Less is More

"The LORD said to Gideon,

'You have too many men.

I cannot deliver Midian into their hands,

or Israel would boast against me,

"My own strength has saved me."'"

Judges 7:2

John the Baptist knew this truth well.  He was created for a specific purpose; to prepare the way for the coming Messiah.  Once he saw Jesus taking His rightful place as the chosen One, John declared the fulfillment of his purpose in saying, "He must become greater; I must become less" (John 3:30).

In the same way that John understood the importance of letting Jesus have supremacy, I must take on the same mindset if God is to get all the glory in my life.  If I want to truly experience my purpose, He must become greater and I must become less.  In the kingdom where Jesus reigns and I desire to dwell, less is considered to be more.

Confidence

"I wish I had a fraction of your confidence."  I often say this to my dear husband who is overflowing with what I often lack.  Even though I tease him about his boldness and self-assurance, I know it is not really in his own capabilities that he trusts.  Instead, I know that my husband simply has faith in what God can do through him.

My problem is that I have a hard time getting over myself.  I am not so different from Moses in this way.  When he stood before the burning bush, receiving a powerful calling from God through a most extraordinary delivery method, Moses couldn't get over himself.  Are You sure You've got the right guy? (Exodus 3:11) What if the people don't listen?  I'm not one of them and I don't know what they call You! (v 13)  What if they don't believe me?  (Exodus 4:1)  Each time, God reassured Moses, giving him the answer he needed or a sign to prove His purpose.  

Then Moses got to the real issue: he didn't think he was capable of doing what God was asking him to do. I've never been good at speaking.  I'll never be able to speak in a way that anyone will listen.  I'll make a fool of myself!  ( Exodus 4:10)  Still, God calmly encouraged Moses with the truth that He made His mouth and was perfectly capable of giving him the ability to speak when the time came.  Trust me, Moses.  I'll be with you every step of the way (v 11-12).

Unfortunately, his own insecurity was too much.  Moses just couldn't picture himself standing in front of all the people, delivering a message he feared he couldn't give. Please, can't you send someone else?  This lack of faith angered God. Fine, I'll send your brother, Aaron, as your mouthpiece (v 13-17).  I can relate.

If I could only grasp what the Apostle Paul seemed to understand:  The weaker I am, the better.  The less of me there is, the more of God there is.  My own frailties are only an opportunity for God's strength to prevail (2 Corinthians 12:9).

In God's kingdom, the less able I am, the greater is the opportunity for God to shine.

Wisdom

I don't know enough to do this job.  What if someone asks me a question I can't answer?  What if no one else is there to lead and I am asked to step up?  What if. . . what if. . .  The "what ifs" often keep me from going where God is leading me.  What I often fail to understand, though, is that less is more in God's kingdom.

I don't need to possess all the wisdom I think is necessary before I start doing what God is calling me to do.  God is the One with all the understanding.  If I trust Him enough to step out in faith, believing that He will equip me once I accept His calling on my life, I'll find Him faithful to supply what I need at just the right time (Proverbs 9:10). The only qualification necessary for doing what God wants me to do is to be connected to the Source of all good things (John 15:5).

As I value Him above everything else in my life, His Word will become like vital sustenance to my soul.  I'll find that I can't begin the day without drinking in His living water.  A deep hunger will arise that can only be satisfied with a thorough study of the Bible and a meditation of the meaningful truths that come forth as a result.  

I may not be wise in the ways of the world nor in the realm of academia, but even the lowest thought that God can muster is wiser than anything that comes out of the world (1 Corinthians 1:25).  Everything I need to know is found in relationship with Christ.  The closer I get to Him, the more I will understand about the things that matter most (Colossians 2:2-3).   While the world may not recognize this brand of wisdom, I will never be sorry that I sought after it. 

In God's kingdom, wisdom flows from my relationship with Christ, not from the potency of my brain power.

Ambition

"You can do anything you put your mind to."

In the world in which I live, I am constantly bombarded with the message that I can reach any goal I set as long as I try hard enough.  Ambition can buy me the American dream, the fulfillment of my aspirations and the success I've always wanted.  As long as I work consistently and purposefully, I can hit any target for which I aim.

While this philosophy may (or may not) work in the world's economy, it certainly is not appropriate in God's.  In His kingdom it is less my own effort and more of God's grace that is vital.  In the world, I am the maker of my own destiny.  In God's kingdom, He is the Master Potter who created each of His own with a specific purpose in mind (Isaiah 45:9). Therefore, my role is to submit to His Lordship and allow Him to lead me through my days.

