BUILD YOUR HOUSE ON THE ROCK - "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."
To conclude His sermon on the mount, Jesus reminds His audience to remember one simple rule: Listen and obey "these words of mine." Those who serve in military and law enforcement are extremely familiar with the principle of listen and obey, for the sake of their safety and the protection of others depends on it. It is also a lesson countless parents preach to their children on a daily basis to instill personal discipline, accountability, healthy boundaries, and respect for authority. Why then is it so difficult for the body of Christ to obey God's Word if it directly results in similar benefits? Perhaps it is because the Bible is absolute, all-encompassing, and frankly, unapologetic for standing boldly against the weight of cultural pressure to justify sin. Conversely, perhaps it invokes conviction which runs far too deep for our personal comfort. Whatever the case may be, we must overcome pride which seeks to resist submission and humble ourselves to love and serve others for the glory of God and not our own by obeying His Word. It is as radical a teaching as Christ could ever give, yet the foundation of Jesus' exhortation centers upon HIS WORD which we are called to not only read and hear, but obey unconditionally without reservation. "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like" (James 1:23-24). Keep in mind, Jesus was a rebel because He broke legalistic status quo mandated by the religious leaders of His day (Pharisees) who were hypocritical, manipulative, and self-consumed by power, prestige, and social status. Likewise, we are united with Him in our rebellion against the powers of darkness that surround us in our lives which seek to destroy our faith and unwavering resolve in the absolute truth of the Gospel. That is why Jesus reminds us as He did His disciples, "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles" (Matthew 10:16-18).
Undoubtedly, we live in a world bent on persecuting Biblical Christianity in the short term and eradicating it altogether in the long term. Look no further than social media posts to see how much hate, venom and judgment many in secular culture feel toward Christians who believe the Bible is absolute truth cover-to-cover and obey what it says unconditionally. As a result, there is a growing disconnect in the church today of self-proclaimed Christians and churches watering down the Bible and sidestepping certain passages that oppose secular issues and agendas in order to appease the culture. They fail to realize the big picture Jesus warned us about if we do not obey His Word. "So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32-33). Therefore, it is more imperative than ever we personally examine the foundation we've set as our moral compass, because our theological foundation will either crumble under the crashing waves of relative truth or withstand firmly the onslaught post-modernism attacks us with. At the end of the day, we must choose who's side we're on because our salvation depends on it. "Do not think that I (Jesus) have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 10:34-39). Make no mistake, choosing to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior will likely create division with those we love, but the sword is meant to cut deep and will likely sever us from those who live to serve and glorify themselves rather than God.
Remember, the Bible is the only offensive weapon we have at our disposal to defend ourselves when we're attacked and persecuted. "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:13-17). When we put on the armor of God, we are spiritually preparing ourselves for battle. In essence, we are digging our trenches and fortifying our foundation with rock as opposed to sand, letting our enemy know we will not surrender our position because we have planned accordingly. Consider Jesus' words regarding how prepared we must be: "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps" (Matthew 25:1-4). Per the ESV Study Bible, "As God referred to himself as the "husband" of Israel in the OT, so Jesus pictures himself here as a bridegroom. It was the Jewish marriage custom for the groom and his friends to leave his home and proceed to the home of the bride, where the marriage ceremony was conducted, often at night. After this, the entire wedding party returned to the groom’s home for a celebratory banquet." Because of their foolishness, five found themselves separated from the bridegroom because they were not prepared, and inevitably rejected from attending the wedding feast because they chose foolishly and assumed they were adequately prepared.
"As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour" (Matthew 25:5-13). The most heart-wrenching element of Jesus' "Parable of the Ten Virgins" is that when the five virgins left the wedding party to purchase oil in order to light their lamps and enter the kingdom with the bridegroom, they found the door shut upon their return. No longer were they invited guests but outcast strangers. Their moment of opportunity had passed and they were cast into the darkness because they did not prepare wisely. Fast-forward to our present day and we are similarly surrounded by those who spiritually cannot see the forest through the trees. They boldly reject God or assume they are saved when they have not bore a single piece of good fruit whatsoever as evidence of their salvation. In other words, they trust in their personal sufficiency rather than the sovereignty of God as their foundation, which is why Jesus encourages us to build our house upon the rock of His Word (Matthew 7:24-27) immediately after warning us we will not be saved on judgment day if our decision to follow Him does not result in heart change (Matthew 7:21-23).
But as we close our study of the sermon on the mount, let us be honest with ourselves. Truthfully, many of us haven't opened the pages of our Bible in weeks, months or even years, yet we confidently proclaim our faith in Jesus and identify ourselves as Christians. Consider the implications though of how "healthy" we truly are if this is our lifestyle. For instance, our human bodies can survive over 3 weeks without food and 1 week without water. However, if our bodies are emblematic of our spiritual health, do we really think we can survive any length of time without proper nutrition? Jesus said at the beginning of His sermon, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Matthew 5:6), because our spiritual health is determined by what we consume (good or bad). In other words, garbage in—garbage out if we choose to ignore God's Word! Remember too what Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:13-14). The Word of God is sufficient for those who trust upon the Lord, which is why Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him" (John 6:53-56). Unity with Christ begins with faith and is sustained by His Word. Therefore, let us ensure we are not starving ourselves of God's absolute truth by conforming to the pattern of this world, but let us feast daily on God's Word to ensure we are properly equipped and spiritually healthy enough to defend our faith and defeat our enemy. "If you really want to be a rebel, read your Bible because no one's doing that! That's rebellion. That's the only rebellion left." (Song: "Rebel-Intro" by Lecrae).
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Matthew 7:21-23 (Devotion)
I NEVER KNEW YOU - "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’"
It is certainly unpopular in secular culture today to have the audacity as a Christian to believe God would sentence anyone to Hell. Those who oppose this notion typically throw stones declaring God is love, not hate, or they simply reject God altogether if indeed He does sentence unbelievers to Hell. The problem with this line of thinking is that man assumes the role of judge and jury using a hierarchy of sins based on predetermined bias and limited personal experience. Truthfully, only God knows the heart of man which Jesus specifically speaks to in Matthew 7:21-23. It is a sobering reality though that people we know and love will never spend eternity in heaven. It is a far greater shock to know that simply declaring oneself as "Christian" provides no certainty whatsoever whether he/she will spend eternity in heaven one day. Prior to making this statement, Jesus warned His followers to guard their minds from false prophets and provided a litmus test for us to know not only how to discern false teaching, but judge for ourselves whether we are bearing good or bad fruit. "You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit" (Matthew 7:16-17). The proof is in the pudding! In other words, we can publicly identify ourselves as Christians and spend eternity in Hell because the seed planted deep within our hearts does not yield a harvest of righteousness whatsoever (i.e. it never took root in the first place). As controversial as it may sound, we can even recite some form of the sinner's prayer or prayer of salvation and STILL not enter the kingdom of heaven one day. Why? Because if our faith begins and ends only with a hollow prayer, we are deceived. Faith must be born out of HEART CHANGE, not lip service, and God knows whether our prayer of salvation is genuine or not.
We can look closely at the final hours Jesus spent dying on the cross to see how salvation begins with the heart. "One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, 'Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!' But the other rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.' And he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' And he (Jesus) said to him, 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise'" (Luke 23:39-43). This criminal knew in his heart he was a sinner and deserving of death, yet defended Jesus when He was being mocked and persecuted. His faith in who he believed Jesus to be provoked righteous application despite his death sentence. Therefore, Jesus promised him the greatest gift man could ever desire, salvation, because his faith produced good fruit that testified to heart change. The key takeaway for us is that we need not doubt our salvation if we have experienced heart change by the power of the Holy Spirit. That does not assume we will never sin again in our lives. Rather, it simply means that our hearts are bent toward producing good fruit because we are diligently and faithfully working to align our personal will with the will of God. In essence, our attitudes should mirror that of King David, who though he sinned mightily in his life declared, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24). Therefore, we can rest assured that the more we seek to glorify God and not ourselves, the more abundant our harvest of good fruit will be despite our struggles and failures along the way.
It does seem illogical that despite how we continually sin, God forgives us when we recognize and repent of our sins. In fact, God takes it one step further promising to cast our sins from His memory altogether! "I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins" (Isaiah 43:25). Many of us struggle though believing God is working in us and through us despite our repeated failures. Therefore, we must remember what is most important: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:17). Whether we yield good fruit or not is contingent upon a posture of repentant brokenness at the heart level. So no matter how bad we mess up, God continually waits for us like prodigal children ready to forgive if we would only recognize how much we need Him and how much He loves us. "'Yet even now,' declares the LORD, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.' Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster" (Joel 2:12-13). What an amazing promise! Again, this is imperative to understand because it helps us discern whether the Lord will say to us on judgment day, "Welcome home," or "Depart from me." Therefore, we need not allow worry to envelop our minds and render us incapable of knowing where we stand with God. Simply consider Jesus' question, "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" (Matthew 6:27), and respond according to the wisdom He gives. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:34).
As we reflect upon the enormity of Matthew 7:21-23, we are given a specific example which illustrates Jesus' teaching. In the book of Acts, we learn of a magician named Simon, who upon hearing the good news of Jesus Christ preached by Philip in Samaria, came to faith and was baptized. "Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:14-17). What happens next brings into question whether Simon truly experienced heart change when he supposedly came to faith. "Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, 'Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.' But Peter said to him, 'May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.' And Simon answered, 'Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.'" (Acts 8:18-24). Compelled by idolatry in his heart, Simon the magician failed to realize that saving grace is unmerited favor. It cannot be bought nor earned for it is a free gift. And he who seeks personal gain from the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross unto death will hear the Lord say on judgment day, "I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness" (Matthew 7:23).
What we must realize is that "the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). If we read further, Peter immediately cautions that the day of the Lord will come like a thief, meaning our day of judgment could come at any moment. Therefore, we are wise to heed Peter's warning and take inventory of the fruit we bear.
