What a Privilege

Just as the men of Judah obeyed the will of God by rebuilding the city of Jerusalem, as recorded for us in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, I had the privilege of helping someone rebuild their life in Christ this morning.  Unlike the second temple, in this case the new construction is much more glorious than what previously existed and the walls will be strong and the center of worship perfect in every way.  This morning a man I have known, through my wife, for a number of years accepted Christ as his Savior in a coffee shop in Milwaukee and as we prayed I was probably more excited than he, because I know what is in store for him.  He will enjoy a peace and joy like no other he has ever known and I have the privilege of accompanying him as he discovers what God has in store for his life.

When I got home I told my wife about it and we both welled up at the thought of how powerful God is and that He is willing and anxious to share His power with anyone who will call on the name of Christ for their salvation.  How unlike the world we live in where power is everything and is seen as the vehicle to gain wealth and influence and as such, hoarded and protected at the expense of anyone and everything.  Yet in God’s economy, the Spirit of God is shared freely among all and is given to us, without first being earned or any required sacrifice on our part.  Oh, there was a sacrifice, but it was made by God and fulfilled by his Son’s crucifixion, so that we might enjoy the peace and joy that only comes through Him.

Have you ever shared the Gospel of Christ with someone?  As I told my friend this morning when he thanked me, “Hey, I’m just doing my job.”  He replied, “I suppose it it’s my job now, too.”  There is no greater gift you can give another human being than to share the “Good News” of Christ with them.  It’s the only thing I can think of that is infinitely precious, yet when I give it away, I am richer for having done so.  There have been thousands of books written on the subject of how to tell others the good news and I don’t have a problem with any of them. But I prefer what my pastor once told me, “Just tell them about Jesus.”  There is no wrong way or better way, only one way and that’s telling others about what Jesus did for you.  That’s all you need to know and say.

Tool #290  Jesus’ final instruction to the eleven disciples as recorded for us in Mark 16:15 was, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”  That is our instruction as well.

Compromise or Conviction?

With all that is going on our nation’s capitol these days its hard not hear something about whether to stand firm, based on conviction or be willing to compromise.  To be sure, both sides of the political spectrum are trying to look as if they are the ones being reasonable and it is their opponents who are being overly rigid and uncompromising.  In Nehemiah, chapter six, we find a similar scenario playing out between Nehemiah and those attempting to thwart the rebuilding of the protective walls and gates around Jerusalem.  On no less than four occasions, the enemies of Judah tried to set a meeting with Nehemiah to discuss their differences, claiming they just wanted negotiate a settlement.  This was of course before the gates had been set and entry into Jerusalem restricted.  Each time Nehemiah refused, knowing that their real intent was to draw him out into the open and murder him.  The fifth time, Judah’s enemies tried a different but equally deceptive plan.  They hired a false prophet to spread the word, in God’s name presumably, that Nehemiah would be killed on a specific night in order to frighten him into leaving the city and go into hiding. No level of intimidation or threats would deter Nehemiah from doing what God had sent him to do and instead of running; he stood his ground and prayed to God for justice to be done.  Nehemiah did not pray for protection because he knew that he was doing God’s will and that whatever may befall him, it was in God’s hands.

There is an inevitable tension that often comes into play when a husband or wife believes they are right and are asked to compromise their convictions by their spouse in order to reestablish peace in the relationship.  Unlike the account in Nehemiah, one or both parties usually are not trying to trick the other into accepting a compromise that will do them harm, at least not physical harm.  But there are at least two things in play, for sure.  The first is that both believe they are right and the second is that, as it stands, one will be the winner and the other the loser. A real compromise, however, is for the purpose of accomplishing a greater good and if successful, there will be no losers.  Both sides win because the greater good has been served.

Probably the most common examples of such compromises are when a couple decides that divorce is their best option.  Agreements on property and children are reached, both out a sense of fairness and for the greater good, namely the children.  In this example, there is nothing good that is accomplished in God’s eyes, but it is considered making the best of a bad situation.  But as every married couple knows, most disagreements are not so black and white that either party can honestly say that they are right and their spouse is wrong.  These are the situations that compromise can be a valuable tool in seeking peace.  Both parties should eagerly try to be the first to make such an offer and the result can be very rewarding for both.

