In Light of the Truth

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.
John 16:13

Out of the blue, Mark said, “You know, Britt, some of the things I learned growing up don’t serve me well today.”
“What do you mean?” Britt asked.
“Well, some of what I learned was actually counterproductive and discriminatory in nature. Some of the things I did were unsavory. They were done in ignorance.”
“So how did you figure out what things no longer, as you put it, serve you well?” Britt asked.
“Well, through studying the Bible and spending time in prayer, God has opened my eyes by showing me that some things I once believed to be harmless were actually extremely destructive. He made me aware of the negative influence they had in my life and those around me.”
Britt was intrigued. “So what kind of things are you talking about?”
“Well, one example would be my habitual use of foul language. I could, as they say, swear like a sailor. But then I realized how terrible a witness profanity is and how it offends God when those words are spoken.”
Britt smiled and asked, “So how’d you stop swearing?”
“I no longer justified the behavior in light of the truth. I disciplined myself to pre-appraise my speech. It’s a retraining process that’s not always easy. But I've found that if I’m willing to change, God will equip me for the challenge.”

†

With few exceptions, our parents did the best they knew how when it came to raising us. In truth, many things we picked up on our own, without our parents’ knowledge. Had they known, they would have blistered our behinds!
As we mature, we come under new influence; our perceptions change. And although profanity is used in today’s scenario, the list of sin’s exposure to truth is broad-based. When we do things we shouldn't, we notice a catch in our spirit, a Holy Spirit alert.
Heeding God’s Spirit is always the correct course of action. However, we don’t always take the road less traveled. Just remember: the more we seek the truth, the more we discover.

Prayer

“Help me sort through what I believe and why I believe it. Show me what needs to go, and renew my mind to Your precepts. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Giving Our All

Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble.
1 Corinthians 10:31, 32

“How much longer are we gonna be here?” Jensen hated physical labor and wasn't hiding the fact he didn't enjoy being here. He’d been subjecting everyone to a steady monologue about “getting roped into this project.”
“I don’t enjoy comin’ to Hicksville doin’ work for somebody I don’t know, let alone doin’ it for free!”
He was deriding his church’s Resurrection! outreach program; they repaired homes in underprivileged neighborhoods.
Simon had listened to all the complaining he could take. “What’s your problem? This is a community service to show Christ’s love. If you didn't want to do it, why’d you sign up?” He was concerned that if Jensen continued complaining, the homeowner might hear them and take offense. “You may not get it, Jensen, but we enjoy doing this. We figure we’re on God’s clock, and it’s His choice to reward us. But that’s not why we do it.”
“So why do you?” Jensen asked with a true sense of sincerity.
“Because Jesus says we should help those less fortunate.” Simon put his hand on Jensen’s shoulder. “Look, man, this may not be your idea of working for the kingdom. If not, then find out what lights you up for Jesus and do it. But for today, could you just try to see the good in what we’re doing and commit yourself to the work?”
“I never thought about it like that,” Jensen responded. “Yeah, I can do that.” And with that, he went to work with a new perspective of why he was there.

†

Giving our all means serving without restraint. When we serve our fellowman, it is a service to God. And our attitude in regard to service speaks loud and clear.
Kingdom work is not meant to bring us glory. If we complain when we serve, even silently, then maybe we should examine our motives. Because if we serve with a chip on our shoulder, the world will know; and we will build a wall where a bridge is meant to be.

Prayer

“I sometimes fall short when it comes to serving without complaint, Lord. Help me build bridges instead of walls. In Jesus’ Name, amen. “

What’s the Difference?

Keep your servant from willful sins.
Psalm 19:13

“What’s the difference if I make a mistake once in a while?” Jean asked. “I mean, it’s not like I did it intentionally, you know … ” Her voice trailed off.
Her argument sounded good, but Carolann knew the truth. “You know as well as I do that it matters. And you know why. You knew that what you were doing was wrong, yet you chose to do it anyway. That’s a choice, not a mistake.”
She continued to correct Jean in love. “Making an honest mistake is one thing; blatant disregard for moral and ethical standards is another.”
Jean bristled at Carolann’s words. “I’m not perfect like some people I know!” she said, angry at having been rebuked when she’d shared the confidential information on her own. “I didn't have to tell you, ya know,” she insisted. “God’s not going to strike me down because I made one mistake,” she challenged defensively. “And I am better than I used to be.”
“No, He won’t. And yes, you are growing. But remember, God knows what’s in our heart when mistakes are made. More than that,” Carolann emphasized, “being a Christian means we’re supposed to look and act differently than the world. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Jean acknowledged. “If it’s any consolation, I didn't get any pleasure out of it anyway,” she admitted sheepishly.
“You asked, ‘What’s the difference?’ The difference is, when Jesus comes into our life, sin no longer has the same appeal. And once we begin to live for Christ, we begin to look and feel different.”