It is certainly unpopular in secular culture today to have the audacity as a Christian to believe God would sentence anyone to Hell. Those who oppose this notion typically throw stones declaring God is love, not hate, or they simply reject God altogether if indeed He does sentence unbelievers to Hell. The problem with this line of thinking is that man assumes the role of judge and jury using a hierarchy of sins based on predetermined bias and limited personal experience. Truthfully, only God knows the heart of man which Jesus specifically speaks to in Matthew 7:21-23. It is a sobering reality though that people we know and love will never spend eternity in heaven. It is a far greater shock to know that simply declaring oneself as "Christian" provides no certainty whatsoever whether he/she will spend eternity in heaven one day. Prior to making this statement, Jesus warned His followers to guard their minds from false prophets and provided a litmus test for us to know not only how to discern false teaching, but judge for ourselves whether we are bearing good or bad fruit. "You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit" (Matthew 7:16-17). The proof is in the pudding! In other words, we can publicly identify ourselves as Christians and spend eternity in Hell because the seed planted deep within our hearts does not yield a harvest of righteousness whatsoever (i.e. it never took root in the first place). As controversial as it may sound, we can even recite some form of the sinner's prayer or prayer of salvation and STILL not enter the kingdom of heaven one day. Why? Because if our faith begins and ends only with a hollow prayer, we are deceived. Faith must be born out of HEART CHANGE, not lip service, and God knows whether our prayer of salvation is genuine or not.
We can look closely at the final hours Jesus spent dying on the cross to see how salvation begins with the heart. "One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, 'Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!' But the other rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.' And he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' And he (Jesus) said to him, 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise'" (Luke 23:39-43). This criminal knew in his heart he was a sinner and deserving of death, yet defended Jesus when He was being mocked and persecuted. His faith in who he believed Jesus to be provoked righteous application despite his death sentence. Therefore, Jesus promised him the greatest gift man could ever desire, salvation, because his faith produced good fruit that testified to heart change. The key takeaway for us is that we need not doubt our salvation if we have experienced heart change by the power of the Holy Spirit. That does not assume we will never sin again in our lives. Rather, it simply means that our hearts are bent toward producing good fruit because we are diligently and faithfully working to align our personal will with the will of God. In essence, our attitudes should mirror that of King David, who though he sinned mightily in his life declared, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24). Therefore, we can rest assured that the more we seek to glorify God and not ourselves, the more abundant our harvest of good fruit will be despite our struggles and failures along the way.
It does seem illogical that despite how we continually sin, God forgives us when we recognize and repent of our sins. In fact, God takes it one step further promising to cast our sins from His memory altogether! "I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins" (Isaiah 43:25). Many of us struggle though believing God is working in us and through us despite our repeated failures. Therefore, we must remember what is most important: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:17). Whether we yield good fruit or not is contingent upon a posture of repentant brokenness at the heart level. So no matter how bad we mess up, God continually waits for us like prodigal children ready to forgive if we would only recognize how much we need Him and how much He loves us. "'Yet even now,' declares the LORD, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.' Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster" (Joel 2:12-13). What an amazing promise! Again, this is imperative to understand because it helps us discern whether the Lord will say to us on judgment day, "Welcome home," or "Depart from me." Therefore, we need not allow worry to envelop our minds and render us incapable of knowing where we stand with God. Simply consider Jesus' question, "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" (Matthew 6:27), and respond according to the wisdom He gives. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:34).
As we reflect upon the enormity of Matthew 7:21-23, we are given a specific example which illustrates Jesus' teaching. In the book of Acts, we learn of a magician named Simon, who upon hearing the good news of Jesus Christ preached by Philip in Samaria, came to faith and was baptized. "Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:14-17). What happens next brings into question whether Simon truly experienced heart change when he supposedly came to faith. "Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, 'Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.' But Peter said to him, 'May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.' And Simon answered, 'Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.'" (Acts 8:18-24). Compelled by idolatry in his heart, Simon the magician failed to realize that saving grace is unmerited favor. It cannot be bought nor earned for it is a free gift. And he who seeks personal gain from the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross unto death will hear the Lord say on judgment day, "I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness" (Matthew 7:23).
What we must realize is that "the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). If we read further, Peter immediately cautions that the day of the Lord will come like a thief, meaning our day of judgment could come at any moment. Therefore, we are wise to heed Peter's warning and take inventory of the fruit we bear.
- Are our hearts aligned with God's will or our own?
- Whose glory do we seek by the good deeds we perform?
- Are we aware of any semblance of idolatry in our hearts?
- Are we ashamed or unashamed of God's Word in its entirety?
- Are we manipulating the Gospel for selfish gain?
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Matthew 7:15-20 (Devotion)
A TREE AND ITS FRUIT - "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits."
It has been said that what we feed our minds with will determine our appetite, therefore we are wise to discern what we allow our minds to dwell upon vs. what we should resist. Undoubtedly, we live in a post-modernistic culture where truth is considered "relative" (i.e. there are no absolute truths; truth fluctuates based on personal perception or experience) and the Bible is cast as outdated, irrelevant and judgmental. For those of us who profess Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, saving faith is grounded in the absolute truth of God's Word contrary to what culture condemns. It is a package deal, yet many self-proclaimed Christians are lukewarm, tepid or even confrontational and apologetic regarding the Bible and some of its teachings. In other words, it has become "fashionable" for people to profess faith in Jesus but alienate themselves from Scripture either partially or altogether, as well as the community of faith in churches across the world. They simply fail to realize, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1), meaning Jesus and the Bible are one in the same! Make no mistake, there are mysteries contained in the pages of Scripture that no man can answer because God in His sovereignty chose to reveal what we need to know as opposed to what we may want to know regarding every issue under the sun. That is why faith in Jesus Christ is both the easiest and hardest decision anyone makes in his/her lifetime, because the Gospel seems too good to be true. It is also true that in His Word, God has explicitly condemned certain behaviors as sinful that our culture boldly contradicts and persecutes Christians for due to its acceptance and prevalence. In this case, God has drawn a line in the sand and we must choose whether we're aligned with His Word or the world's perspective as our moral compass.
Over the course of history, many shepherds have sought to profit from the Gospel for themselves at the expense of the flock. Whether driven by greed, power or acclaim, many false teachers have forced the body of Christ into a defensive posture as their hypocrisy and evil deeds are revealed for all to see at the expense of the church. Granted, false teachers need to be exposed, held accountable, and removed from any semblance of leadership within the church. However, that does not remove their consequences of action which not only taint or discredit the church's credibility within secular culture, but permeate the body of Christ like cancer and drive a wedge within the fellowship because they have misrepresented God's absolute truth. It is in these moments we must remember whose authority we submit to when the evil deeds of a few attempt to embitter our hearts and create division within the church. Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). At the same time, we must remember to "be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). It is upon this spiritual battleground of the mind where we find ourselves each day, for our culture relentlessly questions the Bible's authority at every turn in order to expose our personal beliefs and reveal where our true allegiance lies. And if our adversaries reveal any inconsistencies in our theology, they will exhaust all time, energy and resources at their disposal to contradict our beliefs using experiential knowledge and/or post-modernistic thinking as rationale, or simply manipulate Scripture out of context to twist God's Word into a weapon against us for their benefit.
False teaching simply preys upon our insecurities and vulnerabilities to benefit oneself at the expense of God. It robs God of the glory He is due, which is why Jesus passionately rebukes this level of hypocrisy and warns of the dangers attributed to those who would manipulate the Gospel for selfish gain. The biggest challenge regarding false teaching from our perspective as the body of Christ is knowing how to identify and expose false teaching when we hear it. First, we must realize that Satan will use Scripture itself against us. From the beginning of time, Satan used this strategy in the garden of Eden. "Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?" (Genesis 3:1). By causing Eve to question and doubt God's Word, Satan succeeded in tempting her to eat the fruit God clearly had forbidden. Satan identified her selfish vulnerabilities and preyed upon those by using God's Word against her. Satan even used the same strategy against Jesus when He was weak from fasting 40 days in the wilderness. However, Jesus resisted Satan's attack by using "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). "And he (Satan) took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’" And Jesus answered him, "It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’" And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time" (Luke 4:9-13). Fast forward to our present day and we can hear similar tempestuous language preached in pulpits all across the world—relative truth intermixed with Scripture in order to cast an illusion of being absolute while conveying a false message contrary to what God's Word truly says. In other words, pieces of Scripture can be easily taken out of context and used as ammunition for personal gain, all the while sounding perfectly reasonable and loosely supported by Bible verses for those who purpose themselves to lead others astray for their selfish benefit.
To better illustrate tactics false teachers use, we must be willing to identify common themes and strategies within our culture today. Consider universalism as an example. Universalism teaches that all human beings will be saved and spend eternity in heaven regardless of who or what they define as their God or higher power (i.e. all paths lead to heaven). The emotional selling point is that no one will spend eternity in hell. Who wouldn't want that? To support their claim, false teachers could easily use 2 Peter 3:9 to show that God's desire is that no man would perish as a premise for universalism. Indeed, 2 Peter 3:9 does in fact state that fact. However, when we filter this premise through Scripture in it's entirety, we see that John 3:16 and John 14:6 clearly identify that the only way to inherit eternal life is through saving faith in Jesus Christ alone. Prosperity gospel would be another common false teaching example, exhorting that God's desire is for us to be healthy and wealthy. In order words, faith is measured by how prosperous we are this side of heaven. This obviously preys upon our fleshly propensities toward privilege, monetary comfort, and success. In this case, John 10:10 could be taken out of context to affirm that God's desire is for us to live life abundantly. Moreover, James 4:2 is similarly used as a "name it and claim it" strategy to affirm our need to ask God to bring us health and wealth, who in turn will grant our desires if we have enough faith. In both instances, there is absolute truth to what John 10:10 and James 4:2 convey. However, they are falsely taken out of context and do not align with the entirety of Scripture. The Beatitudes themselves (Matthew 5:2-12) which began Jesus' sermon on the mount exalt the antithesis of health and wealth doctrine (i.e. blessed are the poor in spirit; blessed are those who weep and mourn; blessed are the meek; blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; etc.). Moreover, Matthew 6:19-21, Mark 10:25, Luke 9:23-24 and James 1:9-11 all paint a completely different picture contrary to prosperity doctrine of what is most valuable in the eyes of God, namely humility, servitude and selflessness.
