Recently, an acquaintance of mine posed the question "Are humans inherently good or naturally evil?" in a status update on their Facebook page. There were a number of responses ranging from a simple yes to a suggestion that there is no real good or evil in anyone, just consequences of decisions a person makes that can be interpreted as either. All of this got me thinking.
If there is no good or evil in anyone, only consequences of decisions a person makes, then good and evil must be defined and measured by absolute truth. This now raises an important and crucial preceding question that must be answered in order to adequately explore the question asked by my acquaintance. Where can absolute truth be found? Without the establishment of an absolute truth, there is no defining answer to this question for what would determine good or evil? Without absolute truth we are awash in a world of purposeless and meaningless propositions. For the purposes of my response to the question posed, I will use as my foundation a most ancient, consistent and trusted manuscript - the Holy Word of God - the Bible.
After much consideration, I would have to answer 'No' to both parts of the question posed by my acquaintance. No, humans are not inherently good, nor are they naturally evil. Let me explain by first addressing the part of the question that asks "Are humans naturally evil?" When we look back to the beginning of the human story, at creation, we see that God created man in his own image. God, the Creator of all things good and perfect (James 1:17), created the human race in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27). After creation was complete, God looked upon all that He had made and declared it 'Good'. Based upon God's own testimony, man - the creation - is good.
However, the human story does not end here. Shortly after we see God declaring creation good, we see corruption set in. Genesis 3 gives us the account of the temptation and original sin of man as the great corrupter - Satan - begins his work to try and destroy all that God has made. Romans 5:12 tells us "When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sin." Corruption set in, destroying what God intended. God had created humans with free will - the ability to decide for themselves how they will live and what they will do. With this tremendous, powerful gift and it's capacity to do so much good, our first decision was to defy God and disobey the one instruction He gave. This means we must also answer 'No' to other part of the question that asks "Are humans inherently good?".
Some may insist that since it was Adam and Eve that sinned it does not apply to the rest of the human race. We are all born with a clean slate, free from sin some may argue. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Just as you cannot draw fresh water from a salt spring (James 3:11-12), sinful man cannot produce sinless offspring. Sin infected the first humans and it has been passed along to each generation and every person (Romans 5:12). Paul teaches us in Romans 2:23 that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". The Psalmist in Psalm 14:2-3 states "The LORD looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one!"
Paul further speaks of the power and work of corruption within us in Romans 7:18-19. He tells us "And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway." Even the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah says "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?"
Even if we put Scripture aside for just a moment, we only have to look around our world today to see the effects of corruption and sin in the human race. We fight and kill; we rob and steal; we destroy the environment in the pursuit of obtaining wealth; we are envious and covetous. It does not take much wisdom to discern that there is something seriously wrong with the human race. The answer why this is so is found plainly in Scripture. Take a second look at Psalm 14:2-3. Also James asks in chapter 4 verse 1 of his book: "What is causing the quarrels and fights among you?" He provides an answer in James 4:1-3 and James 3:16.
If humanity is so steeped in and affected by corruption, is there any hope for the good that God first created? Is restoration of fallen and sinful humanity possible? Paul asks this very question in Romans 7:24, "Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?" The answer is found in the immediate verse following. "Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord." Furthermore, Paul explains in Romans 5:17 "For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ."
What is this gift that God has provided? It is salvation and a restoration of right living with God through the death of Christ Jesus. Romans 5:8 tells us "God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." But why death? Death is the penalty of sin and corruption. It destroys first relationship - with God and others, then the person's character and ultimately the person. Romans 6:23 teaches us "the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." In order for forgiveness to be earned or won, blood must be shed. The sin must be put to death. Hebrews 9:22 tells us that "without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness." In order for humans to be restored to what God created them for, they must be redeemed. This redemption was costly. It cost the life of God's son, Jesus Christ.
But was this enough? Can humanity really be restored and made over good? Scripture assures us in 1 Peter 3:18 "Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God." 1 John 2:2 also assures us that "He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins - and not only our sins but the sins of the world." Paul tells us also in Romans 3:25 that "God presented Jesus as the sacrifice of sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood." The perfect and sinless life of Christ shed on our behalf completely and wholly satisfied the requirement for forgiveness. Since Christ was sinless he was able to purchase our salvation by his sacrifice. "Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous." (Romans 5:18-19)
This faith in Christ's sacrifice and acceptance of God's great gift of salvation means one day we will be changed. We will be transformed in a moment when Christ returns to gather us to live with him forever. 1 Corinthians 15:54-56 proclaims for us to hear and understand, "Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: 'Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Here is my conclusion to the matter. Through Adam sin and corruption entered the human race, defiling what God created. While human beings have the capacity to do good, they most often do not. Instead each follows after the sinful desires of their own heart. The sad and terrible consequence of sin is separation from God. However, there is a blessed hope and assurance that Christ Jesus has provided the means by which we can be restored to relationship with God. If we place our hope and trust in Christ, we will be completely transformed and made over new (1 Corinthians 15:54-56; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:21-24; Colossians 3:1-17).
Are you in need of this gracious gift? I would encourage you to boldly approach the throne of God. Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us "Since we have a great High Priest who has entered Heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
May God bless you as you become more and more like Him in each and every way. (2 Corinthians 3:7-18)
Friday, September 2, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Cancer
I am concerned about the health of the Body of Christ.
