Someone at some point has said to you, “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” None of us liked hearing this as children, and some of us still aren’t all that fond of it as parents. What does the bible actually say about this topic?
Proverbs 29: 15-17
The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. Discipline your son, and he will give you peace.
There it is, right here in the bible. These are the proverbs of Solomon, the man who, when offered anything he desired from God, requested wisdom. God’s wisdom, through Solomon, gives us clear instruction in this matter. If simply knowing is not enough to motivate us in this area, take a look at the following.
1Samuel 3:11-14
And the Lord said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle. At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family- from beginning to end. For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them. Therefore I swore to the house of Eli, ‘The guilt of Eli’s house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’”
Now, we know that all sins are forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ. This is good, as we all make mistakes from time to time and would rather not experience the pain of death or the eternity in hell that would follow. Praise the Lord, that the burden of this punishment has been taken from our shoulders through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
What this does not mean, is that we are excused from our responsibilities as parents. We have to stand firm on the principles laid out for us in the bible. This is the Word of God. We don’t get to change it, or pick and choose what we are going to follow. God said it, and we have to do it.
We are not to “pick” at our children and drive them to frustration. Read “Who’s the Boss?” for more, on that matter. What we are to do is keep our children in line according to His word. God’s direction to them is clear in the fifth commandment and is echoed in Colossians with a little something extra for the parents.
Colossians 3:20-21
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged.
Parents, remember that it is our job to instruct and correct our children. We want them to grow up to be strong and upright. Our children are the arrows in our quiver that we have been given to shoot at the enemy. We want those arrows to be straight rather than bent and crooked. These are the children of the Lord and should be raised as such.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Get to work
We have all heard the phrase, “faith without works is dead.” This is a quote from James 2:26. While true, it is also often twisted to mean something very different than intended.
As Christians, we all share some things in common. The most important of these is the fact that there was a point in our lives where our eyes were opened and we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior. We, at that moment, claimed our salvation in the blood of Jesus. From that moment we have been able to deal with life in a new way. We know without a doubt that our victory is assured through our faith in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, though faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast
Our salvation is complete in and of itself. We were saved very moment we surrendered ourselves to the Lord. That is it, the price is paid. Nothing more is required.
This being said, take a look at the very next verse.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do
There is that work that drives everyone to frustration and confusion. We find ourselves asking questions. What is this work? If my salvation is complete, then what is this all about?
We are now going to revisit that famous quote. Only this time, read the verse in context. Read James 2:14-26 Yes, pull out your Bible. It’s good for you. I promise.
This verse we often hear quoted does not speak of works as a prerequisite for qualifying faith. Your place in heaven is already assured, purchased by the blood of Jesus. What this does tell us, is that our lives should be different after we are saved. We have accepted Christ as the Lord and Savior. It is time to start acting like it.
Consider these definitions for “work”.
- an act or deed
- a sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result
- a specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being part or phase of some larger activity
Our first task is to take our salvation seriously and make a change. In John 8:11, Jesus tells the adulteress to go and leave her life of sin. She is forgiven. Romans 12:2 tells us that we are to no longer conform to the pattern of this world. We are to be transformed.
Think about this for a moment. Yes we are called to more. As we grow in faith, the nature of our “work” will grow and expand. God has a calling for each and every one of us. At the beginning of our walk in the Lord, our work is all the same. This portion of our work never goes away. It is the challenge every day as a Christian. We are to put forth an effort to be different. We are to strive to please our Lord and Savior by keeping His commandments. It is a work of love and faith, not a need to prove anything. Is our work evidence of faith? Yes. Does God need this evidence to know our hearts? No. Remember though, in Christ we are more than conquerors. It would be good if we would get to the task.
Romans 8:37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
We have been called to more. It is not a check in the box to make sure we “make it” into heaven. It is the privilege of all citizens of heaven, to take advantage of our time here one earth to make our lives, and through them, this world, resemble our future home. We are to live our faith. This is our work.
