TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
Jan 2, 2008
I received a wonderful blog in a newsletter today from EXTRAVAGANT GRACE. It brought to mind some ideas about obedience. I'm going to link you to the site, then share my thoughts with you.
Click here for Elisa's blog.
Did you make New Year's resolutions? I didn't even think about it, but there are so many changes I'd like (and need) to make. The first resolution on ALL our lists should be obedience. Most of us are obedient to an extent, going about our daily chores (ok, some of us), reading our Bibles, praying, going to Church. But you know what? Those are the easy things. The obedience God asks of us is a willingness to go out on a limb, doing something with which we are uncomfortable. It's a BIG obedience!
This is what Elisa learned from her baptism experience. Many of us know somebody (or experienced this ourselves) who was saved and/or baptized years after making a profession of faith. For whatever reason, they felt the need to obey in a larger and more conspicuous way than before. I, personally, was saved and baptized at a young age (the two went together; baptism was a simple act of obedience without much discomfort involved). I felt the Spirit call, answered yes, and followed Jesus in baptism. Becuase I was so young, there was not much change to be made in my life. If you're basically a good kid, then you don't really have to step out of your box to be a good Christian.
Or do you? What do we teach our children about salvation? That if they will obey the Holy Spirit in accepting Jesus, walking the church aisle, and being baptized, then they are destined for heaven. Oh, and while they're going about their business, they should try their best to "be good" and "share Jesus." We, however, are learning, and trying to teach our kids, that salvation is about much more than just a moment or two of emotion and a few acts of obedience in church. It's about a LIFE of obedience and devotion. And a LIFE of leaving our comfort zones to take part in the opportunities God gives us.
The end result of salvation - the "prize"- is eternity with God. But the proof of true salvation is in the daily living. And it's much bigger than just serving God in our ordinary daily activities. We would do these activities whether we were trying to please the Lord or not. There are many reasons to be "good" - morality, duty, conscience (we all know many "good" people who have not the slightest relationship with Jesus), but to be more than "good", to be God's, we must be willing to obey in big ways. To let go of ourselves, our fears, our time, our money, our possessions, our relationships in order to answer God's calling on our lives. And He promises us that if we will do so, He will reward us beyond our greatest expectations.
Elisa learned through her baptism experience the value of "big" obedience. She's ready now to serve God in a much larger capacity than before she stepped out of her comfort zone and sought baptism years after being saved. If she can make that step, then nothing else God asks of her will ever seem scary again. Or if it does, she will know from experience the blessings of obeying even in the most frightening of circumstances. She tested the Lord, just as he asks us to, and she found Him to be everything He said He would be.
Our journey into a Life of Obedience will not be the same as Elisa's. If you're like me, and baptism was a relatively simple step for you, just another part of the salvation process as outlined by your denomination (I don't mean to lessen the importance of baptism, of course), then you'll be like me in that God will ask us to do something else outside our comfort zones in order to learn the blessings of big obedience.
You may be asked to donate time and/or money (more than you think you can afford), go on a trip (when you're afraid of flying), start a study group (when you feel un-educated), bring several churches together and lead a 40-person choir in a WONDERFUL Christmas presentation (you know who you are!), start a PMS Club (when you can think of only about two people who will be interested), teach the English language to a Spanish-speaking friend (when you're not an English teacher - go, Lou!), save $10 dollars a week for 10 weeks for Pure Water, Pure Love (when you can't imagine being able to give $100 - I know, a shameless plug, but I hope your heart is being pricked; click here!); the possibilities are endless. If you see an opportunity to do something that is bigger than your comfort zone, then that is probably God speaking to you. And what is He saying?
"JUMP IN! THE WATER'S FINE!"
So, my number one New Year's Resolution, and yours too, I hope, is this:
. . . I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Psalm 119:34.
Previous entry:
Today's entry is copied from an e-mail devotion shared with me by Lou Ann in Alabama. It's so much better than anything I could have said today, and so very, very true. It is truly the Christians who have dropped the ball and allowed our country to decline to this point of moral "D-Generation" (see Robin's notes - scroll down to previous entry). I'm crying now. It's all our fault. We've got to do better for our children and grandchildren. Please read on:
The Drought: A Message from God?
December 12, 2007
Last Sunday morning during our devotional time together, Patty and I read from 2 Kings 4, the story of Elisha providing food to the prophets in the midst of a famine.
Ironically, as we opened our Bibles, the local newspaper was lying on the coffee table. The headline read, "Spring Crop Reduced as Drought Fear Grows." As everyone in America knows, there is a serious drought here in the Southeast, where Patty and I have a home—crops affected, water supplies dangerously low.
In our Bible study we were directed to read Leviticus 26:3-5, "If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit." Later in the study we read Amos 8:11, "The days are coming, declares the sovereign Lord, when I will send a famine through the Land, not a famine of food or a thirst of water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord."
