Live Good Lives

"Dear friends, I urge you,

as foreigners and exiles,

to abstain from sinful desires,

which wage war against your soul.

Live such good lives among the pagans that,

though they accuse you of doing wrong,

they may see your good deeds

and glorify God on the day he visits us."

1 Peter 2:9-10

My husband served 24 years in the U.S. Army.  As a result, our family lived in many different places around the world.  One of the most enjoyable locations was Frankfurt, Germany.  When we first arrived in country, we went through some training that taught us how to be good guests while living there.  We were encouraged to set a good example in our behavior by following the local laws, reflecting well upon our beloved country by respectfully interacting with the locals, and to take on humble attitudes so as not to come across as ugly Americans.  We were ambassadors of a sort in a foreign land.

In the same way, I, as a follower of Christ, am a foreigner living in a land that is not my own.  It is therefore important how I live.  It is not enough simply to accept Christ as my Savior, but to make Him Lord of my life as well, so that He will influence every part of my life.  In this way, I will look different than those in my host country and will somehow make an impression on those who are watching.

Enter the Battle

Many great men have been taken down by sin, even if it was just for a time: Abraham, Moses, David and his son Solomon, Elijah, Hezekiah and Jonah to name a few.  Each were carried away by their own desires, giving in to fear, anger, lust or pride. (James 1:14) Whatever the source of temptation, each experienced some kind of devastation as their sin took them away from God and His plan for their lives.

There is no doubt that there is a battle between what I want to do in pleasing God and where my heart is leading me.  (Romans 7:14, Jeremiah 17:9)  My natural tendency runs counter to the teachings of God and the leading of His Spirit.  (Galatians 5:16-17)  If I want to please God in the way I live my life, I must enter into the battle against sin, not simply give into my fleshly desires.

In order to be victorious, however, I must surrender control of my life.  Instead of fighting to get what I want, I must let go of any right, sense of entitlement, or desire that rears up within me, and instead humble myself before Him.  As I make Him the most important thing in my life, He will change the desires of my heart so that they align more closely with His.  (Psalm 37:4-5)  In this way, He will be happy to grant my wishes because they will be the same as His.

Instead of doing what comes naturally and looking like the rest of the world, I will please God when I take a stand against my sinful ways, resisting the urge to give in to what feels good.  Then, no matter how much dirt people try to find, they will only discover that which honors God.  

When I make Jesus Lord of my life, I enter into the battle against my sinful nature and find victory in the blood of Jesus.

Represent Christ

It is hard to find a man in this day and age who is in the limelight yet has never fallen to scandal. One that comes to mind is Billy Graham.  As an evangelist who has dedicated his life to the spreading of the gospel, he has never, to my knowledge, fallen victim to malicious attacks.  I'm sure some have dried to dig up something negative about the man, but never a nugget could be unearthed.  Mr. Graham has lived as one who understands how much his life reflects upon Christ.  

As one who also has dedicated her life to Jesus, I must be equally as aware of how my legacy reflects upon my Lord and Savior.  Many times, though, I am more focused on getting my way, defending my rights, or looking to fill my needs.  If I am the only witness to Jesus some will see, what kind of message am I sending?

It is my desire to choose good things, even when the bad things feel better.  It is my desire to choose right things even when it's easier to do wrong.  It is my desire to choose that which glorifies God even when it makes me look stupid.

When I make Jesus Lord of my life, I become a representative of Christ wherever I go.

Live as a Servant

She anticipated my needs; offering a towel before I knew I needed one, refilling my drink before I ran dry, and making the waffles just the way I like them.  My niece is a good example of one who possesses a servant's heart.

While I might not be as hospitable of a host as this bride, I can seek to possess the heart of a servant in my daily life.  Instead of picking and choosing who I respect according to how they treat me, I can honor each person as one who has been created in the image of God.

While I find it easy to love those who are good to me, I can instead seek to show mercy and compassion to everyone, even those who seem to hate me.  Sometimes I let God fall to a place in my life that is less than honorable, putting people or stuff in His place.  As a substitute, I can seek to keep Him in the highest position as I revere Him as Lord.

When I make Jesus Lord of my life, I become less and He becomes more.

