I belong to a group strangely named - P.I.P. - which stands for Pastors In Prayer. We gather a couple of times each month with no agenda other than to spend a couple of hours talking to each other and to the Lord. Most meetings are relatively small, just 4 to 8 middle-aged white male types who share a similar life experience and calling to pastoral ministry. Just like church, some meetings are better than others. Sometimes we just get together, pray rather perfunctory prayers, and go home. Sometimes are like yesterday's meeting. We had a hard time 'getting spiritual.' I don't know why, but we were in high spirits, making fun of each other's foibles, laughing at the 'stuff' that each of us is dealing with in our lives. Harry called us to prayer and read us some Scripture. As I knelt, I felt God, the Spirit, come near. When Chris prayed for each of us, by name, it was sweet to be lifted up. Later, we decamped to Enzo's for lunch. The company of friends and the cup of laughter made my bowl of red soup more satisfying than a full course meal.
Here's a curious thing. Every other Thursday, right around 11 am, things come up which make me think, "Maybe I should skip the PIP meeting today and take care of that situation." I am not much of a conspiracy theorist, but I am convinced that the Enemy of my soul tempts me to neglect this important gathering because he knows the strength and encouragement that I find in the company of other Pastors when we seek the Lord's face together!
All Believers need other Believers in their lives who understand and accept them, who can poke holes in their pretensions, and pray for them with true empathy. We need to be able to laugh and retreat from the work that piles up around us, not just in solitary pursuits, but in the company of our brothers. There is something godly and worshipful about sharing life at that level and then taking our cares to the One who sits on Heaven's Throne! That is why we read in the Word- "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT)
Something has gone wrong with a kind of Christianity that thinks that a nicely ordered, and often rather impersonal, worship service is it! Yes, the corporate worship experience is a valuable time to learn the Word, to sing and pray together. But, we need a little group where we don't have to be polite and/or explain ourselves, where both our tears and our laughter are welcomed, where we are encouraged to stay in the race. Many of us are so committed to function and purpose, we fail to appreciate just how valuable it is to take time regularly to sit down and just be a brother or sister to somebody. The greater pressures in your life, the more stress you are dealing with, the more you need this kind of camaraderie. It doesn't just happen, either. Fellowship (a much over used word) requires that we make getting together a priority. It means we endure some meetings where the "it" factor is missing, where nothing seems to happen. It means that we work at building trust, that we set aside our images and get transparent.
Believer, I am convinced that in addition to all the programs of church; genuine Christianity involves time for sharing a bowl of soup and a cup of laughter. May God draw us together in the love of Jesus.
___________________________
Making your way in the world today
takes everything you’ve got
Taking a break from all your worries,
sure would help a lot.
Wouldn’t you like to get away?
Sometimes you want to go where
everybody knows your name,
And they’re always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where
everybody knows your name.
You wanna go where people know,
people are all the same,
You wanna go where
everybody knows your name.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
- Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo
Friday, May 18, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Grow up!
Three men sat at the table for Bible study at the county jail. One was about 35, another in his early 40's, and the third, around 55 years of age. They are just average guys, not career criminals. They have jobs, families, and mortgages. They were all in jail for the first time, locked up for the same offense - driving while intoxicated. In addition to sitting in jail for 6 months, they are facing 10 year suspensions of their driving privileges in the state of NJ. Each one of them told me that they were legally intoxicated when they were arrested, and, each one of them had an excuse. "Everybody stops for a couple of beers after work!" "After you drink a couple, you start to lose count!" "Even cops sometimes drive when they have had one too many." "My lawyer did a terrible job representing me." "A friend came into the bar just as I was getting ready to leave and I had a couple more beers." "Pitchers were being served for just $3. I just had to have two at that price." After listening to their stories, I asked this question - "Don't you have any responsibility for your actions?"
