Key Verse:
"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."
(I Thessalonians 4:11-12)
Central Truth:
Your secret ambition in life is shown through the choices you make.
SECRET AMBITION
When I was studying this chapter, these two verses just jumped out at me. Paul is very direct in these two verses (then again, when is Paul not direct?...but that's why I like him). He is talking about our life's ambition. How many times do we hear that the reason something hasn't worked out is because that person/business wasn't "ambitious" enough. Our culture has put such a twisted view on ambition and what should be the focus of our ambition. Our culture says - ambition will get us ahead financially, on the ball field, at our workplace, or at school. Yet, someone who is too "ambitious" gets criticized as well. So, what is the truth about ambition?
Ambition is defined as an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honor, fame, or wealth and the willingness to strive for its attainment. In these verses, Paul tells us that our ambition is to lead a quiet life, to mind our own business, and to work, so that we may win the respect of outsiders and so that we will not be dependent on anybody. Whoa! That is different from the "ambition" that our culture champions. I think the key is focus.
What is the focus of your ambition? Is it to get ahead and earn these temporary accolades and distinctions at work or school, or is it to achieve the distinction of being a true Christ-follower that lives a life that pleases Him? Like it or not (and there are many days that I don't want to hear this), our calendar, our checkbook and our relationships show what our true secret ambition is. My prayer for today is that my secret ambition will be the same as the ambition that I often give "lip service" to . . . that inside and out, in all that I do, how I spend my time, the relationships I invest in, and how I spend my money, will be a life that reflects my ambition of being a Christ follower, a true disciple.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
September 16, 2010, I Thessalonians 3
Key Verse:
“And may the Lord make your love grow and overflow to each other and to everyone else . . . .”
I Thessalonians 3:12
Central Truth:
Love will keep us together.
ARE YOU REALLY SHARING YOUR LOVE ?
I am just returning from a medical mission trip to Les Cayes, Haiti. Les Cayes is about 90 miles from Port-au-Prince. By bus, it took us 5 hours to get to our site, which to our surprise, had solid construction, running water, bunk beds and intermittent AC when the power stayed on. Wow! We were so blessed! Yes, there were the usual mosquitoes, flies and roaches, but we had a new friend . . . the tarantula. You know, they are much bigger in person than they appear on TV. I was hesitant going to Haiti at first, but I knew that God had His hand in my decision. I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything. In fact, if it were not for my family and friends, I would probably still be there. I think that I could do mission work on a much more regular basis. My hope is to share this with my children over the years to come.
I am so blessed to be able to go on these trips (this was my third) to share the love of our Lord, Jesus Christ with those less fortunate than us. I have also been able to attend a church service each time. The church service in Haiti was wonderful. It was at 7:30am and packed. Most people had to walk at least 45 minutes to get there. They truly wanted to be there. I could truly feel the presence of God and see and feel the love of the people present. How many of us would wake up at 5:30 and walk 45 minutes or more in the heat to go to church. I doubt that many.
All that being said, something keeps bothering me and sits heavy on my heart every time I go. For some reason, witnessing and praying openly with others comes so much easier when there is a language barrier and you need a translator. There is absolutely no hesitation in your purpose, and you know that you are not being judged by the recipient. In fact, they value your time and your efforts and thank you for leaving your family to come to their aid. Unfortunately, back home things seem so different. As a whole, we are quick to speak, slow to listen, judgmental and easily offended. Why is that? Why does our love for one another and our visible faith seem so different than the love and visible faith witnessed in those less fortunate? They seem so much stronger in their faith and selfless in their actions. Is their love overflowing to each other and ours still in the growing stage?
I don’t know the answer. I can say that they truly look out for each other. I gave my orphan buddy, Donald, a protein bar. They only get fed twice a day, and his last meal was at 4pm. He did not run and hide and eat it all by himself. He called over 9 friends, and they split this bar 10 ways, each only getting a small bite. The same thing happened with the clothes that we brought for the community. They gave the clothes to those who needed them most instead of keeping them for themselves. Wow! Just thinking about this brings tears to my eyes. I haven’t felt that good in years. Sharing was the norm around there. True community was visible and tangible and so sincere. Their love for one another was so evident. I Thes. 3:12 was clearly illustrated right before my eyes.
I went to Haiti with the goal of sharing my love for Jesus Christ and my love for my fellow man, but I honestly believe I got back more than I could ever give. The hand holding, the arm around my shoulder, the hugs, the calling of my name through the crowd, the smiles, the laughter, the silent moments just sitting and holding each other…..PRICELESS! I can still close my eyes and go right back to that peace, serenity, and overwhelming joy. Lord, please do not let me lose these moments. The Haitian community that we came in contact with had no reservations in letting those around them see their faith, hear their hope, and feel their love. Lord, I pray that our community in Macon, Georgia can emulate that witnessed in Haiti. After all that they have been through (floods, earthquakes, 70% unemployment), they have not given up hope. And they will tell you that their hope comes from the Lord. A beautiful testimony in and of itself. Love truly does keep them together.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
September 15, 2010, I Thessalonians 2
Key Verses:
For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouragement, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
(I Thessalonians 2:11-12)
Central Truth:
You will be influenced by who you hang around with.
