Not that the other three weeks of our “No Regrets” series haven’t been powerful, but I, like many of you, were blown away as hundreds of people during the weekend remained in their seats instead of taking communion. People took me up on the challenge to bypass receiving the elements this month until they could make a relationship right, forgive someone who had hurt them, or at least, “as far as it depends on us…make every effort” possible to repair brokenness in a relationship.

I talked to dozens of people. They all have stories similar to these (paraphrases):

I want you to know that I stayed in my seat Sunday. I realized as you were speaking that I have some people I need to talk to.

I did not take communion today. I haven’t talked to my sister in years so I went home and wrote her a long letter…

I got up after church and went right over to someone that I am not right with and asked them to forgive me…

You might have noticed I did not take communion. I had a conversation last week that did not end right…I’ve got to do something about that this week…

I knew that I could not take communion Saturday night. I have someone who has hurt me deeply, and I know I need to forgive them. Could you share some steps…

All I could say is…WOW! I was struck by so many people humbling themselves in this way. I was impressed that so many people took Jesus at his word in Matthew 6: “Leave your gift at the altar, go make it right with that person, and then come back and worship.”

It occurred to me later that an even bigger thing was going on at Covenant Church this weekend. As a corporate body, I believe we are becoming more and more open to the words God is whispering to us through His Spirit. As a church, we desperately want to be people who are intentional about our walk with Jesus.

That’s why this weekend was so incredible. When we get the little things right, God can really use us. I believe that the Lord has some big plans for us in the future, and we are making it our business to get ready!

By the way, it’s not too late to respond to the message of the week. If there is anyone you are not right with, then humble yourself and apologize, forgive, make up, or whatever you need to do. You don’t want to get to the end of your life with a trail of broken relationships.

Branson

This innovative retailer can be found at the corner of Evans St. and Greenville Blvd., and its signage subtitle says it all: Sell it…Buy it…Love it. I was intrigued by this marketing slogan and recently conducted some firsthand reconnaissance.

No great surprise once I got inside. You sell your stuff at wholesale and can buy other stuff at retail, goodies that your peers have previously sold. It’s essentially an upscale garage sale all in one place, and I can see why the place was packed the day I visited.

The truth is, almost all of us have outdated stuff around the house that can be traded for something more useful. Jesus understood this life principle and invited us to trade our lives for something better. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, pick up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:34-35)

Jesus was crystal clear: we could not embrace His kingdom and way of life (Buy it) until we let go of our world’s values (Sell it). To be an intentional follower, we must first deny our own rights.

Once we “sell” our life and in so doing acknowledge our need, we can now embrace or buy His way of life; picking up our cross and following. In other words, we exchange a world where we are at the center for a world where He is at the center. We let go our agenda and embrace His. We go from a Burger-King mindset where we “have it our way” to a King of Kings perspective where we bow to His Way.

Jesus called this exchange process discipleship and promised joy to those who acted on this invitation: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) Our response to this exchange is obvious, we Love it! What a great deal as we sell our broken humanity for His forgiveness and restoration.

Sell it…Buy it…Love it. This may be a good marketing strategy for a retail business, but it’s an even better summary of the gospel message of Jesus. Personally, it’s a deal I have never regretted making.

This weekend, Branson will wrap up his series on No Regrets, originally set for last weekend. Be sure to join us as we catch up for a lost snow weekend.

Exchanging My Life for His!

Charlie

“A man is not old until his regrets take the place of his dreams.” ancient proverb

Our current teaching focus on “No Regrets” is hitting very close to home as Mary Lou and I approach a new season in our lives. In fact, it explains a whole new direction we are taking. Let me explain.

My dad’s death in 2007 was not a surprise, even though it happened suddenly. At 91, he was dying one piece at a time as his body withered away daily. What did surprise me, however, was what I learned from his passing and the new perspective it gave me.

I do not believe my dad was a disciple of Jesus. He was a good man by the world’s standards, but I never saw any evidence that he placed his hope in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Born in 1916 and shaped by the Great Depression, my dad relied on himself and his strong willpower to succeed as the world defines it. Unfortunately, I am sure he had enormous regrets five minutes after his death.

Yes, he had been a benefit to hundreds if not thousands of patients with his medical expertise. Yes, he had helped many patients for free motivated by his own poor upbringing. Yes, he was a good and moral man in all his dealings. But because he did not rely upon and live for Jesus, I came to see clearly that his life had been wasted. I was overwhelmed by the realization.

Obviously, this perception triggered an exhaustive and exhausting assessment of my own life. Along the way, there were many conversations with Mary Lou and close friends. I also benefited from Randy Alcorn’s book Heaven, which carefully details the disciple’s final destination and the benefits of living for eternity rather than today. Combined with the May ’10 graduation of our youngest from college, Mary Lou and I are jumping off the high diving board. We don’t want to have any regrets at the end of our earthly lives.

In June, Mary Lou and I are leaving Covenant and Greenville to respond to God’s calling to accelerate our faith. We will be attending a 10-month, character-building discipleship school at Antioch Community Church in Texas. It will be an intense year of learning that will prepare us for a new season of kingdom ministry. What comes after we complete this sabbatical is unclear to us. What is clear is that the One we trust and follow knows exactly what is best.

Mary Lou and I are both very grateful for your partnership in following Jesus and have grown immensely from our time with you in “G-Vegas”. We never imagined that we would serve a church in Greenville, and now, we can’t imagine having not been a part of Covenant’s journey.

Intentionally Living with No Regrets,

Charlie