This question usually comes to us as a challenge to our position or authority in some way. It is usually in a critical tone meant to intimidate us from moving forward. It is just like the voice of the serpent in the garden that brought doubt and confusion to Eve concerning the boundaries God set. Now in this time the serpent is more likely trying to keep us within boundaries we have placed around our selves. If we attempt to step out of old patterns and be the person God created us to be, he will bring up that critical question. “Who do you think you are?” He knows our thoughts are powerful in forming our identity and direction. Proper in-formation leads to being properly formed within.
If the voice of the deceiver can cause us to pull back and rethink our plan to move ahead he has at least temporarily kept us from being who we are destined by God to be. Coming to Christ requires that we realize we are headed in a wrong direction and must turn around. The word repentance actually means to turn about, change directions or think differently. Our thinking patterns affect our identity and destiny. Our “God thoughts” will always be challenged by the one who wants to keep us from our destiny. So the next time you hear that critical voice, consider the source before yielding to it.
Jesus asked his disciples; “Who do men say that I am?" They replied; “Some say John the Baptist and others say Elijah or one of the prophets.” Then Jesus asked them directly; “Who do you say I am?” Peter piped up and said; “You are the Christ the Son of the living God.” Just prior to this Jesus made some adjustments in Peter’s thinking about his own identity. The name Simon means a reed, one that is shaken in the wind, but Jesus changed his name to Peter the rock. Once Peter understood his new identity to be as stable as a rock he could also receive revelation about the Christ. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (See James 1:8). Revelation 2:17 says, they that overcome will be given a white stone in which is written a new name that no man knows accept the one who receives it. We need to overcome that critical voice or it will keep us unstable and away from our full identity. Our enemy will do all in his power to keep us from thinking we are who we really are. So the question, “Who do you think you are” is likely one of the single most important question we could consider.
There are a lot of people who think they are someone they are not, and that is because they have been listening to the wrong thought channel. Knowing God’s thoughts and His voice are crucial to becoming who we are to be. We must align our thoughts with His. There have been many who actually believed they were Jesus Christ. They listen to the spirit of antichrist who twists bible verses out of context and uses flattery to puff up their pride to convince them they are someone they are not. On the other hand those who are humbly seeking to be conformed to the image of Christ face that critical voice that questions the validity of their motives and actions. It is so ironic that our enemy will tell the one person that he is the Christ and tell the other he has no business thinking he can be Christ-like. So it is not only important that we know God’s written word we also must know His voice. God is love and His voice will bear the fruit of love. He is patient, kind, gentle, never boastful, or puffed up. He will never flatter or condemn those truly seeking Him or His truth. We must believe we are who God says we are.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
American Politics
Changing a Nation
God’s People have more power to change the political landscape of a nation through thanksgiving and prayer than through the ballot box. We all should participate in electing our government leaders, but as Christians we have something more powerful than our vote. Changing the ruling party or replacing individuals in office may be necessary but history reveals it has not resulted in turning America toward righteousness. God has given us in His word the recipe for bringing about the transformation of a nation.
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 1 Tim 2:1-3 NKJV
We are inclined to complain and criticize our elected officials because they do not share the same values and beliefs that we do. The bible says the power of life and death is in the tongue and the tongue is like a flame that is set on fire of hell. With our tongue we bless God then turn and curse men who are made in His image. (See James 3) The very fact that all men are made in God’s image is reason enough to give thanks to God even if they are opposed to righteousness. Our thanksgiving and prayer of blessing sanctifies or sets them up for divine influence.
If an elected official is operating in darkness and all we do is criticize and complain we are only reinforcing the darkness. Criticism is generally rooted in a religious pride. We know that God’s desire is that all nations yield to His standards of righteousness and justice but some of us lack understanding of His ways. Romans chapter 13 tells us the higher powers such as earthly government officials are ordained of God, ministers that we are to be subject unto. His intent is that they oppose evil and not good.
We know that some leaders are opposed to God and His righteousness but His way of turning them around is not to oppose them personally. There are several examples in scripture of righteous men and women of God becoming leaders that influenced nations. Daniel honored the king of Babylon for his position without compromising his own personal righteousness. He was a light in a dark place and eventually found favor and influence with Nebuchadnezzar. Joseph honored those in positions of authority over him and found favor in their sight. It opened the door for him to provide wisdom and a solution for the famine in Egypt. David honored king Saul even when Saul was out to destroy him. He allowed God time to work in the situation instead of taking matters into his own hands. As a result David was promoted to ruler over Israel. These examples all show us God’s way of either changing the heart of an existing leader or replacing them.
The manner in which leadership is gained is how it will need to be maintained. If an office is gained through God’s favor He will maintain it in like manner but if we gain a position through strife and criticism we will surely face much of the same as we hold that position.
We too often try to hold the heathen to God’s scriptural standards and it would be good if they adhered to them but they can not. No man without the grace of Christ can keep God’s laws—that’s basic Christianity 101. The only people Jesus confronted over such standards were the religious Pharisees and scribes. They were the ones who took pride in knowing God’s laws so they should have been the best examples of godliness but they were not. It looks somewhat similar out there these days. The religious people are expecting those who do not walk in God’s grace to have the power to do right, but it can’t happen. In fact we who have God’s grace in abundance should be the first to show them grace, not as rewarding evil but empowering them to do right by imparting grace to them, honoring and thanking God for them.
The Heathen Are Cleansed
Peter, in a vision saw all manner of unclean animals lowered down from heaven and he heard the Lord say “arise Peter, kill and eat.” Peter answered saying “not so Lord for I have never eaten anything common or unclean”. This happened three times and Peter understood it to mean that God had cleansed that which was formerly unclean. The gentiles who were previously unable to come to God were now made clean or acceptable. (See Acts 10:13-28) Even before the gentiles received Christ and were converted, God saw them clean. He had called them to salvation and had cleansed them ahead of time as it were. They only needed to come and confess there sins and turn to Christ by faith. Their belief and confession of Christ would seal the deal. The vision Peter had was to reveal a truth and allow him to see the gentiles through the eyes of God.
Thanksgiving and prayer leads to sanctification. (See 1Tim 4:1-6)
In a similar way Paul says food that was formerly unclean can be sanctified or cleansed through thanksgiving and prayer. God used food to illustrate to Peter that the gentiles were now acceptable. The unclean was now made clean through the work of Christ. Paul also tells Timothy that every creature is suitable for food when received with thanksgiving and prayer.
My point is, this principal is still in effect. Our prayer can either set an unbeliever apart unto God for divine influence or the opposite can also occur. A prayer laced with criticism and complaints about ungodly leadership can release more demonic influence upon them. We need to see those who are away from God as though they are clean already. If our prayer for them is not to bless and thank God for them it will likely be tainted with complaints and criticism. We don’t dare allow our enemy to use us and our access to God’s throne to bring accusations against anyone. The devil is the accuser but his only access to God is through misguided believers. We are to represent God’s case before the throne not the devil’s case. God has declared all men innocent by the blood of His Son.
