Purpose

This blog focuses on the quest to know and please God in a constantly increasing way. The upward journey never ends. My prayer is that this blog will reflect a heart that seeks God and that it will encourage others who share the same heart desire.

Saturday, January 26, 2019

On-fire Christianity

How extreme should Christians be? How thoroughly should their Christianity influence their lives? Is merely being a Christian sufficient, or should it go deeper than that?

One might even ask whether the concept of dedicated, lifestyle-influencing Christianity is a modern concept that holier-than-thou's came up with to make themselves look better. Did some people get bored with normal Christianity and invent strict standards so that Christianity wouldn't become nominal and stagnant? Were the people in earlier time periods of history, including during Biblical times, less fanatical? Were they merely ordinary believers, just like should be appropriate today?

In Psalm 101, David shares a powerful resolve for godly living. He presents a belief in God that affects his life to an incredible degree. His theme statement is found in verse 2: "I will give heed to the blameless way." This is something David intended to pay close attention to and earnestly devote himself toward. He wasn't just trying to slide by or do the minimum; he wanted his life to be characterized by blamelessness. What did David say that would look like for him?

Integrity starts at home.
"I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart" (v. 2). David's faith wasn't merely an external display to be seen by those in public. This was not about impressing others. David intended for his private life to display integrity. When he was alone or with his family, he wanted to consistently do what was right. He wanted to walk that way, making it a habit.

The eyes must be guarded.
"I will set no worthless thing before my eyes" (v. 3). David was not going to waste his limited time on earth by pursuing things that did not matter. He wasn't going to enjoy the vain and worthless input, influence, or entertainment of his day. When he looked at and considered something, he wanted it to be something with value and meaning.

Godless influences must be shunned.
"I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not fasten its grip on me" (v. 3). David saw people around him who had stopped following God. There was a way such people lived and a type of work they accomplished. David doesn't share details about those works, but they were not worthwhile or God-honoring. David hated such sinful and self-serving practices and determined not to be caught up in them.

A holy life comes from a pure heart.
"A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know no evil" (v. 4). These statements are very much internal. While David wanted to do the right things externally, he knew that right actions came from a right heart and a right mind. David purposed not to allow perversion or evil to influence him internally, knowing this would lead to wrong actions.

Godliness requires separation from the wicked.
"Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; no one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure" (v. 5). David, as a leader and king, had some responsibility to judge the wicked. The application for modern Christians is not to destroy people, but to recognize associations that are detrimental. David wanted to distance himself from proud people who despised others around them. Not only would this protect David from developing such attitudes himself, but it would also spare him the empty association with those proud people who would likely turn on him also.

Godly friends are essential.
"My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me" (v. 6). When David chose people to be near to him, to live with him, and to influence him, he chose the faithful. He chose those who continued following God. It was these righteous people that David most longed to be with.

Genuine help comes from godly sources.
"He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me" (v. 6). When David chose those who would help and advise him, he didn't choose the most powerful or the most popular. He didn't choose those who would be able to do the most for him. He chose those who followed God and righteousness. Only with such people could he be sure that the help he received would actually be beneficial and worthwhile.

Honesty is highly valued.
"He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; he who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me" (v. 7). Both in his close acquaintances and in his advisors, David valued honesty. This had to have been linked to his own personal devotion to honesty. Both living the truth and speaking the truth mattered.

Public evil is to be opposed.
"Every morning I will destroy all the wicked of the land, so as to cut off from the city of the LORD all those who do iniquity" (v. 8). David desired good for his nation, and he knew there were people who were working to accomplish the opposite. David regularly and consistently stood up against such evil and did what was within his power to stop those wicked practices.

David's belief in God was far deeper than a mere mental assent or a nominal association. It was more than empty ritual or habit-prompted words. David was deeply dedicated to following God, and he knew that such a decision would impact his entire life. In his heart, in his thoughts, in his behavior, in his intake, in his home, in his friends, in his advisors, and in his society David consistently strove to reflect the relationship with God that was paramount in his life.

