A young mom who attends my church approached me last Sunday after service. She was struggling with the words of Christ in Matt.12:36, “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.” This scripture, coupled with Paul’s reminder that “We must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” found in 2Cor. 5:10 was causing her great distress because she was feeling condemnation and fearing punishment for she knew that she often said careless words and did things that probably displeased the Lord. I know many Christians struggle with such feelings… but should we? Is this what the Lord wants? Does he want us to be so scared of this terrible life-end evaluation that we “straighten up and fly right?” After all, the Bible doesn’t say, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom?” Yes, that is true… but what does that mean ?
How do those verses “square” with these scriptures: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death!” (Rom. 8:1-2) “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1John 2:1-2) “In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” (1John 4:17-18) So, where is the balance?
What helped my friend on Sunday find some balance was to imagine herself talking to her own kids when they had failed. Imagine your son or daughter failed a big test at school, or failed to catch the high fly ball and lost the game, or failed at being a good friend to one of the neighborhood kids. How would you handle that? What would your hope be for the end result of that conversation? Would your hope be that your child ended up in your arms hugging you, sorry that they had messed up, but glad for your correction and unconditional love? I can’t imagine a parent who wouldn’t at least hope for that resolution! We have the perfect heavenly father who loves us so much, so unconditionally, that while we were yet sinners, in active rebellion against Him, He gave His only Son for us! That’s how he feels about you! Listen to these… “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Rom 8:31-34) "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matt. 7:10-11) So how do you suppose God will handle his sons and daughters in dealing with our failures? I can’t say for sure, but this I do know, there will be no condemnation in it, no punishment dished out. He already punished Christ for all our sins, so if we have by faith received salvation in Christ, we will not be judged for them. In fact God will not see our sins at all, but rather the righteous record of sinless Jesus! (see 2Cor. 5:21) Jesus’ words in Matt. 12 about men being held to account for every careless word, were spoken to unbelievers who had just “carelessly” accused Jesus of using the power of the devil to drive out demons. Paul’s warning about standing before the judgment seat of Christ, however, was addressed to believers. He said we will be judged “for things done in the body – whether good or bad.” Does this mean our salvation depends on our good works? No, our salvation is not at stake here. This will be a judgment for what we heaven-bound Christians did with our salvation. Did we live for Christ or for self? Did we follow Him or serve mammon? Did we build His kingdom or feather our nests? Guess we all can chew on those questions for a while. Truth is, we could all do better. But I want to leave you with this: at the judgment seat of Christ, we will not be in fear or be feeling guilt or shame, since Jesus took those from us at the cross. We will feel His GREAT love and mercy and compassion as we see just how much he forgave us!
Now go hug your kids, and as you do, think, “God loves me… and them …and everyone… more than this!” And when they ask you, “Why are you hugging me?” you can tell them, “Just because I love you….no matter what!”
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
At the Crossroads
I’d like to tell you about a concept I call “ministry intersections.” What is a ministry intersection? A ministry intersection is one of those unplanned moments that happen to each one of us every day when our lives intersect with the life of somebody else – someone who has a “felt” need. A “felt” need is… a need that they feel! It might be a simple as a need for gasoline for their car, a jump start for a dead battery, or a piece of wire to hold down a part on their broken grill. It could be that their “felt” need is just a longing for an encouraging word or a smile from a friendly face or maybe they could really use an oatmeal cookie and a listening ear because they‘ve had a hard day. Sometimes it’s hidden behind a brave mask but the need is “felt” just the same: terrible loneliness, grief, loss, depression, guilt or shame. There is also a second need which they may not even know that they have, but this second need is the real need that every human being has - the need for Jesus… and they have just intersected with someone who knows Jesus! Ministry happens at the point where the life of a person with a felt need intersects with the life of a believer who is willing to help meet that need and share the good news of Jesus – it happens at the crossroads of Church St. and World Ave.