As Christians, we all share some things in common. The most important of these is the fact that there was a point in our lives where our eyes were opened and we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior. We, at that moment, claimed our salvation in the blood of Jesus. From that moment we have been able to deal with life in a new way. We know without a doubt that our victory is assured through our faith in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, though faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast
Our salvation is complete in and of itself. We were saved very moment we surrendered ourselves to the Lord. That is it, the price is paid. Nothing more is required.
This being said, take a look at the very next verse.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do
There is that work that drives everyone to frustration and confusion. We find ourselves asking questions. What is this work? If my salvation is complete, then what is this all about?
We are now going to revisit that famous quote. Only this time, read the verse in context. Read James 2:14-26 Yes, pull out your Bible. It’s good for you. I promise.
This verse we often hear quoted does not speak of works as a prerequisite for qualifying faith. Your place in heaven is already assured, purchased by the blood of Jesus. What this does tell us, is that our lives should be different after we are saved. We have accepted Christ as the Lord and Savior. It is time to start acting like it.
Consider these definitions for “work”.
- an act or deed
- a sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result
- a specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being part or phase of some larger activity
Our first task is to take our salvation seriously and make a change. In John 8:11, Jesus tells the adulteress to go and leave her life of sin. She is forgiven. Romans 12:2 tells us that we are to no longer conform to the pattern of this world. We are to be transformed.
Think about this for a moment. Yes we are called to more. As we grow in faith, the nature of our “work” will grow and expand. God has a calling for each and every one of us. At the beginning of our walk in the Lord, our work is all the same. This portion of our work never goes away. It is the challenge every day as a Christian. We are to put forth an effort to be different. We are to strive to please our Lord and Savior by keeping His commandments. It is a work of love and faith, not a need to prove anything. Is our work evidence of faith? Yes. Does God need this evidence to know our hearts? No. Remember though, in Christ we are more than conquerors. It would be good if we would get to the task.
Romans 8:37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
We have been called to more. It is not a check in the box to make sure we “make it” into heaven. It is the privilege of all citizens of heaven, to take advantage of our time here one earth to make our lives, and through them, this world, resemble our future home. We are to live our faith. This is our work.
Monday, February 21, 2011
A Tale of Two Prophets
Read 1 Kings 13
A word from the Lord is never something to take lightly. If it is a message for others, we make sure that it is delivered. If it is a word for meant for us, we cling to it. We find ourselves in eager anticipation of a promise to be fulfilled, or possibly on guard against a danger that would otherwise go undetected. Either way, instruction from the Lord is to be followed. He is our Lord, King of everything. It is ours to do His will.
False prophecy is extremely dangerous. Where a word from the Lord gives us light, a false prophecy can muddy the waters and obscure the dangers that we should avoid. We may suddenly find those very dangers to be quite enticing.
Look at the case of the prophet in this chapter of 1 Kings. The prophet had just delivered a message from the Lord to the king of Judah. At the moment of prophesy there was also a sign from the Lord as confirmation of its truth. Knowing this, and knowing very well his instructions, the prophet chose to listen to the words of another who claimed to have a message from God. He accepted that message, knowing it was contrary to the word that God had given him. Why would he do this? The man was offering him food. He had come a long way, and was surely hungry. He had to know that this man was lying, but it was easier to believe the lie and take the easier path. Some food and drink had to sound pretty good.
Read 1 Kings 22: 1-39
Here we see Ahab willingly listening to a lie. He even seeks out prophets who will tell him what he wants to hear and knowingly ignores the prophet of the Lord. He says it plainly to Jehoshaphat when he asks.
1 Kings 22: 7-8
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no longer a prophet of the LORD here whom we can inquire of?”
The King answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.”
“The king should not say such a thing,” Jehoshaphat replied.
Jehoshaphat knows very well that these prophets are unreliable. He asks for a prophet of the LORD. When he hears Ahab’s response he warns him of such talk. They then call for Micaiah and promptly choose to ignore the warning in the word that he gives them from the LORD. He even goes so far as to throw Micaiah into prison and puts him on bread and water until he safely returns.