Being a true Christian is more than just a one-time decision. It is more than saying the right words. It is more than following a prescribed set of actions. Christianity with integrity and conviction impacts every day and every area of life. A Christian is a new creature, and that new nature is readily evident.

Saturday, January 19, 2019

Just Listen

The path of life provides many opportunities for someone to turn aside or simply stop moving forward. Psalm 81 offers a powerful commentary on this concept, as it recalls God's dealings with Israel as time moved forward and as His people made choices.

When the people of Israel were enslaved in Egypt, God heard their cry, and He delivered them. "I relieved his shoulder of the burden, his hands were freed from the basket. You called in trouble and I rescued you" (vs. 6-7).

God intended to give the same type of deliverance and blessing over and over again. Early in Israel's pilgrimage, God tested the people to see how they would respond. At Meribah they had no water to drink. Their response was to grumble against Moses and complain that they were going to die (Exodus 17:1-7). Psalm 95:9 tells the same story: "When your fathers tested Me, they tried Me, though they had seen My work." Instead of remembering God's past work and responding in faith, they provoked God. Nevertheless, God recounted, "I answered you in the hiding place of thunder; I proved you at the waters of Meribah" (Psalm 81:7). He provided water for them.

God wanted His people to trust and follow Him. Through what God had done for them, they ought to have learned that they could listen to Him and follow His guidance. In fact, listening is exactly what Psalm 81 focuses on. "Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you; O Israel, if you would listen to Me!" (v. 8). "But My people did not listen to My voice" (v. 11). "Oh that My people would listen to Me" (v. 13).

Listening to and obeying a God who had faithfully shown His powerful provision and care should have been automatic and unquestioning. Sadly, Israel did not listen. "But My people did not listen to My voice, and Israel did not obey Me" (v. 11). Israel did have times of revival, but over and over again they ignored God's commands and rejected His warnings. They chose to walk their own path. Because of their obstinacy and rebellion, God allowed them to proceed down the path they had chosen. "So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart, to walk in their own devices" (v. 12).

Unfortunately, choosing their own path meant that they also received the consequences connected to that path. Man doesn't choose very well on his own. "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 16:25). Following the path of fleshly lusts and selfish choices never ends well. "Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death" (James 1:15).

Israel suffered much because they refused to listen to God and because they walked in the way they chose instead of the way God chose. Their refusal to listen led to their destruction. Perhaps the saddest part of this story is the realization of what could have been. The contrast between man's path and God's path isn't merely a difference between okay and good or between adequate and pleasant. The contrast instead is complete disaster versus abundant blessing.

God wanted to do so much for Israel if they would listen to Him and walk the path of His choosing. God would have subdued their enemies and opposed their adversaries (v. 14). Instead, those enemies regularly enjoyed victory over Israel, taking tribute from them, taking their people as slaves, and eventually taking the entire nation into captivity. What a contrast with the peace and victory God wanted to give.

God wanted to give abundant blessing. "Open your mouth wide and I will fill it" (v. 10). "But I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you" (v. 16). If they had listened to God and walked His path, they could have had more blessings than they could have taken in. They could have been satisfied with the very best. Instead, Israel faced famines and deprivation. At times they resorted to eating animal dung and even their own children - when they could have had honey and the finest wheat!

The consequences of not listening to God and of walking one's own path are significant indeed. God knew the consequences that would result, and He pled with His people. "O Israel, if you would listen!" "Oh that My people would listen!" God gave them opportunity after opportunity to come back, but they continually rejected Him.

God's desires, pleadings, and intentions for His people are the same today. He still longs for people to listen to Him and walk in His paths. He still knows the contrast that exists in terms of the consequences of man's choices. He still pleads with people to follow Him.

What did God ask of Israel? "Let there be no strange god among you; nor shall you worship any foreign god. I, the LORD, am your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt" (vs. 9-10). God wanted Israel to follow Him alone and not any false gods. That simple expectation is the same today. God wants people to follow Him alone. Not caught up with the lusts of the eyes, the lusts of the flesh, and the pride of life - not pursuing a lifestyle designed to bring pleasure - but devoted to God and faithful to Him.

