“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:13-18
History records lamentable incidents - such as the Inquisition and the Crusades - which had seemingly spiritual goals but completely wrong methods. That’s why, once the proper motivation for our goals is established, it is essential that we assess the wisdom of our methods. We must ask ourselves the following questions: “Are my methods in keeping with the revealed will and principles of God as recorded in the Scriptures?”
For instance, a goal of becoming the company president may be set with the proper motivation for leading the business overseas so that the markets abroad can be used as distribution points for Gospel literature. However, accomplishing that goal by manipulating accounting records that falsely increase your sales figures and, thus, mislead others is thoroughly condemned by the Scriptures.
A second question we must ask is: “Are my methods in any way unjustly harming my fellow man?” If the above individual reaches his goal through slandering an employee who also seeks the same position, his methods are wrong. Examine your methods by observing these standards. When your goal is reached, you can then be sure that God is honored.
“Keep your behavior excellent...” 1 Peter 2:12
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Friday, July 6, 2012
Right Goal - Wrong Method
“If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, ‘Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!’ (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.”
Colossians 2:20-23
The 1988 Olympics was a masterpiece of athletes seeking to achieve enduring goals. Many did accomplish their objectives, but sadly some medal winners were disqualified following their performances due to illegal drug use. Their goals were reasonable, but their methods were tragically flawed - only reflecting the rationale that the end justifies the means. That line of thinking runs against the scriptural grain in every way. Our God is just as interested in how we achieve a goal as He is in the goal itself.
First, we must establish the primary motivation that God desires we use in setting our goals. The Westminster Catechism says, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Whatever our goal may be - financial, physical, spiritual, family - we must ask ourselves this question: “Is my goal’s supreme purpose to glorify God?”
Since that is the purpose for which we were created, it follows that our goals must reflect that basic purpose. Sift your goal through prayer, common sense, and biblical wisdom to see if your objective’s chief purpose is to honor God.
“...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
Colossians 2:20-23
The 1988 Olympics was a masterpiece of athletes seeking to achieve enduring goals. Many did accomplish their objectives, but sadly some medal winners were disqualified following their performances due to illegal drug use. Their goals were reasonable, but their methods were tragically flawed - only reflecting the rationale that the end justifies the means. That line of thinking runs against the scriptural grain in every way. Our God is just as interested in how we achieve a goal as He is in the goal itself.
First, we must establish the primary motivation that God desires we use in setting our goals. The Westminster Catechism says, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Whatever our goal may be - financial, physical, spiritual, family - we must ask ourselves this question: “Is my goal’s supreme purpose to glorify God?”
Since that is the purpose for which we were created, it follows that our goals must reflect that basic purpose. Sift your goal through prayer, common sense, and biblical wisdom to see if your objective’s chief purpose is to honor God.
“...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Stewards of God’s Grace
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10
The grace of God, which has the power to bring a man from the dominion of Satan to the dominion of God, has much potential for exploitation. Used improperly, grace’s freedom and forgiveness from sin can be abused. That was Paul’s warning in his letter to the Romans: “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be!...” (Rom. 6:1-2)
Grace is abused when believers think they can practice sin after salvation. “After all,” their arguments goes, “I just ask for forgiveness after I sin, and everything is okay.” Such reasoning perverts grace and fails to understand that the consequences of sin are still reaped - even by Christians.
Grace is also abused when we fail to extend the same unconditional love to others that God has shown love to us. We have been freely forgiven and loved - regardless of our performance. Grace is stunted and derailed in such instances.
A steward of God’s grace sees to it that he is a channel of unconditional love to others. The wonder of that grace motivates him to increasing holiness - not sinful indulgence - realizing that grace flows red from the veins of Immanuel.
“...Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?...” Romans 6:15
The grace of God, which has the power to bring a man from the dominion of Satan to the dominion of God, has much potential for exploitation. Used improperly, grace’s freedom and forgiveness from sin can be abused. That was Paul’s warning in his letter to the Romans: “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be!...” (Rom. 6:1-2)
Grace is abused when believers think they can practice sin after salvation. “After all,” their arguments goes, “I just ask for forgiveness after I sin, and everything is okay.” Such reasoning perverts grace and fails to understand that the consequences of sin are still reaped - even by Christians.
