Recently I have been pondering the idea of a seeming double standard imposed on Christians by non-Christians. How often have you heard something like this:
"I can't believe you said (did) that. I thought you were supposed to be a Christian."
or
"I'm not going to church. It's just full of hypocrites."
One of my favorite songs by DC Talk begins with this statement,
"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today
Is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips
Then walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle.
That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."
I agree that oftentimes Christians misrepresent the message of the gospel of Christ, whether in word or deed, and especially when they refuse to love others as God loves them. I get that. I am referring to the times when a Christian may say or do something that a non-Christian would deem inappropriate, lacking in love, compassion or tolerance for a professing Christian. This would not necessarily be a behavioral lifestyle...more like isolated incidents.
Oftentimes instant judgment is issued and his/her viewpoint against Christians, Jesus or faith in general gets validated in their eyes. They seem to want to have an I-Told-You-So moment. All of a sudden they think every misconception they hold against a Christian becomes absolute truth.
Let's flip the example. Let's say that I caught Maggie Unbeliever being kind, thoughtful and loving. Maybe she even volunteered with helping the disadvantaged. What if I responded to her by saying, "Gee, Maggie, I am really surprised to see such genuine niceness and care from you. I can't believe you did that. I thought you were an unbeliever. How is it possible for you to be so compassionate?"
That sounds kind of ridiculous. You might think to yourself, "Well, of course unbelievers can be kind, thoughtful, generous, etc. You don't have to believe in God to be those things!" Really?
Would it be fair to say that you don't have to be an unbeliever to have a moment of anger, frustration or a bit of sarcastic wit? Now, if those things were present day in and day out, then I would seriously urge the believer to stop and reflect upon those behaviors. We truly are called to walk in genuine love and compassion, in word and in deed.
If we are going to be Christians then we need to "walk the walk" as they say. I don't credit (or blame) unbelievers for my faith in God and belief in Jesus. My faith and choices in such are my own.
Likewise, unbelievers, those that rail against the Christian and want to hang blame for their unbelief on another's example, need to own their unbelief. Ultimately, what you reject is not my, or another's, example. What...no, Who you reject is Jesus. You reject God's love, His plan for salvation and an opportunity to know, do and experience more than you ever could on your own.
I really do love everyone. Some people are hard to like at times, but I wouldn't turn anyone away in a time of need. One of the stories about Jesus that has always stuck with me is found in John 14. He is walking with two of His disciples and talking about things to come. They have questions and it is evident that they simply don't understand. Jesus understood that they didn't understand.
I try to be the same way. I love to talk about Jesus and even discuss differing points of view. However, if you want to debate in an effort to be right or to be antagonistic you should know that 2 Timothy 2:23 says, " But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife." I will not argue with you, but I will choose to understand that you may not understand.
Finally, for those of you that have been at the receiving end of a sour, loveless or legalistic Christian...don't hang your eternity on their example. Seek God anyway. Go to church anyway. Their example will not be sufficient for your excuse.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Friday, January 23, 2015
Me and Moses
It has been about 15 months since I had a "Leave if you must" choice to make. It was heartbreaking. I left behind so many that I loved and left a place where I felt like I "had a place". From that leaving I arrived in another place where I have yet to really "find my place". It still hurts for several reasons. It is not as often on my mind, but nights like tonight find me somber, reflective and uncertain.
The uncertainty comes from feeling like the Lord is asking me to begin a task that is daunting when considered. It is a task that ties all places together and then goes beyond that.
I think about when God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. Moses insisted he was not good enough for the job. In fact, he gave God four excuses plus one plea:
1. "I am nobody. How can I go to the king and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
God answered, “I will be with you, and when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will worship me on this mountain. That will be the proof that I have sent you.”
2. "When I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ So what can I tell them?”
God said, “I am who I am. You must tell them: ‘The one who is called I Am has sent me to you.’ Tell the Israelites that I, the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, have sent you to them. This is my name forever; this is what all future generations are to call me."
God went on further to say, "Go and gather the leaders of Israel together and tell them that I, the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, appeared to you. Tell them that I have come to them and have seen what the Egyptians are doing to them. I have decided that I will bring them out of Egypt, where they are being treated cruelly, and will take them to a rich and fertile land—the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
“My people will listen to what you say to them. Then you must go with the leaders of Israel to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has revealed himself to us. Now allow us to travel three days into the desert to offer sacrifices to the Lord, our God.’ I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless he is forced to do so. But I will use my power and will punish Egypt by doing terrifying things there. After that he will let you go.