†

God’s instruction leads to life. Yet our moral consciousness is flawed and imperfect. This means we can sin without understanding it is sin. However, there are times we knowingly and willfully go against the nature and will of God—sins of commission.
Unless there is a change of heart, there will be no discernible difference in how we feel toward sin or look to the world. Giving our lives to Christ does not mean sin no longer exists in our lives. It means when we sin, convicting discomfort sets in, and we have another choice to make.

Prayer

“Father, show me the sin in my life. Give me a heart of discernment that I might not sin against You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Big, Mean Bully

The Lord disciplines those he loves.
Proverbs 3:12

As the story unfolded, the boys related how they’d found some “giant ant hills.” And, as boys do, they decided to rid the neighborhood of them. Having procured some gasoline and stick matches, they saturated the hills with gas, stood back, and threw a lighted match. The ensuing explosion sent embers flying in every direction, hence the large grass fire. Running to the nearest house, they had alerted the owner, who called 911.
As the fire trucks pulled away, Jamie, standing beside his father, asked, “Is God gonna punish me for startin’ that fire?”
Looking at his nine-year-old son, Luther wondered, Where do we get this picture of a big, mean God waiting to punish us?
He said, “No, Jamie, God is not going to punish you. But do you understand all three of you could have been badly burned or killed today? And you could have burned people’s homes to the ground.”
They walked a little farther, and Luther said, “God isn't going to punish you, Jamie. I, however, am. Because of your little escapade, you’re grounded for two weeks. No contact with Bruce or Stevie during that time. And you will call Mr. Breece to see if he wants you to help him clean up his property. Is that understood?”
“Yes. I’m sorry. We were just tryin’ to kill those ants was all.” He sounded so forlorn; Luther had to turn his head to keep Jamie from seeing his smile.

†

God is not a big, mean bully, arbitrarily punishing us for our mistakes. He does, however, discipline those He calls sons and daughters. I've not met a loving father who didn't reprimand his children when they've done wrong.
Like Luther with Jamie, God disciplines us to keep us from harming others or ourselves. His discipline is not indiscriminate or ambiguous. It is intended to teach us how to eliminate unnecessary trouble from our lives.
To do that, God first instructs us; when instruction fails, He is forced to gain our attention with love-driven discipline.
Rebellion and mistakes have consequences. Most, if not all, could be avoided by heeding our Father’s instruction.

Prayer

“Father God, teach me to listen to Your instruction. Discipline me for my own sake when I’m rebellious. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

More Than Just A Chance

…it is appointed unto men once to die,

Hebrews 9:27 KJV

Trying to assimilate the doctor’s devastating diagnosis of stage-4 colon, Jeremy had decided to speak to his pastor. Pastor Raymond Miller listened as his long-time parishioner and friend shared how he felt about it, “I never seriously thought about dying, Ray. I always figured I’d live forever.” After a pause he added, “Or that Jesus would Rapture me and the Church first.” 

Jeremy spoke candidly, comfortable with this man, “I know what the Bible says, Ray. You know…the part about our appointment with death.”    

Ray remained silent, knowing Jeremy would work his way through this.  

“But now…” Jeremy picked back up, making an attempt at levity, “now there’s a chance I’m actually going to die!” Jeremy went silent; his crooked smile belied his true feelings.

Ray broke the silence, “Jeremy, you said that you might die from this cancer…and that’s one possibility. The truth is—that short of the Rapture—we must all face death. It’s more than just a chance, as you jokingly said, it’s a fact. But it’s also an opportunity…an opportunity to lean on God instead of trying to navigate life in our own strength. Jeremy, God wants you to be rightly-related to Him, not just saved…and to fight for life until the day He takes you home, no matter when that is.”   