The more difficult situation is when one or both parties is trying to protect or covet a known sin, by promising to abandon it if the other party agrees to accept it for a brief period of time.  For example, many alcoholics say that, “I will stop drinking, but not until I can get beyond my bigger problem.”  It’s the old, “the devil makes me do it,” defense.  Another serious one is, “I’ll stop seeing her, but I have to be sensitive to her feelings and needs as well.  Two wrongs don’t make a right, but I promise I’ll cut it off as soon as I can.”  There is no such thing as compromise when it comes to sin, because it only leads in one direction, death and destruction. Now I know that these are extreme examples, or are they?

In Romans, chapter six, Paul uses an analogy to slavery when describing the “sin condition”. We were slaves to sin before coming to Christ and unable to do anything righteous in God’s eyes and that our sin, once revealed, will necessarily lead to our feeling ashamed. Paul finishes with two very strong statements, the first being, “Those things (sinful behavior) lead to death!”  The second is, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God brings eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Our “wages” are what we have earned through our own efforts, so we are being fairly compensated.  When we accept Christ and His lordship, our paycheck is an eternity of peace and joy in the very presence of God.  All sin, no matter what its earthly consequences condemns us to death and by contrast, faith no matter how mature, if it is in Christ leads to eternal life.  If we choose to accept sin, if only for a time, and not stand by our convictions, then we should also expect to share in the shame that comes with it.

For this reason there can be no compromise with sin, no accommodation or a temporary turning a blind eye to a condition that is fatal.  If you love each other, you will love your husband of wife enough to tell them the truth and accept no less, not for your sake but for theirs.  Paul finishes by saying, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”  Romans 6:19-23  

Tool #288  Love your husband or wife enough not to compromise on those things that can only lead to their destruction.

Weariness

Weariness is one of those things that sometimes is difficult to describe or even explain why you feel the way you do. You most likely are not actually physically tired, like the feeling you get after a good workout or doing something with vigor that you really enjoy.  All you know is that you’re worn-out, out of patience and short on tolerance.  Whatever enthusiasm you once had, for life and its demands, has become irksome and tedious at best.  Months or even years before, if someone had asked you if you would ever tire of chasing after your children, supporting you husband or wife, or doing those things you seemingly love, for those you love, the answer would have been, “of course not!”  But that was then, and this is now.  Sound familiar?

One of the more curious things about weariness is that it frequently strikes when we are earnestly trying to do everything right and meet the demands we feel our spouse, family and God expects. Yet, the apostle Paul tells us in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Well, when weariness sets in, all you want to say to Paul is, “So where’s the harvest?”  The fact is that we can grow weary from too much of a positive thing, too much of a negative thing or just too much of anything, good or bad. Perhaps this was the problem for the people of Judah when they complained, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall (Nehemiah 4:10).”  Continuing to clear, build and face the dangers that seemed to appear around every corner, was just too much and all they wanted to hear was, OK you can stop.  But then what…what would happen then?  Sound familiar?

It’s easy to say, “Be selfless” or “don’t you know it’s not about you.” It may be the truth, but when you have reached the point where weariness has become an immobilizing force, about all you can do is say, “it is about me this time.” One of the things that really irked me, years ago when our children were young, was when I got home from work I would often walk into a house with toys on the floor, the kids either tired and cranky or worse, be asked to speak to my sons about something they had been disciplined for earlier in the day.  What I wanted to say was, “Can’t you see that I’m beat and need a little peace and quiet. I’ve had just about all I can take!”  There was no question that I was weary, my wife Cindy was weary and I’m sure we said and thought things that neither of us is proud of.  The writer to the Hebrews in chapter 12, verse 3, writes, “Consider him (Jesus) who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  It’s OK to grow weary, sometimes it’s just unavoidable and the result of hard work with little or no apparent appreciation, but it’s not OK to “lose heart” and quit.

So what does it mean to lose heart?  The best example I can think of is when what was once a warm and caring relationship between a husband and wife grows cold.  It’s when all the shouting and fighting, attacks and counter attacks, accusations and denials are over and you realize it is quiet and that what was once something beautiful is now nothing, nothing at all.  This is where weariness can lead and where every husband and wife must pledge, to each other and to God, not to allow into their relationship. To grow weary and lose heart must be kept on the other side of the wall, with the gates secured.  Satan will try to get you to open them, but don’t listen to his lies and deceptions.

