David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”

Whatever…

Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Yellow Water Lily
Yellow Water Lily

The list of things we can do in Jesus’ name at first glance is small. We might think of attending worship, leading a Sunday school class, serving on a church board, singing in the choir, or helping with a church project. Such means of service are good to be sure, but not the only way in which we serve in Christ’s name.

Our calling is clear: “whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” That opens up a whole new dimension of opportunities to serve Christ. It’s not just a matter of doing churchly things; it has to do with our Saturday afternoon, Wednesday morning and Friday night activities. Whether working in the yard, or commuting to work, enjoying an evening out or attending a football game, we are to do it in the name of Jesus.

That is a challenge! Are we to sit praying all the while at the football game (not just about the outcome of the game!)? Are we to spend our commute letting everyone go in front of us – doubling our commute time?!? Should we bless the grass before we mow it?

Perhaps we could be more considerate of fellow commuters. And you might indeed pray for an injured player. Seeking to bless your server with a sincere question about his well-being and need for prayer is a worthy practice. But equally important we must recognize every activity as an opportunity to honor Christ and express thanks to God for his goodness.

Therein lies the key to doing everything in Jesus’ name: thankfulness. The two are intimately tied to each other: “whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17). When we call to mind that Christ has saved us and given us abundant, eternal life; that he hears and answers our prayers; that he gives us all we have; we bloom in thankfulness.

When we are thankful – intentionally so – we not only honor God, we also express a truth that sustains that very thankfulness. There is no part of our lives which Jesus wants to ignore; nothing we face is beyond the reach of his kindness, mercy, grace and blessing. His love is everywhere and his grace and mercy spans time and eternity.

What do you have planned for today? Might the grace, mercy and peace of Christ make it even better?

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