Lead from the Front

"Now you, if you call yourself a Jew;

if you rely on the law and

 brag about your relationship to God;

if you know his will and approve of what is superior

because you are instructed by the law;

if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind,

a light for those who are in the dark,

an instructor of the foolish,

a teacher of infants,

because you have in the law 

the embodiment of knowledge and truth--

you, then, who teach others,

do you not teach yourself?

You who preach against stealing, do you steal?

You who say that people should not commit adultery,

do you commit adultery?

You who abhor idols,

do you rob temples?

You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?

. . .A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly,

nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.

No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly;

and circumcision is circumcision of the heart,

by the Spirit,

not by the written code.

Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God."

Romans 2:17-23, 28-29

When my husband served in the U.S. Army, he was elected to the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.  Members of this exclusive group, "exemplify leadership characterized by personal concern for the needs, training, development, and welfare of Soldiers and concern for families of Soldiers (FORSCOM Reg. 600-8, paragraph 1)."

The club was first formed in 1986 to recognize enlisted leaders who best represent the characteristics of it's namesake who is known as the most decorated U.S. combat Soldier serving in World War II.   Sergeant Murphy gave himself fully to each battle and was known for going above and beyond the call of duty, looking to the welfare of others before his own.  He never asked his soldiers to do anything he wasn't willing to do himself, inspiring organizers to give the club the motto of, "You lead from the front."

Just as Audie Murphy set a good example for soldiers by expecting more from himself than from those he led, I need to first and foremost apply God's Word to myself in order to set a good example for those who are watching.  I can't expect those who are following me to change if I'm not willing to change.

Humility

When Jesus became human, injecting Himself into the world He created, He was the picture of humility.  Philippians 2:6-8 describes the extent of His meekness when He stripped Himself of all the privileges, dignities and rights that lawfully belong to Him as God, and lowered Himself to the position of a lowly servant.  Even more astounding is that even though all power and authority to save Himself was at His disposal, He obeyed His Father on every point, even unto death on a cross!

While Jesus rightfully deserves glory and honor and praise, I do not.  As a follower of the King of kings, I must keep in mind my true identity if I am going to effectively lead from the front.  Firstly, I can never forget that I am a sinner. (Ecclesiastes 7:20)  My only hope is in Jesus who saved me from the certain death my sins deserve.  I am a sinner saved by grace. (Romans 3:23-24)

Secondly, I am incapable of doing good. (Psalm 14:3, Romans 7:18)  I like to think of myself as basically good, like a strong rope with a few kinks to work out.  It makes me feel good to believe that I'm not too bad and can accomplish much good if I try hard enough.  The truth is, though, that apart from Jesus, I have no hope of doing anything that counts in God's kingdom.  (John 15:5-8) I can't impress God with my efforts or my own idea of doing good.  God is the source of all good things.  (James 13:16-17)

Thirdly, as a sinner, I am capable of committing any kind of sin.  For instance, it's easy for me to look down on a woman who kills her own children, thinking I could never do that.  Because of my sin nature, however, I need only find myself in the right circumstances that would send me over the edge where I would stoop to that same level.  I cannot deny my sin nature. (Galatians 5:17)

My only hope of humbling myself as Jesus did is to remember my true identity.  Keeping this godly perspective helps me to guard against the love-eating beast of self-righteousness which regularly rears it's ugly head.

Humility is necessary if I'm going to lead from the front and is only possible when I remember my true identity.

Motivation

Backbiting.  Gossip.  Slander.   Selfish Ambition.  Anger.  Greed.   Envy.    This reads like a promo for the latest soap opera or prime-time television show but it also, unfortunately, describes activities and attitudes that can be found in many local churches.  

