Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 NASB
This passage of scripture brings us face to face with a pressing question. If I lost everything, if disaster struck my life, would God be enough?
It is easy to read these verses, and indeed many of us often do, and think to ourselves that yes, God is enough. We feel that our faith is strong, and that we are satisfied with Him. It is one thing to watch a man push some one in a cart across a tightrope stretched high above a canyon, and believe that he could get us across, but quite another thing to actually get into the cart.
Are we really content with God alone? Is He enough, is He all? In the hustle and bustle of life, in this age of instant gratification, is Christ enough, or are we clinging tightly to the material things of this earth? Could we say He was enough even if faced with the loss of a loved one? These are hard questions, but Christ must be all, if He is to be enthroned within our hearts.
Showing posts with label selfishness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label selfishness. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Stumbling Blocks.
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Woe unto the world because of offenses: for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh.
Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
Matthew 18:6-11 KJV
This is an often overlooked passage of scripture, but yet upon reading it, one is struck by the seriousness of these words of Jesus. We have a tremendous responsibility toward our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We dare not be careless or negligent in this matter, as we are indeed our brother's keeper.
In the greater context of this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples a lesson on humility. In response to their question of who is the greatest in the kingdom, Jesus teaches them that one must be humble, like a child, to be truly great (Matt 18:1-5).
The world runs on pride. Decisions are made based upon selfish interests. People in general do not really look out for the concerns and needs of those around them. This goes against what Jesus tells us when He says, "Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones." The Apostle Paul asked "But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother (Romans 14:10)?" This is the same thing; despising a brother, not caring about his feelings, concerns or needs, in relation to our own.
What is at issue here is the salvation, and spiritual well being of an individual. We have a solemn responsibility to take care that we do not do something that would cause another to stumble in their faith. The eyes of others are on us, and the things that we say and do, the things that we promote, and the way we live from day to day are noticed by others, and influence them for good, or bad.
Jesus urges us to take great pains with our lives so that we will not be the cause of stumbling for someone else. He uses the example of cutting off a hand or foot, or gouging out an eye, to show us that we must be radical, going to great extremes to ensure that our lives are above reproach before Him, and also before the world around us. This is a hard teaching for many today. We have our lifestyles to maintain, our "Christian liberty" to enjoy, and do not like the idea of having to look out for a "weaker" brother. Look at the example of Paul however. He would give up eating meat forever, if it would somehow cause another to stumble (1 Cor 8:13).
There are several passages of scripture that lay out this principle for us. They are as follows,
Romans 14:1-23
Romans 15:1-7
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
1 Corinthians 10:23-33
The point is, we as Christians are not to live for ourselves. We are to seek the well being of others. If this means that I might have to give up a little "Christian liberty", for the sake of someone who might not have that same liberty that I have, so be it. A lot of people are easily offended at the idea that a brother or sister might be stumbled by an activity that is seen by another as innocent. Many believe that their actions are between them and God alone, and no one else has the right to say anything about it. This is wrong however, according to what both Jesus, and the Apostle Paul teach in the scriptures. If your liberty leads someone into sin, it is wrong for you to flaunt that liberty around that person.
One example is that of clothing; what is modest, as opposed to immodest in dress. Many women dress in a way that seems ok to them, but it might be a little too revealing for someone else. Now if it causes someone to wrestle with lustful thoughts, there is a problem. If that brother gives way to the thoughts he wrestles with, he has now sinned.
The common reaction of many is that of contempt for the man wrestling with his thought life. They might say that they have a right to dress how they like; that it is between them and God, and their conscience does not convict them. They go on to blame the other person for his apparent lack of self control. This is wrong according to what the Bible teaches. If the way someone dresses is leading someone else into temptation or even sin, then that person has the responsibility to dress so as not to offend someone else. It does not matter if the other person is weaker, or lacks self control, or not. The fact is, the actions of one person, are leading to the spiritual downfall of another.
This principle can be applied to actions and situations of all kinds. We have a God given responsibility to look out for one another. If we determine that our actions might be a cause of offense to another, then whether we feel we are right or not, we must deny self, for the sake of a weaker brother.
Like I said, this is a hard teaching that many do not like. It involves humility, self denial, giving up things that we may have perfect liberty to be involved in, for the sake of someone who may not share the same convictions that we hold, or who is weaker, or struggles in certain areas of his or her life. We must determine that we will not place a stumbling block, or obstacle in a brother's way (Romans 14:13). This is walking in Christian love.
Woe unto the world because of offenses: for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh.
Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
Matthew 18:6-11 KJV
This is an often overlooked passage of scripture, but yet upon reading it, one is struck by the seriousness of these words of Jesus. We have a tremendous responsibility toward our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We dare not be careless or negligent in this matter, as we are indeed our brother's keeper.