†

The human mind is wonder-filled. The scope of its full potential is unfathomable, yet it is equipped with a tremendous capacity for denial where death is involved.

Not many of us really contemplate our own death. We watch those we know and love face it, but for some reason we don’t really believe it will happen to us any time soon; if ever.

Each of us is on a collision course with death. It is imminent. We are literally unable to cheat it. With such knowledge, how can we allow our salvation and/or sanctification to remain in limbo, hanging on to the chance that our death won’t occur today?

Being rightly-related means moving toward our goal, not holding it at arms length.     

Prayer

“Draw me ever closer, Lord Jesus. My mind wants to deny the truth that death is more than just a chance. Help me live like I might just see Your face today. Amen.”

Self-Imposed Ignorance

Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets.
Luke 11:50

“Did you hear about the Reager boy?” Janet asked but didn't pause long enough to allow Tom time to answer. “Kali told me he missed school this week because his father beat him, and he doesn't want anyone to see the marks.”
“Janet, I swear. You listen to too much gossip,” Tom said. “I can’t believe George would lay a hand on his kids.” What he was actually thinking was, I’m not about to get involved in some other family’s affairs. It’s none of our business as far as I’m concerned.
But Janet didn't let it go. “Tom Sherman! I can’t believe you’d ignore this to keep from getting involved. Shame on you!”
“What proof do you have anyway? Where did Kali hear about it?” he said defensively. “And even if it’s true, what are we supposed to do?” he demanded. “That’s a job for children’s services or the police.”
“If they don’t know about it, they can’t do anything!” Janet said adamantly.
“So why do we have to be the ones to tell them?” he argued.
“Because we’re the ones who know,” she said quietly.
In that final statement, Tom knew she was right and decided that to do nothing was to allow it to continue. He picked up the phone and dialed children’s services.

†

Self-imposed ignorance is a form of denial. If denial lasts long enough, great tragedy will occur.
In the 1940s, the Germans heard rumors of evil being committed in their midst, yet they refused to investigate for themselves in order to remain ignorant and therefore not responsible to take action. At the end of the war, Allied troops marched German citizens through concentration camps and also forced them to look upon mass graves in hopes that they would never again allow ignorance to perpetuate evil.
In today’s text, God assigned blame for the blood of the prophets on those who turned a blind eye to brutality and murder.
Self-imposed ignorance is no excuse. We are responsible for the knowledge we possess, and we can only claim ignorance once. Once enlightened, we have a responsibility to take action.

Prayer

“Lord, cause me to do what is right when I become aware of wrong. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Inconsequential

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered … you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:30, 31

Bethany was fourteen when she tried to take her own life. She saw herself as a disappointment and felt she had no choice but to end her life by hanging herself from the rafters in the garage. Divine intervention brought her brother to the garage at the very moment she stepped off the chair. Grabbing her around the legs, he stepped onto the chair and supported her with one hand while removing the rope with the other.
Bethany later admitted that she felt inconsequential and unsuccessful—neither of which was true—and saw everything through a pass or fail lens; in her mind, there had been no room for error.
Her parents were shocked and horrified to learn their youngest daughter had thought of herself as a failure or that she believed death was the answer.

†

We no longer allow our children to be average. And because of this mind-set, our children are choosing to end their lives because they don’t measure up in their own eyes.
Teen suicide is a growing epidemic and in large part is a result of being subjected to irrational ideals that create irreconcilable dilemmas teens are neither emotionally nor spiritually mature enough to handle.
Irreconcilable dilemmas create depression that, if unrecognized, causes excessive withdrawal and isolation. These symptoms can be misunderstood as a need for personal space. Quiet withdrawal is not always a downtime thing needed to regroup.
Bethany eventually learned that self-imposed, irrational expectations could overwhelm anyone. No one person is capable of carrying the weight of such demands.
Christian counseling brought Bethany to a place where her overwhelming sense of a need to succeed no longer overshadowed rational thought.
We must not fail to recognize signs of depression. They can be as subtle as they are destructive. There are abundant resources available; Christian psychiatry can be beneficial; the local library and online medical sites have a wealth of information.
But as valuable as these are, God’s Word is priceless. Our children must know they matter. And we must not fail to tell them.

Prayer

“Lord, save our children from the lie of inconsequence. Help us end this epidemic by revealing Your great love for them through those who know the truth. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”