Psalm 78:32-33 “For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works. Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.”
When I was a kid I lived in seeing distance of an old white wooden Baptist Church in Coldwater, Alabama. When my dad got saved in 1945, we started attending that church religiously, as the old saying goes. In fact, we attended every time the doors were opened, and I have been known to accuse my dad of going down and open the church doors so we would have a place to go.
I remember sitting in that church and enjoying the singing of the congregation as they sang the old hymns of the faith, many of which are being forgotten in the churches today. The singing was great. What was lacking in quality was surely made up in quantity. Some of those “old-timers” could really “belt it out.” But at least the singing was biblical because they were making “a joyful noise unto the Lord.”
Some of those songs were exciting to sing but some gave us a wrong view of the Christian life. One of my favorite hymns gave me the impression that “The Promised Land” was heaven and “Crossing Jordan” was the pathway to the final reward of the believer.
The reality is, the Promised Land and Canaan are not pictures of heaven, but are pictures of “The Victorious Christian Life.” When the Children of Israel crossed over into the land of promise, there were many, many battles to be won. I’m thankful that when we enter into our final reward there are no battles left to be fought. Jesus has won all the battles for us. But since Canaan is not a picture of heaven but of the victorious life, there are still many battles to be won if we are to live in victory.
The Israelites lacked the most important quality that was needed in their journey – Faith. Notice that verse 32 says that they “believed not for his wondrous works.” Even after all that God had done for them in protecting and providing, they still could not trust Him for the future. They had left Egypt but were not sure they could live in victory in the land of promise.
That’s the experience of too many Christians. They are “Betweeners.” They have been freed from bondage through the work of the Blood of Jesus Christ, but have not entered into victory through the power of His Resurrection.
I don’t know about you but I do not want to be a “Betweener.” I want to experience the victorious Christian life. I don’t want to live in defeat. I know that I have been saved from the “Penalty” of sin and will one day be saved from the “Presence” of sin, but I want to experience the victory over the “Power” of sin in my life day by day. As Paul would write in Philippians 3:10, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, . .”
The children of Israel could have experienced the power of God as they entered the land but they just couldn’t walk by faith. And, there were consequences to their choice. Look at verse 33, “Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.”
Unbelief had shut them out from the land God had promised. What a vain thing it was to wander up and down in the wilderness instead of seeing God work miracle after miracle in their life. Can you imagine having to attend funeral after funeral for 40 long years until all those who had refused to enter Canaan had died. There are always consequences to not obeying God.
Apart from faith, life is vanity. It’s sad to see so many believers who are “Betweeners.” They could be living in victory, but they live in defeat. Oh, many of them have earthly treasures. They live in fine houses and drive the best automobiles and even dress in the latest fashions, but they are wandering through life in spiritual defeat. They have no real purpose. They have forgotten that as believers we’re to “. . . seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; . . . “ (Matthew 6:33).
The life of victory is lived by faith. The writer of Hebrews writes in 10:38, “Now the just shall live by faith: . . .” The average believer lives by sight. They have to see, reason and know the end before they start. This was what happened with the children of Israel. They had a hard time trusting God and doing what he had commanded them to do.
What is faith? Faith is just taking God at His Word and being obedient to it. Faith is not some mystic thing as many people think. God told the nation of Israel just exactly what they were to do. They just couldn’t take that step of faith and be obedient to God’s wish.
We’re to know what God wants us to do. Can we? Sure we can! We can know His will. He tells us exactly what to do in His Word, or there are principles contained in His Word that can be applied to every decision we have to make. So what should we do?
Read The Word Of God - This is a priority in the life of every believer who wants to live in victory. Have a daily time in which you feed your soul the nourishment it needs.
Meditate Upon The Word Of God - Think about what God’s Word has said to you. Make application of it to your circumstances and decisions.
Pray For Wisdom - God’s Word tells us that we can have wisdom because God wants to reveal how to have victory.
