In a Peanuts cartoon, Lucy asks, “How is the birdhouse coming along, Charlie Brown?”
He answers, “Well, I’m a lousy carpenter, I can’t nail straight, I can’t saw straight and I always split the wood… I’m nervous, I lack confidence, I’m stupid, I have poor taste and absolutely no sense of design… So, all things considered, it’s coming along okay!” (Charles Shultz, “Peanuts”)
ANALYSIS: You could say that Charlie Brown’s birdhouse was a work in progress. Well, almost. At least it was in his mind. What kind of progress is something else, however.
In view of what he thought about himself and what he sought to accomplish, it seems Charlie Brown should first consider his own self-image. Apparently, he felt he didn’t qualify as a birdhouse builder. Why, then, would he even attempt to take on the project? Considering all the negatives he listed, the birdhouse probably wouldn’t turn out so well, anyway.
On the other hand, perhaps he was just being realistic—that, he really did lack all those skills to make a perfect birdhouse. But at least he was willing to confront and confess his shortcomings and put forth the effort to proceed with the project anyway. To some small degree, perhaps we could say he was making progress in that regard.
At the same time, to a larger degree, we could also say that Charlie Brown, himself, was a work in progress. In spite of his self-confessed faults, at least he was attempting to build a birdhouse. And he was positive that it was coming along okay.
PROGRESS…What IS it, really?
Maybe it could be said that progress is in the eye of the beholder. Could it be that what some might call “progress” is really “regress”. Someone might think he or she is moving forward, making improvements, changing for the better, reaching one’s goals and conclude, “All things considered, I’m making progress.”
But, what if it’s only an illusion—a matter of wishful thinking? What if that person is really heading the wrong direction? What if one’s beliefs and actions are really taking him or her down a pathway of regression instead—so that, the work in progress will actually lead to something that is not so ideal? Then, sadly, it ultimately ends in disaster, disappointment, and destruction. It doesn’t turn out as intended.
It’s been said that all forward motion isn’t necessarily progress. Did your brakes ever go out as you were driving down a hill?
We could think of our modern culture and the direction it’s moving in view of these questions. We’re used to hearing the word “progressive” quite often in the media and elsewhere. It is intended to communicate that the work in progress—for example, in regard to political, social, and economical change—is going to bring improvement, success. and happiness. Many flow along with it, not even questioning if it’s truly progressive or regressive.
Are the new things in the works really the old things that revert us to times that were not so good to society—outcomes that deprive us of the wonderful accomplishments that DO bring progress and improvement?
We live in a troublesome time when many would like to say they’re making progress but don’t really know what progress is. Their thinking is faulty. They believe if they tear down everything that has traditionally stood for truth, justice, and morality and replace it with their own foolishness and self-centeredness something wonderful will arise from it.
There’s even a movement going on today called, “Progressive Christianity.” But it doesn’t bring progress. It’s actually a fake religion that calls itself Christian. It ignores basic Biblical teachings about original sin, that Jesus didn’t die for our sins, denies Jesus’ resurrection, and condones same-sex marriage and sex outside of marriage. (Bible Study Tools) The Bible warns against those who “distort the Gospel of Christ,” (Galatians 1:6-10).
MAKING REAL PROGRESS…All this time, the progress that should be in the works is one that is life-giving, life-building, and life-saving. And the only Life-Source that provides this kind of progress is the truth in the Word of God, also known as the Holy Bible.
I submit that whatever one sets out to do, one needs to apply the basic Biblical principles set forth since ancient times. These principles form a solid foundation for making real progress. When we set out to commit our lives toward pursuing the wisdom, power, and truth provided in God’s inspired Word, then we are a work in progress directed by God, himself.
In fact, such progress is what the Apostle Paul sought to make as he continued to proclaim the Good News of Christ to everyone willing to accept it. He wouldn’t even allow persecution against him to stop him from making greater progress. He thought of his sufferings as having an advantage for achieving his goals…
Philippians 112 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brothers and sisters, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. (New American Standard Bible, NASB)
Paul’s attitude about progress is about moving forward and advancing like an army or going on an expedition, not letting anything stand in his way, even if the consequences to him were not so ideal. It literally indicates clearing away any barrier standing in the way, like an army that cuts away trees and brush on its way toward fulfilling the mission. This vividly illustrates what a work in progress is about in terms of the Gospel.
It is for the purpose of serving the Lord and helping others to move in that same direction. Later in the chapter, the apostle tells the Philippian believers,
Philippians 125 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith… (NASB)
Paul was truly committed toward making progress for the cause of Christ and the coming Kingdom. He expressed the same conviction when he advised his young associate, Timothy…
1 Timothy 413 Until I come, give your attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (NASB)
Paul and Timothy and their commitment toward doing the Lord’s work were themselves a work in progress. It demonstrates how we’re to advance forward as we grow in God’s grace and truth in Christ. Once we give our lives to Christ, we start as a work in progress with the goal of hearing those wonderful words,
Matthew 2521 Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (King James Version, KJV)
When Jesus comes in his power and glory, our work in progress will be complete (Titus 2:11-14). In the meantime, we pursue the spiritual benefits that help us in whatever endeavor we choose in our lives—even if you’re building a birdhouse!
Good News to YOU!
Pastor Michael
P.S. Here’s Leanna Crawford singing about her own, “Work in Progress,” https://youtu.be/6b5HrcQH7S8