Accepting Jesus as my Savior results in eternal life, but there is more.  If I really want to grow closer to Him and please Him fully, I must make Him Lord of everything.  I can do this by entering into the battle against sin instead of letting it rule my life, by keeping in mind that I represent Christ to a fallen world wherever I go, and by living as a servant who wants nothing more than to please her master.  In this way I will be living a good life that will bring glory to God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can see how much I hurt God when I continue to give into my sinful ways.

When do I forget others are watching me and simply do things as I always have?

How am I expecting to be served instead of being the servant?

Chosen

"But you are a chosen people,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

God's special possession,

that you may declare the praises of him who called you

out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Once you were not a people,

but now you are the people of God;

once you had not received mercy,

but now you have received mercy."

1 Peter 2:9-10

What a difference a day makes, I thought as I talked to my friend who had recently undergone surgery to replace her knee joint.  Despite the discomfort of the actual procedure, she could sense the improvement immediately.  Gone was the excruciating pain of her deteriorated joint.  In it's place, all she felt was healing.

It's amazing how modern medicine can make radical modifications that improve our quality of life.  In much the same way, submitting to Jesus as Lord of my life also generates a fundamental change.  All who follow Jesus were chosen for that purpose so that we could bring praise to our Father.  Look what a difference that has made!

Darkness to Light

I love the Pacific Northwest where I spent the first 24 years of my life.  Once my husband and I moved to North Carolina, though, I learned that cloudy days are rare in other parts of the country.  I was so accustomed to dark and dreary days that I grew tired of the endless Carolina sunshine!

As a follower of Christ, I have also moved from darkness into light.  While the weather may be more of a personal preference, spiritual darkness is a sign that I am drifting away from God.  (Ephesians 5:8-14, 1 John 1:5-7)  I used to live in the darkness where sin runs rampant and my fleshly desires rule.  Now, however, the blood of Jesus has filled me with His light and I can live at peace with Him and others.

Continuing to live in the light as I follow Jesus brings praise to my Father in heaven.

Nobody to People of God

She had no family outside of her mother and father.  There were no aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, brothers or sisters.  While most people have some kind of a family tree, my friend had more of a shrub.  When her mother suddenly died, she began to think about her lack of a familial heritage.

While my friend has very little in the way of a physical family, she has quite an extensive spiritual family.  As part of the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ, I too entered into a long line of people with a powerful purpose who live a life of meaning.  Where once I floundered along with no sense of the big picture, now I am part of something much larger than myself.  

Instead of seeing myself as an individual, I now am part of the body of Christ with a specific job to carry out.  (1 Corinthians 12:18-20)  While I used to think I was in control of my own destiny, I now see that my Father guides my footsteps. (Proverbs 16:9)  Before I gave my life to Jesus, I thought things happened by chance or according to luck, but now I know the One who carries a blueprint for my life.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

Continuing to live as though I belong to the body of Christ brings praise to my Father in heaven.

Doomed to a Recipient of Mercy

The path was wide and well traveled.  I felt comfortable there surrounded by my friends.  Little did I know, however, that I was headed toward destruction.  (Matthew 7:13-14)  Once my eyes were opened and I realized my need for the saving grace of God offered through the sacrifice of Jesus, I entered through a small gate onto the narrow road that leads to life.

While I would not have chosen this path myself due to the lack of self-gratification, comfort and indulgences I crave so much, I would not otherwise have received the mercy that is reserved for His children.  I have exchanged the life of which I dreamed in the flesh for a glory that will far outweigh anything I could imagine.  (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)  What I have to look forward to in eternity is what helps me stay encouraged as I struggle onward on the straight and narrow.

Continuing to live as one who has received mercy brings praise to my Father in heaven.

I have been chosen to follow Jesus so that I can bring praise to my heavenly Father.  The changes that came as a result can never be measured.  I have moved from darkness into light, from a nobody to a member of His family, and from one who is condemned to a beneficiary of His great mercy.  Now I can see how my life can bring glory to the Lord!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember for what I have been chosen.

When do I tend to drift back toward the darkness from whence I came?

How am I still living as if I'm doomed for destruction instead of saved for an abundant life?