How often do we find ourselves in the shoes of this prophet and king? We have the Word of God. We have the Bible, God’s word written for us. We have at times a word from God to us, known to be true. The LORD’s instruction isn’t always easy. His words aren’t always telling us things we want to hear. Rest assured though, that His words are the way it is going to be. That other voice, the one telling us what we want to hear, is only trying to lead us astray.
God does not go back on His word. Read the Bible. Study it. Take His word in as the sustenance it is meant to be. When we are filled with His word and His spirit there is no room for the garbage that tries to tempt us and lead us astray. If you know what God has said on the issue, it isn’t all that hard to spot the lies. You also need to pray that you do not succumb to them. False prophecy is tempting. It is also deadly.
We have to make the choice, and there is only one right one. Either God is the Lord of our lives, or he isn’t. He is either the King of all, or he isn’t. We are called to be a part of His kingdom. If we don’t follow His path we will find that we don’t like where the one we have chosen leads, no matter how much more appealing it may be in the beginning.
A word from the Lord is never something to take lightly. If it is a message for others, we make sure that it is delivered. If it is a word for meant for us, we cling to it. We find ourselves in eager anticipation of a promise to be fulfilled, or possibly on guard against a danger that would otherwise go undetected. Either way, instruction from the Lord is to be followed. He is our Lord, King of everything. It is ours to do His will.
False prophecy is extremely dangerous. Where a word from the Lord gives us light, a false prophecy can muddy the waters and obscure the dangers that we should avoid. We may suddenly find those very dangers to be quite enticing.
Look at the case of the prophet in this chapter of 1 Kings. The prophet had just delivered a message from the Lord to the king of Judah. At the moment of prophesy there was also a sign from the Lord as confirmation of its truth. Knowing this, and knowing very well his instructions, the prophet chose to listen to the words of another who claimed to have a message from God. He accepted that message, knowing it was contrary to the word that God had given him. Why would he do this? The man was offering him food. He had come a long way, and was surely hungry. He had to know that this man was lying, but it was easier to believe the lie and take the easier path. Some food and drink had to sound pretty good.
Read 1 Kings 22: 1-39
Here we see Ahab willingly listening to a lie. He even seeks out prophets who will tell him what he wants to hear and knowingly ignores the prophet of the Lord. He says it plainly to Jehoshaphat when he asks.
1 Kings 22: 7-8
But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no longer a prophet of the LORD here whom we can inquire of?”
The King answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.”
“The king should not say such a thing,” Jehoshaphat replied.
Jehoshaphat knows very well that these prophets are unreliable. He asks for a prophet of the LORD. When he hears Ahab’s response he warns him of such talk. They then call for Micaiah and promptly choose to ignore the warning in the word that he gives them from the LORD. He even goes so far as to throw Micaiah into prison and puts him on bread and water until he safely returns.
How often do we find ourselves in the shoes of this prophet and king? We have the Word of God. We have the Bible, God’s word written for us. We have at times a word from God to us, known to be true. The LORD’s instruction isn’t always easy. His words aren’t always telling us things we want to hear. Rest assured though, that His words are the way it is going to be. That other voice, the one telling us what we want to hear, is only trying to lead us astray.
God does not go back on His word. Read the Bible. Study it. Take His word in as the sustenance it is meant to be. When we are filled with His word and His spirit there is no room for the garbage that tries to tempt us and lead us astray. If you know what God has said on the issue, it isn’t all that hard to spot the lies. You also need to pray that you do not succumb to them. False prophecy is tempting. It is also deadly.
We have to make the choice, and there is only one right one. Either God is the Lord of our lives, or he isn’t. He is either the King of all, or he isn’t. We are called to be a part of His kingdom. If we don’t follow His path we will find that we don’t like where the one we have chosen leads, no matter how much more appealing it may be in the beginning.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Who's the Boss?
