Speak Up

"Whoever says to the guilty,

'You are innocent,'

will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.

But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,

and rich blessing will come on them."

Proverbs 24:24-25

Our nation is headed in the wrong way, we can all agree on that.  But as believers in Jesus Christ who keep in step with His Spirit, we are called to love not judge, right?  Being mindful of the log in our own eye and all that (Matthew 7:3-5)?  

Certainly we are not to judge our brothers' and sisters' personal faith walk as long as it lines up with Scripture, but the world?  Yes, it is our job to speak up.  Otherwise, if we stay silent, its the same as agreeing with the wickedness being disguised as good.

Salt Preserves.  Before the time of refrigeration, salt was commonly used as a preservative.  To protect meat against bacteria, mold and spoilage, for instance, it was heavily salted before storing, drawing out the water which increased it's shelf life.  As one whose been designated as the salt of the earth, it is my role as a "little Christ" to preserve godly, biblical morals and values in a culture using the wisdom of man to decide what is considered as "good" (Matthew 5:13).  Since we know how easily humans are led astray, and how quickly we fall into wrong thinking, it takes an immovable standard set by an unchanging God to keep us straight.  Otherwise, when we rely on our own understanding, we compromise every time.

As I hear the arguments of those who are perishing, justifying wickedness right and left, it is my job to hold up the holy ruler of God's standard which clearly shows how far we've fallen.  One doesn't need to even believe God exists to agree that His moral law is good, but if I say nothing, I know that those who deny His existence will simply fall back on their own sense of right and wrong.  And man's standard is usually self-serving in some way and far inferior in every.  In addition, holding up the Light of Truth is an effective means to highlight the need for Christ, and can be an opening through which to share the Gospel with those who need it so desperately.

As the salt of the earth, I am called to preserve godly values as well as hold up God's statutes as society's moral compass.

Salt Enhances.  Salt and pepper shakers have long been included on the dinner table for good reason.  While it is true that I can develop a taste for salt, when used sparingly it actually enhances the flavor of food.  It does this by suppressing the bitter taste perception as well as helping certain food molecules be released in the air which helps the aroma of food, thus improving our sensitivity to taste.  

In the same way I, as salt of the earth, am meant to improve society, making what is good even better.  I bring the Jesus culture of love, peace, forgiveness, kindness and the like into this dark world.  Instead of keeping all the good fruit to myself, I am meant to make the lives of those who are perishing better, creating an impact on the civilization in which I live just by living authentically among them.  By interacting with the lost so they can see my peculiar character, I am introducing Jesus to many who may never see Him any other way (1 Peter 2:9). And in so doing I glorify the God who called me out of the darkness into His light.

As the salt of the earth, I am called to enhance the society in which I live, to the glory of God.

Salt is distinct.  Nothing else compares to salt;  it has a distinctive taste and unique qualities.  While substitutes have been developed, nothing can take the place of salt.  It's the same with me as a follower of Christ.  I am in the world but not of it and am called to resist being influenced by it's values and way of thinking (Romans 12:2,John 17:16) .  Therefore, I stick out like a sore thumb.  While most people are headed one way, I take the opposite path.  When almost everyone agrees with popular mindsets, I have a different take.  Even though it makes me seem irrelevant or out of touch, my tastes in entertainment are far different than the norm.

Nothing can take the place of a Christian living out his or her faith in the midst of the darkness, making decisions based on God's leading, choosing what will most honor God in day-to-day living, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and liberally spread His love like so much balm on an open wound.  While I could try to do what seems right in the way I conduct business, it is better to let the indwelling Spirit move my hands and feet, resulting in the pouring out of His living water on a parched land.  Nothing can compare to the work of God through a wholly submitted people.

As the salt of the earth, I am called to be different than the world, distinct and influential as I let God have His way in my life.

While I can see how far we've sunk as a people group, I am not without hope, and I am not doomed to watch us crash and burn.  As the salt of the earth, I've been placed here to preserve God's values and statutes in a world that knows no better, to enhance the flavor of society, and to live distinctly so that I don't blend in with the lost.  In these ways, I make the world a better place.  Therefore, I shouldn't be surprised if my position as a child of God requires me to break my silence and speak up lest I become part of the problem.

As I start this day it is my prayer that I can stop trying to blend in and let God use me to change society for the better.

How do I deny my purpose as a preservative of godly values and morals?

When am I afraid of speaking up, fearing the backlash and ostracization that may come? 

