Grace, Works & Obedience
Like John, Jesus Christ said we must bear fruit. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples (John 15:5,8).
Some are confused because Jesus clearly expects us to produce fruit. They interpret this to mean that we somehow earn our salvation. Earning our salvation, of course, is impossible. Salvation is a free, undeserved gift from God. We could not earn salvation in a hundred lifetimes of performing good deeds.
We are not saved by our works. Only the sacrifice of Christ's shed blood can cleanse us from our sins. Our thoughts cannot accomplish this, nor can any other actions we can take. Because Christ is alive and actively involved in converting us, we will be saved by His life.
Paul made this clear: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life" (Romans 5:8-10 ). Christ living in us enables us to do good works (Galatians 2:20).
Grace, works and obedience are complementary rather than contradictory terms. The word grace comes from a Greek word that means "gift" or "favor." Salvation, or eternal life, is a gift we receive by grace (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9). No amount of works or effort on our part could ever earn us eternal life. However, eternal life is not free. Christ paid for it with His life so we could receive the gift of salvation (Acts 20:28).
Conditions for eternal life
But there are conditions. The first is that we repent. Repentance earns us nothing; we deserve no favors because we repent. But repentance is required. Why? Repentance is a condition for forgiveness (Acts 2:38). God simply will not forgive those who willingly continue in sin. Paul wrote: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" (Romans 6:1,2).
We must change the direction of our lives as a prerequisite for receiving God"s gift of salvation. That is what both Christ and the apostles taught. Paul declared . . . "(we) should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance" (Acts 26:20). Works demonstrate our repentance to God, but they will never earn us the right to demand anything from God so we could boast that we deserve eternal life. That can never be.
God expects us to include good works in our lives to demonstrate repentance, love, faith and gratitude for what Christ did for us on the cross, and of the love of God that is in us. James explicitly states that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:20,26), and Paul makes it plain that God saves us by grace through faith for the very purpose of producing good works, even though those good works cannot earn our salvation.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:8-10). Why should this be so difficult for people to believe and accept? It is simply walking in Christ's footsteps, following His example (1 John 2:6).
Purpose of good works
What is the purpose of good works? Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Though works do not earn us eternal life, they do glorify, or honor, God, and God requires that we honor Him by the way we live. People who refuse to include works in their lives are, whether they realize it or not, dishonoring God. "They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work" (Titus 1:16).
Do works ever earn us anything? Revelation 20:12 says the dead are going to be judged "according to their works." In John 14:2,3, we find Jesus explaining that He would "prepare a place" for His followers. In the coming Kingdom of God there will be various positions of authority and rulership that God will grant to those who overcome (Revelation 2:26, 3:21). The resurrected saints will rule with Jesus Christ in His Kingdom (Revelation 20:4,6). Through submission to God, allowing His Spirit to lead us, and living a life of good works, we build righteous, godly character that will enable us to rule with Jesus Christ.
Though our works will not earn us salvation, they will determine our reward in His Kingdom. Jesus explained this in His parable of the talents (Matthew 25:20-29). Our Lord also made this clear in Revelation 22:12 when He said, "I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work."
In verse 14 John further says, "Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the city." Through God's grace, the gift of eternal life is given to those who demonstrate their faith in God by their obedience.
United Church of God, an International Association.
As politically incorrect as I wanna be.
Friday, November 21, 2008
If Money Were No Object...
If Money Were No Object...
Dan Miller
48Days.com
Does this reader question/comment ring any bells with you?
“I have never understood the question (or variations on it) of 'What would you do if you didn’t have to worry about money?' as advice for finding one’s calling. I guess it’s because I would stay in bed, eat junk food, and watch TV. I’ve never seen any job that had any real purpose either, so who I would want to trade places with is meaningless as well. Can’t really say I’ve ever felt alive.”
Here’s why the question makes sense. In as much as you may think you really would lie around the house, eat Twinkies and watch Seinfeld reruns – my observation is that no one enjoys doing that for more than a couple of weeks. I’ve had the pleasure of working with lots of people over the years for whom making money was no longer an issue. But that really brings to the forefront the question: “ What would you do if you didn’t have to worry about money?” Those people don’t have the easy out that, “I only work because I have to.”