For months I have been wondering if this drought is God's judgment. Last Sunday, I put the Bible down and said, "Okay, Lord, I get it."
But why, you ask, would the Lord send a drought on the American Southeast? That is the Bible belt: the highest per capita church attendance in America.
Well, think about it. The Scriptures, in my opinion, do not speak to a secular nation like America; they speak to God's people. The Old Testament was addressed to Israel; the New Testament speaks to the New Israel, the Church.
Now, I hesitate to say that God has said this or that, for fear of being presumptuous—or maybe even being dismissed as a crank. But I cannot get the thought out of my head. Sunday's newspaper and our assigned Bible study, I suppose, could have been a coincidence, but I do not think so. I think God is speaking to the Church—notice I did not say America—today.
So what is He saying? That we have been disregarding His Word. That we have been going to church to make ourselves feel good and have our ears tickled. That therapy has replaced truth. There is more than a drought; there is a famine of reading and living by the Word of God.
I think God is telling His people to repent, to get serious about what we believe, to hunger for the Word of God, to seek holy living, and to ask God's forgiveness.
We need to repent, as well, for not applying God's Word, and repent for looking for a political savior while neglecting the true Savior. We need to repent for blaming our nation's moral collapse on the gay-rights movement, or on the media, or on the politicians, and look right at the people whom God expects to know better—those who call on His name: you and I.
Thank God there are leaders who are now getting it and speaking out, like Bill Hybels, who two weeks ago publicly repented for failing to make disciples in his church. Others need to follow Bill's lead.
Whether or not the drought is God's judgment—and I cannot help but believe it is—I do believe He is speaking to us loudly. Turn from our smug, contented ways, and let waves of repentance sweep over our churches.
Everybody is worried today about climate change. Well, the first step in fixing it is to get on our knees.
Click Here to go to www.breakpoint.org for more on this topic or to sign up for the e-mail devotions.
PREVIOUS TOPICS:
If you've read something inspiring or learned a new perspective on a Bible truth, share it with us! Please type "Bible truths" in the subject line of your message. On days I actually do a little Bible reading, I've been looking at the book of Acts, and trying to learn from the members of the "first church of God". Keep in mind that my "preachings" are not accusations. They are what I'm learning and trying to apply in my life. Many times, they are issues that I really struggle with. That said, here are some thoughts:
Mar 9:38 John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone using Your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn't in our group."
Mar 9:39 "Don't stop him!" Jesus said. "No one who performs a miracle in My name will soon be able to speak evil of Me.
Mar 9:40 Anyone who is not against us is for us. (NLT)
I referenced this scripture in last week's essay. To me, the meaning of this is completely clear. Jesus wants us to understand that anyone who does good works in His name is a member of His family. We should trust all other Christians, and trust in God to take care of those who aren't sincere. We are to act on this trust, not second-guess opportunities to help further His kingdom.
How does this scripture apply to us, from a practical standpoint?
It applies every time we speak (or even think) unkind words about other Christian denominations. Jesus did not sanction denominational differences. In fact, there were no denominations in the New Testament Church. There was only the desire to share the Gospel of God's Kingdom. Denominational differences are peripheral issues. Jesus is the central issue. If we can agree on Jesus' saving grace, then the other denominational variances can be accepted, or maybe even celebrated! So many of these differences are based on scripture that is interpreted in various ways, yet we each tend to think we're right. We would do well to remember that humility is high on God's list of desirable attributes, and that none of us is superior to any other. In fact, we're equal, since the Bible tells us we have been "adopted" into God's family. We're all brothers and sisters, equal in God's eyes.
It also applies to our racial and cultural viewpoints. And please don't say, "I don't dislike (or hate or think I'm better than, etc.) people who are different. I just think God meant us to be separate." Uh, really?? Where did God say that? If you will let racial and cultural issues keep you from fellowshiping with and blessing others, then, yes, you do dislike, hate, or think you're better than them. Still not convinced? Our actions prove our convictions. If you love them in your heart, then you will love them outwardly, in your actions. Again, humility comes into play. And a willingness to change your opinions (which are your own, and not God's). A Christian is a Christian and is deserving of your Christian respect and love. There is no separation within God's family.
The word "Christian" means "little Christ". Not "a little like Christ"! We're the exact same thing as Jesus, only smaller. Our job is to try to be as much like Him in as we possibly can in every situation. Think you can't be exactly like Him? Well, with God, all things are possible. Jesus did not shun or ignore anyone. He didn't treat poorly or verbally abuse anyone . He didn't disdain or disrespect anyone. In fact, He was drawn to everyone, just as every Christian is drawn to Him, should be drawn to each other.
