Heart of Discontent

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house.

You shall not covet your neighbor's wife,

or his male or female servant,

his ox or donkey,

or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

Exodus 20:17

Luscious, crimson carpeting felt like cushions beneath my feet.  Beautiful paintings peered at me from the meticulously painted walls and books peeked out from the most unusual places, giving me a sense of wonder.  Great care had been taken to bring beauty into the living quarters through the clever placement of fresh flowers and curious trinkets.  Stepping into my friend's dwelling place was like walking into a model home straight out of Better Homes and Gardens.

It was easy for me to feel discontent after spending some time in this talented woman's home.  While I thought I was perfectly pleased with my own home, a check of my heart betrayed it's true state of discontent.

It's easy to look at what others have, whether it be relationships, positions, gifts and talents or material possessions, and want them for myself.  The fact of the matter is that God has given me many blessings but when I covet what another has been given, I betray a heart of discontent.

Focus on Self

As a child, the most uncomfortable part of the day was when I had to board the school bus that stopped by my house each morning.  Living in the country, the houses were few and far between so I usually got front-door service when it came to the bus.  While I waited at the end of the driveway each morning, however, my anxiety levels would rise as I thought of what was to come.   

Stepping onto the bus with all those eyes upon me made me feel vulnerable, as if I was standing on a stage in my underwear.  I never noticed any of the other students, instead walking blindly to an empty seat where I quickly sat down.  From that safe vantage point, I then surveyed my surroundings and looked to see where my friends might be sitting.

I have been plagued by insecurities my whole life.  The root of this problem, I have found, is a sense of self-centeredness.  I am so concentrated on me and my perceived flaws that I fail to look outside of myself.  Unfortunately, this fleshly-mindset also spills over to how I feel about all the good things God has freely and lovingly given to me.  When I am focused solely on myself and my desires, I develop a spirit of discontent.

Instead of being happy for the gift of homemaking my friend has been given, then, I long to have it for myself and labor to imitate her style.  Whereas I could find a reason to be thankful for the tight budget my family adheres to, knowing that God will use this time of struggle for our good, I instead look longingly toward those around me who are able to buy whatever they want.  While there is much good to be found in my present circumstances, my selfish heart seems to only notice the blessings in the lives of others.

Cooperating with God as He cultivates in me a selfless spirit will soon turn my covetous, selfish heart into one that is happy with the blessings He has given me. (Romans 12:2)

Focus off God

God had blessed the man with a shrewd sense of business.  As a result, he became quite successful, building a sizable fortune for himself.  While he did think about how he could give away some of what he earned, the greater his wealth became, the more he thought about himself.  Soon, he was investing large chunks and saving even more.  Before he knew it, the wealthy man focused mostly on his own retirement. (paraphrased from Luke 12:13-21)

Even though I've never acquired such wealth, it's easy to develop such a self-centered attitude.  While there is nothing wrong with planning for the future, God deemed this man's attitude foolish because he was storing up things for himself without being rich toward God.  (v 21)

I often have this same problem of distraction.  Sometimes it is my current occupation that steals my attention from the Lord.  Instead of soaking in His Word and cultivating a heart devoted to Him, I drift away as I desire more and more and, as a result, my career takes up a bigger chunk of my awareness.

Other times I simply get caught up in the day to day details of living and never give a thought to the One who knit me together so painstakingly, purposefully allowing situations into my life that will grow me, stretch me and mold me as He sees fit.  Instead of blooming where I am planted, then, I long for a life free from trouble.  (Psalm 139:13-14, Romans 8:28, Romans 5:3-5)

Then there are the times that relationships distract me from the Lord.  I get so caught up in nurturing a bond with someone I love, desiring it to grow deeper,  that I neglect my connection to the Lover of my soul. (Psalm 103)

When I go after things outside of God's will for me, I've removed my attention from God and the plan He has for my life.

Spirit of Thankfulness

It was a curious thing; no matter how lush and green the grass was in our pasture, our cows would always stick their heads through the barbed-wire fence in an effort to nibble on the enticing blades found in our neighbor's field.  I guess the saying really is true: The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence!

While I couldn't understand why our small herd could not be happy with the grass in our own field, a closer look at my own heart reveals a similar condition.  Spending too much time looking at what others have tends to develop a state of discontent.  Instead of cultivating a spirit of thankfulness for what I do possess, I end up seeing only what I don't have.

Even though my home is beautiful, spacious enough for my own family and filled with comfy furniture, for example, it's easy for me to desire a larger porch with grand archways like my friend has, or classy furniture like I see in the magazines.  

Whereas God has blessed me with a tight-knit family who works together as a team, we still have our moments of discord.  I often find myself paying more attention to the times of disharmony instead of looking for all the good that is right before my eyes.

