"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
More and more it seems that society equivocates on religion or rejects it altogether. Of course there are many reasons for this but among them have to be the perception that a relationship with God is too restrictive and too burdensome. There are so many bright, shiny, comfortable and sensually pleasurable things out there which seem to be prohibited by the Christian faith that many people are more interested in fulfilling their desires than securing their eternity.
A closer look reveals that the pursuit of pleasure and the rejection of godly structure and discipline come with their own cages which are often difficult and costly to maintain. For example, considering making our interpersonal relationships our number one priority, there is no one who does not know the effort this can take and the heartbreak that it can involve. It is only Jesus who has truthfully said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," Hebrews 13:5. When we make working our priority for the sole purpose of gaining more and more and then conspicuously consuming it, we find that it is never enough and become trapped in a cycle of trying to protect what we've accumulated while attempting to gain even more. Jesus asked the question, "For what will it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose or forfeits himself [his soul]," Luke 9:25. Lastly, what of the things that look, feel and taste good to us? Does not the pursuit and enjoyment of some of these things cost us dearly in health, relationships, finances, time and even inner peace? It is written, "What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?" James 4:1.
Beloved, a relationship with the Lord and membership in his body is not the trap that some would make it out to be. It is submitted to you that living outside of him is the true trap. All of the things outside of him that are dangled in front of us are merely bait designed to trap us and keep us imprisoned. Jesus offers freedom: freedom from worry, stress, strife, consequences of our sin and everlasting destruction. Are there observances that we must maintain, obey and respect? Absolutely, just as there are with everything from traffic laws, to work policies and procedures to family rules. None, however, are more beneficial than Jesus' offer of rest from the burdens and weariness generated by the choices we make and an easier yoke with a lighter burden. Let all who have ears hear and let all that hear understand.
Building God's family,
Lee
Showing posts with label Discipline. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Discipline. Show all posts
Friday, August 31, 2018
Friday, March 9, 2012
Where is Your Focus?-3/9/2012
"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." Col 3:1-2
What goes through your mind when you think about the Lord? What goes through your mind when you think about God? How do you envision heaven? What do you suppose it will be like? What decisions do you have to make in order to gain access? What things may you have to shed to get there? Is the life that you are leading consistent with what He who makes a way for us requires?
Beloved, these questions and thoughts should occupy the mind of every Christian. To be sure, these thoughts were involved when we obeyed the gospel. Unfortunately the things that are yet before us can be a tremendous distraction. As it was with Peter when he walked across the water toward Jesus, once we take our eyes off of him, we can find ourselves beginning to sink into that which can consume us. Remember, Jesus has saved us from darkness, "if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard," Col 1:23. This means that our salvation is not accomplished by a one time act of obedience, but of a continuous lifestyle of obedience.
Let us always cast our eyes and hearts heavenward that one day our existence will be there also.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
What goes through your mind when you think about the Lord? What goes through your mind when you think about God? How do you envision heaven? What do you suppose it will be like? What decisions do you have to make in order to gain access? What things may you have to shed to get there? Is the life that you are leading consistent with what He who makes a way for us requires?
Beloved, these questions and thoughts should occupy the mind of every Christian. To be sure, these thoughts were involved when we obeyed the gospel. Unfortunately the things that are yet before us can be a tremendous distraction. As it was with Peter when he walked across the water toward Jesus, once we take our eyes off of him, we can find ourselves beginning to sink into that which can consume us. Remember, Jesus has saved us from darkness, "if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard," Col 1:23. This means that our salvation is not accomplished by a one time act of obedience, but of a continuous lifestyle of obedience.
Let us always cast our eyes and hearts heavenward that one day our existence will be there also.
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, August 3, 2011
Be Careful-8/3/2011
“The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!" Matt 6:22-23
What indeed is clarity of the eye? It is submitted to you that it is at least a twofold consideration. First, it is pure way of looking at things. It is approaching what is observed without preconceived notions or questionable motives. For instance, some will look at a beggar at an intersection and think that he or she is a huckster trying to take advantage of the general public, while others will just see the need. Secondly, clarity (and purity) involve avoiding that which is detrimental to the relationship with God. An example of this is the all to ready access to pornographic and other immoral material via satellite, cable and the Internet. One need not even seek it in that it often shows up as spam in our email.