Lately, my thoughts and meditations have been largely about what I perceive to be a deadly and insidious cancer in the Body of Christ. There seems to be an unhealthy and sinful obsession regarding money and wealth among Believers. It is preached about in our pulpits. It is talked about almost incessantly in one form or another. Many people have written about it. Most pray for more of it. We are told God favours us when we have much. Conversely, it is reasoned that we have been faithless when we lack it. This cancer has permeated the Body is such a way that it threatens to destroy the faith of Christians being led astray by these false teachings that wrongfully attribute possessions and wealth as indicators of God's blessing and favour.
We have become unbalanced in our approach regarding wealth. Should God not provide us with this blessing we desire, we become unwilling to listen as we focus on our material lack. Just as an addict who only thinks of their drug of choice and how to get it, we do all we can to get more wealth. Tithing becomes a formula for receiving the ten or hundred fold return. Positive thinking and other such will worship become attempts at bribing God. Surely God will bless and honour such righteousness the reasoning goes. But when God doesn't 'reward' this brand of faith with wealth, answers are contrived that usually leave victims in the wake of condemnation and guilt.
Scripture teaches us in Matthew 6:24 that we cannot serve two masters - we cannot serve both God and money. Why? Because they are two loves that are at odds with each other. Love for God is self sacrificing, it is God oriented, it gives unconditionally with no expectation of return. Love for money is self serving, it is Me oriented. It only gives to receive more in return.
Some may think I am being too harsh, that I am being unreasonable. Maybe I have never felt the pain of financial loss and ruin. Maybe I haven't really had difficulty making ends meet. My friend, let me assure that I am all too familiar with experiencing lack. But before you quickly say "Aha, here is his angst! He is upset because he has little or nothing; he is really envious." I would like to assure that I have also experienced excess and a want for nothing material.
My concern and fear has nothing to do with money or wealth in and of itself. Just as I have no concern or fear over any other tool such as a hammer or shovel or even a gun. However, I would indeed fear each of these tools if they were handled inappropriately. Money is a tool. Nothing more, nothing less. Handled properly and well, it can do awesome work, helping many people in need. Handled poorly, it is a cruel and relentless task master, unloving and callous, completely insatiable, ever demanding more and more of those it controls. The wealthiest man who ever lived, John D. Rockefeller, when asked "How much money is enough?" answered "Just a little bit more." Herein lies the problem. The pursuit and love of money will always demand "Just a little bit more."
People will always work to earn money and wealth. It can be a great motivator prompting people to do great things. It can help bring about change. It can sustain. It can even provide comfort and a measure of happiness. Money is not the problem. The problem that I speak of is the unbalanced and sinful pursuit of excess and affluence. This should have no place in the Body of Christ. It is a sad remark of a society when its affluence prevents it from seeking after God. It can be well said about the western world today that we have no real tangible need for God. We have social programs to help even the most downtrodden individual. Food is free, clothing is free, education is free, 'reform' is free, healthcare is free. We have everything we need, or so it would seem. But it would seem we are also fools, at least in the eyes of the one who matters - God.
Luke 12: 13-21 tells the story of the Rich Fool. Here is a man who prospered and gained much wealth. To himself he says, "My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink and be merry!" But the day came when he died. All his wealth came to naught. Someone else spent it all. He could take nothing with him. In the end he proved to be a fool. The thing that mattered - a rich relationship with God - he did not have. In the concluding words of the story, Jesus states for us to hear and understand, "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."
How do we bring back balance to our walk with God and combat this insidious cancer that has crept so subtly into our churches, our communities, our families and our lives? First and foremost I believe we need to return to Christ - to repent or turn around in our thinking. This starts with a return to Scripture. To reading His word. To learning of His desires for a relationship with us. One that is built on obedience to Him, to understanding that He is the Author and Finisher of our lives and our faith. It is not the other way around. It is spending time learning the heart and the mind of the Father.
Please do not confuse what I am saying, I am not offering a solution to all your financial worries, needs or wants. I am not saying doing this will fix all your problems, or give you want you want, or restore to you financial gain. I can never claim that. However, I will tell you this. Returning to God with humbleness, seeking to cultivate a rich relationship with Him will transform your mind, your spirit and your life (Romans 12:1-2). Rather than striving for gains that will fade and disappear, you will store up for yourself a rich treasure in Heaven which can never be lost or stolen (Luke 12:32 -34). I am not suggesting that God desires for us to be destitute and in constant need. I am instead saying that I believe God truly desires for us to learn and understand that His grace is sufficient for all our need (2 Corinthians 12:9) and that true gain comes from a rich relationship of obedient friendship with Him (James 4:1-10; John 14:23-24; 15:1-7).
Spending prayerful time with Christ in His word, seeking His direction and will first and foremost in all things, will ultimately help us understand and realize the true wealth that comes from a right relationship with Him. I will even predict that you will soon discover that your desires will begin to mirror his. As this happens, you will then begin to experience the satisfaction that whatever you ask for you will receive. Why? It is because after spending time with God, his desires will become your desires and God always accomplishes what He wants (Isaiah 55:8-13).
Be sure not to allow these unhealthy attitudes regarding the temporal offerings of this world creep into your life. Be careful you do not trade eternal profit for temporary gain. If you do, you will terribly short change yourself. Turn to God and seek His direction in all things and in all ways. Allow Him to keep you spiritually fed, well and fit. May God bless you as you store up everlasting treasure in Heaven.
Monday, March 7, 2011
First Things First
"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me." Proverbs 8:17 KJV
Many times when things seem mixed up and out of sorts, it may be that we have gotten our priorities wrong. God calls out to us to seek Him early - or in other words, put Him first. I encourage you to seek Him early:
Many times when things seem mixed up and out of sorts, it may be that we have gotten our priorities wrong. God calls out to us to seek Him early - or in other words, put Him first. I encourage you to seek Him early:
- in the morning, before you get up;
- before you start a journey or travel anywhere;
- before you start your work day or any task;
- before you begin anything.