Although I could thank God for the gift of writing, there are many times I desire to sing to the Lord a beautiful melody like the worship team does or know how to serve others like I see my friend do when she utilizes her gift of service.  Instead of thanking God for what He has given to me, it is like I am chastising Him for what He hasn't.

While it is pleasing to God when I develop an attitude of thankfulness, a covetous heart steals that spirit away.

God has blessed me in many ways.  When I focus too much on myself, allow distractions to remove my attention from God, and let my desire for more squelch my spirit of thankfulness, it is apparent that I have a problem with covetousness.  Instead of being happy with His blessings, then, I discover that I have developed a heart of discontent.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can take a sober look at the state of my heart.

When do I let the things I don't have distract me from all the good I have been given?

How does my desire for more take my attention away from God? 

Deception

"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."

Exodus 20:16

I thought I could trust him.  His words sounded so good and his promises seemed heartfelt.  I believed him when he said he would do something.  As the months went by, however, it became apparent that this community leader was not what he portrayed himself to be.  Instead, his actions proved that he was prone to lying.

It is hard to deal with a person who does not value the truth.  Not only do I lose my trust in that person, but my respect for them dwindles.  It is most likely that I will never go to that person for help or trust them enough to share my struggles.  Instead, I will keep my distance and consider them with skepticism.

This could be one of the reasons God wants those who are a part of His family through faith in Jesus Christ to prove themselves to be people of their word.  If I treat the truth lightly as an ambassador of Christ,  I am doing damage to the impression of God others hold.  I may not tell an out-and-out lie like my community leader did, but there are ways I deceive in order to get my way or stack the odds in my favor.

Lie of Omission

They had done the unthinkable; the brothers banded together against the younger and sold him into slavery.  As if that weren't bad enough, to cover their tracks the young men splattered the boy's one-of-a-kind robe with goat's blood and sent it to their father, letting him draw his own conclusion. (Genesis 37:26-36)

While I may never go to such lengths to cover up my actions, I am not so different from Jacob's sons.  There are times when my silence speaks louder than my words.  Perhaps I've been cautioned regarding the destructive actions of an acquaintance, but I fail to warn those who will suffer because I don't want to get involved in someone else's business.

Other times I tend to leave out crucial details in an effort to preserve the reputation of myself or someone I love.  Sometimes I may simply remain silent even though telling what I know could shed some light on a situation.

James reminds me the importance of doing what I know to be right.  He says, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." (James 4:17)  When the Spirit of God gently nudges me to warn someone of imminent trouble, reveal all the details of a situation, or speak up, I would be wise to respond to His guidance.  Otherwise, I'm going against God's best for my life.

Even though I may not give false testimony, the things I fail to say are just as damning.

Spin Zone

Politicians and elected leaders are experts at phrasing things in a way that sounds good.  Take a look at some examples from the book, The New Doublespeak: Why No One Knows What Anyone's Saying Anymore by William Lutz:

Meaningful downturn in aggregate output (recession)

After-sales service (kickback)

Resource development park (trash dump)

Temporarily displaced inventory (stolen goods)

Strategic misrepresentation (lie)

There is no doubt that it's hard to tell what many in positions of influence are saying anymore.  Instead of just saying what needs to be said, there is a constant attempt to spin things in a way that benefits the speaker.  We live in a world where killing babies is labeled as, "a woman's reproductive rights," redefining marriage as God created it is presented as, "Gay rights," and promiscuity is labeled as, "sexual freedom."  Let's face it, in this day and age I must read between the lines if I want to know the real story.

In such a world, it is easy for me to follow suit and spin a story to make me appear to be the good guy.  Instead of telling my husband that I didn't have dinner ready on time because I was caught up in social networking, I say I was tying up some loose ends.  Or, my own insecurities could tempt me to opt out of following God's lead into a ministry but I instead say that my schedule is too full to add one more activity.  Or, I may be faced with the dilemma of how to confront one who hurt me.  Instead of owning up to the part I played, however, it's more comfortable to pretend it was all her fault.

Even though I may not give false testimony, I'm pretty good at spinning the truth to make me come out smelling like a rose.

Empty Promises

"Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you."  These are words that are often uttered after a tragedy, sudden death or disaster of some kind.  As one on the outside, my heart goes out to the victims and I want to comfort.  Often, though, I end up saying things that seem right at the time but turn out to be empty promises.  It's easy to say things to try to comfort someone who is hurting without really meaning what I say.

As a follower of Christ, it is important that I mean what I say.  I have heard it said that, "People who trust God's Word should be people whose word can be trusted."  There is no need for me to swear that I will do what I say if I am known for keeping my word.  (Matthew 5:33-37)  

As someone who takes the truth seriously, then, I had better carefully choose my words.  Instead of making a promise that sounds good at the time, I would be wise to say nothing.  If I don't mean it, I shouldn't say it, even if silence seems awkward.  No promise is better than an empty one.

