"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus." Titus 2:11-13
There ought to be a difference between those who are the children of God and those who are not. That difference should be able to seen in behavior and readily apparent to all who observe carefully. This is not to say that we should walk around evaluating one another but that the things we choose to say and do should be indicative of our status as members of the family of God. Regardless of what was thought about Jesus, the fact that he healed the sick, fed the hungry, preached love, reached out to the poor and hopeless, and helped those in need (rather than judge them) was undeniable to all who observed him. Even his enemies dealt very carefully with him so as not to incite an insurrection against themselves by the recipients of his goodness.
Beloved we are called to be the presence of the Lord on earth. Jesus has said to us and of us, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" Matt 5:14-16. The light that comes from him yet shines through his own is to be a beacon to those who are seeking love, truth, peace and salvation. Let us not ever send mixed messages. Let us not be confused with those who do not know God. We should strive to be different because, through His grace, we are different. Let that difference attract others even as they were when The Light shone among men.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Showing posts with label Behavior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Behavior. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Acting Childish 10/30/2012
"But Jesus called for them, saying, 'Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.'" Luke 18:16-17
By this time, Jesus had become quite famous. Everywhere he went he attracted both detractors and the hopeful. In this case, worried and distraught parents were bringing their children to him to be blessed and healed. Unfortunately, it was Jesus' own disciples that took on the role of security guards (rather than facilitators) when they began to rebuke the parents for presumably wasting the Savior's time. Jesus used this opportunity as an object lesson for all.
Children are so wide eyed as they experience the world. There's is a faith that is so fundamental that they are not even aware of alternative explanations or perspectives. Their entire point of view is a combination of their own experience and what they have been told by loving parents. Based on these two things, they just accept. Watch small children as they interact with others like themselves on the playground or in the play room and you will see love and sharing. It is also at this stage of life when they are the most obedient and have not yet learned to talk back or premeditatedly misbehave. And finally, they are completely dependent upon their parents for everything from the basics of food, water, clothing and shelter to education, health care, affection and love. It is all a little one needs.
Beloved, when Jesus mentions receiving the kingdom of God like a child, he is talking about nothing less than these things. As adults and followers of Christ, we must shed our rebellion and faithlessness and understand that he provides for every one of our needs. We must love the Lord with the nearly blind faith and absoluteness of a child. All other alternatives must seem otherworldly. To do less than this endangers our ability to gain the heaven we all seek. If there is any area in which a grown, hard working, responsible adult should be childish, this is most certainly it.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
By this time, Jesus had become quite famous. Everywhere he went he attracted both detractors and the hopeful. In this case, worried and distraught parents were bringing their children to him to be blessed and healed. Unfortunately, it was Jesus' own disciples that took on the role of security guards (rather than facilitators) when they began to rebuke the parents for presumably wasting the Savior's time. Jesus used this opportunity as an object lesson for all.
Children are so wide eyed as they experience the world. There's is a faith that is so fundamental that they are not even aware of alternative explanations or perspectives. Their entire point of view is a combination of their own experience and what they have been told by loving parents. Based on these two things, they just accept. Watch small children as they interact with others like themselves on the playground or in the play room and you will see love and sharing. It is also at this stage of life when they are the most obedient and have not yet learned to talk back or premeditatedly misbehave. And finally, they are completely dependent upon their parents for everything from the basics of food, water, clothing and shelter to education, health care, affection and love. It is all a little one needs.
Beloved, when Jesus mentions receiving the kingdom of God like a child, he is talking about nothing less than these things. As adults and followers of Christ, we must shed our rebellion and faithlessness and understand that he provides for every one of our needs. We must love the Lord with the nearly blind faith and absoluteness of a child. All other alternatives must seem otherworldly. To do less than this endangers our ability to gain the heaven we all seek. If there is any area in which a grown, hard working, responsible adult should be childish, this is most certainly it.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, October 8, 2012
The Outer Expression of Inner Truth 10/8/2012
"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." Gal 5:25
One of the hottest singing groups in the 80's was a duo called Milli Vanilli. Their first album went 6 times platinum and they won a Grammy that year for Best New Artist. The only problem was that the members of the group were not the actual singers. This was discovered during a concert at which the recording jammed and continued to play the same line over and over. The duo continued to lip sync for a while but ultimately ran off stage in humiliation. It was the scandal of the decade in the music industry.