God's Elect

"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To God's elect,

exiles scattered throughout the provinces of

Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,

who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge

of God the Father,

through the sanctifying work of the Spirit,

to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:

Grace and peace be yours in abundance."

1 Peter 1:1-2

Sometimes I wonder why my husband chose me to be his wife.  I have a few strengths, but I also have a many weaknesses as well as some parts of my sin nature that can (and do) drive a man crazy!  As we have grown as a couple, I do see how we complement each other in many ways.  As sinful humans, though, it takes a lot of grace to continue to live with each other in a loving, God-honoring way.

Similarly, I sometimes wonder why God chose me as His own. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Colossians 3:12)   I realize His love for me is so great that He demonstrates it by giving His own son to take my place on the cross, bearing the burden of punishment for my own sins.  (Romans 5:8)  This sacrifice was made for a greater reason than just to save me from eternal death, though.  God also has a purpose for me as His child in this life.

Stranger

He was easy to pick out in the crowd.  While everyone else was sporting a short haircut, his was long and shaggy.  All the boys wore camouflage while he dressed in trendy clothes.  Whereas the demeanor of the majority was stiff and disciplined, the boy visiting his brother at military school carried an attitude of defiance and apathy.  One look at the crowd was all it took to see who didn't fit in there.

While it is human nature to want to fit in, God calls us to live as strangers in a foreign land. (Matthew 5:13-16)  I am to guard against blending in, instead focusing on retaining my godly, kingdom-focused ways. Then I will stand out from the crowd, bringing glory to my Father in heaven. (1 Peter 2:11-12)

God chose me to live in the location in which He has placed me without losing any of His tell-tale indicators.

Sanctified

In days gone by, girls used to prepare a hope chest.  In this special  trunk, girls would set aside the materials necessary for pulling off a beautiful wedding ceremony as well as the items needed to set up their own household once they were married.  The articles collected were saved for a specific purpose; namely, their new life as a married woman.

I have also been set aside by God for a specific purpose.  I am not here for my own reasons or to serve my own set of principles.  I am not even here to please myself or fulfill my own dreams.  Instead, I have been created to do the things God has prepared for me to do.  (Ephesians 2:10)

It's easy to get caught up in following my own path, driven by my own desires.  But I am here for God; to bring glory to Him and to grow closer in relationship with Him.  Instead of turning inward, then, my focus needs to be upward.  I am set apart for obedience to the things Jesus teaches me.

God chose me so that I could carry out the specific purpose for which He created me.

Sprinkled

The guilt was more than she could bear.  She had let her children down in so many ways, and now they suffered greatly.  Some were in prison.  Others were bound by the shackles of drugs.  One was destined to divorce over and over, never finding a man who would treat her with respect.  This mother grieved over the fallout from her sinful life.

While we all suffer to some degree from the consequences of our past, it is important for me to remember that the blood of Jesus sets me free from the deadly snare of guilt.  No longer do the thoughts of days gone by need to haunt my memory, but I can instead walk boldly to the throne of grace, receiving His mercy and love as one who is cherished as more precious than gold. (Hebrews 4:16)  

I can enter into the presence of a holy God who calls me His treasured daughter and wipes my slate clean so I appear as white as snow.  (Hebrews 10:22, Isaiah 1:18)  The blood of Jesus frees me from the burden of guilt so I can walk freely with Him as He has called me to live.

God chose me to let go of the guilt my sin leaves behind and instead go forward in the freedom of a forgiven and dearly loved child.

Scripture is clear that I am chosen by God; but why did He pick me?  (John 15:16)  It is not solely so I will be able to enjoy eternity with Him.  In addition, He desires that I retain my Kingdom identity so I'll stand out among the world. He also sanctified me for His own purposes, and cleansed me from sin so I can live guilt-free as a forgiven child.  This is what it means to live as God's elect in the here and now.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember my purpose.

How do I live as one who blends in with the world?

When do I get weighed down with guilt for what God has already forgiven me?

Arrogance of Assumption

"Now listen, you who say,

'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city,

spend a year there,

carry on business and make money.'

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.

What is your life?

You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes.

Instead, you ought to say,

'If it is the Lord's will,

we will live and do this or that.'

As it is,

you boast in your arrogant schemes. 