Even though I may not give false testimony, I often say things I don't mean.

There is more to lying than telling an outright lie.  Sometimes, I commit the lie of omission, am guilty of spinning the truth, or make an empty promise.  When I treat the truth with such disdain, I'm not just ruining my own reputation, but I am also doing damage to the name of the One whom I follow.  Therefore, I must understand that being truthful in every way brings glory to God.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can treat the truth as valuable.

When do I spin the truth to make me look good?

How am I guilty of saying something simply to try to make another feel better? 

Heart of a Thief

"You Shall Not Steal."

Exodus 20:15

A display of candy beckoned the little girl.  From where she stood with her mom in the grocery checkout line, there was nothing but colorful packages containing the sweet goodness she craved as far as her eye could see.  Her stomach growled, saliva began to form in her mouth and her tongue could virtually taste the creamy treat.  She knew her favorite, and when she spotted it, she quickly grabbed it and stuck it in her pocket.

If you're like me, you probably haven't stolen anything since that day so long ago when you snatched the candy bar at the local grocery store.  Still, there is more to this commandment than just warning against shoplifting or robbery.  As is to be expected when it comes to God, it has more to do with my heart than with the actions that follow.

Tithing

There is much debate about whether the Old Testament command to give the first ten percent back to God still applies to believers today.  Even though Jesus didn't talk specifically about tithing, He did address the importance of giving without the expectation of getting any recognition from it (Matthew 5:1-4) and Paul encouraged generosity and discipline when it comes to our giving. (2 Corinthians 9:6-15, 1 Corinthians 16:2) In other words, a heart inclined toward God that is being transformed by the work of His hand will be known as generous and humble, willing to give freely on a regular basis.

Jesus did not come to do away with all the commands that were laid down in the Old Testament.  Instead, He came to fulfill them.  (Matthew 5:17-20)  Therefore, I would be wise not to simply throw out God's instruction to give 10% to the church, but rather to use that as a bare minimum and desire to give even more.  As Jesus taught, the practice of tithing has more to do with my faith than with anything else.  If I trust God, I will do as the poor widow did and give God all I have with the belief that He will provide for my needs. (Luke 21:1-4)  In her desire to obey God's command to tithe, this wise woman went above and beyond by giving what little she possessed, knowing her Father would take care of her needs.

I must, then, take on this same heart attitude and desire to give God what belongs to Him; the first ten percent of what He provides for me.  Even more, though, to cooperate with His transforming work as He develops in me a generous spirit.  Instead of hanging on to what I have to provide for my own needs, then, I will begin to see the needs of those around me and be a part of what God is doing to provide for their necessities.

When I fear for my own welfare and, as a result, withhold what rightfully belongs to the Lord, I am stealing from Him.  (Malachi 3:8-12)  Instead of trying to justify my actions with the thought that God no longer requires tithing, I can realize the God who never changes has called me to be generous with the resources He has given to me.  He is pleased with my desire to take His commands to heart, even though it is not necessary for my salvation.  Instead, I do what He says because I understand His heart and agree with His principles for living a life that glorifies Him.

I may be guilty of breaking the eighth commandment if I fail to give Him at least ten percent of my income.

Intangible

I spent hours working on the article.  To make sure the right message went out, I painstakingly chose my words, weaving them together into a masterful tapestry.  It did my heart good, then, to reap the reward of seeing that work of my hand published in a magazine for many to read.  

Imagine my disappointment to later find that a blogger had used the idea revealed in my article to craft his own piece.  Instead of giving credit to the source, he simply took what God had inspired me to write and called it his own.

In this day and age, technology makes it easy to steal another's hard work.  I can copy music or movies in order to avoid having to pay full price for it.  The temptation to simply take what is so easily accessible is great.  When I remember, however, that the artist or creator worked hard to generate that piece of music, or craft a story through film, or construct a tale that takes me to another place, I will understand that I am taking what does not belong to me.  

When God commands me not to steal, He is more concerned with the way I respect the property of others than with giving me another rule to follow.  Therefore, I would be wise to see the art generated by others as property and not something that is free for the taking.  I honor God when I respect the work that is generated by the creative spirit of another.

I may be guilty of breaking the eighth commandment when I take anything that doesn't belong to me, even if it is not a tangible item.

Profit

She shops for the best deal, sometimes taking days to make a simple purchase.  Once she finds what she is looking for, she fights for the best price, bargaining hard with the merchant.  She has even been known to take advantage of specials on cable services, only to cancel the subscription later after watching what she wanted to see.  This woman definitely knows how to get the most out of her money.

When God gives me resources, it is His desire that I use them to bring glory to His name. (Colossians 3:17)  Sometimes, being a good steward means that I pay the lowest price possible, but other times it may mean that I use my income to provide a means of support for another.  If my only focus is on saving my own money, I can be guilty of stealing the profit of a business owner.  When I don't pay a fair price, I may be taking out of another's income.

