Last night Bev and I got around to watching the first episode of "American Idol." Having a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is great. We watch what we want, when we want to, and zip through the commercial breaks. What an invention. Anyway, as we watched I saw, with new eyes, the contempt for persons that is so prevalent in our world. Admittedly some of the performers were totally without talent, amazingly self-deceived about their chances at becoming a national star. They warbled and wavered through horrible renditions of popular songs. Simon and company, in most cases, were not kind and gentle in making the contestants aware of their shortcomings! Those poor souls (yes, I know they knew what they were getting into) were devastated, broken by sarcasm and mockery. I found myself asking, why do we watch people treating those who are less fortunate with such contempt?
That thought triggered a time of reflection in my mind about times and places I have failed to show others the respect that God desires.
It happens quickly, easily! Words that mock another's weakness, that spread the story of another's dumb mistake, come quickly to our lips and we speak them - somehow feeling empowered even as we diminish the worth of others. Who needs to deal with the complex relationship of getting know people who are different if we just dismiss them with some demeaning remark? For example, many Americans find it hard to understand the world of Islam, so they just lump Muslims all into one group - 'terrorist' and make them the object of their hatred. It's done with politics. How convenient to throw all those who have a differing opinion about public policy into a big group labeled with a name like 'Looney Left,' or 'Religious Right!' Some men do it to their wives. Instead of interacting with them as the truly different and sometimes puzzling people they can be, they make jokes about women - jokes with a barb and a dose of contempt. I suppose women do it, too. Contempt takes away the personhood of another and makes it so much easier to avoid contact -yes, even to hate!
Jesus calls us to live without contempt! Even our criticism of others that is justified, is to be offered with the hope of correction, not the desire of destruction. The Lord wants to give us a new way of relating - taking away the 'us versus them,' that fills the world around us, replacing it with a true sense of community and connectedness. What a difference it would make in our tone, our words, our thoughts if we considered everyone around us a brother or sister. Right now you can treat me with contempt by thinking, "Jerry must be having an emotional crisis. Poor sap!" If you do that, you won't have to consider the challenge of loving others who are hard to relate to - the broken, bitter, and battered people that society has kicked off the curb!
But aren't some people deserving of contempt because of their actions?
Read this story from Jesus' life and then answer that question.
"Jesus went across to Mount Olives, but he was soon back in the Temple again. Swarms of people came to him. He sat down and taught them. The religion scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt. Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. Jesus stood up and spoke to her. “Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you?” “No one, Master.” “Neither do I,” said Jesus. “Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.” (John 8:1-11, The Message)
Neither do I condemn you!
God give us eyes to see the true need in others, give us love that is willing to engage with the difficult, the broken, the ugly, the needy. As you have loved us and made us your 'treasure,' may we take that love to others, giving them a gift of dignity, respect - for Jesus sake. Amen.
___________________________
Sometimes it's hard for me to understand
Why we pull away from each other so easily,
Even though we're all walking the same road.
Yet we build dividing walls
Between our brothers and ourselves.
The day will come when we will be as one,
And with a mighty voice together,
We'll all proclaim
That Jesus, Jesus Christ is King.
It will echo through the earth;
It will shake the nations,
And the world will see,
See that-
You're my brother, you're my sister,
So take me by the hand.
Together we will work until He comes.
There's no foe that can defeat us
When we're walking side by side.
As long as there is love,
We will stand.
We Will Stand
Taff, Russ / Taff, Tori / Hollihan, James
© 1983 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, January 19, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Your focus - yesterday or tomorrow?
"That's just who I am. It's too late to change now." And with that, she dismissed hope and possibility; convinced that her past was the prologue to her future. But, she is wrong, dead wrong! Betty, (not her real name) has a story some would call colorful, others would more honestly call sinful. For a decade she's done what she wanted to do without much consideration of what it was costing all the people in her life. An intervention staged by her family and friends brought her to tears, and made her see her actions as others saw them. She likes to think she's just 'having fun.' But the circle of friends who confronted her, told her that her life of 'fun' was actually slow suicide- a sure course to loneliness, regret, and early death. Despite that, she will not even hope for change for she believes that who she is is unchangeable. She prefers her present rut to the challenge of becoming a new person.
