Underwood Unplugged

At the end of Colossians, Paul mentions a handful of people we know very little about.

In 2005, we live in a culture of celebrities or personalities, and it is easy to feel insignificant. We've all felt insignificant or overlooked, before - at least I have. I grew up attending a church of seven thousand people - how could one person matter to God?

How could one person matter in the church?

But God really has wired each of us to make a contribution. While we are busy focusing on visible "heroes" like the Apostle Paul, God wants us to notice that everyone can play a heroic role in the faith.

For Tychicus, it was the role of "fellow servant," bringing valuable information and encouragement to Christians in Colosse.

For Nympha, it was hosting a brand new church in her own home.

For Epaphras, it was an ongoing effort to pray for other believers and their growth in the faith.

For Aristarchus, it was the key association of being a "fellow prisoner" in the Christ-proclaiming ministry of Paul.

We don't know much more about these people, or Archippus, Justus, or several others mentioned.

What I do know is that I'm reading about them 2,000 years later. They played an important role in the family of God, and so do you.

Nobody is without significance. We are all here to serve, and give what we can for God's eternal kingdom. The words Paul writes for Archippus might as well be to you and me today: "See to it that you finish the job God has given you!"

Last week, I attended a leadership conference put on by Willow Creek Community Church. This is a large church in Chicago that has done a great job at helping people find hope in Jesus Christ and grow in their faith. One thing I really appreciate about Willow Creek is their mission statement. The church's clearly stated purpose is to "turn irreligious people into fully-devoted followers of Christ."

Seems like that was Jesus's goal as well! He traveled around, calling people to be his "disciples." Today, we could use the word "student," "apprentice," "learner," or "protege" instead of disciple. Whatever word you choose, that word must imply some form of strong commitment and devotion.

Consider the very first church attenders... "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."

Consider how Paul, a disciple himself, emphasizes total commitment to your communication with God. He writes to Colosse, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful" (Colossians 4:2).

Or to Christians in the town of Ephesus in Asia Minor, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children."

Or to his younger friend Timothy, he challenges him to "watch your life and your doctrine closely. Persevere in them..." (1 Timothy 4:16).

If we look through the Bible, we could find countless examples of what it means to be committed to following Christ in the way you live, think, and talk. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what Paul did, what the disciples did, or what your pastor did.

What about you? Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ?

My guess is that our country has millions of Christians but very few people who are actually devoted to Jesus in any meaningful way.

How would you tell if you are really committed as a follower of Christ?

Willow Creek would ask you if you attend church and participate in a small group. Most churches would ask you if you are volunteering somewhere and giving some of your money back to God.

But only God knows what's really in there - in the heart of you - are you devoted to Him? When I look at my own life, I know that's my desire. I also know this is a question I need to ask myself on a regular basis.

I really like Mexican food.

For two years, I worked at a place called “The Hacienda Mexican restaurant.” Some of my best memories happened there, and they have little to do with burritos.

I met Jennie Walta at Hacienda. She and I were servers, and now Jennie Underwood and I have been married for five terrific years!

I met God more deeply at Hacienda. You see, I came face-to-face with God’s mission for my life as I spent many hours at Hacienda.

Conversations with co-workers became friendships with people who were trying to make sense of life. As they heard I was becoming a pastor, we had many talks about God, faith, and life’s toughest issues.

"Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:5-6

Today, God invites us to some form of “Hacienda.” A place for you to build honest relationships with people far from God. An chance for God to shine light through you and lead others to know Him. Maybe it’s your neighborhood, your workplace, your family, your hobby – and a prayer that God would work through you to change somebody’s life…

Where is your Hacienda?

Every August, the Willow Creek Association puts on a terrific event for leaders, called the Leadership Summit. This is my third year in a row attending the Summit, and I always find it to be a time of great challenge and encouragement as I desire to grow as a Christan leader.

With nine different speakers in three days, it makes for a pretty engaging and interesting time. I find myself looking forward to some speakers and "patiently enduring" other speakers. I think it's a pretty human thing for us to connect with certain people and not connect with others. However, we must be very careful not to play favorites too much - or pay too much attention to that - in the body of Christ.

The other night, I was thinking about how much I really like one speaker and kind of had him on a pedestal in my mind. For whatever reason, God brought to mind the divisions in the Corinthian churches over who would follow which teacher. Paul writes, "My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:11-12.

See - there it is, people picking favorites and actually DIVIDING over which pastor or teacher they liked the most. I see that happening in many churches, sometimes those with one pastor, and sometimes those with many. But Paul really challenges us to watch out for that... Listen to how he brings focus to the issue:

"Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?"

As a teacher, Paul may have personally "hoped" that people would like him, but at least he had the right perspective - the POINT is that we all follow Jesus Christ, and not get caught up in comparing speakers, playing favorites, or - in my case - actually trying to BE people's favorite!