ARE YOU ON THE SAME PAGE SPIRITUALLY?
This chapter deals with Paul, who is ministering to the Gentiles. He is telling them that the apostles have treated them and loved them like a father with his own children. That includes encouraging, comforting and urging them to live lives worthy of God.
As I read this verse and chapter, a few things come to mind that my parents taught me about encouraging, comforting and urging others to live lives worth of God. First, my mom used to always say, regarding dating relationships when I was in high school and college, that I need to find someone that I am "equally yoked" with. I was like, what??? She would explain that the relationship needed to be encouraging, comforting and urging them to live lives worthy of God. She would always say if that is not happening you don't need to be in the relationship. If I had a relationship with the Lord, I needed to date someone and look for a future wife who was "Equally yoked."
All parents need to use that one with their children as they grow into dating ages. Mom would always say, "You can't bring another person up, but they will quickly bring you down." Wow. How true. I see it all the time now: good girls will date guys, who they know they don't need to be with and think they can "bring them up, save them, change them." That seldom happens; the guy just brings her down.
This lesson was further illustrated years later as I saw a guy demonstrate a skit to prove this point. The speaker stood on ground level and had a large strong man come up and stand on a fireplace (about 2 to 3 feet above the speaker). He asked the strong man to "pull him up" to the fireplace as they were locked in a handshake. He could not do it. Then he pulled the strong man down to his level off the fireplace. Point well taken. Most times, you won't be able to bring people up. Just the opposite will happen; they will drag you down.
The other lesson was from my Dad. He used to say, when choosing friends, you need to find someone who is encouraging. Both parties need to get something positive out of the relationship; if you are not, you need to move on. Katie and I deal with this as many of you do today. We are in our late 30's, and as you meet new friends, as well has having old ones, you need to be careful who you spend most of your time with. Pastor Jerry always says to people, "You need to be running towards God and look to your left and your right and see who is running with you and say, 'How you doing?'" These are the ones you should be looking for in friendship.
Now, don't misunderstand me; we all need people in our lives who don't have the relationship we do with Jesus. We need to be a witness to them as well as to others. What I'm talking about are close friends, the ones that you spend most of your free time with, or your dating companion. These are the ones that we need the positive relationships with and need to be "equally yoked" with.
We all needs friends that encourage, comfort and urge us to live our lives worthy of God, who calls us into His Kingdom and Glory, and we need to be that type of friend. If you are not getting that from your dating relationship or friends, as my parents would say, "You might better move on."
For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouragement, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
(I Thessalonians 2:11-12)
Central Truth:
You will be influenced by who you hang around with.
ARE YOU ON THE SAME PAGE SPIRITUALLY?
This chapter deals with Paul, who is ministering to the Gentiles. He is telling them that the apostles have treated them and loved them like a father with his own children. That includes encouraging, comforting and urging them to live lives worthy of God.
As I read this verse and chapter, a few things come to mind that my parents taught me about encouraging, comforting and urging others to live lives worth of God. First, my mom used to always say, regarding dating relationships when I was in high school and college, that I need to find someone that I am "equally yoked" with. I was like, what??? She would explain that the relationship needed to be encouraging, comforting and urging them to live lives worthy of God. She would always say if that is not happening you don't need to be in the relationship. If I had a relationship with the Lord, I needed to date someone and look for a future wife who was "Equally yoked."
All parents need to use that one with their children as they grow into dating ages. Mom would always say, "You can't bring another person up, but they will quickly bring you down." Wow. How true. I see it all the time now: good girls will date guys, who they know they don't need to be with and think they can "bring them up, save them, change them." That seldom happens; the guy just brings her down.
This lesson was further illustrated years later as I saw a guy demonstrate a skit to prove this point. The speaker stood on ground level and had a large strong man come up and stand on a fireplace (about 2 to 3 feet above the speaker). He asked the strong man to "pull him up" to the fireplace as they were locked in a handshake. He could not do it. Then he pulled the strong man down to his level off the fireplace. Point well taken. Most times, you won't be able to bring people up. Just the opposite will happen; they will drag you down.
The other lesson was from my Dad. He used to say, when choosing friends, you need to find someone who is encouraging. Both parties need to get something positive out of the relationship; if you are not, you need to move on. Katie and I deal with this as many of you do today. We are in our late 30's, and as you meet new friends, as well has having old ones, you need to be careful who you spend most of your time with. Pastor Jerry always says to people, "You need to be running towards God and look to your left and your right and see who is running with you and say, 'How you doing?'" These are the ones you should be looking for in friendship.
Now, don't misunderstand me; we all need people in our lives who don't have the relationship we do with Jesus. We need to be a witness to them as well as to others. What I'm talking about are close friends, the ones that you spend most of your free time with, or your dating companion. These are the ones that we need the positive relationships with and need to be "equally yoked" with.
