PARKS BROWN

Labor Day means something different to everyone. To some, it marks the end of summer. To others, it’s just a day off from work. In the late 1800’s President Grover Cleveland officially signed into law making the first Monday in September the day to ‘recognize and honor the achievements of workers.’ Labor Day has always been about the number of hours you spend working and the pace of your life. Labor Day is the opportunity to remember and adjust your struggle to balance work and a personal life.

In the 1800’s many Americans worked 70 plus hours a week and the length of the workweek became a political issue. From the 1850’s to about 1890, the average work week was 60-70 hours. The time was spent in manual labor not sitting at a desk on a telephone or on a computer. Whether you are a blue or white collar worker today, the amount of time you devote to work and the pace of your work are still the primary focus.

In July of this year, professional golf was upended by a 39 year old Kiwi winning the oldest golf tournament in the world, The Open. Ryan Fox was labeled the ‘fastest golfer in the world’ as his pace of play made the headlines amidst a bevy of younger players who are taking longer to complete a round of golf than ever. It wasn’t that Fox was rushing, he just didn’t waste time. How we manage our time is a witness to the world, even the staid world of the PGA.

Today people are spending more leisure time than ever and less time working. This is not leading to a healthier more robust populace, but just the opposite. The pace of our activities is more harried. We are cramming in more, trying to accomplish more tasks in the same time and have become more stressed. Hurry is a sickness. I know because I suffer with the disease.

The physical demands and exertion that led to Labor Day are a reminder to monitor your pace of play. White collar labor can deceive you into forgetting the pace is what is most important. Less physical labor or exercise results in higher stress, less sleep and higher incidences of stroke and heart disease. The further we get away from physical labor the more we view it as an activity or merely an expense on a ledger, a dollar cost.

Parents are training their children to live a faster pace of play by allowing them to participate in travel ball and cheer teams. The school system is giving more busy work they call homework. Churches get in on the hustle by offering more activities and service times. The faster we run, the more we get away from the natural pace of God and His creation.

God walks, He doesn’t run. During my busiest seasons I start the day praying and God reminds me that I have enough time to accomplish all HE has for me that day. The prophet Micah wrote, ‘He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ My job, my selfish desires and my ‘to-do’ list may want me to run and get more done, but my God wants me to walk thru the day.

When I rush from one place or task to another, I don’t listen and hear as well…you don’t either. The Bible is FULL of reminders that our Creator speaks in a still quiet voice. Our pace will dictate our ability to listen. He doesn’t yell or bark reminders about our pace in life or the need to slow down to hear Him better. He often speaks to our pace in life through our health. Sickness, chronic health issues and suffering can speak when our pace drowns out His quiet whisper.

In Genesis we are told that Enoch walked with God…Noah walked with God. The Proverbs tell us we gain wisdom and understanding by walking, not accomplishing more. John says if we walk in the light…we have fellowship with one another. The Bible speaks to a slower pace of play that brings us closer to God…and each other.

To make this practical, the speed most people walk at is 3 miles per hour. CDC guidelines define moderate-intensity physical activity as 3 mph. Numerous studies have shown the pace of your gait, the speed you walk is possibly the best vital sign for higher cardiovascular health. Better than age, sex, body mass index, blood pressure, chronic conditions or smoking history. The Bible makes this clear and science confirms it. Slow down your pace of play to live longer and have better health.

A slower pace of play allows us to hear God better, delivers better physical health and deepens all personal relationships. Possibly most important, our pace of play in life is a huge witness to everyone. Our pace of play speaks to what we think is important, to who we love and to what we value.

This Labor Day, let the holiday seep into your heart and change your pace of play. It will increase the quality of your life, bring you closer to God and be a witness to your friends and family. The future depends on it.

The gravity of events in everyday life is a reminder of the individual responsibilities and duties we share. Our families, society and culture evolve or devolve based on what current and previous generations have and have not done with what they have been given. Whether WE do greater or lesser things depends on if we act with a sense of duty and responsibility…or privilege.

Duty is defined as a responsibility to do what is right or required. The concept of a moral obligation can and should shape our behavior and conscience. Actions result when we believe our responsibilities outweigh risk, reward or even our ability to successfully accomplish the task at hand. Too often, duty and responsibilities are seen as a privilege. When this happens, people become tribal, put themselves before everyone else and don’t accomplish greater things.