Here again I want to clarify that I am not saying the ungodly are saved by default, obviously not. They are lost until they come to Christ by faith just like we all must do. I am trying to stress there is a difference between seeing men through the eyes of the law and the eyes of faith. Faith sees them as they will be while the law can not see past their faults. That reminds me of a story a young police officer told me. He was riding along in a squad car with an older officer who shared how he hated what he had become over many years. The longer he was on the force the more he looked for people to do something illegal and became obsessed with the desire to catch someone in the wrong. No longer was it innocent until proven guilty but you are guilty and I’ll catch you sooner or later. It is a sad state to be in; always looking for faults in others but that is how legalism can effect Christians as well.
If Christians truly want to win over those in places of authority we need to adorn ourselves with that meek and gentle spirit. How about Paul’s instructions to women whose husbands do not believe? He says basically husbands will not be attracted to Christ by their wife’s preaching the word or even their outward beauty, be it hair, clothes or jewelry, but by the inner beauty of a meek and quiet spirit. This sort of adorning is like a priceless jewel in God’s eyes. (See 1 Peter 3)
America is looking for a true alternative to the leadership they have known. The type of leader America really needs and wants will only be installed by God. Popular votes won’t do it because most Americans do not see as God does, with the eyes of faith. God will raise up those who will submit themselves to the process like Joseph or David and refuse to strike out at the one in authority but honor their position. Where are these leaders, are they locked in a dungeon or hiding in a cave waiting for the favor of God to fall upon them? We may not see that person but God has been grooming and preparing for himself leaders who will not bow to the giants or the controling Jezebels of our day but will defeat that prevailing spirit through God’s Spirit.
Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against wicked spirits of darkness in high places. It is not by human might or power but by the Spirit of God that America will be delivered from the grip of evil.
God’s People have more power to change the political landscape of a nation through thanksgiving and prayer than through the ballot box. We all should participate in electing our government leaders, but as Christians we have something more powerful than our vote. Changing the ruling party or replacing individuals in office may be necessary but history reveals it has not resulted in turning America toward righteousness. God has given us in His word the recipe for bringing about the transformation of a nation.
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 1 Tim 2:1-3 NKJV
We are inclined to complain and criticize our elected officials because they do not share the same values and beliefs that we do. The bible says the power of life and death is in the tongue and the tongue is like a flame that is set on fire of hell. With our tongue we bless God then turn and curse men who are made in His image. (See James 3) The very fact that all men are made in God’s image is reason enough to give thanks to God even if they are opposed to righteousness. Our thanksgiving and prayer of blessing sanctifies or sets them up for divine influence.
If an elected official is operating in darkness and all we do is criticize and complain we are only reinforcing the darkness. Criticism is generally rooted in a religious pride. We know that God’s desire is that all nations yield to His standards of righteousness and justice but some of us lack understanding of His ways. Romans chapter 13 tells us the higher powers such as earthly government officials are ordained of God, ministers that we are to be subject unto. His intent is that they oppose evil and not good.
We know that some leaders are opposed to God and His righteousness but His way of turning them around is not to oppose them personally. There are several examples in scripture of righteous men and women of God becoming leaders that influenced nations. Daniel honored the king of Babylon for his position without compromising his own personal righteousness. He was a light in a dark place and eventually found favor and influence with Nebuchadnezzar. Joseph honored those in positions of authority over him and found favor in their sight. It opened the door for him to provide wisdom and a solution for the famine in Egypt. David honored king Saul even when Saul was out to destroy him. He allowed God time to work in the situation instead of taking matters into his own hands. As a result David was promoted to ruler over Israel. These examples all show us God’s way of either changing the heart of an existing leader or replacing them.
The manner in which leadership is gained is how it will need to be maintained. If an office is gained through God’s favor He will maintain it in like manner but if we gain a position through strife and criticism we will surely face much of the same as we hold that position.
We too often try to hold the heathen to God’s scriptural standards and it would be good if they adhered to them but they can not. No man without the grace of Christ can keep God’s laws—that’s basic Christianity 101. The only people Jesus confronted over such standards were the religious Pharisees and scribes. They were the ones who took pride in knowing God’s laws so they should have been the best examples of godliness but they were not. It looks somewhat similar out there these days. The religious people are expecting those who do not walk in God’s grace to have the power to do right, but it can’t happen. In fact we who have God’s grace in abundance should be the first to show them grace, not as rewarding evil but empowering them to do right by imparting grace to them, honoring and thanking God for them.
The Heathen Are Cleansed
Peter, in a vision saw all manner of unclean animals lowered down from heaven and he heard the Lord say “arise Peter, kill and eat.” Peter answered saying “not so Lord for I have never eaten anything common or unclean”. This happened three times and Peter understood it to mean that God had cleansed that which was formerly unclean. The gentiles who were previously unable to come to God were now made clean or acceptable. (See Acts 10:13-28) Even before the gentiles received Christ and were converted, God saw them clean. He had called them to salvation and had cleansed them ahead of time as it were. They only needed to come and confess there sins and turn to Christ by faith. Their belief and confession of Christ would seal the deal. The vision Peter had was to reveal a truth and allow him to see the gentiles through the eyes of God.
Thanksgiving and prayer leads to sanctification. (See 1Tim 4:1-6)
In a similar way Paul says food that was formerly unclean can be sanctified or cleansed through thanksgiving and prayer. God used food to illustrate to Peter that the gentiles were now acceptable. The unclean was now made clean through the work of Christ. Paul also tells Timothy that every creature is suitable for food when received with thanksgiving and prayer.
My point is, this principal is still in effect. Our prayer can either set an unbeliever apart unto God for divine influence or the opposite can also occur. A prayer laced with criticism and complaints about ungodly leadership can release more demonic influence upon them. We need to see those who are away from God as though they are clean already. If our prayer for them is not to bless and thank God for them it will likely be tainted with complaints and criticism. We don’t dare allow our enemy to use us and our access to God’s throne to bring accusations against anyone. The devil is the accuser but his only access to God is through misguided believers. We are to represent God’s case before the throne not the devil’s case. God has declared all men innocent by the blood of His Son.
Here again I want to clarify that I am not saying the ungodly are saved by default, obviously not. They are lost until they come to Christ by faith just like we all must do. I am trying to stress there is a difference between seeing men through the eyes of the law and the eyes of faith. Faith sees them as they will be while the law can not see past their faults. That reminds me of a story a young police officer told me. He was riding along in a squad car with an older officer who shared how he hated what he had become over many years. The longer he was on the force the more he looked for people to do something illegal and became obsessed with the desire to catch someone in the wrong. No longer was it innocent until proven guilty but you are guilty and I’ll catch you sooner or later. It is a sad state to be in; always looking for faults in others but that is how legalism can effect Christians as well.