“I will make the Egyptians respect you so that when my people leave, they will not go empty-handed. Every Israelite woman will go to her Egyptian neighbors and to any Egyptian woman living in her house and will ask for clothing and for gold and silver jewelry. The Israelites will put these things on their sons and daughters and carry away the wealth of the Egyptians.”
3. “But suppose the Israelites do not believe me and will not listen to what I say. What shall I do if they say that you did not appear to me?”
So the Lord asked him, “What are you holding?” “A walking stick,” he answered.
The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.” When Moses threw it down, it turned into a snake, and he ran away from it. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Reach down and pick it up by the tail.” So Moses reached down and caught it, and it became a walking stick again. The Lord said, “Do this to prove to the Israelites that the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has appeared to you.”
Before he could say anything the Lord spoke to Moses again, “Put your hand inside your robe.” Moses obeyed; and when he took his hand out, it was diseased, covered with white spots, like snow. Then the Lord said, “Put your hand inside your robe again.” He did so, and when he took it out this time, it was healthy, just like the rest of his body. The Lord said, “If they will not believe you or be convinced by the first miracle, then this one will convince them. If in spite of these two miracles they still will not believe you, and if they refuse to listen to what you say, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the ground. The water will turn into blood.”
You would think after God appeared to him in the burning bush and settled all the above concerns that all of that would have been enough for Moses, but he still had one more point of order to bring up.
4. But Moses said, “No, Lord, don't send me. I have never been a good speaker, and I haven't become one since you began to speak to me. I am a poor speaker, slow and hesitant.”
The Lord said to him, “Who gives man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or dumb? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? It is I, the Lord. Now, go! I will help you to speak, and I will tell you what to say.”
Wow. Moses was firm in what he felt he was not...even to the point of pointing out that his shortcomings hadn't improved during their chat. Amazingly God did not fire him from his newly appointed role.
But Moses answered, “No, Lord, please send someone else.”
At this the Lord became angry with Moses and said, “What about your brother Aaron, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. In fact, he is now coming to meet you and will be glad to see you. You can speak to him and tell him what to say. I will help both of you to speak, and I will tell you both what to do. He will be your spokesman and speak to the people for you. Then you will be like God, telling him what to say. Take this walking stick with you; for with it you will perform miracles.”
Finally, Moses agreed. He was originally called on his own but his insistence of his lack of credibility and ability gained him a companion. I often wonder how the story may have been different for Moses if he had simply been obedient in the beginning. His rebellious insistence followed him on their journey and in the end he was not permitted to enter into the Promised Land.
Moses had to go and minister to a people that were both his own and not his own. His past mistakes caused him to flee, but the Lord's call on his life required him to return, face and overcome all those obstacles.
The Lord has not called me to a role such as Moses, but I can be reminded from his story of how not to respond to His call. I don't know if this task will include or require co-servants, but I do know that if it does it will not be due to my arguing with God.
I have always found Philippians 2:20 to be a comfort verse for me. Paul is writing to the Philippians and simply states, "For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state."
It would certainly be a delightful wonder to work alongside others in a shared vision and interest, however that point is simply a minor detail. May my reply to the Lord simply and always be, "Here am I! Send me."
The uncertainty comes from feeling like the Lord is asking me to begin a task that is daunting when considered. It is a task that ties all places together and then goes beyond that.
I think about when God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. Moses insisted he was not good enough for the job. In fact, he gave God four excuses plus one plea:
1. "I am nobody. How can I go to the king and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
God answered, “I will be with you, and when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will worship me on this mountain. That will be the proof that I have sent you.”
2. "When I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ So what can I tell them?”
God said, “I am who I am. You must tell them: ‘The one who is called I Am has sent me to you.’ Tell the Israelites that I, the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, have sent you to them. This is my name forever; this is what all future generations are to call me."
God went on further to say, "Go and gather the leaders of Israel together and tell them that I, the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, appeared to you. Tell them that I have come to them and have seen what the Egyptians are doing to them. I have decided that I will bring them out of Egypt, where they are being treated cruelly, and will take them to a rich and fertile land—the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
“My people will listen to what you say to them. Then you must go with the leaders of Israel to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has revealed himself to us. Now allow us to travel three days into the desert to offer sacrifices to the Lord, our God.’ I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless he is forced to do so. But I will use my power and will punish Egypt by doing terrifying things there. After that he will let you go.