Do this first:
- before you are distracted;
- before obstacles get in the way;
- before you are interrupted;
- while you are still young and life still offers hope, energy and potential (Ecclesiastes 12:6-7).
Seek first the Kingdom of God. If you do this, all else will fall into place, in proper order. (Matthew 6:32-34). Remember, Christ must be first in all, so He is assuredly at the end of all.
God bless you today as you seek Him. You will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). He has promised to be found and He is faithful to keep all His promises (2 Corinthians 1:20-22; 1 Thessalonians 5:24). Amen.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Leading by Example
I heard on the radio recently a song titled "Not Afraid" by recording artist Eminem. A few words caught my attention. At the beginning of the song, Eminem says:
Yeah, it's been a ride...
I guess I had to go to that place to get to this one
Now some of you might still be in that place
If you're trying to get out, just follow me
I'll get you there
The hook of the song says:
I'm not afraid to take a stand
Everybody come take my hand
We'll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just let you know that, you're not alone
Holla if you feel that you've been down the same road
What really caught my attention about this song was the assurance he was attempting to pass onto his listeners. He acknowledges he has been in a rough place and then extends a lyrical hand to anyone experiencing the same situation in life. He tells them that he has been there and that he understands. Trust him, he will get you through.
It was interesting to hear these words. It reminded me of words from a favorite writer of mine, the Apostle Paul. In speaking to the Corinthian church - a group of people not unlike our society today - he says: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1)
It seems today that there are very few good leaders...or at least godly leaders who are willing to step out and step up as an example to be imitated and followed. Well, maybe I should qualify that. There are many who want to be worshiped and imitated to stroke their own egos, but there seems to be few that are willing to be true leaders. In speaking to the Corinthian Believers, Paul was not saying "Look at me! I've got it together. Follow me...I'm the Man!" Rather, he was saying that he understood the challenges of living like Christ. It is difficult, but he was willing to hold himself accountable and demonstrate to them that it is possible to follow Christ through his own actions. If they needed a contemporary, tangible illustration of a follower of Christ, he was willing to be one.
Are there any true Christ Followers (leaders) that we can follow today? I would suggest that there are and that there are plenty of them. Who, you ask? Why, YOU, of course! In Matthew 28:18-20 we are given a task, to go out into the world and make disciples of all people.
In order to disciple someone, a couple of things have to happen. First, you must be a disciple yourself. You must become a follower of Christ. You must think and act like Him. It isn't enough to appear to be like Him, you must BE like Him. To learn how to be like Christ, you must study Christ - the Word of God incarnate. Surround yourself with the Word. Pray daily. Pray constantly. Meditate on Scripture. Read it. Explore it. But don't let it end there. Do what you read. Live as if you really believe what you say you do. Learn how to apply it to your life today. Allow yourself to first be a Disciple of Christ. If you are having difficulty in learning the practical application of being a disciple, I would suggest you follow Paul's advice and find yourself a Godly leader who will teach you about Christ and who would model His life for you.
As you follow Christ, it will be easier to disciple others. As you learn, put into practice what you learn. Be confident of what Scripture teaches you. Let your roots go down deep into it. Spend time with God. Don't complicate it, just do it. In Hebrews 12:12 we are told to "make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed".
Secondly, you must be willing to lead. Not to be followed, but to lead. There is a difference. A leader is someone who faces the task at hand, safely, confidently leading though the path may not always seem clear. A leader is assured and resolute in his task. He understands his task and sets about doing it, drawing upon what he has learned and knows to be true. A leader must be prepared as Christ was when facing certain death (Luke 9:51). Knowing that his time to die had come, he turned his face as flint and headed to Jerusalem where he would be crucified. We must also be resolute in our task of leading others to Christ.
When you and I answered the call to follow Jesus, we answered the call to become leaders. It is a high calling. Many fail and fall away - their hearts failing them for fear. This does not have to be true for us. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." (1 Timothy 1:7) Draw upon that Spirit today and "take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees". (Hebrews 12:12 NLT) We are all called to leadership. We have been equipped with power, love and self-discipline. Let us sharpen these tools through prayer, meditation and being discipled ourselves by Christ. Let us extend, today, that hand of leadership. We understand we have been rescued from the many pits, snares and heartaches of life. Corporately, we have been in any and every situation that other people find themselves. There are thousands of people crying out for someone to lead them...someone who understands their predicament, someone who has been there, someone who will hold their hand and assure them of deliverance. Let them follow you as you follow Christ. Be a leader.
God bless you as you endeavor to follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. "We'll walk this road together, through the storm, whatever weather, cold or warm...just know that, you're not alone." Christ is before us, we will follow Him safely home. Follow me, I'll get you there.
Yeah, it's been a ride...
I guess I had to go to that place to get to this one
Now some of you might still be in that place
If you're trying to get out, just follow me
I'll get you there
The hook of the song says:
I'm not afraid to take a stand
Everybody come take my hand
We'll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just let you know that, you're not alone
Holla if you feel that you've been down the same road
What really caught my attention about this song was the assurance he was attempting to pass onto his listeners. He acknowledges he has been in a rough place and then extends a lyrical hand to anyone experiencing the same situation in life. He tells them that he has been there and that he understands. Trust him, he will get you through.