      

Resilience

"For though the righteous fall seven times,

they rise again,

but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes."

Proverbs 24:16

When I gave my life to Jesus to do with as He wills, He never promised I wouldn't fall.  Life is hard, that's for sure.  What is it that I can count on as I walk with my Shepherd?

Strength.  By the end of the day, I'm worn out.  I always tell my family that if they want my help, opinion, or guidance, they had better ask me earlier in the day rather than waiting until bedtime because I have nothing left by the time the sun is ready to set.  When my head hits the pillow, I'm a goner.

Humans are weak (1 Corinthians 1:25).  I like to think I'm strong, mentally and physically, that I can do anything I put my mind to, but the reality is that I am limited in my capabilities.  When I only rely on my own strength, I will soon come to the end of it.  But, if I place my hope in God, putting all my confidence in His boundless abilities and unlimited power, I "will find new strength" to rise higher than I dared believe, carry on longer than I thought possible, endure hardships greater than I'd ever choose for myself (Isaiah 40:31).

When I trust in Jesus as my Savior, I find a strength that far surpasses anything I can muster up on my own (Ephesians 6:10).

Hope.  As a human, its easy to want to wallow in self-pity, staying down where I fall.  Life can be so discouraging, especially when I keep encountering difficulty after difficulty.  I may wonder as I flounder around in the muck, Can't I catch a break?  When do I get to experience smooth sailing?  It can be hard to rise up and keep going.

The good news is that in Christ I have every reason to get back up again.  The hope that comes by faith in the promises of God gives me confidence that I don't suffer in vain, that it's all used to work out His best for me so that He gets the glory for all He is doing to conform me into the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-29, Genesis 50:20).  This confidence in what God is doing in my life propels me forward as I remember that He finishes what He has started (Philippians 1:6).  There is also an anticipation of the fruit that will abound through the work of God's Word as I stand on it's firm foundation (Isaiah 55:11).

When I trust in Jesus as my Savior, I have a hope that gives me reason to get back up each time I fall.

Attitude.  This world is negative, cynical and pessimistic.  As a human with sinful flesh, I'm easily drawn to this outlook, homing in on all that is wrong and completely overlooking what is right.  I tend to see the trouble without perceiving the comfort.  I'm good at picking out the evil while overlooking the good.

Thankfully, in Christ I have hope for a new outlook.  As I submit myself to God's will for my life, He works to change the way I think, giving me a different lens through which to see the world (Romans 12:2).  What naturally causes me to despair, seen through God's eyes is an opportunity to experience His grace (Romans 5:20).  What seems like the worst thing that could happen, with a godly attitude is transformed into the best thing as it brings forth perseverance and a stronger faith (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:3).  What looks like a disaster or a crisis, through eyes of faith is seen as another opportunity to trust God and see Him work it out for His glory (Isaiah 43:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9-11).

When I trust in Jesus as my Savior, I am given a new attitude that allows me to see more of Him at work all around me, through every circumstance.

Living for Jesus instead of myself does not promise an easy life.  Instead, it could be said that more troubles come my way as I live counter to the ways of this world.  As I do, though, I can take heart.  For when difficulties knock me off my feet, I am given supernatural strength to get up again, the hope to know there's a reason to rise from where I've been knocked, and an ability to see troubles in a godly light.  This is the kind of resilience that comes by faith in Christ.  This is the kind of resilience that propels me to my feet time and time again.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to rely on His strength instead of my own.

When do I deny my own weaknesses?

How am I looking at my troubles through my own self-centered lenses?     

Rich in Integrity

"Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity

than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool."

Proverbs 19:1 ESV

"You must be rich," the lab technician observed as she prepped me for my blood draw.  At first I was a bit offended and even amused.  

"Me?  Rich?  Hardly!"  I replied as I compared my financial state to the wealthy with big houses, nice clothes and fancy cars.  Then I realized the truth- I am rich.  There is so much more to wealth than money.

Careful.  Words are a dime a dozen, passed around like cheap party favors found at the Dollar Store.  I can say things for effect, to elicit a certain reaction from others. Or I can make claims in order to win an argument or make a specific point.  I can even use promises as leverage, to manipulate others for my benefit.  Each of these examples illustrate a careless and reckless attitude, demonstrating a disrespect for the power of words.  When I yield to the Spirit of integrity dwelling within, however, I will mean what I say and say what I mean (Galatians 5:16, Matthew 5:37, James 5:12).