In the end, we cannot identify false teaching throughout the post-modernistic culture we live in if we are not immersing ourselves in the absolute truth of God's Word IN IT'S ENTIRETY. We simply cannot pick and choose what we want to believe in God's Word as it if were a buffet platter, for the world is ready to pick us apart if we cannot articulate and support what we believe from the Bible. Peter wrote, "Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil" (1 Peter 3:13-17). The fruit we bear is predetermined by the amount of quality time we spend in communion with God through His Word. There simply is no other alternative if we desire to discern false teaching, bless others and glorify God. Therefore, we are wise to apply what the Lord God spoke to Joshua when he was commissioned to lead the nation of Israel in Moses' place as a reminder that our Christian faith begins and ends with the absolute truth of God's Word. "Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7-9).
It has been said that what we feed our minds with will determine our appetite, therefore we are wise to discern what we allow our minds to dwell upon vs. what we should resist. Undoubtedly, we live in a post-modernistic culture where truth is considered "relative" (i.e. there are no absolute truths; truth fluctuates based on personal perception or experience) and the Bible is cast as outdated, irrelevant and judgmental. For those of us who profess Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, saving faith is grounded in the absolute truth of God's Word contrary to what culture condemns. It is a package deal, yet many self-proclaimed Christians are lukewarm, tepid or even confrontational and apologetic regarding the Bible and some of its teachings. In other words, it has become "fashionable" for people to profess faith in Jesus but alienate themselves from Scripture either partially or altogether, as well as the community of faith in churches across the world. They simply fail to realize, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1), meaning Jesus and the Bible are one in the same! Make no mistake, there are mysteries contained in the pages of Scripture that no man can answer because God in His sovereignty chose to reveal what we need to know as opposed to what we may want to know regarding every issue under the sun. That is why faith in Jesus Christ is both the easiest and hardest decision anyone makes in his/her lifetime, because the Gospel seems too good to be true. It is also true that in His Word, God has explicitly condemned certain behaviors as sinful that our culture boldly contradicts and persecutes Christians for due to its acceptance and prevalence. In this case, God has drawn a line in the sand and we must choose whether we're aligned with His Word or the world's perspective as our moral compass.
Over the course of history, many shepherds have sought to profit from the Gospel for themselves at the expense of the flock. Whether driven by greed, power or acclaim, many false teachers have forced the body of Christ into a defensive posture as their hypocrisy and evil deeds are revealed for all to see at the expense of the church. Granted, false teachers need to be exposed, held accountable, and removed from any semblance of leadership within the church. However, that does not remove their consequences of action which not only taint or discredit the church's credibility within secular culture, but permeate the body of Christ like cancer and drive a wedge within the fellowship because they have misrepresented God's absolute truth. It is in these moments we must remember whose authority we submit to when the evil deeds of a few attempt to embitter our hearts and create division within the church. Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). At the same time, we must remember to "be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). It is upon this spiritual battleground of the mind where we find ourselves each day, for our culture relentlessly questions the Bible's authority at every turn in order to expose our personal beliefs and reveal where our true allegiance lies. And if our adversaries reveal any inconsistencies in our theology, they will exhaust all time, energy and resources at their disposal to contradict our beliefs using experiential knowledge and/or post-modernistic thinking as rationale, or simply manipulate Scripture out of context to twist God's Word into a weapon against us for their benefit.
False teaching simply preys upon our insecurities and vulnerabilities to benefit oneself at the expense of God. It robs God of the glory He is due, which is why Jesus passionately rebukes this level of hypocrisy and warns of the dangers attributed to those who would manipulate the Gospel for selfish gain. The biggest challenge regarding false teaching from our perspective as the body of Christ is knowing how to identify and expose false teaching when we hear it. First, we must realize that Satan will use Scripture itself against us. From the beginning of time, Satan used this strategy in the garden of Eden. "Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?" (Genesis 3:1). By causing Eve to question and doubt God's Word, Satan succeeded in tempting her to eat the fruit God clearly had forbidden. Satan identified her selfish vulnerabilities and preyed upon those by using God's Word against her. Satan even used the same strategy against Jesus when He was weak from fasting 40 days in the wilderness. However, Jesus resisted Satan's attack by using "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). "And he (Satan) took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’" And Jesus answered him, "It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’" And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time" (Luke 4:9-13). Fast forward to our present day and we can hear similar tempestuous language preached in pulpits all across the world—relative truth intermixed with Scripture in order to cast an illusion of being absolute while conveying a false message contrary to what God's Word truly says. In other words, pieces of Scripture can be easily taken out of context and used as ammunition for personal gain, all the while sounding perfectly reasonable and loosely supported by Bible verses for those who purpose themselves to lead others astray for their selfish benefit.
To better illustrate tactics false teachers use, we must be willing to identify common themes and strategies within our culture today. Consider universalism as an example. Universalism teaches that all human beings will be saved and spend eternity in heaven regardless of who or what they define as their God or higher power (i.e. all paths lead to heaven). The emotional selling point is that no one will spend eternity in hell. Who wouldn't want that? To support their claim, false teachers could easily use 2 Peter 3:9 to show that God's desire is that no man would perish as a premise for universalism. Indeed, 2 Peter 3:9 does in fact state that fact. However, when we filter this premise through Scripture in it's entirety, we see that John 3:16 and John 14:6 clearly identify that the only way to inherit eternal life is through saving faith in Jesus Christ alone. Prosperity gospel would be another common false teaching example, exhorting that God's desire is for us to be healthy and wealthy. In order words, faith is measured by how prosperous we are this side of heaven. This obviously preys upon our fleshly propensities toward privilege, monetary comfort, and success. In this case, John 10:10 could be taken out of context to affirm that God's desire is for us to live life abundantly. Moreover, James 4:2 is similarly used as a "name it and claim it" strategy to affirm our need to ask God to bring us health and wealth, who in turn will grant our desires if we have enough faith. In both instances, there is absolute truth to what John 10:10 and James 4:2 convey. However, they are falsely taken out of context and do not align with the entirety of Scripture. The Beatitudes themselves (Matthew 5:2-12) which began Jesus' sermon on the mount exalt the antithesis of health and wealth doctrine (i.e. blessed are the poor in spirit; blessed are those who weep and mourn; blessed are the meek; blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; etc.). Moreover, Matthew 6:19-21, Mark 10:25, Luke 9:23-24 and James 1:9-11 all paint a completely different picture contrary to prosperity doctrine of what is most valuable in the eyes of God, namely humility, servitude and selflessness.
In the end, we cannot identify false teaching throughout the post-modernistic culture we live in if we are not immersing ourselves in the absolute truth of God's Word IN IT'S ENTIRETY. We simply cannot pick and choose what we want to believe in God's Word as it if were a buffet platter, for the world is ready to pick us apart if we cannot articulate and support what we believe from the Bible. Peter wrote, "Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil" (1 Peter 3:13-17). The fruit we bear is predetermined by the amount of quality time we spend in communion with God through His Word. There simply is no other alternative if we desire to discern false teaching, bless others and glorify God. Therefore, we are wise to apply what the Lord God spoke to Joshua when he was commissioned to lead the nation of Israel in Moses' place as a reminder that our Christian faith begins and ends with the absolute truth of God's Word. "Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7-9).
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Matthew 7:12-14 (Devotion)
THE GOLDEN RULE - "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
The Golden Rule is one of the most popular teachings in the world today, originated by Jesus and commonly accepted within our secular culture as well. Its premise is simple: "Treat others the same way we would like to be treated." It seems logical and easy to follow, but the biggest challenge is defining how we'd personally like to be treated by others and what that entails both from a superficial perspective and deep within our hearts. For undoubtedly we welcome words of praise, blessing and affirmation spoken to us and about us, but are we just as eager to hear words of judgment and accountability even if they are grounded in love and spoken for our benefit? Often times, we welcome praise and shun accountability when in actuality, we judge others rather than affirm their countenance and character. It requires a paradigm shift to think of the Golden Rule as more than a principle for superficial reciprocation because there are many instances where Scripture challenges us to value judgment and accountability in the same manner, which in turn refines our character rather than inflating our pride and ego. Consider the following:
The Golden Rule is one of the most popular teachings in the world today, originated by Jesus and commonly accepted within our secular culture as well. Its premise is simple: "Treat others the same way we would like to be treated." It seems logical and easy to follow, but the biggest challenge is defining how we'd personally like to be treated by others and what that entails both from a superficial perspective and deep within our hearts. For undoubtedly we welcome words of praise, blessing and affirmation spoken to us and about us, but are we just as eager to hear words of judgment and accountability even if they are grounded in love and spoken for our benefit? Often times, we welcome praise and shun accountability when in actuality, we judge others rather than affirm their countenance and character. It requires a paradigm shift to think of the Golden Rule as more than a principle for superficial reciprocation because there are many instances where Scripture challenges us to value judgment and accountability in the same manner, which in turn refines our character rather than inflating our pride and ego. Consider the following:
- "Better is open rebuke than hidden love" (Proverbs 27:5).
- "Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue" (Proverbs 28:23).
- "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy" (Proverbs 27:6).
- "Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it" (Psalm 141:5).
- "Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you" (Proverbs 9:8).
- "It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools" (Ecclesiastes 7:5).
The temptation we must overcome as we apply the Golden Rule to our lives is not to allow our compulsion to be self-serving. We live in a culture that is saturated and inundated with "ME-centered" ideology, which caters FIRST to self as the primary reason for serving, respecting, and loving others. However, this ideology runs contrary to Scripture. The Bible reminds us, "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Therefore, if our actions are not grounded in humility and love for one another in spite of what it may cost us, how can we expect others to show us the same Golden Rule sentiment in return? In other words, we will never reap a profitable return on investment without risking something to begin with, so why would we expect the Golden Rule to be one-directional in our favor without making any initial investment whatsoever? King David felt the same way when encamped in his stronghold, professed publicly a desire he had which was fulfilled unbeknownst to him by his most trusted soldiers. "And David said longingly, 'Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!' Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David. But David would not drink it. He poured it out to the LORD and said, “Far be it from me before my God that I should do this. Shall I drink the lifeblood of these men? For at the risk of their lives they brought it.” Therefore he would not drink it" (1 Chronicles 11:18-19). David could not bring himself to drink because he realized how self-serving his request was compared to the potential loss that could have come from such a meaningless desire. He had invested nothing to begin with, therefore the prize he received overwhelmed him with guilt and shame to the point where he acknowledged and made atonement for his mistake.