Read Ephesians 6: 1-9
Verses 1-3 echo in the ears of children the world over. Parents have them committed to memory, ready to recite at a moments notice when their young ones need reminding. Yet the truth remains. We do need reminding, and often. It would also do the parents well to remember the other side of this coin.
Ephesians 6: 4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
God designed the family according to His purpose. Children are called to honor and obey their parents. Parents are to love and nurture their children. They are to grow up with the same loving care and instruction that Christ gives the church. A child should know that in obeying their parents, they will be following rules set for their benefit and protection.
At first glance, Verses 5 – 9 seem a little out of date and easy to skip over. This is far from the truth. It is all in the wording. Take into account the time in which it was written. Men and women labored at their own household or estate. If they worked elsewhere it was as a servant or slave. The modern equivalent would be the employee / employer relationship. Read it now in this perspective.
Ephesians 6: 5-8
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
We are called to make every aspect of our lives a testimony to Christ. God places us in people’s lives. He puts us in situations that allow us to shine His light before those who are in need of it. It will not always be easy, but this is God’s will.
Ephesians 6: 9
And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
How many of us have had to deal with an impossible boss or supervisor? We know that we are called to be submissive, and do what is required of us, even in these situations. Those of us who find ourselves on the other side would do well to keep this in mind. God has made us the stewards of much. When we are called to lead, it is for the good of others, not just ourselves. In what way are we extending the love of the Lord to those who work for us? Are we being the type of masters that our own expects of us?
1 Corinthians 10: 31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God
We would do well to remember this. We are all God’s children. We are all His servants. No matter our place in the between, these things do not change. We are the citizens of heaven and should be conducting ourselves as such.
Verses 1-3 echo in the ears of children the world over. Parents have them committed to memory, ready to recite at a moments notice when their young ones need reminding. Yet the truth remains. We do need reminding, and often. It would also do the parents well to remember the other side of this coin.
Ephesians 6: 4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
God designed the family according to His purpose. Children are called to honor and obey their parents. Parents are to love and nurture their children. They are to grow up with the same loving care and instruction that Christ gives the church. A child should know that in obeying their parents, they will be following rules set for their benefit and protection.
At first glance, Verses 5 – 9 seem a little out of date and easy to skip over. This is far from the truth. It is all in the wording. Take into account the time in which it was written. Men and women labored at their own household or estate. If they worked elsewhere it was as a servant or slave. The modern equivalent would be the employee / employer relationship. Read it now in this perspective.
Ephesians 6: 5-8
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
We are called to make every aspect of our lives a testimony to Christ. God places us in people’s lives. He puts us in situations that allow us to shine His light before those who are in need of it. It will not always be easy, but this is God’s will.
Ephesians 6: 9
And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
How many of us have had to deal with an impossible boss or supervisor? We know that we are called to be submissive, and do what is required of us, even in these situations. Those of us who find ourselves on the other side would do well to keep this in mind. God has made us the stewards of much. When we are called to lead, it is for the good of others, not just ourselves. In what way are we extending the love of the Lord to those who work for us? Are we being the type of masters that our own expects of us?
1 Corinthians 10: 31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God
We would do well to remember this. We are all God’s children. We are all His servants. No matter our place in the between, these things do not change. We are the citizens of heaven and should be conducting ourselves as such.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
A better Harvest
Read 2Corinthians 9: 6-15
This is a prosperity message if I have ever heard one. Paul is urging the people of the church to give and reminding them of God’s promise. It is very easy to think of this message in terms of money. After all, that is what most often comes to mind when we think of giving and generosity. It certainly plays a role in the description of riches and abundance.
2 Corinthians 9: 10-11
Now he who supplies the seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
We read this and get excited. Who doesn’t like the prospect of having more? We live in a society that thrives on it. The truth is that God wants us to live abundantly. He wants us to have more. This, however, doesn’t mean millions of dollars for everyone. For some, it will be exactly that. There will always be those called to support the church financially. Bills must be paid, and the tools for outreach require funding. We are called to support our pastors financially as they support us spiritually. This however, isn’t the path for all.
