Care of the Holy

"The duties of the Kohathites at the Tabernacle

will relate to the most sacred objects. . .

Do not let the Kohathite clans be 

destroyed from among the Levites!

This is what you must do so they will live and not die

when they approach the most sacred objects.

Aaron and his sons must always go in with them

and assign a specific duty or load to each person.

The Kohathites must never enter the sanctuary

to look at the sacred objects for even a moment,

or they will die."

Numbers 4:4, 18-20

The samples of blood had to be treated with care.  In order to ship the little vials across the country while still preserving the integrity of the blood, special instructions had to be followed.  If each step was not adhered to, the integrity of the sample may have been jeopardized.

In a similar way, the Kohathite clan from the tribe of Levi had to follow God's specific rules about how to care for the holy things in the temple.  Since the items used in worship were considered to be sacred, there was a high level of respect surrounding these objects. Therefore, they must be handled with great care.   If the Kohathites did not do everything that was required, it was their own lives that were on the line.

Since Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice on the cross, I need not worry about being struck down if I don't do what God expects.  As a matter of fact, there is no way my sinful being is able to reach such high standards, illustrating my need for a Savior in the first place.  This, however, does not exempt me from paying careful attention to the way I live my life.  I am bought with a price, a steep price, and by the blood of Jesus, I have been set apart for God's use.  (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Peter 1:14-15)

As the new temple of God, it is important that I treat my life as special.  What does this mean for me?

Covering

Each holy object from the Tabernacle was handled with great care by Aaron and his sons.  First they covered the items with blue or purple cloth, and sometimes even an extra covering of red, and then wrapped the whole package in fine leather.  Once every piece of the sacred furnishings and holy articles were covered, only then were the Kohathites allowed to enter in to perform their duties.  They were not authorized to directly touch or look upon the objects themselves.  (Numbers 4)  Only Aaron and his sons were allowed to do so since they had been consecrated for this purpose.

Like those special objects, I am considered to be holy, as well, because of what Jesus did for me.  When He spilled His blood on the cross, He consecrated me for use by a Holy God.  Therefore, I must not look at my life as ordinary or common.  The blood of Jesus has set me aside for His purposes, so I must not be so careless with how I treat His temple.

This does not mean I adopt a holier-than-thou attitude, but that I view my life with a kind of sacred respect and reverence.  Before I knew Jesus, I felt perfectly comfortable with taking part in all kinds of self-destructive activities and pursuits.  After all, I thought, It's my life and I can do whatever I want!  

Now that I belong to Jesus, however, it is important that I stay away from that which offends Him.  Out of respect for what Christ has done for me, I can no longer in good conscious speak in any old way, watch whatever form of entertainment I want to, or read the latest book which is an affront to His holy Name.  

As a child of God who was bought with a price, I must do as Aaron and his sons did with the sacred objects.  I must intentionally protect myself from that which contaminates my mind, corrupts my heart and leads me down the path of destruction.  (Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 6:22-23, Romans 12:2)

In order to care for my life made holy by the blood of Jesus, I must take great care in covering myself from worldly influences and appealing temptations.

Code of Conduct

If a member of the U.S. Armed Forces is captured as a prisoner of war, there is a special code of conduct they are expected to follow.  American P.O.W.'s are required, among other things, to avoid answering questions, stand strong against the enemy captors, always strive to escape and resist, never accept special favors, and never forget they are Americans fighting for freedom.  The code was written to give military members a guide in how to survive captivity honorably while avoiding exploitation by the enemy.

In much the same way, I have been given a code of conduct found in God's Word.  It is easy to read the Bible in the same way I used to read books in school: I glean information, take note of interesting facts, and walk away unchanged.  God's Word, however, is different than a history or social studies book.  Instead, it is His inspired Word, given to His people with the purpose of instructing, convicting of sin, correcting where wrong, and training to conform to His will in thought, purpose and action. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

If I am to take these instructions seriously, then, I can't simply read it.  Instead, I am to open my heart and listen to what God is trying to tell me. (James 1:22-25) If I don't study with the intention of getting something out of it, or finding a nugget of truth that will change my life, I will not see anything significant.  

If, however, I open God's Word with the expectation of discovering something new and life-changing, I will not be disappointed.  The Lord will use scripture to encourage me, show me more about His ways, highlight areas of sin in my life, and exhort me to reach higher in the power of His Holy Spirit.  (Hebrews 4:12-13)

In order to care for my life made holy by the blood of Jesus, I must carefully follow the code of conduct found in God's Word.

Commitment

As a mom who taught her children at home, parents often came to me seeking information or advice concerning homeschooling.  If someone was considering pulling their children out of a traditional school setting and teaching them at home, I always asked them what was their motivation.  I had found that those who would be able to persevere in such a large undertaking needed a commitment that came from a call beyond themselves.  If the parent simply thought it was a good idea, they would most likely give up when the going got tough.

