I find it interesting that Paul, while talking about family relationships completes his thought with the following words:
‘Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.’
Many people have used this passage to show that Paul, and Jesus through Paul, approved of slavery; don’t get caught in that trap. Here Paul is not talking about people who are being forced to work against their will, he is talking to those who are indebted and are working to pay off the debt they owe. Once their debt is paid they are either free or they move to another person with whom they are indebted.
I believe this applies to us today more that most would like to recognize. Most of us work to pay our bills. Unfortunately too many of those bills are to pay off debt we have incurred for one reason or another. So this passage really tells us as Christians how to deal with our boss. We should work, aiming to do the best job we can, with sincerity from our hearts. Titus informs us to be well-pleasing in our work, not argumentative and not pilfering: Titus 2:9-10. In all the things we do we should show our faith that God will be glorified.
Paul addresses managers (bosses) as well when he instructs them to not use threats and abuse as a means to get their employees to work, but to recognize that God does not show favoritism towards managers nor workers.
These working relationships say a lot about who we are as people. It is easier to be righteous when assembled with fellow Christians, it is much more difficult when surrounded and hounded by unbelievers at work. Paul’s message is God’s message, be faithful and work with a sincere heart. If we do this, our relationship with God can only be strengthened and glory will be brought to His name.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Children
As promised, over the next couple of weeks we are going to discuss the relationships we have with people on this earth and how those relationships correlation to the spiritual relationship we should have with God. Today we are going to start at the beginning; children.
There are two main perspectives with regard to children’s relationships: children towards their parents and parents towards their children. Let’s talk first to children.
Children are called to obey their parents. When Paul begins talking about family relations in Ephesians 6 he starts with children. He says for children first to obey their parents in the Lord; why, because this is right. When it comes to matters of life we should obey our parents as long as they do not contradict God’s instruction. He doesn’t stop there; in addition to obeying our parents Paul calls for us to honor our parents. He says honor your father and mother, for this is the first commandment with a promise. Here he is quoting from the Law of Moses when he received the Ten Commandments. The promise received is ‘that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth’. Paul provides family relation advice in his letter the Colossians as well. Chapter 3 verse 20 he tells children to be obedient to their parents because that is pleasing to the Lord.
Parents, we have a responsibility as well. Fathers are instructed to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Parents cannot let their children grow up undisciplined but fathers are instructed to not cause their children to become angry. Not that we should give in and let them have their way so that they don’t get upset, the Bible states numerous times that we are obligated to not spoil our children. The King James translation of this verse in Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers to not provoke their children to wrath which indicates a deep, resentful, indignation. Paul is clear in his letter to the Colossians that we should not discipline our children just to annoy or irritate them as this will cause them to lose heart. We should raise our children in an atmosphere of love rather than fear. Children should be afraid of some things, yes, but a parent should not be one of those things. I John 4:18 identifies that there is no fear in love rather our love should cast out fear. Parents if we love our children and we show them that we love them they will see it and not fear us, rather they will show respect.
Spiritually:
We are called to obey God and not just obey but honor Him. God is our father and He will instruct us and discipline us when we stray. We should love Him and respect Him, if we do we will obey Him the same way we expect our children to obey us out of love and respect. God does not want us to seek Him so that we can avoid Hell. He wants us to seek Him because we love Him like our own father, if we obey after all we are joint heirs with Christ.
There are two main perspectives with regard to children’s relationships: children towards their parents and parents towards their children. Let’s talk first to children.
Children are called to obey their parents. When Paul begins talking about family relations in Ephesians 6 he starts with children. He says for children first to obey their parents in the Lord; why, because this is right. When it comes to matters of life we should obey our parents as long as they do not contradict God’s instruction. He doesn’t stop there; in addition to obeying our parents Paul calls for us to honor our parents. He says honor your father and mother, for this is the first commandment with a promise. Here he is quoting from the Law of Moses when he received the Ten Commandments. The promise received is ‘that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth’. Paul provides family relation advice in his letter the Colossians as well. Chapter 3 verse 20 he tells children to be obedient to their parents because that is pleasing to the Lord.