Therefore, I must learn to listen to the Holy Spirit, knowing the difference between when I'm hearing only my desire to preserve my own income from when He is leading me to be generous in my business dealings.  

Even if I think a price is inflated, then, I can pay what is being asked, knowing that God is leading me to benefit another.  Or if my money is tight but I still need my vehicle repaired, I can trust God that when I pay the mechanic what I owe, God knows what I need and will provide.  (Matthew 5:32)  Other times I may be tempted to fight for the best deal, forgetting that I may be making it hard for a struggling entrepreneur to make ends meet.

I may be guilty of breaking the eighth commandment when my main concern is my own bottom line.

It is easy for me to breeze past this commandment, thinking it doesn't apply to me since I'm not a thief or a shoplifter.  As is usual with God, however, there is more than what is seen on the surface.  I must be careful to give God what belongs to Him, respect the intangible property of others, and realize my own thriftiness may be threatening another's livelihood.  In these ways, I may have the heart of a thief.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can look beyond the surface and seek the real message God is giving me.

When am I guilty of stealing from God?

How do I spend so much time saving my own money that I fail to realize how it affects others?

Stay True

"You shall not commit adultery."

Exodus 20:14

The man willfully and willingly married a prostitute, knowing full well the promiscuous nature of her lifestyle.  She bore him three children, never knowing for sure if he were the biological father.  Still, he loved his wife and family, treasuring them as his most prized possession.

Hosea was a prophet through whom the Lord graphically illustrated the infidelity of His people and His great love for us. (Hosea) When he cherished his wife, it was a beautiful picture of how God loves us despite our unfaithfulness to Him.  There also is a sober warning, however, and that caution is as follows:  "Your deeds won't let you come to God again, for the spirit of adultery is deep within you, and you cannot know the Lord."  (Hosea 5:4)

The adultery of which God forbids my participation in is so much more than an act of sexual passion outside of marriage.  The adultery I also must guard against is the way I fail to stay true to God and His ways.  Therefore, I must be careful not to stray.

   

Purity of Mind

The List- everything I must accomplish today.

My master plan- what I need to do to reach my goals.

Relationship Assessment-a continuous evaluation of all the relationships in my life and the part                                                I play in their health.

Financial Report- a running estimate of expected income, bills due and expenses looming.

If my mind were a computer, these are the programs I'd be constantly running in the background of my consciousness.  While there may be nothing wrong with keeping tabs on my responsibilities, there is a problem when there's no room left for thoughts of God.  If I were to track the percentage of brain power I utilize for meditating on God and His Word, pondering thoughts of Him, or thanking and praising Him throughout my day, I wonder how much it would be?  25% . . .10% . . . 2% . . .

There is so much to corrupt my way of thinking, distorting the Truth as I've been taught.  Even more than that, though, there is so much petty, meaningless and godless stuff with which I fill my brain.  Since I have a Father who knows what I need, I am wasting my precious brain power on pondering things that have to do with the necessities for living.  Instead, I can fill my mind with kingdom thoughts, focusing on the true, good, right, pure, lovely, excellent and praiseworthy things.  (Matthew 6:31-34,Philippians 4:8)

When I am tempted, then, to analyze my present situation, looking for a solution or inspecting all the possible outcomes, I can instead channel my thoughts toward what I've learned about the character of God.  He cares for me, loves me unconditionally, provides for everything I need on a daily basis, and holds the masterplan for my life in His mind.  Suddenly, I will find myself resting in His capable hands.

Other times I may dwell on upcoming activities, vacations or trips, daydreaming about the things I will do.  Instead of wasting brain power on such temporal things, I can form a mental picture of my heavenly destination, putting together all the qualities of my eternal home that can be found in scripture.  This is the kind of hope I need to keep before me when the days ahead get rough.

As soon as my mind begins pondering the hopelessness of my horrible health and all the pain I must endure, I can instead look for ways God is renewing my inner strength each and every day.  (2 Corinthians 4:16)  Thoughts about the spiritual body I will receive in eternity can guard my mind with peace. (1 Corinthians 5:42-44)

Staying true to God and His ways means I must practice purity of my mind.

Purity of Heart

My heart cannot be trusted.  Even though the world constantly tells me to "follow my heart," the Lord warns me of such folly.  Only He knows the wickedness found within myself.  (Jeremiah 17:9-10)  God also reminds me that my heart is the center of my being; the wellspring of my life.  Therefore it is important that I guard it from things that will influence me to stray away from the good the Lord has prepared for me. (Proverbs 4:23)  It seems the enemy is within and without!

Simply put, I can't trust my sinful nature but neither can I rely on the wisdom of this world.  Instead, I would be wise to stay true to God, placing all my hope in His ways.  In order to keep my heart pure, then, I need to be aware of the corruption that comes from my own selfish desires, and the filth that flows from the world.

