It has been awhile since I put pen to paper. It seems that among the first things to be put aside in life are often the things that help keep us sane! How often we seek comfort and solace in the passing, temporal and imperfect.
Since we last spoke, I have had a few major life changes. My children are all adults with the youngest graduating high school this year. We have bought a house. I have changed careers and am enjoying my new work immensely. It is demanding and I am doing my best to address these new demands on my life both personal and professional.
I find myself praying more often. Recently I completed a study on the 'Sermon on the Mount'. A great teaching and road map for life as presented by Jesus Christ to his followers - the Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.
In the middle of his teachings on what a Citizen of Heaven is like, He taught his followers to pray. I have been doing my best to pray through this prayer each morning I get up. I would like to say that it has miraculously changed my life and outlook, but I would be lying. However, it is serving to refocus my attention on my Heavenly Father. I am relearning to depend on Him.
I am fearful. I look around at the challenges in my family - age, health, the future, etc. - and I find myself often becoming more anxious. It is during those times that I am disciplining myself to seek first the Kingdom of God - making my prayers and petitions known to Him and thanking Him for his continued presence, protection, salvation and the process of sanctification in our lives.
I am becoming more aware of my shortcomings as a person. I realize I am not the man I have wanted to be and I am not the person I often present publically. It is humbling to acknowledge that I am not a self-made man and that I do indeed need a Saviour. However, in this I am again reminded that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. This, after all, is for His glory, by His power and for Him alone.
Where will this lead me? What will next take place in my life? I am not sure. But I am trying to fasten my faith and confidence to the 'Rock which cannot move' and to continue building my life on that sure and firm foundation - Jesus Christ.
I am reminded of the words of the old chorus:
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand
May God, in his Infinite Wisdom and according to his Riches in Glory, be with us, be before us and behind. May He hold our hand and lead us safely to Heaven. May we experience the peace and love of Christ that is both immeasurable and unfailing. Amen.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Fasten Your Lifeline!
In CS Forester's book "Hornblower in the West Indies", the story's protagonist Horatio Hornblower encounters a fierce hurricane on his way home. The only way he can survive is to tie him and his wife, Barbara, to the mainmast of the "Pretty Jane" with a lifeline. The storm raged, the ship neared foundering in the viciousness of the wind, rain and waves. The waves did its best to claw them overboard. The rain pelted them in a torrential downpour that threatened to drown them where they stood. The wind howled, ripping anything and everything not tied down overboard. However, Hornblower and Barbara survived. They were sore, exhausted, battered and beaten, but they were alive. The lifeline Hornblower had the foresight to use held them tight and refused to let them go.
The writer to the Hebrews states in 12:26 that God has made a promise. "Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also." There is a storm coming.
Everywhere you look you can see foreshadowing of a storm. The global economy is in various stages of meltdown. People betray one another or trample each other in their bid to become wealthy. The earth reels about with unusual weather patterns, earthquakes, tsunamis and a marked warming of global temperatures. Isaiah 24 gives a good description of what seems to be happening. Christ also warns of coming catastrophe in Matthew 24.
I do not consider myself a doomsday prophet, nor do I make any claims to any prophetic vision. However, I believe Scripture is quite clear on the fact that a storm will come that will shake the earth to its very foundation. Given this, I have to ask, do you have a lifeline?
When Hornblower saw the storm, he strapped himself and the one he loved to the only firm thing on board - the mainmast of the ship.
What will you strap yourself and your loved ones to? What is your lifeline? Is it your job? Your wealth? Your strong hands and back? Your good name?
Or is it something more enduring, more everlasting?
To use the words of the old hymn by Priscilla Owens I ask:
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
I encourage you to anchor your lifeline to the Everlasting, the Ancient of Days, God Almighty and His promise to "Never leave us or forsake us" (Deuteronomy 31:6) and His assurance of Salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:14-17; Romans 5:12-20; Hebrews 9:27)
Friends, we can be safe though the world shatter and fall to pieces around us. If we but lay a hold to God's promises and assurances in His Word, we will be saved. Christ is returning. He declares in Revelation 22:12-13 "Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." If you have a lifeline attached to this firm foundation - Christ Jesus - you will survive whatever happens in this world.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.
Be encouraged in Christ and fasten your lifeline!
The writer to the Hebrews states in 12:26 that God has made a promise. "Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also." There is a storm coming.