In the same way that there must be a commitment to homeschooling in order for parents to withstand the difficulties, I must make a commitment to following Jesus if I'm going to be able to live wholeheartedly for Him.  If I'm mostly concerned with what I'm getting out of the deal, like my heavenly reward, I won't really consider how I should live while I'm here on earth.

Therefore, I must examine my heart, and ask myself who Jesus is to me.  If He's my Savior, but not my Lord, I've probably not submitted my life to God.  Instead, I may have accepted the free gift of salvation without repenting of my sins.  In other words, I want it both ways; to live my way and to receive the perk of heaven.  This results in a lukewarm existence as opposed to a fiery passion for knowing God and making Him known. (Revelation 3:14-22)

Jesus is standing outside the door of my heart, waiting to be invited in.  He died a criminal's death not just to give me a way to live forever with Him, but also to make me right with God in this life. (Romans 3:22)  I am meant to live in relationship with Him, inviting Him in to every part of my life, allowing Him to change me, discipline me and make me new.  

If I don't let Him in, I'll never experience the red-hot passion that is needed for me to strive toward the finish line. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) Instead, I'll spend my life wandering around without a focus or a drive.

In order to care for my life made holy by the blood of Jesus, I must commit my life wholeheartedly to the Lord, allowing Him to light in me a fire of passion for Him.

In the same way that the descendants of Levi's son, Kohath, were tasked with caring for the holy items of the Tabernacle, so I am called to care for my own life as a sacred temple.  Therefore, I would be wise to cover myself from that which contaminates, carefully follow His code of conduct, and make a sincere commitment to following Jesus.  In these ways, I will show proper care for the life that truly belongs to the One who bought and paid for it with His own life.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can take my job of holiness seriously.

When do I slack off in protecting myself from worldly influences?

How am I lukewarm in my relationship with the Lord?  

Own Responsibility

"Then the LORD said to Moses,

'Call forward the tribe of Levi,

and present them to Aaron 

the priest to serve as his assistants.

They will serve Aaron and the whole community,

performing their sacred duties in

and around the Tabernacle.

They will also maintain all the furnishings of the sacred tent,

serving in the Tabernacle on behalf of all the Israelites.

Assign the Levites to Aaron and his sons.

They have been given from among all the people

of Israel to serve as their assistants.'"

Numbers 3:5-9

Everyone had a designated spot to pitch their tent.  Each tribe was assigned a specific area around the Tabernacle to establish camp.  Whenever the Israelites moved to a new location, the Tabernacle would form the frame of reference for their set-up.  The Levites were a bit different, however.  Instead of being assigned a spot some distance from the Tent of Meeting, each son of Aaron and their families were given an area directly surround the Tabernacle as their own, and Moses and the priests lived on the east side. (Numbers 2-3)  

Not only did the Levites live in close proximity to the Tabernacle, but they also were given specific jobs to do in service to the Tent of Meeting based on which family into which they were born.  It makes me think of the way God has given each of His children specific gifts and then called us to use them to edify the body of Christ.  In the same way that members of the tribe of Levi were assigned certain areas of responsibility, I've been given a specific job to do.

Duty

It is like a well-oiled machine.  Soldiers scurry around, each doing their particular job, accomplishing the mission in no time.  When an Army unit is deployed to carry out a certain job, like firing artillery, each member of the unit knows exactly what to do.  Every soldier has been trained in overall conduct, but also in their specific area of expertise.  Each carries a level of responsibility to do what they are trained to do as part of the greater mission. If one soldier fails, the whole unit is at risk of failing.

In a similar way, I am a part of a greater body.  It is not only to myself and my family to whom I am accountable.  Once I pledge to follow Christ, I become part of a greater purpose carried out by the family of God.  With the gift of the Holy Spirit given to each believer (Acts 2:38) comes a specific area of expertise, so to speak.  One may be equipped to serve, while another to teach.  Some are given the ability to discern between that which is from God and that which is not, while others know just when to give an encouraging word and what will best bolster another's faith.  

In the same way each soldier is expected to carry out their duty in the way they've been trained, I'm expected to do what God's Spirit has specifically enabled me to do. (1 Corinthians 12:27)  If I don't do my part, the body of Christ as a whole will suffer.

It is easy to feel inadequate to carry out the function that has been assigned to me.  Like Moses, I can easily cite all kinds of reasons why I can't do my part. (Exodus 4:10-12) Other times, I would rather do what I see others doing.  Then there are times when I simply don't want to bother.  Whatever the excuse, it is my responsibility to play the role I've been appointed to fulfill.