My first line of attack is to realize this reality.  If I go through life oblivious to either the untrustworthiness of my heart that entices me with selfish pursuits, or the danger found in the world that tells me to go after pleasures, possessions and power, then my ignorance makes me vulnerable.

My next step is to come up with a strategy to resist the temptation of my sinful nature and guard my heart from ungodly corruption.  Staying rooted in the Word of God and trusting in the Lord as my sole source of hope and confidence will bolster my faith in just the way that will accomplish this objective.  (Jeremiah 17:7-8, Psalm 119:11)

Once my roots are deep and I'm drawing from the Living Water, the temptations that come from within will lose their power, and the lure of the world around me will become strangely dim.  Still, I can never let my guard down.  Instead, I will always need to be aware of the treacherous nature of my heart while guarding it against outside influences.  Right when I think I'm safe, that is when I will need to raise my defenses.

Staying true to God and His ways means I must practice purity of heart.

Purity of Body

Fitness is big business today.  Many health professionals have recognized the importance of preventative health care, of which exercise is an important part.  What really seems to be driving the industry, however, is the popularity of muscled and well-toned bodies.  Everybody wants a hard body.

While it is important to take good care of my body, it doesn't take much for me to enter into the realm of idol worship.  When my fitness regime itself becomes my focus, instead of it being a desire to simply take care of what God has given to me, then I have a problem.  My body ceases being a temple of God and has slowly morphed into a god itself.

But this is not the only way my body can be used to draw my fidelity away from God.  The Apostle Paul said I can either use my body to please myself, or I can use it to honor God.  When I offer my body as a living sacrifice, I am worshiping Him in a powerful and tangible way.  (Romans 12:1)  This means thinking of my body as belonging to God and letting Him use it in the way that He best sees fit.  

So, if I want to wear clothing that shows off my hard work in the gym, I had better check my motivation and ask myself if this would honor God.  If my pursuit of health becomes more important than my pursuit of Jesus, I must ask myself if my priorities are God-honoring.  If the pain within my body monopolizes my thoughts and focus, I must look for the grace of God that becomes my strength in the midst of weakness.

Staying true to God and His ways means I must practice purity of body.

I may not struggle with sexual infidelity, but adultery is so much more than that.  God wants me to pursue purity of mind, heart and body.  In these ways I will stay true to Him.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep focused on God and His ways.

How do I dishonor God in the way I use my body?

When do I let my heart lead me instead of seeking God's guidance?   

Treasure Life

"You shall not murder."

Exodus 20:12

My heart melted as I peered into the doughy eyes of the pleading puppy.  This feeling of compassion swelling up within me grew as the mournful music played at my heart strings.  When I thought I couldn't take any more, a pathetic-looking cat flashed on the screen followed by a scene of man's best friend suffering from the injuries inflicted at the hand of his cruel master. That's all it took; I was ready to contribute to any organization that could help these poor creatures.

While I love animals and would do anything to protect them, they are not as valuable as humans.  When God created the heavens and the earths, his formation of man was different from every other creature.  Instead of simply speaking one more of countless lifeforms into existence, "God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27)  By the imprint of His own image upon us, human life was thus deemed more precious than all other life.

Flashing forward to the time of Noah, conditions had deteriorated so greatly in this world that God had created that was now tarnished by sin that He decided to wipe the slate clean and start over with this righteous man's family.  After the flood had receded and the family emerged from the ark, God once again gave man dominion over all living things, adding that, "Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind."  (Genesis 9:6)

Even though I would probably never take the life of another human being (although anything is possible for me as a sinner), there are ways I show my disdain for others, devaluing the life made precious by God's image.  When I diminish the life of God's image bearers in unforeseen ways, I am breaking the sixth commandment.

Hatred

The hatred spewing from her lips left a palpable feeling of oppression in the room.  The woman was sharing her frustrations in living with her husband but it soon elevated to the level of disrespect and anger.  Before I knew it, I had one furious woman on my hands!

While it is expected to feel aggravation and disappointment with those I love the most or even others I come into contact with on a regular basis, I must be careful to hate the sin but not the sinner.  It is all too easy for this abhorrence I feel for another's actions to spill over to the person himself.  Then I find myself treading on thin ice as I think of ways to try to punish them or take them down a notch or two.

When I see a sister continue in her sin pattern, hurting her family and destroying her health, it is all too easy to become angry.  Instead of writing her off as a hopeless situation, I would honor God's image bearer by bearing her burden with her in love and never ceasing to lift her up in prayer.  (Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 6:18, James 5:16)

Whereas it is easy for me to become angry at those who work against me, dishing out the same kind of abuse they generously heap onto my already over-burdened shoulders, it is the desire of God that I bless them instead. (Romans 12:14,20)

Although it is natural to turn to anger when a trusted friend betrays me, I would better honor God by showing the same mercy to His image bearer that He so generously bestows upon me. (Hosea 6:6)

I break the sixth commandment to not murder when I harbor hate against God's image bearers.