God's expectation is not unreasonable. After all, He is the powerful and loving God who provided the means of salvation. He is the One who rescued believers. Not only that, the consequences of walking one's own path are so dire, and the results of walking God's path are so wonderful. How sad it is when God allows someone to walk the path he has chosen for himself, thereby reaping all the accompanying consequences. What blessing is available for simply listening to Him!

Saturday, January 12, 2019

Jesus My Friend

"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!" "I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend! He loved me ere I knew Him." "Jesus! What a friend for sinners! Jesus! Lover of my soul." "A friend I have called Jesus, whose love is strong and true." "I'm so glad I learned to trust Thee, precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; and I know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end."

These words are from just some of the hymns that refer to Jesus as a friend. It is comforting to think of Jesus in that way, but is it truly valid or appropriate to call Jesus a friend? After all, He is God. Is the term friend too familiar?

Part of the answer can be found in knowing how friends interact. Friends do things for each other. Friends talk to each other. Friends give advice to each other. Friends share hospitality with each other. Friends protect each other. Friends pray for each other. Friends comfort each other. Friends rejoice together. Friends are interested in one other. Each of these aspects of friendship is revealed in both the Bible (through examples and instruction) and in human observation.

Does Jesus (or God the Father, for that matter) fit these characteristics for a believer? Absolutely. In fact, Jesus is the very best example in every case. These characteristics do require a deeper understanding, however. Technically, an enemy or an impartial bystander could do some of these things. Friendship, however, implies love and care as the basis for these actions. Again, Jesus stands out as exemplary. All His actions and interactions are based in love. When Jesus does something or gives advice or protects or comforts, His actions stem from a heart of overflowing love.

While examination of these characteristics support the fact that Jesus can legitimately be called a friend, there is even greater support. Jesus Himself claimed that role, as did God the Father. God was a friend to Abraham. Referring back to II Chronicles 20:7 and/or Isaiah 41:8, James 2:23 states, "Abraham believed God ... and he was called the friend of God." Moses was also identified in this way. "Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend" (Exodus 33:11).

Amazingly, Jesus even called Judas "friend" in Matthew 26:50, although the Greek word used refers merely to a comrade or clansman. Jesus used a much stronger word to address others around Him. The Greek word used elsewhere by Jesus refers to a dear friend, associate, or neighbor; it implies fondness. Jesus used this word regarding sinners, acknowledging that He was accused of being "a friend of tax collectors and sinners" (Matthew 11:19, Luke 7:34). Jesus was a friend even to those who rejected His friendship.

Jesus chose that same strong word regarding His relationship with His disciples. He used it in direct address as He encouraged His disciples in Luke 12:4. He used the word to identify Lazarus in John 11:11. Most notably, in His love-filled and love-prompted last discourse to His disciples, Jesus used this word deliberately. "You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you" (John 15:14-15). In the same discourse He declared Himself to be their greatest friend. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).

Indeed, Jesus is a friend to sinners and to Christians in particular. He proves His friendship through His actions, His character, and His words. Jesus wants Christians to be His friends, and they show the depth of their friendship to Him by how willing they are to follow His commandments. The friendship and fellowship between God and Christians are sweetest when they "walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light" (I John 1:7). "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3). When a Christian's agenda, desires, and ambitions are in opposition to God's, the friendship is on rough terrain.

It should be the Christian's goal throughout life to grow in his friendship with God. He should want the walk to be ever closer and the fellowship ever sweeter. He should want to grow to know and appreciate this great Friend more and more as time goes by. The words of this song ought to be true: "Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. Every day with Jesus I love Him more and more."

Do those who hesitate to call Jesus the familiar term friend have a point? Yes, there is clearly an element of Christianity that wants to view everything as friendship, love, forgiveness, and liberty. They might use rhetoric like, "As long as I love God and He loves me, everything is okay." In actuality, this is a failure to recognize what love and friendship demand. The deeper picture, however, is that in general people focus either on God's love or on His holiness. There are some who have so clung to God's love that His holiness has no impact on their lives. This is a danger and an error.