I have been given a duty to use the gift given through God's indwelling Spirit to profit the body of Christ.

Poach

My friend's husband was inventorying stock as part of his job.  The company he works for is hired to count and accurately record current supply levels of other retail businesses.  When the employees at a certain establishment observed his knowledge of the unique parts found in their auto supply store, the manager approached him and asked him to apply to his company.  

While I'm not here to debate whether poaching is or is not an ethical business practice, it does remind me of something discouraging that takes place in the body of Christ.  God is clear that He has given each of us certain positions to fill in the body of Christ.  When I attempt to take over another's position, I am stealing their job.

As a mother, I am used to doing what needs to be done.  If I see an area that is lacking, then, I tend to jump in and complete the job.  When I take this same approach and apply it to the body of Christ, however, in my zeal to help, I could be doing a job that someone else is called to do.  While we can all pitch in and help to accomplish specific missions, each of us is assigned a certain spot.  It is important that I don't unknowingly discourage someone else from stepping out in faith by filling their position.

When I drive in heavy traffic, I often think about how much I trust the drivers around me to stay in their own lanes.  When someone recklessly veers across the freeway, ignoring the specific lanes, it endangers us all.  In the same way, I must be careful to stay in my lane, doing only what I am called to do.  If I keep my attention on the job at hand, I will stay plenty busy.  If my eye wanders to what I'd rather do or to something I think needs to be done, I'm getting out of my area of responsibility and into someone else's.

It is important that I use my own specific gift given through God's indwelling Spirit to profit the body of Christ.

Faith

She labored through four years of college to earn her undergraduate degree.  After taking the grueling admissions test, she applied to medical school.  Now, my friend's training really begins as she learns all basics of medicine during medical school.  Her preparation will not be finished once she graduates, however, because she will still need to complete at least 3 years of a residency where she will work in a hospital setting under senior residents and attending physicians.  It takes years of training to become a medical doctor.

In contrast, I need no training to utilize my gifts.  Instead, the Holy Spirit supernaturally equips me to carry out the function He designed for me to fulfill.  It is not based on my naturally abilities or learned techniques to do what I am purposed to do to build up the body of Christ.  Rather, my state of readiness is found in the way God has empowered me to function.

This is not to say I won't need to prepare to teach a class if my gift is teaching, or that I won't need to work hard when serving others if I've been blessed with the gift of service.  Instead, it means I am uniquely equipped to do what God has called me to do.  There is no special training I must go through before I can step into the role God has prepared for me.

Consequently, I really have no excuse to not do my part.  The only thing keeping me from moving forward is faith.  There is no way that I can please God without it, and I can't look beyond myself if I don't have it.  Faith is what drives me forward into the darkness of the unknown where Jesus dwells.  

If I am waiting to believe in myself before I go forward, I'll be delayed a long time.  Instead, I must blindly walk toward what God is calling me to do, trusting that He has already given me what I need to accomplish the mission at hand.  Out on the end of a limb is a scary place to be, but it is the only place where I can find Christ!  He doesn't dwell in the safe, comfortable places, but in the deep waters where I can't touch the bottom.  Then, as I'm floundering around, I'll find that His grace is enough to get me through.  (2 Corinthians 12:9)

In order to use the gifts given to me through God's indwelling Spirit, I will need to step forward in faith.  

The Lord is a God of order.  Not surprisingly, then, He has created a place for each of His children to serve in His family.  In order for the body of Christ to function as He intended, however, I will need to do my part, stay in my lane, and step out in faith.  When I purposefully strive to follow these guidelines, I will find I am fulfilling my own responsibility.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my focus on what God has called me to do.

When am I afraid to step forward in faith because I can't picture myself doing what God has already equipped me to do?

How do I sometimes try to do what needs to be done instead of asking myself if this is truly my own responsibility?

No Exchanges

"If what they vowed is an animal that is acceptable

as an offering to the LORD,

such an animal given to the LORD becomes holy.

They must not exchange it

or substitute a good one for a bad one,

or a bad one for a good one;

if they should substitute one animal for another,

both it and the substitute become holy."

Leviticus 27:9-10

A friend recently told me about an experience she had in selling a piece of exercise equipment.  The potential buyer saw her ad on the classified advertising website and arranged to see the item.  Once he examined the equipment thoroughly and asked numerous questions, the man offered to pay a price that was about half the asking price.  When my friend and her husband stood firm, he kept attempting to negotiate.  Finally, when he could see there was no wiggle room, he agreed to pay the quoted fee and they loaded the purchase into the new owner's vehicle.

After a couple of days, my friend's phone rang.  When she answered it, she was dismayed to hear the voice of this same man, asking if he could return the equipment.  She firmly stated that the sale had been final; no returns accepted!