It was interesting to hear these words. It reminded me of words from a favorite writer of mine, the Apostle Paul. In speaking to the Corinthian church - a group of people not unlike our society today - he says: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1)
It seems today that there are very few good leaders...or at least godly leaders who are willing to step out and step up as an example to be imitated and followed. Well, maybe I should qualify that. There are many who want to be worshiped and imitated to stroke their own egos, but there seems to be few that are willing to be true leaders. In speaking to the Corinthian Believers, Paul was not saying "Look at me! I've got it together. Follow me...I'm the Man!" Rather, he was saying that he understood the challenges of living like Christ. It is difficult, but he was willing to hold himself accountable and demonstrate to them that it is possible to follow Christ through his own actions. If they needed a contemporary, tangible illustration of a follower of Christ, he was willing to be one.
Are there any true Christ Followers (leaders) that we can follow today? I would suggest that there are and that there are plenty of them. Who, you ask? Why, YOU, of course! In Matthew 28:18-20 we are given a task, to go out into the world and make disciples of all people.
In order to disciple someone, a couple of things have to happen. First, you must be a disciple yourself. You must become a follower of Christ. You must think and act like Him. It isn't enough to appear to be like Him, you must BE like Him. To learn how to be like Christ, you must study Christ - the Word of God incarnate. Surround yourself with the Word. Pray daily. Pray constantly. Meditate on Scripture. Read it. Explore it. But don't let it end there. Do what you read. Live as if you really believe what you say you do. Learn how to apply it to your life today. Allow yourself to first be a Disciple of Christ. If you are having difficulty in learning the practical application of being a disciple, I would suggest you follow Paul's advice and find yourself a Godly leader who will teach you about Christ and who would model His life for you.
As you follow Christ, it will be easier to disciple others. As you learn, put into practice what you learn. Be confident of what Scripture teaches you. Let your roots go down deep into it. Spend time with God. Don't complicate it, just do it. In Hebrews 12:12 we are told to "make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed".
Secondly, you must be willing to lead. Not to be followed, but to lead. There is a difference. A leader is someone who faces the task at hand, safely, confidently leading though the path may not always seem clear. A leader is assured and resolute in his task. He understands his task and sets about doing it, drawing upon what he has learned and knows to be true. A leader must be prepared as Christ was when facing certain death (Luke 9:51). Knowing that his time to die had come, he turned his face as flint and headed to Jerusalem where he would be crucified. We must also be resolute in our task of leading others to Christ.
When you and I answered the call to follow Jesus, we answered the call to become leaders. It is a high calling. Many fail and fall away - their hearts failing them for fear. This does not have to be true for us. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." (1 Timothy 1:7) Draw upon that Spirit today and "take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees". (Hebrews 12:12 NLT) We are all called to leadership. We have been equipped with power, love and self-discipline. Let us sharpen these tools through prayer, meditation and being discipled ourselves by Christ. Let us extend, today, that hand of leadership. We understand we have been rescued from the many pits, snares and heartaches of life. Corporately, we have been in any and every situation that other people find themselves. There are thousands of people crying out for someone to lead them...someone who understands their predicament, someone who has been there, someone who will hold their hand and assure them of deliverance. Let them follow you as you follow Christ. Be a leader.
God bless you as you endeavor to follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. "We'll walk this road together, through the storm, whatever weather, cold or warm...just know that, you're not alone." Christ is before us, we will follow Him safely home. Follow me, I'll get you there.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Stand
My youngest son is a Sea Cadet. Of all the activities he does with his squad, the least he enjoys is standing. It seems to him that unless they are actively involved in some other activity, he has to stand. It reminds me of a verse from Ephesians 6:13: "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." This verse comes from a familiar portion of Scripture that I have read often. For some reason, the last part of this verse never fully captured my attention until recent months.
As a Sea Cadet my son has learned that there are three different types of standing. First there is "At Attention". A Cadet stands at attention when he is speaking to a superior, being inspected or he is receiving direction from his Commanding Officer. In this form of standing, the Cadet is prepared to take action.
The second way a Cadet learns to stand is "At Ease". A Cadet is told to stand at ease when he is expected to stand for awhile such as when he is receiving general information and instruction during an announcement. It is the rest phase from standing at attention. In this phase, a Cadet is just a word away from standing back at attention and moving directly into action.
The third way a Cadet is permitted to stand is "Easy". This standing phase usually lasts only for about 5 seconds and is used by the Cadet to either shift stance, scratch an itch or adjust his uniform. After this is done, the Cadet moves back to standing at ease until he is called back to attention.
The key standing position is "At Attention". It is from this standing position that a Cadet receives and acts upon the command he is given. This command could be to march or even to dismiss. A Cadet only acts when he is prepared, thus the reason for him to stand at attention. It is at this point that a Cadet is prepared and ready to act. It could be said that for a Cadet to be standing is to be expectantly waiting.
In light of my learning this, Ephesians 6:13 takes on new meaning, especially the final part: "...and after you have done everything, to stand." It has been my experience that not many of us have learned to expectantly wait upon the Lord. Yes, we may diligently perform our Christian duty, working hard to do all that we can for the Lord. However, not many of us are comfortable with standing and waiting. During the times we find ourselves waiting, we often wonder where God is. We may question why God seems to delay. Some of us may feel the fool for working so hard only to find ourselves standing alone wondering where He is.
Each evening at sunset before my son leaves Cadets he finds himself standing, waiting. Before he can be dismissed and conclude his day, he must wait upon his Commanding Officer to call him to attention and to dismiss him. Sometimes he may find himself waiting a little longer than usual. However, he waits upon his Commander to inspect and dismiss him. While he waits he stands at ease. He is resting from the work that he has completed and is expectantly awaiting his Commander to complete a final inspection and to dismiss him for a job well done.