All such boasting is evil.

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do

and doesn't do it,

it is sin for them."

James 4:13-17

It is easy to count on that which may not happen.   Pastor and writer John Piper once challenged my arrogance of this kind of assumption when I heard him say that I shouldn't be surprised when someone dies.  Instead, I should be amazed when I am blessed with another moment to live.  

If I am to live as if my life is not my own, as disciples of Jesus are called to live, then there are some basics I must accept. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Life is a Gift

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."  

You may recognize this familiar phrase as taken from the Declaration of Independence.  Americans rely on such rights as members of a free society where our liberties are vital to the welfare of the people.  This right to life extends also to the unborn, whose claims to life have been taken away in the country since 1973.  While God upholds the sanctity of life, I'm not sure that He would agree with the assertion that I have a right to live.

You see, life is a gift.  Every breathe I take is only at the mercy of the Giver of life.  He is the only One with a right:  The right to give, and the right to take. (Exodus 33:19)  He decides the length of my life, and only He knows how long I have left. (Psalm 139:16)  Life is fragile and is completely in the hands of God.

Once I comprehend and accept this truth, I will begin to live differently.  Instead of wasting the time God has given to me, I will look for ways to honor Him and glorify His name in all I do.  (Colossians 3:17)  As a replacement for taking all the good things I have for granted, I will adopt an attitude of thanksgiving.  In the place of living recklessly for myself I will begin to give my all for Him.  

Instead of assuming I'll have tomorrow, I desire to live each day as if it were a gift from God; because it is!

God is Sovereign

My plans were all laid out.  I would graduate from college and use my degree to build a fulfilling career.  After that, maybe I would get married and have children, but that wasn't high on my list of priorities.  As I look back the thirty years that has passed since I graduated from high school when my head was filled with such thoughts of the future, I realize how wrong I was about how my life would turn out.

Instead of building a fulfilling career, I became an Army wife and mom of four daughters.  I would never trade the life I've lived, but it was not the life I would have ever chosen for myself.  Thankfully, God knows better and He has a plan for my life that I could never imagine.  (Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 3:20)

Once I comprehend this truth and let God be in the driver's seat of my life, a peace will flood my heart as I stop trying to find my own blueprint for the days I have left.  

Where once I would try so hard to be the person I thought God wanted me to be, I will find I can move forward onto the path He has cleared for me, free from the self-imposed pressure I place to become someone I was never destined to be.

Instead of working so hard to fulfill my own strategies, I can wait for God to reveal the way He wants me to go.  

Living like I believe that God is sovereign will mean I can stop trying to impress Him and as a replacement simply live in relationship with Him.  He loves me as I am; and He loves me more than I can imagine.

Instead of assuming I am in control, I desire to live each day out of obedience to the One who holds the blueprint for my life.

Obedience

We've all seen it:  The expert dog trainer whose own 'best friend' is out of control.  Or the exercise instructor who can't complete his own workout regime.  Or the financial planner who is going through bankruptcy.  Knowledge is all well and good, but what good is it if I can't apply it to my own life?

Learning more about God by reading His Word is not just to grow my brain size.  Studying the Bible is not so I can retain more knowledge about God.  Rather, spending time sitting at the feet of Jesus as He teaches me His ways through the study of His Word is so that I will take what I have learned and apply it to my own life.  (James 1:22)

If I am not willing to do what I am told, can I really consider myself to be a disciple of Christ?  Instead, it is more like I am an observer, or a student.  A follower, however, is one who does as her leader does.

When God shows me about His compassion, it is so that I will realize my own lack of mercy and forgiveness toward others, seeking instead to extend grace liberally wherever I go.  When God shows me about His rest, I can either find it interesting or I can strive to enter into the rest that comes with trusting Him, putting His Word into practice.  When God shows me about His claim on my life, I can choose to continue to live my life my way, or I can surrender all to Him as my Redeemer.  

Instead of assuming that I can continue to live as I always have, I desire to live each day in obedience to what He is constantly teaching me.

It is all too easy to take things for granted and assume what I should never believe.  Instead, I can live with the understanding that life is a gift, God is in control, and that obedience is important.  In these ways I will avoid the arrogance of assumption.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will never count on that which is out of my control.