Pastor Gerald Cornelius reminds me of the true calling of the body of Christ.  He says, "The job of firefighters is to put out fires, not start them.  The job of Christians is to help resolve conflict (Matthew 5:9), not start more of it."  We are called to be peacemakers. (Romans 12:18)

Because I sometimes seem to create more conflict than I resolve, I must be careful of my motivation when righting a wrong.  If it is my intention to direct others to the Truth, my message will be more well-received than if I simply want to point out where my brother or sister is wrong.  If ever I feel the need to help someone along, I had better first check my heart attitude.

If my purpose for reaching out to someone who is caught in sin is to restore their relationship with Christ, the love I hold for their well-being will be noticed.  When I'm only concerned with showing disapproval of their choices, then my efforts will probably end in conflict.

Leading from the front makes it sometimes necessary to confront sin while always striving to keep my motivation pure.

Focus

Springtime is when many students who are expecting to graduate soon experience something I call, "Senioritis."  This is when many focus more on the future and get distracted from their studies, thinking they are already going to graduate, so why worry?  It also becomes more difficult for graduating seniors to concentrate on school work when freedom is looming so close at hand.

As a follower of Christ, there are many things on which I can concentrate.  Sometimes I get caught up in focusing mostly on the law of God found in His Word.  Other times I turn toward all the unspoken rules I learn from hanging around other Christians and strive to not offend.

If I am going to lead by example, though, it is Christ who must always be in the center of my radar.  Jesus is my only hope; by keeping my eyes on Him, I am able to run the race that is designed for me. (Hebrews 12:21-2)  Otherwise, I get distracted by what everyone else is doing.

Keeping in mind that it is only by grace that I can please God also helps to keep me on-track.  I was made to do the things that He created for me to do and I can only accomplish because I've been saved by the blood of Jesus. In my own sinful state, it is impossible for me to give pleasure to a holy God. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Many times I also lose focus and start to think I can change myself.  It is then that I need to re-calibrate my way of thinking and give God the free-reign in my life and allow Him to mold me into the image of His Son. (Romans 12:2, Romans 8:29)

In order to lead from the front, my focus must stay on Christ where it can propel me toward Him.

No one would argue the point that the church is many times more of a club for saints than a hospital for sinners.   If I want to see a change to occur, though, I must start with myself.  In my heart there must be true humility, a pure motivation and a strong Christ-centered focus.  Then I will be leading from the front.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can think of myself as a leader.

How do I easily lose focus and to what do I tend to shift my attention?

When am I motivated more by insecurity than by a desire to restore someone to Christ?  

Don't Resist the Holy Spirit

"You stiff-necked people,

with uncircumcised hearts and ears!

You are just like your fathers:

You always resist the Holy Spirit!"

Acts 7:51

All the believers were gathered together, making for a motley crew crowded into a single home.  Suddenly, what sounded like a violent wind storm swept through the group, only the air wasn't moving.  Perplexed, everyone looked around at each other, wondering what was happening.  The sound seemed to be coming from above but there was no place from which to flee the cacophony within the house; the din was everywhere.

All at once, a great fire came down from the ceiling, dividing itself into separate tongues of flames, each one resting upon a believer.  A great sense of power filled each person and they mysteriously received the ability to speak in other languages.  When outsiders gathered to investigate the sound, they wondered at the wide range of tongues coming from these people.  How could they each hear the message in their own language, as diverse as the onlookers were?  Some thought these believers must be drunk, but what had really happened was that God had sent His Holy Spirit upon those who trusted in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

I have the very power of God living within me in the form of God's Spirit.  Even so, it is easy to get into the habit of resisting His direction, His guidance and His power.  How could I defy such a mighty force?  There are many ways.

Stiff-Necked

God had provided everything they needed.  They had a continuous supply of delicious and nutritious food, delivered daily to their doorsteps. (Exodus 16:13-14) Their clothing and shoes stayed in good condition. (Deuteronomy 29:5)  When they needed water, He could make it appear from a rock, or turn bitter water into sweet.  (Exodus 15:25, Exodus 17:6) God Himself led the group, giving them guidance through a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. (Exodus 13:21)  In essence, the Israelites had it made.