See it’s actually a whole lot easier to just barely squeak by week after week – having no extra time and certainly no extra money. In that situation no one expects you to deal with the important questions of life – you’re just doing what you have to do, right? But when confronted with having more time and money than ever needed, a person has to really decide, “How am I going to invest my time – and money?” "How can I make the world a better place?" “How am I going to make my life matter?” Yes, you really can have only so many cars, cruises, houses, and pieces of art. And my observation is that those people are immediately attracted to ideas that serve others. I don’t see many who want to plan to spend it all selfishly and just die on the same day the last dollar is spent. Rather, they, like some of you are already doing, look for ways to:
Share your time and money with those who have not had your same advantages
Bring hope and encouragement to others
Volunteer in a worthy church or community program
Start a social entrepreneurship venture
Sponsor a children’s sports program
Revitalize the downtown area of your town
Give money strategically – not just 10% dropped into the collection plate
Teach life skills to those with self-defeating patterns
’Feeling Alive’ is one of those interesting by-products. It’s not something we can approach directly – it flows out of a meaningful life. You may think you are eagerly awaiting ‘retirement.’ But time invested in meaningful activities makes ‘retirement’ diminish in its attraction.
So go ahead: spend three days staying in bed, eating Moon Pies, and watching the political drivel the news teams conjure up. See how quickly you feel worthless in body, mind and spirit.
But here’s the deal. You don’t have to wait until retirement or until you win the lottery to decide what you would do if money were no longer the issue. You really can just make those decisions now – live as if you have an abundance of time and money. Start one of the above activities today. And you might be surprised at what happens to your actual bank account when you realize what you already have to give and share.
And if you want to see what can happen to someone who just wants to eat, drink and be merry, check this out: Eat, Drink and Be Merry (Luke 12: 18)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Miller is today's leading authority and personality on careers and 'Work You LoveTM'. As bestselling author of 48 Days To The Work You Love, and now No More Mondays, Dan reaches over a million people every month ia his newsletter, podcast, and blog with the best trends and opportunities in the workplace and small business. For more information, visit http://www.48days.com.
Dan Miller
48Days.com
Does this reader question/comment ring any bells with you?
“I have never understood the question (or variations on it) of 'What would you do if you didn’t have to worry about money?' as advice for finding one’s calling. I guess it’s because I would stay in bed, eat junk food, and watch TV. I’ve never seen any job that had any real purpose either, so who I would want to trade places with is meaningless as well. Can’t really say I’ve ever felt alive.”
Here’s why the question makes sense. In as much as you may think you really would lie around the house, eat Twinkies and watch Seinfeld reruns – my observation is that no one enjoys doing that for more than a couple of weeks. I’ve had the pleasure of working with lots of people over the years for whom making money was no longer an issue. But that really brings to the forefront the question: “ What would you do if you didn’t have to worry about money?” Those people don’t have the easy out that, “I only work because I have to.”
See it’s actually a whole lot easier to just barely squeak by week after week – having no extra time and certainly no extra money. In that situation no one expects you to deal with the important questions of life – you’re just doing what you have to do, right? But when confronted with having more time and money than ever needed, a person has to really decide, “How am I going to invest my time – and money?” "How can I make the world a better place?" “How am I going to make my life matter?” Yes, you really can have only so many cars, cruises, houses, and pieces of art. And my observation is that those people are immediately attracted to ideas that serve others. I don’t see many who want to plan to spend it all selfishly and just die on the same day the last dollar is spent. Rather, they, like some of you are already doing, look for ways to:
Share your time and money with those who have not had your same advantages
Bring hope and encouragement to others
Volunteer in a worthy church or community program
Start a social entrepreneurship venture
Sponsor a children’s sports program
Revitalize the downtown area of your town
Give money strategically – not just 10% dropped into the collection plate
Teach life skills to those with self-defeating patterns
’Feeling Alive’ is one of those interesting by-products. It’s not something we can approach directly – it flows out of a meaningful life. You may think you are eagerly awaiting ‘retirement.’ But time invested in meaningful activities makes ‘retirement’ diminish in its attraction.
