The message is everywhere I turn - in my devotions, in my Pastor's message on Sunday, in the text of a book I am reading. Far too many of us struggle with seeking the approval and praise of the people in our lives. During this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas the pressure seems to escalate. So much to do, so many people to take care, so many needs to be met. Our perception can become very distorted as we experience all of these voices crying out at the same time. If we are not watchful, the sound will drown out the one voice we are supposed to be seeking and hearing, the voice of the one who created us and who is so mindful of the status of our hearts, our spirits. Who is it that we are really supposed to be focusing on pleasing?
Romans 2:29 ... And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law, rather it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praises from God, not from people. 1Thessalonians 2:4...Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. Seek the approval of God, not man. This advice appears in other places in the Word, yet we still struggle with seeking man's approval. How frustrating we have made our lives by looking in the wrong direction for the praise and acknowledgment that we are loved and appreciated. The sad realization for me is that I know better. He has shown me time and time again that lowering my eyes to the level of my fellow human being and vainly striving to earn their approval only brings me disappointment and feelings of inadequacy. It is not that people in my life don't love me or even appreciate me. It is that I am focusing my energies in the wrong direction in trying to please them. When my daily focus is on what those around me need and expect, I fall short of meeting the goals that my Lord has set forth for my life. In fact, sometimes, I cannot even see them for the fog of "earthly needs" as seen through my perspective.
I am relatively certain that there is someone reading this that has struggled with performance issues throughout their lives. It has been a struggle for me since my childhood. Never feeling "good enough". Never feeling as if I had finally climbed to the crest of the hill and could now relax and glide down. If you can identify with what I am saying than you know how exhausting that is. You try to be everything for everybody frequently falling short of even excelling in what you are gifted. This season of the year, those efforts are not only exhausting, but they can be overwhelming causing severe depression and desperation. That is not the desire of Him who loves us more than we can imagine.
Recently I have written about the Body of Christ and how we are all uniquely gifted in some way that makes the body complete. We need to remember this as we try to shift from the "super person" mentality into a God-pleasing mentality. I am reading an interesting book that was written over 20 years ago. Don't you love finding a gem? In The Different Drum, Dr. Scott Peck wrote about community from many different aspects. This morning, I read the following: It is true that we are called to wholeness. But the reality is that we can never be completely whole in and of ourselves. We cannot be perfect. We cannot be doctors, lawyers, stockbrokers, farmers, politicians, stonemasons, and theologians all rolled into one. It is true that we are called to power. Yet the reality is that there is a point beyond which our sense of self-determination not only becomes inaccurate and prideful but increasingly self-defeating. It is true that we are inevitably social creatures who desperately need each other not merely for sustenance, not merely for company, but for any meaning to our lives whatsoever. The Body of Christ needs each member in order to be complete, in order for the incredible plan of God to be complete.
If each of us are struggling to be everything to everyone, we are not only in error, but we are preventing the other members of the body, the other people in our lives, to carry their responsibilities, to fulfill their functions as designed by the Creator. I listen to the heartbreak of people around me as they battle to fulfill what they perceive to be the expectations of those around them. I hear the exhaustion in their voices, in their words. I can readily identify with the battle that is being waged. Yet there is no peace in this battle. This is not the good fight to be won that is referenced in scripture.
When we come along side the other members in the body of Christ, each carrying their own individual shield and sword, we become a mighty army and can sustain each other. We can encourage our brothers and sisters because we recognize that each of us has an obligation to carry our weight in this world. God has destined each of us with a specific assignment. One powerful revelation that He has shown me is that I am not to try everything until I figure out what He is specifically calling me to do. Is that a novel idea for you? Ponder that for a moment. Many of us feel as if we have not yet identified or walked into our lifelong calling. So in the meantime, what do we do? Everything that comes in front of us!! I am as guilty of this as anyone out there. Desperately wanting to feel as if I am making a contribution to the kingdom and making a difference, I would tackle anything that came my way, especially when in a season of transition and waiting on a word from the Lord. But is that His desire for our lives? I think not. How can I hear Him if I don't stop long enough to rest in Him and just breathe in the presence of Holy Spirit?