Perhaps an angle of the Golden Rule rarely examined is the impact judgment can have for better or worse in the life of a believer. Keep in mind, Jesus had just previously said, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you" (Matthew 7:1-2). The key to understanding what role judgment plays in our application of this teaching lies in what Jesus said next: "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye" (Matthew 7:3-5). Let us be clear: Jesus is not condemning judgment in and of itself, but our use of judgment as a weapon of division and self-exaltation within the church. Judgment IS allowed in Scripture among believers, but applied FIRST through a filter of personal accountability in our own hearts. That does not assume (for example) a man cannot hold his brother in Christ accountable if he sees patterns of adultery or sexual deviance because he himself does not perfectly apply Jesus' teaching on lust (Matthew 5:27-30) in his own heart. What Scripture teaches is that in making a judgment call in the life of a believer, we do so understanding we are sinners as well in need of grace, mercy and forgiveness. Judgment that is grounded in love with personal investment in the well being of a brother or sister in Christ has a far greater success rate than judgment spoken in condemnation. It conveys indescribable love willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to come alongside one another despite the risk associated. Therefore, we are wise to understand that judgment according to the Golden Rule assumes we are willing to be held accountable by others in order for God to sanctify us according to His will and purpose.
When we sift through surface layers, we begin to see how far and wide the Golden Rule can impact our lives if we allow it. But as Jesus reminds us, the gate that leads unto righteousness is incredibly narrow and those who find it are few. Truth be told, many of us settle for the wide gate far more often than we care to admit. Time constraints, stress at home and in the workplace, various fears, lack of patience, cultural influences, etc., all have the ability to steer our decision making. Therefore, we must be intentional to not only guard our hearts but expand our perspective and open our eyes to all that Matthew 7:12-14 teaches us. Jesus said, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me" (John 14:23-24). Therefore, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:4-5). The Golden Rule was never intended to be superficial in nature, for there are greater rewards available to those who not only hear the Word of the Lord, but do what it says (James 1:22-25). The key is not settling for what we think benefits us most as our source of motivation. For if we are content to simply give and take without consideration for others, we will find ourselves blind to our own blindness, assuming we have chosen the narrow path when indeed we have chosen the path that leads to destruction.
Perhaps an angle of the Golden Rule rarely examined is the impact judgment can have for better or worse in the life of a believer. Keep in mind, Jesus had just previously said, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you" (Matthew 7:1-2). The key to understanding what role judgment plays in our application of this teaching lies in what Jesus said next: "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye" (Matthew 7:3-5). Let us be clear: Jesus is not condemning judgment in and of itself, but our use of judgment as a weapon of division and self-exaltation within the church. Judgment IS allowed in Scripture among believers, but applied FIRST through a filter of personal accountability in our own hearts. That does not assume (for example) a man cannot hold his brother in Christ accountable if he sees patterns of adultery or sexual deviance because he himself does not perfectly apply Jesus' teaching on lust (Matthew 5:27-30) in his own heart. What Scripture teaches is that in making a judgment call in the life of a believer, we do so understanding we are sinners as well in need of grace, mercy and forgiveness. Judgment that is grounded in love with personal investment in the well being of a brother or sister in Christ has a far greater success rate than judgment spoken in condemnation. It conveys indescribable love willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to come alongside one another despite the risk associated. Therefore, we are wise to understand that judgment according to the Golden Rule assumes we are willing to be held accountable by others in order for God to sanctify us according to His will and purpose.
When we sift through surface layers, we begin to see how far and wide the Golden Rule can impact our lives if we allow it. But as Jesus reminds us, the gate that leads unto righteousness is incredibly narrow and those who find it are few. Truth be told, many of us settle for the wide gate far more often than we care to admit. Time constraints, stress at home and in the workplace, various fears, lack of patience, cultural influences, etc., all have the ability to steer our decision making. Therefore, we must be intentional to not only guard our hearts but expand our perspective and open our eyes to all that Matthew 7:12-14 teaches us. Jesus said, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me" (John 14:23-24). Therefore, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:4-5). The Golden Rule was never intended to be superficial in nature, for there are greater rewards available to those who not only hear the Word of the Lord, but do what it says (James 1:22-25). The key is not settling for what we think benefits us most as our source of motivation. For if we are content to simply give and take without consideration for others, we will find ourselves blind to our own blindness, assuming we have chosen the narrow path when indeed we have chosen the path that leads to destruction.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Matthew 7:7-11 (Devotion)
ASK AND IT WILL BE GIVEN - "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"
At times it is easy to read Matthew 7:7-11 and conclude that God will answer every prayer we utter provided we ask in faith. The challenge is that God is not our puppet, genie or Santa Claus whose supreme desire is to make us happy, healthy and wealthy 24/7/365. He simply does not think and act based on our limited knowledge and experience and submit to our authority. Rather, He works through His omniscience according to His sovereign will and for His Glory (not ours). "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9). It is difficult to comprehend the enormity of Matthew 7:7-11 though because our human understanding is limited. Therefore, (for example) when natural disasters strike, terminal illness is diagnosed, or persecution and abuse impact our lives, the temptation is to blame God for not stepping in and putting a stop to anything outside our sphere of influence which causes us pain, fear, depression, heartache, hopelessness, etc. On the surface, it sounds logical and reasonable. Why wouldn't God want us to be healthy, safe and prosperous? The truth is, God's desire IS for us to be happy. Better yet, His desire IS for us to be complete, content and at peace with the world around us. However, His desire is contingent upon us finding our happiness, contentment and peace IN HIM and not in anything this world has to offer. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust'" (Psalm 91:1-2).
Keep in mind, this sermon on the mount teaching comes shortly after Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. "Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'" (Matthew 6:9-13). One key takeaway of the Lord's Prayer is how we posture ourselves when we pray, which is paramount compared to what we are praying about. In other words, recognizing and acknowledging who God is presupposes our trust that He will hear our prayers and act accordingly, because only He has the supreme power, authority and ability to act if He so chooses. The proof lies in the emphasis Jesus makes: YOUR name, YOUR kingdom, YOUR will. Therefore, when we pray we need to lay down our pride and selfish desires at the foot of the cross because the only thing that matters is aligning our hearts with GOD in every way. Prioritization is a common pitfall for most of us though, because it starts with intentional effort. An easy way to discern how intentional we truly are in our spiritual discipline of prayer is to answer the following questions:
At times it is easy to read Matthew 7:7-11 and conclude that God will answer every prayer we utter provided we ask in faith. The challenge is that God is not our puppet, genie or Santa Claus whose supreme desire is to make us happy, healthy and wealthy 24/7/365. He simply does not think and act based on our limited knowledge and experience and submit to our authority. Rather, He works through His omniscience according to His sovereign will and for His Glory (not ours). "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9). It is difficult to comprehend the enormity of Matthew 7:7-11 though because our human understanding is limited. Therefore, (for example) when natural disasters strike, terminal illness is diagnosed, or persecution and abuse impact our lives, the temptation is to blame God for not stepping in and putting a stop to anything outside our sphere of influence which causes us pain, fear, depression, heartache, hopelessness, etc. On the surface, it sounds logical and reasonable. Why wouldn't God want us to be healthy, safe and prosperous? The truth is, God's desire IS for us to be happy. Better yet, His desire IS for us to be complete, content and at peace with the world around us. However, His desire is contingent upon us finding our happiness, contentment and peace IN HIM and not in anything this world has to offer. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust'" (Psalm 91:1-2).
Keep in mind, this sermon on the mount teaching comes shortly after Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. "Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'" (Matthew 6:9-13). One key takeaway of the Lord's Prayer is how we posture ourselves when we pray, which is paramount compared to what we are praying about. In other words, recognizing and acknowledging who God is presupposes our trust that He will hear our prayers and act accordingly, because only He has the supreme power, authority and ability to act if He so chooses. The proof lies in the emphasis Jesus makes: YOUR name, YOUR kingdom, YOUR will. Therefore, when we pray we need to lay down our pride and selfish desires at the foot of the cross because the only thing that matters is aligning our hearts with GOD in every way. Prioritization is a common pitfall for most of us though, because it starts with intentional effort. An easy way to discern how intentional we truly are in our spiritual discipline of prayer is to answer the following questions:
- Am I intentionally setting aside time to pray and keeping my appointment with God?
- Am I intentionally clearing my mind before I begin to pray?
- Am I intentionally beginning my prayer's focus with God first and foremost?
- Am I intentionally submitting to God's power and authority (Hallowed be Your name)?
- Am I intentionally aligning with God's mission and purpose (Your Kingdom come)?
- Am I intentionally obeying God's Word in order to apply its teachings unto righteousness (Your will be done)?
No doubt, the majority of us never take the time to posture and align ourselves before jumping into our laundry list of prayer requests because we are consumed by the immediate at the expense of the eternal. We simply cannot see the forest through the trees because we only see what is directly before us. We fail to recognize that God has a greater purpose for the temporary trials which frustrate, consume or inconvenience us. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). And if we do not remind ourselves who God is when we pray as Jesus taught, we will likely fester seeds of resentment in our hearts toward God that destroy us from within or fall away completely because of unmet expectations we place on God. The key is finding examples within Scripture that echo the format of the Lord's Prayer to paint a picture of what fruitful, quality time with God looks like, prioritizing our adoration of Him before personal supplication (prayer requests). Granted, that does not guarantee or assume any particular outcome, rather it focuses our attention squarely on strengthening our relational bond with God through the joys and trials we face regardless of circumstantial outcome.
