God Issues Today: "Flying With the Birds"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

By now you've seen the remarkable images of the US Airways jet that landed in the Hudson River yesterday. The jet was apparently struck by geese shortly after taking off. This morning's New York Times tells us that since 2000, at least 486 planes have collided with birds. Pilots never know when it will happen to them. It's a parable for life—the future is unpredictable, so we need to stay close to the only One we can trust.

We have sought this week to experience a more intimate, personal relationship with our Lord. We have learned to invite Christ to live in our souls, turning our thoughts to our Lord, disowning ourselves and surrendering each day to his purpose. When we choose to dwell in the presence of Jesus, we will know him more passionately than ever before.

This is a lifestyle, not a Sunday morning activity. Practicing the presence of God means that we choose to honor him above all others and do only what pleases our holy Lord. Richard Baxter, the seventeenth-century Puritan theologian, advises us: "Spend your time in nothing which you know must be repented of; in nothing on which you might not claim the blessings of God; in nothing which you could not review with a quiet conscience on your dying bed; in nothing which you might not be safely and properly doing if guests surprise you in the act."

That much I understand. It is only logical that I cannot draw close to a holy God unless I am willing to live as a holy person. But there's one other key to intimacy with God which we often overlook—serving others. I must breathe out to breathe in. I must give away what is in my hand to receive something in my hand. When I love my neighbor as myself, I can love God with my heart, soul, mind and strength (Matthew 22:37, 39). You cannot hate my family and love me. When I serve you, I draw close to your Father.

Consider this assertion by E. M. Poteat, Sr.:

Carve your name high above the shifting sand, where the steadfast rocks defy decay;
But all you can hold in your cold, dead hand is what you have given away.
Build your pyramids skyward, and stand gazed at by millions: cultured, they say;
But all you can hold in your cold, dead hand is what you have given away.
Conquest in gold and fame; Ah how grand! King of the salon, the mart, a day—
But all you can hold in your cold, dead hand is what you have given away.

What will you give away today?