Knowing that I have everything I need does not necessarily give me a sense of contentment.  Many times I yearn for more, desiring things I don't need but suddenly think I can't live without.  My wants morph into needs in my heart.  

The Israelites were no different.  Despite the fact that God had provided everything they needed, they still had a way of focusing only on what they didn't have and not on what God had provided.  They forgot they were God's chosen people and that He promised to take care of them.  Consequently, they complained a lot.

I'm equally as stubborn and set in my ways.  If I'm used to existing at a certain standard of living, I balk at the thought of giving up some income.  If I have my heart set on a new electronic gadget, car, or house, I resist the idea of settling for less.  If I'm accustomed to being around family at holiday time but this year everyone is split up, I mope if things don't go the way I want.

God is constantly at work in and around me, but I oppose Him when His provision or effort doesn't look like what I'm used to experiencing or what I expect to see.  I fight against what He's trying to do in the way that I direct my focus.  If I look for trouble, I'll find it.  But if I look for God's hand, I also will discover how He's at work and join in with Him.  Instead of being a part of the problem, then, I'll take part in God's amazing plan for my life.  

I resist God's Spirit in my life when I insist on my stubborn ways instead of letting go of my expectations in order to free Him to work in my life without limits.

Uncircumcised Hearts and Ears

They faced a tremendous challenge.  I mammoth city loomed above them, fortified with impenetrable walls.  This metropolis stood between them and the land God had promised the Israelites.  The men were not quite up to fighting yet as they had recently undergone the painful process of circumcision.  Yes, the people of Israel were coping with quite a dilemma.

Thankfully, God had a plan and it had nothing to do with the might of their soldiers.  Instead, it had everything to do with the power of God.  He commanded the people to march around the impassable wall of Jericho one time each day for six days.  On the seventh day, they walked around seven times, blowing their horns and shouting on the seventh time.  At the sound of the trumpet blast, the walls collapsed, allowing the men to rush in and conquer the city. (Joshua 6)  The faith of God's people had given God free reign to accomplish His will.

There are powerful things God has planned for my life, as well.  Many times, however, my heart does not desire to please Him and my ears do not hear His direction.  Instead, I'm more focused on looking holy outwardly but fail to commit, or circumcise, my heart to the objective of listening to and obeying God.  

Every time I depend upon my common sense instead of seeking God's will, I'm guilty of the same.  When I use my intellect to come up with a solution instead of leaving it in God's hands and paying attention to His direction, my heart is far from Him.  During the times when I betray my lack of faith by worrying about tomorrow, God is not glorified in my life.

The Apostle Paul explained this idea of setting my heart upon God as opposed to striving to look like I follow God.  He said, "A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.  No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code.  Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God." (Romans 2:28-29)

I can only please God when I'm devoted to following the lead of His Spirit instead of putting in the effort to try to do the right thing.  One is by the power of God, the other in my own strength.

I resist God's Spirit in my life when I depend upon my own resources instead of waiting for Him to direct me.

Generational Transfer

His father was the most evil king that ever ruled the nation of Judah.  He worshiped false idols, sacrificed his own sons in the fire in order to appease these gods.  He never turned to the one true God, even in the face of great trouble, instead opting to give sacrifices to the gods of his enemy, hoping to bring favor upon himself.  Instead, all he managed to do was draw God's wrath. (2 Chronicles 28)

Hezekiah, his son, must have worried that he'd follow in his father's footsteps.  Instead, he has the reputation as a king who did right in the eyes of the Lord.  Not only that, but it is said that there was no one like him among all the kings of Judah and that the Lord was with him, giving him success in all his endeavors.  (2 Kings 18:1-8)  Only God can break this kind of family line.