As Christians, we need to develop an “intersection” mindset. We run right through them every day and we don’t even know we were in one! That’s because we are so focused on “what we had planned” for today and not on what God wants to do with us today. Intersections are almost always not what we had planned, they are interruptions of what we had planned and as such we tend to view them as negatives – not opportunities. Typically, we don’t see them at all. We don’t see the man at the gas station with a flat tire, or the kid with scraped knee, or the lady in the hospital elevator who is crying, and if we do, we think, “it’s none of my business,” or “I don’t have time,” or “she’ll think I’m weird.” Usually, even though we don’t mean to be, we are the first two guys who passed by the wounded traveler in the Good Samaritan tale. What if we just made it a habit to smile and say, “How are you?” I know, I know … people would tell us all their woes; about their sick cat and Aunt Sarah’s operation and we’d never get anything done and we’d wind up being taken advantage of and short on time and money. Yes, that happens sometimes. But sometimes you get to do what Jesus did, what Paul did, what Philip did… letting a ministry intersection interrupt our day and receiving in return the privilege of sharing the gospel, showing them the love of Jesus, meeting their felt need and their real need. That’s what happens at ministry intersections!
“We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2Cor. 5:20) Could you become a person who is ready, willing and able to both help meet the “felt” need of others and share the gospel. How? “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1Peter3:15) Here are some practical pointers. TRY THESE!
1. Smile! “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones!” (Prov. 15:30) Remember – we are Christ’s ambassadors! If you go around with a sour look all the time, you may have to be prepared to give and answer for why you seem to have NO hope!
2. Give a gift! “A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.“ (Prov. 18:16) It doesn’t have to cost more than a pack of gum - it truly is the thought that counts!
3. Lend a hand! “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. (Luke 10:33-34) Offering help gives us credibility to speak. Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.
Here’s some handy “conversation starters” when finding yourself at a ministry intersection:
“Hello! How are you today? How’s it going? Do you live around here? Where is your home? Where did you grow up? Tell me about… your book, your tee-shirt, your child, etc. Are you okay? Is everything alright? Can I help? Can I pray for you? Where do you go to church?” Try asking questions like these - you’ll be amazed at how much people appreciate the simple fact that you want to hear anything at all about them.
It’s okay to go looking for “intersections” but it’s more effective if you just open your eyes and see all the intersections that are already (super) naturally happening all around you!
As Christians, we need to develop an “intersection” mindset. We run right through them every day and we don’t even know we were in one! That’s because we are so focused on “what we had planned” for today and not on what God wants to do with us today. Intersections are almost always not what we had planned, they are interruptions of what we had planned and as such we tend to view them as negatives – not opportunities. Typically, we don’t see them at all. We don’t see the man at the gas station with a flat tire, or the kid with scraped knee, or the lady in the hospital elevator who is crying, and if we do, we think, “it’s none of my business,” or “I don’t have time,” or “she’ll think I’m weird.” Usually, even though we don’t mean to be, we are the first two guys who passed by the wounded traveler in the Good Samaritan tale. What if we just made it a habit to smile and say, “How are you?” I know, I know … people would tell us all their woes; about their sick cat and Aunt Sarah’s operation and we’d never get anything done and we’d wind up being taken advantage of and short on time and money. Yes, that happens sometimes. But sometimes you get to do what Jesus did, what Paul did, what Philip did… letting a ministry intersection interrupt our day and receiving in return the privilege of sharing the gospel, showing them the love of Jesus, meeting their felt need and their real need. That’s what happens at ministry intersections!
“We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2Cor. 5:20) Could you become a person who is ready, willing and able to both help meet the “felt” need of others and share the gospel. How? “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1Peter3:15) Here are some practical pointers. TRY THESE!
1. Smile! “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones!” (Prov. 15:30) Remember – we are Christ’s ambassadors! If you go around with a sour look all the time, you may have to be prepared to give and answer for why you seem to have NO hope!
2. Give a gift! “A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.“ (Prov. 18:16) It doesn’t have to cost more than a pack of gum - it truly is the thought that counts!
3. Lend a hand! “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. (Luke 10:33-34) Offering help gives us credibility to speak. Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.