How do I assume I'll be here tomorrow in the way I make my plans?

When do I brush off the lessons God is teaching me?

Who's My Friend?

"You adulterous people,

don't you know that friendship with the world

means enmity against God?

Therefore,

anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world

becomes an enemy of God."

James 4:4

The snow-covered mountain peeked out from between the foothills, giving me a glimpse of the glacier that fed the icy-cold river that rushed past my feet.  Walking up the shore of rocks worn smooth by rushing water, I marveled at this different perspective.  I had grown up at the foot of Mt. Rainier located in Washington State, but never before had I observed her majesty from this position.  She looked different, yet oh so familiar.

It's kind of like this in life.  I can only be in one place at one time, never able to take on two points-of-view as my own.  Instead, I must choose where I will stand.  Either I will remain in the world's corner, or I will take to God's position.  I can't embrace the world and say I love God, it's just not possible.  In the same way that I can't see Mt. Rainier from two places at once, I am at risk of being considered God's enemy if I take my place as a friend of this world.

Worldly Values

Success by the world's standards is easy to recognize because we are constantly bombarded with it's message.  For instance, to reach the American dream I need to excel in a career I enjoy, be a part of a marriage to a good-looking man complete with children who possess all the latest gadgets, own the home of my dreams and at least one late model car for each driver in the home.  A pool in the backyard and extravagant vacations would also be nice.  Once I reach that goal, at least according the the world, I've made it.

According to God, however, success is defined differently.  Instead of looking to money and material wealth to gauge my level of achievement, God tests the state of my heart.  If I am fully devoted to Him, I will accept whatever circumstances in which He places me and I'll be content whether I have much or little. (Philippians 4:12)  If, however, my heart is drawn toward the world's idea of success, then I'll fight God's plan if it doesn't match up with my own.  He loves a humble attitude because it is pliable in His hands.

Embracing the world's set of values will lead me away from God.

Worldly Perspective

Preparing for the jetliner to back away from the terminal, the flight attendants went through the pre-flight ritual of demonstrating the safety tips.  Soon they were reminding me that, "in case the cabin loses pressure, oxygen masks will drop down from the console above."  The recommendation was to properly place my own mask before helping anyone else.

While this is good advice in case of this kind of emergency, it is not the way God wants His children to think in general.  Instead of putting myself first, it is His desire for me to value others above my own interests. (Philippians 2:3-4)

If I adopt the world's perspective as my own, not only will I be self-centered, but I'll also choose to do whatever feels good as long as I don't hurt anyone else.  God, however, desires for me to live a holy life, mimicking His holy character. (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Embracing the world's perspective will lead me away from God.

Worldly Pleasures

Enjoy lush accommodations and personalized service, delectable creations prepared by world-class chefs and white sand beaches where attendants will see to your every need.  This is the kind of luxury resort that caters to my fleshly desires.

It is easy for me to get caught up in wanting my own wishes to be fulfilled in every way.  I may not have the means to vacation at such a resort, but I am still in danger of adopting this attitude of entitlement because I naturally want to be comfortable and to quench my appetites.

Making choices according to what I want, though, is counter to the way God would have me go.  In fact, living according to my flesh only leads to sin, and living a life of sin as a believer who has been set free from it's grip leads to nothing but heartache and death. (Romans 8:5-8, 12-13, 6:11)

Embracing the world's pleasures will lead me away from God.

In the same way that I can't be in two places at one time, I also can't both be on God's side and a friend of the world.  To stay true to God I will need to guard against adopting as my own the world's values, perspective and pleasures, which all come quite naturally to my flesh.  So each day I ask myself, "Who's my friend today?"

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will be sensitive to how I am blending in with the culture around me.

When do I feel most comfortable with the world's ways?

How am I taking the world's position without really knowing it? 

Sacrifice of Praise

"Through Jesus, therefore,

let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--

the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

And do not forget to do good

and to share with others,

for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Hebrews 13:15-16

The sacrifice was always before them.  As they went through each day, there was a continual need to seek a blood covering for their sins.  You see, without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. (Hebrews 9:22)  And so, they obediently brought their sacrifices before a holy God.