Christians were PROMISED they would do greater things than Christ did Himself. Jesus said, “‘Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.'” It begs the question to everyone who calls themselves a Christian… ‘What are the GREATER things YOU are doing?!’

We know we are doing greater things when others are blessed (benefited) by us and what we do. We know this because ‘without a doubt the lesser is always blessed by the greater.’ Hebrews 7:7. Greater things are always blessings to others. Am I, are you, blessing others or promoting our own agenda? Do we think others will be blessed if we are blessed first? The trickle down blessing theory does not preempt sacrificial acts of blessing others first.

Do you want to bless others and do greater things? Do you believe you can? What is keeping us from doing greater things than Christ himself? Does your work or raising a family get in the way? Jesus addressed that head on. “‘Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow…'” In other words, “I’ve got that covered.”

Life isn’t Mission Impossible. Christians are not IMF members but we do have a choice of accepting the mission we have been given. We also have the ability to do greater things. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God’s Spirit and power gives us the ability. ‘Now to HIM who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us…’

Do we even know what greater things are? Do we ask the Holy Spirit?? Do we deny the power we’re given by seeing it as a privilege and not a duty?? Or, do we just not believe these particular words of Jesus?

Belief can accomplish greater things. Unbelief can keep them from happening. Too many people in 2026 don’t believe anything can be done to…change a family members depression, addiction or anger and hostility…save the decline of civility in our communities…alter the current devolution of our American culture and Christian heritage…the list is looong because we are apathetic AND don’t believe the Truth in the Bible.

Most everyone can see, feel, recognize and acknowledge the evil so prevalent across the spectrum of our institutions…and individual hearts. I don’t know the exact time but I do know regardless of the age or my age, Peter was right. ‘The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.’ He was saying be aware, don’t ignore what’s happening. And…DO what was possibly the greatest thing Christ himself did…PRAY.

I believe whether we do greater things than Jesus stems from our faith and belief. We hear what’s happening in Dallas, Dearborn, New York City, Little Rock. The changes in America and the world are brought to our eyes and ears through technology and communication. Fake news is a tool of the evil one. Apathy about what happens outside your bank account or your neighborhood is straight from hell as well. Instead of being apathetic or not believing we can effect change, we forget it’s not about OUR ability. It’s about HIS ability to do great things.

Do you WANT to do greater things? Do you have a duty and responsibility to do greater things? Do you BELIEVE you can do greater things? When Jesus walked the earth ‘He was amazed at their unbelief.’ He spoke bluntly to those who would listen… “‘You unbelieving generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you?'”

Jesus promised whoever believed in Him WOULD do greater things. He also said those greater things had NO limits. “‘Everything is possible for the one who believes.'”

For Christians, greater things are our duty. To learn what these greater things are for you, ask the Holy Spirit. Pray.

Pray for greater things.

Number Two. XO. VP. Hand of the King. Deputy. Assistant. You before me.

The chain of command is critical to accomplishing a goal. The support role not only serves the leader, he reflects the leader. The primary attribute of a second in command is to have a servant spirit and the ability to put others before themselves. Although the role of Number Two may garner some attention, second fiddle doesn’t get main billing.

I learned the value of a humble but strong second in command at an early age…by watching TV. On Star Trek, it was obvious Captain Kirk could have never survived going where no man had gone before, unless Spock was by his side. Years later, Game of Thrones reiterated the importance of the Hand of the King across the Seven Kingdoms. Everyone knows, The Yellowstone and John Dutton could not function more than a week without Rip.

Television characters are fictional but the example holds true in real life. Back in the day, we had a local Congressman who was well known across the state and nation. The fact was, he gathered the attention but it was his strong and humble wife that made the man. The running joke was, if his wife had married the gas station attendant, the guy who owned the gas station would be in Washington and the ‘Congressman’ would be pumping gas.

The power behind the throne always runs on humility and service. College doesn’t teach you to serve the needs of others and the title of ‘servant’ isn’t held in high esteem. Regardless, no one can deny the necessity and importance of putting others before yourself.

In real life, Jesus is the OG. Christ followers have confidence in an eternal life and destiny because ‘taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness…he humbled himself and became obedient to death.’ Number Two in the Godhead is the Number One reason for living (and dying) in the here and now of 2026.