Parents, we have a responsibility as well. Fathers are instructed to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Parents cannot let their children grow up undisciplined but fathers are instructed to not cause their children to become angry. Not that we should give in and let them have their way so that they don’t get upset, the Bible states numerous times that we are obligated to not spoil our children. The King James translation of this verse in Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers to not provoke their children to wrath which indicates a deep, resentful, indignation. Paul is clear in his letter to the Colossians that we should not discipline our children just to annoy or irritate them as this will cause them to lose heart. We should raise our children in an atmosphere of love rather than fear. Children should be afraid of some things, yes, but a parent should not be one of those things. I John 4:18 identifies that there is no fear in love rather our love should cast out fear. Parents if we love our children and we show them that we love them they will see it and not fear us, rather they will show respect.
Spiritually:
We are called to obey God and not just obey but honor Him. God is our father and He will instruct us and discipline us when we stray. We should love Him and respect Him, if we do we will obey Him the same way we expect our children to obey us out of love and respect. God does not want us to seek Him so that we can avoid Hell. He wants us to seek Him because we love Him like our own father, if we obey after all we are joint heirs with Christ.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Relationships
Growing up I considered Christianity to be more a responsibility than a relationship. My understanding was that if I did exactly what God said, exactly how God said, somehow my life’s work would get me to Heaven. Even knowing that my works alone could not free my soul of its sinful burden, a legalistic understanding of the Gospel carried me right through college and into young adulthood. I often held others to a strict standard of law that I myself could not keep.
Fortunately, I have come to a clearer understanding of Jesus’ teaching that frees us from the law and guides us towards the relationship He so deeply desires for us all to share with Him. What I failed to see for far too long is that the spiritual relationship we have with our God and Savior will mimic the personal relationships we have with those in our lives. I don’t believe it is any mistake that when the Spirit was guiding the hands of God’s authors they would dedicate so much time to how we should interact with one another.
If our faith was about law keeping Matthew, Mark, Luke and John would have spent much more time talking about how Jesus fervently kept the law rather than the interaction He had with the people He came in contact with every day. What do your personal relationships say about your spiritual relationship? We are to honor our father and mother. We are to love our brothers (and yes this includes our sisters as well). We are to cherish our spouses; husbands we are to love our wives as our selves: wives respect your husbands. We should help our friends and neighbors as we have opportunity and be neighborly to everyone.
I have struggled greatly in the past with relationships. I have been dogmatic and probably even hypocritical towards those who challenged my beliefs. I failed to teach in love, and likely threw away relationships that could have strengthened my faith. I have not always treated my elders with the respect they deserve and have not always had an open heart of love towards my brothers and sisters (whether biological or spiritual). I have not always shown my wife the love she deserves, and the love that would make it easy for her to respect me. I’m working on all of this; our relationships are something we should always be working on improving. As we improve our physical and emotional relationships we improve our spiritual relationships.
The Lord willing, in the next several weeks we will continue a discussion of relationships looking more in depth at how our relationships on earth have a direct correlation to our relationship with God. Please join me as together we grow spiritually to know our Lord.
Fortunately, I have come to a clearer understanding of Jesus’ teaching that frees us from the law and guides us towards the relationship He so deeply desires for us all to share with Him. What I failed to see for far too long is that the spiritual relationship we have with our God and Savior will mimic the personal relationships we have with those in our lives. I don’t believe it is any mistake that when the Spirit was guiding the hands of God’s authors they would dedicate so much time to how we should interact with one another.
If our faith was about law keeping Matthew, Mark, Luke and John would have spent much more time talking about how Jesus fervently kept the law rather than the interaction He had with the people He came in contact with every day. What do your personal relationships say about your spiritual relationship? We are to honor our father and mother. We are to love our brothers (and yes this includes our sisters as well). We are to cherish our spouses; husbands we are to love our wives as our selves: wives respect your husbands. We should help our friends and neighbors as we have opportunity and be neighborly to everyone.
I have struggled greatly in the past with relationships. I have been dogmatic and probably even hypocritical towards those who challenged my beliefs. I failed to teach in love, and likely threw away relationships that could have strengthened my faith. I have not always treated my elders with the respect they deserve and have not always had an open heart of love towards my brothers and sisters (whether biological or spiritual). I have not always shown my wife the love she deserves, and the love that would make it easy for her to respect me. I’m working on all of this; our relationships are something we should always be working on improving. As we improve our physical and emotional relationships we improve our spiritual relationships.