Beloved, as Christians, it is critical that our Christian faith not be just a profession but a heartfelt Spirit filled lifestyle. Otherwise put, our video must always match our audio. To proclaim a relationship with the living God but live a life that is outside of His will and way is hypocrisy that does not fool God at all despite the fact that others may be influenced and enamored by what they see.
More important than what others think is being honest with one's self. Paul affirms that if we "walk in the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want" Gal 5:16-17.
In short, if we claim to be children of God, let it be true on the inside and shown on the outside in both word and deed.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
One of the hottest singing groups in the 80's was a duo called Milli Vanilli. Their first album went 6 times platinum and they won a Grammy that year for Best New Artist. The only problem was that the members of the group were not the actual singers. This was discovered during a concert at which the recording jammed and continued to play the same line over and over. The duo continued to lip sync for a while but ultimately ran off stage in humiliation. It was the scandal of the decade in the music industry.
Beloved, as Christians, it is critical that our Christian faith not be just a profession but a heartfelt Spirit filled lifestyle. Otherwise put, our video must always match our audio. To proclaim a relationship with the living God but live a life that is outside of His will and way is hypocrisy that does not fool God at all despite the fact that others may be influenced and enamored by what they see.
More important than what others think is being honest with one's self. Paul affirms that if we "walk in the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want" Gal 5:16-17.
In short, if we claim to be children of God, let it be true on the inside and shown on the outside in both word and deed.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Friday, October 5, 2012
Watch Your Mouth 10/5/2012
"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matt 12:36-37
Most of it find it entertaining, telling or even tragic when one of our political leaders is caught saying something we would not normally associate with them near an open microphone. Many have been embarrassed by such utterances and find themselves having to spend a lot of time spinning the statement or doing damage control. The truth is, once something has been said, it can never be unsaid.
It is not just those who are in the public eye that are subject to these dangers; in fact, we all are. It is important that Christians know and understand that God is omniscient and omnipresent. "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" Heb 4:13. In short, God sees and hears everything.
Beloved we must be thoughtful about the things we choose to say. It is not nearly as much of the purposeful things we say as the idle ones that indicate our character. Have you ever been walking down the street, seen some one poorly dressed or in a diminished state of hygiene and said something derogatory about them to a companion? Are you critical of and vocal about others who may not agree with you? Do you engage in gossip? These words ultimately condemn the speaker rather than the object of them. Paul said, "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person" Col 4:6. We are children of God and ambassadors of heaven. Every word that proceeds from our mouths should reflect this.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Most of it find it entertaining, telling or even tragic when one of our political leaders is caught saying something we would not normally associate with them near an open microphone. Many have been embarrassed by such utterances and find themselves having to spend a lot of time spinning the statement or doing damage control. The truth is, once something has been said, it can never be unsaid.
It is not just those who are in the public eye that are subject to these dangers; in fact, we all are. It is important that Christians know and understand that God is omniscient and omnipresent. "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" Heb 4:13. In short, God sees and hears everything.
Beloved we must be thoughtful about the things we choose to say. It is not nearly as much of the purposeful things we say as the idle ones that indicate our character. Have you ever been walking down the street, seen some one poorly dressed or in a diminished state of hygiene and said something derogatory about them to a companion? Are you critical of and vocal about others who may not agree with you? Do you engage in gossip? These words ultimately condemn the speaker rather than the object of them. Paul said, "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person" Col 4:6. We are children of God and ambassadors of heaven. Every word that proceeds from our mouths should reflect this.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Friday, July 20, 2012
Role Model-7/20/2012
"The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as he walked." 1 John 2:6
Over the past couple of days I have been having a friendly conversation with an acquaintance about role models. He tends to give me a hard time about two of my favorite sports teams (the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Cowboys) and I do the same to him about the Lakers and the Rams. Recently one of the Cowboys was accused of an egregious act of violence against his own mother, to which my buddy offered,
"That's some role model you've got there."