With this comprehension in mind, we can begin to understand that Jesus is planting a far deeper root within our hearts than prayer request protocol. The message Jesus desires for us to comprehend from Matthew 7:7-11 is that despite our finite capacity to understand God's sovereignty, our Father's love for us is unlimited and unconditional. Therefore, when our prayers are righteous or when our motivations are selfish, God filters out anything that would cause us eternal harm in order to sanctify us according to the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. Of course, we may not comprehend that in the moment. We may in fact bristle and lash out in anger toward God for not meeting the desires of our hearts. Nevertheless, His love is firm and consistent, not contingent upon our obedience to His Word or lack thereof throughout every moment of our lives. Paul reminds us, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). Therefore, we are wise to understand that whether God answers our prayers as we see fit or He ordains, the end result will always draw us closer to Him, whether we find ourselves downtrodden in the valley or resting joyously upon the mountaintop. The Lord declares, "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you" (Genesis 28:15). May we rest peacefully knowing that our Father loves us enough to not only hear our prayers, but meet our needs according to His sovereign will and sanctifying purposes. And may we trust that even in moments of chaos and confusion, He never leaves or forsakes but draws us into His loving embrace where we can find eternal rest.
With this comprehension in mind, we can begin to understand that Jesus is planting a far deeper root within our hearts than prayer request protocol. The message Jesus desires for us to comprehend from Matthew 7:7-11 is that despite our finite capacity to understand God's sovereignty, our Father's love for us is unlimited and unconditional. Therefore, when our prayers are righteous or when our motivations are selfish, God filters out anything that would cause us eternal harm in order to sanctify us according to the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. Of course, we may not comprehend that in the moment. We may in fact bristle and lash out in anger toward God for not meeting the desires of our hearts. Nevertheless, His love is firm and consistent, not contingent upon our obedience to His Word or lack thereof throughout every moment of our lives. Paul reminds us, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). Therefore, we are wise to understand that whether God answers our prayers as we see fit or He ordains, the end result will always draw us closer to Him, whether we find ourselves downtrodden in the valley or resting joyously upon the mountaintop. The Lord declares, "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you" (Genesis 28:15). May we rest peacefully knowing that our Father loves us enough to not only hear our prayers, but meet our needs according to His sovereign will and sanctifying purposes. And may we trust that even in moments of chaos and confusion, He never leaves or forsakes but draws us into His loving embrace where we can find eternal rest.
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Matthew 7:6 (Devotion)
"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you."
There are times when we read God's Word and a verse stops us dead in our tracks, leaving us confused or bewildered as to what it means. Matthew 7:6 is a prime example. It is contained within the same subheading as "judging others" in Matthew 7:1-5, but is rarely quoted as such. Most people within the church are familiar with the notion of throwing pearls to pigs, but how well do we understand the true meaning and purpose Matthew 7:6 conveys in its entirety? Could it be we have fallen victim to brushing past, skipping over, or disregarding this verse altogether because it seems too metaphorical to comprehend? Keep in mind, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Therefore, we are without excuse if we do not give proper consideration to what the Bible says, even when it's difficult to comprehend the true meaning of a particular verse or passage. The key is determining the context to which a verse is spoken. When we consider that Matthew 7:6 immediately follows five verses admonishing the right and wrong ways to judge others, we begin to see that Jesus shifts His attention from judgment to discernment in this verse. In many ways, discernment is the thread woven throughout all six verses, for how can we know how to respond to others if we are not weighing every circumstance, motivation and intent? Therefore, we must be wise and heed the warning Jesus gives to avoid being misled by poor discernment. For we are warned, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment" (John 7:24).
Undoubtedly, there are many in this world who not only mock, ridicule and scoff Christians, but use our doctrine as ammunition for their evil intent. They have no respect for God's omnipotence nor believe the Bible is absolute truth and inerrant, but will aim to discredit our faith by labeling us as hypocrites. That is why the majority of atheists are more than familiar with Matthew 7:1-5 and use, "Judge not, that you be not judged" (Matthew 7:1), in order to silence our convictions. Is it no wonder then that Jesus would metaphorically refer to those who maliciously reject God's sovereignty and the authority of His Word as "dogs?" Culturally speaking, dogs were scavengers that roamed the streets and countryside when Jesus preached His sermon. They were dirty and rabid, resembling behavior similar to a wolf rather than the cuddly pets of present-day, Western civilization. Moreover, dogs represented those who have no spiritual compass but merely react to the world around them by animal instinct rather than reason. Therefore, there was no confusion or offense taken when Jesus referred to those who would rather pollute the Gospel than receive it as dogs. No man would consider giving away what he holds most sacred to him, knowing it would be rejected as invaluable and destroyed without the slightest hesitation. That would be foolish, and Jesus knew His audience would comprehend this illustration and understand the greater theological point He was trying to make regarding discernment.
Jesus also knew his audience would not be confused discerning what was considered holy. Holiness was a familiar term regarding the goal of spirituality, yet many today would have difficulty painting a clear picture as to its attributes and meaning. Thankfully, Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines holiness as "the state of being holy; purity or integrity of moral character; freedom from sin; sanctity. Applied to the Supreme Being, holiness denotes perfect purity or integrity of moral character, one of his essential attributes." Knowing this, we can begin to comprehend why Jesus instructed His followers not to give to dogs what is holy. Holiness is reserved for the righteous who discipline themselves for the sake of the Gospel and strive to live wisely. In contrast, Scripture reminds us, "Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly" (Proverbs 26:11), because wisdom is gained when we learn from our mistakes and the spiritual ramifications and consequences associated. Dogs were not created to spiritually discern what is holy and what is not. They simply react to their environment through carnal instincts regardless of how gross or sacred the affection of their appetite may be. We are different though, and as such have the unique ability to discern and make educated decisions in life. And we are not bound by our flesh to obey its desires, "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do" (Galatians 5:17).
Moreover, we must discern when the Spirit is leading us to shift gears. Undoubtedly, as Christians we are called to fulfill the Great Commission and "go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). However, we are also instructed by Jesus in Matthew 7:6 to not throw pearls to pigs. How then do we reconcile these two passages? The key is discernment. When Jesus sent out His disciples at the beginning of His ministry into the Jewish community to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, He said, "And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town" (Matthew 10:11-15). In other words, proclaim the Gospel without ceasing but invest your time and energy wisely, spreading seeds of righteousness upon fertile soil rather than rocky ground. In turn, does that mean we avoid any opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ? Absolutely not, but it does guide us in discerning where to focus our time and attention. Keep in mind, throwing pearls to pigs invites retribution for which we may not be prepared to endure. Therefore, we are wise to avoid those whose hearts are determined to cause division and administer persecution in order to minister to those whose hearts are open to receiving the truth of God's Word.
Jesus said, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it" ("Matthew 13:45-46). It is important we understand how Matthew 13:45-46 correlates to Matthew 7:6. When we consider the context Jesus conveys, we quickly realize why He admonishes us to never throw pearls to pigs. No man who values his salvation would ever trade his security and assurance for eternal separation from God. Therefore, we must guard our salvation by not allowing seeds of dissension to choke the joy out of our identity in Christ when we share the Gospel with others. Yes, some will receive our message but others will not, and Jesus warns us to wisely discern between those who would seek opportunity and forum to discredit our faith and attack our theology. Moreover, just as there is no reason to judge others outside the faith of Christ, there is no reason to invest all our time and effort attempting to convince those who vehemently reject truth spoken in love at the expense of those whose hearts are teachable. We must discern to whom we speak in order to preserve what is holy, that the pearls we share regarding the kingdom of heaven are given to hearts tender and broken enough to receive and appreciate their infinite value. "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths" (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Therefore, may we who have experienced the power of salvation share the Gospel message boldly and without fear, discerning the true character and intent of those who receive our message so that our time is utilized wisely in fulfilling the Great Commission.
There are times when we read God's Word and a verse stops us dead in our tracks, leaving us confused or bewildered as to what it means. Matthew 7:6 is a prime example. It is contained within the same subheading as "judging others" in Matthew 7:1-5, but is rarely quoted as such. Most people within the church are familiar with the notion of throwing pearls to pigs, but how well do we understand the true meaning and purpose Matthew 7:6 conveys in its entirety? Could it be we have fallen victim to brushing past, skipping over, or disregarding this verse altogether because it seems too metaphorical to comprehend? Keep in mind, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Therefore, we are without excuse if we do not give proper consideration to what the Bible says, even when it's difficult to comprehend the true meaning of a particular verse or passage. The key is determining the context to which a verse is spoken. When we consider that Matthew 7:6 immediately follows five verses admonishing the right and wrong ways to judge others, we begin to see that Jesus shifts His attention from judgment to discernment in this verse. In many ways, discernment is the thread woven throughout all six verses, for how can we know how to respond to others if we are not weighing every circumstance, motivation and intent? Therefore, we must be wise and heed the warning Jesus gives to avoid being misled by poor discernment. For we are warned, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment" (John 7:24).
Undoubtedly, there are many in this world who not only mock, ridicule and scoff Christians, but use our doctrine as ammunition for their evil intent. They have no respect for God's omnipotence nor believe the Bible is absolute truth and inerrant, but will aim to discredit our faith by labeling us as hypocrites. That is why the majority of atheists are more than familiar with Matthew 7:1-5 and use, "Judge not, that you be not judged" (Matthew 7:1), in order to silence our convictions. Is it no wonder then that Jesus would metaphorically refer to those who maliciously reject God's sovereignty and the authority of His Word as "dogs?" Culturally speaking, dogs were scavengers that roamed the streets and countryside when Jesus preached His sermon. They were dirty and rabid, resembling behavior similar to a wolf rather than the cuddly pets of present-day, Western civilization. Moreover, dogs represented those who have no spiritual compass but merely react to the world around them by animal instinct rather than reason. Therefore, there was no confusion or offense taken when Jesus referred to those who would rather pollute the Gospel than receive it as dogs. No man would consider giving away what he holds most sacred to him, knowing it would be rejected as invaluable and destroyed without the slightest hesitation. That would be foolish, and Jesus knew His audience would comprehend this illustration and understand the greater theological point He was trying to make regarding discernment.