Many people are like Betty, knowing that life ought to be different, knowing that they are hurting others, and realizing that they are headed for more pain. And yet, they plunge ahead because they cannot see an alternative to the way they are living. Some even know that they are not pleasing God, but they refuse to turn to Him. I am describing you? Have you made peace with some habit, some pattern in life, that is destructive? Are you making excuses for what you do? Are you, Believer, living far below your heritage as a child of God - because you are fearful of change?
God has made an intervention on your behalf. But unlike the interventions that are designed to make a person see their sins clearly, God has a different strategy to draw us to change. He does not just hold up a mirror to show us our past, He paints a picture of possibilities that exist if we will allow Him to begin the process of transformation through the salvation that is provided in Jesus Christ and the power that the Holy Spirit brings to us when He takes up residence in our lives!! Even more than a clear picture of yesterday, we need a vision of tomorrow that draws us to the Lord and His purpose for our lives, don't we? Proverbs 29:18 tells us that "Where there is no vision, the people perish." (KJV) In The Message, that passage reads - "If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed." (Proverbs 29:18, The Message)
Remember Saul who became Paul? In his early years as a Pharisee, he hated Believers in Christ and worked to destroy the Gospel message and those who followed Jesus. But God, in amazing grace, met him on the road to Damascus. Saul believed that day and was changed. The transformation was so profound, he even took a new name! Had he lived in perpetual regret, he might have faded into obscurity, making tents in some Roman town, sorrowful 'til death for his persecution of those who loved the Lord. But, he didn't do that. Why? He tells us. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14, NIV)
Paul was not looking back with regret, he was looking ahead in faith. That's the road to transformation!
Yes, we learn from the past - both positively and negatively. We understand that it cannot be erased here on this earth, but we need not let it determine our future. "In Christ, we become a new creation!" And don't let yourself think that is just a 'once and done deal' either. The transformation is ongoing. We grow deeper in the things of the Lord as He shows us new challenges, new places for service, and presents us with new opportunities.
Let's grow on!
________________
Father, I confess that change is difficult.
In the familiar there is a certain comfort.
I slide easily back into the habits and patterns of my past,
even when they are not pleasing in Your eyes.
So, I pray, first - forgive me, in Jesus' Name.
Wash me clean.
And, I ask for a vision of a new me.
Let me see a picture of the kind of person You want me to be,
and give me faith to own that vision,
to engage myself in the process of 'becoming...' -
an ongoing transformation into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
I pray this in His holy Name. Amen.
Many people are like Betty, knowing that life ought to be different, knowing that they are hurting others, and realizing that they are headed for more pain. And yet, they plunge ahead because they cannot see an alternative to the way they are living. Some even know that they are not pleasing God, but they refuse to turn to Him. I am describing you? Have you made peace with some habit, some pattern in life, that is destructive? Are you making excuses for what you do? Are you, Believer, living far below your heritage as a child of God - because you are fearful of change?
God has made an intervention on your behalf. But unlike the interventions that are designed to make a person see their sins clearly, God has a different strategy to draw us to change. He does not just hold up a mirror to show us our past, He paints a picture of possibilities that exist if we will allow Him to begin the process of transformation through the salvation that is provided in Jesus Christ and the power that the Holy Spirit brings to us when He takes up residence in our lives!! Even more than a clear picture of yesterday, we need a vision of tomorrow that draws us to the Lord and His purpose for our lives, don't we? Proverbs 29:18 tells us that "Where there is no vision, the people perish." (KJV) In The Message, that passage reads - "If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed." (Proverbs 29:18, The Message)
Remember Saul who became Paul? In his early years as a Pharisee, he hated Believers in Christ and worked to destroy the Gospel message and those who followed Jesus. But God, in amazing grace, met him on the road to Damascus. Saul believed that day and was changed. The transformation was so profound, he even took a new name! Had he lived in perpetual regret, he might have faded into obscurity, making tents in some Roman town, sorrowful 'til death for his persecution of those who loved the Lord. But, he didn't do that. Why? He tells us. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14, NIV)
Paul was not looking back with regret, he was looking ahead in faith. That's the road to transformation!
Yes, we learn from the past - both positively and negatively. We understand that it cannot be erased here on this earth, but we need not let it determine our future. "In Christ, we become a new creation!" And don't let yourself think that is just a 'once and done deal' either. The transformation is ongoing. We grow deeper in the things of the Lord as He shows us new challenges, new places for service, and presents us with new opportunities.
Let's grow on!
________________
Father, I confess that change is difficult.
In the familiar there is a certain comfort.
I slide easily back into the habits and patterns of my past,
even when they are not pleasing in Your eyes.
