Sober Warning

"Listen, my son, to your father's instruction

and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

They are a garland to grace your head

and a chain to adorn your neck.

My son, if sinful men entice you,

do not give in to them."

Proverbs 1:8-10

We hear many warnings throughout our lives:  Separate darks and lights when washing clothes.  Look both ways before you cross the road.  Wear sunscreen.  

Some advice is vital to life and limb, others are simply meant to preserve the appearance of belongings.  There are some warnings, however, with eternal implications: I'd better heed such counsel.

Stand Firm.  There is much to entice me away from the truth of the Gospel.  Sometimes it's my own flesh that lures me into thinking I need to earn my salvation or that I'm not good enough to come to God.  Other times it's the world that drops little bombs of poison into my consciousness, corrupting the Truth I've been taught.  Then there's my enemy who is constantly at work undermining the grace by which I'm firmly planted in God's family.

To stand firm in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I must not give in to the strong pull of these lies that will sweep me away from the narrow path that leads to life (1 Corinthians 15:58, Colossians 1:21-23).  Instead of buying in to what my flesh, the world and Satan are offering me, I can resist the lies and counter with what I know is true, purposefully reciting the Gospel to myself and using the strength of the Holy Spirit to hang on tight to it's foundation.

I am made righteous by the blood of Jesus, He is always at work continuing the transformation that He started at my birth, and I am secure in my place as a well-loved child by faith in Jesus.  Since God is for me, none of the nonsense I so easily fall prey to has any power against me.  May I always remember that when the night comes.

I am wise to heed the warning to stand firm in a world filled with alternative messages and puzzling crossroads.

Use Discernment.  I've always heard, "If it sounds too good to be true it probably is."  I remember receiving a message from a young prophet which may have fit this adage.  She told me I would have great wealth, adding with a wink that it takes money to do business in this world and operate a successful ministry.  I wanted to believe her words, secretly desiring to be rich, justifying my own desires with the thought that I'd be able to help so many people.

Then I turned toward the truth.  I remembered that God doesn't need money and riches are one of the most dangerous stumbling blocks for those who follow Christ (Matthew 19:23-24).  I can be lured away by the false promises of worldly success and sucked into a superficial world of catering to my fleshly desires.  God doesn't need money and He is not hampered by my weaknesses, including a lack of resources.  He is powerful enough to accomplish His work despite my anemic bank account.  My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills making me one rich princess (Psalm 50:10)!

I am wise to heed the warning to use discernment when listening to messages that sound good to my itching ears (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Keep Eyes Forward.  When I was preparing for bodybuilding competitions, I went through grueling training.  As I got closer to the competitions I'd work out twice a day, getting up well before dawn to get in a good hour of running before hitting the weights, only to return again that afternoon for another session of cardio and some lifting.  In order to persevere through such a training regimen, I would often tell myself that my competitors were probably sleeping while I was pounding the pavement, or I'd remind myself of the benefits of such sacrifices, or I'd visualize myself on stage with muscles popping and skin glowing.  I had to keep my focus on the purpose for all the pain and agony in order to have the motivation to carry on.

It's not so different when walking with Jesus.  This life could be thought of boot camp as I learn God's ways, practice His teachings and train myself in the regimen of faith.  Paul encouraged us to train as athletes, keeping our eyes on the prize as motivation to persevere.  While it would be easy to give up and just float along, we are called to run our race to win, striving hard toward the finish line (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).  It is my desire, then, to press on no matter how many times I fall, keeping my eyes trained on Jesus and what He will give me for my faithfulness to Him (Philippians 3:12-14).

I am wise to heed the warning to keep my eyes forward, focused on my heavenly reward for running a good race.

I often hear so many cautions and so much advice that I'm tempted to tune out.  There are some warnings, however, with eternal implications.  I would be wise, then, to stand firm in my faith, to use discernment when listening to messages and to keep my eyes trained on the finish line of my life.  I will never be sorry that I paid attention to these warnings.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can filter out the superfluous and focus on the eternally significant.