If Christians truly want to win over those in places of authority we need to adorn ourselves with that meek and gentle spirit. How about Paul’s instructions to women whose husbands do not believe? He says basically husbands will not be attracted to Christ by their wife’s preaching the word or even their outward beauty, be it hair, clothes or jewelry, but by the inner beauty of a meek and quiet spirit. This sort of adorning is like a priceless jewel in God’s eyes. (See 1 Peter 3)
America is looking for a true alternative to the leadership they have known. The type of leader America really needs and wants will only be installed by God. Popular votes won’t do it because most Americans do not see as God does, with the eyes of faith. God will raise up those who will submit themselves to the process like Joseph or David and refuse to strike out at the one in authority but honor their position. Where are these leaders, are they locked in a dungeon or hiding in a cave waiting for the favor of God to fall upon them? We may not see that person but God has been grooming and preparing for himself leaders who will not bow to the giants or the controling Jezebels of our day but will defeat that prevailing spirit through God’s Spirit.
Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against wicked spirits of darkness in high places. It is not by human might or power but by the Spirit of God that America will be delivered from the grip of evil.
Less Equals More
Less Can Equal More
How often do we size up what we have and assume it is too little to amount to anything? I remember an old saying, “That’ll never amount to a hill of beans.” With my limited gardening experience, it was common when planting corn or beans to place two or three seeds in each hill and hope for at least one to come up to create a stalk of corn or beans. I suppose if a person only had one seed to put in a hill it may not survive and reproduce a crop. Thus the saying may have originated from something like having only one seed in a hill.
Jesus and His disciples were about to take a boat trip. After they had shoved off from shore He said to them, “Beware of the leaven of the scribes and the leaven of Herod.” Then they began to reason among themselves thinking Jesus was concerned about having enough bread. Jesus over heard their discussion and asked why they hadn’t understood that He was not speaking of bread but of the teaching or doctrine of the Pharisees and Herod. Then, concerning natural bread He reminded them of the time He multiplied the five loves and fed twelve thousand with twelve baskets of fragments left over and when He multiplied the seven loaves to feed four thousand with seven baskets of fragments left over. Then He asked them a curious question. “How is it that you do not understand?” It appears there were two things Jesus really wanted them to get. One was concerning the deceitful doctrine of the Pharisees and the second was having only one loaf of bread was not a problem, in fact it may set the stage for an even greater miracle.
If five loaves were multiplied with twelve baskets of fragments left over and seven loaves were multiplied with seven baskets leftover, it would appear that starting with less added up to serving a greater number with even more left over. God delights in taking that which appears inadequate and turning it into more than enough. Men would say it will never amount to a hill of beans but God will use it to feed the multitudes.
God has given each of us bread or seed to reproduce and to bear fruit in His Kingdom. The seed may be various talents or gifts of ministry or even natural skills. It is obvious that God has given gifts according to His own will. Some are more talented in one area while others are talented in different ways. We have a tendency to look at those more gifted than us and conclude we do not have enough to amount to anything. But Jesus does not want those who only have one loaf to assume it would never amount to a hill of beans. Jesus may be alluding to the possibility of the lesser having the ability to be used in an even greater dimension. Let’s do the math. If seven fed four thousand with seven baskets left and five fed twelve thousand with twelve baskets left, then one loaf might feed fifty thousand with one hundred baskets of fragments left. I am not suggesting there is a scientific formula for this I’m just trying to point out a trend in the numbers.
My point is totally that we should never belittle what God has put in our hands, no matter how small or insignificant it may appear. The parable Jesus taught concerning the mustard seed confirms this thought. Though the mustard seed is smallest among seeds and seemingly insignificant, when planted it will grow into a tree large enough for the birds of the air to take refuge in.
Those who received the word yet did not mix it with faith profited nothing from it. It takes more faith on our part to challenge the greater need with the fewer loaves. Planting the seed through faith is what makes it grow. Having greater faith will not necessarily put an earthly bakery at our disposal but an ability to transfer substance from the unseen realm of heaven into the visible realm of earth. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and evidence of things unseen. God has a bakery in heaven, to supply us with the bread of His word and also natural bread when needed. It is up to us to recognize the little we now have is the key to opening heaven’s windows. Planting the small seed initiates the miracle. When a seed falls into the ground it is as good as dead, buried out of sight, but a miracle occurs and it becomes a plant that contains more seed within it. Just as Abraham’s descendants multiplied beyond numbering, one small seed or loaf can be multiplied beyond our ability to count.
The parable of the talents also parallels this thought. The servant who was given just one talent did not take it seriously but set it aside in a safe place. He may have said it will never amount to a hill of beans. A distorted image of his master made him afraid to risk losing the talent so he protected it instead. The very thing he feared came upon him. When his master returned to find he had done nothing with it, it was taken from him and given to the other faithful servant. Planting the seed and bringing forth a harvest is the goal. Taking what God has put in our trust and investing it in the fields of this world will reap a harvest of souls.
God loves to use the things that are weak and despised by men to demonstrate His power. The Old Testament records several accounts of God giving great victory to small insignificant bands of warriors so that He would get the glory. Paul said that his preaching was not with excellent speech or enticing words of human wisdom but in the demonstration of the Spirit and power so that our faith would not rest on man’s wisdom but on the power of God.
I want to be found faithful with the talents that have been entrusted to me. I refuse to look at the small loaf I have in my hand and fail to challenge the great need and hunger of the multitudes with it. I must do my part to take what God has blessed and break it into pieces and serve it out believing God to multiply it to meet the need of those who partake of it. I will not assume that excellent speech and communication skills are required to deliver God’s message lest I promote faith in man’s abilities and wisdom rather than the power of God to make much out of little.
How often do we size up what we have and assume it is too little to amount to anything? I remember an old saying, “That’ll never amount to a hill of beans.” With my limited gardening experience, it was common when planting corn or beans to place two or three seeds in each hill and hope for at least one to come up to create a stalk of corn or beans. I suppose if a person only had one seed to put in a hill it may not survive and reproduce a crop. Thus the saying may have originated from something like having only one seed in a hill.
Jesus and His disciples were about to take a boat trip. After they had shoved off from shore He said to them, “Beware of the leaven of the scribes and the leaven of Herod.” Then they began to reason among themselves thinking Jesus was concerned about having enough bread. Jesus over heard their discussion and asked why they hadn’t understood that He was not speaking of bread but of the teaching or doctrine of the Pharisees and Herod. Then, concerning natural bread He reminded them of the time He multiplied the five loves and fed twelve thousand with twelve baskets of fragments left over and when He multiplied the seven loaves to feed four thousand with seven baskets of fragments left over. Then He asked them a curious question. “How is it that you do not understand?” It appears there were two things Jesus really wanted them to get. One was concerning the deceitful doctrine of the Pharisees and the second was having only one loaf of bread was not a problem, in fact it may set the stage for an even greater miracle.