Be Obedient To What God Wants You To Do - You will make mistakes. You will fail. You will even sin. Confess your sin (I John 1:9) and continue to obey. You can walk in victory in the power of Christ’s Resurrection.
Let’s not be “Betweeners.” Let’s walk by faith and claim the victory Christ has already won on the cross.
That’s my view: what about you?
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
IT’S ALL UP TO GOD
Psalm 75:7 “But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”
We are living in a day in which people promote themselves. We are told all our lives that you have to take care of #1. Kids graduate from high school and a party is planned and the students place all their achievements on display for all to see. Athletes video all their games in hopes that the videos will make an impact upon a possible full or partial ride at the college level.
I’m not saying that every bit of this is wrong, but I am saying that it’s important for all of us to take a step back and see if humility is a part of our life. Notice what we read in verse 7 “But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”
Understanding this will do some very important things in our lives. And what is that? Let me list three:
(1) Deter Pride – There are many who think they’re where they are because of their ability; personality; power; etc. I’ve got news for those individuals. We have a sovereign God and “He puts down one, and exalts another.” I love it when someone wins a game and gives the glory to God. I love it when people understand the truth of John 3:27, “. . . A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” The athletic ability, sharp mind, winsome personality, etc. are given them by an omnipotent, omniscience, sovereign God. Understanding that truth will keep things in the right perspective.
When we apply our God-given gifts to the best of our ability and then humble ourselves under his hand, then our promotions are up to Him. I Peter 5:6, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” We are where we are because of God.
What else will an understanding of verse 7 do?
(2) Develop Patience – Most of us are not patient people. You’ve heard the old saying, “I want patience, and I want it RIGHT NOW.” Patience is a very good character quality to have, but let me remind you not to pray for patience. We read in Romans 5:3, “. . . knowing that tribulation worketh patience;” Don’t pray for patience. You might get more tribulation than you want.
Collier: “Patient waiting is often the highest way of doing God's will.” Boy, is that a thought provoker. I wonder how many times I have run ahead of God in my life because I didn’t have patience.
Joseph had been given his future in a dream, but think of all he went through waiting for God to put down his enemies and exalt him to where he was supposed to be. Think of Moses on the backside of the desert waiting for what God had in store for him. What about David being anointed king but going back and being a servant until God exalted him to his rightful throne.
God “. . . putteth down one, and setteth up another.” And He even chooses the timing. Sometimes God allows His people to be in places where they feel they are unfairly treated; are unjustly dealt with; are in what they think are unbearable circumstances, but remember what Paul wrote in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” God is sovereign and God is at work.
Remember what I’ve said many times, and I have no clue where I got it, but “God is more concerned with your Character than He is your Comfort.” God is at work and God wants us to patiently wait on Him.
What else will an understanding of verse 7 do?
(3) Decrease Pressure – Sometimes a person thinks he has to make something happen. It may be because of his or her own goal-agenda life-style or it may also be pressure from someone else. There’s nothing wrong with setting goals and trying to achieve them. I even do that in retirement. In fact, if I didn’t set goals I probably wouldn’t get anything done, and that would not be good.
It’s good to be successful, but remember that the abilities you have are God given. The intelligence you have started with a sharp mind that God implanted within you. In James 1:17 we read, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, . . .” Since God gave, He can take away.
I am always thrilled when I hear of one of God’s children being given a place of leadership. Remember, God put you there. And because He put you there, and since He did, He will keep you there and will use you the way He chooses. If people recognize you for your success, be careful of pride. God can take you down as fast as He elevated you.
When we serve with humility and give God the glory for what He does in our life, His grace will continue to bless us. I Peter 5:5 says, “. . . God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
God is at work in our life and He works at His pace. When we understand that it relieves the pressure to climb the corporate ladder, win the Noble Peace prize, win the most souls or even pastor the largest church.