I want to hear Him. I want to know what it is specifically that He has called me to do. It does not matter that as I look around me, I see many people achieving what I value as awesome accomplishments for their lives and for the kingdom. I should not compare myself to them. It is hard for me to not compare when I devalue where I am and what I am doing. I need to ask God am I doing what you want for this moment in time even if it seems insignificant to me. I cannot see the whole picture. I have no clue as to the value of my thread in the tapestry of life - of the world - of all of creation. I must learn to believe that He values me and what I am doing, if I am indeed listening to Him and can find peace in the answer that I get. So must you. For whomever God has had me write this message, please be encouraged. You are valued beyond your imagination. Set your heart on His heart. Set your eyes on on His majesty and rest in knowing that He loves you. Live daily to please Him and not your fellow man. God's praises are not only sufficient, they are fulfilling beyond any words that man can give you.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Power to Remove Veils
Have you ever been so committed in helping someone see and experience the Truth in Jesus Christ that you felt you were going to burst with frustration when the epiphany never occurred? No matter what you say, no matter what argument you put forth or logic or scripture that you use, the darkness remains. You know the Truth; the Truth has changed your life. You are desperate to have this person about whom you care so much to experience this same transformation through which He has brought you. However you feel your desperation goes unanswered. Why? Aren't we supposed to change lives through the Gospel? Isn't that the Great Commission?
I have struggled for years with these questions as I watched people that I love go in directions that were away from the Lord. It has only been in the last few years that my precious Lord has begun to give me revelatory truths about the whole picture. Multiple scriptures emphasize the message that He spoke to me and as I listen to my brothers and sisters in the body of Christ proclaim their frustration, the clarity of this message from Him grows. It is simply this: we cannot lift the veil that blocks understanding. Only One can do that and He is our Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:16-17 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. So we wonder, how can someone turn to the Lord before the veil is lifted? When does this critical transition take place? And why does it seem that others turn their backs on Him after they have had revelation knowledge about Him?
I don't have answers to the very questions that I raise, but I do know what scripture tells me. Matthew 13:12 To those who listen to my teaching more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding will be taken from them. Clearly growing in the Lord is a process, a journey that we are all traveling. As we grow in Him, He will take us deeper, giving us more knowledge and understanding, but if we refuse to listen, the journey abruptly comes to a halt. Think about this from the perspective of those who are on the threshold of opening their hearts to the Lord. There is a crack in the door, a ray of light is shining on their hearts, and the Lord will take advantage of that minute turn towards Him and provide more understanding, more knowledge. The veil will begin to lift. It is a heart matter, not a head matter. The heart - our soul - knows the difference between right and wrong and knows the direction to turn for true freedom. The flesh will battle this turn of direction, especially if the flesh is being satisfied with earthly distractions. However, God's heart is that not one will perish, so He pursues us, each of us.
Matthew 9:12 -13 When Jesus heard this, He said, "Healthy people do not need a doctor - sick people do." Then He added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this scripture; 'I want you to show mercy not sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." All the Lord needs is a repentant heart which grasps that the status quo of life is not what it should be. God can take that little opening and shed His light in the darkness. He can lift the veil so that each person can see Him for the answer. Holy Spirit is indeed our teacher, counselor, comforter. He stands at "the ready" eager to bring revelation to each person open to hear it in their souls and thus their spirits can become transformed.
Are we capable of accomplishing that? No. We are called to show mercy in how we live our lives and to provide examples of what transformed lives look like. We do take the gospel to the ends of the earth, but we do so with His love stamped all over our lives. We begin by ministering to those we are trying to reach, setting the stage if you will so that God can then do his work and lift the veil. Let us never be confused about the facts: we are not the ones that hear the knocking of Jesus on the door and can open it for someone else. Revelation 3:20 "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Each person must take that step for themselves. We can present the doorway to them. We can share the life changing power of Jesus Christ in our lives, but each person must turn to the Lord, opening his/her heart and letting Him in.