In the greater context of this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples a lesson on humility. In response to their question of who is the greatest in the kingdom, Jesus teaches them that one must be humble, like a child, to be truly great (Matt 18:1-5).
The world runs on pride. Decisions are made based upon selfish interests. People in general do not really look out for the concerns and needs of those around them. This goes against what Jesus tells us when He says, "Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones." The Apostle Paul asked "But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother (Romans 14:10)?" This is the same thing; despising a brother, not caring about his feelings, concerns or needs, in relation to our own.
What is at issue here is the salvation, and spiritual well being of an individual. We have a solemn responsibility to take care that we do not do something that would cause another to stumble in their faith. The eyes of others are on us, and the things that we say and do, the things that we promote, and the way we live from day to day are noticed by others, and influence them for good, or bad.
Jesus urges us to take great pains with our lives so that we will not be the cause of stumbling for someone else. He uses the example of cutting off a hand or foot, or gouging out an eye, to show us that we must be radical, going to great extremes to ensure that our lives are above reproach before Him, and also before the world around us. This is a hard teaching for many today. We have our lifestyles to maintain, our "Christian liberty" to enjoy, and do not like the idea of having to look out for a "weaker" brother. Look at the example of Paul however. He would give up eating meat forever, if it would somehow cause another to stumble (1 Cor 8:13).
There are several passages of scripture that lay out this principle for us. They are as follows,
Romans 14:1-23
Romans 15:1-7
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
1 Corinthians 10:23-33
The point is, we as Christians are not to live for ourselves. We are to seek the well being of others. If this means that I might have to give up a little "Christian liberty", for the sake of someone who might not have that same liberty that I have, so be it. A lot of people are easily offended at the idea that a brother or sister might be stumbled by an activity that is seen by another as innocent. Many believe that their actions are between them and God alone, and no one else has the right to say anything about it. This is wrong however, according to what both Jesus, and the Apostle Paul teach in the scriptures. If your liberty leads someone into sin, it is wrong for you to flaunt that liberty around that person.
One example is that of clothing; what is modest, as opposed to immodest in dress. Many women dress in a way that seems ok to them, but it might be a little too revealing for someone else. Now if it causes someone to wrestle with lustful thoughts, there is a problem. If that brother gives way to the thoughts he wrestles with, he has now sinned.
The common reaction of many is that of contempt for the man wrestling with his thought life. They might say that they have a right to dress how they like; that it is between them and God, and their conscience does not convict them. They go on to blame the other person for his apparent lack of self control. This is wrong according to what the Bible teaches. If the way someone dresses is leading someone else into temptation or even sin, then that person has the responsibility to dress so as not to offend someone else. It does not matter if the other person is weaker, or lacks self control, or not. The fact is, the actions of one person, are leading to the spiritual downfall of another.
This principle can be applied to actions and situations of all kinds. We have a God given responsibility to look out for one another. If we determine that our actions might be a cause of offense to another, then whether we feel we are right or not, we must deny self, for the sake of a weaker brother.
Like I said, this is a hard teaching that many do not like. It involves humility, self denial, giving up things that we may have perfect liberty to be involved in, for the sake of someone who may not share the same convictions that we hold, or who is weaker, or struggles in certain areas of his or her life. We must determine that we will not place a stumbling block, or obstacle in a brother's way (Romans 14:13). This is walking in Christian love.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Where Is The Shame?
"Open shame belongs to us, O, Lord, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against you."
Daniel 9:9 NASB
We have been taught that shame is a bad thing; that we need to feel good about ourselves; we need to have high self esteem.
As a result, we now see individuals within the visible Church proudly living in sinful behavior. They have overcome any guilt and shame that they might have felt over their sin, and instead chosen to flaunt their wickedness.
We see so much acceptance of sin today. What was once understood as evil, is now openly embraced by many who would call themselves Christians. Things that were once disgraceful to even mention (Ephesians 5:12), are now common place. We can speak of these things without blushing in shame. It all has to do with feeling good about ourselves and others. Many believe that this is sharing the "love of Christ" with struggling individuals, but sadly the promotion of self esteem ultimately leaves us outside of the grace of God in Christ Jesus.
John tells us that if we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, if we say we have not sinned, we are saying that God is a liar, and His word is not in us (1 John 1:8, 10). This is what so many do today. They have chosen to throw away the shame associated with sin, they have hardened their hearts, and openly embraced their sin, as a lifestyle. In other words, people no longer consider sinful acts as sin, but instead excuse things as life choices, or being born a certain way, or going so far as to claim God made them that way. So many modern "Christians" claim liberty. They somehow believe that they have freedom in Christ to do the very things that separate them from Him. The gospel, to them, has liberated them from guilt, while they remain in sin. The very thing that should drive one to the cross of Christ in repentance and faith, has been cast off in the name of self esteem.