This means I must spend less time in trying to reach the goals I have set for myself, and more time in learning about the plan God has for my life (Jeremiah 29:11-13). I must decrease the amount of effort I put into getting ahead and increase the exertion I make into growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus (2 Peter 3:17-18).  I must put forth less energy into doing what I think looks religious and focus more intently on my relationship with the God who loves me unconditionally (1 John 4:16).

In His so-called Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught some radical truths as He revealed His kingdom to a hungry crowd.  He said it was time to cease running after all the things I think I need.  To me, this seems like a crazy concept.  Wouldn't I be irresponsible if I don't take care of my basic necessities?  I ask myself.  While the world may think so, Jesus had His reason for teaching such a radical idea.  He was trying to convey to those who would follow Him that we have a Father who knows our needs and is perfectly able to supply them.

Since I possess such a Father, I am free to live with the liberty of wholly focusing on Him and His kingdom.  I can devote myself to the work He has set aside for me to do, knowing that He will give me what I need to live (Ephesians 2:10). Or, as Oswald Chambers said, I can dedicate my life to Jesus Christ and pleasing Him.  "Learn to discern where the ambition leads, and you will see why it is so necessary to live facing the Lord Jesus Christ."  Any other direction will take me away from Him.

In God's kingdom, the less ambition I possess to attain worldly success, the more I have left to run to Jesus.

The values of God's kingdom are upside down and backwards to what I find in the world around me.  Therefore, it is important that I keep in mind that my confidence comes less from me and more from God, lasting wisdom is found in the mysteries revealed by the One who desires to be known, and the drive to succeed in this world can be replaced by a determination to grow closer to God.  In these ways, less is more in God's kingdom.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can step back from the world's economy and take stock of how much I have invested there.

When do I rely on my own understanding instead of seeking the wisdom of God?

How am I ambitious for success but indifferent toward my relationship with God?   


Originally published on March 20, 2019

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Love Warns

"We give thanks to you, O God;

we give thanks, for your name is near.

We recount your wondrous deeds.

'At the set time that I appoint

I will judge with equity.

When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,

it is I who keep steady its pillars."

Psalm 75:1-3

It is coming.  Whether I want it or not, judgement is coming.  Even if the world is not ready, the time will come when each must stand before the Lord and give an accounting of choices made, words uttered, lives lived (Romans 14:12).  

With such a sober inevitability as this, to be judged by a just Judge, it is time to warn others.  True love does not stand by and let people continue living as if there will be no consequences for their sin (1 Corinthians 13:6).  God's brand of love warns others of the judgment that is to come.  As Jesus demonstrated, love says, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." (Matthew 4:17 NLT)

Love does not stand by quietly, but love warns.

Promotion.  It's hard to be a writer and not be ambitious.  In order to get the word out about what I write, I must promote.  The world says to extol my own virtues and pump myself up, while God wants me to let Him do the lifting.  Only God can give success and without His favor, there will be no measure of achievement.  It's a lesson I am learning, slowly.

The world sends a message that is contrary to God's best for me.  It says that I must go after what I want if I am to reach my goals and live a meaningful life.  God meant it to be different than this.  He doesn't want me focused on me and what I want, but on Him and what He wants.  When it's all about my life, my goals, my purpose, I am naturally quite self-centered and will never feeling content with whatever level I reach.  Why?  Because nothing is ever enough.  

Only God can satisfy my deepest desires, and only He can bring fulfillment to my searching heart.  Even if I became the most popular writer in the world, it would not mean a thing apart from God.  He is the treasure I run after.

Love warns of the emptiness in running after selfish dreams that lead to self-promotion.  Only God can promote.

Placement.  I tend to want to put prideful, haughty people in their place, taking them down a few notches when they spout their arrogant words.  It bugs me when someone acts as if they are so good that they can tell everyone what to do, as if they know what is best for me or anyone else.  The trouble with my attempts at chastening another is that sometimes I am that prideful, haughty person.  It is true; only God can humble a man (Daniel 4:37).

It comes naturally to my flesh for my feathers to be ruffled.  When I try to take matters into my own hands and attempt to put someone in the place I think they need to be, I am forgetting that God is the only One who knows what it takes for each person to be humbled.  For some, it is an illness.  For others, it is the loss of a job or position of importance.  For a few, it is a broken marriage or other relationship.  Whatever it takes, God will do it in order to reconcile them to Himself.

Love warns of the reality that God is in the business of reconciliation, and sometimes that comes through the rude and harsh wake-up calls of life.

Justice.  It will be perfect and just.  There will be no question it is what is owed.  It may seem harsh or too strict, but only God is righteous.  Judgement is coming.