Jesus also knew his audience would not be confused discerning what was considered holy. Holiness was a familiar term regarding the goal of spirituality, yet many today would have difficulty painting a clear picture as to its attributes and meaning. Thankfully, Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines holiness as "the state of being holy; purity or integrity of moral character; freedom from sin; sanctity. Applied to the Supreme Being, holiness denotes perfect purity or integrity of moral character, one of his essential attributes." Knowing this, we can begin to comprehend why Jesus instructed His followers not to give to dogs what is holy. Holiness is reserved for the righteous who discipline themselves for the sake of the Gospel and strive to live wisely. In contrast, Scripture reminds us, "Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly" (Proverbs 26:11), because wisdom is gained when we learn from our mistakes and the spiritual ramifications and consequences associated. Dogs were not created to spiritually discern what is holy and what is not. They simply react to their environment through carnal instincts regardless of how gross or sacred the affection of their appetite may be. We are different though, and as such have the unique ability to discern and make educated decisions in life. And we are not bound by our flesh to obey its desires, "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do" (Galatians 5:17).
Moreover, we must discern when the Spirit is leading us to shift gears. Undoubtedly, as Christians we are called to fulfill the Great Commission and "go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). However, we are also instructed by Jesus in Matthew 7:6 to not throw pearls to pigs. How then do we reconcile these two passages? The key is discernment. When Jesus sent out His disciples at the beginning of His ministry into the Jewish community to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, He said, "And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town" (Matthew 10:11-15). In other words, proclaim the Gospel without ceasing but invest your time and energy wisely, spreading seeds of righteousness upon fertile soil rather than rocky ground. In turn, does that mean we avoid any opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ? Absolutely not, but it does guide us in discerning where to focus our time and attention. Keep in mind, throwing pearls to pigs invites retribution for which we may not be prepared to endure. Therefore, we are wise to avoid those whose hearts are determined to cause division and administer persecution in order to minister to those whose hearts are open to receiving the truth of God's Word.
Jesus said, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it" ("Matthew 13:45-46). It is important we understand how Matthew 13:45-46 correlates to Matthew 7:6. When we consider the context Jesus conveys, we quickly realize why He admonishes us to never throw pearls to pigs. No man who values his salvation would ever trade his security and assurance for eternal separation from God. Therefore, we must guard our salvation by not allowing seeds of dissension to choke the joy out of our identity in Christ when we share the Gospel with others. Yes, some will receive our message but others will not, and Jesus warns us to wisely discern between those who would seek opportunity and forum to discredit our faith and attack our theology. Moreover, just as there is no reason to judge others outside the faith of Christ, there is no reason to invest all our time and effort attempting to convince those who vehemently reject truth spoken in love at the expense of those whose hearts are teachable. We must discern to whom we speak in order to preserve what is holy, that the pearls we share regarding the kingdom of heaven are given to hearts tender and broken enough to receive and appreciate their infinite value. "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths" (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Therefore, may we who have experienced the power of salvation share the Gospel message boldly and without fear, discerning the true character and intent of those who receive our message so that our time is utilized wisely in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Matthew 7:1-5 (Devotion)
JUDGING OTHERS - "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
Self-defense is essential for those who feel their rights are being violated. When people threaten the personal doctrine we live by, we either react by retaliating in anger or respond in love according to what we believe is true. In most cases, our reactions manifest themselves in one central theme: "DON'T JUDGE ME!" That phrase has been used throughout the generations, especially for those who do not believe God's Word is inerrant and true. It carries with it the sentiment, "Who are YOU to judge me?" Therefore, "DON'T JUDGE ME!" has become the battle cry against accountability, used to silence those who oppose and/or deflect attention onto the accuser's intent rather than the recipient. But what does, "DON'T JUDGE ME!" truly mean? If we delve beneath surface layers, we begin to discover that being held accountable for our thoughts and actions is uncomfortable to most people. It requires us to not only be transparent with who we are, but vulnerable enough to willingly be held accountable. Vulnerability is risky though, because we cannot know for certain how others will react or respond when our intimate thoughts and opinions are revealed. For example, a man may be comfortable enough to talk in general about his opinions regarding money, but if pressed, would he be comfortable enough to provide his banking and credit card statements, and share every detail of his financial portfolio in the spirit of accountability? Would he be afraid of how others might react if they knew how much he made, what he spent his money on, or how he managed his finances? Keep in mind, "DON'T JUDGE ME!" could easily manifest itself as a defense mechanism against unrighteous jealousy of others or a counterattack for violating a man's privacy, or it could be used to deflect attention from unwise personal decisions. In any case, the message is clear to those who cast judgment: "BACK OFF!"
What makes Jesus' teaching on judging others so compelling is that He does NOT rebuke or condemn judging. Many people mistake, "Judge not, that you be not judged," as Jesus admonishing His followers to never make a judgment call on the behavior of those around them, but to accept and endorse everyone they meet, every choice they make, and every opinion they utter. That is partially true. Jesus does affirm us to love and respect our neighbor, but the attitude and motivation we convey cannot be the same for those who profess themselves as Christians and those who do not. In other words, accountability works most effectively if we share the same doctrine of truth and obey its teachings. Case in point: Those who reject Christ as Savior will typically feel judged by Christians when their thoughts and behavior contradict Scriptural teaching. Reason being, "The LORD has not given you (them) a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear" (Deuteronomy 29:4) what we trust is absolute truth to live by, so of course non-Christians will label us as judgmental when we attempt to hold them accountable to Biblical standards. Does that mean we should never share the truth of Scripture with those who reject its authority? Absolutely not, but our focus needs to shift from wrath and judgment of sin to grace and mercy, allowing the Lord to pursue His children without us quenching or stifling His ultimate will of salvation. Scripture teaches, "Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (Proverbs 9:7-10). Therefore, it is wise for us to discern who we are rebuking in the moment to ensure our intent is not lost in translation with those who do not share the same theological doctrine or ideology as we do.
It goes without saying that those outside the Christian faith (i.e. those who either do not identify themselves as born-again believers, or those who profess themselves as Christians but do not fully submit to the authority of God's Word in their lives) use, "DON'T JUDGE ME!" as ammunition against Bible-believing Christians. Therefore, how should we as the church respond to such accusations? In some cases, we indeed may be legitimately and sinfully judging others, to which we should repent and seek forgiveness. However, when we are innocent of the crime accused, what is our response? The most important thing to remember is not to be offended and react in anger. Jesus said, "The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me" (Luke 10:16), so we are wise to remember WHO is truly being rejected when truth in love is spoken. That helps us resist taking persecution personally by diffusing the temptation to lash out in retribution, because the offense is ultimately directed at God, not us. In addition, we must acknowledge we will never see eye to eye on the topic of absolute truth until the validity and authority of the Bible is resolved. As Christians, we believe the Bible is the ultimate standard of right and wrong, which dictates how we are called to live. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:12-13). Therefore, those who reject the Bible as their ultimate authority will struggle to accept why our ideology differs and why we are unrelenting in our position, especially on hot-button cultural issues (i.e. LGTBQ rights, gay marriage, transgender bathroom laws, abortion, etc.) Perspective is key though, and God's Word reminds us to focus our attention on holding our brethren of faith accountable rather than those outside the church who reject our doctrine altogether. "For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside" (1 Corinthians 5:12-13a).
Knowing who we are advised to judge forces us to consider what we are judging, how we are communicating our examination, and for what purpose? In ALL cases, we must ensure that love is our supreme motivation when judgment is called into action. Paul reminds us, "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load" (Galatians 6:1-5). No man who sees his brother in Christ living in sin should feel content to remain silent so as not to be perceived as "judging." Jesus did not shy away from rebuking the sinful thoughts and behavior of His disciples, but admonished them in a spirit of gentleness because He loved them as a trusted brother. "A new commandment I (Jesus) give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35). Therefore, how can we say we love one another and not be willing to bear one another's burdens? However, we must be wise to ensure we are not led astray under the disguise of accountability either. For example, any recovering addict who has remained sober for any length of time can attest that immersing himself in a tempestuous environment in order to help a friend can result in an unexpected relapse of his own. Consequently, we can never assume that under the right circumstances, at the right time, and in the right environment, we will not be persuaded to sin and enticed to obey our fleshly desires like anyone else.
Just as important as our purpose are the words we use to communicate accountability. No man, woman or child will receive righteous judgment if it is packaged and delivered as vulgar, demeaning or manipulative (to name a few). In other words, we must guard against leaving the recipient angry, jaded and seeking retribution when we proclaim judgment, for "why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God" (Romans 14:10). Conversely, we must not plant seeds of hopelessness that those whom we judge can indeed change. For example, we as parents must resist the urge to judge our children's actions so severely that we crush their spirits when we correct their behavior and discipline them accordingly. Similarly, we must avoid judging current sins by filtering them through past failures. Like a scarlet letter, many of us bear the wrath of poor decisions once made and reap the consequences of our actions regardless of whether they are warranted. Therefore, why would we cast judgment on others based on the knowledge of who they once were? If they have truly changed but still struggle with temptation (like we all do), why are we so eager to forget we once forgave them? Why hold them bound and captive to our preconceived judgments? Perhaps it is because we regard ourselves more highly than we ought or have forgotten what it was like to live unashamed in sin when we rejected God. In any case, Scripture reminds us, "Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:9b-11).
Jesus said, "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). This truth magnifies the fact that judgment flows inward first and then outward in accountability. We cannot in any way, shape or form judge others on any issue without willingly applying the same standard of righteousness to our own hearts. That is why Jesus emphasizes in Matthew 7:1-5 the importance of self-examination before judging others for their thoughts and actions. It is hypocritical to live under the premise, "Do as I say, not as I do." But more often than not, we pick apart what we see in others without taking into consideration whether we are scrutinizing ourselves according to the same standard. Scripture promises, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10). Therefore, we ought to be far more concerned about the log in our own eye as opposed to the speck in our brothers and sisters of faith, because our spiritual maturity is measured by how we apply God's Word in our own lives first and foremost. That does not mean we ignore, rationalize or justify the speck in others, but we hold one another accountable based on personal experience and empathy rather than pride, remembering what it once felt like (and to this day still feels like) to struggle with sin. In other words, we filter our judgment of others through a recognition of brokenness in our hearts over sins we have committed, in order to come alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ through love and humility. It is a perspective shift where judgment is no longer a cross to bear but an opportunity for sanctification, because "the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:17). Moreover, it provides credibility when we step out in faith and judge others that our counsel/accountability will be welcomed and received because it is genuine and trustworthy.