When do I lose heart because my focus is on the problems threatening to bring me down?

How can I resolve to stand firm in the truth as I've been taught? 

Integrity

"I will sing of steadfast love and justice;

to you, O LORD, I will make music.

I will ponder the way that is blameless.

Oh when will you come to me?

I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;

I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.

I hate the work of those who fall away;

it shall not cling to me.

A perverse heart shall be far from me;

I will know nothing of evil."

Psalm 101:1-4 ESV

David committed himself to walking in integrity.  In this cynical world whose ways run counter to God's, I'm always at risk of being tainted by evil, influenced by pessimism, shaped by darkness.  To live wholeheartedly devoted to God's best for His people means I'll often find myself criticized, even by other believers, as being judgmental or acting as a Pharisee.  Even though I don't want to come across as either, there are boundaries I must set for myself as a holy vessel (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:20-22).

What does it look like to walk with integrity, completely and wholly devoted to God and undivided in my affiliations and purposes?

Intentional.  There is so much evil in the world in which I live.  It streams in through the television, Internet and other forms of entertainment.  The mindsets of evil are constantly spewed forth in the media, by coworkers, friends and acquaintances.  It's easy to think in a way that runs counter to God's ways because the worldly mindsets make sense to my fleshly outlook and appeals to my flesh.  

Since I am so vulnerable, I must live intentionally, purposefully avoiding worthless pursuits and activities, staying far away from that which is wrong, and having nothing to do with sexual immorality, even if it means avoiding my favorite shows or staying away from the water cooler and putting myself at risk of being being labeled as a prude (Colossians 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 5:11).  Out of respect for my body as a holy vessel in which the Holy Spirit resides, it's worth it.

To walk in integrity like David did, I must live intentionally.

Judge.  Judge not.  Remove the log from your own eye.  Don't be a hater.  No matter how you phrase it, it's obvious I live in a culture that frowns upon making judgments.  Therefore, it's important that I understand the difference between condemnation and discernment.

If I am making a commitment to walk in integrity, wholly devoted to God and His ways, His love will propel me toward the ugly, the hurting, the sinful.  As I come into contact with others, there will be times when my discernment will show me something is off, attitudes are harmful, or behaviors destructive.  After all, there is a plumb line for God's people (Amos 7:8).    

When I realize this, it is the loving thing to gently point my brother or sister back toward the Light, not in a condemning way, but with the desire to restore them in right standing with God and others.  Sin is destructive and looking the other way makes me part of the problem.  Coming along side someone stuck in a harmful pattern, however, and walking with them back to the path that leads to Life is what I am meant to do.  As Oswald Chamber said, "God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede."

To walk in integrity like David did, I will need to discern what is God's best and what is not.

Stand.  "You are the salt of the earth.  But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?  Can you make it salty again?  It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless." (Matthew 5:13)  As a follower of Christ, I am meant to impact the world for Him, make a difference in the lives of those around me, bring flavor to an otherwise meager existence.  If I blend in with everyone else, fitting in to the thinking of this world and its ways, I'll lose my ability to influence the world.  I'll lose my flavor.

Therefore, I must stand firm against what is wrong, evil and dark.  If I don't speak out against what is destructive, failing to point out the pain abortion causes, the way gay marriage undermines and weakens the marriage union as God intended, how pornography ruins lives, I'm a part of the problem and have lost my saltiness.  God has placed me where I am to help preserve the society in which I'm living.  

To walk in integrity like David did, I must take a stand for what is right.

It's hard to live in the world as a follower of Christ and not rock the boat.  If I'm to be true to my calling, I will need to intentionally avoid that which is evil, to judge what is not God's best as a way of life, and to take a stand against the darkness.  When I do, I may not be popular, but I'll be walking in integrity as David did.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit as He shows me how to love someone enough to discern when they're stuck in a destructive pattern.

How do I avoid taking a stand so that I won't be ostracized by the majority?

When am I so afraid of looking judgmental that I fail to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with someone who needs Him?   

Before You Speak

"Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent?