There is a medieval proverb that says, "If a man's life be lightning, his words are thunder."  I often shudder when lightning flashes during a heavy thunderstorm, not because I fear the light but because I know the thunder is coming.  The impact of the crack of thunder can cause the walls of the house to rattle and send children and pets running for safety under beds and in closets.  In the same way my words have an impact on others.  I can either build up or tear down simply in the choice of words that I use (Ephesians 4:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:11).  Therefore, I would be wise to speak carefully.

I am rich in integrity when I realize the power of words and therefore choose to use them to edify the lives of others.

Trustworthy.  There are some people I know I can count on and others who don't always follow through.  At first I give the latter the benefit of the doubt, believing they ran into trouble or encountered a roadblock that kept them from living up to their obligations.  After several times, though, they lose my trust and I don't even count on them, even if they sincerely promise to do something.  They have proved themselves as untrustworthy.

Instead of falling into this category, it is my desire to reflect the nature of God's indwelling Spirit and establish myself as reliable and dependable.  Therefore, I must live up to my promises, being honest and true to myself.  If I try to do things I think I should do but are contrary to my calling or character, I'll never be able to live up to it.  Instead, it's better to live authentically, flaws and all, and show myself as faithful than to build up an high ideal of a persona I could never maintain.  Part of being trustworthy is to be the woman God created me to be.

I am rich in integrity when I realize the power of living up to my potential as my true self so that others can count on me.

God-Confident.  There is enough confidence in this world to choke a team of hogs.  The culture in which I live encourages me to be sure of myself, trusting in my dreams and aspirations, believing I can do whatever I put my mind to.  Having just attended my nephew's high school graduation, I can attest to the fact that the next generation is hearing much of these inspirational messages meant to spur them on to greatness.

No wonder I have so much trouble humbling myself before a holy God, depending solely upon Him to empower me, equip me and guide me.  I want to do as the world says and pull myself up by my bootstraps, bolster myself against the storms of life and depend on my own wherewithal to get me through and propel me upward.  But this kind of confidence could better be described as arrogance, self-centered and prideful as it is.  Instead of relying on my own strength and limited resources, I can rejoice in my weaknesses knowing that when there is less of me, there is more of Him (2 Corinthians 2:9-10).

I am rich in integrity when I realize the power that comes from trusting in God for all that I need.

I may not feel wealthy, but if I am walking with Jesus I am rich in integrity.  I know this when I see how He leads me to use my words carefully, develop a trustworthy character, and become more God-confident and less self-assured.  In these ways, I am rich beyond my wildest dreams (Ephesians 1:3)!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to be true to who He made me to be.

When can I not be relied upon because I can't maintain the facade I've carefully constructed?

How am I self-confident instead of God-confident?  

Debate

"Fools find no pleasure in understanding

but delight in airing their own opinions."

Proverbs 18:2

It happens daily in the blog-o-sphere, on news talk shows, in the political arena:  debate, expressing of opinions with minds closed and no desire to understand.  Instead, there is only an effort to win, to prevail, to succeed in debunking the opponent's argument.  This is the fool's way.

Seek to Understand.  The sign fashioned out of colorful cardstock was posted as a reminder in our kitchen for years.  "Seek to Understand."  In an effort to encourage more listening in our family, I posted this call to pay more attention to the receiving side of communication rather than to the speaking part.  Our family had reached a point where we were all so intent on being heard that no one was listening.  You can imagine the resulting discord.

Good communication requires listening.  After all, if there is no one willing to take in what is being said there is no point in saying it.  When I only spend my time trying to get my point across and little if any time in trying to get what others are saying, there is a breakdown in communication.  Many times I may fear the opposite point of view, thinking that if I listen, really listen to what others are saying, there is a danger that I could fall away from what I believe to be true, or that others within earshot could be swayed by the wrong side.  So I try to shut them down.  In reality, only the truth stands in the light of scrutiny.  Everything else will be exposed for what it is (Ephesians 5:13).

Listening, however, will reveal the deep things within the heart, the hurt that lies underneath the anger, the pain that moves people to adopt destructive and harmful viewpoints.  If I never take the time to hear others, I'll never know what drove them toward such damaging beliefs.  And one who has been heard is more likely to listen.  

When I seek to understand, I open up lines of communication that will result in a spirit of empathy and compassion that lead to mutual respect.