Unforgiveness

Each day she drank a little sip of the clear liquid.  It burned the first few times she ingested it, but after awhile, she grew used to it's vile flavor.  Soon, she was able to take a bit more until she got to the point where her whole system was contaminated and she was close to death.  Still, no one seemed to notice her plight.  The dying woman had been drinking poison, hoping she would inflict such guilt upon the one who had hurt her so deeply that he would eventually die.  Unfortunately, her plan backfired and she was the one who suffered a lonely death.

This is a picture of what unforgiveness does to a person.  When I hold onto the hurt I've experienced, nursing a grudge against my offender, I am failing to cover their sin with the blood of Jesus in the same way mine has so generously been covered.

To illustrate the gravity of this common human practice, Jesus told the story of a servant who owed a large amount of money to his master.  When the poor man begged his creditor for mercy, the kind and compassionate master took pity upon him, cancelled his debt and let him go.

Almost immediately upon his release, this newly pardoned debtor ran into a man who owed him a paltry amount.  Instead of extending the same mercy he had just been shown, the servant grabbed the one who would not pay with the intent of choking him, demanding his payment in full.  The servant then heartlessly threw the man into prison until he could pay the debt.

The master found his servant, saying to him, "You wicked servant, I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.  Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?" (Matthew 18:32-33)  Then he had the merciless servant handed over to jailers who tortured him until he should pay back all he owed. (Paraphrased from Matthew 18:21-35)

Jesus went on to say that this is how God will treat me if I refuse to forgive a brother or sister from my heart.  It is important that I constantly remind myself of the depth of my own sin and the greatness of God's mercy and forgiveness toward me.  Then, when a bearer of God's image hurts me or breaks my heart or betrays a trust, I can extend the same forgiveness so freely given to me.

I break the sixth commandment to not murder when I refuse to forgive an image bearer in the way that I've been forgiven.

Judgmentalism

He sat in the seat of honor at the front of the church.  His chin was held high and his eyes averted the stare of his parishioners.  Those in the pews dared not speak out against him or they would be removed from the fellowship.  There was no doubt he ruled with an iron fist.

Even though this preacher portrayed himself as a holy man, most people knew the truth.  They heard the stories of his sexual exploits and some knew firsthand of his greed.  While he wanted everyone to revere him and place him on the same pedestal he positioned himself, his hypocrisy betrayed his blackened and self-seeking heart.

In the same way the Pharisees of Jesus' time placed a heavy burden of an impossibly high standard upon the shoulders of their people yet failed miserably to reach this expectation themselves, so it is common to find this same phenomena today.  When I forget that I am a sinner saved by grace and instead begin to focus on my ability to follow the law as a way to attain righteousness, I am at risk of placing myself in the position of judge.

As a fellow image-bearer, I am neither qualified nor able to tell whether or not my brother or sister is doing right.  To be quite honest, I can never be good enough to please God on my own.  Without the blood of Jesus covering my sins, I am completely devoid of anything good. (Romans 7:18) Instead of holding others to a higher standard than I am able to reach, then, it would be more realistic and God-honoring for me to come alongside those who are sinners just like me, encouraging them with the truth of the Gospel of grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

I break the sixth commandment to not murder when I put myself in the position of God by hypocritically condemning another image bearer.

As the part of creation who are made in God's image, every human is infinitely valuable.  Therefore, the commandment to not murder means more than just refraining from killing.  The meaning spills over into my heart, leading me to turn from hatred, see the importance of forgiveness and guarding against the development of a judgmental attitude.  In these ways I am honoring God's image bearers.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can revere God by respecting all human life.

How do I devalue life in my attitudes?

When am I betraying my lack of respect for God in my refusal to forgive?

Honor Thy Parents

"Honor your father and your mother,

so that you may live long in the land

the LORD your God is giving you."

Exodus 20:12

He moved near to his parents with the desire to honor them.  His attempts to draw near to them, however, are rewarded with cursing, belittling comments and anger that reveals their disappointment in their son.  As a result, this 50-year-old man rarely visits his mom and dad, choosing instead to avoid the tension and emotional abuse.  While his heart was in the right place, his efforts to honor his parents were not received in the way he had hoped.  Now he is left asking the question, "How do I honor my mom and dad?"

My heart breaks for this man.  While many may find it easy to respect and esteem their parents because they are loving, godly men and women, there are those who find it hard to follow through with God's fifth commandment.  What does God mean when He says to honor our father and mother?