Similarly, there are negative qualities and areas of sin that have been passed down in my family from generation to generation.  It's easy to think I'm doomed to follow in the footsteps of my ancestors.  Thankfully, God is bigger than this trend.  I am not bound to do things as they have always been done.  Instead, I can step into the light of Jesus and walk in His ways.  (1 John 1:7)

The Lord gave a powerful message through the prophet Isaiah to the unfaithful people of Israel. He said, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (Israel 43:18-19)

It doesn't matter what's been done in the past.  Maybe I'm plagued with the legacy of sexual sin. It could be that I think I'm doomed to a life of depression.  I may think that child abuse and an atmosphere of fear may be my lot in life.  Letting God have His way in my life, however, means that I will experience new things; abundance where once there was shortage, joy in the place of sorrow, success instead of failure.  

I resist the work of God's Spirit in my life when I bow down to generational transfer instead of letting Him break that family cycle of sin.

The gift of the Holy Spirit is available to all those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior.  Unfortunately, there are many ways I block His work in my life.  Instead of continuing in stubbornness, relying on my own strength and doing things as they've always been done, I can walk with Him onto a new path.  As I stay close, I'll experience His power in a way I can't explain, and I'll never be the same again.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will let God's Spirit have His way in me.

How do I insist on getting things my way, even though God's way is so much better?

In what ways do I feel doomed to walk in the steps of my family?

Live to God

"The death he died,

he died to sin once for all;

but the life he lives,

he lives to God.

In the same way,

count yourselves dead to sin

but alive to God

in Christ Jesus."

Romans 6:10-11

"You've got a lot of choices.  If getting out of bed in the morning is a chore and you're not smiling on a regular basis, try another choice."  U.S. Geologist Steven Woodhull

"Good for the body is the work of the body, and good for the soul is the work of the soul, and good for either is the work of the other."  Henry David Thoreau

"Your future depends on many things, but mostly on you." Humorist and Cartoonist Frank Tyger

Whether I live my life with the goal of happiness, for the sake of work, or based on my own ability and resources, I do live my life for something.  There is a catalyst that starts my engine every morning, driving me to live my life in a certain way.  

It could be that I'm searching for a sense of satisfaction and self-worth that comes with a job well done; a task finished to the best of my ability.  I long to take a step back, admiring my work and beaming with the sense of pleasure that comes with seeing the finished project.

On the other hand, I could be searching for meaning in the humdrum things of life.  I yearn for the satisfaction that comes with dissecting philosophies and gaining a deeper understanding of life.  The quest to know why I'm here and what is my purpose gets my motor running.

Maybe I simply want to experience love that is not based upon my performance.  I search high and low, going after relationships, trying to fill that hole that exists inside of me.  The pursuit to find someone who completes me drives my life.

There are many things to which I can live.  What will deliver true satisfaction and contentment?  To find the answer, I must look to my Creator.  He made all things, and only He understands what truly makes me tick.

Dead to Sin

I am surrounded by opportunities to live my life to please myself.  Messages flood my consciousness telling me that I deserve the best life has to offer, I have worked hard and have earned a certain lifestyle, or I need this or that in order to reach true satisfaction.

All of these messages play to my inner sin nature; my self-centered tendency to look out for myself and my own well-being above all other things.  

As a follower of Christ, this sin nature was nailed to the cross.  When Jesus died to sin, I died to sin along with Him.  As the Apostle Paul said in Romans 6:2, "We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"

I am surrounded by opportunities to give into this sin nature, but I don't need to let myself go through those openings.  Sin is no long my master.  Instead, I can choose to think in a way that pleases God, to speak in a way that is delights my Master, to act in a way that honors Him.  

But it is deeper than just me trying to think, speak and act in a God-honoring way.  Oswald Chambers put it best when he said, "Any strand of our own energy will blur the life of Jesus." Christ did the work of crucifying my sin on the cross with Him, but I must let go of the hold my sin has on me.  I must release the desire to gratify my sinful nature, my self, and surrender it fully to God.

It's more than just dying to sin.  There must be something to replace the void left when I give my dead sinful nature over to God.  What will fill in my empty shell of a body?  What will fuel my drive to please God?