As puzzling as this experience was, I often do the same thing as this waffling customer.  Instead of wavering on a purchase, though, I try to exchange God's way for my own.  The Lord, however, takes me at my word.  Once I give my life to Jesus Christ and vow to follow Him all the days of my life, He expects me to stand by my decision.  God accepts no substitutes or exchanges when it comes to the way I live.

Worship

They spent much time raising their hands in praise, singing with all their might and swaying back and forth to the music.  The strains of the chorus moved the people, touching their hearts and invoking a spirit of worship.  The love they felt for God was so strong that many felt motivated to reach out to a lost world so they too could know such affection.  As soon as they walked out the door of the church, however, the emotion was gone and they went back to living for themselves.

This may be what the average American Christian thinks about worship and it also could describe what most of us experience on Sunday mornings.  God, however, intended so much more for His children.

Instead of worship being a once-a-week experience, He created us to live in relationship with Him.  The Lord wants me to dedicate all that I am to Him, giving Him full access to my life and desiring Him to have dominion.   He gave His all to me by offering His own precious Son as a sacrifice so that I could avoid the punishment I deserve.  In return, He asks me for my life. (Romans 12:1) 

There is nothing I can substitute for this kind of worship.  When I try, it falls flat and God is not impressed.  I can spend my life reaching out to the homeless, or running a non-profit organization that cares for children in need, or faithfully attending church every time the doors are open, but if my heart is not fully devoted to the Lord, wanting only His will for my life, then it means nothing to Him.  If I only desire His presence and if sitting at His feet is what truly completes me, I have found what it means to give my life as a living sacrifice. It is then that I will find nothing short of knowing and obeying Him fully will be what satisfies me.  

Many times, however, I try to worship my way.  I raise my hands once a week then continue to live in the way that pleases me.  I watch shows that are an offense to what God has taught me as being right, I take part in activities where I compromise godly values, and I speak words and think thoughts that offend a holy God.  

To make up for my way of life, I attend weekly prayer meetings, take part in outreach ministries, or teach children on a regular basis, thinking these offerings will atone for all the ways I allow sin into my life. (Isaiah 1:10-17) Instead, the only kind of worship God desires is a broken heart that is willing to turn away from the sinful ways which displease Him. (Psalm 51:17)  Jesus paid a painful price for my transgressions: Should I treat sin so lightly? (Isaiah 53:5)

When Jesus paid the price for my sins and I accepted His gift of salvation, my life became His. (1 Corinthians 6:20)  Instead of living for myself, then, a true act of worship is to give my life to Him to do with as He pleases.

Salvation

The unmerited favor of God.  Salvation from eternal damnation.  The free gift of eternal life.  The restoration of my broken relationship with God.  There are many aspects to the gift of salvation that come through faith in Jesus Christ.  Whatever it is I gain, however, I can be sure it is not based on anything I have done or could do.  Instead, it is purely a result of God's great love for me.  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Even though I may know I am saved by grace, not by works, this principle may not have sunken in and taken hold of my heart.  I know this because I often try to exchange this simple truth with something more complicated.  I feel obligated to follow this law or that one, thinking that will get me right with God.  I try to make up for my sin by doing what I consider to be an equal amount of good works in order to get back on God's good side.  I don't feel good enough so I attempt to increase my sense of decency by taking on important ministries.  Along the way, I forgot that I am saved by grace.

Doing things will never get me right with God.  Instead, it is the blood of Jesus that makes me clean, pure and holy in His righteous eyes. (1 John 1:7) When He looks at me, then, He doesn't see my sin, my mess-ups and my failures.  In the place of my sin, all He sees is the perfection of His holy Son.

Therefore, I am free to live in tandem with the God who loves me, knowing that my sin has been paid for.  I need not be weighed down by guilt, shame or regret.  In its place, I can live the life God has meant me to live as I pay attention to His loving Hand which guides me down the path of righteousness.  (Psalm 23:3)

When Jesus earned my salvation through His death on the cross, He made a way to free me from condemnation.  Instead of trying to earn God's favor, then, I must never forget the price Jesus paid to set me free.

Fruit

My friend's tree was producing fruit that was sour and inedible.  She worked hard to fertilize, mulch and water it, hoping the fruit would improve.  Unfortunately, she ended up pulling the tree out and taking it back to the nursery for a refund.  Nothing she did could make this tree produce good fruit.

