Right Intention, Wrong Approach

"They moved the ark of God 

from Abinadab's house on a new cart,

with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it.

David and all the Israelites were celebrating

with all their might before God,

with songs and with harps, lyres,

timbrels, cymbals and trumpets."

1 Chronicles 13:7-8

They did not lack for enthusiasm.  David was pumped.  His people were equally as excited.  The ark, a symbol of God's very presence, was returning to Jerusalem!  This was a day to celebrate!

In his zeal to do what seemed good, David failed to take his duty seriously, plunging forward in the best way he knew how.  Instead of consulting God's instructions on how he wanted the ark to be carried, he focused on getting the job done (Exodus 25:14-15, Numbers 4:15, Numbers 7:6-9).  His exuberance, however, did not make up for his neglect.  As a result, a man lost his life that day (2 Samuel 6:6-7).

In living my life, I would be wise to learn from David's mistake and in so doing, avoid dishonoring God.

Plunge Ahead.  I answer the call and am filled with passion and enthusiasm for this new mission.  I can't wait to begin serving in the area God has placed on my heart.  Instead of waiting on the Lord's timing, however, it's easy to plunge ahead without Him.

In God's kingdom, it is not up to me to make things happen.  Instead, I am entirely dependent upon Him for the timetable, abilities, strength and know-how.  My job is to simply submit to His lordship.  While I say "simply," it's not always so easy to let God lead.

After all, I may have done something like this before and assume God wants me to use my past experience to accomplish this new task.  Instead of waiting for His go-ahead, then, I run ahead of Him, spinning my wheels in the frustration that comes apart from His favor.

Or, it may seem obvious what God wants me to do and how He would have me begin such a task.  Instead of seeking His guidance, then, I rashly move forward in my own understanding.

Or, it could be that I see the good that will come from this ministry and witness deep suffering that could be alleviated.  In my desire to ease the pain felt by others, I rush forward, coming up with a plan that seems right to me.  Unfortunately, I completely missed the point as I separated myself from the Vine (John 15:5-6).

When plunging ahead, I risk offending God in my enthusiasm to work for God instead of with Him.

Forsake Insight.  I have my own way of doing things, but as I've learned over the years, my way is not always the best way.  In God's kingdom, how something is done counts.  It's not just a matter of getting the job done, but in learning to cooperate with what God is already doing.

Therefore, my connection to the Source of my supply is of the utmost importance.  It's not enough to go through the motions or even accomplish a task well if God is not even considered as the architect of the master plan.  David found this out the hard way, and I am at risk of doing the same.

Instead of focusing on completing the task that lies before me, then, it is my relationship with Jesus that really counts.  If I keep my eyes on Him, I won't lose sight of my Guide as He leads me through each step, showing me how He wants the job done.  Once I get distracted, focusing on something else, I'll lose track of my Shepherd and likely stray of the path.

When forsaking insight, I risk offending God in my zeal to finish the job even if it means doing it without Him.

Result Driven.  Statistics.  Numbers.  Improvement.  I often look for some kind of positive sign that proves my efforts are making a difference.  How many lives have been touched?  Who has seen growth in their faith?  What is the number of professions of faith due to this ministry?  These are the kinds of questions I ask myself.  In my mind, results equals success.

In God's Kingdom, however, obedience rules supreme.  My heart is what really matters to Him.  Therefore, if He asks me to do something, I am to do it with all my heart simply because He asked.  Instead of focusing on my legacy, the impact I am making or whether or not I'm making a difference, I can pay attention to how I am pleasing God in my faithfulness to His calling.

Since God is the all-knowing One, only He knows the impact of my obedience.  Trusting Him enough to continue to labor with Him, then, is all that counts.  Adoniram Judson seems to have understood this concept well.  He answered God's call to the mission field but after being blocked from entering India and finally finding an open door in Burma, he suffered isolation, the loss of his first child, and 6 years of work without one soul won for Christ.

