The Legacy of Michael Jackson

25 June, 2009

Mick Christianity , , , , 1 Comment

As many of you have probably heard, Michael Jackson died today in Los Angeles.  Though I am not completely sure on the details, I do know that this is not tabloid material; it’s real.

Michael Jackson was a person who lived an interesting life.  Since the age of 9 he has pretty much been in the spotlight.  I wonder, however, what will be remembered from Michael Jackson in twenty-five years?  What will his legacy be?

Will we remember his days in Jackson 5?  Will we remember his dance moves?  What about his music videos?  Or will he be remembered as the weird looking man that liked children?  Unfortunately this may be the case, but only time will tell.

When we die, that is it.  We no longer have any influence on how the world looks at us.  Michael Jackson can no longer change his fate, nor can Ferrah Fawcett who also died today of cancer.

What about your legacy?  My hope is that you will be able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (1 Timothy 4:7)  Keeping the faith is essential.  No matter how many things we accomplish here in this life, it can mean close to nothing when looking at eternity.

Do you think God really cares if you were the most popular person in the 80′s?  Do you think God really cares that you have an LCD television?  Do you think God really cares that you retired at the age 50?

What kind of legacy are you leaving?  Is it one that God cares about?

A Funeral for a Friend

22 May, 2009

Mick Christianity, Community, Crossroads , , , 1 Comment

One of my responsibilities as a minister is to perform funerals.  Las week I actually did a funeral for someone who was a part of the church that used to meet in the building Crossroads currently uses, and we just consider them to be a part of the family (as all Christians are).

Sadly, only about twenty people showed up.  Charles was 83 years old and lived in the area since his early twenties, so he has deep roots in the community.  For someone who has been a part of this community for so long, twenty people showing up for a funeral says a lot about our current culture.

Narcissism: self-love that shuts out everyone else.

I think we are living in a time where people think more of themselves than other people.  To the point where it is narcissism.  Why should I take time out of work to go to a funeral?  He was a friend, but we weren’t that close.  I don’t want to drive for an hour of service and then drive again.

I’m not sure what the situation is Charles’ case was, but after talking to the funeral director I found out this is a growing trend for funerals.  Sad but true.  I wonder what this will look like in another 50 years?

The Bereaved

25 March, 2009

Mick My Thoughts , , , 2 Comments

Being a minister has many benefits; studying God’s word, seeing people grow spiritually, building relationships, etc…  Sometimes you even get the great joy of sharing in some of life’s greatest privileges like birth and marriage. 

Today was different.  Someone from Crossroads died this morning from an accident.  Matt and I spent some time with the family today, and it really brought to my attention how real death is.

Death is never an enjoyable time.  Yes, it can create a time to celebrate a life.  But losing someone you love is never easy.

This is one of the heartaches that we must bare in the ministry.  Death is very spiritual matter, and because of it’s nature people generally turn to the Church for comfort.

Today I read John 14:1-6 to the family.

  • 1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Though a death is one of the many tragedies of this life, we have an opportunity to come closer together and share not only in our mourning, but in our blessed assurance of faith in Christ Jesus.