At the conclusion of the task we have been given, we too will find ourselves standing and waiting. During this time, instead of complaining and wondering where God is, we should prepare ourselves and expectantly await the arrival of our Commanding Officer. He will come. He knows the task is finished. At the exactly right time, He will come and not delay. He will be looking for those who are standing, watching and waiting. It is to those of us who are standing and waiting that He will congratulate for a job well done. I would not want to miss that for anything. Would you?
As a Sea Cadet my son has learned that there are three different types of standing. First there is "At Attention". A Cadet stands at attention when he is speaking to a superior, being inspected or he is receiving direction from his Commanding Officer. In this form of standing, the Cadet is prepared to take action.
The second way a Cadet learns to stand is "At Ease". A Cadet is told to stand at ease when he is expected to stand for awhile such as when he is receiving general information and instruction during an announcement. It is the rest phase from standing at attention. In this phase, a Cadet is just a word away from standing back at attention and moving directly into action.
The third way a Cadet is permitted to stand is "Easy". This standing phase usually lasts only for about 5 seconds and is used by the Cadet to either shift stance, scratch an itch or adjust his uniform. After this is done, the Cadet moves back to standing at ease until he is called back to attention.
The key standing position is "At Attention". It is from this standing position that a Cadet receives and acts upon the command he is given. This command could be to march or even to dismiss. A Cadet only acts when he is prepared, thus the reason for him to stand at attention. It is at this point that a Cadet is prepared and ready to act. It could be said that for a Cadet to be standing is to be expectantly waiting.
In light of my learning this, Ephesians 6:13 takes on new meaning, especially the final part: "...and after you have done everything, to stand." It has been my experience that not many of us have learned to expectantly wait upon the Lord. Yes, we may diligently perform our Christian duty, working hard to do all that we can for the Lord. However, not many of us are comfortable with standing and waiting. During the times we find ourselves waiting, we often wonder where God is. We may question why God seems to delay. Some of us may feel the fool for working so hard only to find ourselves standing alone wondering where He is.
Each evening at sunset before my son leaves Cadets he finds himself standing, waiting. Before he can be dismissed and conclude his day, he must wait upon his Commanding Officer to call him to attention and to dismiss him. Sometimes he may find himself waiting a little longer than usual. However, he waits upon his Commander to inspect and dismiss him. While he waits he stands at ease. He is resting from the work that he has completed and is expectantly awaiting his Commander to complete a final inspection and to dismiss him for a job well done.
At the conclusion of the task we have been given, we too will find ourselves standing and waiting. During this time, instead of complaining and wondering where God is, we should prepare ourselves and expectantly await the arrival of our Commanding Officer. He will come. He knows the task is finished. At the exactly right time, He will come and not delay. He will be looking for those who are standing, watching and waiting. It is to those of us who are standing and waiting that He will congratulate for a job well done. I would not want to miss that for anything. Would you?
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Mountains Move in Jesus' Name
I am reminded of a time when I decided to put the Christian Scriptures to test. Jesus said to his disciples in Mark 11:22-23: "Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart."
I was about 12 at the time. After reading this one Sunday, I went outside to our backyard and prayed along these lines: "Lord, I believe when you say in your Word that mountains can be moved if I believe it. I want to see this happen. I won't ask for you to move a mountain here because it would cause a lot of trouble. However, I will speak to this stone at my feet and I want you to move it."
How could this go wrong? I was about to see God move a stone because I believed He would do it! I was pumped!!
Looking down at the stone at my feet I pointed at it and said quietly, "In the name of Jesus move." And wouldn't you know, it stayed right where it was.
Wow. That was weird. God assured me in His Word that He would do this if I believed. I again prayed, saying something like: "God I really believe you. I do! To show you, I will speak louder."
Looking back at that stone, I raised my voice to a respectable level of authority and said in utmost confidence, "In the name of Jesus, MOVE!" To my astonishment, it remained right where it was. What was going on? Couldn't God see that I believed?
Again, I prayed. "Lord, I really do believe you will do this! You said so in your Word. Lord, I know you will do it! I'll speak to it again. This time, Lord, don't let me be disappointed!"
For a third time I looked at that now offending stone that was somehow proving my faith inadequate. I pointed at the stone and raised my voice, shouting at it, "IN THE NAME OF JESUS, MOVE!!" To my frustration, embarrassment and disappointment, the stone stayed exactly where it was. In anger I bent down, picked up the offensive stone and threw it as far as I could.
How could God set me up like this? I believed! I truly did! Why did He not do what He said He would do in His Word?
I pushed this incident out of my mind, not wanting to face or remember the defeat and disillusionment of my childlike faith. God had let me down. I would not forget this, and I didn't.
Over a decade later, I was facing an impossible mountain in my life. Again, I asked God to move a mountain. I went back to the Scripture in Mark 11. I claimed it. I prayed over it. I spoke to my mountain in Jesus' name, but it remained. I was discouraged. It was easy to pass off the childish request of my youth to ask God to move a stone. In the grand scheme of things, that was small. It was unimportant. But this? This was life altering. I needed it to move. Why was God not fulfilling His Word in my life? I thought it over. I measured my request for validity, whether or not it was reasonable. I concluded it was legitimate and right to ask for His provision. So, why was God not moving?
As I prayed over a number of days about my mountain, I heard God ask this simple question: "Do you remember that stone?"
"Of course I do!" I answered in my prayer, "God you didn't move it. I did!!"
Quietly I heard Him reply, "No, Son, I did move it. I used you to do it."
