A lot of times we think that when we as Christians are involved in public ministry - that is when the Lord needs to shine out of us. That might be as we worship on Sunday, teach a Sunday school class, are on worship team, doing a vacation Bible school or on a mission.
But in reality, you are your best witness when you just go about leading your life - going to school, work, with your family.
Paul said this in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "and aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may live properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one."
People are watching you. How you react in times of trial is important. How you treat your wife, parents, children, friends and neighbors matters.
Just remember that wherever you are you are a representative of Jesus Christ. That ought to change how we act, don't you think?
Monday, July 31, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
What to Wear Today
What is your persona? If I were to ask a friend, a family member, a co-worker, and someone you stood in line with at the store - what would they say?
Every day in every situation we put on some sort of clothing - not shirts and skirts, but words and actions. In our culture there are traits that are revered: independence, competition, looking out for self, getting ahead, not letting anyone get to you - and my favorite - every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
I know if you are reading this you may be thinking that your persona is the personality of Jesus - and it should be, but is it? What happened the last time someone cut you off on the freeway or cut in line at the grocery store? Has someone ever cheated you or lied to you or said something mean about you to someone else? Have you ever found yourself running a little rough-shod over someone to get what you wanted? Probably. I know I have.
I ran across a real impacting verse to share with you. It's Philippians 4:5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all." The word "gentleness" can also be translated "mild" or "moderate." It comes from two Greek words that suggest the idea of placing your hand on something else and being like that thing you are touching in form. It would be like cupping a beautiful flower in your hand without harming it, rather than squeezing it in your fist until it is crushed.
That idea is how Paul (and the Lord) wants our personalities to be towards others. It doesn't mean to be a doormat - in another place Paul encourages us not to be timid or afraid of those who oppose the gospel. But I think we can make choices when we deal with others - we can make sure we are taken care of first, and if others survive the effort then okay. Or we can seek to find out what makes someone else tick, and perhaps mold ourselves to help them first.
Philippians 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others . NIV
It's just a thought - when you have a choice of personalities to wear, consider wearing gentleness and an attitude that sees and responds to the interests of others.
Every day in every situation we put on some sort of clothing - not shirts and skirts, but words and actions. In our culture there are traits that are revered: independence, competition, looking out for self, getting ahead, not letting anyone get to you - and my favorite - every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
I know if you are reading this you may be thinking that your persona is the personality of Jesus - and it should be, but is it? What happened the last time someone cut you off on the freeway or cut in line at the grocery store? Has someone ever cheated you or lied to you or said something mean about you to someone else? Have you ever found yourself running a little rough-shod over someone to get what you wanted? Probably. I know I have.
I ran across a real impacting verse to share with you. It's Philippians 4:5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all." The word "gentleness" can also be translated "mild" or "moderate." It comes from two Greek words that suggest the idea of placing your hand on something else and being like that thing you are touching in form. It would be like cupping a beautiful flower in your hand without harming it, rather than squeezing it in your fist until it is crushed.
That idea is how Paul (and the Lord) wants our personalities to be towards others. It doesn't mean to be a doormat - in another place Paul encourages us not to be timid or afraid of those who oppose the gospel. But I think we can make choices when we deal with others - we can make sure we are taken care of first, and if others survive the effort then okay. Or we can seek to find out what makes someone else tick, and perhaps mold ourselves to help them first.
Philippians 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others . NIV
It's just a thought - when you have a choice of personalities to wear, consider wearing gentleness and an attitude that sees and responds to the interests of others.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
The Reunion
I attended a high school reunion last weekend. It was an interesting experience to say the least. One of the most intersting parts of it, though, was a statement made by one of the organizers.
She said: "isn't it great that we can all be together and none of that high school stuff is here?"
What she meant was that none of the cliques and groupings and ostrasizing that so many feel not being in the "in crowd" was absent after these many years.
The funny thing was - she was totally wrong. All of the same stratification that we all suffered through in high school was totally evident there at the reunion - the jocks and popular crowd sat up front and were all hugs and bravado - while the others felt just as left out as before.
Now, I'm not sound sour grapes or anything - I actually do have a point. At first I thought - "isn't it great that in the church none of that "high school" stuff exists?" The trouble is - it does. We have our own cliques and "in" groups in church too. And I think it's wrong. We should make an effort to make sure everyone is equally welcomed and equally treated.
This has been a problem in the church since its inception. James talked about it in his letter (James 2). Paul also addressed the inequality of treatment in the church:
Galatians 3:27-28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female , for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ESV
I know we can't get rid of all the human tendency to gather into groups - including some and exluding others - but we should make that effort - why? In part because of another reunion we will all attend - the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
When Jesus comes to take us away with him in the rapture, we'll attend the biggest blowout reunion the universe has ever seen. At that reunion the organizer will be able to stand up and say "isn't it great that all that earth-stuff is gone?"