So, I pray, first - forgive me, in Jesus' Name.
Wash me clean.
And, I ask for a vision of a new me.
Let me see a picture of the kind of person You want me to be,
and give me faith to own that vision,
to engage myself in the process of 'becoming...' -
an ongoing transformation into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
I pray this in His holy Name. Amen.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Fool's Gold
Determining the truly valuable from the cheap imitation can be difficult, at first glance, anyway. On the streets of New York, vendors spread out displays of watches on small tables, offering a 'Rolex' for a few dollars. A discriminating buyer knows that genuine Rolex watches are not sold by street vendors and cannot be owned for a few dollars! But, if you took those same 'Rolex' imitations and put them in a jewelry store, on black velvet displays, under the right kind of lighting - many people could be fooled into buying one. My point? When Hollywood sells us a line that the meaning of life can be found in food, drink, sex, pleasure, or consumerism - the lie is obvious, at least to those with even a scrap of maturity about them. But, when those same things are wrapped up, repackaged, and promulgated in the Church, seeing the lie is much more difficult!
And that is happening! We live in a 'me' culture. The 'good' life defined by a sense of personal happiness, which is obtained by having the ability to satisfy our desires - by having sex without rules, by eating whatever we want to eat, by buying whatever we want, by making others do our bidding. When the movies and music of our culture throw this philosophy of unrestricted self-expression at us, we can name the lie. But, when our church takes the same basic philosophy that says, "Your happiness is what is the most important thing in the world. God promises to make you happy." - many cannot discern the lie and buy it at the cost of their spiritual health!
Take marriage for example. The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant, established by God at the dawn of Creation, to be honored by all. A man and woman pledge themselves irrevocably to each other, in the sight of God, until death parts them. (Yes, divorce exists - as a concession to our humanity, but it is not in the ideal plan of God. That's another discussion.) If a Believer understands the covenantal nature of marriage, he will not marry an unbeliever, even if she's tremendously attractive because without shared faith, he cannot fully become one with his wife. When tough times come to a marriage formed as a covenant, and they will, the husband and wife submit themselves to God and find a way to honor Him. A husband who wants to honor God in his marriage dies to himself and serves his wife with a Christ-like love. A wife who wants to honor God in her marriage, sets aside self-will and submits herself to her godly husband for the Lord's sake. But, how often is this taught in our churches? Not all that often! Instead, we are taught about being happy in marriage, about the joy of sex, about finding our highest potential as we are supported by our mate! The 'me' culture gets dressed up in churchy language, and few discern it. Of course, I believe that God wants every marriage to bring happiness, satisfying sex, and a greater sense of wholeness - but those are by-products of a God-honoring covenant, not the meaning of marriage! It's not a wonder that divorce is now as common among American Believers as it is among those those without faith. The lie has produced its fruit.
The purpose of my existence and yours, dear friend, is to know and love God as we serve Him in this world. He did not call us to Himself to make us rich, famous, or even necessarily happy. He called us to Himself that we might discover eternal life. As with my example from marriage, the life that is devoted to God, does ultimately find true joy and greater blessings, but not necessarily as defined by our present culture.
Jeremiah lamented that his people had traded the blessings of God for empty things. "...my people have traded my Glory for empty god-dreams and silly god-schemes. “Stand in shock, heavens, at what you see! Throw up your hands in disbelief—this can’t be!” God’s Decree. “My people have committed a compound sin: they’ve walked out on me, the fountain Of fresh flowing waters, and then dug cisterns— cisterns that leak, cisterns that are no better than sieves." (Jeremiah 2:11-13, The Message)
Show discernment, dear Believer.
Don't accept fool's gold of self-fulfillment in place of the true gold of the affirmation and approval of God. Pray for eyes that see the Truth. Learn to love the Lord, really love Him, not just for the 'blessings' the preachers of prosperity offer you, but for the joy of belonging to the God of Heaven and earth who is worthy of our worship.
“Come back, wandering children! I can heal your wanderlust!”
“We’re here! We’ve come back to you.
You’re our own true God!
All that popular religion was a cheap lie, duped crowds buying up the latest in gods.
We’re back!