This put me in mind of all of the people to whom we look up. Athletes, entertainers, titans in business and other individuals of wealth, power, prestige and notoriety tend to grab and hold our attention prompting many of us to pursue their particular path. Why? Is it our desire to achieve what they have gained? What about the ways they made those gains? Perhaps you have heard of the very famous television contest (and its many clones and derivatives) that are designed to give talented individuals the opportunity to become role models as many of their own role models have done. A person can literally become an American idol. Having followed others are we that anxious to attract followers of our own?
Beloved, I tend to agree with the stance Charles Barkley took in a well crafted 2007 advertising campaign. He, as an athlete said, "I am not a role model." He goes on to say, "Because I can dunk a basketball does not mean I should raise your kids." While there are those in all walks of life who display admirable traits and accomplish laudable deeds, every human being is flawed and fallible. The one person who ever lived that is worthy of the ultimate role model status and label for EVERYONE is Jesus. And what is it to have a role model but to follow in his footsteps? If you are a Christian, by definition Jesus is your role model. And if he is your role model, you ought to, to the very best of your ability, do what he did.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Over the past couple of days I have been having a friendly conversation with an acquaintance about role models. He tends to give me a hard time about two of my favorite sports teams (the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Cowboys) and I do the same to him about the Lakers and the Rams. Recently one of the Cowboys was accused of an egregious act of violence against his own mother, to which my buddy offered,
"That's some role model you've got there."
This put me in mind of all of the people to whom we look up. Athletes, entertainers, titans in business and other individuals of wealth, power, prestige and notoriety tend to grab and hold our attention prompting many of us to pursue their particular path. Why? Is it our desire to achieve what they have gained? What about the ways they made those gains? Perhaps you have heard of the very famous television contest (and its many clones and derivatives) that are designed to give talented individuals the opportunity to become role models as many of their own role models have done. A person can literally become an American idol. Having followed others are we that anxious to attract followers of our own?
Beloved, I tend to agree with the stance Charles Barkley took in a well crafted 2007 advertising campaign. He, as an athlete said, "I am not a role model." He goes on to say, "Because I can dunk a basketball does not mean I should raise your kids." While there are those in all walks of life who display admirable traits and accomplish laudable deeds, every human being is flawed and fallible. The one person who ever lived that is worthy of the ultimate role model status and label for EVERYONE is Jesus. And what is it to have a role model but to follow in his footsteps? If you are a Christian, by definition Jesus is your role model. And if he is your role model, you ought to, to the very best of your ability, do what he did.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, June 11, 2012
Called to be Different-6/11/2012
"Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eph 4:1-3
Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus from prison, encourages them (and us) regarding the way we should live our lives. As Christians, there are different expectations of us then those who are not. To be sure, God desires that all people would be saved and therefore come into compliance with His will, however, it is not realistic to expect someone to follow a manner of life in which they do not believe. This makes it that much more important that those who do believe do just that.
Paul models the very behavior he calls for despite his incarceration. Even under the worst conditions, he gives God all of the glory. While he is confined, he is unashamed. And from his cell, he prays not for himself, but for those who would be exposed to his words (the Ephesians were instructed to circulate the letter to other churches). He prays that they would be strengthened through the Spirit and that Christ would dwell in their hearts in order that they might fully understand what they truly have in him.
Beloved, the words and actions of a prisoner would not be given much credence today, however the Holy Spirit moved this man to write these very things from God. The words implore us from across the centuries to be who we have been called to be. In so doing, we glorify God. In so doing, we will come to the realization that He can do immeasurably more that all we could ask or imagine and that we can be filled to the measure of all of His fullness. Lastly, by doing so, we can be an example to all of those who do not believe. Perhaps there will be one who will look at you and ask about your faith.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus from prison, encourages them (and us) regarding the way we should live our lives. As Christians, there are different expectations of us then those who are not. To be sure, God desires that all people would be saved and therefore come into compliance with His will, however, it is not realistic to expect someone to follow a manner of life in which they do not believe. This makes it that much more important that those who do believe do just that.