I’ve seen people who been on the top and then found themselves at the bottom of the heap. On the other hand, I’ve seen a young man who was in my youth group who started serving as a teen. He did it all. He cut the grass, washed the dishes, cleaned the toilets, and anything else that needed to be done. He went off to Bible College, came back to the same church he was raised in. What position did he receive when he came back? He started as a servant again. Today he is the Senior Pastor of that church, which is a large church. You see, “But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”
That’s how I view it! What do you think?
Monday, March 1, 2010
ANYTHING GOES
Grace and I were watching the Olympics and one of the ladies had on a sleeveless dress. It wasn’t immodest but I remarked that I didn’t think you were supposed to wear sleeveless dresses in the winter. My wife pointed out that today ladies even wear white dresses in the dead of winter.
In years past, and I’ll not say too much to avoid showing how out of touch I am, this was a no-no. In my childhood days, and even later years there were other seasonal taboos: couldn’t go barefooted until the dogwoods bloomed; wear white shoes until Easter; and you couldn’t wear white shoes after Labor Day, etc.
But today, “Anything Goes”. Man, I wish I hadn’t gotten rid of my white shoes! Pat Boone and I could be in style year round!
“Anything Goes” has even found itself into the lives of believers, and even churches for that matter. I’m surprised when I see people who call themselves Christians saying and doing things which at one time were taboo in Christian community. Why is this? Were we wrong in our thinking in the past? (probably in some cases, yes; some, no) Is it wrong today? (probably in some cases, yes; some, no)
In the Christian life there are a lot of differing opinions about what is right and wrong. There are some things which are definitely wrong. The Bible is clear on those issues. It would be great if the Bible was that clear on all things, but that is not the case. In these areas, which I refer to as gray areas, we have certain liberties. In those issues we can differ and either opinion can be made very easily. Since that is the case, what should determine our actions in those issues? Some might says, “You just have to let your conscience be your guide!” That depends on how your conscience has been programed. That didn’t work too good with Bonnie and Clyde or Al Capone.
The guide for all our attitudes and actions is not our conscience or feelings or the philosophy of the world. The guide for the individual who is bought by the blood of Christ is to be the Word of God. II Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, (complete or mature) throughly furnished unto all good works.”
What Paul was saying in those two verses is: The Bible is God-breathed and is profitable for all that believe; for all our convictions; for correcting us; for teaching us righteousness, so that can mature and equipped for all our actions. (That’s my take on it)
So, the Bible is the guide for the child of God’s actions, whether the issue is dealt with as a command or in a principle.
Did the Apostle Paul face gray areas in his life? He certain did and he wrote in I Corinthians 10:23, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”
That sounds good, but what did he mean? What does it mean “All things are lawful for me?” Does that mean we can sin? No! In fact, anybody who would use that argument needs to have his head examined (or maybe his heart).
Paul was dealing with eating meat that had been offered to idols. No, it wasn’t unlawful him to do so. So, there are some things which in and of themselves, are not forbidden. There’s no command right or wrong. As believers we can agree they are not forbidden. You can, but maybe I cannot. Why? Why is this?
Notice the last part of Paul’s statement in I Corinthians 10:23, “. . . but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”
“are not expedient” = not profitable, not wise
“edify not” = doesn’t build up
Paul is saying that there are some things that are not forbidden by a command of God, but there are some things that he does not get involved in because it is not the wise thing for him to do. Is Paul thinking of himself here? I don’t think so. Paul’s main focus was the church and the souls of lost people. There were weaker brethren in the church which might be led to do things which would violate their conscience. On the other hand, there were others in and outside the church to whom his ministry might be limited if he had involved himself in questionable activities.
Now let me say this: I’m not talking about somebody who’s a Pharisee. Jesus didn’t mince words to the Pharisee and neither do I. I’m talking about a weaker brother who loves the Lord, is growing in grace and who is trying to follow the teachings of God’s Word and looks up to me as a role model. I’m more concerned about his growth than I am my liberty.
I’m also talking about my neighbor that I’m trying to be a witness to and they are watching me, my consistency and whether or not I really care and love them. I’m more concerned about his soul than I am my liberty.