If this missionary had given up due to lack of results, 200,000 Burmese would not have come to know Christ and the people of Burma would not have the benefit of reading God's Word in their own language.  Judson's love for the Lord and dedication to His calling gave the man the tenacity to hang on in the face of difficulty.

When letting results be my inspiration, I risk offending God when the outcome is more important than my love for Him.

It's easy to get off track when I'm excited!  When my zeal is what empowers me, I tend to plunge ahead, forsaking His insight and focusing on what comes out of my labors.  Then I end up like David, having the right intention but using the wrong approach.  May my zeal for loving Jesus be my only driving force!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I not forsake my first Love.

How is it easy to focus on the plan instead of the Planner?

When do I often run ahead in my zeal to impress God by my dedication and trustworthiness?       

Consecrate Yourselves

"For I am the LORD your God.

Consecrate yourselves therefore,

and be holy,

for I am holy.

And you shall not make yourselves unclean

with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth."

Leviticus 11:44 NASB

The gecko made its way up the wall, exploring the home of the family of four.  When it reached a certain point, it lost its footing and fell to its death.  When the woman of the Israelite home returned to her cooking area, she discovered the creature's body inside her favorite water jar, a vessel passed down to her from her mother.  According to God's law, she must now destroy this precious keepsake.  Her heart was broken.

Thankfully, I need not be concerned with making myself or any of my belongings impure by coming into contact with unclean creatures.  As one who has been bought at a price, however, I had better realize how I tarnish my testimony as a redeemed image bearer.  What kind of God do I represent to the world?

Holy God

She had worked hard all week and felt like she deserved a break.  When her friends invited her out to dinner, she eagerly accepted, ready for some fun after the grueling week that was finally behind her.  She briefly considered how this could be a temptation to return to drink after finally reaching the 3-months-dry mark, but she quickly dismissed the thought in her quest to enjoy the evening.  Unfortunately, the lure to relax with one drink had been too much for the young woman and she soon found herself in a drunken stupor after a night of drinking.

I've heard it said that, "The trouble with trouble is that is usually starts out as a whole lot of fun."  While there is nothing wrong with fun, relaxation and recreation, I must be careful of the temptations I expose myself to in my quest to enjoy life.  It is easy to justify this risky behavior by telling myself that everyone does it, or that God won't mind one slip-up.  

The reality, however, is that my God is a holy God and my sin is an affront to Him and the sacrifice His son made on my behalf.  If He was willing to go to such lengths to cover my transgressions, I had better be serious about avoiding temptation at all costs. (James 4:4-7, 1 Timothy 6:11)

If my mouth is what gets me in trouble, then, I had better stay out of conversations that could turn ugly or from people who tend to push my buttons.  If it is my eyes that lure me into lustful exploration, I had better block all temptations that come through every electronic device.  If it is my ears that entice me into politically-centered belief systems or godless world-views, I had better avoid listening to those programs or opinionated people who tend to lead me away from godly truths.

Since I serve a holy God, I had better run from temptation, always taking the way out He mercifully provides.  (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Jealous God

I was hurt that she didn't want my help.  My friend was in a tough predicament and I wanted to walk with her through the dark valley.  Instead, she opted to go it alone, embarrassed for me to see her in such a lowly place.  In reality, I loved her enough to be able to look past her circumstances and simply be there for her.

It is hard when someone I love turns elsewhere for support and assistance.  When I care about a friend or family member, that kind of help is part of the relationship and I have found that walking together through hard times strengthens a bond between two people.  

It's not so different with God.  He loves me with an enduring love that runs deeper than the ocean.  When I turn to other sources for wisdom, provision of needs, and guidance, it must hurt Him deeply.  He is a jealous God.  He is not jealous of me, but He is jealous for me.  It is His desire that I depend solely on Him as my only Source of support, help and supply.

Therefore, when I don't know what to do, instead of talking to a friend, seeking out so-called expert advice, or searching the Internet for answers, I can turn to God first.  He can be the One I run to at the beginning of every crisis, believing that He holds the solution to all my problems.  Instead of turning to Him as a last resort or after checking out my options, keeping Him at the top of my list of go-to-resources will show my understanding of His jealous nature.

