First Baptist Church Of Memphis

Recently I was at a party and several folks said to me, “Well, I keep meaning to come, but you know….” In such instances, I find myself showing some sympathy, but also trying to help the individual get over and beyond the roadblocks that, most of the time, they themselves are putting in the way.

It reminds me of that famous Woody Allen quote, “90% of life is showing up.” It’s overexposed, I know. But there’s a reason quotes get over utilized…there must be something to them. In making sure that I got this particular quote correct, I ended up on a message board with people’s responses to this quote. One person saw it as shallow. Several as incomplete. They are both correct. But still another person wrote, “I think the statement is meant as an encouragement to engage in life…sort of like the movie ‘Yes Man.’ In my experience people seem to disqualify themselves for so many reasons—I’m not prepared, I won’t have time, I won’t understand—and so they never show up. My guess is that the last two jobs I’ve had were given to me, not because I was the most qualified person in the job pool, but because I showed up, that and the fact that some far more qualified person found a reason not to show up.”

I understand those reasons not to show up. I’ve allowed them to keep me from numerous experiences in my life. But I cannot remember a single time when I’ve overcome those reasons and shown up, that I’ve regretted it. Worship, concerts, dinners, retreats, trips, games, even dates to read a good book have all been rewarded. Sometimes it’s not even been the event itself, but something on the way that makes it worthwhile, provided I have eyes to see. This brings me to the next point---open up.

Jesus said, “Seek and ye shall find.” We generally see that text as an encouraging prescription of how we should and can find the “Kingdom.” And I think that is true. But Philip Yancey has suggested that it may also have a wider application, that it is also descriptive of how we engage in life, meaning “you will find that which you seek.” If you’re looking for good, you’ll find it. If you’re looking for trouble, you’ll find it. If you’re looking for something beautiful, you’ll find it. If you’re looking for something ugly, you’ll find it. If you’re looking for reasons to go or stay or leave or stay home, you’ll find them. If you’re looking for something positive, you’ll find it. If you’re looking for something negative, you’ll find it. Now, this isn’t to say that you’re totally in control of your experience. All sorts of stuff can and do find us, in spite of where we are looking. But we do have some control, and most every experience in life is filled with enough good and bad, pretty and ugly, positive and negative, that you can and will find what you seek. That’s Yancey’s additional take on Jesus’ saying.

So what’s the application? Well, life of course. But in particular---church, worship, Sunday School, Wednesday night, Trunk or Treat, Kyle Matthews, Missions Banquet etc. Show up and open up, and invite others to do the same. Don’t let the voices of negativity keep you from being present and getting the very best out of your faith and life.

Grace,

David