Blaming others when we get ourselves in a bad spot is a human trait as old as history. The opening chapters of Genesis record the Creation story - God's provision of a beautiful home for Adam and Eve where they had everything they needed and wanted for a good life. There was just one restriction - "Don't eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that stands in the center of the Garden!" The Deceiver showed up one day and asked, "Did God really say that you were not to eat from any tree in the Garden?" When Eve engaged him in conversation, she was making a mistake- one that proved spiritually fatal. She eventually chose to disobey God's command, presented Adam with her decision and he joined her in disobedience. When they finally were confronted by God - each pointed the finger of blame elsewhere. Adam told God, "It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it." (Genesis 3:12, NLT) Indirectly, he blames God! Eve, likewise, passed the buck, blaming the serpent deceiver. God would have none of it and, in the end, each player in the drama of sin, paid the price for participating. The Serpent was cursed, Eve was given the pain of child-birth and subservience to Adam, and Adam was left to deal with a world that frustrated his every attempt at work, weeds and thistles growing in his garden.
Then came the Second Adam! Jesus Christ came to reverse that Curse, to restore us to our destiny as God's own children. "To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son." (John 1:12-14, NLT) But to receive our inheritance of salvation in Christ, we must acknowledge our part in our sins, accept responsibility for our choices that lead us to disobedience, and ask God to forgive us for our rebellion - without excuse. Repentance is required! It is different from regret. Each of my friends in jail regrets getting caught, but none of them is ready to repent - to accept responsibility for what he did and to turn around and travel in the other direction!
We want God's peace and we want to know that He is providing for our every need - but many of us want these things on our own terms. We refuse to deal with our disobedience. We won't listen carefully to the Spirit when He calls us to change our ways. We're full of excuses and rationalizations for what we do, why we did it, and why we will do it again tomorrow. Jesus says, "Unless you repent, you will perish!" Believer, are you struggling with some sin in your life? Stop giving yourself a pass! Name it with the same name that God gives it - sin. Don't let yourself off the hook by pointing to your parents, your spouse, your neighborhood, your .... well, that list goes on ad nauseam!
Grow up and accept responsibility for change. And here is what God promises - "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. " (1 Corinthians 10:13, The Message) When we face up to our spiritual bankruptcy, Jesus steps in and says, "Let me pay the price!" And the Spirit comes with new life, which leads us into blessings we could not have imagined even existed when we were living in excuses for our sinfulness.
Ponder this word from the Word today as you give thanks.
"With that kind of hope to excite us, nothing holds us back." (2 Corinthians 3:12, The Message) "They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18, The Message)
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Blaming others when we get ourselves in a bad spot is a human trait as old as history. The opening chapters of Genesis record the Creation story - God's provision of a beautiful home for Adam and Eve where they had everything they needed and wanted for a good life. There was just one restriction - "Don't eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that stands in the center of the Garden!" The Deceiver showed up one day and asked, "Did God really say that you were not to eat from any tree in the Garden?" When Eve engaged him in conversation, she was making a mistake- one that proved spiritually fatal. She eventually chose to disobey God's command, presented Adam with her decision and he joined her in disobedience. When they finally were confronted by God - each pointed the finger of blame elsewhere. Adam told God, "It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it." (Genesis 3:12, NLT) Indirectly, he blames God! Eve, likewise, passed the buck, blaming the serpent deceiver. God would have none of it and, in the end, each player in the drama of sin, paid the price for participating. The Serpent was cursed, Eve was given the pain of child-birth and subservience to Adam, and Adam was left to deal with a world that frustrated his every attempt at work, weeds and thistles growing in his garden.
Then came the Second Adam! Jesus Christ came to reverse that Curse, to restore us to our destiny as God's own children. "To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son." (John 1:12-14, NLT) But to receive our inheritance of salvation in Christ, we must acknowledge our part in our sins, accept responsibility for our choices that lead us to disobedience, and ask God to forgive us for our rebellion - without excuse. Repentance is required! It is different from regret. Each of my friends in jail regrets getting caught, but none of them is ready to repent - to accept responsibility for what he did and to turn around and travel in the other direction!