Thirdly, we can apply this scripture within our churches. Do you support everyone in your church in regard to ministry and outreach suggestions? You should. If we believe that a person is a "Christian", and if we believe in Jesus' words, then we must trust every one who says they have had a message from God. Providing, of course, the suggestions are biblical and reasonable. Remember, though, our definition of "reasonable" is not always God's definition. No matter our official position within the body, we all are equally able to be used by God. In fact, the Bible tells us He is more likely to use those of whom we'd least expect it. So when someone in your church says, "Why don't we do this to help this situation. . .?", don't dismiss the idea. We should trust each other's relationships with the Lord, and move to support and enact every worthwhile (to God!) idea. This creates a cohesive, active church, and this is the kind of church God blesses beyond anything we can imagine!
Don't refuse to help with a mission or ministry, whether large or small, just because you have no guarantee of the motives or end results. Jesus gives us the guarantee! We will be blessed or judged for our own attitudes and actions, and so will everyone else, exclusive of one another. If a ministry or mission seems feasible, then jump in and do your part. God will bless you for it. His Word tells us it is so.
Please remember that Jesus said the greatest commandment is "to love". See the word "to" there? That makes it a verb, a doing word. You can't just say you love, you have to do it, act upon it. Otherwise, how will anyone know that you are actually loving them? If a Christian is not against us, then he or she is for us. And if we say we're "not against" other Christians, then we are for them. And that unites us all! Just think what God would accomplish in this world through His people, if we would all respect one another as equals in His Kingdom!
If your heart has been impressed by what you've read here, please pray this prayer with me:
Dear Lord, I pray right now that You will remove any feelings of superiority, whether or not I realize I foster them, from my heart. I humbly ask you to help me to see all Christians, even all humans, with Your loving eyes. And I commit myself to treating all of Your people with the respect due to the sons and daughters of the Lord Most High. Thank you, Lord, for all your people. Please help us to be blessings to one another and to uplift Your Holy Name in all we do. Amen.
Last week's entry:
Acts 1:14 They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
They were "united" in prayer. Also worded "with one accord" or "one mind" in various versions. Are the members of your church "united"? Since we have no control over the thoughts of others, then we must ask ourselves: are WE united with the members of our church? Of course, there's no way we can agree with everyone on every issue. I believe this is because, many times, we formulate "opinions" on issues that God considers to be black-or-white, and the only valid opinion is God's opinion. We must practice to seek God's opinion and make it ours. We must ask for His leadership, and be willing to follow it.
This takes serious prayer and Bible study. And humility. Do you respect the leaders of your church and their calling? If we respect a man's calling enough to make him a pastor, then we should also respect him enough to trust the messages God sends us through him. If you don't think God is speaking to him and through him, then why is he your pastor? Of course, there's also the "submission" thing. I know, I know, but we are women, and the Bible does say so. They only way to be of "one" mind is to be of God's mind. And the only way to do this is through prayer, Bible study, and submission - to God and to our leaders.
We also tend to strive with other church members over issues on which God has no opinion. Do you suppose He really cares what color you paint the walls of your fellowship hall? If our church has chosen a group to be in charge of such material decisions, then it behooves us to allow them to make those decisions. That's not to say that opinions don't matter; it's just to say that we must be willing to let others make those decisions, especially on matters that are probably of little consequence to the Lord. You'll get your way on another issue on another day.
Let's also be careful not to be "spectators" with strong opinions. If you aren't helping with the work, or you didn't go to the meetings, or you declined to be on the committee, or if the issue really is a small one (in God's eyes), then maybe you should keep your opinion to yourself. Remember the first church: their only concern was to spread the message of God's Kingdom. They weren't concernced with buildings, paint colors, new furniture, etc., (except to sell them and give the money to the church, but that's a whole 'nother lesson!). Our churches are spending more time, energy, and money on peripheral issues than on the central issue of Jesus. Let's pray for God to change our hearts so that we can quietly, calmly, and submissively lead our churches in that direction.
One more thing to notice about the first church's being of "one mind": there was NO DENOMINATION. The only issue was sharing the story of Jesus. We all comprise the Church of God. His Word tells us so. It makes sense for like-minded people to group themselves together, but remember that those divisions are over non-central issues. They don't matter to God. All that matters is the preaching of Jesus as the only way to God. Jesus pointed this out when men were casting out demons in His name, but not "hanging out" with the disciples. Jesus said, and I'm paraphrasing here: "Don't worry about it. If they do it in my name, they're doing good. If they're not for real, the Father will take care of them." In other words, if a person or a group professes to be focused on Jesus, then we have no right to judge them. If someone says they're a Christian, then we should love them, trust them, and support their Christian efforts until given reason to do otherwise. And remember that denominational, cultural, or even racial differences are not biblical reasons for witholding our Christian support. Which leads me to next newsletter's Bible topic. In the meantime, check out the first few chapters of Acts and pray for God to make us of one mind like the members of the First Original Christian Non-Denominational Church of God!
PS If you've not given yourself to Jesus, but are interested in hearing more, please click "contact us" to leave a note or email me directly at [email protected]. I promise we'll respond to your questions ASAP with concern and with love.
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