2 Corinthians 9: 7
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
We all have a calling. We all have something that we know should be given to the Lord. We know what we should give. It has already been decided in our hearts. What remains is to be faithful in this very thing.
Some are called to sing, make a joyful noise. When those with this calling are obedient to the Lord, their talent is multiplied. God makes them rich in talent, that they may share it with others to the glory of His kingdom.
Another may find that he is gifted with the pen, and can write words to reach and inspire others. Through this, the gospel can be shared with those who would otherwise not hear it. Words can uplift those who are not within range to hear.
Still, another may be gifted to paint, to build, to organize resources. There are many callings, many gifts. Every one of these can be utilized to spread the gospel, to reach out and uplift our fellow man. These gifts are meant to further the kingdom. We are called to use them for His glory. We are often called in areas where we feel weak, or without resources. Remember, that He who supplies the seed will increase your store if you trust in Him.
We give our praises to God and so will those who are blessed by our gifts. More are drawn in to the kingdom. The kingdom of God only gets richer as it grows. There is the prosperity my friends. We grow richer as the children of God, the heirs of the kingdom. We grow richer in the gifts that we share. We become better equipped to serve the Lord and to serve one another.
2 Corinthians 9: 12-15
The service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.
Read this again. God has promised us so much more than we could attain on our own. He will multiply the measure of talent and treasure that we share. Our seed will lead to an increase in the harvest. He has promised us His grace. We will also have the prayers of those who are touched by our obedience, by the example that God has called us to live. Prayer is powerful. It is what defines us. The Old Testament tells us over and over again that God’s people were known by their prayer. That we are called to do works that inspire prayer is an amazing thing. There is nothing more powerful.
This is a prosperity message if I have ever heard one. Paul is urging the people of the church to give and reminding them of God’s promise. It is very easy to think of this message in terms of money. After all, that is what most often comes to mind when we think of giving and generosity. It certainly plays a role in the description of riches and abundance.
2 Corinthians 9: 10-11
Now he who supplies the seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
We read this and get excited. Who doesn’t like the prospect of having more? We live in a society that thrives on it. The truth is that God wants us to live abundantly. He wants us to have more. This, however, doesn’t mean millions of dollars for everyone. For some, it will be exactly that. There will always be those called to support the church financially. Bills must be paid, and the tools for outreach require funding. We are called to support our pastors financially as they support us spiritually. This however, isn’t the path for all.
2 Corinthians 9: 7
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
We all have a calling. We all have something that we know should be given to the Lord. We know what we should give. It has already been decided in our hearts. What remains is to be faithful in this very thing.
Some are called to sing, make a joyful noise. When those with this calling are obedient to the Lord, their talent is multiplied. God makes them rich in talent, that they may share it with others to the glory of His kingdom.
Another may find that he is gifted with the pen, and can write words to reach and inspire others. Through this, the gospel can be shared with those who would otherwise not hear it. Words can uplift those who are not within range to hear.
Still, another may be gifted to paint, to build, to organize resources. There are many callings, many gifts. Every one of these can be utilized to spread the gospel, to reach out and uplift our fellow man. These gifts are meant to further the kingdom. We are called to use them for His glory. We are often called in areas where we feel weak, or without resources. Remember, that He who supplies the seed will increase your store if you trust in Him.
We give our praises to God and so will those who are blessed by our gifts. More are drawn in to the kingdom. The kingdom of God only gets richer as it grows. There is the prosperity my friends. We grow richer as the children of God, the heirs of the kingdom. We grow richer in the gifts that we share. We become better equipped to serve the Lord and to serve one another.
2 Corinthians 9: 12-15
The service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.