Grace is also abused when we fail to extend the same unconditional love to others that God has shown love to us. We have been freely forgiven and loved - regardless of our performance. Grace is stunted and derailed in such instances.
A steward of God’s grace sees to it that he is a channel of unconditional love to others. The wonder of that grace motivates him to increasing holiness - not sinful indulgence - realizing that grace flows red from the veins of Immanuel.
“...Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?...” Romans 6:15
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
A Call to Civil Responsibility
“Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?’ But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, ‘Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.’ And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then He said to them, ‘Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.’ And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away.” Matthew 22:15-22
It was Edmund Burke, an eighteenth-century British statesman, who said so profoundly, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Today there is no lack of Christian alarm against the encroaching tides of immorality - but public outcry alone will not effect lasting change. The Scriptures list several steps the Christian can take to advance moral reformation.
First, we are to participate in the political process by rendering, “to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Matt. 22:21). That not only refers to obligations such as taxes but to responsibilities such as voting. It is no use to bemoan the state of the nation if we fail to exercise this privilege.
Second, we are to pray for our leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-2). How quick we are to condemn those with whom we disagree, and how careless we are not to pray for them. Our prayers bring the supernatural will and power and God into the process. “...He removes kings and establishes kings...” (Dan. 2:21).
Third, we are to become personally involved in giving feet and hands to the voice of conscience. Daniel wrote, “...the people who know their God will display strength and take action” (Dan. 11:32).
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
Pause - and thank God for your freedom!
It was Edmund Burke, an eighteenth-century British statesman, who said so profoundly, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Today there is no lack of Christian alarm against the encroaching tides of immorality - but public outcry alone will not effect lasting change. The Scriptures list several steps the Christian can take to advance moral reformation.
First, we are to participate in the political process by rendering, “to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Matt. 22:21). That not only refers to obligations such as taxes but to responsibilities such as voting. It is no use to bemoan the state of the nation if we fail to exercise this privilege.
Second, we are to pray for our leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-2). How quick we are to condemn those with whom we disagree, and how careless we are not to pray for them. Our prayers bring the supernatural will and power and God into the process. “...He removes kings and establishes kings...” (Dan. 2:21).
Third, we are to become personally involved in giving feet and hands to the voice of conscience. Daniel wrote, “...the people who know their God will display strength and take action” (Dan. 11:32).
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
Pause - and thank God for your freedom!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
The Riches of God’s Grace
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
The grace of God is meant for heavy-duty, regular use in our daily routines. Our ability to enjoy and experience its power and provision in the mundane hinges upon our loving obedience to God’s Word and His Spirit. In his book My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chamber explains the divine coupling of grace and obedience:
“No man is born either naturally or supernaturally with character; he has to make character. Nor are we born with habits; we have to form habits on the basis of the new life God has put into us. We are not meant to be illuminated versions but the common stuff of ordinary life exhibiting the marvel of the grace of God....The tiniest detail in which I obey has all the omnipotent power of the grace of God behind it. If I do my duty, not for duty’s sake but because I believe God is engineering my circumstances, then at the very point of my obedience the whole superb grace of God is mine through the atonement.”
Grace is for washing dishes when we are tired; playing with the children when we would rather be watching the ball game; inviting our lonely neighbor over for dinner when we would rather be alone. It works in the daily grind when we are willing to obey.
“...The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” Romans 16:20
The grace of God is meant for heavy-duty, regular use in our daily routines. Our ability to enjoy and experience its power and provision in the mundane hinges upon our loving obedience to God’s Word and His Spirit. In his book My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chamber explains the divine coupling of grace and obedience:
“No man is born either naturally or supernaturally with character; he has to make character. Nor are we born with habits; we have to form habits on the basis of the new life God has put into us. We are not meant to be illuminated versions but the common stuff of ordinary life exhibiting the marvel of the grace of God....The tiniest detail in which I obey has all the omnipotent power of the grace of God behind it. If I do my duty, not for duty’s sake but because I believe God is engineering my circumstances, then at the very point of my obedience the whole superb grace of God is mine through the atonement.”