One particular set of circumstances comes to mind in this regard. There are many well-meaning believers who feel compelled to transform the way our Hebrew Brethren see Jesus Christ. This will only cause great frustration and build an even bigger wall dividing Christians and Jews. The Lord has made it clear throughout scripture that there is a veil in place and only He will lift it. Why are we trying to do His job? Our job is to honor our Hebrew Brethren and demonstrate to them the love of Christ. We are also called to stand beside them and pray for Jerusalem. That is an entirely new topic, but I felt it important because it is still the reiteration of the placement of the veil that prevents understanding. We cannot lift it, only God can.
Many of us believe we are living in the end times. If that is indeed the case then time is short to have an impact on the harvest for the Kingdom. What each of us must come to understand and live, is how can we be the most effective servants for the Kingdom. What is God calling us to do in reaching those that have yet to embrace His love and the Truth that will set them free? Freeing ourselves of the "mandate" that someone else's salvation rests on our shoulders may be the most empowering facet of the next season of life. Never stop presenting the gospel; never stop demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ in your daily life; never stop offering to show someone the "doorway" and ask them to listen carefully for His voice. However free yourself from believing that you are responsible for whether that person hears the knock and Jesus' voice, opening the door to His love. Just keep listening to His voice in your life and He will direct you in exactly the direction He needs you to go. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. It works. I can vouch for it!
I have struggled for years with these questions as I watched people that I love go in directions that were away from the Lord. It has only been in the last few years that my precious Lord has begun to give me revelatory truths about the whole picture. Multiple scriptures emphasize the message that He spoke to me and as I listen to my brothers and sisters in the body of Christ proclaim their frustration, the clarity of this message from Him grows. It is simply this: we cannot lift the veil that blocks understanding. Only One can do that and He is our Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:16-17 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. So we wonder, how can someone turn to the Lord before the veil is lifted? When does this critical transition take place? And why does it seem that others turn their backs on Him after they have had revelation knowledge about Him?
I don't have answers to the very questions that I raise, but I do know what scripture tells me. Matthew 13:12 To those who listen to my teaching more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding will be taken from them. Clearly growing in the Lord is a process, a journey that we are all traveling. As we grow in Him, He will take us deeper, giving us more knowledge and understanding, but if we refuse to listen, the journey abruptly comes to a halt. Think about this from the perspective of those who are on the threshold of opening their hearts to the Lord. There is a crack in the door, a ray of light is shining on their hearts, and the Lord will take advantage of that minute turn towards Him and provide more understanding, more knowledge. The veil will begin to lift. It is a heart matter, not a head matter. The heart - our soul - knows the difference between right and wrong and knows the direction to turn for true freedom. The flesh will battle this turn of direction, especially if the flesh is being satisfied with earthly distractions. However, God's heart is that not one will perish, so He pursues us, each of us.
Matthew 9:12 -13 When Jesus heard this, He said, "Healthy people do not need a doctor - sick people do." Then He added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this scripture; 'I want you to show mercy not sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." All the Lord needs is a repentant heart which grasps that the status quo of life is not what it should be. God can take that little opening and shed His light in the darkness. He can lift the veil so that each person can see Him for the answer. Holy Spirit is indeed our teacher, counselor, comforter. He stands at "the ready" eager to bring revelation to each person open to hear it in their souls and thus their spirits can become transformed.
Are we capable of accomplishing that? No. We are called to show mercy in how we live our lives and to provide examples of what transformed lives look like. We do take the gospel to the ends of the earth, but we do so with His love stamped all over our lives. We begin by ministering to those we are trying to reach, setting the stage if you will so that God can then do his work and lift the veil. Let us never be confused about the facts: we are not the ones that hear the knocking of Jesus on the door and can open it for someone else. Revelation 3:20 "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Each person must take that step for themselves. We can present the doorway to them. We can share the life changing power of Jesus Christ in our lives, but each person must turn to the Lord, opening his/her heart and letting Him in.
One particular set of circumstances comes to mind in this regard. There are many well-meaning believers who feel compelled to transform the way our Hebrew Brethren see Jesus Christ. This will only cause great frustration and build an even bigger wall dividing Christians and Jews. The Lord has made it clear throughout scripture that there is a veil in place and only He will lift it. Why are we trying to do His job? Our job is to honor our Hebrew Brethren and demonstrate to them the love of Christ. We are also called to stand beside them and pray for Jerusalem. That is an entirely new topic, but I felt it important because it is still the reiteration of the placement of the veil that prevents understanding. We cannot lift it, only God can.