The Lord willing, in the next several weeks we will continue a discussion of relationships looking more in depth at how our relationships on earth have a direct correlation to our relationship with God. Please join me as together we grow spiritually to know our Lord.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Rust of Man
One of my favorite passages is a section of Mathew commonly known as ‘The Sermon on the Mount’. I have used parts of it in previous blogs and will likely use additional sections in blogs to come, mostly because Jesus addressed several issues in that one sermon. Today we are going to look at the first half of chapter 6 of Matthew.
I am active in the congregation I attend; I encourage everyone to find work that needs to be done and be active. I always tried to actively participate anywhere I have worshiped, and I did this for various reasons. There is no better way to get to know your fellow brothers and sisters than to work with them, especially at a new congregation. Some will serve out of a sense of obligation and others out of gratitude for what God has done for us. However, there are those who have over looked Jesus’ words at the beginning of this chapter: ‘Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them’.
I have to admit there have been times in my past I have ‘served’ so that others would know that I was ‘spiritual’. Little did I realize that I was little more than unspiritual and that I was not serving God at those times in my life: I was serving myself. My treasure was not being stored up in Heaven, my reward was the verbal ‘good job’s I got in the moment.
The past couple of years I have really sought to refocus my life and my service. Today I do what I do because it needs to be done by someone. While I like for people to comment when they appreciate something I have said or done, I am no longer doing those things to receive the praise of anyone. I serve to please and glorify the Living God.
When we get caught up in serving man we give away the reward our Father has provided us in Heaven and we do it for the reward we receive on this earth. A reward that can only be destroyed. Let me encourage you to not give away God’s gift for man’s rust.
I am active in the congregation I attend; I encourage everyone to find work that needs to be done and be active. I always tried to actively participate anywhere I have worshiped, and I did this for various reasons. There is no better way to get to know your fellow brothers and sisters than to work with them, especially at a new congregation. Some will serve out of a sense of obligation and others out of gratitude for what God has done for us. However, there are those who have over looked Jesus’ words at the beginning of this chapter: ‘Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them’.
I have to admit there have been times in my past I have ‘served’ so that others would know that I was ‘spiritual’. Little did I realize that I was little more than unspiritual and that I was not serving God at those times in my life: I was serving myself. My treasure was not being stored up in Heaven, my reward was the verbal ‘good job’s I got in the moment.
The past couple of years I have really sought to refocus my life and my service. Today I do what I do because it needs to be done by someone. While I like for people to comment when they appreciate something I have said or done, I am no longer doing those things to receive the praise of anyone. I serve to please and glorify the Living God.
When we get caught up in serving man we give away the reward our Father has provided us in Heaven and we do it for the reward we receive on this earth. A reward that can only be destroyed. Let me encourage you to not give away God’s gift for man’s rust.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Causing one to Stumble
I often look back fondly of my youth, growing up ‘in the country’ off ‘the beaten path’. When I do, most of my memories involve my brothers Adam and John and our neighbor Cole. I remember the time we were all down on the river bed kicking rocks and just having fun in the river. Cole saw a Pepsi can and decided to kick it: that was the end of the fun for the day. He slipped on some mud and ended up breaking his arm. I remember the four of us sledding down the cliff in the middle of a snow storm even though we couldn’t see the bottom until we got there hoping cars were not driving down the road. And, not to be lost in my mind I remember all the time we spent riding our bicycles ramping off stuff, racing and sometimes throwing sticks into one another’s tires. I’m sure Adam still remembers the cup from Long John Silvers that broke when I hit is back tire with my front tire causing him to crash hard to the chip and sealed (gravel mixed with tar) road.
A lot of good times were made in that river, in the fields and on the cliff I remember so vividly. Most of which involve someone falling, tripping, slipping, colliding or otherwise ending up on the ground. I don’t find falling as fun today as I remember it being in my youth. Missing a step and falling down the stairs while holding my six-month-old little boy was scary. I was hoping he was not hurt they whole time not even caring about myself. That is so fresh on my mind this morning that it precluded any other thought when deciding to write about.
Matthew, Mark and Luke all record a lesson Jesus taught one day as they were traveling. He knew some of his disciples had been arguing on the road and he asked them what it was all about and they responded “Lord, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus calls a child to himself and told them that unless the were converted to be like that small child they could not enter the kingdom, but that whoever would humble himself like that child would be the greatest in the kingdom. He continues that whoever receives such a child receives Him but he gives a grave warning; whoever causes such a one to stumble, it would be better for him that a stone be tied around his neck and he drown in the sea.