The old way of sacrificing animals is over.  No longer is there a need for me to make up for my sins or to seek continual purification of them:  I am cleansed once and for all by the blood of Jesus.  (Hebrews 10:10)  Instead, as one who is made holy by His blood, I am called to give a sacrifice of praise!

Continual

When my husband and I got married, we professed our love for one another before God and witnesses, pledging our allegiance to each other as husband and wife.  Even though each of us heard the other's vows, that one time declaration was not enough.  Instead, we must find ways to express that love on a daily basis.

In the same way, I can't expect to let my praise for God on Sunday morning, or the acclaim I give Him when things go well, or the honor I show when I'm feeling good be the only worship I extend to God.  He deserves to be praised continually no matter my circumstances, state of mind or location, for He is worthy.  (Psalm 145:3)  The Lord is so great that He transcends all things.  His perfect character does not change so even if my situation is horrible, He is still good and worthy of my praise.

It seems Job understood this concept.  Even after losing his wealth and his family all in one day, he responded with, "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."  (Job 1:21)

Even though animal sacrifices are no longer necessary, my continual attitude of praise is.

Spiritual

They spent a lot of time going through the motions, performing the obligatory rituals.  Even though, by outward appearance, everything seemed right, God was not pleased.  The hearts of the Israelites were far from Him even though they were saying the right words and doing the right things. (Isaiah 1:10-15)

God does not care how I look on the outside, but He is more concerned with the attitude of my heart.  He is pleased with a submissive attitude that is willing to do as He asks, go where He bids, and accept what He has chosen for me.  Furthermore, as God's special possession, it is my place to adopt a heart of praise for Him.  (1 Peter 2:9)

It's easy to see the negative things going on around me as I live in this fallen world.  But as His child, it is my desire to have eyes that can see the unseen:  The goodness of His love as shown through my acceptance as His daughter, the forethought of His sovereignty as shown in the provision of my needs, or the faithfulness of His presence shown through the peace that rules in my heart.

Even though animal sacrifices are no longer necessary, it is important for me to yield to the Lord by cultivating a heart that desires to please Him.

Supplying

The supplies were pouring in, filling his storeroom to capacity.  Even though he didn't need such an abundance, the Apostle Paul accepted it with thanksgiving as a sacrifice pleasing to God.  (Philippians 4:18)

Likewise, it is important for me to not only look for ways to help others and contribute to the provision of their needs, but to be willing to accept the same from those who are moved to lend a hand.  If caring for one another in practical ways is a part of how we can please God, I must not block that desire in my brothers and sisters by refusing their assistance.  

Even though animal sacrifices are no longer necessary, I can please God by both giving and receiving help from His family.

Thankfully, I no longer have to offer animal sacrifices in order to cover my sins.  As I accept this new covenant God has offered through the redemptive work Jesus accomplished on the cross, I must realize there are other sacrifices I am called to make.  One is to maintain a continual attitude of praise, no matter my circumstances.  Another is to look for ways to spiritually please God, like through my willingness to submit to His will and offer words that lift Him up.  Finally, not only is it important that I seek ways to help His family members, but also to be humble enough to receive assistance when offered.  In these ways I am offering up to the Lord a sacrifice of praise.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can maintain an attitude of praise toward a God who loves me.

When am I most apt to slip into a negative mindset?

How do I fight God in the attitude of my heart?

Contrast in Values

"Believers in humble circumstances ought to

take pride in their high position.

But the rich should take pride in their humiliation--

since they will pass away like a wild flower.

For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant;

its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.

In the same way,

the rich will fade away even 

while they go about their business.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because,

having stood the test,

that person will receiver the crown of life

that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

James 1:9-12

Dew drops glistened in the morning sun, drawing my attention to the crimson blooms.  My rose plants looked especially beautiful that Spring dawn, velvety and rich in color.  Green leaves flourished all around, making a luscious backdrop to the deep hues found here and there throughout the bush.  The roses are doing especially well this year, I thought to myself.

A few days later I saw a different scene.  Spots of mildew spread throughout the plant and most of the leaves had fallen.  The blooms were all spent and not one new bud could be seen.  Disease had attacked the once beautiful roses.