Many of us believe we are living in the end times. If that is indeed the case then time is short to have an impact on the harvest for the Kingdom. What each of us must come to understand and live, is how can we be the most effective servants for the Kingdom. What is God calling us to do in reaching those that have yet to embrace His love and the Truth that will set them free? Freeing ourselves of the "mandate" that someone else's salvation rests on our shoulders may be the most empowering facet of the next season of life. Never stop presenting the gospel; never stop demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ in your daily life; never stop offering to show someone the "doorway" and ask them to listen carefully for His voice. However free yourself from believing that you are responsible for whether that person hears the knock and Jesus' voice, opening the door to His love. Just keep listening to His voice in your life and He will direct you in exactly the direction He needs you to go. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. It works. I can vouch for it!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Our Worth - In Whose Eyes?
It certainly is embarrassing when I realize how my own hard-headedness slows me down in my work for the Kingdom. I don't know about you, but even my best intentions can go awry when my flesh gets in the middle of it. God is so patient with me trying to get me to see things His way. Yet in spite of His patience, His wisdom and the discernment He tries to pass on to me, I can surely get in my own way. This past weekend is a prime example of this struggle. I pray that you will learn from my mistakes and maybe, just maybe, you can avoid the pitfall that I have tripped into a few more times than I would like to admit.
Without question one of the most vulnerable areas of my life, i.e. the one that is the most frequently opened door to the enemy, is my fear of what people are thinking about me. Every time that I think I have conquered that weakness, it comes creeping back into my life in the most insidious ways. Notice I use the word creeping because that is how low and under the radar these little demons are that we let back into our lives.
The whole situation began innocently enough. I had sprained my foot while helping out at a ministry. I heard my foot crack when I injured it and immediately rebuked the chump and claimed my total healing. I was proactive,iced it and kept it elevated for two days. Then I assumed it was totally healed and resumed my breakneck speed of operation. Within 24 hours it was swollen and painful, so to the doctor's I went. No break, just a sprain. Stay off it was the doctor's advice and use crutches to insure swift healing. Well, I did the best that I could given my commitments. Janice's perspective... :-)
It was slowly getting better and then this weekend approached. I was part of leading a major women's retreat called Holy Spirit Encounter. I had already arranged for new leadership to assume many of my previous duties. I knew that God was insuring I kept my priorities straight in empowering others to take a lead and do the job. I did really well for 2 days. Then Saturday came. Suddenly there was more work than workers and I jumped right in. In actuality my foot had been healed and it was feeling pretty good. However I forgot the big picture lesson that the Lord was trying to teach me. I jumped back in full speed and spent the next 36 hours straight on my feet. By Sunday night my lower calf was swollen, bright red and very hot. But my foot felt great!!! Still I could barely walk due to the pain in my leg.
I ended up in the ER after we returned home and spent some downtime while there thinking and praying about what the Lord was telling me. Late Monday night, He revealed it to me. Even though person after person kept telling me to get off my feet Sunday, I would not do it. I kept telling myself, I can't sit while others are working so hard. The Lord however showed me the TRUTH. I was concerned about what people would think if I were just sitting there while they were working. I had heard individuals complaining about what others were and were not doing and I did not want to become a subject of their conversation as well. I knew what I needed to do to care for myself, but I was afraid to do it. Fear is a tool of the enemy, not an instrument of the Lord. Yet I did not recognize it and allowed it to direct my actions. So instead of walking in my healing, I am once again off my feet for a few more weeks!
What is the Biblical perspective on all of this? 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 is a powerful analogy comparing the Body of Christ to the human body. These are passages that are most likely very familiar to us. Often quoted are verses 18-21 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" We understand that each of us has a unique position in the body of Christ. All of us are needed for the purpose for which God has created us. I wonder how often you have read and studied the verses that follow.