With this in mind, “Anything Goes”, does not apply as far as I’m concerned. I must live, first of all, for Christ, and secondly, for others.
Outside the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul was the greatest demonstration of concern for lost people. I can’t picture Paul having an “Anything Goes” philosophy of life, because he cared too much for his lost countrymen. Notice what he said in Romans 9:3, “For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:”
Paul understood his Christian liberty and was not going to be shackled again under the Law, but he also had a love for people within and outside the church that he wanted to influence for Christ.
That’s my view: what about you?
In years past, and I’ll not say too much to avoid showing how out of touch I am, this was a no-no. In my childhood days, and even later years there were other seasonal taboos: couldn’t go barefooted until the dogwoods bloomed; wear white shoes until Easter; and you couldn’t wear white shoes after Labor Day, etc.
But today, “Anything Goes”. Man, I wish I hadn’t gotten rid of my white shoes! Pat Boone and I could be in style year round!
“Anything Goes” has even found itself into the lives of believers, and even churches for that matter. I’m surprised when I see people who call themselves Christians saying and doing things which at one time were taboo in Christian community. Why is this? Were we wrong in our thinking in the past? (probably in some cases, yes; some, no) Is it wrong today? (probably in some cases, yes; some, no)
In the Christian life there are a lot of differing opinions about what is right and wrong. There are some things which are definitely wrong. The Bible is clear on those issues. It would be great if the Bible was that clear on all things, but that is not the case. In these areas, which I refer to as gray areas, we have certain liberties. In those issues we can differ and either opinion can be made very easily. Since that is the case, what should determine our actions in those issues? Some might says, “You just have to let your conscience be your guide!” That depends on how your conscience has been programed. That didn’t work too good with Bonnie and Clyde or Al Capone.
The guide for all our attitudes and actions is not our conscience or feelings or the philosophy of the world. The guide for the individual who is bought by the blood of Christ is to be the Word of God. II Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, (complete or mature) throughly furnished unto all good works.”
What Paul was saying in those two verses is: The Bible is God-breathed and is profitable for all that believe; for all our convictions; for correcting us; for teaching us righteousness, so that can mature and equipped for all our actions. (That’s my take on it)
So, the Bible is the guide for the child of God’s actions, whether the issue is dealt with as a command or in a principle.
Did the Apostle Paul face gray areas in his life? He certain did and he wrote in I Corinthians 10:23, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”
That sounds good, but what did he mean? What does it mean “All things are lawful for me?” Does that mean we can sin? No! In fact, anybody who would use that argument needs to have his head examined (or maybe his heart).
Paul was dealing with eating meat that had been offered to idols. No, it wasn’t unlawful him to do so. So, there are some things which in and of themselves, are not forbidden. There’s no command right or wrong. As believers we can agree they are not forbidden. You can, but maybe I cannot. Why? Why is this?
Notice the last part of Paul’s statement in I Corinthians 10:23, “. . . but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”
“are not expedient” = not profitable, not wise
“edify not” = doesn’t build up
Paul is saying that there are some things that are not forbidden by a command of God, but there are some things that he does not get involved in because it is not the wise thing for him to do. Is Paul thinking of himself here? I don’t think so. Paul’s main focus was the church and the souls of lost people. There were weaker brethren in the church which might be led to do things which would violate their conscience. On the other hand, there were others in and outside the church to whom his ministry might be limited if he had involved himself in questionable activities.
Now let me say this: I’m not talking about somebody who’s a Pharisee. Jesus didn’t mince words to the Pharisee and neither do I. I’m talking about a weaker brother who loves the Lord, is growing in grace and who is trying to follow the teachings of God’s Word and looks up to me as a role model. I’m more concerned about his growth than I am my liberty.
I’m also talking about my neighbor that I’m trying to be a witness to and they are watching me, my consistency and whether or not I really care and love them. I’m more concerned about his soul than I am my liberty.