Nothing will get past God.  He will not look the other way when it comes to all the ways of man that offend Him.  Only the blood of Jesus will cover sins and provide a measure of protection against His righteous wrath.  God's love does not allow for man to come to the judgment seat unaware.  He wants all to be saved from the serious consequences of sin (1 Timothy 2:4).  How will they know the truth of what is to come if they are not told (1 Peter 4:5-6, 2 Timothy 4:1-5)?  

Love warns of the coming judgment, and that it is perfectly just and true with no means of escape save one:  Jesus Christ!

Our only hope is Jesus.  The world must be told.  If they are never warned, they will face the harsh reality of a judgement before the Just Judge that will bring eternal consequences to bear.  Love does not let any go forth unaware, but desires that everyone know the truth of the Gospel and be given a chance to repent so as to escape the death sentence all sin demands.  Love does not idly stand by and let people live a life of selfish ambition in ignorance of God's attempt at reconciliation or of their eternal demise.  Love warns!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop using love as an excuse to not address the sin problem in this world and instead discover the boldness of God's brand of love to warn others of what is to come.

How am I idly sitting by while people all around me are destined for eternal suffering?

When is my fear of offending someone keeping me from saving them from something much worse than hurt feelings?

Be Still

"Be still,

and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 46:10

I've heard it said to cook the best hamburger, it's important to let the meat be; just let it cook for several minutes before grabbing the spatula and flipping it to the other side.  My inclination is to smash it down, move it around a bit; just do something to make me feel useful in this cooking process.  In reality, I'm not helping at all but simply causing the piece of meat to lose a lot of juices which will result in a dry burger.  

Frying a hamburger is a lot like living in this world as a follower of Christ.  It seems like I must be constantly doing something in order to be useful in this journey.  I try to give a hand in fighting my own battles, going after what I need, saving myself, joining service projects, generally just attempting to be helpful.  I'm trying to be a good Christian, I think.  But God wants His people to operate under a different battle plan.

Know.  Knowing who my God is involves more than just brain power.  It requires trust which concerns my heart.  Take the Israelites, for instance.  After God had delivered them from the cruel hand of the Egyptian king where they served as slaves, they stood between the impenetrable Red Sea and the mighty army of Pharaoh.  They were stuck.  What could they do?

Nothing.  God told them to do nothing but watch and "see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today." (Exodus 14:13)  Their part was to hold their peace and remain at rest, God's part was to fight for them.

Part of knowing who God is, is to prove that I believe what I know.  Just like the Israelites had the choice to trust God to do the impossible which He had told them He would do, or they could not believe what He said, panic and pick up whatever weapons they could find and fight the soldiers themselves.  The first showed faith in their knowledge of God, the other fear and doubt.  Which will I choose today?

In order to live as a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, I must know Who my God is, and trust Him.

Nations.  Governments operate apart from His law.  People live as if He didn't exist.  Leaders bow to the god of tolerance and religious inclusion.  Life is not valued, marriage  grows extinct, gender identity fluid.  How are we to live?  Where are the boundaries for civilized society?

God doesn't need my help to exalt Himself.  He will be honored before the seats of every government, and man shall be humbled, their pride taken down a notch or two until it dwells in the basement (Isaiah 2:17).  God will be lifted up as Maker, as Ruler, as Sovereign over all.  

So how do I live in a world that is yet to be reduced to their rightful place as God shows His?  Live in a way that brings glory to Him now, not waiting until He exalts Himself, but willingly giving Him the honor and praise due Him.

In order to live as a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, I must operate with the expectation that God will be exalted among the nations, even if they don't acknowledge it now.  He is Lord.

Earth.  The birds sing His praises.  The eagles soar to proclaim His power.  The flowers bloom each spring to illustrate the hope I have in Christ.  The mountains stand in majesty as a symbol of His magnificence.  All of creation points to it's Creator.

If I truly believe this, I will look for lessons of His kingdom all around me.  Instead of just watching a mother bird feed her babies, I can ponder the nurturing nature of a God who lovingly meets all my needs and grows me into the woman He created me to be.  

While I could simply enjoy watching the rhythm of the waves washing in to shore, I could let it remind me of the constancy of God, how I can count on Him to always be there for me.  

As the sun rises behind the sheath of fog, revealing sunny skies to the west, I can receive the promise of God's divine blessing that is to come in my life, knowing that He directs the weather pattern and can use it to speak hope to my weary heart.

In order to live as a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, I must look for how He is showing Himself throughout all of creation.

As a "doer," it's easy for me to get caught up trying to prove myself as useful to God by staying busy in His kingdom work.  Really, though, He doesn't require this of me, nor has He asked me to do such nonsense.  Instead, He desires His people to know who He is, live as people who acknowledge His glory throughout the nations, and notice all the ways He exalts Himself in all the earth.  In essence, I must be still, and let God be God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop trying to do for God, and just be with Him.