Alive to God

My daughter attempted to make filled chocolate candies one time.  As she formed the empty shell and prepared to squirt the filling inside, it seemed virtually impossible to keep from crushing the delicate candies.  Without the inner support the filling provided, the empty shell was very fragile.

When I submit my desire to please myself over to God, I am left with an empty shell, much like the candy my daughter made.  This emptying of myself leaves room for God's Spirit to take up more of the space inside of me, producing His fruit, shining His light, and spreading His love to all those who come in contact with me.  Without God's Spirit, I am weak and fragile, incapable of withstanding any pressure or accomplishing any God-honoring task.

Oswald Chambers explained the process of yielding to His Spirit, or allowing Him to fill me,  this way.  "The weakest saint can experience the power of the Deity of the son of God if once he is willing to 'let go.'  We have to keep letting go, and slowly and surely the great full life of God will invade us in every part, and men will take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus." 

Letting God's Spirit fill my being means more of Jesus is showing.  And when more of Jesus is showing, more of His attributes will be evident to those observing my life.  When they ask, "I've noticed you're not as impatient as you used to be.  How did you become so tolerant?"  Then I can point to Jesus and explain that it's Him that they're seeing, not me.  Maybe they would like to experience His Hand in their life, as well!

Once I let go of an area of sin, I open up a space in which God's Spirit can dwell, shining His light into a dark world.  I no longer live to please myself but now I live to please my Father.


Losing my life means letting go of my right to myself and letting God have dominion over me.  Then I am truly alive to God.

Under Grace

I remember the crushing hurt of an estranged friendship.  The pain of the separation weighed heavily upon me.  After time went on, God showed me that I wasn't the only hurting party.  He revealed the ways that I had wounded my friend.  I remember the sweet relief as I asked her for forgiveness and she graciously accepted my apology and assured me that she had forgiven me long ago.  God healed our friendship with his loving grace.

In the same way, God has pardoned my sin and rebellion against Him.  Through Jesus' blood shed on the cross, my broken relationship with God is reestablished through this forgiveness of my sins.  Since the time Jesus said, "It is finished," as He gave up His Spirit to death,  my sins have been forgiven.  It is up to me, however, whether or not I accept the freedom from this sin that came with the gift of salvation.  

Not only does the gift of grace offer life eternal, but freedom from the heavy yoke of having to prove my loyalty to God by following the law.  Instead, I am free to obey God out of love for Him and a willingness to please Him.  I no longer have to try to be good enough.  Jesus already accomplished that task for me.

Jesus reassured His sheep who felt weighed down by the burden placed on their shoulders by the Jewish leaders. These hypocritical "church people" expected them to dress a certain way, speak in a particular manner, follow specific rituals and basically jump through hoops that they had held up.  People were taught that it was their actions that justified them to God; that obedience would save them from death.  The message of Jesus, however, changed everything.  

Jesus said to them, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  (Matthew 11:28-30)

Are you exhausted from the effort of trying to prove yourself to God and others?  Do you tire from the task of living up to standards you or others have have placed for yourself?  Are you weary of holding up the mask of "acceptable Christian living"?

Accept the complete gift of grace God has offered through faith in Jesus Christ and learn at His feet.  He is a patient teacher who will show us how He wants us to live free from the constraints of others' judgement, free from the guilt of our sin, free from the condemnation my transgressions deserve.  

Living under grace means receiving the forgiveness of my sins, but it also means living free from the burden of trying to be good enough.  My relationship with God has already been repaired. . . . now it's time to freely develop that bond. 

What makes me tick?   The temptation to live to satisfy my own desires is strong, but it doesn't have to master me.  Instead, I can live to please God and remember to fully embrace the grace God lavishes upon me.  Then I will be free to live to God, and in doing so. . .I will find what truly satisfies!


As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will fully appreciate the grace God has so freely offered.


How do I withhold grace from others because I have not truly accepted it for myself?


In what areas of my life do I struggle against temptation?