Verses 22-27 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. The essence of this scripture is that our individual importance in the body is equal in God's eyes. Whether we are an outside appendage of the body that is visible and active, like a hand or an eye or the mouth, or we are an internal organ that is not highly regarded like a capillary or the lining of the stomach, or maybe just a single cell, God has created a unique purpose for us. If the body is to function in its most efficient manner able to do all that it was created to do, then each part must be functioning.
So it is with the body of Christ. Whether we feel significant or not, we are in His eyes and just as important, we need to regard each other with that same respect and recognition of value. When I think about the experience I had this past weekend and the price I am paying for not believing that it is OK to take care of this little component of the body of Christ, I begin to hear His voice patiently trying to explain it to me again. It does not matter what others think about how and where I function in the body. It does greatly matter what my Lord thinks about how and where I function. He cares greatly that I am in the best condition to perform my function within the body. That means I have to pay attention to all His messages about what I am to do and AM NOT TO DO. Can you imagine trying to use your leg bone as an eye with which to see, or your eye as a bone to hold up the body? Crazy, yet that is exactly what some of us are trying to do.
So let us be content with being who He created us to be and try to be the best we can within our individual place in the body. I know that is my assignment as I rest these next few weeks and allow my leg to heal. I surely hope I have learned this lesson for the last time.
Without question one of the most vulnerable areas of my life, i.e. the one that is the most frequently opened door to the enemy, is my fear of what people are thinking about me. Every time that I think I have conquered that weakness, it comes creeping back into my life in the most insidious ways. Notice I use the word creeping because that is how low and under the radar these little demons are that we let back into our lives.
The whole situation began innocently enough. I had sprained my foot while helping out at a ministry. I heard my foot crack when I injured it and immediately rebuked the chump and claimed my total healing. I was proactive,iced it and kept it elevated for two days. Then I assumed it was totally healed and resumed my breakneck speed of operation. Within 24 hours it was swollen and painful, so to the doctor's I went. No break, just a sprain. Stay off it was the doctor's advice and use crutches to insure swift healing. Well, I did the best that I could given my commitments. Janice's perspective... :-)
It was slowly getting better and then this weekend approached. I was part of leading a major women's retreat called Holy Spirit Encounter. I had already arranged for new leadership to assume many of my previous duties. I knew that God was insuring I kept my priorities straight in empowering others to take a lead and do the job. I did really well for 2 days. Then Saturday came. Suddenly there was more work than workers and I jumped right in. In actuality my foot had been healed and it was feeling pretty good. However I forgot the big picture lesson that the Lord was trying to teach me. I jumped back in full speed and spent the next 36 hours straight on my feet. By Sunday night my lower calf was swollen, bright red and very hot. But my foot felt great!!! Still I could barely walk due to the pain in my leg.
I ended up in the ER after we returned home and spent some downtime while there thinking and praying about what the Lord was telling me. Late Monday night, He revealed it to me. Even though person after person kept telling me to get off my feet Sunday, I would not do it. I kept telling myself, I can't sit while others are working so hard. The Lord however showed me the TRUTH. I was concerned about what people would think if I were just sitting there while they were working. I had heard individuals complaining about what others were and were not doing and I did not want to become a subject of their conversation as well. I knew what I needed to do to care for myself, but I was afraid to do it. Fear is a tool of the enemy, not an instrument of the Lord. Yet I did not recognize it and allowed it to direct my actions. So instead of walking in my healing, I am once again off my feet for a few more weeks!
What is the Biblical perspective on all of this? 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 is a powerful analogy comparing the Body of Christ to the human body. These are passages that are most likely very familiar to us. Often quoted are verses 18-21 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" We understand that each of us has a unique position in the body of Christ. All of us are needed for the purpose for which God has created us. I wonder how often you have read and studied the verses that follow.
Verses 22-27 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. The essence of this scripture is that our individual importance in the body is equal in God's eyes. Whether we are an outside appendage of the body that is visible and active, like a hand or an eye or the mouth, or we are an internal organ that is not highly regarded like a capillary or the lining of the stomach, or maybe just a single cell, God has created a unique purpose for us. If the body is to function in its most efficient manner able to do all that it was created to do, then each part must be functioning.