Must I also remain silent?

No, I will say my piece.

I will speak my mind.

For I am full of pent-up words,

and the spirit within me urges me on.l

I am like a cask of wine without a vent,

like a new wineskin ready to burst!

I must speak to find relief,

so let me give my answers."

Job 32:16-20 NLT

I often feel like young Elihu; that I have to get things off my chest.  But is it always wise to speak, or is there something I should keep in mind before spouting off at the mouth (Proverbs 17:28)?

Sensitive.  His voice is so quiet, His Spirit speaking gently to mine.  He's easy to ignore and I often pretend I don't hear the soft promptings.  Don't say anything.  Or sometimes, Not now.  But the words I long to speak seem so wise and helpful; just what my friend needs to hear.  Only God, however, knows the heart and perceives her readiness to accept such a message.  Therefore, listening to His voice is vital.

What would have happened if Philip, one of the believers who were scattered after the killing of Stephen, disregarded the direction of the Lord?  He was told by an angel to travel down the desert road that goes from Jersualem to Gaza.  He obeyed and soon met an Ethiopian eunuch traveling there.  The Holy Spirit prompted him to go to the man and soon he was sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 8:26-38).  If Philip had ignored God's promptings to approach the foreign man, he would have missed out on being part of such a sweet and joyous conversion.

God knows what is best for every situation.  He understands what each heart needs to hear.  Only He perceives whether there is willingness to listen or not.  Consequently, I'd be wise to let Him direct my paths, seeking His will in each and every situation instead of merely doing what seems right to me.

Instead of just saying what I feel needs to be said, I would be wise to be sensitive to His leading.

Who Gets the Glory?  Often, I want to say something because I desire the positive affirmation that comes from giving good advice.  If I'm honest with myself, even though I often deny it, I'm all about getting at least a little credit for spouting words of wisdom.  Therefore, with such a self-seeking sin nature, I must be careful, asking myself "Who will get the glory if I speak?"

If my heart is humble, it won't matter if no one knows from where the advice, counsel or support came, as long as God gets the glory.  Whether or not anyone acknowledges me will not make a difference, as long as His name is lifted high.  Even if no one ever realizes it was I who spoke the necessary message, it will be fine with me providing that much is made of God.

If my heart is feeling insecure, hungry for some positive affirmation, however, I may have an ulterior motive for speaking up.  It could be that I want a bit of the attention that comes from offering a good suggestion.  Or I could want at least a few accolades or a pat on the back for being clever enough to give such wise counsel.  Or it may be that I simply feel hungry for the spotlight, soaking in the encouragement that comes from such positive attentions.

Instead of just saying what I feel needs to be said, I must ask myself who will get the glory from the words I speak.

Build Up.  If the words I intend to speak come out of obedience to God's promptings, they will work to build up the faith of others, edifying the Body of Christ.  If, on the other hand, I speak on my own behalf, I'll probably find that I'm tearing others down or not making a difference to their faith walk at all, even if that is not my intention.

I had the bittersweet opportunity a few years back to encourage a woman that was weathering a horrific ordeal.  Her teenage daughter had been abducted from their home.  As she desperately searched for her only child, this single mom sought out encouragement from the Lord.  In response, I began sharing scripture and positive messages via text as God led me.  

One day, I felt like these messages were no longer being received as they once were.  Instead of heeding God's gentle warning, I plunged ahead, continuing the mission that was no longer from God.  Soon, the poor woman asked me to stop, telling me it was all getting to be too much.  Her message cut me to the core as I realized I had gone too far, entering into the territory of hurting rather than helping, all because I ignored the Lord's guidance.

Instead of just saying what I feel needs to be said, I must heed God's guidance so that I will build up those that will hear.

I can think of countless things to say, especially if someone asks for advice.  Before I speak, however, I would be wise to listen to what God is telling me, being sensitive to His leading, to make sure God is the one getting the credit, and that my words will build others up.  Just because I have something to say, doesn't mean it needs to be said.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can be sensitive to God's leading, especially in my speech.