There are also some whose background has instructed them very well in the holiness of God, but has failed miserably in teaching the love of God. These people also face danger and error, as they view God as impersonal and harsh. They need to learn that God is their friend, and they need to grow in that friendship. The love and friendship are what make service and godly living meaningful. They are what cause Christianity to be alive and willingly embraced, as something to be joyful about. God is a friend whose friendship requires harmony and obedience. 

Saturday, January 5, 2019

Resolutions: Failure and Success

An estimated 40% of Americans make New Year's resolutions. 25% fail the first week. By six months, fewer than half continue, and ultimately only 8% succeed. However, those who make resolutions are ten times more likely to achieve desired results over those who don't make resolutions (various sources, especially University of Scranton study).

While I found this data interesting, I related it mostly to spiritual resolutions. Whether at the beginning of the year or otherwise, many Christians determine to read their Bibles more, pray more, memorize verses, witness more, draw closer to God, and similar heart-felt desires. Many battle discouragement as they struggle to meet those goals. My pondering of this struggle prompted four conclusions.

First, it's good to have spiritual goals. Even worldly research reveals that someone who sets a goal is far more likely to succeed than one who doesn't create an objective. Christian growth doesn't happen by accident, nor is it achieved by some nebulous, mysterious power. Christians cannot be apathetic or content just to float along and hope (or assume) their level of Christianity is good enough.

Hannah promised that if God would give her a son, she would "give him to the LORD all the days of his life" (I Samuel 1:11). David resolved, "I will set no worthless thing before my eyes" (Psalm 101:3). "Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank" (Daniel 1:8). Jonah determined, "I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay" (Jonah 2:9). Many Bible characters set goals of what they wanted to do or be for God.

Second, specific goals are not the ultimate end. Christians and non-Christians alike have been disillusioned or alienated by a strict emphasis on required objectives. Actions and accomplishments have been wrongly promoted as definitive evidences of godliness. Reading through the Bible in six months doesn't automatically indicate greater spirituality than doing so in a year. Passing out twenty tracts a week doesn't necessarily guarantee spiritual depth. Memorizing hundreds of verses is not an assurance of godliness.

While specific goals like these may be helpful, they should be acknowledged as tools for reaching a greater goal. The Christian's ultimate goal is "that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ" (I Peter 4:11). "Whatever, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:31). A devoted Christian wants to "attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). Reading the Bible, memorizing verses, and so on cannot be viewed as the symbols of success; they must be kept in perspective. These individual objectives can be instrumental in achieving the ultimate goal of looking like Christ, but they cannot be established as reasons to glory in the achievement.

Third, failure is not permanent. New Year's resolutions can be very defeating, because they carry the requirement that someone begin a project on January 1 and continue with no lapses until December 31. That is tough to do. Although God calls His children to holiness, He knows that perfection will not happen until heaven. Furthermore, maturity is a process that will encounter disappointments along the way. The very ideas of growth and maturity assume that the ultimate product will not be reached until the end; the entire journey, therefore, will be marked by varying levels of imperfection. No one who fails has to wait until the next January to begin again. He can start over any time. Every failure can be followed by a fresh start, and each hiccup can lead to an opportunity to mature even more in the next attempt.

God is doing His work in believers, but it does not happen overnight. "I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit" (II Corinthians 3:18). "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day" (II Corinthians 4:16). "We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him as He is" (I John 3:2).

Fourth, God's help is available. Most people view New Year's resolutions as exercises in self-determination. They decide to do something and then work to achieve it. And they fail more often than not. Especially when it comes to the spiritual arena, there are things that man cannot do on his own. No amount of determination or willpower will be enough. Spiritual maturity is a spiritual work accomplished by God. It is certainly God's desire for Christians to mature. When they ask for His help, therefore, He will give it. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

Interestingly, God knows the best methods. A person might think the method is to read His Bible in a year and memorize a verse per week. God might send a fiery trial that will accomplish far more. God answers the desire of the heart - to be like Christ - perhaps not by facilitating 100% success in the smaller objectives, but by sending the right input to advance the greater objective. "Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:3-4).

Press forward with your goals, esteeming godly maturity as paramount to any specific objective, starting over when you fall, and relying on God's help and methods.