So it is with the body of Christ. Whether we feel significant or not, we are in His eyes and just as important, we need to regard each other with that same respect and recognition of value. When I think about the experience I had this past weekend and the price I am paying for not believing that it is OK to take care of this little component of the body of Christ, I begin to hear His voice patiently trying to explain it to me again. It does not matter what others think about how and where I function in the body. It does greatly matter what my Lord thinks about how and where I function. He cares greatly that I am in the best condition to perform my function within the body. That means I have to pay attention to all His messages about what I am to do and AM NOT TO DO. Can you imagine trying to use your leg bone as an eye with which to see, or your eye as a bone to hold up the body? Crazy, yet that is exactly what some of us are trying to do.
So let us be content with being who He created us to be and try to be the best we can within our individual place in the body. I know that is my assignment as I rest these next few weeks and allow my leg to heal. I surely hope I have learned this lesson for the last time.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Builders and Their Materials
Most of us have been engaged at some point in our lives in building something - a house, an addition to a house, maybe a piece of furniture, or even a children's play set. One concept that is consistent, no matter what the project, regards the quality of the building materials. The strength and excellence, or the lack thereof, in the materials that we use will greatly impact the life and full utilization of that building/project. Our work as a believer is no different. We are called to be builders of the Kingdom of God, but what are we using as our materials? How effective are we in what we are making if what we are using is faulty?
Last week I made the statement what you say or do either builds up the Kingdom of God or it tears it down. However there is more complexity to our building tasks than simply that. This week I want to examine those intricacies. There are too many of us in the kingdom that are operating with a false sense of security that what we are doing is really good and that it is pleasing to God. What if that is not the case? Please be patient as I try to hold us more accountable for our lives than generally speaking the church is today. In fact, we as a body of believers are sometimes guilty of allowing the "yeast of sin" into the Body of Christ and just turning away believing that we have no place in "judging" others. These are tricky waters and I am venturing into them only because Holy Spirit will not let me do otherwise. I tried, but He began redirecting this entry in spite of my efforts to go elsewhere. So this must be important to Him and therefore to us. Furthermore, the entry disappeared last night as I went to post it. It would seem that the other side does not want you to hear this message either. So here goes!
When we are true builders of the kingdom then our every action and word is somehow contributing to that construction - good or bad. We are all very familiar with scripture that talks about our works, the power of our tongues, etc. But how familiar are we with the scriptures that instruct us on the body of believers itself and the Lord's expectations on how we are to build on it and maintain it? My supposition is that we are more focused on what we are to do with non-believers and carrying out the great commission. What about the great omission?
How many times have you heard a child say, "I did not lie, I just did not tell you."? Within the Body of Christ today there is an epidemic of "not telling you." 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn't talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or who are greedy or are swindlers or idol worshippers. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. What I meant was that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Don't even eat with such people. It isn't my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your job to judge those inside the church who are sinning in these ways. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say. "You must remove the evil person from among you." This is not a word that we often hear taught in our pulpits or in fact practiced in our churches. Too often fellow believers are turning a blind eye to sinful behavior that is happening in their midst. The classic statement is "Well it is none of my business. God will deal with them." From the scripture that we just read above, God is going to deal with us too. We have been commanded to hold our fellow believers accountable. Uncomfortable, isn't it?
Last week I made the statement what you say or do either builds up the Kingdom of God or it tears it down. However there is more complexity to our building tasks than simply that. This week I want to examine those intricacies. There are too many of us in the kingdom that are operating with a false sense of security that what we are doing is really good and that it is pleasing to God. What if that is not the case? Please be patient as I try to hold us more accountable for our lives than generally speaking the church is today. In fact, we as a body of believers are sometimes guilty of allowing the "yeast of sin" into the Body of Christ and just turning away believing that we have no place in "judging" others. These are tricky waters and I am venturing into them only because Holy Spirit will not let me do otherwise. I tried, but He began redirecting this entry in spite of my efforts to go elsewhere. So this must be important to Him and therefore to us. Furthermore, the entry disappeared last night as I went to post it. It would seem that the other side does not want you to hear this message either. So here goes!