We know that Jesus here is not talking about physically causing a child to stumble but rather spiritually cause a believer to stumble. Sometimes I wonder if we get so caught up making sure we done trip and fall that we push someone else to the ground spiritually and never notice or care. Let us each one pledge to look out not just for ourselves but for our fellow man that we would cause no one to miss God and his saving grace.
The corresponding passages discussed here are found in Matt. 18, Mark 9 and Luke 9
A lot of good times were made in that river, in the fields and on the cliff I remember so vividly. Most of which involve someone falling, tripping, slipping, colliding or otherwise ending up on the ground. I don’t find falling as fun today as I remember it being in my youth. Missing a step and falling down the stairs while holding my six-month-old little boy was scary. I was hoping he was not hurt they whole time not even caring about myself. That is so fresh on my mind this morning that it precluded any other thought when deciding to write about.
Matthew, Mark and Luke all record a lesson Jesus taught one day as they were traveling. He knew some of his disciples had been arguing on the road and he asked them what it was all about and they responded “Lord, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus calls a child to himself and told them that unless the were converted to be like that small child they could not enter the kingdom, but that whoever would humble himself like that child would be the greatest in the kingdom. He continues that whoever receives such a child receives Him but he gives a grave warning; whoever causes such a one to stumble, it would be better for him that a stone be tied around his neck and he drown in the sea.
We know that Jesus here is not talking about physically causing a child to stumble but rather spiritually cause a believer to stumble. Sometimes I wonder if we get so caught up making sure we done trip and fall that we push someone else to the ground spiritually and never notice or care. Let us each one pledge to look out not just for ourselves but for our fellow man that we would cause no one to miss God and his saving grace.
The corresponding passages discussed here are found in Matt. 18, Mark 9 and Luke 9
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Crown, Love and Regard
A proverb is defined as:
A short popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin, that expresses effectively some commonplace truth or useful thought.
It is interesting to me that in the middle of our Old Testament we find an entire book of proverbs; an entire book of short sayings that express commonplace truth. I want to look at a couple of the proverbs we find in the Bible.
Have you ever heard the saying ‘behind every great man is a great woman’? Apparently the writer who assembled the book of Proverbs came to the same conclusion:
Prov. 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.”
I have to say I must be the greatest king around, with the most glamorous crown, because I have a truly excellent and wonderful wife. I don’t say this because she is going to read this post and it will get me out of trouble. I say it because it is true. My wife takes care of me when I am sick and when I am well, when I deserve it and when I don’t, and she even takes care of me when whether she feels good or not. I have a great wife and I’m not ashamed to say I’m a little spoiled by her. However, her greatness doesn’t just come from how she acts towards me, she is even more than an excellent wife; she is a wonderful mother. She loves our Will and it is plain to see. She hurts when he hurts, she laughs when he laughs and she cries when he cries.
It doesn’t end with us though, she has a wonderful heart and she exhibits the true nature of a righteous person as described in the first part of verse 10 of Proverbs 12:
“A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal”
I had never seen this passage until Ashley came across it a couple of weeks ago while dealing with the loss of Tucker, her dog from childhood and her only brother. It was a difficult loss, especially for someone who loves animals. I see the same love and kindness with Timley, our Westie. He tore his ACL on Wednesday, is schedule to have surgery this coming Monday and it hurts her to see him limping and in pain.
Truly a kinder, more gentle and loving person I have never known. She gives me a vision of greatness we should all aspire to achieve. Only when we have this love can we understand our God and the love He has toward us.
A short popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin, that expresses effectively some commonplace truth or useful thought.
It is interesting to me that in the middle of our Old Testament we find an entire book of proverbs; an entire book of short sayings that express commonplace truth. I want to look at a couple of the proverbs we find in the Bible.
Have you ever heard the saying ‘behind every great man is a great woman’? Apparently the writer who assembled the book of Proverbs came to the same conclusion:
Prov. 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.”