When do I let my zeal drive me to say too much?

How am I guilty of seeking my own glory, even if only a little bit?

God of All

"But Zerabbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, 'You may have no part in this work.

We alone will build the Temple for the LORD,

the God of Israel,

just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.'"

Ezra 4:3 NLT

In refusing their help, the Jewish leaders either acted wisely in protecting their mission, or they embittered their adversaries against them.  While it is apparent that their enemy's offer of help was a ploy to undermine their mission, the leaders' response reveals a common belief that runs counter to God's true character.  Even though they belonged to God, as do I through faith in Jesus Christ, He did not belong to them.  In other words, no one owns God.  Sometimes, though, I behave as if I do.

Gospel.  Everyone needs Jesus.  All have a sin problem that separates mankind from the God who loves them (Isaiah 59:2).  Each human was created for relationship with their Maker.  None can reach Him in their own strength or based on their own standard.  All fall short of God's perfect expectation(Romans 3:23).  This is why God sent Jesus, to save the world through Him (John 3:17).

Even though God is gracious, wanting none to be lost (2 Peter 3:9), I can be stingy with His saving gospel message.  I know a little about someone and their background and assume they wouldn't be interested.  Since when does an atheist care about Jesus? I reason to myself.  Or I observe the hardness of heart exhibited by a coworker and jump to the conclusion that she's the last person who would want to discuss spiritual things.  Or I choose who I share the Gospel with based on how open I think they will be.

In truth, only God knows what He has been doing in the heart of each (John 6:44).  I might be surprised who responds and who doesn't.  The confessed atheist might really be at a point where he is searching for meaning and a sense of his own worth.  The coworker could be hardened in an effort to protect the hurt Jesus longs to carry.  The narrow-minded among me might actually be ready to hear something new.

I act as if God can be owned

when I refuse the Gospel to those who seem like they'd reject its life-giving message (Romans 1:16).

Judge.  I wouldn't think a tattooed leader of a Metalcore band would be a follower of Christ, but I'd be wrong (Austin Carlile).  It would seem that a rough-looking truck-driver is up to no good, but appearances can be deceiving.  While I expect the clean-cut young man is the Believer, it's actually the leather-clad biker who loves Jesus.  In each case, I am guilty of judging based on appearances, something God never does (1 Samuel 16:7).

God has His people everywhere, spread out in all walks of life as salt sprinkled throughout the world (Matthew 5:13).  In this way, each person has a chance to hear the Gospel, to witness the Light, and to experience God's love.  As it is said, sometimes I am the only Jesus others will see.  It is God's desire that each of His image bearers gets the chance to see His love in action.  What better way than to distribute His followers in all places, from the lowliest to the highest?  

I act as if God can be owned when I judge others as non-believers based on their appearance.

Indiscriminate.  I swallow the message whole without chewing.  I feel secure as I listen to the trusted leader so I believe every word that comes from his mouth.  Instead of relying on the still, small Voice warning me of deception, I take the speaker at his word.

If I don't know God's Word for myself, I'll fall for a lot of false teaching, misinterpretation or just plain foolishness packaged as truth.  When I assume a teacher knows what she's talking about because of her image as a follower of Christ, I am ignoring the discernment of the Holy Spirit.  Instead, I must follow the example of the Berean Jews who tested everything Paul taught against the truth of scripture (Acts 17:11).  It's nothing against those who teach but simply a responsibility given to each believer, no matter their background.

I act as if God can be owned when I think I am unable to examine the Scriptures for myself to test a message from a well-known speaker.

It's easy to attempt to contain God, sharing the Gospel sparingly, judging others based on their appearance, and assuming God teaches only through man.  In reality, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone, people from all walks of life follow Jesus, and anyone can discern truth from falsehood no matter their background or education level.  In these ways, the Lord shows He is the God of all.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I not limit God by who I interact with, being stingy with His love.

How do I withhold the truth from some because I assume they won't listen?

When am I guilty of accepting a message without discrimination simply because of the speaker's reputation?