When we are true builders of the kingdom then our every action and word is somehow contributing to that construction - good or bad. We are all very familiar with scripture that talks about our works, the power of our tongues, etc. But how familiar are we with the scriptures that instruct us on the body of believers itself and the Lord's expectations on how we are to build on it and maintain it? My supposition is that we are more focused on what we are to do with non-believers and carrying out the great commission. What about the great omission?
How many times have you heard a child say, "I did not lie, I just did not tell you."? Within the Body of Christ today there is an epidemic of "not telling you." 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn't talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or who are greedy or are swindlers or idol worshippers. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. What I meant was that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Don't even eat with such people. It isn't my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your job to judge those inside the church who are sinning in these ways. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say. "You must remove the evil person from among you." This is not a word that we often hear taught in our pulpits or in fact practiced in our churches. Too often fellow believers are turning a blind eye to sinful behavior that is happening in their midst. The classic statement is "Well it is none of my business. God will deal with them." From the scripture that we just read above, God is going to deal with us too. We have been commanded to hold our fellow believers accountable. Uncomfortable, isn't it?
As the builders of the Body of Christ, building on the foundation of Jesus Christ, we will be judged. 1 Cor 3:14-15 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. Recognize that Paul is talking about believers, those who have experienced that saving grace of Jesus Christ and have made it to heaven. However he is also discussing the time of Judgment when the Lord evaluates all of our "works".
Thus when we stand before the Lord for the judgment of our "building efforts" how will we fair when He looks at what we did not do for the body of Christ? Yes, our actual works of commission will be evaluated - what is our motivation? Is it to make us look good or feel good or somehow benefit from our own efforts? Or are we engaged in works because of the love of Christ and wanting to share the impact He has had on our lives? However do not allow yourself to be lulled into thinking that the acts of omission will not also be examined because they have as great an impact on the building of the Body of Christ as the others. In fact if we look at the church today in America, I wonder if they have not had a greater impact.
I know that I must re-evaluate my acts of commission and omission. How well am I building the Body of Christ? I want to have something worthy of withstanding the test of fire. I ask you to hold me accountable and I pray that you have someone in your life whom you can ask to hold you accountable. Let us all have beautiful jewels and gleaming precious elements to offer to our King.Monday, November 2, 2009
No DMZ for Kingdom Warriors
Depending on how old you are, the term DMZ might have significant or no meaning to you. I grew up in the Vietnam era, and DMZ was a common term we heard in the news and in discussions about where friends were in the war. DMZ means De-Militarized Zone. It was to be an area between the two sides that was neutral. Sadly there are many people today who believe that they should live in a DMZ spiritually, a DMZ in which there are no attacks from the enemy and you are safe to live your life the way you want to. The Lord did not call us to live a safe life, a comfortable life, a life in which everybody just accepts us and does not bother us. He called us to follow Him and that has consequences.
Think about all of the times in scripture that we read someone had to make a decision - one way or the other - to follow Jesus or go back to their lives as they were without Him. Frequently Jesus put it very bluntly regarding being hot or cold. There is no lukewarm. There is no safety zone. Not when you choose Christ. Not when you decide to pick up your cross and follow Him. What are the consequences of trying to stay in the middle?
Recall Mark 6 when Herod is given the opportunity to save John the Baptist's life. He had been imprisoned but Herod had been protecting him because he admired him and learned each time he listened to John speak. Mark 6:20 And Herod respected John, knowing that he was a good and holy man, so he kept him under his protection. Herod was disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him. It would seem that the Lord was lifting the veils from Herod's eyes and giving him a chance to change his life. Sadly like many people, Herod got caught up in the moment when his daughter was dancing for him. He spoke impulsively and made promises to her. When she came back to him with her request to be fulfilled, Herod had a moment in time when he could have chosen the right path, the one God wanted him to choose. However, he was more concerned about what people would think of him than what was the right action to take. Mark 6:26 Then the king was very sorry, but he was embarrassed to break his oath in front of his guests. Too late to turn back from what he had released into the atmosphere, John was beheaded under Herod's orders.