Position

I don't agree with many of the decisions our current leader makes.  There are world views our president believes that seem downright destructive to the freedom and liberties our country holds dear.  I am sometimes disturbed by his perspective.  While many around me feel free to criticize him personally, making accusations that demean his position and office, I am learning the importance of respecting him as my president.  Even though I don't agree, it is important that I show a high regard for him as my leader.

This is the same mindset I must have regarding my parents.  There may be things with which I don't agree or even like about my mom or dad.  Still, the requirement to show respect for them as my parents remains and it takes humility at times to treat them as is fitting for their position.

As a result, it is important that I do not criticize them personally, tearing them down or saying things that would diminish them in the eyes of others.  Instead, I can choose to take my complaints before the Lord who will then restore I right heart within me.  (Psalm 51:10)

When I am tempted to dismiss their advice as foolish, I can instead consider the ways they have steered me right, doing the best they could with what they knew at the time.  A desire to respect their position means I will gain a consideration of the good things and not hold on to the bad. 

No matter how I feel about my parents personally, I can still choose to hold their God-given position in high regard.

Authority

Many children cannot wait to become adults so they can live their life the way they want.  They can't wait to be "out from under the thumb of their parents," so to speak.  What they soon find out is that while they may not live under the roof of mom and dad anymore, there is always someone to whom they must answer.

Submitting to authority can be a difficult thing, especially when I think I have the better idea of how to run my life.  Pride, however, goes before the fall and persisting in this self-important way of thinking will only lead to destruction.

Yielding to parental authority is important unto itself, but it is also training ground for accepting the leadership and guidance of those God places over me as I go through life.  Even more importantly, the ability to submit to parental authority sets the stage for my readiness to yield to God's authority in my life.  If I can't let my parents lead, how will I ever humble myself enough to let the Lord have control?

Even though I don't live in their home anymore, there are ways I can yield to the authority of my parents.  It is important I respect their wishes when visiting in their own home instead of trying to do things my way.  I can also do what I can to live at peace with them. (Romans 12:18)  There are also times when I can recognize the years of wisdom they have under their belt.

In order to honor my parents as God intended, it is important that I recognize the position of authority in which God has placed them.

Promise

She lives a full and meaningful life that extends well into her nineties.  When people ask her to tell the secret for her longevity, she quickly says, "I honor my parents."  Then she goes on to describe the example of when she took care of her mother during a time of illness, or when she helped provide for their needs during a period of hardship.  This wise woman made the connection between her service to her parents and the promise connected to the commandment to honor her parents.

Most of us want a long life and for things to go well for us, as is promised in Deuteronomy 5:16.  This promise reveals the importance God places on this command to honor my parents.  Therefore, I would be wise to do so.

I can consider spending time with them, giving them the gift of a listening ear and understanding tongue.  There is also a wealth of history to be learned by asking questions about their past.  When I take the time to dig out the treasures found in their memory banks, I am showing esteem to my parents.  It could be that the very words they long to hear the most are the ones that thank them for the ways they brought blessing into my life.

In these ways I can show honor to my mom and dad, resulting in a long and prosperous life.

I admit that I have struggled with what it means to honor my parents.  Even though I may not have done well in the past, God gives us new mercies every morning.  So on this day, it is my desire to hold the position my parents carry in high regard, and to recognize the authority which God has given to them.  I will also realize a promise when my heart is devoted to obeying God in this important command.  Therefore, it is important that I honor my parents.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I think of ways to show honor to my parents.

When do I let past hurts get in the way of showing respect to my parents?

What can I do today to let my parents know I appreciate them?

Rest

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

Six days you shall labor and do all your work,

but the seventh day is a sabbath

to the LORD your God.

On it you shall not do any work,

neither you, nor your son or daughter,

nor your male or female servant,

nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.

For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth,

the sea, and all that is in them,

but he rested on the seventh day.

Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day 

and made it holy."

Exodus 20:8-11

One of my favorite series to read when I was growing up was the Little House books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Since I loved animals and wanted to live on a big farm, I enjoyed Farmer Boy most of all.  One of the chapters in this story of the author's future husband's childhood described how the family spent the Sabbath.  Every Sunday they would attend church services but the kids were not allowed to run or laugh or talk loudly.  Once they finished their midday meal, the family would literally do nothing all afternoon.  The kids would be forced to sit idly by, bored out of their minds, as the adults dozed in their chairs.  

I always felt sorry for those siblings that grew up with such a strict understanding of how to celebrate the Sabbath.  Instead of it being a day to look forward to with lots of rest and recuperation, it became a day to dread.

While I don't know anyone in this day and age that takes such a harsh view of the Sabbath, it does seem that the pendulum has swung in the other direction.  In our fast-paced world, we tend to ignore it all together.  We rationalize that there is only so much time in a week, and we must maximize our time if we're to get everything done.  

Instead of treating Sundays like any other day, think about the following.