It's much the same with me.  Once I've accepted Christ as my Savior, I've been given the gift of God's Spirit living inside of me.  When I live in tandem with Him, responding to His promptings and cooperating with His guidance, there will be evidence of His work in my life.  I will notice compassion welling up inside, compelling me to reach out to the hurting all around me.  Where once I only experienced strife and chaos, peace now rules.  Instead of the usual harsh attitude, I will discover a new-found lightness. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Even though I have the benefit of God's indwelling Spirit, I still live in my fleshly body.  Therefore, the Spirit of God is at odds with my natural desires that pull me so strongly away from Him.  When I give in to what my sin nature desires, I will find the old fruit showing up again.  Hatred and bitterness will burn within, giving me a cynical outlook.  My heart will feel discontent, tempting me to look away from God to find satisfaction, maybe to food, men or success as the focus of my lust.  Or I will once again find impatience well up within me as I feel a sense of frustration at those who just can't seem to get their lives together.  (Galatians 5:19-21)

There is one thing of which I can be sure:  I can't have it both ways.  I cannot live by the Spirit and gratify the desires of the sinful nature.  Either I must live for me or live for God.  Either I am my Lord or God is.  Either I win out or God does.  (Galatians 5:16-17)  Whichever I choose, the fruit will make my decision obvious.

When I accepted the free gift of salvation that came through faith in Jesus Christ, I also received God's Spirit who lives within me.  Instead of living according to what pleases me, then, I must let the Holy Spirit guide my life.

I live in a world where exchanges are freely allowed.  If I don't like a product, I am encouraged to take it back and get something different, or if my friends don't meet my emotional needs, I am advised to find new ones.  God, however, does not work this way.  When I entered into a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ, I agreed to live His way.  He does not accept exchanges or substitutions.  Therefore, I am expected to offer my life as a living sacrifice as an acceptable form of worship, to accept salvation as a free gift, and to live by the Spirit.  When I attempt to substitute something else, I will find that the Lord is a God who accepts no exchanges.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember the truth as I have learned it and adjust my life accordingly.

How often do I try to adapt the truth to fit my own way of living?

When am I guilty of trying to earn the salvation for which Jesus already paid?    

He Remembers

"For the land will be deserted by them

and will enjoy its Sabbaths 

while it lies desolate without them.

They will pay for their sins because they rejected my laws

and abhorred my decrees.

Yet in spite of this,

when they are in the land of their enemies,

I will not reject them

or abhor them so as to destroy them completely,

breaking my covenant with them.

I am the LORD their God.

But for their sake I will remember the covenant

with their ancestors whom I brought out of Egypt

in the sight of the nations to be their God.

I am the LORD."

Leviticus 26:43-45

He was the grandson of the deposed king and was therefore considered to be an enemy of the current ruler.  It was with a trembling heart, then, that he obeyed the summons of King David, entering into the mighty warrior's presence with great fear and humility.

"I am your servant, my lord."  The young man bowed as low as he could get, wondering what would become of him.

"Don't worry, I am not going to hurt you.  I have called you here to make good on a promise I made to your father.  Due to the oath I made to Jonathan, I intend to restore all your grandfather's land to you as well as offer you an honored place in my family."

"What's the meaning of this?  Why would you do this to me, your enemy?  I'm as good as dead as far as you're concerned!"

David proceeded to follow through with the covenant he had made with his beloved friend Jonathan.  Out of the love they shared for each other, David welcomed Mephibosheth who was up until then a crippled outcast with a price on his head.  He who once was an enemy now became like family, all because of love. (1 Samuel 20:16-17, 2 Samuel 9)

It's not so different with me.  I, too, was once considered to be an enemy of a powerful King because of my sin. (Romans 5:10)  The difference is, however, this King did not rule an earthly kingdom as David did, but a heavenly one.  The King I was pitted against was God.  

Mercifully, instead of getting what I deserved, the supreme Ruler of all things did the unthinkable.  Out of His great love for me, He chose me to enter into a relationship with Him as His child. (John 15:16)  This adoption is only possible through the covenant sealed by Christ's death on the cross followed by His resurrection three days later.  (1 John 3:1, Luke 22:20, Hebrews 9:15)

No matter what difficulty God allows into my life, then, I can be assured that He will never forget His covenant.  It is not His desire to break me or punish me, but to restore, develop and shape my relationship with Him.  Since it is God's intention to ever draw me closer, the only variable to my intimacy with Him is my own state of willingness.

Submit

The stubborn steer would not budge not matter how hard I pulled on the lead connected to his halter.  I was in the process of training the yearling Charolais for the county fair that summer of my youth, but he wasn't progressing as I'd have liked.  In order to do well in the fitting and showing portion of the competition, I would have to demonstrate a level of cooperation between me as the trainer and the animal I had spent time to prepare.  The only way I would accomplish that goal was if the steer would submit to my leadership, letting me lead him.

