If You Live By The Cheeseburger

Someone smart once said, "If you live by the sword, you die by the sword." In a sentence, this sums up life in a nutshell really. Whatever you focus on in life is what ultimately results in your demise. For some people that is "the sword." They live by violence and they die by violence. Others live for food (like the cheeseburger) and they die from greasy, cholesterol filled hearts that can't pump enough blood through their diseased arteries. (Now that's descriptive!) Believe me, if you live by the cheeseburger, you will die by the cheeseburger.

Most people who really despise AIM may have put way too much stock in it to begin with. Missionaries who hate foreigners probably had too high an expectation of the people. Teenagers who loathe their youth ministers may have held those same men in a position that they could never have reached. If you live by the sword, you die by the sword. We all have to live by something. We all have to find passion somewhere. In our jobs, our education, our experiences, our loved ones... We need something to be focused on. The catch is whatever we focus on is what will ultimately kill us. If you live by AIM, you die by AIM.

Might I suggest living for Jesus? After all, he is the only thing/one in this world who demonstrated an ability to conquer death. We all need something to be passionate about. Be passionate about Jesus. If you live by Jesus you will never die, because he is the resurrection and the life.

- Chris Johnson (Aim Alum, Scotland '95)

Another Night At A Temporary Inn

C.S. Lewis in his book "The Problem of Pain" talks about the fact that we humans will never experience true peace here on earth. The reason for this is simple. God wants us always to remember that there is something better out there for us. "This world is not our home." So, we dwell on this earth in "pleasant inns," not mistaking our temporary shelter for the permanent homes God has for us in eternity.

Suppose C.S. Lewis is right. What if God in his great love, purposefully chose to allow us to endure trials here on earth, if for no other reason than to remind us that this place is not where we want to be? What if pain on earth were a tool of evangelism? Could sorrow be an instrument of God, always reminding us that life here is not like life there?

Today, no matter the trial, no matter the sorrow, we find temporary peace. Our peace comes from the inescapable truth that good things are coming on the horizon. No matter how hard we try or want it, earth will always have some level, some amount of pain. And yet, just like the light from the empty tomb overpowering a wooden cross, God's blessing isn't far away either. One day we will be with him in comfort. One day we will have our permanent peace.

- Chris Johnson (Aim Alum, Scotland 95)

God Is Doing Something Big

Imagine being Joseph and having dreams about the future.  One dream is about the cosmos bowing down to you, while the other dream is about grain falling at your feet in honor (why grain anyway?).  As you sit there pondering whether or not last night's vision was a gift from God, or whether it was the result of a bad tuna sandwich eaten right before bed, you realize that this is the kind of vision that changes everything.  Definitely, this is not the kind of dream to keep a secret. So, you share that dream.

Guess what?  Nobody gets it.  No one understands.  Before long, everyone thinks you are weird and wants to toss you in a hole to teach you a lesson.  In Joseph's case, they did just that!  So, as Joseph sits there pondering his dream (and the reality of his situation), just imagine the prayer that he prays.  "God, where are you leading me to next?  Don't you have a plan for me?"

The thing is, God does have a plan for Joseph.  A great plan filled with lots of good blessings.  But first, come the trials.  Still, looking back on it, Joseph might not get rid of the trials.  After all, this is an adventure we are talking about!  Joseph's cross cultural adventure far away from family is just beginning.  All of the parts, both good and bad make up that great adventure.  Still, God is doing something big in Joseph's life.  Joseph just isn't sure what yet.

- Chris Johnson (Aim Alum, Scotland 95)