Back to our true God, the salvation of Israel." (Jeremiah 3:22-23, The Message)
And that is happening! We live in a 'me' culture. The 'good' life defined by a sense of personal happiness, which is obtained by having the ability to satisfy our desires - by having sex without rules, by eating whatever we want to eat, by buying whatever we want, by making others do our bidding. When the movies and music of our culture throw this philosophy of unrestricted self-expression at us, we can name the lie. But, when our church takes the same basic philosophy that says, "Your happiness is what is the most important thing in the world. God promises to make you happy." - many cannot discern the lie and buy it at the cost of their spiritual health!
Take marriage for example. The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant, established by God at the dawn of Creation, to be honored by all. A man and woman pledge themselves irrevocably to each other, in the sight of God, until death parts them. (Yes, divorce exists - as a concession to our humanity, but it is not in the ideal plan of God. That's another discussion.) If a Believer understands the covenantal nature of marriage, he will not marry an unbeliever, even if she's tremendously attractive because without shared faith, he cannot fully become one with his wife. When tough times come to a marriage formed as a covenant, and they will, the husband and wife submit themselves to God and find a way to honor Him. A husband who wants to honor God in his marriage dies to himself and serves his wife with a Christ-like love. A wife who wants to honor God in her marriage, sets aside self-will and submits herself to her godly husband for the Lord's sake. But, how often is this taught in our churches? Not all that often! Instead, we are taught about being happy in marriage, about the joy of sex, about finding our highest potential as we are supported by our mate! The 'me' culture gets dressed up in churchy language, and few discern it. Of course, I believe that God wants every marriage to bring happiness, satisfying sex, and a greater sense of wholeness - but those are by-products of a God-honoring covenant, not the meaning of marriage! It's not a wonder that divorce is now as common among American Believers as it is among those those without faith. The lie has produced its fruit.
The purpose of my existence and yours, dear friend, is to know and love God as we serve Him in this world. He did not call us to Himself to make us rich, famous, or even necessarily happy. He called us to Himself that we might discover eternal life. As with my example from marriage, the life that is devoted to God, does ultimately find true joy and greater blessings, but not necessarily as defined by our present culture.
Jeremiah lamented that his people had traded the blessings of God for empty things. "...my people have traded my Glory for empty god-dreams and silly god-schemes. “Stand in shock, heavens, at what you see! Throw up your hands in disbelief—this can’t be!” God’s Decree. “My people have committed a compound sin: they’ve walked out on me, the fountain Of fresh flowing waters, and then dug cisterns— cisterns that leak, cisterns that are no better than sieves." (Jeremiah 2:11-13, The Message)
Show discernment, dear Believer.
Don't accept fool's gold of self-fulfillment in place of the true gold of the affirmation and approval of God. Pray for eyes that see the Truth. Learn to love the Lord, really love Him, not just for the 'blessings' the preachers of prosperity offer you, but for the joy of belonging to the God of Heaven and earth who is worthy of our worship.
“Come back, wandering children! I can heal your wanderlust!”
“We’re here! We’ve come back to you.
You’re our own true God!
All that popular religion was a cheap lie, duped crowds buying up the latest in gods.
We’re back!
Back to our true God, the salvation of Israel." (Jeremiah 3:22-23, The Message)
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Support your local Pastor
Every pastor hears an old joke again and again - "Hey, must be nice to have a job where you work one day a week." That's not even close to the truth. Despite an appearance of being a relaxed lifestyle, full-time ministry is a demanding calling that can be hazardous to both health and family. A pastor is 'on call,' 24 hours a day. Every minister knows what it is to get a call during time off when a member of his flock is in dire need. He awakens in the middle of the night with the needs of his flock on his mind, and lifts them to God in prayer, at 2 am. He must move rapidly from emotional highs to lows; for example, celebrating a new birth and conducting a funeral during the same week. Sorrow makes its way to his door constantly as he's usually the first person called at death, marriage difficulty, tragedy, or times of serious illness. It may not seem that such work wears on him, but it does because he is not 'just a professional.' He really cares for his flock. He studies constantly so that when he stands before the congregation to preach he is able to provide spiritual nourishment. And, he must deliver a message every Sunday -regardless of his personal circumstances. And, he loves every minute of this life to which God has called him!
Until... he's attacked unfairly for the thousandth time, often at a moment when he's struggling to cope with some need in his own life. It's at that moment that some pastors, tragically, give up their service. Tony Campolo describes one of those 'hits' that can knock a pastor off his feet. "Only a pastor truly knows what it feels like to have yet another person call to tell you they're leaving the church- a person you love, a person you helped and served, a person who needed you, a person you now feel you need, and yet another person is going, leaving, abandoning, rejecting. . . People go, and they take a chunk of your heart with them. And of your morale." -Adventures in Missing the Point
So, how can you maximize your Pastor's effectiveness in ministry?