Since I serve a jealous God, I had better turn to Him first as my only Source of supply, understanding, and direction.

Unchanging God

"Come mothers and fathers throughout the land, and don't criticize what you can't understand.  Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command, your old road is rapidly agin'.  Please get out of the new one if you can't lend your hand, for the times they are a-changin'."

You might recognize these words as the lyrics from a 1963 Bob Dylan song* called "The Times They Are A-Changin' " that served as a call to accept the change that was occurring in our country.  While he may have been mostly referring to civil rights, there is also a sense he's talking about other more sinister changes.  To whatever it is that he refers, the meaning is clear: Climb on board or get out of the way because the train of revolution is leaving the station.

Change is definitely a part of living in this world.  Values shift to accommodate new beliefs and soon we find that we've compromised so much of what we know to be true until we can't tell where we stand.  While the times might change, and people may adjust their points-of-view accordingly, God never changes.  (James 1:17)

It is easy to get caught up in the flow of the times.  I read God's Word and understand that He holds all human life as precious, yet my heart hurts for women who find themselves between a rock and a hard place. (Genesis 9:5-6, Exodus 20:13)   Therefore, I compromise what I know to be true and support abortion in the case of rape or incest.

I know that God is a God of purpose and that He created all things in just the way He wanted them to exist. (Genesis 2:23-24) When I learn the heart-wrenching stories of couples who can't express their love for one another because of their sexual orientation, though, I may be tempted to adjust my beliefs to accommodate their desire to marry.

I agree with God when He says I should be a woman of my word, but when it seems there is no other way, I adjust the numbers in an effort to stay in the lower tax bracket. (Exodus 20:16, Leviticus 19:11, Proverbs 12:22) 

Since I serve an unchanging God, I had better do what I know is right while standing for the Truth in this dark world.

Even though I don't need to worry about how I defile myself by what I touch or eat like God's people of old did, I do need to be concerned about how I taint my testimony of the God I serve.  Therefore, I must act as if I understand the holy, jealous, unchanging nature of God, letting these attributes influence the way I live.  In these ways I will show myself to be consecrated for His purposes.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can take God seriously as I walk with Him.

When do I turn to other sources for help when I'm in trouble?

How do I change my beliefs in order to keep up with the thinking of the times?  

* http://www.bobdylan.com/us/songs/times-they-are-changin#ixzz2lNHOmAH8

Dangerous

"Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers,

put fire in them and added incense;

and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD,

contrary to his command.

so fire came out from the presence of the LORD

and consumed them,

and they died before the LORD.

Moses then said to Aaron,

'This is what the LORD spoke of when he said:

Among those who approach me

I will be proved holy;

in the sight of all the people

I will be honored.'

Aaron remained silent."

Leviticus 10:1-3

Even though the steer was docile, he was still a 1500 lb animal whose size I must respect.  As a child, I was active in a local beef 4-H group.  Our little farm raised a small herd and some of my most enjoyable memories were of the time I spent training one or two of the heifers or steers to show in the local fair.  One year, I decided to train two: a petite female and a large neutered male.  The steer grew to be quite large, and even though I wasn't afraid of him and could approach him like a pet, he still had the strength to be able to hurt me.  Therefore, I could never let my guard down around him.

I must be the same with the Lord.  He is a loving God whose throne I can boldly approach through faith in Jesus Christ, but I must remember He is also a holy and just God who has the power to take my life at any time. (Hebrews 4:16, Hebrews 12:28-29) Even though I don't believe God wants me to be wary of Him, there does need to be a level of respect and awe of His power.  He is a dangerous God.

Therefore, I must not take God and His Word lightly.  While He may not strike me down on the spot for my recklessness, I can strive to honor Him in the way I live my life, showing my understanding of His power and righteousness.