We want God's peace and we want to know that He is providing for our every need - but many of us want these things on our own terms. We refuse to deal with our disobedience. We won't listen carefully to the Spirit when He calls us to change our ways. We're full of excuses and rationalizations for what we do, why we did it, and why we will do it again tomorrow. Jesus says, "Unless you repent, you will perish!" Believer, are you struggling with some sin in your life? Stop giving yourself a pass! Name it with the same name that God gives it - sin. Don't let yourself off the hook by pointing to your parents, your spouse, your neighborhood, your .... well, that list goes on ad nauseam!
Grow up and accept responsibility for change. And here is what God promises - "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. " (1 Corinthians 10:13, The Message) When we face up to our spiritual bankruptcy, Jesus steps in and says, "Let me pay the price!" And the Spirit comes with new life, which leads us into blessings we could not have imagined even existed when we were living in excuses for our sinfulness.
Ponder this word from the Word today as you give thanks.
"With that kind of hope to excite us, nothing holds us back." (2 Corinthians 3:12, The Message) "They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18, The Message)
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Home Safe!
Around 1:30 pm yesterday the world learned that the Rev. Jerry Falwell, pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church, had died. In later reports, comments on Falwell's political activism, his work in founding a mega-church and a Christian university, as well as replays of a couple of his more outrageous comments summed up his life. ABC News unkindly noted that Falwell had become a 'self-parody,' in other words, a joke. Through the years, his political pronouncements and his fundamentalism have elicited more than a few uncharitable responses from me, but giving credit where credit is due; I recognize that the Church lost a leader yesterday, a man who influenced millions, in 50 years of Christian ministry, to consider the claims of Jesus Christ. Jerry Falwell is now home safe, beyond the reach of critics, secured from the temptations of fame, power, wealth, and other worldly lures.
He met that inevitable appointment with his Lord yesterday and gave an accounting before the Judge whose evaluation matters most. There were just two issues addressed as Jerry Falwell stepped through that door that separates time and Eternity.
First, what did you do with the grace of Jesus Christ?
Second, were you faithful in the use of the opportunities that were provided to you?
As much as being the founder of Liberty University might matter here on earth, in Heaven it's just a footnote. Though many are impressed by Falwell's work in building a church that gathers thousands of worshippers each Sunday, in Heaven such works will be evaluated in the light of faithfulness. Even more than results, Christ desires faithfulness and diligence of His servants. What Jesus asked Jerry Falwell is what He will ask you and me: "Did you use the gifts and opportunities you were given in a way that was faithful and that honored of Me?"
Consider this passage - "Whatever we build on that foundation will be tested by fire on the day of judgment. Then everyone will find out if we have used gold, silver, and precious stones, or wood, hay, and straw. We will be rewarded if our building is left standing. But if it is destroyed by the fire, we will lose everything. Yet we ourselves will be saved, like someone escaping from flames." (1 Corinthians 3:12-15, CEV) Heaven will reveal some amazing surprises! Some who seemed giants here on earth will have little of lasting value in Heaven, while others who were invisible here will wear crowns of glory there. Only God truly knows the motives that fuel our daily work. What is done for Christ will endure His fiery gaze. What is done for Self and applause of men will burn away.
Live ready, dear Believer. None of us knows the hour of our appointment with Lord. You or I could be called home today. Is that thought grim or glorious to you? Our mortality need not be a source of fear for us. Our Heavenly reservation is secured by the blood of Christ Jesus. If we have received His grace, trusting in the Cross, 'though we die, yet shall we live!' I do not fear death for that reason. I am not excited about the process of dying, to be sure. "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." (2 Timothy 1:12, NKJV) For that reason, I know that I will be welcomed into Heaven, home safe, on that Day. What I am responsible to do is to make the most of every opportunity to do the work of Christ Jesus. It should be our goal to complete the work assigned to us by the Spirit, to keep our accounts paid up, no debts - except the those of love - outstanding.
"It was sin that made death so frightening and law-code guilt that gave sin its leverage, its destructive power. But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God! With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort." (1 Corinthians 15:56-58, The Message)
___________________
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace,
In the mansions bright and blessed,
He'll prepare for us a place.