1. Pray for him, everyday.
Spiritual leaders are front-line targets in the battle that the Devil wages in this world against the work of God. We all know the devastation left behind when there is a moral failure in ministry. Some conclude that Christianity is a fraud. Others lose their ability to receive ministry because they think all preachers are like those whose sins were revealed. And even where there is no moral compromise, pastors know the attack of the Enemy through discouragement. Pray for your Pastor - that God will keep and protect him, that he will be disciplined and courageous, and that he will finish the race well.
2. Accept him and the spiritual gifts God has given to him.
Pastors are not all equally adept at all kinds of ministry service. Appreciate the unique strengths of your Pastor and encourage him in those areas where he is not as proficient. Understand that God has equipped him to minister in a way that will not be exactly like the ministry of your favorite TV preacher or the pastor who introduced you to Christ and who you still love like a father. He probably knows the gaps in his skills and giftings better than you do, but it will squander his strengths if those in the Body constantly press him to 'fix' those areas rather than focusing on what he can do best in God's service.
3. If you must criticize him, (and no pastor is above correction or criticism) do it honestly, directly, and person to person.
Every pastor deals with Mr. They Say in his church. By that I mean that we hear Mr. They quoted all the time. "Pastor, They say..." But he cannot respond to anonymous criticism because he has no context for it. He wonders, "Does it mean that a majority feels this way, or is this just the opinion of the same two people who are never satisfied with anything I do?" If you have an issue with your pastor, be mature about it. Don't play games, hinting at the difficulty. Make a time to sit with him and just tell him what you think, what you want, where you think he's missed the mark. If he's wise, he'll listen and evaluate. He may not share your perception. He may have an explanation for the decision with which you disagree. Realize, too, that it's not quite fair to get angry with him when you're angry at God! He can help you with your doubt or confusion when you don't understand why life is turning out a certain way, but it will be doubly difficult if you're attacking him.
4. Don't idolize or idealize him.
Pastors are just people who deal with kids who don't always do what they're taught, who have marriage struggles, who have up days and down days, who fight temptation - just like you. Yes, you should expect him to live what he teaches, but not perfectly. He is a sinner, too; and, like you, he is working out his salvation each day. If you make him into idol, you sin because only God is worthy of your worship and devotion. If you idealize him, thinking he's more or better than he is really is, you will be disappointed, and may mistakenly transfer your disappointment to Christ which would be tragic. When you put him on a pedestal, remember that you make his ability to minister to you all the more difficult. He teaches you best, not from some lofty place far removed, but as you watch him live a real life that demonstrates a living faith in a loving Lord.
Thanks for reading this today. I leave you with this word from the Word.
"Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all.... Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?" (Hebrews 13:7, 17 The Message)
"Elders who do their work well should be paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “Do not keep an ox from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” Do not listen to complaints against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses to accuse him." (1 Timothy 5:17-19, NLT)
Until... he's attacked unfairly for the thousandth time, often at a moment when he's struggling to cope with some need in his own life. It's at that moment that some pastors, tragically, give up their service. Tony Campolo describes one of those 'hits' that can knock a pastor off his feet. "Only a pastor truly knows what it feels like to have yet another person call to tell you they're leaving the church- a person you love, a person you helped and served, a person who needed you, a person you now feel you need, and yet another person is going, leaving, abandoning, rejecting. . . People go, and they take a chunk of your heart with them. And of your morale." -Adventures in Missing the Point
So, how can you maximize your Pastor's effectiveness in ministry?
1. Pray for him, everyday.
Spiritual leaders are front-line targets in the battle that the Devil wages in this world against the work of God. We all know the devastation left behind when there is a moral failure in ministry. Some conclude that Christianity is a fraud. Others lose their ability to receive ministry because they think all preachers are like those whose sins were revealed. And even where there is no moral compromise, pastors know the attack of the Enemy through discouragement. Pray for your Pastor - that God will keep and protect him, that he will be disciplined and courageous, and that he will finish the race well.