After these many years, I discovered something valuable. God does indeed move mountains. Sometimes He will do so miraculously, but more often He uses broken and weak vessels such as you and I. In my situation He opened my eyes to what I could do to effect the moving of my mountain. He assured me that He would indeed move the mountain, but I had a role to play in that removal as well. I had to be an active participant in the process. With this in mind, I identified the role I could play in moving this mountain and for the parts I could not, I leaned on Him. I did what I could and by His Grace, He did the rest. My mountain did get moved. It got moved in a way I couldn't even imagine. I played a part and got to see up close and personal the power of God in doing what I couldn't. I was a partner with Him.
God looks for those He can partner with. His Word encourages us to not only be hearers of His Word, but also doers. (James 1:22) He desires that we be actively involved in moving mountains with Him. Are there mountains in your life? Are there mountains in the lives of your family and friends? What can you do to help move them in Jesus' Name? Why not do that today and partner with God in being a mountain mover. I assure you, as you do, you will witness personally, up close and intimately the awesome power of God at work in your life and in the lives of those you love. Be empowered today as you do His work.
I was about 12 at the time. After reading this one Sunday, I went outside to our backyard and prayed along these lines: "Lord, I believe when you say in your Word that mountains can be moved if I believe it. I want to see this happen. I won't ask for you to move a mountain here because it would cause a lot of trouble. However, I will speak to this stone at my feet and I want you to move it."
How could this go wrong? I was about to see God move a stone because I believed He would do it! I was pumped!!
Looking down at the stone at my feet I pointed at it and said quietly, "In the name of Jesus move." And wouldn't you know, it stayed right where it was.
Wow. That was weird. God assured me in His Word that He would do this if I believed. I again prayed, saying something like: "God I really believe you. I do! To show you, I will speak louder."
Looking back at that stone, I raised my voice to a respectable level of authority and said in utmost confidence, "In the name of Jesus, MOVE!" To my astonishment, it remained right where it was. What was going on? Couldn't God see that I believed?
Again, I prayed. "Lord, I really do believe you will do this! You said so in your Word. Lord, I know you will do it! I'll speak to it again. This time, Lord, don't let me be disappointed!"
For a third time I looked at that now offending stone that was somehow proving my faith inadequate. I pointed at the stone and raised my voice, shouting at it, "IN THE NAME OF JESUS, MOVE!!" To my frustration, embarrassment and disappointment, the stone stayed exactly where it was. In anger I bent down, picked up the offensive stone and threw it as far as I could.
How could God set me up like this? I believed! I truly did! Why did He not do what He said He would do in His Word?
I pushed this incident out of my mind, not wanting to face or remember the defeat and disillusionment of my childlike faith. God had let me down. I would not forget this, and I didn't.
Over a decade later, I was facing an impossible mountain in my life. Again, I asked God to move a mountain. I went back to the Scripture in Mark 11. I claimed it. I prayed over it. I spoke to my mountain in Jesus' name, but it remained. I was discouraged. It was easy to pass off the childish request of my youth to ask God to move a stone. In the grand scheme of things, that was small. It was unimportant. But this? This was life altering. I needed it to move. Why was God not fulfilling His Word in my life? I thought it over. I measured my request for validity, whether or not it was reasonable. I concluded it was legitimate and right to ask for His provision. So, why was God not moving?
As I prayed over a number of days about my mountain, I heard God ask this simple question: "Do you remember that stone?"
"Of course I do!" I answered in my prayer, "God you didn't move it. I did!!"
Quietly I heard Him reply, "No, Son, I did move it. I used you to do it."
After these many years, I discovered something valuable. God does indeed move mountains. Sometimes He will do so miraculously, but more often He uses broken and weak vessels such as you and I. In my situation He opened my eyes to what I could do to effect the moving of my mountain. He assured me that He would indeed move the mountain, but I had a role to play in that removal as well. I had to be an active participant in the process. With this in mind, I identified the role I could play in moving this mountain and for the parts I could not, I leaned on Him. I did what I could and by His Grace, He did the rest. My mountain did get moved. It got moved in a way I couldn't even imagine. I played a part and got to see up close and personal the power of God in doing what I couldn't. I was a partner with Him.
God looks for those He can partner with. His Word encourages us to not only be hearers of His Word, but also doers. (James 1:22) He desires that we be actively involved in moving mountains with Him. Are there mountains in your life? Are there mountains in the lives of your family and friends? What can you do to help move them in Jesus' Name? Why not do that today and partner with God in being a mountain mover. I assure you, as you do, you will witness personally, up close and intimately the awesome power of God at work in your life and in the lives of those you love. Be empowered today as you do His work.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Prayer of Eli
One of the best prayers I have heard in recent memory was breathed at the end of a movie I have watched a number of times now. It wasn't so much the prayer, but how it summed up the character's life and faith in God. The movie is titled "The Book of Eli" and the prayer goes:
Dear Lord, thank you for giving me the strength and the conviction to complete the task you entrusted to me. Thank you for guiding me straight and true through the many obstacles in my path. And for keeping me resolute when all around seemed lost. Thank you for your protection and your many signs along the way. Thank you for any good that I may have done; I'm so sorry about the bad. Thank you for the friend I made. Please watch over her as you watched over me. Thank you for finally allowing me to rest. I'm so very tired, but I go now to my rest at peace. I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I kept the faith.
At the end of the movie, as Eli prays, my head bows and I find myself in God's presence. My heart and my conscience pricked by a movie written, produced and financed by secular society. I am convicted by this. Will I be able to pray with such conviction and assurance at the conclusion of my task on earth?