Why don't we start now.
She said: "isn't it great that we can all be together and none of that high school stuff is here?"
What she meant was that none of the cliques and groupings and ostrasizing that so many feel not being in the "in crowd" was absent after these many years.
The funny thing was - she was totally wrong. All of the same stratification that we all suffered through in high school was totally evident there at the reunion - the jocks and popular crowd sat up front and were all hugs and bravado - while the others felt just as left out as before.
Now, I'm not sound sour grapes or anything - I actually do have a point. At first I thought - "isn't it great that in the church none of that "high school" stuff exists?" The trouble is - it does. We have our own cliques and "in" groups in church too. And I think it's wrong. We should make an effort to make sure everyone is equally welcomed and equally treated.
This has been a problem in the church since its inception. James talked about it in his letter (James 2). Paul also addressed the inequality of treatment in the church:
Galatians 3:27-28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female , for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ESV
I know we can't get rid of all the human tendency to gather into groups - including some and exluding others - but we should make that effort - why? In part because of another reunion we will all attend - the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
When Jesus comes to take us away with him in the rapture, we'll attend the biggest blowout reunion the universe has ever seen. At that reunion the organizer will be able to stand up and say "isn't it great that all that earth-stuff is gone?"
Why don't we start now.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Our Constant Battle
If you are a Christian you are in a constant battle. No, I'm not talking about the battle against the enemy: Satan - though that battle is very real. I'm talking about a battle within yourself.
In Galatians 5, Paul says "...the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opossed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." ESV
The battle within you is the constant struggle between doing what the flesh desires and what the Spirit of God desires. How to tell the difference? Read on in Galatians:
19 "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." ESV
This is what is called an ad hoc list - it isn't inclusive of everything. Lying, for instance, is not in here, but is a work of the flesh. Basically anything that does not bring glory to God is not of the Spirit.
So what are characteristics of the Spirit?
22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." ESV
And that's the key - we can't just push down the flesh and decide in ourselves to be like God - that's making ourselves perfect by our own efforts. It also doesn't mean that you can just do anything you like because Jesus died for your sins (see 5:13).
But if you are in Christ you have been crucified. You no longer live, you no longer own yourself - Jesus does. What Paul wants us to do is actually very simple:
16 "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
So my word for today is: have the attitude that your flesh is dead, and live your life focused on the Spirit filling you, motivating you, guiding you. The more you relate to God - praying, worshipping, learning, stretching - the less you will find time or desire for the things of the flesh.
In Galatians 5, Paul says "...the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opossed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." ESV
The battle within you is the constant struggle between doing what the flesh desires and what the Spirit of God desires. How to tell the difference? Read on in Galatians:
19 "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." ESV
This is what is called an ad hoc list - it isn't inclusive of everything. Lying, for instance, is not in here, but is a work of the flesh. Basically anything that does not bring glory to God is not of the Spirit.
So what are characteristics of the Spirit?
22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." ESV
And that's the key - we can't just push down the flesh and decide in ourselves to be like God - that's making ourselves perfect by our own efforts. It also doesn't mean that you can just do anything you like because Jesus died for your sins (see 5:13).
But if you are in Christ you have been crucified. You no longer live, you no longer own yourself - Jesus does. What Paul wants us to do is actually very simple:
16 "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
So my word for today is: have the attitude that your flesh is dead, and live your life focused on the Spirit filling you, motivating you, guiding you. The more you relate to God - praying, worshipping, learning, stretching - the less you will find time or desire for the things of the flesh.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
How Much Is Too Much?
I've heard Christians quote what they think is a Bible verse: "God won't bring more into my life than I can handle, but with it He will bring a way of escape."
Actually, that's not correct. Here's what the verse in 1 Corinthians actually says:
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape , that you may be able to endure it. ESV
In fact, the opposite of is actually true - God often puts us in places that are beyond our capabilities to handle. Paul the Apostle found himself in those situations often.
2 Corinthians 1:8-9 For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. ESV
We don't like to hear these words. We don't like to think of God letting us be overwhelmed, but it's true. So why on earth would He allow something like that into our lives? Paul says it: "to make us rely no on ourselves but on God."
So the next time you are overwhelmed, realize God is working to make you trust in Him more and trust in yourself less.
Finally, listen to what Paul says in chapter 4 of the same letters:
2 Corinthians 4:7-11 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ESV
Actually, that's not correct. Here's what the verse in 1 Corinthians actually says:
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape , that you may be able to endure it. ESV
In fact, the opposite of is actually true - God often puts us in places that are beyond our capabilities to handle. Paul the Apostle found himself in those situations often.