It's not so different with me.  I often balk at God's attempts to direct me, lead me and train me.  Instead of letting go of my desire to rule my own life and give Him control, I choose to fight against God.  It's the difference between a potter shaping a soft lump of clay as opposed to attempting to mold a dried-out piece.  One will conform into the shape he intended while the other is impossible to work with.

I have never grown so much in my bond with the Lord as I have in the past year.  It's not because I'm committed to studying His Word more deeply, or that I've stepped out in faith to serve Him in ways that feel uncomfortable to me, or that I've taken a risk and shared the Gospel with others.  These are all good examples of the fruit He is growing in my life, evidence of my intimacy with Him, but I don't believe they are responsible for that closer bond with my Father.  

Instead, it is my willingness to comply to His direction that draws me toward Him.  I've grown closer to God when I trust Him enough at His Word to do as He says.  In other words, my intimacy with Him is in direct proportion to my obedience to Him.  Every time I resist His transforming work in my life, I drift a little further away. (Romans 12:2) 

In order for my relationship with God to grow closer, I must be willing to submit to His Sovereign will.

Let Go

I've been told that one way to catch a monkey is to place a treat inside a box with a hole in one side.  Once the curious animal reaches through the opening to grab the treasure, his fist will make his hand just big enough to make escape impossible.  Therefore, the only way the monkey can be free from the box is if he lets go of the treat.

As you can imagine, most primates are too stubborn to let go of what drew their eye in the first place, dooming themselves to a life of captivity.  In a similar way, I can be so caught up with going after what gratifies me, or stuff that I've deemed as essential, or pursuits that seem vital that I am unwilling to let go.  (1 John 2:16)

If I want to grow closer to the Lord, I will need to let go of my own desires and the things I think are essential. As Jim Elliot, missionary who gave his life in obedience to God's call to share the gospel with the Auca Indians in Ecuador said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."  The only thing that really matters is Christ and Him crucified:  Everything else must be held with an open hand.

In order for my relationship with God to grow closer, I must be willing to let go of my own desires.

Comply

I cannot remember a time when this particular daughter rebelled against my authority as her mother.  Whenever I asked her to do something, she did it without complaint.  If I needed help, I'd call on her and she'd assist me in whatever way I asked.  While not perfect, this child had been given a compliant spirit.

When it comes to parenting, it is much easier to lead a child that obeys.  A disobedient, defiant son or daughter is a real challenge to even the best of parents.  While God never struggles with how to deal with my disobedience, I make it hard on myself when I insist on doing things my way instead of His.

If I stubbornly refuse to forgive those who have hurt me, for example, it is like I'm taking poison and expecting the ones who wounded me to die. (Mark 11:25)  

Or, if I stick to my guns for the principle of the thing, I forget that those who oppose me are lost and in need of a Savior. (2 Timothy 2:23-26, Matthew 28:19)  

Or, if I follow the pattern of this world and run after worldly treasures, I will find my heart drawn to that which leads me away from Jesus.  (Matthew 6:19-21)

In order for my relationship with God to grow closer, I must be willing to comply with His teachings.

Like Mephibosheth, I have been chosen to dine at the King's table as a precious child of God, adopted through the blood of Jesus.  Therefore, I can count on Him to never leave me nor forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:6)  When I feel far away from Him, then, it is not He that is left me, but I who has been unfaithful.  I might consider that I've not been submissive to His authority in my life, or that I'm holding on to that which entices me away, or that I'm insisting on doing things my way.  When I fail to submit, let go and comply, I must remember the problem lies with me.  God, however, always remembers His covenant of love made possible through the sacrifice of His Son.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can live like I've been bought at a price.

When do I stubbornly stick to my own destructive ways?

How am I pushing God away in the things after which I lust?

No Longer a Slave

"I am the LORD your God,

who brought you out of the land of Egypt

so you would no longer be their slaves.

I broke the yoke of slavery from your neck

so you can walk with your heads held high."
Leviticus 26:13

She was deeply ingrained in her ways, deceived into thinking the relationship she shared with her partner was marriage.  Her sister, however, loved her enough to share the truth of God's Word with the lesbian woman.  Once she accepted the truth; that God considers homosexuality as an affront to His holy nature (Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27), she knew she had a decision to make.  Either she could go on in her current lifestyle, defying God's holy standard, or she could turn away from her sinful ways in agreement with the God who sent His Son to die for her so she would be able to live His way.

This woman decided to repent of the sin that had kept her in a vice grip for all those years.  When she did, she accepted the freedom offered through the blood of Christ.  His perfect sacrifice made it possible for her to be free from the sin that had misled her for all that time.  Now that she had tasted the Lord, she could see that He is good.  (Psalm 34:8)

It is only through the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross that I am able to repent of my sins and be forgiven by a holy God. (Hebrews 9:22, Romans 6:6-7)  Instead of having no other choice but to live in a way that offends God, I have the power through His blood to live a life pleasing to Him.  

