselves how to deny our flesh. It is called fasting. We have labeled it old-fashioned, archaic, not under grace – and deeper into bondage to our physical urges we go. Fasting is one of the foundational things of faith.
Among other things, scripture says that fasting:
§ Is a mark of a disciple (Mark 2:18-20)
§ Is a key to spiritual power (Matthew 17:21)
§ Gives freedom (Isaiah 58:6)
§ Gives mastery over physical urges (Hebrews 12:16)
I invite you to join us as a church in beginning 2008 with a Daniel Fast. This is a three week period, from January 14 to February 3, based on Daniel 10:3. The idea is to make sacrificial choices in your diet during that time to hear from God individually and together as a church. The focus is on no meat or sugar during that time. You may need to make your own adjustments.
A woman from our congregation gave me some great insights and information about the Daniel Fast. One of the things that she did was show me if you rearrange the letters in the word ‘Daniel’ you get the word ‘denial’, or the word ‘nailed’! Additional information is available at the Community Life Center. Specific prayer points will be made available each week.
Practice #2: Sabbath
The Sabbath principle, taking a time of rest, is also about less is more.
There are seven days in a week to get stuff done. God said work in seven of them and rest in one of them. Trust me on that day of inactivity. Not only that, but every seventh year let the land have a Sabbath. Don’t work the land in that year. Let it rest from activity. Trust me to provide enough in the six years for that time of rest.
They did what many of us would do. They did the math. A field that will provide this much in six years will provide more in seven years. I want more. I’m going to work my field. I can’t rest. That’s lazy. Certainly God doesn’t want me to be lazy. Besides, I’ll lose all the momentum that I have created. I just can’t sit back.
I think we need to take a ministry Sabbath. I have spoken with the leadership team, and for the next three months we won’t be doing any ministry activities outside of Sunday morning and Wednesday night. Host Homes, Women’s Ministry, other groups and events will be on Sabbath. Not because they are unimportant, but because they are very important. During this time we are going to seek God about what we do here, why we do it and how we do it. I believe with this Sabbath there will be a freshness and new vitality brought to these areas. We will focus on the ‘first things’ during this time: Sunday and Wednesday services, Children’s, Youth and Worship.
You may think, “But, we’ll lose momentum. We can’t stop these activities.” Our trust is in God, not in momentum. If an area of ministry can’t survive a three month Sabbath, then maybe it shouldn’t continue at all.
Our adult small groups will be focused into these choices: Sunday morning you can attend ‘The Core’ (a great place to start), or a class on biblical finances. Wednesday night we have a class called “Dig in!” We will dig deeper in the topics and context of Sunday’s morning service. That means that you can write down questions, comments, concerns or additional insights on Sunday and come discuss those things on Wednesday night. This week we can talk more about the context of Revelation 2, more about fasting, or more about your questions and comments.
Sunday morning and Wednesday night; Children, Youth, Worship and only a few smaller group options. This will be our focus. We will hear God for the next step as it comes.
Practice #3: Life Journals
Finally, as we talk about ‘first things’ and ‘first love’, I want to encourage you once again in the area of Life Journals. For me personally, if I had to pare my activity down to just one activity and let everything else go, that one activity would be Life Journals. I receive more from my Life Journal than from any other source.
Life Journals are available at the Community Life Center. Instructions on use are inside.
Conclusion
As we continue in this series, we will focus on the fundamental elements of who we are as a church – our calling, our purpose and our vision – from Psalm chapter one.
Are you ready to make this year something different; something special; not like all the others? My wife and I own a gold 2002 Toyota Camry. It’s a nice car, but it is certainly not unique. It seems like one out of every three cars on the road is a gold 2002 Toyota Camry. I was rushing out of a grocery store one day in the rain. While running towards the car I hit the keyless entry, ready to jump into the unlocked car when I got to it. I opened the door and slid into the driver’s seat. I noticed the seat was pushed uncomfortably forward and I thought, “Oh, Dalene must have been driving the car.” But then I realized, I’m the one who drove it to the store. I looked around and saw some things I didn’t recognize. “Hmmm, that’s funny,” I thought. And then it hit me – I am sitting in someone else’s car. I jumped out and noticed my gold Camry two cars away.
Don’t just jump into this New Year. Slow down. Take a moment. Look around. What does God have for you this year?