2. Accept him and the spiritual gifts God has given to him.
Pastors are not all equally adept at all kinds of ministry service. Appreciate the unique strengths of your Pastor and encourage him in those areas where he is not as proficient. Understand that God has equipped him to minister in a way that will not be exactly like the ministry of your favorite TV preacher or the pastor who introduced you to Christ and who you still love like a father. He probably knows the gaps in his skills and giftings better than you do, but it will squander his strengths if those in the Body constantly press him to 'fix' those areas rather than focusing on what he can do best in God's service.
3. If you must criticize him, (and no pastor is above correction or criticism) do it honestly, directly, and person to person.
Every pastor deals with Mr. They Say in his church. By that I mean that we hear Mr. They quoted all the time. "Pastor, They say..." But he cannot respond to anonymous criticism because he has no context for it. He wonders, "Does it mean that a majority feels this way, or is this just the opinion of the same two people who are never satisfied with anything I do?" If you have an issue with your pastor, be mature about it. Don't play games, hinting at the difficulty. Make a time to sit with him and just tell him what you think, what you want, where you think he's missed the mark. If he's wise, he'll listen and evaluate. He may not share your perception. He may have an explanation for the decision with which you disagree. Realize, too, that it's not quite fair to get angry with him when you're angry at God! He can help you with your doubt or confusion when you don't understand why life is turning out a certain way, but it will be doubly difficult if you're attacking him.
4. Don't idolize or idealize him.
Pastors are just people who deal with kids who don't always do what they're taught, who have marriage struggles, who have up days and down days, who fight temptation - just like you. Yes, you should expect him to live what he teaches, but not perfectly. He is a sinner, too; and, like you, he is working out his salvation each day. If you make him into idol, you sin because only God is worthy of your worship and devotion. If you idealize him, thinking he's more or better than he is really is, you will be disappointed, and may mistakenly transfer your disappointment to Christ which would be tragic. When you put him on a pedestal, remember that you make his ability to minister to you all the more difficult. He teaches you best, not from some lofty place far removed, but as you watch him live a real life that demonstrates a living faith in a loving Lord.
Thanks for reading this today. I leave you with this word from the Word.
"Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all.... Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?" (Hebrews 13:7, 17 The Message)
"Elders who do their work well should be paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “Do not keep an ox from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” Do not listen to complaints against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses to accuse him." (1 Timothy 5:17-19, NLT)
Monday, January 15, 2007
"Bid my anxious fears subside!"
Fear, not the 'you scared me half to death' kind of fear, but the gnawing anxiety that drives sleep away and creates a dread of tomorrow is something most of us experience. Sometimes anxiety is focused around a specific issue: something such as getting on an airplane or having a medical procedure done. A worse form of anxiety is a general fear of life, about things that we cannot control like aging, the economy, or environmental issues. The worst anxiety is that which is not connected, at least in any discernable way, to specific situations, and thus is much more resistant to relief. That kind of anxiety drives people to despair, into depression, and frequently is a cause of self-destructive behaviors- overeating, alcohol abuse, sexual promiscuity among them.
Defeating anxiety includes becoming whole spiritually!
What can we do to chase away the terror?
First, accept your status as God's child. We are not orphans, scrabbling to deal with life, defensive and alone. The Bible says, "you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family—calling him “Father, dear Father.” (Romans 8:15, NLT) When we turn to Christ, in faith, and receive His gift of gracious love and forgiveness, God adopts us as His sons and daughters. Because of Jesus, we are loved. That truth is so healing, the Enemy of God and good does everything he is able to do to keep us from believing and receiving it. He attempts to keep us focused on our failures, hearing only the voices of our critics, seeing only the sorry and sad side of life. That is why when anxiety creeps up on us, we need to turn to the Word and to worship, praising God for His love. And, we need to personalize that love! "God loves me!" When we accept that, John tells us that "perfect love drives out fear!"
Second, talk about your anxiety with your Father. Fear grows in the dark! When we hide our dread and attempt to be big and brave, the ache of terror takes hold deep inside of us. So the wisdom of the Word is "Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns." (Philippians 4:6, The Message) When your anxious, tell the Lord about it. Find a Believer and let her pray with and for you. Make sure you connect with a person of authentic faith, not somebody whose experience of God is full of platitudes! We need brothers and sisters in the faith who know how to weep with us, and then having met us at the point of our need, can lift us up with sincere prayer into the Throne Room of God. This is one of the reasons that no Christian should attempt to live the Christian life alone. We need to provide cover for one another.
Third, evaluate the situation in ultimate terms. By that, I mean, take your fear and ask - What is the worst that could happen? What are my resources to deal with this? The Psalmist asks, "in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 56:11, NIV) Again, this can be a solo exercise, but it is much more effective when there is a trusted friend who will listen, encourage, and keep your perspective on life in balance.