2 Corinthians 1:8-9 For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. ESV
We don't like to hear these words. We don't like to think of God letting us be overwhelmed, but it's true. So why on earth would He allow something like that into our lives? Paul says it: "to make us rely no on ourselves but on God."
So the next time you are overwhelmed, realize God is working to make you trust in Him more and trust in yourself less.
Finally, listen to what Paul says in chapter 4 of the same letters:
2 Corinthians 4:7-11 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ESV
Monday, July 10, 2006
Imitate Me
Sounds pretty haughty, doesn't it? Truth is there is a lot of truth in that statement - just not how it is sometimes applied today in the church.
I want to take a somewhat reflexive moment on the role of the pastor. There are plenty of good things about being a pastor - and plenty of good reasons for them to exist in the church. The body of Christ needs good teaching and they need godly leaders to watch out for the members of the body and protect them.
The Scripture the title of this post refers to is 1 Corinthians 11:1. It says "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." The problem some pastors face today is that they live the first part of that verse and forget the second. Some pastors see their congregations swell, they get "fans" and some fame. Pastors are human too (I know that seems hard to believe sometimes) and I think all that power goes to our heads.
They start thinking that they are the reason the church is what it is. And they mistakenly start putting more of themselves out there and less of Jesus. When subtle contradictions in character arise, it becomes more their character and less of the Lord's character that they exhibit. But as long as the church is "successful" then they can justify that behavior. "Where God guides, God provides" right?
Well, I want to challenge that - and I say that as a pastor. Our responsiblity is to always reflect the character of our Lord Jesus - and then encourage people to follow that example. It's not our character they are imitating, but the Lord's in us. In any point at which we stray from what Jesus is like then we are wrong wrong wrong and no one should imitate that.
I want to take a somewhat reflexive moment on the role of the pastor. There are plenty of good things about being a pastor - and plenty of good reasons for them to exist in the church. The body of Christ needs good teaching and they need godly leaders to watch out for the members of the body and protect them.
The Scripture the title of this post refers to is 1 Corinthians 11:1. It says "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." The problem some pastors face today is that they live the first part of that verse and forget the second. Some pastors see their congregations swell, they get "fans" and some fame. Pastors are human too (I know that seems hard to believe sometimes) and I think all that power goes to our heads.
They start thinking that they are the reason the church is what it is. And they mistakenly start putting more of themselves out there and less of Jesus. When subtle contradictions in character arise, it becomes more their character and less of the Lord's character that they exhibit. But as long as the church is "successful" then they can justify that behavior. "Where God guides, God provides" right?
Well, I want to challenge that - and I say that as a pastor. Our responsiblity is to always reflect the character of our Lord Jesus - and then encourage people to follow that example. It's not our character they are imitating, but the Lord's in us. In any point at which we stray from what Jesus is like then we are wrong wrong wrong and no one should imitate that.
Friday, July 07, 2006
You Can Do Anything You Like
Sounds pretty good, huh? It's true, really, for the Christian. Since you have died in Christ the Law no longer applies to you. Read Romans for more.
Oh - there's just one catch:
1 Corinthians 10:31 "...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." ESV
That's easy, right? Not really. Think about it - anything you think, say, do - all your motivations, dreams, aspirations, desires - all bringing glory to God. That means it doesn't bring glory to you or anyone else or anything else.
The word "glory" (Gk: doxa) comes from another word that means "to seem." The idea is honor accorded from a good opinion. Jesus revealed the "glory" of God by revealing His character and actions. It drew people with ears to hear to the Father.
Are your words ones that draw people to the Father or repel them ("if this is what a Christian is like I don't want to have anything to do with Jesus")?
It's a good test - if anyone knew fully what I was thinking, or saw what I was doing would it accord a positive or negative opinion about God?
So - do anything you want, just do it to glorify God.
Oh - there's just one catch:
1 Corinthians 10:31 "...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." ESV
That's easy, right? Not really. Think about it - anything you think, say, do - all your motivations, dreams, aspirations, desires - all bringing glory to God. That means it doesn't bring glory to you or anyone else or anything else.
The word "glory" (Gk: doxa) comes from another word that means "to seem." The idea is honor accorded from a good opinion. Jesus revealed the "glory" of God by revealing His character and actions. It drew people with ears to hear to the Father.
Are your words ones that draw people to the Father or repel them ("if this is what a Christian is like I don't want to have anything to do with Jesus")?
It's a good test - if anyone knew fully what I was thinking, or saw what I was doing would it accord a positive or negative opinion about God?
So - do anything you want, just do it to glorify God.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
All Things Work Together For Good?
Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." ESV
This is really a great verse - and its one of those that I think you can pluck out of Romans and let it stand on its own without much context. But I also think there is an interesting twist on this if you look at within the scope of what Paul is saying in that chapter of Romans.
On the surface we may interpret this verse as saying "God will work out everything so that I'll feel good about it." Yet if Paul used that logic he would feel like a dismal failure. Many times he was stoned, beaten, yelled at, thrown in jail - all for doing something good: preaching the gospel.
In fact, if you look in Romans 8 he also says "For your sake we are being killed all day long." This doesn't sound like everything is working out okay at all.
There's a song I love by Casting Crowns on their Lifesong album called "Praise You in This Storm." Here is one of the lines:
"I was sure by now that you would have reached down and wipe our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day, but once again I say "amen" and its still raining."
In reality, "working out for good" doesn't mean it works out for good as we see it. It works out for good as God sees it, and sometimes God sees it good that we suffer - like Paul.
So what should we hold on to then? Look at verses 37-38:
"37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
First realize that although it may appear like defeat - God is working behind the scenes to reach His victory - and that no matter what, your connection to God and His love can never be broken - no matter what.
In fact, though, verse 37 is also true. We are more than conquerors. Through Jesus we have conquered the most evil enemy there is: death. Beyond that, no enemy can be that terrible.
So when you are in the midst of struggle and defeat seems all around you - remember that it is God's good that is being worked out, the Spirit is praying for you (verse 26) and that nothing can separate you from your God - nothing!
This is really a great verse - and its one of those that I think you can pluck out of Romans and let it stand on its own without much context. But I also think there is an interesting twist on this if you look at within the scope of what Paul is saying in that chapter of Romans.
On the surface we may interpret this verse as saying "God will work out everything so that I'll feel good about it." Yet if Paul used that logic he would feel like a dismal failure. Many times he was stoned, beaten, yelled at, thrown in jail - all for doing something good: preaching the gospel.
In fact, if you look in Romans 8 he also says "For your sake we are being killed all day long." This doesn't sound like everything is working out okay at all.
There's a song I love by Casting Crowns on their Lifesong album called "Praise You in This Storm." Here is one of the lines:
"I was sure by now that you would have reached down and wipe our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day, but once again I say "amen" and its still raining."
In reality, "working out for good" doesn't mean it works out for good as we see it. It works out for good as God sees it, and sometimes God sees it good that we suffer - like Paul.
So what should we hold on to then? Look at verses 37-38:
"37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
First realize that although it may appear like defeat - God is working behind the scenes to reach His victory - and that no matter what, your connection to God and His love can never be broken - no matter what.
In fact, though, verse 37 is also true. We are more than conquerors. Through Jesus we have conquered the most evil enemy there is: death. Beyond that, no enemy can be that terrible.
So when you are in the midst of struggle and defeat seems all around you - remember that it is God's good that is being worked out, the Spirit is praying for you (verse 26) and that nothing can separate you from your God - nothing!
Monday, July 03, 2006
What About Those Who Haven't Heard?
It's a common question - what about the natives who live in the dark jungle who have never had contact with anyone outside of their tribal area - how could God possible judge them?
Well, there is a Scripture in Romans that helps me to understand this more fully.
Romans 2:12-16 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. ESV
I think one of the things Paul is saying here is that God gave each of us a conscience to help us know right from wrong. Our conscience has been tainted somewhat by sin - Paul later describes it as a "searing" effect. But somehow - even those who have not heard the Law - God will able to judge them by showing them the actions of their own conscience.
I also think that somehow the gospel message has been given to everyone - that there is a God, that we don't measure up, that judgment awaits unless something happens, that if we turn from this evil in us to God Himself as our rescuer, then we can be saved.
Do I know how it works? No. But this I do know - that our God is just and fair and righteous. He will not condemn anyone who does not deserve it. Romans 2 just gives us a clue as how this can happen.
Well, there is a Scripture in Romans that helps me to understand this more fully.
Romans 2:12-16 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. ESV
I think one of the things Paul is saying here is that God gave each of us a conscience to help us know right from wrong. Our conscience has been tainted somewhat by sin - Paul later describes it as a "searing" effect. But somehow - even those who have not heard the Law - God will able to judge them by showing them the actions of their own conscience.
I also think that somehow the gospel message has been given to everyone - that there is a God, that we don't measure up, that judgment awaits unless something happens, that if we turn from this evil in us to God Himself as our rescuer, then we can be saved.
Do I know how it works? No. But this I do know - that our God is just and fair and righteous. He will not condemn anyone who does not deserve it. Romans 2 just gives us a clue as how this can happen.
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