Hearing The Truth About Ourselves

“Who wants someone meddling in our lives, telling us what we shouldn’t be doing, especially if they bring God into it? Every one of us should invite and welcome someone like this, but normally we turn a deaf ear to what they are saying. Why? Because we know it is the truth about ourselves. And the truth is; it is our life and we don’t want to change course. But what if following God’s truth could literally save your life? Wouldn’t you want to listen and respond?”

Politicians, business people, church leaders, parents. Everyone has an agenda. Things they want to do, places to go, goals to achieve. Let me ask, when your mind is set on going or doing something, would you be willing to hear an alternative view? And what if that view, could save you from unforeseen perilous consequences? Would you listen and change your plans?

This is illustrated in a story about two Kings. They were Kings Jehoshaphat and Ahab. Ahab asked his fellow king from the north to join with him in fighting a common enemy. But before deploying, King Jehoshaphat requested they hear from God on the matter. Ahab then summoned 400 spokesmen for God, and they all gave an identical word encouraging the kings to proceed, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” (1 Kings 22:6) Sensing something odd about the unified response, Jehoshaphat asked if there was at least one other minister of God in Ahab’s kingdom they could hear from. There was. Micaiah. The very thought of him caused Ahab to angrily comment, “. . . I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.” (1 Kgs 22:8)

Even so, the king issued an order to go out and bring him in. The king’s servant who did, firmly briefed Micaiah on what he was supposed to say, “Let your word be like the word of one of them [the others], and speak favorably.” (1 Kgs. 22:13) When it was Micaiah’s time, he did as instructed. However, King Ahab knew him too well, “How many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord. (1 Kgs. 22:16) Finally, Micaiah courageously spoke, declaring God’s word on the matter, “. . . let each return to his home in peace.” (1 Kgs. 22:17) Micaiah said the opposite of all the others. His message from God was to not proceed forward with the battle. But this was not what Ahab wanted to hear, so he arrested Micaiah and ordered him to be thrown in prison. Then Ahab went off to battle, and even though he disguised himself, he was killed. Micaiah’s word proved true despite how he stood all alone and was cast into prison.

It is in our nature to avoid hearing the truth about situations we are in, or decisions we are considering, especially if our conscience is bothering us. Why? Because like Ahab, we have an agenda, and hearing the truth, like God spoke through Micaiah, is disruptive to that. For it is built upon our personal desires, beliefs and passions. And if these are corrupt, evil and deceptive, then following God’s truth might mean things could come to an end or get dramatically changed. Therefore, we stubbornly resist.

Do you want to hear the truth? Let us be honest, hearing it from some bold source, can be upsetting. However, even though God’s message is humbling, it is intended for our good. And the good could sometimes lead to saving our lives or the lives of others; both physically and spiritually. If Ahab would have listened to God’s message, he would not have been killed. Disobedience cost him his life.

Whatever you are facing be a seeker of truth. And the first truth someone might need to hear is this; no matter how good you think you are or how you justify your behavior, you are living in disobedience to God. And if you persist in this, you will face the anger of God. Jesus came to die on a cross and take the wrath of God upon Himself for you. Then He rose again in victory, in order to give you that victory. That is mercy. Not treating you, as you deserve. Trust in Him with all your heart this very hour.

A prayer for you – “Lord God, help us to face the truth about ourselves. Send us people that will be bold and tell us what we need to hear. Then humble us so we might respond to what you say through them and be changed through Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Are You Living a Religious Lie?

"Why do so many people live one way on Sunday and another way during the week? There’s no cost to it. Plus, they get the benefits of religion while also choosing to live however they wish. This is living a lie and dangerous for the eternal soul."

The great Christian leader, Paul of Tarsus, appointed a young man he was mentoring to lead the church in the city of Crete within the Roman Empire. He wrote a brief letter filled with guidance for his task. Part of it was a warning about some ungodly teachers that were doing tremendous harm, “They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” (Titus 1:16)

This strong, but accurate statement, hits on a theme of the Bible. It springs from a problem in the human heart, that causes one’s words and actions not to align with each other. This type of living is a lie. It is deceptive and manipulative, leading to a lack of personal trust and integrity. It is spiritually dangerous, potentially causing the damnation of one’s personal soul.

Paul received this teaching from Jesus, whom spoke about it when He asked a rhetorical question to His listeners, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46) In other word’s Jesus is asking, “Why do you say you believe in me, but do not obey my commands?” This was also dealt with hundreds of years before Jesus, as God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah, “Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely . . . then come and stand before me . . .?” (Jeremiah 7:9-10)

All three quotes are statements of contradiction. On one hand, people profess to know God or His Son Jesus through their words or Christian activities, but contradict that profession in how they live. What they say on Sunday and how they live the rest of the week does not match up. They give ample reason for another to question the genuineness of their faith, if they have truly been born again or to wonder about their salvation.