Onward to the prize before us,
Soon His beauty we'll behold,
Soon the pearly gates will open,
We will tread the streets of gold.
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be,
When we all see Jesus,
We'll sing and shout the victory.
- public domain
He met that inevitable appointment with his Lord yesterday and gave an accounting before the Judge whose evaluation matters most. There were just two issues addressed as Jerry Falwell stepped through that door that separates time and Eternity.
First, what did you do with the grace of Jesus Christ?
Second, were you faithful in the use of the opportunities that were provided to you?
As much as being the founder of Liberty University might matter here on earth, in Heaven it's just a footnote. Though many are impressed by Falwell's work in building a church that gathers thousands of worshippers each Sunday, in Heaven such works will be evaluated in the light of faithfulness. Even more than results, Christ desires faithfulness and diligence of His servants. What Jesus asked Jerry Falwell is what He will ask you and me: "Did you use the gifts and opportunities you were given in a way that was faithful and that honored of Me?"
Consider this passage - "Whatever we build on that foundation will be tested by fire on the day of judgment. Then everyone will find out if we have used gold, silver, and precious stones, or wood, hay, and straw. We will be rewarded if our building is left standing. But if it is destroyed by the fire, we will lose everything. Yet we ourselves will be saved, like someone escaping from flames." (1 Corinthians 3:12-15, CEV) Heaven will reveal some amazing surprises! Some who seemed giants here on earth will have little of lasting value in Heaven, while others who were invisible here will wear crowns of glory there. Only God truly knows the motives that fuel our daily work. What is done for Christ will endure His fiery gaze. What is done for Self and applause of men will burn away.
Live ready, dear Believer. None of us knows the hour of our appointment with Lord. You or I could be called home today. Is that thought grim or glorious to you? Our mortality need not be a source of fear for us. Our Heavenly reservation is secured by the blood of Christ Jesus. If we have received His grace, trusting in the Cross, 'though we die, yet shall we live!' I do not fear death for that reason. I am not excited about the process of dying, to be sure. "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." (2 Timothy 1:12, NKJV) For that reason, I know that I will be welcomed into Heaven, home safe, on that Day. What I am responsible to do is to make the most of every opportunity to do the work of Christ Jesus. It should be our goal to complete the work assigned to us by the Spirit, to keep our accounts paid up, no debts - except the those of love - outstanding.
"It was sin that made death so frightening and law-code guilt that gave sin its leverage, its destructive power. But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God! With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort." (1 Corinthians 15:56-58, The Message)
___________________
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace,
In the mansions bright and blessed,
He'll prepare for us a place.
Onward to the prize before us,
Soon His beauty we'll behold,
Soon the pearly gates will open,
We will tread the streets of gold.
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be,
When we all see Jesus,
We'll sing and shout the victory.
- public domain
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
A little padding in the story?
I was reading the resume of an acquaintance recently. He made some claims that- well, let's say, didn't exactly reflect reality. If I had not known the person, his resume would have led me to believe he was much more experienced and accomplished than he actually is. So, everybody does it, right? Maybe, but "should it be done?" is the real question. Perhaps I am too cynical but because of the way that words are used, I tend to discount much of what I read and hear, thinking - "So, what really happened? What is the kernel of fact under the layers of padding?"
Hyperbole is not the problem. When a person says, "I've told you a thousand times!" we know what they mean, that their words are not to be taken literally. The problem is word inflation, which is just plain old dishonesty. It is everywhere around us. Candidates for political office say things that are full of fluff, just to impress. "It's so good to be here in NJ, the best state in the US. I always look forward to visiting beautiful downtown Newark." The audience politely applauds while thinking, "How many times have you said that this week?" Job titles are handed out that mean little in reality but that give the appearance of importance. Have you ever noticed how many assistant vice presidents there are in banks? Advertisers routinely mislead consumers, though carefully within guidelines that avoid legal repercussion. Last Fall, I took my grandson to McD's for a Happy Meal, which included a little toy. After a moment, he threw the toy down on the table in disgust. "What's the matter?" I asked. "It doesn't work like on TV!" he replied. Hey, little boy, welcome to the deceptive world.