Read this again. God has promised us so much more than we could attain on our own. He will multiply the measure of talent and treasure that we share. Our seed will lead to an increase in the harvest. He has promised us His grace. We will also have the prayers of those who are touched by our obedience, by the example that God has called us to live. Prayer is powerful. It is what defines us. The Old Testament tells us over and over again that God’s people were known by their prayer. That we are called to do works that inspire prayer is an amazing thing. There is nothing more powerful.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Read 2 Corinthians 5: 1–10
We live in a society where nothing is good enough. We seek satisfaction at every turn. We push at work for the next pay bracket, hoping that satisfaction will come with a bigger income. There will be more money. Then, maybe, we can get the right clothes and the right house. Then we will be satisfied. The day comes. We move forward with excitement and are happy at first. It is a change. It is exciting. Then comes the disappointment. The new home isn’t what we were hoping for. Someone spills juice or soda on that brand new sweater and it is ruined. Even worse, we look next door only to find that we are behind again. There is something newer and better out there that we do not yet have. Surely, fulfillment will come with that. Surely, once we are set in the new standard, we will be secure.
People put themselves through all sorts of torment to achieve the perfect body, the perfect look. There are books and magazines showing us how we should look. If we can only make the sacrifice to match the image on that cover, then we will be happy. Then we will have confidence. We won’t be so insecure.
We, as a culture, certainly have it wrong. That yearning inside us all is very real. Every single living person knows deep in their core that they were meant for something more. Every person, day in and day out, deals with the insecurity that comes with having to do without. We feel naked, and unsheltered. We are exposed to the world and all of its harm because nothing we can produce, nothing we can buy, will really protect us. Nothing of this world can cover us like the Lord.
God gave us these bodies. They are our earthly tents. We do well to take care of them. Our bodies are indeed temples to the Lord. We are to take care of them. We are to keep ourselves healthy and in good shape, not to impress our peers, but to enable us to do the Lord’s work in this world. God also has another body that awaits each and every one of us. The day will come when we are clothed in our heavenly bodies. We will be covered by His heavenly house. There will be no need for the worries of this world.
Now think on this. We are born, knowing that there is something better. We are born, knowing that nothing in this world will satisfy. Where along the way do we become disillusioned and begin searching for fulfillment in earthly things?
2 Corinthians 5: 1
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2 Corinthians 5: 2-3
Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.
2 Corinthians 5: 5
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Remember that. We have this yearning for a reason. God wants us to strive for something better. We are to prepare ourselves, and this world for His kingdom. We have been given the Spirit as a guide, as our deposit. Our place is guaranteed. There is no question, or fear of failure. We have His promise.
We live in a society where nothing is good enough. We seek satisfaction at every turn. We push at work for the next pay bracket, hoping that satisfaction will come with a bigger income. There will be more money. Then, maybe, we can get the right clothes and the right house. Then we will be satisfied. The day comes. We move forward with excitement and are happy at first. It is a change. It is exciting. Then comes the disappointment. The new home isn’t what we were hoping for. Someone spills juice or soda on that brand new sweater and it is ruined. Even worse, we look next door only to find that we are behind again. There is something newer and better out there that we do not yet have. Surely, fulfillment will come with that. Surely, once we are set in the new standard, we will be secure.
People put themselves through all sorts of torment to achieve the perfect body, the perfect look. There are books and magazines showing us how we should look. If we can only make the sacrifice to match the image on that cover, then we will be happy. Then we will have confidence. We won’t be so insecure.
We, as a culture, certainly have it wrong. That yearning inside us all is very real. Every single living person knows deep in their core that they were meant for something more. Every person, day in and day out, deals with the insecurity that comes with having to do without. We feel naked, and unsheltered. We are exposed to the world and all of its harm because nothing we can produce, nothing we can buy, will really protect us. Nothing of this world can cover us like the Lord.
God gave us these bodies. They are our earthly tents. We do well to take care of them. Our bodies are indeed temples to the Lord. We are to take care of them. We are to keep ourselves healthy and in good shape, not to impress our peers, but to enable us to do the Lord’s work in this world. God also has another body that awaits each and every one of us. The day will come when we are clothed in our heavenly bodies. We will be covered by His heavenly house. There will be no need for the worries of this world.