So go ahead: spend three days staying in bed, eating Moon Pies, and watching the political drivel the news teams conjure up. See how quickly you feel worthless in body, mind and spirit.
But here’s the deal. You don’t have to wait until retirement or until you win the lottery to decide what you would do if money were no longer the issue. You really can just make those decisions now – live as if you have an abundance of time and money. Start one of the above activities today. And you might be surprised at what happens to your actual bank account when you realize what you already have to give and share.
And if you want to see what can happen to someone who just wants to eat, drink and be merry, check this out: Eat, Drink and Be Merry (Luke 12: 18)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Miller is today's leading authority and personality on careers and 'Work You LoveTM'. As bestselling author of 48 Days To The Work You Love, and now No More Mondays, Dan reaches over a million people every month ia his newsletter, podcast, and blog with the best trends and opportunities in the workplace and small business. For more information, visit http://www.48days.com.
Finding Your Calcutta
Finding Your Calcutta
Laura MacCorkle
Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor
"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:40, NIV
In Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service, college professor Mary Poplin tells her story of volunteering for two months in Calcutta, India, with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity.
It was the summer of '96, and being a new Christian, Mary was on a quest to explore all the parts of the body of Christ and to understand what it means to serve Christ as his follower. But never before had she been so close to such outward poverty or exposed to the "least of these" - those who no one else wanted to help.
During her time working in a home called Shishu Bhavan, Mary cared for children ranging in age from newborn to 10 years old - some were handicapped or deformed, others were sick with illnesses such as malaria or tuberculosis, and still others had mild forms of retardation. While helping these helpless, needy little ones, she came to realize that not all poverty is apparent to the human eye.
"Mother [Teresa] told me how people in the West are poor," she says. "In fact, she considered us the poorest of the poor spiritually because our physical comfort makes us believe we do not need God and our busyness makes us ignore him."
After her two-month stay - and with new eyes - Mary was able to clearly see the meaning of Mother Teresa's words: "Find the sick, the suffering and the lonely right there where you are. ... You can find Calcutta all over the world, if you have eyes to see."
But where was Mary's "Calcutta" and where was God calling her? How was she supposed to find it back in the comfortable and wealthy United States - where most of us never think we will encounter the "poorest of the poor"?
Mary says, "Often people teach that to know our calling, we must know our spiritual gifts, desires, opportunities and special skills. Clearly, these are useful. However it is perhaps even more the case that our crises and grievings reveal our call."
Her crisis of faith came as a result of her involvement in higher education. Like many of her colleagues, for years she had believed that Christianity was oppressive and the root of most social ills in the world. But through various measures - and a fellow professor whose life lived before her was a powerful testimony and whose "deep peace" disconcerted her - she opened her life to Christ.
At this point, it's not hard to figure out where Mary would eventually find her Calcutta. Upon her return home, her watershed moment came when she was asked to speak about her time with Mother Teresa before an annual conference of women school administrators.
While standing before her peers - and with the tears flowing freely - she knew at that moment that she was called to reach the university world with the love and truth of Christ. It was the very same world where God had revealed himself to her!
And it was there that Mary found her Calcutta.
***
Where is your Calcutta? As close as your home? Perhaps next door? Maybe further down the road at your workplace? Or even on a mission field miles away? If we empty ourselves, God can reach hearts and minds through you and me. Ask him where "your Calcutta" is today so that you may live out the love of Christ to the physically - and spiritually - poorest of the poor.
Further Reading
Matthew 5:14-16, NIV
Romans 10:15, NIV
Laura MacCorkle
Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor
"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:40, NIV
In Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service, college professor Mary Poplin tells her story of volunteering for two months in Calcutta, India, with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity.
It was the summer of '96, and being a new Christian, Mary was on a quest to explore all the parts of the body of Christ and to understand what it means to serve Christ as his follower. But never before had she been so close to such outward poverty or exposed to the "least of these" - those who no one else wanted to help.