It is a sobering thought. For so many years I've demanded much of life, of God and others. I have given little in return and I have given even less thought to the task given to me by God - to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly with Him. I have complained about any obstacle that blocked my path to selfish gain. I have quit all too soon whenever I attempted to 'put my hand to the plow'. I have not really sought the best for others, unless it has been mutually beneficial. Here I stand convicted, first by this prayer from a post-apocalyptic Hollywood movie character and secondly, and more importantly, by what I read in God's Word. I am just as Paul described when said to the Roman church in Romans 3:10-18 that "no one is righteous". I have turned away from good and I have not found real, lasting peace by the selfish pursuit of my own pleasures. You do not have to look long or very deep into my life to see how I have failed miserably in my service to my fellow man and to God. I am not bragging of this. Instead, it sickens and disgusts me when I realize that my 'good deeds' are no more than menstrual rags (Isaiah 64:6) and it disheartens me when I see what I did do had produced nothing more than a 'fart' (Isaiah 26:18).
My hard work alone has not secured anything of worth for me...especially since I have been expending my energies pursuing the temporal instead of the eternal. So, what now? By God's Word, I am proven to have offered nothing, of being unfaithful and inconsequential to who and what really matters. Is there no hope, or help, for me? Is this all? Am I to be trapped and held here in my ineffectiveness, my powerless state of sin and neglect?
No! The Apostle Paul asks the same question and then provides the answer in Romans 7:24 when he too found himself in the same state: "Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord." I raise my own voice in this declaration along with Paul. Thank God for Jesus Christ; my LORD and my Savior. With God's leadership, through the diligent study of His Word, at the end of my days my prayer will be similar to that of Eli and Paul before him: I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I kept the faith.
In Christ's name, may it be so. Amen.
Dear Lord, thank you for giving me the strength and the conviction to complete the task you entrusted to me. Thank you for guiding me straight and true through the many obstacles in my path. And for keeping me resolute when all around seemed lost. Thank you for your protection and your many signs along the way. Thank you for any good that I may have done; I'm so sorry about the bad. Thank you for the friend I made. Please watch over her as you watched over me. Thank you for finally allowing me to rest. I'm so very tired, but I go now to my rest at peace. I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I kept the faith.
At the end of the movie, as Eli prays, my head bows and I find myself in God's presence. My heart and my conscience pricked by a movie written, produced and financed by secular society. I am convicted by this. Will I be able to pray with such conviction and assurance at the conclusion of my task on earth?
It is a sobering thought. For so many years I've demanded much of life, of God and others. I have given little in return and I have given even less thought to the task given to me by God - to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly with Him. I have complained about any obstacle that blocked my path to selfish gain. I have quit all too soon whenever I attempted to 'put my hand to the plow'. I have not really sought the best for others, unless it has been mutually beneficial. Here I stand convicted, first by this prayer from a post-apocalyptic Hollywood movie character and secondly, and more importantly, by what I read in God's Word. I am just as Paul described when said to the Roman church in Romans 3:10-18 that "no one is righteous". I have turned away from good and I have not found real, lasting peace by the selfish pursuit of my own pleasures. You do not have to look long or very deep into my life to see how I have failed miserably in my service to my fellow man and to God. I am not bragging of this. Instead, it sickens and disgusts me when I realize that my 'good deeds' are no more than menstrual rags (Isaiah 64:6) and it disheartens me when I see what I did do had produced nothing more than a 'fart' (Isaiah 26:18).
My hard work alone has not secured anything of worth for me...especially since I have been expending my energies pursuing the temporal instead of the eternal. So, what now? By God's Word, I am proven to have offered nothing, of being unfaithful and inconsequential to who and what really matters. Is there no hope, or help, for me? Is this all? Am I to be trapped and held here in my ineffectiveness, my powerless state of sin and neglect?
No! The Apostle Paul asks the same question and then provides the answer in Romans 7:24 when he too found himself in the same state: "Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord." I raise my own voice in this declaration along with Paul. Thank God for Jesus Christ; my LORD and my Savior. With God's leadership, through the diligent study of His Word, at the end of my days my prayer will be similar to that of Eli and Paul before him: I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I kept the faith.
In Christ's name, may it be so. Amen.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Only One in the World
A recent song by Rihanna got me thinking. In the song she pleads with her lover to "make me feel like I'm the only girl in the world, like I'm the only one you'll ever love". No doubt the song has much to do with sex and the pursuit of sexual pleasure, however, there is a cry for more - to matter to someone, even for a moment.
In my own wandering I too have cried out in my own despair and longing for someone to make me feel so special. The world today promises so much but provides so little - mere shadows and dust.
A hymn titled "Satisfied" written by Clara Tear Williams in 1875 speaks of this deep longing. In the first verse she pens:
All my life I had a longing
For a drink from some clear spring,
That I hoped would quench the burning
Of the thirst I felt within.
The second and third verses tell of how she attempted to meet this thirsting and longing for something better, something satisfying. I identify with Clara. For many years I have sought for that 'one thing' that would meet my deep need, that would satisfy a longing in my soul.
I have enjoyed social, financial and career success in this life, but it has not filled this deep longing for substance. I have been employed and excelled greatly in my tasks, earning high praises on my performance evaluations. I've been entrusted with large budgets tasked with meeting the needs of government agencies. I have headed up departments and successfully managed staff members while earning the unsolicited praises of those whom I supervised. I have taken little and made it into something more. This has provided little satisfaction.
I have enjoyed social success. I have rubbed shoulders with the upper echelon - finding myself in the company of the 'movers and shakers' in our society. People have sought out my advice and opinions on various matters. I have been elected and appointed. I have counselled, directed and taught. People beyond my years have come to me for direction and leadership. But it has not met my inner need for acceptance.