They say with confidence, “I pray”, “I believe”, or even “I have asked Jesus to forgive my sins.” Yet, their life is a walking illustration of a religious conflict when sins like drunkenness, sexual immorality, anger, bitterness, profanity or others mark their life. How can this be? They may respond with, “No one is perfect.” Yes, that is true, but it is no excuse for continuing to do what one knows is wrong, especially while boldly professing Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. This is a hypocrite. A religious actor. It is written, “Therefore you have no excuse, O man . . .” (Romans 2:1)

This is a widespread problem. Why have so many chosen to live this way?

Simple. There is no cost to it. It is a vain attempt to have two kingdoms. God’s and mine.

This way of thinking provides the benefits of religion. One can pray, believe in God, experience His blessings, or even enjoy worship and taking the Lord’s Supper, while receiving a sense of peace and ease of conscience. But then one also has the freedom to live how one chooses without feeling judged.

Those who teach or believe this, are embracing a dangerous lie. For God strongly condemns this and will not be deceived or mocked. Jesus will one day say to them, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:23)

To enter into God’s Kingdom, you must walk away from YOUR kingdom. Yes, there is a cost. There might be relationships that need to be broken or places you need to stop going. This is repentance and is costly, because it means you are turning away from someone (you) and toward someone – Jesus.

If God were to examine your life, what would He see? Just empty religion or a life that is totally sold out to Christ?

A prayer for you – “Lord God, examine our lives. Help us to see what you see. If we have been living for two kingdoms, show us. From this day forward help me to live fully for Christ, the One who suffered, died and rose again that I might truly live. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

What Covid and Inflation Reveal About Us

 

"In the power of Jesus, believers in Christ can face any crisis with peace and confidence; including inflation and Covid. Believers can overcome the temptation to be fearful or anxious. They know their gracious and ever-present God will provide all their needs, even when things do not make sense."

When a society is used to living with a certain lifestyle, then suddenly it changes due to events beyond their control, it is revealing. It reveals the true nature of its people. The good life masks a lot of things, but sudden adversity reveals what is hidden.  (Photo courtesy of Khanchit Khirisutchalual/iStock via Getty Images)

There was once a wealthy farmer that had a bountiful harvest and sought to build bigger bins to store his surplus. He was so proud of his successful work that he said to himself, “. . . you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” (Luke 12:19) However, God declared to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” (Lk. 12:20) The man did not anticipate he would die after this great harvest, and not be able to enjoy its fruits. He faced the unexpected.

After Jesus told this story, He stated, “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Lk. 12:21) The farmer was only focused on laying up treasure for himself in this world, so when the sudden and ultimate crisis of death came, he was not ready.

America is paying record prices for food, fuel and other necessities. Millions of households are in a financial crisis. Costs have skyrocketed upward, while incomes remain the same, with no solution on the horizon.  This crisis comes after facing a long two-year battle with Covid. Both inflation and Covid have hit our health and finances with a sledge hammer. Neither did we anticipate.

When these situations happen, it is an opportunity to examine who we are laying up treasure for. Ourselves or God? Nearly all of life is impacted by our health and finances, so when one or the other is on-the-line it is truly a sobering moment.

Americans are used to having an abundance of food, material goods, and enjoying the pleasures of entertainment and recreation as escapes from the pressures of life. We live with a “relax, eat, drink and be merry” materialistic attitude, like the farmer. So when something unexpected happens that threatens our health or finances, we panic.

This is not about good or bad planning, or even the crisis itself, but about who we are trusting in. Are we trusting in God or ourselves? Hard times have a unique way of surfacing this.

God wants us to be rich toward Him and trust in Him for all things; both spiritually and physically. Jesus once said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:33-34)

When one lives this way, and the suddenness of life hits, they are prepared because they are rich toward God. They can face whatever is before them because they have supernatural resources. The indwelling power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the benefits He provides to those who love Him and walk faithfully according to His commands.

In the power of Jesus, they can face any crisis with peace and confidence. They can overcome the temptation to be fearful or anxious. They know their gracious and ever-present God will provide all their needs, even when things do not make sense. They also know that whatever they have been given is from God. Consequently, they do not hoard it for themselves as the farmer did, but are generous toward others, regardless of their own needs. Thus, their riches toward God increases evermore.

The situation in our world is revealing. What does it reveal about you? Where is your trust? Trust in Jesus with all your heart in these uncertain times. He is worthy of it.

A prayer for you – “Lord God, as our world continues to walk through a health and financial crisis, let us trust in you. Only you can provide for all our needs. No matter the causes, the situation is before us. Help us to trust in you for ourselves, our friends and neighbors. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”