Change Viewpoint.  I was used to seeing my neighborhood from my own home.  The sun would rise from behind the stand of trees in the far corner of my neighbor's backyard and set behind the house across the street.  I could watch the kids walk home from school only when they passed in front of our cul-de-sac.  The sound of cars often reached my ears, but I couldn't see much traffic from my vantage point.  

When I visit my neighbor's house, however, there is a much different viewpoint.  The sun is better visible as it rises, giving her a wonderful view of the sunrise from her bedroom window.  She can also see the cars as they drive from the entrance of the neighborhood until they turn the corner or reach their destination. From her perspective, every afternoon is like a parade of kids as students of all ages make their way home after a hard day of learning.  My location is private and more secluded, while hers is ideal for people watching.

If I only stick to my only narrow point of view, I'll never be able to understand why others think the way they think.  In the same way that I couldn't understand why my friend knew which car each neighbor drove or which kids lagged and who was eager to get home until I sat on her porch for awhile, I can't understand where someone is coming from until I venture out from my own point of view. When I try to see things from their perspective, figuratively putting myself in their position, I may have a better chance at getting why they hold their own peculiar point of view.  

When I change my viewpoint, seeking to see things from my opponent's perspective, I'll gain a better understanding into what drove them to adhere to such beliefs.

Humility.  Anyone who has spent time with toddlers understands what I mean when I say, "the world doesn't revolve around you."  Youngsters naturally have the idea that they are the center of the universe and that everyone exists to cater to their needs, to adapt to their agenda and to make their dreams a reality.  Good parenting works to bring this selfish point of view into a more realistic way of seeing how the child truly fits into the scheme of things.

Sometimes, however, I tend to slip back into this immature mindset, thinking my way is the best way, or that what I have to say is most important, or that since I think I understand a certain truth, it is my duty to teach it.  Instead, I can realize that there is always room for growth and there is always something I can learn.  When I do, I'll be able to better listen as I drop my preconceptions and truly hear what is being said (Proverbs 18:13).  Otherwise, I spend most of my time preparing my next argument.

When I humble myself, I can better hear what my opponent is trying to say.

I often think debate is mostly about expertly and effectively getting my own point across.  This mindset, however, does not lead to effective communication and is called the fool's way by godly men.  Therefore, I'd walk in wisdom if I sought to understand my opponents, changed my viewpoint, and humbled myself.  In these ways, I'll enter into debate that brings light to the Truth.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to preserve my faith so I can stop trying to defend it.

When do I spend so much time trying to prove my point that I never see the hurt that lies beneath my opponent's argument?

How do I have blinders on when it comes to looking from another point of view?

He Knows

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest 

who has ascended into heaven,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

For we do no have a high priest who is unable

to empathize with our weaknesses,

but we have one who has been tempted in every way,

just as we are--yet he did not sin.

Let us then approach God's throne of grace

with confidence,

so that we may receive mercy

and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Hebrews 4:14-16

What do you face this day?  Does it seem unbearable, impossible to withstand, like no one could possibly understand what you feel?  Take heart, my friend.  Jesus gets it.  He's been there.  He knows what it is to hurt, to be tempted, to struggle.  He faced it all, withstood great hardship, yet never faltered.

Won't you go to Him with what hurts your heart?  What overwhelms you?  What seems so painful?

He knows.  And He will love you through it.

Light of the World

"The true light that gives light to everyone 

was coming into the world.  

He was in the world,

and though the world was made through him,

the world did not recognize him.

He came to that which was his own,

but his own did not receive him.

Yet to all who did receive him

to those who believed in his name,

he gave the right to become children of God--

children born not of natural descent,

nor of human decision

or a husband's will,

but born of God."

John 1:9-13

The Light of the world dared to come down into the world He created, among the men whose hearts He knew only too well (John 2:24-25).  Yet He came, the Light who deserved to always reign at the right hand of His Father, gave this up for a time in order to step down into darkness (Philippians 2:5-11).

Why?  Why would the King of all kings do such a thing (1 Timothy 6:15)?  Out of love (Romans 5:8).  To reconcile sinful man to holy God.  To bring restoration to mankind.  To perfectly demonstrate His great love for us.

Let us worship such a God as this, who dared to come down into the world He created, knowing full well the treatment He would receive from the men whose hearts He knew only too well.  What love. . . won't you join me in worshiping such a God as this?

Seeking Love

"Whoever covers an offense seeks love,

but he who repeats a matter separates close friends."