Even though I've never known the oppression of slavery like the Israelites did, I do know what it means to be exploited by another master: Sin.  In the same way that God delivered the Israelites out of Egypt and into freedom, He also has delivered me out of the oppression of sin. (John 8:34-36)  What does this mean for me?

Broke the Yoke

Sin made the law necessary.  Before sin entered the earth, life was fairly straight-forward and easy.  At that time, Adam and Eve lived in harmony with God and there was only one rule:  Do not eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that is found in the center of the garden.  (Genesis 2:16-17)

Once Eve was tempted, however, and both she and her husband gave in to the serpent's suggestion, shattering their fellowship with God as the juice of the forbidden fruit ran down their chins, the law became necessary.  Now that sin was a reality, a chasm formed between God and the man He created in His image.  The law was what made that uncrossable abyss created by sin painfully obvious.  Man was doomed to be constantly aware of his sinful nature by his inability to reach God's high standard.  

This realization is like a heavy yoke upon His people.  Like the whip of the impossible-to-please task master upon the backs of the Israelite, the law weighs me down as it persistently reminds me of my shortcomings.  Knowing I can never do enough to be free from condemnation fills me with a sense of hopelessness.

Jesus, however, set me free from the burden of earning my salvation through obedience to the law. (Romans 8:1) Instead of being judged by how well I comply, I have a Redeemer who has bought my salvation from God's judgment with His blood.  (Ephesians 1:7)  He has set me free from the burden of the heavy yoke of the law. Now, through faith in Christ Jesus, I am free to live in relationship with Him as He leads me down the path of righteousness.  (Matthew 11:28-30)

Jesus Christ broke the heavy yoke the law placed across my shoulders, freeing me to honor Him by living in tandem with His Spirit.  (Galatians 5:16-18)

Changed Identity

I could hardly recognize the man I first met out on the street.  When he was homeless, he stayed bent over in shame, weighed down by his difficulties and low position.  Once he got back on his feet, however, his whole demeanor changed as he gratefully took on the humble job offered to him.  As the man began to earn a paycheck, his respect for himself returned.  Now, instead of hunching over, he held his head high.

In the same way that my friend's demeanor reflected the way he felt about himself, I find a similar transformation take place.  Before I knew Christ, I thought my worth was based solely on my own effort or station in life. Consequently, I either thought of myself as better than I was, or beat myself up for my frailties.  Either way, my self-image was warped. Once I accepted the free gift of salvation Jesus offered, however, I became a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

This means I no longer need be held down by my sin.  Since I am free from both the bondage of sin as well as the requirement to follow the law in order to earn my way into God's graces, I can walk as a precious child of the King.  (1 John 3:1)

When I feel like a failure, then, constantly burdened by my own sinful bankruptcy, I can remember I am rich in Christ. As a daughter of the King, I can begin to see myself as a princess, treating myself as such.

For the times when I think I will never get it right, continuing down the same destructive path again and again, I can remember the strength of God's indwelling Spirit that empowers me to choose the way of righteousness.

Even when I don't feel good about myself, blinded of my true identity by doubt and fear, I can remember that Jesus did not go through such punishment in dying on the cross so I would continue to irrationally beat myself down.  Instead, He died so that I can live a life of confidence, compassion and right thinking.  (2 Timothy 1:7)

Jesus Christ changed my identity from a sinner doomed to Hell to a sinner saved by grace who can boldly approach the throne of God to receive all the grace and mercy I need to get through each day.  (Hebrews 4:16)

I cannot imagine the horrors of living under the heavy hand of slavery.  Even though I've never felt the cruel sting of a master's whip upon my back, I do know something about oppression.  Sin is a harsh taskmaster who burdens me to live a life apart from God.  His love, however, perfectly shown in the sacrifice of His sinless Son, set me free by breaking the heavy yoke of the law.  Now I can walk with my head held high as a princess who knows her sins are forgiven.  It is true; through faith in Christ I am no longer a slave to sin.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can live like I'm free from sin.

When do I continue in sin as if I have no power over it?

How am I showing my contempt for myself in the way I live?     

Aliens

"The land must not be sold permanently,

because the land is mine

and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers.

Throughout the land that you hold as a possession,

you must provide for the redemption of the land."

Leviticus 25:23-24

It used to be said that purchasing land was one of the most solid investments one could make.  It couldn't be stolen, it's value almost always increased, and it's always worth something.  Unfortunately, many have found out the hard way how vulnerable any kind of real estate investment can be in a fluctuating market.