If five loaves were multiplied with twelve baskets of fragments left over and seven loaves were multiplied with seven baskets leftover, it would appear that starting with less added up to serving a greater number with even more left over. God delights in taking that which appears inadequate and turning it into more than enough. Men would say it will never amount to a hill of beans but God will use it to feed the multitudes.
God has given each of us bread or seed to reproduce and to bear fruit in His Kingdom. The seed may be various talents or gifts of ministry or even natural skills. It is obvious that God has given gifts according to His own will. Some are more talented in one area while others are talented in different ways. We have a tendency to look at those more gifted than us and conclude we do not have enough to amount to anything. But Jesus does not want those who only have one loaf to assume it would never amount to a hill of beans. Jesus may be alluding to the possibility of the lesser having the ability to be used in an even greater dimension. Let’s do the math. If seven fed four thousand with seven baskets left and five fed twelve thousand with twelve baskets left, then one loaf might feed fifty thousand with one hundred baskets of fragments left. I am not suggesting there is a scientific formula for this I’m just trying to point out a trend in the numbers.
My point is totally that we should never belittle what God has put in our hands, no matter how small or insignificant it may appear. The parable Jesus taught concerning the mustard seed confirms this thought. Though the mustard seed is smallest among seeds and seemingly insignificant, when planted it will grow into a tree large enough for the birds of the air to take refuge in.
Those who received the word yet did not mix it with faith profited nothing from it. It takes more faith on our part to challenge the greater need with the fewer loaves. Planting the seed through faith is what makes it grow. Having greater faith will not necessarily put an earthly bakery at our disposal but an ability to transfer substance from the unseen realm of heaven into the visible realm of earth. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and evidence of things unseen. God has a bakery in heaven, to supply us with the bread of His word and also natural bread when needed. It is up to us to recognize the little we now have is the key to opening heaven’s windows. Planting the small seed initiates the miracle. When a seed falls into the ground it is as good as dead, buried out of sight, but a miracle occurs and it becomes a plant that contains more seed within it. Just as Abraham’s descendants multiplied beyond numbering, one small seed or loaf can be multiplied beyond our ability to count.
The parable of the talents also parallels this thought. The servant who was given just one talent did not take it seriously but set it aside in a safe place. He may have said it will never amount to a hill of beans. A distorted image of his master made him afraid to risk losing the talent so he protected it instead. The very thing he feared came upon him. When his master returned to find he had done nothing with it, it was taken from him and given to the other faithful servant. Planting the seed and bringing forth a harvest is the goal. Taking what God has put in our trust and investing it in the fields of this world will reap a harvest of souls.
God loves to use the things that are weak and despised by men to demonstrate His power. The Old Testament records several accounts of God giving great victory to small insignificant bands of warriors so that He would get the glory. Paul said that his preaching was not with excellent speech or enticing words of human wisdom but in the demonstration of the Spirit and power so that our faith would not rest on man’s wisdom but on the power of God.
I want to be found faithful with the talents that have been entrusted to me. I refuse to look at the small loaf I have in my hand and fail to challenge the great need and hunger of the multitudes with it. I must do my part to take what God has blessed and break it into pieces and serve it out believing God to multiply it to meet the need of those who partake of it. I will not assume that excellent speech and communication skills are required to deliver God’s message lest I promote faith in man’s abilities and wisdom rather than the power of God to make much out of little.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Dispensers of Grace
The term “dispensation of grace” is often used to describe the period of time known as the New Covenant. The time period between Moses and the death of Jesus Christ was called the dispensation of law. One of Webster’s definitions for dispensation is simply “something being dispensed or distributed”. Under the Old Covenant, justice was dispensed according to the law but under the New Covenant justice is to be dispensed according to grace and truth. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17) KJV
Some of us in America have grown used to the idea that a grace period is owed to us. In many cases it is required by law that creditors allow a certain number of days for their debtors to be late on payments. Since the law has stepped in and mandated such regulations in our natural world we can carry that line of thinking over into our relationship with God. We thank God that He has allowed us a period of time in which to come and acknowledge our debt of sin but it was never required of Him. The very essence of God’s grace is that it is a gift. It is not owed by Him and it is not deserved by us. A gift can only truly qualify as a gift if it is freely given, not by obligation or debt.
Old Covenant righteousness depended upon human ability and an obligation to keep the commandments, but New Covenant righteousness results from receiving divine strength (grace) as a gift. Only those who are free from debt can give away the gift of grace. If all accounts have not been settled between us and God what I may think is a gift to Him is actually only a payment on my debt. The same is true with our relationships with our fellow man. If I have not forgiven a brother and try to offer a gift to either him or God it is not truly a gift. If I owe my brother ten thousand dollars and give him one hundred dollars I can not call it a gift until the debt is paid. Using an example of financial indebtedness gets the point across but that does not mean if someone owes us money we should automatically release them from their obligation. The critical issue is to never carry a debt of sin or an offense lest we not be forgiven our own sin debts.
Jesus said in Matthew 5 that if we bring our gift to the altar and have an unsettled issue with a brother, we are to go first to our brother and make things right, then we can come and offer our gift to God. This shows us that we can not truly be right with God or “debt free” in God’s eyes if we are indebted to a brother. Many times unresolved issues are the result of us wanting our offender to suffer some sort of punishment. That is a legal trap that will cut us off from grace because the standard of justice we want for others is the one we will come under. If we are the offended one and are not willing to release our offender from his debt we fall into the same indebtedness. We must see offences as a perfect opportunity to dispense grace.
As New Covenant believers we are dispensers or distributors of grace. Freely we have received and freely we impart it to others. Just as we must be debt free to give away a gift we also must be innocent to suffer for Christ’s sake. All who have had their sins forgiven have been declared innocent of all charges. Our enemy the devil is a legalist and is always looking for ways to trip us up. One of his favorites is to get us to hold our offenders responsible to repay their sin debt. In doing so he knows we will become guilty again. If we remain in that condition unwilling to release our offender, our enemy is empowered to harass and condemn us by the law. We must maintain our own innocence by not requiring our offenders to pay their debt to us. Innocence is equal to being debt free. In the same way, only those who have been justified can dispense justice.
