Like some of you who are older than some of you, I grew up hearing and learning about the all important "3 R's" of education—Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. I always found it ironic that an educational slogan claimed that “arithmetic” started with an “r” but I digress. In recent years, the term has been co-opted to include other “r’s” mean other things like “relationships, routines, and repetition,” or “relationships, relevance, and rigor.” While these are also important, some might say they dilute the emphasis on teaching children a love for reading, the ability to express thoughts through writing or typing, and the problem-solving skills that come with learning math.
In my morning time with God, He reminded me that like many pastors, seminary professors and veteran Christians, we (meaning I) tend to complicate being a Jesus follower with the rules that the Pharisees so loved and Jesus so resisted. What if we had three “R’s” of discipleship? They might look like this:
Read
Reading is truly one of the fundamentals of education. I watched my daughter develop a love for reading that has put her ahead in almost every academic and vocational endeavor. Likewise, to read the Bible on a systematic, intentional and regular basis is life and eternity-changing. It is not enough to open our Bibles only when prompted by our pastor or small group leader. I have been energized by engaging in a “through the Bible” plan each year. As a pastor, it made sure I was reading passages that were not part of a sermon series. As a disciple, I learn something new every time I look at a passage in the context of daily reading.
Restore
Psalm 51 is one of the most important chapters in the Bible for me. David is pleading with God to forgive his substantial sin. He pleads for God to remain with him, not to depart and as part of his prayer he begs God to “restore the joy of Your salvation” which connects with me. Sin–doing things I shouldn’t and not doing things I should–distracts me. It takes my attention off of God and on to the ways I can please my selfish instincts and not suffer any consequences. When it is just me and God, I need (like David) to beg for restoration in my life. Restoration of the fun and spontaneous encouragement of others. Restoration of the dedication to study and holiness. Restoration of the love for people–all people. Restoration of the humility that makes my countenance bright. Restoration of generosity and graciousness. Restoration of the priority of God first, others second and me third.
Repent
A recent writer suggested that repentance was as much a change in perspective as a change in action. I need to quit seeing God as the one who looks for me to mess up and see Him as a grace-giving, redemption initiating, justice seeking, Almighty ruler of the universe. Then the repentance for a particular sin makes more sense. When I see repentance as a magic eraser, I have a low view of the cost of my salvation. God I repent. I repent of my arrogance. I repent of my divisiveness. I repent of others having to lose in order for me to win. I repent of gossip and slander and malicious conversation. I repent of a view of You that keeps my sin in sight until I somehow do something that cancels it out. I repent. I return. I wait.
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