Hype - defined as 'exaggerated claims, overblown publicity' - turns me off. Whenever I sense that someone is 'hyping' the situation, I start looking for the door.
Politicians do it, claiming that if they are not elected the nation will perish in the next electoral cycle. It never does.
Preachers do it, urging the faithful to give and serve sacrificially, or else... well, there are all kinds of ways to finish that sentence with hype.
Salesmen do it. "Buy this car right now, 'cause I've got someone coming in to see later today, and they are ready to buy!" To which we ought to say, "Yeah, right!"
We're so accustomed to this kind of language, we take little that is said to us at face value.
So, when you see my opening line about a life and death matter, you probably discounted it as just more hype, right?
Believer, is is the truth. How you conduct yourself today is a life and death matter. Consider this word from the Scripture. "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? . . . Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 2:15-3:6, NIV) As we interact with people today, we are spreading the fragrance of God's Presence. To some we are a stench that reminds them of death and doom; to others we are the sweet smell of Spring and new life! What a responsibility. It is a life and death matter.
The Word quickly reminds us that we need not be overwhelmed for it is God in us that does the work. We cannot change anyone's eternal destiny but God, the Holy Spirit, Who lives in us, spills over and allows us to serve up the water of life in a dry and thirsty land. What a privilege; a real honor. Think of it, Believer; wherever you go today you can be like a drink of cool water to those who are dying of thirst. To be sure, some who are living in a spiritual desert will reject the water of life and to those people you will become an offense, a harbinger of the death that awaits. But that results from their choice, not yours. How I want to pour the Spirit's life into my world; how about you?
Don;'t mistake representing Christ with being religious! Religion serves up judgment and condemnation that makes people even more 'dead' to God. Last week our local newspaper reported on a group from the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas who were planning a trip to our area (Easton, PA) to demonstrate at a soldier's funeral. This group of "Christians" (their claim, but not the way I'd describe them) has made it their mission to show up at various places where there have been tragedies to announce what they see as God's judgment on America. They wave hateful signs and yell about impending doom with rhetoric that is too disgusting to use in this TFTD. And they think they are doing God's work! This misguided group does not pour a refreshing drink of the Spirit. They offer a cup of religious sand to those who thirst. What a travesty. But that is what happens when we make the rules about serving God more important than the relationship we can have with God.
God does require holiness of those who follow Him. It is absolutely true that those who are 'in Christ' cannot live with impurity, greed, lust, gluttony, materialism, sensuality, hate ... controlling their lives. But it is not regulations that make us holy. It is knowing God, through Christ Jesus, that makes us "His holy people." Indeed, apart from knowing God, there is no possibility of holiness that pleases Him. Yes, Believers we are ministers of a new agreement with the God of Heaven, one that He wrote in the Blood of His Son, that fully releases us from the guilt and shame that once separated us from our Father. It is our job to point people to the Cross where they find forgiveness and reconciliation. "We are Christ’s ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, “Be reconciled to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." (2 Corinthians 5:20-21, NLT)
That's what I mean about a 'life and death matter.'
Represent your King well, won't you? Prepare your mind and heart for this work by taking a few moments to soak up the Water of Life and then let it flow from you to those who need to be loved in God's Name.
When they ask the reason you're full of hope, that you have made a different choice to live for Heaven, tell them about the joy of knowing Jesus, who gives life - and that 'more abundantly!'
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Here's a song I love. If you know, sing it! If not, just make it your prayer, as I do each day.
May we be a shining light to the nations,
A shining light to the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world sees the glory of Your name,
May Your pure light shine through us.
May we bring a word of hope to the nations,
A word of life to the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world knows
There's salvation through Your name,
May Your mercy flow through us.
May we be a healing balm to the nations,
A healing balm to the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world knows
The power of Your name,
May Your healing flow through us.
May we sing a song of joy to the nations,
A song of praise to the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world rings
With the praises of Your name,
May Your song be sung through us.
May Your kingdom come to the nations,
Your will be done in the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world knows
That Jesus Christ is Lord,
May Your kingdom come in us.
May Your kingdom come in us.
May Your kingdom come on earth!
-- Song For The Nations - Christensen, Chris - © 1986 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.) CCLI License No. 810055
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