Life here on earth is transient.  One day a bird is flying through the air singing the praises of his Creator in heaven, the next he lays dead on the ground.  Even though I can count on the sun to rise each and every morning, I cannot be confident that I will be there to witness the dawn.  Consequently, I would be wise to choose God's value system, which differs greatly from my own.  While I tend to latch onto that which is transient, God values the eternal, which is unseen.

I have to choose whose value system I will adopt:  God's which values that which the world despises and despises what the world loves, or the world's which will soon pass away.

Humble vs. High Position

"Ummm. . . .excuse me, Jesus?"

"Yes?"

"Well, uh, my brother and I were talking and we wanted to ask. . . when you take your throne, would it be possible to be placed in positions of honor; one on either side of you?"

It's hard to know what James and John were thinking when they asked for such a privilege, but one thing is certain:  They valued high positions.  Jesus proceeded to school them in the ranking system of the Kingdom of God.  He said if they truly want to be honored, they must be the servant of all.  Then, in case it wasn't clear enough, Jesus wrapped up the lesson with this shocker.  "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."  (Mark 10:45)

Choosing God's system of values means I will be as willing to do the menial, thankless work as I am to accept the high-profile, rewarding jobs.  It also means I'll venerate a landscape worker as much if not more than I do a CEO.  It reminds me of a story I heard about the final exam a notoriously strict college professor gave to a group of medical students.  The test consisted of one question:  "What is the name of the janitor who cleans this building?"  It seems this educator knew a little about what was truly important to God.

God values lowly positions as a mine field where all sorts of valuables are unearthed.  

Poor vs. Rich

The man lived the ultimate life of luxury; sleeping on fine Egyptian cotton sheets, dining on caviar and the most difficult-to-find delicacies, and driving expensive high-performance cars.  If money could buy it, he loved it.  

As this well-to-do man walked to lunch at his favorite restaurant each day, he always passed a homeless man whose skin was covered in sores.  As pitiful as the beggar looked, the busy man scarcely gave the poor guy a glance, so self-absorbed was he.

Jesus tells this story to illustrate further the value system found in God's kingdom.  (Luke 16:19-31)  While the world goes after comfort, pleasure and riches now, those who follow Jesus know the real reward comes later.   If I want to live under God's value system I would do well to live as though everything I can see and touch will soon pass away, choosing to go after eternal treasures instead.  (Matthew 6:33, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31)

God offers the more precious riches later, while the world goes after temporal treasures now.

Trials vs. Smooth Sailing

He was unjustly thrown in prison numerous times, whipped too often to count, faced death over and over, was beaten with rods, stoned and left for dead, shipwrecked not once but three times, encountered all kinds of dangers that come with traveling extensively and endured periods of great hunger and thirst.  Basically, the Apostle Paul's life after yielding to Jesus was one trial after another. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)

This is not a great advertisement for living a life dedicated to the Lord!  A much easier sell would be to promise clear waters and smooth sailing, a life of ease and comfort, or at least happy times all around!  

The reality is, however, that living with Jesus means I'll experience a lot of the same treatment He received. (Matthew 10:25) Not only that, but I can expect lots of refinement as my Father purifies me and molds me into the image of Jesus. (Psalm 66:10, Romans 8:29)   Living as a legitimate daughter means I will also endure discipline designed to bring me closer to Him.  (Hebrews 12:5-6)

Oswald Chambers wrote about hard times in this way.  "Jesus has prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself as He was one with the Father.  Some of us are far off it, and yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him, because Jesus has prayed that we may be."  Until I recognize suffering as a useful instrument of grace in God's hands, I will always fight against the struggles of life.

God cherishes trials and difficult times as a tool used to grow my faith and draw me closer to Him.

The world teaches that I should expect respect and admiration from others, that I have a right to a certain level of comfort, and that life is successful if it is trouble-free.  God, however, has a different idea.  He places much more worth on humble attitudes and positions, accepting poverty now in exchange for riches later, and trials as a means to draw me closer.  There is no doubt that there is a contrast between the values of the world and those of God.  Which will I choose this day?

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will treasure those things the world despises.

When do I fall into the trap of seeking my treasure in the here and now?

How am I fighting against what God is doing by not accepting the trials He sends my way?