There is a verse in the book of Philippians rarely spoken during the week and even less often preached on the weekends. ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better
than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.’ Phil. 2:3-4. Do you know ANYONE claiming this as a life verse?

The old Latin expression, ‘Sic vos non vobis’ is translated, ‘not for ourselves but for others.’ As with many old expressions, this one is disappearing from our lexicon and regretfully our actions. It may be difficult to find anyone living out this mantra except on TV. But, the Bible reminds us the Creator of heaven and earth values and rewards this character quality. Because Jesus made himself a servant, ‘..God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name..’

At the core of being a humble servant of others, is forgiveness. I am FAR from divine and I do not live and work in a world surrounded by humble people who ‘consider others better than themselves.’ Therefore, I am constantly reminded of not only THEIR shortcomings but my own as well. The day to day of serving others can prick like a thorn. An apology starts the process of forgiving and is the key to healing a wound.

Forgiveness is exemplified with Christ’s actions on the cross but you don’t have to be divine to give it. As the line in the song goes, ‘Forgiveness, it’s the last thing on your mind today and the hardest thing to give away, it always goes to those who don’t deserve.’ Life is a two way street, but forgiveness is a freeway for moving on.

Not everyone is good at apologizing so it helps to listen well. Apologies may sound crude and not be how you want it said, but they are genuine and from the heart. Some of the best examples of a genuine apology may be on TV and in the movies. In Urban Cowboy, Bud apologized to Sissy ‘clear back to the first time I hit you.’ An apology can go a long way to giving and getting forgiveness. Apologies are known as repentance in the Bible and that’s the ticket to eternity.

In the book written to the Corinthians, Paul describes a thorn in his flesh that was such an irritant he ‘pleaded with the Lord to take it away.’ In context to our discussion, thorns can be people, relationships and the practice of putting others before yourself. The words in red are a reminder that God’s power is made perfect where the thorn of putting others first can make us feel weak. When we humble ourselves, when we are persecuted or misunderstood and when we flat out screw things up, is when the power of Christ CAN rest on us.

The point is, in everything, at all times, consider others before yourself. If you want a REAL challenge with REAL reward…in humility, consider others BETTER than yourself. Our service to others, reflects who we are as well as who we serve.

Strive to put others before yourself. Aim for second place. Embrace the thorns in your life.

‘History has a strange habit of looking inevitable in hindsight and improbable in real time.’

This quote points out the importance and value of listening well. History isn’t written on a blog or social media post. History is written in books. When we had a functioning free press, we could hear history being made in real time. The ability to listen well gives us the ability to see the present more clearly and know what history will look like.

It’s easier to understand what is happening in the present if we learn to listen well. It’s also possible to know what is yet to come if we listen to the right source.

If there were access to sources on the ground in Ukraine or Taiwan it would increase the probability of seeing the history in those countries unfold. The same is true in cities and states across America. Noise, chatter and lies are secondary to hearing crickets. All of this assumes a willingness and ability to listen well. A source is essential. Wisdom and discernment are critical to choose and believe among all the voices we hear.

Anyone who considers themselves a Christ follower knows we make the choice to listen and believe (or not) what we hear. The Bible says things we don’t like but it IS Truth. Eve had the choice to believe and accept what she heard. Gideon had the choice to take 30,000 plus men into battle or listen to God and whittle the number down to 300 even when it made NO common sense. Noah had never seen rain or had any idea what a boat was, but he listened and followed the instructions given to him. On the other hand, Lot’s wife didn’t listen well and heed the warning about not looking back. We all know the consequences.

In 2026 one of the obstacles in listening well is the volume of chatter. It’s not just social media. Our political leaders, institutions and even churches espouse conflicting and changing views. The medical community redefines recommendations every few years. One day the mere accusation of being a Nazi can end a career and the next you can be supported for office with the tattoo on your chest. No new wars may prove a slogan and not a policy. Voices can stay the same but the message is constantly changing.

We live in a world that demands we listen well. People constantly change. We are told intelligence is becoming artificial. New studies with supporting data can alter what we hear and think. The definition of a vaccine changes. Recommended cholesterol levels change like the weather. How many shots to give your children varies from one administration to another. Doubt rules the day. Once the seed of doubt is planted, the real test of listening and understanding begins.