I have to say I must be the greatest king around, with the most glamorous crown, because I have a truly excellent and wonderful wife. I don’t say this because she is going to read this post and it will get me out of trouble. I say it because it is true. My wife takes care of me when I am sick and when I am well, when I deserve it and when I don’t, and she even takes care of me when whether she feels good or not. I have a great wife and I’m not ashamed to say I’m a little spoiled by her. However, her greatness doesn’t just come from how she acts towards me, she is even more than an excellent wife; she is a wonderful mother. She loves our Will and it is plain to see. She hurts when he hurts, she laughs when he laughs and she cries when he cries.
It doesn’t end with us though, she has a wonderful heart and she exhibits the true nature of a righteous person as described in the first part of verse 10 of Proverbs 12:
“A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal”
I had never seen this passage until Ashley came across it a couple of weeks ago while dealing with the loss of Tucker, her dog from childhood and her only brother. It was a difficult loss, especially for someone who loves animals. I see the same love and kindness with Timley, our Westie. He tore his ACL on Wednesday, is schedule to have surgery this coming Monday and it hurts her to see him limping and in pain.
Truly a kinder, more gentle and loving person I have never known. She gives me a vision of greatness we should all aspire to achieve. Only when we have this love can we understand our God and the love He has toward us.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Opportunity is Knocking
I was watching Evan Almighty last night and a couple of the scenes in the movie got me thinking about Jesus’ words in Matthew 25. In the movie Evan is a newly elected Congressman who moves his family to a big new house near Washington. The first night there, Evan’s wife prays that their family will grow closer together while they are in Washington rather than fall further apart and Evan prays for guidance from God. Evan is called by God to build an ark and is told that there will be a flood. Supplies start showing up and Evan begins building the ark.
Evan’s wife begins to question him about what’s going on and when he explains that he has talked to God and that He has asked Evan to build an ark Evan’s wife is shocked. Believing him to be crazy she takes their children and leaves. While sitting in a small diner she calls the waiter over and asks for more food. Unbeknownst to her she is talking to God. While talking she makes a comment about the work her husband is doing and God asks her ‘If people pray for patience, does God grant them a zap of patience or does God provide them with an opportunity to show patience? When people pray that their family will grow closer, does God surround them with a warm fuzzy feeling or does he provide them with an opportunity where they can be strengthened and bonded closely together?
This hits Joan as she recognizes that he mentioned exactly what she had prayed, but it also hit me. We sometimes ask for opportunities to help people and don’t see when they are presented to us. Jesus says that to the extent that we choose to either help or not help our fellow man, we choose to either help or not help him. Keep your eyes steady and when the doors open walk through them.
Evan’s wife begins to question him about what’s going on and when he explains that he has talked to God and that He has asked Evan to build an ark Evan’s wife is shocked. Believing him to be crazy she takes their children and leaves. While sitting in a small diner she calls the waiter over and asks for more food. Unbeknownst to her she is talking to God. While talking she makes a comment about the work her husband is doing and God asks her ‘If people pray for patience, does God grant them a zap of patience or does God provide them with an opportunity to show patience? When people pray that their family will grow closer, does God surround them with a warm fuzzy feeling or does he provide them with an opportunity where they can be strengthened and bonded closely together?
This hits Joan as she recognizes that he mentioned exactly what she had prayed, but it also hit me. We sometimes ask for opportunities to help people and don’t see when they are presented to us. Jesus says that to the extent that we choose to either help or not help our fellow man, we choose to either help or not help him. Keep your eyes steady and when the doors open walk through them.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Alive in Christ
$800,000,000,000.00 is a lot of money. It is an even bigger number coming on the heels of $700,000,000,000.00 that was approved last year. $1,500,000,000,000.00 approved spending in less than a year, in addition to the government’s annual budget. By comparison the federal budget for 2008 was $2,900,000,000,000.00 which means our government is assuming debt in an amount greater than half the annual budget in an attempt to save our economy. There have been a lot of people crying ‘foul’, after all, why should the very people who made bad choices and got us in this mess be bailed out? I know; I was there. Now I am on the side of do what it takes to resolve the problem and get us going in the right direction.
I sometimes wonder if this is the same discussion that took place in Heaven some 2,000 years ago. I can picture it now, God is about to send a part of himself to earth. While on earth God will breath, eat, drink and live just as his greatest creation: man. However, while here He will have a greater purpose; He will live a life free from the sin caused by our lust and desire. Not that He will be shielded from it but that He will choose to rise above it; creating an acceptable sacrifice for our sins. I can hear the angels now, ‘Why should you go?’ ‘Why not just destroy them again, like you did before?’ ‘How much is too much to pay for these people who have chosen to do wrong?’