Benefit

The Pharisees were experts in the Law.  Not only did they know God's Word, but they had compiled their own sets of rules to "help" others obey the commandments God had passed down to His people.  Whenever they noticed someone breaking any one of the numerous Jewish regulations, these men were quick to point it out.

Therefore, when they observed Jesus and His disciples picking some heads of grain one Sabbath day, these policemen of sorts were delighted to put Jesus in His place.  "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?"  (Mark 2:24)  They were sure they had trapped Jesus this time.  What would He be able to say because He was clearly "working" on the day of rest!

Instead of getting drawn into an argument, however, Jesus pointed out the fact that the Sabbath was made for our health and well-being, not as a means by which to judge people.  Instead of using the fourth commandment to condemn others, it's meant to be used for our own good.  In other words, the mandate to rest on the seventh day is not to become more important than the people who it was designed to benefit.

If one family chooses to use the Sabbath to go on a picnic and enjoy the outdoors, it's their choice.  Some families might draw rest from raking leaves together in the crisp, cool of an Autumn day.  Whereas others might judge this as work, the family in question might see it as fun and restful.  While one might think going out to eat is the thing to do, another might see napping at home as the best way to spend their afternoon.

However I choose to spend my day, I must be careful not to look down on what my brothers or sisters decide to do.  Instead, I would be wise to take it for the reason for which it was created: to give me some much-needed rest.

The Sabbath was created for the benefit of God's people.

Holy

The shutters were closed and the doors were locked.  Anyone who walked down the street in my home town forty years ago would know that Sunday was a day that was different than any other day:  Most businesses took a day off and little commerce took place on the Sabbath.  The peeling of the church bells could be heard, calling people to services.  People often went for Sunday drives, enjoying the countryside and each other's company.  The pace was slower and more relaxed than on any other day of the week.

Today, things have changed.  It is rare to see a business closed on Sunday and many people think of the day as a time to catch up on all the work that has been left undone during the week.  Others think that as long as they go to church, they've fulfilled the commandment.  It could be these believers are missing the point and losing out on all the benefits that are meant to come from observing the Sabbath.

When God commanded that we keep the Sabbath holy, He meant that it is to be set apart and different from all other days.  When my pace is just as quick, or I work just as hard, or I'm just as focused on my to-do-list on Sundays, then it is no different from any other day.  Instead, I am challenged to dedicate the day to God for His use and spend the time in ways that honor Him.  

If He calls me to spend the day building relationships with my family, I would honor God by playing games with my children and husband.  If He inspires me to go on a leisurely outing, I would please God by visiting the zoo.  If He desires that I spend a rare day on the couch, it would do His heart good to see me reading the paper and laughing with my family as we share a movie together.

However I spend my days, Sundays are created to look different than the rest of the week.

Faith

"We want to work up to giving a full ten percent.  Once we get some of our bills paid off, we will tithe."  I have heard this sentiment expressed many times, and my husband and I used to think the same way.  What we didn't realize was that God gave a direct command to give the first fruits of our labor.  This is not voluntary nor does it only apply to those who have surplus income to give.  Instead, it is an instruction that reveals the depth of my faith.

While I may believe I am no longer bound by the command to tithe, I am called to a higher mission:  I am expected to give generously with a cheerful heart!  (2 Corinthians 9:7)  Since God set the bar in the Old Testament at 10%, it seems God desires that I give at least that, and possibly more as He transforms my heart of stone into a more sensitive heart of flesh. (Malachi 3:8-10, Ezekiel 36:26)  

When I give thanks as I place my tithe into the basket on Sunday morning, unsure if I will have enough to pay my bills, I am proving to God that I trust Him enough to obey Him.  In the same way that my money supply is limited, I only have been given a certain amount of time.  While I may think I don't have enough to accomplish all my work and still give one-seventh of it back to Him, I am betraying my lack of faith in Him when I fail to rest on the Sabbath.

Setting a day aside for God proves to Him that I trust Him enough to provide the grace that makes six days enough for what needs to get done.  If I doubt I can get by on only six days-worth of time, then I am betraying my lack of confidence in the One who created me to have a day of rest.  Trusting God enough to give one day back to Him is a test of faith that will be rewarded in abundant grace.

Setting aside the Sabbath as different than all the other days takes a step of faith in the One who created all things.

In this modern day and age, it is common to ignore the command to observe the Sabbath as old and out of date.  God, however, does not change and He made us with a need for rest.  Therefore, I would be wise to realize the benefit found in instituting a day of rest that looks different from all the rest.  When I do so, I am proving my faith in the One who loves me and knows what is best for me.  Then I can face the week ahead with refreshment and a renewed sense of spirit, all because I took God at His word and observed a day of rest.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can realize the importance of rest.

When does my work-ethic make it difficult for me to take some time off?

How do I dishonor God in the way I treat Sunday as any other day?