How often have each of us been caught in just such a moment? We say or do things impulsively without consulting the Lord for His desire for our lives and then when those same actions come back to haunt us, we feel powerless to change course. At the time of those actions or words, we probably felt "safe"; this will not impact my testimony; this has nothing to do with how I feel about Jesus and my faith. However, inevitably we come to find out that everything has to do with Jesus and our faith. There is no safety zone, there is no DMZ in our spiritual lives.
Our spiritual lives are intricately woven into every aspect of the world in which we live. We cannot separate "life" from our faith walk. Life is our faith walk. We are called to operate in such a way that we recognize there is no DMZ, there is no safety zone in which our actions don't have repercussions - good or bad. There is no neutral. What you say or do either builds up the kingdom of God or it tears it down. Remember that even when you are physically alone, you are surrounded in the spiritual realm. There are good and bad spirits listening to you and watching you, but most importantly Holy Spirit is there at all times.
My suggestion for all of us this week, myself included, is to evaluate our frame of mind. Have we fallen into the false sense that there is a DMZ for our lives? Do we recognize that every word that we say, every action that we take has a consequence for the kingdom - good or bad? I challenge you to live a life that is HOT for the Lord, not lukewarm. Don't fall into the trap of believing that you can straddle the fence and have it both ways with life. Either you are with the Lord or you are against Him. There is no neutral zone. There is no DMZ. Live your life in such a manner that you are ever ready for whatever comes your way and you have your spiritual armor on, ready at all times.
Think about all of the times in scripture that we read someone had to make a decision - one way or the other - to follow Jesus or go back to their lives as they were without Him. Frequently Jesus put it very bluntly regarding being hot or cold. There is no lukewarm. There is no safety zone. Not when you choose Christ. Not when you decide to pick up your cross and follow Him. What are the consequences of trying to stay in the middle?
Recall Mark 6 when Herod is given the opportunity to save John the Baptist's life. He had been imprisoned but Herod had been protecting him because he admired him and learned each time he listened to John speak. Mark 6:20 And Herod respected John, knowing that he was a good and holy man, so he kept him under his protection. Herod was disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him. It would seem that the Lord was lifting the veils from Herod's eyes and giving him a chance to change his life. Sadly like many people, Herod got caught up in the moment when his daughter was dancing for him. He spoke impulsively and made promises to her. When she came back to him with her request to be fulfilled, Herod had a moment in time when he could have chosen the right path, the one God wanted him to choose. However, he was more concerned about what people would think of him than what was the right action to take. Mark 6:26 Then the king was very sorry, but he was embarrassed to break his oath in front of his guests. Too late to turn back from what he had released into the atmosphere, John was beheaded under Herod's orders.
How often have each of us been caught in just such a moment? We say or do things impulsively without consulting the Lord for His desire for our lives and then when those same actions come back to haunt us, we feel powerless to change course. At the time of those actions or words, we probably felt "safe"; this will not impact my testimony; this has nothing to do with how I feel about Jesus and my faith. However, inevitably we come to find out that everything has to do with Jesus and our faith. There is no safety zone, there is no DMZ in our spiritual lives.
Our spiritual lives are intricately woven into every aspect of the world in which we live. We cannot separate "life" from our faith walk. Life is our faith walk. We are called to operate in such a way that we recognize there is no DMZ, there is no safety zone in which our actions don't have repercussions - good or bad. There is no neutral. What you say or do either builds up the kingdom of God or it tears it down. Remember that even when you are physically alone, you are surrounded in the spiritual realm. There are good and bad spirits listening to you and watching you, but most importantly Holy Spirit is there at all times.
My suggestion for all of us this week, myself included, is to evaluate our frame of mind. Have we fallen into the false sense that there is a DMZ for our lives? Do we recognize that every word that we say, every action that we take has a consequence for the kingdom - good or bad? I challenge you to live a life that is HOT for the Lord, not lukewarm. Don't fall into the trap of believing that you can straddle the fence and have it both ways with life. Either you are with the Lord or you are against Him. There is no neutral zone. There is no DMZ. Live your life in such a manner that you are ever ready for whatever comes your way and you have your spiritual armor on, ready at all times.
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