Those are all valid points. We are guilty, we are the ones who got ourselves in the trouble and God, showing His grace through kindness toward us sent His son to bail us out. There is no greater bailout, nor people who deserve it less. We have been bought from death that we might live through Him.
The recommended reading that correlates with this week’s thought is Ephesians 2.
I sometimes wonder if this is the same discussion that took place in Heaven some 2,000 years ago. I can picture it now, God is about to send a part of himself to earth. While on earth God will breath, eat, drink and live just as his greatest creation: man. However, while here He will have a greater purpose; He will live a life free from the sin caused by our lust and desire. Not that He will be shielded from it but that He will choose to rise above it; creating an acceptable sacrifice for our sins. I can hear the angels now, ‘Why should you go?’ ‘Why not just destroy them again, like you did before?’ ‘How much is too much to pay for these people who have chosen to do wrong?’
Those are all valid points. We are guilty, we are the ones who got ourselves in the trouble and God, showing His grace through kindness toward us sent His son to bail us out. There is no greater bailout, nor people who deserve it less. We have been bought from death that we might live through Him.
The recommended reading that correlates with this week’s thought is Ephesians 2.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Boast in the Lord
Most people who know me, know I’m smart; at least they know I think I’m smart and that I am well educated. That’s probably because for too long I have crammed my intelligence down the throat of anyone willing to stick around long enough. I have recently decided that this tactic is probably not the best approach to use when meeting new people, trying to gain the support of co-workers, or pretty much ever. People don’t seem to respond well to the guy who seems to have all the answers and knows everything.
There are a number of passages in which the Bible admonishes us to not be boastful (prideful). One of my favorites comes from James 4:16:
“But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.”
To fully understand what James is talking about we would need only to read a couple of verses back when James addresses how we talk about our future plans. We talk about what “I” am going to do tomorrow, next week, next year or even five years from now. James tells us this language is us boasting in our arrogance. Instead we should say ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that’.
Paul tells the Galatians that we should not be boastful causing a challenge between one another (Gal. 5:26). This boasting leads to envy and strife. We know our own salvation is a gift of God’s grace not of our own works so that we will not be led to boasting.
Given all of the passages that outline the evils of boasting and pride, Paul instructs us to be boastful. Not in our works, but in the works of God and in the cross of Jesus. Even when we preach the gospel we have nothing to boast about. Paul says it best:
“If I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” -- I Cor. 9:16
Anything we can boast about in our lives is not our doing, the credit must go to God.
There are a number of passages in which the Bible admonishes us to not be boastful (prideful). One of my favorites comes from James 4:16:
“But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.”
To fully understand what James is talking about we would need only to read a couple of verses back when James addresses how we talk about our future plans. We talk about what “I” am going to do tomorrow, next week, next year or even five years from now. James tells us this language is us boasting in our arrogance. Instead we should say ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that’.
Paul tells the Galatians that we should not be boastful causing a challenge between one another (Gal. 5:26). This boasting leads to envy and strife. We know our own salvation is a gift of God’s grace not of our own works so that we will not be led to boasting.
Given all of the passages that outline the evils of boasting and pride, Paul instructs us to be boastful. Not in our works, but in the works of God and in the cross of Jesus. Even when we preach the gospel we have nothing to boast about. Paul says it best:
“If I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” -- I Cor. 9:16
Anything we can boast about in our lives is not our doing, the credit must go to God.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
A Living Hope
‘I hope I get that job.’ ‘I hope we can afford that house, it was so nice.’ ‘I hope she likes me.’ ‘I hope I don’t run out of gas before getting to the station.’ ‘That poor boy has no hope, he is clueless.’ ‘It’s hopeless, I give up.’
Have you ever heard someone say one of these statements, or even a similar statement? When we make these statements what does that do to our understanding of hope? What is the foundation of your hope, and where does your hope lead you?
Peter addresses believers who are in various places, facing numerous persecutions, who share a similar faith and as such a similar hope. It is in the beginning of his first letter that he addresses this hope and where it should lead their lives…
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”
-- I Peter 1:3-9
Peter addresses us today directing us to recognize a ‘living hope’ that is provided through Jesus’ resurrection. A living hope: This provides a path through faith to salvation, an inheritance that is reserved for us, protected by God’s power which will never fade away.