Most of us equate justice with the punishment of those who do evil. Old Covenant justice was eye for eye and tooth for tooth, the adulterer was stoned, and the thief had to pay back double. But in this age God has ordained civil authorities for the punishment of evil doers. (See Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2) He has given His people, (the church) the ministry of reconciliation. (See 2 Corinthians 5:18-19) Civil authorities are given to struggle against flesh and blood but we as the church battle in the spirit realm. The weapons of our warfare are not natural but mighty through God for pulling down spiritual strongholds. (See 2 Corinthians 10:4)
The Apostle Paul was given the message of grace and the charge to steward it. He was as it were the administrator or executor of Christ’s estate and given responsibility for distributing the inheritance of the saints. Paul was given a glimpse into God’s vast treasure house which he describes in Ephesians 3 as the unsearchable riches of Christ. Paul’s revelation ignited a passion within him that all would know the riches of their inheritance in Christ. He was faithful to declare the message, to correct those who were led astray from the truth and to dispense justice on the enemies of righteousness. (See Acts 13)
In Hebrews 9:14-17 Jesus Christ is referred to as the mediator of the New Covenant. Prior to His death, His will or testament had no effect, but upon His death His will became enforceable. Everything that had been left to His descendants became available to them. Paul grasped this revelation and saw that he was to be the executor of Christ’s will and to see that all understood the inheritance that was left to them. The word mediator could also be translated reconciler. God was in Christ Jesus reconciling the world unto Himself. (See 2 Corinthians 5:19) In the previous verse Paul says that God has reconciled us unto Himself by Jesus Christ and has given unto us the ministry of reconciliation. So if we connect the dots we see that we are not only to be recipients of this great grace but dispensers of it as well. Like Paul we want every one to know the great inheritance they have coming to them. We want to execute justice upon our enemies who have hindered our receiving it. We want all who have never heard to hear the good news.
Some of us in America have grown used to the idea that a grace period is owed to us. In many cases it is required by law that creditors allow a certain number of days for their debtors to be late on payments. Since the law has stepped in and mandated such regulations in our natural world we can carry that line of thinking over into our relationship with God. We thank God that He has allowed us a period of time in which to come and acknowledge our debt of sin but it was never required of Him. The very essence of God’s grace is that it is a gift. It is not owed by Him and it is not deserved by us. A gift can only truly qualify as a gift if it is freely given, not by obligation or debt.
Old Covenant righteousness depended upon human ability and an obligation to keep the commandments, but New Covenant righteousness results from receiving divine strength (grace) as a gift. Only those who are free from debt can give away the gift of grace. If all accounts have not been settled between us and God what I may think is a gift to Him is actually only a payment on my debt. The same is true with our relationships with our fellow man. If I have not forgiven a brother and try to offer a gift to either him or God it is not truly a gift. If I owe my brother ten thousand dollars and give him one hundred dollars I can not call it a gift until the debt is paid. Using an example of financial indebtedness gets the point across but that does not mean if someone owes us money we should automatically release them from their obligation. The critical issue is to never carry a debt of sin or an offense lest we not be forgiven our own sin debts.
Jesus said in Matthew 5 that if we bring our gift to the altar and have an unsettled issue with a brother, we are to go first to our brother and make things right, then we can come and offer our gift to God. This shows us that we can not truly be right with God or “debt free” in God’s eyes if we are indebted to a brother. Many times unresolved issues are the result of us wanting our offender to suffer some sort of punishment. That is a legal trap that will cut us off from grace because the standard of justice we want for others is the one we will come under. If we are the offended one and are not willing to release our offender from his debt we fall into the same indebtedness. We must see offences as a perfect opportunity to dispense grace.
As New Covenant believers we are dispensers or distributors of grace. Freely we have received and freely we impart it to others. Just as we must be debt free to give away a gift we also must be innocent to suffer for Christ’s sake. All who have had their sins forgiven have been declared innocent of all charges. Our enemy the devil is a legalist and is always looking for ways to trip us up. One of his favorites is to get us to hold our offenders responsible to repay their sin debt. In doing so he knows we will become guilty again. If we remain in that condition unwilling to release our offender, our enemy is empowered to harass and condemn us by the law. We must maintain our own innocence by not requiring our offenders to pay their debt to us. Innocence is equal to being debt free. In the same way, only those who have been justified can dispense justice.
Most of us equate justice with the punishment of those who do evil. Old Covenant justice was eye for eye and tooth for tooth, the adulterer was stoned, and the thief had to pay back double. But in this age God has ordained civil authorities for the punishment of evil doers. (See Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2) He has given His people, (the church) the ministry of reconciliation. (See 2 Corinthians 5:18-19) Civil authorities are given to struggle against flesh and blood but we as the church battle in the spirit realm. The weapons of our warfare are not natural but mighty through God for pulling down spiritual strongholds. (See 2 Corinthians 10:4)
The Apostle Paul was given the message of grace and the charge to steward it. He was as it were the administrator or executor of Christ’s estate and given responsibility for distributing the inheritance of the saints. Paul was given a glimpse into God’s vast treasure house which he describes in Ephesians 3 as the unsearchable riches of Christ. Paul’s revelation ignited a passion within him that all would know the riches of their inheritance in Christ. He was faithful to declare the message, to correct those who were led astray from the truth and to dispense justice on the enemies of righteousness. (See Acts 13)
In Hebrews 9:14-17 Jesus Christ is referred to as the mediator of the New Covenant. Prior to His death, His will or testament had no effect, but upon His death His will became enforceable. Everything that had been left to His descendants became available to them. Paul grasped this revelation and saw that he was to be the executor of Christ’s will and to see that all understood the inheritance that was left to them. The word mediator could also be translated reconciler. God was in Christ Jesus reconciling the world unto Himself. (See 2 Corinthians 5:19) In the previous verse Paul says that God has reconciled us unto Himself by Jesus Christ and has given unto us the ministry of reconciliation. So if we connect the dots we see that we are not only to be recipients of this great grace but dispensers of it as well. Like Paul we want every one to know the great inheritance they have coming to them. We want to execute justice upon our enemies who have hindered our receiving it. We want all who have never heard to hear the good news.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Join The Ruling Class
Most of us in Christian circles have heard it said that we are in training for reigning and schooling for ruling. As we become Christ’s disciple He enrolls us in His ruling class. Some that are invited to join are already part of society’s ruling class and may see it as unnecessary or even foolish to join. In Mark chapter ten we read of a rich ruler who was invited to join but when he considered the cost of tuition he went away very sad. Though he had much wealth the price to enter in was more than he wanted pay. Ironically, according to Jesus, the more wealth a person has the more difficult it is for them to pay the tuition. The poor gladly receive the message to enter the ruling class of God’s Kingdom, though the price is the same for all they have much less to leave behind. The rich man’s ruling power was derived from his wealth. To become powerless and weak in order to become mighty and strong made no sense to him.