With this in mind, “Anything Goes”, does not apply as far as I’m concerned. I must live, first of all, for Christ, and secondly, for others.
Outside the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul was the greatest demonstration of concern for lost people. I can’t picture Paul having an “Anything Goes” philosophy of life, because he cared too much for his lost countrymen. Notice what he said in Romans 9:3, “For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:”
Paul understood his Christian liberty and was not going to be shackled again under the Law, but he also had a love for people within and outside the church that he wanted to influence for Christ.
That’s my view: what about you?
Monday, February 22, 2010
GROUNDED DEEPLY
Psalm 1:3 “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper”
I have always been fascinated with trees. Being from Alabama originally, the pine trees were very prevelant near my home. (I hate pine trees because of their needles.) As a kid we would build our play fort in some big ditch. We would place branches over the ditch and cover the branches with pine straw. But outside of that, I couldn’t see any worth to the pine tree.
In Psalm 1:1-4 there is a contrast between the righteous man and the ungodly man. The righteous man bears fruit and prospers in his life. On the other hand, the ungodly are like chaff which is blown away when the winds come. What makes the difference? What’s the key? I believe the key is the root system.
The street by our home in Germany led from our village down the mountain to the oldest city in Germany, Trier. It was a busy thoroughfare, especially in the morning and afternoon. I awoke one morning to an unusual sound – quiet. I was surprised and didn’t know the reason for all this serenity. During the night we had some very high winds. I felt the window shaking and the wind whistling but didn’t think much about it. The winds had been so severe that the forest looked like a war had taken place. Miles of the road had been blocked. This was no isolated occurance, because devastation had taken place in many others parts of Germany.
After the road was opened we took a ride down the mountain to see what had happened. And what I saw was a very vivid illustration of the concept before us in this blog.
Trees were everywhere and I began to see a pattern – the trees, even though they had reached high into the air, had very shallow root systems. After World War II the Germans had planted trees that would grow very quickly. They achieved their goal and the forest had once again become very beautiful with no evidence whatsoever of the war that had almost destroyed the countryside. But now the German government had the same dilemma again.
The root system is very important, not only to the tree but also in our lives. If we are not grounded deeply, we’ll be blown about when the winds come. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:14, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”
Some believers never waver. They go on year after year walking with the Lord and serving Him. Other believers, or maybe so-called believers, fall by the wayside because of their lack of a deep root system.
Your root system determines your nourishment. It also determines your strength and stability. What is the root system of a child God? What is it that gives you strength and stability when the winds of this world blow upon us? It is the precious inerrant, infallible Word of God. We find the key to the righteous man in Psalm 1:2, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
In His instructions to Joshua as he is taking the leadership of the nation of Israel, God said in Joshua 1:8, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success.”
Meditation upon and obedience to the Word of God is the root system which stabilizes the child of God when winds of testings come. Let’s not be “chaff” but a tree which stands no matter what comes our way.
I have always been fascinated with trees. Being from Alabama originally, the pine trees were very prevelant near my home. (I hate pine trees because of their needles.) As a kid we would build our play fort in some big ditch. We would place branches over the ditch and cover the branches with pine straw. But outside of that, I couldn’t see any worth to the pine tree.
In Psalm 1:1-4 there is a contrast between the righteous man and the ungodly man. The righteous man bears fruit and prospers in his life. On the other hand, the ungodly are like chaff which is blown away when the winds come. What makes the difference? What’s the key? I believe the key is the root system.
The street by our home in Germany led from our village down the mountain to the oldest city in Germany, Trier. It was a busy thoroughfare, especially in the morning and afternoon. I awoke one morning to an unusual sound – quiet. I was surprised and didn’t know the reason for all this serenity. During the night we had some very high winds. I felt the window shaking and the wind whistling but didn’t think much about it. The winds had been so severe that the forest looked like a war had taken place. Miles of the road had been blocked. This was no isolated occurance, because devastation had taken place in many others parts of Germany.
After the road was opened we took a ride down the mountain to see what had happened. And what I saw was a very vivid illustration of the concept before us in this blog.