During her time working in a home called Shishu Bhavan, Mary cared for children ranging in age from newborn to 10 years old - some were handicapped or deformed, others were sick with illnesses such as malaria or tuberculosis, and still others had mild forms of retardation. While helping these helpless, needy little ones, she came to realize that not all poverty is apparent to the human eye.
"Mother [Teresa] told me how people in the West are poor," she says. "In fact, she considered us the poorest of the poor spiritually because our physical comfort makes us believe we do not need God and our busyness makes us ignore him."
After her two-month stay - and with new eyes - Mary was able to clearly see the meaning of Mother Teresa's words: "Find the sick, the suffering and the lonely right there where you are. ... You can find Calcutta all over the world, if you have eyes to see."
But where was Mary's "Calcutta" and where was God calling her? How was she supposed to find it back in the comfortable and wealthy United States - where most of us never think we will encounter the "poorest of the poor"?
Mary says, "Often people teach that to know our calling, we must know our spiritual gifts, desires, opportunities and special skills. Clearly, these are useful. However it is perhaps even more the case that our crises and grievings reveal our call."
Her crisis of faith came as a result of her involvement in higher education. Like many of her colleagues, for years she had believed that Christianity was oppressive and the root of most social ills in the world. But through various measures - and a fellow professor whose life lived before her was a powerful testimony and whose "deep peace" disconcerted her - she opened her life to Christ.
At this point, it's not hard to figure out where Mary would eventually find her Calcutta. Upon her return home, her watershed moment came when she was asked to speak about her time with Mother Teresa before an annual conference of women school administrators.
While standing before her peers - and with the tears flowing freely - she knew at that moment that she was called to reach the university world with the love and truth of Christ. It was the very same world where God had revealed himself to her!
And it was there that Mary found her Calcutta.
***
Where is your Calcutta? As close as your home? Perhaps next door? Maybe further down the road at your workplace? Or even on a mission field miles away? If we empty ourselves, God can reach hearts and minds through you and me. Ask him where "your Calcutta" is today so that you may live out the love of Christ to the physically - and spiritually - poorest of the poor.
Further Reading
Matthew 5:14-16, NIV
Romans 10:15, NIV
Don't Judge On Appearances
Don't Judge On Appearances
Cliff Young
Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
The average man’s judgment is so poor; he runs a risk every time he uses it.
— Edgar Watson Howe, American Editor
Have you judged a person not worthy to get to know or start a relationship with?
Have you judged yourself as not good enough for something or somebody?
Have you judged a situation to be insurmountable with no hope of change?
We tend to make these determinations because we base our conclusion about others, ourselves, and our situation on superficial information and perception rather than on knowledge and discernment. We see the same every night on television reality shows, political commentaries, and even sports reports. Judgment is made by the way things appear instead of with accurate information and understanding.
Stop judging by the way things look (mere appearance), and make a right judgment (John 7:24).
Others
Have you ever labeled someone in your mind as a result of a first impression? I catch myself making assumptions or passing judgment (positively and negatively) on people based upon their affiliations, the way they look, what their profession is or where they may live. I know this isn’t what God wants me to do, nor do I consciously set out to make such judgments, yet I inherently fall short.
God did not create the division, denominations, or political parties separating us today. We have. As a result, we use these dividing lines to categorize and make assumptions instead of getting to know others for who they really are. When we label people, we put them into a “box.” This limits our thinking, how we care about others, how we treat people, and how we share God’s love.
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”….The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans) (John 4:7, 9).
Regardless of appearance, background, heritage, gender and even tradition—Jesus initiated a conversation with the Samaritan woman accepting her for who she was and to offer her eternal life.
If we are striving to live a life that is Spirit-filled and more like Jesus, we should make every effort to interact with people in the same way Jesus did, with compassion, forgiveness, grace, mercy and love.
Don’t judge others solely on appearance. Take the time to get to know a person’s heart and their character. You are the one who might be changed.
Ourselves
Have you ever looked into the mirror and felt discouraged? Do you compare your talents, abilities, and possessions to others and feel you were overlooked by God in some ways? I fall into this trap and often ask myself, “Why do I evaluate myself through the eyes of society and media rather than through the eyes of Jesus?!”