To become a ruler in the Kingdom of God we must humble ourselves and become a servant. We must make the shift from ruling with power alone to the authority that comes through humble service. When Peter and John passed by the lame man begging for money at the entrance to the temple they responded to him saying “silver and gold we do not have but that which we have we will give you, in the name of Jesus Christ rise up and walk.” (my paraphrase). Having no silver or gold made it more obvious to help him in a different way. He was not just empowered to eat another meal but they empowered him to become productive and self sufficient.
Many government programs are intended to empower people and help them out of their situation, but instead cause the recipient to become more dependant rather than independent. Those in need can easily look to those with money as their source but we need always point them to God. It is much easier to convince hurting people that God is their source through a miraculous healing because they know it could not have come from man.
Power is more than money. Anything that propels us ahead of the crowd so to speak is power. Our God given gifts and talents enable some to exceed the average person in many areas. It may be music, sports, or the ability to speak and teach, all these are good gifts that empower us. The temptation for the highly gifted person is to bypass humility and service and forge ahead in the power of their gift. The danger of doing so is a lack of authority.
To obtain the badge of authority for ruling in the Kingdom we must relinquish ownership of that which we have and become a servant or manager of our master’s wealth. If we learn to be a faithful and wise steward, in due season we will be promoted to a position of authority. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 illustrates this very point. Three servants were each given charge over a portion of their master’s wealth. The first was given five talents, the second was given two and the third was given one. They were to be managers of their master’s wealth while he was away. When the master returned he asked each one what they did with the wealth entrusted to them. The first two servants both had doubled its value but the third servant just kept it in a safe place and returned the exact amount that he was given. This story is an example of three disciples who entered Jesus ruling class. The first two passed the final test and were promoted from managers to rulers over a portion of His Kingdom. The fact that they were faithful in managing the valuables of another proved they could be trusted to be co-owners with the master. The third servant who did not take interest in or add value to the wealth entrusted to him was proven to be unfaithful or untrustworthy. It appears that he paid the price to enter the training class but did not trust that his master would reward his efforts. He assumed the master would take advantage and pocket all the profits.
The reward for being faithful with that which belongs to another is to be given ownership. We are to go full circle in His ruling class. We give up ownership of all we have to enter, and if we are found faithful to value what our Master values we will be given ownership of what He has entrusted to us. The faithful servants were not only given ownership and authority over the wealth but were given cities to rule over.
As joint heirs with Christ we are promised cities and nations as an inheritance but first we must learn the ways of His Kingdom. Some of God’s people have fashioned the use of their gifts and callings after the design of earthly kingdoms. They launch out in the power of their talents and wealth without attending the ruling class and passing the final test. Jesus clearly said to become great in God’s Kingdom one must be the servant of all. The badge of authority is humility and service. Though we may be promoted to co-owner and ruler, we will always need our badge. It is what distinguishes God’s Kingdom from the others.
God’s Kingdom has both authority and power. For example a police officer has a powerful weapon strapped to his side but his authority to use it is given by those over him. He has been trained to understand the heart of authority is to protect, not to lord it over others or use it for personal advantage. In a similar way God’s people have various talents, gifts and even wealth to be used to advance the Kingdom but to do so with authority they must also be under a higher authority. In Matthew chapter 8, the centurion who came to Jesus seeking healing for his servant recognized Him as a man of great authority. He understood that Jesus could only have authority to do the things He did by being under a greater authority.
As a side note: In recent years we have witnessed a decline in honor and respect for people in positions of authority. I suspect it is closely linked to an increasing rejection of God and His word as the supreme authority in our land. Even those who are in positions of authority lack respect for others in authority. Whenever we reject or fail to honor the one who is over us, that rejection filters all the way down the line, from our president to the park ranger and so on. All authority is given of God and without Him over us all that is left is power, and power that is not under authority becomes self seeking and oppressive. This all sounds rather gloomy but it is the church’s greatest hour to restore and rebuild the ruins and desolate places in our land.
Kingdom people are wealthy in many ways. They are gifted, talented and have every resource available in Christ. There is no reason to hold tightly to our earthly stuff and skip the ruling class because once we have passed the tests we are given access to unlimited resources. We need not operate in mere power when we can have His supreme authority.
To become a ruler in the Kingdom of God we must humble ourselves and become a servant. We must make the shift from ruling with power alone to the authority that comes through humble service. When Peter and John passed by the lame man begging for money at the entrance to the temple they responded to him saying “silver and gold we do not have but that which we have we will give you, in the name of Jesus Christ rise up and walk.” (my paraphrase). Having no silver or gold made it more obvious to help him in a different way. He was not just empowered to eat another meal but they empowered him to become productive and self sufficient.
Many government programs are intended to empower people and help them out of their situation, but instead cause the recipient to become more dependant rather than independent. Those in need can easily look to those with money as their source but we need always point them to God. It is much easier to convince hurting people that God is their source through a miraculous healing because they know it could not have come from man.
Power is more than money. Anything that propels us ahead of the crowd so to speak is power. Our God given gifts and talents enable some to exceed the average person in many areas. It may be music, sports, or the ability to speak and teach, all these are good gifts that empower us. The temptation for the highly gifted person is to bypass humility and service and forge ahead in the power of their gift. The danger of doing so is a lack of authority.
To obtain the badge of authority for ruling in the Kingdom we must relinquish ownership of that which we have and become a servant or manager of our master’s wealth. If we learn to be a faithful and wise steward, in due season we will be promoted to a position of authority. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 illustrates this very point. Three servants were each given charge over a portion of their master’s wealth. The first was given five talents, the second was given two and the third was given one. They were to be managers of their master’s wealth while he was away. When the master returned he asked each one what they did with the wealth entrusted to them. The first two servants both had doubled its value but the third servant just kept it in a safe place and returned the exact amount that he was given. This story is an example of three disciples who entered Jesus ruling class. The first two passed the final test and were promoted from managers to rulers over a portion of His Kingdom. The fact that they were faithful in managing the valuables of another proved they could be trusted to be co-owners with the master. The third servant who did not take interest in or add value to the wealth entrusted to him was proven to be unfaithful or untrustworthy. It appears that he paid the price to enter the training class but did not trust that his master would reward his efforts. He assumed the master would take advantage and pocket all the profits.
The reward for being faithful with that which belongs to another is to be given ownership. We are to go full circle in His ruling class. We give up ownership of all we have to enter, and if we are found faithful to value what our Master values we will be given ownership of what He has entrusted to us. The faithful servants were not only given ownership and authority over the wealth but were given cities to rule over.
As joint heirs with Christ we are promised cities and nations as an inheritance but first we must learn the ways of His Kingdom. Some of God’s people have fashioned the use of their gifts and callings after the design of earthly kingdoms. They launch out in the power of their talents and wealth without attending the ruling class and passing the final test. Jesus clearly said to become great in God’s Kingdom one must be the servant of all. The badge of authority is humility and service. Though we may be promoted to co-owner and ruler, we will always need our badge. It is what distinguishes God’s Kingdom from the others.
