A Man with a Plan: Mission Impossible?

The world may be looking for a “man with a plan,” but it became more apparent this week that Secretary of State John Kerry is not that man. After Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his doubts about successful peace negotiations with the Palestinians, Kerry said, “We have always known that achieving peace is a long and complicated process. It’s a tough road, but it is not mission impossible.” This week, Kerry returned to Washington when talks broke down. Mission impossible?

Ever since Israel became a nation in 1948, world leaders have tried to be “a man with a plan” for Middle East peace. But until Christ returns, it will be mission impossible. In the meantime, Jesus offers “a plan” for peace: His peace—not world peace (Jn. 14:27; 16:33). Knowing believers would face hostility in this world, Paul said, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, which exceeds anything we can understand, peace that will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Col. 2:15; Phil. 4:7). Peace for us is not only possible; it is highly probable. How can I be so sure? Because Jesus is our peace (Eph. 2:14).

Remember Lot’s Wife

Solomon, the greatest thinker whoever lived said, “As a man thinks so he is” (Prov. 23:7). Paul told the Colossians to think more about things above—thoughts of eternal value—than earthly ones (3:2). He told the Philippians to think about better things (4:8-9). And he flat out warned the Corinthians to “capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). Jesus often asked the question,“What do you think?”

If the first disciples had to be reminded not to be too occupied with earthly things, how much more do we! Earthly things can devour our mental energies and overwhelm our affections. And here’s a disturbing thought: what we think about reveals what we love. And John warns “if you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you” (1 John 2:15).

Lot’s wife loved the world. She couldn't stop thinking about the life she had left in Sodom; she couldn’t keep from looking back; and turned into a pillar of salt. In three power-packed words, Jesus warns, “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32). Considering her consequences, we have to ask “what was she thinking?” Whatever it was must have been pretty important to her! What do you think?

The Demise of Crystal Cathedral

A decline in attendance and revenue loss over the last decade has led to the demise of the Crystal Cathedral Ministries in Garden Grove, along with its renowned glass cathedral—sold to the Catholic archdiocese for $58 million. At the same time, founder Robert Schuller and his wife resigned from the board amid a dispute over payments due him, just after his daughters had been fired last week: a sad ending to the Schulller dynasty.

          Robert Schuller is well known for his version of prosperity theology: “Possibility Thinking.” In his book, “Self-Esteem: The New Reformation,” Schuller replaced the message of salvation from sin with the message of rescue from low self-esteem, saying, “I realized that every sermon I preach should be designed, not to ‘teach’ or ‘convert’ people, but rather to encourage them, to give them a lift; thus, I have adopted the spirit, style, strategy, and substance of a ‘therapist’ in the pulpit.”

          I believe Schuller's therapeutic teaching was what Paul calls a “different gospel” (Gal. 1:6; 2 Cor. 11;4).  "Different gospels" come and go.  And while "Possibility Thinking" may go the way of the defunct Crystal Cathedral, the gospel of "believe-in-yourself" wont be going away anytime soon: “There will be terrible times in the last days; people will be lovers of self…” (2 Tim. 3:1-2).