So, I won't tell you what speakers I liked the best at the Summit. Each one has something unique to say and to contribute, and I might eventually share some specifics. But they are only worth listening to if they help point me to Christ.

Today, Jennie and I found out the gender of our second child, to be born on December 25th. How ironic, a Christmas baby!

We haven't told anyone the baby's name yet, and that's because we don't know. Very few decisions in life will last as long as this whole "name-giving thing."

My parents named me Gary "Noel" Underwood. Throughout the years, my "friends" have joked about either the Christmas-like nature of that name or even the feminine counterpart - "Noelle." But that name comes from Pastor Noel Irwin, a wise, caring, and respected role model for my parents.

During my life, I've been proud of my name. "Gary" means "loyal warrior." LOVE that! Throughout history, a person's name has been associated with his reputation, her abilities, or his family.

Only a select few choose to wear a different name. Believe it or not, you're not necessarily stuck with whatever name your parents gave you. In fact, every day is a chance to upgrade that name with the way you live and how you treat other people.

As we think about giving our Christmas baby a name, I am reminded of the most important name of all.

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:17 NIV)

I am skeptical of politicians.

Sometimes critical of public figures.

Cynical about religious figures.

Wonder where the real men are? Leaders who might be worth following?

God says that if a man cannot lead his own family, he is not allowed to lead as an elder in the church (1 Timothy 3:5). Real leadership starts at home.

But what makes a husband or father a godly leader?

The Leadership Vacuum

Many families have experienced the opposite.

The man might be a leader, but he “leads” with his “absence” - silently telling his wife that she doesn’t matter. Always doing his own thing.

He “leads” by authority, seeking to dominate and control his family, abusing his strength.

He “leads” by default, reproducing the non-verbal, “strong, silent” model of his father, insensitive to the needs, cares, and desires of his own, unique family.

For better or for worse, you are leading by your example.

The Heart of Spiritual Leaders

The Apostle Paul challenges husbands to lead and love their wives just like Christ himself loves - and sacrificed himself for - the church (Ephesians 5:22-33).

Yeah, that’s what great leadership looks like.

He was unselfish. Willing to sacrifice. Standing up for what is right. Giving everything for the ones He loves. Considering God’s desires above his own personal will. To his last breath, communicating his love - “Father forgive them...”

The greatest spiritual leader of all time was a strong, expressive, committed, sacrificial, loving, and compassionate servant.

Where do we begin?

After looking at Christ, I feel pretty inadequate. In fact, how many of us husbands and fathers realize the tremendous privilege and impact we have before us? To at least get the ball rolling...

(1) Commit to your own spiritual growth – If you are not fully-alive and growing in your faith, how can you influence others in the right direction? Is the Bible just another book? Is prayer less than real to you? Is church life a nuisance for you?

For your own life and for your family, I urge you to pursue God like you never have before! God can change your life, empower your heart, and use you to lead your family in ways that you cannot imagine. Let Christ be your leader!

(2) Get to really know your family – Too tired to listen to your wife? What happened to the best friend and lifelong companion you said those vows to?

Keep “dating”! Pursue time away together. Take family vacations, even if you’re just doing shopping. You are a true hero when you make time to bond, have fun, and communicate with the ones you say you love.

(3) Choose to accept your leadership responsibility – Like it or not, you’re a leader. You get to decide if you will accept this wonderful opportunity to influence your family for good, and leave a legacy that they will want to share with others. Unfortunately, many men forfeit the responsibility that comes with their families, and have no idea of the damage they cause.

Will you choose to be the best husband and father you could possibly be?

(4) Realize the consequences of your leadership – Like anything in life, your choice has consequences. A terrible leader will lead his wife toward hatred, resentment, and heartbreak. A God-honoring leader might discover what it is like to have a thriving, cherished, and unselfish wife as a result!

While it’s almost cool to criticize leaders in the news or on TV, it’s the lack of leadership in the family that has the greatest influence. What kind of leading man are you?

I remember one popular song telling me to “Listen to your Heart.” Two theme songs for the movie Rocky IV were “Burning Heart” and “Hearts on Fire,” as Rocky prepared for a big boxing match. Don Henley encouraged fans to remember “The Heart of the Matter.”

The heart is a pretty big deal in our culture. Americans, like few others in history, talk about the heart as the source of emotions, dreams, and passions.

What’s in your heart?

For most of us, the number one thing on our hearts is, unfortunately, ourselves. Our self-loving society leads us to answer the questions “What makes me happy?” “What makes me comfortable?” “What do I need?” “What do people think of me?” “What do I feel like doing today?”

Ironically, the world of “me” is not what’s really best for “my” heart. If I’m a Christian, then my heart and my entire life actually belongs to God, who loves me and gave everything to win my heart!

God calls us to “set your hearts on things above” (Colossians 3:1), and invest our lives in the things that last forever. Loving God requires a “total eclipse of the heart” – where you decide that you love God more than yourself.