God’s Kingdom has both authority and power. For example a police officer has a powerful weapon strapped to his side but his authority to use it is given by those over him. He has been trained to understand the heart of authority is to protect, not to lord it over others or use it for personal advantage. In a similar way God’s people have various talents, gifts and even wealth to be used to advance the Kingdom but to do so with authority they must also be under a higher authority. In Matthew chapter 8, the centurion who came to Jesus seeking healing for his servant recognized Him as a man of great authority. He understood that Jesus could only have authority to do the things He did by being under a greater authority.
As a side note: In recent years we have witnessed a decline in honor and respect for people in positions of authority. I suspect it is closely linked to an increasing rejection of God and His word as the supreme authority in our land. Even those who are in positions of authority lack respect for others in authority. Whenever we reject or fail to honor the one who is over us, that rejection filters all the way down the line, from our president to the park ranger and so on. All authority is given of God and without Him over us all that is left is power, and power that is not under authority becomes self seeking and oppressive. This all sounds rather gloomy but it is the church’s greatest hour to restore and rebuild the ruins and desolate places in our land.
Kingdom people are wealthy in many ways. They are gifted, talented and have every resource available in Christ. There is no reason to hold tightly to our earthly stuff and skip the ruling class because once we have passed the tests we are given access to unlimited resources. We need not operate in mere power when we can have His supreme authority.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Soul Prosperity
3rd John the second verse says, “My loving desire for you is that you will be prosperous and healthy just as your soul is prosperous.” (My own paraphrase)
The apostle John expresses God’s desire for His people to be healthy not only in body but in their soul. In fact he implies that physical health is linked to and even dependant upon a healthy soul. Since the soul is made up of our mind, our will and our emotions it might be good to do a quick health check up in this area.
The mind is where we develop habits and thinking patterns which can be both healthy and unhealthy. What we think about God, ourselves and others determines the level of health in that area of our soul. For example if I believe that God is not concerned with the details of my life or think I do not deserve anything from Him I will receive according to my expectations. If I assume my troubles are meant by God to teach me a lesson then I will likely have lots of troubles. Negative thought patterns are like a withdrawal or a deduction from the prosperity of our soul. A life dominated by negative thoughts is not healthy and will eventually bankrupt the soul. A positive believing attitude will guard the deposits that have been made and add value and health to our soul.
I can not afford to think or believe anything about God or my self that does not agree with His word and will for me. While His desires and thoughts toward me are always to prosper me and instill hope for the future, I must not allow negative thought patterns to drain away the things God is pouring into my soul. While much of the world is in the grip of uncertainty and fear of what the future holds, our God continues to say fear not for I have overcome the world.
Our will is another area of the soul in which we often battle. Isaiah 1:19 says “If ye are willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the land.” (KJV) If our will doesn’t yield to the will of God we do not partake of the prosperity of the land. Though this was spoken by Isaiah to the people of Israel concerning the natural fruit of the land we can apply it to our spiritual promised land that flows with the goodness of God.
In 2 Kings 7 we read the account of Samaria being cut off by enemies not allowing commerce to flow thus the people are nearing starvation and even about to eat their own children. The prophet Elisha speaks the word of the Lord saying, “by this time tomorrow a measure of fine flour will be sold for a shekel and two measures of barley for a shekel in the gate of Samaria.” The King’s right hand man responded to the word of the Lord with doubt and unbelief so Elisha told him he would see it with his eyes but would not taste of it. The next day when food was available in the street the King's right hand man was trampled to death in the stampede of hungry people.
This man was convinced that God was not good and even blamed Him for the starvation of people. His negative attitude and unbelief prevented him from receiving from God when the abundance came. In a similar way our negative attitudes and unbelief will prevent us from partaking of the abundance of God’s Kingdom. We must believe that God is good and not the author of starvation or famine. Though our enemy may have had some success in keeping us from the abundant life, the word of the Lord in these last days has been spoken through His Son. Whose report will we believe? Our will must yield to His will to experience the great health and prosperity He has in store.
The final part of the soul we want to look at is our emotions. Healthy emotions are another key to maintaining a prosperous soul. Just as our mind and will were given by God our emotions are wonderfully designed to experience the many facets of relationships. Unhealthy emotions are usually the result of a shaky foundation. The believer who bases his righteousness, peace or joy on his ability to keep certain religious requirements is building upon the faulty foundation of human effort. The unshakable Kingdom of God is not experienced through rules and regulations but through righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. It is an undeserved gift from God.
Unhealthy emotions are generally revealed through instability. One who is easily overcome by fear or allows feelings and circumstances to determine their demeanor is not prosperous in that area of the soul. The peace that comes with an unshakable Kingdom stabilizes our emotions. Healthy emotions are a product of being rooted and grounded in God’s Kingdom of love. Feelings and emotions can lie and mislead us. We can not allow our emotions to trump the word of God. I may feel abandoned and worthless but that doesn’t change God’s will and desire for me. If I give more credence to my feelings than to the truth of God I have just allowed the thief to plunder my soul.
Things that are factual truth yet do not agree with God’s plan for us must be treated as such. Not all truth is equal. Truth in this temporary life may conflict with the eternal truth of God. We must focus on what we are becoming rather than the old creation that has passed away. Though I may not feel righteous or see the prosperity with my eyes I can not allow the outward appearance of things to over rule the working of God’s word in me. The things we often see or feel can be contrary to Father’s plan but we are a work in progress and must keep our eyes on the one we are being conformed to.
God always places priority on the eternal knowing that the things which are seen quickly pass away while those things which are unseen last forever. The health and prosperity of our eternal soul can set the stage for our physical health and financial prosperity. Now that we have discovered the areas that prevent soul prosperity we can plug the leaks so to speak and develop a greater integrity to handle the abundance of His Kingdom.
Friday, May 20, 2011
THE GOLD STANDARD
At one time in America our paper money was backed by a fixed value in gold and silver and could be exchanged for precious metal coins or bullion at any time. But as we are all aware those days are long gone. We have watched the price of gold go higher and higher over the past several years, but in reality gold is not becoming more valuable, our paper money is loosing its value at a high rate. Many people in an attempt to preserve their wealth are trading their dollars by the millions for gold and silver. We hear of people being robbed on the street having their gold necklace literally ripped from their neck. Others have fallen prey to the fraudulent practices of some who offer cash for gold.
Even the value in precious metals such as copper has unleashed a wave of thefts. One report was men disguised as maintenance workers ripped off miles of copper wiring used to power the street lights along a section of freeway. Catalytic converters have been stolen from vehicles parked in a metro park and ride. The thieves get a few dollars for the platinum found inside while the car owner is left with a whopping bill to have it replaced.