The simple truth is this: "The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:35-37). "I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds" (Jeremiah 17:10). Knowing our place in the grand scheme of eternity is critical to remember when the urge to judge others wells up within us. We are not our brother's ultimate judge, jury or executioner, for only God has the authority and power to condemn and sentence mankind. However, we are our brother's keeper in the sense that we are called to speak truth in love from humble and pure hearts, motivated by compassion and empathy in order to "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). Judgment is only evil when it is void of love and filled with vengeance and retribution. Therefore, when the Spirit urges us to speak we must obey, because "better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy" (Proverbs 27:5-6). Accountability is never easy because people are incredibly passionate about not being judged. But the more we embrace judgment as love personified, we will be more willing to be held accountable by others and more compassionate in how we communicate truth in love to those who need gentle reproof and wise counsel. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
Self-defense is essential for those who feel their rights are being violated. When people threaten the personal doctrine we live by, we either react by retaliating in anger or respond in love according to what we believe is true. In most cases, our reactions manifest themselves in one central theme: "DON'T JUDGE ME!" That phrase has been used throughout the generations, especially for those who do not believe God's Word is inerrant and true. It carries with it the sentiment, "Who are YOU to judge me?" Therefore, "DON'T JUDGE ME!" has become the battle cry against accountability, used to silence those who oppose and/or deflect attention onto the accuser's intent rather than the recipient. But what does, "DON'T JUDGE ME!" truly mean? If we delve beneath surface layers, we begin to discover that being held accountable for our thoughts and actions is uncomfortable to most people. It requires us to not only be transparent with who we are, but vulnerable enough to willingly be held accountable. Vulnerability is risky though, because we cannot know for certain how others will react or respond when our intimate thoughts and opinions are revealed. For example, a man may be comfortable enough to talk in general about his opinions regarding money, but if pressed, would he be comfortable enough to provide his banking and credit card statements, and share every detail of his financial portfolio in the spirit of accountability? Would he be afraid of how others might react if they knew how much he made, what he spent his money on, or how he managed his finances? Keep in mind, "DON'T JUDGE ME!" could easily manifest itself as a defense mechanism against unrighteous jealousy of others or a counterattack for violating a man's privacy, or it could be used to deflect attention from unwise personal decisions. In any case, the message is clear to those who cast judgment: "BACK OFF!"
What makes Jesus' teaching on judging others so compelling is that He does NOT rebuke or condemn judging. Many people mistake, "Judge not, that you be not judged," as Jesus admonishing His followers to never make a judgment call on the behavior of those around them, but to accept and endorse everyone they meet, every choice they make, and every opinion they utter. That is partially true. Jesus does affirm us to love and respect our neighbor, but the attitude and motivation we convey cannot be the same for those who profess themselves as Christians and those who do not. In other words, accountability works most effectively if we share the same doctrine of truth and obey its teachings. Case in point: Those who reject Christ as Savior will typically feel judged by Christians when their thoughts and behavior contradict Scriptural teaching. Reason being, "The LORD has not given you (them) a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear" (Deuteronomy 29:4) what we trust is absolute truth to live by, so of course non-Christians will label us as judgmental when we attempt to hold them accountable to Biblical standards. Does that mean we should never share the truth of Scripture with those who reject its authority? Absolutely not, but our focus needs to shift from wrath and judgment of sin to grace and mercy, allowing the Lord to pursue His children without us quenching or stifling His ultimate will of salvation. Scripture teaches, "Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (Proverbs 9:7-10). Therefore, it is wise for us to discern who we are rebuking in the moment to ensure our intent is not lost in translation with those who do not share the same theological doctrine or ideology as we do.
It goes without saying that those outside the Christian faith (i.e. those who either do not identify themselves as born-again believers, or those who profess themselves as Christians but do not fully submit to the authority of God's Word in their lives) use, "DON'T JUDGE ME!" as ammunition against Bible-believing Christians. Therefore, how should we as the church respond to such accusations? In some cases, we indeed may be legitimately and sinfully judging others, to which we should repent and seek forgiveness. However, when we are innocent of the crime accused, what is our response? The most important thing to remember is not to be offended and react in anger. Jesus said, "The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me" (Luke 10:16), so we are wise to remember WHO is truly being rejected when truth in love is spoken. That helps us resist taking persecution personally by diffusing the temptation to lash out in retribution, because the offense is ultimately directed at God, not us. In addition, we must acknowledge we will never see eye to eye on the topic of absolute truth until the validity and authority of the Bible is resolved. As Christians, we believe the Bible is the ultimate standard of right and wrong, which dictates how we are called to live. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:12-13). Therefore, those who reject the Bible as their ultimate authority will struggle to accept why our ideology differs and why we are unrelenting in our position, especially on hot-button cultural issues (i.e. LGTBQ rights, gay marriage, transgender bathroom laws, abortion, etc.) Perspective is key though, and God's Word reminds us to focus our attention on holding our brethren of faith accountable rather than those outside the church who reject our doctrine altogether. "For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside" (1 Corinthians 5:12-13a).
Knowing who we are advised to judge forces us to consider what we are judging, how we are communicating our examination, and for what purpose? In ALL cases, we must ensure that love is our supreme motivation when judgment is called into action. Paul reminds us, "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load" (Galatians 6:1-5). No man who sees his brother in Christ living in sin should feel content to remain silent so as not to be perceived as "judging." Jesus did not shy away from rebuking the sinful thoughts and behavior of His disciples, but admonished them in a spirit of gentleness because He loved them as a trusted brother. "A new commandment I (Jesus) give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35). Therefore, how can we say we love one another and not be willing to bear one another's burdens? However, we must be wise to ensure we are not led astray under the disguise of accountability either. For example, any recovering addict who has remained sober for any length of time can attest that immersing himself in a tempestuous environment in order to help a friend can result in an unexpected relapse of his own. Consequently, we can never assume that under the right circumstances, at the right time, and in the right environment, we will not be persuaded to sin and enticed to obey our fleshly desires like anyone else.
Just as important as our purpose are the words we use to communicate accountability. No man, woman or child will receive righteous judgment if it is packaged and delivered as vulgar, demeaning or manipulative (to name a few). In other words, we must guard against leaving the recipient angry, jaded and seeking retribution when we proclaim judgment, for "why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God" (Romans 14:10). Conversely, we must not plant seeds of hopelessness that those whom we judge can indeed change. For example, we as parents must resist the urge to judge our children's actions so severely that we crush their spirits when we correct their behavior and discipline them accordingly. Similarly, we must avoid judging current sins by filtering them through past failures. Like a scarlet letter, many of us bear the wrath of poor decisions once made and reap the consequences of our actions regardless of whether they are warranted. Therefore, why would we cast judgment on others based on the knowledge of who they once were? If they have truly changed but still struggle with temptation (like we all do), why are we so eager to forget we once forgave them? Why hold them bound and captive to our preconceived judgments? Perhaps it is because we regard ourselves more highly than we ought or have forgotten what it was like to live unashamed in sin when we rejected God. In any case, Scripture reminds us, "Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:9b-11).
Jesus said, "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). This truth magnifies the fact that judgment flows inward first and then outward in accountability. We cannot in any way, shape or form judge others on any issue without willingly applying the same standard of righteousness to our own hearts. That is why Jesus emphasizes in Matthew 7:1-5 the importance of self-examination before judging others for their thoughts and actions. It is hypocritical to live under the premise, "Do as I say, not as I do." But more often than not, we pick apart what we see in others without taking into consideration whether we are scrutinizing ourselves according to the same standard. Scripture promises, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10). Therefore, we ought to be far more concerned about the log in our own eye as opposed to the speck in our brothers and sisters of faith, because our spiritual maturity is measured by how we apply God's Word in our own lives first and foremost. That does not mean we ignore, rationalize or justify the speck in others, but we hold one another accountable based on personal experience and empathy rather than pride, remembering what it once felt like (and to this day still feels like) to struggle with sin. In other words, we filter our judgment of others through a recognition of brokenness in our hearts over sins we have committed, in order to come alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ through love and humility. It is a perspective shift where judgment is no longer a cross to bear but an opportunity for sanctification, because "the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:17). Moreover, it provides credibility when we step out in faith and judge others that our counsel/accountability will be welcomed and received because it is genuine and trustworthy.
The simple truth is this: "The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:35-37). "I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds" (Jeremiah 17:10). Knowing our place in the grand scheme of eternity is critical to remember when the urge to judge others wells up within us. We are not our brother's ultimate judge, jury or executioner, for only God has the authority and power to condemn and sentence mankind. However, we are our brother's keeper in the sense that we are called to speak truth in love from humble and pure hearts, motivated by compassion and empathy in order to "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). Judgment is only evil when it is void of love and filled with vengeance and retribution. Therefore, when the Spirit urges us to speak we must obey, because "better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy" (Proverbs 27:5-6). Accountability is never easy because people are incredibly passionate about not being judged. But the more we embrace judgment as love personified, we will be more willing to be held accountable by others and more compassionate in how we communicate truth in love to those who need gentle reproof and wise counsel. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Matthew 6:25-34 (Devotion)
DO NOT BE ANXIOUS - "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), over 40 million adults in the U.S. (ages 18 years or older) suffer from some form of anxiety disorder. Whether general anxiety, panic, social anxiety, specific phobias, obsessive compulsion, post-traumatic stress or depression, the fact remains that over 18% of the American population have fallen victim to varying degrees of mental illnesses or disorders that coexist with anxiety (bipolar disorder, eating disorders, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, substance abuse, sleep disorders, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, etc.) It is an overwhelming reality. Even more alarming is researchers estimate that realistically, 30% (not 18%) of people struggle with anxiety, because millions of Americans fail to either recognize their problem or seek professional help to combat the anxiety they are facing. Therefore, we can be confident that 1 out of every 3-5 people we encounter on a daily basis struggles with what the ADAA identifies as "mental illness." The sad truth is many believe there is no hope for gaining victory over anxiety outside of medicating the problem. Seeking Biblical truth and understanding around the issue of anxiety seems like a mockery of clinical science and the medical community at large, but nothing could be further from the truth. The Bible does not dismiss the need for medical expertise when neurological deficiencies warrant professional, medical treatment, but the over-arching healing our souls crave far exceeds what man can solve via modern medicine. For while science can seek to solve temporary quality of life issues, only Jesus Christ offers eternal healing which is far more valuable and surpasses human understanding.