Beloved, we must, to the best of our ability, control what we take in through our eyes and other senses. Unrighteousness is as insidious as sugar ants that seem to somehow get in to your home and start showing up everywhere from the kitchen to the bedroom. It takes diligence and discipline to avoid that which is popularly accepted by the masses. Failure to do so desensitizes us and will ultimately lead to rationalizing behaviors that we previously would have considered just plain wrong.
Once our eyes become compromised, so does everything within us. We were once in darkness but shown the light. Should we return to that darkness, the shades are infinitely deeper and the effect of the light is significantly diminished, tragically at times, so much so that we do not allow our darkness to be overcome. Perhaps it is best said in the truncated lyrics of a famous children's song:
"Be careful little eyes what you see
Be careful little ears what you hear
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful..."
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
What indeed is clarity of the eye? It is submitted to you that it is at least a twofold consideration. First, it is pure way of looking at things. It is approaching what is observed without preconceived notions or questionable motives. For instance, some will look at a beggar at an intersection and think that he or she is a huckster trying to take advantage of the general public, while others will just see the need. Secondly, clarity (and purity) involve avoiding that which is detrimental to the relationship with God. An example of this is the all to ready access to pornographic and other immoral material via satellite, cable and the Internet. One need not even seek it in that it often shows up as spam in our email.
Beloved, we must, to the best of our ability, control what we take in through our eyes and other senses. Unrighteousness is as insidious as sugar ants that seem to somehow get in to your home and start showing up everywhere from the kitchen to the bedroom. It takes diligence and discipline to avoid that which is popularly accepted by the masses. Failure to do so desensitizes us and will ultimately lead to rationalizing behaviors that we previously would have considered just plain wrong.
Once our eyes become compromised, so does everything within us. We were once in darkness but shown the light. Should we return to that darkness, the shades are infinitely deeper and the effect of the light is significantly diminished, tragically at times, so much so that we do not allow our darkness to be overcome. Perhaps it is best said in the truncated lyrics of a famous children's song:
"Be careful little eyes what you see
Be careful little ears what you hear
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful..."
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Discipline of Godliness-DD 4/28/2011
"On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." 1 Tim 4:7-8
Today, seemingly more than at any other time in history, we are about self, conspicuous consumption and indulging as many desires as possible. We emulate those highly paid athletes, actors and entertainers who parade across our television screens and magazines in the latest fashions, most expensive cars and jewels and clothing that one percent of the population can afford.
Perhaps more to the point, we, in our daily lives, give in to all kinds of whims, be it substance or food abuse, law breaking (such as habitually exceeding posted speed limits), pornography and coarse language. To be sure, we are holy on Sunday, but during the rest of the week a different person can be readily seen.
Beloved, the apostle Paul once said, "All things are lawful for me but not all things are expedient." Though he most assuredly was not referring to sinful or illegal behavior, the point is made that everything that might be good to us is not good for us. In fact, we need to employ a great deal of discipline to avoid allowing ourselves to do and have things just because we can.
We are called to be a godly people. We must avoid the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life in order to maintain our friendship with God. Just as doing a little exercise and pushing back from the table some will help us lead healthier physical lives, avoiding that which leads to sin provides healthier spiritual lives. Failure to do so can have eternal consequences.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Today, seemingly more than at any other time in history, we are about self, conspicuous consumption and indulging as many desires as possible. We emulate those highly paid athletes, actors and entertainers who parade across our television screens and magazines in the latest fashions, most expensive cars and jewels and clothing that one percent of the population can afford.
Perhaps more to the point, we, in our daily lives, give in to all kinds of whims, be it substance or food abuse, law breaking (such as habitually exceeding posted speed limits), pornography and coarse language. To be sure, we are holy on Sunday, but during the rest of the week a different person can be readily seen.
Beloved, the apostle Paul once said, "All things are lawful for me but not all things are expedient." Though he most assuredly was not referring to sinful or illegal behavior, the point is made that everything that might be good to us is not good for us. In fact, we need to employ a great deal of discipline to avoid allowing ourselves to do and have things just because we can.
We are called to be a godly people. We must avoid the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life in order to maintain our friendship with God. Just as doing a little exercise and pushing back from the table some will help us lead healthier physical lives, avoiding that which leads to sin provides healthier spiritual lives. Failure to do so can have eternal consequences.
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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