Believer, we must not acquiesce to this trend of dishonesty. We must not fall into the trap of padding our stories. To do so is a sin. Jesus tells us "Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong." (Matthew 5:37, The Message) He made this statement while talking about vows and promises. Our word, He taught, is to be so trustworthy there is no need for us to buttress our truthfulness by saying things like, "I swear to God!" Those who follow Him should be so authentic, so transparent, that no one even thinks to question the truthfulness of what they say or wonder if there is any need to search for hidden messages. James, likewise, directs us to plain speech. "Since you know that God cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like "I swear to God" to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against you." (James 5:12, The Message)
I want to encourage you to listen to your words today. See if you have developed a habit of inflation, even in the little stuff.
Do you exaggerate the tone of another's words?
When you speak of yourself do your words make no more, no less of the situation than is real?
Do you use language in a way that always shines the favorable light on yourself?
Aim for honesty. I am not suggesting that in the name of being real that we have to say hurtful, mean, or ugly things! There's a time for discretion which is expressed best by silence. Sometimes the best words are no words. Honor the Lord by refusing all forms of puffery, dishonesty, and fluff! Refuse to cultivate an image. Be the person God, in His grace, has called you to be, nothing more, nothing less.
"We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God. " (2 Corinthians 4:2, The Message)
Amen
Hyperbole is not the problem. When a person says, "I've told you a thousand times!" we know what they mean, that their words are not to be taken literally. The problem is word inflation, which is just plain old dishonesty. It is everywhere around us. Candidates for political office say things that are full of fluff, just to impress. "It's so good to be here in NJ, the best state in the US. I always look forward to visiting beautiful downtown Newark." The audience politely applauds while thinking, "How many times have you said that this week?" Job titles are handed out that mean little in reality but that give the appearance of importance. Have you ever noticed how many assistant vice presidents there are in banks? Advertisers routinely mislead consumers, though carefully within guidelines that avoid legal repercussion. Last Fall, I took my grandson to McD's for a Happy Meal, which included a little toy. After a moment, he threw the toy down on the table in disgust. "What's the matter?" I asked. "It doesn't work like on TV!" he replied. Hey, little boy, welcome to the deceptive world.
Believer, we must not acquiesce to this trend of dishonesty. We must not fall into the trap of padding our stories. To do so is a sin. Jesus tells us "Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong." (Matthew 5:37, The Message) He made this statement while talking about vows and promises. Our word, He taught, is to be so trustworthy there is no need for us to buttress our truthfulness by saying things like, "I swear to God!" Those who follow Him should be so authentic, so transparent, that no one even thinks to question the truthfulness of what they say or wonder if there is any need to search for hidden messages. James, likewise, directs us to plain speech. "Since you know that God cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like "I swear to God" to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against you." (James 5:12, The Message)
I want to encourage you to listen to your words today. See if you have developed a habit of inflation, even in the little stuff.
Do you exaggerate the tone of another's words?
When you speak of yourself do your words make no more, no less of the situation than is real?
Do you use language in a way that always shines the favorable light on yourself?
Aim for honesty. I am not suggesting that in the name of being real that we have to say hurtful, mean, or ugly things! There's a time for discretion which is expressed best by silence. Sometimes the best words are no words. Honor the Lord by refusing all forms of puffery, dishonesty, and fluff! Refuse to cultivate an image. Be the person God, in His grace, has called you to be, nothing more, nothing less.
"We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God. " (2 Corinthians 4:2, The Message)
Amen
Monday, May 14, 2007
All for a buck!
"Don't do it, Dreamz." Irrationally, I was talking to a person on the TV, to a situation recorded months prior, trying to get him to be honorable, to do the right thing, which was so obvious to everyone outside the pressure of the Game. The show is "Survivor." Dreamz is a young, 'up the from the streets' guy, a savvy player in the game. Two episodes ago, he made a deal with another player, accepting a new truck from Yau Man as part of a deal that would take both of them into the final four. With a $million on the line, Dreamz faced a critical question. Would he keep his word, a decision that would cost him any chance at all to win the big prize, or would he just 'play the game?' Despite many on camera ruminations about the importance of setting a good example for his 2 yr. old son and keeping his self-respect, in the end, Dreamz chose to renege on the deal. His perfidy not only cost him his self-respect; it caused the rest of the show's participants to scorn him for the prize!