Trees were everywhere and I began to see a pattern – the trees, even though they had reached high into the air, had very shallow root systems. After World War II the Germans had planted trees that would grow very quickly. They achieved their goal and the forest had once again become very beautiful with no evidence whatsoever of the war that had almost destroyed the countryside. But now the German government had the same dilemma again.
The root system is very important, not only to the tree but also in our lives. If we are not grounded deeply, we’ll be blown about when the winds come. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:14, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”
Some believers never waver. They go on year after year walking with the Lord and serving Him. Other believers, or maybe so-called believers, fall by the wayside because of their lack of a deep root system.
Your root system determines your nourishment. It also determines your strength and stability. What is the root system of a child God? What is it that gives you strength and stability when the winds of this world blow upon us? It is the precious inerrant, infallible Word of God. We find the key to the righteous man in Psalm 1:2, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
In His instructions to Joshua as he is taking the leadership of the nation of Israel, God said in Joshua 1:8, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success.”
Meditation upon and obedience to the Word of God is the root system which stabilizes the child of God when winds of testings come. Let’s not be “chaff” but a tree which stands no matter what comes our way.
Monday, February 15, 2010
PROBLEMS vs OPPORTUNITY
There are times when I think I’m the only one who has ever gone through a certain problem or trial. The truth is, I have gone through very little compared to what many people have faced. I know of no one who has not had problems in their life. I'm reminded of what we read in Job 5:7,”Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.”
I have served in quite a few different churches in a variety of positions. In each one of those churches there are certain things that I remember. I served in one church in the state of Florida which was made up of mostly people from Tennessee and Georgia. That might be unusual unless you understood that church was close to the space center. People from Tennessee and Georgia had migrated to Florida to obtain work at Cape Canaveral. The military church I pastored in Germany had five sets of twins at the same time. Both these circumstances were very unusual, but not nearly as unusual as one church of which I read this week.
Dr. John Piper writes about a time in his church in which he had one baby born blind, another with a diseased heart and another who lived only one day. I have been in churches where these problems came in the life of a church family, but not all in such a short amount of time. It would be very easy for us to make a quick judgment as to why these things have happened. We might want to say there was sin in the church. We might come to the conclusion that Satan was attacking the church.
It's very interesting to see how Dr. Piper responded to these circumstances in his church. In a letter written to one of those families he said, “Is the Lord saying, ‘I have a gift for your community’? This is not one or two or three couples burdens’. This is a gift and call for the whole church.”
One of the things that demonstrates maturity or immaturity is how we handle a problem. We either react to a problem are we respond to a problem. A reaction is a work of the flesh and a response is the fruit of the Spirit. I believe this is true not only in the live of an individual but also in the life of a church.
Sometimes problems comes into our lives and we feel overwhelmed. There seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. We might even ask, where is God?
One of my favorite stories is found in II Kings 6. Elisha is being pursued by the enemy. The army against him is great and the great prophet tries to reassure his servant that God is at work. Elisha tells him there are more on their side than on the side of the enemy but the servant can’t see it. Then in II Kings 6:17 we read, “And Elisha prayed and said LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. . .”
Dr. John Piper could see the hand of God at work in the lives of those dear couples and in the life of his church also. He knew that nothing was impossible with God. He also knew that his congregation had a great opportunity, a gift and a call. They had an opportunity to practice kingdom living. Notice how he puts it, “It seems to me that this life is a proving ground for the kingdom to come. Some are asked to devote 40 or 50 years to caring for a handicapped child instead of breezing through life without pain. Others are asked to be blind all their lives.”
John Piper understood that life does have problems. We too have problems but in most cases are not what many others face. I like what Paul wrote in II Corinthians 4:17, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”
Let’s not complain or question God! Let’s respond correctly at all times, even when problems come. Let’s use our problems as opportunities of growth in our personal lives and in our churches.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
COMPASSION or CALLOUSNESS?