Keep in mind, the ultimate reward for a born-again Christian is freedom from pain altogether when we pass from this world into the afterlife. For the Bible promises, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). Death is not an end in itself, but the beginning for those who place their hope and trust in the saving work of Christ. However, for those who reject the authority of God's Word and the atoning sacrifice Jesus paid for the sins of mankind, the ultimate reward of salvation is forfeited for an eternity of torment and anguish. Pain is magnified apart from Christ, so choosing to depart this world overwhelmed by pride and hardheartedness toward God will only leave a man empty, alone and without hope. Knowing this, we can consider the words of Matthew 6:25-34 with eternal perspective grounded in truth rather than speculation or assumption. Jesus taught His disciples, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32). Therefore, if we place our hope in the words of Scripture, we relinquish doubt, worry and anxiety because we trust what the Bible says is true without reservation. Our fears can only enslave us to the extent we allow. So if we are worried about our eternal resting place, we can choose either to adopt secular theology which contradicts Scripture, or trust in the saving grace of Jesus Christ found only in the pages of Scripture.
At a granular level, Jesus outlines various forms of anxiety associated with survival necessities in Matthew 6:25-34. Notice that the primary focus of His teaching centers around needs, not wants. Food, water, shelter and clothing are all essential for survival because they meet basic safety and dietary needs. In no way can a man choose to abstain from any of these and expect to live any prolonged period of time. Reason being, how we were created by God mandates we are dependent on food, water, shelter and clothing for survival. Therefore, when Jesus reminds us not to worry about these things, He is highlighting the fact that God took into account what we would need before He created us, and made provision within creation itself to meet our basic needs. Therefore, what Jesus presents in this teaching is not so much a laundry list of things we shouldn't be stressed or anxious about, but an examination of our theology at a much deeper level. In essence, Jesus is asking us, "Do you trust me?" with varying emphases postured to gauge our spiritual temperature at the heart level:
Bottom-line, there is plenty in life to be stressed about. Moreover, we may never find complete peace this side of heaven or attain the goals we set forth in our lives, but we cannot be content to throw in the towel and allow the enemy free reign in our minds to plant seeds of anxiety which incapacitate us. Life circumstances have a way of thrusting us into uncomfortable situations and consequences of sin we never dreamed we'd encounter, but that does not require us to default into a state of mental disorder as a means of escape or justification of sin thereof. Professional intervention aside, the majority of anxiety problems we face can be remedied by applying the wisdom Jesus professes in Matthew 6:25-34, rather than self-medicating to numb the pain and/or avoid whatever the issue at hand may be. Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:34-36). The ability to "choose" is arguably the most compelling freedom God ever gave man. For with it, man can charter his own course through life for his own personal glory and fulfillment, or he can choose to submit to God's will in place of his own. But in the end, each man must give an account to God almighty, and the choices he has made throughout his life will either testify to the saving work of Jesus Christ in his heart or condemn him for eternity. Therefore, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7).
NOTE: For further worship and reflection, check out this incredible new song release from Elevation Worship, "THERE IS A CLOUD".
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), over 40 million adults in the U.S. (ages 18 years or older) suffer from some form of anxiety disorder. Whether general anxiety, panic, social anxiety, specific phobias, obsessive compulsion, post-traumatic stress or depression, the fact remains that over 18% of the American population have fallen victim to varying degrees of mental illnesses or disorders that coexist with anxiety (bipolar disorder, eating disorders, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, substance abuse, sleep disorders, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, etc.) It is an overwhelming reality. Even more alarming is researchers estimate that realistically, 30% (not 18%) of people struggle with anxiety, because millions of Americans fail to either recognize their problem or seek professional help to combat the anxiety they are facing. Therefore, we can be confident that 1 out of every 3-5 people we encounter on a daily basis struggles with what the ADAA identifies as "mental illness." The sad truth is many believe there is no hope for gaining victory over anxiety outside of medicating the problem. Seeking Biblical truth and understanding around the issue of anxiety seems like a mockery of clinical science and the medical community at large, but nothing could be further from the truth. The Bible does not dismiss the need for medical expertise when neurological deficiencies warrant professional, medical treatment, but the over-arching healing our souls crave far exceeds what man can solve via modern medicine. For while science can seek to solve temporary quality of life issues, only Jesus Christ offers eternal healing which is far more valuable and surpasses human understanding.
Keep in mind, the ultimate reward for a born-again Christian is freedom from pain altogether when we pass from this world into the afterlife. For the Bible promises, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). Death is not an end in itself, but the beginning for those who place their hope and trust in the saving work of Christ. However, for those who reject the authority of God's Word and the atoning sacrifice Jesus paid for the sins of mankind, the ultimate reward of salvation is forfeited for an eternity of torment and anguish. Pain is magnified apart from Christ, so choosing to depart this world overwhelmed by pride and hardheartedness toward God will only leave a man empty, alone and without hope. Knowing this, we can consider the words of Matthew 6:25-34 with eternal perspective grounded in truth rather than speculation or assumption. Jesus taught His disciples, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32). Therefore, if we place our hope in the words of Scripture, we relinquish doubt, worry and anxiety because we trust what the Bible says is true without reservation. Our fears can only enslave us to the extent we allow. So if we are worried about our eternal resting place, we can choose either to adopt secular theology which contradicts Scripture, or trust in the saving grace of Jesus Christ found only in the pages of Scripture.
At a granular level, Jesus outlines various forms of anxiety associated with survival necessities in Matthew 6:25-34. Notice that the primary focus of His teaching centers around needs, not wants. Food, water, shelter and clothing are all essential for survival because they meet basic safety and dietary needs. In no way can a man choose to abstain from any of these and expect to live any prolonged period of time. Reason being, how we were created by God mandates we are dependent on food, water, shelter and clothing for survival. Therefore, when Jesus reminds us not to worry about these things, He is highlighting the fact that God took into account what we would need before He created us, and made provision within creation itself to meet our basic needs. Therefore, what Jesus presents in this teaching is not so much a laundry list of things we shouldn't be stressed or anxious about, but an examination of our theology at a much deeper level. In essence, Jesus is asking us, "Do you trust me?" with varying emphases postured to gauge our spiritual temperature at the heart level:
- Do you trust ME? (Is Christ the ultimate source of my trust in all things?)
- Do you TRUST me? (How confidently do I believe His Word?)
- Do YOU trust me? (Do I recognize my need to trust in His sovereignty?)
- DO you trust me? (When all is said and done, Yes or No?)
It is no more difficult for us to wrestle with trust than it was for the nation Israel when God led them through the wilderness for 40 years prior to entering the promised land. "And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothing did not wear out on you and your foot did not swell these forty years. Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the LORD your God disciplines you. So you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God by walking in his ways and by fearing him" (Deuteronomy 8:2-6). Undoubtedly, there was an incredible amount of anxiety associated with wandering aimlessly in the desert for forty years. Food and water were scarce and hunger and thirst unquenchable, but the Lord provided time and time again through countless miracles to ensure His people would not die of starvation or dehydration. How then should we respond knowing we are descendants of Adam, plagued by sin and vulnerable to anxiety just as the nation Israel was? Are we prone to repeat the same mistakes Israel made by grumbling 40 years through the wilderness, or do we trust in God's provision because His Word is true from the beginning of time?
We must examine our hearts and weed out the peripheral issues that plague our minds and give birth to anxiety. In other words, control what is within our sphere of influence and trust the rest to God. Let's be honest. What typically causes us the greatest amount of anxiety in our lives is not being in full control. We feel safer and more at ease when we can control the environment or people around us, yet rarely do we experience the peace and tranquility we seek even when we have complete power and authority. Perhaps it seems trivial to simply "let go and let God," but there is Biblical truth to stepping back and assuming our place in the hierarchy of life. Far too often, we step into God's sovereign role when we feel He is distant or not working in the time or manner we feel He should. Anxiety overwhelms us and we "take the bull by the horns" and strong-arm our will rather than trusting that God will act in His way and in His time for His glory. We would be wise to apply the words of King David who declared, "I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope" (Psalm 130:5). However, simply waiting for the Lord is meaningless if we are consumed by our happiness, our desires, and our glory at the expense of God's grace. For Christ did not shed His blood on the cross and die a sinner's death on our behalf so we could live self-consumed, idolatrous lives. Jesus died to break the stronghold sin had over us, so that we could live free from the bondage of fear, doubt, worry, stress, anxiety, depression, etc., which bind us.
Bottom-line, there is plenty in life to be stressed about. Moreover, we may never find complete peace this side of heaven or attain the goals we set forth in our lives, but we cannot be content to throw in the towel and allow the enemy free reign in our minds to plant seeds of anxiety which incapacitate us. Life circumstances have a way of thrusting us into uncomfortable situations and consequences of sin we never dreamed we'd encounter, but that does not require us to default into a state of mental disorder as a means of escape or justification of sin thereof. Professional intervention aside, the majority of anxiety problems we face can be remedied by applying the wisdom Jesus professes in Matthew 6:25-34, rather than self-medicating to numb the pain and/or avoid whatever the issue at hand may be. Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:34-36). The ability to "choose" is arguably the most compelling freedom God ever gave man. For with it, man can charter his own course through life for his own personal glory and fulfillment, or he can choose to submit to God's will in place of his own. But in the end, each man must give an account to God almighty, and the choices he has made throughout his life will either testify to the saving work of Jesus Christ in his heart or condemn him for eternity. Therefore, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7).
NOTE: For further worship and reflection, check out this incredible new song release from Elevation Worship, "THERE IS A CLOUD".
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