How do I miss His glory all around me?

When am I so busy doing, that I don't get a chance to enjoy His presence?

Not Lacking a Thing

"The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want."

Psalm 23:1 ESV

They were my grandmother's dying words; a reflection of her contentment in Christ, her readiness to meet her Shepherd face-to-face, a message spoken by stroke-damaged lips that told all was well with her soul.

Psalm 23 is perhaps the most familiar of Scripture passages.  It is often memorized by children, quoted by those in trouble, and even used as a kind of mantra to calm the anxious heart.  Instead of glossing over it as I tend to do with that which is familiar, what if I took the words to heart?

If I follow the Lord as my shepherd, how will that change my attitude?

Squelches Ambition.  While my husband served in the Army, he often said, "Stay in your lane."  Sometimes it was a way to train a young soldier who tried to impress by taking on more than his own responsibilities, or it served to remind a driven co-worker who was a back-seat driver of sorts, giving everyone advice about their jobs while neglecting his own.  Each soldier was assigned a specific task to focus on and things ran smoothly when everyone stuck to his or her own duties.

Similarly, I've been given limited duties to accomplish as a follower of Christ who has a Father who loves and cares for me.  While I tend to run after what I want and need, it is my purpose to obey Him as I focus on the kingdom work He has set before me while it is God's job to provide for what is necessary for living (Matthew 6:31-33, Ephesians 2:10).

So, when I begin to make decisions based on need, God could say to me, "Stay in your lane; that's My job!"  Or when I try to make ministry happen, He could remind me that putting all the pieces together in just the right time is His area of responsibility.  Or when I try to promote myself, getting my name out there so my gifts can be used in the way I think they should be used, He could reign me in as I step into His realm of duty.

Following the Lord as my shepherd squelches my natural-born ambition.

Ceases Worry.  I lay awake, mulling over the day's activities, rehashing every conversation and scrutinizing each decision.  Was it the right thing to say?  Did I hurt her feelings?  Maybe I should have done something else instead, or waited a little longer, or turned right instead of left.  Sheesh!  Then I just want to say to my brain, let it be, would ya'?  I'm trying to sleep here!

Worry comes in many forms but at its base it is focused and continuous thought, usually on a real or potential problem.  The original meaning suggests to "seize by the throat and tear" or to "harass."  Anxiety does tend to choke the life out of me, pestering me relentlessly until my health deteriorates and I have no peace.

If I have a Shepherd who is my Protector (Psalm 46:1), offering a safe place from that which will harm me, my Provider, supplying all I need and much of what I want (Matthew 6:8, Matthew 7:11), and my Guide, showing me the path He set aside for me to follow, what is there left about which I can worry (Hebrews 12:1)?  He has taken care of it all.  The only variable, then, is my willingness to let Him.

Following the Lord as my shepherd ceases worry that naturally plagues my mind and harasses my heart.

Delivers Contentment.  When I was a child, I loved Barbie dolls and would play with them for hours.  My friend Denise and I would live imaginary lives vicariously through this family of dolls who would travel to exotic locations, go on wild adventures and sometimes do ordinary chores that I dreaded doing in real life.  If you wanted to give me a gift, there was nothing I'd adore more than a new Barbie or one of her accessories.

If you tried to give me such a gift today,however, I would not have the same reaction.  My tastes have changed and my priorities have shifted.  The things my heart desired as a child are not what I still want as an adult.  

It's the same in my faith walk.  When I first trusted in Jesus, I was still quite rooted in the world.  As I submitted to Him, He began to change my priorities, shift my values, and challenge my practices.  As a result of this slow transformation process, I do not think the same way today that I did when I first committed my life to Christ.  As I delight in Him, He has given my heart new desires that line up more closely with His (Psalm 37:4).  He is changing my perspective in order to align it more with His.  He is in the process of conforming me into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

Therefore, I tend to be more content today with what God decides to give me.  While as a baby Christian I may have had an idea of what I thought I needed (and still sometimes do!), letting God choose for me has produced a new sense of gratification in the things of God and His kingdom.  More and more I find myself realizing that there is nothing I need apart from what God gives.

Following the Lord as my shepherd delivers a new kind of contentment as I realize He has my best interest at heart.

Living in a world that cultivates selfish ambition, anxiety and discontent, I must remember I have a Good Shepherd.  If I intentionally decide to follow the Lord, He will squelch this ambition, cease the worry, and deliver contentment.  Then I will not lack a thing as the Lord is my Shepherd.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God to lead me well.

When do I run after what I think I need?

How am I spending time thinking about what I want instead of being thankful for what I've been given?