Proverbs 17:9 ESV

Sin.  It ruined the world God created.  It destroys marriages, estranges mothers from daughters, fathers and sons, friends from friends.  It tears apart those who intended to stay together.  Living in a dark world in a body made of flesh, I've learned many destructive ways to cope, harmful methods of handling conflict, selfish approaches to living.  All of these damaging patterns are not what God intends for me.  They are sinful.  And they cause a rift between myself and those I love.

So how to deal with such sin?  It's an important issue since we're all sinners, either saved by the blood of Jesus or not.  Let's take a look at God's Word to find the answers we need.

Cover.  To forgive literally means "to cover."  When Jesus died the death meant for me, His blood atoned from my sins.  In other words, when God looks at me He no longer sees my sin but only the blood of Jesus cleansing me of all unrighteousness, covering over where I have fallen short.  Therefore, my Father is no longer offended by how I have transgressed His holy standard but is pleased by what His Son as done to make amends for such affronts.  My sin is covered and I go forward in forgiveness by faith in Jesus.

Now that I've been forgiven in such a way, walking in said forgiveness, I can pass this gift on to those I love (Ephesians 4:32, 1 Peter 4:8).  Instead of pointing out how they offended me, I can extend the blood of Jesus on to them, allowing His sacrifice to cover their sin so it no longer comes between us.  While it's easy to hold on to the way they hurt me, I can instead choose to let it go and refuse to hold their sin against them, not matter how hurtful.  I'm empowered to do this by the forgiveness Jesus delivered to me.  I could make my loved one pay for how they damaged my psyche with their offenses, or I could wipe their slate clean, offering to start anew because of what Jesus accomplished when He gave His life on the cross.

When sin threatens to destroy relationships, I can cover over these offenses with the blood of Jesus, rendering such transgressions as powerless to inflict further damage.

Offense.  It's easy for me to be offended by how others behave, especially when it comes to those I love.  They get under my skin, irritating me with their unwillingness to change, their annoying habits and difficult ways.  I build up a wall to protect myself from their destructiveness and I begin to think of myself as a little bit better than they.  After all, I think, at least I don't struggle with that, as I consider how foolish are their ways.

Unfortunately for me, I've forgotten just how sinful I am.  I've failed to recognize that I'm right there with them, wallowing in the muck of humanity, struggling with the same kind of sins.  I have put on blinders to how we share similar issues and instead mistakenly think I don't face such lowly tendencies.  I've fooled myself into thinking I'm above the sin when really I'm only forgiven from it and without the grace of God extended to me by faith in Jesus, I'm hopelessly broken and as bad off as the worst of the worst.  This humbling truth changes my perspective as I come down off of my high horse, allowing me to live in peaceful fellowship with those I love (1 John 1:7-9).

When sin threatens to destroy relationships, I must remember our commonality; that apart from Jesus we are all hopelessly broken and sinful people.

Gossip.  I have to admit, I gain a bit of satisfaction from talking about the way others have hurt me.  When I'm in pain, it seems the hurt subsides a bit when I can share how I've been slighted and get my frustrations off my chest.  Unfortunately, all I tend to do when in this selfish mindset is to spread gossip that works to drive a wedge between myself and the one I love who has offended me.

Gossip can come in many forms.  Sometimes its cloaked as a prayer request as in when I share how others can pray for my loved one who has sunk to such depths as to hurt me so.  I give too many details and speak with the intention of casting blame or pointing fingers, not desiring true healing.  Other times, I spread the news of how another has offended me, seeking to find support for my innocence instead of desiring the true reconciliation that would come with repentance and confession.  Then there are times when I take in the news shared by friends, turning the opportunity into an impromptu counseling session when I give all sorts of advice as to how they can fix their problem, stopping short of suggesting actually forgiveness.  Talking about the hurt that occurs in all relationships does nothing to solve the problem unless forgiveness is at its core.  

When sin threatens to destroy relationships, I must refrain from the temptation to gossip, keeping reconciliation through forgiveness as my constant goal.

Sin causes rifts in most loving relationships.  When it does raise it's ugly head I can wallow in the pain it causes, or I can choose the healing route.  When I stick to the path that leads to life, I'll seek to forgive, remember that I'm no better and often share similar struggles, and work toward reconciliation by avoiding gossip.  In these ways I'll be seeking love.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to stop holding on to hurts and instead extend forgiveness.

When do I gossip without even realizing it?

How am I part of the problem instead of part of the solution?