Galatians 6:2 “Bear ye one another's burdens, . . .”
Recently an individual was sharing what they perceived as a lack of love and concern on the part of a pastor for his people. As I look back on that conversation I had to evaluate my own life as a pastor. When my people were going through deep waters, what kind of concern did I have for them at that time. Was my heart moved? Did I weep with them? Did I demonstrate love? What kind of a pastor was I?
In his book entitled, A Godward life p299, John piper prayed, “O Lord, please let me be a pastor who preaches and leads and loves in a way that makes the impossibilities of life possible for your people by a miracle of sustaining grace. Help me to know the weight and pain of this life and not to be breezy when the mountains have fallen into the sea. Help me to have the aroma of Christ’s sufferings about me. Prevent shallowness and callousness to pain. O Lord, make me and my people a burden-bearing people.”
As I was reading that paragraph it was easy to think about some pastors who might demonstrate a lack of love and concern for their people. You see, I’m no longer a pastor. It’s no longer my responsibility. Then all of a sudden I got to the last sentence of Dr. Piper’s prayer and it hit me right between the eyes. He’s right! All of us, whether we are involved in occupational ministry or laymen in the congregation, we are to have the “aroma of Christ’s sufferings” permeating our lives day by day. We are to have the compassion Jesus had when he saw the needs of the multitude (Mt 9:36).
Why are there pastors with no concern for their people? Why do we laymen not weep when others weep? Why do we believers have so much callousness? I believe, in many cases, we are too preoccupied with our own agendas, desires and problems. We feel we are more important than others. We have a self-centered mentality. We have become complacent and calloused.
God help us all; pastors and laymen, to bear one another’s burdens! Notice what we read in Romans 15:1 “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” I’m not going to go into a long message on the word “bear,” but simply say that it has the idea of “bearing with, being indulgent or to endure patiently.” And be sure to notice the end of verse 1, “and not to please ourselves.” Again, I say that’s the problem – more concerned with our own selves than we are others.
Pray that I will be a compassionate, caring Christian!
Recently an individual was sharing what they perceived as a lack of love and concern on the part of a pastor for his people. As I look back on that conversation I had to evaluate my own life as a pastor. When my people were going through deep waters, what kind of concern did I have for them at that time. Was my heart moved? Did I weep with them? Did I demonstrate love? What kind of a pastor was I?
In his book entitled, A Godward life p299, John piper prayed, “O Lord, please let me be a pastor who preaches and leads and loves in a way that makes the impossibilities of life possible for your people by a miracle of sustaining grace. Help me to know the weight and pain of this life and not to be breezy when the mountains have fallen into the sea. Help me to have the aroma of Christ’s sufferings about me. Prevent shallowness and callousness to pain. O Lord, make me and my people a burden-bearing people.”
As I was reading that paragraph it was easy to think about some pastors who might demonstrate a lack of love and concern for their people. You see, I’m no longer a pastor. It’s no longer my responsibility. Then all of a sudden I got to the last sentence of Dr. Piper’s prayer and it hit me right between the eyes. He’s right! All of us, whether we are involved in occupational ministry or laymen in the congregation, we are to have the “aroma of Christ’s sufferings” permeating our lives day by day. We are to have the compassion Jesus had when he saw the needs of the multitude (Mt 9:36).
Why are there pastors with no concern for their people? Why do we laymen not weep when others weep? Why do we believers have so much callousness? I believe, in many cases, we are too preoccupied with our own agendas, desires and problems. We feel we are more important than others. We have a self-centered mentality. We have become complacent and calloused.
God help us all; pastors and laymen, to bear one another’s burdens! Notice what we read in Romans 15:1 “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” I’m not going to go into a long message on the word “bear,” but simply say that it has the idea of “bearing with, being indulgent or to endure patiently.” And be sure to notice the end of verse 1, “and not to please ourselves.” Again, I say that’s the problem – more concerned with our own selves than we are others.
Pray that I will be a compassionate, caring Christian!
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