So, in a practical sense, what can we do to prevent it?  The first thing is to go to God in prayer and ask for the power and wisdom of God, available to you through His Holy Spirit.  Second, go to your spouse and be honest, ask for help and their understanding.  Tell them that you’re not looking for sympathy or even compliments, just a helping hand.  God created Eve because Adam couldn’t handle it by himself, none of us can.  We need one another and we need God, it’s just that simple.  There are two words, if said with sincerity and genuine appreciation can make weariness seem less a burden and more just the result of a hard days work; much like a workout, that makes you tired but you feel good when you’re finished.  Those two words are thank you.

Tool #287  Say thank you to God, even when it seems you have little to be thankful for; and say thank you to your husband or wife, everyday.

Hubris or Humility

What started as ridicule, by those opposed to the rebuilding of the city walls and gates surrounding Jerusalem, escalated into a plot for a full-scale assault against the city.  Nehemiah didn’t have an army to defend the city and the walls and gates were barely half the height required to provide any measure of security.  All he had was a rag-tag group of ordinary citizens that were, with all their might, trying to accomplish what no one thought could be done, except perhaps their leader, Nehemiah and those closest to him.  What they did have was Almighty God’s favor and His will that the project be completed.  Yet, the wrath of Israel’s enemies was an ever-present reality and the terror that they sought to impose, led to discouragement and fear among the workers and their families (4:10-23).

How many husbands and wives wake-up every morning, nearly immobilized by fear because nothing has changed since they last closed their eyes only a few hours before?  The morning light has only brought them deeper into despair and discouragement because once again they can see their enemy and it is as ominous and frightening as it was before.  They ask themselves, how did they get through the gates in the first place?  I remember when I first saw them, they seemed insignificant, a mere amusement or distraction at worst.  But now they terrorize me day and night…how do I get them outside the gate, slam the door in their face and lock it securely from the inside?

Who is this enemy, what is this terror that so many face in the morning light?  It goes by any number of names, alcohol, drugs, illicit sex, violence, fraud, anger, greed, and the list goes on and on.  How did it get in?  You let it in!!!  Sure it seemed harmless at the time and when you sensed that something was wrong, but you said, “It’s not my fault…it’s his, hers or theirs.”  But it’s not, and until you own it, it will own you. Owning it is called confession and it is the first step in finding your way back to the gate, so that you can quickly and completely dispatch the terror of sin, which has so completely entangled you.  Once confessed, you must commit to never again allow it back in the door, not for a moment and not for any reason.  This is called repentance and once you have made the commitment, you have no more to fear for your victory is complete and your security is won.

The one sin that plagued Israel, generation after generation, was pride and it was the product of their calling.  Not that it was God’s intent or plan for them to be a prideful people, but God did call Israel to be His people, special and set aside for His glory and for His purposes, above all other people and nations.  They were a small and insignificant nation, in terms of earthly resources, but that’s what made them perfect in God’s eyes. Their insignificance would allow God’s power and glory to shine through, so that all people and nations might come to worship Him and enjoy His blessing. But like their unbelieving neighbors, it would be pride that would get in the way of their witness and lead them into crisis, time after time.

In our modern culture, the negative implications of human pride have almost disappeared and are often linked with self-esteem. Pride is almost always seen as something positive, such as having pride in a child’s accomplishments or when it is used with reference to a victorious team or individual athlete.  Is this wrong and contrary to God’s teaching, should I not feel pride when my son or daughter is recognized for their accomplishments?

Words do change in meaning and application over time and from one language to another within the same era.  Changes in meaning are typically gradual and driven by changes in culture and at times the belief systems of people groups.  The way we use the word pride has changed over time and dramatically since the writing of the bible.  Invariably, it is used in reference to sin in the bible and is akin to the word hybris or hubris. Other words that are synonymous with sinful pride are haughtiness and arrogance.  For example, a leader or someone in a position of power may have a false or unrealistic view of their own their own competence and abilities. They think more highly of themselves than they should and when taken to an extreme, a person filled with such pride is attempting to steal the reputation of others and even God. Pride or hubris is the opposite of humility.  This is the pride that led to Israel’s failings because instead of giving credit to God for lifting them up; they took credit for whatever greatness they had attained instead of giving it to God.