God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Those who openly flaunt their sinful lifestyles may feel no more guilt or shame, but yet their sin remains. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sin (1 John 1:9). To confess sin is to agree with God about our sin, and about ourselves. We agree that sin is offensive to God. We agree with Him, and take the responsibility for our actions. Yes, sin is shameful, and we should be ashamed of our sinful actions. True confession makes no excuses, and does not seek to justify our wicked behavior in any way. The truly humble sinner seeking grace, is willing to forsake his sin, because of the offense it causes God. That is his greatest shame; not the fact that he has done shameful things, but that he has grieved God.
God never intends for us to remain in guilt and shame. Yet, as a holy, and righteous God, He will never allow us to cast off our shame, and brazenly remain in our sin. He will free us from our guilt, and not only the guilt, but the power of sin, if we will give up, in humble submission to Him.
Daniel 9:9 NASB
We have been taught that shame is a bad thing; that we need to feel good about ourselves; we need to have high self esteem.
As a result, we now see individuals within the visible Church proudly living in sinful behavior. They have overcome any guilt and shame that they might have felt over their sin, and instead chosen to flaunt their wickedness.
We see so much acceptance of sin today. What was once understood as evil, is now openly embraced by many who would call themselves Christians. Things that were once disgraceful to even mention (Ephesians 5:12), are now common place. We can speak of these things without blushing in shame. It all has to do with feeling good about ourselves and others. Many believe that this is sharing the "love of Christ" with struggling individuals, but sadly the promotion of self esteem ultimately leaves us outside of the grace of God in Christ Jesus.
John tells us that if we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, if we say we have not sinned, we are saying that God is a liar, and His word is not in us (1 John 1:8, 10). This is what so many do today. They have chosen to throw away the shame associated with sin, they have hardened their hearts, and openly embraced their sin, as a lifestyle. In other words, people no longer consider sinful acts as sin, but instead excuse things as life choices, or being born a certain way, or going so far as to claim God made them that way. So many modern "Christians" claim liberty. They somehow believe that they have freedom in Christ to do the very things that separate them from Him. The gospel, to them, has liberated them from guilt, while they remain in sin. The very thing that should drive one to the cross of Christ in repentance and faith, has been cast off in the name of self esteem.
God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Those who openly flaunt their sinful lifestyles may feel no more guilt or shame, but yet their sin remains. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sin (1 John 1:9). To confess sin is to agree with God about our sin, and about ourselves. We agree that sin is offensive to God. We agree with Him, and take the responsibility for our actions. Yes, sin is shameful, and we should be ashamed of our sinful actions. True confession makes no excuses, and does not seek to justify our wicked behavior in any way. The truly humble sinner seeking grace, is willing to forsake his sin, because of the offense it causes God. That is his greatest shame; not the fact that he has done shameful things, but that he has grieved God.
God never intends for us to remain in guilt and shame. Yet, as a holy, and righteous God, He will never allow us to cast off our shame, and brazenly remain in our sin. He will free us from our guilt, and not only the guilt, but the power of sin, if we will give up, in humble submission to Him.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Selfishness or Love.
I have seen many people debating the issue of eternal security. While some are indeed honest seekers of truth, many appear to have selfish motives at heart.
Sadly many individuals who claim to be Christians seem to be interested in how much sin the can be involved in, and yet remain saved. This only shows that these individuals are selfish at heart. They have had a "legal" experience with Christ, but not one that has changed the ruling preference of the heart.
The individual who loves Christ is not concerned with how much he or she can get away with and not lose their salvation, they are concerned with staying as far away as they can from anything that would grieve the heart of the Savior, and bring reproach to His name.
The issue with them is not self, but devotion to Christ. Love is not self seeking (1 Cor 13:5), but chooses the highest interest of Christ for His sake
What kind of salvation do you have? A legal one that concerns itself with your own interests, or are you poured out for Christ?
Sadly many individuals who claim to be Christians seem to be interested in how much sin the can be involved in, and yet remain saved. This only shows that these individuals are selfish at heart. They have had a "legal" experience with Christ, but not one that has changed the ruling preference of the heart.
The individual who loves Christ is not concerned with how much he or she can get away with and not lose their salvation, they are concerned with staying as far away as they can from anything that would grieve the heart of the Savior, and bring reproach to His name.
The issue with them is not self, but devotion to Christ. Love is not self seeking (1 Cor 13:5), but chooses the highest interest of Christ for His sake
What kind of salvation do you have? A legal one that concerns itself with your own interests, or are you poured out for Christ?
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