Now think on this. We are born, knowing that there is something better. We are born, knowing that nothing in this world will satisfy. Where along the way do we become disillusioned and begin searching for fulfillment in earthly things?
2 Corinthians 5: 1
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2 Corinthians 5: 2-3
Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.
2 Corinthians 5: 5
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Remember that. We have this yearning for a reason. God wants us to strive for something better. We are to prepare ourselves, and this world for His kingdom. We have been given the Spirit as a guide, as our deposit. Our place is guaranteed. There is no question, or fear of failure. We have His promise.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Stepping Stone or Stumbling Block
Read 1 Corinthians 8
Our faith in Christ has opened the door for His grace to wash us clean. He has made us strong. Through Christ, we can withstand any test. No obstacle is impassable nor any challenge too great. Nothing of this world can touch us. We who are one in Christ are free to walk in faith with no fear of this world or its trappings.
This does not mean that we can live without consideration for those around us. It is our calling as the body of Christ to lift up those who are our brothers and sisters. It is our desire that all would live in the light of Christ.
Not everyone has the same strength. All men do not share the same weakness. Not all men exercise the same faith. Our faith lets us tread through enemy territory without fear of capture. We must remember to always walk in the Spirit, lest we become the stone that causes another to stumble. We must remember the weakness in our brothers and sisters, as we would expect them to do for us. We would never willing lead a friend to a deadly fall. We pray the Lord’s Prayer. Remember what we ask.
Luke 11:4
“… And lead us not into temptation”
We must be careful as brothers and sisters to not lead one another into the very temptation that we pray God keeps from us. He has granted us many freedoms. We must use them to further His kingdom and not to spread doubt and confusion.
In 1 Corinthians 10:23–33 Paul further explains the responsibility that comes with our freedom. Our faith keeps us safe in situations where one who is new in Christ might falter. One who does not know Christ at all might see the example we set and without understanding, be led further astray. What image do we portray for Christ’s church?
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
“Everything is permissible” – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible” – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but seek the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever else you do, do it all for the honor and glory of God.
It is simple when you think about it. We are ambassadors of Christ, and must conduct ourselves as such at all times. We are His body. When people look at us, do they see Him?
Our faith in Christ has opened the door for His grace to wash us clean. He has made us strong. Through Christ, we can withstand any test. No obstacle is impassable nor any challenge too great. Nothing of this world can touch us. We who are one in Christ are free to walk in faith with no fear of this world or its trappings.
This does not mean that we can live without consideration for those around us. It is our calling as the body of Christ to lift up those who are our brothers and sisters. It is our desire that all would live in the light of Christ.
Not everyone has the same strength. All men do not share the same weakness. Not all men exercise the same faith. Our faith lets us tread through enemy territory without fear of capture. We must remember to always walk in the Spirit, lest we become the stone that causes another to stumble. We must remember the weakness in our brothers and sisters, as we would expect them to do for us. We would never willing lead a friend to a deadly fall. We pray the Lord’s Prayer. Remember what we ask.
Luke 11:4
“… And lead us not into temptation”
We must be careful as brothers and sisters to not lead one another into the very temptation that we pray God keeps from us. He has granted us many freedoms. We must use them to further His kingdom and not to spread doubt and confusion.
In 1 Corinthians 10:23–33 Paul further explains the responsibility that comes with our freedom. Our faith keeps us safe in situations where one who is new in Christ might falter. One who does not know Christ at all might see the example we set and without understanding, be led further astray. What image do we portray for Christ’s church?
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
“Everything is permissible” – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible” – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but seek the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever else you do, do it all for the honor and glory of God.
It is simple when you think about it. We are ambassadors of Christ, and must conduct ourselves as such at all times. We are His body. When people look at us, do they see Him?
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