Why did I expect anything different from this kid? A whole lot of people fold on their 'convictions' in the critical moment, choosing self-interest over honor or morality. There are three big sources of temptation - pride, sex, and money! But, money (and/or material things) has a unique attraction. Money offers us the illusion of freedom and power, because with enough of it, to a limited extent we are able to fulfill our desires. How many times have you wanted more? The Bible hits the subject hard. Paul wrote to Timothy, a younger pastor, with this warning. "People who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:9-10, NLT) Please do not misquote, and therefore misunderstand, that passage as so many do! Money is not the root of many evils! The love of money is!
Is there evidence in your life that you love money or material things? Consider these questions.
When you're unhappy or upset do you want to go buy things?
Are you convinced that you would be really happy if you could just afford a new house, or a vacation, or a car, or clothing, or.... ?
When someone else succeeds in gaining wealth, do you envy him?
Are you always short on cash because you chronically spend more than you earn?
A 'yes,' on any one of those indicates a need to seek God's help to effect a change of heart, which leads to a changed behavior. Here's the truth. "True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content." (1 Timothy 6:6-8, NLT) If you're chasing money, striving to add to your pile of possessions by bending the rules, discarding moral choices, or neglecting the call of the Spirit; slay that dragon. Kill the love of money by choosing to give - sacrificially and frequently. Give your time to serve. Give things away. Share your resources. Don't wait until you have enough, you never will! Don't wait for the right feeling to come over you. If you only give emotionally, you will open yourself to manipulation and regret. Start to give now, with a plan, in a disciplined, God-honoring way. Become the owner of your things, not their slave.
The spiritual fact is that when we learn to give, and thus break the hold of money love, we become trustworthy servants that God can trust with leadership, influence, and greater resources.
Think I'm just making that up? Ponder this word from the Word today prayerfully.
"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Luke 16:10-13, NLT)
Why did I expect anything different from this kid? A whole lot of people fold on their 'convictions' in the critical moment, choosing self-interest over honor or morality. There are three big sources of temptation - pride, sex, and money! But, money (and/or material things) has a unique attraction. Money offers us the illusion of freedom and power, because with enough of it, to a limited extent we are able to fulfill our desires. How many times have you wanted more? The Bible hits the subject hard. Paul wrote to Timothy, a younger pastor, with this warning. "People who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:9-10, NLT) Please do not misquote, and therefore misunderstand, that passage as so many do! Money is not the root of many evils! The love of money is!
Is there evidence in your life that you love money or material things? Consider these questions.
When you're unhappy or upset do you want to go buy things?
Are you convinced that you would be really happy if you could just afford a new house, or a vacation, or a car, or clothing, or.... ?
When someone else succeeds in gaining wealth, do you envy him?
Are you always short on cash because you chronically spend more than you earn?
A 'yes,' on any one of those indicates a need to seek God's help to effect a change of heart, which leads to a changed behavior. Here's the truth. "True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content." (1 Timothy 6:6-8, NLT) If you're chasing money, striving to add to your pile of possessions by bending the rules, discarding moral choices, or neglecting the call of the Spirit; slay that dragon. Kill the love of money by choosing to give - sacrificially and frequently. Give your time to serve. Give things away. Share your resources. Don't wait until you have enough, you never will! Don't wait for the right feeling to come over you. If you only give emotionally, you will open yourself to manipulation and regret. Start to give now, with a plan, in a disciplined, God-honoring way. Become the owner of your things, not their slave.
The spiritual fact is that when we learn to give, and thus break the hold of money love, we become trustworthy servants that God can trust with leadership, influence, and greater resources.
Think I'm just making that up? Ponder this word from the Word today prayerfully.
"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Luke 16:10-13, NLT)
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