Certainly having pride in a child when they are obedient and demonstrate that they have learned from their mistakes and chosen to follow the path of the wise, instead of the path of a fool, is appropriate and in accord with the example God has set for us.  We also need to teach others, by example that all we have is from God and He should be credited first for any accomplishments we may attain.  This is the humility that pleases God and that He demands of us.

The reason that the Nehemiah’s crew would be successful and were able to allay their fears while rebuilding the walls and gates wasn’t because of their skill or their ability to fight off their attackers and detractors.  It was because they followed God’s plan and relied on him for success and once complete, gave Him all the Glory. It is the same when rebuilding a marriage, pride in workmanship will only get you into trouble.  Selfish pride should be kept on the other side of the wall and not allowed in.  But at the same time, open the gates wide for the gift of humility as you place the interests and welfare of your spouse, before your own.  “Christ Jesus is for us wisdom from God that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption.  Therefore it is written:  ‘Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.’”  1Corinthians 1:30-31

Tool #286   Model Christ for He is the Son of God, and gave up everything for us, His life, His spirit and His divinity.  He is our example and the source of our pride.

Do you know the access code and password?

A number of years ago I was teaching an adult Sunday school class and a gentleman asked me, “If faith is something I received when I accepted Christ as my Savior, why is it that I have such trouble having faith, trusting God in my more difficult times?”  I responded, “You know, I have been told that I’m a pretty smart and savvy guy, then why is that I do so many dumb, almost child like, things?  It’s because I have either chosen to do them, willfully and with intent, or I just haven’t mastered using the smarts God has given me.”  It’s the same with faith, we may have it but we don’t always show it, for a variety of reasons, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist or that it isn’t readily available to be used for our benefit and God’s glory.  Like so many other things that can be seen, touched or heard, just because we say, quite sincerely, that we have no doubt of their existence and value in our lives, we still have doubts and are uncertain as to their scope and effectiveness.  Just because we say we believe, doesn’t mean we live as if we believe.

The phrase, “by faith” is used at least 21 times in Hebrews, chapter 11 (if I counted correctly) and it is by faith that everything was accomplished that is listed, and the list of accomplishments is impressive. The list of people God employed, includes men and women from all walks of life, careers, ages, and backgrounds; they range all the way from kings to prostitutes, yet God chose them all for the purpose of showing the world that it is He who is in control and that He wants everyone to witness His great works and understand them.  We may not be able to physically see, hear or touch faith, but we can know that it exists and understand its purposes by witnessing its effects on the physical world in which we live. Faith is not an idea or a concept but a real yet intangible force that when used for God’s purposes and in His name, is unstoppable.

The faith that comes from God is not however something that, as mere men having been corrupted by sin, we are able to use on our own, without supervision.  Faith is the very presence of God in our lives, the most powerful and awe inspiring force the world has even seen men employ. When you see the forces of nature at work, the changing of the seasons, horrific storms, mighty waters and waterfalls, or even our God given ability to split the atom and release pure energy, nothing can compare to the power of faith and its ability to change individual lives and the course of human history.  God the Father, in His perfect wisdom sent His Son Jesus to save us from ourselves and the sin that is the cause of all our real difficulties.  Then He sent His Spirit to live in us to supervise and guide us in our faith and teach us how to use that faith for our benefit and for His glory.  This is the foundation, walls and gates of our faith and life’s only real hope for a future filled with peace, joy and security.

When you are in the process of rebuilding the walls and gates around your marriage relationship, what you are really building-up is your faith. Your faith is manifested in the trust and confidence you have in each other and in God, and they are the necessary building blocks of your marriage.  It is the power to do the impossible, by the worlds standards, and when accomplished, tells the world that it is God who is source of your future hope,  present joy and everlasting security.

If you are seeking to get control of your life through genuine love for others in obedience God, it is by faith that you can have it.  If you want God to speak to you so that you might better understand Him and His plan for your life, by faith you can have it.  If you want to be recognized as a man (or woman) of righteousness instead of what you are now, it is by faith that you can have it.  If you want to escape the fear of death and embrace the joy of salvation, redemption and life eternal, it is by faith that you can have it. If you want to please God and stop focusing on pleasing yourself, by faith you can do it (Hebrew 11:1-6). “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).”

Tool #284  The access code of life is FAITH and the password is INCHRISTTHELORD.