Paul models the very behavior he calls for despite his incarceration. Even under the worst conditions, he gives God all of the glory. While he is confined, he is unashamed. And from his cell, he prays not for himself, but for those who would be exposed to his words (the Ephesians were instructed to circulate the letter to other churches). He prays that they would be strengthened through the Spirit and that Christ would dwell in their hearts in order that they might fully understand what they truly have in him.
Beloved, the words and actions of a prisoner would not be given much credence today, however the Holy Spirit moved this man to write these very things from God. The words implore us from across the centuries to be who we have been called to be. In so doing, we glorify God. In so doing, we will come to the realization that He can do immeasurably more that all we could ask or imagine and that we can be filled to the measure of all of His fullness. Lastly, by doing so, we can be an example to all of those who do not believe. Perhaps there will be one who will look at you and ask about your faith.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, February 6, 2012
Walking Worthy-2/6/2012
"Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eph 4:3
When I was growing up, my mother always impressed upon me to "act like you have home training" or to "act like you have people who love you." What Mom was really saying was, "Do not embarass me. You know better!" This reminder usually came when I acted like I did not or when we together observed someone behaving as if they did not. There were a wide variety of actions that could draw this reproof, but overtime, I learned what was acceptable and what was not which resulted in having to hear it less and less.
Beloved, the same admonition is given to us as children of the Almighty. There should be an observable difference between those who are Gods' and those who are not. Jesus discussed one way that this difference can be seen when he said, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” John 13:35. Our behavior, both when the spotlight shines and when no one at all is looking, should be representative of the fact that we belong to someone who loves us and has taught us to know better and do better. We must always remember that it is our learned values and beliefs that make us family. When we reflect these values and beliefs in our actions there is surely peace between us and our Father.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
When I was growing up, my mother always impressed upon me to "act like you have home training" or to "act like you have people who love you." What Mom was really saying was, "Do not embarass me. You know better!" This reminder usually came when I acted like I did not or when we together observed someone behaving as if they did not. There were a wide variety of actions that could draw this reproof, but overtime, I learned what was acceptable and what was not which resulted in having to hear it less and less.
Beloved, the same admonition is given to us as children of the Almighty. There should be an observable difference between those who are Gods' and those who are not. Jesus discussed one way that this difference can be seen when he said, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” John 13:35. Our behavior, both when the spotlight shines and when no one at all is looking, should be representative of the fact that we belong to someone who loves us and has taught us to know better and do better. We must always remember that it is our learned values and beliefs that make us family. When we reflect these values and beliefs in our actions there is surely peace between us and our Father.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
A Pause for the Cause-7/20/2011
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Prov 15:1
It is not reasonable to expect that we can go through life without running afoul of others. Whether it be our fault or theirs, it is not unusual that the temptation to exchange harsh words with another happens from time to time. Wouldn't it be great if we all had a pause button to stop any given situation in time, in order to think about our next word? In the heat of the moment we may strongly desire to engage in verbal battles that will let another person know exactly with whom they are messing. Inflamed passions cause our defenses (and offenses) to fly to the forefront of our minds and tongues. But what about the pause button?
Taking time to consider the ramifications of our next statements can go a long way in helping us determine the best course of action. We can ask ourselves, "Am I wrong? Is this my fault? Does the person have a point?" If we are the aggrieved, we can likewise consider, "Can a lesson be learned or taught here? Is this an opportunity to establish or enhance a relationship? Is this an opportunity to win a soul? How can I please God with my response?"