Own Understanding

They thought they had Him all figured out.  They gave their friend advice as if they knew all of God's ways.  Instead of offering comfort and support, they condemned the man who suffered so much, assuming they knew what God was doing.  Soon, those friends of Job were put in their place by the God whose ways are so much higher than any man's. (Isaiah 55:9, Job 42:7-9)

While I may not consciously think I have God all figured out, I sometimes act like I do when I limit His powers in my puny expectations of what He is able to do, or in the way I assume He'll provide in a way I understand.  The fact of the matter is that God has resources, power and a purpose of which I know nothing.  I may have seen God work in my life and think He'll always operate this way, but the truth is that I have no idea what He has in the works.

Therefore, I would be wise not to fit God in the proverbial box, using my own common sense and intelligence to try to explain Him.  Instead, I must let God be God and stay in my place as a mere human.  

When I'm not sure how I'll get through a difficult time, then, I can let go of all preconceived notions of how I can cope and simply put my fears and needs into His hands, letting Him have complete control over how He'll deliver me through. (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)

When I think I know how I want my life to go, arranging every detail just so, I can let go of my plans and let God order my footsteps. (Proverbs 16:9)

When I assume the good things I have in my life are as a result of my own hard work, I can let go of the worldly perspective that I go after what I need as instead invest in God's kingdom while letting Him provide for my needs.  (Matthew 6:32-33)

I am flirting with a dangerous God when I lean on my own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Own Expectations

She was angry.  Her life had not turned out the way she wanted and there had been many days of suffering.  In response, she lashed out angrily at the Lord, cursing Him for her lot.  Unfortunately, my friend turned away from God, claiming atheism as her new religion.

While I may not go to such extremes, there are times that I feel angry when I find myself in a place of difficulty,  It is easy to blame God since I know He is in control.  I am warned by the apostle Paul, however, that God cannot simply set aside His character in order to make me happy; I reap what I sow. (Galatians 6:6-7) 

When I think I deserve to live a life free from difficulties, for example, but I continually work against God's efforts to mold me as He sees fit, I can't expect smooth sailing.  Or if I break the law by speeding to get to work, I can't be angry when I receive a ticket.  Or if I cheat on my taxes, thinking I am just making sure I don't pay more than my fair share, I can't be surprised when others take advantage of me.  I will receive in the same measure I give. (Luke 6:37-38)

It is easy to expect certain outcomes in life even when I fail to do what I know I should.  God is not going to change the laws of nature, protect me from the consequences of my own rebelliousness, or enable me to continue in my sinful ways.  He is a holy God with a plan to shape me into the image of Christ.  Therefore, I must adjust my life accordingly instead of expecting God to do such conforming. 

I am flirting with a dangerous God when I bear my own expectations.

Own Standards

"I don't think that is such a big deal.  I mean, it's not like you're taking someone's life, or something.  It's just a little lie."  It's easy to justify sin.  When I attempt to live my life by my own standards, I will find I measure up pretty well.  If I take a chance and see how I look compared to the perfection God expects, however, I will see the reality of how far short I fall. (Romans 3:23)

Judging my life soberly only leads me to one conclusion:  I need Jesus.  I am sorely in need of a Savior to both save me from the wrath of God my sins deserve, but also to deliver the grace I need to live a life that is pleasing to Him.  Since my Father is a holy God, I must realize how important it is for me to strive for holiness as well. (1 Peter 1:14-15)

This means separating myself from the sin that comes so naturally to me.  It also means I can't take any provisions for giving into temptation, thinking that God doesn't mind if I let my guard down and let sin have it's way in my life every once in awhile.  After all, I justify, at least I don't do it all the time.

This kind of attitude is risky.   Since Jesus gave His all for me, I must give my all for His glory.  It's not that I must somehow earn my place in His kingdom, but rather that I take His sacrifice seriously and live accordingly. (Romans 12:3)

I flirt with a dangerous God when I live according to my own standard.

I don't intend to take God lightly, but sometimes I do.  Without thinking I may lean on my own understanding, carry my own expectations, and judge myself according to my own standards.  When I live in such a way, I am flirting with a dangerous God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can let God be God and stay in my place.

When do I expect good when I sow much bad.

How do think I'm better or worse than I really am?