Fourth - do what's right! Pain, especially the emotional kind, makes us desperate for relief, doesn't it? If we feel trapped, we are more likely to try extreme measures to escape. When anxiety comes and threatens to move in and stay, we are tempted by things that offer us a quick release. Tragically, usually what gives short-term relief, produces long-term destruction. And so, we must tell ourselves to do the right thing- often, just because it is the right thing to do! Once again, the value of counselors and friends comes into play. When we share our temptations, they become less attractive. When we tell someone that we want to spend too much, quit our job, or have an affair - the very telling can help us to see the folly of the proposed 'solution' to our problem. Remember, you and I are not the victims of our temptations. As Believers, we are privileged to grab onto God's promise that He 'will never leave us nor forsake us.' And, He has promised to make a way for us to stand up in times of temptation. So, do what's right!
Are you anxious today? Don't let fear swallow you and destroy this day.
Take the offense and engage that anxiety with the steps outlined above. Pray for and accept the confidence of faith in God and live in it.
_______________________
Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy pow'rful hand.
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my strength and shield;
Be Thou still my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Bear me thro' the swelling current,
Land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs and praises, songs and praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.
Williams, William / Fosdick, Harry E. / Hughes, John / William, Peter
© Public Domain
Defeating anxiety includes becoming whole spiritually!
What can we do to chase away the terror?
First, accept your status as God's child. We are not orphans, scrabbling to deal with life, defensive and alone. The Bible says, "you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family—calling him “Father, dear Father.” (Romans 8:15, NLT) When we turn to Christ, in faith, and receive His gift of gracious love and forgiveness, God adopts us as His sons and daughters. Because of Jesus, we are loved. That truth is so healing, the Enemy of God and good does everything he is able to do to keep us from believing and receiving it. He attempts to keep us focused on our failures, hearing only the voices of our critics, seeing only the sorry and sad side of life. That is why when anxiety creeps up on us, we need to turn to the Word and to worship, praising God for His love. And, we need to personalize that love! "God loves me!" When we accept that, John tells us that "perfect love drives out fear!"
Second, talk about your anxiety with your Father. Fear grows in the dark! When we hide our dread and attempt to be big and brave, the ache of terror takes hold deep inside of us. So the wisdom of the Word is "Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns." (Philippians 4:6, The Message) When your anxious, tell the Lord about it. Find a Believer and let her pray with and for you. Make sure you connect with a person of authentic faith, not somebody whose experience of God is full of platitudes! We need brothers and sisters in the faith who know how to weep with us, and then having met us at the point of our need, can lift us up with sincere prayer into the Throne Room of God. This is one of the reasons that no Christian should attempt to live the Christian life alone. We need to provide cover for one another.
Third, evaluate the situation in ultimate terms. By that, I mean, take your fear and ask - What is the worst that could happen? What are my resources to deal with this? The Psalmist asks, "in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 56:11, NIV) Again, this can be a solo exercise, but it is much more effective when there is a trusted friend who will listen, encourage, and keep your perspective on life in balance.
Fourth - do what's right! Pain, especially the emotional kind, makes us desperate for relief, doesn't it? If we feel trapped, we are more likely to try extreme measures to escape. When anxiety comes and threatens to move in and stay, we are tempted by things that offer us a quick release. Tragically, usually what gives short-term relief, produces long-term destruction. And so, we must tell ourselves to do the right thing- often, just because it is the right thing to do! Once again, the value of counselors and friends comes into play. When we share our temptations, they become less attractive. When we tell someone that we want to spend too much, quit our job, or have an affair - the very telling can help us to see the folly of the proposed 'solution' to our problem. Remember, you and I are not the victims of our temptations. As Believers, we are privileged to grab onto God's promise that He 'will never leave us nor forsake us.' And, He has promised to make a way for us to stand up in times of temptation. So, do what's right!
Are you anxious today? Don't let fear swallow you and destroy this day.
Take the offense and engage that anxiety with the steps outlined above. Pray for and accept the confidence of faith in God and live in it.
_______________________
Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy pow'rful hand.
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my strength and shield;
Be Thou still my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Bear me thro' the swelling current,
Land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs and praises, songs and praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.
Williams, William / Fosdick, Harry E. / Hughes, John / William, Peter
© Public Domain
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