Grace is for washing dishes when we are tired; playing with the children when we would rather be watching the ball game; inviting our lonely neighbor over for dinner when we would rather be alone. It works in the daily grind when we are willing to obey.
“...The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” Romans 16:20
Monday, July 2, 2012
God’s Amazing Grace
“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10
It is little wonder that the hymn Amazing Grace is sung so resoundingly in churches across the world. Its vivid imagery reminds us of the preeminence of grace and its dispensable role in our salvation and sanctification - but what makes grace so amazing?
Grace is amazing because it is free. No currency exists that can ever purchase grace. We are usually suspicious of anything free, but God’s offer is without any hidden strings. He bore the cost for our sins (therefore, it is not “cheap grace”) so that He could extend it freely to any man on the basis of faith - not intellect, status, or prestige.
Grace is amazing because it is limitless. His grace can never be exhausted. Regardless of the vileness or number of our sins, God’s grace is always sufficient. It can never be depleted; it can never be measured. He always gives His grace in fullness.
God’s grace is amazing because it is always applicable. Do you need wisdom? God’s grace provides it through His Word. Do you need strength or guidance? God’s grace sustains you by His Spirit. Do you need security? God’s grace supplies it through His sovereignty.
The amazing grace of God! Full and free! Without measure! Pertinent for you every need!
“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” John 1:16
It is little wonder that the hymn Amazing Grace is sung so resoundingly in churches across the world. Its vivid imagery reminds us of the preeminence of grace and its dispensable role in our salvation and sanctification - but what makes grace so amazing?
Grace is amazing because it is free. No currency exists that can ever purchase grace. We are usually suspicious of anything free, but God’s offer is without any hidden strings. He bore the cost for our sins (therefore, it is not “cheap grace”) so that He could extend it freely to any man on the basis of faith - not intellect, status, or prestige.
Grace is amazing because it is limitless. His grace can never be exhausted. Regardless of the vileness or number of our sins, God’s grace is always sufficient. It can never be depleted; it can never be measured. He always gives His grace in fullness.
God’s grace is amazing because it is always applicable. Do you need wisdom? God’s grace provides it through His Word. Do you need strength or guidance? God’s grace sustains you by His Spirit. Do you need security? God’s grace supplies it through His sovereignty.
The amazing grace of God! Full and free! Without measure! Pertinent for you every need!
“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” John 1:16
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Live by Grace
“You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.” Galatians 3:1-7
Take not of Bernard of Clairvaux’s summation of grace: “Grace begins all and grace ends all.” In the lives of too many believers, however, grace stops at salvation and then moves to the periphery. Grace, however, initiates our relationship with Christ, sustains it on earth, and consummates it in the heavenlies. Apart from God’s continuing manifestation of grace, the believer is destined for a bittersweet journey.
It is God’s grace that provides the constant indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin of which we do not know and to guide us where we know not. It is God’s grace that supplies the nourishing truths of Scripture, uniquely applying them to our personal needs. It is God’s grace that brings His goodness to us through the arrangement of encouraging circumstances and stimulating relationships.
The Christian life is a never-ending expression of God’s grace. We must never resort to establishing a righteousness of our own but lean wholly on Jesus’ love and mercy. As the once stubborn and self-reliant Peter came to understand, we are to grow in grace (2 Pet. 3:18).
“Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me!” -Charles Wesley
Take not of Bernard of Clairvaux’s summation of grace: “Grace begins all and grace ends all.” In the lives of too many believers, however, grace stops at salvation and then moves to the periphery. Grace, however, initiates our relationship with Christ, sustains it on earth, and consummates it in the heavenlies. Apart from God’s continuing manifestation of grace, the believer is destined for a bittersweet journey.
It is God’s grace that provides the constant indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin of which we do not know and to guide us where we know not. It is God’s grace that supplies the nourishing truths of Scripture, uniquely applying them to our personal needs. It is God’s grace that brings His goodness to us through the arrangement of encouraging circumstances and stimulating relationships.
The Christian life is a never-ending expression of God’s grace. We must never resort to establishing a righteousness of our own but lean wholly on Jesus’ love and mercy. As the once stubborn and self-reliant Peter came to understand, we are to grow in grace (2 Pet. 3:18).
“Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me!” -Charles Wesley
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)