The world’s opinion is temporal. We rarely keep up with the latest hairstyle, fashion, cars or gadgets for a season, let alone throughout our lives. However, if we have a Kingdom perspective, we will begin to accept ourselves for who we are, a child of God. We can then appreciate our differences and embrace the individual journey God has for each of us.
God doesn’t think of us as ordinary, common, or unremarkable. He sees beautiful, extraordinary, valuable creations formed with His hands and exactly the way He designed.
So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27).
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight (1 Peter 3:3-4).
The Pharisees were some of the most pride-filled, judgmental individuals of their time. Adorned in their robes and embellishments, they would stride through the temple courts thinking highly of themselves while looking down upon others. Though they may have been emulated by some because of their outward appearance, their hearts were hardened and their focus was on themselves rather than on God.
They (Pharisees) don’t practice what they teach….Everything they do is for show….They enjoy the attention they get on the streets (Matthew 23:3, 5, 7).
Don’t scrutinize over yourself based upon ever-changing guidelines set by the world’s standards. Praise God for the uniqueness in which He created you.
Our Situation
It’s easy to feel pessimistic at how the state of our country, our family (or lack of) and our life appears. We wake up each day to the uncertainties of national security, high taxes, gas prices, job security, debt and the stock market. We can choose to approach our circumstances by complaining, blaming others, doing nothing, and hoping for a change, or we can seek ways to alter it.
Paul shares his secret of how to deal with every situation.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:12-13).
He tells us we can do (by taking action) everything (having no limits) through Him (through God) who gives us strength (with the ability to accomplish it). I truly believe this.
I have asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life. Yet, when I worry about and evaluate situations based on how they may appear (taking too long, going a different direction, no foreseeable solution, etc.), I do not demonstrate my trust in Him. Asking ourselves, “Have I completely given ‘it’ (job, relationships, family, finances, etc.) to Him?” will continue to mature us in Christ.
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding (nor how it may look) (Proverbs 3:5).
Lift up your specific concern to the Lord and ask Him to show you the direction and action to take. Be patient and prayerful—the answer may be “yes,” “no,” or “not yet.”
I have discovered that basing my judgment and conclusions on how people and situations appear is often flawed as a result of my own restricted vision. It reminds me of the time I began watching a 3-D animated movie without 3-D specific glasses. Even though I could see the picture, it was blurred and distorted. With the appropriate lenses, however, the whole screen came alive with color, depth and clarity.
I often struggle seeing how God is using me or those around me. It may be difficult comprehending how my current situation will help me grow or where it may lead. However, if I continually look at my life and my surroundings through Jesus’ eyes and perspective, I will see myself, others and my situation with love, joy, peace and patience.
May you be blessed for your good judgment… (1 Samuel 25:33).
Cliff Young is a contributing writer to Sandlot Stories (ARose Books), as well as the monthly column, "He Said-She Said," in Crosswalk.com's Singles Channel. An architect and former youth worker, he now works with Christian musicians and consults for a number of Christian ministries. Got feedback? Send your comments and questions to CYdmg@yahoo.com.
Cliff Young
Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
The average man’s judgment is so poor; he runs a risk every time he uses it.
— Edgar Watson Howe, American Editor
Have you judged a person not worthy to get to know or start a relationship with?
Have you judged yourself as not good enough for something or somebody?
Have you judged a situation to be insurmountable with no hope of change?
We tend to make these determinations because we base our conclusion about others, ourselves, and our situation on superficial information and perception rather than on knowledge and discernment. We see the same every night on television reality shows, political commentaries, and even sports reports. Judgment is made by the way things appear instead of with accurate information and understanding.
Stop judging by the way things look (mere appearance), and make a right judgment (John 7:24).
Others
Have you ever labeled someone in your mind as a result of a first impression? I catch myself making assumptions or passing judgment (positively and negatively) on people based upon their affiliations, the way they look, what their profession is or where they may live. I know this isn’t what God wants me to do, nor do I consciously set out to make such judgments, yet I inherently fall short.