The Bible refers to understanding as wisdom. God’s Word is two steps ahead of how to understand and deal with doubt stemming from change. James put it bluntly… ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to you.’ For those not well versed, asking God for wisdom is also known as prayer. When we pray and ask God to give us understanding, James reminds us ‘it will be given to you.’ He continues, ‘But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.’ Have you stood on the shore and watched the instability and unpredictability of waves? Kinda resembles the headlines and history being written in real time, doesn’t it?

The ever changing opinions and advice from people is a major factor effecting how and who we listen to these days. The Creator of it all, the God of the Old Testament and his Son, Jesus is the only voice to listen for and trust. He does not shift and change with the times. Nothing can alter who and what God is. But, HE will alter how you listen. He will make the probability of the future become more clear.

There is no new Disclosure Day or data to negate the Word of God. If a production causes you to doubt and question the voice or Word of God, your entire life may start to be blown and tossed about. Christ calls that building your life on shifting sand and not the rock of Truth. James said when this happens you ‘should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in everything they do.’ Sound like anyone you know?

When Jesus left this side of the dirt, He said there was more to listen to, more than we could handle, and He would take care of that for His followers. For those who choose to commit and submit, God promised us a friend. A source to support our ability to listen well. A guide, an advocate, someone trustworthy of listening to. “‘But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own, he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is to come.'”

The Holy Spirit makes history visible in real time. The Holy Spirit makes the improbable, probable. Only the Holy Spirit speaks truth in real time and gives understanding to what is and is to come.

Listening well requires being able to discern among all the voices clamoring for our ears, eyes, hearts…and soul. Get back to listening to the Holy Spirit first second and last. Recognize His voice. Trust and follow His Truth alone.

When our oldest child learned to speak he would quizzically look around and ask, ‘Heard that sound?’ He was fascinated by sounds and curious where they came from. Children want to understand what is being said and where a sound comes from. When we learn to identify what we hear, we classify the origin and determine if it is worthy of further attention or a noise to ignore. The sense of hearing is a gift from God.

As we have wandered away from reading books and classical literature, few remember the famous line uttered by Shakespeare’s character, Macbeth. Macbeth summarized life as “It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” Although these words reflect great despair and nihilism, I wonder if we are a nation who epitomize this quote.

Shakespeare captured this bleak attitude of life in 1600. The same degree of melancholy has been around since creation and prospers today. As leaders, corporations, churches and individuals live by the mantra, ‘It is what it is’, we live in silos and become deaf to hearing what is being said by anyone outside our own echo chamber.

In the book of Matthew, Jesus told his disciples the ability to hear was given by GOD according to our hearts and relationship to the Creator, the God of the Old Testament and His son, Jesus…not an ultra-terrestrial or inter-dimensional being. As we submit to God’s will and way given in the Bible, listen and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit, our sense of hearing and understanding increases. As we wander from Him, our ears hear less, our hearts become unresponsive and our lives are not good and fertile soil.

Before you only hear this as Christianese, unwanted advice or simply words from an old book, evaluate YOUR willingness to listen and understand what is being said in the world today. Do you ignore white evangelical males, black females, Republicans or Democrats simple because of their sex or color and affiliation? Christ said the heart of such a person ‘has grown callous: their ears are hard of hearing and they have shut their eyes; otherwise they might see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn back-and I would heal them.’

WE need healing. Our nation and world needs healing. Jesus made a simple agrarian analogy. Life is either good soil from which we can grow and prosper..or it is full of rocks and weeds. There is much we hear that can choke out and obfuscate what God says. There is much to worry about at home and abroad. Deceit may come in the form of financial wealth or worries. Lies are spread by people who speak half truths or change positions from one day to the next.

Many have concluded it is best to shut out the conflicting sounds we hear. This may happen with good intentions but the practice may result in becoming deafened to THE truth. James, the brother of Jesus, did not believe in Jesus for 33 years…until he rose from the dead. James did not listen and understand what he heard from the brother who grew up in the same house with him. If James’ ears were deafened by his unbelief, we should all be put on notice.

The end of all things is near. Your job…relationships…life…maybe even what you have thought to be truth. Become like a child again. Reignite your desire to hear what is being said and by whom. Open your ears to the Holy Spirit, be healed and make sure you can say… ‘HEARD THAT SOUND!!’