We all needs friends that encourage, comfort and urge us to live our lives worthy of God, who calls us into His Kingdom and Glory, and we need to be that type of friend. If you are not getting that from your dating relationship or friends, as my parents would say, "You might better move on."
September 14, 2010, I Thessalonians 1
Key Verse:
"For we know that he has chosen you because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction."
(I Thessalonians 1:4)
Central Truth:
The power of the Holy Spirit lives in us.
UNLEASH THE POWER
Smooth talkers are everywhere, and many of them are quite good at deceiving us. Trying to determine whether someone's intentions are good or devious can sometimes be a challenge. If we are completely honest with ourselves and follow our instincts though, I think we can normally tell when the wool is begin pulled over our eyes. Our little voice senses something less than sincere in their message.
The church at Thessalonica was a new church in 51 A.D. when Paul's letter was written to them. Paul, Silas and Timothy had only recently introduced the Thessalonians to the message of Jesus Christ. As the three men lived among them and taught them Christ's message, the people could sense their complete honesty and true conviction about what they were saying. They were not blowing smoke, they were passionate about what they were teaching the Thessalonians, and it worked. While there were some doubters, most of the people felt the sincerity of Paul, Silas and Timothy and were led to form the church at Thessalonica. Think about how passionate those three men must have been to lead to life-altering change among so many people. The Holy Spirit was working through them.
The power of the Holy Spirit exists in us too, and it is just waiting for us to allow it to be unleashed. If we can muster the courage to allow Christ to use us as vessels for Him, I think we will be amazed at the results. We have the power. We just need to let it work.
"For we know that he has chosen you because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction."
(I Thessalonians 1:4)
Central Truth:
The power of the Holy Spirit lives in us.
UNLEASH THE POWER
Smooth talkers are everywhere, and many of them are quite good at deceiving us. Trying to determine whether someone's intentions are good or devious can sometimes be a challenge. If we are completely honest with ourselves and follow our instincts though, I think we can normally tell when the wool is begin pulled over our eyes. Our little voice senses something less than sincere in their message.
The church at Thessalonica was a new church in 51 A.D. when Paul's letter was written to them. Paul, Silas and Timothy had only recently introduced the Thessalonians to the message of Jesus Christ. As the three men lived among them and taught them Christ's message, the people could sense their complete honesty and true conviction about what they were saying. They were not blowing smoke, they were passionate about what they were teaching the Thessalonians, and it worked. While there were some doubters, most of the people felt the sincerity of Paul, Silas and Timothy and were led to form the church at Thessalonica. Think about how passionate those three men must have been to lead to life-altering change among so many people. The Holy Spirit was working through them.
The power of the Holy Spirit exists in us too, and it is just waiting for us to allow it to be unleashed. If we can muster the courage to allow Christ to use us as vessels for Him, I think we will be amazed at the results. We have the power. We just need to let it work.
September 13, 2010, Colossians Chapter 4
Key Verse:
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
(Colossians 4:5-6)
Central Truth:
Central Truth:
People will judge Christianity by what they see in us.
CODE-SWITCHING
My wife Erica is a Speech Therapist. She told me about this interesting thing almost all humans do. Only most of don’t realize it. You’ve probably done it all your life and don’t even know it. Although subtle in most people, it can be detected. It’s called “Code Switching.” Your accent changes depending on the group of people you’re around. Sometimes entire dialects and vocabularies change. Example: When Erica is around her Mom and sister, her speech becomes much slower, and her accent more “Suuuthenn Juhhh-wwwjjjaa” (think Gone With The Wind). When Erica is around her sorority sisters from Athens and Atlanta, her voice speeds up, and she becomes a trendy, metro, city, cheerleader girl. The words “like” and “totally” are used four-times as often. I code-switch too. But it’s so easy for me to spot in her, and nearly impossible for me to hear in my own speech.
Can code-switching apply to behavior too? Definitely. I think we all code-switch to some degree. Over time, we become who we run with the most. And it’s also true that we tend to act like those we’re with at a given moment. So, is it easier to be Christ-like around other Christians or non-Christians? For me, it’s obvious. When I’m around Christian friends, the standards and norms of behavior are much loftier than when I'm around non-Christian crowds. It all goes back to what is expected of you in a social situation. So when we’re expected to “act right” around a crowd of Christians, it’s easier to do good and harder to do bad. The converse is also true.
Obviously, isolation from non-Christians is not the solution. But we do have to be on guard. In mixed company, we should be more alert, and more cognizant of how we are representing Christ. Our non-Christian friends and acquaintances are watching and observing. I’m not saying I’m a good example of succeeding at this. I can find myself slipping into the flow of the crowd before I even realize what I’m saying or doing is wrong. I think this is one of the major reasons Paul told us to look out for this, because it’s so easy to do.
So we should be deliberate and conscientious - especially when the conversation turns to faith. We should speak in a respectful, sensitive way but also be careful not to water down the Truth. Code-switching is something we all do naturally, but developing true integrity takes conscious effort and disciplined practice.
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