I know what it is like to make good money and to have money - to not to have to worry about coffee money for Starbucks, or about whether or not I can have the finer foods, whether I can be clothed plainly or fashionably. Entertainment was available and enjoyed. I have paid good money for poor thrills. Again, these things have not brought long term satisfaction.
My various successes have brought a measure of joy and happiness, but it never lasts. It is but a morning mist quickly burned away by the rising sun. In my life, it is my longing to know that I matter and that I matter to not just anyone, but Someone.
In the last verse of her hymn, Clara rejoices with the following:
Well of water, ever springing,
Bread of Life so rich and free,
Untold wealth that never faileth,
My Redeemer is to me.
I desire this. Is it truly possible to receive such a gift? Scripture tells me in that I can. All I need do is ask and receive. Psalm 34:8 encourages me to "taste and see that the LORD is good". In Revelation 3:20, Jesus Christ says "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." Finally, in Luke 11:9-10 I read "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
Father God, I ask that you will open my eyes and my heart to receive from you. According to your Word, I matter. You are able to meet my every need. Please do so in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Will you ask and receive this too?
In my own wandering I too have cried out in my own despair and longing for someone to make me feel so special. The world today promises so much but provides so little - mere shadows and dust.
A hymn titled "Satisfied" written by Clara Tear Williams in 1875 speaks of this deep longing. In the first verse she pens:
All my life I had a longing
For a drink from some clear spring,
That I hoped would quench the burning
Of the thirst I felt within.
The second and third verses tell of how she attempted to meet this thirsting and longing for something better, something satisfying. I identify with Clara. For many years I have sought for that 'one thing' that would meet my deep need, that would satisfy a longing in my soul.
I have enjoyed social, financial and career success in this life, but it has not filled this deep longing for substance. I have been employed and excelled greatly in my tasks, earning high praises on my performance evaluations. I've been entrusted with large budgets tasked with meeting the needs of government agencies. I have headed up departments and successfully managed staff members while earning the unsolicited praises of those whom I supervised. I have taken little and made it into something more. This has provided little satisfaction.
I have enjoyed social success. I have rubbed shoulders with the upper echelon - finding myself in the company of the 'movers and shakers' in our society. People have sought out my advice and opinions on various matters. I have been elected and appointed. I have counselled, directed and taught. People beyond my years have come to me for direction and leadership. But it has not met my inner need for acceptance.
I know what it is like to make good money and to have money - to not to have to worry about coffee money for Starbucks, or about whether or not I can have the finer foods, whether I can be clothed plainly or fashionably. Entertainment was available and enjoyed. I have paid good money for poor thrills. Again, these things have not brought long term satisfaction.
My various successes have brought a measure of joy and happiness, but it never lasts. It is but a morning mist quickly burned away by the rising sun. In my life, it is my longing to know that I matter and that I matter to not just anyone, but Someone.
In the last verse of her hymn, Clara rejoices with the following:
Well of water, ever springing,
Bread of Life so rich and free,
Untold wealth that never faileth,
My Redeemer is to me.
I desire this. Is it truly possible to receive such a gift? Scripture tells me in that I can. All I need do is ask and receive. Psalm 34:8 encourages me to "taste and see that the LORD is good". In Revelation 3:20, Jesus Christ says "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." Finally, in Luke 11:9-10 I read "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
Father God, I ask that you will open my eyes and my heart to receive from you. According to your Word, I matter. You are able to meet my every need. Please do so in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Will you ask and receive this too?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night
Dylan Thomas raged against his father's impending death and exhorted his Dad to "rage, rage against the dying of the light". Is there a lesson to be learned here for the darkening in our own lives? Or are we yet wise men sending forth words lacking light?
What am I talking about you ask? Well, at one time or another we all have astutely proclaimed that the world is going to pot, or in other vernacular, going to hell in a hand basket. So, Wise Man, what say you? What offering of light do you present to affront the accursed darkness and hold it at bay so that we all may see for just awhile, even for a step forward?
There is an endless stream of theory, rationality, study and speech about what can be done. But, in my mind, there seems to be an obvious lack of effort. Even the Teacher tells us: 'Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out'. (Ecclesiastes 12:12)
I think the time for talk is long gone. What we need now, I believe, is for someone to actually do what they say, and do it well. Maybe that someone is our own self.
So, where is a good place to start? How about here: 'Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty'. (Ecclesiastes 12:13) What about these 'commands'? What are they? Check out the following Scriptures for direction: Micah 6:8, Luke 10:27, Mark 10:45, James 2:17, Matthew 22:37-40, James 1:22.
I challenge you - and me - as Dylan Thomas challenged his father, "Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night". What say you? Will you join me?
What am I talking about you ask? Well, at one time or another we all have astutely proclaimed that the world is going to pot, or in other vernacular, going to hell in a hand basket. So, Wise Man, what say you? What offering of light do you present to affront the accursed darkness and hold it at bay so that we all may see for just awhile, even for a step forward?
There is an endless stream of theory, rationality, study and speech about what can be done. But, in my mind, there seems to be an obvious lack of effort. Even the Teacher tells us: 'Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out'. (Ecclesiastes 12:12)
I think the time for talk is long gone. What we need now, I believe, is for someone to actually do what they say, and do it well. Maybe that someone is our own self.
So, where is a good place to start? How about here: 'Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty'. (Ecclesiastes 12:13) What about these 'commands'? What are they? Check out the following Scriptures for direction: Micah 6:8, Luke 10:27, Mark 10:45, James 2:17, Matthew 22:37-40, James 1:22.
I challenge you - and me - as Dylan Thomas challenged his father, "Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night". What say you? Will you join me?
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