Beloved, we are called upon to be people of a gentle nature, loving our neighbors as ourselves. We are representatives and children of the Almighty. The whole of the faith is judged by what can be seen in us. To be sure, it can be a heavy burden but it is made light by the Lord. As long as we conduct ourselves according to His purpose, we know that all things will work together for good. This knowledge should help us engage the pause, circumspectly consider the entire situation, think beyond ourselves and the moment and respond in a godly manner. A gentle treatment has the power to diffuse the most difficult of situations.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
It is not reasonable to expect that we can go through life without running afoul of others. Whether it be our fault or theirs, it is not unusual that the temptation to exchange harsh words with another happens from time to time. Wouldn't it be great if we all had a pause button to stop any given situation in time, in order to think about our next word? In the heat of the moment we may strongly desire to engage in verbal battles that will let another person know exactly with whom they are messing. Inflamed passions cause our defenses (and offenses) to fly to the forefront of our minds and tongues. But what about the pause button?
Taking time to consider the ramifications of our next statements can go a long way in helping us determine the best course of action. We can ask ourselves, "Am I wrong? Is this my fault? Does the person have a point?" If we are the aggrieved, we can likewise consider, "Can a lesson be learned or taught here? Is this an opportunity to establish or enhance a relationship? Is this an opportunity to win a soul? How can I please God with my response?"
Beloved, we are called upon to be people of a gentle nature, loving our neighbors as ourselves. We are representatives and children of the Almighty. The whole of the faith is judged by what can be seen in us. To be sure, it can be a heavy burden but it is made light by the Lord. As long as we conduct ourselves according to His purpose, we know that all things will work together for good. This knowledge should help us engage the pause, circumspectly consider the entire situation, think beyond ourselves and the moment and respond in a godly manner. A gentle treatment has the power to diffuse the most difficult of situations.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Monday, March 14, 2011
Tough Love-DD 3/14/11
"For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good." 2 Thess 3:11-13
In order for the local body of Christ to work as it is designed, everyone must do their part. It is easy to mark those who are more interested in sowing seeds of discord than doing the work of the Lord. Everyone knows who the "troublemakers" are. The question is, what are we to do with such brethren?
We must first and always love our brothers and sisters in Christ, despite their actions. Know that it is some times necessary for love to be tough. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy." Prov 27:66. We must reprove, rebuke and exhort when there are those of our number who are acting outside of what is best for the body and for themselves according to the word of the Lord.
Suppose tough love does not have the desired effect? If their behavior involves immorality, covetousness, idolatry, drunkenness, swindling or gossiping, we are instructed to refrain from associating with such "so called brethren" according to 1 Cor 5:11 Let it be known, however, that this is to cause them to repent and return due to the discomfort of isolation and the error of their ways.
Beloved, we are often very hesitant to employ church discipline. We must understand that it is called for by God and very beneficial to the health of the body. Just as He chastens us because He loves us, we must do likewise. It is said that a little yeast causes the whole lump of dough to rise. This implies that it takes a very small amount of sin and bad behavior to negatively impact the entirety of the body. Let us be sure to employ love and discipline when and where needed for the overall health of the body.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
In order for the local body of Christ to work as it is designed, everyone must do their part. It is easy to mark those who are more interested in sowing seeds of discord than doing the work of the Lord. Everyone knows who the "troublemakers" are. The question is, what are we to do with such brethren?
We must first and always love our brothers and sisters in Christ, despite their actions. Know that it is some times necessary for love to be tough. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy." Prov 27:66. We must reprove, rebuke and exhort when there are those of our number who are acting outside of what is best for the body and for themselves according to the word of the Lord.
Suppose tough love does not have the desired effect? If their behavior involves immorality, covetousness, idolatry, drunkenness, swindling or gossiping, we are instructed to refrain from associating with such "so called brethren" according to 1 Cor 5:11 Let it be known, however, that this is to cause them to repent and return due to the discomfort of isolation and the error of their ways.
Beloved, we are often very hesitant to employ church discipline. We must understand that it is called for by God and very beneficial to the health of the body. Just as He chastens us because He loves us, we must do likewise. It is said that a little yeast causes the whole lump of dough to rise. This implies that it takes a very small amount of sin and bad behavior to negatively impact the entirety of the body. Let us be sure to employ love and discipline when and where needed for the overall health of the body.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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