The main point I want to make is, just as we no longer have a gold standard that anchors the value of our currency in America, many and maybe even most people have lost site of all value standards. Our rush to get rich and be among the wealthy has caused us to loose track of the true value and meaning of life. I realize this is not true with all people but I would have to guess it has reached a majority. Just as the American dollar is loosing value and respect around the world we have lost value and respect for many of our guiding principals. It used to be that we would treat our neighbor as we would want to be treated. The golden rule used to have some meaning but any more it’s he who has the gold rules.
The golden rule was a kind of gold standard that we could also call the God standard. It was His idea in the first place but there again we have traded the fixed value of good relationships for the temporary value of stuff. The God standard is very simple and straight forward, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. These two standards are inseparable. One is dependant upon the other. I can not love God if I do not love my neighbor who is made in the image of God. I can not love my neighbor the way God intended unless I love Him first. Love comes from God and if we think we can love without Him we are fooling ourselves.
It is also evident in America that we have repeatedly distanced ourselves as a nation from the God who is the very source of love. We have removed prayer and anything that acknowledges God from our schools and other public places. It is an indication of what we truly value in this country. We chase after fortune, fame and pleasure as a thing of great value but usually in the process we leave a trail of discarded relationships in our path. The true golden standard for this life is too often kicked to the curb in search of something that passes away and disappears like steam from a boiling pot.
I think we all would like to see our money become stable and have a long term predictable value again. It can only happen by returning to the gold standard of old. In the same way it would be wonderful to think people in our society would highly value relationships so not to violate others in the process of gaining temporary wealth. True value is only found in relationships. We can only understand the value God places on relationships by looking at what He did on the cross. He gave His only begotten Son in exchange for us. He paid a debt that we had no ability to pay and has set us on equal standing with His only Son Jesus. We were not purchased with corruptible things such as silver or gold but by the precious blood of Christ.
Mankind was designed and made to worship. Worship is ascribing value to someone or something. We can get really excited as we dream of what money will enable us to do but it is God that enables us to reach true fulfillment in this life. We will love and worship the thing we most highly value. God designed us to worship Him above all else but as we know other things such as wealth take His place. Money and our pursuit of it becomes most highly valued because we think we can not live without it. I myself have wrongly confessed that without money I can do nothing. That seemed to be true to me because I did not have a proper view of God or my relationship with Him. I observed everyone obtaining their life’s dreams as a result of gaining money. Most of it was borrowed but what difference did that make they were doing well. I got my eyes off God and onto money as the source of my happiness. I have to admit that gaining money at one time in my life was more important than gaining a good relationship with God and my neighbor.
God is by no means against us having wealth, in fact He enables those who are in covenant relationship with Him to gain wealth and take a spoil from their enemies. As Christians, our enemies are not other people but the spiritual forces of darkness who rule over earth’s wickedness. The most valuable spoil we can take in battle is the souls of men who are taken captive by the devil. It is time for Christians to realize what is truly valuable it is what Christ paid such a high price for. We all need to return to God’s gold standard placing the highest value on relationships which last forever. Our value system should lead us to fill our nets with the souls of men and women and spend all the gold and silver we can get our hands on to facilitate the process.
Even the value in precious metals such as copper has unleashed a wave of thefts. One report was men disguised as maintenance workers ripped off miles of copper wiring used to power the street lights along a section of freeway. Catalytic converters have been stolen from vehicles parked in a metro park and ride. The thieves get a few dollars for the platinum found inside while the car owner is left with a whopping bill to have it replaced.
The main point I want to make is, just as we no longer have a gold standard that anchors the value of our currency in America, many and maybe even most people have lost site of all value standards. Our rush to get rich and be among the wealthy has caused us to loose track of the true value and meaning of life. I realize this is not true with all people but I would have to guess it has reached a majority. Just as the American dollar is loosing value and respect around the world we have lost value and respect for many of our guiding principals. It used to be that we would treat our neighbor as we would want to be treated. The golden rule used to have some meaning but any more it’s he who has the gold rules.
The golden rule was a kind of gold standard that we could also call the God standard. It was His idea in the first place but there again we have traded the fixed value of good relationships for the temporary value of stuff. The God standard is very simple and straight forward, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. These two standards are inseparable. One is dependant upon the other. I can not love God if I do not love my neighbor who is made in the image of God. I can not love my neighbor the way God intended unless I love Him first. Love comes from God and if we think we can love without Him we are fooling ourselves.
It is also evident in America that we have repeatedly distanced ourselves as a nation from the God who is the very source of love. We have removed prayer and anything that acknowledges God from our schools and other public places. It is an indication of what we truly value in this country. We chase after fortune, fame and pleasure as a thing of great value but usually in the process we leave a trail of discarded relationships in our path. The true golden standard for this life is too often kicked to the curb in search of something that passes away and disappears like steam from a boiling pot.
I think we all would like to see our money become stable and have a long term predictable value again. It can only happen by returning to the gold standard of old. In the same way it would be wonderful to think people in our society would highly value relationships so not to violate others in the process of gaining temporary wealth. True value is only found in relationships. We can only understand the value God places on relationships by looking at what He did on the cross. He gave His only begotten Son in exchange for us. He paid a debt that we had no ability to pay and has set us on equal standing with His only Son Jesus. We were not purchased with corruptible things such as silver or gold but by the precious blood of Christ.
Mankind was designed and made to worship. Worship is ascribing value to someone or something. We can get really excited as we dream of what money will enable us to do but it is God that enables us to reach true fulfillment in this life. We will love and worship the thing we most highly value. God designed us to worship Him above all else but as we know other things such as wealth take His place. Money and our pursuit of it becomes most highly valued because we think we can not live without it. I myself have wrongly confessed that without money I can do nothing. That seemed to be true to me because I did not have a proper view of God or my relationship with Him. I observed everyone obtaining their life’s dreams as a result of gaining money. Most of it was borrowed but what difference did that make they were doing well. I got my eyes off God and onto money as the source of my happiness. I have to admit that gaining money at one time in my life was more important than gaining a good relationship with God and my neighbor.
God is by no means against us having wealth, in fact He enables those who are in covenant relationship with Him to gain wealth and take a spoil from their enemies. As Christians, our enemies are not other people but the spiritual forces of darkness who rule over earth’s wickedness. The most valuable spoil we can take in battle is the souls of men who are taken captive by the devil. It is time for Christians to realize what is truly valuable it is what Christ paid such a high price for. We all need to return to God’s gold standard placing the highest value on relationships which last forever. Our value system should lead us to fill our nets with the souls of men and women and spend all the gold and silver we can get our hands on to facilitate the process.
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