What is the foundation of our hope? Do we place our hope in earthly possessions, in our jobs, in friends and family or do we truly place our hope in God our Father? Do we place the foundation of our faith on our belief in Him and the love He provides through His death and resurrection?
Are we willing to suffer trials that our faith would be ‘tested by fire’? If not, can we expect to find salvation as our outcome?
Do you have a living hope today, or do you just proclaim to believe in some god somewhere?
Have you ever heard someone say one of these statements, or even a similar statement? When we make these statements what does that do to our understanding of hope? What is the foundation of your hope, and where does your hope lead you?
Peter addresses believers who are in various places, facing numerous persecutions, who share a similar faith and as such a similar hope. It is in the beginning of his first letter that he addresses this hope and where it should lead their lives…
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”
-- I Peter 1:3-9
Peter addresses us today directing us to recognize a ‘living hope’ that is provided through Jesus’ resurrection. A living hope: This provides a path through faith to salvation, an inheritance that is reserved for us, protected by God’s power which will never fade away.
What is the foundation of our hope? Do we place our hope in earthly possessions, in our jobs, in friends and family or do we truly place our hope in God our Father? Do we place the foundation of our faith on our belief in Him and the love He provides through His death and resurrection?
Are we willing to suffer trials that our faith would be ‘tested by fire’? If not, can we expect to find salvation as our outcome?
Do you have a living hope today, or do you just proclaim to believe in some god somewhere?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Faithful Believer or Religous Person
Are you a faithful believer or a religious person?
Quite a compelling question; surely some will say “isn’t this two of the same thing?” Take a few minutes and read James 1, it’s a great chapter for those who want to understand the difference between being a faithful believer and a religious person. To use James’ words: are you a doer or a hearer?
While our works will not get us to Heaven, and there is no amount of works we can do to make up for our failings, our faith should be defined by our works. We are saved by God’s grace alone; if that thought doesn’t get you fired up enough to work for Him, to show Him any level of appreciation, I submit you are a hearer: a religious person. Someone who when ‘at church’ ‘knows and loves God’: but when anywhere else doesn’t listen to hear His voice.
James 1: 21-25
Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.
James tells us what it is like to be a hearer, but notice it is the doer who will be blessed. Not because it will earn him a place in Heaven. The doer already has his place in Heaven, the works he does here on Earth bring him blessings while here on Earth. One whose works show his love for the greatness of the kingdom of God works as a result of his salvation, not as a condition to gain it.
This is my challenge to you:
Be a doer. Do cheerfully: not as a compulsion. Give willingly: not just your money but your time and talents. Throw away the burden of your religion, and open your heart to seeking and knowing God; form a relationship with Him that outshines the sun. Let Jesus be seen in all that you do and say. In all of this you will surely be blessed.
I challenge you as I challenge myself. There are 345 days left this year, should this year last, make an effort every day to DO. If we all Do together, what a difference we can make on our world.
Quite a compelling question; surely some will say “isn’t this two of the same thing?” Take a few minutes and read James 1, it’s a great chapter for those who want to understand the difference between being a faithful believer and a religious person. To use James’ words: are you a doer or a hearer?
While our works will not get us to Heaven, and there is no amount of works we can do to make up for our failings, our faith should be defined by our works. We are saved by God’s grace alone; if that thought doesn’t get you fired up enough to work for Him, to show Him any level of appreciation, I submit you are a hearer: a religious person. Someone who when ‘at church’ ‘knows and loves God’: but when anywhere else doesn’t listen to hear His voice.
James 1: 21-25
Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.
James tells us what it is like to be a hearer, but notice it is the doer who will be blessed. Not because it will earn him a place in Heaven. The doer already has his place in Heaven, the works he does here on Earth bring him blessings while here on Earth. One whose works show his love for the greatness of the kingdom of God works as a result of his salvation, not as a condition to gain it.
This is my challenge to you:
Be a doer. Do cheerfully: not as a compulsion. Give willingly: not just your money but your time and talents. Throw away the burden of your religion, and open your heart to seeking and knowing God; form a relationship with Him that outshines the sun. Let Jesus be seen in all that you do and say. In all of this you will surely be blessed.
I challenge you as I challenge myself. There are 345 days left this year, should this year last, make an effort every day to DO. If we all Do together, what a difference we can make on our world.
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