God did not create the division, denominations, or political parties separating us today. We have. As a result, we use these dividing lines to categorize and make assumptions instead of getting to know others for who they really are. When we label people, we put them into a “box.” This limits our thinking, how we care about others, how we treat people, and how we share God’s love.
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”….The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans) (John 4:7, 9).
Regardless of appearance, background, heritage, gender and even tradition—Jesus initiated a conversation with the Samaritan woman accepting her for who she was and to offer her eternal life.
If we are striving to live a life that is Spirit-filled and more like Jesus, we should make every effort to interact with people in the same way Jesus did, with compassion, forgiveness, grace, mercy and love.
Don’t judge others solely on appearance. Take the time to get to know a person’s heart and their character. You are the one who might be changed.
Ourselves
Have you ever looked into the mirror and felt discouraged? Do you compare your talents, abilities, and possessions to others and feel you were overlooked by God in some ways? I fall into this trap and often ask myself, “Why do I evaluate myself through the eyes of society and media rather than through the eyes of Jesus?!”
The world’s opinion is temporal. We rarely keep up with the latest hairstyle, fashion, cars or gadgets for a season, let alone throughout our lives. However, if we have a Kingdom perspective, we will begin to accept ourselves for who we are, a child of God. We can then appreciate our differences and embrace the individual journey God has for each of us.
God doesn’t think of us as ordinary, common, or unremarkable. He sees beautiful, extraordinary, valuable creations formed with His hands and exactly the way He designed.
So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27).
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight (1 Peter 3:3-4).
The Pharisees were some of the most pride-filled, judgmental individuals of their time. Adorned in their robes and embellishments, they would stride through the temple courts thinking highly of themselves while looking down upon others. Though they may have been emulated by some because of their outward appearance, their hearts were hardened and their focus was on themselves rather than on God.
They (Pharisees) don’t practice what they teach….Everything they do is for show….They enjoy the attention they get on the streets (Matthew 23:3, 5, 7).
Don’t scrutinize over yourself based upon ever-changing guidelines set by the world’s standards. Praise God for the uniqueness in which He created you.
Our Situation
It’s easy to feel pessimistic at how the state of our country, our family (or lack of) and our life appears. We wake up each day to the uncertainties of national security, high taxes, gas prices, job security, debt and the stock market. We can choose to approach our circumstances by complaining, blaming others, doing nothing, and hoping for a change, or we can seek ways to alter it.
Paul shares his secret of how to deal with every situation.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:12-13).
He tells us we can do (by taking action) everything (having no limits) through Him (through God) who gives us strength (with the ability to accomplish it). I truly believe this.
I have asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life. Yet, when I worry about and evaluate situations based on how they may appear (taking too long, going a different direction, no foreseeable solution, etc.), I do not demonstrate my trust in Him. Asking ourselves, “Have I completely given ‘it’ (job, relationships, family, finances, etc.) to Him?” will continue to mature us in Christ.
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding (nor how it may look) (Proverbs 3:5).
Lift up your specific concern to the Lord and ask Him to show you the direction and action to take. Be patient and prayerful—the answer may be “yes,” “no,” or “not yet.”
I have discovered that basing my judgment and conclusions on how people and situations appear is often flawed as a result of my own restricted vision. It reminds me of the time I began watching a 3-D animated movie without 3-D specific glasses. Even though I could see the picture, it was blurred and distorted. With the appropriate lenses, however, the whole screen came alive with color, depth and clarity.
I often struggle seeing how God is using me or those around me. It may be difficult comprehending how my current situation will help me grow or where it may lead. However, if I continually look at my life and my surroundings through Jesus’ eyes and perspective, I will see myself, others and my situation with love, joy, peace and patience.
May you be blessed for your good judgment… (1 Samuel 25:33).
Cliff Young is a contributing writer to Sandlot Stories (ARose Books), as well as the monthly column, "He Said-She Said," in Crosswalk.com's Singles Channel. An architect and former youth worker, he now works with Christian musicians and consults for a number of Christian ministries. Got feedback? Send your comments and questions to CYdmg@yahoo.com.
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