“I will make the Egyptians respect you so that when my people leave, they will not go empty-handed. Every Israelite woman will go to her Egyptian neighbors and to any Egyptian woman living in her house and will ask for clothing and for gold and silver jewelry. The Israelites will put these things on their sons and daughters and carry away the wealth of the Egyptians.”
3. “But suppose the Israelites do not believe me and will not listen to what I say. What shall I do if they say that you did not appear to me?”
So the Lord asked him, “What are you holding?” “A walking stick,” he answered.
The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.” When Moses threw it down, it turned into a snake, and he ran away from it. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Reach down and pick it up by the tail.” So Moses reached down and caught it, and it became a walking stick again. The Lord said, “Do this to prove to the Israelites that the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has appeared to you.”
Before he could say anything the Lord spoke to Moses again, “Put your hand inside your robe.” Moses obeyed; and when he took his hand out, it was diseased, covered with white spots, like snow. Then the Lord said, “Put your hand inside your robe again.” He did so, and when he took it out this time, it was healthy, just like the rest of his body. The Lord said, “If they will not believe you or be convinced by the first miracle, then this one will convince them. If in spite of these two miracles they still will not believe you, and if they refuse to listen to what you say, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the ground. The water will turn into blood.”
You would think after God appeared to him in the burning bush and settled all the above concerns that all of that would have been enough for Moses, but he still had one more point of order to bring up.
4. But Moses said, “No, Lord, don't send me. I have never been a good speaker, and I haven't become one since you began to speak to me. I am a poor speaker, slow and hesitant.”
The Lord said to him, “Who gives man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or dumb? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? It is I, the Lord. Now, go! I will help you to speak, and I will tell you what to say.”
Wow. Moses was firm in what he felt he was not...even to the point of pointing out that his shortcomings hadn't improved during their chat. Amazingly God did not fire him from his newly appointed role.
But Moses answered, “No, Lord, please send someone else.”
At this the Lord became angry with Moses and said, “What about your brother Aaron, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. In fact, he is now coming to meet you and will be glad to see you. You can speak to him and tell him what to say. I will help both of you to speak, and I will tell you both what to do. He will be your spokesman and speak to the people for you. Then you will be like God, telling him what to say. Take this walking stick with you; for with it you will perform miracles.”
Finally, Moses agreed. He was originally called on his own but his insistence of his lack of credibility and ability gained him a companion. I often wonder how the story may have been different for Moses if he had simply been obedient in the beginning. His rebellious insistence followed him on their journey and in the end he was not permitted to enter into the Promised Land.
Moses had to go and minister to a people that were both his own and not his own. His past mistakes caused him to flee, but the Lord's call on his life required him to return, face and overcome all those obstacles.
The Lord has not called me to a role such as Moses, but I can be reminded from his story of how not to respond to His call. I don't know if this task will include or require co-servants, but I do know that if it does it will not be due to my arguing with God.
I have always found Philippians 2:20 to be a comfort verse for me. Paul is writing to the Philippians and simply states, "For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state."
It would certainly be a delightful wonder to work alongside others in a shared vision and interest, however that point is simply a minor detail. May my reply to the Lord simply and always be, "Here am I! Send me."
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
A Love Greater Than Dominoes
In the Book of Exodus we read that God gave the ten commandments to the children of Israel. Most people are familiar with the ten commandments whether they were raised in church or not. We have laws in place that still uphold many of these commandments, such as laws against murder, thievery, false witness and adultery. In short form the commandments found in Exodus 20 are:
1. You shall have no other Gods before Me.
2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.
For the past few years I have referred to the tenth commandment as the domino sin. I think it has the potential to cause the most damage in our lives and in the lives of others. I call it the domino sin because when we begin to covet without restraint it can lead to us breaking many other commandments as a result.
For example, if a person were to covet another man's car, and that desire were left unchecked, it may lead to him lying or stealing in an effort to get what he wants. If the desire is great enough a person may even commit murder to attain what they covet. That is what happened to King David when he looked upon Bathsheba bathing.
David allowed his desire for Bathsheba to lead to adultery, deception, plotting and murder. Like dominoes falling, one after another, the sin of coveting caused him to commit many other sins. He placed his lust in a position greater than God and, thus, his lust became his god. It could be said that his actions were not honorable and would have shamed his parents. He slept with Bathsheba while she was married, set Uriah, her husband, up to die in battle and then took Bathsheba as his wife. David nearly took out every commandment when his coveting took control.
When David was called to account for his actions by the prophet, Nathan, he repented. The Lord spared his life but his sin cost him the life of his son. Sin always comes with a price. What we do in seemingly secured secrecy will eventually be found out and drug into the light.