Here’s some handy “conversation starters” when finding yourself at a ministry intersection:
“Hello! How are you today? How’s it going? Do you live around here? Where is your home? Where did you grow up? Tell me about… your book, your tee-shirt, your child, etc. Are you okay? Is everything alright? Can I help? Can I pray for you? Where do you go to church?” Try asking questions like these - you’ll be amazed at how much people appreciate the simple fact that you want to hear anything at all about them.
It’s okay to go looking for “intersections” but it’s more effective if you just open your eyes and see all the intersections that are already (super) naturally happening all around you!
Monday, July 12, 2010
The Power of Words
The Bible tells us that “life and death lie within the power of the tongue!” Words have the capacity to build up or tear down. James refers to the tongue as a small spark that can create a huge deadly forest fire, and he used that illustration long before the advent of the internet, e-mail and Facebook! These new electronic megaphones give our words even greater power and extend their shelf-life into infinity! Jesus tells us that our words will either condemn us or vindicate us, and that we will all give “an account for every careless word!” and Paul encourages us to not let any “unwholesome words come out of our mouths but only that which is useful for the building up of the body.”
Quite a lot of Biblical ink is dedicated to telling us what kind of talk is to be avoided and what kind of talk is to be embraced. Idle chatter, gossip, foolish quarrels, arguments about trivial matters and minor doctrines, lies, anger, wrath, malice, hate, evil-speaking, dissentions, factions, filthy language from our lips, course jokes, and stirring up dissension among the brothers, are all listed as the kinds of word we are to avoid like the plague that they are! I am particularly struck by God’s inclusion of “stirring up dissension” as one of the 7 things He utterly detests! (Prov. 6:16-19) “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” Yet even with all these warnings, it is so easy for each and every one of us to lend our tongue to unrighteousness and allow the devil to use our words in his scheme to “divide and conquer.” James tells us that the tongue is the hardest of all things to control! And most of us don’t need James to tell us! We know it by experience. Blessings and curses come from the same mouth, and we have all been on both sides of that equation. We have all given and received both blessings and curses and we know feelings of their corresponding joy or pain.
The Bible also gives us clear direction on what kind of words ought to fill our mouths: praise, prayer, praying at all times with all kinds of prayers, words of encouragement, thanksgiving, words that build-up/edify, good, kind, true, pure, lovely, excellent, praiseworthy words, speaking to ourselves with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and making melody in our hearts to the Lord, spurring one another to love and good deeds, being ready to give a reason for why we have hope and sharing the good news of the gospel with all.
So let’s all take a little inventory. How am I using this, my most powerful of tools/weapons – my words? We can’t control them, but God can…. He will control to the extent that we surrender.
Quite a lot of Biblical ink is dedicated to telling us what kind of talk is to be avoided and what kind of talk is to be embraced. Idle chatter, gossip, foolish quarrels, arguments about trivial matters and minor doctrines, lies, anger, wrath, malice, hate, evil-speaking, dissentions, factions, filthy language from our lips, course jokes, and stirring up dissension among the brothers, are all listed as the kinds of word we are to avoid like the plague that they are! I am particularly struck by God’s inclusion of “stirring up dissension” as one of the 7 things He utterly detests! (Prov. 6:16-19) “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” Yet even with all these warnings, it is so easy for each and every one of us to lend our tongue to unrighteousness and allow the devil to use our words in his scheme to “divide and conquer.” James tells us that the tongue is the hardest of all things to control! And most of us don’t need James to tell us! We know it by experience. Blessings and curses come from the same mouth, and we have all been on both sides of that equation. We have all given and received both blessings and curses and we know feelings of their corresponding joy or pain.
The Bible also gives us clear direction on what kind of words ought to fill our mouths: praise, prayer, praying at all times with all kinds of prayers, words of encouragement, thanksgiving, words that build-up/edify, good, kind, true, pure, lovely, excellent, praiseworthy words, speaking to ourselves with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and making melody in our hearts to the Lord, spurring one another to love and good deeds, being ready to give a reason for why we have hope and sharing the good news of the gospel with all.
So let’s all take a little inventory. How am I using this, my most powerful of tools/weapons – my words? We can’t control them, but God can…. He will control to the extent that we surrender.
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