While investing in land may not be the wisest of ventures in this day and age, especially in the short term, devoting my time, attention and talents into this temporary world may be even riskier.  Jesus taught that an earthly investment is uncertain while kingdom ones are sound.  Whichever I choose, however, I will find that my heart will be rooted in that asset. (Matthew 6:19-21) 

Therefore, I would be wise to do as He taught and live as an alien here in this world that will soon pass away.  If all that I sink my teeth into is based on what I can see, feel, taste and hear, then I am making a foolish investment.  As a follower of Christ, I am called to live as one who doesn't belong here.

Roots

When planting a tree, it is important to dig the hole at least twice the size of the root ball.  Surprisingly, it is also wise to refill the hole with the same dirt as the surrounding land.  If I attempt to add mulch and all sorts of additives to the soil, the roots may prefer the "good" dirt and not reach out into the adjacent earth, giving the tree a poor chance at developing a solid, wide-spread root system.

It is vital to the health of my faith that I develop a healthy root-system as well.  In the same way that a tree needs the right kind of soil in order to thrive, I need to grow deeply in my relationship with Christ Jesus for my faith to develop soundly.  (Colossians 2:6-7)  Everything I can base my life upon may seem good and beneficial, but only Jesus will give me a strong foundation.

It may seem wise to live a life focused on doing good for others, for example, living by the principle of paying it forward, but only the love of Christ flowing through me will last and ultimately make a real difference in this dark world. (1 John 4:19, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

I may also be tempted to base my life on the idea that I can achieve whatever I believe is possible.  While this may take me to great heights, all my successes will mean nothing in eternity if I am not connected to Jesus and living in obedience to His will.  (John 15:5)

Living my life with the intention of keeping it simple, avoiding the complications of modern technology and common areas of temptation may look like a good way to live a deep and meaningful life, but if I never seek to know God more, I will never know the best that He has planned for my life. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

To live as an alien while here on earth, I must grow deep roots in the truth found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Identity

When I was a high school student, my family hosted an exchange student from Japan.  This delightful young woman lived in our home, participated in family meals and activities, and joined in with most of our daily routine.  In this way, she learned much about American culture.  

No matter how much she was immersed in our way of living, however, our friend from a foreign country never lost the distinct features of her own traditions.  She told me later that if she didn't like the food, for instance, she would say she wasn't hungry in order to keep from hurting our feelings.  Furthermore, she attended church with us but never accepted Jesus as her own Savior.  She was more of an observer, learning but never taking on our beliefs, traditions and ways as her own.

This is how I am to be while living in this foreign land that is the world.  My real home is heaven and I must strive to retain the distinct qualities consistent with God's kingdom.  Jesus said His people are to be easily identified by the way we love one another (John 13:35) and by the fruit that is produced in our lives (Matthew 7:20).

As an alien living in a foreign culture, then, I must guard against becoming just like those who are rooted in this world. (Romans 12:2) It is easy to begin to take on the attitudes, world views and beliefs of those who live around me.  I am inundated with worldly ways and it is only possible to stay pure if I counteract them with the truth of God's Word.  This will take an intentional effort to saturate my mind with the Holy scripture, taking every thought captive to Christ, bringing my attitudes in line with that which pleases God. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

To live as an alien while here on earth, my identity must be fixed in Christ.

Focus

I struggled to keep my balance as I lifted my left foot off the floor while reaching forward with my hands, attempting to mimic the Warrior III pose my instructor perfectly demonstrated.  As I tried to stay firm in my stance during this PiYo class (a combination of Pilates and Yoga), I heard the voice of my teacher advise me to pick a spot on the floor on which to focus while keeping my core strong.  Surprisingly, this simple technique did the trick and my wobbling stopped as I was able to stand firmly on one foot.

While my walk with Jesus is not quite like taking an exercise class, I can utilize the same technique learned from my teacher.  Keeping my eyes focused on Jesus will center me in the truth.  (Hebrews 12:2)  In this way, I will not waver in my faith, keeping firmly to what I know to be true even when the winds around me are blowing and the alternate beliefs are tempting me to stray.  (James 1:5-8)

To live as an alien while here on earth, I must be focused on Christ as my only hope.

I live in a place that is not conducive to godly living.  Therefore, I am called not to conform to what I observe around me, but to live as one who's not from around here.  In order to stay pure as a foreigner, I will need to grow strong roots in Christ, keep my identity fixed in Christ, and home in on Christ as the Author and Perfecter of my faith.  When I exercise these practices, I will find myself living as an alien in a foreign land.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep rooted in Christ instead of everything else that sounds good to me.

When am I most at risk for taking on the identity of the foreign land in which I live?

How do I focus on other things or people instead of Christ?