While we are not ruled by the rituals and the letter of the law we are still accountable for the choices we make. The law of God is written on our hearts. (Hebrews 8:10)
When Jesus was asked which was the greatest commandment He gave this answer, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:36-40)
In John 13:34-35 Jesus told his disciples, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Romans 13:8-10 sums it up nicely, "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness” , “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
Love the Lord. Love your neighbor. That sounds simple enough, yet people are struggling every day. Christians are struggling every day.
John 3:16 is a familiar verse. In fact, it is almost too familiar. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
For God so loved. Do you know that love? If you do not know that love, then it is going to be especially hard to love God, much less your neighbor.
We read in 1 John 4:7-11
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
Verse 19 is an important key. It reads, "We love Him because He first loved us."
God gives us everything we need to succeed in this world. He even loved us first and most so that we may have a supernatural supply of love to love Him in return. When we make full contact with His love how can we not love Him? How can we not love our neighbors?
The domino sin may have the greatest potential for harm, but God's love has the greatest potential for good. God's love produces life, sets captives free, heals wounds and restores wholeness where there was once brokenness. God's love provides salvation and restoration.
No matter how your life has been laid down by the domino sin or any sin it can be restored. God loves you. He wants you to know Him and his love. God's love and redemption will never be more fully explained than that moment when a person makes a choice, takes a chance and finally yields to the greatest love that will ever pursue them. The greatest minds will never know God through logic or finite reasoning. God is infinite. He cannot be measured.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)
It is my hope that you will consider Jesus and be transformed by the love God offers so freely through Him. Put away your dominoes and embrace a love that is greater.
1. You shall have no other Gods before Me.
2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.
For the past few years I have referred to the tenth commandment as the domino sin. I think it has the potential to cause the most damage in our lives and in the lives of others. I call it the domino sin because when we begin to covet without restraint it can lead to us breaking many other commandments as a result.
For example, if a person were to covet another man's car, and that desire were left unchecked, it may lead to him lying or stealing in an effort to get what he wants. If the desire is great enough a person may even commit murder to attain what they covet. That is what happened to King David when he looked upon Bathsheba bathing.
David allowed his desire for Bathsheba to lead to adultery, deception, plotting and murder. Like dominoes falling, one after another, the sin of coveting caused him to commit many other sins. He placed his lust in a position greater than God and, thus, his lust became his god. It could be said that his actions were not honorable and would have shamed his parents. He slept with Bathsheba while she was married, set Uriah, her husband, up to die in battle and then took Bathsheba as his wife. David nearly took out every commandment when his coveting took control.
When David was called to account for his actions by the prophet, Nathan, he repented. The Lord spared his life but his sin cost him the life of his son. Sin always comes with a price. What we do in seemingly secured secrecy will eventually be found out and drug into the light.
While we are not ruled by the rituals and the letter of the law we are still accountable for the choices we make. The law of God is written on our hearts. (Hebrews 8:10)
When Jesus was asked which was the greatest commandment He gave this answer, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:36-40)
In John 13:34-35 Jesus told his disciples, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Romans 13:8-10 sums it up nicely, "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness” , “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
Love the Lord. Love your neighbor. That sounds simple enough, yet people are struggling every day. Christians are struggling every day.
John 3:16 is a familiar verse. In fact, it is almost too familiar. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
For God so loved. Do you know that love? If you do not know that love, then it is going to be especially hard to love God, much less your neighbor.
We read in 1 John 4:7-11
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
Verse 19 is an important key. It reads, "We love Him because He first loved us."
God gives us everything we need to succeed in this world. He even loved us first and most so that we may have a supernatural supply of love to love Him in return. When we make full contact with His love how can we not love Him? How can we not love our neighbors?
The domino sin may have the greatest potential for harm, but God's love has the greatest potential for good. God's love produces life, sets captives free, heals wounds and restores wholeness where there was once brokenness. God's love provides salvation and restoration.
No matter how your life has been laid down by the domino sin or any sin it can be restored. God loves you. He wants you to know Him and his love. God's love and redemption will never be more fully explained than that moment when a person makes a choice, takes a chance and finally yields to the greatest love that will ever pursue them. The greatest minds will never know God through logic or finite reasoning. God is infinite. He cannot be measured.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)
It is my hope that you will consider Jesus and be transformed by the love God offers so freely through Him. Put away your dominoes and embrace a love that is greater.
~Many blessings to you all~
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