Everywhere you look you can see foreshadowing of a storm. The global economy is in various stages of meltdown. People betray one another or trample each other in their bid to become wealthy. The earth reels about with unusual weather patterns, earthquakes, tsunamis and a marked warming of global temperatures. Isaiah 24 gives a good description of what seems to be happening. Christ also warns of coming catastrophe in Matthew 24.
I do not consider myself a doomsday prophet, nor do I make any claims to any prophetic vision. However, I believe Scripture is quite clear on the fact that a storm will come that will shake the earth to its very foundation. Given this, I have to ask, do you have a lifeline?
When Hornblower saw the storm, he strapped himself and the one he loved to the only firm thing on board - the mainmast of the ship.
What will you strap yourself and your loved ones to? What is your lifeline? Is it your job? Your wealth? Your strong hands and back? Your good name?
Or is it something more enduring, more everlasting?
To use the words of the old hymn by Priscilla Owens I ask:
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
I encourage you to anchor your lifeline to the Everlasting, the Ancient of Days, God Almighty and His promise to "Never leave us or forsake us" (Deuteronomy 31:6) and His assurance of Salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:14-17; Romans 5:12-20; Hebrews 9:27)
Friends, we can be safe though the world shatter and fall to pieces around us. If we but lay a hold to God's promises and assurances in His Word, we will be saved. Christ is returning. He declares in Revelation 22:12-13 "Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." If you have a lifeline attached to this firm foundation - Christ Jesus - you will survive whatever happens in this world.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.
Be encouraged in Christ and fasten your lifeline!
Why is Being a Christian difficult?
Is it just me or is being a Christian difficult?
I am not being facetious. I am legitimately asking.
To clarify, I have recently been receiving "Voice of the Martyrs". I am bothered by the fact that many Believers around the world are paying for their faith with life and limb while I struggle with living my faith outwardly. Why? It is not like I will pay for my belief with anything more than having someone maybe snicker at me. Though this is true, I still struggle with showing my faith.
Could it be that I am too comfortable and distracted?
When I consider how pampered we are in the West, it is easy to see how there seems to be no room for God. We have exceptional free healthcare; relatively affordable housing; an endless parade of entertainment possibilities; a good socio-economic safety net and an array of other opportunities to meet any need - real or imagined.
Reminds me of another society from years ago. Laodicea. They were wealthy, healthy and wise - or so they thought. God saw it differently. He called them wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Revelation 3:17)
Could this be true about us...about me?
Maybe we can take counsel from God. He counselled the people of Laodicea to buy from Him gold refined in fire so they may be rich, white clothing to cover their nakedness, and salve to heal their blinded eyes. Maybe we should do the same.
I think the first step in doing this is repentance. Repent of our arrogant attitudes toward God and truly humble ourselves in obedience to His Holy Word and the sanctifying work of His Holy Spirit.
God forgive me. Holy Spirit sanctify me. Christ lead me.
Press on, it gets harder but more rewarding.
I am not being facetious. I am legitimately asking.
To clarify, I have recently been receiving "Voice of the Martyrs". I am bothered by the fact that many Believers around the world are paying for their faith with life and limb while I struggle with living my faith outwardly. Why? It is not like I will pay for my belief with anything more than having someone maybe snicker at me. Though this is true, I still struggle with showing my faith.
Could it be that I am too comfortable and distracted?
When I consider how pampered we are in the West, it is easy to see how there seems to be no room for God. We have exceptional free healthcare; relatively affordable housing; an endless parade of entertainment possibilities; a good socio-economic safety net and an array of other opportunities to meet any need - real or imagined.
Reminds me of another society from years ago. Laodicea. They were wealthy, healthy and wise - or so they thought. God saw it differently. He called them wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Revelation 3:17)
Could this be true about us...about me?
Maybe we can take counsel from God. He counselled the people of Laodicea to buy from Him gold refined in fire so they may be rich, white clothing to cover their nakedness, and salve to heal their blinded eyes. Maybe we should do the same.
I think the first step in doing this is repentance. Repent of our arrogant attitudes toward God and truly humble ourselves in obedience to His Holy Word and the sanctifying work of His Holy Spirit.
God forgive me. Holy Spirit sanctify me. Christ lead me.
Press on, it gets harder but more rewarding.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Are Humans Inherently Good or Naturally Evil?
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)
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)
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.
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